Negative pressure treatment equipment and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a negative pressure treatment apparatus and a control method thereof, in which a negative pressure providing mode and an irrigation mode can be implemented using one or more of two pumps, and a target negative pressure can be quickly achieved by selectively operating one or more of the two pumps or simultaneously operating the two pumps, according to the present invention, accurate pressure adjustment can be performed in a section just before the target negative pressure is reached or in a section in which the target negative pressure is maintained, and noise can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a negative pressure therapy device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Negative pressure therapy is used to promote wound healing. In this method, healthcare workers first place a foam dressing on the wound area.

[0003] With the foam dressing in place, healthcare workers attach the film dressing and headpiece to the skin near the wound area to seal it. With the wound area sealed in this way, the healthcare worker connects one end of the drainage tube to the sealed space formed between the film dressing and the wound area via the headpiece.

[0004] Healthcare workers activate a pump connected to the other end of the drainage tube to supply negative pressure into the sealed space. As a result, exudate from the wound is absorbed into the foam dressing, and the absorbed exudate is then drained out of the sealed space through the drainage tube.

[0005] Removing exudate from the wound area promotes granulation tissue formation and accelerates wound healing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a negative pressure therapy device and its control method, which can use two pumps to apply negative pressure to a wound area and selectively operate the two pumps within the range where the negative pressure applied to the wound area reaches the target negative pressure.

[0008] The present invention also aims to provide a negative pressure therapy device and its control method, which allows one or more of two pumps to be used to achieve a target negative pressure in the wound area in a cyclic operation mode, and to maintain the target negative pressure using one of the two pumps.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide a negative pressure therapy device and a control method thereof, which can use one or more of two pumps to achieve a negative pressure delivery mode and a flushing mode.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a negative pressure therapy device and its control method, which can perform precise pressure regulation in the range just before the target negative pressure is reached or in the range of maintaining the target negative pressure.

[0011] The present invention also aims to provide a negative pressure therapy device and its control method, which can reduce noise when negative pressure is applied to the wound area.

[0012] The present invention also aims to provide a negative pressure therapy device and its control method, which is capable of checking the pressure in the wound area using a pressure sensor connected to the first valve side during the operation of applying negative pressure to the wound area, and checking the pressure in the wound area using a pressure sensor connected to the negative pressure generator side during the supply of atmospheric air to the wound area through the open first valve, thereby reducing the pressure error rate caused by flow rate.

[0013] The present invention also aims to provide a negative pressure therapy device and its control method, which can prevent tube blockage caused by exudates, etc.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a negative pressure therapy device is provided, comprising: a head for covering a wound area; a rinsing section including an injection tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area and an injection pump configured to deliver fluid to the wound area through the injection tube in a rinsing mode; a first tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; a first negative pressure generator configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube in a negative pressure providing mode, thereby achieving a predetermined target negative pressure; and a second negative pressure generator configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube in the rinsing mode.

[0016] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device may include a controller configured to implement the negative pressure delivery mode and the flushing mode.

[0017] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device may include: a second tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; a first valve disposed at the second tube and configured to selectively open the second tube toward the atmosphere, allowing atmosphere to be introduced into the wound area through the second tube; a first pressure sensor configured to measure pressure within the first tube; a second pressure sensor fluidly communicating with the first valve and configured to measure pressure within the second tube; a second valve connected to the second tube and disposed between the head and the first valve; and a third pressure sensor fluidly communicating with the second valve.

[0018] Additionally, the first valve can be connected to each of the atmospheric side, the second pipe section, and the second pressure sensor side.

[0019] Additionally, the first valve can be configured to: in a first operating mode, allow fluid communication between the atmospheric side and the second pipe section, and block the communication between the second pressure sensor and the second pipe section; and in a second operating mode, block the communication between the atmospheric side and the second pipe section, and allow fluid communication between the second pressure sensor and the second pipe section.

[0020] Additionally, in the negative pressure adjustment mode of the rinsing mode, the controller can adjust the negative pressure in the wound area by operating the first valve in the first operating mode, stopping the first negative pressure generator, and supplying external air to the wound area.

[0021] Additionally, in the injection mode of the flushing mode, the controller can operate the flushing unit by operating the first valve in the second operating mode and operating the second negative pressure generator to maintain a third target negative pressure in the wound area.

[0022] Additionally, in the injection mode, the controller can be configured to compare the negative pressure in the wound area measured by the second pressure sensor with the third target negative pressure.

[0023] Additionally, in the negative pressure supply mode, the controller can operate the first valve in the second operating mode and operate at least one of the first negative pressure generator and the second negative pressure generator.

[0024] Additionally, the controller may be configured to compare the negative pressure measured by the second pressure sensor with the target negative pressure during operation of the first negative pressure generator or the second negative pressure generator.

[0025] Additionally, the controller can be configured to simultaneously operate the first negative pressure generator and the second negative pressure generator in at least one interval of the process of achieving the target negative pressure in the negative pressure supply mode.

[0026] Additionally, the controller can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator independently during the process of achieving the target negative pressure in the negative pressure supply mode.

[0027] Additionally, the controller can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator independently in at least one interval of the process of reaching the target negative pressure in the negative pressure supply mode, and to stop the first negative pressure generator and operate the second negative pressure generator independently in another interval.

[0028] In addition, after the target negative pressure is reached, the controller can maintain the target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off.

[0029] In addition, the first negative pressure generator may include a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, and the second negative pressure generator may include a DC motor.

[0030] In addition, the first negative pressure generator may include a DC motor, and the second negative pressure generator may include a BLDC motor.

[0031] Additionally, the flushing unit may include a fluid supply unit for supplying fluid to the injection pump, and the fluid may include physiological saline.

[0032] Additionally, the head may include a first connector connected to the first tube and a second connector connected to the injection tube.

[0033] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device may include a canister into which exudate is delivered from the wound area through the first tube.

[0034] Additionally, another embodiment of the negative pressure therapy device according to the present invention includes: a head for covering a wound area; a first tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; a first negative pressure generator configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube, thereby achieving a predetermined first target negative pressure; and a second negative pressure generator configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube when the first target negative pressure is achieved in the wound area due to the first negative pressure generator.

[0035] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device may also include a controller configured to stop the operation of the first negative pressure generator and operate the second negative pressure generator when the first target negative pressure is reached in the wound area.

[0036] Additionally, when the first target negative pressure is reached in the wound area, the controller can operate the second negative pressure generator to achieve a second target negative pressure higher than the first target negative pressure.

[0037] In addition, the first target negative pressure can be set to be within the range of 70% to 90% of the second target negative pressure.

[0038] In addition, after the second target negative pressure is reached, the controller can operate the second negative pressure generator to maintain the second target negative pressure.

[0039] In addition, the controller can maintain the second target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off.

[0040] Additionally, the controller can be configured to maintain the first target negative pressure via the second negative pressure generator after the first target negative pressure is reached in the wound area.

[0041] In addition, the controller can maintain the first target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off.

[0042] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device may further include: a second tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; a first valve disposed at the second tube and configured to selectively open the second tube toward the atmosphere, allowing atmosphere to be introduced into the wound area through the second tube; a first pressure sensor configured to measure pressure within the first tube; a second pressure sensor fluidly communicating with the first valve and configured to measure pressure within the second tube; a second valve connected to the second tube and disposed between the head and the first valve; and a third pressure sensor fluidly communicating with the second valve.

[0043] Additionally, the first valve can be connected to each of the atmospheric side, the second pipe section, and the second pressure sensor side, and the first valve can be configured to: during operation of the first negative pressure generator or the second negative pressure generator, block the communication between the atmospheric side and the second pipe section, and allow fluid communication between the second pressure sensor and the second pipe section.

[0044] Additionally, the first valve can be configured to allow fluid communication between the atmospheric side and the second tube when atmospheric air is supplied to the wound area, and to block the communication between the second pressure sensor and the second tube.

