Flexible damper hinge, humidifier, and ventilation therapy device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of ventilation therapy equipment, and discloses a flexible damping hinge, a humidifier, and a ventilation therapy device. The flexible damping hinge includes a first connecting seat (1) and a second connecting seat (2) that are rotatably connected to each other. One end of the first connecting seat (1) along the axial direction is formed with a mounting groove (11), and a flexible damping element (3) is provided in the mounting groove (11). The second connecting seat (2) pivotally engages with the mounting groove (11) and axially compresses the flexible damping element (3) to generate a damping force that prevents the first connecting seat (1) and the second connecting seat (2) from rotating relative to each other. This flexible damping hinge can maintain a stable damping effect even after long-term use. When applied to the humidifier of a ventilation therapy device, it allows the upper shell (10) of the water tank to slowly rotate towards the closed position, which is more conducive to ensuring safety and patient health.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to ventilation therapy equipment, specifically to a flexible damping hinge that can be used in a humidifier. Furthermore, this utility model also relates to a humidifier having the flexible damping hinge and a ventilation therapy device including the humidifier. Background Technology

[0002] Hinges are common mechanical devices used in various industrial products to connect two parts and allow them to rotate relative to each other. In ventilation therapy equipment, such as ventilators, the upper and lower shells of a humidifier (humidification tank, commonly referred to as a "water tank") are typically connected by a pivot to allow the addition of a humidifying liquid, such as water, when the upper shell is fastened to the lower shell. However, when the upper shell is fastened to the lower shell, the upper shell tilts downwards due to gravity, which can easily strike the operator's fingers, making it inconvenient to use.

[0003] To address this, some humidifiers employ a partially interference-fit shaft, which generates rotational damping through rigid compression deformation of the shaft. However, this method is prone to wear and tear, which can cause the damping function to fail. Furthermore, during use, the relative rotation of components can generate dust due to friction. This dust can easily enter the humidifier's interior or the air passage, which is detrimental to the patient's health. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems existing in the prior art, such as the inconvenience and unreliability of applying rotational damping to the rotation of components in the pivot connection structure of a humidifier, and to provide a flexible damping hinge. This flexible damping hinge can maintain a good damping effect after long-term use and can effectively reduce or eliminate frictional dust generated by the relative rotation of components, thereby improving the safety of ventilation therapy equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a flexible damping hinge, including a first connecting seat and a second connecting seat that are rotatably connected to each other. One end of the first connecting seat along the axial direction is formed with a mounting groove, and a flexible damping element is provided in the mounting groove. The second connecting seat is pivotally engaged with the mounting groove and axially presses the flexible damping element to generate a damping force that prevents the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat from rotating relative to each other.

[0006] Preferably, the mounting groove is annular and surrounds the relative rotation axis of the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat, and the flexible damping element is formed as an annular element installed in the mounting groove.

[0007] Preferably, in the initial state before being compressed, the cross-section of the flexible damping element is circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular.

[0008] Preferably, in the assembled state, the axial deformation m of the flexible damping element satisfies 0.1mm≤m≤10mm.

[0009] Preferably, the flexible damping element is detachably clamped within the axial space between the second connecting seat and the mounting groove, or the flexible damping element is integrally injection molded with the first connecting seat.

[0010] Preferably, the flexible damping hinge includes a first connecting seat and a second connecting seat arranged in pairs at intervals from each other, wherein the opposite or opposite ends of the first connecting seat are respectively formed with the mounting groove, and the opposite or opposite ends of the second connecting seat are respectively formed with the extrusion protrusion that pivotally engages with the mounting groove.

[0011] Preferably, at least one of the axial ends of the first connector is formed with a wedge-shaped end face, which is located at the same end of the first connector as the mounting groove and is inclined relative to the relative rotation axis of the first and second connectors, so as to allow the first connector to move relative to the second connector in an assembly position under the guidance of the wedge-shaped end face by applying pressure to the first connector in a direction perpendicular to the relative rotation axis, until the extrusion protrusion and the mounting groove are axially aligned with each other.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible damping hinge further includes a first limiting rib and a second limiting rib for defining the extreme relative rotational position of the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat, wherein when the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to each other to the extreme relative rotational position, the first limiting rib and the second limiting rib abut against each other.

