EP0771578A1 - Backpressure modulating cartridge for a respiratory mask - Google Patents

Backpressure modulating cartridge for a respiratory mask Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0771578A1
EP0771578A1 EP96402315A EP96402315A EP0771578A1 EP 0771578 A1 EP0771578 A1 EP 0771578A1 EP 96402315 A EP96402315 A EP 96402315A EP 96402315 A EP96402315 A EP 96402315A EP 0771578 A1 EP0771578 A1 EP 0771578A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
guide rod
passage
modulating
cartridge according
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP96402315A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0771578B1 (en
Inventor
Richard Caterini
Gustave Savourey
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Direction General pour lArmement DGA
Etat Francais
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Direction General pour lArmement DGA
Etat Francais
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Publication of EP0771578A1 publication Critical patent/EP0771578A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • A62B18/10—Valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of respiratory control in subjects with or sensitive to or exposed to hypoxia.
  • the modulating cartridge is more particularly intended for subjects sensitive to an altitude environment and for which it is important, even absolutely necessary to restore or improve physical performance, prevent the onset of symptoms of altitude sickness such as that known as acute mountain sickness, or even treat the complications in first aid that such a symptom induces.
  • Such respiratory maneuvers can be described as "closed-lip breathing”, inversion of the respiratory time-expiratory time ratio, or even hyperfrequency ventilation.
  • the object of the invention is precisely to fill the present multifaceted gap by proposing a pressure modulating cartridge having the particularity of being easily adaptable on all respiratory masks, of being very easily adjustable, in particular in back pressure expiration without requiring long, tedious and delicate disassembly, to be light, to be easy to manufacture and maintain and to be resistant to variations in temperature and humidity, as well as aging over time, especially under the effect of ultraviolet rays.
  • Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation of the modulating cartridge in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. 1.
  • the modulating cartridge generally designated by the reference 1 , comprises a body 2 , preferably, but not exclusively cylindrical, made of a light material, resistant to shocks, to variations in temperature and to rays, in particular ultra -violets, so as to have a certain resistance to the aging of time.
  • a material is preferably chosen from plastics and, more particularly, is made from polytetrafluoroethylene.
  • the body 2 is closed at both ends by elements of transverse walls 3 and 4 which can be made of the same material and be adaptable by screwing possibly associated with seals not shown.
  • the transverse wall element 3 is preferably made in the form of a solid wall cover while the transverse wall element 4 can be constituted by a simple cross, removable or not, or also by a screwable wall as illustrated in the drawings.
  • the wall element has openings 5 bringing the internal volume of the body 2 into communication with a mask 6 on which the body is adapted by means of a groove 2a or the like presented by the body 2 in the vicinity of wall element 4
  • the body 2 delimits internally, in particular by means of an annular rim 7 , two successive chambers 8 and 9 communicating with each other by a passage 10 , for example circular delimited by the rim 7 .
  • the so-called inspiration-expiration chamber 8 is in relation to the ambient or surrounding environment by lights 11 which are preferably made in the part of the peripheral wall of the body 2 corresponding to the chamber 8 . In certain cases, provision could also be made for lights in the transverse wall element 3 .
  • the so-called transfer chamber 9 is formed between the rim 7 and the wall element 4 and communicates with the chamber 8 via the passage 10 and with the mask 6 through the openings 5 .
  • the wall elements 3 and 4 provide support for a guide rod 12 which crosses the passage 10 while being located, in the illustrated embodiment, concentrically with the body 2 .
  • the guide rod 12 supports, in the chamber 8 , a valve 13 which, in the example illustrated, is mounted to slide freely and is elastically controlled in the closed position of the passage 10 .
  • the elastic servo-constraint is provided by a helical spring 14 threaded concentrically with the rod and placed under compression stress between the valve 13 and a stop 15 , so that the valve tends to be always applied against the rim 7 to close the passage 10 .
  • the valve 13 is constituted by a disc made of a material of low density, of small thickness, threaded free to slide on the rod 12 and which may include tabs 16 extending radially to from the periphery 17 of the valve 13 .
  • the actual effective diameter of the valve 13 determined by the periphery 17 , is in all cases just greater than the section of the passage 10 .
  • the stop 15 adjustable axially on the rod 12 which can, for this purpose, include a threaded end portion 18 by which it can also be mounted in the transverse wall element 3 .
  • the stop 15 can also be fixed on the rod 12 which can then be made axially adjustable relative to the wall element 3 by means of a suitable end portion 19 and a locking means 20 such as a counter nut screwed onto the threaded part 18 .
  • the exhalation valve 13 is provided with transfer holes 21 which can be circular and evenly distributed and which, in all cases, are circumscribed by an immaterial circle C whose diameter is less than the section of the passage 10 .
  • the guide rod 12 comprises, on the side of the transfer chamber 9 , a valve 22 called inspiration which is constituted by a disc of material of low density which is mounted free to slide on the rod 12 .
  • the valve 22 has an outside diameter greater than the circle C , but less than the diameter of the passage 10 in which it can engage under the action of an elastic pre-stress member 23 acting on the valve 22 to tend to push it. still pressing against the exhalation valve 13 in a position for closing the holes 21 .
  • the elastic servo-constraint exerted by the member 23 is, in all cases, less than that exerted by the member 14 .
  • the member 23 is constituted by a helical spring threaded on the part of the rod 12 passing through the chamber 9 between the valve 22 and a stop advantageously constituted by the transverse wall element 4 .
  • the diameter of the valve 22 in any case greater than the diameter C , is chosen to allow an annular gap 24 to remain with respect to the passage 10 , the function of which appears in the following.
  • valve 22 can be subjected to an adjustable elastic servo-constraint by means which can be formed by a stop mounted for example with adjustable position on the guide rod 12 provided that it does not hamper free sliding. axial useful through element 4 .
  • the operation of the modulating cartridge described above is as follows. After adaptation on the mask 6 , the wearing of the latter by a subject tends to subject the cartridge to alternative variations in pressure with respect to the surrounding medium and with respect to the mask.
  • the spring 14 applies the valve 13 against the flange 7 to close the passage 10 , the holes 21 then being closed by the valve 22 .
  • valve 13 is urged to move against the action of the elastic member 14 to open the passage 10 and allow the reverse flow of the exhaled gases which escape after transfer to the medium ambient through chamber 8 and lights 11 .
  • the elastic servo-constraint imposed on the valve 13 makes it possible to generate or create a back pressure on expiration which is favorable to the establishment of good ventilation and higher oxygenation rate than natural breathing.
  • the adjustment of the back pressure is carried out by means of the stop 15 and allows any adaptation as a function of the selected application which may be the fight against hypoxia in the healthy subject placed in an altitude environment, improvement of oxygenation in healthy subjects at sea level, respiratory resuscitation of subjects with pathology at sea level, etc.
  • the spring 23 may be provided to associate the spring 23 with means for adjusting its elastic servo-constraint which, in all cases, antagonistic to that of the spring 14 , must be located at a level lower than this.
  • An application can for example be that of respiratory functional rehabilitation.
  • the modulating cartridge can be produced easily by molding in a plastic material chosen for its characteristics of resistance to significant variations in temperature, to shocks, to aging.
  • a cartridge can be produced in the form of a compact module which can be easily sterilized, dismantled, cleaned, reconditioned, if necessary, in particular by the dismantling of the wall elements. cross 3 and 4 .
  • the cartridge constitutes, moreover, a module having the effect, in particular in the case of use in a low temperature environment, of causing a heating of the gases during the transition and transfer period and, consequently, of improving the oxygenation characteristics in the pulmonary alveoli.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

