Respiration support device

Abstract

To provide a respiration support device that can optimize temperature / humidity control of an air flow to be supplied to a patient, and temperature management in the device.SOLUTION: A respiration support device according to the present disclosure comprises: a body case 100A having an air intake port 113 and an air exhaust port, and for forming a flow passage 132 for air from the air intake port 113 to the air exhaust port; a blower 131 arranged in the flow passage 132, and for generating an air flow to be sent into a respiratory tract of a patient; a humidifier 150A arranged on the downstream side of the blower 131 in the flow passage 132, and for adding moisture to the air flow, and adjusting a temperature of the air flow; and a detection part 162 arranged closer to the side of the blower 131 than an intermediate position between the air intake port 113 and the blower 131 in the flow passage 132, and for detecting the temperature of the air flow.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to respiratory assistance devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Respiratory support devices that supply airflow to patients, such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) devices, have been known. CPAP devices are used in CPAP therapy (also known as sleep apnea treatment devices). CPAP therapy is a treatment method for preventing apnea in patients with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea by continuously supplying air to the airway to open it.

[0003] This type of respiratory support device generally has a blower that generates an airflow, a humidifier that adds moisture to the airflow, and an internal circuit board for controlling the blower and humidifier within the main body housing, and is configured to generate an airflow suitable for widening the patient's airway (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-071739 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, this type of respiratory assistance device is usually equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor to control the humidifier and appropriately adjust the temperature and humidity of the airflow.

[0006] In conventional respiratory assistance devices, the temperature and humidity sensor is located near the air intake of the main body housing of the respiratory assistance device as a means for measuring the environmental temperature and humidity around the device. However, in conventional respiratory assistance devices, the location of the temperature and humidity sensor has not been sufficiently considered, and there is room for improvement.

[0007] In particular, in conventional respiratory assistance devices, when the respiratory assistance device is in operation, the ambient temperature and humidity around the device measured by the temperature and humidity sensor may differ significantly from the temperature and humidity of the airflow flowing into the humidifier, making it difficult to optimally control the humidifier. In other words, the airflow supplied from the humidifier to the patient may have a temperature and humidity that deviates from that suitable for the patient's breathing.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a respiratory assistance device that can appropriately control the temperature and humidity of the airflow supplied to the patient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The main invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is: a main body housing having an air intake port and an air exhaust port, the main body housing forming an air flow path from the air intake port to the air exhaust port; a blower disposed in the flow path for generating a flow of air for delivery to the patient's airway; a humidifier disposed in the flow path downstream of the blower for adding moisture to the airflow and adjusting the temperature of the airflow; a detection unit disposed in the flow path closer to the blower than an intermediate position between the intake port and the blower, the detection unit detecting a temperature of the airflow; A respiratory support device comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the respiratory assistance device of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the temperature and humidity of the airflow supplied to the patient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Diagram showing a patient wearing a CPAP device [Figure 2A] 1 is a perspective view of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally above; [Figure 2B] 1 is a perspective view of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally above; [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a CPAP device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing air flow paths [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a CPAP device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the flow path within the main body housing (flow path case) of a CPAP device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the arrangement of the temperature and humidity sensors. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of a blower protection operation performed by a control unit of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing an example of a blower protection operation performed by a control unit of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0013] In the following, a CPAP device (hereinafter referred to as "CPAP device 100") will be described as a suitable application example of the respiratory assistance device according to the present invention. However, the respiratory assistance device according to the present invention can also be applied to an ASV device (Adaptive Servo Ventilation) or an NHF device (Nasal High Flow) in addition to the CPAP device.

[0014] <1> Configuration of the CPAP device according to the embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a CPAP device 100 is attached to a patient. As shown in Fig. 1, the CPAP device 100 has a mask 10 and a tube 20. The device main body of the CPAP device 100 is connected via the tube 20 to the mask 10 worn on the face of a patient 1 suffering from sleep apnea syndrome, and sends a positive airflow to the upper airway of the patient 1 to expand the upper airway.

