Respiratory humidification system and humidification chamber for respiratory humidification system

Abstract

This application relates to a respiratory humidification system and a humidification chamber for the respiratory humidification system. A humidification chamber for a respiratory humidification system is disclosed, the chamber including a humidification section having an inlet and an outlet, wherein a humidification element in the humidification section is configured to humidify a gas flow passing through a flow channel, wherein the gas flow is brought to the vicinity of the humidification element.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 505,008, filed May 30, 2023, entitled "Humidifier," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to humidifying gas therapy. More specifically, this disclosure relates to humidification systems used in humidifying gas therapy. Background Technology

[0003] Patients with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may struggle to breathe effectively. This difficulty can result from a variety of causes, including weakened lung tissue, small airway dysfunction, excessive sputum accumulation, infection, genetic disorders, or heart failure. In cases of respiratory diseases, providing treatments that improve ventilation is useful. In some situations, patients may be equipped with a respiratory therapy system, which includes a gas source, an interface for delivering gas to the patient's airway, and a conduit extending between the gas source and the interface. The gas delivered from the gas source to the patient's airway can help promote adequate ventilation. The gas source may include, for example, a container of air and / or another gas suitable for inhalation (e.g., oxygen or nitric oxide), a mechanical blower capable of propelling the gas through the conduit to the interface, or some combination of both. The respiratory therapy system may include a gas humidifier that can humidify and heat the gas delivered through the respiratory therapy system to improve patient comfort and / or improve the prognosis of the patient's respiratory disease. A gas humidifier may include a water reservoir and a heating element for heating the water in the reservoir. As the water is heated, water vapor is formed that can be incorporated into the airflow passing through the gas humidifier.

[0004] A gas humidifier is used to provide humidified breathing gas to a patient. The gas is delivered to the patient via a patient interface. Examples of patient interfaces include masks, nasal masks, nasal cannulas, combinations of masks and nasal masks, etc.

[0005] Conventional gas humidifiers are useful for relieving cold discomfort and for dry gas therapy, but they are typically configured so that all or excess water in the reservoir must be heated before the generated steam rises to an acceptable level to provide adequate humidification. In some cases, it can take up to half an hour from turning on the humidifier to starting to generate enough steam. Furthermore, when settings change and humidity decreases, allowing water to cool, the large thermal mass and resulting cooling inertia slow down the rate of change. Therefore, conventional gas humidifiers may not respond adequately to changing input conditions, or may have an impaired response, partly due to the high thermal inertia of the water in the reservoir.

[0006] In conventional gas humidifiers, the chamber typically contains features designed to facilitate airflow, allowing it to contact heated water before exiting through the outlet. As air passes through the water in the chamber, the humidity of the gas layer immediately adjacent to the water increases significantly, while more distant layers are humidified by a much smaller amount. The humidity of the gas stream received by the patient is a mixture of a few highly humid layers and many relatively "dry" layers above. Therefore, treatment devices using this type of gas humidifier must operate the heater plate at high temperatures to allow sufficient water evaporation to adequately humidify the proximal layers and penetrate the more distant "dry" air. Consequently, the humidifier may need to "over-humidify" the proximal layers to penetrate the distal layers, and / or to achieve the overall humidity required for the combined gas when the proximal layers subsequently merge with the "dry" layers.

[0007] Compared to gases that are farther from the humidifying surface, gases that are closest to the humidifying surface have the greatest fluid or water vapor uptake and the highest humidity. The high-humidity region near the humidifying surface can be called the "high-humidity zone" or "high-humidity boundary layer".

[0008] In "barrel-type" humidifiers that use a fluid reservoir as the humidifying surface, the high-humidity zone may decrease as the water level drops throughout the treatment session, causing the water surface to move further away from the gas flow. At the start of a treatment session, the "barrel-type" humidifier works best when the water level is at its maximum fill line. Therefore, when the design allows, the gas flows through the humidifier as close to the water as possible. Over time and as the water level drops, the gap between the flow and the water surface widens, resulting in less gas flowing close to the water and thus reducing water vapor uptake.

[0009] In evaporative humidifiers, the liquid level issue is addressed using a heated wicking surface humidification element. However, various factors can impair the airflow path. In some designs, orifices or baffles protrude from the sides of the humidification chamber to supply and guide gas. These can occupy space in the path of the humidifying gas flow, causing turbulence and affecting the transfer of liquid molecules to the gas. Consequently, some gas flow may be diverted away from the high humidity zone.

[0010] US 10688272 B2 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) discloses the delivery of a controlled amount of water to a heated surface to control the humidification of airflow. The heated surface is coated with a hydrophilic material that can wick water evenly across the entire area. This uses less water compared to conventional humidification chambers. Evaporative humidifiers eliminate water level issues by switching to a heated wicking surface humidification method.

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide improvements to the flow path of gases used for humidification. Utility Model Content

[0012] This disclosure provides a water evaporation system that, in some configurations, does not require heating of water in a reservoir or, in other configurations, does not require heating of excess water. The disclosed embodiments allow a desired amount of water to evaporate rapidly while being close to a humidifying surface, thereby improving response time to changes in the system or environment, reducing energy requirements, and significantly shortening the warm-up period.

[0013] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a humidification chamber for a respiratory humidification system is disclosed, the humidification chamber comprising: a humidification section having an inlet and an outlet; a humidification element in the humidification section; and a flow channel for bringing gas close to the humidification element from the inlet to the outlet, the humidification element being configured to humidify the gas flow through the flow channel, wherein the lateral dimension of the flow channel is determined by a target humidity to be achieved at least a portion of the gas at the outlet, the lateral dimension depending on at least one of: the length of the flow channel; the gas flow rate; the temperature of the humidification element; and the relative gas concentration.

[0014] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a humidification chamber for a respiratory humidification system is disclosed, the humidification chamber comprising: a humidification section having an inlet and an outlet; a humidification element in the humidification section; and a flow channel for bringing gas close to the humidification element from the inlet to the outlet, the humidification element being configured to humidify the gas flow through the flow channel, wherein a target humidity to be achieved at the outlet for a portion of the gas is determined by a lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction, the lateral dimension depending on at least one of: the length of the flow channel; the gas flow rate; the temperature of the humidification element; and the relative gas concentration.

[0015] The phrase “depends on (a function of)” as used in this article also means “related to” or “determined by”, and each of these terms is interchangeable where the context allows.

[0016] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a humidification chamber for a respiratory humidification system is disclosed, the humidification chamber comprising: a humidification section having an inlet and an outlet; a humidification element in the humidification section; and a flow channel for bringing gas close to the humidification element from the inlet to the outlet, the humidification element being configured to humidify the gas flow through the flow channel, wherein a lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction results in the gas having a relative humidity of at least about 80% upon reaching the outlet.

[0017] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a humidification chamber for a respiratory humidification system is disclosed, the humidification chamber comprising: a humidification section having an inlet and an outlet, the humidification section defining a flow channel for gas flow between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the humidification section is elongated; wherein the flow channel has a maximum lateral dimension of approximately 10 mm perpendicular to the gas flow direction; and wherein the lateral dimension is selected such that gas passing through the at least one flow channel achieves a relative humidity of at least 80% upon reaching the outlet.

[0018] In some previously non-existent configurations, the humidification chamber includes a humidification element within the humidification section.

[0019] In some configurations, the lateral dimension is at most about 10% of the length of the humidification section measured between the inlet and outlet.

[0020] In some configurations, the lateral dimension is between a minimum of about 0 mm and a maximum of about 22 mm, and optionally, the lateral dimension is between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

[0021] In some configurations, a high-humidity boundary layer is formed within the humidification section to humidify the gas flow.

[0022] In some configurations, a high-humidity boundary layer forms near the humidifying element.

[0023] In some configurations, the high-humidity boundary layer extends to a certain size from the humidifying element.

[0024] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel is equal to or smaller than the dimension of the fully developed high-humidity boundary layer, so as to fill at least a portion of the flow channel with the high-humidity boundary layer.

[0025] In some configurations, the size of the fully developed high-humidity boundary layer is smaller than the lateral dimension of the flow channel.

[0026] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction is determined or depends on at least by the flow rate of the gas flow through the humidification section, wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between about 0.5 L / min and about 200 L / min, optionally wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between about 10 L / min and about 100 L / min, and optionally wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is at most about 70 L / min.

[0027] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the temperature of the humidifying element, wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between about 0°C and 100°C, optionally wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between about 30°C and about 80°C, and optionally wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between about 60°C and about 80°C.

[0028] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the flow rate of the gas through the humidification chamber, wherein the mass flow rate of the gas is less than about 300 g / min.

[0029] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the volumetric flow rate of the liquid supplied to the humidification element, or in which a certain volumetric flow rate of liquid is supplied to the humidification element, wherein the volumetric flow rate of the liquid is at least about 10 µl / min.

[0030] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the oxygen fraction of the gas passing through the flow channel, and wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between about 21% and about 100%, optionally wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between about 30% and about 50%.

[0031] In some configurations, the length of the flow channel and / or humidification section is between about 5 mm and about 300 mm, optionally wherein the length of the flow channel is between about 50 mm and about 200 mm, optionally wherein the length of the flow channel is between about 90 mm and about 200 mm.

[0032] In some configurations, the width of the flow channel is between about 0.1 mm and about 500 mm, and optionally, the width of the flow channel is between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[0033] In some configurations, the surface area of ​​the humidifying element is approximately 10 mm. 2 To approximately 10,000 mm 2 Optionally, the surface area of ​​the humidifying element is approximately 40 mm. 2 Approximately 3,000 mm 2 between.

[0034] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the liquid flow rate to the humidifying element, or there is a liquid flow rate to the humidifying element, wherein the liquid flow rate is between about 0.1 mL / min and about 50 mL / min, optionally wherein the liquid flow rate is between about 1 mL / min and about 5 mL / min.

[0035] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the inlet gas temperature to the humidification section, or there exists an inlet gas temperature to the humidification section, wherein the inlet gas temperature is between about 0°C and about 50°C, optionally wherein the inlet gas temperature is between about 15°C and about 35°C.

[0036] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the outlet gas temperature from the humidification section, or there is an outlet gas temperature from the humidification section, wherein the outlet gas temperature is between about 18°C ​​and about 70°C, optionally wherein the outlet gas temperature is between about 30°C and about 40°C.

[0037] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the humidity of the outlet gas from the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between about 12 mg / L and about 62 mg / L, and optionally wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between about 40 mg / L and about 50 mg / L.

[0038] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the humidity of the inlet gas to the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between about 0 mg / L and about 50 mg / L, and optionally, wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between about 0.1 mg / L and about 5 mg / L.

[0039] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the flow velocity of the gas through the flow channel, wherein the gas flow velocity is between about 0.003 m / s and about 330 m / s, and optionally wherein the gas flow velocity is between about 0.1 m / s and about 30 m / s.

[0040] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section inlet to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel, or wherein there exists a ratio between the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section inlet and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel, wherein the ratio is between about 1:10 and about 12:1.

[0041] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction is determined by a function that includes all of the following: the length of the flow channel; the gas flow rate; the temperature of the humidifying element; and the relative gas concentration.

[0042] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel is such that at least about 90% of the gas flow through the flow channel passes near the humidification element.

[0043] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes an inlet pre-chamber located at the inlet of the humidification section, upstream of the inlet, or in fluid communication with the inlet, the inlet pre-chamber being used to deliver a gas flow to the humidification section.

[0044] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes an outlet pre-chamber located at, downstream of, or in fluid communication with the outlet of the humidification section, the outlet pre-chamber being used to deliver a gas flow from the humidification section.

[0045] In some configurations, the humidification section includes at least one wall or wall portion extending between the inlet and the outlet, and the flow channel is defined as the gas flow area between the humidification element and the at least one wall or wall portion.

[0046] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel is limited by the distance between the humidifying element and at least one wall or wall portion of the flow channel.

[0047] In some configurations, the cross-sectional gas flow area at any location in the humidification section is smaller than the cross-sectional gas flow area at any location in the outlet pre-chamber.

[0048] In some configurations, the shape of the inlet anteroom is designed to guide the gas flow substantially parallel to the humidification element.

[0049] In some configurations, this portion of the gas is essentially all the gas in the flow channel.

[0050] In some configurations, the humidifying element is centrally located in the humidifying section.

[0051] In some configurations, the flow channel is divided into multiple flow channels.

[0052] In some configurations, there are multiple flow channels.

[0053] In some configurations, the lateral dimensions of each of the at least one flow channel are as previously described.

[0054] In some configurations, the humidifying element divides the at least one flow channel into the plurality of flow channels.

[0055] In some configurations, these multiple flow channels are separated by a humidifying element.

[0056] In some configurations, the outlet pre-chamber has a conical shape, wherein the gas flow area of ​​the flow channel increases from the portion of the outlet pre-chamber adjacent to the humidification section to the downstream portion of the outlet pre-chamber.

[0057] In some configurations, when viewed from the side, the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the humidification section and the lower wall or lower portion is smaller than the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the outlet pre-chamber and the lower wall or lower portion, in order to increase the flow area of ​​the gas flow path from the humidification section to the outlet pre-chamber.

[0058] In some configurations, the inlet antechamber has at least one angled surface that extends to and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section for guiding gas flow through the humidification section.

[0059] In some configurations, the at least one angled surface directs the gas flow onto at least one surface of the humidifying element.

[0060] In some configurations, the gas flow is guided substantially parallel to the at least one surface of the humidifying element, optionally after being guided to the at least one surface of the humidifying element.

[0061] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface inside the humidification chamber and the adjacent wall or wall portion is the positive angle.

[0062] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between approximately 200° and 260°.

[0063] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between approximately 220° and 240°.

[0064] In some configurations, the entrance antechamber comprises two symmetrical, angled surfaces.

[0065] In some configurations, the humidifying element has a generally rounded or conical leading edge at or near the inlet.

[0066] In some configurations, when viewed from the side, the thickness of the humidifying element increases from the inlet to a portion of the humidifying section to reduce the lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel.

[0067] In some configurations, the flow area of ​​the gas flow path decreases from the inlet forecourt to the humidification section.

[0068] In some configurations, the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the entrance anteroom and the lower wall or lower portion is greater than the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the humidification section and the lower wall or lower portion.

[0069] In some configurations, the entrance antechamber is a mirror image of the exit antechamber.

[0070] In some configurations, the outlet pre-chamber has at least one angled surface that extends from and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section at the downstream outlet.

[0071] In some configurations, the interior angle of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall is smaller than the interior angle of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall.

[0072] In some configurations, the slope of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall relative to the horizontal plane is less than the slope of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall relative to the horizontal plane.

[0073] In some configurations, at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0074] In some configurations, at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0075] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel is larger at the inlet end of the humidifying element than at the outlet end.

[0076] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel is minimized at a certain location along the humidifying element between the inlet and outlet.

[0077] In some configurations, the inner surface of at least one wall or wall portion of the humidifying section facing the humidifying element has ridges or protrusions.

[0078] In some configurations, the ridges or bumps are positioned essentially along the length of the humidifying section.

[0079] In some configurations, the ridges or bumps extend substantially perpendicular to the length of the humidifying section.

[0080] In some configurations, the humidifying element includes at least one first humidifying plate that is connected to and extends from one of the walls or wall portions of the humidifying section toward the opposite wall or wall portion, with a gap between the at least one first humidifying plate and the opposite wall or wall portion.

[0081] In some configurations, the humidifying element includes at least one second humidifying plate located next to at least one first humidifying plate, the at least one second humidifying plate being separate from the first humidifying plate and extending from and connected to an opposing wall or wall portion of the humidifying section, a gap being provided between the at least one second humidifying plate and the wall or wall portion to which the first humidifying plate is connected.

[0082] In some configurations, the at least one first humidifying plate and the at least one second humidifying plate are angled when viewed from the side.

[0083] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes at least one first baffle, wherein the at least one first baffle is connected to one of the walls or wall portions and extends therefrom toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one first baffle and the humidification element.

[0084] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes at least one second baffle, wherein the at least one second baffle is connected to and extends from a wall or wall portion opposite to at least one first baffle, the at least one second baffle extending toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one second baffle and the humidification element.

[0085] In some configurations, the at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled when viewed from the side.

[0086] In some configurations, the at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled toward the downstream end when viewed from the side, such that the connected end is closer to the upstream end than the baffle or the opposite end of each baffle.

[0087] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes multiple first baffles and / or second baffles that are substantially equidistant along the length when viewed from the side.

[0088] In some configurations, the humidifying element is disposed on the inner surface of the humidifying section (e.g., at least one wall or wall portion).

[0089] In some configurations, the humidification element includes a liquid reservoir.

[0090] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes a heating plate located in or below the liquid reservoir for heating the liquid in the reservoir.

[0091] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes: a gas inlet in fluid communication with the inlet pre-chamber and / or the humidification section inlet, the gas inlet being used to provide gas for humidification; and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outlet pre-chamber and / or the humidification section outlet, the gas outlet being used to deliver the humidified gas to the patient interface.

[0092] In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path perpendicular to the gas flow direction in the flow channel is at most about 25% of the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path perpendicular to the gas flow direction at the gas inlet. Optionally, the gas inlet is located upstream of the inlet pre-chamber.

[0093] In some configurations, the inlet pre-chamber and the outlet pre-chamber are substantially coaxially aligned along an axis extending between the inlet and outlet of the humidification section.

[0094] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes a liquid inlet configured to deliver liquid to the humidification element.

[0095] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a respiratory humidification system is disclosed for humidifying gas before it is delivered to a patient's airway, the respiratory humidification system comprising a humidification chamber as described above in any aspect, the humidification chamber optionally being combined with any number of configurations.

[0096] In some configurations, the breathing humidification system further includes a flow generator for delivering gas into the humidification chamber.

[0097] In some configurations, the respiratory humidification system further includes a patient interface for delivering humidified gas from the humidification chamber to the patient.

[0098] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a humidification chamber for a respiratory humidification system is disclosed, the humidification chamber defining a gas flow path, the humidification chamber comprising: an elongated humidification section having an upstream end and a downstream end; an inlet pre-chamber at the upstream end of the humidification section; and an outlet pre-chamber at the downstream end of the humidification section, wherein the flow area of ​​the gas flow path decreases from the inlet pre-chamber to the humidification section.

[0099] In some configurations, the inlet antechamber and the outlet antechamber are substantially coaxially aligned along the axis.

[0100] In some configurations, the axis extends substantially along the direction between the upstream and downstream ends of the humidification section.

[0101] In some configurations, the gas flow obtained through the inlet pre-chamber and the gas flow obtained through the outlet pre-chamber are in essentially the same flow direction.

[0102] In some configurations, the gas flow obtained through the humidification section is substantially in the same flow direction as the gas flow through the inlet pre-chamber and the outlet pre-chamber.

[0103] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes: a gas inlet in fluid communication with the inlet pre-chamber and / or the humidification section inlet, the gas inlet being used to provide gas for humidification; and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outlet pre-chamber and / or the humidification section outlet, the gas outlet being used to deliver the humidified gas to the patient interface.

[0104] In some configurations, the gas inlet and gas outlet are aligned substantially coaxially along the axis.

[0105] In some configurations, the gas flow between the inlet pre-chamber and the humidification section is essentially laminar.

[0106] In some configurations, the gas flow between the inlet pre-chamber and the outlet pre-chamber is essentially laminar.

[0107] In some configurations, the humidification section includes a humidification element configured to humidify the gas in the gas flow path through the humidification section.

[0108] In some configurations, gas flows close to the humidification element through the humidification section.

[0109] In some configurations, the humidification section includes at least one wall or wall portion extending between an upstream end and a downstream end, and the humidification element and at least one wall or wall portion define a flow channel for the gas flow path from the upstream end to the downstream end.

[0110] In some configurations, the flow channel has a lateral dimension perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas passing through the flow channel.

[0111] In some configurations, the maximum lateral dimension of the flow channel is configured such that the target fraction of the gas reaches the target humidity at the outlet pre-chamber.

[0112] In some configurations, the direction of gas flow through the flow channel is the same as the flow obtained at a given point in the flow channel.

[0113] In some configurations, the target fraction of gas is essentially all the gas in the gas flow path.

[0114] In some configurations, the lateral dimensions of the flow channel depend on at least one of the following: the gas flow rate; the temperature of the humidifying element; the length of the channel between the upstream and downstream ends; and the relative gas concentration.

[0115] In some configurations, the lateral dimension is at most about 10% of the length of the humidification section measured between the upstream and downstream ends.

[0116] In some configurations, the lateral dimension is between about 0 mm and about 22 mm, and optionally, the lateral dimension is between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

[0117] In some configurations, a high-humidity boundary layer is formed within the humidification section to humidify the gas flow.

[0118] In some configurations, a high-humidity boundary layer forms near the humidifying element.

[0119] In some configurations, the high-humidity boundary layer extends to a certain size from the humidifying element.

[0120] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel is equal to or smaller than the dimension of the fully developed high-humidity boundary layer, so as to fill at least a portion of the flow channel with the high-humidity boundary layer.

[0121] In some configurations, the size of the fully developed high-humidity boundary layer is smaller than the lateral dimension of the flow channel.

[0122] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the flow rate of the gas flow through the humidification section, wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between about 0.5 L / min and about 200 L / min, optionally wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between about 10 L / min and about 100 L / min, and optionally wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is at most about 70 L / min.

[0123] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the temperature of the humidifying element, wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between about 0°C and 100°C, optionally wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between about 30°C and about 80°C, and optionally wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between about 60°C and about 80°C.

[0124] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the flow rate of the gas through the humidification section or humidification chamber, wherein the mass flow rate of the gas is less than about 300 g / min.

[0125] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the volumetric flow rate of the liquid supplied to the humidification element, or in which a certain volumetric flow rate of liquid is supplied to the humidification element, wherein the volumetric flow rate of the liquid is at least about 10 µl / min.

[0126] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the oxygen fraction of the gas passing through the flow channel, wherein the gas contains oxygen, and wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between about 21% and about 100%, optionally wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between about 30% and about 50%.

[0127] In some configurations, the length of the flow channel and / or humidification section is between about 5 mm and about 300 mm, optionally wherein the length of the flow channel is between about 50 mm and about 200 mm, optionally wherein the length of the flow channel is between about 90 mm and about 200 mm.

[0128] In some configurations, the width of the flow channel is between about 0.1 mm and about 500 mm, and optionally, the width of the flow channel is between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[0129] In some configurations, the surface area of ​​the humidifying element is approximately 10 mm.2 To approximately 10,000 mm 2 Optionally, the surface area of ​​the humidifying element is approximately 40 mm. 2 Approximately 3,000 mm 2 between.

[0130] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the liquid flow rate to the humidifying element, or there is a liquid flow rate to the humidifying element, wherein the liquid flow rate is between about 0.1 mL / min and about 50 mL / min, optionally wherein the liquid flow rate is between about 1 mL / min and about 5 mL / min.

[0131] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the inlet gas temperature to the humidification section, or there exists an inlet gas temperature to the humidification section, wherein the inlet gas temperature is between about 0°C and about 50°C, optionally wherein the inlet gas temperature is between about 15°C and about 35°C.

[0132] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the outlet gas temperature from the humidification section, or there is an outlet gas temperature from the humidification section, wherein the outlet gas temperature is between about 18°C ​​and about 70°C, optionally wherein the outlet gas temperature is between about 30°C and about 40°C.

[0133] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the humidity of the outlet gas from the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between about 12 mg / L and about 62 mg / L, and optionally wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between about 40 mg / L and about 50 mg / L.

[0134] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the humidity of the inlet gas to the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between about 0 mg / L and about 50 mg / L, and optionally, wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between about 0.1 mg / L and about 5 mg / L.

[0135] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the flow velocity of the gas through the flow channel, wherein the gas flow velocity is between about 0.003 m / s and about 330 m / s, and optionally wherein the gas flow velocity is between about 0.1 m / s and about 30 m / s.

[0136] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section inlet to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel, or wherein there exists a ratio between the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section inlet and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel, wherein the ratio is between about 1:10 and about 12:1.

[0137] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction is determined by a function including: the length of the flow channel; the gas flow rate; the temperature of the humidifying element; and the relative gas concentration.

[0138] In some configurations, the humidifying element extends along the direction between the upstream and downstream ends.

[0139] In some configurations, the humidifying element is centrally located in the humidifying section.

[0140] In some configurations, the gas flow path consists of multiple flow channels.

[0141] In some configurations, the gas flow path is divided into multiple flow channels.

[0142] In some configurations, the humidifying element divides the gas flow path into multiple flow channels.

[0143] In some configurations, these multiple flow channels are separated by a humidifying element.

[0144] In some configurations, the lateral dimensions of each of the at least one flow channel are as previously described.

[0145] In some configurations, the inlet pre-chamber is shaped to guide gas through the humidification section.

[0146] In some configurations, the inlet antechamber has at least one angled surface that extends to and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section for guiding gas flow through the humidification section.

[0147] In some configurations, the at least one angled surface directs the gas flow onto at least one surface of the humidifying element.

[0148] In some configurations, the gas flow is guided substantially parallel to the at least one surface of the humidifying element, optionally after being guided to the at least one surface of the humidifying element.

[0149] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface inside the humidification chamber and the adjacent wall or wall portion is the positive angle.

[0150] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between approximately 200° and 260°.

[0151] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between approximately 220° and 240°.

[0152] In some configurations, the entrance antechamber comprises two symmetrical, angled surfaces.

[0153] In some configurations, the humidifying element has a generally rounded or conical leading edge at or near the upstream end.

[0154] In some configurations, when viewed from the side, the thickness of the humidifying element increases from the upstream end to a portion of the humidifying section to reduce the lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel.

[0155] In some configurations, the flow area of ​​the gas flow path decreases from the inlet forecourt to the humidification section.

