WO2017065047A1 - Humidifier and breathing assistance apparatus - Google Patents

Humidifier and breathing assistance apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017065047A1
WO2017065047A1 PCT/JP2016/079393 JP2016079393W WO2017065047A1 WO 2017065047 A1 WO2017065047 A1 WO 2017065047A1 JP 2016079393 W JP2016079393 W JP 2016079393W WO 2017065047 A1 WO2017065047 A1 WO 2017065047A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
humidifying member
intake pipe
humidifier according
humidifying
container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/079393
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
新田　一福
Original Assignee
株式会社メトラン
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社メトラン filed Critical 株式会社メトラン
Priority to JP2017545157A priority Critical patent/JPWO2017065047A1/en
Publication of WO2017065047A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017065047A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/14—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by mixing different fluids, one of them being in a liquid phase
    • A61M16/16—Devices to humidify the respiration air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
    • F24F6/02—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air
    • F24F6/04—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using stationary unheated wet elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
    • F24F6/02—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air
    • F24F6/08—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using heated wet elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a humidifier and a respiratory assistance device.
  • a respiratory assistance device such as a ventilator is used for a patient with a disorder of breathing such as sleep apnea syndrome (SAS).
  • SAS sleep apnea syndrome
  • the respiratory assistance device sends a gas such as compressed air supplied from a blower or the like to a patient's respiratory tract through a suction tube after humidification by a humidifier. Since the respiratory assistance apparatus provided with such a humidifier is used not only in a medical facility but also at home, it is required to simplify the handling with a simple structure.
  • the applicant of the present application has developed a humidifier corresponding to such a demand (see, for example, JP-A-2015-142647).
  • the humidifier is arranged in a container that contains liquid, a delivery mechanism that reduces the capacity of the container over time and sends the liquid out of the container, and an intake pipe that guides inhalation to the respiratory tract user's airway And a water-permeable member that is supplied with the liquid from the container and vaporizes the liquid.
  • the present invention was created under such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that is simple in structure and easy to handle, and a respiratory assistance device using the humidifier. It is in.
  • the humidifier according to the present invention includes a container for storing a liquid, an intake pipe, and a part of the humidifier inserted in the container. And a humidifying member that is disposed in the intake pipe and absorbs the liquid in the container to vaporize the liquid.
  • the humidifying member is made of a water-absorbing material capable of absorbing the liquid in the container.
  • the humidifying member is formed of a water-absorbing material capable of absorbing the liquid in the container by capillary action.
  • the humidifying member is made of a porous material.
  • the humidifying member is made of at least one material selected from a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a hollow fiber, a porous water-absorbing polymer, and a porous synthetic resin. To do.
  • the humidifier according to the present invention includes a heating unit for heating the liquid in the container.
  • the humidifying member is arranged in a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe, and the intake air passes through the cylindrical shape. Or is arranged so as to partition the internal space of the intake pipe, and intake air passes through the partitioned space.
  • the humidifying member is an aspect that makes at least one round of the inner circumference of the intake pipe.
  • the humidifying member is characterized in that a plurality of planar materials are arranged radially.
  • the humidifying member is characterized in that a plurality of planar materials are arranged in a lattice shape.
  • the humidifying member includes a holding portion that holds the humidifying member so that the humidifying member is arranged in a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe. To do.
  • the holding part is a spiral member.
  • the holding portion is a ring continuous member in which ring-shaped members are continuously arranged and connected along the axial direction of the intake pipe.
  • the humidifier according to the present invention is characterized in that a heating unit for heating the humidifying member is provided outside or inside the intake pipe.
  • the heating unit is provided with the intake pipe.
  • the inside of the intake pipe is provided with a heating section that heats the inside of the intake pipe from the outer peripheral side of the humidifying member.
  • the heating unit is arranged in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of the intake pipe.
  • the intake pipe has a convex portion spirally formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a spiral concave portion is formed between the convex portions, and the heating portion includes the concave portion It is characterized by being arranged in a spiral.
  • the humidifier of the present invention is characterized in that a heating unit for heating the inside of the intake pipe from the outer peripheral side of the humidifying member is provided outside or inside the intake pipe.
  • the humidifying member is characterized in that the heating unit is arranged to heat the intake air in the intake pipe.
  • the heating unit is arranged to heat the condensed water accumulated in the intake pipe.
  • the respiratory assistance device of the present invention is characterized by including any one of the above humidifiers.
  • the humidifier and the respiratory assistance device of the present invention it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that the handling is simple with a simple structure.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of holding units 128 to 328 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of humidifying members 424a to 824a and holding portions 428 to 828 in another embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the holding
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a respiratory assistance device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • one part structure is abbreviate
  • the respiratory assistance device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used by a patient (user) having a disorder in breathing, and sends inhaled gas (compressed air, oxygen, etc.) into the patient's airway.
  • the respiratory assistance device 1 includes a gas supply source 10, an intake pipe 11, a humidifier 12, and the like.
  • the gas supply source 10 supplies gas.
  • a known oxygen cylinder or blower is used as the gas supply source 10.
  • the blower refer to, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5211302.
  • One end of the intake pipe 11 is connected to the gas supply source 10.
  • the other end of the intake pipe 11 is connected to, for example, a mask MA1 that covers the mouth and nose of the patient.
  • the intake pipe 11 guides gas to the patient's airway. Illustration of an exhalation circuit such as an exhalation valve is omitted.
  • the humidifier 12 humidifies the gas in the intake pipe 11.
  • the humidifier 12 includes a container 13, a humidifying member 14, a guide member 15, and a heating unit 16.
  • the container 13 is a container for storing a necessary amount (for example, 60 cc for one night (8 hours)) of liquid (such as water).
  • the container 13 is preferably sealed.
  • the humidifying member 14 is disposed in the intake pipe 11 in a state where a part (for example, an end portion) of the humidifying member 14 is inserted into the container 13.
  • the humidifying member 14 includes a humidifying member 14a and a humidifying member 14b.
  • the humidifying member 14 a indicates a portion of the humidified member 14 disposed in the intake pipe 11 that is not covered with the guide member 15.
  • the humidifying member 14 b is a member from the portion inserted into the container 13 (the portion immersed in the liquid contained in FIG. 1) of the humidifying member 14 to the terminal portion of the guide member 15. Point to.
  • the humidifying member 14a and the humidifying member 14b are integrally formed. However, it is not limited to this, The humidification member 14a and the humidification member 14b are comprised as another member, and the aspect with which both were connected may be sufficient.
  • the humidifying member 14b absorbs the liquid in the container 13 from the end, and permeates the liquid to the humidifying member 14a by, for example, capillary action.
  • the liquid that has permeated the humidifying member 14 a is naturally vaporized in the intake pipe 11.
  • the humidifying member 14 is assumed to be composed of a water-absorbing material that can absorb the liquid in the container 13.
  • the water-absorbing material include materials that can absorb liquid by capillary action and water-absorbing polymers that absorb liquid due to other factors.
  • An example of a material that can absorb a liquid by capillary action is a porous material.
  • the porous material include a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a material formed of hollow fibers, a porous water-absorbing polymer, and a porous synthetic resin such as a sponge.
  • the humidifying member may be formed of one porous material or a plurality of porous materials. That is, the humidification member should just be formed with the at least 1 said material.
  • the humidifying member will be described as being made of a water-absorbing material that can absorb liquid by capillary action.
  • the liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank to the plurality of water-permeable hollow fibers arranged in the intake pipe through the supply pipe.
  • the liquid may flow backward from the permeable hollow fiber into the liquid storage tank depending on the pressure difference between the pressure in the liquid storage tank and the pressure in the permeable hollow fiber. It was. Such a backflow also carried various germs that propagated in the permeable hollow fiber into the liquid storage tank.
  • a material capable of absorbing a liquid by capillary action is used for the humidifying member 14, such a backflow hardly occurs in the first place.
  • the liquid once absorbed by the humidifying member 14 is unlikely to flow back into the container 13. Therefore, when a material capable of absorbing liquid by capillary action is used for the humidifying member 14, there is an advantage that the liquid in the container 13 can be kept clean.
  • the guiding member 15 guides the humidifying member 14b from the outlet 13a of the container 13 to the inside of the intake pipe 11.
  • the guide member 15 preferably covers the humidifying member 14b so that the liquid contained in the humidifying member 14b does not evaporate outside the intake pipe 11. Further, it is preferable to seal the portion so that the liquid inside does not leak from the connection portion between the outlet 13 a of the container 13 and the guide member 15.
  • the heating unit 16 heats the liquid in the container 13. By increasing the temperature of the liquid in the container 13, the liquid in the humidifying member 14a is easily vaporized.
  • the heating unit 17 heats the inside of the intake pipe 11.
  • the heating unit 17 may be provided inside or outside the intake pipe 11.
  • the heating unit 17 includes, for example, a heating unit 17a, a heating unit 17b, a heating unit 17c, and a heating unit 17d.
  • the heating unit 17a is disposed around the humidifying member 14a in the intake pipe 11, and heats the liquid held by the humidifying member 14a and the intake air in the intake pipe 11.
  • the location of the heating unit 17a may be anywhere inside or outside the intake pipe 11 as long as the liquid and the intake air in the intake pipe 11 can be heated.
  • surroundings of the humidification member 14a continuously or discontinuously may be sufficient as the heating part 17a.
  • the heating unit 17a is useful for uniformly heating the intake air in the intake pipe 11.
  • the heating unit 17a is also useful for heating and vaporizing the liquid held by the humidifying member 14a.
  • the heating unit 17a is also useful for heating and vaporizing the condensed water that has condensed on the outside of the humidifying member 14a.
  • the heating unit 17b is disposed on the outer periphery of the intake pipe 11 on the downstream side of the intake pipe 11 with respect to the humidifying member 14a, and heats the condensed water accumulated in the intake pipe 11.
  • positioning place of the heating part 17b may be any place inside and outside the intake pipe 11 as long as the dew condensation water which accumulates in the intake pipe 11 can be heated. Condensed water that accumulates in the intake pipe 11 causes the propagation of germs and is problematic in terms of hygiene. For this reason, the said dew condensation water is evaporated by the heating of the heating part 17b.
  • the heating unit 17b is also useful for heating the intake air on the downstream side of the intake pipe 11 with respect to the humidifying member 14a.
  • the heating unit 17c is disposed on the inner periphery of the intake pipe 11 upstream of the humidifying member 14a and heats the intake air supplied from the gas supply source 10.
  • the location of the heating unit 17c may be anywhere inside or outside the intake pipe 11 as long as the intake air can be heated.
  • the heating unit 17c is also useful for heating and vaporizing the condensed water condensed on the inner periphery of the intake pipe 11 upstream of the humidifying member 14a.
  • the heating unit 17d is disposed on the outer periphery of the intake pipe 11, and heats the liquid held by the humidifying member 14a and the intake air in the intake pipe 11. Such a heating unit is also included in the present invention.
  • the mechanism for supplying the liquid to the humidifying member 14 can be simplified. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the respiratory assistance apparatus 1 can be reduced.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the respiratory assistance device 2 in the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the breathing assistance device 2 shown in FIG. 2 is used by a patient (user) who has a disorder in breathing, like the breathing assistance device 1, and gas (compressed air, oxygen, etc.) that is inhaled into the patient's airway ).
  • the respiratory assistance device 2 includes a gas supply source 20, an intake pipe 21, a humidifier 22, and the like.
  • the gas supply source 20 and the intake pipe 21 in the respiratory assistance device 2 are the same as the gas supply source 10 and the intake pipe 11 in the respiratory assistance device 1, and since they have already been described, the description thereof is omitted.
  • the difference between the respiratory assistance device 2 and the respiratory assistance device 1 is an aspect of each humidifier, which will be described below.
  • the humidifier 22 humidifies the gas in the intake pipe 21.
  • the humidifier 22 includes, for example, a container 23, a humidifying member 24, a guide member 25, a heating unit 26, a holding unit 28, and the like.
  • the heating unit 26 is the same as the heating unit 16 in the respiratory assistance device 2, and the heating unit 16 has already been described, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
  • the container 23 is a container for storing a necessary amount (for example, 60 cc for one night (8 hours)) of liquid (water, etc.).
  • the container 13 is preferably sealed.