The cartridge has a body (2) which fits onto a respirator mask (6) and connects with the ambient medium via exhalation (13) and inhalation (22) valves. The body has two chambers (8,9) linked by a passage (10) which has a guide rod passing through it. One of the chambers is connected to the respirator mask and the other to the ambient atmosphere. The guide rod carries the mobile exhalation valve (13) with apertures (21), and the mobile inhalation valve which fits inside the passage and covers the apertures. Both valves are held under tension by coaxial spiral springs (14,23) on the guide rod which are held between the valves and stops (4,15). The guide rod is located concentrically in the housing, which has an inner annular rim defining the passage and acting as a stop for the exhalation valve.

Description

La présente invention est relative au domaine du contrôle respiratoire chez les sujets atteints ou sensibles ou exposés à l'hypoxie.The present invention relates to the field of respiratory control in subjects with or sensitive to or exposed to hypoxia.

Bien que le domaine de l'invention soit l'ensemble des problèmes que pose l'hypoxie, la cartouche modulatrice est plus particulièrement destinée aux sujets sensibles à un environnement d'altitude et, pour lesquels il est important, voire absolument nécessaire de restaurer ou d'améliorer les performances physiques, de prévenir l'apparition des symptômes du mal de l'altitude tel notamment que celui connu sous le nom de mal aigu des montagnes, voire de traiter les complications en première urgence qu'un tel symptôme induit.Although the field of the invention is all of the problems posed by hypoxia, the modulating cartridge is more particularly intended for subjects sensitive to an altitude environment and for which it is important, even absolutely necessary to restore or improve physical performance, prevent the onset of symptoms of altitude sickness such as that known as acute mountain sickness, or even treat the complications in first aid that such a symptom induces.

Dans le domaine ci-dessus, il peut être affirmé que la technique antérieure, sur la base des publications disponibles, n'offre pas de moyens efficaces pour combattre l'hypoxie chez les sujets sains, pas plus que chez les sujets présentant une pathologie au niveau de la mer.In the above field, it can be said that the prior art, on the basis of available publications, does not offer effective means for combating hypoxia in healthy subjects, any more than in subjects with pathology at sea level.

