Respiratory assistance device and / or component thereof

Abstract

This application relates to respiratory assistance devices and / or components thereof. A respiratory assistance device has a housing and a detachable component (171), the housing having an engagement feature and an electrical component in the housing. The electrical component has a receptacle (233). The detachable component (171) has an electrical connector (178) that fits closely or snugly in the receptacle (233) of the electrical component to help maintain the detachable component (171) in connection with the electrical component. The detachable component has a tab (172) having a terminal portion (172b) that is bendable relative to the remainder of the detachable component. An engagement feature (174) is provided on the terminal portion of the tab and engages with the engagement feature of the housing to prevent the detachable component from being disconnected from the housing without actuating the terminal portion (172a) of the detachable component to bend the tab.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application 201980072383.4, filed on November 5, 2019, entitled "Respiratory Assistance Device and / or Components thereof". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a respiratory assist device and / or its components. 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 for delivering 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 within the inhalation 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, thereby forming a circuit to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of significant condensation formation.

[0005] Standalone humidifier devices typically consist of 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 certain volume of liquid, such as water. The heating plate may be configured to heat the certain volume of liquid contained in the liquid chamber to produce vapor.

[0006] The liquid chamber can be detached 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 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 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 laparoscopic surgery. Ideally, the humidifier device is adapted to supply moisture or vapor to a 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 a 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, optionally a gas humidification device. This device is operated to provide breathing 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-rate gases 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 may be placed on a floor or other supported surface, and the patient may be positioned in bed. The respiratory assist device may have a recess for receiving a humidifier liquid chamber. The liquid chamber receives liquid from, for example, a flexible liquid bag that delivers the liquid to the humidifier liquid chamber through one or more tubes. Optionally, the liquid chamber can be disassembled 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] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a filter module for a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the filter module comprising: a filter body having a plurality of walls including a first wall, an opposite second wall, and an upper wall extending between the first and second walls, the filter body defining at least one filter chamber; and a gas port communicating with at least one filter chamber in the filter body, the gas port extending upward from the upper wall and positioned closer to one of the first and second walls than to the center of the upper wall, wherein the gas port is configured to interact with a handle of the respiratory assist device.

[0017] In some configurations, the filter body includes a lower wall opposite to the upper wall, wherein the upper wall is oriented at an angle so as not to be parallel to the lower wall.

[0018] In some configurations, the upper wall is oriented at an angle of approximately 2 to approximately 10 degrees relative to the lower wall, optionally between approximately 2 to approximately 5 degrees, optionally approximately 3 degrees.

[0019] In some configurations, the second wall is higher than the first wall.

[0020] In some configurations, the gas port is located at or near the second wall.

[0021] In some configurations, the lower wall includes one or more lower ports for delivering gas to at least one filter chamber in the filter body.

[0022] In some configurations, the filter includes a filter medium for filtering the gas as it leaves the filter chamber(s).

[0023] Furthermore, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a breathing assist device is disclosed, the breathing assist device comprising: a housing having a filter recess for receiving a filter module as described above; and a handle connected to the housing for movable between a storage position and a carrying position, the handle including a hole for receiving a gas port of the filter module when the filter module is received in the filter recess and the handle is in the storage position.

[0024] In some configurations, the handle includes a side member having a connection feature at one end that movably connects the handle to the housing, and wherein a lateral carrying portion for carrying a breathing aid extends from the other end of the side member, wherein the hole is provided in the side member and positioned closer to the lateral carrying portion than to the connection feature.

[0025] In some configurations, the upper wall portion of the housing includes a handle recess for receiving the handle in a stowed position.

[0026] Furthermore, according to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing; and a cover configured to cooperate with the housing; wherein the cover is configured to be attached to the housing by an initial movement of the cover in a first direction followed by a subsequent movement of the cover in a second direction offset from the first direction.

[0027] In some configurations, the second direction is laterally opposite to the first direction.

[0028] In some configurations, the first direction is downward, while the second direction is backward.

[0029] In some configurations, the housing has upright vertical protrusions that engage with complementary downward-opening grooves in the cover when the cover moves downward relative to the housing.

[0030] In some configurations, the housing has a forward-pointing protrusion that engages with a complementary rearward-opening groove in the cover when the cover moves rearward relative to the housing.

[0031] In some configurations, the cover includes a front wall that is complementary to the surface of the housing, wherein the front wall is configured to contact the surface of the housing when the cover is attached to the housing.

[0032] In some configurations, the surfaces of the front wall and housing are curved.

[0033] In some configurations, the cover and housing have features that prevent the cover from being removed from the housing.

[0034] In some configurations, the cover includes one or more engagement protrusions and / or engagement grooves for engaging with one or more complementary engagement protrusions and / or engagement grooves of the housing.

[0035] In some configurations, the engagement protrusion and / or engagement groove each have a first side with a relatively flat angle and a second side with a relatively steep angle, wherein the first side is configured to interact with each other when the cover is attached to the housing, and wherein the second side is configured to interact with each other to prevent the cover from being removed from the housing.

[0036] In some configurations, the respiratory assist device further includes a detachable component comprising a gas port that can be detachably connected to the housing, wherein a cover is configured to engage with the detachable component.

[0037] In some configurations, the removable parts can be detached from both the cover and the housing when the cover is attached to the housing.

[0038] In some configurations, the breathing assist device includes electrical components within the housing, the electrical components including a receptacle, wherein the removable component includes an electrical connector for receiving in the receptacle and a seal configured to engage on a portion of the receptacle.

[0039] In some configurations, the seals include pressure seals.

[0040] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0041] In some configurations, the seals include overmolded seals.

[0042] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector that is partially housed in a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member integrally molded with a seal and covering a portion of the PCB electrical connector housed in the cavity.

[0043] In some configurations, the detachable component is a detachable bend.

[0044] Furthermore, according to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing; a detachable component including a gas port, the detachable component being detachably connected to the housing by moving the detachable component in a first direction and being detachably disconnected from the housing by moving the detachable component in a direction opposite to the first direction; and a cover configured to cooperate with the housing and the detachable component; wherein the cover is configured to attach to the housing without the use of fasteners and by an initial movement of the cover in the first direction followed by a subsequent movement of the cover in a second direction offset from the first direction, and wherein the cover is configured such that the cover cannot be removed from the housing by pulling the detachable component only in the second direction.

[0045] In some configurations, the housing has an upright vertical protrusion that engages with a complementary downward-opening groove in the cover when the cover moves relative to the housing in a first direction.

[0046] In some configurations, the housing has a forward-pointing protrusion that engages with a complementary rearward-opening groove in the cover when the cover moves relative to the housing in a second direction.

[0047] In some configurations, the cover and housing have features that prevent the cover from being removed from the housing.

[0048] In some configurations, the cover includes one or more engagement protrusions and / or engagement grooves for engaging with one or more complementary engagement protrusions and / or engagement grooves of the housing.

[0049] In some configurations, the engagement protrusion and / or engagement groove each have a first side with a relatively flat angle and a second side with a relatively steep angle, wherein the first side is configured to interact with each other when the cover is attached to the housing, and wherein the second side is configured to interact with each other to prevent the cover from being removed from the housing.

[0050] In some configurations, the first direction of movement of the cover differs from the first and second directions of movement of the detachable components.

[0051] In some configurations, the breathing assist device includes electrical components within the housing, the electrical components including a receptacle, wherein the removable component includes an electrical connector for receiving in the receptacle and a seal configured to engage on a portion of the receptacle.

[0052] In some configurations, the seals include pressure seals.

[0053] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0054] In some configurations, the seals include overmolded seals.

[0055] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector that is partially housed in a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member integrally molded with a seal and covering a portion of the PCB electrical connector housed in the cavity.

[0056] Furthermore, according to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing having electrical components therein; a detachable component configured to be detachably connected to the housing to form an electrical connection with the electrical components in the housing, the detachable component including a first gas port for coupling to a first accessory of the respiratory assist device and a second gas port for coupling to a second accessory of the respiratory assist device, wherein the first gas port is in fluid communication with the second gas port through a gas flow path in the detachable component; wherein the detachable component is configured to be connected to the housing by moving the detachable component relative to the housing in a first direction, wherein the detachable component is configured to be disconnected from the housing by moving the detachable component in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the detachable component is configured to prevent movement of the detachable component in the second direction without actuating one part of the detachable component relative to another part of the detachable component.

[0057] In some configurations, the first port includes a gas inlet port, and the second port includes a patient outlet port.

[0058] In some configurations, the housing includes a recess for receiving a liquid chamber having a gas outlet port on a gas inlet port for connection to a removable component, and wherein a patient outlet port is configured to connect to a patient catheter.

[0059] In some configurations, the respiratory assist device is configured such that the connections between the removable components and each of the fluid chamber, housing, and patient catheter can be formed in any order.

[0060] In some configurations, the direction of movement for connecting the liquid chamber to the detachable component is the same as the direction of movement for connecting the detachable component to the housing.

[0061] In some configurations, the removable component and the housing include complementary engagement features configured such that the removable component cannot be disconnected from the housing without actuation of the portion thereof.

[0062] In some configurations, the removable component and the housing include complementary engagement features configured such that if a sufficiently large force is applied to the removable component, the removable component can be disconnected from the housing without actuating said portion of the removable component.

[0063] In some configurations, the removable component includes a tongue having an end portion that can be bent relative to the rest of the removable component, and wherein multiple engagement features on the removable component are provided on the end portion.

[0064] In some configurations, the tongue includes a thinned portion between its end portion and the second gas port.

[0065] In some configurations, the first gas port and the second gas port include seals.

[0066] In some configurations, the seal at the first gas port includes two pressure sealing elements.

[0067] In some configurations, two pressure sealing elements are combined into a single seal.

[0068] In some configurations, the electrical components within the housing include electrical interconnect components.

[0069] In some configurations, the electrical interconnect components include a socket for receiving an electrical connector for a removable component, and a printed circuit board (PCB) for connecting to the power board of the device.

[0070] In some configurations, a portion of the socket is configured to form a tight or close fit with the electrical connector of the detachable component.

[0071] In some configurations, the removable component includes a seal configured to engage with a portion of the socket.

[0072] In some configurations, the seals include pressure seals.

[0073] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0074] In some configurations, the seals include overmolded seals.

[0075] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector that is partially housed in a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member integrally molded with a seal and covering a portion of the PCB electrical connector housed in the cavity.

[0076] In some configurations, the electrical interconnect components include an overmolded mold for providing a pneumatic seal.

[0077] In some configurations, the overmolding covers at least one section of the PCB.

[0078] In some configurations, the overmolding is configured to form a seal between the hole in the housing and the PCB.

[0079] In some configurations, the overmolding covers the connection between the PCB and the socket.

[0080] In some configurations, the detachable component is a detachable bend.

[0081] In some configurations, portions of the removable component configured to form an electrical connection with electrical components in the housing are aerodynamically isolated from the gas flow path of the removable component, and wherein connecting the removable component to the housing does not form a direct aerodynamic connection between the gas flow path and the housing.

[0082] Furthermore, according to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing including an engagement feature; an electrical component within the housing, the electrical component including a container; a detachable component including an electrical connector configured to closely or tightly engage within the container of the electrical component to help maintain the detachable component connected to the electrical component, the detachable component including a gas port, wherein the detachable component further includes a tongue having an end portion capable of bending relative to the remainder of the detachable component, wherein the engagement feature is disposed on the end portion of the tongue and configured to engage with the engagement feature of the housing such that disconnection of the detachable component from the housing is prevented without actuating the end portion of the detachable component to bend the tongue.

[0083] In some configurations, the tongue includes a thinned portion adjacent to the terminal portion.

[0084] In some configurations, the engagement features of the detachable component include protrusions, and the engagement features of the housing include complementary engagement grooves.

[0085] In some configurations, the protrusion extends outward from one side of the end portion.

[0086] In some configurations, the housing and the removable component each have two of the aforementioned engagement features, wherein the engagement features of the removable component include two protrusions extending outward from opposite sides of the end portion, and wherein the housing includes two complementary engagement grooves.

[0087] In some configurations, the engagement feature is configured such that inserting the removable part into the housing will cause the end of the tongue to bend.

[0088] In some configurations, the electrical components include a socket, and the removable components include a seal configured to engage with a portion of the socket.

[0089] In some configurations, the seals include pressure seals.

[0090] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0091] In some configurations, the seals include overmolded seals.

[0092] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector that is partially housed in a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member integrally molded with a seal and covering a portion of the PCB electrical connector housed in the cavity.

[0093] In some configurations, the detachable component is a detachable bend.

[0094] Furthermore, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, an electrical component for use in a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the electrical component comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) and an overmolding on at least one segment of the PCB for providing a pneumatic seal on said segment of the PCB and between the overmolding and another component.

[0095] In some configurations, sections of the PCB are exposed from the overlay.

[0096] In some configurations, the section of the PCB exposed from the encapsulation mold is the lower power section of the PCB, while the higher power section of the PCB is largely covered by the encapsulation mold.

[0097] In some configurations, another portion of the PCB is exposed from the encapsulation mold to form a connector for connecting the higher power section of the PCB to the device's main power board.

[0098] In some configurations, the overmolding is configured to form a pneumatic seal between the hole in the device housing and the PCB.

[0099] In some configurations, the lower power section of the PCB exposed from the overmolding leads to the electrical connector.

[0100] In some configurations, the electrical connector is associated with another component that has lower power requirements than the main power board.

[0101] In some configurations, the other component is the device's display.

[0102] In some configurations, the electrical components include a socket for receiving an electrical connector for a removable component.

[0103] In some configurations, the overmolding covers the connection between the PCB and the socket.

[0104] In some configurations, encapsulation molding encapsulates electrical components and / or electronic device components onto a PCB.

[0105] Furthermore, according to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing with a wall; a component within the housing having a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) for providing power and / or communication to the component; and a retaining feature on the surface of the wall, the retaining feature comprising spaced-apart ribs and inwardly facing protrusions extending from the end edges of the ribs, wherein the distance between the ribs is complementary to the width of the flexible PCB, and wherein the distance between the protrusions is less than the width of the flexible PCB, such that the flexible PCB is retained between the protrusions and the wall.

[0106] In some configurations, the breathing assist device further includes one or more supports between the ribs, the depth of which is less than the depth of the ribs, and the supports are configured such that the flexible PCB contacts the protrusions.

[0107] In some configurations, the respiratory assist device further includes another component in the housing, the other component having wires for providing power and / or communication to the other component, and wherein the wires are received between one of the walls, supports, or ribs and the flexible PCB, or wherein the wires are received between two of the walls or supports and the flexible PCB.

[0108] In some configurations, the wall includes gaps that allow flexible PCBs and optionally wires to pass through the wall, wherein features are positioned above the gaps.

[0109] In some configurations, the breathing assist device includes a power panel above the retaining feature, wherein the power panel includes slots for receiving a flexible PCB and optional ground wires.

[0110] In some configurations, the power panel further includes a container, the socket containing electrical connectors for a flexible PCB and optionally for conductors.

[0111] Furthermore, according to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing having a gas port configured to connect with a port of a liquid chamber; and a seal on the gas port for providing a pneumatic seal with the port of the liquid chamber, wherein the seal is a single seal comprising two sealing elements, wherein each sealing element comprises a pressure seal.

[0112] In some configurations, each sealing element includes a bulb-shaped, radially outwardly positioned end, and optionally, each sealing element includes a narrowed belly section between the end and the base of the seal.

[0113] In some configurations, the sealing element is an annular sealing element, wherein one of the sealing elements is closer to the end of the gas port than the other of the sealing elements, and wherein the end of the sealing element closer to the gas port is positioned such that the diameter of the sealing element is larger than that of the other sealing element.

[0114] In some configurations, the seal includes an additional sealing element at or near the end of the seal opposite to the end of the gas port.

[0115] In some configurations, the additional sealing element includes an outwardly tapered portion and a radially projecting flange at or near the end of the seal opposite to the end of the gas port.

[0116] In some configurations, an additional sealing element is configured to form a seal with a second component that is different from the liquid chamber.

[0117] In some configurations, the flange protrudes radially outward beyond the pressure seal, such that the flange is configured to connect with a second component whose inner diameter is larger than the port of the liquid chamber.

[0118] In some configurations, the flange is configured to connect to components of the disinfection kit.

[0119] In some configurations, the ports of the liquid chamber include either an inlet port or an outlet port.

