Light emitter for a respiratory device

Abstract

A breathing apparatus is disclosed, comprising a light emitting system. The light emitting module is arranged to illuminate in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction and to illuminate in a first light emitting pattern in case the determined status condition is a normal status condition and in a second light emitting pattern in case the determined status condition is an alarm status condition.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to a light emitter for use in respiratory equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Breathing devices, such as portable breathing apparatus, typically include a wearable backplate that supports a container of breathing gas and is worn on the user's back via shoulder straps and a waist belt. Modern breathing devices may have onboard electronics, such as communication devices, telemetry devices, lights, cameras, sensors, and other electronic systems. These electronic systems can be powered by onboard batteries, for example, located on the backplate.

[0003] Lights located on the back panel of respiratory equipment are typically not used to illuminate the wearer's surroundings, but rather to indicate alarm conditions to other team members, such as low air pressure or wearer incapacitation. However, current light solutions for respiratory equipment may be invisible or insufficiently conspicuous in certain situations (e.g., in dense smoke or when the wearer is not in direct line of sight), or may not provide sufficient information about the wearer's status.

[0004] Therefore, it should be understood that improvements in the light-emitting systems used in respiratory devices can be expected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a breathing device is provided, comprising a wearable backplate including a longitudinally extending frame configured to support a user's back. The frame includes a bottle support for supporting a breathing cylinder and has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is configured to be positioned near the user's shoulder in use, and the lower end is configured to be positioned near the user's lower back or waist in use. The backplate includes a first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module located on opposite sides of the bottle support. These light-emitting modules include a vertical light-emitting array configured to project light longitudinally toward the upper end of the backplate and / or a horizontal light-emitting array configured to project light perpendicular to the backplate. The breathing device also includes a controller configured to: receive data indicating the state of the breathing device and / or the user; determine the state of the breathing device and / or the user; and control the light-emitting modules to illuminate in the following modes: a first light-emitting mode, illuminating if the determined state is a normal state; and a second light-emitting mode, illuminating if the determined state is an alarm state.

[0006] It should be understood that light can be emitted by vertical and horizontal light-emitting arrays in a restricted fan-shaped, arc-shaped, or conical manner extending generally in the vertical or horizontal direction. The frame may include one or more generally longitudinally extending supports, with one or more intersecting elements extending between these supports, for example, in a ladder-like arrangement. It should also be understood that a light-emitting array is a construction of one or more light-emitting components configured to emit light in a respective direction. In some instances, a single construction of the light-emitting component may provide two arrays, for which separate light-emitting elements are not necessary (although in some instances, the array may include separate light-emitting components).

[0007] The first and second illumination modes will be unique. Illumination modes may include one or more of the following: flashing illumination (at a constant or varying frequency), continuous illumination, using emitters of different colors, or emitting light in a specific sequence by the light-emitting modules / arrays. Using different illumination modes to indicate different states can provide the observer with a clear indication of the current status of the user and / or the breathing equipment.

[0008] The first and second light-emitting modules can be arranged near the lower end of the frame. During use, the light-emitting modules can be positioned below the bottle support or below the bottle. "Below" should be understood as the light-emitting modules being closer to the lower end of the back panel than the bottle or bottle support.

[0009] The first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module include both a vertical light-emitting array and a horizontal light-emitting array. The vertical light-emitting array is configured to project light longitudinally towards the upper end of the back plate, and the horizontal light-emitting array is configured to project light perpendicularly to the back plate.

[0010] The first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module include both a vertical light-emitting array and a horizontal light-emitting array, wherein the vertical light-emitting array is configured to project light longitudinally toward the upper end of the back plate, and the horizontal light-emitting array is configured to project light perpendicular to the back plate.

[0011] The wearable backplate may also include an electronic module, which may include one or more of a light-emitting module, a controller, and a battery. The electronic module may be located near the lower end of the backplate. The electronic module may be detachable.

[0012] By placing some or all of the electronic components (such as the light-emitting module and / or electronic modules) near the lower end of the backplate, the light-emitting module can be closer to other electronic devices. This reduces the amount of wiring required and can help increase the weight of onboard electronics at the base of the user's spine. A low center of gravity in the breathing device can reduce the overall load on the user or the perceived load weight.

