Ventilator breathing gas humidifier

Abstract

To provide an improved respiratory gas humidifier that humidifies and / or heats respiratory gases. [Solution] The breathing gas humidifier 1 comprises a housing 20, the housing 20 comprising an upper housing 21 and a lower housing 23, the lower housing 23 comprising a water chamber 5 for humidifying and / or heating the breathing gas. The breathing gas humidifier 1 comprises a breathing gas inlet 2 and a breathing gas outlet 4. A breathing gas path 3 is formed between the breathing gas inlet 2 and the breathing gas outlet 4, leading the breathing gas from the breathing gas inlet 2 to the breathing gas outlet 4, and the breathing gas path 3 is led through the water chamber 5. The breathing gas path 3 includes a watertight channel 8 that leads the humidified and / or heated breathing gas, the channel 8 having one end 7 join the water chamber 5 and the other end join the breathing gas outlet 4. The channel 8 is configured such that the breathing gas outlet 4 is located in and / or at least partially formed by the lower housing 23.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a breathing gas humidifier for humidifying and / or warming breathing gas. Further, the present invention relates to a ventilator comprising such a breathing gas humidifier.

Background Art

[0002] A breathing gas humidifier is a device for humidifying and / or warming breathing gas. Patients receiving mechanical ventilation or respiratory assistance may feel discomfort with ventilation by overly cold or dry air. Further, mechanical ventilation may cause drying of the airway. Therefore, it is advantageous if the inhaled breathing gas is humidified and warmed using a breathing gas humidifier. This can relieve or avoid drying of the mucous membranes and make ventilation or respiratory assistance more acceptable to the patient.

[0003] The breathing gas humidifier includes a liquid reservoir so that it can humidify the breathing gas over a long period of time. To prevent unintentional or uncontrolled leakage of liquid from the device, the device needs to have a certain stability and, further, needs to be designed so that liquid does not leak out of the device uncontrollably even when the device is tilted.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem of the present invention is to provide an improved breathing gas humidifier for humidifying and / or warming breathing gas. A further problem of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilator comprising a breathing gas humidifier.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The above problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are presented in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a breathing gas humidifier for humidifying and / or heating breathing gas, particularly for use with a ventilator. The breathing gas humidifier comprises a housing, the housing comprising an upper housing and a lower housing, the lower housing comprising a water chamber for humidifying and / or heating breathing gas. The breathing gas humidifier comprises a breathing gas inlet and a breathing gas outlet. A breathing gas path is formed between the breathing gas inlet and the breathing gas outlet, leading the breathing gas from the breathing gas inlet to the breathing gas outlet, and the breathing gas path is led through the water chamber. The breathing gas path comprises a watertight channel leading the humidified and / or heated breathing gas, the channel having one end joining the water chamber and the other end joining the breathing gas outlet. The channel is configured such that the breathing gas outlet is located in the lower housing and / or at least partially formed by the lower housing.

[0007] "Respiratory gas" can be understood as a single respiratory gas or a mixture of multiple respiratory gases that can be used for patient ventilation. Respiratory gas may be ordinary ambient air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, anesthetic gases, water vapor, or a combination of at least two of these components, or may include them.

[0008] "Humidification of breathing gas" can be understood as humidifying the breathing gas by controlling the addition of water or an aqueous solution, preferably in combination with heating the breathing gas. This humidification can be achieved by introducing the breathing gas above the liquid surface, thereby causing the liquid to release water or water vapor into the breathing gas.

[0009] In this specification, the term "water chamber" generally refers to a container for storing a liquid (water or a liquid containing water). The water chamber may be equipped with an electrically controllable heating element, such as an electric heating rod or heating plate, for heating the liquid, thereby allowing the liquid to evaporate as intended and be taken up by the breathing gas. Further arrangements of flow guide elements configured to direct the breathing gas toward the liquid surface may be placed inside the water chamber. The water chamber may be equipped with level indicators indicating the maximum and / or minimum filling height of the liquid. The water chamber may be equipped with a water chamber inlet and a water chamber outlet. The breathing gas can be guided to enter the water chamber through the water chamber inlet and to exit the water chamber through the water chamber outlet.

[0010] The "breathing gas pathway" should be understood as the area in a breathing gas humidifier designed to contain and / or guide breathing gases. The breathing gas pathway can be configured, at least for the most part, within the housing of the breathing gas humidifier. The breathing gas pathway can consist of, for example, channels, chambers, (through) passages, openings, etc., which are pneumatically connected to one another. The breathing gas pathway is configured so that breathing gases do not leak to the surrounding environment (except for the inlet and outlet).

[0011] The breathing gas inlet may be the start of the breathing gas pathway or may include the start of the breathing gas pathway. The breathing gas inlet may be configured to introduce the breathing gas into the breathing gas humidifier. The breathing gas outlet may be the end of the breathing gas pathway or may include the end of the breathing gas pathway. The breathing gas outlet may be configured to lead the breathing gas out of the breathing gas humidifier.

[0012] Through the breathing gas inlet and / or breathing gas outlet, the breathing gas humidifier can be airtightly connected to further channels, tubes, and / or components of the ventilator. Thus, the breathing gas inlet and breathing gas outlet can function as connections that allow the breathing gas humidifier to be airtightly connected to further components.

