flow valve

Abstract

A flow valve of a demand regulator of the lung type for controlling the flow of breathing gas through the demand regulator of the lung type is disclosed. The flow valve comprises a valve member configured to be displaced between a closed position in which the valve member seals against a valve seat of the flow valve and an open position in which a breathing gas flow path is provided between the valve member and the valve seat. The valve member and / or the valve seat are shaped such that a cross-sectional area of the breathing gas flow path increases at a first rate during displacement of the valve member relative to the valve seat within a first displacement range and at a second rate during displacement of the valve member relative to the valve seat within a second displacement range, the first rate being different from the second rate. A demand regulator of the lung type and a breathing apparatus are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a flow valve. Background Technology

[0002] Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems typically consist of a lung demand regulator (also known as an LDR, "demand regulator," or "regulator") and a mask. The regulator connects to the mask to provide the user with breathable air as needed. SCBA systems are often used by emergency service personnel such as firefighters, and are therefore typically exposed to environments containing hazardous contaminants such as smoke or toxic chemicals. These environments are often referred to as directly hazardous to life or health (IDLH) environments. Typically, the regulator used in SCBAs will be configured in "positive pressure" mode. In other words, the regulator will be configured to maintain positive pressure within the regulator and mask to prevent any environmental contaminants from entering the SCBA system.

[0003] The pressure inside the regulator and mask will vary depending on the user's breathing rate and depth. Rapid, deep breathing, such as that of a user engaging in strenuous activity, will cause a significant drop in pressure within the regulator and mask.

[0004] It should be understood that the development of regulators, especially the development of those that can more effectively maintain positive pressure, is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various aspects of the present invention will now be described.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a lung demand regulator flow valve is provided for controlling the flow rate of respiratory gas through a lung demand regulator. The flow valve includes a valve member configured to shift between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the valve member seals against a valve seat of the flow valve, and in the open position, a respiratory gas flow path is disposed between the valve member and the valve seat. The valve member and / or the valve seat are shaped such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the respiratory gas flow path increases at a first rate during shifting of the valve member relative to the valve seat within a first displacement range, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the respiratory gas flow path increases at a second rate during shifting of the valve member relative to the valve seat within a second displacement range. The first rate differs from the second rate.

[0007] The valve component can be disposed within the valve orifice. The valve component can be restricted to linear movement within the valve orifice.

[0008] The valve component may include an outer surface. The outer surface may include a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion. The first tapered portion and the second tapered portion may be arranged coaxially.

[0009] The first tapered portion and the second tapered portion can be arranged axially adjacent to each other. The first tapered portion can be located at the distal end of the outer surface. The second tapered portion can be located at the proximal end of the outer surface.

[0010] The distal end can be the end of the outer surface facing the valve member in the direction of displacement when the valve member moves to the open position. The proximal end can be the end of the outer surface opposite to the distal end.

[0011] The first tapered portion can be a tapered portion having a first diameter at its widest point and a second diameter at its narrowest point. The second tapered portion can be a tapered portion having a third diameter at its widest point and a fourth diameter at its narrowest point.

[0012] The first diameter can be between 9.5 mm and 10 mm. The first diameter can be between 9.8 mm and 10 mm. The first diameter can be 9.9 mm.

[0013] The second diameter can be between 7 mm and 9.5 mm. The second diameter can be between 9.3 mm and 9.5 mm. The second diameter can be 9.4 mm.

[0014] The third diameter can be between 6.5 mm and 7 mm. The third diameter can be between 6.6 mm and 6.9 mm. The third diameter can be 6.7 mm.

[0015] The fourth diameter can be between 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm. The fourth diameter can be between 5.9 mm and 6.1 mm. The fourth diameter can be 6 mm.

[0016] References to the term "cone" may include substantially conical, oblique conical, and / or truncated conical.

[0017] The second and third diameters can be equal, so that the first tapered portion transitions continuously to the second tapered portion.

[0018] The reference to a continuous transition between the first and second tapered portions should be understood to mean that there is no discontinuous, discrete, or gradual change between the first and second tapered portions.

[0019] The first tapering portion may have a first inclination relative to the displacement axis of the valve member. The second tapering portion may have a second inclination relative to the displacement axis of the valve member. The first inclination may be steeper than the second inclination.

[0020] It should be understood that the displacement axis of the valve component is the axis along which the valve component moves relative to the valve seat.

[0021] The cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be defined as an annular region extending radially between the outer surface of the valve member and the valve seat. The annular region can have an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the valve seat and an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the valve member.

[0022] The annular region can be located on a plane perpendicular to the displacement axis of the valve component.

[0023] The inner diameter of the annular region can vary according to the displacement of the valve components to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path.

[0024] The distal end of the valve component may include a chamfered edge. The chamfered edge may have a chamfer radius between 4 mm and 6 mm. The radius may be 5 mm.

[0025] The flow valve may include a valve orifice in which a valve seat is disposed. The valve orifice may include an inner surface. The inner surface may include a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion. The first tapered portion and the second tapered portion may be arranged coaxially.

