Exhalation valve and ventilator

Abstract

An exhalation valve and a ventilator. The exhalation valve comprises a housing, a valve body, a diaphragm, and an adjustment assembly. The valve body is mounted in the housing, and a mounting gap is present between an air outlet end of the valve body and a first end of the housing. The diaphragm and the adjustment assembly are sequentially arranged in the mounting gap. A first side surface of the diaphragm is connected to the air outlet end of the valve body, and a second side surface of the diaphragm is in contact with the adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is configured for adjusting the diaphragm, so that the first side surface of the diaphragm is kept parallel to an end surface of the air outlet end of the valve body. The posture of the diaphragm can be adjusted by means of the adjustment assembly. Force from any direction keeps the first side surface of the diaphragm parallel to the end surface of the air outlet end of the valve body, which is conducive to stabilizing airflow, so that airflow does not affect the diaphragm, preventing the diaphragm from fluttering and resonating, which could otherwise result in a whistling sound and cooperatively cause flow fluctuations in the ventilator, leading to discomfort for the patient.

Description

Expiratory valve and ventilator Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ventilator technology, and more particularly to an exhalation valve and a ventilator. Background Technology

[0002] The expiratory valve is an essential component of a ventilator. Its main function is to help patients regulate and control the flow and rate of exhaled gas, thereby maintaining unobstructed and comfortable breathing. The expiratory valve opens during the expiratory phase, allowing waste gas to escape from the patient's airway; during the inspiratory phase, the expiratory valve closes, preventing fresh gas from flowing out during inspiration. The design of the expiratory valve helps prevent the inhalation of excessive carbon dioxide, maintaining the normal function of the respiratory system.

[0003] Currently, expiratory valves mainly consist of a housing, valve body, diaphragm, and actuator. The valve body and diaphragm are both housed within the housing. The diaphragm is connected to the actuator, which secures the diaphragm to the outlet end of the valve body. Expiratory valves are used in ventilators. When the ventilator provides a baseline flow during the expiratory phase, this means that even during the expiratory phase, additional gas is expelled through the expiratory valve. This baseline flow can cause the diaphragm to not close completely, especially under low flow and high pressure conditions. With existing expiratory valves, under low flow and high pressure conditions, if the diaphragm is not completely sealed to the outlet end of the valve body, the actuator may tilt the diaphragm, resulting in uneven pressure. Because the airflow itself is unstable, this can easily lead to diaphragm vibration and resonance, producing a whistling sound and causing flow fluctuations in the ventilator, resulting in patient discomfort. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an expiratory valve and a ventilator to solve the problems of diaphragm vibration and resonance in existing breathing valves, which generate whistling sounds and cause flow fluctuations in the ventilator.

[0005] An exhalation valve includes a housing, a valve body, a diaphragm, and an adjustment assembly;

[0006] The valve body is installed inside the housing, and there is an installation gap between the outlet end of the valve body and the first end of the housing;

[0007] The diaphragm and the adjusting component are sequentially arranged within the installation gap. The first side of the diaphragm is connected to the air outlet of the valve body, and the second side of the diaphragm is in contact with the adjusting component.

[0008] The adjustment component is used to adjust the diaphragm so that the first side of the diaphragm is parallel to the end face of the outlet end of the valve body.

[0009] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes a drive component, a universal head, and a universal push rod;

[0010] The drive component is mounted on the first end of the housing and connected to the first end of the universal joint.

[0011] The first end of the universal push rod is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, and the second end of the universal head is movably installed in the snap-fit ​​groove;

[0012] The drive unit moves the universal push rod via the universal head, so that the second end of the universal push rod is perpendicularly attached to the second side of the diaphragm.

[0013] Preferably, the second end of the universal joint is a spherical connector, and the snap-fit ​​groove is an arc-shaped groove.

[0014] Preferably, the universal push rod includes a main body disk and a connecting post extending axially from the center of one end face of the main body disk near the universal head along the main body disk;

[0015] The connecting column has the snap-fit ​​groove at the end facing the universal joint.

[0016] Preferably, the membrane is a PEEP membrane.

[0017] Preferably, the diaphragm includes a main ring, a deformable portion extending radially from the inner wall of one end of the main ring, and a receiving plate extending radially from the side of the deformable portion away from the main ring;

[0018] The main ring is fitted onto the air outlet end of the valve body, and the receiving plate is in contact with the adjusting component.