[0013] The breathing gas outlet can directly deliver heated and / or humidified breathing gas to the patient. The breathing gas outlet can also be connected to a ventilator, thereby delivering heated and / or humidified breathing gas to the patient via the ventilator. Connection to the patient can be achieved via one or more ventilation tubes and / or suitable patient interfaces, which can be connected to the breathing gas outlet and / or ventilator.

[0014] In the context of this invention, "patient interface" can be understood as any peripheral device designed to interact with a living organism. The patient interface may be, for example, a breathing mask, a nasal mask, a mask with nasal pads, a nasal cannula or oxygen cannula, a full-face mask or total-face mask, or even a tracheal tube or tracheal cannula.

[0015] A ventilator can be understood as any device that assists the body's natural respiration, and / or substitutes for ventilation, and / or is used for respiratory therapy, and / or for inhalation anesthesia, and / or otherwise affects a patient's respiration. Examples of ventilators include clinical or home ventilators, respiratory therapy devices, CPAP devices, APAP devices, or BiLevel devices, high-flow therapy devices, general anesthesia devices, or anesthesia devices, emergency ventilators, oxygen supply devices, diagnostic systems, or cough therapy devices or cough assist devices.

[0016] Since the breathing gas outlet is located at the bottom of the breathing gas humidifier housing and / or is formed by the bottom of the housing, components connected to the breathing gas outlet of the breathing gas humidifier can also be installed at the bottom of the housing. This has the advantage that the breathing gas humidifier will not shift, or will be very unlikely to shift, if the components connected to the breathing gas outlet are pulled. The risk of the breathing gas humidifier tilting or tipping over when the bottom of the device is pulled is minimized. Therefore, this generally results in the advantage of good stability for the breathing gas humidifier.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the breathing gas outlet can be positioned below the liquid level when the water chamber is filled with a liquid that humidifies the breathing gas as intended.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the channel can be formed by the upper and / or lower part of the housing in at least a portion of the section, or can extend through the upper and / or lower part of the housing.

[0019] A "channel" can be understood as a long pipe, tube, or a combination of both. A channel may have rigid, flexible, or partially flexible channel walls and be configured to guide breathing gases. A channel may be configured as a long cavity with walls surrounding the channel lumen. These walls may be formed by the upper and / or lower parts of the housing.

[0020] The upper and lower housings can be made up of two parts. To bring the breathing gas humidifier into operation, the upper and lower housings can be connected to each other in an airtight manner to the breathing gas. This connection is preferably reversible, allowing the breathing gas humidifier to be disassembled for cleaning and / or refilling. This connection can be achieved via a reversibly configured connection mechanism. The breathing gas humidifier may further include a locking mechanism that can lock the connections between the individual housing components in an airtight manner to the breathing gas.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the breathing gas humidifier may include an intermediate section that is airtight to the breathing gas between the upper and lower parts of the housing. A channel may be formed by the intermediate section in at least a portion of its length, or may extend through the intermediate section. According to one embodiment, a channel may be formed in at least a portion of its length solely by a connection between the upper and lower parts of the housing, or solely by a connection between the upper and lower parts of the housing and the intermediate section.

[0022] The channel or channel wall may be a single-piece or multi-part structure, for example, a two-part structure, in at least some sections. This facilitates the manufacturing of the channel and also facilitates the cleaning of the channel. When the connections of the upper, lower, and / or intermediate sections of the housing are released, the channel can be opened in at least some areas, particularly for cleaning.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the channel may further comprise a heater configured to heat the channel to a first temperature to avoid condensation and / or a second temperature to kill and / or inactivate fungi. For this purpose, the channel may comprise, for example, an electric heating element that extends along the channel and can release heat into the interior of the channel.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the channel may be formed straight and / or at least partially bent and / or curved in its longitudinal direction. According to one embodiment, the channel may include one or more channel sections that are fluidly connected to each other in its longitudinal direction, and the channel may include a first channel section connected to a water chamber outlet, a second channel section connected to a breathing gas outlet, and at least one further channel section connecting the first channel section and the second channel section, and these channel sections may be configured to cause at least one change of direction (deflection) of the breathing gas.

[0025] By diverting the direction of the breathing gas, noise generation can be suppressed. The number of channel segments can be variably selected. In this case, the more direction the breathing gas undergoes, the quieter the breathing gas humidifier can be configured to be.

[0026] According to one embodiment, when the breathing gas humidifier is installed with the bottom of the lower housing facing down as intended, the channel can be configured such that the first channel section is arranged vertically in at least most part, and / or the second channel section is arranged horizontally in at least most part, and / or the third channel section is arranged horizontally in at least most part, and / or the fourth channel section is arranged vertically in at least most part. According to one embodiment, the first channel section can be configured to extend away vertically from the liquid surface when the breathing gas humidifier is installed with the bottom facing down as intended and the water chamber is filled with a liquid for humidifying the breathing gas.

[0027] Preferably, the channel is configured such that excessive liquid is not drawn into the breathing gas flow. Further, the channel can be configured such that when the breathing gas humidifier is tilted, liquid cannot flow from the water chamber into the channel or it becomes very difficult. For this purpose, the first channel section can be arranged vertically. The first channel section can be configured to be arranged orthogonal to the liquid surface when the breathing gas humidifier is installed with the bottom of the lower housing facing down as intended.