[0013] A second aspect of this utility model provides a humidifier, including an upper shell of a water tank and a lower shell of a water tank. A water tank air passage assembly is installed inside the upper shell of the water tank. The upper shell of the water tank is pivotally connected to the lower shell of the water tank via the aforementioned flexible damping hinge. One of the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat is formed in the upper shell of the water tank, and the other is formed in the lower shell of the water tank.

[0014] A third aspect of this utility model provides a ventilation therapy device, including the aforementioned humidifier.

[0015] Through the above technical solution, the flexible damping hinge of this utility model forms a mounting groove with a flexible damping element at one axial end of the first connecting seat, and generates rotational damping by axially pressing the flexible damping element with the second connecting seat. This allows it to maintain good axial pressing action and stable damping effect even after prolonged use. Compared to the prior art that uses rigid compression deformation to generate rotational damping, the flexible damping element can easily generate elastic deformation, effectively preventing frictional dust generated by the relative rotation of the first and second connecting seats. When applied to the humidifier of a ventilation therapy device, this flexible damping hinge allows the upper shell of the water tank to slowly rotate towards the closed position, which is more conducive to ensuring safety and patient health. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a humidifier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of the humidifier in the picture; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The AA cross-sectional view shows the cross-sectional structure of a flexible damping hinge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part I in the image; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The left view of the humidifier in the picture, with the upper shell of the water tank in the open position; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 BB cross-sectional view; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of part II in the image; Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the upper shell of the water tank in a humidifier; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A front view of the upper shell of the water tank, in which flexible damping elements are installed or formed; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 CC section view; Figures 11a to 11d Cross-sectional views of silicone damping rings with different cross-sectional shapes are shown respectively; Figure 12 This is a 3D view of the lower shell of the humidifier's water tank.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10 - Upper shell of water tank; 20 - Lower shell of water tank; 30 - Water tank air circuit assembly; 1-First connecting seat; 11-Mounting groove; 12-First limiting rib; 13-Wedge-shaped end face; 2-Second connecting seat; 21-Extrusion protrusion; 22-Second limiting rib; 3- Flexible damping element. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0019] In this utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" generally refer to the upper, lower, left, and right as shown in the accompanying drawings; "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0020] Reference Figures 1 to 7 As shown, one aspect of this utility model provides a humidifier for ventilation therapy equipment (such as a ventilator, high-flow humidified oxygen therapy device, etc.), which can be installed on the main unit of the ventilation therapy equipment to humidify the airflow generated by the fan and supply it to the patient. The humidifier includes an upper water tank shell 10 and a lower water tank shell 20. The upper water tank shell 10 can be equipped with a water tank air passage assembly 30 for connecting to the fan outlet and the breathing tubing interface, respectively. The lower water tank shell 20 has a receiving space for containing humidifying liquid (such as water). Thus, the airflow generated by the fan can enter the humidifier through the air inlet channel of the water tank air passage assembly 30, and after contacting and being moistened by the humidifying liquid therein, it is delivered to the breathing tubing interface through the air outlet channel of the water tank air passage assembly 30, and then delivered to the patient interface through the breathing tubing connected to the breathing tubing interface for the patient to inhale.

[0021] The upper shell 10 of the water tank is pivotally connected to the lower shell 20 of the water tank via a flexible damping hinge provided in another aspect of this invention, allowing the upper shell 10 to rotate relative to the lower shell 20 between an open and closed state. The flexible damping hinge provided by this invention will be described exemplarily below based on the application of the upper shell 10 and lower shell 20 of the water tank to a humidifier.

[0022] Combination Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figures 8 to 12As shown, the flexible damping hinge includes a first connecting seat 1 and a second connecting seat 2 that are rotatably connected to each other. The first connecting seat 1 is formed on the upper shell 10 of the water tank, and the second connecting seat 2 is formed on the lower shell 20 of the water tank. It is understood that due to the structural interchangeability between the mating components caused by relative movement, the following description of either the first connecting seat 1 or the second connecting seat 2 can be applied to the other; that is, the first connecting seat 1 can be formed on the lower shell 20 of the water tank, and the second connecting seat 2 can be formed on the upper shell 10 of the water tank. Thus, through the rotatably connected first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2, the upper shell 10 of the water tank can rotate relative to the lower shell 20 between an open state and a closed state to open or close the receiving space for containing the humidifying liquid.