[0120] In some configurations, the gas port includes a recessed portion for receiving the seal.

[0121] In some configurations, the housing includes two gas ports, and a seal is provided on each of the gas ports.

[0122] In some configurations, the gas port is part of a removable component, the breathing aid includes electrical components within the housing, the electrical components include a receptacle, and the removable component includes an electrical connector for receiving in the receptacle and a seal configured to engage on a portion of the receptacle.

[0123] In some configurations, the seal configured to engage with the portion of the socket includes a pressure seal.

[0124] In some configurations, the seal configured to engage with a portion of the socket comprises one or more sealing elements.

[0125] In some configurations, the seal configured to engage with the portion of the socket includes an overmolded seal.

[0126] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector that is partially housed in a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member integrally molded with and covering a portion of the PCB electrical connector housed in the cavity, the seal being configured to engage on a portion of the receptacle.

[0127] Furthermore, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a detachable component for use with a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device including a housing and electrical components in the housing including a receptacle, wherein the detachable component is configured to be detachably connected to the housing to form an electrical connection with the electrical components in the housing, the detachable component including: an electrical connector for receiving in the receptacle, an air port, and a seal configured to engage on a portion of the receptacle.

[0128] In some configurations, the seals include pressure seals.

[0129] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0130] In some configurations, the seals include overmolded seals.

[0131] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector that is partially housed in a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member integrally molded with and covering a portion of the PCB electrical connector housed in the cavity, the seal being configured to engage on a portion of the receptacle.

[0132] In some configurations, the gas port is a first gas port, and the removable component includes a second gas port that is in fluid communication with the first gas port via a gas flow path in the removable component.

[0133] In some configurations, a first gas port is used to connect to a first accessory of the respiratory assist device, and a second gas port is used to connect to a second accessory of the respiratory assist device.

[0134] In some configurations, the detachable component is a detachable bend.

[0135] Furthermore, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a combination of a respiratory assist device and a detachable component is disclosed, the combination comprising: a respiratory assist device including a housing and electrical components within the housing, the electrical components including a socket; and the detachable component outlined above.

[0136] In some configurations, the electrical components include electrical interconnect components.

[0137] In some configurations, the electrical interconnect components include a socket and a printed circuit board (PCB) on the power board for connecting to the device.

[0138] In some configurations, the electrical interconnect components include an overmolded mold for providing a pneumatic seal.

[0139] Furthermore, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a seal for use in a motor module of a breathing device is disclosed, the seal comprising a fixed portion and a flexible portion configured to bend inward toward a gas flow path.

[0140] In some configurations, the seal has an effective position or orientation in which the flexible portion folds to contact a fixed portion. In the effective orientation, the seal forms a tortuous path that allows any gas to pass through.

[0141] Furthermore, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment of the embodiments disclosed herein, a motor module for a breathing device is disclosed, the motor module including a substrate, a cover layer, a sensing layer sandwiched between the substrate and the cover layer, and a seal between the substrate and the sensing layer and / or a seal between the sensing layer and the cover layer, the seal or each seal including a fixed portion and a flexible portion, the flexible portion being configured to bend inward toward a gas flow path.

[0142] In some configurations, the seal includes an undulating shape.

[0143] In some configurations, the height of the seal decreases from the uncompressed position to the effective position.

[0144] Features from one or more embodiments or configurations can be combined with features from one or more other embodiments or configurations. Furthermore, more than one embodiment can be used together during patient respiratory support.

[0145] References to the ranges of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) are intended to include references 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 the specific content 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.

[0146] 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 shown, described or mentioned in this specification.

[0147] 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.

[0148] Many structural modifications and a wide variety of embodiments and applications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, 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 way. When a specific entity having a known equivalent in the field of this invention is referred to herein, such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as if listed separately.

[0149] The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting of at least in part...". When interpreting each statement using the term "comprising" in this specification, features other than the one or more features following the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" will be interpreted in the same manner.

[0150] As used in this article, the term "(multiple)" following a noun refers to the plural and / or singular forms of that noun.

[0151] As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or, if the context allows, both.

[0152] The present invention is based on the foregoing content, and various structures are also conceived, of which only examples are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0153] Based on the detailed description herein with reference to the following accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the specific embodiments and modifications thereof, wherein:

[0154] Figure 1 The respiratory assist device is shown in schematic form.

[0155] Figure 2 This is a front / right top perspective view of the breathing assist device, in which the humidifier liquid chamber is positioned in a recess in the base unit of the breathing assist device.

[0156] Figure 3 This is a front / left top perspective view of the respiratory assist device, in which the fluid chamber is removed from the recess in the base unit of the respiratory assist device.

[0157] Figure 4 This is a front / right top perspective view of the respiratory assist device base unit, where the liquid chamber and heating plate are not shown.

[0158] Figure 5 This is a front / right bottom perspective view of the respiratory assist device base unit, where the liquid chamber is not shown.

[0159] Figure 6 This is a front / right top perspective view of the removable bend and cover of the respiratory assist device base unit.

[0160] Figure 7 This is the right-side view of the bend.

[0161] Figure 8 This is a rear / right perspective view of the bend shown from below, and the seal is not shown.

[0162] Figure 9 This is a top view of the cover and the bend before the bend is inserted into the cover.

[0163] Figure 10 This is an enlarged right-side view showing the engagement features (dashed lines) on the bend where it joins with the cover.

[0164] Figure 11 This is a right-side view of the bend, with the locations of (multiple) temperature sensors shown by dashed lines.

[0165] Figure 12This is a right-side view of a portion of the bend, showing details of the seal.

[0166] Figure 13 This is a front / right top perspective view showing a disinfection kit installed on a respiratory assist device.

[0167] Figure 14 This is a bottom view of the cover, showing the engagement protrusion.

[0168] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the right side of the cover.

[0169] Figure 16 This is a top plan view of the screen carrier of the housing of the respiratory assist device base unit, showing the complementary protrusions.

[0170] Figure 17 The first step of engaging the cover with the screen carrier of the upper housing is shown.

[0171] Figure 18 The cover is shown after being attached to the screen carrier.

[0172] Figure 19 The connection between the cover and the screen carrier protrusion is shown.

[0173] Figure 20 This is a front / right perspective view of the upper housing with handles.

[0174] Figure 21 This is a top-down view of the handle.

[0175] Figure 22 A portion of the connection arrangement for receiving the handle is shown.

[0176] Figure 23 This is a right-side view of the connection arrangement with the handle in the lowered position.

[0177] Figure 24 This is a right-side view of the connection arrangement with the handle in the raised position.

[0178] Figure 25 This is the right-hand view of the filter module.

[0179] Figure 26 This is the left-hand view of the filter module.

[0180] Figure 27 This is a front / left top perspective view showing the filter module in place in the upper housing and the lowered handle.

[0181] Figure 28 This is a front / right top perspective view showing the electrical interconnect components and the removable bend.

[0182] Figure 29 This is a top-view perspective section of the socket for the interconnect components.

[0183] Figure 30 This is a front view of the socket.

[0184] Figure 31 This is a bottom view of the socket.

[0185] Figure 32 This is a rear / right top perspective view showing the interconnecting components of the upper housing mounted to the casing.

[0186] Figure 33 This is a rear perspective view of the PCB and sockets of the interconnect components.

[0187] Figure 34 This is a rear top perspective view of the interconnect assembly, showing the overmolding mold of the interconnect assembly.

[0188] Figure 35 This is a front lower perspective view of the interconnect assembly, showing the encapsulation mold of the interconnect assembly.

[0189] Figure 36 This is a top-down perspective cross-section of the right side of the breathing assist device, showing the connection of the electrical connector assembly to the main power board and the display / interface power board.

[0190] Figure 37 This is a bottom view of the rear of the lower casing.

[0191] Figure 38 This is a bottom view of the front of the lower casing.

[0192] Figure 39 This is a bottom view of the lower housing, showing the valve housing in place.

[0193] Figure 40 This is a top-down perspective view of the valve module and valve housing from the rear / left side.

[0194] Figure 41 This is a rear view of the respiratory assist device base unit, showing the features of the battery recess.

[0195] Figure 42 This is a rear perspective view of the battery recess features.

[0196] Figure 43 This is a top perspective view of the container used to receive the electrical connector.

[0197] Figure 44 This is a rear view of the respiratory assist device base unit with the battery module already in place.

[0198] Figure 45 This is a top-down perspective view of the power cord retainer from the rear / right side.

[0199] Figure 46 This is a front / left perspective view of the power cord retainer.

[0200] Figure 47 This is a bottom view of the power cord retainer.

[0201] Figure 48A This is an exploded perspective view of the power line retainer and battery cover of the battery module.

[0202] Figure 48B This is another exploded perspective view of the power cord retainer and battery cover.

[0203] Figure 49 This is a bottom view of a portion of the battery cover used to house the power cord retainer.

[0204] Figure 50 This is a bottom view showing the power cord holder attached to the battery cover.

[0205] Figure 51 This is a front view of the connected power cord retainer and battery cover.

[0206] Figure 52 This is a rear / right top perspective view of the detachable bend of the respiratory assist device base unit.

[0207] Figure 53 This is a rear / left perspective view of the detachable bend.

[0208] Figure 54 This is a rear / right perspective view of the removable bend shown from below during the initial stage of assembly.

[0209] Figure 55 This is a rear / right perspective view of the bend shown from below during the middle stage of assembly.

[0210] Figure 56 This is a bottom view of the assembled detachable bend.

[0211] Figure 57 This is a perspective view of the filter removal tool.

[0212] Figure 58 yes Figure 57 A cross-sectional view of the filter removal tool.

[0213] Figure 59 This is a perspective view of the motor module used in flow therapy or respiratory support equipment.

[0214] Figure 60 yes Figure 59 The top perspective view of the outlet gas flow path of the motor module and the sensing layer, which forms the lower part of the gas flow path.

[0215] Figure 61 yes Figure 59 The lower perspective view of the cover of the motor module, which forms the upper portion of the gas flow path.

[0216] Figure 62A It is used for Figure 59 A schematic diagram of the sealed arrangement of the PCB of the motor module.

[0217] Figure 62B yes Figure 59 Top perspective view of the PCB of the motor and / or sensor sub-assemblies.

[0218] Figure 63 It is used in Figure 59 A perspective view of the seal that seals the base of the motor module and the sensing layer.

[0219] Figure 64 It is used in Figure 59 A perspective view of the seal that seals the space between the cover layer and the sensing layer of the motor module.

[0220] Figure 65 yes Figure 63 and Figure 64 The cross-section of the seal, wherein an exemplary curved configuration of the seal is shown in dashed lines.

[0221] Figure 66 This shows a cross-section of the cavity between the upper surface of the lower housing and the lower surface of the upper housing of the main housing of the base unit of the respiratory assist device.

[0222] Figure 67 This is a perspective view of the filter container seal.

[0223] Figure 68A and Figure 68B It is in both uncompressed and compressed states. Figure 67 A cross-sectional view of the seal. Detailed Implementation

[0224] 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.

[0225] A CPAP device is a gas supply device, optionally a gas humidification device. This device is operated to provide breathing 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 assisted breathing unit and humidifier.

[0226] 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.

[0227] High-flow-rate devices can be used to deliver high-flow-rate gases 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.

[0228] 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 may be placed on a floor or other supported surface, and the patient may be positioned in bed. The respiratory assist device may have a recess for receiving a humidifier liquid chamber. The liquid chamber receives liquid from, for example, a flexible liquid bag that delivers the liquid to the humidifier liquid chamber through one or more tubes. Optionally, the liquid chamber can be disassembled 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.

[0229] Generally, 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, multiple display and input devices such as multiple buttons, a touchscreen, 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 operation 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.

[0230] 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 with a manifold 19 and a nose 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 occipital mask and / or a nasal mask and / or a tracheostomy interface or any other suitable type of patient interface. Humidifiable gas generated by the respiratory assist device 10 flows through the patient breathing tube 16 and is delivered to the patient via 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.

[0231] 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 of desired volume, 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 humidify and / or heat the gas to a desired temperature to achieve the desired level of patient treatment and / or comfort. The controller 13 may be programmed to, or may determine, a suitable target gas flow temperature.

[0232] Operating sensors 3a, 3b, 3c, 20, and 25 (e.g., flow sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and / or pressure sensors) can be placed in different 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. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitters and / or receivers 15 can transmit data to a remote server or enable remote control of the device 10.

[0233] 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 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.

[0234] 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 newborn, 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, newborn, 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 contain 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%.

[0235] 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. Furthermore, high-flow therapy can create a flushing effect in the nasopharynx, flushing the anatomically dead spaces of the upper airway with a high-flow-rate gas. This creates a reservoir of fresh gas available for each breath, while minimizing rebreathing of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.

[0236] In one instance of high-flow therapy, an unsealed or non-sealed user interface, such as a nasal cannula, is used. For CPAP, sealed interfaces, such as nasal masks, full-face masks, or nasal pillows, are typically used.

[0237] 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 nose 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.

[0238] As described below, the respiratory assist device 10 has various features to aid in the operation, use, and / or configuration of the respiratory assist device 10.

[0239] like Figures 2 to 5 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.

[0240] The main housing of the base unit 50 has an outer peripheral wall arrangement. The outer peripheral wall arrangement defines a recess 108, which provides a humidifier liquid chamber compartment for receiving a removable humidifier 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.

[0241] The base unit 50 of device 10 may have a movable finger guard 140 that prevents the user from contacting the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber when the liquid chamber is in place in the recess 108 and when the blocking member 141a of the finger guard is in the covered position shown in the figure. The blocking member 141a is movable between the covered position and a lowered access position, in which the recess 108 is less covered or not covered by the blocking member 141a.

[0242] 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 oriented in the front-rear direction of the main housing 100, a substantially vertical right outer wall 111, and a substantially vertical rear outer wall 113 extending between and connecting the walls 109 and 111. Figure 37 ).like Figure 36 and 37 As shown, bottom wall 115 extends between and connects the lower ends of walls 109, 111, and 113, forming a substantially horizontal base plate portion of the equipment's base and liquid chamber compartment.

[0243] 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 heating elements suitable for heating the liquid in the liquid chamber 151 for use in a humidification process. The heating plate typically has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the base 154 of the liquid chamber 151, for example, a circle. The heating plate 140 is resiliently mounted; for example, on a biasing device (such as a plurality of springs). This resilient mounting allows the heating plate to move downwards to receive the liquid chamber 151 into 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.

[0244] The lower housing 104 of the main housing can be attached to the upper housing 102 by suitable fasteners or integral attachment features (such as clips). 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.

[0245] The lower housing 104 has a motor recess 122 for receiving the motor module. Figure 39 The motor module can be permanently inserted into the motor recess 122 or can be detached from the motor recess 122. A recess opening is provided near the rear edge of the bottom wall 115 for receiving the detachable 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(s) for sensing parameters of the gas flowing through the motor module.

[0246] The base unit 50 of device 10 has a motor module and housing with suitable tubing and / or gas flow paths 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 for humidification. Gas is delivered from the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber 151 to the patient outlet port 30 (via the humidification gas inlet port 163), and then to the patient via the patient breathing tube 16 and the patient interface 17.

[0247] The motor recess 122 includes a recess opening in the bottom wall 115 of the housing. Alternatively, the recess opening may be located in different parts of the housing, such as the side, front, or top of the housing.

[0248] 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 module includes a battery cover 126 for housing the battery. The battery in the battery module 125 may be replaceable.

[0249] In the illustrated configuration, the battery cover 126 of the battery module 125 is attached to the exterior of the rear wall 113 of the 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.

[0250] The housing may be provided with a battery cover 126 (Figures 48a, 48b) for covering the battery after installation. Alternatively, the battery may be installed directly onto the housing 100 without the cover. The dimensions of the battery, and therefore the battery cover 126, may be configured not to extend beyond the bottom wall 115 of the housing. Alternatively, the battery cover 126 may be longer and extend beyond the bottom wall 115 of the housing to accommodate a larger battery.

[0251] like Figure 3 As shown, the base unit 50 of the device 10 has mounting features 127 for mounting the device onto the support device.

[0252] Mounting feature 127 can be integrally formed with a portion of the main housing 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 walls).

