Reflux prevention unit and respiratory exercise device comprising the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a breathing training device comprising: a container having a storage space formed inside; a tube having one side exposed to the outside of the container and the other side connected to the inside of the container, with the one side and the other side communicating; and a backflow prevention unit that opens the other side of the tube when a user blows air from one side of the tube and closes the other side of the tube when the user stops blowing air.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved anti-reflux unit and a breathing training device including the same, which enables patients with respiratory acidosis to practice deep exhalation. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, respiratory acidosis refers to symptoms that occur when the blood becomes acidic due to the inability to expel carbon dioxide through respiration.

[0003] Maintaining the acid-base balance of body fluids (blood) is crucial for maintaining our bodily functions. When carbon dioxide produced during metabolic processes accumulates in the body, body fluids become acidic; in this situation, the body maintains acid-base balance by expelling carbon dioxide through respiration.

[0004] However, if a physical problem occurs, carbon dioxide cannot be expelled through respiration, causing it to accumulate in the body and acidify bodily fluids (blood). This is called respiratory acidosis.

[0005] It can usually occur in respiratory diseases associated with reduced pulmonary ventilation, and respiratory acidosis may be induced when respiration is reduced due to respiratory depression caused by damage to the chest wall or respiratory muscles / nerves.

[0006] This respiratory acidosis is caused by respiratory diseases associated with reduced pulmonary ventilation. For example, it can be caused by lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, and acute pulmonary edema). It can also occur when respiratory depression is caused by drugs that suppress breathing, such as sedatives and analgesics. Furthermore, it can develop when respiration is reduced due to central nervous system disorders (such as cerebral infarction or encephalitis), or injuries to respiratory muscles and the chest wall.

[0007] Respiratory acidosis can be treated by correcting the cause.

[0008] In particular, patients with respiratory acidosis are practicing blowing air into a bottle of distilled water to practice deep exhalation.

[0009] However, a problem is being raised regarding patients swallowing distilled water during the process of practicing deep breathing exercises using a bottle of distilled water. Prior art literature

[0010] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0005807 (Published Jan. 15, 2021) The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention aims to solve such problems, and more specifically, to provide an improved anti-reflux unit and a breathing training device including the same, which prevents patients with respiratory acidosis from swallowing distilled water stored inside a container when practicing deep exhalation.

[0012] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a breathing training device comprising: a container having a storage space formed inside; a tube having one side exposed to the outside of the container and the other side connected to the inside of the container, with the one side and the other side communicating; and a backflow prevention unit that opens the other side of the tube when a user blows air from one side of the tube, and closes the other side of the tube when the user stops blowing air.

[0014] The above tube may include a step protruding along the circumferential direction on the inner surface adjacent to the other end.

[0015] The above-mentioned backflow prevention unit may include a transfer member positioned to be slidably movable within the other end of the tube, a shielding member positioned to be linked with the transfer member and selectively opening and closing the other end of the tube by pressure applied to the transfer member, a connecting member connecting the transfer member and the shielding member, and an elastic member elastically supporting the transfer member from the step towards one side from the other side of the tube.

[0016] The above transfer unit may include a plurality of through holes formed to penetrate the transfer unit.

[0017] Air can flow only from one side of the tube to the other side through the above-mentioned through hole.

[0018] The breathing training device may further include a sealing member provided on either the other end of the tube or the shielding part in contact with the other end of the tube to tightly seal the tube and the shielding part.

[0019] The breathing training device may further include a pad portion disposed on the outer bottom surface of the container to prevent slipping on the bottom surface on which the container is placed.

[0020] In addition, the present invention provides a backflow prevention unit for a breathing training device comprising: a housing having an air inlet formed on one side and an open other side, and having a receiving space formed inside; a cover member coupled to the other side of the housing and setting the discharge direction of air introduced through the inlet; and an opening / closing means disposed within the receiving space to be movable from the cover member toward the inlet by repulsive force and opening / closing the inlet according to the air pressure supplied from the inlet.