[0045] Additionally, the controller may be configured to compare the negative pressure measured by the second pressure sensor with the first target negative pressure during operation of the first negative pressure generator or the second negative pressure generator.

[0046] Additionally, during the operation of the first negative pressure generator or the second negative pressure generator, the controller can operate the first valve to disconnect the second pipe from the atmosphere, connect the second pipe to the second pressure sensor, and close the second valve to disconnect the second pipe from the third pressure sensor.

[0047] Additionally, when the first valve fluidly connects the atmospheric side and the second pipe and blocks the connection between the second pressure sensor and the second pipe, the controller can open the second valve to connect the second pipe and the third pressure sensor.

[0048] Additionally, the controller can be configured to stop the first or second negative pressure generator when the atmospheric side and the second pipe are in fluid communication, and compare the negative pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and the third pressure sensor with the first target negative pressure.

[0049] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device may also include a tank, through which exudate is transported from the wound area to the tank via the first tube.

[0050] Additionally, the second tube can be connected to each of the first and second valves by passing through the tank, and the third pressure sensor can be configured to measure the pressure of the second tube in the section between the tank and the first valve.

[0051] Additionally, the controller can be configured to implement a cyclic operation mode in which the negative pressure in the wound area varies between a maximum target negative pressure and a minimum target negative pressure, and in the cyclic operation mode, when the maximum target negative pressure and the minimum target negative pressure are reached respectively, the controller can allow the maximum target negative pressure and the minimum target negative pressure to be maintained for a predetermined duration.

[0052] Additionally, during the predetermined maintenance time, the controller can allow the maintenance of the highest target negative pressure and the lowest target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off without operating the first negative pressure generator.

[0053] In addition, the first negative pressure generator may include a BLDC motor, and the second negative pressure generator may include a DC motor.

[0054] In contrast, the first negative pressure generator may include a DC motor, and the second negative pressure generator may include a BLDC motor.

[0055] In addition, the first negative pressure generator may have a larger capacity (L / min) than the second negative pressure generator.

[0056] Additionally, a negative pressure therapy device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a head for covering a wound area; a first tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; a first negative pressure generator configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube until a predetermined first target negative pressure is reached; a second negative pressure generator configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area together with the first negative pressure generator through the first tube until the predetermined first target negative pressure is reached; and a controller configured to stop the operation of the first negative pressure generator and operate the second negative pressure generator independently when the first target negative pressure is reached in the wound area.

[0057] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, a negative pressure therapy device is provided, comprising: a head for covering a wound area; a first tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; a first negative pressure generator configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube; a second negative pressure generator configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube; and a controller configured to implement a cyclic operating mode in which the negative pressure in the wound area varies between a maximum target negative pressure and a minimum target negative pressure, and the controller configured to operate one or more of the first negative pressure generator and the second negative pressure generator during the process of reaching the maximum target negative pressure, and to maintain the maximum target negative pressure for a predetermined time by means of the second negative pressure generator after the maximum target negative pressure is reached.

[0058] In addition, the controller can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator and the second negative pressure generator simultaneously in at least one interval of the process of reaching the highest target negative pressure.

[0059] In addition, the controller can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator independently during the process of reaching the highest target negative pressure.

[0060] Additionally, the controller can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator independently in at least one interval during the process of reaching the highest target negative pressure, and to stop the first negative pressure generator and operate the second negative pressure generator independently in another interval.

[0061] In addition, the controller can maintain the highest target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off.

[0062] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device may include: a second tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; a first valve disposed at the second tube and configured to selectively open the second tube toward the atmosphere, allowing atmosphere to be introduced into the wound area through the second tube; a first pressure sensor configured to measure pressure within the first tube; a second pressure sensor fluidly communicating with the first valve and configured to measure pressure within the second tube; a second valve connected to the second tube and disposed between the head and the first valve; and a third pressure sensor fluidly communicating with the second valve.

[0063] Additionally, the first valve can be connected to each of the atmospheric side, the second tube, and the second pressure sensor side, and the first valve can be configured to: block the communication between the atmospheric side and the second tube during operation of the first negative pressure generator or the second negative pressure generator, and allow fluid communication between the second pressure sensor and the second tube; and allow fluid communication between the atmospheric side and the second tube, and block the communication between the second pressure sensor and the second tube when atmospheric air is supplied to the wound area.

[0064] Additionally, the controller may be configured to compare the negative pressure measured by the second pressure sensor with the target negative pressure during operation of the first negative pressure generator or the second negative pressure generator.

[0065] Additionally, during the operation of the first negative pressure generator or the second negative pressure generator, the controller can operate the first valve to disconnect the second pipe from the atmosphere, connect the second pipe to the second pressure sensor, and close the second valve to disconnect the second pipe from the third pressure sensor.

[0066] Additionally, when the first valve allows fluid communication between the atmospheric side and the second pipe and blocks the communication between the second pressure sensor and the second pipe, the controller can open the second valve to connect the second pipe to the third pressure sensor.

[0067] Additionally, the controller can be configured to stop the first or second negative pressure generator when the atmospheric side and the second pipe are in fluid communication, and compare the negative pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and the third pressure sensor with the target negative pressure.

[0068] In addition, when the minimum target negative pressure is reached from the highest target negative pressure, the controller can control the first valve to make the atmospheric side and the second pipe fluidly connected, and can stop the operation of the first negative pressure generator and the second negative pressure generator.

[0069] Additionally, the controller can be configured to maintain the minimum target negative pressure for a predetermined duration by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off when the minimum target negative pressure is reached, without operating the first negative pressure generator.

[0070] In addition, the first negative pressure generator may include a BLDC motor, and the second negative pressure generator may include a DC motor.

[0071] In addition, the first negative pressure generator may include a DC motor, and the second negative pressure generator may include a BLDC motor.

[0072] Furthermore, the negative pressure therapy device may include a canister, through which exudate is transported from the wound area to the canister via the first tube.

[0073] Technical effect

[0074] As described above, the negative pressure therapy device and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention have the following effects.

[0075] Two pumps can be used to apply negative pressure to the wound area, and these two pumps can be selectively operated within the range where the negative pressure applied to the wound area reaches the target negative pressure.

[0076] Additionally, in the cyclic operation mode, one or more of the two pumps can be used to bring the wound area to the target negative pressure, and one of the two pumps can be used to maintain the target negative pressure.

[0077] Alternatively, one or more of the two pumps can be used to achieve both negative pressure supply mode and flushing mode.

[0078] The target negative pressure can be quickly achieved by selectively operating one or more of the two pumps or by operating both pumps simultaneously, and precise pressure regulation can be performed in the range just before the target negative pressure is reached or in the range that maintains the target negative pressure.

[0079] Additionally, noise can be reduced when negative pressure is applied to the wound area.

[0080] Furthermore, the pressure error rate caused by flow rate can be reduced by using a pressure sensor connected to the first valve side to check the pressure in the wound area during the operation of applying negative pressure to the wound area, and by using a pressure sensor connected to the negative pressure generator side to check the pressure in the wound area during the supply of atmosphere to the wound area through the opened first valve. Attached Figure Description

[0081] Figure 1 This is a schematic view used to describe the head that constitutes a negative pressure therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 2 This is a schematic view showing a negative pressure therapy device relating to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a time-pressure (negative pressure) graph used to describe a control method for a negative pressure therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 4 It is a schematic view used to describe the continuous operation mode after the target negative pressure is reached.

[0085] Figure 5 It is a time-pressure (negative pressure) graph used to describe cyclic operating modes.

[0086] Figures 6 to 9 This is a schematic view used to describe an operational state of a negative pressure therapy device relating to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 10 This is a schematic view illustrating a negative pressure therapy device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic view used to describe an operational state of a negative pressure therapy device relating to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The following will describe in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a negative pressure therapy device and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] This invention can be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein using the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted. For ease of description, the size and shape of each part shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0091] Throughout the instruction manual, when a part is described as being “connected (joined, contacted, coupled)” to another part, this includes not only cases where the parts are “directly connected”, but also cases where there is an intermediate component that results in an “indirect connection”.