On connaît certes des manoeuvres respiratoires que le sujet est astreint à exécuter pour contrer une hypoventilation alvéolaire responsable des symptômes constatés.There are certainly known respiratory maneuvers that the subject is required to perform to counter alveolar hypoventilation responsible for the symptoms observed.

De telles manoeuvres respiratoires peuvent être qualifiées de "respiration à lèvres fermées", d'inversion du rapport temps respiratoire-temps expiratoire, ou encore de ventilations hyperfréquentes.Such respiratory maneuvers can be described as "closed-lip breathing", inversion of the respiratory time-expiratory time ratio, or even hyperfrequency ventilation.

Ces manoeuvres sont pénibles pour le sujet et s'avèrent, en réalité, être peu efficaces.These maneuvers are painful for the subject and turn out, in reality, to be ineffective.

Il existe des systèmes de ventilation adaptés qui peuvent être de ventilation assistée en réanimation. Ces systèmes sont alors uniquement réservés aux patients exigeant des soins intensifs.There are suitable ventilation systems which can be assisted ventilation in intensive care. These systems are then only reserved for patients requiring intensive care.

Il peut être considéré qu'il existe également un système dit de pression expiratoire positive constituée par un module se plaçant sur le versant expiratoire d'une valve respiratoire. Cette technique est peu souple d'utilisation, peu flexible en réglages devant être apportés en fonction des sujets et/ou du domaine d'utilisation et surtout inadaptée à une utilisation en environnement d'altitude dans lequel il est nécessaire de pouvoir contrôler un réchauffement préalable des gaz inspirés pour limiter les pertes convectives respiratoires, ainsi qu'une humidification de ces gaz pour limiter la déshydratation liée à l'évaporation respiratoire.It can be considered that there is also a so-called positive expiratory pressure system constituted by a module placed on the expiratory side of a respiratory valve. This technique is not very flexible to use, not very flexible in adjustments to be made depending on the subjects and / or the field of use and above all unsuitable for use in an altitude environment in which it is it is necessary to be able to control a prior warming of the inspired gases to limit the respiratory convective losses, as well as a humidification of these gases to limit the dehydration linked to respiratory evaporation.

Les solutions techniques qui peuvent être considérées comme faisant partie de la technique antérieure n'offrent pas de possibilités d'utilisation souple et d'adaptation efficace, ni même de réglage de la modulation de pression en fonction des sujets, de l'activité ou de l'environnement.The technical solutions which can be considered as part of the prior art do not offer possibilities of flexible use and effective adaptation, nor even of adjustment of the pressure modulation according to the subjects, the activity or the environment.

L'objet de l'invention est justement de combler la présente lacune à facettes multiples en proposant une cartouche modulatrice de pression présentant la particularité d'être aisément adaptable sur tous les masques respiratoires, d'être très facilement réglable, notamment en contre-pression d'expiration sans nécessiter de démontage long, fastidieux et délicat, d'être légère, d'être facile de fabrication et d'entretien et d'être résistante aux variations de température et de degré hygrométrique ainsi qu'au vieillissement dans le temps, notamment sous l'effet des rayons ultra-violets.The object of the invention is precisely to fill the present multifaceted gap by proposing a pressure modulating cartridge having the particularity of being easily adaptable on all respiratory masks, of being very easily adjustable, in particular in back pressure expiration without requiring long, tedious and delicate disassembly, to be light, to be easy to manufacture and maintain and to be resistant to variations in temperature and humidity, as well as aging over time, especially under the effect of ultraviolet rays.

Pour atteindre les objectifs ci-dessus, la cartouche modulatrice selon l'invention est caractérisée en ce que

  • le corps délimite deux chambres successives communiquant par un passage traversé par une tige-guide portée par le corps, l'une des chambres étant en relation avec le milieu ambiant alors que la seconde l'est avec le masque,
  • la tige-guide supporte, dans la première chambre, un clapet d'expiration mobile, asservi élastiquement en position de fermeture du passage et présentant des trous de transfert situés en vis-à-vis dudit passage,
  • la tige-guide supporte, dans le passage, un clapet d'inspiratoin mobile, de surface inférieure à la section du passage et asservi élastiquement de façon antagoniste au clapet d'expiration pour occuper une position de fermeture des trous de transfert dudit clapet.
To achieve the above objectives, the modulating cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that
  • the body delimits two successive chambers communicating by a passage crossed by a guide rod carried by the body, one of the chambers being in relation to the ambient medium while the second is with the mask,
  • the guide rod supports, in the first chamber, a movable exhalation valve, elastically controlled in the closed position of the passage and having transfer holes located opposite said passage,
  • the guide rod supports, in the passage, a movable inspiration valve, with a surface area less than the section of the passage and elastically controlled antagonistically to the exhalation valve to occupy a closed position of the transfer holes of said valve.