[0021] The above cover member may include a guide portion that protrudes into the receiving space and accommodates the opening and closing means on one side, and a flange portion that protrudes along the other edge of the guide portion and has a plurality of discharge holes formed therein.

[0022] The above opening and closing means may include a first magnetic body installed adjacent to the flange portion inside the guide portion, and a second magnetic body arranged to be movable relatively by providing a repulsive force to the first magnetic body inside the guide portion.

[0023] The above opening and closing means may include a sealing member provided to be in close contact with the contact area where the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the second magnetic body come into contact on the upper surface of the second magnetic body.

[0024] When air pressure is provided from the inlet, the housing can form a discharge path that discharges air pressure to the discharge port through the facing gap space formed between the guide part and the housing from the inlet, while the first magnetic body is spaced apart from the contact area.

[0025] The tip of the above guide part may be positioned to be spaced apart from the above contact area.

[0026] In addition, the present invention provides a breathing training device comprising: a container having a storage space formed inside; a tube having one side exposed to the outside of the container and the other side connected to the inside of the container, with the one side and the other side communicating; and a backflow prevention unit described in any one of claims 8 to 13 coupled to the other side of the tube, wherein the backflow prevention unit opens the other side of the tube when a user blows air from one side of the tube, and closes the other side of the tube when the user stops blowing air.

[0027] The breathing training device may further include a pad portion disposed on the outer bottom surface of the container to prevent slipping on the bottom surface on which the container is placed.

[0028] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0029] According to the anti-backflow unit and the breathing training device including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, it is possible to prevent distilled water from flowing back and being unintentionally ingested during the treatment of respiratory diseases; second, it can be easily applied to conventional straw cups; and third, it has the effect of increasing convenience for doctors or nurses guiding the respiratory treatment process.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] The summary described above, as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application described below, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in the drawings for the purpose of illustrating the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact arrangement and means depicted. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a backflow prevention unit and a breathing training device including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a reference diagram illustrating the state of the breathing training device shown in FIG. 1 when the user is not blowing into it. FIG. 3 is a reference diagram illustrating the state of the breathing training device shown in FIG. 1 when the user blows into it. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a backflow prevention unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention disassembled from a tube. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 4 has the tube closed. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 5 has the tube open. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a backflow prevention unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 7 has the tube closed. FIG. 9 is a state in which the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 7 has the tube open. This is a cross-sectional view of the city. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0033] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings.

[0034] However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0035] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms.

[0036] The above terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0037] For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component may be named the first component, and similarly, the first component may be named the second component.

[0038] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related listed items or any of the multiple related listed items.

[0039] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or joined to that other component, there may also be other components in between.

[0040] On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0041] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0042] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, provided that identical or corresponding components are given the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a backflow prevention unit and a breathing training device including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a reference diagram illustrating the state of the breathing training device shown in FIG. 1 when the user does not blow, and FIG. 3 is a reference diagram illustrating the state of the breathing training device shown in FIG. 1 when the user blows.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a breathing training device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to treat respiratory diseases such as respiratory acidosis by having a user (or patient) perform breathing exercises in which they blow out distilled water while exhaling air through their mouth.

[0047] The breathing training device (1) may include a container (10), a tube (20), and a backflow prevention unit (100, 200).

[0048] First, a predetermined storage space (11) may be formed inside the container (10). The storage space (11) may be filled with a liquid such as distilled water.

[0049] Additionally, a lid (12) may be attached to the upper open area of ​​the container (10). The lid (12) can protect the distilled water stored in the storage space (11) from overflowing and simultaneously support the state in which the tube (20) is attached.

[0050] Additionally, a handle (13) may be provided on one or both sides of the outside of the container (10) so that the user can easily grip the container.