[0013] Vertical and / or horizontal light-emitting arrays can each include two or more light-emitting elements of different colors for emitting light of different colors. For example, in addition to different light emission modes for improving the interval of status indication, a first color and a second color can be used to indicate different states or for different situations. Three light-emitting elements of different colors can be provided in each array for further interval of status indication.

[0014] A vertical light-emitting array may include a light guiding device. The light guiding device may include a light guide tube. The light guiding device of the vertical light-emitting array may be configured to project light longitudinally primarily toward the upper end of a backplane. The vertical light-emitting array may include a light guide tube for guiding light longitudinally from the light-emitting elements toward the upper end of the backplane. The light-emitting elements can be effectively arranged and one or more light guide tubes can guide or focus the emitted light.

[0015] The horizontal light-emitting array may include a light-guiding device. The light-guiding device of the horizontal light-emitting array may be configured to project light primarily perpendicular to the backplane.

[0016] One or more longitudinally extending reflective elements can be provided on the wearable back panel. In some instances, a first reflective element and a second reflective element can be provided on two opposite sides of the bottle support to reflect light projected longitudinally by the vertical light-emitting array. The reflective elements can be mounted on a longitudinally extending support of the frame.

[0017] The wearable backplate may have: a side facing the user, configured to cover the user's back during use; and an outward-facing side, configured to be away from the user's back during use. A light-emitting module may protrude from the outward-facing side of the backplate.

[0018] The light-emitting module can extend through an opening located in the wearable back panel so that it protrudes from the opening.

[0019] Each light-emitting module may be at least partially surrounded by an outer barrier wall configured to block light projected by the light-emitting module in some directions.

[0020] The outer barrier of each light-emitting module may extend around the lower side, as well as the left and right sides of the light-emitting module, so that the light-emitting module is configured to project light substantially longitudinally toward the upper end of the back plate and substantially perpendicular to the outward-facing side of the back plate.

[0021] A barrier can at least partially block light projected downwards and laterally to the left or right.

[0022] The breathing apparatus may also include a breathing gas cylinder arranged on a cylinder support. One or more reflective elements may be provided on the breathing gas cylinder or the cover for the breathing gas cylinder to reflect light emitted by the light-emitting module.

[0023] A first and a second reflective element may be provided on opposite sides of the breathing gas cylinder or cover to reflect light projected longitudinally by the vertical light-emitting array. In some instances, these reflective elements may extend longitudinally along the sides of the breathing gas cylinder or cover.

[0024] According to a second aspect, a breathing device is provided, comprising a wearable backplate including a longitudinally extending frame configured to support a user's back. The frame includes a bottle support for supporting a breathing cylinder and has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is configured to be positioned near the user's shoulder in use, and the lower end is configured to be positioned near the user's lower back or waist in use. The backplate also includes: a light-emitting element configured to project light longitudinally toward the upper end of the backplate; and an orientation sensor. The breathing device further includes a controller configured to receive data from the orientation sensor and determine the orientation of the backplate, and to illuminate the light-emitting element if it is determined that the wearable backplate is in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0025] The light emitted from a horizontally oriented light-emitting element can be white light. The light can provide essentially continuous illumination when horizontal. This can create a "headlight effect" to provide improved visibility when the user is crawling or bending over. By illuminating only when horizontal, battery power can be maintained when the "headlight" is not needed. The light-emitting element can also intermittently flash other colors while in a horizontal position, for example, as described in the first aspect above, to continuously indicate the user's status or the device's status.

[0026] To avoid unnecessary repetition of effects and text in the specification, certain features are described only with respect to one or more aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that, where technically feasible, features described with respect to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

[0027] In particular, one or both of the first and second aspects can be implemented in the same backplate or breathing device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how it can be practiced, please now refer to the accompanying drawings as examples, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 It is a 3D view of a breathing device including a wearable backplate;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the back panel;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Front view of the back panel; and

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 Top view of the back panel;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figures 2 to 4 Rear view of the back panel;

[0034] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Detailed views of the backplate with and without light guides are shown; and

[0035] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 4 The diagram shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the backplate's light-emitting module and surrounding portion, taken from plane AA. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 A breathing device 1 is shown. The breathing device 1 includes a wearable backplate 10, specifically a backplate 10 configured to be supported on the user's back via shoulder straps 12 and a waist belt 13. The backplate 12 includes a generally longitudinally extending frame 14. The frame 14 is configured to support a breathing cylinder 16 (with a cylinder valve 22) on a centrally positioned cylinder support 18, thereby securing the cylinder 16 to the backplate. The cylinder support 18 includes support straps 20 and a cylinder holder 28.

