Respiratory support devices and / or components thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a respiratory support device and / or its components. [Solution] The respiratory assist device comprises a housing with an engagement mechanism, an electrical component within the housing, and a removable component 171. The electrical component has a receiving portion. The removable component 171 has an electrical connector 178 that interlocks or interlocks into the receiving portion of the electrical component, helping to keep the removable component 171 connected to the electrical component. The removable component has a tab 172, the end portion 172b of which can be bent with respect to the rest of the removable component. An engagement mechanism 174 is provided on the end portion of the tab and engages with the engagement mechanism of the housing so that the removable component will not detach from the housing unless the end portion 172a of the removable component is actuated and the tab is bent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a respiratory assistance device and / or its components.

Background Art

[0002] Respiratory assistance devices are used to deliver a gas flow to a user or patient in various environments, such as hospitals, medical facilities, home care, or within a home. Respiratory assistance devices take various forms, such as self - contained humidifiers, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, high - flow therapy devices, or ventilators.

[0003] Self - contained humidifiers can deliver heated and humidified gas for various medical procedures, including respiratory therapy, laparoscopy, and others. These devices can be configured to control temperature and / or humidity. The device can also include a medical circuit containing various components that can be used to transport heated and / or humidified gas to and from the patient. For example, in some respiratory circuits, the gas inhaled by the patient is delivered from a heater - humidifier through an inspiratory tube or conduit. As another example, a tube can deliver humidified gas (commonly CO2) into the abdomen within an air supply circuit. This can help prevent drying out of the patient's internal organs, i.e., "drying out", thereby shortening the time required for postoperative recovery. The heater wire extends into at least a portion of the tubing forming the circuit to prevent or at least reduce the possibility of significant condensation formation.

[0004] Self - contained humidifiers typically include a heater base and a humidifying liquid chamber. The heater base can include a heating plate. The liquid chamber can be configured to hold a certain volume of liquid, such as water. The heating plate can be configured to heat a certain volume of liquid held within the liquid chamber to generate steam.

[0005] The liquid chamber is removable from the heater base, which facilitates sterilization or disposal of the liquid chamber, or refilling the chamber with liquid. The body of the liquid chamber can be formed from non-conductive glass or plastic material, but the liquid chamber may also include conductive components. For example, the liquid chamber may include a highly thermally conductive bottom (e.g., an aluminum bottom) that contacts or is associated with the heating plate on the heater base.

[0006] The heater base may also include an electronic controller, such as a master controller. Based on user inputs of humidity or temperature values ​​and other inputs via a user interface, the master controller determines when (or to what extent) to excite the heating plate to heat the liquid in the liquid chamber.

[0007] A self-contained humidifier may include a gas supply unit for delivering gas to a liquid chamber. In some configurations, the gas supply unit may also include a ventilator, blower, or any other suitable source of pressurized gas suitable for use in respiratory or medical procedures.

[0008] Self-contained humidifiers can be used in respiratory therapy, positive pressure therapy, non-invasive ventilation, surgical procedures including but not limited to laparoscopic surgery, and other applications. Preferably, the humidifier can be configured to supply moisture or vapor to the gas supply unit. Humidifiers can be used in continuous, variable, or bilevel PAP systems or other forms of respiratory therapy. In some configurations, humidifiers can be integrated into systems providing any of these types of therapy.

[0009] An example of a self-contained humidifier is described in International Publication No. 2015 / 038013.

[0010] A CPAP device is a gas supply and may also be a gas humidifier. This device is capable of providing respiratory support to patients or users who require positive pressure gas (humidified or otherwise) for the treatment of conditions including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snoring, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and others. A CPAP device typically includes a humidifier liquid chamber, forming a complex of an assisted breathing unit and a humidifier.

[0011] CPAP devices, when used with a humidifier, typically have a structure in which gas at the required pressure is delivered from an assisted breathing unit or blower unit to a liquid chamber downstream of the blower. The gas is saturated with liquid vapor (e.g., water vapor) as it passes through the liquid chamber. A flexible tubular gas conduit delivers the gas from the humidifier chamber to the user or patient downstream.

[0012] An example of a CPAP device is described in International Publication No. 2011 / 056080.

[0013] High-flow devices may be used to deliver high-flow gases or high-flow therapies to patients to assist respiration and / or to treat respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High-flow devices include a gas supply unit and typically include a humidifier.

[0014] A respiratory support device typically has one or more attachments, such as a respiratory conduit, and a patient interface, such as a cannula or mask, for delivering gas to the patient. The conduit allows the gas to be delivered from the respiratory support device housing to the patient. For example, the device may be placed on the floor or other support surface, and the patient may be in bed. The respiratory support device may have a recess for receiving a humidifier liquid chamber. The liquid chamber receives liquid, for example, from a flexible liquid bag that delivers liquid to the humidifier liquid chamber via one or more tubes. Alternatively, the liquid chamber can be removed and refilled as needed. The recess houses a heating plate for heating the liquid chamber, and the gas passing through the liquid chamber is humidified. The humidified gas is then delivered to the patient. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] According to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a filter module for a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the filter module comprising a filter body having a plurality of walls including a first wall, an opposing second wall, and an upper wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, defining at least one filter chamber, and a gas port communicating with at least one filter chamber within the filter body, the gas port extending upward from the upper wall and positioned closer to one of the first wall and the second wall than to the center of the upper wall, the gas port being configured to interact with a handle of the respiratory assist device.

[0016] In some configurations, the filter body includes an upper wall and a lower wall opposite it, and the upper wall is angled so as not to be parallel to the lower wall.

[0017] In some configurations, the upper wall is oriented at an angle of approximately 2 to 10 degrees relative to the lower wall, optionally between approximately 2 to 5 degrees, and optionally around 3 degrees.

[0018] In some configurations, the second wall is higher than the first wall.

[0019] In some configurations, the gas port is located on or adjacent to the second wall.

[0020] In some configurations, the lower wall includes one or more lower ports for delivering gas to at least one filter chamber in the filter body.

[0021] In some configurations, the filter includes a filter medium that filters the gas exiting the filter chamber.

