Snoring treatment instrument

Abstract

The present application provides a snoring treatment instrument, comprising a vibration part. The vibration part is provided with an air inlet, a first cavity in communication with the air inlet, a second cavity in communication with the first cavity by means of a communication port, and a plurality of air outlets in communication with the second cavity, and comprises a switching valve. The switching valve is at least partially located within the communication port in a natural state and can open the communication port under the blowing of an exhalation airflow, thereby enabling the vibration part to generate a vibration sound wave with a frequency of 20-200 Hz. Using the snoring treatment instrument provided in the present application can accurately exercise the upper respiratory tract muscles, thereby strengthening the upper respiratory tract muscles and treating snoring.

Description

Anti-snoring devices Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fitness equipment technology, and more particularly to an anti-snoring device. Background Technology

[0002] Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS, OSAS) is a condition characterized by apnea caused by obstructive lesions of the upper airway (including pharyngeal mucosal collapse), primarily manifested as snoring. Upper airway muscle weakness is a common cause of OSAS. Current treatments for snoring mainly include surgical removal, anti-snoring devices, and exercise-based weight loss therapy.

[0003] Surgical resection involves removing the portion of the upper airway that is significantly narrowed due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or other structures. This procedure is highly invasive and difficult for patients to accept.

[0004] Using anti-snoring devices is currently the main method for preventing snoring. Wearing an anti-snoring device before sleeping can keep the patient's airway clear during sleep. However, because the device needs to be worn continuously during sleep, patients have low acceptance of it, and they are prone to resuming snoring once the device is removed.

[0005] Exercise-based weight loss therapy can fundamentally address upper respiratory tract muscle weakness caused by obesity. However, exercise requires a certain space and time, which most people find difficult to do due to busy schedules; moreover, the weight loss effect is mainly reflected on the body surface and cannot directly and effectively exercise the muscles of the throat. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application proposes an anti-snoring device that can specifically exercise the muscles of the upper airway, thereby treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

[0007] One embodiment of this application provides a snoring-reducing device with a vibrating part. The vibrating part has an air inlet, a first cavity communicating with the air inlet, a second cavity communicating with the first cavity through a connecting port, and multiple exhaust ports communicating with the second cavity, and includes a switching valve. The switching valve, in its natural state, is at least partially located within the connecting port and can open the connecting port under the blowing of the exhaled airflow, thereby causing the vibrating part to generate vibrational sound waves with a frequency of 20–200 Hz.

[0008] In one specific embodiment, the vibrating part further includes a rotating shaft, a swing arm, a housing, and a partition. The housing has an air inlet and an exhaust outlet. The partition is disposed inside the housing, separating the inner cavity of the housing into a first cavity and a second cavity. The partition has a communication port. The rotating shaft divides the swing arm into a power arm and a resistance arm. The switching valve is connected to the power arm, and under the blowing of the exhaled airflow, the switching valve drives the swing arm to rotate around the rotating shaft.

[0009] In one specific embodiment, the power arm is longer than the resistance arm.

[0010] In one specific embodiment, the swing arm includes a first end near the air inlet and a second end near the exhaust outlet. The anti-snoring device also includes a first magnetic unit and a second magnetic unit. The first magnetic unit is disposed at the second end, and the second magnetic unit is disposed in the inner cavity, for attracting the first magnetic unit to reset the switching valve to its initial position in its natural state when not agitated by the exhaled airflow.

[0011] In one specific embodiment, the switching valve and the swing arm are connected by a flexible connection. In another specific embodiment, the switching valve and the swing arm are rigidly connected.

[0012] In one specific embodiment, the vibrating part has an air intake end face. The gravity of the vibrating part is F, the lever arm of the line of action of the gravity to the air intake end face is r, and the torque is M, where 0 < M ≤ 0.6 kgf·cm.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, the vibrating part further has an air outlet end face, and the vertical distance between the air inlet end face and the air outlet end face is L≤120mm.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, the vibration part further includes a spacing adjustment part protruding from the first end, the spacing adjustment part facing the partition, for adjusting the spacing between the swing arm and the partition.

[0015] In one specific embodiment, the switching valve includes a tapered portion extending away from the swing arm, wherein, in its natural state, the tapered portion is at least partially located within the first cavity.

[0016] In one specific embodiment, the housing is provided with an exhaust groove communicating with the second cavity, the exhaust groove being located in the extension direction of the generatrix of the tapered portion.

[0017] In one specific embodiment, the partition includes a substrate and an extension extending from the substrate toward the first cavity, the extension being frustoconical, and the communication port passing through the extension.

