Medical device

Abstract

To provide a medical device capable of executing excellent heat radiation.SOLUTION: A medical device includes a first blower for generating an air flow to be sent to a patient's airway, a flow path case in which a flow path of the air flow is formed, a circuit board provided above the flow path case, an AC / DC adapter provided below the flow path case, a second blower provided below the flow path case for cooling the AC / DC adapter, a housing case for housing the first blower, the flow path case, the AC / DC adapter and the second blower, and at least two openings for communicating an upper space and a lower space of the housing case separated by the flow path case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to medical devices, such as devices for treating sleep apnea syndrome. [Background technology]

[0002] Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a condition in which breathing stops (apnea) or breathing becomes weak (hypopnea) intermittently and repeatedly during sleep. Patients with sleep apnea syndrome are unable to get enough sleep, which can lead to daytime sleepiness, impaired concentration, and serious accidents caused by drowsy driving. Most patients with sleep apnea syndrome also have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when muscle tone decreases during inhalation, narrowing the upper airway.

[0003] Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may be given continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which is a treatment that prevents apnea while the patient sleeps by continuously sending air into the patient's airway to open it.

[0004] Conventionally, devices that perform CPAP therapy are called sleep apnea syndrome treatment devices or CPAP devices. In this specification, devices that perform CPAP therapy will be referred to as CPAP devices. CPAP devices are described in Patent Document 1, etc.

[0005] A CPAP device has a blower, a flow sensor, a control unit, etc., and is configured to generate an airflow suitable for widening a patient's airway. As described in Patent Document 1, some CPAP devices have a water tank and humidify the airflow sent to the patient to prevent the patient's airway from drying out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-071739 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Incidentally, electronic devices that use external power sources are designed to receive power via an AC / DC adapter (also known as an AC / DC converter or power adapter) that converts AC power (commercial power) into DC power. Conventionally, AC / DC adapters have often been installed externally to the device, attached to a power cord.

[0008] However, AC / DC adapters are a nuisance and take up space, especially in medical equipment where patients and medical staff are often located close to the device.

[0009] One solution to this problem is to incorporate an AC / DC adapter, but since AC / DC converters generate a lot of heat, heat dissipation measures are necessary. However, medical devices such as CPAP devices do not have an adequate heat dissipation structure.

[0010] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and provides a medical device that is capable of good heat dissipation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the medical device of the present disclosure is a first blower for generating an airflow to be delivered to the patient's airway; a flow path case in which a flow path for the air flow is formed; a circuit board provided above the flow path case; an AC / DC adapter provided below the flow path case; a second fan provided below the flow path case and configured to cool the AC / DC adapter; a housing case that houses the first fan, the flow path case, the AC / DC adapter, and the second fan; at least two openings communicating an upper space and a lower space of the storage case separated by the flow path case; It has. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a medical device that can perform good heat dissipation even when an AC / DC adapter is built in. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Diagram showing a patient with a CPAP device attached [Figure 2A] A perspective view of a CPAP device seen from diagonally above [Figure 2B] A perspective view of a CPAP device seen from diagonally above [Figure 3] CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing air flow paths [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CPAP device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the housing case and the flow path case. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the circulation path of the air from the fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <1> Configuration of the CPAP device according to the embodiment 1, a CPAP device 100 is connected via a tube 20 to a mask 10 worn on the face of a patient 1 suffering from sleep apnea syndrome, and sends a positive pressure airflow to the upper airway of the patient 1 to expand the upper airway. In this embodiment, the CPAP device 100 represents the CPAP device main body, and the CPAP device is configured to include the CPAP device 100 as the CPAP device main body, the mask 10, and the tube 20.

[0016] 2A and 2B are perspective views of the CPAP device 100 viewed from diagonally above. Here, the +Z direction in the figures indicates the upward direction of the CPAP device 100, and the -Z direction indicates the downward direction of the CPAP device 100. The +Y direction indicates the forward direction of the CPAP device 100, and the -Y direction indicates the backward direction of the CPAP device 100. The +X direction indicates the leftward direction of the CPAP device 100, and the -X direction indicates the leftward direction of the CPAP device 100.

[0017] As can be seen in Figure 2A, a tube connector 112 to which a tube 20 (Figure 1) is connected protrudes from the front side of the storage case 110 of the CPAP device 100. An operation panel 111 is provided on the top of the storage case 110. The operation panel 111 is provided with an operation input unit 111a including operation buttons and the like, and a display unit 111b.