[0015] 2A and 2B are perspective views of the CPAP device 100 viewed from diagonally above. Here, the +Z direction in Fig. 2A and 2B indicates the upward direction of the CPAP device 100, and the -Z direction indicates the downward direction of the CPAP device 100. Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, the +X direction indicates the leftward direction of the CPAP device 100, and the -X direction indicates the rightward direction of the CPAP device 100.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 right side of the storage case 110.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the CPAP device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The CPAP device 100 includes a housing case 110, a circuit board 120, a flow path case 130, and a base unit 150.

[0020] In the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment, the accommodating case 110, the flow path case 130, and the base part 150 constitute the main body housing of the CPAP device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "main body housing 100A").

[0021] The accommodating case 110 has a rectangular cylindrical shape, and is coupled to the base 150 from above to accommodate the circuit board 120, the flow path case 130, etc. An operation panel 111 is provided on the top of the accommodating case 110.

[0022] As described above, the storage case 110 has the tube connector 112, the air intake 113, and the power connector 114. The tube connector 112 constitutes an air exhaust port of the main body housing 100A.

[0023] The circuit board 120 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various driver circuits.

[0024] Flow path case 130 is configured by fitting together lower case 130a and upper case 130b. A blower 131 is disposed inside flow path case 130. A flow path 132 (described later with reference to FIG. 6) through which air drawn in from air intake port 113 passes is formed inside flow path case 130, and blower 131 is disposed in flow path 132. Note that blower 131 imparts energy to the air drawn in from air intake port 113 and flowing through flow path 132 to increase its pressure, and sends the air out to a humidifier side configured by water tank 151 or the like.

[0025] 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.

[0026] As a result, as can be seen from the schematic diagram of Figure 4, the air flow (arrow in Figure 4) passes through the flow path 132 of the flow path case 130, 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 1 via the tube connector 112.

[0027] A heater 153 is provided on the underside of the water tub 151. The water in the water tub 151 is heated by the heater 153, and as a result, the inside of the water tub 151 is kept in a highly humid state. Therefore, the airflow supplied to the patient is humidified in the water tub 151. This prevents the airflow from drying out the airway of the patient 1. That is, in the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment, the water tub 151, the lid 152, and the heater 153 form a humidifier that humidifies the airflow supplied to the patient 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "humidifier 150A") (see FIG. 5).

[0028] In addition, an AC / DC converter 154 is provided on the base 150. The AC / DC converter 154 receives external AC power from a power cord (not shown) connected to the power connector 114 (FIG. 2B), converts it into DC power, and supplies the converted DC power to the circuit board 120 and the like.

[0029] The multiple circuit components that make up the AC / DC converter 154 are covered below and on both the left and right sides by a sheet metal member 155 that has a U-shaped cross section taken along the XZ plane. The sheet metal member 155 extends in the Y direction. A fan 156 for cooling the AC / DC converter 154 is provided on one end of the sheet metal member 155. The fan 156 is provided in a position facing the AC / DC converter 154.

[0030] As a result, AC / DC converter 154 is efficiently cooled by the airflow from fan 156 that flows through the space covered by shielding member 155. Furthermore, electromagnetic noise generated from AC / DC converter 154 is shielded by sheet metal member 155, thereby reducing the impact of electromagnetic noise on other circuit boards, etc.

[0031] In this manner, in the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment, air inhaled from the intake port 113 passes through the flow path 132, the blower 131, and the humidifier 150A, and is supplied to the patient 1 via the tube connector 112.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the CPAP device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0033] In addition to the blower 131, the flow path 132 of the CPAP device 100 is provided with a filter 161, a temperature and humidity sensor 162, 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. The temperature and humidity sensor 162 corresponds to the "detection unit" of the present invention.

[0034] The circuit board 120 is provided with a control unit 122, a heating control unit 123, a respiratory waveform analysis unit 124, and a communication unit 125. In other words, the circuit board 120 is mounted with circuit components for realizing the functions of the control unit 122, the heating control unit 123, the respiratory waveform analysis unit 124, and the communication unit 125.

[0035] The control unit 122, heating control unit 123, and respiratory waveform analysis unit 124 are configured, for example, by a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). 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 by hardwired circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0036] 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 and humidity sensor 162, and the measured temperature and humidity are sent to control unit 122 and 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.