[0022] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing having a filter recess for receiving a filter module as described above; and a handle movably connected to the housing between a storage position and a transport position, the handle having a hole for accommodating a gas port of the filter module when the handle is in the storage position, the filter module being received in the filter recess.

[0023] In some configurations, the handle includes a side member having a connecting mechanism at one end that movably connects the handle to the housing, and a lateral transport portion that can be used to transport the respiratory assist device extends from the other end of the side member, with a hole provided in the side member and positioned closer to the lateral transport portion to the connecting mechanism.

[0024] In some configurations, the upper wall portion of the housing includes a handle recess for receiving the handle in the storage position.

[0025] In addition, according to at least one specific feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed in the present application, a respiratory assistance device is disclosed, which includes a housing and an enclosure plate configured to cooperate with the housing, and the enclosure plate is configured to be attached to the housing by a subsequent movement of the enclosure plate in a second direction offset from a first direction following an initial movement of the enclosure plate in the first direction.

[0026] In some configurations, the second direction is transverse to the first direction.

[0027] In some configurations, the first direction is a downward direction and the second direction is a rearward direction.

[0028] In some configurations, the housing has a vertical protrusion that stands upright and engages with a downward open recess of a complementary enclosure plate when the enclosure plate moves in a downward direction with respect to the housing.

[0029] In some configurations, the housing has a forward protrusion that engages with a rearward open recess of a complementary enclosure plate when the enclosure plate moves rearward with respect to the housing.

[0030] In some configurations, the enclosure plate includes a front wall that is complementary to the surface of the housing, and the front wall is configured to contact the surface of the housing when the enclosure plate is attached to the housing.

[0031] In some configurations, the front wall and the surface of the housing are arcuate.

[0032] In some configurations, the enclosure plate and the housing have a mechanism for preventing the enclosure plate from detaching from the housing.

[0033] In some configurations, the enclosure plate includes one or more engaging protrusions and / or engaging recesses that engage with one or more engaging protrusions and / or engaging recesses of a complementary housing.

[0034] In some configurations, each engaging projection and / or engaging recess has a first side with a relatively flat angle and a second side with a relatively steep angle, the first side being configured to interact with each other when the enclosure plate is attached to the housing, and the second side being configured to interact with each other to prevent the enclosure plate from coming off the housing.

[0035] In some configurations, the respiratory support device further includes a removable component that includes a gas port that can be detachably connected to the housing, and the enclosure plate is configured to work in conjunction with the removable component.

[0036] In some configurations, the removable components are detachable from the enclosure and housing when the enclosure is attached to the housing.

[0037] In some configurations, the respiratory support device includes electrical components within a housing that includes a socket, and the removable components include an electrical connector that is received within the socket and a seal configured to strike and engage with a portion of the socket.

[0038] In some configurations, the seal includes a wiper seal.

[0039] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0040] In some configurations, the seal includes an overmolded seal.

[0041] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, the PCB electrical connector is partially housed within a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member that is molded integrally with a seal and covers the portion housed within the cavity of the PCB electrical connector.

[0042] In some configurations, the removable component is a removable elbow.

[0043] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed which includes a housing, a removable component which includes a gas port that can be removablely connected to the housing by moving the removable component in a first direction and can be disconnected from the housing by moving the removable component in the opposite direction to the first direction, and a fencing plate configured to cooperate with the housing and the removable component, wherein the fencing plate is configured to be attached to the housing by an initial movement of the fencing plate in a first direction and a subsequent movement of the fencing plate in a second direction offset from the first direction, without the use of fasteners, wherein the fencing plate is configured such that the fencing plate cannot be detached from the housing by pulling the removable component in the second direction alone.

[0044] In some configurations, the housing has an upright vertical projection that engages with a downward-facing open recess of a complementary enclosure plate as the enclosure plate moves in a first direction relative to the housing.

[0045] In some configurations, the housing has a forward-facing projection that engages with a rearward-opening recess of a complementary enclosure plate as the enclosure plate moves in a second direction relative to the housing.

[0046] In some configurations, the enclosure plate and the housing have a mechanism to prevent the enclosure plate from detaching from the housing.

[0047] In some configurations, the enclosure plate includes one or more engaging projections and / or engaging recesses that engage with one or more engaging projections and / or engaging recesses of a complementary housing.

[0048] In some configurations, each engaging projection and / or engaging recess has a first side with a relatively flat angle and a second side with a relatively steep angle, the first side being configured to interact with each other when the enclosure plate is attached to the housing, and the second side being configured to interact with each other to prevent the enclosure plate from coming off the housing.

[0049] In some configurations, the first direction of movement of the enclosure plate is different from the first and second directions of movement of the removable components.

[0050] In some configurations, the respiratory support device includes an electrical component with a socket within the housing, and the removable component includes an electrical connector that is received within the socket and a seal configured to abut and engage with a portion of the socket.

[0051] In some configurations, the seal includes a wiper seal.

[0052] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0053] In some configurations, the seal includes an overmolded seal.

[0054] In some embodiments, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, the PCB electrical connector being partially housed in a cavity of a removable component, the removable component including a molded base member that is molded integrally with a seal and covers the portion of the PCB electrical connector housed in the cavity.

[0055] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising: a housing having electrical components within the housing; and a removable component removablely connected to the housing and configured to form an electrical connection with the electrical components within the housing, the removable component including a first gas port connected to a first attachment for the respiratory assist device and a second gas port connected to a second attachment for the respiratory assist device, wherein the first gas port is in fluid communication with the second gas port via a gas passage within the removable component, the removable component being configured to be connected to the housing by moving the removable component in a first direction with respect to the housing, the removable component being configured to be disconnected from the housing by moving the removable component in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the removable component being configured such that the removable component cannot be moved in the second direction without acting a part of the removable component with respect to the other part of the removable component.

[0056] In some configurations, the first port includes a gas inlet port, and the second port includes a patient exit port.

[0057] In some configurations, the housing includes a recess for receiving a liquid chamber having a gas outlet port connected to a gas inlet port of a removable component, and the patient outlet port is configured to be connected to a patient conduit.

[0058] In some configurations, the respiratory support device is configured so that connections between the removable components and the fluid chamber, housing, and patient conduit can be made in any order.

[0059] In some configurations, the direction of movement for connecting the liquid chamber to the removable component is the same as the direction of movement for connecting the removable component to the housing.