[0092] Figure 1 This is a schematic view used to describe the head 110 constituting a negative pressure therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic view showing a negative pressure therapy device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a time-pressure (negative pressure) graph used to describe a control method for a negative pressure therapy device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] A negative pressure therapy device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a head 110, a first tube 120, and a first negative pressure generator 140 and a second negative pressure generator 145, each configured to provide negative pressure to a wound area W through the first tube 120.

[0094] refer to Figure 1 With the foam dressing F placed on the wound area W, the user can attach the film dressing 112 and the head 110 to the skin U near the wound area W to seal the wound area W.

[0095] The film dressing 112 is used to seal the wound area W, and the film dressing 112 can be integrally formed with the head 110, or it can be configured such that the film dressing 112 is first attached to the skin U, and then the head 110 is attached to the film dressing 112. The film dressing 112 can have a multilayer structure with multiple functional films stacked, and an adhesive layer or bonding layer can be provided on the surface of the film dressing 112 facing the wound area W. In addition, the film dressing 112 has a through hole 112a.

[0096] The head 110 may include a first connector 110a having a space S in fluid communication with a through-hole 112a of the film dressing 112. In one example, the first connector 110a may have a dome shape with the space S. Additionally, a first tube 120 is in fluid communication with the space S within the first connector 110a.

[0097] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The negative pressure therapy device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: a head 110 for covering a wound area W; a first tube 120 connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area W; a first negative pressure generator 140 configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area W through the first tube 120, thereby achieving a predetermined first target negative pressure Pa; and a second negative pressure generator 145 configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area W through the first tube 120 when the first target negative pressure Pa is achieved in the wound area W due to the first negative pressure generator 140.

[0098] The first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 each perform the function of applying a vacuum to the wound region W through the first tube 120 to achieve a negative pressure state, and are configured to adjust the negative pressure applied to the wound region W. When the first or second negative pressure generator 140 or 145 is operating, the negative pressure applied to the wound region W increases (the magnitude of the negative pressure increases), and the target pressure (negative pressure) can be reached in the wound region W.

[0099] In this paper, the negative pressure in the wound area W can be the negative pressure acting on the space S of the head 110, or it can be the negative pressure in the first tube 120 connected to the space S.

[0100] Additionally, the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 may each include a pump for applying negative pressure to the wound area W. Here, the type of motor equipped with each pump may differ. In one example, the first negative pressure generator 140 may include a BLDC motor, and the second negative pressure generator 145 may include a DC motor; alternatively, the first negative pressure generator 140 may include a DC motor, and the second negative pressure generator 145 may include a BLDC motor. Furthermore, the first negative pressure generator 140 may serve as a primary negative pressure generator, and the second negative pressure generator 145 may serve as an auxiliary negative pressure generator.

[0101] Additionally, the first negative pressure generator 140 may have a larger capacity (L / min) than the second negative pressure generator 145. That is, compared to the second negative pressure generator 145, the first negative pressure generator 140 may include an inhalation pump with a larger capacity (L / min). In this configuration, the first negative pressure generator 140 and / or the second negative pressure generator 145, connected to the first tube 120, can be driven to supply negative pressure to the wound area W sealed by the film dressing 112. Therefore, the magnitude of the negative pressure applied to the wound area W increases, and the exudate discharged from the wound area W is absorbed into the foam dressing F. The exudate absorbed into the foam dressing F can pass through the through-hole 112a of the film dressing 112 and move to the space S within the first connector 110a of the head 110, and is then discharged to the outside of the wound area W through the first tube 120. The exudate then moves along the first tube 120 toward the first negative pressure generator 140 and is stored in the container 101, which will be described below.

[0102] In this way, the negative pressure therapy device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that uses the vacuum pressure of pumps constituting the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 to aspirate exudates and the like from the wound area W, and can also be used for aspirating blood, body fluids, foreign bodies, etc. in addition to exudates.

[0103] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The negative pressure therapy device 100 according to the first embodiment may include a head 110 configured to cover a wound area W and a first tube 120 and a second tube 130 respectively connected to the head 110 to be in fluid communication with the wound area W.

[0104] In addition, the second tube 130 can be in fluid communication with the space S inside the first connector 110a of the head 110, and the first tube 120 and the second tube 130 can be connected at different positions on the first connector 110a of the head 110.

[0105] In this paper, the negative pressure in the wound area W can be the negative pressure acting on the space portion S of the head 110, or it can be the negative pressure in the first tube portion 120 or the second tube portion 130 connected to the space portion S.

[0106] In addition, the first tube 120 performs the function of transmitting the vacuum pressure generated by the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 through the head 110 to the wound area W, and may have a structure in which a plurality of tubes are fluidly connected along the path for transmitting the vacuum pressure from the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 to the space S inside the head 110.

[0107] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a first valve 150 connected to a second tube 130 and selectively opening the second tube 130 toward the atmosphere 190, so that the atmosphere 190 is delivered to the wound area W through the second tube 130.

[0108] In this text, atmosphere 190 refers to the atmosphere surrounding the negative pressure therapy device 100. Introducing atmosphere 190 into the second tube 130 means introducing outside air into the device 100, and the pressure of atmosphere 190 is referred to as atmospheric pressure. When atmosphere 190 is supplied toward the wound area W, the magnitude of the negative pressure in the wound area W generally decreases (negative pressure decreases), and the negative pressure in the wound area W can be relieved as atmosphere 190 is supplied.

[0109] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a second valve 155, which is connected to the second tube 130 and disposed between the head 110 and the first valve 150.

[0110] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device 100 may include multiple pressure sensors for measuring the pressure (negative pressure) in the wound area W. For example, the negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a first pressure sensor 161 configured to measure the pressure within a first tube 120, a second pressure sensor 163 fluidly connected to a first valve 150 and configured to measure the pressure within a second tube 130, and a third pressure sensor 165 fluidly connected to a second valve 155.

[0111] Additionally, a first pressure sensor 161 can be disposed on a first sensing tube 125 that is in fluid communication with the first tube 120, a second pressure sensor 163 can be disposed on a second sensing tube 137 connected to the first valve 150, and a third pressure sensor 165 can be disposed on a third sensing tube 139 that is in fluid communication with the second tube 130. The second valve 155 can be disposed on the third sensing tube 139 and can be positioned between the second tube 130 and the third pressure sensor 165.

[0112] The first valve 150 may be an electronic valve, and for example, the first valve 150 may be a solenoid valve. The first valve 150 may be a 3-way valve with three connection ports, and may operate in two operating modes (first and second operating modes) that selectively connect two of the three connection ports.

[0113] The three connection ports of the first valve 150 can be fluidly connected to the atmospheric side 190, the second pipe section 130, and the second pressure sensor 163 side, respectively.

[0114] When the first valve 150 is in the first operating mode, the second pipe 130 can be opened towards the atmosphere 190 (the second pipe and the atmosphere side can be connected), and atmosphere can be supplied to the wound region W through the space S between the second pipe 130 and the head 110. Here, as atmosphere is supplied to the wound region W, the negative pressure acting on the wound region W can be adjusted. That is, the negative pressure formed in the wound region W by the negative pressure generator 140 can be adjusted by the atmosphere introduced from the outside (the magnitude of the negative pressure can be reduced). In contrast, when the first valve 150 is in the second operating mode, the second pipe 130 is not opened towards the atmosphere 190, and the second pipe 130 remains in fluid communication with the first pipe 120 through the space S within the head 110.

[0115] For example, during the operation of the first negative pressure generator 140 or the second negative pressure generator 145, the first valve 150 may be configured to block the communication between the atmosphere 190 side and the second pipe 130, and to fluidly communicate the second pressure sensor 163 and the second pipe 130 (to connect the second pipe and the second sensing tube).