[0019] Preferably, the other end of the main ring is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, and the outlet end of the valve body is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the snap-fit ​​groove matches the snap-fit ​​protrusion.

[0020] Preferably, the outer shell includes a main shell, a mounting shell disposed on a first side of the main shell, a guide tube disposed on a second side of the main shell, and a limiting shell disposed at a first end of the main shell;

[0021] The valve body is placed inside the main body shell and fixed inside the mounting shell, with the air outlet end of the valve body in contact with the first end of the main body shell;

[0022] The portion of the valve body near the outlet end is connected to the guide pipe;

[0023] The diaphragm and the adjustment assembly are sequentially disposed within the limiting shell.

[0024] Preferably, the valve body includes a rear body and a front body;

[0025] The rear body and the front body are sequentially installed inside the main body shell. The end face of the air outlet of the rear body is in contact with the first end of the main body shell, and the air outlet of the front body is installed at the air inlet of the rear body.

[0026] The rear body is provided with an air guide tube near the air outlet end, and the air guide tube is connected to the flow guide tube;

[0027] An installation structure is provided at the junction of the second end of the rear body and the first end of the front body, and the installation structure is fixed inside the installation shell.

[0028] Preferably, the mounting structure includes a connecting plate and a mounting column;

[0029] The connecting plate is provided at the second end of the rear body and the first end of the front body;

[0030] The first end of the mounting post is installed inside the mounting housing, and the connecting plate is installed at the second end of the mounting post.

[0031] Preferably, the exhalation valve further includes a flow sensor air resistance, which is disposed between the front body and the rear body.

[0032] Preferably, the exhalation valve further includes a rotating cap, which is fitted onto the air inlet end of the valve body and connected to the outer casing.

[0033] Preferably, the driving component is a voice coil motor.

[0034] A ventilator including the aforementioned exhalation valve.

[0035] The expiratory valve provided in this invention is a structure installed at the expiratory port of a ventilator for controlling and regulating the exhaled gas. Specifically, it includes a housing, a valve body, a diaphragm, and an adjustment assembly. During installation, the housing serves as a supporting reference for mounting other parts of the expiratory valve. The valve body is installed inside the housing, creating an installation gap between the valve body's outlet end and the first end of the housing. The diaphragm and adjustment assembly are sequentially positioned within this gap. The first side of the diaphragm contacts the outlet end of the valve body, and the second side of the diaphragm contacts the adjustment assembly. This configuration allows for adjustment of the diaphragm's orientation via the adjustment assembly. Under force from any direction, the first side of the diaphragm remains parallel to the outlet end of the valve body, facilitating stable airflow and preventing airflow from affecting the diaphragm. This avoids diaphragm vibration and resonance, preventing whistling sounds and synergistic flow fluctuations in the ventilator, which can cause patient discomfort and improve the user experience. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for extensive pre-testing and product selection, thus saving costs. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the exhalation valve in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exhalation valve in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the exhalation valve in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The components are as follows: 1. Outer shell; 11. Main body shell; 12. Mounting shell; 13. Flow guide tube; 14. Limiting shell; 15. Fixing plate; 2. Valve body; 21. Rear body; 22. Front body; 23. Air guide tube; 3. Diaphragm; 31. Main body ring; 32. Deformation part; 33. Receiving plate; 4. Adjustment assembly; 41. Drive component; 42. Universal head; 43. Universal push rod; 431. Main body plate; 432. Connecting column; 5. Snap-fit ​​groove; 6. Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 7. Flow sensor air resistance; 8. Rotary twist cover; 9. Mounting structure; 91. Connecting plate; 92. Mounting column. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal," "radial," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] This invention provides an exhalation valve. Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the exhalation valve includes a housing 1, a valve body 2, a diaphragm 3, and an adjusting assembly 4. The valve body 2 is installed inside the housing 1, and there is an installation gap between the outlet end of the valve body 2 and the first end of the housing 1. The diaphragm 3 and the adjusting assembly 4 are sequentially disposed within the installation gap. The first side of the diaphragm 3 is in contact with the outlet end of the valve body 2, and the second side of the diaphragm 3 is in contact with the adjusting assembly 4. The adjusting assembly 4 is used to adjust the diaphragm 3 so that the first side of the diaphragm 3 is parallel to the end face of the outlet end of the valve body 2.