[0018] In one specific embodiment, the vibrating part further includes an exhaust cover, which is detachably fixed to the air outlet end of the housing, and the plurality of exhaust ports are provided on the exhaust cover.

[0019] In one specific embodiment, the vibrating part further includes a sleeve that is fitted over the housing and completely covers the housing.

[0020] In one specific embodiment, along the flow direction of the exhaled airflow, the second cavity includes a front cavity communicating with the first cavity and a rear cavity communicating with the exhaust port, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the front cavity is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear cavity.

[0021] In one specific embodiment, the total area of ​​the plurality of exhaust ports is greater than the maximum area of ​​the connecting port.

[0022] The patient holds the anti-snoring device provided in this application in their mouth and continuously blows exhaled air into the device to precisely exercise the muscles of the upper respiratory tract, making the muscles of the upper respiratory tract stronger, thereby treating snoring. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an anti-snoring device provided in an embodiment of this application (excluding the rotating shaft);

[0025] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the anti-snoring device shown in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the partition and vibration unit of the anti-snoring device shown in Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the power arm M1 and resistance arm R1 of the vibration unit of the anti-snoring device shown in Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 5 is a force diagram of the anti-snoring device provided in the embodiment of this application when the swing arm and the partition are in contact.

[0029] Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an anti-snoring device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an anti-snoring device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the anti-snoring device shown in Figure 7;

[0032] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an anti-snoring device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the force exerted when the user bites the device;

[0034] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the power arm M1 and the resistance arm R1 of the anti-snoring device shown in Figure 9. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Furthermore, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0036] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0037] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, the "natural state" described in this application refers to the state in which the anti-snoring device is placed on a horizontal plane with the air inlet on the left and the air outlet on the right, and no expiratory airflow enters the device. "Frustum" refers to the portion between the base of a cone and the cross-section formed by cutting a cone with a plane parallel to its base.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. An embodiment of the anti-snoring device 1 provided in this application includes a housing 10, a partition 12, and a vibration unit 14. The combination of the housing 10, the partition 12, and the vibration unit 14 is considered as the vibrating part. When the user holds the anti-snoring device 1 in their mouth and exhales into the device 1, the device 1 can generate vibration sound waves with a frequency of 20 to 200 Hz.

[0040] The housing 10 has an inner cavity 100, as shown in Figure 2, with an air inlet communicating with the inner cavity 100 and multiple exhaust ports 17. A partition 12 is disposed inside the housing 10, dividing the inner cavity 100 into a first cavity 1001 and a second cavity 1002. The partition 12 has a connecting port 120. The second cavity 1002 and the first cavity 1001 are interconnected through the connecting port 120. When the connecting port 120 is open, the exhaled airflow can enter the first cavity 1001 and the second cavity 1002 sequentially from the air inlet, and then flow out from the exhaust ports 17.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the vibration unit 14 includes a bracket 141, a swing arm 142, and a switching valve 143. The bracket 141 is fixed to the partition 12, and the swing arm 142 includes a first end 1421 and a second end 1422. The first end 1421 is close to the air inlet and rotatably connected to the bracket 141 via a rotating shaft 1414, while the second end 1422 is close to the exhaust port and is a free end. Thus, the swing arm 142 is divided into a power arm and a resistance arm by the rotating shaft 1414. The swing arm 142 can rotate around the rotating shaft 1414 under the blowing of the exhaled airflow. The distance between the first end 1421 and the rotating shaft 1414 (resistance arm) is much smaller than the distance between the second end 1422 and the rotating shaft 1414 (power arm), that is, the swing arm 142 is an asymmetrical swing arm, and the power arm M1 of the swing arm 142 is longer than the resistance arm R1 (see Figure 4).

[0042] The switching valve 143 is connected to the power arm of the swing arm 142. In some embodiments, the switching valve 143 connects the first end 1421 and the second end 1422, and is relatively closer to the second end 1422. In its natural state, the switching valve 143 is at least partially located within the communication port 120, and can either close or leave the communication port 120 open. Under the blowing of the exhaled airflow, the switching valve 143 can overcome gravity and rotate with the swing arm 142 around the support 141 in a direction away from the communication port 120, thereby opening the communication port 120, so that the first chamber 1001 and the second chamber 1002 change from being isolated to being interconnected, thereby allowing the exhaled airflow to flow into the second chamber 1002 through the communication port 120 and out through the exhaust port 17.