[0116] Additionally, the first valve 150 can be configured to, in the first operating mode, fluidly connect the atmospheric side and the second pipe section 130 when supplying atmospheric air to the wound area W, and block the connection between the second pressure sensor 163 and the second pipe section 130.

[0117] Alternatively, the second valve 155 can be an electronic valve, and for example, it can be a solenoid valve. When the second valve 155 is open, the second tube 130 can be opened towards the third pressure sensor 165, and the pressure within the second tube 130 can be measured by the third pressure sensor 165. Conversely, when the second valve 155 is closed, the connection between the second tube 130 and the third pressure sensor 165 is blocked.

[0118] refer to Figure 2The negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a canister 101, through which exudate is delivered from the wound region W to the canister 101 via a first tube 120. In this configuration, the canister 101 may be positioned between the head 110 and the first negative pressure generator 140. Furthermore, the first tube 120 may include a first tube 121 connecting the head 110 and the canister 101, and a second tube 123 connecting the canister 101 and the first negative pressure generator 140. Here, exudate from the wound region W is stored in the canister 101 via the first tube 121. Additionally, during operation of the first negative pressure generator 140, suction is applied to the interior of the canister 101 via the second tube 123, and subsequently, suction is applied to the wound region W via the first tube 121. That is, the first tube 121 and the second tube 123 are fluidly connected to each other through the space in the canister 101 where the exudate is stored. Here, the aforementioned first sensing tube 125 branches off from the second tube 123. Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a secondary tube 127 that fluidly connects the first tube 120 and the second negative pressure generator 145, and the secondary tube 127 may fluidly connect with the second tube 123.

[0119] Meanwhile, the second pipe 123 may have a first one-way valve 157 disposed on the suction side of the first negative pressure generator 140. The first one-way valve 157 may be configured to allow fluid to move only from the tank 101 toward the first negative pressure generator 140.

[0120] Additionally, the secondary pipe 127 may have a second check valve 159 disposed on the suction side of the second negative pressure generator 145. The second check valve 159 may be configured to allow fluid to move only from the tank 101 toward the second negative pressure generator 145.

[0121] Additionally, one or more first filters may be provided at the point where tank 101 connects to the second pipe 123. The first filter has the function of preventing the exudate stored in tank 101 from being introduced into the first negative pressure generator 140 or the second pipe 123.

[0122] Additionally, one or more second filters may be provided in the second pipe section 130. The second filters have the function of filtering pollutants from the atmosphere when the atmosphere 190 is introduced into the wound area W.

[0123] Additionally, the first sensing tube 125 can be in fluid communication with the second tube 123, and the first pressure sensor 161 can be configured to measure the pressure in the second tube 123.

[0124] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device 100 includes a first pressure sensor 161 configured to measure the pressure within a first tube 120 and a second pressure sensor 163 configured to measure the pressure within a second tube 130. The first pressure sensor 161 can be disposed at a first sensing tube 125 branching off from the first tube 120. Because the first pressure sensor 161 is disposed in the first sensing tube 125, which is in fluid communication with the first tube 120, it can measure the pressure within the first tube 120. The second pressure sensor 163 can be disposed at a second sensing tube 137 connected to a connection port of a first valve 150.

[0125] Additionally, the second pipe section 130 may include a third pipe 131 connecting the head 110 and the tank 101, and a fourth pipe 133 connecting the tank 101 and the first valve 150.

[0126] Meanwhile, the undescribed reference numeral 135 may indicate a connecting pipe (open to the atmosphere side) connected to the first valve 150 to connect the second pipe section 130 to the atmosphere 190 side, or a connection port of the first valve 150. That is, when the first valve 150 connects the atmosphere 190 and the fourth pipe 133 of the second pipe section 130, the atmosphere 190 can pass through the first valve 150 through the connecting pipe or connection port 135 and can be introduced into the fourth pipe 133 of the second pipe section 130.

[0127] Additionally, the third sensing tube 139 can be in fluid communication with the fourth tube 133, and the third pressure sensor 165 can be configured to measure the pressure inside the fourth tube 133.

[0128] refer to Figure 2 The negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a power supply unit 180 for receiving external power. Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a battery 185. When using the battery 185, the negative pressure therapy device 100 can be used continuously for a predetermined amount of time using the power charged in the battery 185 without an external power supply.

[0129] The negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a controller 170 configured to stop the operation of the first negative pressure generator 140 and operate the second negative pressure generator 145 when a first target negative pressure is reached in the wound area W.

[0130] The controller 170 is configured to control the first negative pressure generator 140, the second negative pressure generator 145, and the first valve 150 and the second valve 155 based on values ​​measured by at least one of the first to third pressure sensors 161, 163 and 165 and a predetermined target pressure of the wound area W.

[0131] In this document, the target negative pressure is a preset negative pressure to be applied to the wound area W, and the target negative pressure can be arbitrarily set by the user or preset according to the operating mode of the device 100. For example, the target negative pressure can be in the range of -1 mmHg to -200 mmHg, and the controller 170 can operate the first negative pressure generator 140 and / or the second negative pressure generator 145 so that the negative pressure in the wound area W measured by one of the first to third pressure sensors reaches the target negative pressure.

[0132] refer to Figure 3 (a) When the first target negative pressure Pa is reached in the wound area W, the controller 170 can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 to achieve a second target negative pressure Pb that is higher than the first target negative pressure Pa.

[0133] In one example, controller 170 can operate the first negative pressure generator 140 independently during the time interval C1 until the first target negative pressure Pa is reached, and can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently during the time interval C2 after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached. That is, after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached, controller 170 can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 to achieve a second target negative pressure Pb higher than the first target negative pressure Pa. Furthermore, controller 170 can stop the first negative pressure generator 140 when the first target negative pressure Pa is reached.

[0134] Here, the first target negative pressure Pa can be set within the range of 70% to 90% of the second target negative pressure Pb. That is, negative pressure can be applied by the first negative pressure generator 140 until the wound area W reaches the first target negative pressure Pa from atmospheric pressure, and negative pressure can be applied by the second negative pressure generator 145 until the second target negative pressure Pb is reached from the first target negative pressure Pa. Here, the difference between atmospheric pressure and the first target negative pressure Pa is greater than the difference between the first target negative pressure Pa and the second target negative pressure Pb.

[0135] Furthermore, after the second target negative pressure Pb is reached, the controller 170 can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 to maintain the second target negative pressure Pb. Here, the controller 170 can maintain the second target negative pressure Pb by turning the second negative pressure generator 145 on or off.

[0136] The second negative pressure generator 145 can be used in the range of maintaining the second target negative pressure Pb after the second target negative pressure Pb is reached.

[0137] Specifically, the range for maintaining the second target negative pressure Pb can be the range in which a leak occurs on the head 110 side.

[0138] In summary, when using the pump with lower current consumption or lower capacity among the two pumps to perform pumping operations to compensate for leakage occurring on the head 110 side, compared with using a large-capacity pump, precise pressure maintenance can be achieved, noise can be reduced in the range of maintaining the target negative pressure, and current consumption can be reduced.

[0139] In another example, refer to Figure 3 (b) The controller 170 can be configured to use the second negative pressure generator 145 to maintain the first target negative pressure Pa after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached in the wound area W.

[0140] A second negative pressure generator 145 can be used in the range of maintaining the first target negative pressure Pa after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached.

[0141] Specifically, the range for maintaining the first target negative pressure Pa can be the range in which operation is performed when a leak occurs on the head 110 side.

[0142] In summary, when using the pump with lower current consumption or lower capacity among the two pumps to perform pumping operations to compensate for leakage occurring on the head 110 side, compared with using a large-capacity pump, precise pressure maintenance can be achieved, noise can be reduced in the range of maintaining the target negative pressure, and current consumption can be reduced.

[0143] In one example, controller 170 can operate the first negative pressure generator 140 independently during the time interval C3 until the first target negative pressure Pa is reached, and can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently during the time interval C4 after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached. Upon reaching the first target negative pressure Pa, controller 170 can stop the first negative pressure generator 140.