[0026] The first tapered portion and the second tapered portion can be arranged axially adjacent to each other. The first tapered portion can be located at the distal end of the inner surface. The second tapered portion can be located at the proximal end of the inner surface. The distal end can be the end of the inner surface furthest from the valve member when the valve member is in the closed position. The proximal end can be on the end opposite to the distal end.

[0027] The first tapered portion can be a tapered portion having a first diameter at its widest point and a second diameter at its narrowest point. The second tapered portion can be a tapered portion having a third diameter at its widest point and a fourth diameter at its narrowest point.

[0028] The first diameter can be between 9.5 mm and 10 mm. The first diameter can be between 9.8 mm and 10 mm. The first diameter can be 9.9 mm.

[0029] The second diameter can be between 7 mm and 9.5 mm. The second diameter can be between 9.3 mm and 9.5 mm. The second diameter can be 9.4 mm.

[0030] The third diameter can be between 6.5 mm and 7 mm. The third diameter can be between 6.6 mm and 6.9 mm. The third diameter can be 6.7 mm.

[0031] The fourth diameter can be between 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm. The fourth diameter can be between 5.9 mm and 6.1 mm. The fourth diameter can be 6 mm.

[0032] The second and third diameters can be equal, so that the first tapered portion transitions continuously to the second tapered portion.

[0033] The first tapered portion may have a first inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve seat. The second tapered portion may have a second inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve seat. The second inclination may be steeper than the first inclination.

[0034] The cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be defined as an annular region extending radially between the inner surface of the valve orifice and the outer surface of the valve member. The annular region can have an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the valve seat and an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the valve member.

[0035] The outer diameter of the annular region can vary according to the displacement of the valve component relative to the valve seat, thereby changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path.

[0036] The outer diameter of the cross-sectional area can vary between 10.5 mm and 11.5 mm. The outer diameter of the cross-sectional area can vary between 10.9 mm and 11.1 mm. The outer diameter can be 11 mm. The inner diameter can vary between 9 mm and 9.5 mm. The inner diameter can vary between 9.1 mm and 9.3 mm. The inner diameter can be 9.2 mm.

[0037] The valve component can be configured to shift between a 0 mm displacement when the valve component is in the closed position and a 0.5 mm displacement when the valve component is in the open position.

[0038] The term "open position" can refer to the fully or maximum open position of a valve component.

[0039] The initial rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be 4 mm. 2 / mm and 6 mm 2 The initial rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be between 4.024 mm / s. 2 / mm and 5.989 mm 2 Between / mm.

[0040] The second rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be 0.5 mm. 2 / mm and 2.5 mm 2 The second rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be between 1.017 mm / s. 2 / mm and 2.027 mm 2 Between / mm.

[0041] Although the rate of increase of cross-sectional area is expressed in millimeters (mm), the full, unsimplified unit is given for clarity.

[0042] The first rate of increase of the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be greater than the second rate of increase of the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path.

[0043] The first tapered portion and / or the second tapered portion may include a flat tapered surface.

[0044] The first tapered portion and / or the second tapered portion may include a curved tapered surface. The curved tapered surface, or each curved tapered surface, may be a concave tapered surface.

[0045] The first tapered portion and / or the second tapered portion may have any combination of flat tapered surfaces and curved tapered surfaces.

[0046] The first tapering portion and the second tapering portion may each include a concave tapering surface, such that the rate of increase of the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path changes continuously with the displacement of the valve member relative to the valve seat.

[0047] At the point where the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion meet, the tangent of the first tapered portion may be collinear with the tangent of the second tapered portion.

[0048] The flow valve may include a housing that includes an orifice. A valve member may be disposed within the orifice. The valve member may be configured to move axially relative to the cylindrical housing within the orifice.

[0049] According to a second aspect, a lung-type demand regulator is provided, comprising: a flow valve according to a first aspect; a diaphragm exposed to ambient pressure on a first side and to an internal chamber of the lung-type demand regulator on a second side, the diaphragm being configured to flex according to a pressure difference between the first and second sides; and a flow regulating mechanism coupled to the diaphragm and configured to actuate the flow valve by displacing a valve member relative to a valve seat in response to the flexure of the diaphragm when the pressure in the internal chamber drops below ambient pressure.

[0050] Greater diaphragm deflection can cause greater displacement of the valve components. When the differential pressure drops below a threshold, the valve components can be biased to return to the closed position.

[0051] The bias voltage of the valve component can be provided by a biasing element.

[0052] A pressure difference between 150 Pa and 200 Pa can cause displacement of the valve component, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path is defined by at least a first tapering portion. A pressure difference of at least 200 Pa can cause displacement of the valve component, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path is defined by at least a second tapering portion.