[0156] In some configurations, the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the entrance anteroom and the lower wall or lower portion is greater than the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the humidification section and the lower wall or lower portion.

[0157] In some configurations, the entrance antechamber is a mirror image of the exit antechamber.

[0158] In some configurations, the outlet antechamber has at least one angled surface that extends from and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section at the downstream end.

[0159] In some configurations, the interior angle of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall is smaller than the interior angle of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall.

[0160] In some configurations, the slope of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall relative to the horizontal plane is less than the slope of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall relative to the horizontal plane.

[0161] In some configurations, at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0162] In some configurations, at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0163] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel is larger at the upstream inlet end of the humidifying element than at the downstream end of the humidifying element.

[0164] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel is minimized at a certain location along the humidifying element between the upstream and downstream ends.

[0165] In some configurations, the inner surface of at least one wall or wall portion of the humidifying section facing the humidifying element has ridges or protrusions.

[0166] In some configurations, the ridges or bumps are positioned essentially along the length of the humidifying section.

[0167] In some configurations, the ridges or bumps extend substantially perpendicular to the length of the humidifying section.

[0168] In some configurations, the humidifying element includes at least one first humidifying plate that is connected to and extends from one of the walls or wall portions of the humidifying section toward the opposite wall or wall portion, with a gap between the at least one first humidifying plate and the opposite wall or wall portion.

[0169] In some configurations, the humidifying element includes at least one second humidifying plate located next to at least one first humidifying plate, the at least one second humidifying plate being separate from the first humidifying plate and extending from and connected to an opposing wall or wall portion of the humidifying section, a gap being provided between the at least one second humidifying plate and the wall or wall portion to which the first humidifying plate is connected.

[0170] In some configurations, the at least one first humidifying plate and the at least one second humidifying plate are angled when viewed from the side.

[0171] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes at least one first baffle, wherein the at least one first baffle is connected to one of the walls or wall portions and extends therefrom toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one first baffle and the humidification element.

[0172] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes at least one second baffle, wherein the at least one second baffle is connected to and extends from a wall or wall portion opposite to at least one first baffle, the at least one second baffle extending toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one second baffle and the humidification element.

[0173] In some configurations, the at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled when viewed from the side.

[0174] In some configurations, the at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled toward the downstream end when viewed from the side, such that the connected end is closer to the upstream end than the baffle or the opposite end of each baffle.

[0175] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes multiple first baffles and / or second baffles that are substantially equidistant along the length when viewed from the side.

[0176] In some configurations, the humidifying element is disposed on the inner surface of the humidifying section (e.g., at least one wall or wall portion).

[0177] In some configurations, the humidification element includes a liquid reservoir.

[0178] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes a heating plate located in or below the liquid reservoir for heating the liquid in the reservoir.

[0179] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes: a gas inlet in fluid communication with the inlet pre-chamber and / or the humidification section inlet, the gas inlet being used to provide gas for humidification; and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outlet pre-chamber and / or the humidification section outlet, the gas outlet being used to deliver the humidified gas to the patient interface.

[0180] In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction is at most about 25% of the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path perpendicular to the gas flow direction at the gas inlet or at the gas inlet end of the inlet pre-chamber or at the gas inlet end of the humidification section inlet.

[0181] In some configurations, the inlet pre-chamber and the outlet pre-chamber are substantially coaxially aligned along an axis extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the humidification section.

[0182] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes a liquid inlet configured to deliver liquid to the humidification element.

[0183] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a respiratory humidification system is disclosed for humidifying gas before it is delivered to a patient's airway, the respiratory humidification system comprising a humidification chamber as described above, the humidification chamber optionally being combined with any number of configurations.

[0184] In some configurations, the breathing humidification system further includes a flow generator for delivering gas into the humidification chamber.

[0185] In some configurations, the respiratory humidification system further includes a patient interface for delivering humidified gas from the humidification chamber to the patient.

[0186] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a humidification chamber for a respiratory humidification system is disclosed, the humidification chamber comprising: a gas inlet and a gas outlet, wherein a flow path for gas flow is defined between the gas inlet and the gas outlet; a humidification section having an upstream end and a downstream end, and having a flow channel for gas flow; an inlet pre-chamber located between the gas inlet and the upstream end of the humidification section, and including a wall or wall portion extending between the gas inlet and the upstream end, and having a flow channel for gas flow therebetween; and a humidification element located in and configured within the humidification section. The flow path allows gas to flow over at least one surface or surface portion of the humidifying element to humidify the gas flow, wherein the size of the flow channel through the humidifying section is smaller than the size of the flow channel through the inlet pre-chamber, wherein the size of the flow channel of the humidifying section is measured as the dimension of the flow channel in the lateral direction, extending from the at least one surface or surface portion of the humidifying element to an opposite surface or an opposite portion of the surface portion, and the size of the flow channel of the inlet pre-chamber is measured as the dimension of the flow channel in the lateral direction, extending from the at least one wall or wall portion of the inlet pre-chamber to an opposite at least one wall or an opposite portion of the wall portion.

[0187] In some configurations, the lateral direction is perpendicular to the direction of the gas flow through the flow channel of the humidification section.

[0188] In some configurations, a high-humidity boundary layer is formed within the humidification section to humidify the gas flow.

[0189] In some configurations, a high-humidity boundary layer forms near the humidifying element.

[0190] In some configurations, the high-humidity boundary layer extends to a certain size from the humidifying element.

[0191] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel is equal to or smaller than the dimension of the fully developed high-humidity boundary layer, so as to fill at least a portion of the flow channel with the high-humidity boundary layer.

[0192] In some configurations, the size of the fully developed high-humidity boundary layer is smaller than the lateral dimension of the flow channel.

[0193] In some configurations, the lateral direction is measured to at least about 90% of the dimensions of the corresponding flow channel containing the gas flow.

[0194] In some configurations, the lateral direction of the flow passage through the inlet anteroom is measured to the dimensions of at least one opposing wall or an opposing portion of that wall.

[0195] In some configurations, the dimensions of the opposite surface or the opposite portion of that surface are measured in the lateral direction of the flow channel through the humidification section.

[0196] In some configurations, the lateral direction of the flow passage through the entrance anteroom is measured perpendicular to at least one wall or a portion of a wall.

[0197] In some configurations, the lateral direction of the flow channel through the humidification section is measured perpendicular to the surface or a portion of the surface.

[0198] In some configurations, the gas inlet and gas outlet are aligned substantially coaxially along the axis.

[0199] In some configurations, the gas flow obtained through the gas inlet and the gas flow obtained through the gas outlet are substantially in the same flow direction.

[0200] In some configurations, the gas flow obtained through the humidification section is substantially in the same flow direction as the flow through the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

[0201] In some configurations, the gas flow between the inlet pre-chamber and the humidification section is essentially laminar.

[0202] In some configurations, the gas flow between the gas inlet and the gas outlet is essentially laminar.

[0203] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes an outlet pre-chamber located between the gas outlet and the downstream end of the humidification section, and includes a wall or wall portion extending between the downstream end and the gas outlet, and has a flow passage for gas flow between the downstream end and the gas outlet.

[0204] In some configurations, the inlet antechamber and the outlet antechamber are substantially coaxially aligned along the axis.

[0205] In some configurations, the axis extends substantially along the direction between the upstream and downstream ends of the humidification section.

[0206] In some configurations, the gas flow obtained through the inlet pre-chamber and the gas flow obtained through the outlet pre-chamber are in essentially the same flow direction.

[0207] In some configurations, the gas flow obtained through the humidification section is substantially in the same flow direction as the gas flow through the inlet pre-chamber and the outlet pre-chamber.

[0208] In some configurations, gas flows close to the humidification element through the humidification section.

[0209] In some configurations, the humidification section includes at least one wall or wall portion extending between an upstream end and a downstream end, the at least one surface or surface portion of the humidification element and the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section defining a gas flow path from the upstream end to the downstream end through a flow channel of the humidification section.

[0210] In some configurations, the maximum size of the flow channel through the humidification section is configured such that the target fraction of the gas reaches the target humidity at the outlet pre-chamber.

[0211] The size of the flow channel through the humidification section (measured as the dimension of the flow channel in the lateral direction) can be referred to as the lateral dimension.

[0212] In some configurations, the flow direction of the gas through the flow channel is the flow obtained at a given point in the flow channel of the humidification section.

[0213] In some configurations, the target fraction of gas is essentially all the gas in the gas flow path.

[0214] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel depends on at least one of the following: the gas flow velocity; the temperature of the humidifying element; the length of the flow channel through the humidifying section between the upstream and downstream ends; and the relative gas concentration.

[0215] In some configurations, the lateral dimension is at most about 10% of the length of the humidification section measured between the upstream and downstream ends.

[0216] In some configurations, the lateral dimension is between about 0 mm and about 22 mm, and optionally, the lateral dimension is between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

[0217] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the flow rate of the gas flow through the humidification section, wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between about 0.5 L / min and about 200 L / min, optionally wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between about 10 L / min and about 100 L / min, and optionally wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is at most about 70 L / min.

[0218] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the temperature of the humidification element, wherein the average temperature of the humidification element is between about 0°C and 100°C, optionally wherein the average temperature of the humidification element is between about 30°C and about 80°C, and optionally wherein the average temperature of the humidification element is between about 60°C and about 80°C.

[0219] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the flow rate of the gas through the humidification section or humidification chamber, wherein the mass flow rate of the gas is less than about 300 g / min.

[0220] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the volumetric flow rate of the liquid supplied to the humidification element, or in which a certain volumetric flow rate of liquid is supplied to the humidification element, wherein the volumetric flow rate of the liquid is at least about 10 µl / min.

[0221] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the oxygen fraction of the gas flowing through the flow channel, wherein the gas contains oxygen, and wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between about 21% and about 100%, optionally wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between about 30% and about 50%.

[0222] In some configurations, the length of the flow channel through the humidification section is between about 5 mm and about 300 mm, optionally wherein the length of the flow channel is between about 50 mm and about 200 mm, optionally wherein the length of the flow channel is between about 90 mm and about 200 mm.

[0223] In some configurations, the width of the flow channel through the humidification section is between about 0.1 mm and about 500 mm, and optionally, the width of the flow channel is between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[0224] In some configurations, the surface area of ​​the humidifying element is approximately 10 mm. 2 To approximately 10,000 mm 2 Optionally, the surface area of ​​the humidifying element is approximately 40 mm. 2 Approximately 3,000 mm 2 between.

[0225] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the liquid flow rate to the humidification element, or there is a liquid flow rate to the humidification element, wherein the liquid flow rate is between about 0.1 mL / min and about 50 mL / min, optionally wherein the liquid flow rate is between about 1 mL / min and about 5 mL / min.

[0226] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the inlet gas temperature to the humidification section, or there exists an inlet gas temperature to the humidification section, wherein the inlet gas temperature is between about 0°C and about 50°C, optionally wherein the inlet gas temperature is between about 15°C and about 35°C.

[0227] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction depends at least on the outlet gas temperature from the humidification section, or there is an outlet gas temperature from the humidification section, wherein the outlet gas temperature is between about 18°C ​​and about 70°C, optionally wherein the outlet gas temperature is between about 30°C and about 40°C.

[0228] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the humidity of the outlet gas from the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between about 12 mg / L and about 62 mg / L, and optionally wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between about 40 mg / L and about 50 mg / L.

[0229] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the humidity of the inlet gas to the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between about 0 mg / L and about 50 mg / L, and optionally wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between about 0.1 mg / L and about 5 mg / L.

[0230] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the flow velocity of the gas through the flow channel, wherein the gas flow velocity is between about 0.003 m / s and about 330 m / s, and optionally wherein the gas flow velocity is between about 0.1 m / s and about 30 m / s.

[0231] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel through the humidification section depends at least on the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section inlet to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel, or wherein there exists a ratio between the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section inlet and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel, wherein the ratio is between about 1:10 and about 12:1.

[0232] In some configurations, the lateral dimensions of the flow channel through the humidification section are determined by a function including: the length of the flow channel; the gas flow rate; the temperature of the humidification element; and the relative gas concentration.

[0233] In some configurations, the humidifying element extends along the direction between the upstream and downstream ends.

[0234] In some configurations, the humidifying element is centrally located in the humidifying section.

[0235] In some configurations, the flow channels through the humidification section are divided into multiple flow channels.

[0236] In some configurations, the gas flow path consists of multiple flow channels.

[0237] In some configurations, the humidifying element is divided into multiple flow channels by the flow channels of the humidifying section.

[0238] In some configurations, the lateral dimensions of each of the at least one flow channel are as previously described.

[0239] In some configurations, the inlet pre-chamber is shaped to guide gas through the humidification section.

[0240] In some configurations, the inlet antechamber has at least one angled surface that extends to and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section for guiding gas flow through the humidification section.

[0241] In some configurations, the at least one angled surface directs the gas flow onto at least one surface of the humidifying element.

[0242] In some configurations, the gas flow is guided substantially parallel to the at least one surface of the humidifying element, optionally after being guided to the at least one surface of the humidifying element.

[0243] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface inside the humidification chamber and the adjacent wall or wall portion is the positive angle.

[0244] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between approximately 200° and 260°.

[0245] In some configurations, the interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between approximately 220° and 240°.

[0246] In some configurations, the entrance antechamber comprises two symmetrical, angled surfaces.

[0247] In some configurations, the humidifying element has a generally rounded or conical leading edge at or near the upstream end.

[0248] In some configurations, when viewed from the side, the thickness of the humidifying element increases from the upstream end to a portion of the humidifying section to reduce the lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel through the humidifying section.

[0249] In some configurations, the flow area of ​​the flow passage through the inlet anteroom is smaller than the flow area of ​​the flow passage through the humidification section.

[0250] In some configurations, the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the entrance anteroom and the lower wall or lower portion is greater than the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the humidification section and the lower wall or lower portion.

[0251] In some configurations, the entrance antechamber is a mirror image of the exit antechamber.

[0252] In some configurations, the outlet antechamber has at least one angled surface that extends from and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section at the downstream end.

[0253] In some configurations, the interior angle of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall is smaller than the interior angle of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall.

[0254] In some configurations, the slope of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall relative to the horizontal plane is less than the slope of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or a portion of the wall relative to the horizontal plane.

[0255] In some configurations, at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0256] In some configurations, at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0257] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of at least one flow channel or each flow channel of the humidification section is larger at the upstream end of the humidification element than at the downstream end of the humidification element.

[0258] In some configurations, the lateral dimension of at least one flow channel or each flow channel through the inlet pre-chamber, outlet pre-chamber, and humidification section is minimized at a certain location along the flow channel through the humidification section between the upstream and downstream ends.

[0259] In some configurations, the inner surface of at least one wall or wall portion of the humidifying section facing the humidifying element has ridges or protrusions.

[0260] In some configurations, the ridges or bumps are positioned essentially along the length of the humidifying section.

[0261] In some configurations, the ridges or bumps extend substantially perpendicular to the length of the humidifying section.

[0262] In some configurations, the humidifying element includes at least one first humidifying plate that is connected to and extends from one of the walls or wall portions of the humidifying section toward the opposite wall or wall portion, with a gap between the at least one first humidifying plate and the opposite wall or wall portion.

[0263] In some configurations, the humidifying element includes at least one second humidifying plate located next to at least one first humidifying plate, the at least one second humidifying plate being separate from the first humidifying plate and extending from and connected to an opposing wall or wall portion of the humidifying section, a gap being provided between the at least one second humidifying plate and the wall or wall portion to which the first humidifying plate is connected.

[0264] In some configurations, the at least one first humidifying plate and the at least one second humidifying plate are angled when viewed from the side.

[0265] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes at least one first baffle, wherein the at least one first baffle is connected to one of the walls or wall portions and extends therefrom toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one first baffle and the humidification element.

[0266] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes at least one second baffle, wherein the at least one second baffle is connected to and extends from a wall or wall portion opposite to at least one first baffle, the at least one second baffle extending toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one second baffle and the humidification element.

[0267] In some configurations, the at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled when viewed from the side.

[0268] In some configurations, the at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled toward the downstream end when viewed from the side, such that the connected end is closer to the upstream end than the baffle or the opposite end of each baffle.

[0269] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes multiple first baffles and / or second baffles that are substantially equidistant along the length when viewed from the side.

[0270] In some configurations, the humidifying element is disposed on the inner surface of the humidifying section (e.g., at least one wall or wall portion).

[0271] In some configurations, the humidification element includes a liquid reservoir.

[0272] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes a heating plate located in or below the liquid reservoir for heating the liquid in the reservoir.

[0273] In some configurations, a gas inlet is in fluid communication with an inlet pre-chamber and / or a humidification section inlet for providing humidification gas, and a gas outlet is in fluid communication with an outlet pre-chamber and / or a humidification section outlet for delivering humidified gas to the patient interface.

[0274] In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path through the at least one flow channel or each flow channel of the humidification section is at most about 25% of the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path through the flow channel through the gas inlet, or the gas inlet end of the inlet pre-chamber, or the gas inlet end of the humidification section inlet.

[0275] In some configurations, the inlet pre-chamber and the outlet pre-chamber are substantially coaxially aligned along an axis extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the humidification section.

[0276] In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes a liquid inlet configured to deliver liquid to the humidification element.

[0277] In some configurations, the liquid is delivered by gravity.

[0278] In some configurations, the liquid is supplied by a reservoir.

[0279] In some configurations, the liquid is supplied through the inlet or outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0280] In some configurations, the humidification chamber is oriented such that the gas flow through the humidification chamber is opposite to the direction of liquid supply to the humidification element.

[0281] Based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a respiratory humidification system is disclosed for humidifying gas before it is delivered to a patient's airway, the respiratory humidification system comprising a humidification chamber as described above, the humidification chamber optionally being combined with any number of configurations.

[0282] In some configurations, the breathing humidification system further includes a flow generator for delivering gas into the humidification chamber.

[0283] In some configurations, the respiratory humidification system further includes a patient interface for delivering humidified gas from the humidification chamber to the patient.

[0284] Features from one or more embodiments or configurations can be combined with features from one or more other embodiments or configurations. Additionally, more than one embodiment or configuration can be used together in the respiratory support system during the patient's respiratory support process.

[0285] As used in this article, the phrase “(one or more)” preceding a noun indicates the plural and / or singular form of that noun.

[0286] As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or” or, where the context allows, both.

[0287] As used herein, terms referring to a "one" characteristic should not be construed as limited to the singular or the plural, but may refer to either the singular or the plural as the context allows.

[0288] As used in this specification, the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least in part...". When interpreting each statement containing the term "comprising" in this specification, features other than the one or more features following that term may also be present. Related terms (such as "comprising" and "containing") will be interpreted in the same manner.

[0289] The intent is that references to the range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) also 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 all ranges explicitly disclosed herein are explicitly disclosed. These are merely examples of specific intents, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the enumerated minimum and maximum values ​​will be considered to be explicitly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0290] This disclosure may also be broadly interpreted to include any part, element, or feature individually or collectively referred to or indicated in the specification of this application, as well as any or all combinations of any two or more of the said parts, elements, or features, and where a specific integer having a known equivalent in the field to which this disclosure pertains is referred to herein, such known equivalent is considered to be incorporated herein as if individually stated.

[0291] This disclosure includes the foregoing and also envisions various constructs, of which only examples are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0292] Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein with reference to the following accompanying drawings, in which:

[0293] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a respiratory therapy system including a humidification chamber disclosed herein.

[0294] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the humidification chamber according to this disclosure.

[0295] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of the configuration of the humidification chamber including the humidification element.

[0296] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A plan view of the humidification chamber.

[0297] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A partial side cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber.

[0298] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A partial side cross-sectional view of the configuration of the humidification chamber.

[0299] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view simulating the humidity of the humidification chamber.

[0300] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A partial side cross-sectional view simulating the airflow velocity in the humidification chamber.

[0301] Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of the boundary layer formed in the humidification chamber according to this disclosure.

[0302] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic side view of the alternative boundary layer formation.

[0303] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 and Figure 10 A schematic side view of the alternative boundary layer formation.

[0304] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 A schematic side view of the alternative boundary layer formation.

[0305] Figure 13 Is with Figures 9 to 12 A schematic side view of a humidification chamber that is similar to the humidification chamber but has a different configuration of humidification elements.

[0306] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A schematic side view of the boundary layer formation.

[0307] Figure 15 It is relative to Figure 14 A schematic side view of the alternative boundary layer formation.

[0308] Figure 16 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber configuration with a single flow channel as disclosed herein.

[0309] Figure 17 It is based on Figure 9 A partial side cross-sectional view of a humidification chamber configuration with a reservoir.

[0310] Figure 18 This is a partial side cross-sectional view based on the CFD analysis of the humidification chamber configuration including the baffle disclosed herein.

[0311] Figure 19 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber configuration including the pits as disclosed herein.

[0312] Figure 20 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber configuration including the humidification plate as disclosed herein.

[0313] Figure 21 This is a side cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber configuration with tubular geometry according to the present disclosure.

[0314] Figure 22 These are side cross-sectional and end views of a humidification chamber configuration with a constant external tubular geometry, as disclosed herein.

[0315] Figure 23 It is based on Figure 22 A three-dimensional view of the humidification chamber.

[0316] Figure 24 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber configuration with tubular humidification elements according to the present disclosure.

[0317] Figure 25 The partial side cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber configuration disclosed herein shows an alternative orientation.

[0318] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the respiratory therapy system or alternative respiratory therapy system disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0319] Some features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure include the realization of an on-demand humidifier in which water (or other humidifying fluid) is metered onto a humidifying surface (e.g., a heated element) or supplied to a heated reservoir, evaporates, and mixes with a gas source passing over the humidifying surface to produce a desired humidity level. Gases delivered closest to the humidifying surface have the greatest fluid or water vapor uptake and the highest humidity compared to gases delivered further away from the humidifying surface. The high-humidity region near the humidifying surface may be referred to as a "high-humidity zone" or "high-humidity boundary layer." Advantageously, a system for humidifying a gas source is disclosed to maximize the humidification of the gas in the high-humidity zone.

[0320] refer to Figure 1The diagram illustrates a non-limiting exemplary configuration of a respiratory therapy system 100, not to scale. The respiratory therapy system 100 includes a flow generator 120. The flow generator 120 may include a blower for propelling gas through the respiratory therapy system 100. The gas propelled by the flow generator 120 may include, for example, air received from the environment outside the respiratory therapy system 100 (e.g., “ambient air” or “ambient gas”) and / or gas from a gas container in communication with the respiratory therapy system 100. The gas from the flow generator 120 is directed to and / or through a respiratory humidification chamber 110 adapted to add moisture to the gas. The humidification chamber 110 may be fluidly connected to the flow generator 120 via a breathing tube or inhalation tube adapted to receive gas from the flow generator 120 and / or another gas source. The humidification chamber 110 is also in fluid communication with an outlet (e.g., patient interface 122) and directs gas to the patient interface 122.

[0321] like Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow, in use, gas typically flows from the flow generator 120 through the humidification chamber 110 and moves downstream to the outlet or patient interface 122.

[0322] Figure 1 A humidification chamber 110 is schematically shown, which includes a humidification element 114 or a heating element 114. As described herein, the humidification element 114 may have a heated surface or be a heated reservoir to provide a humidification surface for distributing fluid, such that the fluid is entrained in the gas stream used by the respiratory therapy system 100 as gas is passed through the humidification chamber 110. In some configurations, the humidification element 114 may be in the form of a heated surface or a wicking element (such as a vapor permeation membrane).

[0323] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system 100 may include a controller 118 that controls the operation of components of the respiratory therapy system 100, including but not limited to the flow generator 120, gas flow rate, temperature of the humidification element 114, and fluid delivery to the humidification element 114. In other configurations, the controller 118 is manually operable.

[0324] refer to Figure 2 This shows, for example, references Figure 1 The described respiratory therapy system 100 has a non-limiting exemplary configuration of its humidification chamber 110. To explain other features, Figure 2 The humidification element 114 is not shown in the diagram.

[0325] The humidification chamber 110 includes an inlet 111 (gas inlet 111) and an outlet 112 (gas outlet 112) for allowing gas to flow through. When the humidification chamber 110 is Figure 1When the respiratory therapy system 100 is part of the system, the inlet 111 is located downstream of the flow generator 120, the outlet 112 is located downstream of the inlet 111, and the patient interface 122 is located downstream of the outlet 112 (as well as the inlet 111 and the flow generator 120), and all of these are in fluid communication with each other.

[0326] In the illustrated configuration, inlet 111 and outlet 112 are formed as conduits. However, in some configurations, inlet 111 and outlet 112 are ports directly into the humidification chamber 110 without conduits. The ports or conduits of inlet 111 and / or outlet 112 may be connectable to tubing to allow fluid communication between the humidification chamber 110 and other components.

[0327] A flow path 60 or flow channel 60 for gas flow is defined between inlet 111 and outlet 112, and the general direction of the flow path or flow channel is schematically shown by an arrow extending from inlet 111 to outlet 112.

[0328] In some configurations, inlet 111 and outlet 112 are coaxial.

[0329] In the illustrated configuration, the humidification chamber 110 includes a humidification section 130. The humidification section 130 has an inlet 131 (humidification section inlet 131) and an outlet 132 (humidification section outlet 132). The inlet 131 is located upstream of the outlet 132, and both are located downstream of the gas inlet 111 and upstream of the gas outlet 112. Therefore, the humidification section 130 also has an upstream end 133 and a downstream end 134. The upstream end 133 is located at or near the inlet 131. The downstream end 134 is located at or near the outlet 132. Therefore, when the humidification chamber 110 is... Figure 1 When the respiratory therapy system 100 is part of the system, from the perspective of fluid communication, the inlet 131 is close to the flow generator 120, while the outlet is close to the patient interface 122.