[0144] Figure 4 This is a schematic view used to describe the continuous operation mode after the target negative pressure is reached, and it shows... Figure 3 The interval B of (b).

[0145] Additionally, the controller 170 can maintain the first target negative pressure Pa by turning the second negative pressure generator 145 on (operating) or turning it off (stopping).

[0146] refer to Figure 4After the first target negative pressure Pa is reached in the wound area W, if the pressure P measured by one of the first to third pressure sensors is higher than the first target negative pressure Pa (interval t1), the controller 170 can turn off the second negative pressure generator 145. When the second negative pressure generator 145 is turned off, the negative pressure in the wound area W again becomes lower than the first target negative pressure Pa due to leakage or other reasons occurring at the film dressing 112, etc. Conversely, after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached in the wound area W, if the pressure P measured by one of the first to third pressure sensors is lower than the first target negative pressure Pa (interval t2), the controller 170 can turn on the second negative pressure generator 145. When the second negative pressure generator 145 is turned on, the negative pressure in the wound area W again reaches the first target negative pressure Pa due to the negative pressure applied to the wound area W.

[0147] Additionally, when the negative pressure in the wound area W is lower than the first target negative pressure within 20% of the first target negative pressure, the controller 170 can maintain the first target negative pressure Pa by turning on (operating) or turning off (stopping) the second negative pressure generator 145.

[0148] In one example, when the negative pressure in the wound area W exceeds 20% of the first target negative pressure, the controller 170 can activate (operate) the first negative pressure generator 140 to restore the first target negative pressure Pa. In this document, the controller 170 maintains a specific target pressure within a certain time interval. Figure 3 Pb of (a), Figure 3 The operating mode of (b) of Pa is called "continuous operation mode", and in continuous operation mode, the controller 170 can maintain the target negative pressure by turning on (operating) or turning off (stopping) the second negative pressure generator 145. Figure 3 Pb of (a), Figure 3 (b) of Pa).

[0149] Figure 5 It is a time-pressure (negative pressure) graph used to describe cyclic operating modes.

[0150] Controller 170 can be configured to implement a continuous operating mode that maintains a predetermined target pressure in the wound area W, and as such Figure 5 The diagram shows a cyclic operating mode in which the negative pressure applied to the wound area W varies between the highest target pressure P2 and the lowest target pressure P1.

[0151] For example, in cyclic operation mode, the maximum target pressure P2 can be determined within the range of -120 mmHg to -200 mmHg, and when the maximum target pressure P2 is -200 mmHg, the minimum target pressure P1 can be within the range of -40 mmHg to -199 mmHg. The maximum target pressure P2 and the minimum target pressure P1 can be arbitrarily set by the user, or they can be pre-stored in the controller 170 according to the operation mode.

[0152] in addition, Figures 6 to 9 This is a schematic view used to describe an operational state of the negative pressure therapy device 100 relating to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] In this document, the term "target pressure" refers to the target negative pressure acting on the wound region W, and the controller 170 controls the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145, as well as the first valve 150 and the second valve 155, so that the pressure within the wound region W reaches the target negative pressure. Additionally, the term "operating pressure" refers to the negative pressure acting on the wound region W during measurement, and the controller 170 controls the first negative pressure generator 140 and / or the second negative pressure generator 145, as well as the first valve 150 and / or the second valve 155, so that the operating pressure measured by the first pressure sensor 161, the second pressure sensor 163, or the third pressure sensor 165 reaches the target pressure (first or second target pressure).

[0154] The controller 170 can be configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area W or maintain a negative pressure supply mode by operating at least one of the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145.

[0155] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The controller 170 can be configured to control the first or second negative pressure generator 140 or 145 in negative pressure supply mode based on the value measured by the second pressure sensor 163 and the predetermined target pressure of the wound area W.

[0156] In this document, controlling the first or second negative pressure generator 140 or 145 can mean operating (turning on) or stopping (turning off) the first or second negative pressure generator 140 or 145. Additionally, controlling the first valve 150 can mean changing the operating mode of the first valve 150 (to a first or second operating mode), and controlling the second valve 155 can mean opening or closing the second valve 155.

[0157] Figure 6 This is a schematic view used to describe the operating state of using the first negative pressure generator 140 to achieve the target negative pressure.

[0158] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 In such Figure 3 When the negative pressure applied to the wound area W is increased as in interval C1 or interval C3, the controller 170 applies negative pressure to the wound area through the first negative pressure generator 140, so that the target negative pressure is achieved in the wound area.

[0159] Here, the second negative pressure generator 145 is not operated, and the controller 170 applies negative pressure to the wound area by operating the first negative pressure generator 140 separately.

[0160] The first valve 150 is configured to operate in a second operating mode when the negative pressure in the wound area increases due to the first negative pressure generator 140. Here, the second tube 130 is not open to the atmosphere 190 side, and the second tube 130 is kept in fluid communication with the first tube 120 through the space S within the head 110. When the negative pressure applied to the wound area W is increased, the controller 170 operates the first valve 150 in the second operating mode.

[0161] In the second operating mode, the first valve 150 can block the communication between the atmosphere 190 side and the second pipe section 130, and can allow the second pressure sensor 163 to fluidly communicate with the second pipe section 130. Here, since the introduction of atmosphere 190 into the second pipe section 130 is prevented, and the second sensing tube 137 is fluidly connected to the fourth pipe 133 of the second pipe section 130, the second pressure sensor 163 can measure the pressure within the fourth pipe 133 of the second pipe section 130. Here, the controller 170 is configured to compare the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor 163 with a first target negative pressure, and the controller 170 can operate the first negative pressure generator 140 independently until the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor 163 reaches the first target negative pressure Pa.

[0162] In addition, when operating the first negative pressure generator 140 and / or the second negative pressure generator 145, a flow velocity is formed in the first tube 120 in the direction toward the first negative pressure generator 140, and the operating pressure in the wound area W increases (the negative pressure value increases) until the target pressure is reached.

[0163] Additionally, when the negative pressure applied to the wound area W increases, the controller 170 operates the second valve 155 in a closed state. Here, the communication between the third pressure sensor 165 and the third tube 131 of the second tube section 130 is blocked.

[0164] Figure 7 This is a schematic view used to describe the operational state of achieving or maintaining a target negative pressure using the second negative pressure generator 145.

[0165] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 7 In such Figure 3When the negative pressure applied to the wound area W is increased or maintained as in interval C2 or interval C4, the controller 170 can apply negative pressure to the wound area by operating the second negative pressure generator 145. Figure 3 The range C2) allows the target negative pressure to be achieved in the wound area, and the target negative pressure can be maintained by turning the second negative pressure generator 145 on / off. Figure 3 (interval C4).

[0166] Here, the first negative pressure generator 140 is not operated, and the controller 170 can apply negative pressure to the wound area by operating the second negative pressure generator 145 separately.

[0167] The first valve 150 is configured to operate in a second operating mode when the negative pressure in the wound area increases due to the second negative pressure generator 145. Here, the second tube 130 is not open to the atmosphere 190 side, and the second tube 130 is kept in fluid communication with the first tube 120 through the space S within the head 110. When the negative pressure applied to the wound area W is increased, the controller 170 operates the first valve 150 in the second operating mode.

[0168] In the second operating mode, the first valve 150 can block the communication between the atmosphere 190 side and the second pipe section 130, and can allow the second pressure sensor 163 to fluidly communicate with the second pipe section 130. Here, since the introduction of atmosphere 190 into the second pipe section 130 is prevented, and the second sensing tube 137 is fluidly connected to the fourth pipe 133 of the second pipe section 130, the second pressure sensor 163 can measure the pressure within the fourth pipe 133 of the second pipe section 130. Here, the controller 170 is configured to compare the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor 163 with the target negative pressure, and the controller 170 can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently until the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor 163 reaches the target negative pressure, and maintain the target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator 145 on / off after reaching the target negative pressure.