[0051] Additionally, one side of the tube (20) may be exposed to the outside of the container (10), and the other side may be positioned inside the container (10). That is, the other side of the tube (20) may be positioned immersed in distilled water.

[0052] The tube (20) may include a straw (21) and a tip (22).

[0053] The straw (21) can generally provide the function of a straw used when drinking beverages.

[0054] The tip (22) can be optionally attached to one side of the straw (21) and can provide an appropriate size when the user puts the straw (21) in their mouth.

[0055] In the following, the tube (20) represents a structure that provides a single straw function, and is described as an example in which it is made up of a single configuration without separating the structures of a separate straw (21) and a tip (22).

[0056] Additionally, the backflow prevention unit (100, 200) is positioned on the other side of the tube (20), so that when a user blows air from one side of the tube (20), the other side of the tube (20) can be opened, and when the user stops blowing air, the other side of the tube (20) can be closed. That is, the backflow prevention unit (100, 200) provides the function of opening or closing the tube (20) by the air pressure provided inside the tube (20), and it is preferable that it be designed to prevent the flow of air or the backflow of distilled water from the other side of the tube (20) toward one side.

[0057] And, a pad portion (30) may be provided on the outer bottom surface of the container (10).

[0058] The pad portion (30) can prevent the container (10) from sliding on the bottom surface (not shown) on which the container (10) is placed. Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the pad portion (30) may be structured to provide a vacuum suction function. Therefore, it can have the function of preventing the container (10) from being pushed sideways or tipping over even when an external force is applied while it is placed on the bottom surface.

[0059] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a backflow prevention unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention disassembled from a tube, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 4 in a closed state of the tube, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 5 in an open state of the tube.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a backflow prevention unit (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a transfer unit (110), a shielding unit (120), a connecting unit (1112), and an elastic unit (130).

[0061] First, the transfer unit (110) can be positioned to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the tube (20) inside the other end of the tube (20).

[0062] A plurality of through holes (111) may be formed along the thickness direction of the transfer section (110) or the length direction of the tube (20).

[0063] The through hole (111) is formed to penetrate along the thickness direction of the conveying part (110) and can provide a flow path function through which air pressure passes when air pressure is transmitted from one side of the tube (20) to the other side.

[0064] Additionally, the shielding part (120) is positioned to be linked by air pressure applied to the conveying part (110), thereby providing a function to open and close the other end of the tube (20). The shielding part (120) may be positioned so that a contact surface (121) formed on the upper side makes close contact with the other end of the tube (20). The contact surface (121) may be formed to be at least equal to or larger than the diameter of the other end of the tube (20). Additionally, the outer edge of the contact surface (121) may be formed as an inclined surface such that the diameter or cross-sectional area decreases toward the other end of the tube (20). In this embodiment, the upper shape of the shielding part (120) is described as a sphere or dome shape as an example, and a portion of the upper area of ​​the shielding part (120) may be inserted into the other end of the tube (20), and the shape of the shielding part (120) is not limited thereto.

[0065] Additionally, the connecting part (112) can connect the transfer part (110) and the shielding part (120). For example, the connecting part (112) may be integrally extended from the center of the transfer part (110), and a male screw (113) may be formed at the tip. A female screw (122) may be formed at the center of the upper surface of the shielding part (120) so that the male screw (113) of the connecting part (112) can be inserted and fixed.

[0066] And, the elastic part (130) can act to cause the backflow prevention unit (100) to operate at the other end of the tube (20) in a direction that closes the other side of the tube (20).

[0067] A step (23) may be formed along the circumferential direction on the inner surface adjacent to the other end of the tube (20). The step (23) may be formed in a ring shape connected along the circumferential direction, or may be arranged in a pattern spaced apart from each other at set intervals. In this embodiment, the step (23) is shown as an example in which it is formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the tube (20).

[0068] The transfer section (110) can be positioned on the other side of the tube (20) further inside than the step (23).