[0023] Specifically, a mounting groove 11 is formed at one end of the first connecting seat 1 along the axial direction (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 10 The mounting groove 11 is equipped with a flexible damping element 3; the second connecting seat 2 is pivotally engaged with the mounting groove 11 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first connecting seat 1 is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat 2. The second connecting seat 2 is connected as an axially compressed flexible damping element 3 to generate a damping force that prevents relative rotation between the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2. Typically, as in the preferred embodiment described below, the flexible damping hinge includes a pair of first connecting seats 1, with the second connecting seat 2 rotatably connected to a corresponding first connecting seat 1 at each end; or, the flexible damping hinge includes a pair of second connecting seats 2 rotatably connected to a corresponding first connecting seat 1. In this case, the flexible damping element 3 can be provided in only one of the first connecting seats 1 to generate a damping force preventing relative rotation at the connection point between the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2. Alternatively, the pair of first connecting seats 1 can both contain flexible damping elements 3 to generate rotational damping at both ends. Furthermore, in the mounting groove 11 of the first connecting seat 1, the flexible damping element 3 can be used individually or multiple flexible damping elements 3 can be axially stacked.

[0024] It should be noted that, for clarity, the relative orientation is represented here and below by the relative rotation axis of the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2, where "axial" refers to the direction of extension of this relative rotation axis. Through the above arrangement, in the assembled state, the second connecting seat 2 applies an axial positive pressure to the flexible damping element 3 within the mounting groove 11, causing the flexible damping element 3 to undergo a certain degree of elastic deformation. Thus, when the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2 are driven to rotate relative to each other, the flexible damping element 3 generates a damping force that prevents their relative rotation, avoiding inertial dive due to gravity. Compared to the prior art's method of generating rotational damping through rigid compression deformation, the flexible damping element 3 can easily generate elastic deformation, thus maintaining good axial compression and stable damping effect even after prolonged use, and effectively preventing frictional powder from being generated during the relative rotation of the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2. When applied to a humidifier in a ventilation therapy device, this flexible damping hinge allows the water tank upper shell 10 to slowly rotate towards the closed position, further ensuring safety and patient health.

[0025] Based on the above, the flexible damping hinge of this invention utilizes axial normal pressure to generate rotational damping. This can be achieved by appropriately setting the compression deformation of the flexible damping element 3, thus minimizing the adverse effects on the smoothness of relative rotation while ensuring a suitable damping effect. Furthermore, the damping effect is also affected by factors such as the shape of the flexible damping element 3. For example, when the second connecting seat 2 is pivotally engaged with the first connecting seat 1 via a pivot, the torque preventing relative rotation has a small lever arm, and the contact area between the second connecting seat 2 and the flexible damping element 3 is also relatively small, making it difficult to allow the upper shell of the water tank to rotate slowly. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the flexible damping hinge of this invention, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the mounting groove 11 formed on the first connecting seat 1 is annular and surrounds the relative rotation axis of the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2. Accordingly, the flexible damping element 3 can be configured as annular, such as a silicone damping ring or a rubber damping ring, which facilitates the generation of an appropriate damping effect. The flexible damping element 3 is selected as a silicone damping ring, which also has the advantages of good wear resistance and strong temperature adaptability, and can effectively reduce solid particles generated by friction, making the flexible damping hinge of this utility model particularly suitable for humidifiers in ventilation therapy equipment.