[0037] The heating control unit 123 controls the heater 153 based on information on the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 162, heating and humidification setting 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 setting values.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The flow sensor 164 measures the flow rate of the air flowing through the flow path 132. The flow sensor 164 is, for example, a differential pressure sensor, and measures the flow rate of the air flow from the pressure difference between two points, an upstream measurement point and a downstream measurement point, and sends the measurement result to the respiratory waveform analyzer 124.

[0040] The respiratory waveform analysis unit 124, for example, acquires measurement data relating to the airflow rate from the flow sensor 164, and detects the respiratory flow (i.e., respiratory waveform) of the patient 1 based on the temporal change in the airflow rate. Then, the respiratory waveform analysis unit 124 performs, for example, frequency analysis (e.g., FFT analysis) on the detected respiratory flow (respiratory waveform), and sends the analysis results (e.g., signal strength for each frequency) as respiratory information to the control unit 122. In addition, the respiratory waveform analysis unit 124 sends the respiratory information to the communication unit 125, for example.

[0041] Information about the pressure inside the flow path 132 measured by the pressure sensor 165 is sent to the control unit 122. In addition, the control unit 122 receives pressure setting information (for example, target pressure) from the operation input unit 111a.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 122 identifies the operating temperature of the blower 131 based on, for example, information about the temperature measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 162, and if the operating temperature exceeds a threshold temperature, limits (for example, reduces output) or stops the operation of the humidifier 150A to prevent deterioration of the blower 131. Note that the threshold temperature is set to, for example, 50 degrees Celsius.

[0044] 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 the respiratory condition of the patient 1, and for example, to know that the patient 1 is experiencing apnea.

[0045] <2> Temperature and humidity sensor layout Next, we will explain in detail the arrangement of the temperature and humidity sensor 162 in the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment. Generally, relative humidity is determined by the ratio between the amount of water vapor and the amount of saturated water vapor at the temperature at that time, so the temperature and humidity sensor is configured to integrate a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor to simultaneously measure the ambient temperature and humidity.

[0046] In conventional CPAP devices, such a temperature and humidity sensor is located near the air intake of the main body housing of the respiratory assistance device as a means for measuring the ambient temperature and humidity around the device. However, in recent CPAP devices, a relatively long airflow path from the air intake of the main body housing to the blower has been considered in order to reduce noise generated by the blower (see, for example, FIG. 6, described later). It is also possible to reduce noise by placing sound-absorbing material along the airflow path to increase its length. In such device configurations, the airflow (i.e., the air drawn in by the blower and / or the air flowing into the humidifier) ​​may be thermally affected by a heat-generating element within the CPAP device as it flows through the airflow path within the CPAP device, resulting in an increase in temperature. Examples of such heat-generating elements include the AC / DC power supply and the humidifier built into the CPAP device. During continuous operation of the CPAP device, the heat generated by the AC / DC power supply and the humidifier causes the main body housing of the CPAP device to heat up, which in turn causes the airflow flowing through the main body housing to heat up.

[0047] As a result, in the CPAP device according to the prior art, when the CPAP device is in operation, the ambient temperature and humidity around the device measured by the temperature and humidity sensor may deviate from the temperature and humidity of the airflow flowing into the humidifier, which may make it difficult to optimally control the humidifier. In other words, the airflow supplied from the humidifier to the patient may have a temperature and humidity that deviates from the airflow suitable for the patient's breathing.

[0048] In addition, in conventional CPAP devices, the temperature of the air drawn in by the blower rises, causing the blower to continue to be used even when its operating temperature reaches an abnormal level, which could shorten the blower's lifespan or increase the probability of blower failure.

[0049] Generally, blowers have a device specification that specifies an upper limit to the operating temperature of the intake air (for example, about 50 degrees Celsius) (hereinafter also referred to as the heat resistance temperature). If the blower is continuously used at a temperature exceeding the upper limit of the heat resistance temperature, the lifespan of the blower may be shortened and the probability of failure may increase.

[0050] However, it cannot be said that sufficient consideration has been given to these issues in the CPAP devices according to the prior art, and there is room for improvement.

[0051] In the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 162 is arranged in a manner that takes such problems into consideration.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the flow path 132 and the arrangement of the temperature and humidity sensor 162 in the main body housing 100A (flow path case 130) of the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0053] The flow path 132 includes a guide path 132a that guides air from the intake port 113 to the position of the blower 131, and a blower installation chamber 132b formed so as to connect to the downstream end of the guide path 132a.