[0169] Additionally, when increasing or maintaining the negative pressure applied to the wound area W (during operation of at least one of the first and second negative pressure generators), the controller 170 operates the second valve 155 in a closed state. Here, the communication between the third pressure sensor 165 and the third tube 131 of the second tube section 130 is blocked.

[0170] Figure 8 It is a schematic view used to describe the operational state of relieving negative pressure (reducing the magnitude of negative pressure) in the wound area.

[0171] As described above, the controller 170 can be configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area W or maintain negative pressure in a negative pressure providing mode and supply atmospheric air 190 to the wound area W to reduce negative pressure by operating the first or second negative pressure generator 140 or 145.

[0172] refer to Figure 8 In the negative pressure release mode, the controller 170 can operate the first valve 150 in a first operating mode. Here, the atmosphere 190 side and the second pipe 130 are in fluid communication, and the communication between the second pressure sensor 163 and the second pipe 130 is blocked. Here, the controller 170 can be set to compare the value (operating pressure) measured by the first pressure sensor 161 with the target pressure. In addition, when the first valve 150 is operating in the first operating mode (negative pressure release mode), the controller 170 can be set to stop the operation of the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145.

[0173] When the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 are stopped and the first valve 150 is operated in the first operating mode, atmospheric air is introduced into the second tube 130 in the direction toward the head 110. Therefore, a flow velocity is formed in the second tube 130 in the direction toward the head 110, and the operating pressure in the wound area W is reduced (the negative pressure value is reduced) due to the introduced atmospheric air.

[0174] In this article, introducing atmosphere into head 110 means introducing air from the atmosphere of the space where negative pressure therapy device 100 is located into head 110 (space S) through second pipe section 130.

[0175] Additionally, when the negative pressure applied to the wound area W is released, the controller 170 operates the second valve 155 in the open state. Here, the third pressure sensor 165 is in fluid communication with the fourth pipe 133 of the second pipe section 130.

[0176] The controller 170 can be configured to compare the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor 161 or the third pressure sensor 165 with the target pressure.

[0177] In this way, in order to reduce the pressure error rate caused by the flow rate, during the operation of applying negative pressure to the wound area W, the pressure in the wound area W is checked using a second pressure sensor 163 connected to the first valve 150, and during the supply of atmosphere to the wound area W through the open first valve 150, the pressure in the wound area is checked using a first pressure sensor 161 located on the side of the first negative pressure generator 140.

[0178] As described above, the first pressure sensor 161 can be configured to measure the pressure in the first tube 120 between the head 110 and the first negative pressure generator 140, and the second pressure sensor 163 can be connected to the first valve 150 and configured to measure the pressure in the second tube 130.

[0179] Figure 9 This is a schematic view illustrating the operational state of applying negative pressure to the wound area by operating both the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145.

[0180] refer to Figure 9 A negative pressure therapy device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a head 110 for covering a wound area; a first tube 120 connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; a first negative pressure generator 140 configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube until a predetermined first target negative pressure is reached; a second negative pressure generator 145 configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area together with the first negative pressure generator through the first tube until a predetermined first target negative pressure is reached; and a controller 170 configured to stop the operation of the first negative pressure generator and operate the second negative pressure generator independently when the first target negative pressure is reached in the wound area.

[0181] refer to Figure 3 (a) and Figure 9 The controller 170 can simultaneously operate the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 during the time interval C1 until the first target negative pressure Pa is reached, and can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently during the time interval C2 after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached. That is, after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached, the controller 170 can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently to achieve a second target negative pressure Pb higher than the first target negative pressure Pa. Furthermore, the controller 170 can stop the first negative pressure generator 140 when the first target negative pressure Pa is reached.

[0182] Furthermore, after the second target negative pressure Pb is reached, the controller 170 can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 to maintain the second target negative pressure Pb. Here, the controller 170 can maintain the second target negative pressure Pb by turning the second negative pressure generator 145 on or off.

[0183] refer to Figure 3 (b) and Figure 9The controller 170 can simultaneously operate the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 during the time interval C3 until the first target negative pressure Pa is reached, and can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently during the time interval C4 after the first target negative pressure Pa is reached. Upon reaching the first target negative pressure Pa, the controller 170 can stop the first negative pressure generator 140. Alternatively, after reaching the first target negative pressure Pa, the controller 170 can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 to maintain the first target negative pressure Pa. Here, the controller 170 can maintain the first target negative pressure Pa by turning the second negative pressure generator 145 on or off.

[0184] The following will refer to Figure 5 Describe the loop operation mode.

[0185] A negative pressure therapy device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a head 110 for covering a wound area W; a first tube 120 connected to the head 110 for fluid communication with the wound area W; a first negative pressure generator 140 configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube; a second negative pressure generator 145 configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube; and a controller 170.

[0186] The controller 170 is configured to implement a cyclic operating mode that causes the negative pressure in the wound area W to vary between the highest target negative pressure P2 and the lowest target negative pressure P1.

[0187] Additionally, the controller 170 can be configured to operate one or more of the first and second negative pressure generators during the process of reaching the maximum target negative pressure, and to maintain the maximum target negative pressure for a predetermined time by means of the second negative pressure generator after the maximum target negative pressure is reached.

[0188] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The controller 170 can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator 140 independently during the process of reaching the highest target negative pressure P2.

[0189] Controller 170 is set to Figure 5 The negative pressure supply mode is implemented in the interval A1 (the interval where the highest target pressure is reached). Here, the highest target pressure P2 in the wound area W can be reached by controlling the first valve 150 to operate in the second operating mode and the controller 170 to operate the first negative pressure generator 140. Here, the controller 170 can control the first negative pressure generator 140 by comparing the negative pressure in the wound area W measured by the second pressure sensor 163 with the highest target pressure.

[0190] In contrast, see reference Figure 3 (a) and Figure 5The controller 170 can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator 140 independently in at least one interval of the process of reaching the highest target negative pressure P2 within interval A1 (the interval where the highest target pressure is reached), and to stop the first negative pressure generator 140 and operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently in another interval. That is, the controller 170 can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator 140 independently until an arbitrary first target pressure Pa smaller than the highest target negative pressure P2 is reached, and after reaching the first target pressure Pa, to operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently until the highest target negative pressure P2 is reached. Figure 3 (Pb). In addition, the controller 170 can stop the first negative pressure generator 140 after the first target pressure Pa is reached.

[0191] In contrast, see reference Figure 5 and Figure 9 The controller 170 can be configured to simultaneously operate the first negative pressure generator 140 and the second negative pressure generator 145 in at least one interval of the process of reaching the highest target negative pressure P2 within interval A1. Then, the controller 170 can be configured to stop the first negative pressure generator 140 and individually turn the second negative pressure generator 145 on / off after the highest target negative pressure P2 is reached.

[0192] In summary, within interval A1, the highest target pressure P2 in the wound region W can be achieved by controlling the first valve 150 to operate in the second operating mode and by the controller 170 to operate the first negative pressure generator 140 and / or the second negative pressure generator 145. Here, the controller 170 can control the first or second negative pressure generator 140 or 145 by comparing the negative pressure in the wound region W measured by the second pressure sensor 163 with the highest target pressure.

[0193] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 ,exist Figure 5 In the interval A2 shown (the interval for maintaining the highest target pressure), the controller 170 can maintain the highest target pressure P2 for a predetermined time after reaching the highest target pressure P2.

[0194] In interval A2, during the operation of the second negative pressure generator 145, the pressure in the wound area W can be measured by the second pressure sensor 163. That is, the controller 170 can identify the operating pressure in the wound area W by the value measured by the second pressure sensor 163, and can control the second negative pressure generator 145 so that the operating pressure is maintained at the highest target pressure.

[0195] The controller 170 can maintain the highest target negative pressure for a predetermined time by turning the second negative pressure generator 145 on or off.