[0330] For descriptive purposes, referring to either upstream end 133 or inlet 131, where the context allows, is equivalent to referring to the other. Similarly, referring to either downstream end 134 or outlet 132, where the context allows, is equivalent to referring to the other.

[0331] A flow path 30 is defined between the inlet 131 and the outlet 132 of the humidification section 130, as schematically shown by the arrows in the figure. Similarly, the upstream end 133 and the downstream end 134 of the humidification section 130 define the same flow path 30. The flow path 30 allows gas to flow through the humidification section 130. The gas flow may originate from the flow generator 120 and be destined for the patient interface 122, and pass through the humidification chamber 110 to be humidified for purposes described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0332] Flow passage 30 may also be referred to as flow path 30. In some configurations, flow passage 30 or flow path 30 is the flow of gas through which it is obtained. This also applies to any flow passage or flow path discussed herein.

[0333] Inlet 131 and outlet 132 may be coaxial or may have different configurations. In some configurations, inlet 131 is coaxial with gas inlet 111, and / or outlet 132 is coaxial with gas outlet 112.

[0334] A wall 135 extends from the inlet 131 or upstream end 133, defining the perimeter of the flow channel 30. The wall 135 extends to the outlet 132 or downstream end 134, thus forming the flow channel 30. Figure 2 In the diagram, flow channel 30 is shown as an arrow defining the overall flow direction (i.e., downstream) of the gas flow path. However, flow channel 30 is the entire area defined by inlet 131, outlet 132, and wall 135.

[0335] The humidifying section 130 is surrounded by a wall 135. However, wall 135 can refer to the entire surrounding wall 135, or to a portion of wall 135 on one side of the humidifying section 130. Therefore, wall 135 can also be a top wall / upper wall 135 or the top / upper portion of wall 135. Similarly, there is an opposing bottom wall / lower wall 136 or the bottom / lower portion of wall 136. However, the upper wall 135 and lower wall 136 can be the same wall 135, 136 formed as continuous walls 135, 136, such as a curved or tubular conduit. Conversely, in some configurations, the upper wall 135 is separate from the lower wall 136 and connected by an additional side wall (not shown). Although the terms "upper" and "lower" are used, these are for reference only to the accompanying drawings (e.g., ...). Figure 2 This is stated in the document and does not limit the orientation of the humidification chamber 110 in use.

[0336] The humidification chamber 110 includes an inlet pre-chamber 140 in fluid communication with the humidification section 130. The inlet pre-chamber 140 is located between the gas inlet 111 and the inlet 131 (or upstream end 133) of the humidification section 130. The inlet pre-chamber 140 provides a passage or conduit for gas flow before entering the humidification section 130. Therefore, when used as part of the respiratory therapy system 100, the inlet pre-chamber 140 is in fluid communication with the flow generator 120 upstream of the humidification section 130.

[0337] The inlet pre-chamber 140 has an upstream end 141 and a downstream end 142, which define openings through which gas flow can pass. The inlet pre-chamber 140 defines a flow passage 40 or flow path 40 between the upstream end 141 and the downstream end 142, as schematically shown by the arrows in the figure. In some configurations, the inlet pre-chamber 140 (at its downstream end 142) is directly connected to the inlet 131 of the humidification section 130. In some configurations, the inlet pre-chamber 140 (at its upstream end 141) is directly connected to the gas inlet 111.

[0338] In the illustrated configuration, the inlet pre-chamber 140 includes a wall 145 or wall portion 145 extending downstream from the upstream end 141. The wall 145 is formed parallel to at least one of the axes between the upstream end 141 and the downstream end 142, or between the inlet 131 and the outlet 132, or between the gas inlet 111 and the gas outlet 112. The central axis (Ax) is located at... Figure 3 It is shown as a dashed line in the middle.

[0339] The inlet pre-chamber 140 further includes an angled wall 147 that connects to and extends from the straight wall 145 and is adjacent to the downstream end 142 and the humidification section inlet 131. The angled wall 147 allows the distance, size, dimension, radius, diameter, width, or height of the flow passage 40 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 defined by the wall 145 to be greater than or less than the distance, size, dimension, radius, diameter, width, or height of the flow passage 30 of the humidification section 130. Therefore, the angled wall 147 either narrows or widens the flow passage 40 to the inlet 131 or the flow passage of the humidification section 130.

[0340] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified or the context permits, any reference to distance, size, dimension, radius, diameter, width, or height in this disclosure may be any other reference to the dimensions mentioned.

[0341] The entrance vestibule 140 is surrounded by walls 145 and angled walls 147. However, walls 145 and 147 can refer to the surrounding walls 145 and 147 or a portion of walls 145 and 147 located on one side of the entrance vestibule 140. Therefore, wall 145 can also be referred to as the top wall / upper wall 145 or the top / upper portion of wall 145. Similarly, the angled wall 147 can also be referred to as the top / upper angled wall 147 or the top / upper portion of angled wall 147. There is also a bottom wall / lower wall 146 or the bottom / lower portion of wall 146 opposite to the upper wall 145 or upper wall portion 146. Similarly, there is also a bottom / lower angled wall 148 or the bottom / lower portion of lower wall 148 opposite to the upper angled wall 146 or angled wall portion 146. However, the upper wall 145 and the lower wall 146 can be the same wall 145, 146 formed as continuous walls 145, 146, such as a curved or tubular conduit. Conversely, in some configurations, the upper wall 145 is separate from the lower wall 146 and connected by another side wall (not shown). Similarly, the upper angled wall 147 and the lower angled wall 148 can be the same angled wall 147, 148 formed as continuous angled walls 147, 148, such as a curved or tubular conduit. Conversely, in some configurations, the upper angled wall 147 is separate from the lower angled wall 148 and connected by another side wall (not shown). Although the terms "upper" and "lower" are used, these are for reference only to the accompanying drawings (e.g., Figure 2 This is stated in the document and does not limit the orientation of the humidification chamber 110 in use.

[0342] The humidification chamber 110 includes an outlet pre-chamber 160 in fluid communication with the humidification section 130. The outlet pre-chamber 160 is located between the outlet 132 (or downstream end 134) and the gas outlet 112. The outlet pre-chamber 160 provides a channel or conduit for the gas flow after entering the humidification section 130. Therefore, when used as part of the respiratory therapy system 100, the outlet pre-chamber 160 is in fluid communication with the patient interface 122 downstream of the humidification section 130.

[0343] The outlet pre-chamber 160 has an upstream end 161 and a downstream end 162, which define openings through which gas flow can pass. The outlet pre-chamber 160 defines a flow passage 50 or flow path 50 between the upstream end 161 and the downstream end 162, as schematically shown by the arrows in the figure. In some configurations, the outlet pre-chamber 160 (at its upstream end 161) is directly connected to the outlet 132 of the humidification section 130. In some configurations, the outlet pre-chamber 160 (at its downstream end 162) is directly connected to the gas outlet 112.

[0344] In the illustrated configuration, the outlet pre-chamber 160 includes a wall 165 or wall portion 165 extending upstream from the downstream end 162. The wall 165 is parallel to the central axis (Ax—) between at least one of the upstream end 161 and the downstream end 162, or the inlet 131 and the outlet 132, or the gas inlet 111 and the gas outlet 112. Figure 3 It is formed by ).

[0345] The outlet pre-chamber 160 further includes an angled wall 167 that connects to and extends upstream from the straight wall 165 and abuts the upstream end 161 and the humidification section outlet 132. The angled wall 167 allows the distance, size, dimension, radius, diameter, width, or height of the flow passage 50 of the outlet pre-chamber 160 defined by the wall 165 to be greater than or less than the distance, size, dimension, radius, diameter, width, or height of the flow passage 30 of the humidification section 130. Therefore, the angled wall 167 narrows or widens the flow passage 40 from the outlet 132 or the flow passage of the humidification section 130.

[0346] The exit antechamber 160 is surrounded by wall 165 and angled wall 167. However, walls 165 and 167 can refer to the surrounding walls 145 and 147, or a portion of walls 165 and 167 located on one side of the exit antechamber 160. Therefore, wall 165 can also be referred to as the top wall / upper wall 165 or the top / upper portion of wall 165. Similarly, the angled wall 167 can also be referred to as the top / upper angled wall 167 or the top / upper portion of angled wall 167. There is also a bottom wall / lower wall 166 or the bottom / lower portion of wall 166 opposite to the upper wall 165 or upper wall portion 166. Similarly, there is also a bottom / lower angled wall 168 or the bottom / lower portion of lower wall 168 opposite to the upper angled wall 166 or angled wall portion 166. However, the upper wall 165 and the lower wall 166 can be the same wall 165, 166 formed as continuous walls 165, 166, such as a curved or tubular conduit. Conversely, in some configurations, the upper wall 165 is separate from the lower wall 166 and connected by another sidewall (not shown). Similarly, the upper angled wall 167 and the lower angled wall 168 can be the same angled wall 167, 168 formed as continuous angled walls 167, 168, such as a curved or tubular conduit. Conversely, in some configurations, the upper angled wall 167 is separate from the lower angled wall 168 and connected by another sidewall (not shown). Although the terms "upper" and "lower" are used, these are for reference only to the accompanying drawings (e.g., Figure 2 This is stated in the document and does not limit the orientation of the humidification chamber 110 in use.

[0347] In some configurations, walls 145, 165, upper walls 145, 165, angled walls 147, 167, upper angled walls 147, 167, lower walls 146, 166, and lower angled walls 148, 168 may be referred to as “surfaces” or “surface portions,” such as surfaces 145, 165, upper surfaces 145, 165, angled surfaces 147, 167, upper angled surfaces 147, 167, lower surfaces 146, 166, and lower angled surfaces 148, 168. Similarly, as the context permits, any other “wall” or “wall portion” mentioned herein may be referred to as a “surface,” “surface portion,” “wall,” or “wall part,” and any other “surface” or “surface portion” herein may be referred to as a “wall,” “wall portion,” “surface,” or “surface part.”

[0348] The inlet antechamber 140 may be a mirror image of the outlet antechamber 160. Two-dimensional lines of symmetry between the inlet antechamber 140 and the outlet antechamber 160 pass through the downstream end 142 of the inlet antechamber and the upstream end 161 of the outlet antechamber, respectively. A three-dimensional plane of symmetry passes through the same lines and is perpendicular to the axis between at least one of the following: the upstream end 141 and downstream end 142 of the inlet antechamber 140; the upstream end 161 and downstream end 162 of the outlet antechamber 160; or the inlet 131 and outlet 132; or the gas inlet 111 and gas outlet 112 (Ax—). Figure 3 ).

[0349] exist Figure 2 In this design, gas inlet 111 and gas outlet 112 are shown as channels of length, such as conduits or tubes. However, in some configurations, gas inlet 111 and gas outlet 112 may refer to ports of the humidification chamber 110, such as ports formed in the upstream end 141 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 or the downstream end 162 of the outlet pre-chamber 160, or ports formed in the conduits of gas inlet 111 and gas outlet 112 themselves. Gas inlet 111 or gas outlet 112 may be connected to additional tubes, conduits, or other gas delivery channels, such as those described in reference [reference needed]. Figure 1 Described.

[0350] The gas flow at the gas inlet 111 and the gas flow at the gas outlet 112 have approximately the same flow direction. Therefore, the (obtained) gas flow entering the humidification chamber 110 is generally in the same direction as the (obtained) gas flow leaving the humidification chamber 110.

[0351] The humidification chamber 110 is roughly elongated in shape.

[0352] The humidification section 130 is roughly elongated.

[0353] An elongated shape has a dimension (e.g., length) longer than its corresponding width. In the case of a 3D shape, the length of the shape is greater than its planar cross-section. An elongated shape does not need to be straight. However, in some configurations, the elongated shape described herein can be straight, and the gas flows in the same resulting direction. However, not all configurations are limited in this way.

[0354] In the figure shown, the humidification section 130 is shaped such that the gas flow proceeds from the inlet 131 to the outlet 132 in a substantially uniform (resulting) direction. Therefore, in some configurations, the inlet 131 to the outlet 132 are formed on the same central axis, and the substantially elongated humidification section 130 extends therebetween. Accordingly, the flow path 30 or flow channel 30 is also substantially elongated. However, in some configurations, the shape of the flow channel 30 may be varied within the substantially elongated humidification section 130.

[0355] Although the elongated humidification chamber 110 and humidification section 130 are generally described herein for the configurations discussed, other arrangements may be provided in some configurations, wherein the humidification chamber and / or humidification section are not necessarily straight, and / or wherein the gas inlet 111 and gas outlet 112 are not necessarily arranged at opposite ends of the body.

[0356] refer to Figure 3 , in order to Figure 2 A similar schematic view shows the humidification chamber 110. The humidification chamber 110 includes... Figure 2 The same characteristics and the description of this figure apply. Figure 3 The configuration. However, for the sake of explanation, some feature reference numerals have been omitted from the accompanying drawings.

[0357] Figure 3 It also includes a humidifying element 114 located in a generally elongated humidifying section 130. Figure 3 In the configuration, the humidifying element 114 is positioned away from the upper wall 135 and lower wall 136 of the humidifying section 130.

[0358] The flow path / channel 30 (i.e., between the inlet 131 and the outlet 132 of the humidification section 130) is indicated by arrows extending between the inlet 131 and the outlet 132 (or the upstream end 133 and the downstream end 134). Since the humidification element 114 is located within the humidification section 130, its path within the flow channel 30 (e.g.) Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the flow channel 30 extends around the humidifying element 114. Therefore, the flow channel 30 passes through the gap or channel formed between the upper wall 135 and the lower wall 136 and the humidifying element 114. This effectively divides the flow channel 30 into two flow channels 30, 31, 32, or an upper flow channel 31 and a lower flow channel 32 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 5 (As shown).

[0359] The humidifying element 114 includes an upper surface or top surface 1143. The upper surface 1143 faces the upper wall 135 of the humidifying section 130, and a gap is formed therebetween. The humidifying element 114 also includes a lower surface or bottom surface 1144. The lower surface 1144 faces the lower wall 136 of the humidifying section 130, and a gap is formed therebetween.

[0360] The humidifying element 114 includes a leading edge or upstream end 1141. The upstream end 1141 of the humidifying element 114 faces the inlet pre-chamber 140. The humidifying element 114 also includes a trailing edge or downstream end 1142. The downstream end 1141 of the humidifying element 114 faces the outlet pre-chamber 160. In some configurations, the humidifying element 114 may be in the form of a heated surface or a wicking element, such as a vapor permeation membrane having an upper surface 1143 and a lower surface 1144 as the wicking element surface.

[0361] exist Figure 3 In this configuration, a space is provided between the inlet 131 or upstream end 133 of the humidifying section 130 and the upstream end 1141 of the humidifying element 114. The same applies to the outlet 132 or downstream end 134 of the humidifying section 130 and the downstream end 1142 of the humidifying element 114, where gaps are formed. Therefore, the humidifying section has a length 139 extending between the inlet 131 or upstream end 133 and the outlet 132 or downstream end 134. Similarly, the humidifying element 114 has a length 38 extending between the upstream end 1141 and the downstream end 1142. The length 139 of the humidifying section is greater than the length 38 of the humidifying element.

[0362] However, in some configurations, the humidifying element 114 extends entirely along the length of the humidifying section 130, or the humidifying section 130 is defined to extend between the upstream end 1141 and the downstream end 1142 of the humidifying element 114. Therefore, the length 139 of the humidifying section is the same as the length 38 of the humidifying element.

[0363] Figure 3 As schematically shown in a side view, in some configurations, the flow channel 30 may also pass through a gap formed between the sidewall of the humidification section 130 and the humidification element 114. In other configurations, no gap is formed at these locations, and the flow channel 30 is formed only between the upper wall 135 and the lower wall 136. In some configurations, the humidification element length 38 refers to the length of the flow channel 30. However, in other configurations, the flow channel 30 may have a separate channel length or may be determined by the humidification section length 139.

[0364] Reference Figure 4 This shows a top view or plan view of the humidification chamber 110 as described herein. Figure 3Similarly, the humidifying element 114 is shown within the humidifying section 130, and the description thereof applies to... Figure 4 The configuration. However, for the sake of explanation, some feature reference numerals have been omitted from the accompanying drawings.

[0365] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, gas inlet 111 and gas outlet 112 are shown as tubular conduits extending from the upstream end 141 of inlet pre-chamber 140 and the downstream end 162 of outlet pre-chamber 160, respectively. Gas inlet 111 has a gas inlet diameter 113, and gas outlet 112 also has a gas outlet diameter 114. Inlet gas diameter 113 is the outer diameter of the conduit forming gas inlet 111. Outlet gas diameter 114 is the outer diameter of the conduit forming outlet 112.

[0366] The width of the inlet gas diameter 113 is relatively smaller than the width of the inlet anterior chamber 150, where the width of the inlet anterior chamber 140 is the distance between the sides, that is, the distance perpendicular to the distance between the upper wall 145 and the lower wall 146. Therefore, the width of the flow channel 60 of the humidification chamber widens (enlarges) at its transition at the upstream end 141 of the inlet anterior chamber 140 to the width of the flow channel 40 of the inlet anterior chamber 140.

[0367] The width of the outlet gas diameter 114 is relatively smaller than the width of the outlet pre-chamber 169, where the width of the outlet pre-chamber 160 is the distance between the sides, i.e., the distance perpendicular to the upper wall 165 and the lower wall 166. Therefore, the width of the flow passage 50 of the outlet pre-chamber decreases (narrows) at its transition at the downstream end 162 of the outlet pre-chamber 160 to the width of the flow passage 60 (i.e., the width corresponding to the outlet gas diameter 114).

[0368] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, the inlet diameter 113 and the outlet diameter 114 are the same. The inlet pre-chamber width 150 is also the same as the outlet pre-chamber width 169. The generally elongated humidification section 130 has a humidification section width 39, where the width of the humidification section 130 is the distance between the sides, i.e., the distance perpendicular to the upper wall 135 and the lower wall 136. The humidification section width 39 is equal to the inlet pre-chamber width 150 and the outlet pre-chamber width 169. Therefore, the width of the flow channel between the inlet pre-chamber flow channel 40, the humidification section flow channel 30, and the outlet pre-chamber flow channel 50 remains unchanged.

[0369] In some configurations, the inlet diameter 113 and the outlet diameter 114 are different sizes. In some configurations, the inlet pre-chamber width 150 and the outlet pre-chamber width 169 are different widths. In some configurations, the humidification section width 39 is different from at least one of the inlet pre-chamber width 150 and the outlet pre-chamber width 169.

[0370] refer to Figure 5 The humidification chamber 110 as described herein is shown, and the description of the humidification chamber is applicable to... Figure 5 The configuration. However, for the sake of explanation, some feature reference numerals have been omitted from the accompanying drawings. Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 Partial view of the entrance anteroom 140 and the humidification section 130.

[0371] The distance between the upper wall 145 and the lower wall 146 of the entrance antechamber 140 defines the entrance antechamber height 151. This can also be the height of the entrance antechamber flow passage 40.

[0372] The distance between the upper wall 135 and the lower wall 136 of the humidification section 130 defines the height 137 of the humidification section. Unlike the inlet pre-chamber flow channel 40, the presence of the humidification element 114 in the humidification section 130 results in the height of the humidification section flow channel 30 being less than the height 137 of the humidification section. However, in some configurations, the heights can be the same.

[0373] The height of the entrance anteroom is 151, which is greater than the height of the humidification section, which is 137.

[0374] For reference Figure 2 As described, the upper angled wall 147 and the lower angled wall 148 transition the relatively large entrance anteroom height 151 to the relatively small humidification section height 137.

[0375] When gas enters the humidification chamber 110, the gas inlet 111 transitions to the inlet pre-chamber 140. Therefore, the gas in the humidification flow channel 60 transitions to follow the contours of the walls 145, 146 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 through the inlet pre-chamber flow channel 40. As the gas in the inlet pre-chamber 140 advances through the flow channel band that narrows through the angled walls 147, 148, the gas is drawn into a shorter / narrower humidification section 130, which has a humidification section height 137 that is relatively smaller than the inlet pre-chamber height 151.

[0376] The narrowing, angled walls 147 and 148 form an angle with the upper wall 135 and lower wall 136 of the adjacent humidifying section 130. To explain, this angle... Figure 5 and Figure 6The lower walls 148, 136 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the humidification section 130 are shown. However, this interpretation can also be applied to the corresponding upper walls 147, 135. The humidification section transition angle 143 is the interior angle 143 between the narrowed angled wall 148 and the lower wall 136 of the humidification section 130. The interior angle refers to the angle formed within the humidification chamber 10, for example, within the walls of the forming chamber, the inlet pre-chamber 140 / outlet pre-chamber 160, the humidification section 130, or within at least one of the flow paths 30, 40, 50, 60. The interior angle 143 affects how much shear layer separation (“de-adhesion”) occurs between the gas flow and the sides of the inner walls 135, 136 of the humidification section 130. The optimal interior angle 143 is the case where the angle difference between the narrow angled walls 147, 148 and the humidification section walls 135, 136 is large enough to cause the gas flow to detach from the side and continue along the humidification element 114.

[0377] An insufficiently large interior angle 143 will increase the transition distance to the height 137 of the humidification section and may result in streamlined flow without separation from the walls 135, 136 in the humidification section 130, because the path deviation at the apex is not sharp enough. On the other hand, if the interior angle 143 is too large, the gas flow may collide with the humidification element 114 too abruptly, and an excessively turbulent gas flow will be formed at the surface to which the gas flow of the humidification element 114 points, which may hinder the humidification of the gas. Accordingly, the angle of the transition angle 143 (interior angle 143) of the humidification section is preferably optimized to be neither too small nor too large.

[0378] The transition angle 143 (interior angle 143) of the humidification section can be between about 200° and about 260°, or between about 220° and 240°. More specifically, the transition angle 143 of the humidification section is about 240°.

[0379] The transition angle 143 of the humidification section is an acuminate angle and provides a relatively abrupt transition into the humidification section 130. This is advantageous because the abrupt transition causes the gas to detach from the walls of the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the humidification section 130, and causes the gas flow to be "jetted" toward the humidification element 114. The proximity of the gas flow to the humidification element 114 increases humidification, for example, due to being in the aforementioned high humidity zone (or spending more time in the high humidity zone), or generally by improving proximity to the humidification element 114. Otherwise, if the change in the transition angle 143 of the humidification section were too gradual, the gas might adhere to the walls 135, 136 of the humidification section and remain distant from the humidification element 114.

[0380] Similarly, the value of the transition angle 143 of the humidification section is chosen to prevent excessive turbulence or other disturbances in the flow of gas upon contact with or toward the humidification element 114. In this respect, the transition angle 143 is chosen not to be too large (i.e., the transition should not be too steep), otherwise this would tend to cause the gas to "collide" with the humidification element 114 too abruptly, resulting in excessive turbulence. Therefore, the resulting direction of the transition angle 143 of the humidification section and the gas flow will prevent the flow from adhering to the wall while allowing the gas to flow downstream close to the humidification element 114. While laminar flow of the gas may be preferred, it should be noted that in some configurations, a certain degree of turbulence can help with the mixing of the flow, and therefore a balance must be struck. In some configurations, the transition angle 143 of the humidification section guides the gas flow to flow substantially parallel to the humidification element 114. For example, the gas flow is guided toward the surface of the humidification element 114 and flows along or close to the surface of the humidification element 114 in a substantially parallel direction.

[0381] Although Figure 5 Not shown, but in some configurations, the outlet pre-chamber 160 may have the same humidification section transition angle 143 as shown with respect to the inlet pre-chamber 140. This can facilitate manufacture or installation because the humidification chamber 110 can be effectively symmetrical along its centerline. Alternatively, since it is not necessary to separate the flow and shear from the surface for the flow exiting the humidification section 130, the outlet pre-chamber 160 may have different arrangements, such as without angled surfaces. The narrowing upper angled wall 147 may be symmetrical with the narrowing lower angled wall 148 and share the same humidification section transition angle 143. Alternatively, different humidification section transition angles 143 may be provided on different walls, or flow guidance may not be provided for one of the walls 147, 148.

[0382] To facilitate the transition of gas flow through the inlet pre-chamber to the humidification section 130, another angle can be formed between the wall of the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the angled walls 147 and 148. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the configuration shown, the entrance vestibule has straight walls 145 and 146. However, in other configurations, different arrangements between the walls can be provided.

[0383] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The straight walls 145 and 146 and the angled walls 147 and 148 form a wall transition angle 144, which is the interior angle between the two walls 146 and 148. Therefore, if the straight wall 146 and the angled wall 148 are perpendicular to each other, the wall transition angle 144 will be approximately 90° or somewhere in between, while if the angled wall 148 is straight (flush) with the straight wall 146, the wall transition angle will be 180°. More specifically, as... Figure 5As shown, the wall transition angle 144 is between approximately 110° and 160°. More specifically, the transition angle 144 is approximately 120°. When present, the wall transition angle 144 affects (or is affected by) the humidification section transition angle 143. Therefore, in this configuration, the wall transition angle 144 and the humidification section transition angle 143 are complementary angles. The value of the wall transition angle 144 can assist the aforementioned shear layer separation by changing the velocity or direction of the gas flow before the angled walls 147, 148. For example, laminar flow can be promoted at the wall surface before reaching the angled walls 147, 148.

[0384] In some interpretations, the transition ray angle 149 of the humidification section is the angle between the ray extending from the angled wall 148 and the lower wall 136 of the humidification section 130.