[0018] 2B, the rear side of the storage case 110 is provided with an air intake 113 and a power connector 114. AC power is input to the power connector 114 via a power cable. In addition, a water tank 151 is removably attached to the side of the storage case 110.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the CPAP device 100 of the present embodiment.

[0020] The CPAP device 100 mainly comprises a housing case 110, a circuit board 120, a flow path case 130, and a base unit 150.

[0021] The housing case 110 has a rectangular cylindrical shape, and is coupled to the base portion 150 from above to house the circuit board 120, the flow path case 130, and the like.

[0022] A CPU (Central Processing Unit), various driver circuits, etc. are provided on the circuit board 120. In addition, in this embodiment, an acceleration sensor 121 is provided on the circuit board 120.

[0023] The flow path case 130 is configured by fitting a lower case 130a and an upper case 130b together. A blower 131 serving as a first air blower is disposed inside the flow path case 130. A flow path 132 through which the air generated by the blower 131 passes is formed inside the flow path case 130.

[0024] A removable water tank 151 is disposed on the base 150. An air inlet 152a and an air outlet 152b are formed in a lid 152 of the water tank 151. The air inlet 152a communicates with the flow path 132 in the flow path case 130. The air outlet 152b communicates with the tube connector 112.

[0025] As a result, the air flow (indicated by the arrow in the figure) generated by the blower 131 passes through the flow path 132 (Figure 3) of the flow path case 130, as can be seen from the schematic diagram of Figure 4, enters the water tank 151 through the air inlet 152a, is discharged from the water tank 151 through the air outlet 152b, and is supplied to the patient via the tube connector 112.

[0026] A heater 153 is provided on the underside of the water tank 151. The water in the water tank 151 is heated by the heater 153, and as a result, the inside of the water tank 151 is made highly humid. Therefore, the air flow supplied to the patient is humidified inside the water tank 151. This prevents the airway of the patient 1 from drying out due to the air flow.

[0027] In addition, an AC / DC adapter 154 is provided on the base 150. The AC / DC adapter 154 receives external AC power from a power cord (not shown) connected to the power connector 114 (FIG. 2B), converts the AC power into DC power, and supplies the converted DC power to the circuit board 120 and the like.

[0028] The multiple circuit components that make up the AC / DC adapter 154 are covered below and on both the left and right sides by a metallic shield member 155 that has a U-shaped cross section taken along the XZ plane. The shield member 155 extends in the Y direction. The shield member 155 is open at least at both longitudinal ends, and is a metallic shield member that surrounds the AC / DC adapter 154. A fan 156 that serves as a second blower and cools the AC / DC adapter 154 is provided at one end of the open shield member 155. The fan 156 is provided in a position facing the AC / DC adapter 153.

[0029] As a result, AC / DC adapter 154 is efficiently cooled by the airflow of fan 156 that flows inside shield member 155 in the extension direction of shield member 155. In addition, electromagnetic noise generated from AC / DC adapter 154 is shielded by shield member 155.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the CPAP device 100. Note that Fig. 5 mainly shows the configuration of the part that generates the airflow to be supplied to the patient 1, and does not include the AC / DC adapter 154, the fan 156, etc.

[0031] In addition to the blower 131, the flow path 132 of the CPAP device 100 is provided with a filter 161, a temperature sensor 162, a humidity sensor 163, a flow sensor 164, and a pressure sensor 165. A temperature sensor 166 is attached to the heater 153 that heats the water tank 151, and a weight sensor 167 is attached to the water tank 151.

[0032] Circuit board 120 is provided with an acceleration sensor 121, control unit 122, heating control unit 123, respiratory waveform analysis unit 124, communication unit 125, and memory unit 126. In other words, circuit components for realizing the functions of acceleration sensor 121, control unit 122, heating control unit 123, respiratory waveform analysis unit 124, communication unit 125, and memory unit 126 are mounted on circuit board 120. Specifically, circuit board 120 is a flexible board, a rigid board, or a rigid-flexible board on which circuit patterns and components are mounted.

[0033] The control unit 122, heating control unit 123, and respiratory waveform analysis unit 124 each include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM, loads it into the RAM, and works with the loaded program to realize the functions of the control unit 122, heating control unit 123, and respiratory waveform analysis unit 124. All or part of the control unit 122, heating control unit 123, and respiratory waveform analysis unit 124 may be formed using hardwired circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0034] When blower 131 operates, external air enters flow path 132 via intake port 113 and filter 161. The temperature and humidity of the air in flow path 132 are measured by temperature sensor 162 and humidity sensor 163, and the measured temperature and humidity are sent to heating control unit 123. Furthermore, heating control unit 123 receives as input a heating set value and a humidification set value (e.g., a target temperature and a target humidity) from operation input unit 111a, as well as temperature information of heater 153 from temperature sensor 166.