[0053] It should be understood that an increase in the pressure differential across the diaphragm can cause an increase in the displacement of the valve component. It should be understood that an increase in the displacement of the valve component can cause the flow valve to open to a greater extent. It should be understood that, as the valve component shifts, the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can transition from being initially defined by the first tapering portion to being defined by the second tapering portion.

[0054] It should be understood that an increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can cause an increase in the flow velocity of the breathing gas through the breathing gas flow path at a given pressure.

[0055] According to another aspect, a breathing device is provided, including a flow valve according to the first aspect or a lung demand regulator according to the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The arrangement of the invention will now be described by way of embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a breathing device according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a mask and a lung-type demand regulator according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a lung-type demand regulator according to an embodiment is shown; and Figures 4A to 4C , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Various embodiments of the flow valve according to the embodiments are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0057] As discussed above, when a user breathes very deeply and rapidly, existing regulators sometimes cannot supply sufficient breathing gas at a rate adequate to maintain positive pressure. If the pressure inside the regulator and mask drops below ambient pressure, there is a risk that harmful atmospheric pollutants may be drawn into the mask, putting the user at risk.

[0058] This invention provides an improvement over known regulator flow valves. More generally, this invention provides an improvement to the supply of breathing gas to reduce the possibility of negative pressure inside the regulator.

[0059] This invention relates to a flow valve for a lung demand regulator, used to control the flow rate of respiratory gas through a lung demand regulator. The flow valve includes a valve member configurable to shift between a closed position and an open position, in which the valve member seals against a valve seat of the flow valve, and in which a respiratory gas flow path is provided between the valve member and the valve seat in the open position.

[0060] One or both of the valve member and the valve seat can be configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path increases at a first rate during the displacement of the valve member relative to the valve seat within a first displacement range, and increases at a second rate during the displacement of the valve member relative to the valve seat within a second displacement range. The first displacement rate may differ from the second displacement rate.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 An exemplary breathing device 10 is illustrated. The breathing device 10 is a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) comprising: a support frame or back panel 12; straps 14 for securing the SCBA to a user; a breathing gas cylinder 16; a face mask 18; a lung demand regulator 100 connectable to the face mask 18; and a pneumatic system 20 for delivering breathing gas from the cylinder 16 via a hose or flexible tubing 22 to the lung demand regulator 100, thereby delivering breathing gas to a user wearing the face mask 18 as needed. The breathing device 10 may also include other components or systems not shown, including but not limited to electrical systems, monitoring systems, or communication systems. The lung demand regulator 100 is referred to throughout as regulator 100.

[0062] In the arrangement shown, breathing equipment 10 is a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), but it should be understood that lung demand regulators can also be applied to other types of breathing apparatus, such as self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) and emergency escape breathing apparatus.

[0063] Go to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a mask 18 attached to regulator 100 is shown. A hose 22 of pneumatic system 20 is connected to inlet 101 of regulator 100 to supply breathing gas from cylinder 16. Pneumatic system 20 may include a first-stage pressure reducer that reduces the pressure of breathing air from the cylinder, which can be stored at several hundred bar, to an intermediate pressure for supplying to regulator 100 via hose 22. This intermediate pressure may be too high for the breathing gas to be directly supplied to the user. Regulator 100 may also include a second-stage pressure reducer that further reduces the pressure of the breathing gas to a suitable pressure for delivery to the user. In other arrangements, more than two or fewer pressure reducers may be provided. In some arrangements, regulator 100 is connected to a pressurized breathing gas circuit for worker use, such as in a factory. In this case, the breathing gas can be supplied by the circuit at a breathable pressure, thus eliminating the need for a pressure reducer.

[0064] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the regulator 100 is shown. Figure 2The regulator 100 is marked with "AA". It includes a body 104, a diaphragm 102, a main lever arm 200, and a flow valve 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the diaphragm 102 is a thin, flexible, impermeable membrane fixed to the body 104. On one side, the diaphragm 102 is exposed to the surrounding environment and therefore to ambient air pressure. On the other side, the diaphragm 102 is exposed to an inner cavity 103 formed in the body 104 of the regulator 100.

[0065] Because the diaphragm 102 is formed of a flexible material, any pressure difference between the ambient air pressure and the pressure in the inner cavity 103 will cause the diaphragm 102 to flex. When the ambient pressure is greater than the pressure in the inner cavity 103, the diaphragm 102 flexes inward toward the inner cavity 103. When the ambient pressure is less than the pressure in the inner cavity 103, the diaphragm 102 flexes outward, away from the inner cavity 103. The greater the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure in the inner cavity 103, the greater the flexion of the diaphragm 102.

[0066] The main lever arm 200 includes a pivot point 210 about which the main lever arm 200 can pivot. The main lever arm 200 communicates with a flow valve 300, and the pivoting of the main lever arm 200 actuates the flow valve 300 (as will be described in more detail later), thereby controlling the introduction of pressurized breathing gas into the lumen 103. The main lever arm 200 also includes a foot 201 at an end of the main lever arm 200 remote from the pivot point 210. The foot 201 contacts the diaphragm 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot 201 contacts a substantially central portion of the diaphragm 102. The foot 201 can be angularly positioned relative to the main lever arm 200. When the diaphragm 102 flexes inward toward the lumen 103, the diaphragm 102 pushes the foot 201, causing the main lever arm 200 to pivot about the pivot point 210.

