Respiratory assistance device

Abstract

A respiratory assist device (10) has a housing (100) having a recess (108). A protective shield (200) is mounted to the housing (100), the protective shield having a base (201) and a blocking member (251). At least a portion of the base (201) is flexible. The blocking member (251) is movable between a covered position and an access position, in which the blocking member (251) partially covers the recess (108), and in the access position, the recess (108) is less covered or uncovered by the blocking member (251). The at least portion of the base (201) is configured to flex when the blocking member (251) moves between the covered position and the access position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on November 5, 2019, with application number 201980072279.5 (international application number PCT / IB2019 / 059462) and titled "Respiratory Assistance Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a respiratory assist device. Background Technology

[0003] Respiratory assist devices are used to deliver a flow of gas to a user or patient in various environments, such as hospitals, medical facilities, inpatient care, or home settings. Respiratory assist devices come in various forms, such as stand-alone humidifiers, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, high-flow devices, or ventilators.

[0004] Standalone humidifier devices can deliver heated and humidified gas for various medical procedures, including respiratory therapy, laparoscopy, etc. These devices can be configured to control temperature and / or humidity. The devices may also include medical circuits comprising various components that can be used to deliver heated and / or humidified gas to and from the patient. For example, in some respiratory circuits, the gas inhaled by the patient is delivered from the heater-humidifier via an inhalation tube or conduit. As another example, a tube can deliver humidified gas (typically CO2) into the abdominal cavity in a blowing circuit. This helps prevent the patient's internal organs from drying out or "drying out" and can reduce the time required for recovery from surgery. Heating wires may extend inside at least a portion of the tubing, forming a circuit to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of significant condensation formation.

[0005] Standalone humidifier devices typically include a heating base and a humidifying liquid chamber. The heating base may include a heating plate. The liquid chamber may be configured to contain a volume of liquid, such as water. The heating plate may be configured to heat the volume of liquid contained in the liquid chamber to produce vapor.

[0006] The liquid chamber can be removed from the heating base to allow for easier sterilization or disposal, or refilling of the chamber with liquid. The body of the liquid chamber can be formed of non-conductive glass or plastic material, but it may also include conductive components. For example, the liquid chamber may include a highly thermally conductive base (e.g., an aluminum base) that contacts or is associated with a heating plate on the heating base.

[0007] The heating base may also include electronic controls, such as a main controller. In response to user-set humidity or temperature values ​​input via a user interface and other inputs, the main controller determines when (or at what level) to energize the heating plate to heat the liquid in the liquid chamber.

[0008] Standalone humidifier devices may include a gas supply device for delivering gas to the liquid chamber. In some configurations, the gas supply device may include a respirator, a blower, or any other suitable pressurized gas source suitable for breathing or use in medical procedures.

[0009] Standalone humidifier devices can be used in conjunction with respiratory therapy, positive pressure devices, non-invasive ventilation, and surgical procedures (including but not limited to laparoscopy). Ideally, the humidifier device is adapted to supply moisture or vapor to the gas supply unit. The humidifier device can be used with continuously variable or bilevel PAP systems or other forms of respiratory therapy. In some configurations, the humidifier device can be integrated into the system delivering any of these types of therapy.

[0010] An exemplary stand-alone humidifier device is described in WO 2015 / 038013.

[0011] A CPAP device is a gas supply device, and optionally a gas humidification device. This device is operated to provide respiratory assistance to patients or users who require a positive pressure (humidified or otherwise) gas supply to treat conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snoring, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CPAP devices typically include a humidification fluid chamber to form a combined assisted breathing unit and humidifier.

[0012] When used with a humidifier, a CPAP device typically has the following configuration: gas at the desired pressure is delivered from the assisted breathing unit or blower unit to a liquid chamber downstream of the blower. As the gas passes through the liquid chamber, it is saturated with liquid vapor (e.g., water vapor). A flexible tubular gas conduit delivers the gas to the user or patient downstream of the humidifier chamber.

[0013] An exemplary CPAP device is described in WO 2011 / 056080.

[0014] High-flow-rate devices can be used to deliver high flow rates of gas or high-flow-rate therapy to patients to assist breathing and / or treat respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High-flow-rate devices include a gas supply unit and typically include a humidifier.

[0015] Respiratory assist devices typically have one or more accessories (such as a breathing tube) and a patient interface (such as a cannula or mask for delivering gas to the patient). The tube allows gas to be delivered from the housing of the respiratory assist device to the patient. For example, the device can be placed on a floor or other supported surface, and the patient can be positioned in bed. The respiratory assist device may have a recess for receiving a humidifier liquid chamber. The liquid chamber will receive liquid from, for example, a flexible liquid bag that delivers the liquid to the humidifier liquid chamber via one or more tubes. Alternatively, the liquid chamber can be removed and refilled as needed. The recess will accommodate a heating plate to heat the liquid chamber to humidify the gas passing through it. The humidified gas is then delivered to the patient. Summary of the Invention

[0016] A respiratory assist device is disclosed based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing having a recess; and a protective shield mounted to the housing, the protective shield including a base and a blocking member, at least a portion of the base being flexible, the blocking member being movable between a covered position and an access position, in the covered position the blocking member partially covering the recess, and in the access position the recess being less covered or uncovered by the blocking member, wherein the at least portion of the base is configured to flex when the blocking member moves between the covered position and the access position.

[0017] In some configurations, the base of the protective shield is mounted onto the base of the housing.

[0018] In some configurations, the base of the protective cover is mounted to the base of the housing by one or more fasteners.

[0019] In some configurations, the protective cover is fastened to the outside of the housing and can be replaced without removing the housing.

[0020] In some configurations, the blocking element is configured to act as a shock absorber.

[0021] In some configurations, the base of the shield is configured such that the blocking member can be moved substantially only in two opposite directions by flexing the base of the shield, and that the blocking member is substantially unable to be moved in other directions by flexing the base of the shield, even if a single area of ​​the blocking member is pushed by the user.

[0022] In some configurations, the protective cover is configured such that it cannot be twisted about an axis extending along the base and through the blocking member of the protective cover in the front-rear direction.

[0023] In some configurations, the breathing assist device includes a heating plate in the recess, and the recess is configured to removably receive a liquid chamber, wherein when the barrier is in the covered position and the liquid chamber is in the recess, the protective cover protects the base of the liquid chamber from user contact.

[0024] In some configurations, the base of the liquid chamber includes a base flange, and when the barrier is in the covered position and the liquid chamber is in the recess, the protective cover protects the base flange from user contact.

[0025] In some configurations, the recess is configured to removably receive a liquid chamber, and in the event of flexing of the base without the protective cover, the barrier prevents the liquid chamber from being inserted into or removed from the recess.

[0026] In some configurations, the base of the protective shield can be flexed by pressing the blocking element.

[0027] In some configurations, the base of the protective shield is capable of flexing by moving the liquid chamber in the removal direction from the groove.

[0028] In some configurations, the barrier is configured such that when the liquid chamber moves in the removal direction, contact between the contact surface of the liquid chamber and the barrier moves the barrier from the covered position to the entry position.

[0029] In some configurations, the contact surface of the blocking member is at a non-perpendicular angle of greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the removal direction, optionally between 100 degrees and 170 degrees relative to the removal direction, optionally between 110 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the removal direction, optionally between 120 degrees and 130 degrees relative to the removal direction, and optionally at 125 degrees relative to the removal direction.

[0030] In some configurations, the blocking element is configured such that the base of the protective shield cannot bend by moving the liquid chamber in the removal direction from the recess.

[0031] In some configurations, the barrier is configured such that, in the removal direction of the liquid chamber, contact between the contact surface of the liquid chamber and the barrier will not cause the barrier to move away from the covered position.

[0032] In some configurations, the contact surface is at an angle of about 90 degrees or less relative to the removal direction of the liquid chamber.

[0033] In some configurations, the blocking element is biased toward the coverage location.

[0034] In some configurations, one or more biasing devices function between the housing and the protective shield to bias the barrier to the covered position.

[0035] In some configurations, the one or more biasing devices function between the housing and the blocking member.

[0036] In some configurations, at least a portion of the base of the protective shield is elastically flexible to bias the blocking element to the covered position.

[0037] In some configurations, the base of the protective shield includes one or more drainage ports or drainage spaces to allow liquid to be discharged through or around the base of the protective shield.

[0038] In some configurations, the housing includes a protrusion, and the base of the shield includes complementary openings to receive the protrusion in order to resist horizontal movement of the base of the shield.

[0039] In some configurations, the protective cover is integrally formed with or fastened to the housing.

[0040] Additionally, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing having a recess configured to removably receive a liquid chamber; and a protective shield including a blocking member movable between a covered position and an access position, wherein in the covered position the blocking member partially covers the recess and partially overlaps with the liquid chamber when the liquid chamber is in the recess, and in the access position the recess is less covered or uncovered by the blocking member and the blocking member exposes the portion of the liquid chamber, wherein the blocking member is biased to the covered position, and wherein the blocking member is configured to move from the covered position to the access position by moving the liquid chamber in a removal direction from the recess.

[0041] In some configurations, the barrier is configured such that when the liquid chamber moves in the removal direction, contact between the contact surface of the liquid chamber and the barrier moves the barrier from the covered position to the entry position.

[0042] In some configurations, the contact surface of the blocking member is at a non-perpendicular angle of greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the removal direction, optionally between 100 degrees and 170 degrees relative to the removal direction, optionally between 110 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the removal direction, optionally between 120 degrees and 130 degrees relative to the removal direction, and optionally at 125 degrees relative to the removal direction.

[0043] In some configurations, the portion of the liquid chamber includes the front edge of the base flange of the liquid chamber, and the contact surface is configured to contact substantially the entire front edge of the base flange when the liquid chamber moves in the removal direction.

[0044] In some configurations, the recess includes a liquid chamber retaining rail, wherein the liquid chamber retaining rail is open at the front to allow the liquid chamber to be inserted into the recess, wherein the back and sides of the base flange are below the rail and wherein the front edge of the base flange is exposed from the rail.

[0045] In some configurations, when viewed in a side projection, the contact surface has a constant angle over the entire contact area between the liquid chamber and the barrier.

[0046] In some configurations, one or more biasing devices function between the housing and the protective shield to bias the barrier to the covered position.

[0047] In some configurations, the one or more biasing devices function between the housing and the blocking member.

[0048] In some configurations, the barrier is capable of moving linearly between the covered position and the access position.

[0049] In some configurations, portions of the protective shield are elastically flexible to bias the blocking element toward the covered location.

[0050] In some configurations, the protective cover is integrally formed with or fastened to the housing.

[0051] Additionally, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing having a recess; and a protective shield mounted to the housing, the protective shield including a blocking member movable between a covered position and an access position, wherein in the covered position the blocking member partially covers the recess, and in the access position the recess is less covered or uncovered by the blocking member, wherein the protective shield is secured to the outside of the housing and can be replaced without disassembling the housing.

[0052] In some configurations, the blocking element is configured to act as a shock absorber.

[0053] In some configurations, the protective cover covers the front outer portion of the recess.

[0054] In some configurations, the protective cover is fastened to the base of the housing.

[0055] In some configurations, the protective cover can be removed from the housing by removing the fasteners.

[0056] In some configurations, the protective shield has a color that represents the intended function of the respiratory assist device.

[0057] In some configurations, the recess is configured to removably receive a liquid chamber.

[0058] Additionally, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, comprising: a housing having a gas port and a recess configured to removably receive a liquid chamber having a base flange having a back, sides, and a front edge, the recess being configured to removably receive the liquid chamber by moving the liquid chamber in a rearward insertion direction into the recess, wherein the back of the base flange is first inserted; and a protective shield including a blocking member movable between a covered position and an access position, in which the blocking member partially covers the recess and overlaps with the front edge of the base flange of the liquid chamber when the liquid chamber is in the recess, and in the access position, the recess is less covered or uncovered by the blocking member and the blocking member exposes the front edge of the base flange, the blocking member including a laterally extending body portion and two upright portions at or near a respective side of the laterally extending body portion.