[0060] In some configurations, the removable component and the housing include complementary engagement mechanisms configured such that the removable component cannot be detached from the housing unless the aforementioned portion of the removable component is actuated.

[0061] In some configurations, the removable component and the housing include complementary engagement mechanisms configured to prevent the removable component from being detached from the housing without activating the portion of the removable component if a sufficiently strong force is applied to the removable component.

[0062] In some configurations, the removable component includes a tab having a bendable end portion relative to the rest of the removable component, and the engagement mechanism of the removable component is provided at the end portion.

[0063] In some configurations, the tab includes a thin section between the end portion and the second gas port.

[0064] In some configurations, the first and second gas ports include seals.

[0065] In some configurations, the seal of the first gas port includes two wiper seal elements.

[0066] In some configurations, the two wiper seal elements are incorporated into a single seal.

[0067] In some configurations, the electrical components within the housing include electrical interconnection assemblies.

[0068] In some configurations, the electrical interconnect assembly includes sockets for receiving electrical connectors for removable components and a printed circuit board (PCB) that connects to the device's power board.

[0069] In some configurations, a portion of the socket is configured to form an interlocking or interlocking fit with the electrical connector of a removable component.

[0070] In some configurations, the removable component includes a seal configured to strike and engage with a portion of the socket.

[0071] In some configurations, the seal includes a wiper seal.

[0072] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0073] In some configurations, the seal includes an overmolded seal.

[0074] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, the PCB electrical connector is partially housed within a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member that is molded integrally with a seal and covers the portion of the PCB electrical connector housed within the cavity.

[0075] In some configurations, the electrical interconnect assembly includes an overmolding that provides a pneumatic seal.

[0076] In some configurations, the overmolding covers at least one section of the PCB.

[0077] In some configurations, the overmolding is configured to create a seal between the holes in the housing and the PCB.

[0078] In some configurations, the overmolding covers the connection between the PCB and the socket.

[0079] In some configurations, the removable component is a removable elbow.

[0080] In some configurations, the portion of a removable component configured to form an electrical connection with an electrical component within the housing is pneumatically isolated from the gas passage of the removable component, and the connection of the removable component to the housing does not form a direct air connection between the gas passage and the housing.

[0081] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the respiratory assist device comprising a housing including an engagement mechanism; an electrical component within the housing, the electrical component including a receptacle; and a removable component including an electrical connector configured to interlock or interlock within the receptacle of the electrical component and to help hold the removable component connected to the electrical component, wherein the removable component includes a gas port, and the removable component further includes a tab having a bendable end portion with respect to the rest of the removable component, the engagement mechanism being provided on the end portion of the tab and configured to engage with the engagement mechanism of the housing, thereby preventing the removable component from being detached from the housing unless the end portion of the removable component is actuated to bend the tab.

[0082] In some configurations, the tab includes a thin portion adjacent to the end portion.

[0083] In some configurations, the engagement mechanism of a removable component includes a projection, and the engagement mechanism of the housing includes a complementary engagement recess.

[0084] In some configurations, the projection extends outward from the side of the terminal portion.

[0085] In some configurations, the housing and the removable component each have two of the engagement mechanisms, the engagement mechanism of the removable component includes two projections extending outward from both sides of the end portion, and the housing includes two complementary engagement recesses.

[0086] In some configurations, the engagement mechanism is configured such that the end of the tab bends when a removable component is inserted into the housing.

[0087] In some configurations, the electrical component includes a socket, and the removable component includes a seal configured to strike and engage with a portion of the socket.

[0088] In some configurations, the seal includes a wiper seal.

[0089] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0090] In some configurations, the seal includes an overmolded seal.

[0091] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, the PCB electrical connector is partially housed within a cavity of a removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member that is molded integrally with a seal and covers the portion of the PCB electrical connector housed within the cavity.

[0092] In some configurations, the removable component is a removable elbow.

[0093] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, an electrical component for use in a respiratory assist device is disclosed, the electrical component comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) and an overmolding on at least a certain section of the PCB, the overmolding providing a pneumatic seal on that section of the PCB and between the overmolding and other components.

[0094] In some configurations, sections of the PCB are exposed from the overmolded seal.

[0095] In some configurations, the portion of the PCB exposed from the overmolding is the lower-power section of the PCB, while the higher-power section of the PCB is substantially covered by the overmolding.

[0096] In some configurations, other parts of the PCB are exposed from the overmolding to form connectors that link the higher-power section of the PCB to the device's main power board.

[0097] In some configurations, the overmolding is configured to create an air seal between the holes in the device housing and the PCB.

[0098] In some configurations, the lower-power section of the PCB that is exposed from the overmolding extends to the electrical connector.

[0099] In some configurations, the electrical connector is associated with other components that have lower power requirements than the main power board.

[0100] In some configurations, the other component is the device's display.

[0101] In some configurations, the electrical component includes a socket for receiving the electrical connector of a removable component.

[0102] In some configurations, the overmolding covers the connection between the PCB and the socket.

[0103] In some configurations, overmolding seals electrical and / or electronic components on the PCB.

[0104] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed which includes a housing having a wall, a component having a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) that provides power and / or communication to the component, and a retaining mechanism on the surface of the wall having spaced-out ribs and inward projections extending from the end edges of the ribs, wherein the distance between the ribs is complementary to the width of the flexible PCB, and the distance between the projections is less than the width of the flexible PCB, thereby holding the flexible PCB between the projections and the wall.

[0105] In some configurations, the respiratory assist device further includes one or more support means between the ribs, the depth of which is less than the depth of the ribs, and the flexible PCB is configured to contact the protrusions.

[0106] In some configurations, the respiratory assist device further includes other components within the housing, the other components having wires that provide power and / or communication to the other components, the wires being received between a wall, one of the support means, one of the ribs, and a flexible PCB, or the wires being received between a wall, two of the support means, and a flexible PCB.

[0107] In some configurations, the wall includes a gap, thereby allowing a flexible PCB and optionally wires to pass through the wall, and the retaining mechanism is positioned above the gap.

[0108] In some configurations, the respiratory support device includes a power panel on top of the holding mechanism, and the power panel includes receptacle slots for a flexible PCB and optionally for wires.