  • the humidifying member 24 is arranged in the intake pipe 21 in a state where a part (for example, an end portion) of the humidifying member 24 is inserted into the container 23.
  • the humidifying member 24 includes a humidifying member 24a and a humidifying member 24b.
  • the humidifying member 24 a is a portion of the humidifying member 24 that has a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe 21. Point to.
  • a cylinder having the same axis as the intake pipe 21 and continuously making a round along the inner peripheral surface 21a in the intake pipe 21 is used.
  • a shape is assumed, it is not restricted to this, Other forms may be sufficient.
  • the aspect of the humidification member 24a is later demonstrated using FIG.
  • the humidifying member 24b is a portion of the humidifying member 24 inserted into the container 23 (the portion immersed in the contained liquid in FIG. 2) and the terminal portion of the guide member 25. Refers to things up to. And the humidification member 24b is connected with the humidification member 24a at the terminal as shown in FIG.2 (b), for example.
  • the humidifying member 24b absorbs the liquid in the container 23 from the end, and permeates the liquid to the humidifying member 24a by, for example, capillary action.
  • the liquid that has permeated the humidifying member 24 a is naturally vaporized in the intake pipe 21.
  • the material similar to the said humidification member 14 is assumed, for example.
  • the guide member 25 guides the humidifying member 24 b from the outlet 23 a of the container 23 to the inside of the intake pipe 21. Further, the guide member 25 preferably covers the surroundings of the humidifying member 24b so that the liquid contained in the humidifying member 24b does not evaporate outside the intake pipe 21. Further, it is preferable to seal the portion so that the liquid inside does not leak from the connection portion between the outlet 23 a of the container 23 and the guide member 15.
  • the heating unit 27 heats the inside of the intake pipe 21, and includes, for example, a heating unit 27a, a heating unit 27b, and a heating unit 27c.
  • the heating unit 27, the heating unit 27a, the heating unit 27b, and the heating unit 27c have the same functions as the heating unit 17, the heating unit 17a, the heating unit 17b, and the heating unit 17c. Has already been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.
  • the holding unit 28 holds the humidifying member 24a so that the humidifying member 24a has a cylindrical arrangement that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the inhalation pipe 21 of the respiratory assistance device 2. It is. 2A and 2B, the holding portion 28 holds the humidifying member 24a so as to be arranged around the inner circumference of the intake pipe 21. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the holding unit 28 may be configured to hold both ends of the humidifying member 24a as an example. In this case, the holding unit 28 includes a holding member 28a and a holding member 28b.
  • the one side surface of the holding member 28a has a structure in which the left end portion of the humidifying member 24a can be inserted.
  • the left end portion of the humidifying member 24a is inserted into one side surface of the holding member 28a, and the holding member 28a holds the left end portion of the humidifying member 24a.
  • a hole 28e through which the humidifying member 24b passes is provided on the other side surface of the holding member 28a.
  • the humidifying member 24b is passed through the hole 28e to connect the humidifying member 24a and the humidifying member 24b inside the holding member 28a. Therefore, the liquid that has permeated from the container 23 through the humidifying member 24b permeates the humidifying member 24a in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
  • the one side surface of the holding member 28b has a structure in which the right end portion of the humidifying member 24a can be inserted.
  • the right end portion of the humidifying member 24b is inserted into one side surface of the holding member 28b, and the holding member 28b holds the right end portion of the humidifying member 24a.
  • the humidifying member 24a is arranged in the intake pipe 21, the gas in the intake pipe 21 of the respiratory assistance device 2 can be uniformly humidified. Further, since the humidifying member 24a is arranged so that the intake air passes through the inside thereof, the humidification area for the intake air is wide. For this reason, the humidifying member 24a can sufficiently humidify the intake air.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the holding unit 28 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a state before the humidifying member 24 a is attached to the holding portion 28.
  • FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view after the humidifying member 24 a is attached to the holding portion 28.
  • the holding portion 28 includes the holding member 28a and the holding member 28b.
  • the holding member 28a includes a circular ring member 28c having a circular ring shape.
  • the circular ring member 28c is provided with a circular ring-shaped ring hole 28d having a diameter smaller than its own diameter on one side surface.
  • the ring hole 28d is a hole into which the end of the humidifying member 24a is inserted.
  • the other side surface of the circular ring member 28 c is connected to the guide member 25.
  • the connecting portion is provided with a hole 28e through which the humidifying member 24b passes.
  • the humidifying member 24a and the humidifying member 24b are connected inside the circular ring member 28c.
  • the circular ring member 28c holds the humidifying member 24a.
  • the space between the ring hole 28d and the humidifying member 24a is sealed so that the liquid does not leak from the gap between the ring hole 28d and the humidifying member 24a.
  • the holding member 28b is configured by a circular ring member 28f having a circular ring shape as shown in FIG.
  • the circular ring member 28f has the same structure as the circular ring member 28c except that the hole 28e is not provided.
  • the circular ring member 28f holds the humidifying member 24a.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the holding unit 29 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view after the humidifying member 24 a is attached to the holding portion 29.
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view after the humidifying member 24 a is attached to the holding portion 29.
  • circular ring members 29a and 29b constituting the holding portion 29 are used as shown in FIG.
  • the circular ring members 29a and 29b are circular ring-shaped members having different diameters as shown in FIG. 4B.
  • the humidifying member 24a is sandwiched between the circular ring member 29a and the circular ring member 29b.
  • the circular ring members 29a and 29b are assumed to be used, for example, at both end portions 24c and 24d of the humidifying member 24a, but are not limited thereto. That is, the circular ring members 29a and 29b may be used at the central portion 24e of the humidifying member 24a or other positions of the humidifying member 24a.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the holding units 128 to 328 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the holding part in another embodiment of the present invention described below is a mode in which the humidifying member 24a is held at various positions.
  • FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a mode in which the humidifying member 24 a is held by the holding unit 128.
  • the holding unit 128 holds the humidifying member 24a at a position shifted from the both ends of the humidifying member 24a by a predetermined distance to the center side.
  • the holding part 128 is composed of, for example, circular ring members 128a and 128b.
  • the humidifying member 24a is attached to the inner peripheral surfaces of the circular ring members 128a and 128b.
  • the attachment mode may be an adhesive mode, a mode in which the humidifying member 24a is sandwiched from the inside and outside by separately using a circular ring member having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the circular ring members 128a and 128b (see Modification 1 of the holding portion).
  • a circular ring member having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the circular ring members 128a and 128b (see Modification 1 of the holding portion).
  • FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a mode in which the humidifying member 24 a is held by the holding unit 228.
  • the holding unit 228 holds the humidifying member 24a near the center.
  • the holding part 228 is configured by a circular ring member 228a, for example.
  • the humidifying member 24a is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the circular ring member 228a.
  • the attachment mode is the same as that of the circular ring members 128a and 128b.
  • FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a mode in which the humidifying member 24a is held by the holding unit 328.
  • the holding unit 328 holds the entire humidifying member 24a.
  • the holding part 328 is configured by, for example, a circular ring member 328a.
  • the circular ring member 328a is a mode in which the length of the circular ring member 228a is extended. Other than that, the description using FIG. 5B is applicable to the circular ring member 228a.
  • the holding unit of the present invention can hold the humidifying member 24a
  • various modes of the number of circular ring members and the length of the circular ring members are assumed.
  • the shape of the circular ring member is an example, and other shapes may be used as long as the humidifying member 24a can be held.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the humidifying members 424a to 824a and the holding portions 428 to 828 in another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the holding unit holds the humidifying member so that the humidifying member has a cylindrical arrangement that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe.
  • 6A and 6B show cylinder-like humidifying members 424a and 524a and holding portions 428 and 528 that are continuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe.
  • the humidifying member 424a is a tubular member having an octagonal cross section.
  • the holding portion 428 includes a circular ring member 428a in which the ring hole 28d of the circular ring member described in FIG. 3 is an octagonal ring-shaped ring hole 428b.
  • the circular ring member 428a holds the humidifying member 424a.
  • the humidifying member 524a is a cylindrical member having a quadrangular cross section as shown in FIG. 6 (b).
  • the holding portion 528 is configured by, for example, a circular ring member 528a in which the ring hole 28d of the circular ring member described in FIG. 3 is a quadrangular ring-shaped ring hole 528b.
  • the circular ring member 528a holds the humidifying member 524a.
  • the cylindrical state-like humidifying member that is continuous in the circumferential direction along the inner circumference in the intake pipe has various shapes, and any cylindrical shape can be used as the humidifying member of the present invention. Applicable to. Moreover, the thing of a various aspect is applicable to the holding
  • 6 (c) and 6 (d) show cylinder-like humidifying members 624a and 724a and holding portions 628 and 728 that are discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe.
  • the humidifying member 624a is a circular cylindrical member whose cross section is not closed (partially opened).
  • the humidifying member of the present invention includes such a member.
  • maintenance part 628 is carrying out the aspect which provided the ring hole 628b according to the shape of the humidification member 624a in the circular ring member 628a which is not closed (partially opened), for example.
  • the circular ring member 628a holds the humidifying member 624a.
  • the circular ring shape which the holding part is not closed may be sufficient.
  • the humidifying member 724a has a circular shape with a discontinuous cross section as a whole.
  • the humidifying member 724a is formed by arranging a plurality of planar members 724c in a circular shape with a discontinuous cross section.
  • the holding part 728 is configured by, for example, a circular ring member 728a in which the ring hole 28d of the circular ring member described in FIG. 3 is replaced with a ring hole 728b having a circular shape with a discontinuous cross section.
  • the humidifying member 724a composed of a plurality of planar members 724c is inserted into the ring hole 728b, the circular ring member 728a holds the humidifying member 724a.
  • the cylindrical state-like humidifying member that is discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe is shown in a circular shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the humidifying member may have a polygonal cross section. That is, there are various shapes of the humidifying member in a cylindrical state that is discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery in the intake pipe. All shapes reflecting the above purpose can be applied to the humidifying member of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 (e) shows a humidifying member 824a in a cylindrical state (cross section is star-shaped) continuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe, and a holding portion 828.
  • the humidifying member 824a is a cylindrical member having a star-shaped cross section.
  • the humidifying member of the present invention includes such a member.
  • maintenance part 828 is carrying out the aspect which provided the star-shaped hole 824b according to the shape of the humidification member 824a in the circular ring member 828a, for example.
  • the circular ring member 828a holds the humidifying member 824a.
  • the star shape is an example of a cross section, and other cross-sectional shapes are included in the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the holding unit 830 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the holding unit 830 may be a spiral member 831 having a spiral shape.
  • An example of the spiral member 831 is a spring member formed in a spiral shape, but is not limited thereto.
  • the diameter of the spiral member 831 is such that the outer periphery of the spiral member 831 is the inner periphery of the humidifying member 840. It is assumed that the diameter is abutting. In this way, since the spiral member 831 supports the humidifying member 840 from the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b side, even if the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b of the humidifying member 840 is made of a soft material, the humidifying member The load received by the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b can be reduced by the weight of the liquid held inside the 840.
  • the holding portion 830 is not limited to a member having a spiral shape, and may be a member having another shape as long as the humidifying member 840 can be supported from the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b side as described above. May be.
  • the holding member 830 may be a ring continuous member in which circular rings having a diameter contacting the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b of the humidifying member 840 are arranged at predetermined intervals and adjacent circular rings are connected to each other.
  • the holding member 830 may be a ring continuous member in which polygonal rings that contact the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b of the humidifying member 840 are arranged at predetermined intervals and adjacent polygonal rings are connected to each other.
  • the predetermined interval may be either a fixed interval or an indefinite interval.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a humidifying unit 900 disposed in the intake pipe 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the heating unit 910 is disposed so as to coincide with the axis of the intake pipe 21.
  • the humidifying member 900 is arranged such that four planar members 900 a partition the intake pipe 21 into four spaces. And each planar member 900a is arrange
  • the planar member 900 a is disposed so as to extend along the length direction of the intake pipe 21.
  • the intake air passing through the inside of the intake pipe 21 passes through the partitioned space and is supplied to the mask.
  • the material which comprises the planar member 900a may be a material in any of all the humidification members demonstrated above.