[0059] In some configurations, the base flange has a generally circular outer peripheral shape.

[0060] In some configurations, the breathing aid includes a heating plate in the recess, wherein the protective cover protects the base flange of the liquid chamber from user contact.

[0061] In some configurations, when the blocking member is in the covered position, the blocking member prevents the liquid chamber from being inserted into or removed from the groove.

[0062] In some configurations, the blocking element is biased toward the coverage location.

[0063] In some configurations, one or more biasing devices function between the housing and the protective shield to bias the barrier to the covered position.

[0064] In some configurations, the one or more biasing devices function between the housing and the blocking member.

[0065] In some configurations, portions of the protective shield are elastically flexible to bias the blocking element toward the covered location.

[0066] In some configurations, in the covered position, the barrier is raised relative to the housing, and in the access position, the barrier is lowered relative to the housing.

[0067] In some configurations, the barrier can be moved to the entry position by actuating the protective cover.

[0068] In some configurations, the protective shield is configured to be actuated by pressing the blocking member downwards.

[0069] In some configurations, each upright section includes an enlarged upper finger contact area for the user to press to actuate the protective shield.

[0070] In some configurations, each upright section includes a narrow section below the upper finger contact area to accommodate the base of the liquid chamber when the protective cover is in the access position.

[0071] In some configurations, the protective cover includes a base that is mounted to the housing, wherein the blocking member extends from the base of the protective cover at a location remote from the base being mounted to the housing.

[0072] In some configurations, at least a portion of the base is flexible, wherein the at least portion of the base is configured to flex as the protective cover moves.

[0073] In some configurations, the base of the shield is configured such that the blocking member can be moved substantially only in two opposite directions by flexing the base of the shield, and that the blocking member is substantially unable to be moved in other directions by flexing the base of the shield, even if a single area of ​​the blocking member is pushed by the user.

[0074] In some configurations, the protective cover is configured such that it cannot be twisted about an axis extending along the base and through the blocking member of the protective cover in the front-rear direction.

[0075] In some configurations, the surface of the upright portion is configured to interact with the support portion of the housing during the movement of the protective cover to inhibit adhesion of the protective cover.

[0076] In some configurations, the support portion includes an extension member, and the surface of the upright portion is configured to slide against the extension member during at least a portion of the movement of the protective cover.

[0077] In some configurations, the surface is a substantially vertical surface.

[0078] In some configurations, the protective cover is integrally formed with or fastened to the housing.

[0079] In some configurations, the recess includes a liquid chamber retaining rail, wherein the liquid chamber retaining rail is open at the front to allow the liquid chamber to be inserted into the recess, wherein the back and sides of the base flange are below the rail and wherein the front edge of the base flange is exposed from the rail.

[0080] In some configurations, the housing is the main housing of the respiratory assist device.

[0081] In some configurations, the gas port is an outlet port, and the housing includes a motor recess in which a motor module is received to deliver gas to the liquid chamber via the outlet port.

[0082] In some configurations, the gas port is an inlet port and is configured to be connected to a gas outlet port of the liquid chamber.

[0083] In some configurations, the housing further includes an outlet port for delivering gas from the liquid chamber to the patient catheter.

[0084] Additionally, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a breathing assist device is disclosed, comprising: a housing having a recess; and a protective shield mounted to the housing, the protective shield including a base and a blocking member, the blocking member including a laterally extending body portion and an upright portion at or near a side of the laterally extending body portion, at least a portion of the base being flexible, the blocking member being movable between a covered position and an entered position by a user applying force to the upright portion, in the covered position the blocking member partially covering the recess, and in the entered position the recess being less covered or uncovered by the blocking member, wherein the at least portion of the base is configured to flex when the blocking member moves between the covered position and the entered position, wherein the base is configured such that the blocking member is substantially only movable between the covered position and the entered position by flexing the base of the protective shield in two opposite directions, and such that the blocking member is substantially unable to move in other directions by flexing the base of the protective shield, even if a single area of ​​the blocking member is pushed by the user.

[0085] In some configurations, the protective cover is configured such that it cannot be twisted about an axis extending along the base and through the blocking member of the protective cover in the front-rear direction.

[0086] In some configurations, the surface of the upright portion is configured to interact with the support portion of the housing during the movement of the protective cover to inhibit adhesion of the protective cover.

[0087] In some configurations, the support portion includes an extension member, and the surface of the upright portion is configured to slide against the extension member during at least a portion of the movement of the protective shield.

[0088] In some configurations, the surface is a substantially vertical surface.

[0089] In some configurations, the blocking element includes another upright portion located on or near the opposite side of the laterally extending body portion.

[0090] In some configurations, the surface of the upright portion is configured to interact with the support portion of the housing during the movement of the protective cover to inhibit adhesion of the protective cover.

[0091] In some configurations, the support portion includes an extension member, and the surface of the upright portion is configured to slide against the extension member during at least a portion of the movement of the protective shield.

[0092] In some configurations, the surface is a substantially vertical surface.

[0093] In some configurations, the base is mounted to the housing, and the blocking member extends from the base at a position away from where the base is mounted to the housing.

[0094] In some configurations, the breathing assist device includes a heating plate in the recess, and the recess is configured to removably receive a liquid chamber, wherein when the barrier is in the covered position and the liquid chamber is in the recess, the protective cover protects the base of the liquid chamber from user contact.

[0095] In some configurations, the recess is configured to removably receive a liquid chamber, and wherein, in the event of flexing of the base in the absence of the protective cover, the blocking member prevents the liquid chamber from being inserted into or removed from the recess.

[0096] In some configurations, the base of the protective shield is capable of flexing by moving the liquid chamber in the removal direction from the groove.

[0097] In some configurations, the protective cover is integrally formed with or fastened to the housing.

[0098] In some configurations, the protective cover is fastened to the housing by at least two spaced-apart fasteners.

[0099] Additionally, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing having a recess, wherein the housing includes an outer surface having a first color, the housing having a portion having a second color, the second color being different from the first color; and a protective shield mounted to the housing and having a color different from the second color, the protective shield including a blocking member movable between a covered position and an access position, wherein in the covered position the blocking member partially covers the recess, and in the access position the recess is less covered or uncovered by the blocking member, wherein the blocking member is configured to cover the portion having the second color when the blocking member is in the covered position such that the portion having the second color is not visible from the outside of the device, and wherein the blocking member is configured to expose the portion having the second color when the blocking member is not in the covered position such that the portion having the second color is visible from the outside of the device when the blocking member is not in the covered position.

[0100] In some configurations, the protective shield has a third color that is different from the first and second colors.

[0101] In some configurations, the portion with the second color includes an extension member positioned behind and / or below a portion of the block when the block is in the covered position.

[0102] In some configurations, the blocking member includes a laterally extending body portion and an upright portion located on or near the side of the laterally extending body portion, wherein when the blocking member is in the covered position, the extended member is positioned behind and / or below the upright portion, and wherein when the blocking member is not in the covered position, the extended member is exposed by the upright portion.

[0103] In some configurations, the blocking member includes another upright portion on or near the opposite side of the laterally extending body portion, wherein the housing includes another extended member of a second color, and wherein when the blocking member is in the covered position, the other extended member is positioned behind and / or below the other upright portion, and wherein when the blocking member is not in the covered position, the other extended member is exposed by the other upright portion.

[0104] In some configurations, when the obstruction is in the covered position, the portion with the second color is visible from above and / or from the side of the breathing aid.

[0105] In some configurations, the housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing, wherein the upper housing includes an outer surface having a first color, and wherein the lower housing includes the portion having a second color.

[0106] Features from one or more embodiments or configurations can be combined with features from one or more other embodiments or configurations. Additionally, more than one embodiment can be used together during a patient's respiratory support process.

[0107] The reference to the range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) is also intended to include reference to all rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10), as well as any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7), and therefore, all subranges of the entire range explicitly disclosed herein are hereby explicitly disclosed. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended to be disclosed, and all possible combinations of values ​​between the enumerated minimum and maximum values ​​should be considered as expressly stated in a similar manner in this application.

[0108] It should be understood that alternative embodiments or configurations may include any or all combinations of two or more of the portions, elements or features illustrated, described or mentioned in this specification.

[0109] The invention can also be broadly defined as any part, element, or feature individually or jointly mentioned or indicated in the description of this application, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the said parts, elements, or features.

[0110] For those skilled in the art, numerous variations in construction and a wide range of different embodiments and applications of the invention will be apparent to them without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and descriptions herein are entirely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any sense. When reference is made herein to a specific whole having a known equivalent in the field to which this invention pertains, such known equivalent is considered to be incorporated herein as if described separately.

[0111] As used in this specification, the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least in part with...". When interpreting each statement using the term "comprising" in this specification, features other than the one or more features following that term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" will be interpreted in the same manner.

[0112] The “(s)” following a noun in this article refers to the plural and / or singular form of that noun.

[0113] As used in this article, the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or the context allows for both.

[0114] The present invention is based on the foregoing and also envisions several constructions, of which only examples are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0115] From the detailed description herein with reference to the following accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand specific embodiments and modifications thereof, in which:

[0116] Figure 1 The respiratory assist device is shown in schematic form.

[0117] Figure 2 This is a top-down perspective view of the front / right side of the respiratory assist device, in which the liquid chamber is positioned in a recess in the base unit of the respiratory assist device.

[0118] Figure 3This is a front / left top perspective view of the respiratory assist device, in which the liquid chamber is removed from the recess of the respiratory assist device base unit.

[0119] Figure 4 This is a left-side view of the base unit of the respiratory assist device, in which the liquid chamber is positioned in a recess.

[0120] Figure 5 This is a front view of the base unit of the respiratory assist device, in which the liquid chamber is positioned in a recess.

[0121] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the base unit of the respiratory assist device.

[0122] Figure 7 This is a top-down perspective view of the front / right side of the protective cover of the respiratory assist device base unit.

[0123] Figure 8 This is a top-down 3D view of the rear / left side of the protective shield.

[0124] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the protective shield.

[0125] Figure 10 This is a lower side view of the upper wall of the protective cover's blocking element, showing the biasing device receiving features.

[0126] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view through one of the mounting arrangements used to mount the protective cover onto the base unit of the respiratory assist device.

[0127] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the aligned protrusions extending through the housing and through the complementary apertures in the protective shield.

[0128] Figure 13 This is an exploded lower right perspective view of the protective cover and housing of the respiratory assist device base unit.

[0129] Figure 14 This is a top view of the recess in the base unit of the breathing assist device, where the heating plate has been removed, and the drain port is shown.

[0130] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the base of the recessed spacer of the respiratory assist device base unit, in which the heating plate has been removed, showing the bias device receiving features and the bias device.

[0131] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional left-side view of the respiratory assist device base unit, showing the position of the base of the liquid chamber relative to the blocking element of the protective cover.

[0132] Figure 17This is a schematic side view showing the angle α between the contact surface 24e of the barrier and the removal direction RD of the liquid chamber.

[0133] Figure 18 This is a top-down perspective view of the liquid chamber fixation guide rail of the respiratory assist device base unit.

[0134] Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 A side view of the cross-section of the liquid chamber stationary guide rail of line 19-19.

[0135] Figure 20 It is along Figure 18 Front view of the cross section of the liquid chamber stationary guide rail of line 20-20.

[0136] Figure 21 This is a bottom view of the liquid chamber, which is positioned such that its base flange is positioned below the liquid chamber retaining guide.

[0137] Figure 22 This is a front cross-sectional view of the right side of the respiratory assist device base unit, showing the assembly of the liquid chamber retaining guide rail with the upper and lower housing portions of the housing.