[0045] As an example, an expiratory valve is a structure installed at the expiratory port of a ventilator to control and regulate the exhaled gas. Specifically, it includes a housing 1, a valve body 2, a diaphragm 3, and an adjustment assembly 4. During installation, the housing 1 serves as a supporting reference for mounting other parts of the expiratory valve. The valve body 2 is installed inside the housing 1, with an installation gap between the outlet end of the valve body 2 and the first end of the housing 1. The diaphragm 3 and the adjustment assembly 4 are sequentially placed within this installation gap. The first side of the diaphragm 3 contacts the outlet end of the valve body 2, and the second side of the diaphragm 3 contacts the adjustment assembly 4. This arrangement allows for adjustment of the diaphragm 3's posture via the adjustment assembly 4. Under force from any direction, the first side of the diaphragm 3 remains parallel to the outlet end of the valve body 2, facilitating stable airflow and preventing airflow from affecting the diaphragm 3. This avoids diaphragm 3 vibration and resonance, preventing whistling sounds and synergistic flow fluctuations in the ventilator, which can cause patient discomfort and improve the user experience. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for extensive pre-testing and selection of suitable products, thus saving costs. The housing 1 includes... The main body of the exhalation valve is made of PPSU and SUS304, so it can be removed for high-temperature sterilization.

[0046] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the adjustment assembly 4 includes a drive member 41, a universal head 42, and a universal push rod 43; the drive member 41 is mounted on the first end of the housing 1 and connected to the first end of the universal head 42; the first end of the universal push rod 43 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 5, and the second end of the universal head 42 is movably mounted in the snap-fit ​​groove 5; the drive member 41 drives the universal push rod 43 to move through the universal head 42 so that the second end of the universal push rod 43 is perpendicularly attached to the second side surface of the diaphragm 3.

[0047] As an example, the adjustment component 4 includes a drive member 41, a universal head 42, and a universal push rod 43. During installation, the drive member 41 is installed on the first end of the housing 1 and connected to the first end of the universal head 42. A snap-fit ​​groove 5 is provided at the first end of the universal push rod 43, and the second end of the universal head 42 is movably installed in the snap-fit ​​groove 5. In this way, the universal push rod 43 can rotate arbitrarily on the universal head 42, and the auxiliary diaphragm 3 and the outlet end of the valve body 2 are always in a parallel state, so as not to cause one side to be tight and the other side to be loose, so that the airflow does not affect the diaphragm 3. The drive member 41 drives the universal push rod 43 to move through the universal head 42, so that the second end of the universal push rod 43 is perpendicularly attached to the second side of the diaphragm 3, ensuring that the diaphragm 3 remains parallel to the outlet end of the valve body 2 in any direction of force, which is conducive to stabilizing the airflow and can solve the whistling and flow fluctuation caused by resonance.

[0048] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the second end of the universal joint 42 is a ball joint, and the snap-fit ​​groove 5 is an arc-shaped groove.

[0049] As an example, the second end of the universal head 42 is set as a ball joint, and the snap-fit ​​groove 5 is set as an arc-shaped groove. The ball joint matches the arc-shaped groove, which makes it easy to install the universal push rod 43 on the second end of the universal head 42, so that the universal push rod 43 can rotate arbitrarily on the universal head 42. The auxiliary diaphragm 3 and the air outlet end of the valve body 2 are always in a parallel state, so as not to cause one side to be tight and the other side to be loose, and so that the airflow does not affect the diaphragm 3.

[0050] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the universal push rod 43 includes a main body disk 431 and a connecting post 432 extending axially from the center of one end face of the main body disk 431 near the universal head 42 along the main body disk 431.

[0051] The end of the connecting column 432 facing the universal joint 42 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 5.

[0052] As an example, the universal push rod 43 includes a main body plate 431 and a connecting post 432; the connecting post 432 extends axially from the center of one end face of the main body plate 431 near the universal head 42 along the main body plate 431; the main body plate 431 is used to contact the second side of the diaphragm 3, and a snap-fit ​​groove 5 is provided at the end of the connecting post 432 facing the universal head 42, the snap-fit ​​groove 5 matches the second end of the universal head 42, so as to facilitate the installation of the universal push rod 43 on the universal head 42.

[0053] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the diaphragm 3 is a PEEP diaphragm.