  • heating unit 910 and the humidifying member 900 are arranged as shown in FIG. 8, heat is uniformly transmitted to the humidifying member 900, and the intake air in the intake pipe 21 is also heated uniformly. can do.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing humidifying sections 920 and 930 arranged in the intake pipe 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the humidifying member 900 is arranged so as to partition the internal space of the intake pipe 21 and is configured such that intake air passes through the partitioned space.
  • FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) An example of a configuration that can achieve this is shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b).
  • FIG. 9A shows a humidifying member 920 that is a modification of the humidifying member.
  • the planar members 900a are arranged in a cross shape.
  • the humidifying member 920 includes a number of the planar members 900a (in FIG. 9A). 12 sheets) and a plurality of planar members 900a are arranged radially from the center of the intake pipe 21.
  • the planar member 900 a is disposed so as to extend along the length direction of the intake pipe 21.
  • the heating unit 910 is disposed at the center of the intake pipe 21. Note that the heating unit 910 may be disposed at another position.
  • FIG. 9B is a view showing a humidifying member 930 which is a modified example of the humidifying member.
  • Both the humidifying member 900 and the humidifying member 920 are formed by arranging a plurality of planar members radially from the center of the intake pipe 21.
  • the humidifying member 930 lattices the planar members 900 a in the intake pipe 21. It is arranged in a shape.
  • the planar member 900 a is disposed so as to extend along the length direction of the intake pipe 21.
  • the heating unit 910 is disposed at the center of the intake pipe 21. Note that the heating unit 910 may be disposed at another position.
  • Humidifiers and respiratory assistance devices that combine the elements of all the embodiments of the present invention described above are also included in the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a bellows tube 940 is used as an intake tube.
  • FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a bellows tube 940 provided with a heating unit 950.
  • FIG. 10B is a plan view of the bellows tube 940 in which the heating unit 950 is arranged.
  • the bellows tube 940 includes, for example, a mode in which convex portions 940d are spirally formed on the outer peripheral surface 940c of the bellows tube 940, as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b).
  • a concave portion 940e is formed in a spiral shape between the convex portions 940d.
  • the spiral shape of the concave portion 940e is formed along the spiral shape of the convex portion 940d.
  • the heating unit 950 is a linear or tape heater such as a heating wire.
  • the heating unit 950 is disposed along the concave portion 940e of the bellows tube 940. If the heating unit 950 is arranged in this way, the inside can be uniformly heated from the outer peripheral surface of the bellows tube 940.
  • various modes such as a position corresponding to the periphery of the humidifying member, an upstream side or a downstream side of the humidifying member, and the entire outer peripheral surface of the bellows tube 940 are assumed. All such embodiments are included in the present invention.
  • Humidifiers and respiratory assistance devices that combine the elements of all the embodiments of the present invention described above are also included in the present invention.
  • the embodiment of the present invention shows an example for embodying the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. .

Abstract

The breathing assistance apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a gas supply source, an intake tube, and a humidifier. The gas supply source supplies a gas. One end of the intake tube is connected to the gas supply source, and the other end of the intake tube is connected to a mask for covering the mouth and nose of a patient. The humidifier humidifies the gas in the intake tube. Specifically, the humidifier is provided with a container, a humidifying member, and a guide member for guiding from a humidifying member container into the intake tube. The humidifying member is disposed in the intake tube in a state in which an end part of the humidifying member is inserted in the container. The humidifying member draws liquid in the container in from the end part thereof and causes the liquid to permeate through the humidifying member by capillary action. The liquid permeating the humidifying member is naturally vaporized in the intake tube. A humidifier which is easy to handle and has a simple structure, and a breathing assistance apparatus which uses the humidifier are thereby provided.

Description

加湿器、及び、呼吸補助装置Humidifier and respiratory assistance device
　本発明は、加湿器、及び、呼吸補助装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a humidifier and a respiratory assistance device.
　従来、睡眠時無呼吸症候群（ＳＡＳ）などの呼吸に障害がある患者に対し、人工呼吸器などの呼吸補助装置が用いられている。呼吸補助装置は、ブロアなどから供給される圧縮空気などの気体を、吸気管を通じ、加湿器で加湿してから患者の気道に送り込む。このような加湿器を備える呼吸補助装置は、医療施設で用いられるだけでなく、在宅で用いられるので、簡単な構造で取扱いを簡便にすることが求められている。 Conventionally, a respiratory assistance device such as a ventilator is used for a patient with a disorder of breathing such as sleep apnea syndrome (SAS). The respiratory assistance device sends a gas such as compressed air supplied from a blower or the like to a patient's respiratory tract through a suction tube after humidification by a humidifier. Since the respiratory assistance apparatus provided with such a humidifier is used not only in a medical facility but also at home, it is required to simplify the handling with a simple structure.
　そのような求めに対応した加湿器を本願出願人は開発した（例えば、特開２０１５－１４２６４７号公報参照。）。その加湿器は、液体を収容する容器と、その容器の容量を経時的に減少させてその容器から上記液体を送り出す送出機構と、呼吸補助装置の利用者の気道に吸気を導く吸気管内に配置され、上記容器からの上記液体が供給されて上記液体を気化させる透水性部材と、を備えていることを特徴とするものであった。 The applicant of the present application has developed a humidifier corresponding to such a demand (see, for example, JP-A-2015-142647). The humidifier is arranged in a container that contains liquid, a delivery mechanism that reduces the capacity of the container over time and sends the liquid out of the container, and an intake pipe that guides inhalation to the respiratory tract user's airway And a water-permeable member that is supplied with the liquid from the container and vaporizes the liquid.
　上述の本願出願人が開発した加湿器でも、十分に簡単な構造で取扱いが簡便であったが、本願出願人は、さらに鋭意努力して開発を継続した。その結果、本願出願人は、さらに、簡単な構造で取扱いが簡便な加湿器を完成させた。 The above-mentioned humidifier developed by the applicant of the present application was also easy to handle with a sufficiently simple structure, but the applicant of the present application continued the development with further diligence. As a result, the present applicant has further completed a humidifier with a simple structure and easy to handle.
　本願発明はそのような状況のもとに創作されたものであって、その目的は、さらに、簡単な構造で取扱いが簡便な加湿器、及びその加湿器を用いた呼吸補助装置を提供するところにある。 The present invention was created under such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that is simple in structure and easy to handle, and a respiratory assistance device using the humidifier. It is in.
　本発明は、上記課題を解決するためになされたものであり、本発明の加湿器は、液体を収容する容器と、吸気管と、自身の一部が上記容器内に挿入された状態で上記吸気管内に配置され、上記容器内の液体を吸収してその液体を気化させる加湿部材と、を備えていることを特徴とする。 The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the humidifier according to the present invention includes a container for storing a liquid, an intake pipe, and a part of the humidifier inserted in the container. And a humidifying member that is disposed in the intake pipe and absorbs the liquid in the container to vaporize the liquid.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、上記容器内の液体を吸収可能な吸水性材料により構成されることを特徴とする。 In the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member is made of a water-absorbing material capable of absorbing the liquid in the container.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、上記容器内の液体を毛細管現象により吸収可能な吸水性材料により構成されることを特徴とする。 In the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member is formed of a water-absorbing material capable of absorbing the liquid in the container by capillary action.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、多孔質材料により構成されることを特徴とする。 In the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member is made of a porous material.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、織布、不織布、中空糸、多孔質吸水ポリマー、及び、多孔質合成樹脂のうちの少なくともいずれか１つの材質により構成されることを特徴とする。 In the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member is made of at least one material selected from a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a hollow fiber, a porous water-absorbing polymer, and a porous synthetic resin. To do.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記容器内の液体を加熱する加熱部を備えたことを特徴とする。 Further, the humidifier according to the present invention includes a heating unit for heating the liquid in the container.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、上記吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に連続、又は不連続となる筒状に配置されており、該筒状内を吸気が通過するか、又は、上記吸気管の内部空間を仕切るように配置されており、仕切られた空間内を吸気が通過するか、のいずれかであることを特徴とする。 In the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member is arranged in a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe, and the intake air passes through the cylindrical shape. Or is arranged so as to partition the internal space of the intake pipe, and intake air passes through the partitioned space.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、上記吸気管内の内周を少なくとも一周する態様であることを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member is an aspect that makes at least one round of the inner circumference of the intake pipe.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、複数の面状材が放射状に配置される態様であることを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier of the present invention, the humidifying member is characterized in that a plurality of planar materials are arranged radially.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、複数の面状材が格子状に配置される態様であることを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member is characterized in that a plurality of planar materials are arranged in a lattice shape.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材が上記吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に連続、又は不連続となる筒状に配置されるよう保持する保持部を備えたことを特徴とする。 In the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member includes a holding portion that holds the humidifying member so that the humidifying member is arranged in a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe. To do.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記保持部は、螺旋状の部材であることを特徴とする。 In the humidifier according to the present invention, the holding part is a spiral member.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記保持部は、リング状の部材が上記吸気管の軸方向へ沿って連続して並べられて繋がれたリング連続部材であることを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier according to the present invention, the holding portion is a ring continuous member in which ring-shaped members are continuously arranged and connected along the axial direction of the intake pipe.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記吸気管の外部、または、内部に、上記加湿部材を加熱する加熱部を設けたことを特徴とする。 Further, the humidifier according to the present invention is characterized in that a heating unit for heating the humidifying member is provided outside or inside the intake pipe.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材が、上記吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に連続、又は不連続となる筒状に配置される場合において、上記加熱部は、上記吸気管の外部、または、内部において上記吸気管内を上記加湿部材の外周側から加熱する加熱部を設けたことを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier according to the present invention, when the humidifying member is arranged in a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe, the heating unit is provided with the intake pipe. The inside of the intake pipe is provided with a heating section that heats the inside of the intake pipe from the outer peripheral side of the humidifying member.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加熱部は、上記吸気管の外周に螺旋状に配置されることを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier according to the present invention, the heating unit is arranged in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of the intake pipe.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記吸気管は、自身の外周面に凸部が螺旋状に形成されると共に、上記凸部間に螺旋状に凹部が形成され、上記加熱部は、上記凹部に螺旋状に配置されることを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier according to the present invention, the intake pipe has a convex portion spirally formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a spiral concave portion is formed between the convex portions, and the heating portion includes the concave portion It is characterized by being arranged in a spiral.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記吸気管の外部、または、内部に上記吸気管内を上記加湿部材の外周側から加熱する加熱部を設けたことを特徴とする。 Further, the humidifier of the present invention is characterized in that a heating unit for heating the inside of the intake pipe from the outer peripheral side of the humidifying member is provided outside or inside the intake pipe.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加湿部材は、上記加熱部は、上記吸気管内における上記吸気を加熱するよう配置されたことを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier according to the present invention, the humidifying member is characterized in that the heating unit is arranged to heat the intake air in the intake pipe.
　また、本発明の加湿器において、上記加熱部は、上記吸気管内に溜まる結露水を加熱するよう配置されたことを特徴とする。 Further, in the humidifier according to the present invention, the heating unit is arranged to heat the condensed water accumulated in the intake pipe.
　また、本発明の呼吸補助装置は、上記いずれかの加湿器を備えたことを特徴とする。 Further, the respiratory assistance device of the present invention is characterized by including any one of the above humidifiers.
　本発明の加湿器、及び、呼吸補助装置によれば、簡単な構造で取扱いが簡便であるという優れた効果を奏し得る。 According to the humidifier and the respiratory assistance device of the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that the handling is simple with a simple structure.
本発明の実施の形態における呼吸補助装置１を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the respiratory assistance apparatus 1 in embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態における呼吸補助装置２を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the respiratory assistance apparatus 2 in embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態における保持部２８を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance part 28 in embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態における保持部２９を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance part 29 in embodiment of this invention. 本発明の別の実施の形態における保持部１２８～３２８の構成例を示す図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of holding units 128 to 328 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の別の実施の形態における加湿部材４２４ａ～８２４ａ、及び、保持部４２８～８２８の構成例を示す断面図である。FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of humidifying members 424a to 824a and holding portions 428 to 828 in another embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の別の実施の形態における保持部８３０の構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the holding | maintenance part 830 in another embodiment of this invention. 本発明の別の実施の形態における吸気管２１内に配置された加湿部９００を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the humidification part 900 arrange | positioned in the intake pipe 21 in another embodiment of this invention. 本発明の別の実施の形態における吸気管２１内に配置された加湿部９２０、及び９３０を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the humidification parts 920 and 930 arrange | positioned in the intake pipe 21 in another embodiment of this invention. 吸気管として蛇腹管９４０を用いた様子を示す図である。It is a figure which shows a mode that the bellows tube 940 was used as an intake pipe.