[0109] In some configurations, the power panel includes receptacles for accommodating electrical connectors for a flexible PCB and optionally for wires.

[0110] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory assist device is disclosed which includes a housing having a gas port configured to be connected to a port of a liquid chamber, and a seal on the gas port for providing a pneumatic seal to the port of the liquid chamber, the seal being a single seal comprising two sealing elements, each sealing element comprising a wiper seal.

[0111] In some configurations, each sealing element includes a bulbous tip positioned radially outward, and each sealing element may include a narrow web section between the tip and the base of the seal.

[0112] In some configurations, the sealing element is an annular sealing element, one of the sealing elements is positioned closer to the end of the gas port than the other sealing element, and the sealing element positioned closer to the end of the gas port has a larger diameter than the other sealing element.

[0113] In some configurations, the seal includes another sealing element at the end of the seal opposite to the end of the gas port, or adjacent thereto.

[0114] In some configurations, another sealing element includes an outwardly tapered portion of the seal, at the end opposite the gas port, or adjacent thereto, and a radially projecting flange.

[0115] In some configurations, a separate sealing element is configured to form a seal with a second component distinct from the liquid chamber.

[0116] In some configurations, the flange protrudes further radially outward than the wiper seal, thereby connecting to a second component having a larger inner diameter than the port of the liquid chamber.

[0117] In some configurations, the flange is configured to connect to components of the disinfection kit.

[0118] In some configurations, the ports of the liquid chamber include either an inlet port or an outlet port.

[0119] In some configurations, the gas port includes a recessed portion for receiving a seal.

[0120] In some configurations, the housing includes two gas ports, and one of the seals is provided to each of the gas ports.

[0121] In some configurations, the gas port is part of a removable component, and the respiratory assist device includes an electrical component with a socket within the housing, the removable component including an electrical connector for receiving the socket and a seal configured to strike and engage with a portion of the socket.

[0122] In some configurations, a seal configured to engage with a portion of the socket includes a wiper seal.

[0123] In some configurations, a seal configured to engage with a portion of a socket includes one or more sealing elements.

[0124] In some configurations, seals configured to engage with a portion of the socket include overmolded seals.

[0125] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, the PCB electrical connector being partially housed within a cavity of a removable component, the removable component being molded integrally with a seal configured to abut and engage with a portion of the socket, and including a molded base member that covers the portion housed within the cavity of the PCB electrical connector.

[0126] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a removable component is disclosed for use with a respiratory assist device including a housing and an electrical component including a socket within the housing, wherein the removable component is configured to be removablely connected to the housing to form an electrical connection with the electrical component within the housing, and the removable component includes an electrical connector received in the socket, a gas port, and a seal configured to abut and engage with a portion of the socket.

[0127] In some configurations, the seal includes a wiper seal.

[0128] In some configurations, the seal includes one or more sealing elements.

[0129] In some configurations, the seal includes an overmolded seal.

[0130] In some configurations, the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, the PCB electrical connector being partially housed within a cavity of a removable component, the removable component being molded integrally with a seal configured to abut and engage with a portion of the socket, and including a molded base member that covers the portion housed within the cavity of the PCB electrical connector.

[0131] In some configurations, the gas port is a first gas port, and the removable component includes a second gas port that is in fluid communication with the first gas port via a gas passage within the removable component.

[0132] In some configurations, the first gas port is for connection to a first attachment for the respiratory support device, and the second gas port is for connection to a second attachment for the respiratory support device.

[0133] In some configurations, the removable component is a removable elbow.

[0134] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a combination of a respiratory assist device and a removable component is disclosed, the combination comprising a respiratory assist device including an electrical component including a housing and a socket within the housing, and the aforementioned removable component.

[0135] In some configurations, electrical components include electrical interconnect assemblies.

[0136] In some configurations, the electrical interconnect assembly includes a socket and a printed circuit board (PCB) that connects to the device's power board.

[0137] In some configurations, the electrical interconnect assembly includes an overmolding that provides a pneumatic seal.

[0138] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a seal for use in a motor module for a breathing apparatus is disclosed, the seal comprising a fixed portion and a flexible portion configured to bend inward toward a gas flow path.

[0139] In some configurations, the seal has an operating position or orientation in which the flexible portion bends and contacts a portion of the fixed portion. In the operating orientation, the seal forms a meandering path for any gas moving through it.

[0140] In addition, according to at least one particular feature, aspect, and advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein, a motor module for a breathing apparatus is disclosed, the motor module comprising a base, a coating layer, a sensing layer sandwiched between the base and the coating layer, a seal between the base and the sensing layer and / or a seal between the sensing layer and the coating layer, wherein each of the seals comprises a fixed portion and a flexible portion configured to bend inward toward a gas flow path.

[0141] In some configurations, the seal includes a corrugated shape.

[0142] In some configurations, the seal's height decreases from the uncompressed position to the operating position.

[0143] One or more features of an embodiment or configuration may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments or configurations. Furthermore, two or more embodiments may be used together during the process of patient respiratory support.

[0144] References to the range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) 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) and to all ranges of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7), and are therefore intended to expressly disclose all sub-parts of all ranges expressly disclosed herein. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all conceivable combinations of numbers between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​should be considered expressly disclosed herein as well.

[0145] Alternative embodiments or configurations may include any combination of two or more parts, elements, or features illustrated, described, or referenced herein.

[0146] The present invention may also be broadly said to consist of each or any set of parts, elements, and features referred to or indicated in the specification of this application, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the aforementioned parts, elements, or features.

[0147] A person skilled in the art to which this invention relates will be able to conceive of many modifications in the configuration and various embodiments and applications of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. The disclosures and descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any sense. Where a specific integer having an equivalent known in the art to which this invention relates is described herein, such known equivalents shall be deemed to be included in this application as if they were individually specified.

[0148] As used herein, the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least part of." When interpreting each statement containing the term "comprising" in this specification, other characteristics may also exist besides those associated with the term. Related variations such as "comprise" and "comprises" shall be interpreted similarly.

[0149] As used herein, the noun ending "(s)" signifies the plural and / or singular form of that noun.

[0150] As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or” or both, where the context makes it possible.