[0054] More specifically, the blower installation chamber 132b is an area where the blower 131 is installed and has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape in the XY plane. The blower installation chamber 132b is formed such that the flow path width from the guide path 132a suddenly expands in the ±Y directions in the XY plane. Similarly, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the airflow direction also suddenly expands. The blower 131 is disposed in the blower installation chamber 132b such that the suction port 131a (the shaded area in FIG. 6) of the blower 131 is located at the center of the rectangular blower installation chamber 132b in the XY plane. In the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment, in order to ensure a long flow path length of the guide path 132a, the blower 131 has the suction port 131a that opens in a direction intersecting the air guide direction of the guide path 132a (i.e., the Z-axis direction). The blower installation chamber 132b is formed so as to bend the air coming from the induction path 132a in a direction intersecting the induction direction of the induction path 132a, and is formed with an enlarged cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

[0055] The air introduced through intake port 113 (black arrow AR1) passes through guide path 132a and blower installation chamber 132b, is drawn into intake port 131a of blower 131 (black arrow AR2), and is sent from an exhaust port (not shown) of blower 131 through air inlet 152a to water tank 151 (humidifier 150A). When air is drawn into intake port 131a of blower 131, it is drawn from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction.

[0056] The guide path 132a has at least one bend 132aa-132ad to guide the air from the intake port 113 to the blower 131 so as to make a long detour inside the main body housing 100A. The guide path 132a according to this embodiment has four bends 132aa-132ad so as to pass through the four corners of the main body housing 100A in a plan view. That is, the guide path 132a according to this embodiment guides the air so as to circulate inside the main body housing 100A along the side walls of the main body housing 100A, rather than guiding the air in a straight line from the intake port 113 to the position of the blower 131 in the shortest distance. This is to lengthen the flow path 132 from the intake port 113 to the position of the blower 131, as described above, and reduce the degree to which noise generated by the blower 131 leaks to the outside.

[0057] The temperature and humidity sensor 162 is disposed in the flow path 132 at a position immediately before the blower 131, and is disposed at least closer to the blower 131 than the intermediate position between the intake port 113 and the blower 131. Specifically, the temperature and humidity sensor 162 according to this embodiment is disposed downstream of the most downstream bent portion 132aa of the four bent portions 132aa to 132ad. In other words, the temperature and humidity sensor 162 according to this embodiment is disposed immediately upstream of the connection position between the guide path 132a and the blower installation chamber 132b.

[0058] Furthermore, when the position of the temperature and humidity sensor 162 is explained in terms of its positional relationship with the flow sensor 164 (i.e., differential pressure sensor), the temperature and humidity sensor 162 is disposed downstream of an upstream measurement point 164a of the flow sensor 164. Note that the upstream measurement point 164a of the flow sensor 164 is usually disposed at a sufficient distance from the intake port 113 so as not to pick up turbulence near the intake port 113 as measurement data. The upstream measurement point 164a is disposed, for example, closer to the blower 131 than the midpoint between the intake port 113 and the blower 131 in the flow path 132. In addition, in this embodiment, the downstream measurement point 164b of the flow sensor 164 is disposed in the blower arrangement chamber 132b at a position opposite the connection position between the induction path 132a and the blower arrangement chamber 132b (i.e., near the surface of the blower arrangement chamber 132b that faces the connection position between the induction path 132a and the blower arrangement chamber 132b).

[0059] In the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 162 is disposed at such a position in order to achieve, with a single temperature and humidity sensor 162, the function of measuring the humidity and temperature of the airflow before humidification and the function of monitoring the operating temperature of the blower 131. That is, as described above, if the flow path 132 from the air intake 113 of the main body housing 100A to the blower 131 is lengthened, the airflow flowing through the main body housing 100A may be thermally affected by the AC / DC converter 154, the humidifier 150A, etc., built into the CPAP device 100, and may be heated during the flow process.

[0060] As a result, when the CPAP device is in operation, the ambient temperature and humidity around the device measured by the temperature and humidity sensor may differ significantly from the temperature and humidity of the air flowing into the humidifier, making it difficult to optimally control the humidifier.In addition, even if the operating temperature of the blower reaches an abnormal temperature due to the rise in temperature of the air drawn in by the blower, the ambient temperature around the device may be regarded as the operating temperature of the blower, causing the blower to continue to be used, which may result in damage to the blower.