[0385] An excessively large wall transition angle 144 (e.g., approximately 180°, such as approximately 165° to 195°) will have virtually no impact on the gas flow through the angled walls 147, 148, and the humidification section transition angle 143 will guide the flow as described above. Conversely, a wall transition angle 144 that is too small (e.g., approximately 90°, such as approximately 75° to 105°) will cause stagnation points to form on the surfaces of the angled walls 147, 148, thus hindering the effect of the humidification section transition angle 143. Accordingly, the wall transition angle 144 is preferably optimized to cause the gas flow to flow substantially laterally along the angled walls 147, 148 before encountering the humidification section transition angle 143.

[0386] When optimized in this manner, the wall transition angle 144 can assist the humidification section transition angle 143 in providing a relatively abrupt transition into the humidification section 130, as described above. This is advantageous because the abrupt transition causes the gas to detach from the walls of the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the humidification section 130, and causes the gas flow to be "jetted" toward the humidification element 114. The proximity of the gas flow to the humidification element 114 increases humidification, for example, due to being in the aforementioned high humidity zone.

[0387] Although Figure 5 and Figure 6 Not shown, but in some configurations, the outlet antechamber 160 may have the same wall transition angle 144 as shown with respect to the inlet antechamber 140.

[0388] As described above, the humidifying element 114 divides or guides the flow channels 30 of the humidifying section 130. Therefore, the resulting flow channels 31, 32 have a reduced height relative to the height 137 of the humidifying section. The height 34 of the upper flow channel 31 corresponds to the height between the upper surface 1143 and the upper wall 135 of the humidifying section 130. Since the gas flow is parallel to the upper surface 1143 of the humidifying element 114, i.e., along the direction shown by the flow channel 30 from the humidifying section inlet 131 to the humidifying section outlet 132, the height 34 of the flow channel 31 can also be referred to as the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the direction 31 of the gas flow.

[0389] The lower flow channel 32, formed by the gap between the lower surface 1144 of the humidifying element 114 and the lower wall 136 of the humidifying section 130, also has a height 35. Similarly, as described for the height 34 of the upper flow channel 31, the gas flow is parallel to the lower surface 1144 of the humidifying element 114, i.e., along the direction shown in the flow channel 30 from the humidifying section inlet 131 to the humidifying section outlet 132. Therefore, the height 35 of the flow channel 32 can also be referred to as the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the direction 32 of the gas flow.

[0390] The term "flow channel height" or the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the direction of gas flow can refer to the height of the upper channel 34, the height of the lower channel 35, the height of both, or a combination thereof.

[0391] It should be understood that the purpose of this disclosure is, in general, to ensure that the majority of the gas passing through the device is located within a high-humidity “boundary layer” that appears near the humidifying element, thereby achieving the “target humidity.” This is achieved at least in part by limiting the height (and / or lateral dimension) of the flow channel, and in particular by ensuring that the height of the flow channel is substantially equal to (or not greater than, or not significantly greater than) the height of the expected boundary layer within the flow channel.

[0392] If the apparatus contains multiple flow channels of substantially equal size and substantially parallel to each other, it can be assumed that substantially equal portions of the total inflow will pass through each flow channel. Thus, each flow channel should be sized and configured to humidify the corresponding portion of the total gas flow to the target humidity. The other flow channels should do the same for each. In this way, the humidity of the total gas flow (which, once recombined after leaving the individual flow channels), will also be at the target humidity.

[0393] A similar situation applies to flow channels of varying sizes, where each channel receives a portion of the total flow commensurate with its size. Each channel will ideally be configured to achieve the target humidity of the portion of the gas flowing through it.

[0394] In any embodiment that includes multiple flow channels, if one channel humidifies a lower percentage of the gas flowing through it than the other channels—that is, if one channel achieves a humidification rate lower than the target humidity of the target gas portion passing through it—then one (or more) of the other channels may need to achieve a correspondingly higher humidification percentage such that when the gas flows are recombined, the total gas has been humidified according to the specified target humidity.

[0395] An alternative way to conceptualize the configuration disclosed herein is to consider the flow channels collectively (and also the total gas flow) rather than individually. If the total inflow gas flow is considered, it can be said that the total (collective) height (and / or lateral dimension) of all the multiple flow channels must ensure that the target humidity of the total gas flow is achieved when the gas reaches the downstream end of the humidification section.

[0396] As described above, the humidifying element 114 divides the flow channel 30 of the humidifying section 130. Therefore, the resulting flow channels 31 and 32 have a reduced height relative to the height 137 of the humidifying section. The height 34 of the upper flow channel 31 is the distance between the upper surface 1143 and the upper wall 135 of the humidifying section 130. Since the gas flow is parallel to the upper surface 1143 of the humidifying element 114, i.e., along the direction shown by the flow channel 30 from the humidifying section inlet 131 to the humidifying section outlet 132, the height 34 of the flow channel 31 can also be referred to as the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the direction 31 of the gas flow.

[0397] like Figure 5 As shown, the upstream end 1141 of the humidifying element 114 is perpendicular to the inlet pre-chamber flow channel 40, as indicated by the arrow. Viewed from the side, Figure 5 The humidifying element 114 is actually rectangular. The vertical upstream end 1141 of the humidifying element 114 may cause a sudden change in the gas flow profile, which may hinder the profile of the downstream gas flow on the upper surface 1143 and the lower surface 1144 of the humidifying element 114.

[0398] As described herein, the shape of the inlet pre-chamber 140 is generally designed to guide the gas flow toward the humidification section 130 and / or the humidification element 114.

[0399] Reference Figure 6 , showed Figure 5 The same view of the humidification chamber 110. However, the upstream end 1141 of the humidification element 114 is curved, rounded, or conical.

[0400] Therefore, the profile of the humidifying element 114 at its upstream end 1141 is rounded to redirect the gas flow around the humidifying element 114. This increases the flow supplied from the side of the inlet pre-chamber 140 along the upper surface 1143 and lower surface 1144 of the humidifying element 114. Thus, any gas flowing into the inlet pre-chamber 140 that does not follow the profile of the side or wall but flows directly to the upstream end 1141 will be redirected, but the rounded upstream end causes this to occur gradually rather than abruptly, thus avoiding excessive turbulence or flow interruption, and instead promoting a substantially laminar and orderly flow of gas near the surfaces 1143, 1144 of the humidifying element 114. The rounded upstream surface 1141 can be completely rounded, have a tapered edge, or beveled. In some configurations, the downstream end 1142 of the humidifying element 114 can also be rounded or curved.

[0401] As discussed in this article and referenced Figures 1 to 6 The gas flow is humidified by approaching the humidification element 114. The closer the gas flow is to the humidification element 114, the more water the gas takes in, resulting in greater humidification. To help maintain the gas flow in a high humidity boundary layer region relative to the humidification element 114, the gas first reaches the inlet pre-chamber 140, where the diameter 113 of the gas inlet 111 transitions into the inlet pre-chamber with a height 151. The humidification section 130 is divided in two by the humidification element 114, where both the upper surface 1143 and the lower surface 1144 humidify the gas flow passing through the flow channels 31, 32. The effective reduction in the height of the flow channels 31, 32 compared to the height 137 of the humidification section allows for a closer contact between the gas flow and the humidification element 114.

[0402] More specifically, the heights 34 and 35 of flow channels 31 and 32 can be selected to be substantially equal to, not greater than, or not significantly greater than the expected boundary layer height (which is the height above the humidifying element in the high humidity region when the boundary layer reaches its "mature" state (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the height of the humidifying element)). Thus, all or most of the gas flowing through flow channels 31 and 32 will flow within the high humidity boundary layer region.

[0403] The humidifying element 114 is parallel to the upper wall 135 and lower wall 136 of the humidifying section 130, so that the upper surface 1143 and lower surface 1144 of the humidifying element 114 maintain a constant gap to allow gas to flow through the flow channels 31 and 32.

[0404] Following the humidification section 130, the humidified gas enters the outlet pre-chamber 160, located before the gas outlet 112. The outlet pre-chamber 160 is identical to the inlet pre-chamber 140 but is a mirror image of it. The humidified gas flows through the outlet 112 and toward the patient into the breathing tube.

[0405] As described in more detail below, the gap between the humidifying element 114 and the humidifying section walls 135, 136 is very small to keep the flow close to the humidifying element 114 to increase humidification. When the gap increases, the humidification effect weakens. If the gap is too wide, there will be room for a flow layer outside the "high humidity zone" to form.

[0406] Reference Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of the humidification chamber 110 as described herein is shown. For clarity, some reference numerals for certain features have been omitted. Figure 7 The example illustrates gas flow humidification, where gas with 0% humidity is shown in unhumidified shade 211, while gas with 100% humidity is shown in humidified shade 212. Near the humidification element 114, a transition region exists between the two shades 211 and 212, where the humidity of the gas flow is between 0% and 100%. This transition region is formed by the profile of a "high humidity boundary layer," which is perpendicular to the humidification element and forms along its length. The "boundary layer" will take the form of a generally arcuate profile, with its height decreasing closer to the upstream end of the humidification element and gradually increasing in height further downstream.

[0407] The downstream section 180 is indicated, where a high-humidity boundary layer fills the flow channels 30, 31, and 32 at their respective heights. See below for reference. Figures 9 to 15 This needs to be discussed.

[0408] In a simplified arrangement, the humidification chamber 110 is modeled such that the upstream end 1141 of the humidification element 114 is located at the upstream end 133 of the generally elongated humidification section 130, and the upstream end 1141 of the humidification element 114 has a flat surface facing the flow direction (e.g., the humidification section inlet 131).

[0409] Gas inlet 111 contains gas with a humidity of 0%, as shown by unhumidified shadow 211. Similarly, when gas flows into inlet pre-chamber 140, the gas in flow channel 40 is shown with a humidity of 0%, as shown by unhumidified shadow 211. Flow channel 40 is shown as a region, i.e., within inlet pre-chamber 140.

[0410] When the gas flow reaches the humidification section 130, the gas begins to humidify by contacting the humidification element 114. This is shown by the humidification shadow 212 on the upper surface 1143 and lower surface 1144 near the upstream end 1141 of the humidification element 114. However, the gas closer to the upper wall 135 and lower wall 136 of the humidification section 130 (and thus farther from the humidification element 114) remains at 0% humidity near the upstream end 1141, as shown by the unhumidified shadow 211.

[0411] As the gas flows through the flow channel 30 of the humidification section, as shown in the area between the walls of the humidification element 114 and the humidification section 130, the gas becomes more humidified as it flows to the downstream end 134 of the humidification element 130. This is shown as an unhumidified shadow 211 becoming a humidified shadow 212.

[0412] Upstream of the humidification section 134, the gas flow is fully humidified, as shown in the fully shaded humidification shadow 212. The gas entering the outlet pre-chamber 112 and then the gas outlet 112 remains 100% humidified. This is achieved by selecting the heights (34, 35) of the flow channels 31, 32 to correspond to, or be no greater than, or not significantly greater than (or actually less than) the expected height of the high humidity boundary layer of each channel 31, 32 (especially when “mature” or substantially fully developed) (the determination of said expected height is discussed further below). In this way, all or most of the gas flowing through the humidification section 134 will be located within the high humidity boundary layer.

[0413] Therefore, the humidity of the gas passing through near the humidification element surface 1143, 1144 at the upstream end 1141 increases rapidly.

[0414] As the gas advances through the humidification section 130, the boundary layer of the high-humidity gas expands until the entire height of the humidification chamber is contained within it, as shown in the humidification shadow 212.

[0415] Unless otherwise specifically described, the flow from gas inlet 111 to gas outlet 112 through humidification chamber 110 is substantially laminar to ensure that the gas flow is directed to the vicinity of humidification element surfaces 1143, 1144, as this may be most effective for humidifying the gas. However, in some configurations, it is beneficial to control the amount of turbulence or to mix the flow to combine the humidified flow with less humidified flow (e.g., to draw the portion of the flow farther from the humidification element surfaces 1143, 1144 closer to them).

[0416] Reference Figure 8 This figure shows a partial view of the velocity magnitude of the flow through the humidification chamber 110, derived from a FEA analysis. The humidification chamber 110 is modeled as a simplified humidification chamber 110 as described herein. Therefore, the features are the same as described elsewhere. However, for the sake of clarity, some reference numerals have been omitted.

[0417] The flow through the inlet antechamber 140 is as shown in flow path 40; and is indicated in this section by arrows showing the flow direction. (See above reference...) Figure 7 As described, the gas travels along approximately the central axis (Ax—) of the humidification chamber 110. Figure 3 The flow is generally uniform. At the walls of the entrance antechamber 140, the flow is typically guided along the walls.

[0418] Upon reaching the humidification section 130, and particularly the flow channels 30, 31, and 32, as shown by the upstream end 1141 of the humidification element 114 with a line extending perpendicular to its approximate central axis, the gas flow is guided into either the upper channel 31 or the lower channel 32. The flow path through the humidification section 130 is indicated by arrows showing the flow directions, labeled 30, 31, and 30, 32. Thus, in the flow channels 30, 31, and 32, the overall flow is in an approximate axial direction, for example, from the upstream end 1141 to the downstream end 1142 of the humidification element 114.

[0419] The upper flow channel 31 and the lower flow channel 32 have corresponding channel heights 34 and 35, respectively, as shown in the reference. Figure 5 As described. Furthermore, the transverse directions 36 and 37 of the flow channel, perpendicular to (including substantially perpendicular to) the flow direction (including the overall flow direction), are shown extending perpendicular to the flow direction (from...). Figure 7 (Viewed from the side) and in this configuration, it extends perpendicular to the relevant surfaces 1143, 1144 of the humidifying element 114. Therefore, the upper lateral direction 36 of the flow channel, perpendicular to the flow direction, extends from the upper surface 1143 of the humidifying element 114. The lower lateral direction 37 of the flow channel, perpendicular to the flow direction, extends from the lower surface 1144 of the humidifying element 114.

[0420] Any flow passage described herein may be referred to as having a transverse direction or dimension perpendicular to the flow direction. For example, for the inlet antechamber 140, the dimension between the upper wall 145 and the lower wall 146 may be referred to as the transverse dimension or direction of the flow passage 40 perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0421] Refer again Figure 5 The resulting flow paths / channels 30, 31, and 32, indicated by the arrows, show the transverse directions 36 and 37 of the flow channels, which are perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0422] exist Figures 3 to 8In the configuration shown, the heights 34 and 35 of the humidification section flow channels are less than the height of the inlet pre-chamber 140. As discussed elsewhere, the heights are transverse to the corresponding flow channels 30 and 40 and perpendicular to the flow directions 30 and 40. Because the humidification element 114 divides the flow channel 30 into an upper flow channel 31 and a lower flow channel 32, the inlet flow channel height 151 at the upstream end 141 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the humidification section height 137 at the downstream end 142 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 are both greater than the upper humidification section flow channel height 34 and the lower humidification section flow channel height 35. This reduction in height causes the gas flow to approach the humidification element 114 very closely within the upper flow channel 31 and the lower flow channel 32. This close approach occurs within the high humidity zone / boundary layer. This is discussed in more detail elsewhere in this document. The reduction in the distance between the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the humidification section flow channels 30, 31, 32 also allows the gas flow to be directed toward the surfaces of the humidification element 114, where the humidification of the gas is greatest. Due to the inclined walls 147, 148 of the inlet pre-chamber 140, the height varies along the flow direction. In this configuration, the (lateral) height of the inlet pre-chamber 140 at any point is greater than the height of the upper flow channel 31 or the lower flow channel 32. However, in some configurations, the height of the inlet pre-chamber 140 or the height of the flow channels 31, 32 can be determined as an average value over their length.

[0423] For reference Figure 4 The width 39 of the humidification section and the width 150 of the inlet pre-chamber are the same. Therefore, the upper flow channel 31 and the lower flow channel 32 have the same width as the width 39 of the humidification section. In some configurations, these widths can vary, or even the diameter or circumference can vary in the case of the tubular humidification section 130. In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pre-chamber 140 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section flow channels 30, 31, and 32. The cross-sectional area can be taken as the area perpendicular to the central axis (Ax—) when viewed from the side. Figure 3 The cross-sectional area is the area of ​​the extended cross-section, i.e., the area of ​​the height and width. In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pre-chamber 140 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section flow channels 30, 31, and 32. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pre-chamber 140 or the humidification section flow channels 30, 31, and 32 can vary along its length. Therefore, in some configurations, the cross-sectional area can be an average value.

[0424] In some configurations, the outlet pre-chamber 160 has a greater height and / or cross-sectional area than the humidification section flow channels 30, 31, 32, as described with reference to the inlet pre-chamber 140.

[0425] To obtain the required humidity for the gas flow, boundary conditions must be considered. The boundary layer of the flow can be considered with reference to the boundary layer thickness δ, which is the distance perpendicular to the plate to the point where the flow velocity is constant, that is, the velocity asymptotically approaches a constant velocity from the plate. The asymptotic velocity is denoted by u. e The boundary layer thickness can be approximated by the high humidity zone discussed in this paper.

[0426] Due to the asymptotic velocity u e Since it is an asymptote, in practice, using 99% of the boundary layer thickness to define the flow velocity essentially achieves the asymptotic velocity u. e The point at which 99% of the boundary layer thickness is expressed as δ. 99 .

[0427] The Platius boundary layer equation describes laminar flow where the boundary layer is parallel to the plate. Given the above discussion, laminar parallel flow is suitable for approximating this arrangement, where:

[0428] …(1)

[0429] Among them, Re x Let u be the Reynolds number, u0 be the free-flow velocity, x be the distance downstream of the boundary layer initiation point, and v be the kinematic viscosity. Furthermore, u... e ≈ u0 is constant.

[0430] Since a 99% boundary layer thickness is generally unsuitable for bounded flows, a momentum thickness δ2 is considered, which is related to the uniform velocity u. e The normal distance of the fluid to the reference plane at the lower edge.

[0431] Therefore, according to the conditions of the Platius equation, the momentum thickness is:

[0432] …(2)

[0433] Where u e ≈ u0 is constant.

[0434] When considering the thermal boundary layer thickness, the ratio between this thickness and the velocity boundary layer can be given by the Prandtl number Pr. For air under standard conditions, the thermal boundary layer is thicker than the velocity boundary layer. For Prandtl numbers greater than 0.6:

[0435] …(3)

[0436] Where δ T It is the region where the temperature T is 99% below its far-field value.

[0437] Under certain conditions, these values ​​can be applied to the Schmitt number Sc. Therefore:

[0438] …(4)

[0439] Applying the Schmidt number to equation (2) above:

[0440] …(5)

[0441] This can be further derived using the Schmidt equation, where:

[0442] …(6)

[0443] Where v is the kinematic viscosity, D is the mass diffusion coefficient, and δc is the concentration boundary thickness. The mass diffusion coefficient D can be approximated as the mass transfer coefficient, which is affected by the plate temperature T.

[0444] Although this equation may require certain conditions or approximations (for example, the momentum thickness δ2 is not specifically for bounded flow, although it is more suitable than the boundary layer thickness δ), 99 (More accurate), but these factors can be considered relevant to determining the concentration boundary thickness. Therefore, momentum thickness δ2 is used to determine the thickness or height of the humidity boundary layer (high humidity boundary layer).

[0445] In view of the above and with reference to Figures 1 to 6 The channel heights 34 and 35 can be determined to achieve the required humidity for the gas flowing through the flow channels 30, 31, and 32. Referring to the Platius boundary layer equation (1), the boundary layer distance is determined as the distance from the plate. Therefore, the distance to the relevant surfaces 1143 and 1144 of the humidifying element 114, or the channel heights 34 and 35, is used to determine the humidity boundary layer. The Platius equation assumes a two-dimensional model. Therefore, this distance is also obtained in the direction normal to or perpendicular to the flow direction on the plate. (Refer to...) Figure 5 or Figure 7 The flow direction through the channels is defined by flow paths 30, 31, and 32. Therefore, this direction is the transverse direction 36 and 37 of the flow channels, perpendicular to the flow direction; this can also be referred to as the transverse dimension 36 and 37 of the flow channels, perpendicular to the flow direction, with a defined size. Although this is generally normal to / perpendicular to the relevant surfaces 1143 and 1144 of the humidifying element 114, it is typically defined as perpendicular to the flow directions 30, 31, and 32 in order to determine the channel heights 34 and 35.

[0446] Reference Figures 9 to 15The defined humidity boundary layer 200 is schematically shown in the flow channels 30, 31, and 32 of the humidification section 130. As described above, the humidity boundary layer 200 gradually extends from the surface (i.e., the humidification element 114) to the point where the boundary layer 200 is a mature boundary layer 220 (a fully developed boundary layer). Boundary layer 200 refers to the entire boundary layer including the mature boundary layer 220. For clarity, reference to any of the flow channels 30, 31, and 32 may refer to reference to the other flow channels 30, 31, and 32.

[0447] It is important to emphasize that the lateral dimensions 36 and 37 of the flow channels perpendicular to the flow direction may not be the same as the heights 34 and 35 of the flow channels from the surface of the humidifying element 114 to the wall of the humidifying section 130. Instead, in some configurations, the lateral dimensions 36 and 37 of the flow channels perpendicular to the flow direction are the portions of the flow channels 30, 31, and 32 in which the gas flows. This is schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings by the lateral dimensions 36 and 37 of the flow channels perpendicular to the flow direction, which are directional arrows showing the lateral direction of the flow in the respective flow channels 30, 31, and 32. However, in some configurations, the lateral dimensions 36 and 37 of the flow channels perpendicular to the flow direction are equal to the flow channel heights 34 and 35, as described below.

[0448] As previously stated, this disclosure aims to ensure that the gas is properly humidified as it leaves the humidification section. Target humidity The lateral dimensions 36 and 37 of the flow channels 30, 31, and 32 are selected to achieve the target humidity. Therefore, referring to... Figure 9 If the target humidity is 100%, the lateral dimension of the flow channel will be equal to (or less than) the defined boundary layer 200, such that all gas flowing through the lateral dimensions 36 and 37 of the flow channel is located within the high-humidity boundary layer 200, thus becoming humidified. This is achieved through... Figure 7 For example, in this case, the entire flow channel is occupied by a high-humidity boundary layer before the humidification section ends. However, referring to... Figure 10 If the target humidity is approximately 80%, the lateral dimensions 36, 37 of the flow channels may vary accordingly; for example, in this case, the lateral dimensions 36, 37 of the flow channels may be slightly larger than the defined boundary layer 200, so that a portion of the gas can flow outside the high humidity boundary layer (close to the wall and away from the humidification element 114), since only 80% humidification of the gas is required.

[0449] Reference Figure 11It will be understood that when 100% humidification is required, the lateral dimensions 36, 37 of the flow channel can be equal to or less than the determined (expected) height of the boundary layer 200 (when substantially fully developed), because if the lateral dimensions 36, 37 are less than the boundary layer 200, then the boundary layer 200 (when substantially fully developed) will occupy the entire lateral dimensions 36, 37 of the flow channel, so essentially all the gas flow will be within the boundary layer 200.

[0450] In addition, refer to Figure 12 It will also be understood that a “mature” or fully developed (or significantly developed) boundary layer 220 can be achieved in the indicated downstream portion 180 before the humidification section 130 ends, i.e., upstream of its downstream end 134; therefore, the downstream portion 180 of the humidification section 130 accommodates the fully developed (or significantly developed) boundary layer 220. This can be achieved in... Figure 7 As seen in the reference; the downstream portion of 180 accommodates a largely fully developed boundary layer. Figure 11 or Figure 12 As illustrated schematically. In some configurations, the “mature” or fully developed or substantially fully developed boundary layer 220 can be realized substantially along the humidification section 130 midway; this can advantageously allow the gas flowing through the second half of the humidification section 130 to be completely “immersed” in the boundary layer 200, thereby further improving humidification.

[0451] Reference Figures 13 to 15 The diagram illustrates a humidification section 130 having multiple humidification elements 115, 116 and thus flow / flow channels 31, 32, 33. These figures assume the same characteristics and therefore the same boundary layer formation. Figure 13 In this structure, the humidification section 130 is divided by a first humidification element 115 and a second humidification element 116. These elements are arranged in parallel within the humidification section 130, such that a first flow channel 31 is formed between the first humidification element 115 and the humidification section 130, and a second flow channel 32 is formed between the first humidification element 115 and the second humidification element 116. A third flow channel 33 is formed between the second humidification element 116 and the humidification section 130.

[0452] like Figure 14 As shown, the boundary layer 202 formed in the first channel 31 between the first humidifying element 115 and the wall of the humidifying section 130 and Figure 9Similarly, a mature boundary layer 220 is formed, and the lateral dimension of the flow channel 31 will be equal to (or less than) the defined boundary layer 202. The boundary layer 206 formed in the third flow channel 33 between the second humidifying element 116 and the wall of the humidifying section 130 is similar to the boundary layer of the first flow channel 31. Therefore, a mature boundary layer 226 is formed, and the lateral dimension of the flow channel 33 will be equal to (or less than) the defined boundary layer 206.

[0453] For the second flow channel 32, there are two boundary layers 208, 209 facing each other, formed by each humidifying element 115, 116. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the boundary layers 208, 224 of the "mature" or fully developed height from the first humidifying element 115 meet the boundary layers 209, 224 of the "mature" or fully developed height from the second humidifying element 116. Therefore, the lateral dimension of the flow channel 32 is selected to be twice the height of the "mature" or fully developed boundary layers 222, 224, 226.

[0454] like Figure 15 As shown, the lateral dimension of the flow channel 32 can also be selected to be less than twice the height of the “mature” or fully developed boundary layers 222, 224, 226. Therefore, the boundary layer 210 converges at a certain distance between the first humidifying element 115 and the second humidifying element 116. However, since the lateral dimension of the flow channel 32 includes an effective high-humidity boundary layer, the channel 32 is completely “immersed”.