　次に本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して詳細に説明する。 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
＜１．呼吸補助装置１について＞
　図１は、本発明の実施の形態における呼吸補助装置１を示す図である。なお、本図及び以降の各図において、一部の構成を適宜省略して、図面を簡略化している。 <1. About respiratory assistance device 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a respiratory assistance device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in this figure and each subsequent figure, one part structure is abbreviate | omitted suitably and drawing is simplified.
　図１に示される呼吸補助装置１は、呼吸に障害がある患者（利用者）が利用するものであり、患者の気道に吸気となる気体（圧縮空気、酸素など）を送り込む。具体的に、呼吸補助装置１は、気体供給源１０と、吸気管１１と、加湿器１２と、などを備えている。 The respiratory assistance device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used by a patient (user) having a disorder in breathing, and sends inhaled gas (compressed air, oxygen, etc.) into the patient's airway. Specifically, the respiratory assistance device 1 includes a gas supply source 10, an intake pipe 11, a humidifier 12, and the like.
　気体供給源１０は気体を供給するものである。この気体供給源１０には、周知の酸素ボンベや送風機などが用いられる。送風機の詳細は、例えば、特許第５２１１３０２号公報を参照されたい。 The gas supply source 10 supplies gas. As the gas supply source 10, a known oxygen cylinder or blower is used. For details of the blower, refer to, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5211302.
　吸気管１１の一端は、気体供給源１０に接続される。そして、吸気管１１の他端は、例えば、患者の口及び鼻を覆うマスクＭＡ１に接続される。この吸気管１１は、患者の気道に気体を導く。なお、呼気弁などの呼気回路の図示は省略する。 One end of the intake pipe 11 is connected to the gas supply source 10. The other end of the intake pipe 11 is connected to, for example, a mask MA1 that covers the mouth and nose of the patient. The intake pipe 11 guides gas to the patient's airway. Illustration of an exhalation circuit such as an exhalation valve is omitted.
　加湿器１２は、吸気管１１内の気体を加湿する。具体的に、加湿器１２は、容器１３と、加湿部材１４と、案内部材１５と、加熱部１６と、を備えている。容器１３は、必要量（例えば、一晩（８時間）分の６０ｃｃ）の液体（水など）を収容する入れ物である。容器１３は、密閉されていることが好ましい。 The humidifier 12 humidifies the gas in the intake pipe 11. Specifically, the humidifier 12 includes a container 13, a humidifying member 14, a guide member 15, and a heating unit 16. The container 13 is a container for storing a necessary amount (for example, 60 cc for one night (8 hours)) of liquid (such as water). The container 13 is preferably sealed.
　加湿部材１４は、自身の一部（例えば、端部）が容器１３内に挿入された状態で吸気管１１内に配置される。具体的に加湿部材１４は、加湿部材１４ａと、加湿部材１４ｂとにより構成される。加湿部材１４ａは、図１に示すように、吸気管１１内に配置される加湿部材１４のうち、案内部材１５に覆われていない剥き出し部分のものを指す。加湿部材１４ｂは、図１に示すように、加湿部材１４のうち、容器１３に挿入された部分（図１においては収容された液体に浸された部分）から案内部材１５の終端部分までのものを指す。 The humidifying member 14 is disposed in the intake pipe 11 in a state where a part (for example, an end portion) of the humidifying member 14 is inserted into the container 13. Specifically, the humidifying member 14 includes a humidifying member 14a and a humidifying member 14b. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifying member 14 a indicates a portion of the humidified member 14 disposed in the intake pipe 11 that is not covered with the guide member 15. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifying member 14 b is a member from the portion inserted into the container 13 (the portion immersed in the liquid contained in FIG. 1) of the humidifying member 14 to the terminal portion of the guide member 15. Point to.
　加湿部材１４ａと加湿部材１４ｂとは、両者が一体形成されることが想定される。しかしながら、これに限定されるものではなく、加湿部材１４ａと加湿部材１４ｂとは、別部材として構成されて、両者が繋がれた態様であってもよい。 It is assumed that the humidifying member 14a and the humidifying member 14b are integrally formed. However, it is not limited to this, The humidification member 14a and the humidification member 14b are comprised as another member, and the aspect with which both were connected may be sufficient.
　加湿部材１４ｂは、容器１３内の液体を端部から吸収して、例えば、毛細管現象によりその液体を加湿部材１４ａにまで浸透させる。加湿部材１４ａに浸透した液体は、吸気管１１内で自然に気化される。 The humidifying member 14b absorbs the liquid in the container 13 from the end, and permeates the liquid to the humidifying member 14a by, for example, capillary action. The liquid that has permeated the humidifying member 14 a is naturally vaporized in the intake pipe 11.
　加湿部材１４は、容器１３内の液体を吸収可能な吸水性材料により構成されることが想定される。吸水性材料として、例えば、毛細管現象により液体を吸収可能なものや、その他の要因で液体を吸収する吸水性ポリマー等が一例として挙げられる。毛細管現象により液体を吸収可能な材料として、例えば、多孔質材料が一例として挙げられる。多孔質材料として、例えば、織布、不織布、中空糸により形成される材料、多孔質吸水ポリマー、及び、スポンジ等の多孔質合成樹脂が挙げられる。多孔質材料は、以上のように複数あるが、加湿部材は１つの多孔質材料で形成されても、複数の多孔質材料で形成されてもいずれであってもよい。すなわち、加湿部材は、少なくとも１つの上記材料で形成されていればよい。以下における加湿部材の説明において、一例として、加湿部材は毛細管現象により液体を吸収可能な吸水性材料により構成されたものとして説明する。 The humidifying member 14 is assumed to be composed of a water-absorbing material that can absorb the liquid in the container 13. Examples of the water-absorbing material include materials that can absorb liquid by capillary action and water-absorbing polymers that absorb liquid due to other factors. An example of a material that can absorb a liquid by capillary action is a porous material. Examples of the porous material include a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a material formed of hollow fibers, a porous water-absorbing polymer, and a porous synthetic resin such as a sponge. Although there are a plurality of porous materials as described above, the humidifying member may be formed of one porous material or a plurality of porous materials. That is, the humidification member should just be formed with the at least 1 said material. In the following description of the humidifying member, as an example, the humidifying member will be described as being made of a water-absorbing material that can absorb liquid by capillary action.
　加湿部材１４に毛細管現象により液体を吸収可能な材料を用いた場合の利点を以下において説明する。従来の加湿器は、吸気管内に配置された複数の透水性中空ファイバーに液体収容タンクから供給管を通じて液体を供給していた。このような構成の加湿器の場合、液体収容タンク内の圧力と、透水性中空ファイバー内の圧力との間の圧力差によっては透水性中空ファイバーから液体収容タンク内へ液体が逆流するおそれがあった。このような逆流は、透水性中空ファイバー内に繁殖する雑菌をも液体収容タンク内へ運んでしまっていた。加湿部材１４に毛細管現象により液体を吸収可能な材料を用いた場合、このような逆流がそもそも起こりにくい。このため、一旦、加湿部材１４に吸収された液体は容器１３内へ逆流すえる可能性が低い。したがって、加湿部材１４に毛細管現象により液体を吸収可能な材料を用いた場合、容器１３内の液体をきれいに保つことができるという利点がある。 The advantages of using a material that can absorb liquid by capillary action for the humidifying member 14 will be described below. In the conventional humidifier, the liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank to the plurality of water-permeable hollow fibers arranged in the intake pipe through the supply pipe. In the case of a humidifier having such a configuration, the liquid may flow backward from the permeable hollow fiber into the liquid storage tank depending on the pressure difference between the pressure in the liquid storage tank and the pressure in the permeable hollow fiber. It was. Such a backflow also carried various germs that propagated in the permeable hollow fiber into the liquid storage tank. When a material capable of absorbing a liquid by capillary action is used for the humidifying member 14, such a backflow hardly occurs in the first place. For this reason, the liquid once absorbed by the humidifying member 14 is unlikely to flow back into the container 13. Therefore, when a material capable of absorbing liquid by capillary action is used for the humidifying member 14, there is an advantage that the liquid in the container 13 can be kept clean.
　案内部材１５は、容器１３の出口１３ａから吸気管１１の内部へ加湿部材１４ｂを案内するものである。また、案内部材１５は、加湿部材１４ｂに含まれる液体が吸気管１１外で蒸発しないよう加湿部材１４ｂの周囲を覆う態様が好ましい。また、容器１３の出口１３ａと案内部材１５との接続部分から内部の液体が漏れないようにその部分をシールすることが好ましい。 The guiding member 15 guides the humidifying member 14b from the outlet 13a of the container 13 to the inside of the intake pipe 11. In addition, the guide member 15 preferably covers the humidifying member 14b so that the liquid contained in the humidifying member 14b does not evaporate outside the intake pipe 11. Further, it is preferable to seal the portion so that the liquid inside does not leak from the connection portion between the outlet 13 a of the container 13 and the guide member 15.
　加熱部１６は、容器１３内の液体を加熱するものである。容器１３内の液体の温度を上昇させることにより、加湿部材１４ａにおける液体が気化されやすくなる。 The heating unit 16 heats the liquid in the container 13. By increasing the temperature of the liquid in the container 13, the liquid in the humidifying member 14a is easily vaporized.
　加熱部１７は、吸気管１１内を加熱するものである。加熱部１７は、吸気管１１の内外のいずれに設けられていてもよい。本発明の実施の形態における呼吸補助装置１において加熱部１７は、例えば、加熱部１７ａ、加熱部１７ｂ、加熱部１７ｃ、及び加熱部１７ｄにより構成される。 The heating unit 17 heats the inside of the intake pipe 11. The heating unit 17 may be provided inside or outside the intake pipe 11. In the respiratory assistance device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit 17 includes, for example, a heating unit 17a, a heating unit 17b, a heating unit 17c, and a heating unit 17d.
　加熱部１７ａは、吸気管１１内の加湿部材１４ａの周囲に配置され、加湿部材１４ａが保持する液体と吸気管１１内における吸気を加熱するものである。なお、加熱部１７ａの配置場所は、吸気管１１内における液体と吸気を加熱することができれば、吸気管１１内外のいずれの場所であってもよい。また、加熱部１７ａは、加湿部材１４ａの周囲を連続または不連続に取り囲む態様であってもよい。この場合、加熱部１７ａは、吸気管１１内における吸気を均一に加熱するのに有用である。また、加熱部１７ａは、加湿部材１４ａが保持する液体を加熱して気化させるのにも有用である。また、加熱部１７ａは、加湿部材１４ａの外側に結露した結露水を加熱して気化させるのにも有用である。 The heating unit 17a is disposed around the humidifying member 14a in the intake pipe 11, and heats the liquid held by the humidifying member 14a and the intake air in the intake pipe 11. The location of the heating unit 17a may be anywhere inside or outside the intake pipe 11 as long as the liquid and the intake air in the intake pipe 11 can be heated. Moreover, the aspect which surrounds the circumference | surroundings of the humidification member 14a continuously or discontinuously may be sufficient as the heating part 17a. In this case, the heating unit 17a is useful for uniformly heating the intake air in the intake pipe 11. The heating unit 17a is also useful for heating and vaporizing the liquid held by the humidifying member 14a. The heating unit 17a is also useful for heating and vaporizing the condensed water that has condensed on the outside of the humidifying member 14a.