[0069] Accordingly, the elastic part (130) can be provided to provide elastic restoring force between the conveying part (110) and the step (23). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when air pressure is not provided to the conveying part (110), the backflow prevention unit (100) can close the other side of the tube (20) by the elastic restoring force of the elastic part (130). Also, as shown in FIG. 6, when air pressure is provided to the conveying part (110), the elastic part (130) is compressed and the shielding part (120) is separated from the tip of the other side of the tube (20), so that the other side of the tube (20) is opened, and at this time, the air pressure supplied through the through hole (111) of the conveying part (110) can be discharged to the other side of the tube (20).

[0070] Of course, when the air pressure supplied inside the tube (20) is released (or when the user stops exhaling), the backflow prevention unit (100) closes the other side of the tube (20) by the elastic restoring force of the elastic part (130). Therefore, when the other side of the tube (20) is closed, distilled water cannot flow into the tube (20) even if the user inhales air in the opposite direction from the tube (20), thus preventing the drinking of distilled water during the treatment of respiratory diseases.

[0071] Additionally, a sealing member (24) may be provided on either the other end of the tube (20) or the contact surface (121) of the shielding part (120) that contacts the other end of the tube (20). The sealing member (24) may provide a function of sealing the other end of the tube (20) and the shielding part (120). In this embodiment, the sealing member (24) is provided on the other end of the tube (20) as an example.

[0072] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a backflow prevention unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 7 has the tube closed, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 7 has the tube open.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, a backflow prevention unit (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (210), a cover member (220), and opening / closing means (230, 240).

[0074] First, the housing (210) may have an air inlet (211) formed on one side and an opening (212) formed on the other side, and may have a receiving space formed inside. The housing (210) may be selectively detachably coupled to the other end of the tube (20). An O-ring (214) that maintains airtightness between the outer surface of one side of the housing (210) and the inner surface of the other side of the tube (20) may be coupled.

[0075] The inlet (211) of the housing (210) is positioned to communicate with the other end of the tube (20) so that air pressure provided by the user can be introduced.

[0076] Additionally, the cover member (220) may include a guide portion (221) and a flange portion (222).

[0077] The guide section (221) may be positioned within the receiving space and may be positioned opposite the outer surface of the housing (210) at a predetermined distance. For example, the housing (210) may have a circular cross-section and the guide section (221) may also have a circular cross-section, but the cross-section of the guide section (221) may be smaller than the cross-section of the housing (210), and a discharge channel (215) may be formed between the housing (210) and the guide section (221). A detailed description of the discharge channel (215) will be provided later.

[0078] The guide section (221) may have a structure in which one side is open toward the inlet (211) and the other side opposite to the inlet (211) is closed. Accordingly, a predetermined receiving space (224) may also be provided inside the guide section (221).

[0079] Additionally, the flange portion (222) may protrude along the edge from the outer surface of the other side of the guide portion (221) to cover the other side of the housing (210). At this time, a plurality of discharge holes (223) may be formed in a set pattern on the flange portion (222). Accordingly, air pressure introduced from the inlet (211) of the housing (210) may pass between the housing (210) and the guide portion (221) and be discharged through the discharge holes (223), and a discharge path (215) may be formed along the path through which the air pressure travels. The discharge path (215) may be selectively opened or closed by the opening and closing means (230, 240) described later.

[0080] Also, the opening and closing means (230, 240) may include a first magnetic body (230) and a second magnetic body (240).

[0081] The first magnetic body (230) can be fixed to the bottom surface adjacent to the flange portion (222) inside the guide portion (221).

[0082] Additionally, the second magnetic body (240) may be positioned so that it can move relative to the first magnetic body (230) by providing a repulsive force to the first magnetic body (230) within the guide portion (221). That is, the first magnetic body (230) is fixed inside the guide portion (221), and the second magnetic body (240) is positioned above the first magnetic body (230), but the second magnetic body (240) can move within a range that does not extend outward from the upper end of the guide portion (221).