[0455] A “mature,” fully developed, or substantially fully developed boundary layer 220 will be understood to refer to a boundary layer 200 whose height no longer varies significantly with distance along the x-axis (i.e., along the flow direction), i.e., a boundary layer 200 that has reached a substantially stable height.

[0456] As discussed in this paper, the derivation of the "high humidity boundary layer" equation is related to the derivation of the "velocity boundary layer" and "momentum boundary layer" equations. Therefore, from a practical perspective, the latter equation(s) and the resulting boundary layer profiles can provide convenient "substitutes" to approximate the high humidity boundary layer. These two may not have the same profile, but they are generally likely to be roughly similar for a given set of operating conditions.

[0457] The derivation of the Platius equation (1) describes that in some configurations, in order for the gas or part of the gas passing through the humidification chamber 110 to reach at least 80% of the desired humidity or target humidity or relative humidity, the distance, size, dimension, radius, diameter or height 34, 35 of the flow channels 30, 31, 32 of the humidification section 130 depends on at least one of the following: the length 38 of the flow channel, the gas flow rate (especially the flow velocity), the temperature of the humidification element 114 or the relative gas concentration.

[0458] In some configurations, the transverse dimensions 36 and 37 of the flow channels 30, 31, and 32 perpendicular to the flow direction depend on at least one of the length 38 of the flow channel, the gas flow rate, the temperature of the humidifying element 114, or the relative gas concentration.

[0459] Therefore, the lateral dimension can depend on the following:

[0460] a) The length of the flow channel is 38;

[0461] b) Gas flow rate;

[0462] c) Temperature of the humidifying element 114;

[0463] d) Relative gas concentration;

[0464] e) The length of the flow channel 38, the gas flow rate, the temperature of the humidifying element 114, and the relative gas concentration;

[0465] f) The length of the flow channel 38, the gas flow rate, and the temperature of the humidifying element 114;

[0466] g) Length of the flow channel 38, gas flow rate, and relative gas concentration;

[0467] h) The length of the flow channel 38, the temperature of the humidification element 114, and the relative gas concentration;

[0468] i) The gas flow rate, the temperature of the humidifying element 114, or the relative gas concentration;

[0469] j) The length of the flow channel (38) and the gas flow rate.

[0470] k) The length of the flow channel 38 and the temperature of the humidifying element 114;

[0471] l) Length of the flow channel 38 and relative gas concentration;

[0472] m) The flow rate of the gas and the temperature of the humidifying element 114;

[0473] n) Gas flow rate and relative gas concentration

[0474] o) Temperature and relative gas concentration of humidifying element 114

[0475] p) or any other combination thereof.

[0476] The construction of the humidification chamber 110 may also involve other factors or parameters. At least some of these factors or parameters may directly or indirectly affect the distance, size, dimensions, radius, diameter, or height 34, 35 of the flow channels, or the lateral dimensions 36, 37 perpendicular to the flow direction of the flow channels 30, 31, 32. The table below (Table 1) provides a non-exhaustive list of value ranges. All values ​​are substantially as listed, and the expected ranges or values ​​may be based on design preferences rather than physical constraints.

[0477] Table 1

[0478]

[0479]

[0480] Any value shown in Table 1 can be combined with another value to form a range. All values ​​within a range are considered feasible values ​​on their own or for forming its sub-ranges. For example, the inlet gas temperature can be between about 0°C and about 50°C, or between about 0°C and about 35°C, or between about 15°C and about 50°C, or between about 15°C and about 35°C, or between about 15°C and about 20°C. The inlet gas temperature can be any value within these ranges, such as about: 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C. C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C, 40°C, 41°C, 42°C, 43°C, 44°C, 45°C, 46°C, 47°C, 48°C, 49°C, or 50°C. This is not limited to integers, but also includes values ​​between integers. The values ​​in the table can be exact values ​​or approximate values ​​(for example, "12 mg / L" can be interpreted as "approximately 12 mg / L").

[0481] To be clear, while specific examples are given, these examples can be applied to any such parameter, value, or range discussed in this article.

[0482] The gas flow rate is the flow rate of gas supplied from, for example, a blower or flow generator 120 to the humidification chamber 110. Therefore, the gas flow is defined as the gas entering the humidification chamber 110 through the gas inlet 111 (and subsequently exiting via the gas outlet 112). In some configurations, the range may be limited by the flow generator 120 or by appropriate therapeutic limitations for the treatment user. The gas itself may be a gas or an aerosolized fluid; the gas may be air, or it may be a mixture of gases (including fluids) mixed with other gases. As described above, the flow velocity is a direct variable in the equation determining the humidity boundary layer 200. The gas flow rate is determined by the flow velocity (and flow dimensions). Therefore, the gas flow rate is used to determine the height of the boundary layer 200, thereby determining the required lateral heights 36, 37 of the flow channel.

[0483] The oxygen fraction is the percentage of oxygen contained in a gas relative to the gas flow passing through the humidification chamber 110. These limits are based on standard air and the maximum oxygen saturation in the gas. Kinematic viscosity is required to determine the humidity boundary layer 200. Because the gas composition affects kinematic viscosity, the oxygen fraction will affect the height of the boundary layer 200, thereby affecting the required lateral heights 36 and 37 of the flow channel. However, in practice, when attempting to adjust the boundary layer 200 and the associated flow channel height during use, the oxygen fraction may not be one of the primary parameters that is changed.

[0484] The liquid flow rate is the flow rate of liquid supplied to the humidifying element 114 for humidifying the gas flow. The humidifying element 114 can be in the form of a heated surface or a wicking element, such as a vapor permeation membrane having an upper surface 1143 and a lower surface 1144 as the wicking element surface. Therefore, a liquid supply is provided to the humidifying element 114 for the purpose of humidification.

[0485] The temperature of the humidifying element 114 is the temperature of the surface, heating plate, wicking element, etc., used to humidify the liquid into the gas flow passing through the flow channel 30 to humidify the gas flow at the gas outlet 112. This temperature provides humidification to the gas flow, thereby affecting the humidifying boundary layer 200.

[0486] The inlet gas temperature is, for example, the temperature of the air supplied from the flow generator 120 to the humidification chamber 110. This can be determined by the ambient temperature of the air. However, preheating (or cooling) of the gas can be employed. Some limits can be determined by appropriate therapeutic restrictions or safe operating conditions for the user. While this has an impact on determining the kinematic viscosity required for the humidity boundary layer 200, in practice, the inlet gas temperature may not be one of the primary parameters that is altered when attempting to adjust the boundary layer 200 and the associated flow channel height during use.

[0487] The outlet gas temperature is the temperature of the gas leaving the humidification chamber 110, i.e., through the gas outlet 112. The gas can then be supplied to the user via the patient interface, as per reference. Figure 1 As described, the outlet gas temperature can be related to the ambient air temperature. However, in practice, the humidification element temperature is often the primary factor in determining and controlling the outlet gas temperature. The range limits can be determined by appropriate treatment restrictions and the most effective values ​​for the user.

[0488] The outlet humidity is the humidity of the gas at the gas outlet 112 of the humidification chamber 110 (i.e., after humidification has occurred in the humidification chamber 110), and in some configurations, the humidified gas is then supplied to the user through the patient interface 122, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 As described. The range of outlet humidity can be determined by the user's treatment requirements and the regulatory restrictions on appropriate treatment.

[0489] The inlet humidity is, for example, the humidity of the gas supplied from the flow generator 120 to the humidification chamber 110. The range can be determined by physical constraints on the gas and constraints imposed on the environment in which the humidification chamber 110 operates. The humidity boundary layer 200 will be altered by the inlet humidity of the gas. That is, if the inlet conditions are low humidity, the boundary layer 200 will have a larger / higher profile. Therefore, the difference between the inlet humidity and the humidity of the humidification element will be larger (i.e., lower atmospheric humidity). If the inlet gas has higher humidity, the profile of the boundary layer 200 will be flatter. This has an effective "sponge" effect. However, this does not have a significant impact on requirements, because even with a flatter boundary layer 200, a humid atmosphere will not require much active humidification anyway. However, in use, the inlet humidity is much lower than the surface humidity at the humidification element 114. Therefore, in practice, the inlet humidity may not be one of the main parameters that is altered when attempting to adjust the boundary layer height during use.

[0490] The heights 34 and 35 of the flow channel are the heights of the lateral dimensions 36 and 37 perpendicular to the flow direction, as described elsewhere. While it has been shown that the height can be determined by calculating the high-humidity boundary layer, the range of values ​​for the dimension can also be based on physical constraints. Furthermore, in some configurations, the required outlet humidity of the gas flow determines this dimension. Also note that capillary effects can be utilized, for example in infant devices, where the channel height is effectively 0 mm. In some configurations, the lateral dimension of the flow channel may exceed the size of a “mature” or fully developed (or significantly developed) boundary layer 220, so a portion of the gas flow remains outside the humidifying boundary layer and is not humidified, as referenced. Figure 10 As shown.

[0491] The length 38 of the flow channel (or 139 in some configurations) is the length described elsewhere, through which gas passes through flow channel 30 and is humidified, i.e., the gas passes through humidification element 114. The range of values ​​is determined by physical limitations where the device is too small or too large to use (and / or compatibility requirements with other respiratory support equipment components), and / or also by gas flow humidification limitations based on the desired formation of boundary layer 200 (e.g., mature boundary layer 220) or the desired humidity of the outlet gas. Therefore, as described above, the length of the flow channel is used when determining the humidity boundary layer 200. In some configurations, the height of flow channels 30, 31, 32 may be referred to as a proportion or percentage of the length 38 of the flow channel; for example, in some configurations, the height-to-length ratio may preferably not exceed 1:10. The width of flow channel 30 may be the width 39 of the humidification section. In some configurations, the width of the humidifying element can be the same as the width of the flow channels 30, 31, and 32; in other words, the humidifying element 114 occupies the entire width of the flow channels 30, 31, and 32. In other configurations (see, for example...), Figure 21 The widths of flow channels 30, 31, and 32 can be greater than the width of the humidifying element 114 disposed therein. The range of values ​​for the width of the flow channels is determined by physical limitations such as the device being too small or too large to be used (and / or compatibility requirements with other respiratory support device components). Under the conditions of the above equations, when other conditions (such as channel length, gas flow rate, element temperature, and gas concentration) remain the same, the widths of flow channels 30, 31, and 32 will not change the boundary layer 200. Therefore, the boundary layer 200 will be formed across the width of the humidifying section 130. However, as discussed, the gas flow velocity is used in the equations. Therefore, for the same volume of gas delivered across a greater width, the flow velocity will then change. Therefore, if the width affects other factors (such as cross-sectional area and thus flow rate), the height of the boundary layer 200 may be affected by the width.

[0492] The width of the flow channel can also be the diameter, for example, in the case of a tubular configuration for the humidification section 130. Therefore, this parameter can also refer to the inner diameter of the flow channel 30.

[0493] The heights 34 and 35, length 38, and width 39 (or diameter) of the humidification section flow channels also provide surface area or volume for the flow channels 30, 31, and 32. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 30 can be determined, for example, based on the heights 34 and 35 and the width 39 (or diameter) of the humidification section flow channels. Range limits can be based on factors similar to those described elsewhere for height, length, and width. As mentioned above, when the flow velocity varies with the cross-section, such as when delivering a set volume of gas, the cross-section will change the height of the boundary layer 200. However, this depends on the flow velocity, not directly on the cross-section.

[0494] The gas flow velocity is the speed at which the gas passes through the humidification chamber 110. Due to variations in size and geometry (such as flow area), the gas flow velocity through flow channel 30 may vary along the flow path and also differ from, for example, the flow velocity through inlet pre-chamber flow channel 40 or outlet pre-chamber flow channel 50. The range of values ​​may be limited by physical constraints. However, as stated above, the flow velocity is a direct variable in the equations determining the humidity boundary layer 200, and therefore, in practice, can be a primary parameter for determining the height of the boundary layer 200 and thus the required lateral heights 36, 37 of the flow channels.

[0495] The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pre-chamber 140 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section flow channels 30, 31, and 32 is a dimensionless value determined by the cross-sectional areas of these two parts. Although typically, as at least... Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pre-chamber 140 is larger than that of (at least one) flow channel 30, 31, 32 to facilitate gas flow toward the humidification element 114; however, in some configurations, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pre-chamber 140 may be relatively small. This is explained by the range limits. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pre-chamber 140 or the humidification section flow channels 30, 31, 32 may vary along its length. Therefore, in some configurations, the cross-sectional area may be an average value.

[0496] As described above, the gas flow through the humidification chamber 110 is humidified to a target value. This can be a relative humidity value, although in some configurations it may alternatively or additionally be expressed as an absolute humidity value, such as the range given in Table 1, or another target value as determined by operational or therapeutic requirements. It may be necessary for a component or portion of the gas flowing through the humidification chamber 110 to reach the target humidity. For example, a certain percentage of the gas flow may not need to be humidified, may not pass through the humidification section 130, or may not need to be fully humidified to the target humidity. Therefore, the channel heights 34, 35 (i.e., the lateral dimensions 36, 37 of the flow channels perpendicular to the flow direction) allow a portion of the gas flow to reach the target humidity. In some configurations, this component or portion of the gas may be substantially all of the gas flowing through the flow channels 30, 31, 32. In some configurations, this portion of the gas may be 60% of the gas flowing from the gas inlet 111 to the gas outlet 112. In some configurations, this portion of the gas can be 80% of the gas flowing from gas inlet 111 to gas outlet 112.

[0497] Attached to or alternatively to this portion of the gas flowing through the humidification chamber 110, the channel heights 34, 35, i.e., the lateral dimensions 36, 37 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction, can such that 60% (or a portion thereof) of the gas flow reaches the target humidity at the gas outlet 112. In some configurations, 80% (or a portion thereof) of the gas flow reaches the target humidity. The target humidity can be any value as described above with reference to Table 1. Additionally or alternatively, in some configurations, the gas flow (or a portion thereof) has a relative humidity of 60% at the gas outlet 112. In some configurations, the gas flow (or a portion thereof) has a relative humidity of 80% at the gas outlet 112.

[0498] refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown in the reference Figures 1 to 8 ,as well as Figures 9 to 15 The boundary layer describes an alternative configuration for the humidification chamber 110. Apart from the differences described below, for Figure 16 and Figure 17 Description and reference of humidification chamber 110 Figures 1 to 8 The description is the same as above, and for the sake of explanation, some reference numerals have been omitted for some features.

[0499] refer to Figure 16 A partial cross-sectional view of the inlet pre-chamber 140, the generally elongated humidification section 130, and the outlet pre-chamber 160 is shown. A single flow channel 30, 31 is formed by the humidification element 114 in the humidification section 130. Therefore, a single surface 1143 of the humidification element 114 contacts or faces the gas flow passing through the humidification section 130.

[0500] Does not exist Figures 2 to 8 The equivalent of the lower flow channel 32 of the configuration.

[0501] In this configuration, the humidifying element 114 is formed in the lower wall 135 of the humidifying section 130. Therefore, the channel height 34 is the same as the height 137 of the humidifying section, since they both extend between the top wall 135 and the corresponding upper surface 1143 or lower wall 136.

[0502] In some configurations, the flow path 40 through the inlet pre-chamber 140 may only need to be guided to one surface 1143 of the humidifying element 114. Therefore, Figures 2 to 8 At least one of the upper angled wall 147 or the lower angled wall 148 in the configuration is absent, for example, the angled walls 147, 148 connected to the walls 135, 136 with the humidifying element 114 are omitted because the gas flow does not need to be guided away from the angled walls 147, 148 of the inlet pre-chamber 140.

[0503] exist Figure 16 In this configuration, the lower (straight) wall 146 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 is directly connected to the lower wall 136 and the humidification element 114. Therefore, the lower wall 146 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 is parallel to the lower wall 136 and the humidification element 114. The upper wall 145 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 is connected to an angled wall 147. The angled wall 147 reduces the height 151 of the inlet pre-chamber to the flow channel height 34 at the upstream end 1141 of the humidification element 114. The angled wall 147 is connected to the upper wall 135 of the humidification section 130. Therefore, due to the angle at the transition, the gas flow is guided from the angled wall 147 toward the surface 1143 of the humidification element 114, as shown in the reference. Figure 5 As described.

[0504] The flow paths 40, 30, and 50 of the flow channels 40, 30, and 50 through the inlet pre-chambers 140 and 40, the humidification sections 130 and 30, and the outlet pre-chambers 160 and 50 are indicated by arrows. This is an approximation of the gas flow at the top wall 145 of the inlet pre-chamber 140. The lateral dimension 36 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction is also perpendicular to the humidification element 114.

[0505] In this configuration, since the target humidity of the gas is achieved using a single channel 30, 31, the flow channels 30, 31 can have different characteristics as defined above compared to configurations that have multiple flow channels 30, 31, 32 to provide a mature humidity boundary layer 220. For example, the lengths of the flow channels 30, 31, 32 can be longer. Therefore, the time period or area of ​​the gas flow within the high humidity zone 200 of the humidification element 114 is effectively compensated.

[0506] As described above, in some configurations, the outlet antechamber 160 has a (mirror) geometry that differs from that of the inlet antechamber 140. Figure 16 The diagram illustrates an example configuration where the upper angled wall 167 of the outlet pre-chamber 160 has a lower slope than the upper angled wall 147 of the inlet pre-chamber 140. Therefore, the gas flow exiting the humidification section 130 is smoother. Figure 16 In this configuration, the lower (straight) wall 166 is directly connected to the lower wall 136 and the humidification element 114. Therefore, an angled lower wall 168 for the outlet antechamber 160 is not provided.

[0507] Although the configuration is described with reference to the single upper angled wall 167 of the outlet pre-chamber 160 via a single flow channel 30, 31, in some configurations, a lower angled wall 168 of the outlet pre-chamber 160 is provided with a relatively smaller slope compared to the lower angled wall 148 of the inlet pre-chamber 140.

[0508] A smoother transition to the outlet pre-chamber 160 is necessary to minimize turbulence and, consequently, pressure drop, which is important for effective high-flow-rate treatment. The gas flow becomes humidified as it passes through the humidification section 130, and therefore, it is not necessary to guide the gas flow in the outlet pre-chamber 160 in the same manner as in the inlet pre-chamber 140. In some configurations, when the outlet pre-chamber 160 connects the substantially rectangular cross-section of the humidification section 130 to the gas outlet, the transition between the two shapes can be gradual to facilitate laminar flow of the humidified gas.

[0509] A smoother transition in the outlet pre-chamber 160 can be applied to any humidification chamber 110 as described herein. This configuration can be used alone or in combination with single flow channels 30, 31 as described herein.

[0510] refer to Figure 17 It shows the relationship with Figure 16 The same configuration exists, except that the humidifying element 114 has an alternative configuration. The humidifying element 114 includes a heating plate 117 located at the base of the fluid reservoir 119. (This can be provided using known passover humidifier setups, such as those including the MR290 humidifying chamber manufactured by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. This humidifying chamber can be appropriately modified (or combined with additional elements) to form...) Figure 17The height of the flow channel 34 is adjusted as depicted in the figure and described herein. A heating plate 117 is formed in a recess in the bottom wall 136 of the humidification section 130, which forms a reservoir 119. The height of the fluid in the reservoir 119 forms the effective upper (fluid) surface 1143 of the humidification element. Therefore, gas flows through the flow channels 30, 31 between the upper fluid surface 1143 of the humidification element and the upper wall 135 of the humidification section 130. The height 34 of the flow channel is also defined as the distance between the upper fluid surface 1143 of the humidification element and the upper wall 135. Furthermore, the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction also extends from the upper fluid surface 1143 of the humidification element toward the upper wall 135.

[0511] Since the humidifying element 114, which has a heating plate 117 and a fluid reservoir 119, needs to be oriented to contain the fluid in the reservoir, a reference humidifier is used. Figure 16 The single channels 30 and 31 are described. Similarly, the inlet pre-chamber 140 and outlet pre-chamber 160 may optionally be shaped to guide the flow accordingly. However, in some configurations, the humidifying element 114 with the heating plate 117 and fluid reservoir 119 may be used with other configurations of the humidifying chamber 110, including those described herein.

[0512] As the gas flow is humidified and the fluid in the fluid reservoir 119 evaporates, the fluid surface 1143 on the humidifying element 114, which has a heating plate 117 and a fluid reservoir 119, can move over time. Therefore, a high-humidity zone can move toward the heating plate 117 away from the upper wall 135. When the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction is determined by the target humidity or percentage humidity of the gas flow through the channel or by the high-humidity zone, as the liquid level in the reservoir decreases and the gas flow follows the fluid surface 1143 on the humidifying element, the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction will tend to generally move toward the heating plate 117 and away from the upper wall 135.

[0513] In an alternative configuration of the humidifying element 114, which has a heating plate 117 and a fluid reservoir 119, the fluid surface 1143 on the humidifying element is maintained at a substantially constant level to ensure optimal gas flow path. This level can be maintained via precise flow control, a vapor permeation membrane, or other means.

[0514] In some configurations, the heating plate 117 and the fluid reservoir 119 can be arranged at any position within the humidification section 130, rather than forming the lower wall 136 of the humidification section 130, while ensuring a flow path for humidifying the gas above the surface of the fluid.

[0515] Reference Figure 18 As shown in the reference Figures 1 to 8 and reference Figures 9 to 15 The boundary layer describes an alternative configuration for the humidification chamber 110. Apart from the differences described below, for Figure 18 Description and reference of humidification chamber 110 Figures 1 to 8 The description is the same, and for the sake of explanation, some reference numerals have been omitted for some features. Figure 18 This is a CFD view of the gas flow through the humidification chamber 110.

[0516] exist Figure 18 In this configuration, the humidifying element 114 is located in the generally elongated humidifying section 130, thereby dividing or guiding the humidifying section flow channel 30 into an upper flow channel 31 and a lower flow channel 32, similar to... Figures 3 to 8 The configuration is as follows. In this configuration, the humidification chamber 110 includes a first baffle 171 extending between the upper wall 135 of the humidification section 130 and the humidification element 114. The baffle 171 is a plate or wall that extends substantially across the flow path 30 of the humidification section 130, i.e., the baffle extends from the inner upper wall 135 of the humidification section along the width 39 of the humidification section. Figure 4 )extend.

[0517] A first baffle base 173 is present at the base of the wall or plate of the first baffle 171. The first baffle base 173 extends to a first baffle end 175 at the end of the plate or wall forming the first baffle 171.

[0518] The first baffle 171 is connected at its base 173 to or directly to the upper wall 135 of the humidification section 130. The first baffle end 175 is not connected to any other structure and is located in the humidification section 130, within the flow channel 30. Therefore, a gap is formed between the first baffle end 175 and the upper surface 1143 of the humidification element 114.

[0519] As described with reference to other configurations, the upper channel height 34 of the humidification section is the distance between the upper wall 135 of the humidification section 130 and the upper surface 1143 of the humidification element 114. Therefore, the channel height 34 extends transversely to the flow channel 30 and perpendicularly to the humidification element 114. The first baffle 171 guides the gas flow through the humidification section 135 through the gap between the first baffle end 175 and the upper surface 1143. Thus, the gas flow is guided to the vicinity of the humidification element 114.

[0520] like Figure 18As shown in the CFD shadows of the gas flow through the humidification chamber 110, the gas flow velocity is relatively high in the shadow indicated by reference numeral 215. Therefore, this is a high-velocity shadow 215. In the shadow indicated by reference numeral 216, the gas flow velocity is relatively low. Therefore, this is a low-velocity shadow 216. When the gas flow enters the humidification chamber 110 at the gas inlet 111, a high-velocity shadow 215 exists due to the high gas flow rate from the flow generator 120, for example. This flow rate remains considerably high and is mainly a high-velocity shadow along the flow path 40 through the inlet pre-chamber 140. A distinct high-velocity shadow 215 band exists as the gas flows into the humidification section 130 and into the flow channels 30, 31, and 32. This is near the humidification element 114, as guided by the first baffle 171 described above. In the region behind the first baffle 171, there is a low-velocity shadow 216 region where the gas flow is blocked by the high flow rate from the inlet pre-chamber flow path 40.

[0521] When considering as referenced Figures 9 to 12 When discussing the high-humidity boundary layer 200, the mature boundary layer 220 can be one of the arrangements shown schematically. However, the gas flow is guided into the boundary layer 200 by the first baffle 171. Therefore, the height 34 of the flow channel 31 may not be the determining factor; instead, the distance between the end of the first baffle 175 and the upper surface 1143 of the humidifying element 114 is the relevant height. Thus, the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction can be defined as the dimension extending vertically from the upper surface 1143 of the humidifying element 114 to or near the end of the first baffle 175. This is shown by the high-velocity shadow 215 near the humidifying element 114, where most of the flow is located.

[0522] Therefore, by changing the flow path of the gas through the humidification section 130, the first baffle 171 effectively reduces the effective portion of the flow channel 30 (or at least the portion of the flow channel 30 near the first baffle 171) to the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0523] In some configurations, the lower flow channel 32 includes an equivalent second baffle 172 extending between the lower wall 136 of the humidification section 130 and the humidification element 114. The second baffle 172 is a plate or wall extending across the flow path 30 of the humidification chamber 110, i.e., the baffle extends from the lower wall 136 of the inner humidification section along the width of the humidification section (39-). Figure 4The second baffle 172 includes a second baffle base 174 and a second baffle end 176 located at its ends. The second baffle 172 is connected at the second baffle base 174 to or directly connected to the lower wall 136 of the humidification section 130. The second baffle end 176 is not connected to any other structure and is located in the humidification section 130, within the flow channels 30, 32. Therefore, a gap is formed between the second baffle end 176 and the lower surface 1144 of the humidification element 114.