[0028] According to one embodiment, when the breathing gas humidifier is installed with the bottom of the lower housing facing down as intended, the breathing gas humidifier can be configured such that, in the vertical direction, the breathing gas inlet is arranged above the breathing gas outlet. According to one embodiment, when the breathing gas humidifier is installed with the bottom of the lower housing facing down as intended, the breathing gas humidifier can be configured such that, in the vertical direction, the third channel section is arranged above the breathing gas outlet and / or the second channel section. Such an arrangement provides additional protection against uncontrolled ingress of water into the channel and / or the breathing gas outlet.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the channel can be formed to be straight and / or at least partially bent and / or curved in its transverse direction. Thereby, the breathing gas path can lead from the center of the breathing gas humidifier to the housing and / or the breathing gas outlet. Due to the channel being bent or curved in the transverse direction, the breathing gas humidifier can be configured particularly space-saving. The channel can be designed to convey the breathing gas from the water chamber outlet to the breathing gas outlet during operation of the breathing gas humidifier. Curving the channel in the transverse direction can avoid turbulent flow in the air flow and can generate (as far as possible) a laminar air flow in the channel, which can be particularly advantageous.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the channel can comprise a dividing element in at least some sections, and the dividing element is configured to divide the channel into at least two sub-channels in at least some sections in its longitudinal direction. The dividing element can be configured to stabilize the flow of the breathing gas in the channel. The dividing element can be configured to promote laminar flow in the channel.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the breathing gas humidifier can comprise a water chamber inlet that can be configured in the upper part or the middle part of the housing, and the water chamber inlet can be configured as a simple opening or a water chamber inlet channel. The water chamber inlet can be configured as an opening in the upper part of the housing in some embodiments. According to one embodiment, the water chamber inlet can correspond to the breathing gas inlet. In an alternative embodiment, the water chamber inlet can also be configured as an opening in the middle part. In this case, the breathing gas inlet can be arranged in the upper part of the housing or can be formed by the upper part of the housing. In such an embodiment, the breathing gas can first be introduced into the upper part of the housing via the breathing gas inlet and then enter the water chamber from there via the water chamber inlet in the middle part. In some embodiments, the water chamber inlet has a volume and can be configured as a water chamber inlet channel in the upper part and / or the middle part of the housing.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the breathing gas humidifier may include a chamber formed between the breathing gas inlet and the water chamber inlet, which can be part of the breathing gas path, and the cross-section of the chamber may be larger than the cross-section of the breathing gas inlet and / or the cross-section of the water chamber inlet or water chamber inlet channel and / or the cross-section of the channel. According to one embodiment, the chamber and / or channel and / or water chamber and / or water chamber inlet or water chamber inlet channel may have acoustic impedances and may have different dimensions such that their respective acoustic impedances are different from each other.

[0033] The aforementioned different sections of the respiratory gas pathway may differ from directly adjacent sections of the respiratory gas pathway, particularly in terms of the size of the cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction. In this case, it is preferable that the cross-section and / or shape of the respiratory gas pathway narrows or widens abruptly or gradually at the transition between two adjacent sections of the respiratory gas pathway.

[0034] The resulting differences in acoustic impedance can attenuate sound. "Acoustic impedance," particularly acoustic current impedance, refers to the resistance to sound propagation. In transitional areas between regions with different acoustic impedances, sound wave reflection occurs, resulting in a sound attenuation effect.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the water chamber outlet and / or the first channel section can be located in the central region of the breathing gas humidifier in the horizontal plane. The breathing gas humidifier is designed such that the water chamber outlet and / or the first channel section is located away from the liquid level of the water chamber. The maximum filling height is selected so that the liquid does not reach the water chamber outlet. Furthermore, the water chamber outlet and / or the first channel section is located in the center of the device, so that there is no possibility of liquid entering the channel uncontrolled during operation and / or transport.

[0036] A breathing gas humidifier is constructed as a three-dimensional body and may have a bottom and at least one side wall. The breathing gas humidifier may have a basic shape such as a rectangular prism, cube, prism, cylinder, or pyramid. The water chamber outlet may be positioned as far away as possible from one or all of the side walls of the breathing gas humidifier in the horizontal plane. The water chamber outlet may be positioned in the center of the breathing gas humidifier in the horizontal plane. This allows the breathing gas humidifier to be designed so that it can be tilted to a certain angle without the liquid reaching the water chamber outlet and / or channel. By positioning the water chamber outlet in the center of the breathing gas humidifier, it can be designed so that the humidifier can withstand tilting or tipping in any direction without the liquid reaching the upper region of the breathing gas humidifier.

[0037] The present invention further relates to a ventilator, the ventilator comprising a breathing gas pathway, a first connection, and a second connection, and comprising a breathing gas humidifier as described in one of the preceding claims. The breathing gas humidifier is connected to the breathing gas pathway of the ventilator by being connected to the first connection via a breathing gas inlet and to the second connection via a breathing gas outlet.

[0038] A "ventilator" can be understood as a device for ventilation and / or anesthesia. Therefore, a ventilator may have ventilatory and anesthetic functions, or a combination thereof. "Ventilation" can be understood as artificial ventilation, respiratory support, respiratory therapy, respiratory diagnosis, cough support, oxygen supply therapy, such as high-flow therapy, inhalation anesthesia, and a combination of at least two of these examples. Therefore, an individual may receive ventilation or respiratory support using a ventilator, and alternatively or additionally, may be maintained in an anesthetic state. For this purpose, a ventilator may also be operated with anesthetic gases and therefore may be used for inhalation anesthesia.