Diverses autres caractéristiques ressortent de la description faite ci-dessous en référence aux dessins annexés qui montrent, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, une forme de réalisation de l'objet de l'invention.Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting example, an embodiment of the subject of the invention.

La fig. 1 est une coupe-élévation de la cartouche modulatrice conforme à l'invention. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation of the modulating cartridge in accordance with the invention.

La fig. 2 est une coupe transversale prise selon la ligne II-II de la fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. 1.

Selon les dessins, la cartouche modulatrice, désignée dans son ensemble par la référence 1, comprend un corps 2, de préférence, mais non exclusivement cylindrique, réalisé en une matière légère, résistante aux chocs, aux variations de température et aux rayons, notamment ultra-violets, de manière à disposer d'une résistance certaine au vieillissement du temps. A titre d'exemple, une telle matière est, de préférence, choisie parmi les matières plastiques et, plus particulièrement, se trouve réalisée en polytétrafluoroéthylène.According to the drawings, the modulating cartridge, generally designated by the reference 1 , comprises a body 2 , preferably, but not exclusively cylindrical, made of a light material, resistant to shocks, to variations in temperature and to rays, in particular ultra -violets, so as to have a certain resistance to the aging of time. By way of example, such a material is preferably chosen from plastics and, more particularly, is made from polytetrafluoroethylene.

Le corps 2 est fermé aux deux extrémités par des éléments de parois transversales 3 et 4 qui peuvent être réalisés en une même matière et être adaptables par vissage éventuellement associé à des joints d'étanchéité non représentés.The body 2 is closed at both ends by elements of transverse walls 3 and 4 which can be made of the same material and be adaptable by screwing possibly associated with seals not shown.

L'élément de paroi transversale 3 est, de préférence, réalisé sous la forme d'un couvercle à paroi pleine alors que l'élément de paroi transversale 4 peut être constitué par un simple croisillon, démontable ou non, ou encore par un élément de paroi vissable comme illustré aux dessins. Dans ce dernier cas, l'élément de paroi possède des ouvertures 5 mettant en communication le volume interne du corps 2 avec un masque 6 sur lequel le corps est adapté au moyen d'une gorge 2a ou analogue présentée par le corps 2 au voisinage de l'élément de paroi 4 The transverse wall element 3 is preferably made in the form of a solid wall cover while the transverse wall element 4 can be constituted by a simple cross, removable or not, or also by a screwable wall as illustrated in the drawings. In the latter case, the wall element has openings 5 bringing the internal volume of the body 2 into communication with a mask 6 on which the body is adapted by means of a groove 2a or the like presented by the body 2 in the vicinity of wall element 4

Le corps 2 délimite intérieurement, notamment par l'intermédiaire d'un rebord annulaire 7, deux chambres successives 8 et 9 communiquant entre elles par un passage 10, par exemple circulaire délimité par le rebord 7.The body 2 delimits internally, in particular by means of an annular rim 7 , two successive chambers 8 and 9 communicating with each other by a passage 10 , for example circular delimited by the rim 7 .

La chambre 8 dite d'inspiration-expiration est en relation avec le milieu ambiant ou environnant par des lumières 11 qui sont, de préférence, pratiquées dans la partie de la paroi périphérique du corps 2 correspondant à la chambre 8. Dans certains cas, il pourrait être prévu également de ménager des lumières dans l'élément de paroi transversale 3.The so-called inspiration-expiration chamber 8 is in relation to the ambient or surrounding environment by lights 11 which are preferably made in the part of the peripheral wall of the body 2 corresponding to the chamber 8 . In certain cases, provision could also be made for lights in the transverse wall element 3 .

La chambre 9 dite de transfert est ménagée entre le rebord 7 et l'élément de paroi 4 et communique avec la chambre 8 par l'intermédiaire du passage 10 et avec le masque 6 par les ouvertures 5.The so-called transfer chamber 9 is formed between the rim 7 and the wall element 4 and communicates with the chamber 8 via the passage 10 and with the mask 6 through the openings 5 .

Les éléments de parois 3 et 4 assurent le support d'une tige-guide 12 qui traverse le passage 10 en étant située, dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré, concentriquement au corps 2.The wall elements 3 and 4 provide support for a guide rod 12 which crosses the passage 10 while being located, in the illustrated embodiment, concentrically with the body 2 .

