Breathing assistance apparatus with liquid containment

Abstract

To provide a respiratory apparatus receiving pressurized breathing gas for humidification and having liquid isolation construction.SOLUTION: A breathing assistance apparatus comprises a humidification compartment defined within a main body and adapted to receive a humidification chamber. A flow generator is also positioned within the main body. The flow generator and the humidification compartment are fluidly connected via a liquid containment compartment, the liquid containment compartment being interposed between the flow generator and the humidification compartment. The liquid containment compartment limits the travel of liquid that may spill from the humidification chamber to reach another area in the breathing assistance apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to respiratory apparatus, and more particularly to a respiratory apparatus that receives pressurized breathing gas for humidification and has a liquid isolation structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Respiratory treatment devices generally include an airflow generator that supplies pressurized gas. In some respiratory treatment devices, the device may include an integrated water chamber. The water chamber may contain a source of water that is used to humidify the respiratory gas being supplied by the respiratory treatment device.

[0003] In some configurations, the respiratory treatment device is designed to be portable and / or mobile, and when such a device is moved while containing a water supply reservoir, the reservoir may tip and cause water to spill from the water reservoir onto other areas of the respiratory treatment device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to be able to contain spilled water or other liquids and to control the ingress of water or liquids to protect various components. Accordingly, several features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention relate to providing a liquid containment structure. It is also an object of the present invention to at least provide a useful option for the industry and users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention generally resides in a respiratory assistance device comprising a body, a humidification compartment defined within the body and adapted to receive a humidification chamber, and a flow generator disposed within the body, the flow generator and the humidification compartment being fluidly connected, a liquid containing compartment being interposed between the flow generator and the humidification compartment within the body, the liquid containing compartment being fluidly connected to both the flow generator and the humidification compartment, whereby a gas flow path from the flow generator to the humidification compartment passes through the liquid containing compartment, the liquid containing compartment comprising a first opening defining an outlet for a gas flow flowing from the liquid containing compartment to the humidification compartment and a second opening defining an inlet for a gas flow flowing from the flow generator into the liquid containing compartment, the first opening and the second opening of the liquid containing compartment being offset from each other in at least two orthogonal spatial directions.

[0006] In some configurations, the first opening and the second opening of the liquid-containing compartment are horizontally and vertically offset.

[0007] In some configurations, the first and second openings of the liquid-receiving compartment are offset from one another in three orthogonal spatial directions, hi one example, the first and second openings of the liquid-receiving compartment are horizontally and vertically offset in two orthogonal directions.

[0008] In some configurations, no portion of the first opening is vertically aligned with the second opening.

[0009] In some configurations, no portion of the first opening is horizontally aligned with the second opening.

[0010] In some configurations, the liquid-containing compartment includes a lower surface and the second opening is disposed generally vertically higher than the lower surface. In one example, the second opening spans a vertical distance and a lowermost portion of the second opening is vertically higher than the lower surface of the liquid-containing compartment. In another example, the lower surface of the liquid-containing compartment spans a vertical distance and the second opening is vertically higher than any portion of the lower surface directly adjacent to the second opening.

[0011] In some configurations, the second opening is angled toward the first opening.

[0012] In some configurations, a lowermost portion of the second opening is vertically higher than a lowermost portion of the lower surface of the liquid-containing compartment.

[0013] In some configurations, the second opening has a lip defined in a portion of the second opening opposite the first opening, in one example, the lip overhangs a passage defined in the platform that leads to the second opening, the passage forming a portion of the gas flow path.

[0014] In some configurations, the second opening has a narrowed region defined in a portion of the second opening disposed proximate to the first opening.

[0015] In some configurations, the second opening is provided at the top of a pedestal extending into the liquid containing compartment from a lower surface of the liquid containing compartment, the pedestal having a passage fluidly connected to the flow generator and forming part of the gas flow path.

[0016] In some configurations, the second opening is fluidly connected to the flow generator by one or more passages in the body that form part of the gas flow path.