[0039] Therefore, a ventilator can be understood as any device that assists an individual's natural breathing, and / or substitutes for ventilation, and / or is used for respiratory therapy, and / or for inhalation anesthesia, and / or otherwise acts on the respiration of a patient or user. Ventilators can be configured for clinical or home use and may include, for example, respiratory therapy devices, CPAP devices, APAP devices or BiLevel devices, high-flow therapy devices, general anesthesia devices or anesthesia devices, emergency ventilators, oxygen supply devices, diagnostic systems, or cough therapy devices or cough assist devices.

[0040] In the context of this invention, "patient interface" can be understood as any peripheral device configured for interaction with a living organism. In particular, the patient interface is configured in conjunction with a ventilator for the purposes of ventilation, treatment, and / or diagnosis. The patient interface may be configured as a respiratory mask. This includes, but is not limited to, nasal masks, masks with nasal pads, nasal cannulas or oxygen cannulas, full-face masks or total-face masks, and even tracheal tubes or tracheal cannulas.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Neither this description nor the drawings should be understood as limiting the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a respiratory gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a respiratory gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a respiratory gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view (not shown) of the upper part of the housing of a respiratory gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the intermediate section of a breathing gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a top view of an intermediate section relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a top view of the lower part of the housing in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] The drawings are purely schematic and not necessarily to scale. Where the same reference numerals are used in different drawings, these reference numerals indicate the same feature or a feature with equivalent functionality.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a breathing gas humidifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The breathing gas humidifier 1 is configured for use in combination with a ventilator 50. The breathing gas humidifier 1 is configured to humidify and / or heat the breathing gas. In this example, the breathing gas humidifier 1 comprises a two-part housing 20 consisting of a lower housing 23 and an upper housing 21. The lower housing 23 includes a bottom 24 configured to stably support the breathing gas humidifier 24. The bottom 24 can be formed in a planar shape as shown. The bottom 24 can also be configured, for example, in the form of one or more feet on which the breathing gas humidifier 1 can be supported. The bottom 24 defines the lower surface of the breathing gas humidifier 1. When used as intended, the breathing gas humidifier 1 is installed with the bottom 24 of the lower housing 23 facing downwards.

[0045] Furthermore, the breathing gas humidifier 1 is equipped with a breathing gas inlet 2 and a breathing gas outlet 4. The breathing gas inlet 2 can be positioned above the breathing gas outlet 4 in the vertical direction during a given use. A breathing gas path 3 is formed between the breathing gas inlet 2 and the breathing gas outlet 5 to guide the breathing gas. The breathing gas path 3 is indicated by block arrows in Figure 1. These arrows indicate the direction of the breathing gas flow. The breathing gas humidifier 1 is configured to guide the breathing gas along the breathing gas path 3.

[0046] The breathing gas inlet 2 can be configured to be connected to a device equipped with a breathing gas drive unit. Such a device will be referred to below as a ventilator 50. The ventilator 50 may include a first connection 51 connected to the breathing gas inlet 2. This allows the breathing gas to flow from the ventilator 50 through the breathing gas inlet 2 into the breathing gas humidifier 1. Thus, the breathing gas can enter the breathing gas pathway 3. The humidified and / or heated breathing gas can flow out of the breathing gas humidifier 1 through the breathing gas outlet 4. This allows the breathing gas to exit the breathing gas pathway 3 and be used for patient ventilation.

[0047] The breathing gas outlet 4 can also be configured to connect to the ventilator 50. This allows the breathing gas to return from inside the breathing gas humidifier 1 to the ventilator 50, where it can be used for patient ventilation. For this purpose, the ventilator 50 may be equipped with a second connection 52 connected to the breathing gas outlet 4. Furthermore, the ventilator 50 may be equipped with a tubing connection 53 and a conduit 54 formed between the second connection 52 and the tubing connection 53. The pressure and / or breathing gas flow rate and / or volume can be measured before the breathing gas is delivered to the patient. For this purpose, the breathing gas humidifier 1 and / or the ventilator 50 may be equipped with corresponding sensors.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the breathing gas can be used directly for patient ventilation from the breathing gas outlet 4, and for this purpose, it can be configured as a tubing connection.

[0049] Connection to the patient can be achieved via one or more ventilation tubes and / or suitable patient interfaces, which are not shown herein. The ventilation tubes and / or patient interfaces can typically be connected to the tube connection section 53 of the ventilator 50. In some embodiments, the ventilation tubes and / or patient interfaces can be directly connected to the respiratory gas outlet 4 of the respiratory gas humidifier 1. The patient interface can be, for example, a respiratory mask, an endotracheal tube, or a tracheal cannula, which can be used to supply heated and / or humidified respiratory gas from the respiratory gas humidifier 1 to the patient's respiratory system.

[0050] The breathing gas outlet 4 can be located in and / or formed by the lower housing 23. The breathing gas outlet 4 can be located below the liquid level (when the breathing gas humidifier 1 is installed with the bottom 24 of the lower housing 23 facing downwards as intended). It is preferable that the breathing gas outlet 4 be located near the bottom 24. Because the breathing gas outlet 4 is located low in the vertical direction, the tensile force applied to the breathing gas outlet 4 will not cause the device to shake or tilt, or will cause it to shake or tilt very little. Because the breathing gas outlet 4 is located low in the vertical direction, the ventilator's tube connection 53 can also be located low. This allows for a very short configuration of the conduit 54 within the device, and may eliminate the need for vertical direction changes in particular.