La tige-guide 12 supporte, dans la chambre 8, un clapet 13 qui, dans l'exemple illustré, est monté coulissant librement et asservi élastiquement en position de fermeture du passage 10. Dans l'exemple illustré, la contrainte d'asservissement élastique est assurée par un ressort hélicoîdal 14 enfilé concentriquement à la tige et mis sous contrainte de compression entre le clapet 13 et une butée 15, de telle manière que le clapet ait tendance à être toujours appliqué contre le rebord 7 pour fermer le passage 10. A cette fin, comme le montre la figure 2, le clapet 13 est constitué par un disque en un matériau de faible masse volumique, de faible épaisseur, enfilé libre de coulisser sur la tige 12 et pouvant comporter des pattes 16 s'étendant radialement à partir de la périphérie 17 du clapet 13. Le diamètre effectif réel du clapet 13, déterminé par la périphérie 17, est dans tous les cas, juste supérieur à la section du passage 10.The guide rod 12 supports, in the chamber 8 , a valve 13 which, in the example illustrated, is mounted to slide freely and is elastically controlled in the closed position of the passage 10 . In the example illustrated, the elastic servo-constraint is provided by a helical spring 14 threaded concentrically with the rod and placed under compression stress between the valve 13 and a stop 15 , so that the valve tends to be always applied against the rim 7 to close the passage 10 . To this end, as shown in FIG. 2 , the valve 13 is constituted by a disc made of a material of low density, of small thickness, threaded free to slide on the rod 12 and which may include tabs 16 extending radially to from the periphery 17 of the valve 13 . The actual effective diameter of the valve 13 , determined by the periphery 17 , is in all cases just greater than the section of the passage 10 .

Il est avantageux de rendre possible le réglage de la contraine d'asservissement élastique du clapet 13 par modification de la précontrainte du ressort 14. A cette fin, il peut être envisagé de rendre la butée 15 réglable axialement sur la tige 12 qui peut, à cette fin, comporter une partie terminale filetée 18 par laquelle elle peut aussi être montée dans l'élément de paroi transversale 3.It is advantageous to make it possible to adjust the elastic servo control constraint of the valve 13 by modifying the preload of the spring 14 . To this end, it can be envisaged to make the stop 15 adjustable axially on the rod 12 which can, for this purpose, include a threaded end portion 18 by which it can also be mounted in the transverse wall element 3 .

La butée 15 peut aussi être fixe sur la tige 12 qui peut alors être rendue réglable axialement par rapport à l'élément de paroi 3 au moyen d'une partie terminale adaptée 19 et d'un moyen de blocage 20 tel qu'un contre-écrou vissé sur la partie filetée 18.The stop 15 can also be fixed on the rod 12 which can then be made axially adjustable relative to the wall element 3 by means of a suitable end portion 19 and a locking means 20 such as a counter nut screwed onto the threaded part 18 .

Il doit, bien entendu, être considéré que tous les moyens techniques équivalents pour assumer les mêmes fonctions peuvent être prévus et choisis en fonction des objectifs de facilité de manoeuvre, de résistance, etc. qu'ils peuvent présenter.It must, of course, be considered that all equivalent technical means for performing the same functions can be provided and chosen according to the objectives of ease of maneuver, resistance, etc. that they can present.

Le clapet d'expiration 13 est pourvu de trous de transfert 21 qui peuvent être circulaires et régulièrement répartis et qui, dans tous les cas, sont circonscrits par un cercle immatériel C dont le diamère est inférieur à la section du passage 10.The exhalation valve 13 is provided with transfer holes 21 which can be circular and evenly distributed and which, in all cases, are circumscribed by an immaterial circle C whose diameter is less than the section of the passage 10 .

La tige-guide 12 comporte, du côté de la chambre de transfert 9, un clapet 22 dit d'inspiration qui est constitué par un disque de matière de faible masse volumique qui est monté libre de coulisser sur la tige 12. Le clapet 22 présente un diamètre extérieur supérieur au cercle C, mais inférieur au diamètre du passage 10 dans lequel il peut s'engager sous l'action d'un organe de pré-contrainte élastique 23 agissant sur le clapet 22 pour tendre à le pousser toujours en appui contre le clapet d'expiration 13 dans une position de fermeture des trous 21.The guide rod 12 comprises, on the side of the transfer chamber 9 , a valve 22 called inspiration which is constituted by a disc of material of low density which is mounted free to slide on the rod 12 . The valve 22 has an outside diameter greater than the circle C , but less than the diameter of the passage 10 in which it can engage under the action of an elastic pre-stress member 23 acting on the valve 22 to tend to push it. still pressing against the exhalation valve 13 in a position for closing the holes 21 .

La contrainte d'asservissement élastique exercée par l'organe 23 est, dans tous les cas, inférieure à celle exercée par l'organe 14. A titre d'exemple, l'organe 23 est constitué par un ressort hélicoïdal enfilé sur la partie de la tige 12 traversant la chambre 9 entre le clapet 22 et une butée avantageusement constituée par l'élément de paroi transversale 4.The elastic servo-constraint exerted by the member 23 is, in all cases, less than that exerted by the member 14 . By way of example, the member 23 is constituted by a helical spring threaded on the part of the rod 12 passing through the chamber 9 between the valve 22 and a stop advantageously constituted by the transverse wall element 4 .