[0524] Therefore, the second baffle 172 has the same function and effect on the gas flow through the lower flow channel 32 as described with respect to the upper flow channel 31 with respect to the first baffle 171. Similarly, although the lower channel height 35 extends between the lower surface 1144 and the lower wall 136 of the humidifying element 114, this is the lateral dimension 37 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction because the second baffle 172 changes the flow path of the gas through the humidifying section 130.

[0525] In some configurations, the first baffle 171 and the second baffle 172 can be horizontally symmetrical, that is, the line of symmetry passes through the central axis (Ax—) between the gas inlet 111 and the gas outlet 112. Figure 3 Alternatively, the plane of symmetry extends along the central axis and forms a plane in the width direction. The symmetry of the first baffle 171 and the second baffle 172 can promote laminar flow when the upper flow channel 31 and the lower flow channel 32 reconverge in the outlet pre-chamber 160 (if present) or the outlet 112. However, in some configurations, the first baffle 171 and the second baffle 172 are symmetrically staggered, such that the flow converging from the upper flow channel 31 and the lower flow channel 32 is promoted to mix. However, considering that the last pair of baffles, i.e., the baffle located at the downstream end 134, will affect the gas flow entering the outlet pre-chamber 160 or the outlet 112, in some configurations, only the last pair of baffles is made symmetrical or symmetrically staggered as needed.

[0526] In some configurations, at least one of the first baffle 171 and the second baffle 172 can be multiple. These multiple baffles 171, 172 are formed on corresponding upper walls 135 or lower walls 136 of the humidification section 130, and are spaced apart therebetween along the length 139 of the humidification section. Thus, a plurality of baffles 171, 172 extending along the width are provided. Gaps (e.g., equal gaps) can be formed between the multiple first baffles 171; and gaps (e.g., equal gaps) can be formed between the multiple second baffles 172. This arrangement will create gas pockets between each pair of adjacent or near-adjacent first baffles 171 and between each pair of adjacent or near-adjacent second baffles 172 to promote mixing of the most humid layer with other layers.

[0527] In some configurations, whether in combination with a second baffle 172 and / or multiple first baffles 171 and second baffles 172, or as a configuration on its own, at least one first baffle 171 or second baffle 172 can be angled such that the baffle bases 173, 174 of a given baffle 171, 172 are close to the inlet pre-chamber 140 relative to the corresponding baffle ends 175, 176. By bringing the baffle bases 173, 174 of a given baffle 171, 172 relatively close to the inlet pre-chamber 140 relative to the corresponding baffle ends 175, 176, the gas flow can be guided by the angle of the plates to the surface of the humidifying element 114. The selection of the angle of at least one first baffle 171 or second baffle 172 can be in accordance with the above reference. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The same method discussed is used to determine this angle. This angle is optimized to create a sharper separation point with the baffles 171 and 172. Furthermore, this angle is chosen to avoid causing excessively turbulent gas flow at the surface of the humidifying element 114 (to which the gas flow is directed). The angle formed by the baffles 171 and 172 does not need to be chosen to affect how much shear layer separation occurs between the gas flow and the sides of the inner walls 135 and 136, because the baffles 171 and 172 already guide the flow away from the walls. While laminar gas flow along the humidifying element 114 may be preferred, it is noted that in some configurations, a certain degree of turbulence can aid in flow mixing, and therefore a balance must be struck.

[0528] In some configurations (such as the tubular humidification section 130), the first baffle 171 may extend around the inner circumference of the inner wall of the humidification section.

[0529] The first baffle 171 and the second baffle 172 can be formed of rigid or semi-rigid materials, which increases the resilience of the humidification chamber 110 to drops and rough handling.

[0530] refer to Figure 19 An alternative configuration of the humidification chamber 110 as described herein is shown. Except for the differences described below, the description of the humidification chamber 110 is the same as that elsewhere in this document for similar features. Some reference numerals for certain features have been omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0531] exist Figure 19 In this configuration, the humidifying element 114 is located in the generally elongated humidifying section 130, thereby dividing the humidifying section flow channel 30 into an upper flow channel 31 and a lower flow channel 32, similar to... Figures 3 to 8 and Figure 18The configuration includes a first ridge or protrusion 181 extending from the upper wall 135 of the humidification section 130 and facing the humidification element 114. The first ridge 181 may be a surface detail or pattern formed on the upper wall 135. In some configurations, the first ridges 181 are spaced apart along the length of the upper wall 135. In other configurations, the first ridges 181 terminate along the width of the upper wall 135. In some configurations, the first ridges extend along the width direction of the upper wall 135, i.e., substantially transverse to the gas flow direction. The first ridges 181 may be arranged in a uniform pattern on the upper wall, or they may be a dispersed or non-uniform pattern.

[0532] The first ridge 181 can be considered similar to Figure 18 The first baffle 171. The first ridge 181 extends partially into the flow channels 30, 31. Thus, for a channel height 34, the first ridge 181 can extend from the upper wall 135 of the channels 30, 31 by up to about 10% of the total channel height 34. In some configurations, the first ridge 181 can extend from the upper wall 135 of the channels 30, 31 by up to 5% of the total channel height 34.

[0533] The first ridge 181 extends from the wall 135, parallel to the humidifying element 1143, into the flow channels 30, 31. The function of adding the ridge is to slow down or impede the flow rate of gas flowing near the upper wall 135. This is due to... Figure 19 The arrow illustrates the flow path 71 of the first ridge. When the flow path 71 passes through the first ridge 181, the first ridge flow path... Figure 19 The upper channel flow path 31, indicated by the arrow, is slower. This means a larger proportion of the gas flow passes closer to the humidification element 114. Therefore, it can be assumed that the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channel, perpendicular to the flow direction, moves away from the upper wall 135 due to the first ridge 181 altering the gas flow path through the humidification section 130. This increases the uptake of water vapor in the gas flow.

[0534] In some configurations, a corresponding second ridge 182 is formed on the lower wall 136. These can have the same configuration and alternatives as the first ridge 181, and (therefore) the effects, but instead are for the lower channel 32. A schematic flow path 76 for the second ridge is shown. Figure 19 As indicated by the arrow above, the flow is obstructed or slowed due to the presence of the second ridge 182. Therefore, because the first ridge 182 alters the flow path of the gas through the humidification section 130, the lateral dimension 37 of the flow channels 30, 32, perpendicular to the flow direction, moves away from the lower wall 136. This increases the uptake of water vapor from the gas flow in the lower channel 32.

[0535] Reference Figure 20An alternative configuration of the humidification chamber 110 as described above is shown. Except for the differences described below, the description of the humidification chamber 110 is the same as that elsewhere in this document for similar features. Some reference numerals for certain features have been omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0536] Figure 20 The humidification chamber 110 includes a humidification section 130 that extends between the gas inlet 111 and the gas outlet 112 and correspondingly between the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the outlet pre-chamber 160, as previously described.

[0537] The humidifying element 114 comprises at least one upper humidifying plate 153 and at least one lower humidifying plate 152. The upper humidifying plate 153 and the lower humidifying plate 152 are formed as plates or walls extending in the width direction. The upper humidifying plate 153 is connected at one end to the upper wall 135 of the humidifying section 130. The upper humidifying plate 153 extends toward the lower wall 136 of the humidifying section 130. The end of the upper humidifying plate 153 facing the lower wall 136 is an upper open end 156, and a gap is formed between the upper open end 156 and the lower wall 136. Therefore, the upper humidifying plate 153 and thus its open end 156 are not connected to the lower wall 136 of the humidifying section 130.

[0538] The lower humidifying plate 152 is connected to the lower wall 136 of the humidifying section 130 at one end. The lower humidifying plate 152 extends toward the upper wall 135 of the humidifying section 130. The end of the lower humidifying plate 152 facing the upper wall 135 is a lower open end 155, and a gap is formed between the lower open end 155 and the upper wall 135. Therefore, the lower humidifying plate 152 and thus its open end 155 are not connected to the upper wall 135 of the humidifying section 130.

[0539] The upper humidifying plate 153 and the lower humidifying plate 152 are arranged in a non-mirror image manner. Therefore, they extend across the opposing humidifying plates 153, 152 to their respective opposing walls 135, 136. The upper humidifying plate 153 and the lower humidifying plate 152 are each arranged to extend at least more than half the height 137 of the humidifying chamber. Therefore, when viewed from an end view, i.e., in the direction from upstream to downstream, or from the inlet 111 towards the outlet 112, a portion of the upper humidifying plate 153 and the lower humidifying plate 152 overlaps. The upper humidifying plate 153 and the lower humidifying plate 152 are arranged to have a channel gap between their surfaces. The channel gap is a flow channel 30, 31 through the humidifying section 130. Therefore, the flow channels 30, 31 have a channel size, height, or dimension 72 extending laterally in the overlapping portion between the upper humidifying plate 153 and the lower humidifying plate 152. The overlapping channel size 72 is similar to the humidification section channel height 34 as described herein. However, the channel size 72 is not perpendicular to the central axis (Ax—) formed between the inlet 111 and the outlet 112. Figure 3 Instead, it is perpendicular to at least one of the upper humidification plate 153 and the lower humidification plate 152. In some configurations, the upper humidification plate 153 and the lower humidification plate 152 are arranged in parallel.

[0540] Therefore, the gas flow from inlet 111 passes through the flow channel 40 of inlet pre-chamber 140 toward humidification section 130. Then, the gas flow passes through the gap formed between the upper open end 156 and the lower wall 136 of humidification section 130, entering the flow channels 30, 31 with channel size 72 located between upper humidification plate 153 and lower humidification plate 152. The gas flow is humidified by the surfaces of both upper humidification plate 153 and lower humidification plate 152 facing the gas flow. The gas flow passes through the gap between lower open end 155 and upper wall 135 and exits humidification section 130 into outlet pre-chamber 160.

[0541] The starting point of the flow channels 30 and 31 where gas humidification occurs can be determined by the upstream end 1141 of the upper humidification plate 153, or it can be the upper open end 156. Once the gas flows through this point or the line / plane extending laterally to the flow channels 30 and 31 perpendicular to this point, the flow channels 30 and 31 begin to flow.

[0542] Although the upper humidification plate 153 and the lower humidification plate 152 have been described as the first upper humidification plate 153 being closer to the inlet antechamber 140 than the first lower humidification plate 152, in some configurations they can be reversed, such that the first upper humidification plate 153 is closer to the outlet antechamber 160 than the first lower humidification plate 152.

[0543] The boundary layer in the flow channel 31 between the upper humidification plate 153 and the lower humidification plate 152 will be referenced Figure 14 and Figure 15 The discussed method is formed. Therefore, a boundary layer is formed by each of the upper humidifying plate 153 and the lower humidifying plate 152 facing each other. The lateral dimension 36 of the flow channels 30, 31, perpendicular to the flow direction, extends between the upper humidifying plate 153 and the lower humidifying plate 152, and is selected to be twice or less than the height of a "mature" or fully developed boundary layer. The lateral direction of dimension 36 is perpendicular to... Figure 20 The flow direction is indicated by the middle arrow.

[0544] In some configurations, multiple upper humidifying plates 153 and lower humidifying plates 152 may be provided. These humidifying plates are arranged in an alternating pattern, requiring the gas flows 30, 31 to take a tortuous path through each section to pass through the humidifying chamber 110. At each upper open end 156 and lower open end 155, the gas flow makes a U-turn as it changes direction before entering another flow channel 30, 31 of size 72. At this point, a distance is formed between two adjacent upper humidifying plates 153 or lower humidifying plates 152, and the gas flow turns and changes direction around the upper open end 156 or lower open end 155. Therefore, the gas flow turns and flows into the next flow channel between the next pair of upper humidifying plates 153 and lower humidifying plates 152, i.e., in the flow channel formed between the opposite side of one of the humidifying plates and the next downstream humidifying plate. Therefore, the effective size of the flow turning space 73 of the U-shaped turn is approximately twice the size of the flow channel 72 between the upper humidification plate 153 and the lower humidification plate 152.

[0545] In subsequent sections of flow channel 31, i.e., after the gas flow has passed through a turning space 73, the gas flow will have higher humidity because it has already been partially humidified in the preceding section of flow channel 31. The corresponding humidification plates 153, 152 will continue to humidify the flow, but the humidified boundary layer may be slightly shallower as described above. Therefore, in each subsequent section of flow channel 31 after each turning space 73, the relative boundary layer may be shallower, and "mature" or fully developed boundary layers may take longer to meet or may not meet at all. This can be achieved through… Figure 15 Boundary layer 210 and Figure 14 The boundary layers 208 and 209 can be visualized by comparison. In some configurations, this can be compensated for by choosing a lateral dimension 36 perpendicular to the flow direction that is less than twice the height of the boundary layer throughout the channel 31, or by reducing the lateral dimension 36 perpendicular to the flow direction for each segment of the flow channel 31. Note that since the gas from the preceding segments of the flow channel 31 already has high humidity, a “mature” boundary layer that does not converge may be acceptable.

[0546] Compared to a straight, linear gas flow path through the same length of the humidification section 130, the tortuous path provided by the upper humidification plate 153 and the lower humidification plate 152 exposes the gas flow to the humidification element 114 for a longer period of time for a given space or length of the humidification section 130 (as viewed from the side). This means that the gas will reside relatively longer within the humidification section 130 and near the humidification element 114.

[0547] The endpoints of flow channels 30 and 31 can be defined as the downstream end 1142 of the upper humidifying plate 153, or it can be the lower open end 155. In some configurations, the lower open end 155 is formed by the lower humidifying plate 152.

[0548] In some configurations, the number of upper humidifying plates 153 and lower humidifying plates 152 is not equal. Therefore, for example, the first humidifying plate 153 and the last humidifying plate 152 in the humidifying section can both be upper humidifying plates 153 or lower humidifying plates 152.

[0549] In some configurations, whether combined with multiple upper humidifying plates 153 and lower humidifying plates 152 or with a single upper humidifying plate 153 and lower humidifying plate 152, at least one of the upper humidifying plates 153 and lower humidifying plates 152 can be angled, with one end of each upper humidifying plate 153 and lower humidifying plate 152 being relatively closer to the inlet pre-chamber 140 than the opposite end. For example, by angling the upper open end 156 of each upper humidifying plate 153 relatively away from the inlet pre-chamber 140 relative to the corresponding end, the gas flow can be guided to the surface of the humidifying element 114 by the angle of the plate. Similarly, the corresponding adjacent lower open end 155 of each lower humidifying plate 152 can be relatively closer to the inlet pre-chamber 140 relative to the corresponding end. Thus, the upper humidifying plates 153 and lower humidifying plates 152 are oriented in the same direction or angled.

[0550] In some configurations, the upper humidification plate 153 and / or the lower humidification plate 152 are perpendicular to the vertical plane (i.e., perpendicular to the central axis (Ax)). Figure 3 The angle between the plane and the plane is between approximately 15° and approximately 60°.

[0551] exist Figure 20 In this system, the gas flow at gas inlet 111 and the gas flow at gas outlet 112 have approximately the same flow direction. Therefore, the (obtained) gas flow entering the humidification chamber 110 and the (obtained) gas flow leaving the humidification chamber 110 have approximately the same direction. Similarly, the gas flow flows from inlet 131 to outlet 132 in approximately the same (obtained) direction. Figure 3However, the gas flow through flow channels 30 and 31 makes the flow path within the humidification section 130 between the inlet 131 and the outlet 132 tortuous.

[0552] Reference Figure 21 An alternative configuration of the humidification chamber 110 as described above is shown. Except for the differences described below, the description of the humidification chamber 110 is the same as that elsewhere in this document for similar features. Some reference numerals for certain features have been omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0553] Figure 21 The humidification chamber 110 includes a tubular or cylindrical inlet pre-chamber 140, an outlet pre-chamber 160, and a generally elongated humidification section 130; thus, all three sections have a generally circular cross-section. Therefore, in this configuration, the inlet pre-chamber wall 145 and the angled wall 147 form walls 145, 147 on all sides of the inlet pre-chamber, i.e., they extend around the circumference of the tubular inlet pre-chamber 140. Similarly, the outlet pre-chamber wall 165 and the angled wall 167 form walls 165, 167 on all sides of the outlet pre-chamber 160, i.e., they extend around the circumference of the tubular inlet pre-chamber 160.

[0554] The wall 135 of the humidifying section 130 extends around the circumference of the tubular humidifying section 130. Therefore, the walls of the humidifying section form substantially the same wall 135 around the humidifying section 130. In some configurations, this wall 135, or any cylindrical wall, may be referred to as having an upper portion and a lower portion similar to, for example, the upper wall 135 and the lower wall 136 of the humidifying section 130.

[0555] The humidifying element 114 can also be cylindrical and is located substantially at the center of the humidifying section 130. In this arrangement, such as... Figure 21 As indicated by the arrows, the flow channels through the humidification section 130 have a similar profile in cross-section to the flow channels 30, 31, and 32 in the previous figures. However, when viewed from three dimensions (such as...), the flow channels have a different profile in cross-section. Figure 21 As can be seen, the flow channels are not completely divided; instead, the humidifying element 114 is positioned at its center such that the flow channels extend circumferentially around the humidifying element 114. In other words, the humidifying element does not completely divide the humidifying section 130 into two discrete parts. However, the principles of this disclosure described above also apply to this configuration, and when considering the humidifying chamber longitudinally in cross-section, it can still be effectively stated that there are upper and lower flow channels. Alternatively, in some configurations, the humidifying element 114 may still bisect the humidifying section 130 and divide the flow into discrete and separate upper and lower flow channels 31 and 32 (e.g., if the humidifying element 114 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and extends from the wall of the humidifying section 130 to the wall).

[0556] In some configurations, an arm may be provided to position the humidifying element 114 within the humidifying section 130, as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0557] Figure 21 Any one or more parts of the configuration (such as the tubular or cylindrical inlet pre-chamber 140, the tubular or cylindrical outlet pre-chamber 160, the tubular or cylindrical humidification section 130, or the tubular or cylindrical humidification element 114) can be applied to any configuration discussed herein in which a portion of the wall forms an effective upper and lower section.

[0558] The humidification chamber 110 has a circular cross-section from the gas inlet 111 to the gas outlet 112, which may be beneficial for reducing turbulent gas flow. Therefore, the gas flow between the gas inlet 111 and the gas outlet 112 is essentially laminar. The tubular shape can also facilitate connection to a breathing circuit or tube that is typically tubular.

[0559] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 23 An alternative configuration of the humidification chamber 110 as described above is shown. Except for the differences described below, the description of the humidification chamber 110 is the same as that elsewhere in this document for similar features. Some reference numerals for certain features have been omitted for illustrative purposes. Figure 22 The diagram shows a side cross-sectional view and an end view of the humidification chamber 110. Figure 23 A three-dimensional view of the humidification chamber 110 is shown in the figure.

[0560] Figure 22 and Figure 23 The humidification chamber 110 includes a tubular or cylindrical inlet pre-chamber 140, an outlet pre-chamber 160, a humidification section 130, and a humidification element 114, as shown in the reference. Figure 21 Therefore, a similar outline to the flow channels 30, 31, and 32 in the previous figures is provided. However, when viewed from three dimensions, it becomes clear that the flow channels are not completely divided; instead, the humidifying element 114 is positioned at its center, such that the flow channels extend circumferentially around the humidifying element 114. In other words, the humidifying element does not completely divide the humidifying section 130 into two discrete parts. However, the principles of the configuration described above also apply to this configuration, and when considering the humidifying chamber longitudinally in cross-section, it can still be effectively stated that there are upper and lower flow channels.

[0561] The walls 145 of the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the humidification section 130 are continuous and parallel. Therefore, there is no angled wall 146 to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pre-chamber 140. The inlet pre-chamber 140 and the humidification section 130 have the same diameter. In some configurations, the diameters of the inlet pre-chamber 140 and the humidification section 130 are the same as the gas inlet diameter.

[0562] The reduction of flow channels 30, 31, 32 through the humidification section 130 to allow the gas flow to come into close proximity to the humidification element 114 is provided by the geometry of the humidification element 114. To ensure that the upstream end 1141 of the humidification element 114 does not disrupt the gas flow through the humidification section 130 with a right-angled end or leading edge, the humidification element 114 has an angled, conical, or rounded portion 1146 that begins at a point on the upstream end 1141 and extends into the entire tubular or cylindrical body of the humidification element 114.

[0563] The length of the angled portion 1146 in the direction between the upstream end 1141 and the downstream end 1142 can be up to 15% of the total length of the humidifying element 114 between the upstream end 1141 and the downstream end 1142.

[0564] Because the humidifying element 114 gradually narrows due to the angled portion 1146, the flow channel height 75 at the starting point of the humidifying section 130 (i.e., the distance between the humidifying element 114 and the inner surface of the wall 135 of the humidifying section 130) is greater than the flow channel height 74 near the center of the humidifying section 130 after passing through the angled portion 1146. Therefore, the flow channel heights 75 and 74 vary along the length 38 of the flow channels 30, 31, 32 / humidifying element 1145.

[0565] Therefore, the position of the bottom surface of the humidifying boundary layer formed in the humidifying section 130 will change along the length of the humidifying section 130. Therefore, the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channels 30, 31 perpendicular to the flow direction will be selected such that, for the flow channel near the center of the humidifying section 130 after passing the angled portion 1146, it is equal to or smaller than the boundary layer. Therefore, in this section, the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channels 30, 31 perpendicular to the flow direction is selected as the flow channel height 74. The position of the humidifying element 114 after passing the angled portion 1146 can be the upper surface 1143, which is substantially parallel to the upper wall 135 of the humidifying section 130.

[0566] The above explanation also applies to the lower flow channel 32.

[0567] In this configuration, the humidifying element can be suspended at the basic central region of the humidifying section 130 via arm 138. Arm 138 can be ergonomically shaped to reduce flow obstruction and, for the same reason, can have a small area or footprint relative to the total cross-section of the flow channels 30, 31, 32. Fluid and heating can be contained or supplied via arm 138 (e.g., a passage or conduit formed in arm 138). Arm 138 can be combined with any of the humidifying elements 114 disclosed herein.

[0568] In some configurations, the channel size (height) 74 is such that the distance between the wall 135 and the humidifying element 114 is optimally determined to include a high-humidity boundary layer for the gas flow.

[0569] In some configurations, the outlet pre-chamber 160 may also have the same diameter as the humidification section 130. Therefore, there is no angled wall 167, and the wall 135 of the humidification section 130 is parallel and continuous with the wall 165 of the outlet pre-chamber 160. The humidification element 114 may also have an angled portion 1147 at its end, which narrows to a point at the downstream end 1142 of the humidification element 114. In some configurations, the diameters of the outlet pre-chamber 160 and the humidification section 130 are the same as the gas outlet diameter.

[0570] In some configurations, the angled portion 1147 at the point where the humidifying element 114 narrows to the downstream end 1142 differs in shape or angle from the angled portion 1146 starting at the upstream end 1141 of the humidifying element 114. This is shown in Figure 23 In some configurations, these different shapes can be arranged such that there are no angled portions 1146, 1147 at one end of the humidifying element 114. Additionally or alternatively, in some configurations, the downstream end 1142 of the humidifying element 114 has a different shape or diameter than the upstream end 1141. This is shown in... Figure 23 middle.

[0571] Having a constant outer diameter along the entire length of the humidification chamber 110 can help save space or facilitate inline installation in the system.

[0572] This constant-profile humidification chamber 110 can be combined with any configuration described herein, while using humidification element 114 to provide narrowed flow channels 30, 31, 32.

[0573] Reference Figure 24 An alternative configuration of the humidification chamber 110 as described above is shown. Except for the differences described below, the description of the humidification chamber 110 is the same as that elsewhere in this document for similar features. Some reference numerals for certain features have been omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0574] Figure 24 The humidification chamber 110 includes a tubular or cylindrical inlet pre-chamber 140, an outlet pre-chamber 160, and a humidification section 130, as shown in the reference. Figure 21 However, as described below, in this case, the heating element is not located in the center but divides the humidification section into multiple channels. Therefore, there is a single flow channel 30, 31 passing through the humidification section 130.

[0575] The wall 135 of the humidification section 130 is also the humidification element 114 (or the humidification element 114 is mounted / set on the wall 135). Therefore, flow channels 30 and 31 are formed through the humidification element 114. And the humidification element 114 is tubular.

[0576] The humidification elements arranged circumferentially around the humidification section may affect the appropriate dimensions of the humidification chamber. For example, in the first example, assuming 100% humidification of the gas flow is required, the size of the flow channel diameter 34 could be designed to be practically twice the size of a single flow channel 30, 31 with a humidification element 114 on one side; and the lateral dimension 36 of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction could also be a diameter, allowing all gas to pass through a high-humidity boundary layer. This is similar to the reference... Figure 14 The relative and converging boundary layers 208 and 209 are described.

[0577] Alternatively, some overlap (or merging) between the high humidity boundary layers (as associated with each of the upper and lower portions (in cross-section) of the circumferential humidifying element) can be acceptable, in which case the flow channel size (height) can be smaller than in the previous example. This is similar to the reference. Figure 15 The relative and converging boundary layer 210 is described. Alternatively, if, for example, only 80% or 90% of the gas flow needs to be humidified, the flow channel size / height can be larger than in the first example, such that the corresponding high-humidity boundary layers associated with the upper and lower portions of the heater element 114 are close to each other but do not contact or overlap, and there is a gap between them through which a portion of the gas can flow (this is the portion of the gas that is not humidified or not effectively or highly humidified when passing through the humidification section).

[0578] For completeness, it should also be noted that alternative configurations are also possible, in which the humidifying element 114 is again positioned or disposed on the wall 135 of the humidifying section 130, but not around the entire circumference; for example, only the upper or lower humidifying element section 114 may exist (generally similar to...). Figure 16 The configuration shown or Figures 13 to 15The first humidifying element 115 and the second humidifying element 116 are plates, or the upper and lower humidifying element portions 114 are non-circular. The principles discussed elsewhere in this disclosure also apply to this configuration.