[0138] Figure 23 This is a top view of the recess in the base unit of the breathing assist device, showing the alternative drainage port.

[0139] Figure 24 This is a partial cross-sectional front view of the respiratory assist device base unit in the area of ​​its side drain port.

[0140] Figure 25 This is a partial cross-sectional side view of the respiratory assist device base unit in the area of ​​its central drain port.

[0141] Figure 26 This is an enlarged front / left top perspective view of the front area of ​​the respiratory assist device base unit, showing the blocking member 251 in the covered position.

[0142] Figure 27 It corresponds to Figure 26 The view shows the blocking element 251 in the entry position. Detailed Implementation

[0143] 1. Introduction

[0144] Figure 1 This document illustrates a respiratory support device 10 for delivering a gas stream (which may contain one or more gases) to a patient. Device 10 may be, for example, a CPAP device or a high-flow device. An exemplary CPAP device is described in WO 2011 / 056080. The contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0145] A CPAP device is a gas supply device, and optionally a gas humidification device. This device is operated to provide respiratory assistance to patients or users who require a positive pressure (humidified or otherwise) gas supply to treat conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snoring, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CPAP devices typically include a humidifier liquid chamber to form a combined CPAP unit and humidifier.

[0146] When used with a humidifier, a CPAP device typically has the following configuration: gas at the desired pressure is delivered from the assisted breathing unit or blower unit to a liquid chamber downstream of the blower. As the gas passes through the liquid chamber, it is saturated with liquid vapor (e.g., water vapor). A flexible tubular gas conduit delivers the gas to the user or patient downstream of the humidifier chamber.

[0147] High-flow-rate devices can be used to deliver high flow rates of gas or high-flow-rate therapy to patients to assist breathing and / or treat respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High-flow-rate devices include a gas supply unit and typically include a humidifier.

[0148] Respiratory assist devices typically have one or more accessories (such as a breathing tube) and a patient interface (such as a cannula or mask for delivering gas to the patient). The tube allows gas to be delivered from the housing of the respiratory assist device to the patient. For example, the device can be placed on a floor or other supported surface, and the patient can be positioned in bed. The respiratory assist device may have a recess for receiving a humidifier liquid chamber. The liquid chamber will receive liquid from, for example, a flexible liquid bag that delivers the liquid to the humidifier liquid chamber via one or more tubes. Alternatively, the liquid chamber can be removed and refilled as needed. The recess will accommodate a heating plate to heat the liquid chamber to humidify the gas passing through it. The humidified gas is then delivered to the patient.

[0149] Overall, the device 10 includes a main housing 100 that houses a flow generator 11, a humidifier 12, a controller 13, and a user I / O interface 14 arranged in a motor / impeller configuration, including, for example, display and input devices such as buttons, touchscreens, etc. The controller 13 is configured or programmed to control components of the device, including: operating the flow generator 11 to form a gas flow for delivery to a patient; operating the humidifier 12 to humidify and / or heat the generated gas flow; receiving user input from the user interface 14 for reconfiguration and / or user-defined operations of the device 10; and outputting information to the user (e.g., on a display). The user can be a patient, a healthcare professional, or any other person interested in using the device.

[0150] The patient breathing tube 16 is connected to the gas flow outlet or patient outlet port 30 in the housing 100 of the respiratory assist device 10, and to a patient interface 17, such as a nasal cannula, having a manifold 19 and a nasal fork 18. Alternatively, the patient breathing tube 16 may be connected to a face mask. Alternatively, the patient breathing tube may be connected to a nasal pillow mask, and / or a nasal mask, and / or a tracheostomy interface, or any other suitable type of patient interface. A humidified gas flow generated by the respiratory assist device 10 is delivered to the patient via the patient breathing tube 16 and the patient interface 17. The patient breathing tube 16 may have a heating wire 16a to heat the gas flow reaching the patient. The heating wire 16a is controlled by a controller 13. The patient breathing tube 16 and / or the patient interface 17 may be considered part of the respiratory assist device 10, or alternatively, peripheral to it. The respiratory assist device 10, the breathing tube 16, and the patient interface 17 may together form a respiratory assist system, or in some configurations, a flow therapy system.

[0151] The general operation of the exemplary respiratory assist device 10 is known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in detail herein. However, in general, the controller 13 controls the flow generator 11 to generate a gas flow at a desired rate, controls one or more valves to control the mixing of air and oxygen or other alternative gases, and / or controls the humidifier 12 to humidify the gas flow and / or heat the gas flow to an appropriate level. The gas flow is directed to the patient through the patient breathing tube 16 and the patient interface 17. The controller 13 may also control the heating element in the humidifier 12 and / or the heating element 16a in the patient breathing tube 16 to heat the gas to a desired temperature, thereby achieving a desired level of patient treatment and / or comfort. The controller 13 may be programmed to or may determine a suitable target gas flow temperature.

[0152] Operating sensors 3a, 3b, 3c, 20, and 25 (such as flow, temperature, humidity, and / or pressure sensors) can be placed in various locations within the respiratory assist device 10 and / or the patient breathing tube 16 and / or the patient interface 17. The sensor outputs can be received by the controller 13 to assist it in operating the respiratory assist device 10 in a manner that provides optimal therapy. In some configurations, providing optimal therapy includes meeting the patient's inspiratory flow rate. The device 10 may have transmitters and / or receivers 15 to enable the controller 13 to receive signals 8 from the sensors and / or control various components of the respiratory assist device 10, including but not limited to the flow generator 11, humidifier 12, and heating wire 16a, or accessories or peripherals associated with the respiratory assist device 10. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitters and / or receivers 15 can transmit data to a remote server or enable remote control of the device 10.

[0153] The respiratory assist device 10 can be any suitable type of device, but in some configurations, it can deliver a high flow rate of gas (e.g., air, oxygen, other gas mixtures, or combinations thereof) or high-flow therapy to the patient to assist breathing and / or treat respiratory distress. In some configurations, the gas is oxygen or contains oxygen. In some configurations, the gas contains a mixture of oxygen and ambient air. The high-flow therapy discussed herein is intended to be given its typical, common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, and generally refers to a respiratory assist system that delivers a target flow rate of humidified respiratory gas at a flow rate generally designed to meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory gas flow rate via an intentionally unsealed patient interface. Typical patient interfaces include, but are not limited to, nasal or tracheal patient interfaces. Typical flow rates for adults typically range from (but are not limited to) about fifteen liters per minute (LPM) to about seventy liters per minute or more. Typical flow rates for pediatric patients (such as newborns, infants, and children) typically range from (but are not limited to) about one liter per kilogram of patient body weight to about three liters per kilogram of patient body weight or more. High-flow therapy may optionally include a gas mixture composition comprising supplemental oxygen and / or administration of therapeutic drugs. High-flow therapy generally refers to nasal high-flow oxygen therapy (NHF), humidified high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HHFNC), high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNO), high-flow therapy (HFT), or tracheal high-flow oxygen therapy (THF), etc.

[0154] For example, in some configurations, for adult patients, "high-flow therapy" may refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate greater than or equal to about 10 liters per minute (10 LPM), such as between about 10 LPM and about 100 LPM, or between about 15 LPM and about 95 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and about 90 LPM, or between about 25 LPM and about 85 LPM, or between about 30 LPM and about 80 LPM, or between about 35 LPM and about 75 LPM, or between about 40 LPM and about 70 LPM, or between about 45 LPM and about 65 LPM, or between about 50 LPM and about 60 LPM. In some configurations, for neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients, "high-flow therapy" can refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate greater than 1 LPM, such as between about 1 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 5 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 10 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 20 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 15 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and 25 LPM. In some configurations, high-flow therapy devices for adult, neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients can deliver gas to the patient at a flow rate between about 1 LPM and about 100 LPM, or at any of the sub-ranges outlined above. The delivered gas may include a percentage of oxygen. In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the delivered gas can be between about 20% and about 100%, or between about 30% and about 100%, or between about 40% and about 100%, or between about 50% and about 100%, or between about 60% and about 100%, or between about 70% and about 100%, or between about 80% and about 100%, or between about 90% and about 100%, or about 100%, or 100%.

[0155] High-flow therapy has been found to effectively meet or exceed a patient's inspiratory flow, improve oxygenation, and / or reduce the work of breathing. Additionally, high-flow therapy can create a flushing effect in the nasopharynx, flushing the anatomically dead spaces of the upper airway with a high flow of gas. This creates a reservoir of fresh gas available for each breath, while minimizing rebreathing of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.

[0156] In one example of high-flow therapy, an unsealed or non-sealed user interface, such as a nasal cannula, is used. For CPAP, a sealed interface, such as a nasal mask, full-face mask, or nasal pillow, is typically used.

[0157] Patient interface 17 may be an unsealed interface to prevent barotrauma (e.g., tissue damage to the lungs or other organs of the respiratory system due to pressure differences relative to the atmosphere). The patient interface may be a nasal cannula with a manifold and nasal fork, and / or a face mask, and / or a nasal pillow mask, and / or a nasal mask, and / or a tracheostomy interface, or any other suitable type of patient interface.

[0158] As described below, the respiratory assist device 10 has various features for assisting the operation, use and / or configuration of the respiratory assist device 10.

[0159] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the first configuration of the respiratory assist device 10 includes a respiratory assist device base unit 50 having a main housing 100. The main housing 100 has an upper main housing housing 102 and a lower main housing housing 104.

[0160] The main housing of the base unit 50 has an outer peripheral wall arrangement. The outer peripheral wall arrangement defines a recess 108 that provides a humidifier liquid chamber compartment for receiving a removable liquid chamber 151. The removable liquid chamber 151 contains a suitable liquid (such as water) for humidifying the gas to be delivered to the patient.

[0161] The base unit 50 of the device 10 has a protective cover 200, which will be described in more detail below. When the blocking member of the protective cover is in the covered position and the liquid chamber is in the recess 108, the blocking member 251 of the protective cover overlaps with a portion of the liquid chamber 151, and when the blocking member of the protective cover 200 is in the inlet position and the liquid chamber 151 is in the recess, that portion of the liquid chamber 151 is exposed.

[0162] In the form shown, the outer peripheral wall arrangement of the lower housing 104 of the main housing includes a substantially vertical left outer wall 109, a substantially vertical right outer wall 111 oriented in the front-rear direction of the main housing 100, and a substantially vertical rear outer wall 113 extending between and connecting these walls. A bottom wall 115 extends between and connects the lower ends of the walls 109, 111, and 113, and forms a substantially horizontal base plate portion of the equipment base and the liquid chamber compartment.

[0163] The base portion of the recess 108 has a container portion 108a for receiving a heater arrangement, such as a heating plate 140 or other suitable heating element, for heating the liquid in the liquid chamber 151 for use in a humidification process. The heating plate 140 will generally have a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the base 154 of the liquid chamber 151, for example, such as a circle. The heating plate 140 is resiliently mounted; for example, mounted on a biasing device (such as a spring). This resilient mounting allows the heating plate to move downwards to receive the liquid chamber 151 in the recess 108, while maintaining good contact between the heating plate 140 and the base of the liquid chamber once the liquid chamber is inserted into the recess 108.

[0164] The lower housing 104 of the main housing can be attached to the upper housing 102 by suitable fasteners or integral attachment features (e.g., such as clamps). When the lower housing 104 of the main housing is attached to the upper housing 102 of the main housing, the walls of the upper and lower housings engage with each other.

[0165] like Figure 6 As shown, the lower housing 104 has a motor recess 121 for receiving a motor module, which can be permanently inserted into the recess or removed from it. A recess opening is provided near the rear edge of the bottom wall 115 for receiving a removable motor module. The base 123 of the motor module covers the opening leading to the motor recess 121. The motor module includes a motor that forms a blower to cause gas flow and may include one or more sensors for sensing the properties of the gas passing through the motor module. The motor module may include sensors for sensing parameters of the gas flowing through it.