[0037] Figures 2 to 5 The back panel 10 is shown in more detail, but the shoulder straps 12 and waist belt 13 are not shown for ease of understanding. As can be observed, the frame 14 of the back panel 10 includes two longitudinally extending supports 24 located on the left and right sides of the back panel 10. It should be understood that "longitudinally extending" means that the portion in question is elongated, with its longest dimension being in the "longitudinal" direction. The back panel 10 and the frame 14 also extend longitudinally, and their length is significantly greater than their width. In use, after the user puts on the shoulder straps 12 and waist belt 13, the back panel 10 and thus the frame 14 are configured to cover and support the wearer's back. When the user wears the breathing device 1, the frame 14 (and thus the bottle 16) extends generally vertically and is substantially parallel to the user's spine.

[0038] The frame 14 also includes a cross element 26 that extends laterally between the supports 24 and includes a bottle holder 28 on which the gas cylinder 16 is located. The bottle holder 28, together with the support strap 20 (which holds the bottle against the holder 28), forms part of the bottle support 18 and properly positions the bottle 16 and its valve 22.

[0039] The back panel 10 extends between an upper end 30 and a lower end 32. Since the upper end of the shoulder strap 12 is fixed to the upper end 30, the upper end 30 is configured to be positioned near the user's shoulder during use. Since the waist belt 13 is fixed to the back panel 10 at the lower end 32, the lower end 32 is configured to be positioned near the user's lower back or waist during use. It should be understood that the upper and lower ends described herein are in normal use, wherein the back panel 10 extends substantially vertically over the user's back. It should be understood that in this normal use, the upper end 30 is vertically positioned above the lower end 32. In other orientations, the upper and lower ends of the back panel 10 may be positioned in different relative locations.

[0040] exist Figure 5 The rear of the back panel 10 is shown in the diagram. In use, this side of the back panel 10 covers the user's back. At the lower end of the back panel, an electronic module 34 is arranged in a recess in the rear side of the back panel 10. The electronic module 34 houses most of the onboard electronics for the back panel 10, such as controllers, multiple sensors, and a light-emitting module, which will be discussed in more detail below. The electronic module 34 is attached to the back panel 10 using removable fasteners (e.g., bolts) so that the electronic module can be detached. Therefore, the same back panel 10 can be used or sold for both electronic configurations that include the electronic module 34 and so-called "mechanical" configurations that do not use the electronic module 34. By positioning most of the electronic components of the back panel 10 in the compact electronic module 34 (located very low on the back panel and close to the user's lower back during use), the user's load is reduced, and the amount of cables, etc., required is minimized.

[0041] refer to Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 7 The light-emitting system of the backplate 10 will now be described in more detail.

[0042] refer to Figure 3 The back panel includes a first light-emitting module 36a and a second light-emitting module 36b. These light-emitting modules 36 are disposed on two opposite sides of the back panel 10, and specifically on two opposite sides of the bottle support portion 18. The light-emitting module 36a is disposed on the upper left side and the light-emitting module 36b is disposed on the upper right side.

[0043] like Figure 3As can be seen, the light-emitting module 36 is located near the lower end 32 of the frame 14. In this example, the light-emitting module 36 is positioned below the bottle support or below the pressure vessel during use. "Below" should be understood as the light-emitting module being closer to the lower end of the back plate than the bottle 16 or the bottle support 18.

[0044] exist Figure 5 The visible back panel, on the user-facing side 38, is configured to cover the user's back during use, and... Figure 3 The outward-facing side 40 of the visible back panel is configured to face away from the user's back during use. A light-emitting module 36 is arranged on the outward-facing side 40 and, in this example, protrudes from the outward-facing side 40 of the back panel 10. By protruding from the back panel 10, the light-emitting module 36 can emit light more effectively in directions generally parallel to the plane of the back panel 10 (i.e., obliquely, upward, and downward).