[0253] The main housing 100 of the device can be formed of any suitable material that would allow the mounting feature 127 to be integrally formed. For example, the housing 100 can be formed of polycarbonate.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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 is disposed at the lower end of the outer peripheral wall and includes a base flange 155 projecting outward from the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 153. A base unit with first and second connection ports, including a liquid chamber gas inlet port 157 and a liquid chamber gas outlet port 159, communicates 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 connected to the gas outlet port 161, which receives gas from the motor module via a gas flow path, and the liquid chamber gas outlet port 157 is connected to the humidifying gas inlet port 163 to deliver humidified gas from the liquid chamber to the patient outlet port 30.

[0257] The liquid chamber 151 may have a generally circular outer periphery shape, or may be any other suitable shape, and the shape of the groove 108 may be changed accordingly if needed.

[0258] In the form shown, the liquid chamber 151 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0259] The base 154 of the liquid chamber 151 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.

[0260] The liquid chamber 151 can be fluidly connected from the front of the housing 100 in a rearward insertion direction (CID) along the insertion groove 108 into the base unit 50 of the device 10. 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.

[0261] Humidifying gas inlet port 163 is implemented in a detachable bend 171 ( Figure 6 In the detachable component shown in Figure 13), the bend can be detachably attached to the housing. The detachable bend 171 is L-shaped and further includes an upright patient outlet port 30 for attachment to the patient breathing tube 16 to deliver gas to the patient interface 17. In different configurations, the detachable component may not have a bend shape, but may instead have, for example, aligned inlet and outlet ports.

[0262] 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 tube 16, and optionally one or more other accessories.

[0263] Gas outlet port 161 and gas inlet port 163 include multiple sealing elements. The sealing elements can be pressure seals, L-shaped seals, X-rings, or O-rings. Pressure seals can have a T-shaped cross-section. Gas outlet port 161 and gas inlet port 163 can 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, and when the liquid chamber 151 is connected to the gas inlet port 163 and the gas outlet port 161 of the base unit 50, a pressure seal can be positioned inside each base unit connection port 157, 159, and a pressure seal can be positioned outside each base unit connection port 157, 159. 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 allows the pressure seals, L-shaped seals, X-rings, or O-rings to be held on the ports 161, 163.

[0264] 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 may be parallel and / or horizontal, so that the liquid chamber 151 can be inserted into the recess 108 with substantially linear movement to form a gas connection between the ports.

[0265] 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.

[0266] The chamber connection ports 161 and 163 (shown as protruding connecting members) of the respiratory assist device base unit 50 are concentrically inserted into the base unit connection ports 157 and 159 (shown as concave connecting members) of the liquid chamber. 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.

[0267] 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.

[0268] The respiratory assist device 10 may have any 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.

[0269] To prevent gas leakage from either of the two connections (ports 157 and 161, and ports 159 and 163), one or more sealing elements are provided for each connection. The one or more sealing elements may be located on the outer surface of the convex port and seal against the inner surface of the concave port. In one configuration, the gas inlet port 157 and the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber are concave ports, while the housing ports (i.e., the gas outlet port 161 and the humidifying gas inlet port 163) are convex ports. Alternatively, ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber may be convex ports, and ports 161 and 163 of the breathing aid base unit 50 may be concave ports.

[0270] Figures 6 to 12Details of the removable bend 171 are shown. Although this section describes the features of the humidifying gas inlet port 163 and its interaction with the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber (including the seal 173), the features of the gas outlet port 161 of the housing and its interaction with the gas inlet port 157 of the liquid chamber will be the same.

[0271] The humidifying gas inlet port 163 includes a generally horizontally oriented extension 162 configured to insert into the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber. The end 163a of the port has a rounded edge to aid in aligning the gas outlet port 159 with the humidifying gas inlet port 163. Furthermore, the end 163a is slightly smaller in diameter than the gas outlet port 159.

[0272] At least one recessed portion 163b is provided on port 163. This recessed portion allows a seal 173 to be attached to the port. The seal 173 can be attached by direct overmolding onto port 163. Alternatively, the seal 173 can be stretched at the end 163a of the port to place it in the recess 163b. The seal can be shaped such that it remains stretched once placed in the recess to help hold the seal in place. Once the seal 173 is in the recess 163b, the boundary of the recess 163b prevents any movement of the seal 173 along port 163. This allows the liquid chamber 151 to connect / disconnect with lateral movement without dislodging the seal 173 from port 163.

[0273] The humidifying gas inlet port 163 may include multiple seals or sealing elements located in a recess 163b. The multiple seals 175 may be a pair of pressure seals, L-shaped seals, X-rings, or O-rings. Pressure seals may have a T-shaped cross-section. In some configurations, the gas inlet port 163 may include three or more seals or sealing elements. A similar arrangement of seals may also be located on the outlet port 161 of the base unit 50. The pressure seals (i.e., double seals) prevent or reduce breathing gas leakage and / or condensate movement toward the electronics in the removable bend 171 and the electrical connector 178 of the bend (hereinafter). Similarly, the seals reduce the chance of liquid (i.e., condensate) moving and dripping back into the gas outlet port 161 of the base unit 50, preferably preventing this to prevent water from entering the electronics chamber of the base unit.

[0274] Seal 173 may be made of silicone rubber. In alternative configurations, seal 173 may be made of any suitable elastomer (such as polyurethane). Alternatively, seal 173 may be made of (multiple) thermoplastic elastomers and / or (multiple) thermoplastic vulcanized rubbers, particularly when the seal will be overmolded onto a removable bend.

[0275] As discussed above, multiple sealing elements can be provided on port 163 to seal against port 159 of the liquid chamber at multiple locations. Multiple sealing elements can be implemented by having multiple seals 173, wherein port 163 has corresponding multiple recesses 163b for receiving each seal. Alternatively, in the configuration shown, multiple sealing elements 175 are incorporated into a single seal 173 located in a single recess 163b.

[0276] Having multiple sealing elements 175 on a single seal 173 is preferable to having multiple seals on the port 163 because it reduces the number of seals that need to be attached during manufacturing. Furthermore, when multiple sealing elements 175 are provided, the increased width of the seals reduces the chance of the seals folding outwards when assembled onto the port 163.

[0277] Having multiple sealing elements 175 is beneficial for providing redundancy in the seal between the respiratory assist device base unit 50 and the liquid chamber 151. This reduces the chance of respiratory gas leakage and / or liquid migration into the base unit 50, as this would require a seal failure provided by each sealing element 175. Furthermore, having a sealing element 175 with an end 163a closer to the port 163, i.e., a front sealing element (compared to a single centrally located sealing element), allows a seal to be formed between the liquid chamber 151 and the respiratory assist device 10, even if the liquid chamber is not fully connected to the port 163. Having multiple sealing elements 175 also helps to align the liquid chamber 151 in the recess 108 and align the ports 159 and 163 by providing multiple contact points between the ports 159 and 163. The rearmost sealing element 175 on the port 163 restricts the position of the liquid chamber 151 more than the front sealing element on the port. That's because the last sealing element is farther from the center of the liquid chamber 151, so the tolerance between that sealing element and the liquid chamber ports 159, 163 is equal to the smaller achievable angular rotation of the liquid chamber 151.

[0278] When multiple sealing elements are provided, the sealing elements can be spaced equally apart from each other along the base 173a. In other configurations, the distance between the sealing elements may be unequal.

[0279] In some configurations, the distance between the sealing elements is equal to the distance between the front sealing element and the end 163a of the gas inlet port 163. In other configurations, the distance between the sealing elements may not be equal to the distance between the front sealing element 175 and the end 163a.

[0280] The front sealing element is the primary sealing element, while the rearmost sealing element is the secondary sealing element. The sealing elements form the effective outer diameter of ports 161 and 163 of the base unit 50 before connection, and the effective outer diameter is slightly larger than the inner diameter of ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber.

[0281] The elastic properties of the seals allow for connection between the rigid bodies of ports 157, 159, 161, and 163. Even if one seal fails, multiple sealing elements 175 allow for a pneumatic seal between the base unit 50 of the breathing aid device 10 and the humidifier liquid chamber 151.

[0282] The degree to which a successful seal is formed depends on the depth at which the corresponding chamber connection ports 161, 163 of the respiratory assist device base unit 50 are located within the base unit connection ports 157, 159 of the liquid chamber, such that one or more sealing elements 175 are engaged. This assumes that the diameters of the chamber connection ports 161, 163, the base unit connection ports 157, 159, and the seals 175 are appropriately sized to allow engagement of one or more seals. Advantageously, two seals 175 are engaged to minimize any possible rotation or rocking of the liquid chamber 151 by restricting additional degrees of freedom during use, and to provide a pneumatic seal. Engaging two seals 175 also provides redundancy should a single seal fail.

[0283] It should be understood that although the connection ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber base unit are completely sealed with the chamber connection ports 161 and 163 of the respiratory assist device base unit 50, some leakage may still be allowed between those components while still providing sufficient gas flow to the user.

[0284] One or more sealing elements 175 may be pressure seals. Figure 7 and Figure 11 In the form shown, the pressure seal is a flexible annular edge extending around the perimeter of port 163. For example... Figure 12As shown in cross-section, the pressure seal has a bulbous, radially outwardly positioned end 175a, which may have, for example, a circular cross-section. End 175a is configured to contact the inner surface of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber. The pressure seal may advantageously have a narrowed belly section 175b extending from the base of the seal to end 175a. The narrowed belly section 175b allows the pressure seal to bend more easily, while the enlarged bulbous end 175a provides a larger surface area for sealing contact with the inner surface of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber. In some configurations, the pressure seal may not have a bulbous end 175a.

[0285] Reference Figure 12 The radial heights h1 and h2 of each pressure seal are such that, in the non-bent position, the diameter of the pressure seal is larger than the inner diameter of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber. When the liquid chamber 151 is inserted into the recess 108, the pressure seal will contact the inner wall of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber and bend downward toward the base 173a of the seal 173 to accommodate the smaller inner diameter of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber. The elasticity of the seal will mean that the pressure seal 175 resists this bend, thereby providing a sealing force between the contact point on the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber and the end 175a of the pressure seal. Due to manufacturing tolerances, this configuration accommodates minor variations in the dimensions of the pressure seal 175 and the port 159 of the liquid chamber, as the pressure seal will bend to accommodate the exact diameter of the liquid chamber port.

[0286] Another advantage of the pressure seals 175 is that they provide low resistance to axial movement. Unlike other seals, the ability of the pressure seals to bend and conform to the inner surface of the connection port of the liquid chamber base unit results in less friction, making it easier to connect and disconnect the liquid chamber 151 to the housing 100 of the base unit 50 of the breathing assist device 10.

[0287] However, in one scenario, the pressure seal 175 does provide slightly greater resistance to the movement of the liquid chamber 151. When the liquid chamber moves in a first direction (e.g., towards the housing 100 in the insertion direction CID during connection), the pressure seal 175 will fold towards the first orientation. When the liquid chamber moves in a second direction (e.g., away from the housing 100 in the disassembly direction CRD during disconnection), the pressure seal 175 will fold towards the second orientation. Therefore, when the liquid chamber 151 moves in one direction and then first in another, the pressure seal 175 will also change from one orientation to the other. This occurs by the pressure seal 175 itself folding in the gap between the base 173a of the seal and the inner surface of the liquid chamber port 159. This folding causes the pressure seal 175 to fold more than its normal folding during ordinary movement of the two components, thus temporarily providing greater resistance to the movement of the liquid chamber 151 compared to the norm.

[0288] This increased resistance may be beneficial because it is likely to occur after the fluid chamber 151 is connected, but before the user initially attempts to remove the fluid chamber from the recess 108. In this case, the reorientation of the pressure seal 175 will provide temporary resistance that needs to be overcome before the fluid chamber 175 can be removed. This helps prevent the fluid chamber 151 from being accidentally ejected from engagement with the breathing aid 10, but it will not prevent removal of the fluid chamber once the fluid chamber 151 begins to move relative to the housing 100.

[0289] In a favorable configuration, the chamber connection ports 161 and 163 of the respiratory assist device base unit 50 each have a single seal 173 located in a single recess, the seal having two sealing elements 175 in the form of two pressure seals. The pressure seal closer to the end 163a of the gas port 163 can have a larger diameter than the other pressure seal (i.e., h1 > h2). The longer pressure seal provides a more reliable seal and accommodates variations in the inner diameter of the corresponding base unit connection ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber, but requires a greater amount of travel to stabilize in the correct position. When the liquid chamber is connected, the liquid chamber 151 contacts the front pressure seal earlier, thus providing a greater amount of travel.

[0290] In an alternative configuration, the pressure seal at the end 163a closer to the gas port 163 can have a smaller diameter than the other pressure seal (i.e., h2 > h1). However, due to the internal tapered portions of the ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber 151, the interference between ports 157 and 159 and the pressure seal at the end 163a closer to the gas port 163 will be greater than with the other seal. Similarly, h1 and h2 can be equal, but due to the internal tapered portions of ports 157 and 159, the interference between ports 157 and 159 and the pressure seal at the end 163a closer to the gas port 163 will be greater than with the other seal.

[0291] In another alternative configuration, the pressure seal may have the same dimensions. In another alternative configuration, the pressure seal may have three or more sealing elements 175.

[0292] In another alternative configuration, the pressure seals can be shaped to conform to the internal tapered portions of ports 157 and 159, such that the interference between each pressure seal and ports 157 and 159 is the same.

[0293] Alternatives to pressure seals include the use of O-rings, L-rings, or X-rings. Pressure seals are preferred over these alternatives because they offer less resistance to movement of the fluid chamber 151 and are easier to assemble and replace. O-rings and X-rings have the advantage of higher pressure thresholds; however, the pressure threshold of the pressure seal exceeds the pressure that will be used in the breathing assist device 10.

[0294] As an alternative, one or more pressure seals may be used in addition to one of the alternative types of seals listed above or other suitable seals(s).

[0295] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, seal 173 has an additional sealing element at or near the end of seal 173 opposite to end 163a of gas port 163. In one configuration, the base 173a of seal 173 also has an outwardly tapered portion 173b leading to a radially projecting flange 177. The flange 177 is positioned at or adjacent to the end of seal 173 near or adjacent to end 163b of port 163, the proximal end being opposite to end 163a. ​​The flange 177 is configured to form a seal with a component different from the first component (the base unit connection ports 157, 159 of the liquid chamber). Therefore, flange 177 has a different configuration from pressure seal 175. In the form shown, the flange projects radially outward further than pressure seal 175, such that the flanged portion of seal 173 has a larger diameter for connection with a second component having an inner diameter larger than that of liquid chamber ports 157, 159. The outward tapered portion 173b helps guide different components into contact with the flange 175.

[0296] For example, larger components may include part of a disinfection kit. Figure 13 The components of the disinfection kit 180 connected to the base unit 50 of the respiratory assist device 10 are shown. A disinfection tube 181 is connected to a gas outlet port 161 and a patient outlet port 30. The inner surface of a first connector 181a of the disinfection tube 181 forms an interference fit with a flange 177 on a seal 173 on the gas outlet port 161. The first connector 181a may have a tapered surface forming the interference fit. The inner surface of a second connector 181b of the disinfection tube 181 forms an interference fit with a seal on the patient outlet port 30.

[0297] The filter cover 183 is connected to the humidifying gas inlet port 163. The inner surface of the filter cover 183 forms an interference fit with the flange 177 on the seal 173 on the humidifying gas inlet port 163. The filter cover 183 may have a tapered surface that forms the interference fit.

[0298] In one configuration, due to the larger diameter of flange 177, sterilization tube 181 and filter cap 183 do not contact pressure seal 175. This means the sterilization kit can be operated to sterilize pressure seal 175 as well as ports 161, 163, 30 and bend 171. In an alternative configuration, sterilization tube 181 and filter cap 183 can seal with pressure seal 175, either in addition to or as a substitute for the seal formed with flange 177.

[0299] In an alternative configuration, flange 177 may be part of ports 161, 163, rather than seal 173, and therefore may be made of rigid plastic. In this configuration, sterilization tube 181 and filter cap 183 may still form an interference fit between the tapered surface and flange 177.

[0300] The ends 161a and 163a of ports 161 and 163 can contact a step on the inner surface of the liquid chamber 151, thereby limiting the insertion depth of ports 161 and 163 during use. The flange 177 and the tapered portion 173b do not interact with the liquid chamber 151 during device use because the liquid chamber 151 does not contact the flange 177 and / or the tapered portion 173b. In an alternative configuration, the liquid chamber 151 can contact the flange 177 and / or the tapered portion 173b. This contact can create an additional seal between the breathing aid device 10 and the liquid chamber 151.