[0043] The housing 10 is roughly a hollow cylindrical structure. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the anti-snoring device 1 in its natural state. The left side of the figure shows the air inlet of the anti-snoring device 1, and the right side shows the exhaust outlet of the anti-snoring device 1. The air inlet and exhaust outlet do not refer to any specific structure, but only indicate direction.

[0044] The inner cavity of the housing 10 may be provided with several supporting walls or structural walls. In some embodiments, the housing 10 includes a radial sidewall 1010 and a bottom wall 1012 perpendicular to the inner wall of the housing 10. The bottom wall 1012 is close to the exhaust port. The radial sidewall 1010 radially blocks a portion of the air inlet, which can direct the expiratory airflow to the lower part of the anti-snoring device 1.

[0045] The bottom wall 1012 is located within the inner cavity 100 relative to the exhaust port and is separated from the exhaust port. Thus, along the flow direction of the expiratory airflow, the second cavity 1002 is divided into a front cavity 10021 and a rear cavity 10022, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the front cavity 10021 is smaller than that of the rear cavity 10022. In this way, when the device 1 is blown with expiratory airflow, the expiratory airflow in the front cavity 10021 can flow rapidly to the rear cavity 10022 and be quickly discharged.

[0046] In some embodiments, the housing 10 may be a metal housing, including a first outer side wall 191 and a second outer side wall 192, which cooperate to form a hollow cylinder. The first outer side wall 191 and the second outer side wall 192 may be ultrasonically welded to prevent mucus and moisture from seeping out of the housing 10 when using the anti-snoring device 1, and to allow all exhaled airflow to be discharged from the exhaust port 17.

[0047] In other embodiments, the housing 10 may be a one-piece structure, as long as the inner cavity includes two interconnected cavities.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. The partition 12 is a thin plate, with its two ends fixedly connected to the radial sidewall 1010 and the bottom wall 1012, respectively, thereby isolating the inner cavity 100 into a first cavity 1001 and a second cavity 1002. The partition 12 can be integrally formed with the shell 10, or it can be manufactured separately and then welded or snap-fitted together.

[0049] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the partition 12 includes a base plate 124 and an extension 126 extending from the base plate 124 into the first cavity 1001. The extension 126 is frustoconical, with its overhanging end spaced apart from the inner wall of the housing 10. A connecting port 120 passes through the extension 126. The connecting port 120 is a truncated cone, with its axis perpendicular to the base plate 124. When the device 1 is blown with exhaled airflow, the cone shape helps guide the airflow from the first cavity 1001 into the second cavity 1002, thereby reducing the radial dimension of the anti-snoring device 1, making the anti-snoring device 1 compact and easy to carry.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the bracket 141 includes a base 1412 and a rotating shaft 1414. The base 1412 is fixed to the partition 12 and includes two opposing base portions 14120. Each base portion 14120 has a connecting hole, and the two connecting holes are coaxial, so that the base 1412 has a coaxial first connecting hole 14121 and a second connecting hole 14122. The rotating shaft 1414 passes through the first connecting hole 14121 and the second connecting hole 14122.

[0051] The rotating shaft 1414 also passes through the swing arm 142, allowing the swing arm 142 to rotate relative to the rotating shaft 1414. Specifically, the swing arm 142 has a first through hole 1423 and a second through hole 1424, through which the rotating shaft 1414 passes. In some embodiments, the clearance fit between the rotating shaft 1414 and the first through hole 1423 is 0.2mm to 0.5mm, and the clearance fit between the rotating shaft 1414 and the second through hole 1424 is 0.2mm to 0.5mm. This clearance fit allows the vibration unit 14 some room for movement. When the switching valve 143 is not agitated by exhaled airflow, the switching valve 143 will return to its initial position in its natural state, that is, it will again be at least partially located within the communication port 120. When there is a slight misalignment between the switching valve 143 and the communication port 120, this extra room for movement allows the switching valve 143 to automatically align, thereby providing better sealing between the switching valve 143 and the communication port 120.

[0052] The design of the rotating shaft 1414 passing through the first connecting hole 14121, the second connecting hole 14122, and the swing arm 142 ensures that the vibration unit 14 will not experience jamming or imbalance due to precision issues when swinging around the rotating shaft 1414. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to set rotating shafts on both sides of the swing arm 142, the width of the swing arm 142 can be made smaller, and even with an asymmetrical swing arm, good balance can still be maintained during rotation.