　また、加熱部１７ｂは、加湿部材１４ａよりも吸気管１１下流側の吸気管１１外周に配置され、吸気管１１内に溜まる結露水を加熱するものである。なお、加熱部１７ｂの配置場所は、吸気管１１内に溜まる結露水を加熱することができれば、吸気管１１内外のいずれの場所であってもよい。吸気管１１内に溜まる結露水は、雑菌繁殖の原因になり衛生面で問題がある。このため、加熱部１７ｂの加熱により上記結露水を蒸発させる。また、加熱部１７ｂは、加湿部材１４ａよりも吸気管１１下流側の吸気を加熱するのにも有用である。 Further, the heating unit 17b is disposed on the outer periphery of the intake pipe 11 on the downstream side of the intake pipe 11 with respect to the humidifying member 14a, and heats the condensed water accumulated in the intake pipe 11. In addition, the arrangement | positioning place of the heating part 17b may be any place inside and outside the intake pipe 11 as long as the dew condensation water which accumulates in the intake pipe 11 can be heated. Condensed water that accumulates in the intake pipe 11 causes the propagation of germs and is problematic in terms of hygiene. For this reason, the said dew condensation water is evaporated by the heating of the heating part 17b. The heating unit 17b is also useful for heating the intake air on the downstream side of the intake pipe 11 with respect to the humidifying member 14a.
　また、加熱部１７ｃは、加湿部材１４ａよりも吸気管１１上流側の吸気管１１内周に配置され、気体供給源１０から供給される吸気を加熱するものである。なお、加熱部１７ｃの配置場所は、上記吸気を加熱することができれば、吸気管１１内外のいずれの場所であってもよい。また、加熱部１７ｃは、加湿部材１４ａよりも吸気管１１上流側の吸気管１１内周に結露した結露水を加熱して気化させるのにも有用である。 The heating unit 17c is disposed on the inner periphery of the intake pipe 11 upstream of the humidifying member 14a and heats the intake air supplied from the gas supply source 10. The location of the heating unit 17c may be anywhere inside or outside the intake pipe 11 as long as the intake air can be heated. The heating unit 17c is also useful for heating and vaporizing the condensed water condensed on the inner periphery of the intake pipe 11 upstream of the humidifying member 14a.
　また、加熱部１７ｄは、吸気管１１の外周に配置され、加湿部材１４ａが保持する液体と吸気管１１内における吸気を加熱するものである。このような態様の加熱部も本発明に含まれる。 The heating unit 17d is disposed on the outer periphery of the intake pipe 11, and heats the liquid held by the humidifying member 14a and the intake air in the intake pipe 11. Such a heating unit is also included in the present invention.
　呼吸補助装置１によれば、加湿部材１４へ液体を供給する機構を簡易にすることができる。これにより、呼吸補助装置１の製造コストを低減することができる。 According to the respiratory assistance device 1, the mechanism for supplying the liquid to the humidifying member 14 can be simplified. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the respiratory assistance apparatus 1 can be reduced.
＜２．呼吸補助装置２について＞
＜２－１．呼吸補助装置２の全体構成＞
　図２は、本発明の実施の形態における呼吸補助装置２を示す図である。図２に示される呼吸補助装置２は、呼吸補助装置１と同様に、呼吸に障害がある患者（利用者）が利用するものであり、患者の気道に吸気となる気体（圧縮空気、酸素など）を送り込む。具体的に、呼吸補助装置２は、気体供給源２０と、吸気管２１と、加湿器２２と、などを備えている。 <2. About respiratory assistance device 2>
<2-1. Overall configuration of respiratory assistance device 2>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the respiratory assistance device 2 in the embodiment of the present invention. The breathing assistance device 2 shown in FIG. 2 is used by a patient (user) who has a disorder in breathing, like the breathing assistance device 1, and gas (compressed air, oxygen, etc.) that is inhaled into the patient's airway ). Specifically, the respiratory assistance device 2 includes a gas supply source 20, an intake pipe 21, a humidifier 22, and the like.
　呼吸補助装置２における気体供給源２０、吸気管２１は、呼吸補助装置１における気体供給源１０、吸気管１１と同様であり、それについては既に説明済みであるため、説明を省略する。呼吸補助装置２と呼吸補助装置１との相違点は、それぞれの加湿器の態様であり、それについて以下説明する。 The gas supply source 20 and the intake pipe 21 in the respiratory assistance device 2 are the same as the gas supply source 10 and the intake pipe 11 in the respiratory assistance device 1, and since they have already been described, the description thereof is omitted. The difference between the respiratory assistance device 2 and the respiratory assistance device 1 is an aspect of each humidifier, which will be described below.
　加湿器２２は、吸気管２１内の気体を加湿する。具体的に、加湿器２２は、例えば、容器２３と、加湿部材２４と、案内部材２５と、加熱部２６と、保持部２８と、などを備えている。なお、加熱部２６は、呼吸補助装置２における加熱部１６と同様であり、加熱部１６については既に説明済みであるため、その説明を省略する。 The humidifier 22 humidifies the gas in the intake pipe 21. Specifically, the humidifier 22 includes, for example, a container 23, a humidifying member 24, a guide member 25, a heating unit 26, a holding unit 28, and the like. The heating unit 26 is the same as the heating unit 16 in the respiratory assistance device 2, and the heating unit 16 has already been described, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
　容器２３は、必要量（例えば、一晩（８時間）分の６０ｃｃ）の液体（水など）を収容する入れ物である。容器１３は、密閉されていることが好ましい。 The container 23 is a container for storing a necessary amount (for example, 60 cc for one night (8 hours)) of liquid (water, etc.). The container 13 is preferably sealed.
　加湿部材２４は、自身の一部（例えば、端部）が容器２３内に挿入された状態で吸気管２１内に配置される。加湿部材２４は、加湿部材２４ａと加湿部材２４ｂとにより構成される。加湿部材２４ａは、図２（ａ）に示すように、加湿部材２４のうち、吸気管２１内の内周に沿って、周方向に連続、又は不連続となる筒状の態様をした部分を指す。このような加湿部材２４ａの形状の一例として、例えば、吸気管２１の所定の区間において、吸気管２１と軸を同じくし、吸気管２１内の内周面２１ａに沿って連続して一周する円筒形状が想定されるが、これに限るものではなくその他の態様であってもよい。なお、加湿部材２４ａの態様については図３を用いて後で説明する。 The humidifying member 24 is arranged in the intake pipe 21 in a state where a part (for example, an end portion) of the humidifying member 24 is inserted into the container 23. The humidifying member 24 includes a humidifying member 24a and a humidifying member 24b. As shown in FIG. 2A, the humidifying member 24 a is a portion of the humidifying member 24 that has a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe 21. Point to. As an example of the shape of such a humidifying member 24a, for example, in a predetermined section of the intake pipe 21, a cylinder having the same axis as the intake pipe 21 and continuously making a round along the inner peripheral surface 21a in the intake pipe 21 is used. Although a shape is assumed, it is not restricted to this, Other forms may be sufficient. In addition, the aspect of the humidification member 24a is later demonstrated using FIG.
　加湿部材２４ｂは、図２（ａ）に示すように、加湿部材２４のうち、容器２３に挿入された部分（図２においては収容された液体に浸された部分）から案内部材２５の終端部分までのものを指す。そして、加湿部材２４ｂは、例えば、図２（ｂ）に示すように、加湿部材２４ａと終端で繋がる。 As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the humidifying member 24b is a portion of the humidifying member 24 inserted into the container 23 (the portion immersed in the contained liquid in FIG. 2) and the terminal portion of the guide member 25. Refers to things up to. And the humidification member 24b is connected with the humidification member 24a at the terminal as shown in FIG.2 (b), for example.
　加湿部材２４ｂは、容器２３内の液体を端部から吸収して、例えば、毛細管現象によりその液体を加湿部材２４ａにまで浸透させる。加湿部材２４ａに浸透した液体は、吸気管２１内で自然に気化される。なお、加湿部材２４の材質として、例えば、上記加湿部材１４と同様の材質が想定される。 The humidifying member 24b absorbs the liquid in the container 23 from the end, and permeates the liquid to the humidifying member 24a by, for example, capillary action. The liquid that has permeated the humidifying member 24 a is naturally vaporized in the intake pipe 21. In addition, as a material of the humidification member 24, the material similar to the said humidification member 14 is assumed, for example.
　案内部材２５は、容器２３の出口２３ａから吸気管２１の内部へ加湿部材２４ｂを案内するものである。また、案内部材２５は、加湿部材２４ｂに含まれる液体が吸気管２１外で蒸発しないよう加湿部材２４ｂの周囲を覆う態様が好ましい。また、容器２３の出口２３ａと案内部材１５との接続部分から内部の液体が漏れないようにその部分をシールすることが好ましい。 The guide member 25 guides the humidifying member 24 b from the outlet 23 a of the container 23 to the inside of the intake pipe 21. Further, the guide member 25 preferably covers the surroundings of the humidifying member 24b so that the liquid contained in the humidifying member 24b does not evaporate outside the intake pipe 21. Further, it is preferable to seal the portion so that the liquid inside does not leak from the connection portion between the outlet 23 a of the container 23 and the guide member 15.
　加熱部２７は、吸気管２１内を加熱するものであり、例えば、加熱部２７ａ、加熱部２７ｂ、及び、加熱部２７ｃにより構成される。なお、加熱部２７、加熱部２７ａ、加熱部２７ｂ、及び、加熱部２７ｃは、加熱部１７、加熱部１７ａ、加熱部１７ｂ、及び、加熱部１７ｃと同様の機能を有するものであり、それについては上記で既に説明済みであるため、その説明を省略する。 The heating unit 27 heats the inside of the intake pipe 21, and includes, for example, a heating unit 27a, a heating unit 27b, and a heating unit 27c. The heating unit 27, the heating unit 27a, the heating unit 27b, and the heating unit 27c have the same functions as the heating unit 17, the heating unit 17a, the heating unit 17b, and the heating unit 17c. Has already been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.
　保持部２８は、上記加湿部材２４ａが呼吸補助装置２の吸気管２１内の内周に沿って、周方向に連続、又は不連続となる筒状の配置になるよう加湿部材２４ａを保持するものである。図２（ａ）及び図２（ｂ）において保持部２８は、吸気管２１内の内周に沿って一周する配置になるよう加湿部材２４ａを保持している。保持部２８は、図２（ａ）及び図２（ｂ）に示すように、加湿部材２４ａの両端を保持する態様が一例として挙げられる。この場合、保持部２８は、保持部材２８ａ及び保持部材２８ｂ等により構成される。 The holding unit 28 holds the humidifying member 24a so that the humidifying member 24a has a cylindrical arrangement that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the inhalation pipe 21 of the respiratory assistance device 2. It is. 2A and 2B, the holding portion 28 holds the humidifying member 24a so as to be arranged around the inner circumference of the intake pipe 21. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the holding unit 28 may be configured to hold both ends of the humidifying member 24a as an example. In this case, the holding unit 28 includes a holding member 28a and a holding member 28b.
　保持部材２８ａの一方の側面は、加湿部材２４ａの左端部を挿入することができる構造になっている。加湿部材２４ａの左端部を保持部材２８ａの一方の側面に挿入して、保持部材２８ａに加湿部材２４ａの左端部を保持させる。また、図２（ｂ）に示すように、保持部材２８ａの他方の側面には、加湿部材２４ｂを通す穴２８ｅが設けられている。加湿部材２４ｂを穴２８ｅに通して、保持部材２８ａ内部で加湿部材２４ａと加湿部材２４ｂとを繋げる。したがって、加湿部材２４ｂを通じて容器２３から浸透してきた液体は、図２（ｂ）に示す矢印方向に向かって、加湿部材２４ａに浸透していく。 The one side surface of the holding member 28a has a structure in which the left end portion of the humidifying member 24a can be inserted. The left end portion of the humidifying member 24a is inserted into one side surface of the holding member 28a, and the holding member 28a holds the left end portion of the humidifying member 24a. As shown in FIG. 2B, a hole 28e through which the humidifying member 24b passes is provided on the other side surface of the holding member 28a. The humidifying member 24b is passed through the hole 28e to connect the humidifying member 24a and the humidifying member 24b inside the holding member 28a. Therefore, the liquid that has permeated from the container 23 through the humidifying member 24b permeates the humidifying member 24a in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
　保持部材２８ｂの一方の側面は、加湿部材２４ａの右端部を挿入することができる構造になっている。加湿部材２４ｂの右端部を保持部材２８ｂの一方の側面に挿入して、保持部材２８ｂに加湿部材２４ａの右端部を保持させる。保持部２８を構成する保持部材２８ａ、及び２８ｂの具体的態様については図３を用いてさらに後で説明する。 The one side surface of the holding member 28b has a structure in which the right end portion of the humidifying member 24a can be inserted. The right end portion of the humidifying member 24b is inserted into one side surface of the holding member 28b, and the holding member 28b holds the right end portion of the humidifying member 24a. Specific modes of the holding members 28a and 28b constituting the holding portion 28 will be further described later with reference to FIG.