[0035] The heating control unit 123 controls the heater 153 based on information on the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature sensor 162 and the humidity sensor 163, heating and humidification set values ​​set by the user from the operation input unit 111a, and temperature information on the heater 153 from the temperature sensor 166. The heating control unit 123 controls the heater 153, for example, so that the temperature and humidity of the airflow supplied to the patient 1 approach the heating and humidification set values.

[0036] Furthermore, temperature information from a temperature sensor 168 provided in the tube 20 is input to the heating control unit 123. The heating control unit 123 controls a heater 169 provided in the tube 20 based on this temperature information, thereby suppressing condensation inside the tube 20.

[0037] The flow sensor 164 is a differential pressure sensor that measures the respiratory flow of the patient 1 and sends the measurement result to the respiratory waveform analysis unit 124. The respiratory waveform analysis unit 124 acquires the respiratory waveform of the patient 1 by analysis based on the respiratory flow and sends this respiratory waveform to the control unit 122 and the communication unit 125 as respiratory information.

[0038] Information about the pressure inside the flow path 132 measured by the pressure sensor 165 is sent to the control unit 122. In addition, pressure setting information (e.g., target pressure) is input from the operation input unit 111a to the control unit 122. The control unit 122 controls the pressure of the air flow supplied to the patient 1 by controlling the rotation of the blower 131 based on the pressure information measured by the pressure sensor 165, the respiratory information from the respiratory waveform analysis unit 124, and the pressure setting information from the operation input unit 111a set by the user.

[0039] Acceleration information (detected value) measured by acceleration sensor 121 is sent to control unit 122, communication unit 125, and storage unit 126.

[0040] Based on the acceleration information, the control unit 122 controls the operation of the CPAP device 100. Based on the acceleration information, the control unit 122 performs a fall determination, a tumble determination, an impact determination, a vibration determination, etc. of the CPAP device 100, and when it determines that the CPAP device 100 has fallen, tumbled, been impacted, or vibrated, the control unit 122 stops all or part of the operation of the CPAP device 100.

[0041] The communication unit 125 communicates with the external system 200. For example, respiratory information obtained by the respiratory waveform analysis unit 124 is transmitted to the external system 200 via the communication unit 125. This allows a medical professional located away from the CPAP device 100 to know that the patient 1 is experiencing apnea.

[0042] Furthermore, the acceleration obtained by the acceleration sensor 121, the determination results regarding the fall, toppling, impact, and vibration obtained by the control unit 122, and information regarding the operation stoppage performed by the control unit 122 are transmitted to the external system 200 via the communication unit 125. This allows the external system 200 to know the acceleration, fall, toppling, impact, vibration, and operation stoppage occurring in the CPAP device 100. As a result, if the external system 200 is a system server of a management company, this information can be used for maintenance work on the CPAP device 100.

[0043] <2> Heat dissipation structure Next, the heat dissipation structure in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the casing 110 and the flow path casing 130. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the CPAP device 100 taken along the XY plane at a position including the casing 110.

[0045] 6, the flow path case 130 is provided inside the storage case 110 so that the outer surface of the flow path case 130 is in close contact with the inner surface of the storage case 110 over almost the entire periphery. On the other hand, two recesses are formed in the flow path case 130 that are not in close contact with the inner surface of the storage case 110, and these two recesses form a first opening 171 and a second opening 172 that penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0046] In other words, the first and second openings 171 and 172 communicate with the upper and lower spaces of the casing 110, which are separated by the flow path case 130. In this embodiment, the first and second openings are formed near two side surfaces (the front and rear side surfaces in this embodiment) of the casing 110 that face each other with the circuit board 120 (FIG. 7) sandwiched therebetween.

[0047] 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the circulation path of the air from the fan 156. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the cooling air.

[0048] The bottom surface and left and right side surfaces of the AC / DC adapter 154 are surrounded by a metallic shielding member 155. As a result, electromagnetic noise generated from the AC / DC adapter 154 is shielded by the shielding member 155.

[0049] A fan 156 is disposed at one longitudinal end of the shield member 155, facing the AC / DC adapter 154. A first opening 171 is formed at a position corresponding to the other end of the shield member 155. In other words, the first opening 171 is formed downstream of the AC / DC adapter 154 with respect to the wind generated by the fan 156.