[0053] The switching valve 143 is located near the second end 1422. The shape of the switching valve 143 matches the shape of the connecting port 120, and it is at least partially located within the connecting port 120 in its natural state. Specifically, in some embodiments, the switching valve 143 closes the connecting port 120 in its natural state; in other embodiments, the switching valve 143 does not close the connecting port in its natural state. The switching valve 143 includes a tapered portion 1432 extending away from the swing arm 142 to fit against the inner wall of the extension 126 and slide along the inner wall of the connecting port 120. Referring to FIG2, in its natural state, the tapered portion 1432 is at least partially located within the first cavity 1001. This reduces the height of the extension 126 within the second cavity 1002, thus reducing the radial dimension of the second cavity 1002, thereby reducing the overall radial dimension of the anti-snoring device 1 and making the anti-snoring device 1 more compact.

[0054] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the switching valve 143 and the swing arm 142 are connected by a flexible connection, specifically through a flexible connector 150, such as a flexible material or a spring. When the switching valve 143 returns to its initial position, if there is a slight misalignment between the switching valve 143 and the communication port 120, this flexible connection can undergo slight deformation due to the inertia of the switching valve 143's return and the interaction between the switching valve 143 and the communication port 120. This allows the switching valve 143 and the communication port 120 to automatically align and achieve precise fit. In other embodiments, the switching valve 143 and the swing arm 142 are rigidly fixedly connected, i.e., the anti-snoring device 1 does not include the flexible connector 150.

[0055] The end of the swing arm 142 near the exhaust port 17 (i.e., the second end) can overcome gravity and move away from the connecting port 120 under the blowing of the exhaled airflow, thus the second end has a power arm M1. Correspondingly, the end of the swing arm 142 near the air inlet (i.e., the first end) has a resistance arm R1, wherein the power arm M1 is longer than the resistance arm R1. Since the power arm M1 is longer than the resistance arm R1, the length of the air inlet end of the anti-snoring device 1 can be shortened, and it does not need to be the same length as the air outlet end (the length of the air inlet end and the length of the air outlet end are roughly defined with the rotation axis 1414 as the boundary), thereby making the anti-snoring device 1 shorter, easier to carry, and allowing users to exercise anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, since the first chamber 1001 and the second chamber 1002 are stacked approximately radially along the device 1, rather than arranged sequentially left and right along the direction of airflow, the length of the anti-snoring device 1 is also greatly shortened, and the increased radial dimension makes the anti-snoring device 1 easier to hold.

[0056] When no expiratory airflow passes through the connecting port 120, the vibrating unit 14 is in its natural state, and the switching valve 143 is at least partially located within the connecting port 120. When expiratory airflow flows towards the connecting port 120, the switching valve 143 is blown away from the connecting port 120 by the expiratory airflow, and the vibrating unit 14 begins to oscillate, allowing the expiratory airflow to enter the second chamber 1002. When the switching valve 143 is no longer agitated by the expiratory airflow, it returns to its initial position, and the vibrating unit 14 stops oscillating. As expiratory airflow continuously enters the first chamber 1001, the vibrating unit 14 oscillates continuously, generating vibrational sound waves with a frequency of 20–200 Hz, which causes the upper respiratory tract muscles to vibrate and thus exercise them.

[0057] The vibration unit 14 can be made of polymer materials commonly used in medical applications, such as polycarbonate (PC), which has good biocompatibility and a simple and stable structure.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. In some embodiments, the vibration unit 14 further includes a spacing adjustment portion 144 protruding from the first end 1421, the spacing adjustment portion 144 facing the partition 12, for adjusting the spacing between the swing arm 142 and the partition 12.

[0059] The spacing adjustment section 144 can be a protruding block structure with an outer surface 1440 protruding towards the partition 12. The protrusion height of the spacing adjustment section 144 can be preset, and the spacing between the spacing adjustment section 144 and the partition 12 can be determined by adjusting its preset height. In actual setting, the required rebound force F2 can be calculated by calculating the intake force and velocity generated by the intake pressure of a normal person's exhalation on the switching valve 143 (see Figure 5), and then the height of the spacing adjustment section 144 can be designed.

[0060] Under the action of exhaled airflow, the spacing adjustment part 144 can impact the partition 12 first compared to the surface of the swing arm 142, generating a rebound force F2. The vibration unit 14 can be reset by means of this rebound force F2 and reciprocate around the rotation axis 1414 under the combined action of exhaled pressure and rebound force. When the vibration unit 14 oscillates at a preset frequency, it generates the aforementioned vibration sound waves, thereby exercising the muscles of the upper respiratory tract.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the swing arm 142 is in its natural state, the distance between the spacing adjustment part 144 and the partition 12 is 0.5mm to 2.5mm. This allows the vibration unit 14 to have sufficient distance to generate acceleration to impact the partition 12 and produce a large rebound force F2, while also adjusting the vibration frequency of the anti-snoring device 1.