[0054] As an example, diaphragm 3 is designated as a PEEP diaphragm. The PEEP diaphragm is a key component in the expiratory valve used to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation. It generates the PEEP effect by physically resisting the flow of expiratory air, thereby helping patients improve respiratory function. The state of the PEEP diaphragm in different operating phases: Inspiratory phase: The state of the PEEP diaphragm depends on the ventilator settings and the patient's breathing condition, but the PEEP value usually has little impact on the diaphragm during this phase. Expiratory phase, PEEP value greater than 0: During the expiratory phase, if the PEEP value is greater than 0, it means that a certain positive pressure is maintained in the airway, which affects the opening and closing state of the PEEP diaphragm. When the PEEP value is high, the diaphragm may be in a partially closed state to maintain positive pressure in the airway. Expiratory phase, PEEP value equal to 0: In the expiratory phase with a PEEP value of 0, theoretically the diaphragm should be completely closed, but the actual situation may vary depending on the ventilator design and the patient's breathing condition. Depending on the specific ventilator used, the situation varies. Some ventilators may have an additional base flow (base flow means that during the expiratory phase, the ventilator provides an extra 3-5L of airflow through the expiratory valve; simply put, with base flow, the outlet of diaphragm 3 and valve body 2 is not completely sealed under any circumstances). Problems that may arise with the PEEP diaphragm in the expiratory valve at different operating stages are related to factors such as ventilator settings, the patient's respiratory status, and base flow. To avoid problems such as diaphragm vibration and resonance, these factors need to be considered comprehensively, and appropriate measures should be taken for adjustment and maintenance.

[0055] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the diaphragm 3 includes a main ring 31, a deformable portion 32 extending radially from the inner wall of one end of the main ring 31, and a receiving plate 33 extending radially from the side of the deformable portion 32 away from the main ring 31; the main ring 31 is fitted onto the air outlet end of the valve body 2, and the receiving plate 33 contacts the regulating component 4.

[0056] As an example, the diaphragm 3 includes a main ring 31, a deformable portion 32, and a receiving plate 33. During installation, the main ring 31 is fitted onto the outlet end of the valve body 2, and airflow flows out between the main ring 31 and the outlet end of the valve body 2. The deformable portion 32 extends radially from the inner wall of one end of the main ring 31 and deforms under force, changing the inner diameter of the main ring 31, thus facilitating the fitting of the main ring 31 onto the outlet end of the valve body 2. The receiving plate 33 extends radially from the side of the deformable portion 32 away from the main ring 31 and contacts the adjusting assembly 4. The universal push rod 43 of the adjustment component 4 can rotate freely on the universal head 42, and the auxiliary receiving plate 33 and the air outlet end of the valve body 2 are always in a parallel state, so as not to cause one side to be tight and the other side to be loose, so that the airflow does not affect the diaphragm 3; the drive component 41 drives the universal push rod 43 to move through the universal head 42, so that the second end of the universal push rod 43 is perpendicular to the second side of the diaphragm 3, ensuring that the diaphragm 3 remains parallel to the air outlet end of the valve body 2 in any direction of force, which is conducive to stabilizing the airflow and can solve the whistling and flow fluctuation caused by resonance.

[0057] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the other end of the main body ring 31 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 5, and the outlet end of the valve body 2 is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion 6, and the snap-fit ​​groove 5 matches the snap-fit ​​protrusion 6.

[0058] As an example, a snap-fit ​​groove 5 is provided at the other end of the main body ring 31, and a snap-fit ​​protrusion 6 is provided on the air outlet end of the valve body 2. The snap-fit ​​groove 5 matches the snap-fit ​​protrusion 6, which makes it easy to fit the main body ring 31 onto the air outlet end of the valve body 2, thus facilitating the installation and disassembly of the diaphragm 3 and the valve body 2.

[0059] In one embodiment, referring to FIG3, the outer shell 1 includes a main shell 11, a mounting shell 12 disposed on a first side of the main shell 11, a guide pipe 13 disposed on a second side of the main shell 11, and a limiting shell 14 disposed at a first end of the main shell 11; the valve body 2 is placed inside the main shell 11 and fixed inside the mounting shell 12, and the air outlet end of the valve body 2 is in contact with the first end of the main shell 11; the portion of the valve body 2 near the air outlet end is connected to the guide pipe 13; the diaphragm 3 and the adjusting assembly 4 are sequentially disposed inside the limiting shell 14.