[0067] according to Figure 3 In the view shown, when the diaphragm 102 flexes inward, the main lever arm 200 pivots counterclockwise about the pivot point 210. It should be understood that the degree of pivoting of the main lever arm 200 about the pivot point 210 corresponds to the degree of inward flexion of the diaphragm 102. Therefore, when the ambient air pressure is significantly greater than the pressure in the cavity 103, the diaphragm 102 will flex significantly inward, causing the main lever arm 200 to pivot significantly about the pivot point 210. Similarly, when the ambient air pressure is minimally greater than the pressure in the cavity 103, the diaphragm 102 will flex minimally inward, causing minimal pivoting of the main lever arm 200 about the pivot point 210. When the support leg 201 is not in contact with the diaphragm 102, the first lever arm 200 can be biased (e.g., by the flow valve 300) to pivot clockwise. Therefore, when the diaphragm 102 flexes outward after it has already flexed inward and causes the main lever arm 200 to pivot counterclockwise, the bias will cause the main lever arm 200 to pivot clockwise so that the support leg 201 remains in contact with the diaphragm 102.

[0068] When regulator 100 is connected to mask 18, the inner cavity 103 of regulator 100 is in fluid communication with the interior of mask 18. Therefore, when a user wears mask 18, the user's inhalation causes a decrease in pressure within the inner cavity 103. This decrease in pressure within the inner cavity 103 causes diaphragm 102 to move inward, thereby pivoting main lever arm 200. The pivoting of main lever arm 200 causes flow valve 300 to open, allowing breathing gas to be introduced into the inner cavity 103 for the user to inhale. As breathing gas is introduced, the pressure within the inner cavity 103 increases, eventually causing diaphragm 102 to flex outward, allowing main lever arm 200 to pivot back to its initial position due to bias.

[0069] Changes in user activity or fatigue levels can cause significant changes in their respiratory characteristics. The rate and volume of user inhalation directly affect the rate of inward deflection of diaphragm 102. Therefore, the rotational rate of the lever is related to the rate and volume of user inhalation.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the main lever arm 200 includes a cam element 220 located near the pivot point 210. The cam element 220 is formed by an enlarged proximal portion of the main lever arm 200 in this embodiment and a surface surrounding the proximal portion, which is configured to actuate the flow valve 300 (either via direct contact or indirectly, such as via a linkage) when the main lever arm 200 pivots.

[0071] The main lever arm 200 can directly contact the flow valve 300. In this case, the cam element 220 of the main lever arm 200 can directly contact the piston 310 of the flow valve 300. In this embodiment, when the main lever arm 200 pivots, the cam element 220 pushes against the piston 310. As a result, the piston 310 acts as a cam follower and moves laterally, thereby lifting the valve member 320 away from the valve seat 330, allowing pressurized breathing gas to flow through the valve member 320 and into the inner cavity 103.

[0072] In some implementations, including Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the main lever arm 200 can indirectly engage the piston 310 of the flow valve 300. In this case, a secondary lever arm 400 can be provided to form a link between the cam element 220 of the main lever arm 200 and the piston 310. The secondary lever arm 400 may include a secondary pivot point 410 about which the secondary lever arm 400 can pivot. The secondary pivot point 410 may be arranged offset from the pivot point 210 of the main lever arm 200. As in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lever arm 400 may be configured to pivot in a direction opposite to the pivot direction of the main lever arm 200. Thus, when the main lever arm 200 pivots counterclockwise, the cam element 220 can contact the secondary lever arm 400 and cause the secondary lever arm 400 to pivot clockwise. In some embodiments, the secondary lever arm 400 is an adjustable lever arm 400. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the secondary lever arm 400 includes a locating screw 420 that can be adjusted to change the effective thickness of the secondary lever arm 400. Adjusting the effective thickness of the adjustable lever arm applies a "displacement offset" to the displacement transmitted from the cam element 220 of the primary lever arm 200 to the piston 310. Thus, in this way, the secondary lever arm 400 can be used to change the angle at which the primary lever arm 200 must pivot to lift the valve member 320 away from the valve seat 330.

[0073] Valve component 320 is disposed within the cylindrical housing 302 of flow valve 300. Valve component 320 is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, valve component 320 seals against valve seat 330. In the open position, a breathing gas flow path is provided between valve component and valve seat. Figure 3 The valve component 320 is shown in the closed position.

[0074] The flow valve 300 may also include a biasing element 340, such as a coil spring. Once the dynamic pressure of the breathing gas moving through the flow valve 300 (relative to the pressure of the inner cavity 103) is no longer sufficient to keep the flow valve 300 open, the biasing element 340 biases the valve member 320 to return it to the valve seat 330. In doing so, the bias also causes the main lever arm 200 to pivot clockwise about the pivot point 210.