[0166] The base unit 50 of device 10 has a motor module and housing with suitable pipes and / or gas flow passages to deliver gas from one or more gas inlets of the base unit 50 to the gas inlet port 157 of the liquid chamber 151 to humidify the gas. Gas is delivered from the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber 151 to the patient outlet port 30 and thus to the patient via the patient breathing tube 16 and the patient interface 17.

[0167] In the form shown, the motor recess 121 includes a recess opening in the bottom wall of the housing 100. Alternatively, the recess opening may be located in different parts of the housing 100, such as the side, front, or top of the housing 100.

[0168] The base unit 50 of device 10 may have a battery module 125 for powering the device in the event of a power outage or for portable use. The battery may be replaceable.

[0169] In the configuration shown, battery 125 is attached to the exterior of the back wall of device housing 100. This provides a large surface area for cooling the battery and reducing the amount of heat entering the device from the battery. Furthermore, this configuration reduces the impact of heat generated by the device components on the battery, especially when the battery is being charged. In an alternative configuration, the battery may be installed inside the main housing.

[0170] like Figure 4 As shown, the base unit 50 of the device 10 has mounting features 127 for mounting the device to the supporting device.

[0171] Mounting feature 127 can be integrally formed with a portion of the main housing 100 of the base unit 50 of device 10. In the form shown, mounting feature 127 is integrally formed with the left side wall 109 of the lower housing 104 of housing 100. Alternatively, mounting feature 127 can be integrally formed with any other wall of housing 100, such as the rear wall, right side wall, or other wall.

[0172] The main housing 100 of the device can be formed of any suitable material that allows the mounting features 127 to be integrally formed. For example, the housing 100 can be formed of polycarbonate.

[0173] Compared to additional screw-in parts, the one-piece mounting feature 127 has greater impact strength. The mounting feature 127 can also be reinforced, for example, by changing the wall thickness, adding ribs, or altering the internal geometry.

[0174] Figure 3 A humidifier liquid chamber 151 for use with the breathing assist device 10 is shown. Chamber 151 is a removable liquid chamber that is to be filled with a liquid such as water for humidifying breathing gases. Liquid chamber 151 can be removed from the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10 for easier refilling or disposal.

[0175] The liquid chamber 151 has a body 152 having an outer peripheral wall 153 and a top plate 156. The body defines an inner chamber for receiving liquid. A base 154 of the liquid chamber is disposed at the lower end of the outer peripheral wall, and a base flange 155 of the base 154 projects outwardly from the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 153. The base 154 (including the base flange 155) will typically be a highly thermally conductive material. First and second connection ports of the base unit, including a liquid chamber gas inlet port 157 and a liquid chamber gas outlet port 159, communicate with the inner chamber of the liquid chamber 151. The respiratory assist device base unit 50 includes complementary chamber connection ports, including a gas outlet port 161 and a humidifying gas inlet port 163. When the liquid chamber is received in the recess 108 to engage with the housing 100, the liquid chamber gas inlet port 157 is coupled to the gas outlet port 161. Figure 14The gas outlet port receives gas from the motor module, and the liquid chamber gas outlet port 157 is connected to the humidifying gas inlet port 163. Figure 3 ), to deliver humidified gas from the liquid chamber to the patient exit port 30.

[0176] The liquid chamber 151 and the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber may have a generally circular outer peripheral shape, or may be any other suitable shape, wherein the shape of the groove 108 is changed accordingly if necessary.

[0177] In the form shown, the liquid chamber 151 has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0178] The base 154 of the liquid chamber is thermally conductive. In particular, the base 154 of the liquid chamber 151 is made of a highly thermally conductive material that allows the liquid in the chamber to be heated when in contact with the heating plate 140 of the base unit 50 of the breathing aid device 10 during use.

[0179] The liquid chamber 151 can be fluidly coupled to the base unit 50 of the device 10 from a position at the front of the housing 100 in the rearward insertion direction ID of the liquid chamber 151 insertion groove 108 in the liquid chamber 151 insertion direction ID. That is, the groove 108 is configured to removably receive the liquid chamber 151 by moving the liquid chamber into the groove 108 in the rearward insertion direction, wherein the back of the base flange 155 is first inserted.

[0180] The gas outlet port 161 is in fluid communication with the gas flow passage from the motor / impeller unit via a fixed L-shaped bend. The liquid chamber 151 can be initially inserted into the recess 108 at an angle and then rotated to a horizontal position, wherein the final part of the movement when the ports 157, 159 of the liquid chamber engage with the ports 161, 163 of the device 10 is linear.

[0181] The humidifying gas inlet port 163 is embodied in a removable bend. The removable bend is L-shaped and further includes a patient outlet port 30 for coupling to the patient breathing tubing 16 to deliver gas to the patient interface 17. The gas outlet port 161, the humidifying gas inlet port 163, and the patient outlet port 30 each include a soft seal, such as a pressure seal, an L-shaped seal, an X-ring, or an O-ring, to provide a sealed gas passage between the device 10, the liquid chamber 151, and the patient breathing tubing 16, and optionally one or more other accessories.

[0182] Gas outlet port 161 and gas inlet port 163 include multiple sealing elements. The sealing elements may be pressure seals, L-shaped seals, X-rings, or O-rings. Pressure seals may have a T-shaped cross-section. Gas outlet port 161 and gas inlet port 163 may each include two, three, or more sealing elements. In one configuration, each of gas inlet port 163 and gas outlet port 161 includes a pair of pressure seals. In this configuration, gas inlet port 163 has two pressure seals positioned adjacent to each other on gas inlet port 163. Similarly, gas outlet port 161 includes a pair of pressure seals positioned adjacent to each other on gas outlet port 161. The pair of pressure seals (or other types of sealing elements) on each port 161, 163 improves the seal with the corresponding base unit connection ports 157, 159 and provides improved protection against liquid ingress into the housing of the base unit 50 of the device, where the electronics are located. When the liquid chamber 151 is assembled with the base unit 50, a pressure seal can be positioned inside each base unit connection port 157, 159, and another pressure seal can be positioned outside each base unit connection port 157, 159, when the liquid chamber 151 is connected to the gas inlet port 163 and the gas outlet port 161 of the base unit 50. Alternatively, when the liquid chamber 151 is assembled onto the heating plate 140 in the recess 108, both pressure seals are positioned inside the corresponding base unit connection ports 157, 159. The arrangement of two pressure seals for each port 161, 163 provides redundancy for liquid inlet. L-shaped seals, X-rings, or O-rings can be used in a similar arrangement. The gas outlet port 161 and the gas inlet port 163 of the base unit 50 are structured to have elongated portions; that is, the length of the ports 161, 163 is such that pressure seals, L-shaped seals, X-rings, or O-rings are secured to the ports 161, 163.

[0183] The gas inlet port 157 of the liquid chamber is complementary to the gas outlet port 161 of the respiratory assist device base unit 50, and the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber is complementary to the humidifying gas inlet port 163 of the respiratory assist device base unit 50. The axes of those ports are preferably parallel and / or horizontal so that the liquid chamber 151 can be inserted into the compartment 108 in a substantially linear manner to form a gas connection between the ports.

[0184] The chamber connection ports 161 and 163 are parallel cylindrical features extending from the housing of the respiratory assist device base unit 50. Ports 161 and 163 will generally have equal profiles and equal lengths, and their axes will lie on the same horizontal plane. Ports 161 and 163 will generally terminate at their distal ends on the same vertical plane. Ports 161 and 163 have a port separation distance or spacing, which is the horizontal distance between the centers or axes of each port 161 and 163. This is essentially equal to the horizontal distance between the centers of the base unit connection ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber.

[0185] The chamber connection ports 161 and 163 of the respiratory assist device base unit 50 (which are protruding connecting members in the form shown) are concentrically inserted into the base unit connection ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber (which are concave connecting members in the form shown). The inner diameter of the base unit connection ports 157 and 159 is larger than the outer diameter of the chamber connection ports 161 and 163.

[0186] The liquid chamber 151 may initially be inserted into the recess 108 at an angle and then tilted to a substantially horizontal position, such that the rear portion of the movement of the liquid chamber 151 is substantially linear. The recess 108 may include one or more guides for assisting in holding the liquid chamber in the proper position within the recess 108.

[0187] The respiratory assist device 10 may have one or more of the features and / or functions of respiratory assist devices described and shown in WO 2016 / 207838 A9 (WO'838). The contents of this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0188] The base unit 50 of the breathing assist device includes a protective shield 200 mounted to the housing 100. The shield is configured to minimize the likelihood of a user touching the base 154 of the fluid chamber 151 and, more specifically, the base flange 155 of the base 154 of the fluid chamber 151. In some configurations, the shield 200 may be configured to minimize the likelihood of a user touching the heating plate 140 in the base recess 108 and / or help maintain engagement of the fluid chamber 151 with the breathing assist device 10. Figures 2 to 6 It is shown as being mounted to the housing, and in Figures 7 to 10 It is shown as separate from the housing.

[0189] The protective cover 200 includes a base 201 and a blocking member 251. The blocking member 251 can be positioned relative to the housing in an elevated covered position (e.g., at...). Figure 4 (shown as solid line in the middle) and the lowered entry position (in Figure 4The shield 200 moves between the raised, covered position (shown as dashed lines in the small diagram) and the lowered, lowered position. In the raised, covered position, the barrier 251 partially covers the recess 108 and overlaps with the front edge of the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber. In the lowered, lowered position, the recess 108 is less covered or uncovered by the barrier 251, and the barrier 251 exposes the front edge of the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber. The base 201 of the shield flexes during this movement. The shield 200 can be moved by user actuation. The shield 200 is configured to be actuated by pressing down on the barrier 251 in the configuration shown in the figures. The base 201 of the shield extends below the base of the housing 100. The base 201 of the shield 200 is mounted to the base of the housing 100, and more specifically, to the exterior of the bottom wall 115 of the housing 100. The base 201 of the shield 200 is substantially flat when in its unflexed, stationary state.

[0190] In the form shown, the base 201 of the protective cover 200 is mounted to the base of the housing 100 by one or more fasteners 205. For example... Figure 9 In the illustrated configuration, the base 201 of the protective cover 200 includes one or more fastener receiving openings 203 located at or near a first end 201a of the base 201. The first end 201a of the base is configured to be mounted to the housing 100 at a location spaced apart from the front end of the housing 100. Figure 13 As shown, a mounting groove 115a is provided at the front of the bottom wall 115 of the housing 100. The mounting groove 115a is configured to receive the base 201 of the protective cover 200. The mounting groove 115a is provided below the groove 108 to receive the liquid chamber 151.

[0191] In the form shown, the base 201 of the protective cover 200 has two fastener receiving holes 203. In an alternative configuration, the base 201 of the protective cover may have one, three, four or more fastener receiving holes 203.

[0192] Figure 11A side cross-sectional view is shown through the mounting area from the protective cover 200 to the housing 100. The protective cover includes a cylindrical extension 207 extending downward from the underside of the base 201. The cylindrical extension 207 has a free end 207a and a connecting end 207b. A substantially flat top plate portion 209 is disposed within the cylindrical extension 207. The inner wall 207c of the cylindrical extension and the top plate portion 209 define a recess 210 for receiving the head 205a of a fastener 205. A fastener receiving aperture 203 has a smaller diameter than the recess 210 and extends upward from the recess 210. When the fastener is attached to the device, the shank 205b of the fastener extends through the fastener receiving aperture 203 into the housing 100, and the head 205a of the fastener is positioned in the recess 210 and abuts against the top plate 209. The fastener 205 can be of any suitable type, such as a screw, a push pin, or another type.