[0051] To humidify the breathing gas, the breathing gas is guided along the breathing gas path 2 through a water chamber 5. The water chamber 5 is configured to impart humidity and / or temperature to the breathing gas. The lower part of the housing 23 is configured as the water chamber 5 or may include the water chamber 5. The water chamber 5 is a container for storing a liquid 18 capable of humidifying the breathing gas. The liquid 18 can be, for example, water or a liquid containing water. The water chamber 5 may include an electric heating element 17 for heating the liquid 18 in the water chamber 5. The breathing gas humidifier 1 and / or ventilator 50 may include a control device, which is not shown here, and which can be used to control the electric heating element 17 to a specific temperature. The heating element 17 can be configured as, for example, an electric heating rod that can be inserted into the liquid 18.

[0052] The water chamber 5 can be configured to guide the breathing gas flow as close to the liquid surface as possible. To this end, at least one flow guide element 15 can be placed inside the water chamber, configured to guide the breathing gas toward the liquid surface. The breathing gas humidifier 1 is configured so that the breathing gas flows along the breathing gas path 3 from the breathing gas inlet 2 to the breathing gas outlet 4. In this process, the breathing gas comes into contact with the evaporated and heated liquid 18, thereby humidifying and / or temperature-regulating the breathing gas.

[0053] To generate a breathing gas flow within the breathing gas humidifier 1, the breathing gas humidifier 1 may be equipped with at least one breathing gas drive unit, such as a blower, which is not shown here. The breathing gas drive unit may be located inside or on the housing of the breathing gas humidifier 1. This allows the breathing gas humidifier 1 itself to be configured as a ventilator 50. However, it is preferable that the breathing gas flow is generated alternatively or additionally by the breathing gas drive unit of the ventilator 50.

[0054] To control the operation of the breathing gas humidifier 1, particularly the heating element 17, the breathing gas humidifier 1 may be equipped with a control device, which is not shown here. The control device may be located within or on the housing of the breathing gas humidifier 1. However, the breathing gas humidifier 1 may also be controlled by a control device of the ventilator 50, either alternatively or additionally.

[0055] The water chamber 5 may be equipped with a water chamber inlet 6 and a water chamber outlet 7. Through these, breathing gas can flow into and out of the water chamber 5. Between the water chamber outlet 7 and the breathing gas outlet 4, a channel 8 is formed to guide the humidified and / or heated breathing gas to the breathing gas outlet 4. The channel 8 may be formed in at least a portion of the housing upper 21 and / or housing lower 23, or may extend through the housing upper 21 and / or housing lower 23.

[0056] The breathing gas humidifier 1 may further comprise an intermediate section 22 (shown as a grid in Figure 1) (as shown in this example). The intermediate section 22 may be positioned between the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 23 in an airtight manner to the breathing gas. The channel 8 may be formed by the intermediate section 22 in at least a portion of its length, or may extend through the intermediate section 22. The channel 8 may be formed in at least a portion of its length by connecting the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 23, or by connecting the upper housing 21, the lower housing 23, and the intermediate section 22 (only).

[0057] The upper housing 21, the lower housing 23, and / or the intermediate section 22 can be reversibly connected to one another. This allows the housing members 21, 22, and 23 to be separated from each other, for example for cleaning, and then reconnected. By separating the housing members 21, 22, and 23, the channel 8 can also preferably be opened in at least some area, making it easier to clean the channel 8. In some embodiments, the channel 8 may be equipped with an (additional) heater (not shown) configured to heat the channel 8 to a first temperature to avoid condensation and / or heat the channel 8 to a second temperature to kill and / or inactivate fungi.

[0058] Channel 8 can be formed at least partially straight and / or at least partially bent and / or curved in its longitudinal direction. As shown in this example, channel 8 may comprise one or more channel sections 9, 10, 11, 12 that are fluidly connected to one another in its longitudinal direction.

[0059] The first channel section 9 can be configured to connect to the water chamber outlet 7. The second channel section 10 can be configured to connect to the breathing gas outlet 4. Furthermore, one or more additional channel sections 11, 12 can be placed between the first channel section 9 and the second channel section 10 and connected to one another. The channel sections 9, 10, 11, and 12 are pneumatically connected to one another and are configured to cause at least one reversal of the breathing gas within the channel 8.

[0060] In this example, the angle of each direction change can be ±90 degrees, thereby alternating vertical and horizontal channel sections. In this case, the first channel section 9 can be positioned vertically for at least a large portion of its length. This allows the humidified and / or heated breathing gas to be transported vertically first from the liquid surface. The subsequent third channel section 11 can be positioned bent at a 90-degree angle relative to the first channel section 9, thereby positioning the third channel section 11 horizontally for at least a large portion of its length.

[0061] The fourth channel section 12 following the third channel section 11 can also be positioned bent at a 90-degree angle to the preceding channel section 11, thereby positioning the fourth channel section 12 vertically, at least for most of its length. Thus, the channel 8 can be designed to guide the breathing gas vertically towards the bottom 24. The second channel section 10 following the fourth channel section 12 can redirect the breathing gas horizontally again. This allows the breathing gas to be discharged from the breathing gas humidifier 1 through the second channel section 10 and the breathing gas outlet 4.

[0062] In this example, the second channel section 10 leading to the breathing gas outlet 4 is positioned lower vertically than the other channel sections 9, 11, 12 and the water chamber outlet 7. Therefore, channel 8 is configured so that the breathing gas outlet 4 is positioned as low as possible within the breathing gas humidifier 1. The third channel section 11 can be the highest-positioned section of the channel vertically.