Le diamètre du clapet 22, dans tous les cas supérieur au diamètre C, est choisi pour laisser subsister par rapport au passage 10 un intervalle annulaire 24 dont la fonction apparaît dans ce qui suit.The diameter of the valve 22 , in any case greater than the diameter C , is chosen to allow an annular gap 24 to remain with respect to the passage 10 , the function of which appears in the following.

Il doit être considéré que le clapet 22 peut être soumis à une contrainte d'asservissement élastique réglable par des moyens qui peuvent être formés par une butée montée par exemple à position réglable sur la tige-guide 12 à condition de ne pas entraver le libre coulissement axial utile à travers l'élément 4.It should be considered that the valve 22 can be subjected to an adjustable elastic servo-constraint by means which can be formed by a stop mounted for example with adjustable position on the guide rod 12 provided that it does not hamper free sliding. axial useful through element 4 .

Le fonctionnement de la cartouche modulatrice décrite ci-dessus est le suivant. Après adaptation sur le masque 6, le port de ce dernier par un sujet tend à soumettre la cartouche à des variations alternatives de pression par rapport au milieu environnant et par rapport au masque.The operation of the modulating cartridge described above is as follows. After adaptation on the mask 6 , the wearing of the latter by a subject tends to subject the cartridge to alternative variations in pressure with respect to the surrounding medium and with respect to the mask.

En phase d'inspiration du sujet, le ressort 14 applique le clapet 13 contre le rebord 7 pour fermer le passage 10, les trous 21 étant alors obturés par le clapet 22.In the subject's inspiration phase, the spring 14 applies the valve 13 against the flange 7 to close the passage 10 , the holes 21 then being closed by the valve 22 .

Lorsque le sujet inspire, une dépression s'établit dans la chambre de transfert 9 et provoque le recul du clapet 22 contre l'action antagoniste du ressort 23. Le recul du clapet 22 dégage les trous 21, de sorte que l'air du milieu environnant est alors aspiré par les lumières 11 pour pénétrer dans la chambre 8 et s'engager à travers les trous 21 pour traverser le passage 10, la chambre 9 et les ouvertures 5.When the subject breathes, a vacuum is established in the transfer chamber 9 and causes the valve 22 to recede against the antagonistic action of the spring 23 . The recoil of the valve 22 releases the holes 21 , so that the air from the surrounding medium is then sucked in through the ports 11 to enter the chamber 8 and engage through the holes 21 to pass through the passage 10 , the chamber 9 and the openings 5 .

Lorsqu'une telle phase d'inspiration cesse, le travail emmagasiné par le ressort 23 est restitué, de sorte que le clapet 22 est asservi élastiquement en position de fermeture des trous 21 à l'intérieur du passage 10, tout en laissant subsister par rapport à ce dernier, l'intervalle annulaire 24 When such an inspiration phase ceases, the work stored by the spring 23 is restored, so that the valve 22 is slaved elastically in the closed position of the holes 21 inside the passage 10 , while allowing the relative to the latter, the annular interval 24

Lorsque le sujet passe en phase d'expiration, la montée en pression qui s'établit dans la chambre 9 est appliquée sur la partie du clapet d'expiration 13 exposée à l'intervalle annulaire 24, mais le clapet 13 reste en position de fermeture tant que la pression développée n'est pas de nature à surmonter la contrainte d'asservissement élastique assurée par le ressort 14.When the subject goes into the expiration phase, the pressure build-up which is established in the chamber 9 is applied to the part of the exhalation valve 13 exposed to the annular gap 24 , but the valve 13 remains in the closed position. as long as the pressure developed is not such as to overcome the elastic servo-constraint provided by the spring 14 .

Dès que cette pression dans la chambre 9 devient supérieure, le clapet 13 est sollicité en déplacement contre l'action de l'organe élastique 14 pour ouvrir le passage 10 et permettre le flux inverse des gaz expirés qui s'échappent après transfert vers le milieu ambiant par l'intermédiaire de la chambre 8 et des lumières 11.As soon as this pressure in the chamber 9 becomes higher, the valve 13 is urged to move against the action of the elastic member 14 to open the passage 10 and allow the reverse flow of the exhaled gases which escape after transfer to the medium ambient through chamber 8 and lights 11 .

Ainsi que cela ressort du fonctionnement qui précède, la contrainte d'asservissement élastique imposée au clapet 13 permet d'engendrer ou de créer une contre-pression à l'expiration qui est favorable à l'établissement d'une bonne ventilation et d'un taux d'oxygénation supérieure à une respiration de type naturel.As is apparent from the foregoing operation, the elastic servo-constraint imposed on the valve 13 makes it possible to generate or create a back pressure on expiration which is favorable to the establishment of good ventilation and higher oxygenation rate than natural breathing.