[0193] When the protective cover 200 is assembled to the housing 100, each fastener receiving orifice 203 aligns with the corresponding fastener receiving recess 131. The fastener receiving recess 131 has a tapered insertion feature 133 that allows the fastener shank 205b to be inserted into the fastener receiving recess 131 through the fastener receiving orifice 203, even if the components are not fully aligned. As the fastener is further inserted, the fastener 205 pushes the components into alignment.

[0194] A fastener receiving recess 131 is provided in a cylindrical protrusion 135 projecting downward from the housing 100. In this configuration, the cylindrical protrusion 135 may be the sole portion of the upper surface of the base 201 of the contact shield 200 of the housing 100. This allows the base 201 of the shield to flex unrestricted through further contact between the shield 200 and the housing 100. In an alternative configuration, the fastener receiving recess 131 may extend upward into a wall of the housing 100 without the cylindrical protrusion.

[0195] exist Figure 11 In the configuration shown, the diameter 203D of the fastener receiving aperture 203 in the base 201 of the protective cover is slightly larger than the diameter 131D of the fastener receiving groove 131 in the housing 100. This allows the fastener 205 to engage in the fastener receiving groove 131 in the housing 100 without contacting the inner wall 207c of the cylindrical extension. Therefore, the fastener 205 only applies a force to hold the protective cover 200 and the housing 100 together, without applying any significant lateral force or load.

[0196] The protective cover 200 and / or housing 100 may include one or more other fasteners to minimize the lateral load applied to the fasteners 205 that mount the protective cover 200 to the housing 100 when the protective cover 200 is actuated by the user.

[0197] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The housing 100 includes a downwardly extending alignment protrusion 141, and the base 201 of the shield 200 includes a complementary alignment aperture 211 to receive the protrusion 141 to prevent horizontal movement of the base 201 of the shield during flexure of the shield. This is suitable when using fasteners 205 (e.g., screws) that are not suitable for resisting lateral forces. The alignment protrusion 141 extends downward from a wall of the housing 100. The alignment protrusion 141 and the alignment aperture 211 are positioned near a first end 201a of the base 201 and near a fastener receiving aperture 203. The alignment protrusion 141 and the alignment aperture 211 are configured such that they allow vertical flexure of the base 201 of the shield 200 while preventing horizontal movement.

[0198] As discussed below, in some configurations, the protective shield 200 can be actuated by inserting the liquid chamber 151 into the recess 108 and / or removing the liquid chamber from the recess. When the liquid chamber 151 is inserted and removed, the contact between the liquid chamber 151 and the stop 251 can apply a force to the protective shield in the horizontal direction. In this case, horizontal movement is prevented by the alignment protrusion 141 contacting the outer peripheral wall of the alignment aperture 211.

[0199] like Figure 12 As shown, the alignment orifice 211 may be slightly larger than the alignment protrusion 141 to accommodate slight horizontal translation when the base 201 of the protective cover 200 flexes vertically. If any liquid leaks from the liquid chamber 151 during insertion into or removal from the liquid chamber recess 108, the gap between the alignment protrusion 141 and the alignment orifice 211 will allow liquid to drain from the upper surface of the base 201.

[0200] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the alignment protrusion 141 may have one or more support members 143 to provide stability to the alignment protrusion during loading. In the form shown, forward and backward arcuate support members 143 are positioned near the alignment protrusion 141. Alternatively, different numbers or shapes of support members 143 may be provided, or no support members 143 may be provided.

[0201] The housing 100 may have one, two or more alignment protrusions 141, and the base 201 of the shield 200 may have a corresponding number of alignment holes 211. If an alternative type of fastening that can accommodate lateral loads is used to mount the shield 200 to the housing 100 (such as an integrated fastening feature), then the alignment protrusions 141 and alignment holes may not be provided.

[0202] The protective cover 200 is fastened to the outside of the housing, allowing it to be replaced without disassembling the housing 100 of the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10. The protective cover 200 can be removed from the housing 100 by removing the fasteners. This is useful when the blocking element is configured to act as a shock absorber.

[0203] In one configuration, the protective cover 200 covers the front outer portion of the recess 108. Alternatively, the recess may open to different portions of the housing 100, such as the side exterior or rear exterior of the housing 100, and the protective cover 200 may accordingly cover the side exterior or rear exterior portion of the recess.

[0204] The protective shield 200 may have a color representing the intended function of the respiratory assist device 10. The color may indicate whether the respiratory assist device is intended for home or hospital use. The color may indicate which treatment the respiratory assist device provides, such as noninvasive ventilation (NIV), CPAP, bubble CPAP, resuscitation, or high-flow nasal ventilation. The color may also indicate the model of the respiratory assist device.

[0205] The protective cover 200 can be easily removed and replaced with a different colored cover 200 representing different intended functions of the respiratory assist device 10. By fastening the protective cover 200 to the outside of the housing 100, different protective covers can be easily attached later in the manufacturing process once the configuration of the respiratory assist device 10 has been determined. Furthermore, if the respiratory assist device 10 needs to be changed for a different purpose, removing the protective cover 200 and replacing it with a different colored cover 200 is a simple process.

[0206] The blocking member 251 of the protective cover extends from the base 201 of the protective cover at a location remote from the base 201 where it is mounted to the housing 100. The blocking member 251 of the protective cover extends upward from a location at or near the opposite second front end 201b of the base 201 so as to be located at the front of the base 201.

[0207] By fastening the protective cover 200 to the base of the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10, with the front of the protective cover covering and protruding from the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10, the protective cover 200 acts as a front shock absorber for the breathing assist device 10. During a collision, such as when a user drops the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10, or when the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10 collides with an object during movement (such as when the breathing assist device 10 is attached to the pole of a bed being transported), the protective cover 200 will protect the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10. During such a collision, the protective cover 200 will be the only part of the breathing assist device 10 that will be damaged and can be easily replaced by removing any fasteners 205 without further disassembly of other parts of the breathing assist device 10.

[0208] refer to Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 10 The blocking member 251 includes a laterally extending body portion 253 and two upright portions 255 on or near the corresponding side of the laterally extending body portion. Each upright portion 255 includes an enlarged upper finger contact area 257 for the user to press to actuate the protective cover 200.

[0209] The shape of the blocking member 251 is complementary to the shape of the front end of the housing 100. For example... Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 16 As shown, the blocking member 251 includes a lower wall portion 254a that extends upward and forward from the front end 201b of the base 201 and is concave when viewed from above. An upright wall portion 254b extends upward from the lower wall portion and is convex when viewed from the front. An angled front wall portion 254c extends upward and rearward from the top of the upright wall portion 254b. A rearwardly projecting upper wall portion 254d extends rearward and slightly downward from the upper end of the angled front wall portion 254c, forming the upper edge of the laterally extending body portion 253. The rearwardly projecting upper wall portion 254d terminates at a downwardly and rearwardly angled rear wall portion 254e. The rearwardly projecting upper wall portion 254d and the downwardly and rearwardly angled rear wall portion 254e have an arcuate shape in the plan view, which approximately corresponds to the outer peripheral shape of the outer peripheral wall 153 of the liquid chamber 151.

[0210] like Figure 4As shown, the upper finger contact area 257 has an upper angled rear edge 257a abutting the angled front edge 102a of the upper housing of the housing. Similarly, the upright portion 255 includes an upwardly oriented rear edge 255a abutting the corresponding front edge 109a of the left side wall 109 of the lower housing of the housing 100. Corresponding features will be provided on both sides of the device. The abutment between these edges provides a stop to limit the upward movement of the stop 251 relative to the housing 100. When the stop is in the covered position, the surface of the stop is substantially continuous with the surface of the housing. The upper finger contact area 257 is aligned with the upper side surfaces 110a, 110b of the housing, as shown. Figure 2 As shown.

[0211] The upper finger contact area 257 on the upright portion 255 allows the user to actuate the protective cover 200 without bringing their fingers close to the base flange 255 of the liquid chamber or the heating plate 140. The upper finger contact area 257 on the upright portion 255 also allows the user to actuate the protective cover 200 without obstructing the removal of the liquid chamber 151 from the recess 108 with their fingers.

[0212] In the configuration shown, each upright portion 255 includes a narrow section 259 below the upper finger contact area 257, to allow the protective shield to be in the entry position (in Figure 4 The base flange 155 (shown in dashed lines) accommodates the liquid chamber 151. In an alternative configuration, the upright portion 255 may be spaced wider than the widest dimension of the liquid chamber (i.e., the base flange 155). In this configuration, the upright portion 255 may not include a narrow section. Instead, when the stop 251 is in the access position, the liquid chamber 151 will be easily able to pass over the laterally extending body portion 253 of the stop.

[0213] At least a portion of the base 201 of the protective cover 200 is flexible. This at least portion of the base 201 is configured to flex as the stop 251 is moved by a user between a covered position and an access position. The base 201 of the protective cover, except for the area of ​​the fastener receiving aperture 203, can be flexible, allowing the base 201 of the protective cover 200 to flex around the fastened position. Alternatively, discrete portions of the base 201 of the protective cover can be flexible, while other discrete portions of the base 201 of the protective cover are more rigid. For example, a first end 201a of the base can be substantially rigid, wherein one or more discrete transversely flexible strips are positioned between the first end 201a and a second end 201b, optionally wherein one or more discrete transversely relatively rigid strips are positioned between the transversely flexible strips.

[0214] Figure 8The configuration of base 201 is shown, having two spaced-apart reduced-thickness portions 202a extending in the retardative direction of the protective cover 200 and positioned toward either side of base 201. A laterally reduced-thickness portion 202b extends between the two reduced-thickness portions 202a adjacent to a first end 201a of base 201. The substantially entire remainder of base 200 includes increased-thickness portions 202c in areas where greater strength or bending strength is desired (e.g., around alignment orifice 211). The first end 201a of the base portion includes a step 202d that crosses the first end and extends along a portion of each side of the base portion to interact with a valve module housing 115a on the underside of housing 100. Any other suitable configuration of reduced-thickness portions, increased-thickness portions, and / or steps may be provided.

[0215] The base 201 of the protective cover 200 is configured such that the blocking member 251 can be positioned substantially only as described above. Figure 4 Arrow UD indicates that the shield 200 is moved up and down in two opposite directions by flexing the base 201 of the shield, and that the stop 251 is substantially unable to move in other directions by flexing the base 201 of the shield 200, even if a single area of ​​the stop is pushed by the user. In this configuration, the shield is substantially unable to twist about an axis extending in the posterior-posterior direction of the breathing aid (i.e., along the base 201 and through the stop 251), to help minimize or prevent the shield 200 from sticking during user movement. Because the shield 200 is on the outside of the housing 100, the shield 200 will not stick even if the base 201 is twisted.

[0216] The stop 251 can be moved any suitable distance in the opposite direction UD. For example, the stop can be moved at least 5 mm, optionally up to 20 mm, optionally between 5 mm and 15 mm, optionally between 8 mm and 13 mm, or any other suitable distance.

[0217] The advantage of the protective cover 200 not twisting undesirably is that the user can push one side of the stop 251 and pull the liquid chamber 151 out of the recess 108 in the removal direction. If the protective cover 200 twists, the liquid chamber 151 may be blocked on one side.

[0218] In order to enable the protective cover 200 to be actuated by pressing one side of the blocking member 251, the protective cover 200 performs the following two functions:

[0219] 1. Pressing one side of the blocking member 251 (i.e., the vertical portion 255) causes the section of the blocking member that blocks the chamber (i.e., the horizontal portion 253) to move vertically enough so that the blocking member 251 no longer blocks the liquid chamber 151.

[0220] 2. Pressing one side of the blocking member (i.e., the upright portion 255) will not cause the protective cover 200 to stick (and thus limit the range of motion of the blocking member 251).

[0221] The following features enable function 1.