[0017] In some configurations, the main body includes an upper housing and a lower housing configured to be fixed together, and the liquid-containing compartment includes a lower surface that is part of the lower housing of the main body and a vertical wall that defines a side of the liquid-containing compartment that is part of the upper housing of the main body.

[0018] In some configurations, a portion of the vertical wall of the liquid-containing compartment corresponds to a portion of the vertical wall defining the humidification compartment. In one example, the first opening extends through a portion of the vertical wall of the liquid-containing compartment that corresponds to the vertical wall of the humidification compartment.

[0019] In some configurations, a portion of the vertical wall of the liquid-containing compartment corresponds to a portion of the outer wall of the body provided by the upper housing.

[0020] The liquid-containing compartment has a ridge that defines the periphery of the lower surface of the liquid-containing compartment and extends from the lower housing of the main body, the ridge matching the configuration of the vertical walls of the liquid-containing compartment provided in the upper housing, such that when the main body is assembled, the ridge of the lower housing and the vertical walls of the upper housing abut against each other to form the liquid-containing compartment.

[0021] In some configurations, the ridge of the liquid-containing compartment defines and surrounds a reservoir of the liquid-containing compartment.

[0022] In some configurations, the ridge of the liquid-containing compartment surrounds the second opening.

[0023] In some configurations, the seal is provided between a ridge in the lower housing and a vertical wall of the upper housing that form the liquid-containing compartment, hi one example, the ridge includes a groove and the seal is provided within the groove.

[0024] In some configurations, the flow generator is mounted to or within the lower housing of the body.

[0025] Other aspects are described below. In some configurations, the respiratory assistance device comprises a body. A humidification compartment is defined within the body and adapted to receive the humidification chamber. A flow generator is disposed within the body. The flow generator and the humidification compartment are fluidly connected, and a liquid-containing compartment is interposed between the flow generator and the humidification compartment. The liquid-containing compartment is fluidly connected to both the flow generator and the humidification compartment.

[0026] In some configurations, the gas flow path from the flow generator to the humidification compartment passes through the liquid-containing compartment.

[0027] In some such configurations, the liquid-containing compartment includes a first opening defining an outlet for a gas flow out of the liquid-containing compartment and a second opening defining an inlet for a gas flow into the liquid-containing compartment, the liquid-containing compartment includes a lower surface, and the second opening is disposed generally vertically higher than the lower surface.

[0028] In some such configurations, the second opening is angled toward the first opening.

[0029] In some such configurations, a bottom portion of the second opening is vertically higher than a bottom portion of the lower surface.

[0030] In some such configurations, the second opening has a lip defined in a portion of the second opening opposite the first opening.

[0031] In some such configurations, the lip overhangs a passage defined in the platform that leads to the second opening.

[0032] In some such configurations, the liquid-containing compartment includes a first opening defining an outlet for a gas flow out of the liquid-containing compartment and a second opening defining an inlet for a gas flow into the liquid-containing compartment, the first opening being offset from the second opening such that the first opening is not vertically aligned with the second opening.

[0033] In some such configurations, no portion of the first opening is vertically aligned with the second opening.

[0034] In some such configurations, the first opening and the second opening are offset from one another in three orthogonal spatial directions.

[0035] The term "comprising" as used herein means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting a statement containing "comprising" in the present specification and claims, there may be features present other than the feature or features followed by the term. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0036] Where patents, other external documents or other sources are referenced herein, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the reference to such external documents should not be construed as an admission in any jurisdiction that such documents or such sources are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0037] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to drawings of preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a system including a respiratory humidification device arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the respiratory humidification device of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the respiratory humidification device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the respiratory humidification device of FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the humidification device of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view of the lower part of the respiratory humidifier device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow path through the liquid isolation chamber of the respiratory humidification device of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] 1, there is shown a respiratory assistance apparatus 20 arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. In the configuration shown, the respiratory assistance apparatus 20 is connected to a conduit 22, which in turn is connected to a user interface 24, such as a respiratory mask. Any suitable user interface 24 may be used.