[0026] Silicone damping rings can be formed into a variety of suitable shapes. Figures 11a to 11d Various silicone damping rings with different cross-sectional shapes are shown. Figure 11a The silicone damping ring shown has a circular cross-sectional shape, and its cross-sectional diameter D can be set to, for example, 0.3mm ≤ D ≤ 10mm. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the silicone damping ring can be rectangular (including square), trapezoidal, or triangular, etc. Figure 11b The flexible damping element shown is annular and has a rectangular cross-section; Figure 11c The flexible damping element shown is annular and has a trapezoidal cross-section; Figure 11d The flexible damping element shown is ring-shaped with a triangular cross-section. As mentioned above, the damping effect is affected by factors such as the shape of the flexible damping element 3. Specifically, the contact area between the flexible damping element 3 and the first connecting seat 1 and / or the second connecting seat 2 in the assembled state affects the magnitude of the damping force that can be generated. Therefore, a silicone damping ring with an appropriate cross-sectional shape can be selected as needed, and its size can be adjusted. For example, when greater damping is required, a silicone damping ring with a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape can be selected to have a larger contact area with the first connecting seat 1 and / or the second connecting seat 2. For annular flexible damping elements with a trapezoidal cross-section, the length of the base W, the length of the top L, and the height H of the cross-section can be selected from the following ranges: 0.3mm≤W≤10mm, 0.3mm≤L≤10mm, and 0.3mm≤H≤10mm. Similarly, for annular flexible damping elements with a rectangular cross-section, the length of the top L and the height H of the cross-section can be selected from the following ranges: 0.3mm≤L≤10mm and 0.3mm≤H≤10mm. For annular flexible damping elements with a triangular cross-section, the length of the base W and the height H of the cross-section can be selected from the following ranges: 0.3mm≤W≤10mm and 0.3mm≤H≤10mm.

[0027] Furthermore, the deformation of the flexible damping element 3 can be set according to damping requirements. For example, in the assembled state, the axial deformation m of the flexible damping element 3 can be 0.1mm ≤ m ≤ 10mm. The deformation of the flexible damping element 3 is determined by the dimensions of the flexible damping element 3, the relevant dimensions of the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2 (such as the depth of the mounting groove 11), etc.

[0028] Typically, the flexible damping element 3 can be manufactured independently and detachably clamped within the axial space between the second connecting seat 2 and the mounting groove 11. This allows for replacement of the flexible damping element after a predetermined service life, maintaining its deformation and damping performance. Furthermore, depending on the required damping magnitude, different sizes, shapes, or quantities of flexible damping elements can be selected for replacement. In other preferred embodiments, the flexible damping element 3 can also be integrally injection molded with the rigid plastic portion of the first connecting seat 1 using a two-color injection molding and overmolding process.

[0029] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 12As shown, the flexible damping hinge of this utility model may include a first connecting seat 1 and a second connecting seat 2 arranged in pairs at intervals. The opposing ends of the two first connecting seats 1 are respectively formed with mounting grooves 11, and the opposing ends of the two second connecting seats 2 are respectively formed with pressing protrusions 21. These pressing protrusions 21 are at least partially embedded in the corresponding mounting grooves 11, forming a pivotal engagement with the mounting grooves 11, and axially pressing the flexible damping element 3 (see [reference]) disposed within the mounting grooves 11. Figure 4 With the first connecting seat 1 formed on the upper shell 10 of the water tank and the second connecting seat 2 formed on the lower shell 20 of the water tank, this arrangement prevents the flexible damping element 3 from being blocked by the second connecting seat 2. This prevents small friction particles generated during relative movement from entering the humidifier or the air passage. The flexible damping hinge achieves a bidirectional damping effect through pressure applied to both ends with hard rubber.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the flexible damping hinge may be configured such that mounting grooves 11 are formed at opposite ends of the two first connecting seats 1, and pressing protrusions 21 are formed at opposite ends of the two second connecting seats 2. The pressing protrusions 21 are at least partially embedded in the corresponding mounting grooves 11, forming a pivotal engagement with the mounting grooves 11, and axially pressing the flexible damping element 3 disposed in the mounting grooves 11.

[0031] Based on the form and layout of the pivot that enables the rotatable connection between the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2, the flexible damping hinge can be installed in any form.

[0032] Furthermore, to facilitate assembly, at least one axial end of the first connecting seat 1 with the mounting groove 11 may have a wedge-shaped end face 13, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the wedge-shaped end face 13 is inclined relative to the relative rotation axis of the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2, allowing the first connecting seat 1 to move relative to the second connecting seat 2 by applying pressure to the first connecting seat 1 in a direction perpendicular to the relative rotation axis, until it reaches the assembly position where the extrusion protrusion 21 and the mounting groove 11 are axially aligned with each other. Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, when the upper shell 10 of the water tank is placed in a position that is generally closed, due to the formation of the wedge-shaped end face 13, the thinner (axial) portion of the first connecting seat 1 is first placed across the second connecting seat 2, and then the upper shell 10 of the water tank is pressed towards the lower shell 20 of the water tank, so that the extrusion protrusion 21 and the mounting groove 11 are axially aligned with each other, and the assembly operation is completed.