[0301] The flange 175 and the tapered portion 173b can be useful for providing a surface for the user to push when the removable bend 171 is attached to the housing 100.

[0302] The base unit 50 of the device includes a cover 190 that mates with the housing 100 and the removable bend 171. Figure 6 A detachable bend 171 attached to the cover 190 is shown. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the cover 190 forms a uniform upper surface of the housing 100 of the device 10, wherein the patient outlet port 30 of the removable bend 171 protrudes upward through the cover 190. The cover 190 is configured such that it cannot be removed from the housing 100 during normal use of the device 10.

[0303] like Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, the cover 190 includes a body 191 having a substantially flat horizontal upper surface 193, two irregularly shaped shoulders 195 having a substantially curved configuration, and two substantially vertically downward extending outer sidewalls 197 that extend downward and outward from opposite sides of the upper surface 193. A recess 199 extends rearward from the front edge 193a of the upper surface 193 into the upper surface 193. The recess 199 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a removable bend 171 and provide an unobstructed path for the removable bend 171 to connect to the housing 100 of the base unit 50 of the device 10. In the form shown, the recess is defined by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 199a and an upper arcuate rear wall portion 199b. An irregularly shaped tapered rear wall region 199c protrudes into the recess from the arcuate rear wall portion and is positioned below the arcuate rear wall portion 199b. The irregularly shaped conical rear wall region is configured to receive a chimney-like structure 179a for a removable bend.

[0304] Similarly, the removable bend 171 has a flat horizontal tongue 172 extending from the bend, the horizontal tongue having a shape complementary to the shape of the groove 199 in the cover, such that when the removable bend 171 is assembled with the device 10, the flat horizontal tongue 172 is received in the groove 199 to form a uniform surface. This tongue 172 can further provide an upper surface for the catheter 16 to contact when the catheter 16 is connected to the patient outlet port 30 of the bend.

[0305] For example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the flat horizontal tongue 172 may have a thinned portion 172a adjacent to the distal end portion 172b, the thinned portion being located between the patient outlet port 30 of the bend and the distal end portion 172b of the tongue. This allows the distal end portion 172b to bend vertically relative to the rest of the bend 171.

[0306] The flat, horizontal tongue 172 also has engagement features comprising two protrusions 174 extending outward from opposite sides of the distal end portion 172b of the tongue. The protrusions 174 are configured to interact with the engagement features, which include complementary engagement grooves 201 extending outward from either sidewall 199a of the recess 199 of the housing cover on the underside of the cover, as shown below. Figure 10 and Figure 14As shown. The removable bend 171 is configured to be attached to the housing by moving the removable bend relative to the housing in a first direction (rearward toward the housing). The removable bend 171 is configured to be disconnected from the housing by moving the removable bend 171 in a second direction opposite to the first direction (forward relative to the housing). Due to the interaction of the engagement features, the removable bend 171 is configured to prevent the tongue from bending when the removable bend 171 is not actuated at a portion of the removable bend (e.g., the end portion 172b). This prevents the removable bend 171 from the cover 190 of the housing 100.

[0307] The rear portion of each protrusion 174 is designed with an angled surface 174a. Figure 10 When the bend 171 is inserted into the housing 100, the surface 174a contacts the underside of the front edge 193a of the cover, thereby bending the end 172b of the tongue downwards by bending in the thinning section 172a. Once the bend 171 is fully inserted, the protrusion 174 will reach the complementary engagement groove 201 in the cover. At this point, when the tongue 172 bends back to a flat and horizontal position, the protrusion 174 will engage with the groove 201. When engaged, the front surface 174b of the protrusion will contact the complementary surface 201b of the engagement groove.

[0308] The front surface 174b of the protrusion is steeper than the rear surface 174a, i.e. more vertical, so that if a user attempts to pull the bend 171 out of the cover 190 and thus out of the housing 100, the contact between the front surface 174b of the protrusion and the complementary surface 201b of the groove will not cause the tongue to bend downward unless a sufficiently large force is applied to the bend 171.

[0309] In an alternative configuration, the detachable bend 171 and the cover 190 may each have a single engagement feature among engagement features 174, 201, instead of each having two engagement features.

[0310] To remove the bend 171 from the housing 100, the user typically first presses down on the upper surface of the distal end portion 172b of the tongue 172 to actuate that portion of the tongue 172 by bending it and disengaging the protrusion 174 from the engagement groove 201. Only after the tongue is bent can the user pull the bend 171 out of the housing 100. One advantage of this is that it helps prevent the bend 171 from loosening when removing the liquid chamber 151 from the device by pulling it out of the groove 108.

[0311] This configuration allows the user to easily assemble the bend 171 with the housing 100 using a single-handed action, but requires more complex interactions to disassemble it. If the user is unaware of how to properly disassemble the bend 171 and attempts to disassemble it by pulling on the bend without actuating the tab 172, the engagement features will eventually disengage under sufficient force. This will prevent damage to the removable bend 171 and / or the cover 190.

[0312] In an alternative configuration, the engagement feature can be configured such that the removable bend 171 cannot be disconnected from the cover 190 of the housing 100 without the actuating tab 172 (e.g., the end tip portion 172b). This can be achieved by having vertical front surfaces 174b, 201b instead of angled front surfaces.

[0313] Figure 11 The location 176 of the (multiple) temperature sensors (e.g., multiple) thermistors in the removable bend 171 is schematically shown. The thermistors are located in the vertical rear wall of the upright portion of the bend, near the bend transition area between the vertical and horizontal bend portions. In this location, the thermistors are relatively shielded from the heat generated by the heating plate 140, thereby allowing for a more accurate estimation of the temperature of the gas flowing through the removable bend 171.

[0314] The bend 171 has an electrical connector 179 positioned in an upright chimney-like structure 179a, the connector being configured to supply power from the main power board of the device 10 to the heating wire 16a in the conduit 16.

[0315] As described above, the cover 190 is designed not to be removed during normal use. The cover is designed to allow it to be clipped onto the screen carrier 211, which in turn is secured to the upper housing 102, thus becoming part of the housing 100. The screen carrier 211 can be connected to and support the display 212. In an alternative configuration, the screen carrier 211 may be omitted, and the cover 190 may be clipped directly onto a portion of the housing 100, such as the upper surface of the housing or the upper housing 102.

[0316] Figures 16 to 19Features on the cover 190 and screen carrier 211 for attaching components together without the use of fasteners are shown. The cover 190 is configured to be attached to the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 by two movements: an initial movement of the cover in a first direction, followed by a subsequent movement of the cover in a second direction offset from the first direction. In one configuration, the second direction is transverse to the first direction. In the form shown, the cover 190 is configured to first move in a first downward direction DD, and then move relative to the screen carrier 211 and thus relative to the housing 100 in a second rearward direction RD. In the form shown, the downward direction DD is vertical, while the rearward direction RD is horizontal.

[0317] The cover 190 is configured such that the cover cannot be removed from the screen carrier 211 of the housing by pulling the removable bend 171 in a second forward direction relative to the housing 100.

[0318] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, each side 197 of the cover 190 is shaped to complement the shape of the screen carrier 211. The side of the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 has two forward-pointing horizontal protrusions 213 (one on each sidewall) that engage with complementary rearward-opening recesses 194 on the rear wall of each side of the cover 190 as the cover moves rearward relative to the housing. Once the cover 190 is attached to the screen carrier 211, the horizontal protrusions 213 are received in the recesses 194, thereby preventing vertical movement of the cover 190.

[0319] Similarly, the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 has upright vertical protrusions 215 on each side, which engage with complementary downward-opening recesses 196 in the bottom of each sidewall 197 of the cover when the cover moves downward relative to the housing. Unlike the horizontal protrusions, the vertical protrusions 215 are narrower than the complementary recesses 196 in the cover. (See Figure 17 and...) Figure 18 As shown, this allows for a small amount of horizontal movement in the rearward direction RD. The vertical protrusion 215 and the groove 196 help align the cover 190 with the screen carrier 211 during assembly.

[0320] The cover 190 is first placed above the screen carrier 211 and then moved downwards in the direction DD. Figure 17 The position shown. Then, slide the cover horizontally in the rearward direction RD so that the horizontal protrusion 213 engages with the complementary groove 194 in the cover, as shown. Figure 18 As shown.

[0321] The cover 190 and the screen carrier 211 may have a second set of forward-extending horizontal protrusions 213a and a recess 194a that opens rearward toward the front end of the screen carrier 211 and the cover 190 to further prevent vertical movement of the cover 190 relative to the screen carrier 211.

[0322] The housing 100's cover 190 and screen carrier 211 further have features for fully engaging the cover and screen carrier. Figure 18 The position shown indicates a feature that prevents the cover from moving horizontally relative to the screen carrier, thus preventing the cover from being removed from the housing. For example... Figure 14-16 and Figure 19 As shown, the cover has one or more downwardly extending engagement protrusions 198 (two in the illustrated configuration) extending downward from the back of the lower surface of the cover 190. The engagement protrusions 198 are configured to engage with complementary upwardly extending engagement protrusions 217 extending from the upper surface of the screen carrier 211. Both sets of engagement protrusions 198, 217 have first sides 198a, 217a with relatively flat angles and second sides 198b, 217b with relatively steep angles. When the cover 190 is attached to the screen carrier 211 by moving the cover in the rearward direction RD, the first sides 198a, 217a of each set of engagement protrusions will interact with each other through contact, and the relatively flat angles on the surfaces of each engagement protrusion will allow the cover 190 to be briefly and easily bent when the engagement protrusions are clamped into place. That is, the first sides 198a and 217a are configured to interact with each other when the cover is attached to the screen carrier.

[0323] Once the cover 190 is attached to the screen carrier 211, the second sides 198b, 217b of each set of protrusions will come into contact with each other. The steeper angles on the surfaces of the second sides 198b, 217b of the engaging protrusions mean that a greater horizontal force is required to bend the cover 190 in the same manner as before. As a result, the force required to assemble the cover 190 and the screen carrier 211 is less than that required to disassemble them. The second sides 198b, 217b are configured to interact with each other once the cover is attached to prevent the cover from being detached from the screen carrier of the housing. If a sufficiently large force is applied, the cover can still be removed by moving the cover 190 forward in the direction opposite to the rearward direction RD. However, this can only be done by a technician when performing some form of maintenance on the device. The above features are designed so that the cover 190 will not be removed (even accidentally) during normal use.

[0324] from Figure 14-19As can be seen, the joining features on the cover 190 and the screen carrier 211 allow the upper surface of the screen carrier to be configured such that there are no or minimal exposed fasteners (such as screws) on the underside of the cover and the upper surface of the screen carrier, which means that the upper surfaces of the cover and the screen carrier are easy to clean.

[0325] Reference Figures 14 to 16 The cover 190 has a downwardly projecting front wall 190a, which is complementary to the surface 211a of the screen carrier 211 of the housing. The front wall 190a is configured to contact the surface 211a of the screen carrier 211 when the cover is attached to the screen carrier. In the form shown, the front wall 190a and the surface 211a are arcuate to follow the shape of the rear wall of the recess 108 to receive the liquid chamber 151. Alternatively, the front wall 190a and the surface 211a can have different shapes, such as substantially straight shapes.

[0326] Once the cover 190 is assembled with the screen carrier 211, the front wall 190a and the surface 211a are in contact with each other. This avoids exposed gaps between the front parts of those components, which, if present, would require cleaning. Such gaps would be difficult to clean due to the tight, complex geometry, potentially necessitating the removal of the cover for satisfactory cleaning. Avoiding such gaps allows the cover 190 to be non-removable or difficult to remove without creating cleaning problems.

[0327] When the cover 190 is attached to the housing, the removable bend 171 can be removed from the housing 100.

[0328] In an alternative configuration, one or more engagement protrusions 198, 217 may be replaced by engagement grooves. One side of the engagement groove will have a surface complementary to the second side of the engagement protrusion, so as to prevent disassembly in a manner similar to the configuration described above. In another configuration, one or more engagement protrusions 198, 217 may be replaced by a combination of engagement protrusions and engagement grooves, such that complementary engagement protrusions engage above the engagement protrusions and within the engagement grooves.

[0329] A similar configuration of cover 190 and screen carrier 211 and / or housing 100 can be used, wherein cover 190 serves as a cover for the housing or another component, but the covered component is not removable.

[0330] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8The detachable bend 171 also includes electrical connections. The bend 171 has an inlet for pneumatic connection to a first accessory (e.g., a fluid chamber 151) of the respiratory assist device 10, an outlet for pneumatic and optionally electrically connection to a second accessory (e.g., a patient catheter 16) of the respiratory assist device 10, and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector 178 for electrical connection to the respiratory assist device 10 to form an electrical connection with electronic components in the housing. The electrical connections are provided by an electrical interconnect assembly 221 in the housing, described below, between the base unit 50 of the device 10 and a temperature sensor 176 embedded in the bend, and between the base unit 50 of the device 10 and the catheter 16 (when the catheter has one or more sensors and / or heating elements). When the detachable bend 171 is attached to the housing 100, the PCB electrical connector 178 is electrically connected to the electrical interconnect assembly 221.

[0331] The pneumatic inlet connection of the detachable elbow 171 is provided by the humidifying gas inlet port 163, the pneumatic outlet connection is provided by the patient outlet port 30, and the outlet electrical connection is provided by connector 179. Figure 9 The connector is provided in a chimney-like structure 179a that extends upwards parallel to the axis of port 30.

[0332] The humidifying gas inlet port 163 and the patient outlet port 30 are in fluid communication with each other via a gas flow path in a detachable bend. Electrical connectors 178 and 179 of the detachable bend are pneumatically isolated from the gas flow path between the humidifying gas inlet port 163 and the patient outlet port 30 via at least one wall of the detachable bend. For example, the body of the detachable bend may be an injection-molded plastic material with an isolation region for the electrical connectors, said isolation region being separate and isolated from the gas flow path.

[0333] Because the portion of the detachable bend configured to form an electrical connection with the electrical components (electrical interconnect assembly 221) in the housing (i.e., the PCB electrical connector 178) is pneumatically isolated from the gas flow path of the detachable bend, attaching the detachable component to the housing only provides an electrical connection between the PCB electrical connector 178 and the electrical interconnect assembly 221. It does not form a direct pneumatic connection between the gas flow path in the detachable bend 171 and the housing 100. Instead, the gas flow path in the detachable bend provides a pneumatic connection between the first accessory (liquid chamber 151) and the second accessory (patented conduit 30).

[0334] In the illustrated configuration, the PCB electrical connector 178 is partially housed within a housing 178a integrally formed with the bend. The PCB electrical connector protrudes rearward from the housing 178a to be inserted horizontally into an electrical connector on the base unit 50 of the device 10 (i.e., in the same rearward insertion direction CID for the liquid chamber 151 connecting to the housing 100 of the base unit 50 and the same rearward direction RD for the cover 190 connecting to the screen carrier 211). Thus, the removable bend 171 can be horizontally connected to the device in the rearward direction RD, and then the liquid chamber 151 is horizontally connected to the two device ports 161, 163. Alternatively, the liquid chamber 151 can be first connected to the removable bend 171, and then connected together to the base unit 50 of the device by moving the assembled liquid chamber 151 and bend 171 together in the rearward direction.

[0335] This allows the components to be assembled and disassembled in multiple ways. Specifically, the bend 171 will make three connections during assembly. These three connections are the connection between the bend 171 and the patient catheter 16, the connection between the bend 171 and the fluid chamber 151, and the connection between the bend 171 and the housing 100. Each of these three connections can be made in any order. Similarly, when disassembling the component, these three connections can be disconnected in any order. This is advantageous because different assembly and disassembly sequences can be preferred under different circumstances.

[0336] For example, the removable bend 171 may initially be assembled with the housing 100, as it may already be assembled with the housing 100 until the device 10 is to be used, at which point the fluid chamber 151 and catheter 16 are attached. Since the removable bend 171 is disassembled much less frequently than the fluid chamber 151 and / or catheter 16, this would be the most common assembly sequence. Furthermore, in a hospital setting, the fluid chamber 151 and catheter 16 are replaced between each patient, and the removable bend 171 may only be cleaned / sterilized between uses. Thus, the removable bend 171 can be assembled with the housing 100 after cleaning, and the fluid chamber 151 and catheter 16 are only reconnected when the patient needs to use the device 10.