[0045] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 7 Each of the plurality of light-emitting modules 36 includes a vertical light-emitting array 42 and a horizontal light-emitting array 44, wherein the vertical light-emitting array is configured to project light longitudinally toward the upper end 30 of the back plate 10, and the horizontal light-emitting array is configured to project light perpendicular to the back plate (i.e., perpendicular to the outward-facing side 40).

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the vertical light-emitting array 42 is configured to project light longitudinally onto the backplate 10 in the form of a generally vertical light arc 48, and importantly, beyond the upper end 32 of the backplate 10. It should be understood that the vertical light-emitting array 42 will emit light in multiple directions, but the structure of the light-emitting module 36 causes most of the light emitted by the vertical light-emitting array 42 to be oriented in a substantially upward longitudinal direction.

[0047] The horizontal light-emitting array 44 is configured to project light horizontally from the outward-facing side 40 of the backplate 10 in the form of a generally horizontal light arc 50. It should be understood that the horizontal light-emitting array 44 will emit light in multiple directions, but the structure of the light-emitting module 36 is such that most of the light emitted by the horizontal light-emitting array 44 is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0048] The vertically oriented light and the horizontally oriented light from the light-emitting module 36 provide a very conspicuous array of light visible from multiple angles, even when there is no direct line of sight to the backplate 10.

[0049] When the back panel 10 or a portion thereof is in direct line of sight, the light from the horizontal light-emitting array 44 will be visible to the observer since the light-emitting module 36 will be directly visible. Furthermore, components of the back panel 10 located above the light-emitting module 36 will reflect some of the light emitted by the vertical light-emitting array 42 onto the back panel 10, making the back panel 10 appear illuminated. Therefore, even if the line of sight to the light-emitting module 36 is obstructed, the observer should still be able to perceive the luminous effect because the back panel 10 itself will be at least partially illuminated. Moreover, even if the entire back panel 10 and the user are obstructed, for example, if there is a large object between the observer and the user of the back panel, the light will still be visible as long as the ceiling above the back panel 10 is visible. Since the vertical light-emitting array 42 emits light vertically through the back panel 10, any ceiling or object above the back panel 10 and the user will also be illuminated. Therefore, as long as the object above the back panel 10 or the user is directly visible, the light on the back panel will be visible and very conspicuous to the observer.

[0050] It should be understood that there are multiple ways to orient the light from the light-emitting arrays 42 and 44. In this example, a specific structure is used.

[0051] Each light-emitting module 36 includes a transparent or translucent cover 37 that houses and protects the light-emitting arrays 42, 44. In this example, the cover 37 is shown as transparent, allowing the internal structure of the light-emitting module 36 to be clearly seen.

[0052] Each light-emitting module 36 is surrounded by a peripheral barrier wall 47, which is configured to block light projected by the light-emitting module 36 in some directions. In this example, the peripheral barrier wall 47 extends around the left, right, and bottom sides of the light-emitting module 36 without obstructing the top and front surfaces of the light-emitting module 36. Therefore, the barrier wall 47 essentially prevents light projected directly laterally (i.e., to the left and right) and downwards by the light-emitting module 36. This structure helps to concentrate the light emitted by the light-emitting arrays 42, 44 into a vertical light arc 48 and a horizontal light arc 50.

[0053] Figure 6A A plan view of the light-emitting module 36a on the left is shown. Figure 6A In order to facilitate observation of the light-emitting arrays 42 and 44, the light guide tube 45 was omitted. Figure 6B The light guide tube 45 is shown in the figure, which allows for a description of its operation.

[0054] Both the vertical and horizontal light-emitting arrays include three light-emitting elements 52 in the form of light-emitting diodes 52. The LEDs 52 are arranged in two rows of three; the upper three LEDs 52a form a horizontal light-emitting array 44, and the lower three LEDs 52b form a vertical light-emitting array 42. The LEDs 52 in the two arrays are slightly offset laterally. Figure 6B As shown, the light guide 45 includes three "finger-like" elements 45a that precisely cover the LEDs 52b forming a vertical light-emitting array. The fingers 45a of the light guide 45 are vertically oriented such that light emitted from the vertically emitting array of LEDs 52b enters the fingers 45a and is internally reflected by the fingers 45a to achieve the desired effect. Figure 6B As indicated by the arrow, a vertical projection is made to form a vertical light arc 48.