Le réglage de la contre-pression s'effectue par l'intermédiaire de la butée 15 et permet toute adaptation en fonction de l'application retenue qui peut être la lutte contre l'hypoxie chez le sujet sain placé dans un environnement d'altitude, l'amélioration de l'oxygénation chez le sujet sain au niveau de la mer, la réanimation respiratoire des sujets présentant une pathologie au niveau de la mer, etc.The adjustment of the back pressure is carried out by means of the stop 15 and allows any adaptation as a function of the selected application which may be the fight against hypoxia in the healthy subject placed in an altitude environment, improvement of oxygenation in healthy subjects at sea level, respiratory resuscitation of subjects with pathology at sea level, etc.

Comme dit précédemment, dans certaines applications, il peut être prévu d'associer le ressort 23 à des moyens de réglage de sa contrainte d'asservissement élastique qui, dans tous les cas, antagoniste à celle du ressort 14, doit être située à un niveau inférieur à celle-ci. Une application peut par exemple être celle de rééducation fonctionnelle respiratoire.As said previously, in certain applications, it may be provided to associate the spring 23 with means for adjusting its elastic servo-constraint which, in all cases, antagonistic to that of the spring 14 , must be located at a level lower than this. An application can for example be that of respiratory functional rehabilitation.

Ainsi que cela ressort de ce qui précède, la cartouche modulatrice peut être réalisée facilement par moulage en une matière plastique choisie pour ses caractéristiques de résistance aux variations importantes de température, aux chocs, au vieillissement. Une telle cartouche peut être réalisée sous la forme d'un module de faible encombrement qui peut être aisément stérilisé, démonté, nettoyé, remis en état, le cas échéant, notamment par la démontabilité des éléments de parois transversales 3 et 4.As is apparent from the above, the modulating cartridge can be produced easily by molding in a plastic material chosen for its characteristics of resistance to significant variations in temperature, to shocks, to aging. Such a cartridge can be produced in the form of a compact module which can be easily sterilized, dismantled, cleaned, reconditioned, if necessary, in particular by the dismantling of the wall elements. cross 3 and 4 .

Le fait de réaliser le corps 2 pour délimiter deux chambres 8 et 9 qui sont ventilées par les flux alternés d'inspiration et d'expiration, permet de maintenir intérieurement une température entretenue par de tels flux et capable de s'opposer aux risques de gel interne à très basse température et susceptible d'immobiliser, en une position quelconque inappropriée, l'un et/ou l'autre des clapets 13 et 22.The fact of making the body 2 to delimit two chambers 8 and 9 which are ventilated by the alternating flows of inspiration and expiration, makes it possible to internally maintain a temperature maintained by such flows and capable of opposing the risks of freezing. internal at very low temperature and capable of immobilizing, in any inappropriate position, one and / or the other of the valves 13 and 22 .

La cartouche constitue, par ailleurs, un module ayant pour effet, notamment dans le cas d'utilisation dans un environnement à faible température, de provoquer un réchauffement des gaz pendant la période de transition et de transfert et, par conséquent, d'améliorer les caractéristiques d'oxygénation au niveau des alvéoles pulmonaires.The cartridge constitutes, moreover, a module having the effect, in particular in the case of use in a low temperature environment, of causing a heating of the gases during the transition and transfer period and, consequently, of improving the oxygenation characteristics in the pulmonary alveoli.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à l'exemple décrit et représenté, car diverses modifications peuvent y être apportées sans sortir de son cadre. Il doit en ce sens notamment être considéré que les clapets mobiles et élastiquement asservis 13 et 22 peuvent être montés basculants ou pivotants plutôt que coulissants.The invention is not limited to the example described and shown, since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope. In this sense, it must in particular be considered that the movable and elastically controlled valves 13 and 22 can be mounted to be tilted or pivoted rather than sliding.

Claims (12)