[0075] Figure 4A A separate cross-sectional view of the valve member 320 within the flow valve 300 is shown. For simplicity, other features of the flow valve 300, including the piston 310, have been hidden. Figure 4A In the diagram, valve component 320 is shown in a position relative to... Figure 3 The same position. That is, valve member 320 is shown in the closed position, and correspondingly, valve member 320 seals against valve seat 330.

[0076] The cylindrical housing 302 of the flow valve 300 includes a hole 304, in which the valve component 320 is disposed. Figure 4A As shown, valve member 320 can be displaced along the displacement axis D of orifice 304. In the closed position, valve member 320 is positioned from... Figure 4A Viewed from a distance closer to the left (or the proximal end of orifice 304). In the open position of valve member 320, valve member 320 is positioned from... Figure 4A From the perspective of the right side (or the far end of hole 304), it is closer to the right.

[0077] Valve member 320 includes an outer surface having a first tapered portion 321 and a second tapered portion 322. Each of the first tapered portion 321 and the second tapered portion 322 is arranged coaxially with each other and with respect to the displacement axis D of valve member 320. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown, the first tapered portion 321 and the second tapered portion 322 are arranged axially adjacent. That is, the first tapered portion 321 and the second tapered portion 322 are connected together.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion may be arranged eccentrically relative to the displacement axis. That is, the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion may be offset from each other.

[0079] A first tapered portion 321 is disposed on the distal end of the outer surface of the valve member 320. A second tapered portion 322 is disposed on the proximal end of the outer surface of the valve member 320. The valve member 320 may include a chamfered edge at its distal end.

[0080] The first tapered portion 321 is a conical tapered portion. The first tapered portion 321 has a first diameter at its widest point and a second diameter at its narrowest point. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the first tapered portion 321 linearly transitions from the first diameter to the second diameter. The second tapered portion 322 is a conical tapered portion. The second tapered portion 322 has a third diameter at its widest point and a fourth diameter at its narrowest point. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the second tapered portion 322 linearly transitions from the third diameter to the second diameter. References to the term "tapered" may include oblique tapered and / or truncated tapered.

[0081] As an example, a typical valve component according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first diameter between 9.5 mm and 10 mm. The first diameter may be between 9.8 mm and 10 mm. The first diameter may be 9.9 mm.

[0082] The second diameter can be between 7 mm and 9.5 mm. The second diameter can be between 9.3 mm and 9.5 mm. The second diameter can be 9.4 mm.

[0083] The third diameter can be between 6.5 mm and 7 mm. The third diameter can be between 6.6 mm and 6.9 mm. The third diameter can be 6.7 mm.

[0084] The fourth diameter can be between 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm. The fourth diameter can be between 5.9 mm and 6.1 mm. The fourth diameter can be 6 mm.

[0085] Typically, the third and fourth diameters are smaller than the first and second diameters, respectively. In some embodiments, the second and third diameters can be equal, allowing the first tapered portion 321 to transition continuously into the second tapered portion 322. In other words, when the second and third diameters are equal, the diameter of the outer surface of the valve member 320 can transition from the first tapered portion 321 to the second tapered portion 322 without discontinuous, discrete, or gradual changes.

[0086] The inclination of the first tapered portion 321 relative to the displacement axis D can be greater or steeper than the inclination of the second tapered portion 322 relative to the displacement axis D. In other words, the rate of change of the diameter of the first tapered portion 321 over its length is greater than the rate of change of the diameter of the second tapered portion 322 over its length. In some embodiments, the inclination can be a linear inclination or a flat inclination. In some embodiments, one or more inclinations can be non-linear inclinations.

[0087] Figure 4B The flow valve 300 is shown in the partially open position. That is, Figure 4B The valve member 320 is shown in a position between the closed and open positions. In other words, the valve member 320 is partially displaced between the closed and open positions.

[0088] Due to partial displacement of the valve member 320, a breathing gas flow path 305 is formed between the valve member 320 and the valve seat 330. The breathing gas flow path 305 (also simply referred to as the flow path 305) is formed around the valve member 320. In this embodiment, the flow path 305 is annular in shape because the valve member 320 has a circular cross-section and because the orifice 304 has a circular cross-section. The annular region of the flow path 305 extends radially between the inner surfaces of the valve member 320 and the orifice 304. The outer diameter of the flow path 305 is fixed and is defined by the inner surface of the orifice 304 at the valve seat 330. The inner diameter of the flow path 305 is variable and is defined by the diameter of the valve member 320 adjacent to the valve seat 330.

[0089] When valve member 320 moves from the closed position to the open position, the diameter of valve member 320 at a point adjacent to valve seat 330 typically decreases. This decrease causes a corresponding increase in the inner diameter of flow path 305. Assuming the outer diameter of flow path 305 is fixed, the increase in the inner diameter of flow path 305 as valve member 320 moves results in an increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​flow path 305.