　以上のように、吸気管２１内に加湿部材２４ａを配置すれば、呼吸補助装置２の吸気管２１内の気体を均一に加湿することができる。また、加湿部材２４ａは、自身の内側を吸気が通るよう配置されているため、吸気に対しての加湿面積が広い。このため、加湿部材２４ａは、吸気を十分に加湿することができる。 As described above, if the humidifying member 24a is arranged in the intake pipe 21, the gas in the intake pipe 21 of the respiratory assistance device 2 can be uniformly humidified. Further, since the humidifying member 24a is arranged so that the intake air passes through the inside thereof, the humidification area for the intake air is wide. For this reason, the humidifying member 24a can sufficiently humidify the intake air.
＜２－２．保持部２８について＞
　図３は、本発明の実施の形態における保持部２８を示す図である。図３（ａ）は、保持部２８に加湿部材２４ａを取り付ける前の様子を示す斜視図である。図３（ｂ）は、保持部２８に加湿部材２４ａを取り付けた後の断面図である。 <2-2. About Holding Unit 28>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the holding unit 28 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a state before the humidifying member 24 a is attached to the holding portion 28. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view after the humidifying member 24 a is attached to the holding portion 28.
　上記説明したように保持部２８は、保持部材２８ａと保持部材２８ｂとにより構成される。保持部材２８ａは、図３（ａ）および図３（ｂ）に示すように、円形リング形状をした円形リング部材２８ｃにより構成される。円形リング部材２８ｃには、一方の側面に自身の径より径の小さい円形リング状のリング穴２８ｄが設けられている。そのリング穴２８ｄは、加湿部材２４ａの端部を差し込む穴である。また、円形リング部材２８ｃの他方の側面は、案内部材２５と接続されている。その接続部分には、加湿部材２４ｂを通す穴２８ｅが設けられている。円形リング部材２８ｃ内部において加湿部材２４ａと加湿部材２４ｂとは繋がる。 As described above, the holding portion 28 includes the holding member 28a and the holding member 28b. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the holding member 28a includes a circular ring member 28c having a circular ring shape. The circular ring member 28c is provided with a circular ring-shaped ring hole 28d having a diameter smaller than its own diameter on one side surface. The ring hole 28d is a hole into which the end of the humidifying member 24a is inserted. Further, the other side surface of the circular ring member 28 c is connected to the guide member 25. The connecting portion is provided with a hole 28e through which the humidifying member 24b passes. The humidifying member 24a and the humidifying member 24b are connected inside the circular ring member 28c.
　リング穴２８ｄに加湿部材２４ａを差し込むと、円形リング部材２８ｃは加湿部材２４ａを保持する。なお、リング穴２８ｄと加湿部材２４ａとの間の隙間から液体が漏れないよう、リング穴２８ｄと加湿部材２４ａとの間をシールする。 When the humidifying member 24a is inserted into the ring hole 28d, the circular ring member 28c holds the humidifying member 24a. The space between the ring hole 28d and the humidifying member 24a is sealed so that the liquid does not leak from the gap between the ring hole 28d and the humidifying member 24a.
　保持部材２８ｂは、図３（ａ）に示すように、円形リング形状をした円形リング部材２８ｆにより構成される。円形リング部材２８ｆは、穴２８ｅがない以外は円形リング部材２８ｃと同様の構造である。円形リング部材２８ｆに設けられたリング穴２８ｇに加湿部材２４ａの右端部を差し込むと、円形リング部材２８ｆは加湿部材２４ａを保持する。 The holding member 28b is configured by a circular ring member 28f having a circular ring shape as shown in FIG. The circular ring member 28f has the same structure as the circular ring member 28c except that the hole 28e is not provided. When the right end of the humidifying member 24a is inserted into a ring hole 28g provided in the circular ring member 28f, the circular ring member 28f holds the humidifying member 24a.
＜２－３．保持部の変形例１＞
　図４は、本発明の実施の形態における保持部２９を示す図である。図４（ａ）は、保持部２９に加湿部材２４ａを取り付けた後の斜視図である。図４（ｂ）は、保持部２９に加湿部材２４ａを取り付けた後の断面図である。 <2-3. Modification Example 1 of Holding Unit>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the holding unit 29 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a perspective view after the humidifying member 24 a is attached to the holding portion 29. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view after the humidifying member 24 a is attached to the holding portion 29.
　加湿部材２４ａを円筒形状に形成させるために、図４（ａ）に示すように、保持部２９を構成する円形リング部材２９ａ及び２９ｂを用いる。そして、円形リング部材２９ａ及び２９ｂは、図４（ｂ）に示すように、それぞれ径が異なる円形リング状の部材である。円形リング部材２９ａと円形リング部材２９ｂとの間に加湿部材２４ａを挟み込む。円形リング部材２９ａ及び２９ｂは、例えば、加湿部材２４ａの両端部２４ｃ及び２４ｄにおいて用いることが一例として想定されるが、これに限るものではない。すなわち、円形リング部材２９ａ及び２９ｂは、加湿部材２４ａの中央部２４ｅ、又は、加湿部材２４ａのその他の位置に用いてもよい。 In order to form the humidifying member 24a in a cylindrical shape, circular ring members 29a and 29b constituting the holding portion 29 are used as shown in FIG. The circular ring members 29a and 29b are circular ring-shaped members having different diameters as shown in FIG. 4B. The humidifying member 24a is sandwiched between the circular ring member 29a and the circular ring member 29b. The circular ring members 29a and 29b are assumed to be used, for example, at both end portions 24c and 24d of the humidifying member 24a, but are not limited thereto. That is, the circular ring members 29a and 29b may be used at the central portion 24e of the humidifying member 24a or other positions of the humidifying member 24a.
＜２－４．保持部の変形例２＞
　図５は、本発明の別の実施の形態における保持部１２８～３２８の構成例を示す図である。以下に示す本発明の別の実施の形態における保持部は、加湿部材２４ａを様々な位置で保持する態様のものである。 <2-4. Modification Example 2 of Holding Unit>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the holding units 128 to 328 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The holding part in another embodiment of the present invention described below is a mode in which the humidifying member 24a is held at various positions.
　図５（ａ）は、保持部１２８で加湿部材２４ａを保持する態様を示す図である。保持部１２８は、加湿部材２４ａの両端から所定距離、中央側にずれた位置で加湿部材２４ａを保持する。保持部１２８は、例えば、円形リング部材１２８ａ及び１２８ｂで構成される。加湿部材２４ａは、円形リング部材１２８ａ及び１２８ｂの内周面に取り付けられる。取り付け態様は、例えば、接着して取り付ける態様、円形リング部材１２８ａ及び１２８ｂの内径よりも外径の小さい円形リング部材を別途用いて内外から加湿部材２４ａを挟み込む態様（保持部の変形例１参照）、その他の所定の部材を用いて取り付ける態様等が想定されるが、その他の全ての取付け態様も本発明に含まれる。 FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a mode in which the humidifying member 24 a is held by the holding unit 128. The holding unit 128 holds the humidifying member 24a at a position shifted from the both ends of the humidifying member 24a by a predetermined distance to the center side. The holding part 128 is composed of, for example, circular ring members 128a and 128b. The humidifying member 24a is attached to the inner peripheral surfaces of the circular ring members 128a and 128b. For example, the attachment mode may be an adhesive mode, a mode in which the humidifying member 24a is sandwiched from the inside and outside by separately using a circular ring member having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the circular ring members 128a and 128b (see Modification 1 of the holding portion). Although the aspect etc. which are attached using other predetermined members are assumed, all other attachment aspects are also included in the present invention.
　図５（ｂ）は、保持部２２８で加湿部材２４ａを保持する態様を示す図である。保持部２２８は、加湿部材２４ａを中央付近で保持する。保持部２２８は、例えば、円形リング部材２２８ａで構成される。加湿部材２４ａは、円形リング部材２２８ａの内周面に取り付けられる。取り付け態様は、上記円形リング部材１２８ａ及び１２８ｂの場合と同様である。 FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a mode in which the humidifying member 24 a is held by the holding unit 228. The holding unit 228 holds the humidifying member 24a near the center. The holding part 228 is configured by a circular ring member 228a, for example. The humidifying member 24a is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the circular ring member 228a. The attachment mode is the same as that of the circular ring members 128a and 128b.
　図５（ｃ）は、保持部３２８で加湿部材２４ａを保持する態様を示す図である。保持部３２８は、加湿部材２４ａ全体を保持する。保持部３２８は、例えば、円形リング部材３２８ａで構成される。円形リング部材３２８ａは、円形リング部材２２８ａの長さを伸ばした態様である。それ以外は、上記図５（ｂ）を用いた説明が円形リング部材２２８ａにも適用可能である。 FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a mode in which the humidifying member 24a is held by the holding unit 328. The holding unit 328 holds the entire humidifying member 24a. The holding part 328 is configured by, for example, a circular ring member 328a. The circular ring member 328a is a mode in which the length of the circular ring member 228a is extended. Other than that, the description using FIG. 5B is applicable to the circular ring member 228a.
　以上のように、本発明の保持部は、加湿部材２４ａを保持できさえすれば、円形リング部材の数や円形リング部材の長さは様々な態様が想定される。また、上記円形リング部材の形状も一例であって、加湿部材２４ａを保持できさえすれば、その他の形状であってもよい。 As described above, as long as the holding unit of the present invention can hold the humidifying member 24a, various modes of the number of circular ring members and the length of the circular ring members are assumed. Further, the shape of the circular ring member is an example, and other shapes may be used as long as the humidifying member 24a can be held.
＜２－５．加湿部材及び保持部の変形例３＞
　図６は、本発明の別の実施の形態における加湿部材４２４ａ～８２４ａ、及び、保持部４２８～８２８の構成例を示す断面図である。本発明において保持部は、加湿部材が吸気管内の内周に沿って周方向に連続、または、不連続となる筒状の配置になるように加湿部材を保持する。図６（ａ）、及び図６（ｂ）においては、吸気管内の内周に沿って周方向に連続となる筒状態様の加湿部材４２４ａ及び５２４ａ、並びに保持部４２８及び５２８を示す。 <2-5. Modification Example 3 of Humidifying Member and Holding Section>
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the humidifying members 424a to 824a and the holding portions 428 to 828 in another embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the holding unit holds the humidifying member so that the humidifying member has a cylindrical arrangement that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe. 6A and 6B show cylinder- like humidifying members 424a and 524a and holding portions 428 and 528 that are continuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe.
　加湿部材４２４ａは、図６（ａ）に示すように、断面が８角形をした筒状部材である。保持部４２８は、例えば、図３で説明した円形リング部材のリング穴２８ｄを８角形リング状のリング穴４２８ｂとした円形リング部材４２８ａにより構成される。リング穴４２８ｂに加湿部材４２４ａを差し込むと、円形リング部材４２８ａは加湿部材４２４ａを保持する。 As shown in FIG. 6A, the humidifying member 424a is a tubular member having an octagonal cross section. For example, the holding portion 428 includes a circular ring member 428a in which the ring hole 28d of the circular ring member described in FIG. 3 is an octagonal ring-shaped ring hole 428b. When the humidifying member 424a is inserted into the ring hole 428b, the circular ring member 428a holds the humidifying member 424a.
　加湿部材５２４ａは、図６（ｂ）に示すように、断面が４角形をした筒状部材である。保持部５２８は、例えば、図３で説明した円形リング部材のリング穴２８ｄを４角形リング状のリング穴５２８ｂとした円形リング部材５２８ａにより構成される。リング穴５２８ｂに加湿部材５２４ａを差し込むと、円形リング部材５２８ａは加湿部材５２４ａを保持する。 The humidifying member 524a is a cylindrical member having a quadrangular cross section as shown in FIG. 6 (b). The holding portion 528 is configured by, for example, a circular ring member 528a in which the ring hole 28d of the circular ring member described in FIG. 3 is a quadrangular ring-shaped ring hole 528b. When the humidifying member 524a is inserted into the ring hole 528b, the circular ring member 528a holds the humidifying member 524a.