[0063] In a simplified embodiment, the water chamber inlet 6 can be located on the upper part 21 of the housing. Alternatively, the water chamber inlet 6 can be used as the breathing gas inlet 2 (not shown). Between the water chamber inlet 6 and the breathing gas inlet 2, a chamber 14 can be formed as shown in the figure. The breathing gas path 3 can then be led from the breathing gas inlet 2 to the chamber 14, and from there to the water chamber inlet 6 and the water chamber 5.

[0064] The water chamber inlet 6 can be configured as an opening between the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 23 (not shown). The water chamber inlet 6 can also be configured as an opening in the intermediate section 22, or as an opening between the intermediate section 22 and the lower housing 23, as shown in this example. The water chamber inlet 6 can also be configured as a water chamber inlet channel 16 having a specific volume.

[0065] In this example, the cross-section of chamber 14 (perpendicular to the flow direction) is larger than the cross-section of the breathing gas inlet 2, and / or the cross-section of the water chamber inlet 6 or water chamber inlet channel 16, and / or the cross-section of channel 8. Similarly, in this example, the cross-section of water chamber 5 is also larger than the cross-section of the breathing gas inlet 2, and / or the cross-section of the water chamber inlet 6 or water chamber inlet channel 16, and / or the cross-section of channel 8. Therefore, directly adjacent sections of the breathing gas path 3 differ in size with respect to the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow direction. It is preferable that the cross-section and / or shape of the breathing gas path 3 expands or contracts abruptly or gradually at the transition between adjacent sections. Chamber 14 and / or channel 8 and / or water chamber 5 and / or water chamber inlet 6 or water chamber inlet channel 16 can each have different dimensions so that their respective acoustic impedances are different from each other. This can reduce the operating noise of the breathing gas humidifier 1.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a breathing gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 2, the breathing gas outlet 4 is located in the lower part 23 of the housing. The breathing gas inlet 2 is located in the upper part 21 of the housing in this example. In this example, the breathing gas outlet 4 is located closer to the bottom 24 than the breathing gas inlet 2 in the vertical direction. The heating element 17 is also located in the lower part 23 of the housing. The lower part 23 of the housing may include a heating element housing section 27 that allows the heating element 17 to be housed in the lower part 23 of the housing. The heating element 17 can be reversibly connected to the lower part 23 of the housing via a mechanical locking mechanism. For example, the heating element 17 can be inserted into or fastened to the lower part of the housing via a rotary locking mechanism, preferably a bayonet locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the breathing gas inlet 2 and the breathing gas outlet 4 are located on the same side of the breathing gas humidifier 1. The heating element 17 can also be located on the same side.

[0067] The upper housing 21, the lower housing 23, and / or the intermediate section 22 can be reversibly connected to each other. This connection is preferably completely airtight to the breathing gas. For this purpose, the breathing gas humidifier 1 may have sealing surfaces (made of elastomer) not shown herein, which are located on the contact surfaces of the different housing members 21, 22, and 23. The upper housing 21, the lower housing 23, and / or the intermediate section 22 may be manufactured from or contain elastomer material.

[0068] Furthermore, the respiratory gas humidifier 1 may be equipped with at least one locking mechanism 25. During assembly, the upper housing 21 can be placed on the lower housing 23 and locked as needed. In a configuration with an intermediate section 22, the intermediate section 22 can be sandwiched between the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 23. During assembly, the intermediate section 22 can be inserted into the lower housing 23. Then, the upper housing 21 can be placed on the intermediate section 22 and / or the lower housing 23 and locked.

[0069] At the connection points between the upper housing 21, the lower housing 23, and / or the intermediate portion 22, an airtight connection to breathing gases can be formed by an elastomer, such as silicone, sealing surface (not shown here).

[0070] The locking mechanism 25 can lock the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 23 together. The locking mechanism 25 can be configured, for example, as a latch mechanism comprising a latch hook in one housing member and a corresponding opening in the other housing member. A grip surface can be provided to release the connection, and by lightly pulling on this grip surface, the latch connection is released due to a certain degree of elasticity of the material used for the housing.

[0071] The breathing gas humidifier 1 can be connected to a ventilator 50 (not shown here) via a breathing gas inlet 2 and / or a breathing gas outlet 4. For this purpose, one or more fastening mechanisms (not shown here) can be provided on the housing of the breathing gas humidifier 1 and / or the ventilator 50. The fastening mechanisms can be secured mechanically and / or magnetically and / or electrically. The fastening mechanisms are preferably configured to be reversible so that they can be easily fastened to and released from the ventilator 50. The fastening mechanisms can be configured, for example, as a hook on the ventilator 50 and a corresponding mating part on the breathing gas humidifier 1, or vice versa. The hook can be configured to hook onto, clip on, or connect in a similar manner to the corresponding mating part. The breathing gas humidifier 1 may further include at least one fastening inclined portion 26. The fastening inclined portion 26 can function as an inclined portion for pushing the breathing gas humidifier 1 away from the ventilator 50. The ventilator 50 may be equipped with at least one opposing inclined section, which is designed such that the vertical movement of the unlocking mechanism causes the horizontal movement (release) of the respiratory gas humidifier 1.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a breathing gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. This example shows that the intermediate section 22 can be sandwiched between the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 23. The intermediate section 22 is sandwiched between the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 23 in an airtight manner to the breathing gas so that the breathing gas can be guided along the breathing gas path. In this example, the breathing gas path is formed by the upper housing 21, the lower housing 23, and the intermediate section 21.