[0151] The present invention envisions the configurations described above as well as those described below, but these are merely examples.

[0152] Those skilled in the art will understand the specific embodiments and improvements thereof by reading the detailed description with reference to the drawings below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0153] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the schematic form of a respiratory support device. [Figure 2] This is a front / right-side overhead perspective view of the respiratory support device, showing that the humidifying liquid chamber is located within a recess in the base unit of the respiratory support device. [Figure 3] This is a front / left-side overhead perspective view of the respiratory support device, with the liquid chamber removed from the recess in the base unit of the respiratory support device. [Figure 4] This is a front / right-side overhead perspective view of the base unit of a respiratory support device, without showing the liquid chamber and heating plate. [Figure 5] This is a front / right bottom perspective view of the base unit of the respiratory support device, with the liquid chamber not shown. [Figure 6] This is a front / right-side overhead perspective view of the removable elbow and enclosure plate of the respiratory support device base unit. [Figure 7] This is a right side view of the elbow. [Figure 8] The seal is not shown in the illustration; it is a rear / right perspective view showing the elbow from below. [Figure 9] This is a top view of the enclosure plate and elbow before the elbow is inserted into the enclosure plate. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged right side view showing the engagement mechanism on the elbow that engages with the enclosure plate (dashed line). [Figure 11] This is a right side view of the elbow, with the position of the temperature sensor indicated by a dashed line. [Figure 12] This is a right-side view of a portion of the elbow, showing details of the seal. [Figure 13] This is a front / right-side overhead perspective view showing a disinfection kit attached to a respiratory support device. [Figure 14] This is a view of the underside of the enclosure plate, showing the engaging projection. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of the right side of the enclosure panel. [Figure 16] This is a top view of the screen carrier of the housing of the respiratory support device base unit, showing complementary protrusions. [Figure 17] The first step of engaging the enclosure plate with the screen carrier of the upper chassis is shown. [Figure 18] This shows the enclosure plate once engaged with the screen carrier. [Figure 19] This shows the engagement of the engagement projections between the enclosure plate and the screen carrier. [Figure 20] This is a front / right-side perspective view of the upper chassis of the housing with the handle. [Figure 21] This is a top view of the handle. [Figure 22] This shows part of the connection device for receiving the handle. [Figure 23] This is a right side view of the connector with the handle in the lowered position. [Figure 24] This is a right side view of the connector with the handle in the raised position. [Figure 25] This is a right-side view of the filter module. [Figure 26] This is a left side view of the filter module. [Figure 27] This is a front / left-side overhead perspective view showing the filter module installed inside the upper chassis and the handle lowered. [Figure 28] This is a front / right-side overhead perspective view showing the electrical interconnect assembly and removable elbow. [Figure 29] This is a front / right-side overhead cross-sectional perspective view of the socket of the interconnection assembly. [Figure 30] This is a front view of the socket. [Figure 31] This is a bottom view of the socket. [Figure 32] This is a rear / right-side overhead perspective view showing the interconnection assembly mounted on the upper chassis of the housing. [Figure 33] This is a rear perspective view of the PCB and socket of the interconnect assembly. [Figure 34] This is a rear overhead perspective view of the interconnect assembly, showing the overmolded interconnect assembly. [Figure 35] This is a front-lower perspective view of the interconnect assembly, showing the overmolded interconnect assembly. [Figure 36] This is a right-side overhead cross-sectional perspective view of the respiratory support device, showing the engagement of the electrical connector assembly with the main power board and the display / interface power board. [Figure 37] This is a bottom view of the rear portion of the lower chassis. [Figure 38] This is a bottom view of the front section of the lower chassis. [Figure 39] This is a bottom view of the lower chassis with the valve housing in its designated position. [Figure 40] This is a rear / left-side overhead perspective view of the valve module and valve housing. [Figure 41] This is a rear view of the respiratory support device base unit, showing the features of the battery recess. [Figure 42] This is a rear view of the features of the battery recess. [Figure 43] This is an overhead perspective view of the receiving part for receiving an electrical connector. [Figure 44] This is a rear view of the respiratory support device base unit with the battery module in place. [Figure 45] This is a rear / right-side overhead perspective view of the power cord retainer. [Figure 46] This is a front / left-side overhead perspective view of the power cord retainer. [Figure 47] This is a bottom view of the power cord retainer. [Figure 48A] This is a disassembled perspective view of the battery module's power cord retainer and battery cover. [Figure 48B] This is a disassembled perspective view of the power cord retainer and battery cover. [Figure 49] This is a bottom view of a portion of the battery cover that receives the power cord retainer. [Figure 50]This is a bottom view showing the power cord retainer connected to the battery cover. [Figure 51] This is a front view of the connected power cord retainer and battery cover. [Figure 52] This is a rear / right-side overhead perspective view of the removable elbow of the respiratory support device base unit. [Figure 53] Rear / left-side perspective view of the removable elbow. [Figure 54] This is a rear / right-side perspective view showing the removable elbow from below during the initial assembly stage. [Figure 55] This is a rear / right-side perspective view of the elbow during the intermediate assembly stage, seen from below. [Figure 56] This is a bottom view of the removable elbow after assembly. [Figure 57] This is a perspective view of the filter removal tool. [Figure 58] Figure 57 is a cross-sectional view of the filter removal tool. [Figure 59] This is a perspective view of a motor module used in flow therapy or respiratory support devices. [Figure 60] Figure 59 is an overhead perspective view of the motor module's outlet gas flow path and the sensing layer that forms the lower part of the gas flow path. [Figure 61] Figure 59 is a lower perspective view of the coating layer that forms the upper portion of the gas flow path in the motor module. [Figure 62A] Figure 59 is a schematic diagram of the PCB sealing device for the motor module. [Figure 62B] Figure 59 is an overhead perspective view of the PCB of the motor and / or sensor subassembly. [Figure 63] This is a perspective view of the seal for sealing the space between the base and the sensing layer of the motor module shown in Figure 59. [Figure 64] Figure 59 is a perspective view of the seal used to seal the space between the coating layer and the sensing layer of the motor module. [Figure 65] Figures 63 and 64 are cross-sectional views of the seal, where an exemplary bent configuration of the seal is shown by dashed lines. [Figure 66] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cavity between the upper surface of the lower chassis and the lower surface of the upper chassis of the main housing of the base unit of the respiratory support device. [Figure 67] This is a perspective view of the filter receiving seal. [Figures 68a-68b] Figure 67 shows cross-sectional views of the seal in its uncompressed and compressed states. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0154] A respiratory support device 10 for delivering a flow of gas (which may contain one or more gases) to a patient is shown in Figure 1. The device 10 may be, for example, a CPAP device or a high-flow device. An exemplary CPAP device is described in International Publication No. 2011 / 056080, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0155] A CPAP device may be a gas supply unit or a gas humidifier. This device is capable of providing respiratory support to patients or users who require positive pressure gas (humidified or otherwise) for the treatment of conditions including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snoring, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and others. A CPAP device typically includes a humidifying liquid chamber, forming a complex of an assisted breathing unit and a humidifier.