　以上のように、吸気管内の内周に沿って周方向に連続となる筒状態様の加湿部材は、様々な形状のものがあり、どのような形状の筒状のものも本発明の加湿部材に適用できる。また、加湿部材の態様に応じて様々な態様のものが本発明の保持部に適用できる。 As described above, the cylindrical state-like humidifying member that is continuous in the circumferential direction along the inner circumference in the intake pipe has various shapes, and any cylindrical shape can be used as the humidifying member of the present invention. Applicable to. Moreover, the thing of a various aspect is applicable to the holding | maintenance part of this invention according to the aspect of a humidification member.
　図６（ｃ）、及び図６（ｄ）においては、吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に不連続となる筒状態様の加湿部材６２４ａ及び７２４ａ、並びに保持部６２８及び７２８を示す。 6 (c) and 6 (d) show cylinder- like humidifying members 624a and 724a and holding portions 628 and 728 that are discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe.
　加湿部材６２４ａは、図６（ｃ）に示すように、断面が閉じていない（一部が開放された）円形状をした筒状部材である。本発明の加湿部材はこのようなものも含む。そして、保持部６２８は、例えば、閉じていない（一部が開放された）円形リング部材６２８ａに、加湿部材６２４ａの形状に応じたリング穴６２８ｂを設けた態様をしている。リング穴６２８ｂに加湿部材６２４ａを差し込むと、円形リング部材６２８ａは加湿部材６２４ａを保持する。このように、保持部も閉じていない円形リング形状であってもよい。 As shown in FIG. 6C, the humidifying member 624a is a circular cylindrical member whose cross section is not closed (partially opened). The humidifying member of the present invention includes such a member. And the holding | maintenance part 628 is carrying out the aspect which provided the ring hole 628b according to the shape of the humidification member 624a in the circular ring member 628a which is not closed (partially opened), for example. When the humidifying member 624a is inserted into the ring hole 628b, the circular ring member 628a holds the humidifying member 624a. Thus, the circular ring shape which the holding part is not closed may be sufficient.
　加湿部材７２４ａは、図６（ｄ）に示すように、全体として断面が不連続な円形状をしている。加湿部材７２４ａは、断面が不連続な円形状になるよう平面部材７２４ｃを複数並べて形成されたものである。 As shown in FIG. 6D, the humidifying member 724a has a circular shape with a discontinuous cross section as a whole. The humidifying member 724a is formed by arranging a plurality of planar members 724c in a circular shape with a discontinuous cross section.
　保持部７２８は、例えば、図３で説明した円形リング部材のリング穴２８ｄを、上記断面が不連続な円形状に合わせたリング穴７２８ｂに置き換えた円形リング部材７２８ａにより構成される。複数の平面部材７２４ｃから成る加湿部材７２４ａをリング穴７２８ｂに差し込むと、円形リング部材７２８ａは加湿部材７２４ａを保持する。 The holding part 728 is configured by, for example, a circular ring member 728a in which the ring hole 28d of the circular ring member described in FIG. 3 is replaced with a ring hole 728b having a circular shape with a discontinuous cross section. When the humidifying member 724a composed of a plurality of planar members 724c is inserted into the ring hole 728b, the circular ring member 728a holds the humidifying member 724a.
　図６（ｃ）、及び図６（ｄ）において吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に不連続となる筒状態様の加湿部材の断面が円形状のものに関して示したが、これに限るものではなく、上記加湿部材の断面が多角形であってもよい。すなわち、吸気管内の内周に沿って周方向に不連続となる筒状態様の加湿部材は、様々な形状のものがある。以上の趣旨を反映させた全ての形状が本発明の加湿部材に適用できる。 6 (c) and 6 (d), the cylindrical state-like humidifying member that is discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe is shown in a circular shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the humidifying member may have a polygonal cross section. That is, there are various shapes of the humidifying member in a cylindrical state that is discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery in the intake pipe. All shapes reflecting the above purpose can be applied to the humidifying member of the present invention.
　図６（ｅ）においては、吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に連続となる筒状態様（断面が星型）の加湿部材８２４ａ、並びに保持部８２８を示す。加湿部材８２４ａは、断面が星型の筒状部材である。本発明の加湿部材はこのようなものも含む。そして、保持部８２８は、例えば、円形リング部材８２８ａに、加湿部材８２４ａの形状に応じた星型穴８２４ｂを設けた態様をしている。星型穴８２４ｂに加湿部材８２４ａを差し込むと、円形リング部材８２８ａは加湿部材８２４ａを保持する。なお、断面が星型は一例であって、その他の断面形状であっても本発明に含まれる。 FIG. 6 (e) shows a humidifying member 824a in a cylindrical state (cross section is star-shaped) continuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe, and a holding portion 828. The humidifying member 824a is a cylindrical member having a star-shaped cross section. The humidifying member of the present invention includes such a member. And the holding | maintenance part 828 is carrying out the aspect which provided the star-shaped hole 824b according to the shape of the humidification member 824a in the circular ring member 828a, for example. When the humidifying member 824a is inserted into the star hole 824b, the circular ring member 828a holds the humidifying member 824a. The star shape is an example of a cross section, and other cross-sectional shapes are included in the present invention.
＜２－６．保持部の変形例４＞ <2-6. Modification Example 4 of Holding Unit>
　図７は、本発明の別の実施の形態における保持部８３０の構成例を示す図である。保持部８３０は、例えば、図７に示すように、螺旋形状をした螺旋部材８３１としてもよい。螺旋部材８３１として、例えば、螺旋状に形成されたばね部材が一例として挙げられるが、これに限るものではない。 FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the holding unit 830 according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the holding unit 830 may be a spiral member 831 having a spiral shape. An example of the spiral member 831 is a spring member formed in a spiral shape, but is not limited thereto.
　螺旋部材８３１の軸と、筒状の加湿部材８４０の軸とを一致させるよう螺旋部材８３１を配置させる場合、螺旋部材８３１の径は、例えば、螺旋部材８３１の外周が加湿部材８４０の内周に当接するような径とすることが想定される。このようにすれば、螺旋部材８３１が加湿部材８４０を筒状内周面８４０ｂ側から支持するため、加湿部材８４０における筒状内周面８４０ｂが軟質性の材質により構成されていても、加湿部材８４０内部に保持された液体の重量により筒状内周面８４０ｂが受ける負荷を低減することができる。 When the spiral member 831 is arranged so that the axis of the spiral member 831 and the axis of the cylindrical humidifying member 840 coincide with each other, for example, the diameter of the spiral member 831 is such that the outer periphery of the spiral member 831 is the inner periphery of the humidifying member 840. It is assumed that the diameter is abutting. In this way, since the spiral member 831 supports the humidifying member 840 from the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b side, even if the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b of the humidifying member 840 is made of a soft material, the humidifying member The load received by the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b can be reduced by the weight of the liquid held inside the 840.
　また、保持部８３０は、螺旋形状をした部材に限るものではなく、上記説明したように加湿部材８４０を筒状内周面８４０ｂ側から支持するということを達成できれば、その他の形状の部材であってもよい。例えば、保持部材８３０は、加湿部材８４０における筒状内周面８４０ｂに当接する径の円形リングを所定間隔毎に配置させて隣り合う円形リング同士を接続したリング連続部材であってもよい。また、保持部材８３０は、加湿部材８４０における筒状内周面８４０ｂに当接する多角形リングを所定間隔毎に配置させて隣り合う多角形リング同士を接続したリング連続部材であってもよい。上記所定間隔が一定間隔及び不定間隔のいずれであってもよい。 Further, the holding portion 830 is not limited to a member having a spiral shape, and may be a member having another shape as long as the humidifying member 840 can be supported from the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b side as described above. May be. For example, the holding member 830 may be a ring continuous member in which circular rings having a diameter contacting the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b of the humidifying member 840 are arranged at predetermined intervals and adjacent circular rings are connected to each other. Further, the holding member 830 may be a ring continuous member in which polygonal rings that contact the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 840b of the humidifying member 840 are arranged at predetermined intervals and adjacent polygonal rings are connected to each other. The predetermined interval may be either a fixed interval or an indefinite interval.
＜２－７．加湿部の変形例１＞
　図８は、本発明の別の実施の形態における吸気管２１内に配置された加湿部９００を示す図である。加熱部９１０が吸気管２１の軸と一致するように配置される。加湿部材９００は、例えば、図８に示すように、４つの面状の面状部材９００ａが吸気管２１内を４つの空間に仕切るように配置される。そして、各面状部材９００ａは、加熱部９１０を中心として全体として十字状になるように配置される。また、この面状部材９００ａは、図８に示すように、吸気管２１の長さ方向へ沿って伸びるように配置される。吸気管内２１内を通過する吸気は、上記仕切られた空間内を通過してマスクへ供給される。なお、面状部材９００ａを構成する材質は、上記説明した全ての加湿部材のうちのいずれに材質であってもよい。 <2-7. Modification 1 of humidification section>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a humidifying unit 900 disposed in the intake pipe 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The heating unit 910 is disposed so as to coincide with the axis of the intake pipe 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the humidifying member 900 is arranged such that four planar members 900 a partition the intake pipe 21 into four spaces. And each planar member 900a is arrange | positioned so that it may become a cross shape as a whole centering | focusing on the heating part 910. FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the planar member 900 a is disposed so as to extend along the length direction of the intake pipe 21. The intake air passing through the inside of the intake pipe 21 passes through the partitioned space and is supplied to the mask. In addition, the material which comprises the planar member 900a may be a material in any of all the humidification members demonstrated above.
　加熱部９１０と、加湿部材９００（各面状部材９００ａ）とを図８に示すように配置すれば、加湿部材９００に均一に熱が伝達されると共に、吸気管２１内の吸気も均一に加熱することができる。 If the heating unit 910 and the humidifying member 900 (each planar member 900a) are arranged as shown in FIG. 8, heat is uniformly transmitted to the humidifying member 900, and the intake air in the intake pipe 21 is also heated uniformly. can do.
＜２－８．加湿部の変形例２＞
　図９は、本発明の別の実施の形態における吸気管２１内に配置された加湿部９２０、及び９３０を示す図である。加湿部材９００は、吸気管２１の内部空間を仕切るように配置されており、その仕切られた空間内を吸気が通過するように構成される。このことを達成できる構成の一例を図９（ａ）及び図９（ｂ）に示す。 <2-8. Modification 2 of humidification section>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing humidifying sections 920 and 930 arranged in the intake pipe 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The humidifying member 900 is arranged so as to partition the internal space of the intake pipe 21 and is configured such that intake air passes through the partitioned space. An example of a configuration that can achieve this is shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b).
　図９（ａ）は、加湿部材の変形例である加湿部材９２０を示す図である。加湿部材９００は、図８に示すように、面状部材９００ａを十字状に配置させたが、加湿部材９２０は、図９に示すように、面状部材９００ａに数（図９（ａ）では、１２枚）を増やして吸気管２１の中心から放射状に複数の面状部材９００ａを配置させたものである。また、この面状部材９００ａは、吸気管２１の長さ方向へ沿って伸びるように配置される。そして、吸気管２１の中心に加熱部９１０を配置させる。なお、加熱部９１０は別の位置に配置させてもよい。 FIG. 9A shows a humidifying member 920 that is a modification of the humidifying member. In the humidifying member 900, as shown in FIG. 8, the planar members 900a are arranged in a cross shape. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the humidifying member 920 includes a number of the planar members 900a (in FIG. 9A). 12 sheets) and a plurality of planar members 900a are arranged radially from the center of the intake pipe 21. Further, the planar member 900 a is disposed so as to extend along the length direction of the intake pipe 21. Then, the heating unit 910 is disposed at the center of the intake pipe 21. Note that the heating unit 910 may be disposed at another position.