[0073] In this embodiment, channel 8 includes a dividing element 19 in at least a portion of its length. The dividing element 19 is configured to divide channel 8 into at least two subchannels in at least a portion of its length. As is clear from this figure, the fourth channel section 12 can be divided into two subchannels. The dividing element 19 can be configured to promote laminar flow induction and suppress turbulence within channel 8.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a breathing gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the upper part of the housing omitted from the illustration. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the middle section of a breathing gas humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] In this example, the water chamber outlet 7 and the first channel section 9 are located in the center of the device. As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the dividing element 19 can also divide multiple subsections of channel 8 or the entire channel 8 into two subchannels. In this example, the dividing element 19 divides at least the first channel section 9, the third channel section 11, and the fourth channel section 12 into two subchannels. Alternatively or additionally, the dividing element 19 can also divide the water chamber outlet 7 and / or the second channel section 10 into two sections or subchannels. It is also possible to arrange multiple dividing elements 19 to form further subchannels (not shown).

[0076] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5, it is further shown that the channel 8 can be configured to be curved in at least a portion of its transverse direction. For example, the third channel section 11 can be seen to be configured to be curved in its transverse direction. This enables a three-dimensional configuration of the channel 8, and therefore a compact structural form.

[0077] As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, the channel 8 is formed entirely by the connection of housing members. The channel 8 can be made up of two parts in at least a portion of its area, so that the channel can be opened in at least a portion of its area when the housing members are separated. This makes it easier to clean the channel 8. The channel 8 can be formed in at least a portion of its length by connecting the upper housing 21 to the lower housing 23, or by connecting the upper housing 21 to the lower housing 23 and the intermediate portion 22.

[0078] As shown in the figure, in some areas, half of the channel is formed by the intermediate section 22, which in this example corresponds to the third channel section 11. The other half of the channel 8 can be formed by the upper housing section 23, which is not shown here. Thus, the channel 8 is configured to fully and / or guide breathing gas only when the housing members are connected to each other.

[0079] Figure 6 shows a top view of the intermediate section 22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 6, the intermediate section 22 can at least partially constitute the water chamber inlet 6 and the water chamber outlet 7. Furthermore, the intermediate section 22 can at least partially constitute the channel 8 in at least a portion of its region, and a third channel section 11 can be seen in this figure.

[0080] The water chamber inlet 6 can be configured as a (simple) opening in the intermediate section 22. The water chamber inlet 6 may also have volume and be configured as a channel, and therefore can be configured as a water chamber inlet channel 16 in the intermediate section 22. The breathing gas can reach the water chamber 5 along the breathing gas path 3 through the water chamber inlet 6 or the water chamber inlet channel 16. The water chamber inlet 6 or the water chamber inlet channel 16 can be positioned close to the outer wall of the housing 20, as shown in the figure.

[0081] The water chamber outlet 7 can similarly be configured as a (simple) opening in the intermediate section 22. One end of the channel 8 can merge with the water chamber outlet 7. The breathing gas can travel along the breathing gas pathway 3 through the water chamber outlet 7 from the water chamber 5 to the channel 8. The water chamber outlet 7 or the channel 8 can be designed to guide the heated and / or humidified breathing gas from the water chamber 5 to a breathing gas outlet 4 (not shown here).

[0082] The water chamber outlet 7 can be positioned in the center as shown in the figure. In this case, the water chamber outlet 7 can be positioned as far away as possible from the outer wall of the housing 20. This has the advantage that even if the breathing gas humidifier is tilted, the liquid cannot reach the channel 8 from the water chamber 5, or it becomes very difficult for it to do so. The channel 8 can be configured to guide the breathing gas from the center outwards, i.e., towards the housing wall 20. The other end of the channel 8 merges with the breathing gas outlet 4.

[0083] Figure 7 shows a top view of the lower housing 23 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 7, the lower housing 23 may include a water chamber 5. Furthermore, the lower housing 23 may constitute a channel 8 in at least a portion of its area, at least partially. As can be seen from this figure, the lower housing 23 may include at least one sub-section of the channel 8. Preferably, the lower housing 23 may include or be configured with channel sections 10, 12 that are located in close proximity to the breathing gas outlet 4 or that merge with the breathing gas outlet 4.

[0084] Channel 8 is provided with a channel wall and is configured to be watertightly separated from the water chamber 5 through this channel wall. Channel 8 is designed to guide heated and / or humidified breathing gas from the water chamber 5 toward the breathing gas outlet 4. As can be seen in Figure 7, the breathing gas outlet 4 can be located in or formed by the lower part of the housing 23. The breathing gas outlet 4 can be located in close proximity to the heating element housing 27. The heating element housing 27 can insert or hold a heating element (not shown here) into the water chamber 5. Preferably, the breathing gas outlet 4 and the heating element housing 27 can be located in the same housing wall.

[0085] Finally, please note that terms such as "equip," "include," "possess," and "accompany" do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms that do not specify a quantity do not exclude the possibility of being plural.

[0086] Furthermore, it should be noted that any features or steps described in relation to the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with any features or steps described in relation to other embodiments described above.