[0050] As a result, the airflow from fan 156 flows along the U-shaped groove surrounded by shield member 155, cooling AC / DC adapter 154. The airflow heated by cooling AC / DC adapter 154 is guided by shield member 155 to first opening 171 and then rises within first opening 171. At this time, the airflow passing through first opening 171 flows along casing 110, and thus the heat is dissipated to the outside.

[0051] The circulating air from which the heat has been dissipated then flows along the circuit board 120. At this time, if there is a heat-generating circuit on the circuit board 120, the circuit is cooled by the circulating air.

[0052] The circulating air then descends through second opening 172. At this time, the air passing through second opening 172 flows along accommodating case 110, and heat is dissipated to the outside. The circulating air from which the heat has been dissipated is then drawn into fan 156.

[0053] In this way, the circulating air heated by cooling the AC / DC adapter 154 is cooled by the first and second openings 171, 172, thereby preventing a large rise in temperature inside the CPAP device 100. In addition, the heat of the AC / DC adapter 154 is diffused inside the CPAP device 100 by the circulating air, preventing a local rise in temperature near the AC / DC adapter 154.

[0054] Furthermore, because the air heated by cooling the AC / DC adapter 154 is directed toward the inner surface of the storage case 110 rather than directly toward the flow path case 130, it is possible to prevent the airflow inside the flow path case 130 from becoming excessively heated. Here, in a CPAP device, it is necessary to control the temperature of the airflow supplied to the patient 1 to within a desired temperature. According to the heat dissipation structure of this embodiment, even if hot air is generated by cooling the AC / DC adapter 154, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the airflow from rising above the desired temperature due to this hot air.

[0055] <3> summary As described above, the CPAP device 100 of the embodiment has a first blower (blower 131) that generates an airflow to be sent into the airway of the patient 1, a flow path case 130 in which a flow path for the airflow is formed, a circuit board 120 provided above the flow path case 130, an AC / DC adapter 154 provided below the flow path case 130, a second blower (fan 156) that is provided below the flow path case 130 and cools the AC / DC adapter 154, a storage case 110 that accommodates the first blower (blower 131), the flow path case 130, the AC / DC adapter 154, and the second blower (fan 156), and at least two openings 171, 172 that communicate between the upper and lower spaces of the storage case 110 separated by the flow path case 130.

[0056] This makes it possible to realize a CPAP device 100 that can perform good heat dissipation even when the AC / DC adapter 154 is built in.

[0057] As described above, according to the CPAP device 100 of the present embodiment, the AC / DC adapter 154 can be built in after heat dissipation measures have been taken, so that a CPAP device with a neat exterior can be realized.

[0058] According to the CPAP device 100 of this embodiment, the internal heat can be efficiently dissipated to the outside, so that, for example, if a heat exhaust hole is formed in the housing case, the size of the heat exhaust hole can be reduced, or even if there is no heat exhaust hole, the temperature inside the housing case can be reduced to a predetermined value or lower. As a result, leakage of mechanical noise to the outside can be reduced, and waterproofness and electrical safety can be further improved.

[0059] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main characteristics thereof.

[0060] In addition to the above-described embodiment, a temperature sensor may be provided near the AC / DC adapter 154 or on the circuit board 120, and the rotation speed and on / off of the fan 156 may be controlled based on the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor.

[0061] Furthermore, if a heat-generating component is mounted on circuit board 120 at a position corresponding to the path of the circulating air of fan 156, the heat of the heat-generating component can be efficiently diffused and cooled.

[0062] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, two openings 171 and 172 are formed as openings that connect the upper space and lower space of the storage case 110 separated by the flow path case 130, but three or more openings that connect the upper space and lower space of the storage case 110 separated by the flow path case 130 may be formed.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the openings 171 and 172 are formed by forming recesses in the flow path case 130. However, the positions, shapes, and materials for forming the openings are not limited to this. For example, the openings may be formed by forming holes or grooves in the accommodating case 110. The openings may also be formed by forming holes or grooves in the flow path case 130. When forming holes or grooves in the flow path case 130, it is preferable to form them near the accommodating case 110 and along the accommodating case 110 in consideration of heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, the openings do not necessarily have to have a linear shape extending vertically, but may also have a linear shape extending diagonally vertically or a bent shape. In short, the openings may communicate between the upper and lower spaces of the accommodating case 110.

[0064] Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to CPAP devices, but can also be applied to other medical devices such as respiratory support devices, such as ASV (Adaptive Servo Ventilation) devices and NHF (Nasal High Flow) devices.