[0579] Furthermore, as mentioned above, Figures 13 to 15 With the current configuration (and also) Figure 20 (Regarding the configuration). In the configuration disclosed herein, which has multiple parallel humidifying elements 114, 115, 116, 153, 152 and therefore multiple adjacent flow channels 30, 31, 32, 33, the arrangement of the humidifying elements may affect the required dimensions of each channel, in a manner similar to that described above. Figure 24 As described in the boundary layer. Consideration Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 Assume there are two parallel humidification elements (and therefore three flow channels 31, 32, 33), each humidification element 115, 116 projects equal heat on both sides, and further assume that the total inflow 30 is transferred to the respective flow channel in proportion to the respective cross-sectional size of the respective flow channel, and further assume that 100% of the inflow gas flow needs to be humidified (such that in each flow channel, the height of the boundary layer must be equal to or greater than the height of that flow channel).

[0580] exist Figure 14 In one embodiment, the intermediate or second flow channel 32 will have high humidity boundary layers 208, 209 extending from each of the two humidifying elements 115, 116 defining the sides 32. Therefore, the height of the second flow channel 32 can be twice the height of the upper or first flow channel 31 and the lower or third flow channel 33. In the first and third flow channels 31 and 33, the height of the flow channels is such that the (mature) boundary layers 222, 226 fill the entire height of the flow channels 31, 33, allowing all gas to flow through the high humidity boundary layers. In the second flow channel 32, two such (opposite) boundary layers 208, 209 will be formed, and the height of the flow channel is equal to the cumulative height of these two (mature) boundary layers 224, so that these boundary layers will meet in the middle of the flow channel, and all gas flowing through the second flow channel 32 will again flow through the (multiple) high humidity boundary layers.

[0581] Alternatively, the system can also be like Figure 15The configuration is shown schematically. Here, the three flow channels 31, 32, and 33 have essentially the same height. The sizes of the first flow channel 31 and the third flow channel 33 are again designed such that the (mature) high-humidity boundary layers 222 and 226 completely fill them, so that all the gas flowing through the first flow channel 31 and the third flow channel 33 flows through the high-humidity boundary layers, thereby achieving humidification of essentially 100% of the gas in these flow channels. The second flow channel 32 has approximately the same or similar size / height as the first flow channel 31 and the third flow channel 33, but again has two high-humidity boundary layers 208 and 209 formed therein, one from the upper humidification element 115 and one from the lower humidification element 116, respectively. In this configuration, the boundary layers within the second flow channel 32 overlap or intersect each other because the height of the second flow channel 32 is less than the cumulative height of the two (mature) boundary layers. However, the effect remains the same: all gas flowing through the second flow channel 32 passes through a high-humidity boundary layer, thus 100% of the gas flowing through the second flow channel 32 becomes humidified. These are merely schematic diagrams and are intended to illustrate the principles of operation and configuration; the exact dimensions, boundary layer profiles, etc., may vary.

[0582] Back Figure 24 Because the humidifying element 114 is circumferentially disposed on the wall 135 of the humidifying section 130, it is not necessary to direct the flow away from the wall as described in other configurations herein. However, narrowing from the anterior chamber to the humidifying section may still be beneficial.

[0583] Positioning the humidifying element 114 within the wall 135 can be combined with any configuration disclosed herein. In some configurations, the humidifying element 114 can be formed as a cuboid wall through which a conduit serves as a flow channel.

[0584] Reference Figure 25 An alternative configuration of the humidification chamber 110 as described above is shown. Except for the differences described below, the description of the humidification chamber 110 is the same as that elsewhere in this document for similar features. Some reference numerals for certain features have been omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0585] Figure 25 The humidification chamber 110 includes a gas inlet 111, a gas outlet 112, and a generally elongated humidification section 130 located therebetween, the humidification section 130 including a humidifier element 114. Therefore, this configuration is described herein in various arrangements. Figure 25 In this configuration, the humidification chamber 110 is oriented such that the inlet 111 and the outlet 112 are substantially opposite in height. Therefore, the gas flows in a substantially vertical direction.

[0586] The claim is that, Figure 25 The orientation shown does not limit the orientation of the humidification chamber 110 in other arrangements illustrated herein. That is, the humidification chamber 110 can be oriented in any direction or angle. (Refer to...) Figure 17 The reservoir 119 can be arranged or positioned such that fluid is maintained therein for different desired orientations of the humidification chamber 110.

[0587] Refer again Figure 25 A remote fluid reservoir 1119 is provided. The remote reservoir 1119 is used to supply fluid to the wicking element or humidifying element 114. The remote reservoir 1119 is positioned such that fluid is supplied to the humidifying element 114 under gravity. Fluid is supplied through a gas outlet 112 such that the gas flow 30 through the humidifying section 130 flows in the opposite direction to the fluid flow 1120 from the remote reservoir 1119 to the humidifying element 114. This allows fluid to permeate downwards through the humidifying section 130 as the gas flow 30 moves upwards, thereby promoting humidification of the gas. Fluid may be supplied to the edges of the humidifying element 114, such as the leading or trailing edge.

[0588] Although an arrangement in which the remote reservoir 1119 is positioned such that the fluid flow 1120 is provided under gravity along the direction of the gas outlet 112 is described and shown, other arrangements are also available. In some configurations, the orientation of the humidification chamber 110 is reversed such that the fluid flow 1120 is provided under gravity to the humidification element 114 through the inlet 111. Thus, the gas flow 30 is in the same direction as the fluid flow 1120. In other configurations, an opening is provided in the humidification section 130 that allows fluid to flow from the remote reservoir 1119 to the humidification element 114 under gravity from any desired direction. Similarly, in some configurations, the orientation is such that the remote fluid reservoir 1119 can be positioned at any desired location. Although the fluid is described as being provided by gravity, other arrangements may also be used to deliver fluids known in the art.

[0589] Figure 26 The document provides the respiratory therapy system or alternative respiratory therapy system 100 (as per reference). Figure 1 A schematic diagram (not to scale) of the above. The respiratory therapy system 100 includes a breathing device (generally shown in dashed box 123) having a flow generator 120 and a controller 118, as described above. The breathing device 123 further includes a humidification chamber 110. The humidification chamber 110 may be referred to as a humidifier 110 and may have any of the features described above. Figure 26 In the example respiratory therapy system 100, the humidifier 110 may be optional. The respiratory device 123 may include an integrated flow generator 120 and humidifier 110 (e.g., the flow generator 120 and humidifier 110 may be arranged in the same housing as the respiratory device 123) (e.g. Figure 26 (as shown), or the humidifier 110 can be located in a separate housing (such as...). Figure 1 (Illustrative illustration). A delivery catheter 106 and a patient interface 122 may be provided as part of the respiratory therapy system 100 for fluid connection to the respiratory device 123.

[0590] Controller 118 may include one or more control systems and / or may have controller functions.

[0591] The respiratory therapy system 100 includes a flow source 101 for providing a high-flow-rate gas 105, such as air, oxygen, air mixed with oxygen, or a mixture of air and / or oxygen with one or more other gases. The respiratory support device 123 may have a connector for attachment to the flow source. Thus, the flow source may be considered part of or separate from the device 123 (depending on the scenario), or even a portion of the flow source may be part of the device 123, and a portion of the flow source may not be part of the device 123. In short, depending on the configuration (some components may be optional), the system 100 may include combinations of components selected from the following:

[0592] •Source of the stream

[0593] • Humidifiers used to humidify gas streams.

[0594] • Catheters (e.g., drying tubing or heated breathing tubes).

[0595] • Patient interface,

[0596] • Check valve,

[0597] • Filter.

[0598] The system 100, including devices 123, will now be described in more detail.

[0599] The flow source can be an in-wall oxygen source, oxygen tank 102, other gas tanks and / or a high-flow device with a flow generator 120. Figure 26A flow source 101 with a flow generator 120 is shown, the flow generator having an optional air inlet 104 and an optional connection via a shut-off valve and / or regulator and / or other gas flow control element 103 to an oxygen (O2) source (such as a canister or O2 generator) 102, but this is only one option. The flow generator 120 may use one or more valves to control the flow delivered to the user or patient 121, or optionally, the flow generator 120 includes a blower. The flow source 101 may be one or a combination of the flow generator 120, the O2 source 102, and / or the air source 104 as described. The flow source 101 is shown as part of the device 123, but in the case of an external oxygen canister or in-wall source, it may be considered a separate component, in which case the device 123 has a connector port for connection to such a flow source. The flow source 101 provides a (preferably high) flow rate of gas that can be delivered to the patient 121 via a delivery conduit 106 and a patient interface 122.

[0600] The patient interface 122 can be an open (unsealed) interface (e.g., when used in high-flow therapy), such as an unsealed nasal cannula.

[0601] In some embodiments, the patient interface 122 is an unsealed patient interface, which will, for example, help prevent barotrauma (e.g., tissue damage to the lungs or other organs of the respiratory system due to pressure differences relative to the atmosphere).

[0602] The patient interface 122 may be a nasal cannula with a manifold and a nasal fork, or any other suitable type of unsealed patient interface.

[0603] In some configurations, the flow source 101 provides a base gas flow rate, for example, between 0.5 liters / minute and 375 liters / minute, or any range within that range, or even with higher or lower limits. Details of the flow rate range and properties are described with reference to Table 1.

[0604] A humidifier 110 may be optionally positioned between the flow source 101 and the patient 121 to humidify the delivered gas. One or more sensors 126, 127, 128, 129 (e.g., flow sensor, oxygen fraction sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor, or other sensors) may be placed throughout the system 100 and / or on or near the patient 121. Alternatively or additionally, sensors from which such parameters can be derived may be used. Furthermore or alternatively, sensors 126-129 may be one or more physiological sensors for sensing patient physiological parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, respiratory rate, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. Alternatively or additionally, sensors from which such parameters can be derived may be used. Other patient sensors may include an EEG sensor, a trunk band for detecting respiration, and any other suitable sensors. In some configurations, the humidifier 110 may be optional, or it may be preferred due to the advantage that the humidified gas helps maintain airway conditions. One or more of sensors 126-129 may be part of device 123 or may be external to device 123, wherein device 123 has inputs for any external sensors. Sensors (e.g., 126-129) may be coupled to controller 118 or send their outputs to controller.

[0605] In some configurations, the respiratory system 100 includes a sensor 85 for measuring the oxygen fraction of the air inhaled by the patient 121. In some examples, the sensor 85 is positioned on the patient interface 122 to measure or otherwise determine the oxygen fraction near (at / near / close to) the patient's mouth and / or nose. In some configurations, the output of the sensor 85 is sent to a controller 118 to assist in controlling the respiratory device 123 to change its operation accordingly. The controller 118 is coupled to the flow source 101, the humidifier 110, and the sensor 85. In some configurations, the controller 118 controls these and other aspects of the respiratory device 123 and the respiratory system 100 as described herein. In some examples, the controller 118 operates the flow source 101 to provide a delivered gas flow 105 at a desired flow rate, which is high enough to meet or exceed the inhalation needs of the user (i.e., the patient). The provided flow rate is sufficient such that ambient gases are not entrained during the inhalation of the user (i.e., the patient) 121. In some configurations, sensor 85 can transmit a measurement of the oxygen fraction at the patient's mouth and / or nose to the user, who then inputs this information into the breathing device 123 / controller 118.

[0606] An optional check valve 124 may be provided in the breathing tube 106. One or more filters may be provided at one or more air inlets 104 of the flow generator 120 to filter the incoming gas before it is pressurized into high-flow-rate gas 105 by the flow generator 120.

[0607] The respiratory assist system 100 can be an integral or component-based arrangement. In some configurations, system 100 and / or device 123 is a modular arrangement of components. Furthermore, system 100 and / or device 123 may include only some of the components shown, not necessarily all of them. The catheter 106 and patient interface 122 are separate from the respiratory device 123. A respiratory assist device will be broadly considered herein to include anything that delivers a certain flow rate of gas to a patient. A respiratory assist device can be part of a respiratory system. Some such devices and systems may include a detection system that can be used to determine whether the gas flow rate meets the inspiratory requirement.

[0608] The respiratory device 123 may include a main housing (not shown). The housing may house a flow generator 120, which may be arranged in a motor / impeller configuration, an optional humidifier or humidification chamber 110, a controller 118, and an input / output (I / O) user interface 107. The user interface 107 may include a display and input devices, such as buttons, a touchscreen (e.g., an LCD touchscreen), a combination of touchscreen and buttons, etc. The controller 118 may include one or more hardware and / or software processors and may be configured or programmed to control components of the respiratory device 123, including but not limited to: operating the flow generator 120 to form a gas flow 105 for delivery to a patient 121; operating the humidifier or humidification chamber 110 (if present) to humidify and / or heat the gas flow 105; receiving user input from the user interface 107 for reconfiguration and / or user-defined operations of the respiratory device 123; and (e.g., on the display) outputting information to the user. The user may be a patient, a healthcare professional, or someone else.

[0609] In one configuration, the user interface 107 of the breathing device 123 may include a removable display screen or touch screen.

[0610] Continue to refer to Figure 26 The patient breathing tube 106 can be connected to a gas outlet (gas outlet or patient outlet port) 125 in the main housing of the breathing device 123, and to a patient interface 122 (e.g., an unsealed interface such as a nasal cannula with a manifold and nasal fork). In some configurations, the breathing device gas outlet 125 can be a humidifier gas outlet 112. The patient breathing tube 106 can also be a tracheostomy interface or other openable interface.

[0611] The gas flow 105 may be generated by a flow generator 120 and may be humidified before being delivered to the patient 121 via the patient breathing tube 106 through the patient interface 122. A controller 118 may control the flow generator 120 to generate the gas flow 105 at a desired flow rate and / or control one or more valves to control the mixing of air and oxygen or other breathable gases. The controller 118 may control a heating element in or associated with the humidification chamber 120 (if present) to heat the gas to a desired temperature that achieves a desired temperature and / or humidity level for delivery to the patient 121. The patient breathing tube 106 may have a heating element (e.g., a heating wire) to heat the gas flow 105 traveling to the patient 121. The heating element may also be controlled by the controller 118.

[0612] System 100, including device 123, may use (multiple) ultrasonic transducers, (multiple) flow sensors (such as thermistor flow sensors), (multiple) pressure sensors, (multiple) temperature sensors, (multiple) humidity sensors, or other sensors communicating with controller 118 to monitor the characteristics of gas flow 105 and / or operate device 123 in a manner appropriate for therapy. Gas flow characteristics may include gas concentration, flow rate, pressure, temperature, humidity, or other properties. Sensors 126, 127, 128, 129, 85 (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and / or flow sensors) may be placed in various locations within the main device housing, patient catheter 106, and / or patient interface 122. Controller 118 may receive outputs from sensors 126, 127, 128, 129, 85 to assist it in operating respiratory device 123 in a manner appropriate for therapy to determine suitable target temperature, flow rate, and / or pressure for the gas flow. Providing appropriate therapy may include meeting or exceeding the patient's inspiratory needs. In the illustrated embodiment, sensors 126, 127, and 128 are located in the housing of device 123, sensor 129 is located in patient catheter 106, and sensor 85 is located in patient interface 122.

[0613] The respiratory system 100 may include a sensor arrangement or sensor module. The sensor arrangement or module may include various sensor types. The respiratory system 100 may include one or more of a flow (or flow rate) sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an oxygen (O2) sensor. The O2 sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor. An ultrasonic sensor can be positioned in a straight line with the flow, and therefore can be used as a flow sensor in addition to an O2 sensor. A non-limiting example of a flow sensor is a thermistor flow sensor as described in PCT application publication number WO 2018 / 052320, filed September 3, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another non-limiting example of a flow sensor is an acoustic flow sensor as described in PCT application publication number WO 2017 / 095241, filed December 2, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0614] In some configurations, at least two different types of sensors can be used to measure gas flow rate. For example, the first type of sensor may include a thermistor flow sensor, and the second type of sensor may include an acoustic flow sensor. Readings from both the first and second types of sensors can be combined to determine a more accurate flow rate measurement. For example, a previously determined flow rate and one or more outputs from one of these types of sensors can be used to determine a predicted current flow rate. The predicted current flow rate can then be updated using one or more outputs from the other type of sensor to calculate the final flow rate.

[0615] Device 123 may include one or more communication modules to enable data communication or connection with one or more external devices or servers via a data or communication link or data network (whether wired, wireless, or a combination thereof). For example, in one configuration, device 123 may include a wireless data transmitter and / or receiver or transceiver 108 to enable controller 118 to wirelessly receive data signals from operating sensors and / or control various components of device 123. Transceiver 108 or the data transmitter and / or receiver module may have an antenna 109 as shown. In one example, transceiver 108 may include a Wi-Fi modem. Additionally or alternatively, data transmitter and / or receiver 108 may deliver data to a remote patient management system (i.e., a remote server) or enable remote control of device 123. Device 123 may include a wired connection (e.g., using a cable or wire) to enable controller 118 to receive data signals from operating sensors and / or control various components of device 123. Device 123 may include one or more wireless communication modules. For example, device 123 may include a cellular communication module, such as a 3G, 4G, or 5G module. Module 108 may be or may include a modem that enables device 123 to communicate with a remote patient management system (not shown) using an appropriate communication network. The remote management system may include a single server or multiple servers or multiple computing devices implemented in a cloud computing network. The communication may be bidirectional communication between device 123 and the patient management system (e.g., a server) or other remote systems. Device 123 may also include other wireless communication modules, such as a Bluetooth module and / or a Wi-Fi module. Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi modules allow device 123 to wirelessly transmit information to another device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) or operate via a LAN (local area network) or wireless LAN (WLAN). Device 123 may additionally or alternatively include a near-field communication (NFC) module to allow data transfer and / or data communication.

[0616] For example, data representing the determined or calculated work of breathing (WoB) index can be transmitted to a remote patient management system (i.e., a remote server). The remote patient management system can be a single server, a network of servers, a cloud computing system, or other suitable architecture for operating the remote patient management system. The remote patient management system (i.e., the remote server) further includes storage for storing the received data and various software applications or services executed to perform multiple functions. Then, for example, the remote patient management system (i.e., the remote server) can at least partially depend on the received data to communicate information or instructions to device 123, which is part of system 100. For example, the nature of the received data may trigger the remote server (or a software application running on the remote server) to communicate warnings, alarms, or notifications to device 123. The remote patient management system can further store the received data for access by an authorized party (e.g., a clinician, a patient, or another authorized party). The remote patient management system can be further configured to generate reports in response to requests from authorized parties, and the work of respiratory data can be included in the generated reports. The reports can further include other data or patient respiratory parameters (e.g., respiratory rate or SpO2) and / or device parameters (e.g., flow rate, humidity level).

[0617] Breathing device 123 may include a high-flow-rate therapeutic device. As discussed herein, high-flow-rate therapeutic is intended to be given its typical, common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art; it generally refers to a breathing system having a high-flow-rate therapeutic device that delivers a target flow rate of humidified breathing gas via an intentionally opened patient interface at a flow rate generally designed to meet or exceed the user's inspiratory flow rate. 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 (15 liters / minute) to about sixty liters per minute (60 liters / minute) or greater. Typical flow rates for pediatric users (such as newborns, infants, and children) often range from, but are not limited to, about one liter per minute per kilogram of user body weight to about three liters per minute per kilogram of user body weight or greater.

[0618] High-flow therapy may also optionally include gas mixture compositions that include supplemental oxygen and / or administration of therapeutic drugs.

[0619] High-flow therapy is often referred to as high-flow nasal (NHF), humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC), high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), high-flow therapy (HFT), or tracheal high-flow (THF), among other common names. For example, in some configurations, for adult patients, 'high-flow therapy' can refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate greater than or equal to about 10 liters per minute (10 LPM), such as between about 10 LPM and about 100 LPM, or between about 15 LPM and about 95 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and about 90 LPM, or between about 25 LPM and about 85 LPM, or between about 30 LPM and about 80 LPM, or between about 35 LPM and about 75 LPM, or between about 40 LPM and about 70 LPM, or between about 45 LPM and about 65 LPM, or between about 50 LPM and about 60 LPM. In some configurations, for neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients, "high-flow therapy" can refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate greater than 1 LPM, such as between about 1 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 5 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 10 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 20 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 15 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and about 25 LPM. High-flow therapy devices for adult, neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients can deliver gas to the patient at a flow rate between about 1 LPM and about 100 LPM, or at a flow rate within any of the sub-ranges listed above.

[0620] High-flow-rate therapy can effectively meet or exceed a patient's inspiratory needs, improve oxygenation, and / or reduce the work of breathing. Additionally, high-flow-rate therapy can create a flushing effect in the nasopharynx, flushing the anatomically dead spaces of the upper airway with a high inflow of gas. This flushing effect creates a reservoir of fresh gas available for each breath, while minimizing rebreathing of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc. High-flow-rate therapy can also increase the patient's expiratory time due to pressure during expiration. This, in turn, reduces the patient's respiratory rate.

[0621] The flow rate can be set by the clinician to achieve flushing of the patient's upper airway and / or to meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory needs and / or to provide at least some of the advantages of high-flow therapy (HFT) described herein.

[0622] Patient interfaces used in high-flow therapy can be unsealed interfaces to prevent barotrauma, which can include tissue damage to the lungs or other organs of the patient's respiratory system due to pressure differences relative to the atmosphere. Patient interfaces can be nasal cannulas with manifolds and nasal forks, and / or openable tracheostomy interfaces, or any other suitable type of unsealed patient interface.

[0623] The breathing device or apparatus 123 may have an air and oxygen (or alternative auxiliary gas) inlet in fluid communication with the motor of the breathing device 123, so that the motor can deliver air, oxygen (or alternative auxiliary gas) or a mixture thereof to the humidification chamber and thereby to the patient.

[0624] The breathing device 123 may include a connector arrangement having one or more connectors (e.g., USB or other suitable connectors) for connecting an alarm, a pulse oximetry port and / or other suitable accessories.

[0625] The breathing device 123 may include an electrical connector through which mains power or battery power can be provided to power the breathing device 123. The breathing device 123 may further include a battery or internal power supply that can power the device 123 for a set period of time if the power supply line is disconnected.

[0626] For clarity, the same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings to identify similar elements throughout this disclosure. However, for convenience, certain features present in or labeled with reference numerals in some figures of this disclosure may not be shown or labeled with reference numerals in other figures of this disclosure. Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, these omissions should not be construed as implying that features omitted from a drawing may not be equivalently incorporated or implemented in the configuration of the disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems represented or illustrated in other figures. Rather, unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, it should not be assumed that the presence of certain features in some figures of this disclosure implies that the disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems represented or illustrated in such figures must necessarily include those features.

[0627] Although this disclosure has been described with respect to 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, components may be repositioned as needed. Features from any of the described embodiments may be combined with each other, and / or the device may include one, several, or all of the features of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, not all of these features, aspects, and advantages are essential to the practice of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A humidifying chamber for a respiratory humidification system, the humidifying chamber comprising: A humidification section with an inlet and an outlet; The humidifying element in the humidifying section; Its features are, The humidification chamber includes: A flow channel for bringing gas close to the humidifying element from the inlet to the outlet, the humidifying element being configured to humidify the gas flow passing through the flow channel. The lateral dimension of the flow channel is determined by the target humidity to be achieved at the outlet for at least a portion of the gas, and the lateral dimension depends on at least one of the following: the length of the flow channel; the flow rate of the gas; the temperature of the humidifying element; and the relative gas concentration.

2. The humidification chamber as described in claim 1, wherein, The portion of the gas is substantially all the gas in the flow channel.

3. A humidifying chamber for a respiratory humidification system, the humidifying chamber comprising: A humidification section with an inlet and an outlet; The humidifying element in the humidifying section; Its features are, The humidification chamber includes: A flow channel for bringing gas close to the humidifying element from the inlet to the outlet, the humidifying element being configured to humidify the gas flow passing through the flow channel. The lateral dimension of the flow channel, perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas, ensures that the gas has a relative humidity of at least 80% when it reaches the outlet.

4. A humidifying chamber for a respiratory humidification system, the humidifying chamber comprising: Humidification section with inlet and outlet Its features are, The humidifying section defines a flow channel for gas flow between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the humidifying section is elongated. The flow channel has a maximum lateral dimension of 10 mm perpendicular to the gas flow direction; and The lateral dimension is selected such that the gas passing through the flow channel achieves a relative humidity of at least 80% when it reaches the outlet.

5. The humidification chamber as described in claim 4, wherein, The humidification chamber includes a humidification element in the humidification section.

6. The humidification chamber as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The lateral dimension is at most 10% of the length of the humidifying section measured between the inlet and the outlet.

7. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The lateral dimension is between a minimum of 0 mm and a maximum of 22 mm, or the lateral dimension is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

8. The humidification chamber as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, A high-humidity boundary layer is formed within the humidification section to humidify the gas flow.

9. The humidification chamber as described in claim 8, wherein, The high-humidity boundary layer is formed near the humidifying element.

10. The humidification chamber as described in claim 8, wherein, The high humidity boundary layer has fully developed to a certain size from the humidifying element.

11. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel is equal to or smaller than the dimension of the fully developed high humidity boundary layer, so as to fill at least a portion of the flow channel with the high humidity boundary layer.

12. The humidification chamber as described in claim 10, wherein, The size of the fully developed high-humidity boundary layer is smaller than the lateral dimension of the flow channel.

13. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the flow rate of the gas through the humidification section, wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between 0.5 L / min and 200 L / min, or wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between 10 L / min and 100 L / min, or wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is at most 70 L / min.

14. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the temperature of the humidifying element, wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between 0°C and 100°C, or wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between 30°C and 80°C, or wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between 60°C and 80°C.

15. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the flow rate of the gas through the humidification section, wherein the mass flow rate of the gas is less than 300 g / min.

16. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The volumetric flow rate of the liquid supplied to the humidifying element is at least 10 µl / min.

17. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the oxygen fraction of the gas passing through the flow channel, wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between 21% and 100%, or wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between 30% and 50%.

18. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The length of the flow channel is between 5 mm and 300 mm, or the length of the flow channel is between 50 mm and 200 mm, or the length of the flow channel is between 90 mm and 200 mm.

19. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The width of the flow channel is between 0.1 mm and 500 mm, or the width of the flow channel is between 5 mm and 20 mm.

20. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The surface area of ​​the humidifying element is 10 mm. 2 Up to 10,000 mm 2 , or among them, The surface area of ​​the humidifying element is 40 mm. 2 Up to 3,000 mm 2 between.

21. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The liquid flow rate to the humidifying element is between 0.1 mL / min and 50 mL / min, or wherein the liquid flow rate is between 1 mL / min and 5 mL / min.

22. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, The inlet gas temperature to the humidification section is between 0°C and 50°C, or wherein the inlet gas temperature is between 15°C and 35°C.

23. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, The outlet gas temperature from the humidification section is between 18°C ​​and 70°C, or wherein the outlet gas temperature is between 30°C and 40°C.

24. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas is determined at least by the humidity of the outlet gas from the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between 12 mg / L and 62 mg / L, or wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between 40 mg / L and 50 mg / L.

25. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the humidity of the inlet gas to the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between 0 mg / L and 50 mg / L, or wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between 0.1 mg / L and 5 mg / L.

26. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the flow velocity of the gas through the flow channel, wherein the flow velocity of the gas is between 0.003 m / s and 330 m / s, or wherein the flow velocity of the gas is between 0.1 m / s and 30 m / s.

27. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein, The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section inlet to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel is between 1:10 and 12:

1.

28. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas is determined by a function comprising all of the following: the length of the flow channel; The gas flow rate; the temperature of the humidifying element; and the relative gas concentration.

29. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel is such that at least 80% of the gas flow to be humidified in the flow channel passes near the humidification element.

30. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein, The humidification chamber includes an inlet pre-chamber located upstream of the inlet of the humidification section, the inlet pre-chamber being used to deliver the gas flow to the humidification section.

31. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein, The humidification chamber includes an outlet pre-chamber located downstream of the outlet of the humidification section, the outlet pre-chamber being used to deliver the gas flow from the humidification section.

32. The humidification chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein, The humidification section includes at least one wall or wall portion extending between the inlet and the outlet, and the flow channel is defined as the gas flow area between the humidification element and the at least one wall or wall portion.

33. The humidification chamber as described in claim 32, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel is limited by the distance between the humidifying element and at least one wall or wall portion of the flow channel.

34. The humidification chamber as described in claim 31, wherein, The cross-sectional gas flow area at any position in the humidification section is smaller than the cross-sectional gas flow area at any position in the outlet pre-chamber.

35. The humidification chamber as described in claim 30, wherein, The shape of the inlet anteroom is designed to guide the gas flow substantially parallel to the humidification element.

36. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein, The humidifying element is centrally positioned within the humidifying section.

37. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein, The flow channel is a plurality of flow channels.

38. The humidification chamber as described in claim 37, wherein, The humidifying element divides the at least one flow channel into the plurality of flow channels.

39. The humidification chamber as described in claim 30, wherein, The outlet pre-chamber has a conical configuration, wherein the gas flow area of ​​the flow channel increases from the portion of the outlet pre-chamber adjacent to the humidification section to the downstream portion of the outlet pre-chamber.

40. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 30, wherein, When viewed from the side, the distance between the upper wall or upper wall portion and the lower wall or lower wall portion of the humidification section is smaller than the distance between the upper wall or upper wall portion and the lower wall or lower wall portion of the outlet pre-chamber, so as to increase the flow area of ​​the gas flow path from the humidification section to the outlet pre-chamber.

41. The humidification chamber as described in claim 29, wherein, The inlet anteroom has at least one angled surface that extends to and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section for guiding the gas flow through the humidification section.

42. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 41, wherein, The at least one angled surface guides the gas flow onto at least one surface of the humidifying element.

43. The humidification chamber as described in claim 41 or 42, wherein, The interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion inside the humidification chamber is the positive angle.

44. The humidification chamber as described in claim 43, wherein, The interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between 200° and 260°.

45. The humidification chamber as described in claim 43, wherein, The interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between 220° and 240°.

46. ​​The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein, The entrance anteroom comprises two symmetrical, angled surfaces.

47. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein, The humidifying element has a substantially rounded or conical leading edge at or near the inlet.

48. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein, When viewed from the side, the thickness of the humidifying element increases from the inlet to a portion of the humidifying section to reduce the lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel.

49. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 29, wherein, The flow area of ​​the gas flow path decreases from the inlet forecourt to the humidification section.

50. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 29, wherein, The distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the entrance anteroom and the lower wall or lower portion is greater than the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the humidification section and the lower wall or lower portion.

51. The humidification chamber as described in claim 29, wherein, The humidification chamber includes an outlet pre-chamber located downstream of the outlet of the humidification section, the outlet pre-chamber being used to deliver the gas flow from the humidification section, and the inlet pre-chamber being a mirror image of the outlet pre-chamber.

52. The humidification chamber as described in claim 30, wherein, The outlet anterior chamber has at least one angled surface that extends from and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section at the downstream outlet.

53. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 1-28, wherein, The humidification chamber includes an outlet pre-chamber located downstream of the outlet of the humidification section, the outlet pre-chamber being used to deliver the gas flow from the humidification section; the humidification chamber includes an inlet pre-chamber located upstream of the inlet of the humidification section, the inlet pre-chamber being used to deliver the gas flow to the humidification section; the humidification section includes at least one wall or wall portion extending between the inlet and the outlet, the flow channel being defined as the gas flow area between the humidification element and the at least one wall or wall portion; the inlet pre-chamber has at least one angled surface, the at least one angled surface of the inlet pre-chamber extending to and adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section for guiding the gas flow through the humidification section; the interior angle of the angled surface of the outlet pre-chamber adjacent to the wall or wall portion is smaller than the interior angle of the angled surface of the inlet pre-chamber adjacent to the wall or wall portion.

54. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 1-28, wherein, The humidification chamber includes an outlet pre-chamber located downstream of the outlet of the humidification section, the outlet pre-chamber being used to deliver the gas flow from the humidification section; the humidification chamber includes an inlet pre-chamber located upstream of the inlet of the humidification section, the inlet pre-chamber being used to deliver the gas flow to the humidification section; the humidification section includes at least one wall or wall portion extending between the inlet and the outlet, the flow channel being defined as the gas flow area between the humidification element and the at least one wall or wall portion; the humidification element is centrally positioned within the humidification section; The inlet antechamber has at least one angled surface, the at least one angled surface of the inlet antechamber extending to and adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section for guiding the gas flow through the humidification section; the slope of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or wall portion relative to the horizontal plane is less than the slope of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or wall portion relative to the horizontal plane.

55. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein, The cross-section of at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element is substantially rectangular.

56. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein, The cross-section of at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element is substantially circular.

57. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 56, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel is larger at the inlet end of the humidification section than at the outlet end of the humidification section.

58. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 57, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel is minimized at a certain location along the humidifying element between the inlet and the outlet.

59. The humidification chamber as described in claim 31, wherein, The inner surface of at least one wall or wall portion of the humidifying section facing the humidifying element has ridges or protrusions.

60. The humidification chamber as described in claim 59, wherein, The ridge or protrusion is positioned substantially along the length of the humidifying section.

61. The humidification chamber as described in claim 59 or 60, wherein, The ridge or protrusion extends substantially perpendicular to the length of the humidifying section.

62. The humidification chamber as described in claim 31, wherein, The humidifying element includes at least one first humidifying plate, which is connected to one of the walls or wall portions of the humidifying section and extends from one of the walls or wall portions toward an opposite wall or wall portion, with a gap between the at least one first humidifying plate and the opposite wall or wall portion.

63. The humidification chamber as described in claim 62, wherein, The humidifying element includes at least one second humidifying plate located next to the at least one first humidifying plate, the at least one second humidifying plate being separate from the first humidifying plate and extending from and connected to the opposite wall or wall portion of the humidifying section, a gap being provided between the at least one second humidifying plate and the wall or wall portion to which the first humidifying plate is connected.

64. The humidification chamber as described in claim 63, wherein, The at least one first humidifying plate and the at least one second humidifying plate are angled when viewed from the side.

65. The humidification chamber as described in claim 31, wherein, The humidification chamber includes at least one first baffle, wherein the at least one first baffle is connected to one of the walls or wall portions and extends from the one of the walls or wall portions toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one first baffle and the humidification element.

66. The humidification chamber as described in claim 65, wherein, The humidification chamber includes at least one second baffle, wherein the at least one second baffle is connected to and extends from a wall or wall portion opposite to the at least one first baffle, the at least one second baffle extending toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one second baffle and the humidification element.

67. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 66, wherein, The at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled when viewed from the side.

68. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 67, wherein, The at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled toward the downstream end when viewed from the side, such that the connected end is closer to the upstream end than the opposite end of the at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle.

69. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 66 to 68, wherein, The humidification chamber includes a plurality of first baffles and / or second baffles, which, when viewed from the side, are spaced substantially equidistant along the length direction.

70. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 69, wherein, The humidifying element is disposed on the inner surface of the humidifying section.

71. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 70, wherein, The humidifying element includes a liquid reservoir.

72. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 71, wherein, The humidification chamber includes a heating plate located in or below the liquid reservoir for heating the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

73. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 72, wherein, The humidification chamber includes: a gas inlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the humidification section, the gas inlet being used to provide the gas for humidification; and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the humidification section, the gas outlet being used to deliver the humidified gas to the patient interface.

74. The humidification chamber as described in claim 73, wherein, The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path in the flow channel perpendicular to the gas flow direction is at most 25% of the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path perpendicular to the gas flow direction at the gas inlet.

75. The humidification chamber as described in claim 29, wherein, The humidification chamber includes an outlet pre-chamber located downstream of the outlet of the humidification section, the outlet pre-chamber being used to deliver the gas flow from the humidification section; the inlet pre-chamber and the outlet pre-chamber are substantially coaxially aligned along an axis extending between the inlet and outlet of the humidification section.

76. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 75, wherein, The humidification chamber includes a liquid inlet configured to deliver liquid to the humidification element.

77. A respiratory humidification system for humidifying gas before it is delivered to a patient's airway, characterized in that, The respiratory humidification system includes a humidification chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 76.

78. The respiratory humidification system as claimed in claim 77, wherein, The respiratory humidification system further includes a flow generator for delivering gas into the humidification chamber.

79. The respiratory humidification system as claimed in claim 77 or claim 78, wherein, The respiratory humidification system further includes a patient interface for delivering humidified gas from the humidification chamber to the patient.

80. A humidifying chamber for a respiratory humidification system, the humidifying chamber defining a gas flow path, characterized in that, The humidification chamber includes: It has an elongated humidification section with an upstream end and a downstream end; The inlet anteroom at the upstream end of the humidification section; and The outlet pre-chamber at the downstream end of the humidification section, The flow area of ​​the gas flow path decreases from the inlet forecourt to the humidification section.

81. The humidification chamber as described in claim 80, wherein, The entrance antechamber and the exit antechamber are substantially coaxially aligned along their axes.

82. The humidification chamber as described in claim 81, wherein, The axis extends substantially along the direction between the upstream end and the downstream end of the humidification section.

83. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 80 to 82, wherein, The gas flow obtained through the inlet pre-chamber and the gas flow obtained through the outlet pre-chamber are substantially in the same flow direction.

84. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 80 to 83, wherein, The gas flow obtained through the humidification section is substantially in the same flow direction as the gas flow through the inlet pre-chamber and the outlet pre-chamber.

85. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 80 to 84, wherein, The humidification chamber includes: a gas inlet in fluid communication with the inlet anterior chamber for providing the gas for humidification; and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outlet anterior chamber for delivering the humidified gas to the patient interface.

86. The humidification chamber as described in claim 85, wherein, The gas inlet and the gas outlet are substantially coaxially aligned along the axis.

87. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 80 to 86, wherein, The gas flow between the inlet anteroom and the humidification section is essentially laminar.

88. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 80 to 87, wherein, The gas flow between the inlet antechamber and the outlet antechamber is essentially laminar.

89. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 80 to 88, wherein, The humidification section includes a humidification element configured to humidify the gas in the gas flow path passing through the humidification section.

90. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The gas flows through the humidification section near the humidification element.

91. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89 or claim 90, wherein, The humidification section includes at least one wall or wall portion extending between the upstream end and the downstream end, the humidification element and the at least one wall or wall portion defining a flow channel for a gas flow path from the upstream end to the downstream end.

92. The humidification chamber as described in claim 91, wherein, The flow channel has a lateral dimension perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas passing through the flow channel.

93. The humidification chamber as described in claim 92, wherein, The maximum lateral dimension of the flow channel is configured such that the target fraction of the gas reaches the target humidity at the outlet pre-chamber.

94. The humidification chamber as described in claim 93, wherein, A high-humidity boundary layer is formed within the humidification section to humidify the gas flow.

95. The humidification chamber as described in claim 94, wherein, The high-humidity boundary layer is formed near the humidifying element.

96. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 94 or claim 95, wherein, The high humidity boundary layer has fully developed to a certain size from the humidifying element.

97. The humidification chamber as described in claim 96, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel is equal to or smaller than the dimension of the fully developed high humidity boundary layer, so as to fill at least a portion of the flow channel with the high humidity boundary layer.

98. The humidification chamber as described in claim 96, wherein, The size of the fully developed high-humidity boundary layer is smaller than the lateral dimension of the flow channel.

99. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 93 to 98, wherein, The flow direction of the gas through the flow channel is the flow obtained at a given point in the flow channel.

100. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 93 to 99, wherein, The target fraction of the gas is substantially all the gas in the gas flow path.

101. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 93 to 99, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel depends on at least one of the following: the flow velocity of the gas; the temperature of the humidifying element; the length of the flow channel between the upstream end and the downstream end; and the relative gas concentration.

102. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 101, wherein, The lateral dimension is at most 10% of the length of the humidifying section measured between the upstream end and the downstream end.

103. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 101 or claim 102, wherein, The lateral dimension is between 0 mm and 22 mm, or the lateral dimension is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

104. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 103, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the flow rate of the gas through the humidification section, wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between 0.5 L / min and 200 L / min, or wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is between 10 L / min and 100 L / min, or wherein the average volumetric flow rate through the humidification section is at most 70 L / min.

105. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 104, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the temperature of the humidifying element, wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between 0°C and 100°C, or wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between 30°C and 80°C, or wherein the average temperature of the humidifying element is between 60°C and 80°C.

106. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 105, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the flow rate of the gas through the humidification section, wherein the mass flow rate of the gas is less than 300 g / min.

107. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 106, wherein, The volumetric flow rate of the liquid supplied to the humidifying element is at least 10 µl / min.

108. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 107, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the oxygen fraction of the gas passing through the flow channel, wherein the gas contains oxygen, and wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between 21% and 100%, or wherein the oxygen fraction of the gas is between 30% and 50%.

109. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 108, wherein, The length of the flow channel is between 5 mm and 300 mm, or the length of the flow channel is between 50 mm and 200 mm, or the length of the flow channel is between 90 mm and 200 mm.

110. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 109, wherein, The width of the flow channel is between 0.1 mm and 500 mm, or the width of the flow channel is between 5 mm and 20 mm.

111. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 110, wherein, The surface area of ​​the humidifying element is 10 mm. 2 Up to 10,000 mm 2 Or, in which the surface area of ​​the humidifying element is 40 mm² 2 Up to 3,000 mm 2 between.

112. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 111, wherein, The liquid flow rate to the humidifying element is between 0.1 mL / min and 50 mL / min, or wherein the liquid flow rate is between 1 mL / min and 5 mL / min.

113. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 112, wherein, The inlet gas temperature to the humidification section is between 0°C and 50°C, or wherein the inlet gas temperature is between 15°C and 35°C.

114. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 113, wherein, The outlet gas temperature from the humidification section is between 18°C ​​and 70°C, or wherein the outlet gas temperature is between 30°C and 40°C.

115. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 114, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the humidity of the outlet gas from the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between 12 mg / L and 62 mg / L, or wherein the humidity of the outlet gas is between 40 mg / L and 50 mg / L.

116. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 115, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the humidity of the inlet gas to the humidification section, wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between 0 mg / L and 50 mg / L, or wherein the humidity of the inlet gas is between 0.1 mg / L and 5 mg / L.

117. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 116, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas depends at least on the flow velocity of the gas through the flow channel, wherein the flow velocity of the gas is between 0.003 m / s and 330 m / s, or wherein the flow velocity of the gas is between 0.1 m / s and 30 m / s.

118. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 117, wherein, The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section inlet to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel is between 1:10 and 12:

1.

119. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 101 to 118, wherein, The lateral dimension of the flow channel, perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas, is determined by a function including: the length of the flow channel; the flow rate of the gas; the temperature of the humidifying element; and the relative gas concentration.

120. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The humidifying element extends in the direction between the upstream end and the downstream end.

121. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The humidifying element is centrally positioned within the humidifying section.

122. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The gas flow path consists of multiple flow channels.

123. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 122, wherein, The humidifying element divides the gas flow path into multiple flow channels.

124. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 80 to 123, wherein, The shape of the inlet anteroom is designed to guide gas through the humidification section.

125. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The inlet anteroom has at least one angled surface that extends to and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section for guiding the gas flow through the humidification section.

126. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 125, wherein, The at least one angled surface guides the gas flow onto at least one surface of the humidifying element.

127. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 125 or claim 126, wherein, The interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion inside the humidification chamber is the positive angle.

128. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 126, wherein, The interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between 200° and 260°.

129. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 126, wherein, The interior angle between the angled surface and the adjacent wall or wall portion of the humidifying section is between 220° and 240°.

130. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 125 to 129, wherein, The entrance anteroom comprises two symmetrical, angled surfaces.

131. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The humidifying element has a substantially rounded or conical leading edge at or near the upstream end.

132. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, When viewed from the side, the thickness of the humidifying element increases from the upstream end to a portion of the humidifying section to reduce the lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel.

133. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 80 to 132, wherein, The flow area of ​​the gas flow path decreases from the inlet forecourt to the humidification section.

134. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the entrance anteroom and the lower wall or lower portion is greater than the distance between the upper wall or upper portion of the humidification section and the lower wall or lower portion.

135. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 80 to 134, wherein, The entrance anteroom is a mirror image of the exit anteroom.

136. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The outlet anterior chamber has at least one angled surface that extends at the downstream end from and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section.

137. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 125, wherein, The outlet antechamber has at least one angled surface that extends from and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section at the downstream end; the interior angle of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or wall portion is smaller than the interior angle of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or wall portion.

138. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 125, wherein, The outlet antechamber has at least one angled surface that extends from and is adjacent to one of the at least one wall or wall portion of the humidification section at the downstream end; the slope of the angled surface of the outlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or wall portion relative to the horizontal plane is less than the slope of the angled surface of the inlet antechamber adjacent to the wall or wall portion relative to the horizontal plane.

139. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The cross-section of at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element is substantially rectangular.

140. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The cross-section of at least one of the humidifying section and / or humidifying element is substantially circular.

141. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel is larger at the upstream inlet end of the humidifying element than at the downstream end of the humidifying element.

142. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The lateral dimension of the at least one flow channel or each flow channel is minimized at a certain location along the humidifying element between the upstream end and the downstream end.

143. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The inner surface of at least one wall or wall portion of the humidifying section facing the humidifying element has ridges or protrusions.

144. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 143, wherein, The ridge or protrusion is positioned substantially along the length of the humidifying section.

145. The humidification chamber as described in claim 143 or 144, wherein, The ridge or protrusion extends substantially perpendicular to the length of the humidifying section.

146. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The humidifying element includes at least one first humidifying plate, which is connected to one of the walls or wall portions of the humidifying section and extends from one of the walls or wall portions toward an opposite wall or wall portion, with a gap between the at least one first humidifying plate and the opposite wall or wall portion.

147. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 146, wherein, The humidifying element includes at least one second humidifying plate located next to the at least one first humidifying plate, the at least one second humidifying plate being separate from the first humidifying plate and extending from and connected to the opposite wall or wall portion of the humidifying section, a gap being provided between the at least one second humidifying plate and the wall or wall portion to which the first humidifying plate is connected.

148. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 147, wherein, The at least one first humidifying plate and the at least one second humidifying plate are angled when viewed from the side.

149. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The humidification chamber includes at least one first baffle, wherein the at least one first baffle is connected to one of the walls or wall portions and extends from the one of the walls or wall portions toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one first baffle and the humidification element.

150. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 149, wherein, The humidification chamber includes at least one second baffle, wherein the at least one second baffle is connected to and extends from a wall or wall portion opposite to the at least one first baffle, the at least one second baffle extending toward the humidification element, wherein a gap is provided between the at least one second baffle and the humidification element.

151. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 150, wherein, The at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled when viewed from the side.

152. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 151, wherein, The at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle are angled toward the downstream end when viewed from the side, such that the connected end is closer to the upstream end than the opposite end of the at least one first baffle and / or the at least one second baffle.

153. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 150 to 152, wherein, The humidification chamber includes a plurality of first baffles and / or second baffles, which, when viewed from the side, are spaced substantially equidistant along the length direction.

154. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The humidifying element is disposed on the inner surface of the humidifying section.

155. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The humidifying element includes a liquid reservoir.

156. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 155, wherein, The humidification chamber includes a heating plate located in or below the liquid reservoir for heating the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

157. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 91, wherein, The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path of at least one flow channel or each flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas is at most 25% of the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the gas flow path perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas at the gas inlet end of the inlet pre-chamber.

158. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 80 to 157, wherein, The inlet antechamber and the outlet antechamber are substantially coaxially aligned along an axis extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the humidification section.

159. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 89, wherein, The humidification chamber includes a liquid inlet configured to deliver liquid to the humidification element.

160. A respiratory humidification system for humidifying gas before it is delivered to a patient's airway, characterized in that, The respiratory humidification system includes a humidification chamber according to any one of claims 80 to 159.

161. The respiratory humidification system as claimed in claim 160, wherein, The respiratory humidification system further includes a flow generator for delivering gas into the humidification chamber.

162. The respiratory humidification system as claimed in claim 160 or claim 161, wherein, The respiratory humidification system further includes a patient interface for delivering humidified gas from the humidification chamber to the patient.

163. A humidifying chamber for a respiratory humidification system, the humidifying chamber comprising: A gas inlet and a gas outlet define a flow path for the gas flow between the gas inlet and the gas outlet; Its features are, The humidification chamber includes: The humidification section has an upstream end and a downstream end, and has a flow channel for the gas flow; An inlet pre-chamber, located between the gas inlet and the upstream end of the humidification section, including a wall or wall portion extending between the gas inlet and the upstream end, and having a flow channel for the gas flow between the gas inlet and the upstream end; and A humidifying element, located within the humidifying section and configured to allow gas to flow over at least one surface or portion of the humidifying element to humidify the gas flow in the flow path. The size of the flow channel through the humidification section is smaller than the size of the flow channel through the inlet pre-chamber. The size of the flow channel of the humidification section is measured as the dimension of the flow channel in the lateral direction, extending from at least one surface or surface portion of the humidification element to an opposite surface or opposite portion of the surface portion. The size of the flow channel of the inlet pre-chamber is measured as the dimension of the flow channel in the lateral direction, extending from at least one wall or wall portion of the inlet pre-chamber to an opposite wall or opposite portion of the wall portion.

164. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 163, wherein, The lateral direction is perpendicular to the direction of the gas flow through the flow channel of the humidification section.

165. The humidification chamber as claimed in claim 163 or claim 164, wherein, The lateral direction of the flow passage through the entrance anteroom is measured perpendicular to at least one wall or a portion of the wall.

166. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 163 to 165, wherein, The lateral direction of the flow channel through the humidification section is measured perpendicular to the surface or a portion of the surface.

167. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 163 to 166, wherein, The gas inlet and the gas outlet are substantially coaxially aligned along the axis.

168. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 163 to 167, wherein, The gas flow obtained through the gas inlet and the gas flow obtained through the gas outlet are substantially in the same flow direction.

169. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 163 to 168, wherein, The gas flow obtained through the humidification section is substantially in the same flow direction as the flow through the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

170. The humidifying chamber as described in any one of claims 163 to 169, wherein, The gas flow between the inlet anteroom and the humidification section is essentially laminar.

171. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 163 to 170, wherein, The gas flow between the gas inlet and the gas outlet is essentially laminar.

172. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 163 to 171, wherein, The humidification chamber further includes an outlet pre-chamber located between the gas outlet and the downstream end of the humidification section, and includes a wall or wall portion extending between the downstream end and the gas outlet, and has a flow channel for the gas flow between the downstream end and the gas outlet.

173. A humidifying chamber for a respiratory humidification system, the humidifying chamber comprising: A humidification section with an inlet and an outlet; The humidifying element in the humidifying section; Its features are, The humidification chamber includes: A flow channel for bringing gas close to the humidifying element from the inlet to the outlet, the humidifying element being configured to humidify the gas flow passing through the flow channel. The target humidity to be achieved at the outlet for a portion of the gas is determined by the lateral dimension of the flow channel perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas, the lateral dimension depending on at least one of the following: the length of the flow channel; the flow rate of the gas; the temperature of the humidifying element; and the relative gas concentration.

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