[0062] In some embodiments, the swing arm 142 can be better assisted to return to its natural state by providing mutually attractive magnetic units between the swing arm 142 and the partition 12 instead of the above-mentioned rebound force F2.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 2. In some embodiments, the anti-snoring device 1 further includes a first magnetic unit 161 and a second magnetic unit 162. The first magnetic unit 161 is disposed at the second end 1422 of the swing arm 142, and the second magnetic unit 162 is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 10. It is used to attract the first magnetic unit 161 so that the swing arm 142 can be reset to the initial position in the natural state along with the switch valve 143 when there is no exhaled airflow.

[0064] The first magnetic unit 161 can rotate together with the swing arm 142. The first magnetic unit 161 can be disposed in the mounting groove of the swing arm 142 or directly disposed on the surface of the swing arm 142.

[0065] The second magnetic unit 162 is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 10. It can be disposed on the inner surface of the housing 10 facing the inner cavity 100, on the bottom wall 1012, or on the outer surface of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the second magnetic unit 162 is located in the second cavity 1002, near the exhaust port.

[0066] During the reset process of the vibration unit 14, the attraction between the first magnetic unit 161 and the second magnetic unit 162 helps the vibration unit 14 to reset normally after being subjected to exhaled airflow or other forces. This allows the user to exercise anytime, anywhere, in any posture, regardless of their posture. For example, when the user needs to lie on their side due to physical reasons, the reset direction of the switch valve 143 will form an acute or obtuse angle with the direction of gravity of the anti-snoring device 1. Especially when it forms an obtuse angle, the direction of the component of gravity is opposite to the reset direction of the switch valve 143, which will hinder the reset of the switch valve 143. However, since the force between the first magnetic unit 161 and the second magnetic unit 162 always has a component that is consistent with the reset direction of the switch valve 143, the switch valve 143 can reset in any usage posture, allowing the user to use the anti-snoring device 1 in any position.

[0067] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. In one embodiment of this application, the total area of ​​all exhaust ports 17 is greater than the maximum area of ​​the connecting port 120, thereby enabling the gas to be discharged quickly and preventing the gas from lingering in the second cavity 1002 and affecting the performance of the vibration unit 14.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, the anti-snoring device 1 further includes an exhaust cover 18, which is connected to the end of the housing 10, and an exhaust port 17 is opened on the exhaust cover 18. The separate exhaust cover 18 facilitates the removal and cleaning of the exhaust port 17 and the inner cavity 100.

[0069] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the housing 10 is further provided with an exhaust groove 19 communicating with the second chamber 1002. The exhaust groove 19 is located in the extension direction of the generatrix of the tapered portion 1432. When gas enters the second chamber 1002 from the gap between the switching valve 143 and the connecting port 120, the gas will enter along the edge of the switching valve 143 and the connecting port 120. Therefore, the gas will first rush towards the second outer side wall 192 along this edge. At this time, the exhaust groove 19 opened on the second outer side wall 192 can quickly discharge the gas, avoiding the gas from stagnating in the second chamber 1002 and forming eddies.

[0070] Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the exhaust groove 19 is larger than the area of ​​the maximum gap between the conical portion 1432 of the switching valve 143 and the connecting port 120, which is more conducive to the discharge of gas from the exhaust groove 19. Generally, the area of ​​the gap between the surface of the conical portion 1432 and the extension portion 126 is at its maximum when the switching valve 143 rises to its farthest position relative to the baffle 12. The opening area of ​​the exhaust groove 19 only needs to be larger than the gap area at this time. Here, the area is measured by taking a section of the surface that is approximately parallel to the air intake direction.

[0071] Please refer to Figures 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the anti-snoring device 1 further includes a sleeve 30 that is fitted over and completely covers the housing 10. The sleeve 30 may be made of metal.

[0072] When the first outer wall 191 and the second outer wall 192 constituting the shell are interlocked or glued together, there may be tiny gaps at the joint. Since exhaled breath contains a certain amount of mucus and moisture, after prolonged use, the device 1 may experience mucus and moisture leakage from these gaps. The sleeve 30 effectively prevents the leakage of mucus and moisture.

[0073] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the anti-snoring device 1 further includes a seal 40 disposed circumferentially between the sleeve 30 and the housing 10 to further prevent moisture, mucus, and airflow that may leak from the housing 10. The seal 40 may include a first sealing ring 41 and a second sealing ring 42. The first sealing ring 41 is disposed between the housing 10 and the sleeve 20, near the air inlet. The second sealing ring 42 is disposed between the housing 10 and the sleeve 20, near the exhaust outlet. By configuring the seal 40 as a sealing ring, a complete circumferential seal can be achieved from the housing 10. The specific shape of the sealing ring is determined according to the circumferential shape of the housing 10.