　図９（ｂ）は、加湿部材の変形例である加湿部材９３０を示す図である。加湿部材９００、及び加湿部材９２０は、どちらも吸気管２１の中心から放射状に複数の面状部材を配置させたものであるが、加湿部材９３０は、吸気管２１内に面状部材９００ａを格子状に配置したものである。また、この面状部材９００ａは、吸気管２１の長さ方向へ沿って伸びるように配置される。そして、吸気管２１の中心に加熱部９１０を配置させる。なお、加熱部９１０は別の位置に配置させてもよい。 FIG. 9B is a view showing a humidifying member 930 which is a modified example of the humidifying member. Both the humidifying member 900 and the humidifying member 920 are formed by arranging a plurality of planar members radially from the center of the intake pipe 21. However, the humidifying member 930 lattices the planar members 900 a in the intake pipe 21. It is arranged in a shape. Further, the planar member 900 a is disposed so as to extend along the length direction of the intake pipe 21. Then, the heating unit 910 is disposed at the center of the intake pipe 21. Note that the heating unit 910 may be disposed at another position.
　以上において説明した全ての本発明の実施の形態の各要素を組み合わせた加湿器、及び呼吸補助装置も本発明に含まれる。 Humidifiers and respiratory assistance devices that combine the elements of all the embodiments of the present invention described above are also included in the present invention.
＜３．呼吸補助装置における加熱について＞
　図１０は、吸気管として蛇腹管９４０を用いた様子を示す図である。図１０（ａ）は、加熱部９５０を配置した蛇腹管９４０の斜視図である。図１０（ｂ）は、加熱部９５０を配置した蛇腹管９４０の平面図である。 <3. About Heating in Respiratory Device>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a bellows tube 940 is used as an intake tube. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a bellows tube 940 provided with a heating unit 950. FIG. 10B is a plan view of the bellows tube 940 in which the heating unit 950 is arranged.
　蛇腹管９４０は、例えば、図１０（ａ）及び図１０（ｂ）に示すように、自身の外周面９４０ｃに凸部９４０ｄが螺旋状に形成された態様が挙げられる。このような蛇腹管９４０の場合、凸部９４０ｄ間には、凹部９４０ｅが螺旋状に形成される。凹部９４０ｅの螺旋状は、凸部９４０ｄの螺旋状に沿って形成される。 The bellows tube 940 includes, for example, a mode in which convex portions 940d are spirally formed on the outer peripheral surface 940c of the bellows tube 940, as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). In the case of such a bellows tube 940, a concave portion 940e is formed in a spiral shape between the convex portions 940d. The spiral shape of the concave portion 940e is formed along the spiral shape of the convex portion 940d.
　加熱部９５０は、電熱線のような線状又はテープ状のヒーターである。加熱部９５０は、蛇腹管９４０の上記凹部９４０ｅに沿って配置される。このように加熱部９５０を配置すれば、蛇腹管９４０の外周面から内部を均一に加熱することができる。加熱部９５０を蛇腹管９４０のどの範囲に設けるかは、加湿部材の周囲に相当する位置、加湿部材よりも上流側、又は下流側、蛇腹管９４０の外周面全体等、様々な態様が想定され、そのような全ての態様が本発明に含まれる。 The heating unit 950 is a linear or tape heater such as a heating wire. The heating unit 950 is disposed along the concave portion 940e of the bellows tube 940. If the heating unit 950 is arranged in this way, the inside can be uniformly heated from the outer peripheral surface of the bellows tube 940. As to which range of the bellows tube 940 the heating unit 950 is provided, various modes such as a position corresponding to the periphery of the humidifying member, an upstream side or a downstream side of the humidifying member, and the entire outer peripheral surface of the bellows tube 940 are assumed. All such embodiments are included in the present invention.
　以上において説明した全ての本発明の実施の形態の各要素を組み合わせた加湿器、及び呼吸補助装置も本発明に含まれる。 Humidifiers and respiratory assistance devices that combine the elements of all the embodiments of the present invention described above are also included in the present invention.
　なお、本発明の実施の形態は本発明を具現化するための一例を示したものであり、これに限定されるものではなく本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々の変形を施すことができる。 The embodiment of the present invention shows an example for embodying the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. .
　１、２　呼吸補助装置
　１０、２０　気体供給源
　１１、２１　吸気管
　１２、２２　加湿器
　１３、２３　容器
　１３ａ、２３ａ　出口
　１４、１４ａ、１４ｂ、２４、２４ａ、２４ｂ、４２４ａ、５２４ａ、６２４ａ、７２４ａ　加湿部材
　１５、２５　案内部材
　１６、１７、１７ａ、１７ｂ、１７ｃ、２６、２７、２７ａ、２７ｂ、２７ｃ　加熱部
　２１ａ　内周面
　２８、２９、１２８、２２８、３２８、４２８、５２８、６２８、７２８　保持部
　２８ａ、２８ｂ　保持部材
　２８ｄ、２８ｇ、４２８ｂ、５２８ｂ、６２８ｂ、７２８ｂ　リング穴
　２８ｅ　穴
　２８ｃ，２８ｆ、２９ａ、２９ｂ、１２８ａ、１２８ｂ、２２８ｂ、３２８ａ、４２８ａ、５２８ａ、６２８ａ、７２８ａ　円形リング部材
　７２４ｃ　平面部材 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2, Respiration assistance 10, 20 Gas supply source 11, 21 Intake pipe 12, 22 Humidifier 13, 23 Container 13a, 23a Outlet 14, 14a, 14b, 24, 24a, 24b, 424a, 524a, 624a, 724a Humidification Member 15, 25 Guide member 16, 17, 17a, 17b, 17c, 26, 27, 27a, 27b, 27c Heating part 21a Inner peripheral surface 28, 29, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528, 628, 728 Holding part 28a, 28b Holding member 28d, 28g, 428b, 528b, 628b, 728b Ring hole 28e Hole 28c, 28f, 29a, 29b, 128a, 128b, 228b, 328a, 428a, 528a, 628a, 728a Circular ring member 724c Flat member

Claims (20)

  1. 　液体を収容する容器と、
    　吸気管と、
    　自身の一部が前記容器内に挿入された状態で前記吸気管内に配置され、前記容器内の液体を吸収してその液体を気化させる加湿部材と、を備えていることを特徴とする、
    　加湿器。     A container containing a liquid;
    An intake pipe,
    A humidifying member that is disposed in the intake pipe in a state where a part of the container is inserted into the container and absorbs the liquid in the container and vaporizes the liquid, is provided.
    humidifier.
  2. 　前記加湿部材は、前記容器内の液体を吸収可能な吸水性材料により構成されることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１に記載の加湿器。     The humidifying member is made of a water-absorbing material capable of absorbing the liquid in the container.
    The humidifier according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記加湿部材は、前記容器内の液体を毛細管現象により吸収可能な吸水性材料により構成されることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１、及び２のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     The humidifying member is composed of a water-absorbing material capable of absorbing the liquid in the container by capillary action,
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 and 2.
  4. 　前記加湿部材は、多孔質材料により構成されることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１乃至３のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     The humidifying member is made of a porous material,
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
  5. 　前記多孔質材料は、織布、不織布、中空糸、多孔質吸水ポリマー、及び、多孔質合成樹脂のうちの少なくともいずれか１つの材質により構成されることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１乃至４のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     The porous material is composed of at least one of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a hollow fiber, a porous water-absorbing polymer, and a porous synthetic resin,
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
  6. 　前記容器内の液体を加熱する加熱部を備えたことを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１乃至５のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     A heating unit for heating the liquid in the container is provided,
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
  7. 　前記加湿部材は、前記吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に連続、又は不連続となる筒状に配置されており、該筒状内を吸気が通過するか、又は、
    　前記吸気管の内部空間を仕切るように配置されており、仕切られた空間内を吸気が通過するか、のいずれかである
    　ことを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１乃至６のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     The humidifying member is arranged in a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe, and intake air passes through the cylindrical shape, or
    It is arranged so as to partition the internal space of the intake pipe, and the intake air passes through the partitioned space, either,
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
  8. 　前記加湿部材は、前記吸気管内の内周を少なくとも一周する態様であることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲７に記載の加湿器。     The humidifying member is an aspect that makes at least one round of the inner circumference in the intake pipe,
    The humidifier according to claim 7.
  9. 　前記加湿部材は、複数の面状材が放射状に配置される態様であることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲８に記載の加湿器。     The humidifying member is an aspect in which a plurality of planar materials are arranged radially,
    The humidifier according to claim 8.
  10. 　前記加湿部材は、複数の面状材が格子状に配置される態様であることを特徴とする
    　請求の範囲８に記載の加湿器。     The humidifier according to claim 8, wherein the humidifying member is an aspect in which a plurality of planar materials are arranged in a lattice pattern.
  11. 　前記加湿部材が前記吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に連続、又は不連続となる筒状に配置されるよう保持する保持部を備えたことを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲７及び８のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     The humidifying member includes a holding portion that holds the humidifying member so as to be arranged in a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe.
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 7 and 8.
  12. 　前記保持部は、螺旋状の部材であることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１１に記載の加湿器。     The holding part is a spiral member,
    The humidifier according to claim 11.
  13. 　前記保持部は、リング状の部材が前記吸気管の軸方向へ沿って連続して並べられて繋がれたリング連続部材であることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１１に記載の加湿器。     The holding portion is a ring continuous member in which ring-shaped members are continuously arranged and connected along the axial direction of the intake pipe,
    The humidifier according to claim 11.
  14. 　前記吸気管の外部、または、内部に、前記加湿部材を加熱する加熱部を設けたことを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１乃至１３のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     A heating part for heating the humidifying member is provided outside or inside the intake pipe,
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
  15. 　前記加湿部材が、前記吸気管の内周に沿って周方向に連続、又は不連続となる筒状に配置される場合において、
    　前記加熱部は、
    　前記吸気管の外部、または、内部において前記吸気管内を前記加湿部材の外周側から加熱する加熱部を設けたことを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１４のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     In the case where the humidifying member is arranged in a cylindrical shape that is continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction along the inner periphery of the intake pipe,
    The heating unit is
    A heating unit that heats the inside of the intake pipe from the outer peripheral side of the humidifying member outside or inside the intake pipe is characterized in that:
    The humidifier according to claim 14.
  16. 　前記加熱部は、前記吸気管の外周に螺旋状に配置されることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１４及び１５のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     The heating unit is helically disposed on the outer periphery of the intake pipe,
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 14 and 15.
  17. 　前記吸気管は、自身の外周面に凸部が螺旋状に形成されると共に、前記凸部間に螺旋状に凹部が形成され、
    前記加熱部は、前記凹部に螺旋状に配置されることを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１６に記載の加湿器。     As for the said intake pipe, while a convex part is formed in a spiral on its outer peripheral surface, a concave part is formed in a spiral between said convex parts,
    The heating unit is arranged in a spiral shape in the recess,
    The humidifier according to claim 16.
  18. 　前記加熱部は、前記吸気管内における前記吸気を加熱するよう配置されたことを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１４乃至１７のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     The heating unit is arranged to heat the intake air in the intake pipe,
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 14 to 17.
  19. 　前記加熱部は、前記吸気管内に溜まる結露水を加熱するよう配置されたことを特徴とする、
    　請求の範囲１４乃至１８のいずれかに記載の加湿器。     The heating unit is arranged to heat the condensed water accumulated in the intake pipe.
    The humidifier according to any one of claims 14 to 18.
  20. 　請求の範囲１乃至１９のいずれかに記載の加湿器を備えていることを特徴とする、
    　呼吸補助装置。     A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is provided.
    Respiratory device.
PCT/JP2016/079393 2015-10-16 2016-10-04 Humidifier and breathing assistance apparatus WO2017065047A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02118555U (en) * 1989-03-14 1990-09-25
US20100083965A1 (en) * 2007-02-09 2010-04-08 Resmed Ltd. Humidification arrangement for a respiratory apparatus
JP5734842B2 (en) * 2009-04-06 2015-06-17 株式会社Ｔｋｂ Artificial airway and breathing circuit having the artificial airway

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02118555U (en) * 1989-03-14 1990-09-25
US20100083965A1 (en) * 2007-02-09 2010-04-08 Resmed Ltd. Humidification arrangement for a respiratory apparatus
JP5734842B2 (en) * 2009-04-06 2015-06-17 株式会社Ｔｋｂ Artificial airway and breathing circuit having the artificial airway

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