[0337] After the device 10 has been used, the liquid chamber 151 and conduit 16 can also be disassembled before the removable bend 171 is removed so that these parts can be disposed of first. The removable bend 171 is then left with the device 10 until it is to be cleaned. The removable bend 171 can be cleaned using the aforementioned disinfection kit while connected to the housing 100.

[0338] After cleaning the bend 171, the conduit 16 and / or the liquid chamber 151 can be pre-assembled with the removable bend 171, thereby allowing all three components to be quickly connected to the housing 100 in one action when needed.

[0339] The detachable bend 171 can be disconnected from the housing 100 while the conduit 16 and the liquid chamber 151 are still attached, which may be useful, for example, in cases where the patient has a particularly infectious disease. In these situations, it may be desirable to disconnect the detachable bend 171 in this manner, so that the circuit is still largely contained and can be easily disposed of as a whole.

[0340] The removable bend 171 and the liquid chamber 151 are connected in the same direction (i.e., backward in the horizontal direction), and the cover 190 does not need to be attached to the removable bend 171 after insertion of the removable bend 171, which facilitates the connection and disconnection of the pre-assembled removable bend 171, conduit 16 and liquid chamber 151 to the housing 100.

[0341] like Figures 28 to 36 As shown, the PCB electrical connector 178 of the detachable bend 171 is inserted into the electrical interconnect assembly 221 of the base unit 50 of the device 10. The interconnect assembly 221 consists of three parts: a socket 231, a PCB 241, and an overmolding mold 251. The socket defines a container for receiving the PCB electrical connector of the detachable bend.

[0342] like Figure 29 and Figure 30 As shown, the receptacle 231 includes a housing 232 that defines a container 233 for receiving a PCB electrical connector 178 of a removable bend 171. The front portion 233a of the container 233 has relatively large vertical and horizontal dimensions to receive the housing 178a of the electrical connector. The rear portion 233b of the container 233 has relatively small vertical and horizontal dimensions to receive a rearwardly projecting portion of the PCB electrical connector 178 from the housing 178a. The rear portion 233b is defined between an upper rib and a lower rib 234 extending from the upper and lower walls of the container into the rear portion of the container. The rear portion 233b of the container is configured to form a close or tight fit with the PCB electrical connector 178 to help retain the removable bend 171 connected to the receptacle 231 through contact between the rear portion 233b of the container and the PCB electrical connector 178. The front portion 233a of the container can be configured to form a close or tight fit with the housing 178a of the PCB electrical connector 178 to help keep the removable bend 171 connected to the socket 231. Alternatively, this can form a looser fit.

[0343] The interaction between the socket 231 and the PCB electrical connector 178 and / or the housing 178a, and the interaction between the protrusion 174 and the engagement groove 201, form two spaced engagement areas (via the cover 190) between the removable bend 171 and the housing 100 at or near the rear of the removable bend and at or near the front of the removable bend. This helps to secure the removable bend to the housing and reduces the possibility that the removable bend 171 may be accidentally detached from the housing 100 when the liquid chamber 151 is removed from the groove 108.

[0344] The front edge 234a of the rib 234 is angled, so that there is a tapered region between the front 233a and the rear 233b of the container 233 to help guide the PCB electrical connector 178 to engage with the rear 233b of the container 233.

[0345] The socket 231 has several features to hold the socket in place relative to the housing 100 of the device 10. For example... Figure 31 As shown, two fastener holes 235 are located on opposite sides of the socket 231. These holes 235 are designed to receive fasteners such as screws to secure the socket 231 to the upper housing 102 of the housing, thereby securing the interconnecting components to the housing 100. Figure 27 As shown, the angled upper surface 131 of the upper housing 102, which is configured to receive the screen carrier 211, has two complementary holes 132 for receiving fasteners.

[0346] The socket 231 also has a mounting protrusion 236 extending downward from the underside of the socket body 232. The mounting protrusion 236 is configured to engage with a complementary recess 133 on the angled upper wall 131 of the upper housing 102 of the housing. In the illustrated configuration, the mounting protrusion 236 has a cross-shaped cross section, wherein the width and length of the cross will match the inner diameter of the circular recess 133. The engagement between the mounting protrusion 236 and the recess 133 prevents lateral movement of the socket 131 relative to the housing 100, which may otherwise occur due to connecting the bend 171 and disconnecting it. Figure 30 As shown, the mounting protrusion 236 may be tapered, such that the size of its lower end is smaller than that of its upper end, in order to help guide the mounting protrusion 236 into the groove 133.

[0347] exist Figure 28 and Figure 30 The angled protrusion 225a visible on the side of the socket helps to form a better seal between the socket 231 and the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100, and helps to prevent liquid from entering the screen carrier 211.

[0348] like Figure 33As shown, the PCB 241 of the interconnect assembly 221 has multiple holes 242 that engage with complementary protrusions 237 projecting rearward from the rear wall of the socket 231 to properly position the two components together. More or fewer protrusions and holes can be provided.

[0349] Once assembled with housing 100, interconnect assembly 231 is connected to both the device's main power board 263a and display / interface PCB 263b. Figure 36 ). PCB 241 has an electrical connector 243 that connects to the display / interface PCB 263b (in Figure 34 (shown on the right), and the tongue 245 of the electrical connector that forms a connection with the main power board 263a (in) Figure 34 (As shown in the lower left corner).

[0350] The main power board 263a is located between the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 of the housing 100. For example... Figure 27 As shown, the angled upper surface 131 of the upper housing 102 has a horizontally extending elongated hole 134. When assembled with the interconnect assembly 221, a portion of the PCB 241 extends through this hole 134 to connect to the main power board 263a.

[0351] Because the main power board 263a operates at high power, it has higher sealing requirements for protection against gases and moisture compared to the display / interface PCB 263b. By using PCB 241 connected to the interface PCB 263b and the main power board 263a in the interconnect assembly 221, the main power board 263a can be easily sealed by sealing the connection between it and the interconnect PCB 241.

[0352] like Figure 34 and Figure 35 As shown, an overmolding mold 251 is applied to interconnect assembly 221 to provide a pneumatic seal. The overmolding mold is disposed on at least one section of the PCB. The overmolding mold is configured to form a pneumatic seal on the covered section of the PCB and between the overmolding mold and another component of the breathing aid device. The overmolding mold can be molded from any suitable material, such as polyurethane. Any soft thermoplastic elastomer that adheres to the board is suitable. Alternatively, the overmolding mold 251 can be made of silicone resin exhibiting low stress relaxation. Interlocking can be formed to enhance the adhesion between the silicone overmolding mold and the board.

[0353] The purpose of the encapsulation mold 251 is to pneumatically seal high-power electrical components. These higher-power electrical components are sections of the main power board 263a and PCB 241 that provide electrical connections between the main power board 263a and socket 231, and within the socket 231 itself. A portion of the PCB is exposed from the encapsulation mold 251 to form an electrical connector 245 for connecting the higher-power section of the PCB to the main power board 263a. In the illustrated form, the electrical connector 245 includes a protruding tongue of the PCB configured to engage in a complementary concave socket of the main power board 263a. In an alternative connection, the electrical connector 245 includes a concave socket on the PCB configured to receive the complementary protruding tongue of the main power board 263a. In either configuration, the entire higher-power section of the PCB, except for the electrical connector 245, is advantageously encapsulated and pneumatically sealed by the encapsulation mold 251.

[0354] Overmolding also encapsulates electrical and / or electronic components onto a PCB.

[0355] The encapsulation mold 251 covers a section of PCB 241 and the connection between PCB 241 and socket 231. The covered section of PCB 241 is the section through which current flows from the main power board 263a to socket 231. The remainder of PCB 241 is used to supply current to the user interface via display / interface PCB 263b and does not require the same level of pneumatic sealing.

[0356] Therefore, another section of the PCB is exposed from the encapsulation mold. This exposed section is the lower-power section of the PCB, while the higher-power sections are largely covered by the mold. The lower-power section exposed from the mold leads to electrical connector 243. In the illustrated configuration, electrical connector 243 is associated with a component having a lower power requirement than the main power board 263a. For example, the display interface PCB 263b associated with the display has a lower power requirement than the main power board 263a. Due to the lower power requirement, the portion of the PCB leading to electrical connector 243 does not need to be pneumatically sealed.

[0357] In an alternative configuration, the portion of the PCB leading to electrical connector 243 can be covered by an encapsulation mold. In yet another alternative configuration, the entire PCB, except for the electrical connectors, can be covered by an encapsulation mold.

[0358] By also sealing the connection between socket 231 and PCB 241, any oxygen-rich gas leaking around socket 231 during use will be prevented from entering socket 231 through the gap between socket 231 and PCB 241. This is important because socket 231 can supply a large amount of power to removable bend 171, which in turn supplies power for heating conduit 16.

[0359] like Figure 32 and Figure 36 As shown, the overmolding mold 251 on PCB 241 can be configured to form a tight fit with an opening 134 in the wall of the upper housing 102 of the housing. This serves to create a pneumatic seal between PCB 241 and the opening 134 to prevent moisture and gas from entering the interior of the housing 100 where the main power board 263a is located.

[0360] Reference Figures 20 to 27 The housing of the base unit 50 of device 10 includes a handle 261 connected to the upper housing 102 of housing 100. The handle 261 can... Figure 23 The lowered storage location shown is... Figure 24 The device can be moved between the raised carrying positions shown. In the raised carrying position, the user can use the handle to carry the device 10.

[0361] When the handle 261 is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the handle 261 is substantially flush with the upper front wall portions 110a and 110b of the upper housing 102 of the housing 100. The upper wall portion 110c of the rear periphery of the upper housing forms a handle recess to receive the handle in the lowered position. A notch 102d is provided at the rear edge of the upper wall portion 110c. Figure 20 This allows users to insert their fingers under the handle to lift it from its lowered storage position.

[0362] Each side of the upper housing 102 has an inwardly opening connection recess 112 for receiving the complementary connection portion 263 of the handle. Although only the left recess 112 is shown in the figure, the right recess will be its mirror image.

[0363] Reference Figure 22 The groove has a generally semi-circular configuration. The groove 112 has a laterally shallow rear portion 112a and a laterally deep front portion 112b. An arcuate slot 112c extends upward and rearward from the laterally deep front portion 112b, and its upper end opens upward.

[0364] The laterally deeper front portion 112b and the arcuate slot 112c define the boundaries of the handle's connection features, thereby specifying the possible positions of the handle.

[0365] Figure 23 and Figure 24 A connection feature on the connecting portion 263 of the handle is shown. The connection feature includes an arcuate arm 265 extending from or near each end of the handle body. The distal end of the arm 265 is coupled to a tongue 267 projecting forward and outward from the arm 265. The arcuate arm 265 and the tongue 267 are connected to a flat plate 264 having an arcuate periphery. Figure 27 It protrudes outward. The dimensions of the plate 264 correspond to the dimensions of the laterally shallower rear portion 112a of the groove.

[0366] The connecting features 265 and 267 of the handle 261 engage with the laterally deeper front portion 112b and the arcuate slot 112c. The upper edge of the arcuate arm 263 fits tightly with the semi-circular upper wall of the laterally deeper front portion 112b of the slot. Furthermore, the arcuate slot 112c forms a tight fit with the upper and lower edges of the arcuate arm 263, allowing the handle 261 to follow the desired movement path.

[0367] The protruding tongue 267 of the protrusion travels within the laterally deeper front portion 112b of the groove. The length of the tongue 267 is configured to closely fit the upper and lower arcuate walls of the laterally deeper front portion 112b. When the handle 261 is lifted, the tongue 267 rotates relative to the housing 10 within the laterally deeper front portion 112b, wherein the tongue displaces between the front boundary wall 112b' and the substantially vertical rear boundary wall 112b" defined by the laterally shallower rear portion 112a of the groove. When the handle reaches... Figure 24 When in the approximately vertical position shown, the tongue 267 will contact the rear boundary wall 112b", thereby restricting the movement of the handle 261.

[0368] Because the handle 261 is attached to the vertical inner wall of the upper housing 102, the handle is prevented from being removed once the screen carrier 211 is attached to the upper housing 102.

[0369] The handle 261 also includes a hole 268 for receiving a gas port 275 on the filter module 271 when the filter module is received in a filter recess 118 in the housing and when the handle is in the retracted position. The hole 268 is positioned along one side member of the handle and is positioned closer to a lateral carrying portion 262 of the handle 261 than to the connection features 263-267 on that side member that movably connect the handle to the housing, the lateral carrying portion being used to carry the device 10. The lateral carrying portion 262 extends from the end of the side member opposite to the end having the connection feature.

[0370] The equipment has Figure 25 and Figure 26The removable filter module 271 is shown. A previous configuration of the filter module is described in WO 2018 / 074935A1 (WO'935). Unless otherwise described below, the features and functions of filter module 271 are the same as those of the filter module described in WO'935, and the contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0371] Filter module 271 has a filter body 272 having multiple walls, including a first upright front wall 272a, an opposite second upright rear wall 272b, and an upper wall 277 extending between the first wall 272a and the second wall 272b, and an opposite lower wall 279. Body 272 defines one or more filter chambers. Lower gas port 273 defines a first inlet at the base of the filter body and is fluidly connected to the outlet port 307 of valve module 301. Figure 40 ), to receive gas from outlet port 307.

[0372] An upper gas port 275 defining the second inlet is located at the upper end of the filter body 272 and extends upward from the upper wall 277. The upper gas port 275 is configured to interact with the orifice 268 in the handle. The upper gas port 275 can be connected to a supplementary gas source. An ambient air inlet (not shown) is provided at the base of the filter body to allow entrainment of ambient air. These gases then pass through the filter medium 274 of the filter 271 that filters the gas before leaving the filter chamber(s), and are then delivered and mixed by the blower of the motor module.

[0373] The upper gas port 275 is connected to at least one filter chamber, the lower gas port 273 is connected to at least one filter chamber, and the ambient air inlet is connected to at least one filter chamber. Two or more inlets may be connected to the same filter chamber or different filter chambers.

[0374] like Figure 37 As shown, the lower housing 104 of the housing 100 has a filter recess 118, the shape of which is complementary to the shape of the body 272 of the filter module 271. The interior of the filter recess 118 communicates with the interior of a recess 122 for receiving the motor module, so that gas can be delivered from the filter to the motor module.

[0375] Reference Figure 20 and Figure 32 The filter recess 120 is disposed in the upper wall portion 110c of the upper housing 102 and has a shape complementary to the shape of the upper part of the filter module body 272. When the upper housing 102 is connected to the lower housing 104, the recess 120 is located above the recess 118.

[0376] like Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the upper wall 277 of the filter body 272 is angled, and thus not parallel to the lower wall 279 of the filter body. The angle α of the upper wall relative to the lower wall can be between approximately 2 degrees and approximately 10 degrees, optionally between approximately 2 degrees and approximately 5 degrees, optionally approximately 3 degrees. Therefore, the second wall 272b is higher than the first wall 272a. That is, when the filter module 271 is installed in the housing 100, the upper wall 277 is offset from the horizontal direction and is angled to match the upper surface 110c of the upper housing 102 of the housing 100. In an alternative configuration, the upper wall 277 is parallel to the lower wall 279.

[0377] The upper gas port 275 is positioned closer to one of the first wall 272a and the second wall 272b than it is positioned to the center of the upper wall 277. Specifically, the upper gas port 275 is located on or near the second wall 272b on one side of the filter body 272, and is positioned at or near the higher end 277a of the upper surface 277 as shown. This has several advantages, which can be explained with reference to the handle 261 and the housing 100.

[0378] First, by placing the upper gas port 275 to or near the filter body, when the filter 271 is inserted in the correct orientation, the second inlet 275 aligns only with the hole 268 in the handle 261. If the filter is inserted backward, the second inlet 275 will prevent the handle 261 from lying flat, thus indicating to the user that the filter is not inserted correctly.

[0379] Second, the upper gas port 275 is located further away from the axis of rotation of the handle 261. This results in a larger radius of curvature for the path taken by the hole 268 as the handle 261 moves. This is advantageous when the tube is connected to the upper gas port 275, because the handle 261 is less likely to get stuck on the tube due to the smoother path of the hole 268. The end of the tube may have one or more flanges, which may be the locations where the hole 268 gets stuck. With a larger radius of curvature for the path of the hole 268, the hole 268 will travel substantially vertically as it passes the flange(s) on the end of the tube. If the radius of curvature is smaller, the hole 268 will travel at a larger angle as it passes the flange(s), meaning the hole 268 will be more likely to get stuck on the flange(s) of the tube.