[0074] Furthermore, the housing 10 is provided with a first receiving groove 101 and a second receiving groove 102. The first receiving groove 101 is ring-shaped and located near the air inlet; the second receiving groove 102 is also ring-shaped and located near the exhaust outlet. The first receiving groove 101 is used to receive the first sealing ring 41, and the second receiving groove 102 is used to receive the second sealing ring 42, which can improve the sealing performance of the overall structure.

[0075] Referring to Figure 9, an embodiment of the anti-snoring device 3 provided in this application has a structure that is substantially the same as that provided in the aforementioned embodiment, including a vibrating part 301. The vibrating part 301 is provided with an air inlet 3010 for expiratory airflow, an inner cavity communicating with the air inlet 3010, and an exhaust port 3220 communicating with the inner cavity.

[0076] The inner cavity includes a first cavity 31 and a second cavity 32 communicating with the first cavity 31. Exhaled airflow can flow from the air inlet 3010 through the first cavity 31 and the second cavity 32 in sequence, and be discharged from the exhaust port 3220. The vibrating part 301 includes a vibrating unit 33, which is movably disposed at the communication port between the first cavity 31 and the second cavity 32, and is adapted to leave the communication port under the push of the exhaled airflow, thereby causing the vibrating part 301 to generate vibration sound waves with a frequency range of 20 to 200 Hz.

[0077] The vibrating part 301 also includes an extension 310 at its air inlet. The extension 310 can be configured to be suitable for inlet engagement or to be suitable for connection with a separate bite nozzle. In this embodiment, the extension 310 is a hollow cylinder with a diameter slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the vibrating part 301, suitable for connection with a separate bite nozzle. The end face of the extension 310 is the air inlet end face 311 as shown in FIG10.

[0078] The vibration section 301 also includes a radial sidewall 3110 connected to the extension section 310, a first outer sidewall 3112 and an inner sidewall 3114 both extending along the axial direction of the vibration section 301, and a bottom wall 3116 connected between the first outer sidewall 3112 and the inner sidewall 3114.

[0079] The radial sidewall 3110 partially blocks the air inlet along the radial direction of the vibrating part 301, reducing the air inlet cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaled airflow. The first outer sidewall 3112 forms the outer surface of the vibrating part 301. The inner sidewall 3114 is located inside the vibrating part 301. The bottom wall 3116 is located on the side away from the air inlet end face 311 of the vibrating part 301 and has an air outlet end face 322. The inner sidewall 3114 has a connecting opening 34 approximately in its middle section. The inner sidewall 3114, the bottom wall 3116, and the radial sidewall 3110 can be integrally formed, or they can be formed separately and then fixedly connected to the bottom wall 3116 and the radial sidewall 3110, for example, by welding or snap-fit ​​connection.

[0080] The vibrating part 301 also includes a second outer side wall 320 and an air outlet end face 322, which are used to enclose the second cavity 32 with the radial side wall 3110, the first outer side wall 3112, and the inner side wall 3114. The air outlet end face 322 is arranged radially along the vibrating part 301.

[0081] In this embodiment, the vibration unit 33 includes a switching valve 330, a rotating shaft 332, and a swing arm 333. The rotating shaft 332 is fixed between the two ends of the swing arm 333, and the switching valve 330 is disposed on one side of the power arm M1 of the swing arm 333, and is at least partially located within the communication port 34 in its natural state. When the switching valve 330 is blown by the exhaled airflow, it moves away from the communication port 34 and drives the swing arm 333 to rotate around the rotating shaft 332.

[0082] Since the switching valve 330 moves relative to the connecting port 34 when it is subjected to the exhaled airflow, the side where the switching valve 330 is located is the power arm M1 of the swing arm 333.

[0083] The rotating shaft 332 can be fixed relative to the swing arm 333 by means of the base 335. The base 335 can be integrally formed with the inner sidewall 3114, or fixedly installed on the inner sidewall 3114.

[0084] The rotating shaft 332 passes through both the base 335 and the swing arm 333, thereby allowing the swing arm 333 to rotate around the rotating shaft 332 as a fulcrum. The rotating shaft 332 and the base 335 are located at approximately the midpoint of the swing arm 333, thus ensuring that the power arm M1 and the resistance arm R1 of the swing arm 333 are of equal or substantially equal length (see Figure 11).