[0090] It should be understood that, for a given gas pressure, an increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 results in an increase in the flow velocity through the flow path 305. Therefore, as the valve member 320 shifts from the closed position to the open position, the flow velocity of the breathing gas through the flow path 305 increases.

[0091] exist Figure 4B In this configuration, the valve seat 330 is adjacent to the first tapered portion 321 of the valve component 320. As a result, the rate of change of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 is determined by the shape of the first tapered portion 321.

[0092] The displacement of valve member 320 within the first displacement range corresponds to the displacement of valve member 320 along the length of the first tapering portion 321. The displacement of valve member 320 within the second displacement range corresponds to the displacement of valve member 320 along the length of the second tapering portion 322.

[0093] Go to Figure 4C The valve component 320 is shown in the open position. In this position, the valve seat 330 is adjacent to the second tapered portion 322. As a result, the rate of change of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 is determined by the shape of the second tapered portion 322.

[0094] Therefore, it should be understood that the rate of change of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 is generally determined by the shape of the first tapering portion 321 and the second tapering portion 322 and the displacement of the valve member 320.

[0095] Because the first tapered portion 321 has a steeper inclination than the second tapered portion 322, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 increases faster when the valve member 320 moves through the length of the first tapered portion 321 than when the valve member 320 moves through the length of the second tapered portion 322.

[0096] As a result, when the user inhales, the initial small movement of the valve member 320 causes the cross-sectional area to increase more rapidly than subsequent movements of the valve member 320. In some embodiments, this faster increase in cross-sectional area can result in an increase in flow rate of approximately 15% during the initial movement of the valve member. This increased flow rate during the initial movement of the valve member 320 allows more breathing gas to be supplied to the mask 18 more quickly. Therefore, if the user takes, for example, a rapid, deep breath, the increased volume of breathing gas supplied to the mask 18 during the initial movement of the valve member 320 significantly reduces the likelihood that the pressure in the mask 18 will drop below ambient pressure due to the user's inhalation. In fact, the shape of the outer surface of the valve member 320 is configured to ensure that the pressure inside the mask 18 remains above ambient pressure even during rapid, deep breaths by the user.

[0097] As the user continues to inhale and the valve member 320 further shifts, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 continues to increase, ensuring a greater supply of breathing gas. However, the rate of increase in cross-sectional area changes when the flow path 305 transitions to be defined by the second taper 322 instead of the first taper 321. In effect, this causes the rate of increase in the flow rate of breathing gas into the mask 18 to slow as the user's inhalation nears its end. As a result, only the required amount of breathing gas is supplied to the mask 18, rather than excess breathing gas that would otherwise be wasted.

[0098] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the valve member 320' according to the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the valve member 320' includes a first tapered portion 321' having a concave shape and a second tapered portion 322' having a concave shape. In this embodiment, the first tapered portion 321' transitions continuously into the second tapered portion 322'. In other words, the tangent at the end point of the first tapered portion 321' is collinear with the tangent at the beginning point of the second tapered portion 322'.

[0099] As shown in the figure, although the first tapered portion 321' and the second tapered portion 322' are curved, the inclination of the first tapered portion 321' relative to the displacement axis D is steeper along its entire length than the inclination of the second tapered portion 322' at any point. As a result, the initial displacement of the valve member 320' causes a significant increase in the breathing gas flow rate, as described above relative to... Figures 4A to 4C The implementation methods described herein.

[0100] It should be understood that some implementations may include more than two tapered sections connected together. For example, some implementations may include three or four tapered sections.

[0101] As described above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in all embodiments described so far is defined by a fixed outer diameter and a variable inner diameter. Specifically, the outer diameter is defined by the fixed geometry of the inner surface of the hole 304 at the valve seat 330, and the inner diameter is defined by the varying diameter of the outer surface of the valve member along its length.

[0102] However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the flow path may be variable, while the inner diameter may be fixed and / or variable.

[0103] Figure 6 One such embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, valve member 320'' is shown in a position between a closed position and an open position. Valve member 320'' is typically cylindrical in shape, rather than tapered or tapered as in the aforementioned embodiments. Orifice 304 includes a plurality of surfaces adjacent to valve seat 330, these surfaces being angled relative to each other. In other words, the plurality of adjacent surfaces define at least a portion of the inner surface of orifice 304.

[0104] In this embodiment, the hole 304 includes a first tapered portion 306 and a second tapered portion 307, which define at least a portion of the internal shape of the hole 304. The first tapered portion 306 is located at the distal end of the hole 304, and the second tapered portion 307 is located at the proximal end of the hole 304. The first tapered portion 306 and the second tapered portion 307 are arranged coaxially with each other and coaxially with the displacement axis D.

[0105] The first tapered portion 306 has a first diameter at its widest point and a second diameter at its narrowest point. The second tapered portion 307 has a third diameter at its widest point and a fourth diameter at its narrowest point.