[0055] Because the LEDs 52a of the horizontal light-emitting array 44 are laterally offset from the LEDs of the vertical light-emitting array 42, the fingers 45a of the light guide 45 do not directly cover the LEDs 52a, and these LEDs 52a are arranged to emit light in the gaps between the fingers 45a. Therefore, most of the light emitted by the LEDs 52a of the horizontal array 44 is not redirected through the light guide 45, but is emitted horizontally in the form of a horizontal light arc 50. It should be understood that some light emitted by both light-emitting arrays 42 and 44 will be used to illuminate both the vertical light arc 48 and the horizontal light arc 50, but each array 42 and 44 provides most of the light for its respective light arc.

[0056] As described above, the breathing device 1 also includes a controller 46. In this example, the controller 46 is included within an electronic module 34 located on the back panel 10. However, in other examples, the controller may be located in a PASS device, which is connected to the back panel via a wired or wireless means or associated with the breathing device 1 and the light-emitting module in some other way.

[0057] The controller 46 communicates with one or more sensors 49 that sense status indication information regarding the back panel 10 and / or the user. For example, the sensors may include a pressure sensor indicating pressure within the bottle 16, a motion sensor indicating whether the user is moving, physiological sensors indicating the user's physiological condition (such as a heart rate sensor, respiratory rate sensor, etc.), a temperature sensor, a battery level sensor, a user-activated "emergency button," an orientation sensor, etc. It should be understood that the one or more sensors are configured to generate data indicating the status of the breathing device 1 and / or the user's status.

[0058] The controller 46 is configured to receive data from at least one sensor 49 indicating the status of the respiratory equipment and / or the user's status. The controller 46 then analyzes the received data to determine the status of the respiratory equipment and / or the user's status. The controller 46 then controls the light-emitting module 36 to illuminate in a light-emitting pattern indicating the determined status. At least two light-emitting patterns exist: a first light-emitting pattern is used if the determined status is a normal status; and a second light-emitting pattern is used if the determined status is an alarm status. It is important that the light-emitting system indicates a normal status because this provides reassurance to other personnel that the user is safe and secure, and enables team members to operate more effectively and confidently.

[0059] A “normal” state should be understood as a state in which the function of the breathing device 1 and / or the user is permissible. For example, a normal state could be a state in which the remaining breathing gas in cylinder 16 is at a permissible level and the user’s physiological condition is within permissible limits.

[0060] An "alarm" status should be understood as a situation where the function of the breathing device 1 and / or the user exceeds permissible limits, necessitating the sending of an alarm to other service personnel regarding the user's condition. For example, an alarm status could be a situation where the remaining breathing gas in cylinder 16 is at an inpermissible level and / or the user's physiological condition exceeds permissible limits.

[0061] In some instances, there may also be intervals between state conditions. For example, alarm state conditions can be further divided into "pre-alarm" and "full alarm" conditions, where a pre-alarm indicates that the condition is about to transition to an unacceptable state (e.g., remaining respiratory gas is low but not extremely low), and a full alarm indicates an unacceptable state (e.g., remaining respiratory gas is extremely low). Different illumination patterns can be provided for different defined state conditions.

[0062] To enable communication across various states, the vertical light-emitting array 42 and the horizontal light-emitting array 44 each include two or more light-emitting elements of different colors for emitting light of different colors; in this example, these are blue, yellow, and red light-emitting elements. As discussed below, different emission patterns may include both different colors of light and / or different emission sequences to indicate different states, or to improve the intervals between state indications for different situations. In some instances, unique emission patterns may be used to indicate specific users, such as team leaders.

[0063] Furthermore, different light patterns can be combined to indicate concurrent status indicators, which can include normal levels for one or more measured variables and alarms for other measured variables. For example, a flashing blue light can indicate that the remaining amount of breathing air is permissible, a flashing yellow light can indicate a low amount of breathing air, and a flashing red light can indicate that the user's heart rate is too fast. These different indicators can be combined such that alternating flashing blue and red lights indicate a simultaneous occurrence of permissible (normal) remaining air volume but a fast heart rate (alarm), while alternating flashing yellow and red lights indicate both a low amount of breathing air (alarm) and a fast heart rate (alarm).