[0061] From this perspective, in the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 162 measures the temperature and humidity of air introduced through the intake port 113 and then heated as it passes through the flow path 132, at a position immediately before the blower 131. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the humidity and temperature of the airflow immediately before it enters the humidifier 150A, thereby enabling accurate control of the humidifier 150A according to the target temperature and target humidity of the airflow to be sent into the patient's respiratory tract. This also makes it possible to accurately grasp the operating temperature of the blower 131, thereby preventing a shortened lifespan of the blower 131 and an increase in the probability of the blower 131 failing.

[0062] In this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 162 is disposed immediately upstream of the connection position between the induction path 132a and the blower arrangement chamber 132b in the flow path 132 because the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the blower arrangement chamber 132b is significantly larger than that of the induction path 132a, and the air flow velocity is faster immediately upstream of the connection position between the induction path 132a and the blower arrangement chamber 132b. In other words, the measurement accuracy and responsiveness of a temperature and humidity sensor generally improve the faster the flow velocity of the air in its vicinity, and by disposing the temperature and humidity sensor 162 in this position within the CPAP device 100, it becomes possible to more accurately grasp the humidity and temperature of the air flow in the flow path 132.

[0063] On the other hand, if the temperature and humidity sensor 162 were disposed on the outlet side of the blower 131, there would be a higher risk that the temperature and humidity sensor 162 would become unusable midway due to condensation caused by the influence of the humidifier 150A (water tank 151) while the CPAP device 100 is actually being used. For this reason, the temperature and humidity sensor 162 according to this embodiment is disposed before the blower 131.

[0064] Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 122 to prevent the temperature of the blower 131 from exceeding its heat-resistant temperature will be described.

[0065] In the CPAP device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 122 executes a protection operation to prevent the temperature of the blower 131 from exceeding its heat-resistant temperature.

[0066] 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the protection operation of the blower 131 by the control unit 122. The flowcharts in Fig. 7 and 8 show an abnormality monitoring process that is executed by the control unit 122 according to a program when the CPAP device 100 is started up, and this process is executed continuously while the CPAP device 100 is operating, for example, while the CPAP device 100 is supplying airflow to a patient.

[0067] In step S1, the control unit 122 controls the driving of the blower 131, the heater 153, and the like, thereby starting the normal operation of the CPAP device 100.

[0068] In step S2, the control unit 122 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 162.

[0069] In step S3, the control unit 122 determines whether the acquired detected temperature exceeds a first threshold temperature. If the detected temperature exceeds the first threshold temperature (e.g., 50 degrees Celsius) (S3: YES), the control unit 122 proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the detected temperature does not exceed the first threshold temperature (S3: NO), the control unit 122 returns to step S2 and continues the temperature monitoring process.

[0070] In step S4, the control unit 122 stops the operation of the humidifier 150A (i.e., the heater 153). At this time, the control unit 122 may stop the heater 169 of the tube 20 instead of or together with stopping the heater 153 of the humidifier 150A.

[0071] In step S5, the control unit 122 determines the timing to resume the operation of the humidifier 150A.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, step S5 is made up of sub-steps S51 to S53.

[0073] In sub-step S51, the control unit 122 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 162.

[0074] In sub-step S52, the control unit 122 determines whether the acquired detected temperature has dropped to a second threshold temperature (a temperature equal to or lower than the first threshold temperature, e.g., 40 degrees Celsius). If the second threshold temperature is the same as or close to the first threshold temperature, the humidifier 150A may repeatedly turn on and off in short cycles. Therefore, the second threshold temperature is preferably a temperature lower than the first threshold temperature, and is preferably set with a certain degree of temperature difference. For example, the difference between the second threshold temperature and the first threshold temperature is set to 5 to 10 degrees.

[0075] If the detected temperature has dropped below the second threshold temperature (S52: YES), the control unit 122 proceeds to sub-step S53; if the detected temperature has not dropped below the second threshold temperature (S52: NO), the control unit 122 returns to sub-step S51 and continues the temperature monitoring process.