[0085] The swing arm 333 includes a first end 334 and a second end 336. The first end 334 is close to the air inlet of the vibrating part 301, and the second end 336 is close to the exhaust port of the vibrating part 301. The switching valve 330 is close to the second end 336.

[0086] When no exhaled airflow passes through, the vibration unit 33 is in its natural state, and the switching valve 330 is at least partially located within the connecting port 34. Specifically, the connecting port 34 can be closed or unclosed. The shape of the switching valve 330 can be adapted to the shape of the connecting port 34. In this embodiment, the switching valve 330 is conical, and the connecting port 34 is a hollow arc-shaped air inlet.

[0087] Driven by the exhaled airflow, the switch valve 330 can overcome gravity and rotate away from the connecting port 34, thereby creating a gap with the connecting port 34. The exhaled airflow can then enter the second chamber 32 from the first chamber 31 through the connecting port 34. When the exhaled airflow disappears, the switch valve 330 returns to its initial position. During this process, the swing arm 333 of the vibration unit 33 swings up and down around the rotation axis 332, causing the vibration unit 33 to swing at a predetermined frequency, thereby generating vibrational sound waves that can induce vibration of the upper respiratory tract muscles.

[0088] In the anti-snoring device provided in this embodiment, the weight of the vibrating part 301 is F. When the user bites on the device, the support point (center of gravity O) is located at the air intake end face 311 that is in contact with the oral cavity or a separate mouthpiece. The lever arm of the line of action of the weight F to the air intake end face 311 is r (as shown in Figure 10). In the horizontal state, the lever arm r is the largest, and the torque is M, M = F·r, where 0 < M ≤ 0.6 kgf·cm.

[0089] The aforementioned torque setting prevents the anti-snoring device 3 from falling out of the mouth, and also prevents the user from biting down too hard, which could damage their teeth or gums. Furthermore, the user does not need to hold the device; they can simply bite down on it. This expands the usage scenarios and duration of the device 3, allowing it to be used while reading, typing, or running, eliminating the need for deliberate airway muscle exercises and significantly improving the effectiveness of snoring treatment.

[0090] Furthermore, the setting of 0 < M ≤ 0.2 kgf·cm can make the anti-snoring device 3 lighter and easier for the user to bite, achieving the effect of easy exercise anytime and anywhere.

[0091] In some usage scenarios, such as when a runner is running with the anti-snoring device 3 in their mouth, the device vibrates with the user's movement, causing the user to increase the biting force applied to the device. Since a longer lever arm r results in a larger torque M, to avoid excessive torque M, the distance L between the air inlet face 311 and the air outlet face 322 of the device 3 is less than 120mm, without increasing weight or keeping the center of gravity essentially unchanged. Therefore, the lever arm r can be shortened accordingly without increasing weight or keeping the center of gravity essentially unchanged, thereby helping to reduce the biting force on the user's biting vibration part 301, especially preventing the device from falling off or damaging teeth during running. Furthermore, shortening the distance between the air inlet face 311 and the air outlet face 322 makes the anti-snoring device 3 lighter and easier to hold.

[0092] Experiments have shown that the anti-snoring device provided in this application can generate vibration sound waves with a frequency of 20-200Hz, which can accurately exercise the muscles of the upper respiratory tract, strengthen the muscles of the upper respiratory tract, and prevent the muscles from relaxing and sagging after sleep and blocking the upper respiratory tract, thereby achieving the effect of treating snoring.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the frequency of the vibration sound wave is 20 to 110 Hz, it can more accurately train the muscles of the upper respiratory tract and better achieve the purpose of treating snoring.

[0094] The vibration frequency can be adjusted adaptively according to the user's stage of device use. As the training progresses, the muscles of the upper respiratory tract become stronger, and the required vibration frequency also changes. For example, in the early stages of training, when the muscles are relatively relaxed, a vibration frequency of 20-75Hz is sufficient. In later stages of training, the upper respiratory tract muscles have developed a certain strength, and the vibration caused by the original vibration frequency becomes weaker. Therefore, the intensity of later training can be increased by adjusting the frequency or changing to different anti-snoring devices, such as using a vibration frequency of 65-110Hz, to ensure the continued stability of the treatment effect.

[0095] Regardless of the stage, the vibration frequency of the anti-snoring device provided in the various embodiments of this application can be tested in the following ways, and the testing methods may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following methods:

[0096] 1. When the detection device is a power source type, use instruments such as a ventilator to output a fixed air pressure of 15-100 cmH2O and a flow rate of 25-70 L / min to the vibrating part of the anti-snoring device, such as the vibrating unit, and measure the vibration frequency of the vibrating unit using instruments such as a laser vibrometer and a sound wave detector.