Cartouche modulatrice de contre-pression pour masque respiratoire du type comprenant un corps (2) adaptable sur un masque (6) et à même de communiquer, par l'intermédiaire de deux clapets respectivement d'expiration (13) et d'inspiration (22) avec le milieu ambiant et le masque,    caractérisé en ce que - le corps (2) délimite deux chambres successives (8) et (9) communiquant par un passage (10) traversé par une tige-guide (12) portée par le corps, l'une des chambres étant en relation avec le milieu ambiant alors que la seconde l'est avec le masque, - la tige-guide supporte, dans la première chambre (8), un clapet d'expiration mobile, asservi élastiquement en position de fermeture du passage et présentant des trous de transfert (21) situés en vis-à-vis dudit passage, - la tige-guide supporte, dans le passage, un clapet d'inspiratoin mobile (22), de surface inférieure à la section du passage et asservi élastiquement de façon antagoniste au clapet d'expiration pour occuper une position de fermeture des trous de transfert dudit clapet. Back pressure modulator cartridge for a respiratory mask of the type comprising a body (2) adaptable to a mask (6) and capable of communicating, by means of two exhalation (13) and inspiration (22 ) valves respectively ) with the ambient medium and the mask, characterized in that - the body (2) delimits two successive chambers (8) and (9) communicating by a passage (10) crossed by a guide rod (12) carried by the body, one of the chambers being in relation to the ambient environment while the second is with the mask, the guide rod supports, in the first chamber (8) , a movable exhalation valve, elastically controlled in the closed position of the passage and having transfer holes (21) located opposite said passage, - the guide rod supports, in the passage, a movable inspiratoin valve (22) , with a surface less than the section of the passage and elastically slaved in an antagonistic manner to the exhalation valve to occupy a closed position of the transfer holes of said valve. Cartouche modulatrice selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la contrainte d'asservissement élastique du clapet d'expiration est supérieure à celle du clapet d'inspiration.Modulating cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic servo-stress of the exhalation valve is greater than that of the inspiration valve. Cartouche modulatrice selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que la contrainte d'asservissement élastique d'au moins le clapet d'expiration est réglable.Modulating cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastic servo-constraint of at least the exhalation valve is adjustable. Cartouche modulatrice selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que les clapets sont montés coulissants sur la tige-guide et en ce que la contrainte d'asservissement des clapets est assurée par des ressorts hélicoîdaux (14, 23) enfilés concentriquement à la tige-guide et mis sous contrainte de compression entre chaque clapet et une butée (15, 4).Modulating cartridge according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the valves are slidably mounted on the guide rod and in that the servo-constraint of the valves is ensured by helical springs (14, 23) threaded concentrically to the guide rod and placed under compression stress between each valve and a stop (15, 4) . Cartouche modulatrice selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que la contrainte d'asservissement élastique du clapet d'expiration est réglable par déplacement de la butée (15).Modulating cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastic servo-constraint of the exhalation valve is adjustable by displacement of the stop (15) . Cartouche modulatrice selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que la butée (15) est réglable sur la tige-guide.Modulating cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the stop (15) is adjustable on the guide rod. Cartouche modulatrice selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que la butée est fixe sur la tige-guide qui est réglable axialement par rapport au corps.Modulating cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the stop is fixed on the guide rod which is axially adjustable relative to the body. Cartouche modulatrice selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la tige-guide (12) est portée par des éléments de parois transversales (3) et (4) du corps.Modulating cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide rod (12) is carried by elements of transverse walls (3) and (4) of the body. Cartouche modulatrice selon la revendication 1 ou 8, caractérisée en ce que la tige-guide s'étend concentriquement au corps.Modulating cartridge according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that the guide rod extends concentrically with the body. Cartouche modulatrice selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le corps comporte un rebord interne annulaire (7) définissant le passage (10) et constituant une butée d'appui pour le clapet d'expiration (13) soumis à sa contrainte d'asservissement élastique.Modulating cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the body has an annular internal rim (7) defining the passage (10) and constituting a support stop for the exhalation valve (13) subjected to its servo-constraint elastic. Cartouche selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la clapet (22) présente un diamètre supérieur à celui (C) dans lequel s'inscrivent les trous de transfert (21) du clapet (13).Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (22) has a diameter greater than that (C) in which the transfer holes (21) of the valve (13) are inscribed. Cartouche selon la revendication 1 et/ou 11, caractérisée en ce que le clapet (22) présente un diamètre inférieur à celui du passage avec lequel il délimite un intervalle annulaire (24) auquel est exposé le clapet (13) à l'état fermé.Cartridge according to claim 1 and / or 11, characterized in that the valve (22) has a diameter less than that of the passage with which it delimits an annular gap (24) to which the valve (13) is exposed in the closed state .
EP96402315A 1995-11-02 1996-10-31 Backpressure modulating cartridge for a respiratory mask Expired - Lifetime EP0771578B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9512919A FR2740691B1 (en) 1995-11-02 1995-11-02 MODULATOR BACK PRESSURE CARTRIDGE FOR RESPIRATORY MASK
FR9512919 1995-11-02
US08/854,143 US5937857A (en) 1995-11-02 1997-05-09 Backpressure-modulating cartridge for breathing mask

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0771578A1 true EP0771578A1 (en) 1997-05-07
EP0771578B1 EP0771578B1 (en) 2001-01-10

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EP96402315A Expired - Lifetime EP0771578B1 (en) 1995-11-02 1996-10-31 Backpressure modulating cartridge for a respiratory mask

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US (1) US5937857A (en)
EP (1) EP0771578B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69611504T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0771578T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2740691B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2740691A1 (en) 1997-05-09
EP0771578B1 (en) 2001-01-10
US5937857A (en) 1999-08-17
DE69611504T2 (en) 2001-05-10
DE69611504D1 (en) 2001-02-15
DK0771578T3 (en) 2001-04-30
FR2740691B1 (en) 1998-01-09

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