[0196] Then, the controller 170 can be set to... Figure 5 In the interval A3 shown (the interval where the minimum target pressure is reached), the second negative pressure generator 145 is stopped (the first negative pressure generator is in a stopped state), and the first valve 150 is controlled to operate in the first operating mode, so that as atmospheric air 190 is supplied to the wound area W through the second pipe 130, the pressure is adjusted to the minimum target pressure P1 (the negative pressure value decreases).

[0197] When the first valve 150 is in the first operating mode, the second pipe 130 can be opened towards the atmosphere 190 (the second pipe and the atmosphere side can be connected), and the atmosphere 190 can be transmitted to the wound region W through the space S between the second pipe 130 and the head 110. Here, as the atmosphere 190 is supplied to the wound region W, the negative pressure acting on the wound region W can be adjusted. That is, the negative pressure formed in the wound region W by the negative pressure generators 140 and 145 can be adjusted by the atmosphere introduced from the outside (the magnitude of the negative pressure can be reduced).

[0198] Within interval A3 (the interval where the minimum target pressure is reached), while the first valve 150 operates in the first operating mode, the pressure in the wound region W can be measured by the first pressure sensor 161. That is, the controller 170 can identify the operating pressure in the wound region W by the value measured by the first pressure sensor 161, and can control the first valve 150 to make the operating pressure reach the target pressure.

[0199] exist Figure 5 In the interval A4 shown (the interval for maintaining the minimum target pressure), the controller 170 can be set to maintain the minimum target negative pressure P1 for a predetermined duration by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off without operating the first negative pressure generator 140 when the minimum target pressure P1 is reached.

[0200] In interval A4, during the operation of the second negative pressure generator 145, the pressure in the wound area W can be measured by the second pressure sensor 163. That is, the controller 170 can identify the operating pressure in the wound area W by the value measured by the second pressure sensor 163, and can control the second negative pressure generator 145 so that the operating pressure is maintained at the minimum target pressure.

[0201] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5The controller 170 can be configured, in a cyclic operation mode, to maintain the highest target pressure P2 for a predetermined time when it is reached, and to stop the first negative pressure generator 140 (maintaining the first valve in the second operation mode) in interval A2 (the interval in which the highest target pressure is maintained) and measure the pressure in the wound region W via the second pressure sensor 163. In one example, the pressure in the wound region W can be measured by each of the first pressure sensor 161 and the second pressure sensor 163. Here, the controller 170 can be configured to prioritize the value measured by the second pressure sensor 163 to identify the operating pressure in the wound region W when the values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor 161 and the second pressure sensor 163 are different. That is, when the values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor 161 and the second pressure sensor 163 are different, the controller 170 identifies the value measured by the second pressure sensor 163 as the operating pressure in the wound region W.

[0202] In addition, Figure 5 In the interval A2 (or interval A4) shown, if the operating pressure changes due to factors such as leakage on the head 110 side, and the measured pressure is lower than the target pressure, the controller 170 can reoperate the second negative pressure generator 145 to bring the operating pressure back to the target pressure. Alternatively, if the operating pressure changes and exceeds the target pressure, the controller 10 can stop the second negative pressure generator 145 (relieving negative pressure due to leakage, etc.) or operate the first valve 150 in a first operating mode, allowing atmospheric air to be introduced into the wound area W (relieving negative pressure through atmospheric air), and the operating pressure will then reach the target pressure again.

[0203] In addition, in interval A4, after the minimum target pressure P1 is reached, the controller 170 can maintain the minimum target pressure P1 for a predetermined time.

[0204] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The controller 170 can be configured, in a cyclic operating mode, to maintain the minimum target pressure P1 for a predetermined time when it is reached, and to maintain the first valve 150 in a second operating mode during interval A4 (the interval for maintaining the minimum target pressure), stop the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145, and measure the pressure in the wound region W via the second pressure sensor 163. In one example, the pressure in the wound region W can be measured by each of the first pressure sensor 161 and the second pressure sensor 163. Here, the controller 170 can be configured to prioritize the value measured by the second pressure sensor 163 to identify the operating pressure in the wound region W when the values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor 161 and the second pressure sensor 163 differ.

[0205] Additionally, in interval A4, when the operating pressure changes and falls below the target pressure due to factors such as leakage on the head 110 side, the controller 170 can operate the second negative pressure generator 145 to bring the operating pressure back to the target pressure. When the operating pressure changes and rises above the target pressure, the controller 10 can stop the second negative pressure generator 145 to bring the operating pressure back to the target pressure.

[0206] Simultaneously, exudate may become stagnant in the first tube 120 or the second tube 130. For example, in negative pressure supply mode, when the pump of the first negative pressure generator 140 rotates, exudate, blood, or pus is introduced into the canister 101 along the first tube 121, and the pump of the first negative pressure generator 140 stops rotating when the operating pressure in the wound area, as measured by the second pressure sensor 163, has reached the target pressure. Here, in some cases, exudate may become stagnant in the first tube 121.

[0207] The controller 170 can be configured to implement a blockage release mode during or after the implementation of a negative pressure supply mode. For example, the controller 170 can be configured to implement the blockage release mode after the target pressure is reached through the negative pressure supply mode. In the blockage release mode, the controller 170 can stop the operation of the first negative pressure generator 140 and / or the second negative pressure generator 145, and can operate the first valve 150 in a first operating mode for a predetermined time. Here, the controller 170 can be configured to switch the operating mode of the first valve 150 to a second operating mode after the predetermined time has elapsed, so that the negative pressure supply mode is implemented again, and the first negative pressure generator 140 and / or the second negative pressure generator 145 are operated again to reach the target pressure.

[0208] That is, in the negative pressure supply mode, atmospheric air 190 can be supplied to the interior of the head 110 by operating the first valve 150 once every predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) in the first operating mode to intentionally relieve the pressure in the first pipe 121, and the pump can be rotated again after a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) to reach the target pressure, removing the exudate stagnating in the first pipe section 120 or the second pipe section 130. In other words, in this way, blockages in the first pipe section 120 or the second pipe section 130 can be relieved or prevented.

[0209] Figure 10 This is a schematic view showing a negative pressure therapy device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The negative pressure therapy device 100 according to the second embodiment may further include a flushing section 200, and the components other than the flushing section 200 are the same as the components of the negative pressure therapy device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0210] The negative pressure therapy device 100 according to the second embodiment includes: a head 110 for covering a wound area; a first tube 120 connected to the head 110 for fluid communication with the wound area; a first negative pressure generator 140 configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube, thereby achieving a predetermined target negative pressure; and a second negative pressure generator 145 configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube.

[0211] Additionally, the negative pressure therapy device 100 may include a flushing section 200, which includes: an injection tube 220 connected to a head 110 for fluid communication with the wound area W; and an injection pump 210 configured to deliver fluid to the wound area W via the injection tube 220 in flushing mode.

[0212] The flushing unit 200 includes a fluid supply unit 201 for supplying fluid to the injection pump 210, and the fluid may include physiological saline. In one example, the fluid supply unit 201 may be a container for holding fluid, and the fluid supply unit 201 may be in fluid communication with the suction side of the injection pump 210.

[0213] The injection pump 210 may be a peristaltic pump, and the injection pump 210 may include a BLDC motor 211 for driving.

[0214] The head 110 may include a first connector 110a connected to the first tube 120 and a second connector 110b connected to the injection tube 220.

[0215] The first tube 120 and the second tube 130 can be in fluid communication with the first connector 110a.

[0216] The first and second connectors 110a and 110b are coupled to the film dressing 112 and are in fluid communication with the wound region W through the through-hole 112a of the film dressing 112. The first and second connectors 110a and 110b can be integrally formed and can have a structure that shares a space S.

[0217] Additionally, the rinsing unit 200 may include a detection sensor 231 and a liquid sensor 235.

[0218] The detection sensor 231 is a sensor used to detect the product compatibility between the negative pressure therapy device 100 and the rinsing unit 200, and performs the function of detecting whether a product with predetermined product compatibility is connected.