[0060] As an example, the outer casing 1 includes a main casing 11, a mounting casing 12, a guide tube 13, and a limiting casing 14. The main casing 11 serves as the main component and is used to house the valve body 2. The outlet end of the valve body 2 is in contact with the first end of the main casing 11, which limits the valve body 2 and prevents it from sliding out of the first end of the main casing 11. The mounting casing 12 is disposed on the first side of the main casing 11 and is used to fix the valve body 2 by other structures. The guide tube 13 is disposed on the second side of the main casing 11 and is used to communicate with the part of the valve body 2 near the outlet end for ventilation. The limiting casing 14 is disposed at the first end of the main casing 11 and is used to install the diaphragm 3 and the adjustment assembly 4.

[0061] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the valve body 2 includes a rear body 21 and a front body 22; the rear body 21 and the front body 22 are sequentially installed in the main body shell 11, the end face of the air outlet of the rear body 21 is in contact with the first end of the main body shell 11, and the air outlet of the front body 22 is installed in the air inlet of the rear body 21; a guide pipe 23 is provided on the part of the rear body 21 near the air outlet, and the guide pipe 23 is connected to the guide pipe 13; a mounting structure 9 is provided at the junction of the second end of the rear body 21 and the first end of the front body 22, and the mounting structure 9 is fixed in the mounting shell 12.

[0062] As an example, valve body 2 includes a rear body 21 and a front body 22. During installation, the rear body 21 and the front body 22 are sequentially installed inside the main body shell 11. The end face of the air outlet of the rear body 21 contacts the first end of the main body shell 11, and there is an installation gap between it and the limiting shell 14. The diaphragm 3 and the adjusting component 4 are sequentially arranged in the installation gap. The first side of the diaphragm 3 is connected to the air outlet of the rear body 21, and the second side of the diaphragm 3 is connected to the adjusting component 4. The air outlet of the front body 22 is installed at the air inlet of the rear body 21. The front body 22 and the rear body 21 cooperate to discharge the waste gas blown out by the patient. A duct 23 is provided on the part of the rear body 21 near the air outlet. The duct 23 is connected to the guide pipe 13 for ventilation. An installation structure 9 is provided at the junction of the second end of the rear body 21 and the first end of the front body 22. The installation structure 9 is fixed inside the installation shell 12 to facilitate fixing the front body 21 and the rear body 22 inside the outer shell 1. This configuration allows for adjustment of the diaphragm 3's orientation via the adjustment component 4. Under force from any direction, the first side of the diaphragm 3 remains parallel to the outlet face of the rear body 21, facilitating stable airflow and preventing it from affecting the diaphragm 3. This avoids diaphragm 3 vibration and resonance, preventing whistling sounds and synergistic flow fluctuations in the ventilator, which can cause patient discomfort and improve the user experience. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for extensive pre-testing and product selection, thus saving costs. An O-ring seal is provided between the front body 22 and the rear body 21 to ensure a tight seal.

[0063] In one embodiment, referring to FIG3, the mounting structure 9 includes a connecting plate 91 and a mounting post 92; the second end of the rear body 22 and the first end of the front body 21 are both provided with the connecting plate 91; the first end of the mounting post 92 is installed inside the mounting shell 12, and the connecting plate 91 is installed at the second end of the mounting post 92.

[0064] As an example, the mounting structure 9 includes a connecting plate 91 and a mounting post 92. During installation, a connecting plate 91 is provided at the second end of the rear body 22 and the first end of the front body 21. The first end of the mounting post 92 is installed inside the mounting shell 12, and then both connecting plates 91 are installed at the second ends of the mounting post 92. This fixes the rear body 22 and the front body 21 inside the mounting shell 12, thereby stably installing the valve body 2 inside the outer shell 1. The mounting post 92 can be one or two. When there is one mounting post 92, the two connecting plates 91 are installed sequentially on the mounting post 92. When there are two mounting posts 92, the two mounting posts 92 are arranged parallel and spaced apart, and the two connecting plates 91 are installed on the two mounting posts 92 respectively. In addition, the mounting shell 12 is provided with a limiting groove, and an elastic ring is fitted onto the first end of the mounting post 92. Utilizing the elasticity of the elastic ring, it can deform, facilitating the engagement of the elastic ring within the limiting groove. This arrangement facilitates the installation and disassembly of the mounting post 92.

[0065] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the exhalation valve further includes a flow sensor air resistance 7, which is disposed between the front body 22 and the rear body 21.

[0066] As an example, the exhalation valve also includes a flow sensor air resistance 7, which is located between the front body 22 and the rear body 21. This air resistance 7 monitors and adjusts the exhaled gas flow rate to ensure smooth and safe breathing. Specifically, the flow sensor air resistance 7 is a differential pressure flow sensor air resistance.