[0040] The respiratory assistance apparatus 20 is configured to deliver a flow of pressurized respiratory gas to a user via a conduit 22 and a user interface 24. The illustrated respiratory assistance apparatus 20 therefore includes a flow generator 26, shown generally in Figure 1. The flow generator 26 may have any suitable configuration. In some configurations, the flow generator 26 is a blower that draws ambient air into the respiratory assistance apparatus 20 and generates a flow of pressurized respiratory gas.

[0041] The respiratory aid apparatus 20 is also configured to humidify the flow of pressurized respiratory gas prior to delivery to the user. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated respiratory aid apparatus 20 also includes a humidification chamber 28. The humidification chamber 28 may be removable from the respiratory aid apparatus 20. Any suitable structure may be used for the humidification chamber 28. The humidification chamber 28 may be configured to contain a volume of liquid, such as water. The flow of pressurized respiratory gas may pass through the volume of liquid on its way to the user, thereby increasing the humidity of the flow of pressurized respiratory gas.

[0042] As shown, the respiratory assistance apparatus 20 generally includes a body 30. With reference to Figure 4, the body 30 may include an upper housing 32 and a lower housing 34. The upper housing 32 and the lower housing 34 may be secured together in any suitable manner. In some configurations, the bottom of the lower housing 34 may be sealed by an additional cover.

[0043] 4, the lower housing 34 can include an air inlet 36 through which the flow generator 26 draws air. The flow generator 26 can be mounted to or within the lower housing 34. The lower housing 34 can also support a heating element 38. Interaction with the heating element 38 can heat the liquid within the humidification chamber 28. In some configurations, the heating element 38 can be a heater plate and the humidification chamber 28 can rest on the heater plate. Other configurations are possible.

[0044] With reference to Figure 2, the body 30 includes at least one exterior wall 40. In the illustrated configuration, the body 30 includes four generally vertical exterior walls 40. An upper portion of the at least one wall 40 generally defines an opening 42. As shown in Figure 1, the opening 42 may be closed by a lid 44. The lid 44 may seal the opening 42 in some configurations.

[0045] The body 30 includes a humidification compartment 50 that receives the humidification chamber 28. In the illustrated configuration, the humidification compartment 50 is generally defined within at least one exterior wall 40, the lid 44, and the base 46. More specifically, in the illustrated configuration, at least one generally vertical interior wall 52 defines at least a portion of the humidification compartment 50. Even more specifically, four generally vertical walls, including the at least one generally vertical interior wall 52, define a majority of the humidification compartment 50.

[0046] A liquid-containing compartment 54 may be separated from the humidification compartment 50. In some configurations, the liquid-containing compartment 54 limits the movement of liquid that may spill out of the humidification chamber 28. In some configurations, the liquid-containing compartment 54 may limit the movement of liquid that may spill into the humidification compartment 50 and outside of the humidification chamber 28.

[0047] The liquid-containing compartment 54 may be disposed within the body 30 of the respiratory assistance device 20. In the illustrated configuration, the liquid-containing compartment 54 is integrated into the body 30 of the respiratory assistance device 20. Both the liquid-containing compartment 54 and the flow generator 26 may be integrated into the body 30. In some configurations, the liquid-containing compartment 54 is fluidly connected to the flow generator 26 and to the humidification compartment 50. In some such configurations, the liquid-containing compartment 54 is disposed between the flow generator 26 and the humidification compartment 54. In some configurations, the liquid-containing compartment 54 may be disposed between the outer wall 40 and the inner wall 52 of the body. In some configurations, the inner wall 52 separates the humidification compartment 50 from the liquid-containing compartment 54.

[0048] The liquid-containing compartment 54 can include two openings. A first opening 56 extends through the interior wall 52, as shown in FIG. 3. The first opening 56 defines a gas inlet for the humidification compartment 50 and a gas outlet for the liquid-containing compartment 54. Gas flowing through the first opening 56 is received by the humidification chamber 28 and humidified before being delivered to the user. In other words, with the lid 44 in place and closed, the humidification chamber 28 is sealed in place within the humidification compartment 50. Gas passing through the first opening 56 flows into the humidification compartment 50, and the gas flows from the humidification compartment into the humidification chamber 28 before exiting the respiratory aid device 20.