[0076] In sub-step S53, the control unit 122 resumes the operation of the humidifier 150A. Then, the control unit 122 returns to the process of step S2 in the flowchart of Fig. 7 again, and continues the temperature monitoring process.

[0077] In this way, the control unit 122 according to this embodiment continuously monitors the operating temperature of the blower 131 based on the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 162. When the operating temperature of the blower 131 exceeds the first threshold temperature, the operation of the humidifier 150A is stopped to prevent the operating temperature of the blower 131 from rising further. Stopping the operation of the humidifier 150A reduces the temperature of the humidifier 150A and also reduces heat generation from the AC / DC converter 154, thereby reducing the temperature of the main body housing 100A and the temperature of the air drawn in by the blower 131. This makes it possible to prevent the blower 131 from being continuously used beyond its heat-resistant temperature.

[0078] Then, the control unit 122 restarts the humidifier 150A when the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 162 drops to the second threshold temperature, thereby enabling the CPAP device 100 to be used continuously at a temperature equal to or lower than the heat resistance temperature of the blower 131.

[0079] <3> summary As described above, the CPAP device 100 of this embodiment includes a main body housing 100A having an intake port 113 and an exhaust port 112 and forming an air flow path 132 from the intake port 113 to the exhaust port 112, a blower 131 disposed in the flow path 132 and generating an air flow to be sent into the patient's respiratory tract, a humidifier 150A disposed downstream of the blower 131 in the flow path 132 and adding moisture to the air flow and adjusting the temperature of the air flow, and a temperature and humidity sensor 162 disposed closer to the blower 131 than the midpoint between the intake port 113 and the blower 131 in the flow path 132 and detecting the temperature of the air flow.

[0080] Therefore, according to the CPAP device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to realize the function of accurately measuring the humidity and temperature of the air flow before humidification and the function of monitoring the operating temperature of the blower 131 with a single temperature and humidity sensor 162.

[0081] This makes it possible to appropriately control humidifier 150A so that the airflow sent from humidifier 150A to the patient is an airflow suitable for the patient to breathe.

[0082] In addition, this can prevent the life of the blower 131 from being shortened and the probability of the blower 131 failing can be prevented from increasing.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be applied to various modified embodiments.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, the main body housing 100A of the CPAP device 100 is configured by the storage case 110, the flow path case 130, and the base unit 150. However, in order to realize the CPAP device 100 according to the present invention, these do not necessarily have to be separable.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the blower 131 increases the pressure of the air flowing through the flow path 132. However, in order to realize the CPAP device 100 according to the present invention, the blower 131 does not necessarily need to be one that discharges a high-pressure airflow, and may be one that discharges a low-pressure airflow similar to that of a so-called fan.

[0086] 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.

[0087] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0088] This specification discloses a respiratory assistance device comprising: a main body housing having an air intake port and an air exhaust port and forming an air flow path from the air intake port to the air exhaust port; a blower disposed in the flow path and generating an airflow to be sent into a patient's airway; a humidifier disposed in the flow path downstream of the blower and adding moisture to the airflow and adjusting the temperature of the airflow; and a detection unit disposed in the flow path closer to the blower than an intermediate position between the air intake port and the blower and detecting the temperature of the airflow.

[0089] This allows the humidifier to be appropriately controlled so that the airflow sent from the humidifier to the patient is an airflow suitable for the patient to breathe, and also prevents a shortened blower life and an increase in the probability of blower failure.

[0090] In the respiratory assistance device, the flow path preferably has a bent portion that guides the air from the intake port to the position of the blower so that the air makes a large detour within the main body housing.

[0091] This reduces the amount of noise generated by the blower that leaks to the outside.

[0092] In the respiratory assistance device, the detection unit is preferably disposed downstream of the bent portion in the flow path.

[0093] This makes it possible to appropriately control the humidifier and perform protective operations for the blower even in a flow path configuration with a long flow path length.

[0094] Furthermore, it is preferable that the respiratory assistance device has a flow sensor arranged closer to the blower than the midpoint between the intake port and the blower in the flow path, and that the detection unit is arranged downstream of the upstream measurement point of the flow sensor.

[0095] This makes it possible to appropriately control the humidifier and perform protective operations for the blower even in a flow path configuration with a long flow path length.