[0067] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the exhalation valve further includes a rotating cap 8, which is fitted onto the air inlet end of the valve body 2 and connected to the outer casing 1.

[0068] As an example, the exhalation valve also includes a rotating cap 8. During installation, the rotating cap 8 is fitted onto the air inlet end of the valve body 2 and connected to the outer casing 1. Specifically, a fixing plate 15 is provided at the second end of the main casing 11, and the rotating cap 8 is mounted on the fixing plate 15. This arrangement of the rotating cap 8 can serve as a seal, ensuring the isolation of the exhalation valve's interior from the external environment and preventing leakage of gas, liquid, or other media. The size or shape of the internal passage of the exhalation valve can also be changed by rotating the cap 8, thereby affecting the gas flow or pressure, allowing users to manually adjust it as needed to meet specific breathing or gas exchange requirements. The design of the rotating cap 8 makes the maintenance and cleaning of the exhalation valve more convenient. Users can easily open or close the cap to check the internal condition of the exhalation valve, clean internal impurities, or replace damaged parts.

[0069] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the drive element 41 is a voice coil motor.

[0070] As an example, the drive component 41 is a voice coil motor, which is mounted on the first end of the housing 1 and connected to the first end of the universal head 42. The first end of the universal push rod 43 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 5, and the second end of the universal head 42 is movably mounted in the snap-fit ​​groove 5. In this way, the universal push rod 43 can rotate arbitrarily on the universal head 42, and the auxiliary diaphragm 3 and the outlet end of the valve body 2 are always in a parallel state, so as not to cause one side to be tight and the other side to be loose, so that the airflow does not affect the diaphragm 3. The linear motion of the voice coil motor can drive the universal push rod 43 to move through the universal head 42, so as to close or open the diaphragm 3, so that the second end of the universal push rod 43 is perpendicularly attached to the second side of the diaphragm 3, ensuring that the diaphragm 3 remains parallel to the outlet end of the valve body 2 in any direction of force, which is conducive to stabilizing the airflow and can solve the problem of howling and flow fluctuation caused by resonance.

[0071] This invention provides a ventilator, including an exhalation valve.

[0072] As an example, a ventilator includes an expiratory valve; the expiratory valve is an essential component of a ventilator, its main function being to help patients regulate and control the flow and rate of exhaled gas, thereby maintaining unobstructed and comfortable breathing. The expiratory valve opens during the expiratory phase, allowing waste gas to escape from the patient's airway; during the inspiratory phase, the expiratory valve closes, preventing fresh gas from flowing out during inspiration. The design of the expiratory valve helps prevent the inhalation of excessive carbon dioxide, maintaining the normal function of the respiratory system. The application of the expiratory valve on a ventilator varies depending on the specific ventilator; some ventilators add a base flow (the base flow is the additional 3-5L of gas that the ventilator provides during the expiratory phase, which can be simply understood as the diaphragm 3 and the outlet of the valve body 2 not being completely sealed under any circumstances). When the ventilator provides a base flow during the expiratory phase, this means that even during the expiratory phase, additional gas will be expelled through the expiratory valve; this base flow may cause the diaphragm 3 to not close completely, especially under low flow and high pressure conditions. In existing expiratory valves, under low flow and high pressure conditions, if the diaphragm 3 and the outlet end of the valve body 2 are not completely sealed, the drive component 41 may tilt the diaphragm 3, resulting in uneven pressure on one side. Because the airflow itself is unstable, this can easily cause the diaphragm 3 to vibrate and resonate, producing a whistling sound and causing flow fluctuations in the ventilator, leading to patient discomfort. The expiratory valve is an indispensable and important component of the ventilator. When the ventilator is working, the patient expels waste gas through the expiratory valve, and the quality of the expiratory valve directly affects the performance of the ventilator and the patient's experience. The expiratory valve in this example includes a housing 1, a valve body 2, a diaphragm 3, and an adjustment component 4. During installation, the outer casing 1 serves as a support reference for mounting other parts of the expiratory valve. The valve body 2 is installed inside the outer casing 1, creating an installation gap between the outlet end of the valve body 2 and the first end of the outer casing 1. The diaphragm 3 and the adjustment assembly 4 are then sequentially placed within this gap. The first side of the diaphragm 3 contacts the outlet end of the valve body 2, and the second side of the diaphragm 3 contacts the adjustment assembly 4. This arrangement allows for adjustment of the diaphragm 3's orientation via the adjustment assembly 4. Any force applied in any direction ensures that the first side of the diaphragm 3 remains parallel to the outlet end of the valve body 2, facilitating stable airflow and preventing the airflow from affecting the diaphragm 3. This avoids diaphragm 3 vibration and resonance, preventing whistling sounds and synergistic flow fluctuations in the ventilator, which can cause patient discomfort and improve the user experience. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for extensive pre-testing and selection of suitable products, thus saving costs. The main difference between this exhalation valve and commonly used exhalation valves is that the diaphragm 3 can be adjusted by the cooperation of the universal push rod 43 and the universal head 42 of the adjustment component 4, so that it is always parallel to the air outlet end of the valve body 2. This avoids the situation where the diaphragm 3 is pressed tightly and loosely on one side and the air outlet end of the valve body 2 is loose. In this case, the airflow will cause the diaphragm 3 to vibrate, producing a whistling sound and the flow rate will fluctuate due to the vibration of the diaphragm 3.