[0156] CPAP devices, when used with a humidifier, typically have a structure in which gas at the required pressure is delivered from an assisted breathing unit or blower unit to a liquid chamber downstream of the blower. The gas is saturated with liquid vapor (e.g., water vapor) as it passes through the liquid chamber. A flexible tubular gas conduit delivers the gas from the humidifier chamber to the user or patient downstream.

[0157] High-flow devices may be used to deliver high-flow gases or high-flow therapies to patients to assist respiration and / or to treat respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High-flow devices include a gas supply unit and typically include a humidifier.

[0158] A respiratory support device typically has one or more attachments, such as a respiratory conduit, and a patient interface, such as a cannula or mask, for delivering gas to the patient. The conduit allows the gas to be delivered from the respiratory support device housing to the patient. For example, the device may be placed on the floor or other support surface, and the patient may be in bed. The respiratory support device may have a recess for receiving a humidifier liquid chamber. The liquid chamber receives liquid, for example, from a flexible liquid bag that delivers liquid to the humidifier liquid chamber via one or more tubes. Alternatively, the liquid chamber may be removable and refilled as needed. The recess houses a heating plate for heating the liquid chamber, and the gas passing through the liquid chamber is humidified. The humidified gas is then delivered to the patient.

[0159] Broadly speaking, the device 10 includes a main housing 100 which houses a flow generator 11 in the form of a motor / impeller device, a humidifier 12, a controller 13, and a user I / O interface 14 (including, for example, input devices such as a display and buttons, a touchscreen, or the like). The controller 13 is configured or programmed to control the components of the device, including operating the flow generator 11 to generate a gas flow for delivery to the patient, operating the humidifier 12 to humidify and / or heat the generated gas flow, and receiving user input from the user interface 14 for reconfiguring and / or operating the device 10 as determined by the user, and outputting information to the user (for example, on the display). The user may be a patient, a healthcare worker, or any other person interested in using the device.

[0160] The patient respiratory conduit 16 is connected to a gas flow output or patient exit port 30 in the housing 100 of the respiratory support device 10 and to a patient interface 17 such as a nasal cannula equipped with a manifold 19 and nasal prongs 18. In addition, or alternatively, the patient respiratory conduit 16 can be connected to a face mask. In addition, or alternatively, the patient respiratory conduit can be connected to a nasal pillow mask and / or nasal mask and / or tracheostomy interface, or any other suitable type of patient interface. The gas flow generated by the respiratory support device 10 may be humidified and delivered to the patient through the patient respiratory conduit 16 and the patient interface 17. The patient respiratory conduit 16 may have a heating wire 16a that heats the gas flow passing to the patient. The heating wire 16a is under the control of a controller 13. The patient respiratory conduit 16 and / or the patient interface 17 can be considered as part of the respiratory support device 10, or alternatively as peripheral equipment thereto. The respiratory support device 10, the respiratory conduit 16, and the patient interface 17 may collectively form a respiratory support system or, in some configurations, a flow therapy system.

[0161] The general operation of the exemplary respiratory support device 10 is known to those skilled in the art and does not need to be described in detail here. However, broadly speaking, the controller 13 controls the flow generator 11 to generate a gas flow of a desired rate, controls one or more valves to control the mixing of air with oxygen or other alternative gases, and / or controls the humidifier 12 to humidify and / or heat the gas flow to an appropriate level. The gas flow is directed to the patient through the patient respiratory conduit 16 and the patient interface 17. The controller 13 can also control the heating element of the humidifier 12 and / or the heating element 16a in the patient respiratory conduit 16 to humidify and / or heat the gas to a desired temperature to achieve a desired level of treatment and / or comfort for the patient. The controller 13 can be programmed or specified to an appropriate target temperature for the gas flow.

[0162] Motion sensors 3a, 3b, 3c, 20, and 25, such as flow, temperature, humidity, and / or pressure sensors, can be installed in various locations within the respiratory support device 10 and / or in the patient respiratory conduit 16 and / or patient interface 17. Outputs from the sensors are received by the controller 13, which can be used to operate the respiratory support device 10 in a manner that provides optimal therapy. In some configurations, providing optimal therapy includes meeting the patient's inspiratory flow. The device 10 may have a transmitter and / or receiver 15, which allows the controller 13 to receive signals 8 from the sensors and / or control various components of the respiratory support device 10, including, but not limited to, the flow generator 11, the humidifier 12, and the heating wire 16a, or accessories or peripherals associated with the respiratory support device 10. In addition, or alternatively, the transmitter and / or receiver 15 may transmit data to a remote server or enable remote control of the device 10.

[0163] The respiratory support device 10 may be any suitable type of device, but in some configurations, it may deliver a high gas flow or high-flow therapy (e.g., air, oxygen, a mixture of other gases, or any combination thereof) to the patient to assist respiration and / or treat respiratory disease. In some configurations, the gas is oxygen or contains oxygen. In some configurations, the gas contains a mixture of oxygen and ambient air. High-flow therapy as discussed herein is given its typical and ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, and generally refers to a respiratory support system that delivers a targeted flow of humidified respiratory gas through a patient interface that is intentionally unsealed, at a flow rate generally intended to meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory flow. Typical patient interfaces include, but are not limited to, nasal or tracheal patient interfaces. Typical flow rates for adults are often in the range of about 15 liters per minute (LPM) to about 70 liters per minute or more, but are not limited to these. Typical flow rates for pediatric patients (e.g., neonates, infants, and children) are often in the range of approximately 1 liter per minute to approximately 3 liters per minute or more per kilogram of patient weight, but are not limited to this range. High-flow therapy may also involve the administration of gas mixtures containing supplemental oxygen and / or therapeutic agents. High-flow therapy is often referred to as nasal high flow (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.