[0087] Reference numerals in the claims should not be understood as limiting the scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1. Breathing gas humidifier 2. Breathing gas inlet 3. Respiratory gas pathways 4. Breathing gas outlet 5 Water chamber 6 Water chamber entrance 7 Water chamber outlet 8 channels 9. First channel section 10 Second channel section 11 Third channel section 12. Fourth channel section 14 rooms 15 Direction element 16 Water chamber inlet channel 17 Heating element 18 liquid 19 division elements 20 Housing 21 Upper part of housing 22 Middle section 23 Lower part of housing 24 Bottom 25 Locking mechanism 26 Slanted part for fastening 27 Heating element housing 50 Respirator 51 First connection section 52 Second connection section 53 Tube connection 54 Conduit

Claims

1. A breathing gas humidifier (1), the breathing gas humidifier (1) comprises a housing (20), the housing (20) includes an upper housing (21) and a lower housing (23), the lower housing (23) comprises a water chamber (5) for humidifying and / or heating breathing gas, The breathing gas humidifier (1) further comprises a breathing gas inlet (2) and a breathing gas outlet (4), and a breathing gas path (3) is formed between the breathing gas inlet (2) and the breathing gas outlet (4) to guide the breathing gas from the breathing gas inlet (2) to the breathing gas outlet (4), and the breathing gas path (3) is guided through the water chamber (5), The breathing gas pathway (3) includes a watertight channel (8) through which the humidified and / or heated breathing gas is guided, the channel (8) having one end (7) joining the water chamber (5) and the other end joining the breathing gas outlet (4), The channel (8) is configured such that the breathing gas outlet (4) is located in the lower part of the housing (23) and / or is at least partially formed by the lower part of the housing (23), in a breathing gas humidifier.

2. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the breathing gas outlet (4) is positioned below the liquid level when the water chamber (5) is filled as intended with the liquid for humidifying the breathing gas.

3. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel (8) is formed in at least a portion of the upper part (21) and / or lower part (23) of the housing, or extends through the upper part (21) and / or lower part (23) of the housing.

4. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the breathing gas humidifier (1) comprises an intermediate portion (22) disposed between the upper portion (21) and the lower portion (23) of the housing in an airtight manner to breathing gas, and the channel (8) is formed by the intermediate portion (22) or extends through the intermediate portion (22) in at least a portion of the section.

5. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the channel (8) is configured in at least a portion of the section by a connection between the upper part of the housing (21) and the lower part of the housing (23), or by a connection between the upper part of the housing (21) and the lower part of the housing (23) and the intermediate part (22).

6. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the channel (8) is formed to be at least partially bent and / or curved in its longitudinal direction.

7. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the channel (8) includes one or more channel sections (9, 10, 11, 12) that are fluidly connected to each other in its longitudinal direction, The channel (8) includes a first channel section (9) connected to the water chamber outlet (7), a second channel section (10) connected to the breathing gas outlet (4), and at least one further channel section (11, 12) connecting the first channel section (9) and the second channel section (10), A breathing gas humidifier, wherein the channel sections (9, 10, 11, 12) are configured to cause at least one change of direction of the breathing gas.

8. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first channel section (9) is configured to extend vertically away from the liquid surface when the breathing gas humidifier (1) is installed with the bottom (24) facing downward as intended and the water chamber (5) is filled with a liquid for humidifying the breathing gas.

9. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a third channel section (11) is configured to connect the first channel section (9) and the second channel section (10), and the third channel section (11) is positioned above the breathing gas outlet (4) in the vertical direction when the breathing gas humidifier (1) is installed with the bottom (24) facing downward as intended.

10. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the channel (8) comprises a dividing element (19) in at least a portion of its length, and the dividing element (19) is configured to divide the channel (8) into at least two subchannels in at least a portion of its length.

11. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the water chamber (5) comprises a water chamber inlet (6) and a water chamber outlet (7), the breathing gas path (3) is guided to enter the water chamber (5) through the water chamber inlet (6) and exit the water chamber (5) through the water chamber outlet (7), the water chamber inlet (6) is located in the upper part (21) and / or the intermediate part (22) of the housing, and the water chamber inlet (6) is configured as a simple opening or a water chamber inlet channel (16).

12. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to claim 11, wherein the water chamber outlet (7) and / or the first channel section (9) are located in the central region of the breathing gas humidifier (1) in the horizontal plane.

13. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the channel (8) is formed to bend and / or curve at least partially in its transverse direction, thereby leading the breathing gas path from the center of the breathing gas humidifier (1) to the housing (20) and / or the breathing gas outlet (4).

14. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the breathing gas humidifier (1) comprises a chamber (14) formed between the breathing gas inlet (2) and the water chamber inlet (6, 16) and being part of the breathing gas path (3), the cross-section of the chamber (14) being larger than the cross-section of the breathing gas inlet (2) and / or the water chamber inlet (6) or the water chamber inlet channel (16) and / or the channel (8).

15. A breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the chamber (14) and / or the channel (8) and / or the water chamber (5) and / or the water chamber inlet (6) or the water chamber inlet channel (16) have acoustic impedances and have different dimensions such that their respective acoustic impedances are different from each other.

16. A ventilator (50) comprising a breathing gas pathway, a first connection (51), and a second connection (52), and a breathing gas humidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The respiratory gas humidifier (1) is connected to the respiratory gas path of the ventilator (50) by being connected to the first connection part (51) via a respiratory gas inlet (2) and to the second connection part (52) via a respiratory gas outlet (4).

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