[0049] The second opening 58, shown in FIG. 4, defines a gas inlet to the liquid-containing compartment 54 and a gas outlet for flow from the passageway 66 leading from the flow generator 26. In one configuration, the first opening 56 is in the upper housing 32 and the second opening 58 is in the lower housing 34. In some configurations, the first opening 56 is offset both horizontally and vertically from the second opening. In some configurations, the first opening 56 is at least horizontally offset from the second opening 58 (i.e., the first opening 56 is to the right of the second opening 58) as shown in FIG. 5. In some configurations, the first opening 56 is at least completely horizontally offset from the second opening 58. In some configurations, the two openings 56, 58 are offset in two orthogonal directions (e.g., horizontally and vertically). In some configurations, the two openings 56, 58 are offset in three orthogonal directions (horizontally and vertically in two orthogonal directions). The offsetting of the first opening 56 relative to the second opening 58 reduces the likelihood that liquid will spill, drain, deposit or otherwise flow into the liquid-receiving compartment 54 through the first opening 56 and flow further upstream relative to the liquid-receiving chamber 54 towards the flow generator 26. In other words, liquid is less likely to easily flow through the first opening 56 into the second opening 58. Thus, ingress of liquid from the humidification chamber 28 towards the flow generator 26 may be prevented.

[0050] 4, the liquid-containing compartment 54 includes at least a bottom wall 70. The bottom wall 70 may be formed as part of the lower housing 34. In the illustrated configuration, a portion of the lower housing 34 may define a ridge 72. The illustrated ridge 72 may generally surround a reservoir 74. As shown in FIG. 6, the ridge 72 generally surrounds the second opening 58. Other configurations are possible.

[0051] 5, the second opening 58 is vertically higher than the bottom wall 70. In some configurations, the second opening 58 spans a vertical distance, with a lowermost portion of the second opening 58 being vertically higher than the bottom wall 70. In some configurations, the bottom wall 70 can span a vertical distance (i.e., is not substantially flat), with the second opening 58 being vertically higher than any portion of the bottom wall 70 that is immediately adjacent to the second opening 58.

[0052] In the illustrated configuration, the second opening 58 is formed at the top of the pedestal 76. The pedestal 76 may be integrally formed with the lower housing 34. The pedestal 76 generally surrounds a passageway 80, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. At the top of the illustrated pedestal 76, the second opening 58 is generally sloped, such that the top surface of the illustrated pedestal is angled toward the first opening 56. Further, with reference to FIG. 5, at least the inner surface of the pedestal 76 furthest from the first opening 56 curves toward the first opening 56. The deflected portion of the pedestal 76 generally adjacent the second opening 58 forms a lip 82. The lip 82 may help deflect the gas flow toward the general direction of the first opening 56.

[0053] 6, the second opening 58 also has a narrow region 84. The narrow region 84 is located closest to the first opening 56 in the configuration shown. As shown in FIG. 5, the narrow region 84 does not extend upwardly as far as the lip region 82. The lip region 82 and / or the narrow region 84 can help to accommodate and direct the gas flow in a desired manner. Other configurations are possible.

[0054] As mentioned above, in some configurations, at least a portion of the liquid-containing compartment 54 is defined between the inner wall 52 and the outer wall 40 of the body 30. With reference to FIG. 7 , at least a first wall 78, and in some configurations a second wall 84, may cooperate with the inner wall 52 and the outer wall 40 to define sides of the liquid-containing compartment 54. These walls 40, 52, 78, 84 may be integrally formed with the upper housing 32.

[0055] The ribs 72 may conform to the configuration of these walls 40, 52, 78, 84. Thus, the ribs 72 and these walls 40, 52, 78, 84 may abut one another. To reduce the possibility of leakage at the junction of the ribs 72 and the walls 40, 52, 78, 84, a seal 86 may be disposed between the upper housing 32 and the lower housing 34. In the illustrated configuration, the seal 86 is disposed within a groove 90 (see FIG. 5). The groove 90 may be disposed within the ribs 72. The seal 86 may be formed from a more elastic material than the ribs 72. Thus, the seal 86 may deform when it comes into contact with the walls 40, 52, 78, 84. Compression of the seal 86 may reduce the possibility of liquid or gas leaking into or out of the liquid-containing compartment 54.