[0164] For example, in some configurations, for adult patients, "high-flow therapy" may refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate of approximately 10 liters per minute (10 LPM) or more, for example, approximately 10 LPM to 100 LPM, or approximately 15 LPM to 95 LPM, or approximately 20 LPM to 90 LPM, or approximately 25 LPM to 85 LPM, or approximately 30 LPM to 80 LPM, or approximately 35 LPM to 75 LPM, or approximately 40 LPM to 70 LPM, or approximately 45 LPM to 65 LPM, or approximately 50 LPM to 60 LPM. In some configurations, for neonatal, infant, or child patients, “high-flow therapy” may refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate greater than approximately 1 LPM, for example, approximately 1 LPM to approximately 25 LPM, or approximately 2 LPM to approximately 25 LPM, or approximately 2 LPM to approximately 5 LPM, or approximately 5 LPM to approximately 25 LPM, or approximately 5 LPM to approximately 10 LPM, or approximately 10 LPM to approximately 25 LPM, or approximately 10 LPM to approximately 20 LPM, or approximately 10 LPM to approximately 15 LPM, or approximately 20 LPM to approximately 25 LPM. High-flow therapy devices for adult patients, neonatal, infant, or child patients may, in some configurations, deliver gas to the patient at a flow rate of approximately 1 LPM to approximately 100 LPM, or at a flow rate within any of the partial ranges described above. The delivered gas may contain a certain percentage of oxygen. In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the delivery gas may be approximately 20% to 100%, or approximately 30% to 100%, or approximately 40% to 100%, or approximately 50% to 100%, or approximately 60% to 100%, or approximately 70% to 100%, or approximately 80% to 100%, or approximately 90% to 100%, or approximately 100%, or 100%.

[0165] High-flow therapy has been shown to be effective in meeting or exceeding a patient's inspiratory flow, increasing patient oxygenation, and / or reducing the work of breathing. In addition, high-flow therapy can produce a nasopharyngeal flushing effect, thereby delivering a high flow of incoming gas into the anatomical dead space of the upper airway. This creates a reservoir of fresh gas available with each breath, while simultaneously minimizing rebreathing of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.

[0166] In one example of high-flow therapy, an unsealed or undealed user interface, such as a nasal cannula, is used. In CPAP, a sealed interface, such as a nasal mask, full-face mask, or nasal pillow, is typically used.

[0167] The patient interface 17 may be an unsealed interface to prevent barotrauma (e.g., tissue damage to the lungs or other respiratory organs due to pressure differences with respect to the atmosphere). The patient interface may be a nasal cannula with a manifold and nasal prongs, and / or a face mask, and / or a nasal pillow mask, and / or a nasal mask, and / or a tracheostomy interface, or any other suitable type of patient interface.

[0168] As described above, the respiratory support device 10 has various features to support the function, use, and / or configuration of the respiratory support device 10.

[0169] As shown in Figures 2-5, the respiratory support device 10 of the first configuration includes a respiratory support device base unit 50 having a main housing 100. The main housing 100 has a main housing upper chassis 102 and a main housing lower chassis 104.

[0170] The main housing of the base unit 50 has a peripheral wall arrangement. The peripheral wall arrangement defines a recess 108 that provides a humidifier liquid chamber bay for receiving a removable humidifier liquid chamber 151. The removable liquid chamber 151 contains a suitable liquid, such as water, for humidifying the gas to be delivered to the patient.

[0171] The base unit 50 of the device 10 may have a removable finger guard 140, which guards the user from contacting the base flange 155 of the liquid chamber when the liquid chamber is in the recess 108 and the barrier 141a of the finger guard is in the cover position as shown in the figure. The barrier 141a is movable between the cover position and a lowered access position in which the recess 108 is not largely covered by the barrier 141a or the cover is removed.

[0172] In the configuration shown in the figure, the peripheral wall arrangement of the lower chassis 104 of the main housing includes a substantially vertical left outer wall 109 oriented in the front-rear direction of the main housing 100, a substantially vertical right outer wall 111, and a substantially vertical rear outer wall 113 (Figure 37) extending between and connecting walls 109 and 111. As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the bottom wall 115 extends between the lower ends of walls 109, 111 and 113, connecting them and forming the bottom of the apparatus and a substantially horizontal floor portion of the liquid chamber bay.

[0173] The floor portion of the recess 108 has a receiving portion 108a for a heating device, such as a heating plate 140 or other suitable heating element, used during the humidification process to heat the liquid in the liquid chamber 151. The heating plate typically has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the base 154 of the liquid chamber 151, such as a circular shape. The heating plate 140 is elastically mounted on a biasing device, such as a spring. The elastic mounting allows the heating plate to move downward to accommodate the liquid chamber 151 in the recess 108, while simultaneously maintaining good contact between the heating plate 140 and the base of the liquid chamber once the liquid chamber is inserted into the recess 108.

[0174] The lower chassis 104 of the main housing can be attached to the upper chassis 102 by either a suitable fastener such as a clip or a built-in mounting mechanism. When the lower chassis 104 of the main housing is attached to the upper chassis 102 of the main housing, the walls of the upper and lower chassis engage with each other.

[0175] The lower chassis 104 has a motor recess 122 (Figure 39) which receives a motor module that may be permanently inserted into the motor recess 122 or removable from the motor recess 122. An opening in the recess is provided adjacent to the rear edge of the bottom wall 115 and receives a removable motor module. The base 123 of the motor module covers the opening to the motor recess 121. The motor module includes a motor that forms a blower for generating a gas flow and may include one or more sensors for sensing the characteristics of the gas passing through the motor module. The motor module may include sensors for sensing the parameters of the gas flowing through the motor module.