[0096] Furthermore, it is preferable that the respiratory assistance device includes a first control unit that controls the operation of the humidifier based on the temperature and humidity detected by the detection unit, and that the first control unit controls the operation of the humidifier so that the temperature and humidity of the air flow discharged from the exhaust port approach a target temperature and target humidity.

[0097] This makes it possible to appropriately control the humidifier so that the airflow delivered from the humidifier to the patient is an airflow suitable for the patient to breathe.

[0098] Furthermore, it is preferable that the respiratory assistance device includes a second control unit that controls the operation of the humidifier based on the temperature detected by the detection unit, and that the second control unit limits or stops the operation of the humidifier when the temperature detected by the detection unit exceeds a first threshold temperature.

[0099] This prevents the blower's lifespan from being shortened and the probability of blower failure from increasing.

[0100] Furthermore, in the respiratory assistance device, it is preferable that, after restricting or stopping the operation of the humidifier, the second control unit restores the operation of the humidifier when the temperature detected by the detection unit drops to a second threshold temperature that is lower than the first threshold temperature.

[0101] This allows the respiratory support device to be used continuously at temperatures below the heat-resistant temperature of the blower.

[0102] The respiratory assistance device is preferably applied to a CPAP device.

[0103] This allows the respiratory assistance device to be realized in a more suitable manner. [Industrial Applicability]

[0104] The respiratory assistance device according to the present invention makes it possible to control the temperature and humidity of the airflow supplied from the humidifier to the patient, and to appropriately manage the temperature inside the device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 patient 10 Mask 20 tubes 100 CPAP machines 100A main body housing 110 Storage Case 111 Operation Panel 112 Tube Connector 113 Air intake 114 Power Connector 120 Circuit Board 122 Control Unit 123 Heating control unit 124 Respiratory waveform analysis section 125 Communications Department 130 Flow path case 131 Blower 132 Channel 132a taxiway 132b Blower installation room 132aa~132ad Bend part 150 Base 151 Aquarium 152 Lid 152a Air intake 152b Air outlet 153, 169 heater 154 AC / AD converter 155 Sheet Metal Components 156 fans 150A humidifier 162 Temperature and humidity sensor (detection part) 164 Flow Sensor 165 Pressure Sensor 166 Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. a main body housing having an air intake port and an air exhaust port, the main body housing forming an air flow path from the air intake port to the air exhaust port; a blower disposed in the flow path for generating a flow of air for delivery to the patient's airway; a humidifier disposed in the flow path downstream of the blower for adding moisture to the airflow and adjusting the temperature of the airflow; a detector disposed in the flow path closer to the blower than an intermediate position between the intake port and the blower, and detecting a temperature of the air; A respiratory assistance device comprising:

2. The flow path has a bent portion that guides the air so that the air makes a large detour inside the main body housing from the intake port to the position of the blower.

10. The respiratory assistance device of claim 1.

3. The detection unit is disposed downstream of the bent portion in the flow path.

3. The respiratory assistance device of claim 2.

4. The bent portion has a plurality of bent portions, the detection unit is disposed downstream of the most downstream bent portion of the plurality of bent portions, and a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the blower is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path connected to the blower.

4. The respiratory assistance device of claim 3.

5. a flow sensor disposed in the flow path closer to the blower than an intermediate position between the intake port and the blower; The detection unit is disposed downstream of the upstream measurement point of the flow sensor.

4. The respiratory assistance device of claim 3.

6. a first control unit that controls an operation of the humidifier based on the temperature and humidity detected by the detection unit; The first control unit controls the operation of the humidifier so that the temperature and humidity of the airflow discharged from the exhaust port approach a target temperature and a target humidity.

4. The respiratory assistance device of claim 3.

7. a second control unit that controls an operation of the humidifier based on the temperature detected by the detection unit; The second control unit limits or stops the operation of the humidifier when the temperature detected by the detection unit exceeds a first threshold temperature.

4. The respiratory assistance device of claim 3.

8. The second control unit, after limiting or stopping the operation of the humidifier, resumes the operation of the humidifier when the temperature detected by the detection unit drops to a second threshold temperature or less that is equal to or less than the first threshold temperature.

8. The respiratory assistance device of claim 7.

9. The respiratory support device according to claim 1, which is applied to a CPAP device.

Images