[0097] 2. Through clinical use, healthy individuals over 15 years of age should take a deep breath and then forcefully exhale, applying the breath to the vibrating part of the anti-snoring device. The vibration frequency of the vibrating unit should be measured using instruments such as a laser vibrometer and a sound wave detector.

[0098] 3. By using a computational simulation method, the vibration part of the anti-snoring device is subjected to boundary conditions of 15-100 cm water column (cmH2O) air pressure and 25-70 L / min flow rate, and then its vibration frequency is obtained by finite element calculation.

[0099] Through continuous testing and adjustments to the structure of the vibration unit or the entire anti-snoring device, the vibration frequency of the vibration unit is made to fall within the frequency range required by this application. This frequency testing and adjustment method is applicable to various anti-snoring devices, and is not limited to the anti-snoring devices provided in the above embodiments. Any vibration frequency obtained by any testing method that falls within the vibration frequency range defined in this application is considered to be able to achieve the technical effect to be achieved by this application.

[0100] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application 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 this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An anti-snoring device, characterized in that, The device includes a vibrating part, which has an air inlet, a first cavity communicating with the air inlet, a second cavity communicating with the first cavity through a connecting port, and a plurality of exhaust ports communicating with the second cavity, and includes a switching valve; the switching valve is at least partially located in the connecting port in its natural state, and is adapted to open the connecting port under the blowing of the exhaled airflow, thereby causing the vibrating part to generate vibration sound waves with a frequency of 20 to 200 Hz.

2. The snore treatment appliance of claim 1, wherein, The vibrating part further includes a rotating shaft, a swing arm, a housing, and a partition. The housing is provided with the air inlet and the exhaust port. The partition is disposed inside the housing, separating the inner cavity of the housing into the first cavity and the second cavity. The partition is provided with the communication port. The rotating shaft divides the swing arm into a power arm and a resistance arm. The switching valve is connected to the power arm. Under the blowing of the exhaled airflow, the switching valve drives the swing arm to rotate around the rotating shaft.

3. The snore treatment appliance of claim 2, wherein, The power arm is longer than the resistance arm.

4. The snore treatment appliance of claim 2, wherein, The swing arm includes a first end near the air inlet and a second end near the exhaust outlet; the anti-snoring device also includes a first magnetic unit and a second magnetic unit, the first magnetic unit being disposed at the second end and the second magnetic unit being disposed in the inner cavity, for attracting the first magnetic unit to reset the switching valve to its initial position in the natural state when not blown by the exhaled airflow.

5. The snore treatment appliance of claim 2, wherein, The switching valve and the swing arm are connected by a flexible connection.

6. The snore treatment appliance of claim 1, wherein, The vibrating part has an air intake end face, the gravity of the vibrating part is F, the lever arm of the line of action of the gravity to the air intake end face is r, and the torque is M, where 0 < M ≤ 0.6 kgf·cm.

7. The snore device of claim 6, wherein, The vibrating part also has an air outlet end face, and the vertical distance between the air inlet end face and the air outlet end face is L≤120mm.

8. The snore treatment appliance of claim 2, wherein, The vibration unit also includes a spacing adjustment part protruding from the first end, the spacing adjustment part facing the partition, for adjusting the spacing between the swing arm and the partition.

9. The snore treatment appliance of claim 2, wherein, The switching valve includes a tapered portion extending away from the swing arm, which, in its natural state, is at least partially located within the first cavity.

10. The snore treatment appliance of claim 9, wherein, The housing is provided with an exhaust groove that communicates with the second cavity, and the exhaust groove is located in the extension direction of the generatrix of the tapered portion.

11. The anti-snoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The partition includes a base plate and an extension extending from the base plate into the first cavity. The extension is frustum-shaped, and the communication port passes through the extension.

12. The anti-snoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vibrating part also includes an exhaust cover, which is detachably fixed to the air outlet end of the housing, and the plurality of exhaust ports are provided on the exhaust cover.

13. The anti-snoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vibrating part also includes a sleeve that is fitted over the housing and completely covers the housing.

14. The anti-snoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the flow direction of the exhaled airflow, the second cavity includes a front cavity communicating with the first cavity and a rear cavity communicating with the exhaust port, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the front cavity is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear cavity.

15. The anti-snoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total area of ​​the plurality of exhaust ports is greater than the maximum area of ​​the connecting port.

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