[0064] Alternatively, for simplicity, the emission patterns can be mutually exclusive when determining only one state (e.g., remaining respiratory gas volume). For example, flashing blue light can indicate that the remaining respiratory gas volume is permissible, flashing yellow light can indicate a low respiratory gas volume, and flashing red light can indicate an extremely low respiratory gas volume. Therefore, these states cannot occur simultaneously, and the observer can more easily understand and distinguish between them.

[0065] In this example, the light-emitting module and the electronic module 34 are integrally formed. The light-emitting module 36 protrudes from the electronic module 34 and extends through an aperture 54 located in the back plate 10 to protrude from the outward-facing surface 40 of the back plate 10. As described above, the aperture 54 is partially surrounded by a peripheral blocking wall 47.

[0066] In this example, several additional components are provided to further improve light visibility. A longitudinally extending reflective element 56 is provided on the back plate. The reflective element is located on two opposite sides of the bottle support, particularly on the bracket 24, to reflect light projected longitudinally by the vertical light-emitting array 42. Furthermore, bottle-mounted reflective elements 58 are provided on two opposite sides of the breathing gas bottle to reflect light projected longitudinally by the vertical light-emitting array 42. In this example, the bottle-mounted reflective elements 58 extend longitudinally along the sides of the breathing gas bottle 16. In some countries, a bottle cover or sleeve may be used, so the bottle-mounted reflective elements 58 may be alternatively or additionally provided on the bottle cover or sleeve.

[0067] Another feature of the backplate will now be described. It should be understood that this feature can be provided separately from the aforementioned light-emitting system or can be provided independently.

[0068] As described above, the back panel includes a sensor 48. In this example, an orientation sensor 60 is provided. The controller 46 is configured to receive data from the orientation sensor 60 and determine the orientation of the back panel, and if it is determined that the wearable back panel is in a substantially horizontal orientation, to illuminate the vertical light-emitting array 42.

[0069] The light emitted from the horizontally oriented light-emitting elements can be white light, for example, by illuminating all three LEDs 52b to provide a combined white light color. The light-emitting array 42 can provide substantially continuous illumination when horizontal. This can create a "headlight effect" when the user is crawling or bending over while wearing the backplate 10, providing improved visibility of the environment in front of the user. It should then be understood that when the backplate 10 is in a horizontal position, the vertical light-emitting array 42 effectively directs the light in a forward direction. By illuminating only when horizontal, battery power can be conserved when the "headlight" is not needed. The light-emitting arrays 42, 44 can also continue to illuminate in the state-indicating light mode as described above when in a horizontal position to continue indicating the user's status or the device's status.

[0070] By providing the light-emitting system disclosed herein, improved emitters and status indicators can be achieved without significantly increasing battery power consumption. It should be understood that by arranging light-emitting modules at specific locations at the lower end of the backplate and by effectively guiding the light, a smaller number of light-emitting modules can illuminate both the backplate itself and objects above it. In prior art systems, conspicuous emitters can only be achieved by arranging multiple light-emitting locations on the backplate, which is inefficient, heavy, and consumes additional power. Furthermore, lighting status indicators have historically been used only for "alarm" states. However, since the backplate of this disclosure utilizes the emitters more efficiently, a "normal" state can be conspicuously indicated with reduced battery power consumption without concern about prematurely depleting battery capacity.

[0071] To avoid unnecessary repetition of effects and text in the specification, certain features are described only with respect to one or more aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that, where technically feasible, features described with respect to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

[0072] Unless otherwise stated, orientation-based terms such as lower, upper, downward, upward, lateral, left, right, forward, and backward should be interpreted in the usual position of the breathing device or backplate in use, i.e., on the user's back when the user is upright. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, terms such as "vertically upward" should be interpreted as pointing outward away from the earth's surface.