[0073] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An exhalation valve, characterized in that, Includes housing, valve body, diaphragm, and regulating components; The valve body is installed inside the housing, and there is an installation gap between the outlet end of the valve body and the first end of the housing; The diaphragm and the adjusting component are sequentially arranged within the installation gap. The first side of the diaphragm is connected to the air outlet of the valve body, and the second side of the diaphragm is in contact with the adjusting component. The adjustment component is used to adjust the diaphragm so that the first side of the diaphragm is parallel to the end face of the outlet end of the valve body.

2. The exhalation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes a drive unit, a universal head, and a universal push rod; The drive component is mounted on the first end of the housing and connected to the first end of the universal joint. The first end of the universal push rod is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, and the second end of the universal head is movably installed in the snap-fit ​​groove; The drive unit moves the universal push rod via the universal head, so that the second end of the universal push rod is perpendicularly attached to the second side of the diaphragm.

3. The exhalation valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second end of the universal joint is a spherical connector, and the snap-fit ​​groove is an arc-shaped groove.

4. The exhalation valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The universal push rod includes a main plate and a connecting post extending axially from the center of one end face of the main plate near the universal head along the main plate. The connecting column has the snap-fit ​​groove at the end facing the universal joint.

5. The exhalation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The membrane is a PEEP membrane.

6. The exhalation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragm includes a main ring, a deformable portion extending radially from the inner wall of one end of the main ring, and a receiving plate extending radially from the side of the deformable portion away from the main ring; The main ring is fitted onto the air outlet end of the valve body, and the receiving plate is in contact with the adjusting component.

7. The exhalation valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The other end of the main ring is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove, and the outlet end of the valve body is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the snap-fit ​​groove matches the snap-fit ​​protrusion.

8. The exhalation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell includes a main shell, a mounting shell disposed on a first side of the main shell, a guide tube disposed on a second side of the main shell, and a limiting shell disposed at a first end of the main shell; The valve body is placed inside the main body shell and fixed inside the mounting shell, with the air outlet end of the valve body in contact with the first end of the main body shell; The portion of the valve body near the outlet end is connected to the guide pipe; The diaphragm and the adjustment assembly are sequentially disposed within the limiting shell.

9. The exhalation valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve body includes a rear body and a front body; The rear body and the front body are sequentially installed inside the main body shell. The end face of the air outlet of the rear body is in contact with the first end of the main body shell, and the air outlet of the front body is installed at the air inlet of the rear body. The rear body is provided with an air guide tube near the air outlet end, and the air guide tube is connected to the flow guide tube; An installation structure is provided at the junction of the second end of the rear body and the first end of the front body, and the installation structure is fixed inside the installation shell.

10. The exhalation valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting structure includes a connecting plate and a mounting column; The connecting plate is provided at the second end of the rear body and the first end of the front body; The first end of the mounting post is installed inside the mounting housing, and the connecting plate is installed at the second end of the mounting post.

11. The exhalation valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The exhalation valve also includes a flow sensor air resistance, which is disposed between the front body and the rear body.

12. The exhalation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhalation valve also includes a rotating cap, which is fitted onto the air inlet end of the valve body and connected to the outer casing.

13. The exhalation valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component is a voice coil motor.

14. A ventilator, characterized in that, Includes the exhalation valve as described in any one of claims 1-13.

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