[0056] Furthermore, if liquid flows into the liquid-receiving chamber 54 through the first opening 56, the liquid is retained within the liquid-receiving chamber 54. Thus, the seal 86 between the upper housing 32 and the lower housing 34 reduces the possibility of liquid flowing even if the liquid level in the liquid-receiving chamber 54 exceeds the height of the ridges 72.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the present invention. Thus, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, various components can be rearranged as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. A respiratory support device configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathing gas to a user, The main unit and A humidifying chamber configured to contain a certain volume of liquid, A flow generator is located inside the main body, A humidifying compartment defined within the main body, configured to removably receive at least a portion of the humidifying chamber so that a flow of pressurized breathing gas can pass through a certain volume of liquid to increase the humidity of the flow of pressurized breathing gas; A liquid storage compartment is located within the main body between the flow generator and the humidifying compartment, and is configured to restrict the movement of a certain volume of liquid spilled from the humidifying compartment. A respiratory support device, including one.

2. The respiratory assist device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the humidifying compartment is defined by at least one generally vertical inner wall.

3. The respiratory assist device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heater plate supported by the main body, wherein the heater plate is located within the humidification compartment, and the humidification chamber rests on the heater plate to heat the certain volume of liquid in the humidification chamber.

4. The respiratory assist device according to claim 2, wherein the liquid storage compartment is separated from the humidifying compartment by at least one generally vertical inner wall.

5. The liquid storage compartment is A first opening extending through at least one generally vertical inner wall, defining a humidification compartment entrance and a gas flow outlet from the liquid storage compartment, A second opening defining an inlet for gas flow from the flow generator into the liquid storage compartment, wherein the second opening is spatially offset from the first opening and the second opening of the liquid storage compartment over a certain vertical distance in at least two orthogonal directions, A respiratory support device according to claim 2, comprising:

6. The respiratory assist device according to claim 5, wherein the first opening and the second opening of the liquid storage compartment are spatially offset from each other in two orthogonal horizontal and orthogonal vertical directions.

7. The respiratory assist device according to claim 2, wherein the main body comprises an upper housing and a lower housing configured to be fixed together, and the lower housing includes an air inlet.

8. The aforementioned main body, A ridge-like portion, wherein the ridge-like portion coincides with the configuration of the at least one generally vertical inner wall, and so when the main body is assembled, the ridge-like portion and the at least one generally vertical inner wall come into contact with each other, and the ridge-like portion includes a groove, A seal between the ridged portion and the at least one generally vertical inner wall, wherein the seal is configured to be provided within the groove, A respiratory support device according to claim 7, including the following:

9. The respiratory assist device according to claim 7, wherein the air inlet is located on the side wall of the lower housing adjacent to the bottom of the lower housing.

10. The respiratory assist device according to claim 7, wherein the upper housing includes an air outlet configured to be connected to a conduit, the conduit being fluidly connected to the humidifying compartment and connected to a breathing mask to deliver the flow of the pressurized breathing gas to the user.

11. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 10, wherein the air outlet is located on the side wall of the upper housing adjacent to the top of the upper housing.

12. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage compartment has a first opening and is fluidly connected to both the flow generator and the humidifying compartment, so that a gas flow from the flow generator to the humidifying compartment passes through the liquid storage compartment.

13. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 12, wherein the first opening defines an outlet for gas flow from the liquid storage compartment to the humidifying compartment.

14. The respiratory assist device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the liquid storage compartment comprises a second opening that defines an inlet for a gas flow that flows from the flow generator into the liquid storage compartment.

15. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the humidifying compartment comprises a compartment outlet configured to connect to a conduit and a user interface.

16. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage compartment comprises a first opening and a second opening, and the first opening and the second opening of the liquid storage compartment are offset from each other in at least two orthogonal spatial directions.

17. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage compartment is separated from the humidifying compartment.

18. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage compartment is configured to hold within the liquid storage compartment a certain volume of liquid spilled from the humidifying compartment.

Images