[0073] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more exemplary instances, the invention is not limited to the disclosed instances, and alternative instances may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A breathing device (1), comprising: Wearable backplate (10), said backplate comprising: A longitudinally extending frame (14) configured to support the user’s back, the frame (14) including a bottle support (18) for supporting a breathing cylinder (16), and the frame having: an upper end (30) configured to be positioned near the user’s shoulder in use; and a lower end (32) configured to be positioned near the user’s lower back or waist in use. The first and second light-emitting modules are located on opposite sides of the bottle support (18). The first and second light-emitting modules each include a vertical light-emitting array (42) having a light-guiding device configured to project light longitudinally primarily toward the upper end (30) of the back plate (10) and / or a horizontal light-emitting array (44) having a light-guiding device configured to project light primarily perpendicular to the back plate (10); and Controller (46), the controller is configured to: Receive data indicating the status of the respiratory device (1) and / or the user; Determine the status of the respiratory device (1) and / or the user; and Control the first and second light-emitting modules to illuminate them in the following modes: The first light-emitting mode provides illumination when the determined state condition is a normal state condition; and The second illumination mode illuminates the scene when the determined state is an alarm state.

2. The breathing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module are arranged near the lower end (32) of the frame (14).

3. The breathing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module include both a vertical light-emitting array (42) and a horizontal light-emitting array (44), wherein the vertical light-emitting array is configured to project light longitudinally toward the upper end (30) of the back plate (10), and the horizontal light-emitting array is configured to project light perpendicular to the back plate (10).

4. The breathing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the breathing device has an electronic module (34) including the first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module, the controller (46) and the battery, wherein, selectively, The electronic module (34) is a detachable module.

5. The breathing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vertical light-emitting array (42) and / or the horizontal light-emitting array (44) each include two or more light-emitting elements of different colors for emitting light of different colors.

6. The breathing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vertical light-emitting array (42) includes a light guide (45) for longitudinally guiding light from the light-emitting elements of the vertical light-emitting array (42) toward the upper end (30) of the back plate (10).

7. The breathing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the breathing device further comprising one or more longitudinally extending reflective elements (56) located on the wearable backplate (10).

8. The breathing device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, A first reflective element and a second reflective element are provided on two opposite sides of the bottle support (18) to reflect the light projected longitudinally by the vertical light-emitting array (42).

9. The breathing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wearable back panel (10) includes: a user-facing side (38) configured to cover the user's back during use; and an outward-facing side (40) configured to be away from the user's back during use, wherein the first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module protrude from the outward-facing side (40) of the back panel (10).

10. The breathing device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the first and second light-emitting modules is at least partially surrounded by a peripheral blocking wall (47) configured to block light projected by the light-emitting module in some directions.

11. The breathing device (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The peripheral barrier (47) extends around the lower side, left side and right side of the light-emitting module such that the first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module are configured to project light substantially longitudinally toward the upper end (30) of the back plate (10) and substantially perpendicular to the outward side (40) of the back plate (10).

12. The breathing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a breathing gas cylinder (16) disposed on the cylinder support (18), wherein, One or more reflective elements are provided on the breathing gas cylinder (16) and / or on the cover for the breathing gas cylinder to reflect light emitted by the first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module.

13. The breathing device (1) according to claim 12, wherein, A first upper reflective element and a second upper reflective element (58) are provided on two opposite sides of the breathing cylinder (16) and / or the cover to reflect light projected longitudinally by the vertical light-emitting array (42), selectively wherein, These reflective elements (58) on the bottle extend longitudinally along the sides of the breathing gas bottle (16) and / or the cover.

14. A breathing device (1), comprising: Wearable backplate (10), said backplate comprising: A longitudinally extending frame (14) configured to support the user's back, the frame (14) including a bottle support (18) for supporting a breathing cylinder (16), and the frame having: an upper end (30) configured to be positioned near the user's shoulder in use; and a lower end (32) configured to be positioned near the user's lower back or waist in use; and The light-emitting array (42) includes a light-guiding device configured to project light longitudinally mainly toward the upper end (30) of the back plate (10); Orientation sensor (60); and A controller (46) is configured to receive data from the orientation sensor (60) and determine the orientation of the backplate (10), and to illuminate the light-emitting array if it is determined that the wearable backplate (10) is in a substantially horizontal orientation.

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