[0106] Typically, the third and fourth diameters can be smaller than the first and second diameters, respectively. In some embodiments, the second and third diameters can be equal, allowing the first tapered portion 306 to transition continuously into the second tapered portion 307. In other words, when the second and third diameters are equal, the diameter of the inner surface of the hole can transition from the first tapered portion 306 to the second tapered portion 307 without discontinuous, discrete, or gradual changes.

[0107] The first tapered section is a conical tapered section. The second tapered section is a conical tapered section. The first diameter can be between 9.5 mm and 10 mm. The first diameter can be between 9.8 mm and 10 mm. The first diameter can be 9.9 mm.

[0108] The second diameter can be between 7 mm and 9.5 mm. The second diameter can be between 9.3 mm and 9.5 mm. The second diameter can be 9.4 mm.

[0109] The third diameter can be between 6.5 mm and 7 mm. The third diameter can be between 6.6 mm and 6.9 mm. The third diameter can be 6.7 mm.

[0110] The fourth diameter can be between 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm. The fourth diameter can be between 5.9 mm and 6.1 mm. The fourth diameter can be 6 mm.

[0111] The inclination of the second tapered portion 307 relative to the displacement axis D is steeper than the inclination of the first tapered portion 306 relative to the displacement axis D. In other words, the rate of change of the diameter of the second tapered portion 307 over its length is greater than the rate of change of the diameter of the first tapered portion 306 over its length. In some embodiments, the inclination may be linear. In some embodiments, one or more inclinations may be nonlinear.

[0112] Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment operates similarly to the embodiment shown in the preceding figures. As the valve member 320'' shifts from the closed position to the open position, the outer diameter of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 transitions from being defined by the second tapered portion 307 to being defined by the first tapered portion 306. Because the second tapered portion 307 has a steeper inclination than the first tapered portion 306, the rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 is initially greater when the valve member 320'' initially shifts. Then, as the valve member 320'' shifts further to a position adjacent to the first tapered portion 306, the rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 305 decreases.

[0113] Of course, it should be understood that some embodiments of the present invention may include Figures 4A to 4C The tapered portion of the implementation method and Figure 6 The tapering portion.

[0114] The valve component in any of the embodiments described herein can be displaced by up to 0.5 mm. The first displacement range can be between 0 mm and 0.2 mm. The second displacement range can be at least 0.2 mm and can be between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0115] The initial rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be 4 mm. 2 / mm and 6 mm 2 The initial rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be between 4.024 mm / s.2 / mm and 5.989 mm 2 Between / mm.

[0116] The second rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be 0.5 mm. 2 / mm and 2.5 mm 2 The second rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path can be between 1.017 mm / s. 2 / mm and 2.027 mm 2 Between / mm.

[0117] All embodiments of the present invention introduce breathing gas into the mask more rapidly, immediately after the inhalation begins. By increasing the rate of breathing gas introduction during this phase, the likelihood of the pressure inside the mask dropping below ambient pressure is greatly reduced.

[0118] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and alternative embodiments may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flow valve (300) for a lung demand regulator (100) for controlling the flow rate of respiratory gas through the lung demand regulator (100), said flow valve (300) comprising: Valve components (320, 320', 320'') are configured to shift between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the valve components (320, 320', 320'') seal against the valve seat (330) of the flow valve (300), and in the open position, a breathing gas flow path (305) is provided between the valve components (320, 320', 320'') and the valve seat (330); The valve member (320, 320', 320'') and / or the valve seat (330) are shaped such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) increases at a first rate during the displacement of the valve member (320, 320', 320'') relative to the valve seat (330) within a first displacement range, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) increases at a second rate during the displacement of the valve member (320, 320', 320'') relative to the valve seat (330) within a second displacement range, the first rate being different from the second rate.

2. The flow valve (300) according to claim 1, wherein, The valve component (320, 320') includes an outer surface, which includes a first tapered portion (321, 321') and a second tapered portion (322, 322'), which are arranged coaxially.

3. The flow valve (300) according to claim 2, wherein, The first tapered portion (321, 321') is a tapered tapered portion having a first diameter at its widest point and a second diameter at its narrowest point, and the second tapered portion (322, 322') is a tapered tapered portion having a third diameter at its widest point and a fourth diameter at its narrowest point. Optionally, the first diameter is between 9.5 mm and 10 mm, the second diameter is between 7 mm and 9.5 mm, the third diameter is between 6.5 mm and 7 mm, and the fourth diameter is between 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm.

4. The flow valve (300) according to claim 3, wherein, The second diameter and the third diameter are equal, such that the first tapered portion (321, 321') transitions continuously to the second tapered portion (322, 322').

5. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first tapered portion (321, 321') has a first inclination relative to the displacement axis of the valve member (320, 320'), and the second tapered portion (322, 322') has a second inclination relative to the displacement axis of the valve member (320, 320'), wherein the first inclination is steeper than the second inclination.

6. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) is defined as an annular region extending radially between the outer surface of the valve member (320, 320') and the valve seat (330), the outer diameter of the annular region being equal to the inner diameter of the valve seat (330) and the inner diameter of the annular region being equal to the outer diameter of the valve member (320, 320').

7. The flow valve (300) according to claim 6, wherein, The inner diameter of the annular region changes according to the displacement of the valve components (320, 320') to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305).

8. The flow valve (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The distal end of the valve member (320, 320') includes a chamfered edge, optionally wherein the chamfered edge has a chamfer radius between 4 mm and 6 mm.

9. The flow valve (300) according to claim 1 further includes a valve hole (304), wherein the valve seat (330) is disposed in the valve hole, the valve hole (304) includes an inner surface, the inner surface includes a first tapered portion (306) and a second tapered portion (307), the first tapered portion (306) and the second tapered portion (307) being arranged coaxially.

10. The flow valve (300) according to claim 9, wherein, The first tapered portion (306) is a tapered portion having a first diameter at its widest point and a second diameter at its narrowest point, and the second tapered portion (307) is a tapered portion having a third diameter at its widest point and a fourth diameter at its narrowest point. Optionally, the first diameter is between 9.5 mm and 10 mm, the second diameter is between 7 mm and 9.5 mm, the third diameter is between 6.5 mm and 7 mm, and the fourth diameter is between 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm.

11. The flow valve (300) according to claim 10, wherein, The second diameter and the third diameter are equal, such that the first tapered portion (306) transitions continuously to the second tapered portion (307).

12. The flow valve (300) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The first tapered portion (306) has a first inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve seat (330), and the second tapered portion (307) has a second inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve seat (330), the second inclination being steeper than the first inclination.

13. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) is defined as an annular region extending radially between the inner surface of the valve orifice (304) and the outer surface of the valve member (320''), the outer diameter of the annular region being equal to the inner diameter of the valve seat (330) and the inner diameter of the annular region being equal to the outer diameter of the valve member (320'').

14. The flow valve (300) according to claim 13, wherein, The outer diameter of the annular region varies according to the displacement of the valve member (320'') relative to the valve seat (330) to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305).

15. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein, The outer diameter of the cross-sectional area varies between 10.5 mm and 11.5 mm, and the inner diameter of the cross-sectional area varies between 9 mm and 9.5 mm.

16. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein, The valve components (320, 320', 320'') are configured to shift between a 0 mm displacement when the valve components (320, 320', 320'') are in the closed position and a 0.5 mm displacement when the valve components (320, 320', 320'') are in the open position.

17. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein, The first rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) is 4 mm. 2 / mm and 6 mm 2 The second rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) is between 1 mm and 1 mm. 2 / mm and 2 mm 2 Between / mm.

18. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein, The first rate of increase of the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) is greater than the second rate of increase of the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305).

19. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein, The first tapered portion (306, 321') and / or the second tapered portion (307, 322') include a flat tapered surface.

20. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein, The first tapered portion (306, 321') and / or the second tapered portion (307, 322') include a curved tapered surface, optionally a concave tapered surface.

21. The flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 18 and 20, wherein, The first tapered portion (306, 321, 321') and the second tapered portion (307, 322, 322') each include a concave tapered surface, such that the rate of increase of the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) changes continuously with the displacement of the valve member (320, 320', 320'') relative to the valve seat (330).

22. The flow valve (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing, the housing including a hole (304), wherein, The valve components (320, 320', 320'') are arranged within the bore (304), and wherein the valve components (320, 320', 320'') are configured to move axially within the bore (304) relative to the cylindrical housing (302).

23. A lung-type demand regulator (100), comprising: Flow valve (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 22; A diaphragm (102) is exposed to ambient pressure on a first side and to the internal chamber of the lung-type demand regulator (100) on a second side, the diaphragm (102) being configured to flex according to the pressure difference between the first side and the second side; as well as A flow regulating mechanism, coupled to the diaphragm (102) and configured to actuate the flow valve (300) by displacing the valve members (320, 320', 320'') relative to the valve seat (330) in response to the flexure of the diaphragm (102) when the pressure in the internal chamber drops below the ambient pressure. The greater deflection of the diaphragm (102) causes a greater displacement of the valve components (320, 320', 320''); and Optionally, among them, When the differential pressure drops below a threshold, the valve components (320, 320', 320'') are biased to return to the closed position.

24. The lung-type demand regulator (100) according to claim 23, wherein, The pressure difference between 150 Pa and 200 Pa causes displacement of the valve components (320, 320', 320''), such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) is defined by at least the first tapered portion (306, 321, 321'), and the pressure difference of at least 200 Pa causes displacement of the valve components (320, 320', 320''), such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathing gas flow path (305) is defined by at least the second tapered portion (307, 322, 322').

25. A breathing device (10) comprising a flow valve (300) according to claims 1 to 22 or a lung demand regulator (100) according to claim 23 or 24.

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