[0380] Third, because the upper gas port 275 is located further from the axis of rotation of the handle 261, it is also further from the handle 261 when the handle is lifted. This is advantageous because when removing the filter from the housing 100, the user can pull the filter using the upper gas port 275, and the increased distance between the upper gas port 275 and the handle 261 provides the user with more space to grip the second inlet. The filter module 271 may have gripping features on or near its upper surface for the user to grip and remove the filter from the housing 100.

[0381] It should be understood that these benefits can also be obtained by a filter that has only an upper gas port 275 and no lower gas port 273 or ambient air inlet.

[0382] Although filter module 271 is shown located on the left side of housing 100, it can alternatively be mounted in a filter recess on the right side of housing. In that configuration, the right-side member of handle 261 would have a hole 268. Alternatively, both sides of housing can have filter recesses for receiving the respective filter module 271, with holes 268 on both sides of handle 261.

[0383] The handle 261 is pivotally mounted to the housing 100 via its front end, and the filter module 271 is mounted in the housing such that the side of the filter having the upper gas port 275 is positioned rearward on the filter module. Alternatively, the rear end of the handle 261 may be pivotally mounted to the housing 100 (such that the lateral carrying portion 262 is positioned towards the front of the housing 100 rather than towards the rear), and the filter module 271 may be mounted in the housing such that the side of the filter having the upper gas port 275 is positioned forward on the filter module.

[0384] As described above, the filter module 271 is removable and can be removed by pulling the upper gas port 275 or by gripping the feature. The housing may include a button or release latch. Figure 3 A release latch in the form of a filter release tongue 276 is shown. The filter release tongue 276 includes a pivoting member that pushes the filter module 271 away from the housing. In the illustrated form, the filter release tongue 276 pushes the filter module 271 upward and outward. Alternatively, a button can eject the filter module 271 from a fixed position, allowing it to be pulled out by hand. An alternative method for removing the filter module 271 is to use... Figure 57 and Figure 58 The filter removal tool 280 shown.

[0385] The filter removal tool 280 includes an engaging portion 281 and a gripping portion 282. The engaging portion 281 is generally cylindrical and includes an internal groove 283 that corresponds to and receives the upper gas port 275. The internal groove 283 is shaped to match a standard medical taper, such as the shape of the upper gas port 275. The internal groove 283 may have… Figure 57 The smooth surface shown. Alternatively, the internal groove may include one or more engagement features for engaging with features on the filter portion 275. For example, the inner surface of the internal groove 283 may include one or more ridges or one or more annular grooves located on the inner surface of the engagement portion 281, adjacent to the groove defined by the end lip of the engagement portion.

[0386] Figure 57 A gripping portion 282 is shown, which includes a tongue 284 having an enlarged flat area 285. The flat area 285 is configured to be manually gripped by a user, for example, between the user's thumb and forefinger. The enlarged flat area 285 may also include a textured surface and / or one or more protrusions 286 configured to assist the user in gripping the filter removal tool 280.

[0387] In use, the user first presses the filter removal tool 280 onto the upper gas port 275 to engage the upper gas port 275 with the internal groove 283 of the engagement portion 281. To create a tighter fit between the internal groove 283 and the upper gas port 275, the user can twist the filter removal tool 280 relative to the upper gas port 275 while pressing it onto the upper gas port 275; this is made possible by the width of the tab 284. Once the filter removal tool 280 engages with the upper gas port 275, the user can press the filter release tab 276 (Figure 3) located on one side of the base unit 50. This allows the filter to move relative to the main housing 100 of the base unit 50. The user can then continue to pull the filter removal tool 280 out of the main housing 100 of the base unit 50, which in turn pulls the filter module 271 away from the main housing 100 of the base unit 50. If a user attempts to pull out the filter module 271 using the filter removal tool 280 without first pressing the filter release tongue, the filter removal tool 280 will only disengage from the upper gas port 275 without damaging the filter module 271 or the filter removal tool 280.

[0388] If the filter removal tool 280 has an internal ridge or groove, twisting the filter removal tool 280 can engage the internal ridge or groove with a corresponding ridge or groove on the upper gas port 275 of the filter module 271. The engagement of the respective ridges or grooves allows the tool to grip the upper port of the filter module 271, thereby making the removal of the filter module 271 easier.

[0389] Once the filter module 271 is removed, the user can discard the filter removal tool 280 along with the filter module 271 and then proceed to insert a new filter module 271 into the device. The filter removal tool 280 can be discarded along with the filter module 271 because it can include bio-derived and / or biodegradable plastics to reduce waste. Alternatively, the filter removal tool can be made of recyclable plastic.

[0390] The filter removal tool 280 is useful in situations where the upper gas port 275 may be too small or too bulky for some users to grip properly, making it difficult to pull out the filter module 271. Furthermore, the filter removal tool 280 only needs to be assembled with the filter module 271 when using the tool 280 to remove the filter module 271 – when not in use, the tool 280 or any similar other component does not need to protrude from the main housing 100 of the base unit 50.

[0391] The filter removal tool 280 can be packaged together with each filter module 271. The filter removal tool 280 can be placed in the same package as the filter module 271. Alternatively, the filter removal tool 280 can be positioned in a sealed package containing or inside the package of the filter module 271. The filter removal tool 280, which is sealed to the filter module 271, reduces the chance of contaminating the filter module 271 before opening its package.

[0392] Respiratory assist devices have Figure 40 The valve module 301 is shown. Valve module 301 controls the flow rate of oxygen and / or other gases entering the gas flow path of device 10 and enables device 10 to regulate the proportion of oxygen entrained in the gas flow. Valve module 301 is configured as a modular component to facilitate manufacture, assembly, repair, or replacement, for example, in the event of failure, routine maintenance, or future upgrades / improvements.

[0393] Valve module 301 engages with the main housing 100 of the base unit 50 of the device, such that valve module 301 is substantially received within the housing and is accessible from the outside of the housing. Valve module 301 may be detachable from housing 100 or may be non-detachable. When the valve module is engaged with the housing, a portion of valve module 301 is arranged substantially flush with the outer wall of the housing (e.g., the bottom wall 115 of the lower housing 104). Valve module 301 includes a flow control valve 303 arranged to control the flow rate of gas through a valve manifold. Valve 303 is arranged to control the flow rate of gas flowing into a portion of the device. For example, valve 303 may be arranged to control the flow rate of gas flowing to filter module 271. Alternatively, valve 301 may be arranged to control the flow rate of gas flowing to another portion of the device 10. Valve module 301 and filter module 271 are positioned upstream of the blower of the motor module.

[0394] Valve 303 receives gas from inlet port 304, which is implemented in a swivel connector 305 as shown. Valve 303 delivers gas to outlet port 307. Outlet port 307 is configured to be fluidly connected to the first inlet 273 of filter module 271.

[0395] Valve module 301 also includes an ambient air port 309 for enabling ambient air to be delivered to the ambient air inlet of filter module 271.

[0396] The previous configuration of the valve module is described in WO 2018 / 074935 A1 (WO'935). Unless otherwise described herein, the features and functions of valve module 301 are the same as those of the valve module described in WO'935, and the contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0397] Valve module 301 is electrically connected to the main power board 263a of device 10 to allow device 10 to power and / or communicate with valve module 301. In WO'935, the lower housing has a valve recess for receiving the valve module and a battery recess for receiving the battery cover. These two recesses are separated by walls with gaps to allow wires (or alternatively, a flexible PCB) to pass from the valve module through the battery recess and then connect to the power board. To help prevent oxygen leakage from the valve recess into the battery recess, metal eyelets are located at the gaps through which the flexible PCB passes.

[0398] Reference Figures 37 to 39In the current configuration, the lower housing 104 of the housing 100 includes a valve recess 105 on its underside for receiving the valve module 301 and a battery recess 107 on its rear side for receiving the battery module 125. The wires from the valve module 301 do not directly enter the battery recess 107 from the valve recess 105. Instead, the wires now run from the valve recess 105 to the recess 122 of the motor module, and then from the recess 122 of the motor module to the battery recess 107. This provides several advantages. Figure 37 The wiring path WP1 is schematically shown in the dashed line.

[0399] First, any oxygen leaking from valve module 301 should be prevented from flowing into battery recess 107, as the battery recess contains numerous electrical connections, including electrical connectors for the main power board 263a. By using the suggested wiring route WP1 for the wires, the wall between valve recess 105 and battery recess 107 can remain intact and impermeable to gas flow. For oxygen to enter battery recess 107, it needs to first flow into motor module recess 122 and then from motor module recess 122 into battery recess 107. Since motor module recess 122 is not sealed, in this scenario, oxygen will escape from the device through motor module recess 122, with only a trace amount continuing to flow into battery recess 107.

[0400] Secondly, since there is no gap in the wall between the valve recess 105 and the battery recess 107, the aforementioned metal grommets are no longer needed. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing.

[0401] Another change to valve module 301 is a result of a change in the wiring of heating plate 141. In the previous configuration shown in Figure 162 of WO 2016 / 207838A9, the heating plate was connected to the upper housing, and the wiring of the heating plate passed through a first gap in the upper housing. After passing through this gap, the wiring would lie between the upper and lower housings (i.e., inside the housing) and connect to the power board.

[0402] In this configuration, the heating plate 140 is instead connected to the lower housing 104. This is advantageous because any liquid overflowing around the heating plate 140 can be drained through the gap in the lower housing and flow out from under the housing 100 without any chance of accumulating between the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104.

[0403] like Figure 38 As schematically shown, wiring from the heating plate 140 exits from the lower portion 108a of the liquid chamber recess 108, passes through gap 108b, runs along the lower side of the bottom wall below the recess 108, and returns to the lower housing 104 through a second gap 108c. Figure 38The wiring path WP2 is schematically shown in the diagram. The second gap 108c provides an entrance for the wiring path into the interior area of ​​the housing 100.

[0404] To prevent wiring from being exposed to the outside of device 10 between the first gap 108b and the second gap 108c, a cover is provided on this section of the base of the lower housing 104. Similarly, if no cover is provided between the exit from valve recess 105 and the entry into battery recess 107, the wiring extending from valve module 301 along wiring path WP1 will also be exposed.

[0405] The covers for these two sections are provided by the housing base member 311 of the valve module 301, such as Figure 39 As shown. This allows both sections to be covered without adding additional components to the housing 100. The main body portion 313 of the housing base member 311 provides a cover for wiring path WP1. The forward and laterally extending finger-like portions 315 of the housing base member 311 provide a cover for wiring path WP2. The main body portion 313 completely surrounds the edge of the base 123 of the motor module (not shown in FIG. 39), thereby better securing the motor module in the housing 100, making it impossible to remove unless the valve module 301 is removable from the housing and is removed first. Furthermore, the dimensions of the housing base member 311 allow the valve module 301 to be fastened to the lower housing 104 of the housing using multiple fasteners, thereby better securing the valve module 301 to the housing 100.

[0406] The housing base member 311 has an overlapping region 317 designed to overlap with the rear edge of the base of the protective device 160. During assembly, the valve module 301 is coupled to the lower housing 104, and subsequently, the protective device 160 is coupled to the lower housing 104. The protective device 160 then overlaps with the housing base member 311 of the valve module 301, preventing the valve module 301 from being disassembled without first removing the protective device 160 from the housing. Since the valve housing prevents the motor module from being disassembled, this also means that the protective device 160 indirectly prevents the motor module from being disassembled as well.

[0407] like Figure 40 As shown, valve module 301 also has a post 319 extending upward from a portion of the valve housing, and is shown in the form of a cover plate 321 above valve 303. During assembly, wires / flexible PCBs from valve module 301 are wound around post 319. Once wound around post 319, any tension applied to the wires will cause the wires to tighten around the post, rather than be expelled from valve module 301. Post may also have hook-shaped ends 319a in the form of transverse or vertical protrusions at the ends of the post. This helps prevent the wires from slipping off post 319.

[0408] Reference Figure 41 and Figure 42 The lower housing 104 has a battery recess 107, and a wall 142 separates the battery recess 107 from the recess 122 for receiving the motor module. This wall has a gap 143 near its bottom edge to allow wires 301w from the valve module 301 (in...) Figure 42 (Shown in dashed lines) passes between the two recesses. Wire 301w is used to provide power and / or communication to valve module 301. Similarly, flexible PCB 123p (in...) Figure 42 (Shown in dashed line) is used to provide power and / or connectivity to the motor module, and may also extend through this gap 143. The flexible PCB of the motor module and the wires of the valve module 301 both pass vertically through the battery recess 107 along the rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower housing 104 for connection to the main power board 161.

[0409] The rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower housing 104 has a retaining feature 144 designed to hold a flexible PCB. The retaining feature is oriented substantially vertically and positioned above a gap 143. The retaining feature has two spaced-apart ribs 144a extending from the rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower housing 104, and inwardly facing protrusions 144b extending from the end edges of the ribs 144a. The distance between the ribs 144a is configured to be complementary to the width of the flexible PCB 123p. The distance between the protrusions 144b is less than the width of the flexible PCB 123p. Once assembled, the flexible PCB 123p will sit between the ribs 144a, and the protrusions 144b will hold the flexible PCB in a desired position between the protrusions 144b and the wall 142.

[0410] The wiring 301w of valve module 301 can also extend between the ribs 144a of the retaining feature. The wiring 301 will be positioned between the flexible PCB 123p and the rear surface of wall 142, such that retaining feature 144 holds the flexible PCB 123p, while the flexible PCB holds the wiring 301w. The rear surface of wall 142 of lower housing 104 may additionally have one or more slots to further aid in holding the wiring in the desired position.

[0411] One or more supports 144c extending from wall 142 to support the flexible PCB are also located between ribs 144a. Supports 144c are positioned between ribs 144a, and their front-to-back depth is less than the front-to-back depth of ribs 144a. Supports 144c support the flexible PCB 123p at the correct distance from the rear surface of wall 142, ensuring that the protrusions 144b of ribs 144a contact the flexible PCB.

[0412] Furthermore, the sides(s) of the support 144c form the boundaries of the conductor track. Thus, during use, the track can be limited on four sides by the rear surface of the wall 142, one of the feature-retaining ribs 144a, one side of one of the support 144c, and the flexible PCB 123p. Alternatively, during use, the track can be limited on four sides by the rear surface of the wall 142, the sides of the two support 144c (if a gap is provided between the upper ends of the two support 144c), and the flexible PCB 123p. The depth of the support 144c and the distance between the support 144c and the rib 144a are configured to form a cross-sectional area complementary to the conductor, such that once the device is fully assembled, the conductor is tightly packed within the track.

[0413] In an alternative configuration, flexible PCB 123p can be used to connect valve module 301 to main power board 161, and wire 301w can be used to connect motor module to main power board 161. In another alternative configuration, both motor module and valve module 301 can have flexible PCBs, which are stacked together between retaining features 144. In this configuration, a track for receiving wires is not required.

[0414] The gap 143 is advantageously positioned directly below the base of the retaining feature 144, so that the flexible PCB and the conductor can extend vertically upward directly from the gap 143, through the retaining feature 144 and to the main power board 161, thus avoiding kinking of the flexible PCB and the conductor.

[0415] Figure 43 The power panel 331 shown is located directly above the retaining feature 144. The power panel is held between the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 and has multiple containers to allow electrical connectors to extend through the power panel. The power panel 331 has a slot 333 extending into the bottom of the rear surface of the body portion 335 of the power panel 331.

[0416] The slot includes a first enlarged region 333a configured to receive the flexible PCB 123p, and a smaller, laterally extending region 333b in the form of a hook-shaped recess for receiving wires 301w. When assembled with the housing 100, the slot 333 is positioned above the retaining feature 144. The upper end of the slot communicates with a recess 337 that extends to a container 339 at the upper edge of the power panel 331. During assembly, the container 339 contains an electrical connector for the main power board 263a, to which the flexible PCB and wires will be connected. The flexible PCB and wires extend from the retaining feature 144 through the slot 333 and into the recess 337 to engage with the main power board connector in the container 339.