[0222] The base 201 is connected to the housing 100 at two spaced-apart locations (i.e., adjacent to both sides of the housing). A large portion of the width of the base 201 minimizes torsion of the base 201, causing it to flex only about a first transverse axis. In other words, the base 201 of the shield acts as a torsion bar, allowing flexure in the desired direction UD but resisting torsion. Therefore, a downward force placed at any location on the stop 251 of the shield will cause the shield to flex downwards uniformly, rather than torsion and bond. Thus, the user can actuate the shield 200 by pushing downwards only one of the upper finger contact areas 257.

[0223] Additionally, the inner surface or rear surface 255a of the upright portion 255 Figure 8 The inner or rear surface 255a interacts with the supporting portion of the housing 100. Specifically, the inner or rear surface 255a is a complementary, substantially vertical, upright wall surface 112a along a forward-projecting extension 112 provided on either side of the lower housing 104. Figure 15 The sliding surface is essentially vertical. Sliding contact occurs during at least a portion of the movement of the protective shield.

[0224] Because the protective cover 200 does not twist, any vertical movement on one side of the stop 251 will result in a similar vertical movement of the entire remainder of the stop 251. If the stop 251 twists, the amount of vertical movement will be reduced in the section of the stop 251 away from the user's pressing side. This reduced movement may not be sufficient to allow the liquid chamber 151 to be removed from the recess 108.

[0225] The protective cover 200 can also be configured such that the stop 251 can be actuated further than necessary to remove the liquid chamber 151 from the recess 108. In this configuration, the user can then press the side of the stop 251 and actuate the protective cover 200 as much as possible. Even with a small amount of torsion, the slightly reduced vertical movement of the lateral portion 253 will still be sufficient to allow the liquid chamber 151 to be removed from the recess 108.

[0226] The following features enable function 2.

[0227] For the protective cover 200 to adhere, the blocking member 251 will need to be moved from its normal path when actuated. This is caused by the twisting of the base 201 when one side of the blocking member 251 is pressed, causing the blocking member 251 to contact a portion of the housing 100. The width of the base 201, combined with the spaced positions of the fasteners 205 and the sliding of surfaces 112a and 255a across each other, limits the amount of twisting, preventing this from happening.

[0228] Additionally, the shapes of the housing 100 and the protective cover 200 are designed to reduce the chance of adhesion. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the housing 100 has extension members 112 projecting from the front of the lower housing 104. These extension members 112 are designed to contact the inner surface of the blocking member 251 when in the covered position to help the blocking member 251 be in the correct position. In particular, the outer wall 112a, inner wall 112b, and upper wall 112c of the extension 112 are configured to contact the outer rear wall 255a, upper rear wall 255c, and inner rear wall 255b of the upright portion 255 of the blocking member 251. Figure 15 The diagram also shows the tapered portions of these extension members 112, wherein the forward portions of the extension members 112 are closer together than the rearward portions 112. The purpose of the tapered portions is to allow a tight fit between the upright portion 255 of the stop member 251 and the extension member 112 when the stop member is in the covered position, thereby creating a larger gap between the upright portion 255 of the stop member and the extension member 112 when the protective cover 200 is actuated. This increased gap reduces the chance of the protective cover 200 sticking, even in the presence of slight torsion.

[0229] In an alternative configuration of the protective cover 200, the blocking member 251 may comprise a single upright portion 255 at or near the laterally extending body portion, instead of two spaced-apart upright portions 255. The blocking member 251 is movable between an elevated covered position and a lowered access position by force applied by a user to the upper finger contact area 257 of the upright portion 255, in which the blocking member 251 partially covers the recess 108, and in the lowered access position, the recess 108 is less covered or uncovered by the blocking member. The at least partial flexure of the base 201 is configured to flex as the blocking member 251 moves between the covered and access positions. The single upright portion 255 may have either of the configurations described herein for two upright portions. The housing may have only one of the extension members 112. The opposite side of the laterally extending body portion 253 may be substantially coplanar with the upper wall 254d of the laterally extending portion 253 of the blocking member 251, and may terminate shortly at the edge of the groove 108 corresponding to the opposite side of the liquid chamber 151 or may extend to the opposite side wall of the housing 100.

[0230] As discussed above, the breathing assist device may include a heating plate 140 in the recess 108. The recess 108 is configured to removably receive a liquid chamber 151. When the blocking member 251 of the protective cover 200 is in the covered position and when the liquid chamber 151 is in the proper position in the recess 108, the protective cover 200 protects the base flange 155 and thereby the base 154 of the liquid chamber 151 from user contact.

[0231] During use, the heating plate 140 can reach high temperatures, which could cause injury to the user if they touch the heating plate or the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber near the heating plate 140 (e.g., when handling a breathing assist device or when connecting / disconnecting the humidifier liquid chamber 151 to / from the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device). The protective cover 200 minimizes the possibility of the user touching the heating plate 140 or the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber 151.

[0232] Alternatively or alternatively, the recess 108 is configured to removably receive the liquid chamber 151. In the event of flexure of the base 201 lacking the protective cover 200, the stop 251 would prevent the liquid chamber 151 from being inserted into or removed from the recess 108. Figure 16 As shown, the upper edge 254d of the lateral extension 253 of the blocking member is positioned to at least partially overlap with the base flange 155 of the base 154 of the liquid chamber, such that the liquid chamber 151 cannot move in the removal direction RD without flexing the base 201 of the protective cover 200 to move the blocking member 251 downward a sufficient distance to allow the liquid chamber 151 to be removed from the recess 108.

[0233] The base 201 of the protective cover 200 can be flexed by the user pressing the blocking member 251. The user can apply a downward force to the blocking member 251 of the protective cover to move the blocking member from the covered position to the in-access position.

[0234] In one configuration, the base 201 of the protective cover 200 can also be flexed by moving the liquid chamber 151 in the removal direction RD from the recess 108. (See reference) Figure 16 The blocking member 251 is configured such that when the liquid chamber 151 moves in the removal direction RD, the contact between the liquid chamber 151 and the contact surface provided by the downward and rearward angled rear wall portion 254e of the blocking member 251 moves the blocking member 251 from the covered position to the entry position.

[0235] In one configuration, the contact surface provided by the downwardly and rearwardly angled rear wall portion 254e is configured to contact substantially the entire front edge of the base flange as the liquid chamber moves in the removal direction (i.e., in...). Figure 2 Visible and in Figure 21The base flange 155, which is visible in the front part of the front edge of the guide rail 300, is essentially the entire curved front edge.

[0236] By deflecting the stop 251 when the user attempts to pull out the liquid chamber 151, this allows the user to remove the liquid chamber 151 with one hand while keeping the other hand free to stabilize the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10. Additionally, by being able to pull out the liquid chamber 151 without direct interaction with the shield 200, the user can keep their hand away from the heating plate 140, making it less likely that the user will accidentally come into contact with the temporarily exposed heating plate 140 when pulling out the liquid chamber 151.

[0237] In the illustrated configuration, the liquid chamber 151 includes an outer peripheral base flange 155 extending outward from the bottom edge of the outer peripheral wall 153 of the liquid chamber around its entire perimeter. In this configuration, the base 154 of the liquid chamber, and more specifically the base flange 155, contacts the contact surface 254e of the stop 251 as the liquid chamber 151 moves in the removal direction RD, thereby moving the stop from a covered position to an inlet position.

[0238] In an alternative configuration of the liquid chamber 151, instead of having an outer peripheral base flange 155, the sides of the liquid chamber may include lateral protrusions extending outward from the bottom edge of the outer peripheral wall 153 of the liquid chamber to engage with the liquid chamber retaining guide 300 in the recess 108. The liquid chamber may not have protrusions extending in the removal direction RD or the opposite insertion direction ID. In this configuration, the wall 153 of the liquid chamber 151 and / or the front edge of the base 154 below the wall of the liquid chamber contact the contact surface 254e of the stop as the liquid chamber moves in the removal direction RD, moving the stop 251 from a covered position to an inlet position. When the stop 251 is in the covered position and the liquid chamber is in the recess 108, the stop 251 will prevent the base 154 of the liquid chamber from being touched by the user. In this configuration, the heating plate 140 can be more exposed at the front of the recess 108 compared to the case where the liquid chamber 151 has a base flange 155. Therefore, when the barrier 251 is in the covered position and the liquid chamber is in the recess 108, the barrier 251 can also prevent the heating plate 140 from being touched by the user.

[0239] The contact surface 254e of the contact chamber of the barrier 251 has an angled wall section. This means that when the user attempts to remove the liquid chamber 151, the horizontal movement of the liquid chamber in the removal direction RD results in a downward force on the barrier 251 through the protective cover 200, thereby forcing the barrier 251 to move away without further interaction between the user and the barrier 251.

[0240] refer to Figure 17The contact surface 254e of the blocking member 251 is at a non-perpendicular angle α relative to the removal direction RD, which is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, optionally between 100 and 170 degrees, optionally between 110 and 135 degrees, optionally between 120 and 130 degrees, and optionally 125 degrees. A flatter angle (i.e., closer to horizontal) allows the movement of the liquid chamber to more easily actuate the blocking member 251, but means that the blocking member needs to be longer to provide sufficient torque, causing the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10 to occupy more space.

[0241] When viewed in side projection, the contact surface 254e of the stop 251 has a constant angle over the entire contact area between the liquid chamber and the contact surface. This makes it easier to pull the liquid chamber 151 out of the groove 108, as the liquid chamber 151 will always engage with the steepest angle of the contact surface 254e. The steepest angle determines the force required to pull the liquid chamber out of the groove 108.

[0242] In an alternative configuration, the stop 251 is configured such that the base 201 of the protective cover 200 cannot flex by moving the liquid chamber 151 in the removal direction RD from the recess 108. The stop 251 is configured such that contact between the liquid chamber and the contact surface of the stop in the removal direction of the liquid chamber will not cause the stop 251 to move away from the covered position. In this configuration, the contact surface may be at an angle α of about 90 degrees or less relative to the removal direction RD of the liquid chamber.

[0243] If the angle is 90 degrees or less, the protective shield cannot be actuated by pulling the liquid chamber 151 from the recess 108 in the removal direction RD. If the angle is only slightly greater than 90 degrees, the force required to pull the liquid chamber 151 from the recess 108 may not be achievably high, depending on factors such as the bias force of the protective shield and how much force the user is expected to use to pull the liquid chamber 151. Therefore, if the protective shield is not actuated by the user, the stop 251 will prevent the liquid chamber 151 from being removed. To remove the liquid chamber 151, the user will need to push the stop 251 downwards to flex the base 201 so that the stop no longer obstructs the removal of the liquid chamber 151 from the recess 108.

[0244] When the liquid chamber 151 is received in the recess 108, the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber (or the base 154 if there is no flange) can contact the surface of the stop 251, such as the downwardly and rearwardly angled rear wall portion 254e. In configurations where the protective shield cannot be actuated by moving the liquid chamber in the removal direction RD, this serves to prevent movement of the liquid chamber 151 and helps maintain the connection between the liquid chamber 151 and the ports 161, 163. Alternatively, when the liquid chamber is fully received in the recess 108, a small gap, for example, of about 0.5 mm, may exist between the base flange 155 and the stop 251.

[0245] Additionally, by ensuring a tight fit between the stop 251 and the liquid chamber 151 during assembly, the stop 251 of the protective cover 200 will not return to its covered position unless the liquid chamber 151 is fully inserted. This applies regardless of the angle of the contact surface 254e. This indicates to the user that the liquid chamber is correctly connected once the stop 251 of the protective cover 200 returns to its covered position. Proper connection of the liquid chamber 151 is important because it ensures a pneumatic seal has been formed.