[0083] When the second magnetic body (240) is moved to the top, the upper surface of the second magnetic body (204) may be positioned to be in close contact with the inner contact area (213) of the housing (210), as shown in FIG. 8. At this time, a sealing member (241) may be provided on the upper surface of the second magnetic body (240) so as to be in close contact with the contact area (213) where the housing (210) and the second magnetic body (240) come into contact.

[0084] The sealing member (241) is preferably made of an elastic material such as silicone or rubber. Additionally, the outer surface of the sealing member (241) may be formed as a curved or inclined surface to correspond to the shape of the contact area (213).

[0085] The first magnetic body (230) and the second magnetic body (240) may be installed so that their polarities face each other. For example, the first magnetic body (230) and the second magnetic body (240) may be arranged such that the same N pole or the same S pole is positioned on the surfaces facing each other, thereby generating a repulsive force at all times, so that the second magnetic body (240) is positioned in close contact with the contact area (213) of the housing (210) to close the discharge channel (215). At this time, when the discharge channel (215) is closed, distilled water cannot flow into the tube (20) even if the user inhales air in the opposite direction from the tube (20), thus preventing the consumption of distilled water during the treatment of respiratory diseases.

[0086] For example, if the user does not provide air pressure (or breath) to the tube (20), the second magnetic body (240) and the sealing member (241) may come into contact with the contact area (213) in a state of maximum height as shown in FIG. 8, thereby closing the discharge channel (215). Additionally, if the user provides air pressure to the tube (20), as shown in FIG. 9, the second magnetic body (240) descends by the air pressure toward the first magnetic body (230), and at this time, since the inlet (211) and the outlet (223) are opened to communicate on the discharge channel, air can be discharged toward the inside of the container through the discharge channel (215).

[0087] Although not shown in the drawing, a rotation prevention means (not shown) may be further provided between the guide part (221) and each magnetic body (230, 240) to guide only up and down movement without rotating the magnetic body.

[0088] Accordingly, the anti-backflow unit and the breathing training device including the same according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent distilled water from flowing back and being unintentionally consumed during the treatment of respiratory diseases, can be easily applied to conventional straw cups, and can increase the convenience of doctors or nurses guiding the respiratory treatment process.

[0089] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above to exemplify the technical concept of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the configuration and operation identical to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be implemented within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, such modifications should also be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0090] 1: Breathing training device 10: Container 20: Tube 30: Pad section 100, 200: Backflow prevention unit 110: Transfer section 111: Through hole 112: Connection section 120: Shielding section 130: Elastic section 210: Housing 220: Cover member 230: First magnetic body 240: Second magnetic body

Claims

Claim 1 A breathing training device comprising: a container having a storage space formed inside; a tube having one side exposed to the outside of the container and the other side connected to the inside of the container, with the one side and the other side communicating; and a backflow prevention unit that opens the other side of the tube when a user blows air from one side of the tube and closes the other side of the tube when the user stops blowing air; wherein the tube includes a step protruding along the circumferential direction on an inner surface adjacent to the other end; the backflow prevention unit includes a transfer part arranged to be slidably movable inside the other end of the tube, a shielding part arranged to be linked with the transfer part and selectively opening and closing the other end of the tube by pressure applied to the transfer part, a connecting part connecting the transfer part and the shielding part, and an elastic part that elastically supports the transfer part from the step towards the one side from the other side of the tube, and the transfer part includes a plurality of through holes formed to penetrate the transfer part. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 In claim 1, the above-mentioned through hole is a breathing training device in which air flows only from one side of the tube to the other side. Claim 6 A breathing training device according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member provided on either the other end of the tube or the shielding part in contact with the other end of the tube to tightly seal the tube and the shielding part. Claim 7 A breathing training device according to claim 1, further comprising a pad portion disposed on the outer bottom surface of the container to prevent slipping on the bottom surface on which the container is placed. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete

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