[0417] The power panel 331 has two tapered sidewalls 341, each tapered sidewall having a protruding retaining feature 343 in the form of elongated ribs. The retaining feature 343 is received in complementary slots in the upper housing portion 102 and / or the lower housing portion 104 to mount the power panel 331 onto the housing 100.

[0418] During assembly, the rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower housing 104 is exposed, allowing the flexible PCB and wiring to be easily assembled with the retaining feature 144 and connected to the connector of the main power board 263a in the container 339. Once this is complete, the battery module 125 can be connected, thereby covering the flexible PCB and wiring. This protects the flexible PCB and wiring and helps to hold it in place.

[0419] Once the battery and battery cover 126 are assembled onto the housing 100, the rear walls 113 and 142 of the housing form a tight fit with the battery. This allows the battery to be held in the correct position without the need for additional fasteners or adhesives. This simplifies assembly, maintenance, and repair.

[0420] Reference Figure 41 The power socket 114 is located in a recess on the back of the lower housing 104 and is configured to connect a power cord to the main power board 263a to supply power to the main power board 263a. The power cord is detachably connected to the power socket 114, so that if the power cord is damaged during use, it can be replaced without any rewiring of the device 10.

[0421] However, during typical use, it is desirable to prevent the power cord from disconnecting from the base unit 50 of device 10. Firstly, this will prevent accidental disconnection of the power cord, causing device 10 to lose mains power. Secondly, this will prevent the power cord from separating from and potentially becoming misaligned from the base unit 50 of device 10.

[0422] To prevent the power cord from being detached from the base unit of device 10, use Figure 45 to Figure 51 The power cord holder 351 is shown. In one configuration, the power cord holder 351 is connected to the battery cover 126 of the battery module 125, such that during assembly, the power cord is attached to the base unit 50 of the device 10 after the battery cover 126, and finally to the power cord holder 351. Alternatively, the power cord holder 351 can be connected to different parts of the housing 100, such as directly to, for example, the lower housing 104.

[0423] Referring to Figures 48a and 48b, the battery cover 126 includes a container housing 126a for receiving the battery module 125, a fastener hole 126b for receiving a fastener for mounting the battery cover 126 to the lower housing 104, an upper retaining member 126c that interacts with complementary mounting features on the lower housing 104 or the upper housing 102, and a retainer cavity 126d for receiving the power cord retainer 351.

[0424] Reference Figure 45 , Figure 46 , Figure 48A and Figure 48B The power cord holder 351 includes a generally inverted U-shaped body portion 353 having an upper transverse beam 355, a right-side downward-extending leg 357, and a left-side downward-extending leg 359 (the left and right sides are viewed from the front of the device 10 during use). The body portion 353 includes a relatively narrow and tall front body portion 361 having an upward-extending upper flange 363 corresponding to the upper transverse beam 355. The body portion 353 further includes a relatively wide and short rear body portion 365 having a right-side outer flange 367 corresponding to the right leg and a left-side outer flange 369 corresponding to the left leg. The left leg is further provided with a left-side inner flange 371, defined by a wedge-shaped portion having a narrow upper end and a wide lower end. A vertical channel 373 is provided between the left-side outer flange 369 and the left-side inner flange 371.

[0425] A power cord passage 375 is located between the right leg 357 and the left leg 359. The upper portion 375a of the passage 375 is wider than the lower portion 375b of the passage 375.

[0426] In the upper section of the main body, a fork-shaped part 377 protruding forward is provided above the upper part 375a of the power line passage.

[0427] Reference Figure 48A and Figure 48BThe power cord holder 351 is mounted onto the housing 100 by moving the power cord holder vertically upward relative to the lower housing 104 and the battery cover 126. The upper flange 363 of the power cord holder abuts the upper horizontal lip 126e of the cavity 126d of the battery cover. This lip 126e helps to hold the power cord holder in place. Vertical ribs 126f extend downward from the lip 126e and abut the left outer flange 369 of the power cord holder 351 to help the user properly align the upper flange 363 with the lip 126e. Once fully inserted, the left inner flange 371 also abuts the vertical rib 126f, such that the vertical rib 126f is located in the channel 373 between the left inner flange 371 and the outer flange 369, thereby further holding the power cord holder 351 in the correct position.

[0428] The foot 376 extends forward from the lower end of the right leg 357 and has a fastener receiving hole 376a that aligns with and complements a fastener receiving hole 126e in the cavity 126d of the battery cover 126 when the power cord retainer is fully inserted into the cavity 126d. Once assembled, fasteners such as screws can be inserted through holes 376a and 126g to secure the power cord retainer 351 to the battery cover 126. This assembly is designed so that the power cord retainer 351, and consequently the power cord, cannot be removed except by a technician.

[0429] In the assembly configuration, the forks 377 of the power cord retainer engage with the electrical connector of the power cord to maintain engagement with the electrical connector 114 of the device 10. A gap exists between the forks 377, allowing the power cord to pass through on its own but not allowing the electrical connector of the power cord to pass through. The power cord is then passed through the power cord passage 375.

[0430] The power cord retainer 351 is also shown with a clip 378. In the form shown, the clip 378 is on the upper portion of the body 353, above the power cord passage 375. The clip 378 can be used to help hold one or more cables. One side of the clip can be open to allow the cables(s) to be inserted into the clip.

[0431] For example, such as Figure 43 As shown, the power panel 331 may also have an additional container 344 located above the electrical connector 114 for the power cord for additional electrical connectors (such as USB connections). When a cable is connected to these electrical connectors in the container 344, the cable may be attached to or received in a clip 378 to help prevent the cable from being accidentally ejected from the container 344.

[0432] Figures 52 to 56An alternative configuration of the removable component, including the removable bend 1171, is shown. Unless otherwise described below, the features, functions, and options of the removable bend 1171 are the same as those of the removable bend 171, and the same reference numerals indicate the same parts, but with an addition of 1000.

[0433] Despite Figures 52 to 56 Not shown, but as described above, the removable bend 1171 will have one or more seals 173 or sealing elements 175 on the groove 1163b.

[0434] As discussed above in conjunction with the detachable bend 171, the detachable bend 1171 also includes electrical connections. The bend 1171 has an inlet for pneumatic connection to a first accessory (e.g., fluid chamber 151) of the respiratory assist device 10, an outlet for pneumatic and optionally electrically connection to a second accessory (e.g., patient catheter 16) of the respiratory assist device, and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector 1178 for electrical connection to the respiratory assist device 10 to form an electrical connection with electronic components in the housing 100. The electrical connector 1178 provides electrical connections between the base unit 50 of the device 10 and a temperature sensor 1176 embedded in the bend 1171, and between the base unit 50 of the device 10 and the catheter 16 (when the catheter has one or more sensors and / or heating elements), via an electrical interconnect assembly 221 in the housing. When the detachable bend 1171 is attached to the housing 100, the PCB electrical connector 1178 is electrically connected to the electrical interconnect assembly 221.

[0435] The pneumatic inlet connection of the detachable bend 1171 is provided by the humidifying gas inlet port 1163, the pneumatic outlet connection is provided by the patient outlet port 1030, and the outlet electrical connection is provided by the connector 1179, which is disposed in a chimney-like structure 1179a extending upward parallel to the axis of the port 1030.

[0436] The humidifying gas inlet port 1163 and the patient outlet port 1030 are in fluid communication with each other via a gas flow path in a detachable bend. Electrical connectors 1178 and 1179 of the detachable bend are pneumatically isolated from the gas flow path between the humidifying gas inlet port 1163 and the patient outlet port 1030 via at least one wall of the detachable bend. For example, the body of the detachable bend may be an injection-molded plastic material with an isolation region for the electrical connectors, said isolation region being separate and isolated from the gas flow path.

[0437] Because the portion of the detachable bend configured to form an electrical connection with the electrical components (electrical interconnect assembly 221) in the housing (i.e., the PCB electrical connector 1178) is pneumatically isolated from the gas flow path of the detachable bend, attaching the detachable component to the housing provides an electrical connection only between the PCB electrical connector 1178 and the electrical interconnect assembly 221. It does not form a direct pneumatic connection between the gas flow path in the detachable bend 1171 and the housing 100. Instead, the gas flow path in the detachable bend provides a pneumatic connection between the first accessory (liquid chamber 151) and the second accessory (patented conduit 30).

[0438] In the illustrated configuration, the PCB electrical connector 178 is partially housed within a housing 1178a integrally formed with the bend. The PCB electrical connector 1178 protrudes rearward from the housing 1178a to be inserted horizontally into an electrical connector on the base unit 50 of the device 10 (i.e., in the same rearward insertion direction CID for the liquid chamber 151 connecting to the housing 100 of the base unit 50 and the same rearward direction RD for the cover 190 connecting to the screen carrier 211). Thus, the removable bend 1171 can be horizontally connected to the device in the rearward direction RD, and then the liquid chamber 151 can be horizontally connected to the two device ports 161, 163. Alternatively, the liquid chamber 151 can be first connected to the removable bend 1171, and then connected together to the base unit 50 of the device by moving the assembled liquid chamber 151 and bend 171 together in the rearward direction.

[0439] like Figures 28 to 36 As shown, the PCB electrical connector 1178 of the detachable bend 171 is inserted into the electrical interconnect assembly 221 of the base unit 50 of the device 10. The interconnect assembly 221 consists of three parts: a socket 231, a PCB 241, and a molding compound 251.

[0440] As described above Figure 29 and Figure 30As explained, the receptacle 231 includes a housing 232 that defines a container 233 for receiving a PCB electrical connector 1178 of a removable bend 1171. The front portion 233a of the container 232 has relatively large vertical and horizontal dimensions to receive the housing 1178a of the electrical connector. The rear portion 233b of the container 233 has relatively small vertical and horizontal dimensions to receive a rearwardly projecting portion of the PCB electrical connector 1178 from the housing 1178a. The rear portion 233b is defined between an upper rib and a lower rib 234 that extend from the upper and lower walls of the container into the rear portion of the container. The rear portion 233b of the container is configured to form a close or tight fit with the PCB electrical connector 1178 to help maintain the removable bend 1171 connected to the receptacle 231. The front portion 233a of the container can be configured to form a close or tight fit with the housing 1178a of the PCB electrical connector 178 to help keep the removable bend 1171 connected to the socket 231. Alternatively, this can form a looser fit.

[0441] The housing 1178a of the removable bend 1171 carries a seal 1182. The seal 1182 is configured to engage on the inner surface of the front portion 233a of the container 233 of the socket 231 when the removable bend 1171 is engaged with the electrical interconnect assembly 221 of the base unit 50 of the device. The seal 1182 provides a pneumatic and / or liquid seal between the housing 1178a of the removable bend 1171 and the container 233 of the socket 231.

[0442] Seal 1182 prevents or reduces breathing gas leakage and / or condensation movement toward the electronics in the removable bend 1171 and the electrical connector 1178 of the bend.

[0443] The housing 1178a of the removable bend 1171 includes a generally annular groove 1178b extending around at least a portion of the top, sides, and bottom of the housing 1178a. A seal 1182 is received in the annular groove 1178b and protrudes outward beyond the adjacent surface of the housing 1178a to engage the inner surface of the front portion 233a of the container 233 of the electrical interconnect assembly 221.

[0444] Seal 1182 may be a pressure seal. The pressure seal may have a T-shaped cross-section. In the illustrated form, the pressure seal is a flexible annular edge extending around the perimeter of housing 1178a. The pressure seal may or may not have a bulbous end.

[0445] In alternative configurations, seal 1182 may be an L-shaped seal, an X-ring, or an O-ring.

[0446] As shown, seal 1182 may have a single sealing element. Alternatively, seal 1182 may have multiple sealing elements as described in conjunction with seal 173 and sealing element 175. Alternatively, the housing may carry multiple seals 1182. Each of the multiple seals 1182 may have a single sealing element.

[0447] Seal 1182 may be made of silicone rubber. In alternative configurations, seal 1182 may be made of any suitable elastomer (such as polyurethane). Alternatively, seal 1182 may be made of (multiple) thermoplastic elastomers and / or (multiple) thermoplastic vulcanized rubbers, particularly when the seal will be overmolded onto a removable bend.

[0448] The bottom of housing 1178a includes a cavity 1178c for receiving PCB electrical connector 1178. In the form shown, cavity 1178c is open to the bottom of housing and the far rear end of housing.

[0449] The housing includes one or more engagement features 1178d for helping to position the PCB electrical connector 1178 in the cavity 1178c of the housing.

[0450] In the form shown, engagement feature 1178d includes one or more downward-pointing protrusions. The protrusions(s) are configured to extend through the complementary holes(s) in the PCB electrical connector 1178.

[0451] Multiple engagement features 1178d may include multiple enlarged heads to reduce the likelihood of disconnection between the PCB electrical connector 1178 and engagement features 1178d. The multiple enlarged heads may be tapered, such that the lower end of the head has a smaller lateral diameter than the upper end of the head, so that the PCB electrical connector can be inserted into the cavity 1178c above the head.

[0452] Although two joining features 1178d are shown, a single joining feature 1178d or three or more joining features 1178d can be set.

[0453] In the initial stage of assembling the detachable bend 1171 ( Figure 54 During this period, the detachable bend does not have a PCB electrical connector in the cavity 1187c of the housing 1178a.

[0454] The PCB electrical connector 1178 is then inserted into the cavity 1178c of the housing 1178a, wherein the engagement features(s) 1178d extend through the complementary holes(s) in the PCB electrical connector. The PCB electrical connector 1178 is partially received in the cavity 1178c of the housing 1178a and protrudes rearward from the housing 1178a.

[0455] The seal 1182 is then molded onto the housing 1178a.

[0456] like Figure 56 As shown, the encapsulated molded component includes a molded base member 1182a configured to substantially fill the cavity 1178c and cover the underside of the portion of the PCB electrical connector 1178 housed within the cavity, and an integrally molded seal 1182. The molded base member 1182a helps to retain the PCB electrical connector 1178 within the housing 1178a.

[0457] In an alternative configuration, the seal 1182 may be separately formed and stretched onto the groove 1178b of the housing 1178a. Alternatively, the seal 1182 may be overmolded onto the groove of the housing, but the overmolding may not include the integrally formed base member 1182a. The base member 1182a may be separately formed or may not be present.

[0458] One or more tactile features 1172c are provided on the upper surface of a flat, horizontal tongue 1172. In the illustrated form, the tactile features include a plurality of raised features extending upward from the upper surface of the tongue 1172. The tactile features may include a plurality of transverse ribs as shown, but may have any other suitable configuration, such as upright protrusions that are circular or any other suitable shape.

[0459] Multiple tactile features 1172c help the user grasp the tongue to pull the removable bend 1171 out of the groove 199 in the cover 190, thereby removing the removable bend 1171 from the housing 100 of the breathing assist device base unit 50.

[0460] Alternatively, multiple tactile features 1172c may be provided on the aforementioned removable bend 171.

[0461] like Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown, the detachable bend has a flange 1172d, which is positioned below a portion of the bend body that provides a flat horizontal tongue 1172. The flange 1172d is spaced apart from the lower rear side of the tongue 1172 by a space 1172e.

[0462] In the form shown, the shape of flange 1172d substantially corresponds to the shape of the portion of the body above space 1172e, and has a relatively wide front region adjacent to patient outlet port 1030 and a relatively narrow rear region adjacent to chimney-like structure 1179a. Different shapes can be provided.

[0463] At least a portion of the flange 1172d is larger than the corresponding portion of the groove 199 of the cover.

[0464] In the form shown, the width of at least the relatively narrow rear region of the flange 1172d is greater than the width of the corresponding irregularly shaped conical rear wall region 199c of the cover 190. Figure 14 Alternatively, the width of the relatively wide front region of the flange 1172d may be wider than the corresponding relatively wide front region of the recess 199 of the cover.

[0465] When the detachable bend 1171 is attached to the base unit 50, the flange 1172d forms a tight fit with the underside of a portion of the cover.

[0466] The purpose of this is to resist any upward force applied to the removable bend (such as when the patient breathing tube 16 is removed from the patient outlet port 1130), thereby preventing stress from being applied to the flexible tongue 1172 and the electrical connector 1178.

[0467] In different configurations, the detachable component 1171 may not have a bend shape, but may instead have, for example, aligned inlet and outlet ports.

[0468] Details of a previous configuration of the motor module are disclosed in WO 2016 / 207838 A9 (WO'838). The contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In particular, WO'838 discloses a motor module that includes a sensing layer and comprises three main components: a substrate 1403, a cover layer 1440, and a sensing layer 1420 sandwiched between the substrate 1403 and the cover layer 1440. Figure 59 Those components are shown in the image.