[0065] (1) One aspect of the medical device disclosed herein includes a first blower that generates an airflow to be sent into a patient's airway, a flow path case in which a flow path for the airflow is formed, a circuit board provided above the flow path case, an AC / DC adapter provided below the flow path case, a second blower that is provided below the flow path case and cools the AC / DC adapter, a storage case that houses the first blower, the flow path case, the AC / DC adapter, and the second blower, and at least two openings that communicate an upper space and a lower space of the storage case that are separated by the flow path case.

[0066] This allows circulation between the lower space and the upper space of the flow path case via at least two openings, thereby realizing a medical device that can dissipate heat well.

[0067] (2) In one aspect of the medical device of the present disclosure, in the above (1), the at least two openings are formed in or along the housing case.

[0068] This allows the heat inside the storage case to be easily dissipated to the outside of the storage case, improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0069] (3) In one aspect of the medical device of the present disclosure, in (1) or (2) above, the second blower is positioned opposite the AC / DC adapter, and the first of the at least two openings is formed downstream of the AC / DC adapter with respect to the wind generated by the second blower.

[0070] This allows the heat from the AC / DC adapter, which is the main source of heat, to be circulated efficiently, effectively suppressing temperature increases inside the storage case.

[0071] (4) In one aspect of the medical device of the present disclosure, in (1) above, the first and second openings of the at least two openings are formed near two side surfaces of the housing case that face each other with the circuit board sandwiched therebetween.

[0072] This allows the circulating air to pass through the circuit board via the opening, so that the heat of the circuit board can also be efficiently dissipated.

[0073] (5) In one aspect of the medical device of the present disclosure, in (1) above, the wind from the second blower that has passed through the AC / DC adapter passes from the lower side to the upper side of the flow path case through a first opening of the at least two openings, and the wind from the second blower that has passed through the first opening and the circuit board passes from the upper side to the lower side of the flow path case through a second opening of the at least two openings, so that the wind from the second blower circulates through the lower space and upper space of the flow path case through the first opening and the second opening.

[0074] (6) One aspect of the medical device of the present disclosure is (1) or (2) above, further comprising a metal shielding member that is open at least at both longitudinal ends and surrounds the AC / DC adapter, a second blower being disposed at one longitudinal end of the open shielding member, and a first of the two openings being formed at a position corresponding to the other open end.

[0075] As a result, electromagnetic noise generated from AC / DC adapter 154 is shielded by the shielding member, and heat generated by the AC / DC adapter is guided to the first opening by the shielding member. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The present disclosure is widely applicable to medical devices such as sleep apnea syndrome treatment devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 patient 10 Mask 20 tubes 100 CPAP machines 110 Storage Case 111 Operation Panel 112 Tube Connector 113 Air intake 114 Power Connector 120 Circuit Board 121 Accelerometer 130 Flow path case 131 Blower 132 Channel 150 Base 151 Aquarium 152 Lid 152a Air intake 152b Air outlet 153, 169 heater 154 AC / AD adapter 155 Shielding material 156 fans 122 Control Unit 123 Heating control unit 125 Communications Department 126 Storage section 171 First Opening 172 Second Opening

Claims

1. a first blower for generating an airflow to be delivered to the patient's airway; a flow path case in which a flow path for the air flow is formed; a circuit board provided above the flow path case; an AC / DC adapter provided below the flow path case; a second blower provided below the flow path case and configured to cool the AC / DC adapter; a housing case that houses the first fan, the flow path case, the AC / DC adapter, and the second fan; at least two openings communicating an upper space and a lower space of the storage case separated by the flow path case; A medical device having:

2. The at least two openings are formed in or along the housing. The medical device of claim 1.

3. the second blower is disposed at a position facing the AC / DC adapter, a first opening of the at least two openings is formed downstream of the AC / DC adapter with respect to the airflow generated by the second fan; 3. The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first and second openings of the at least two openings are formed near two side surfaces of the housing case that face each other with the circuit board therebetween. The medical device of claim 1.

5. the airflow of the second fan that has passed through the AC / DC adapter passes from the lower side to the upper side of the flow path case through a first opening of the at least two openings, and the airflow of the second fan that has passed through the first opening and the circuit board passes from the upper side to the lower side of the flow path case through a second opening of the at least two openings, so that the airflow of the second fan circulates through the lower space and the upper space of the flow path case through the first opening and the second opening. The medical device of claim 1.

6. a metal shield member that is open at least at both ends in the longitudinal direction and surrounds the AC / DC adapter; the second blower is disposed at one end of the opened shield member in the longitudinal direction, and a first opening of the two openings is formed at a position corresponding to the other end of the opened shield member; 3. The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

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