[0033] like Figures 6 to 8 and Figure 12The flexible damping hinge may also include a first limiting rib 12 formed between the two first connecting seats 1 and a second limiting rib 22 formed on the second connecting seat 2, to limit the extreme relative rotational positions of the first connecting seats 1 and the second connecting seats 2, that is, to limit the maximum rotation angle α of the upper shell 10 of the water tank relative to the lower shell 20 of the water tank. Figure 7 As shown, when the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 2 rotate relative to each other to the limit relative rotation position, the first limiting rib 12 and the second limiting rib 22 abut against each other.

[0034] This utility model also provides a ventilation therapy device including the above-mentioned humidifier.

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, including combinations of various specific technical features in any suitable manner. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately. However, these simple modifications and combinations should also be considered as the content disclosed in the present invention and are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible damping hinge, comprising a first connecting seat (1) and a second connecting seat (2) rotatably connected to each other, characterized in that, The first connecting seat (1) has an axially oriented mounting groove (11) at one end, and a flexible damping element (3) is provided in the mounting groove (11). The second connecting seat (2) pivotally engages with the mounting groove (11) and axially presses the flexible damping element (3) to generate a damping force that prevents the first connecting seat (1) and the second connecting seat (2) from rotating relative to each other.

2. The flexible damping hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting groove (11) is annular and surrounds the relative rotation axis of the first connecting seat (1) and the second connecting seat (2), and the flexible damping element (3) is formed as an annular element installed in the mounting groove (11).

3. The flexible damping hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that, In its initial, uncompressed state, the cross-section of the flexible damping element (3) includes a circle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, or a triangle.

4. The flexible damping hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the assembled state, the axial deformation m of the flexible damping element (3) satisfies 0.1mm≤m≤10mm.

5. The flexible damping hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible damping element (3) is detachably clamped in the axial space between the second connecting seat (2) and the mounting groove (11), or the flexible damping element (3) is integrally injection molded with the first connecting seat (1).

6. The flexible damping hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The flexible damping hinge includes a first connecting seat (1) and a second connecting seat (2) arranged in pairs at intervals from each other. The first connecting seat (1) has a mounting groove (11) formed at one end opposite to or away from each other, and the second connecting seat (2) has a pressing protrusion (21) formed at one end opposite to or opposite to each other, which pivotally engages with the mounting groove (11).

7. The flexible damping hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the first connecting seats (1) has a wedge-shaped end face (13) formed at its axial end. The wedge-shaped end face (13) and the mounting groove (11) are located at the same end of the first connecting seat (1) and are inclined relative to the relative rotation axis of the first connecting seat (1) and the second connecting seat (2) to allow the first connecting seat (1) to move relative to the second connecting seat (2) to the assembly position under the guidance of the wedge-shaped end face (13) by applying pressure to the first connecting seat (1) in a direction perpendicular to the relative rotation axis until the extrusion protrusion (21) and the mounting groove (11) are axially aligned with each other.

8. The flexible damping hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The flexible damping hinge also includes a first limiting rib (12) and a second limiting rib (22) for defining the extreme relative rotational position of the first connecting seat (1) and the second connecting seat (2). When the first connecting seat (1) and the second connecting seat (2) rotate relative to each other to the extreme relative rotational position, the first limiting rib (12) and the second limiting rib (22) abut against each other.

9. A humidifier, comprising an upper water tank shell (10) and a lower water tank shell (20), wherein a water tank air passage assembly (30) is installed inside the upper water tank shell (10), characterized in that, The upper shell (10) of the water tank is pivotally connected to the lower shell (20) of the water tank by a flexible damping hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one of the first connecting seat (1) and the second connecting seat (2) is formed on the upper shell (10) of the water tank and the other is formed on the lower shell (20).

10. A ventilation therapy device, characterized in that, Including the humidifier according to claim 9.

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