[0469] The motor module has a sealed air or gas flow path between the base 1403 and the cover layer 1440, preventing gas escape and movement to the electronics of the breathing assist device. In that configuration, the seals used can be soft seals such as O-rings. These types of seals typically rely on compressive forces generated by fasteners holding the three layers of the motor module together. That configuration uses two soft seals: one for sealing between the upper surface of the base 1403 and the lower surface of the sensing layer 1420, and one for sealing between the lower surface of the cover layer 1440 and the upper surface of the sensing layer 1420. Each seal is located in a groove in the sensing layer 1420, the base 1403, or the cover layer 1440 to properly position and retain the seal. Alternatively, the seal can be overmolded onto a layer, and another layer is positioned on top of the layer including the overmolded seal to sandwich the seal in between.

[0470] The electronics of the respiratory assist device are positioned in a low-pressure area of ​​the main housing of the device to form a tortuous path, thereby reducing the possibility of liquid or oxygen entering the electronics. The portion of PCB 1456A containing the electronic components is positioned "outside" the seal, that is, outside the overall gas flow. The portion of PCB 1456 containing the sensor is located inside the flow path and is sealed from the outside by a seal tightly pressed against PCB 1456. Therefore, at least substantially, the entry of liquid or oxygen can be prevented.

[0471] The cap layer 1440 can be attached to the gas flow path and sensing layer 1420 using fasteners such as screws. The fastener clamps the two sections together in the middle, thereby providing compressive force to seal the seals 2423, 2443 against the PCB board 1456. Any suitable number of holes can be provided to receive the screw. Washers can be used on the underside of the screw. To minimize the chance of leakage around the screw into low-pressure areas (which could affect performance), a ridge can be added to the boss, where the screw head will sit once inserted. Alternatively, once the screw has been inserted, any possible openings can be sealed using adhesives or fillers. Alternatively, the cap layer 1440 can include clips or adhesive features to engage with the gas flow path and sensing layer 1420, thereby sealing between the layers when force is applied.

[0472] The characteristics of alternative seals to soft seals will now be described.

[0473] like Figure 60 and Figure 61As shown, a groove 1423 is provided on the upper side of the body 1422 of the sensing layer 1420 for receiving (described in more detail below) the sealing member 2423 to abut against the lower side of the PCB 1456 for sealing. The sealing member 2423 also abuts against the lower side of the cover layer 1440 for sealing. A groove 1443 is provided on the lower side of the body 1442 of the cover layer 1440 for receiving (also described in more detail below) the sealing member 2443 to abut against the upper side of the PCB 1456 for sealing.

[0474] Figure 62 is a schematic diagram of the grooves 1423 / 1443 that retain the seals 2423 / 2443. The grooves 1423 and 1443 are advantageously provided with inwardly pointing protrusions 1423B and 1443B (in... Figure 62A (as shown more clearly in the image) to help hold seals 2423 and 2443 in the proper position in the groove.

[0475] When the gas passing through the gas flow path has been pressurized by the blower, seals 2423 and 2443 seal the high-pressure area of ​​the motor module. Seals 2423 and 2443 prevent gas from escaping and moving towards the electronic components of the device. Seals 2423 and 2443 also prevent fluids from entering, for example, preventing condensate from entering the gas flow if there is condensate on the sensing plate.

[0476] like Figure 65 As shown, each seal 2423, 2443 has a fixed portion 2424 and a flexible portion 2425. (Reference) Figure 65 The fixing portion 2424 is shaped to conform to the grooves 1423, 1443 that retain the seal. The lower region of the seal may have a tapered side 2431 to fit into the grooves 1423, 1443 and form a friction fit. Figure 65 The tapered side is shown. The groove can be, for example, groove 1423 in base 1403 or groove 1443 in cap 1440. The lower portion of seal 2423 is similar in size and shape to groove 1423. Once seal 2423 is assembled with base 1403, the fixing portion will be secured in groove 1423 and remain stationary relative to base 1403.

[0477] refer to Figure 65The flexible portion 2425 of the seal is structured to bend or angle to one side when in a non-bent position. The flexible portion has a generally concave kinked surface 2426 formed by two flat surfaces 2427 meeting at a corner 2428. The flexible portion also has a convex curved surface 2429, which, together with the generally concave surface 2426, gives the flexible portion 2425 a curved shape. This curved shape causes the flexible portion 2425 of the seal to fold to one side when the seal engages with the sealing surface of the sensing layer 1420. In the orientation of FIG. 65, the flexible portion folds to the right. In particular, the flexible portion 2425 is structured such that it bends or angles inward toward the gas flow path.

[0478] The shape extends around the entire seal 2423, 2443.

[0479] The flexible portion 2425 is configured to fold when a compressive force is applied at or near its free end 2430 in the direction toward the fixed portion 2424. This compressive force is applied when the flexible portion 2425 is pressed against the opposing sealing surface. Once the seal 2423 is assembled with the substrate 1403, the flexible portion 2425 is foldable relative to the fixed portion 2424 and the substrate 1403. The flexible portion 2425 preferably folds elastically, meaning that after the compressive force is removed, the flexible portion 2425 is biased to return to its rest or unfolded position. When contact with the sensing layer 1420 pushes the flexible portion 2425 into the folded position, the biasing force generates a sealing force on the sensing layer 1420. When moving from the unfolded position to the folded position, the flexible portion 2425 bends into a curved shape with a greater curvature than its rest shape. The free end 2430 moves inward and downward to the more curved folded position. Specifically, the flexible portion 2425 bends inward toward the gas flow path.

[0480] In addition to bending or alternative to bending, the flexible portion 2425 may be folded or bent around the corner 2428. The corner 2428 may be a zigzag to aid in folding the seal. The flat upper surface 2427 contacts the opposing flat top surface of the fixed portion 2424 to form an effective seal. In an effective configuration, the flexible portion 2425 and the fixed portion form a closed shape, wherein the flat upper surface 2427 presses against the opposing flat top surface of the fixed portion 2424. Alternatively, the flat upper surface 2427 may simply rest on the opposing flat top surface. Because the flexible portion 2425 is folded to contact the fixed portion 2424, the seal forms a tortuous path for any gas to pass through when the seal is in the effective position or orientation.

[0481] The above description refers to the orientation of the seal assembled with the base 1403. The orientation of the seal will depend on the groove in which it is assembled. The seal assembled with the cover 1440 is inverted compared to the seal assembled with the base 1403. That is, the fixed portion 2424 is above the flexible portion 2425.

[0482] Compared to compression seals, the seal with the flexible portion 2425 has the advantage of requiring less force to create a sufficient seal between the substrate 1403 and the sensing layer 1420 and / or between the sensing layer 1420 and the capping layer 1440. Furthermore, the seal will create sufficient sealing contact between components over a wider range of locations. As a result, the seal allows for greater tolerances in the components. For example, greater tolerances are possible in cases of component bending and / or manufacturing variations.

[0483] Another advantage of this configuration is that any increase in pressure in the gas flow path will cause the flexible portion 2425 of the seal to be further biased to a non-bent position. As a result, the increase in pressure in the air path will only increase the sealing force between the flexible portion 2425 and the sealing surface of the sensing layer 1420. This reduces the chance of seal failure due to high pressure.

[0484] In use, the flexible portion 2425, together with the fixed portion 2424, forms a seal with double / overlapping portions, with an air gap between those portions. If gas leaks from the gas flow path, the gas flow must follow a tortuous path around the flexible and fixed portions, including through the gap between those portions. The tortuous path is due to the bending of the flexible portion 2425. If a leak exists, any leaking gas must follow a tortuous path around the bent seal and through the bent seal.

[0485] The seal is or comprises an elastic material. Preferably, the seal comprises a material exhibiting minimal material creep (cold flow) over time. Silicone is an example of a material with low material creep. Alternatively, the seal is or comprises an elastomer thermoplastic. One or two seals may be overmolded into grooves in the base 1403 and / or the capping 1440. Alternatively, one or two seals may be formed separately and subsequently fitted into corresponding grooves 1423, 1443.

[0486] Figure 63 and Figure 64 Each seal is shown to have tongues 2435, 2445 for assembling and disassembling the seal from the cover or substrate. Figure 63 Multiple integral gaskets 2437 for fastener sealing around the connecting base 1403 and the cover 1440 are also shown.

[0487] One advantage of these seals, 2423 and 2443, is that they require less compressive force to provide a sufficient seal compared to soft seals. To achieve the required force when using soft seals, fasteners need to be sufficiently spaced around the sealing area, because even slight bending of the component can prevent the portion of the soft seal that is sufficiently spaced from the nearest fastener from producing a adequate seal.

[0488] Furthermore, the seal is less likely to fail when the pressure in the gas flow path reaches a certain threshold. As mentioned above, the configuration of the zigzag seal creates a tortuous path.

[0489] In WO'838, a seal can be formed between the upper edge of the filter housing in the lower housing 3202' and the corresponding hole in the upper housing 3102'. This seal can be produced by a tongue and groove arrangement. Unless otherwise described herein, the features and functions of the filter housing / container are the same as those of the filter housing / container described in WO'838, and the contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0490] In this configuration, an alternative to a tenon-and-groove arrangement is provided. In this configuration, the upper housing 3102' and lower housing 3202' of the main housing 100 of the base unit 50 are configured such that when they are assembled together, a cavity 6701 exists between the upper surface of the lower housing 3202' and the lower surface of the upper housing 3102', as... Figure 67 As shown.

[0491] The seal 6703 is placed between the two surfaces, thereby preventing gas from entering the space between the upper and lower housings.

[0492] Seal 6703 has Figure 67 The form shown and Figure 68A and Figure 68B The cross-section shown.

[0493] The general shape of the seal 6703 corresponds substantially to the shape of the body of the filter 271. The lateral shape and dimensions of the seal correspond to the shape and dimensions of the cavity 6701.

[0494] Figure 68A and 68B It is in both uncompressed and compressed states. Figure 66 A cross-sectional view of the seal. Seal 6703 will initially be in... Figure 68AThe unfolded state is shown. In this state, the vertical dimension of the seal 6703 exceeds the vertical dimension of the cavity 6701. During assembly, the upper surface 6705 of the seal will sealably contact the lower surface 6704 of the upper housing 3102', and the lower surface 6707 of the seal will sealably contact the upper surface 6706 of the lower housing 3202'.

[0495] like Figure 68A and Figure 68B As shown, the seal 6703 has an undulating shape with peaks and valleys. The seal 6703 has a substantially horizontal upper portion 6709 and a substantially horizontal lower portion 6711. A first interior portion 6713 extends inward and downward at an angle from the left side of the upper portion 6709, thus forming a bend 6710. A second interior portion 6715 extends inward and upward at an angle from the left side of the lower portion 6711, thus forming a bend 6712. The first interior portion 6713 and the second interior portion 6715 are located inside the bend 6716 of the seal. Figure 68A and Figure 68B The upper, lower, and interior portions meet on the right side. The upper, lower, and interior portions form an M-shaped seal pointing to one side. Seal 6703 is symmetrical about a horizontal centerline. This symmetry advantageously ensures that seal 6703 deforms uniformly when a vertical force is applied. Furthermore, the M-shape allows seal 6703 to bend in the central region while the upper and lower surfaces of the seal remain substantially horizontal. In alternative configurations, seal 6703 may have fewer bends and / or less interior space, such as a Z-shape. In further alternative configurations, seal 6703 may have more bends or more interior space.

[0496] Once assembled, the aforementioned contact will deform seal 6703 into a folded position. The seal will deform through a folding motion rather than simply compression. Thus, seal 6703 can undergo a greater range of motion with the same force compared to a typical compression seal. This allows seal 6703 to conform to the shape of cavity 6701 even with significant changes due to component bending, manufacturing variations, etc.

[0497] When from Figure 68A The orientation in it is compressed to Figure 68B During compression orientation, these portions of the seal bend or fold, causing the upper portion 6709 and the lower portion 6711 to move closer together. The upper surface 6705 and the lower surface 6707 form the sealing surfaces of the sealed filter to prevent pressurized gas from leaking out of the filter module 271 and into the housing of the main control board and power circuit board. The biasing force from the central undulating shape forms the seal.

[0498] Seal 6703 is made of an elastomeric material. Seal 6703 is made of silicone resin, which exhibits slight material creep (cold flow) over time. Alternatively, the material may be made of an elastomeric thermoplastic.

[0499] This cavity 6701 is located at a considerable distance from the fasteners that secure the lower housing 3202' to the upper housing 3102'. Thus, changes to the components or misalignment between them could lead to leakage at the cavity 6701. The seal 6703, having the features and functions described herein, allows for variation while still providing a sealing function.

[0500] Although this disclosure has described certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments are also 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, implementing 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.

[0501] The various configurations described are merely exemplary. Any one or more features from any configuration can be used in combination with any one or more features from any other configuration.

[0502] These features are described with reference to respiratory assist devices that deliver heated and humidified gas to a patient or user. Such devices may be suitable for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The devices may be configured to deliver gas at a high flow rate to the patient interface (high-flow therapy), particularly nasal high-flow therapy.

[0503] Alternatively, the feature can be used with the device for different purposes. The device can be a high-flow therapeutic device or a low-flow 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.

[0504] These features can be used in stand-alone humidifiers. A stand-alone humidifier may have a housing, a recess 108 for receiving a 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.

[0505] 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.

[0506] 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 for delivering 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 within the inhalation circuit. This can help 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, thereby forming a circuit to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of significant condensation formation.

[0507] 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.

[0508] The liquid chamber 151 can be detached from the base unit to facilitate sterilization or disposal, or to allow for refilling with liquid. The body of the liquid chamber 151 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 a heating base.

[0509] 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.

[0510] 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.

[0511] 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.

[0512] 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.

[0513] 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 laparoscopic surgery. Ideally, the humidifier device is adapted to supply moisture or vapor to a 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 a system delivering any of these types of therapy.

[0514] 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.

[0515] Standalone humidifier devices may have any one or more of the features described or shown herein.

[0516] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the prior art constitutes part of common general knowledge in the relevant field in any country of the world.

[0517] 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 assistance device comprising: a housing comprising an engagement feature; an electrical component in the housing, the electrical component comprising a receptacle; a detachable component configured as an elbow, the detachable component comprising a gas inlet port extending along a first axis, a gas outlet port extending along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, an electrical connector extending from the elbow, the electrical connector configured to fit snugly or tightly in the receptacle of the electrical component to help retain the detachable component in connection with the electrical component, wherein the detachable component further comprises a tab having a terminal portion that is able to be flexed relative to a remainder of the detachable component, the tab extending from the elbow in a direction parallel to the first axis, wherein the tab and the electrical connector are located on opposite sides of the second axis and extend from the elbow in directions opposite to each other, wherein the engagement feature is disposed on the terminal portion of the tab and is configured to engage with the engagement feature of the housing such that, in the absence of actuation of the terminal portion of the detachable component to flex the tab, the detachable component is prevented from being disconnected from the housing.

2. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the tab comprises a thinned portion adjacent to the terminal portion.

3. Breathing assistance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the engagement feature of the detachable component comprises a protrusion, and wherein the engagement feature of the housing comprises a complementary engagement recess.

4. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the protrusion extends outwardly from one side of the terminal portion.

5. The breathing assistance device of claim 4, wherein, the housing and the detachable component each have two of the engagement features, wherein the engagement features of the detachable component comprise two protrusions extending outwardly from opposite sides of the terminal portion, and wherein the housing comprises two complementary engagement recesses.

6. The breathing assistance device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the engagement features are configured such that insertion of the detachable component into the housing will cause the terminal portion of the tab to flex.

7. The breathing assistance device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the electrical component comprises a socket, and wherein the detachable component comprises a seal configured to engage over a portion of the socket.

8. The breathing assistance device of claim 7, wherein, the seal comprises a pressure seal.

9. The breathing assistance device of claim 7, wherein, the seal comprises one or more sealing elements.

10. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 7 wherein, the seal comprises an overmolded seal.

11. The breathing assistance device of claim 10, wherein, the electrical connector comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, wherein the PCB electrical connector is partially housed in a cavity of the detachable component, and wherein the detachable component comprises a molded base member that is integrally molded with the seal and covers a portion of the PCB electrical connector that is housed in the cavity.

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