[0219] The liquid sensor 235 performs the function of detecting whether liquid has been injected through the injection tube 220. In this embodiment, the negative pressure therapy device 100 includes a controller 170 configured to implement a negative pressure supply mode that provides negative pressure to the wound area and a flushing mode that provides fluid to the wound area.

[0220] The first negative pressure generator 140 can be configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube 120 in the negative pressure supply mode, so as to achieve a predetermined target negative pressure.

[0221] Additionally, the second negative pressure generator 145 can be configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area W through the first tube 120 in the rinsing mode.

[0222] As described above, the first negative pressure generator 140 may include a BLDC motor and the second negative pressure generator 145 may include a DC motor, or conversely, the first negative pressure generator 140 may include a DC motor and the second negative pressure generator 145 may include a BLDC motor.

[0223] As described above, the first valve 150 can be connected to each of the atmospheric side 190, the second pipe 130, and the second pressure sensor 163 side.

[0224] Additionally, the first valve 150 can be configured to: in a first operating mode, fluidly connect the atmosphere 190 side and the second pipe section 130, and block the connection between the second pressure sensor 163 and the second pipe section 130; and in a second operating mode, block the connection between the atmosphere 190 side and the second pipe section 130, and fluidly connect the second pressure sensor 163 and the second pipe section 130.

[0225] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic view used to describe an operational state of a negative pressure therapy device relating to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] Figure 11 This is a schematic view illustrating the negative pressure regulation mode used to describe the flushing pattern. Figure 12 This is a schematic view of the injection pattern used to describe the flushing pattern.

[0227] In the negative pressure regulation mode of the rinsing mode, the controller 170 can regulate the negative pressure in the wound area W by operating the first valve 150 in the first operating mode, stopping the first negative pressure generator 140 (and stopping the second negative pressure generator), and supplying external air to the wound area.

[0228] That is, the controller 170 can be configured to first adjust the negative pressure in the wound area W when entering the flushing mode while implementing the negative pressure supply mode.

[0229] refer to Figure 11 The controller 170 can be configured to compare the negative pressure in the wound area measured by the first pressure sensor 161 and the third pressure sensor 165 with the target negative pressure of the negative pressure regulation mode in a negative pressure regulation mode.

[0230] In the injection mode of the flushing mode, the controller 170 can operate the flushing unit 200 by operating the first valve 150 in a second operating mode and operating the second negative pressure generator 145 to maintain a third target negative pressure in the wound area W. The third target negative pressure can be a negative pressure below atmospheric pressure, and for example, it can be in the range of -1 to -40 mmHg.

[0231] refer to Figure 12 In injection mode, controller 170 can be configured to compare the negative pressure in wound area W measured by second pressure sensor 163 with a third target negative pressure. Furthermore, after reaching the third target negative pressure, controller 170 can maintain the third target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off.

[0232] Simultaneously, the controller 170 can be configured to operate the first valve 150 in a second operating mode and operate at least one of the first and second negative pressure generators 140 and 145 in the negative pressure supply mode. Here, the controller 170 can be configured to compare the negative pressure measured by the second pressure sensor 163 with the target negative pressure of the negative pressure supply mode during the operation of the first or second negative pressure generator.

[0233] In one example, controller 170 may be configured to simultaneously operate first negative pressure generator 140 and second negative pressure generator 145 in at least one interval of the process of achieving target negative pressure in negative pressure provision mode.

[0234] In another example, controller 170 can be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator 140 independently in the process of achieving the target negative pressure in negative pressure supply mode.

[0235] In yet another example, controller 170 may be configured to operate the first negative pressure generator 140 independently in at least one interval of the process of achieving the target negative pressure in a negative pressure providing mode, and to stop the first negative pressure generator 140 and operate the second negative pressure generator 145 independently in another interval.

[0236] In addition, in the negative pressure supply mode, after the target negative pressure is reached, the controller 170 can maintain the target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off.

[0237] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications, alterations, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0238] Industrial applicability

[0239] According to a negative pressure therapy device and control method relating to an embodiment of the present invention, two pumps can be used to apply negative pressure to a wound area, the two pumps can be selectively operated within a range where the negative pressure applied to the wound area reaches the target negative pressure, and one or more of the two pumps can be used to implement a negative pressure supply mode and a flushing mode.

Claims

1. A negative pressure therapy device, comprising: The head, used to cover the wound area; The flushing unit includes: an injection tube connected to the head for fluid communication with the wound area; and an injection pump configured to deliver fluid to the wound area via the injection tube in a flushing mode. A first tube is connected to the head to be in fluid communication with the wound area; A first negative pressure generator is configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube in a negative pressure supply mode, thereby achieving a predetermined target negative pressure; and A second negative pressure generator is configured to provide negative pressure to the wound area through the first tube in the rinsing mode.

2. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 1 further includes a controller configured to implement the negative pressure supply mode and the flushing mode.

3. The negative pressure therapy device as described in claim 2, further comprising: A second tube is connected to the head to be in fluid communication with the wound area; A first valve is disposed at the second tube and is configured to selectively open the second tube toward the atmosphere, so that atmosphere is introduced into the wound area through the second tube. A first pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure inside the first tube. A second pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the first valve and is configured to measure the pressure inside the second pipe section; A second valve, which is connected to the second pipe section and is disposed between the head and the first valve; and The third pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the second valve.

4. The negative pressure therapy device as described in claim 3, wherein: The first valve is connected to each of the atmospheric side, the second pipe section, and the second pressure sensor side; and The first valve is configured to: in a first operating mode, allow fluid communication between the atmospheric side and the second pipe section, and block the communication between the second pressure sensor and the second pipe section; and in a second operating mode, block the communication between the atmospheric side and the second pipe section, and allow fluid communication between the second pressure sensor and the second pipe section.

5. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 4, wherein in the negative pressure adjustment mode of the irrigation mode, the controller adjusts the negative pressure in the wound area by operating the first valve in the first operating mode, stopping the first negative pressure generator, and supplying external air to the wound area.

6. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 4, wherein in the injection mode of the irrigation mode, the controller operates the irrigation unit by operating the first valve in the second operating mode and operating the second negative pressure generator to maintain a third target negative pressure in the wound area.

7. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to compare the negative pressure in the wound area measured by the second pressure sensor with the third target negative pressure in the injection mode.

8. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 4, wherein in the negative pressure supply mode, the controller operates the first valve in the second operating mode and operates at least one of the first negative pressure generator and the second negative pressure generator.

9. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to compare the negative pressure measured by the second pressure sensor with the target negative pressure during operation of the first negative pressure generator or the second negative pressure generator.

10. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously operate the first negative pressure generator and the second negative pressure generator in at least one interval of the process of achieving the target negative pressure in the negative pressure supply mode.

11. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to operate the first negative pressure generator independently in the process of achieving the target negative pressure during the negative pressure delivery mode.

12. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to operate the first negative pressure generator alone in at least one interval of the process of achieving the target negative pressure in the negative pressure supply mode, and to stop the first negative pressure generator and operate the second negative pressure generator alone in another interval.

13. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 12, wherein after the target negative pressure is reached, the controller maintains the target negative pressure by turning the second negative pressure generator on or off.

14. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the first negative pressure generator comprises a BLDC motor, and the second negative pressure generator comprises a DC motor.

15. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the first negative pressure generator comprises a DC motor, and the second negative pressure generator comprises a BLDC motor.

16. The negative pressure therapy device as described in claim 1, wherein: The flushing section includes a fluid supply section for supplying fluid to the injection pump; and The fluid includes physiological saline.

17. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the head includes a first connector connected to the first tubing and a second connector connected to the injection tubing.

18. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 2, further comprising a canister, wherein exudate is transported from the wound area to the canister through the first tube.

19. The negative pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the first negative pressure generator has a larger capacity (L / min) than the second negative pressure generator.

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