[0246] Before inserting / removing the liquid chamber, the user can press down on the shield 200 to flex it, causing the stop 251 to move away. Alternatively, the shield can be designed so that the user does not necessarily need to do this. When inserting the liquid chamber 151, the user can begin by inserting the liquid chamber above its final position and / or at an angle to the housing 100 of the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10 (where the connecting side of the liquid chamber 151 is angled downwards). During insertion of the liquid chamber 151, the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber 151 then presses against the angled front wall portion 254c or the rearwardly projecting upper wall portion 254d to push the stop 251 of the shield toward the lowered entry position. Once the liquid chamber 151 is fully inserted into the recess 108, the shield 200 then flexes so that the stop 251 returns to the covered position, preventing the user from touching the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber. The blocking element returning to the covered position can be used to indicate to the user that the liquid chamber 151 is fully connected to the ports 161, 163 of the breathing assist device.

[0247] The protective cover 200 is configured such that the blocking element 251 is biased to the coverage position.

[0248] In one configuration, one or more biasing devices function between the housing 100 and a portion of the protective shield 200 to bias the stop 251 into a covered position. The biasing devices can be located anywhere between the housing 100 and the protective shield 200, such as between the stop 251 or the base 201 of the housing 100 and the protective shield 200. The biasing devices can advantageously be positioned close to the front of the protective shield 200, as this will generate a greater torque on the protective shield 200. In the illustrated configuration, the biasing devices function between the housing 100 and the stop 251, and particularly between the lower housing 104 and the stop 251. The biasing devices can have any suitable form, such as a spring, a spring block or member, or any other suitable configuration. Figure 10 and Figure 15 An exemplary configuration is shown in which the compression coil spring 173 provides a biasing force between the housing 100 and the stop 251. In an alternative configuration, the spring can operate in a tensioned state, where the biasing force pulls the housing 100 and the guard 200 toward each other. The lower housing includes two spring mounts positioned at or near the front end of a recess 108, each spring mount including a radially extending base support 175a and an upright protrusion 175b. The lower side of the upper portion of the stop 251 (such as a rearwardly projecting upper wall portion 254d) includes two corresponding spring mounts 256, each spring mount including a recess that receives the upper end of the spring 173. By providing the recess, the possibility of the upper end of the spring detaching is minimized.

[0249] Any suitable number of biasing devices can be used, such as one, two, three, or more. Since the base 201 of the shield 200 is substantially prevented from twisting during flexure, a single biasing device may be sufficient. The biasing device mounting hardware can be modified depending on the type of biasing device used.

[0250] When using a biasing device, the base 201 of the protective cover can be flexible but not elastically flexible, so that the base 201 does not provide a biasing force to the covered position.

[0251] Alternatively or additionally, portions of the protective cover 200 are resiliently flexible to bias the blocking member 251 into the covered position. In one configuration, at least a portion of the base 201 of the protective cover 200 is resiliently flexible to bias the blocking member 251 into the covered position. That is, in some configurations, the blocking member 251 may be biased into the covered position solely by the resilientness of the base 201 of the protective cover, solely by one or more biasing devices, or by a combination of biasing devices and the resilientness of the base 201 of the protective cover 200.

[0252] By biasing the blocking element 251 to the covered position, a biasing force is provided that the user needs to overcome to begin actuating the shield 200. Additionally, this takes into account minor deformations that may occur in the shield 200 throughout the lifespan of the breathing assist device, thereby helping to ensure that the shield 200 continues to function as intended by returning the shield 251 to the correct covered position when not actuated.

[0253] As discussed above, the protective cover 200 is mounted to the exterior of the housing 100. This is advantageous because the user can see the protective cover 200 from either side of the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10. This is beneficial because the color of the protective cover can be used to identify the purpose or function of the device, as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the contact between the stop 251 and the housing 100 can be used to determine whether the liquid chamber 151 has been correctly / fully inserted into the recess 108 and connected to the ports 161, 163 of the device 10.

[0254] exist Figure 26 and Figure 27 An exemplary configuration of a base unit 50 having different surfaces of different colors as described below is shown.

[0255] The housing 100 includes an outer surface having a first color, such as surfaces 110a, 110b. In some configurations, the entire upper housing 102 may have the first color. Alternatively, different areas of the upper housing 102 may have different colors. A portion of the housing 100, such as one or more of surfaces 112a, 112b, 112c of the extension 112, may also have a first color. Figure 15 The lower housing 104 may have a second color, different from the first color. In some configurations, the entire lower housing 104 may have the second color. Alternatively, different areas of the lower housing 104 may have different colors.

[0256] The protective cover 200 has a second color different from the extension member 112. In some configurations, the protective cover 200 has a third color different from the first and second colors. Alternatively, the protective cover may have a color that is the same as the first color but different from the second color.

[0257] A second color will be selected to visually distinguish it from the first color and, if used, from a third color. For example, there can be high contrast between the colors. Alternatively or additionally, the second color can be selected as a color typically associated with warnings; for example, red or orange.

[0258] The blocking member 251 is configured to cover the portion 112 of the housing with the second color when the blocking member is in the covered position, such that the portion with the second color is not visible from the outside of the device 10. The blocking member 251 is also configured to expose the portion 112 with the second color when the blocking member 251 is not in the covered position, such that the portion with the second color is visible from the outside of the device 10 when the blocking member is not in the covered position.

[0259] When the barrier is in the covered position, the extension member 112 is positioned behind and / or below a portion of the barrier 251. Specifically, when the barrier is in the covered position, the extension member 112 is positioned behind and / or below the upright portion 255 of the barrier 251, and when the barrier 251 is not in the covered position, the extension member 112 is exposed by the upright portion 255.

[0260] Similar color features can be incorporated into devices having a single upright portion 255 on the barrier 251 and a single extension member 112 on the housing, or into devices that do not have an upright portion on the barrier. For example, the barrier 251 may include a transverse member 253 that exposes the colored portion of the housing 100 when the barrier 251 is not in the covered position and covers the colored portion of the housing 100 when the barrier 251 is in the covered position.

[0261] In the described configuration, when the barrier 251 is in the covered position, the surfaces 255a and 257a of the barrier will contact the surfaces 109a and 102a of the housing 100, so that the user can only see the first color of the housing and the color of the barrier 251 from above the device and / or from either side of the device. This serves as a visual indicator that the barrier 251 is in the covered position.

[0262] At any time when the barrier 251 is not fully in the covered position, a second color will be visible from the outside of the device in the first color of the housing, in addition to the barrier 251. This serves as a visual indicator that the barrier 251 is not fully in the covered position. The second color is visible from above the device and / or from either side of the device, thereby increasing the visibility of this feature.

[0263] The protective cover's blocking element 251 fully retracts to its covered position, indicating to the user that the liquid chamber 151 is fully connected to the device's ports 161, 163. Therefore, whether the user can see the second color between the housing 100 and the protective cover 200 will provide an indication of whether the liquid chamber 151 is fully inserted and connected.

[0264] Liquid chamber stationary guide rail 300 (e.g.) Figures 18 to 22(As shown) is disposed in the recess 108. The guide rail 300 is fixed relative to the wall of the recess 108 so as not to move relative to the housing 100. When the liquid chamber 151 is inserted into the recess 108, its base flange 155 is positioned below the guide rail 300 to inhibit upward movement of the liquid chamber in the recess 108. The heating plate 140 may be biased upward by one or more biasing devices to apply an upward force to the lower side of the liquid chamber and to hold the liquid chamber between the heating plate 140 and the guide rail 300.

[0265] The guide rail 300 is shaped as a semi-circular portion of the base flange 155 of the replenishing liquid chamber 151. The guide rail 300 is configured to extend around the back and sides of the recess 108 and around the back and sides of the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber 151, but with an opening at the front to allow the liquid chamber to be inserted into the recess from the front, wherein the back and sides of the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber are below the guide rail 300. When the liquid chamber 151 is positioned in the recess 108, the leading edge of the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber 151 is exposed from the guide rail 300. The guide rail 300 counteracts the upward force from the heating plate 140, and therefore, a larger section of the guide rail for replenishing the liquid chamber is preferred because it distributes the load more evenly.

[0266] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the lower side of the guide rail includes a ramp section 303 extending downward and rearward from the front edge 301 of the guide rail. The remaining portion of the lower side includes a flat section 305 extending rearward from each ramp section 303 and around the back portion of the guide rail 300. The flat section 305 is used to contact the base flange 155 on the liquid chamber 151 during assembly and to counteract the upward force from the heating plate. The flat section 305 is parallel to the bottom of the liquid chamber 151 and / or the upper surface of the heating plate 140, so that the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber 151 can slide therebetween.

[0267] The ramp section 303 facilitates alignment of the liquid chamber 151 when the user attaches it to the breathing assist device 10. For example, the ramp section 303 allows the user to insert the liquid chamber 151 from a height above its final position in the recess 108 and / or at a downward angle. As the user pushes the liquid chamber 151 into the recess 108, the ramp section 303 guides the liquid chamber downward until it contacts the heating plate 140 and / or the stop 251. As the user continues to insert the liquid chamber 151, the liquid chamber continues to be forced downward by the ramp section 303, thereby compressing the spring of the heating plate 140 and / or deflecting the protective cover 200, allowing the stop 251 to move without obstructing the path. Once the liquid chamber 151 reaches the flat section 305, the liquid chamber can be pushed horizontally onto the ports 161, 163 of the breathing assist device. Once the liquid chamber 151 is fully connected, the blocking member 251 will no longer contact the bottom of the liquid chamber 151, and the blocking member 251 will return to its covered position.

[0268] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the guide rail 300 has a generally Z-shaped cross-section, including an upright wall portion 307, a flat base section 305 extending radially inward from a position at or near the bottom of the upright wall portion 307, and an upper flange 309 extending radially outward from a position at or near the top of the upright wall portion 307.

[0269] A first connecting feature 311 is disposed on or in the upper surface of the flat base section 305. A second connecting feature 313 is disposed on or in the lower surface of the upper flange 309. Either connecting feature may take the form of a protrusion and / or a groove, configured to engage with a complementary protrusion and / or groove on the housing 100 of the breathing assist device. The connecting features may be substantially annular and extend substantially around the entire guide rail 300, or multiple discrete first connecting features 311 and / or second connecting features 313 may be provided. To provide a flat, horizontal surface to contact the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber 151, the flat base section 305 of the ring extends radially inward toward the center of the ring, and the upper flange 309 extends radially outward away from the center of the ring.

[0270] Figure 22 The diagram illustrates the engagement between the guide rail 300 and the upper housing portion 102 and lower housing portion 104 of the housing 100. The lower housing 104 is configured to connect with a downward-facing connection feature 313 on the upper flange 309 of the ring. The upper housing 102 is configured to connect with an upward-facing connection feature 311 on the flat base flange 305 of the ring. When the upper housing 102 and lower housing 104 are securely fastened together, the guide rail 300 is firmly positioned relative to the housing 100 of the respiratory assist device without necessarily requiring any additional adhesives or fasteners to hold it in place.

[0271] In the form shown, the bottom edge of the substantially vertical wall section 102b of the upper housing 102 has complementary connecting features 102c to engage with connecting feature 309. The foot back 104a between the two wall portions 104b, 104c of the lower housing 104 has complementary connecting features 104d to engage with connecting feature 311. This configuration can extend around the sides and rear of the recess 108.

[0272] The substantially vertical wall section 102b of the upper housing portion 102 matches the shape of the innermost side of the vertical wall section 307 of the ring and the inner side of the inwardly extending flat base section 305. The edge of the ring and the substantially vertical wall section 102b of the upper housing 102 form the upper section of the semi-circular liquid chamber recess 108. The diameter of this upper section of the liquid chamber recess 108 is smaller than the diameter of the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber 151. Therefore, if a user attempts to insert the liquid chamber 151 into the recess 108 with the base flange above the guide rail 300, the flange will contact the wall of the upper section and will prevent the liquid chamber 151 from being inserted. This prevents the user from incorrectly inserting the liquid chamber into the recess 108 with the base flange 155 above the guide rail 300, thereby making the insertion of the liquid chamber 151 more intuitive. Additionally, the diameter of the upper section of the groove 108 will be significantly wider than the diameter of the body of the liquid chamber 151, allowing the user to grip the side of the liquid chamber when inserting / removing it from the groove 108.

[0273] The housing 100 and / or shield 200 of the base unit 50 of the respiratory assist device 10 include one or more drain ports or drain spaces 171 to allow liquid to be discharged through or around the base 201 of the shield 200. Any liquid splashed during connection / disconnection of the liquid chamber 151 will flow through the drain ports rather than concentrate near any electronics of the respiratory assist device 10.

[0274] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the base of housing 100 may include a front / side drain port 108b and a rear drain port 108c. The drain ports are located near the heating plate 140. As previously mentioned, a large portion of the base 201 of the protective cover 200 may not contact the base of housing 100, so that once any liquid flows through the drain ports 108b, 108c, it should drain through the space 171 provided between the side of the base portion 201 and the bottom wall 115 of the housing. (See reference...) Figure 8 The protective cover 200 may include one or more drain ports, such as drain port 254 in the lower wall portion 254a of the block, to assist in the drainage of liquid. When the block 251 is in the in position, drain port 254 in the lower wall portion will drain liquid.

[0275] The housing 100 and / or protective cover may have any suitable configuration and / or any number of drainage ports.

[0276] Figures 23 to 25 An alternative exemplary configuration is shown. The base of housing 100 includes a rear / side drain port 108d and a front center drain port 108e. The drain ports are located near the heating plate 140. Liquid passing through the rear / side drain port 108d can pass in the direction LD through the space between the base 201 of the protective cover and the base of housing 100.

[0277] Because the front center drain port 108e is farther from the edge of the base 201 of the protective cover 200 than the rear / side drain port 108d, liquid discharged through this port 108e may not continue to drain around the edge of the base 201 of the protective cover 200 as easily as with the rear / side drain port 108d. Therefore, in this configuration, the base 201 of the protective cover 200 has a drain port 212. This drain port 212 can be positioned substantially directly below the front center drain port 108e, such that any liquid discharged through the front center drain port 108e will continue to drain through the drain port 212. The drain port 212 can have any suitable shape, such as a shape similar to the alignment orifice 211 or a circular shape. Multiple drain ports 212 can be provided in the base 201 of the protective cover 200.

[0278] Although this disclosure has been described with respect to certain embodiments, other embodiments that will be apparent to those skilled in the art also fall within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, various components can be repositioned as needed. Features from any of the described embodiments can be combined with each other, and / or the device can include one, more, or all of the features of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, practicing this disclosure does not necessarily require all features, aspects, and advantages. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to be defined only by the appended claims.

[0279] The various configurations described are merely exemplary. Any one or more features from any of these configurations may be used in combination with any one or more features from any of the other configurations.

[0280] The protective cover 200 is described with reference to a base 201, at least partially of which is flexible. Alternatively, one or more features of the protective cover 200 may be incorporated into a protective cover without a flexible base. For example, the angled contact surface 254e of the stop 251 may be incorporated into a protective cover without a flexible base 201. Instead, the angled contact surface 254e may be incorporated into a protective cover that is linearly and substantially vertically movable between a covered position and an access position, and where the stop is biased into the covered position using a biasing device. This configuration would still allow the stop to move to the access position by moving the liquid chamber relative to the recess 108 in the removal direction RD. However, the protective cover 200 with a flexible base 201 is the preferred configuration because it minimizes the number of parts. Thus, the configuration of the protective cover 200 with a flexible base 201 provides simpler manufacturing and assembly, and also provides a compact area of ​​the device near the stop 251 of the protective cover 200.

[0281] The protective cover 200 is described as a separate component connected to the housing 100 by fasteners. Alternatively, the protective cover 200 and / or the housing may include integrated complementary coupling features, such as clamps, to secure the protective cover 200 to the housing 100.

[0282] Alternatively, the protective cover 200 can be mounted to the housing as an integral part of the housing 100. This can be accomplished by having a base 201 extend from the lower housing portion 104 as a tab, wherein cutouts on each side of the base 201 allow the protective cover 200 to flex relative to the rest of the housing 100. This configuration is less preferred because if the protective cover 200 is damaged, the entire lower housing 104 needs to be replaced.

[0283] A protective shield 200 is described in reference to a respiratory assist device that delivers heated and humidified gas to a patient or user. This device is suitable for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The device can be configured to deliver gas at a high flow rate to the patient interface (high-flow therapy), particularly nasal high-flow therapy.

[0284] Alternatively, the protective shield 200 can be used with devices for different purposes. This device can be a high-flow-rate therapeutic device or a low-flow-rate therapeutic device. For example, the feature can be incorporated into a device for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which may deliver (humidified or otherwise) gas at a low flow rate, or it can be incorporated into a medical inhalation device.

[0285] The protective cover can be used in a stand-alone humidifier. The stand-alone humidifier may have a housing, a recess 108 for receiving the liquid chamber 151, and a heating plate 140, but may not have a motor unit. The stand-alone humidifier can receive gas from an external source.

[0286] Therefore, an alternative form of respiratory assist device 10 can be a stand-alone humidifier device, which includes a base unit 50 defining the main housing and a humidifier 12.

[0287] Standalone humidifier devices can deliver heated and humidified gas for various medical procedures, including respiratory therapy, laparoscopy, etc. These devices can be configured to control temperature and / or humidity. The device may also include a medical circuit comprising various components that can be used to deliver heated and / or humidified gas to and / or from the patient. For example, in some respiratory circuits, the gas inhaled by the patient is delivered from the heater-humidifier via an inhalation tube or conduit. As another example, a tube can deliver humidified gas (typically CO2) into the abdominal cavity in a blowing circuit. This helps prevent the patient's internal organs from drying out or "drying out" and can reduce the time required for recovery from surgery. A heating wire may extend inside at least a portion of the tubing, thereby forming a circuit to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of significant condensation formation.

[0288] A stand-alone humidifier device typically includes a base unit 50 and a humidifier liquid chamber 151. The base unit 50 may include a heating plate 140. The liquid chamber 151 may be configured to contain a volume of liquid, such as water. The heating plate may be configured to heat the volume of liquid contained in the liquid chamber 151 to generate vapor.

[0289] The liquid chamber 151 can be removed from the base unit to allow for easier sterilization or disposal, or refilling of the chamber with liquid. The body of the liquid chamber 151 can be formed of non-conductive glass or plastic material, but the liquid chamber may also include conductive components. For example, the liquid chamber may include a highly thermally conductive base (e.g., an aluminum base) that is in contact with or associated with a heating plate on a heating base.

[0290] The base unit may also include electronic controls, such as a main controller. In response to user-set humidity or temperature values ​​input via a user interface and other inputs, the main controller determines when (or at what level) to energize the heating plate 140 to heat the liquid in the liquid chamber 151.

[0291] A stand-alone humidifier device may include a flow generator for delivering gas to the liquid chamber. In some configurations, the flow generator may include a respirator, a blower, or any other suitable source of pressurized gas suitable for breathing or for medical procedures. The flow generator may be positioned within the base unit 50.

[0292] Alternatively, a stand-alone humidifier unit may consist only of a base unit 50 and a liquid chamber 151, and may be used with a separate or remote flow generator. The base unit 50 may be configured to be fluidly connected to a separate or remote flow generator.

[0293] Therefore, the flow generator used with a stand-alone humidifier device can be, for example, a wall-mounted gas source, a respirator, a blower, or a gas canister.

[0294] Standalone humidifier devices can be used in conjunction with respiratory therapy, positive pressure systems, non-invasive ventilation, and surgical procedures (including but not limited to laparoscopy). Ideally, the humidifier device is adapted to supply moisture or vapor to the gas supply unit. The humidifier device can be used with continuously variable or bilevel PAP systems or other forms of respiratory therapy. In some configurations, the humidifier device can be integrated into the system delivering any of these types of therapy.

[0295] An exemplary stand-alone humidifier device is described in WO 2015 / 038013. The contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0296] Standalone humidifier devices may have any one or more of the features described or shown herein.

[0297] The protective cover can be used in equipment with liquid chambers of different shapes, and the blocking elements of the protective cover can be modified accordingly.

[0298] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be construed as, an endorsement or any form of proposal that the prior art forms part of common general knowledge in any country of the world.

[0299] Where references to directional terms such as “up,” “down,” “forward,” “backward,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” are made herein, those terms refer to the device in a typical position of use and / or a particular orientation shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, and are used to indicate and / or describe a relative direction or orientation.

Claims

1. A respiratory assist device, comprising: A housing having a recess configured to removably receive a liquid chamber; as well as A protective cover includes a blocking member movable between a covered position and an access position, wherein in the covered position the blocking member partially covers the recess and overlaps with a portion of the liquid chamber when the liquid chamber is located within the recess, and in the access position the recess is less covered or not covered by the blocking member, and the blocking member exposes the portion of the liquid chamber, wherein the blocking member is biased to the covered position, and wherein the blocking member is configured to move from the covered position to the access position by moving the liquid chamber in a removal direction from the recess. The blocking member is configured such that when the liquid chamber moves in the removal direction, the contact between the contact surface of the liquid chamber and the blocking member moves the blocking member from the covering position to the entering position. The contact surface of the blocking member is at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the removal direction.

2. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The contact surface of the blocking element is at an angle greater than 100 degrees and less than 170 degrees relative to the removal direction.

3. The respiratory assist device according to claim 1, wherein, The contact surface of the blocking element is at an angle greater than 120 degrees and less than 130 degrees relative to the removal direction.

4. Breathing assistance device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The liquid chamber includes a base flange, wherein when the blocking member is in the covered position, the blocking member covers a front edge, which is part of the base flange, and wherein the contact surface is configured to contact the front edge of the base flange as the liquid chamber moves in the removal direction.

5. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 4 wherein, The groove includes a liquid chamber retaining guide, wherein the liquid chamber retaining guide has a front opening to allow the liquid chamber to be inserted into the groove, wherein the portion of the base flange other than the front edge is below the liquid chamber retaining guide and wherein the front edge of the base flange is exposed from the liquid chamber retaining guide.

6. The breathing assistance apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein, When viewed in a side projection, the contact surface has a constant angle over the entire contact area between the liquid chamber and the barrier.

7. The breathing assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, One or more biasing devices function between the housing and the protective shield to bias the blocking element to the covered position.

8. The respiratory assist device according to claim 7, wherein the one or more biasing devices function between the housing and the blocking member.

9. Breathing assistance device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The blocking element is capable of moving linearly between the covered position and the entry position.

10. The breathing assistance device of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein, The portion of the protective cover other than the blocking element is elastically flexible to bias the blocking element to the covered position.

11. The breathing assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The protective cover is integrally formed with or fastened to the housing.

12. The breathing assistance device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The protective cover includes a base, which is mounted to the housing, wherein the blocking member of the protective cover extends from the base of the protective cover at a position away from the mounting portion of the base of the protective cover to the housing.

13. The breathing assistance device of claim 12, wherein, The blocking element of the protective cover extends upward from the front end or near the front end of the base of the protective cover so as to be located at the front of the base.

14. Breathing assistance device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The housing includes a protrusion, and the base of the protective shield includes complementary openings to receive the protrusion in order to resist movement of the base of the protective shield in the removal direction.

15. The respiratory assist device of claim 14, configured such that when the liquid chamber is removed from the recess, the contact between the liquid chamber and the blocking member exerts a force on the protective shield in the removal direction, and wherein movement of the base of the protective shield in the removal direction is prevented by the protrusion contacting the outer peripheral wall of the orifice.

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