[0176] The motor module and the housing of the base unit 50 of the device 10 are provided with suitable tubing and / or gas flow paths for delivering gas from one or more gas inlets of the base unit 50 of the device to the gas inlet port 157 of the liquid chamber 151 for humidifying the gas. The gas is delivered from the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber 151 to the patient outlet port 30 (via the humidified gas inlet port 163), and thereby to the patient via the patient respiratory conduit 16 and the patient interface 17.

[0177] The motor recess 122 includes a recessed opening in the bottom wall 115 of the housing. Alternatively, the recessed opening may be located in a different part of the housing, such as the side, front, or top surface of the housing.

[0178] The base unit 50 of the device 10 may have a battery module 125 for supplying power to the device during a power outage or for portable use. The battery module includes a battery cover 126 that houses the battery. The battery in the battery module 125 may be replaceable.

[0179] In the illustrated configuration, the battery cover 126 of the battery module 125 is attached to the outside of the rear wall 113 of the device housing 100. This provides a large surface area for cooling the battery and reduces the amount of heat entering the device from the battery. In addition, this configuration reduces the impact of heat generated from the device's components on the battery, especially during battery charging. In an alternative configuration, the battery may be mounted inside the main housing.

[0180] The housing may be provided with a battery cover 126 (Figures 48a, 48b) to cover the battery once it is installed. Alternatively, the battery may be mounted directly to the housing 100 without a cover. The battery, and therefore the battery cover 126, may be sized so as not to protrude from the bottom wall 115 of the housing. Alternatively, the battery cover 126 may be longer and protrude from the bottom wall 115 of the housing to accommodate a larger battery.

[0181] As shown in Figure 3, the base unit 50 of the device 10 has a mounting mechanism 127 for attaching the device to a support device.

[0182] The mounting mechanism 127 may be formed integrally with a portion of the main housing of the base unit 50 of the device 10. In the illustrated configuration, the mounting mechanism 127 is formed integrally with the left side wall 109 of the lower chassis 104 of the housing 100. Alternatively, the mounting mechanism 127 may be formed integrally with any other wall of the housing 100, for example, the rear wall, the right side wall, or any other wall.

[0183] The main housing 100 of the device may be made of any material suitable for integrally forming the mounting mechanism 127. For example, the housing 100 may be made of polycarbonate.

[0184] The integrated mounting mechanism 127 has higher impact strength compared to additional, partially screwed mounting mechanisms. Reinforcement of the mounting mechanism 127 may also be performed, for example, by changing the wall thickness, providing ribs, or changing the internal shape.

[0185] Figure 3 shows the respiratory support device 10 and a humidifier liquid chamber 151 for use with it. The chamber 151 is a removable liquid chamber that is filled with a liquid such as water to humidify the breathing gas. The liquid chamber 151 is removable from the base unit 50 of the respiratory support device 10, making it easier to refill or dispose of.

[0186] The liquid chamber 151 has a body 152 having a peripheral wall 153 and a roof 156. The body defines an inner chamber for receiving liquid. A base 154 is provided at the lower end of the peripheral wall and includes a base flange 155 projecting outward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 153. First and second base unit connection ports, including a liquid chamber gas inlet port 157 and a liquid chamber gas outlet port 159, communicate with the inner chamber of the liquid chamber 151. The respiratory support device base unit 50 includes complementary chamber connection ports, including a gas outlet port 161 and a humidifying gas inlet port 163. When the liquid chamber is received in the recess 108 and engages with the housing 100, the liquid chamber gas inlet port 157 is connected to the gas outlet port 161, which receives gas from the motor module via a gas channel, and the liquid chamber gas outlet port 157 is connected to the humidifying gas inlet port 163, which delivers humidifying gas from the liquid chamber to the patient outlet port 30.

[0187] The liquid chamber 151 may generally have a circular peripheral shape, or any other suitable shape, and the shape of the recess 108 may be adjusted accordingly as needed.

[0188] In the illustrated configuration, the liquid chamber 151 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0189] The base 154 of the liquid chamber 151 is thermally conductive. In particular, the base 154 of the liquid chamber 151 is made of a highly thermally conductive material, so that when it comes into contact with the heating plate 140 of the base unit 50 of the respiratory support device 10 during use, the liquid inside the chamber is heated.

[0190] The liquid chamber 151 can be fluidly connected to the base unit 50 of the apparatus 10 in a rearward insertion direction CID into the recess 108 of the liquid chamber 151, which is from the front position of the housing 100 toward the rear of the housing 100. The gas outlet port 161 is in fluid communication with the gas flow path from the motor / impeller unit via a fixed L-shaped elbow.

[0191] The humidifying gas inlet port 163 is embodied in a removable component that includes a removable elbow 171 (Figures 6-13) which can be detachably connected to the housing. The removable elbow 171 is L-shaped and further includes an upright patient outlet port 30 which connects to the patient respiratory conduit 16 to deliver the gas to the patient interface 17. In different configurations, the removable component does not have to have an elbow shape and instead may have, for example, aligned inlet and outlet ports.

[0192] The gas outlet port 161, the humidified gas inlet port 163, and the patient outlet port 30 each include a soft seal such as a wiper seal, L-seal, X-ring, or O-ring to provide a sealed gas flow path between the device 10, the liquid chamber 151, and the patient respiratory conduit 16, and optionally one or more other accessories.

[0193] The gas outlet port 161 and the gas inlet port 163 include multiple sealing elements. The sealing elements may be wiper seals, L-seals, X-rings, or O-rings. Wiper seals may have a T-shaped cross-section. The gas outlet port 161 and the gas inlet port 163 may each include two, three, or more sealing elements. In one configuration, each of the gas inlet port 163 and the gas outlet port 161 includes a pair of wiper seals. In this configuration, the gas inlet port 163 has two wiper seals positioned adjacent to each other on the gas inlet port 163. Similarly, the gas outlet port 161 includes a pair of wiper seals positioned adjacent to each other on the gas outlet port 161. The pair of wiper seals (or other types of sealing elements) on each port 161, 163 improves the seal with the corresponding base unit connection ports 157, 159, providing better protection of the housing of the base unit 50 of the device from the ingress of liquid into the interior where the electronic components are located. When the liquid chamber 151 is connected to the gas inlet port 163 and gas outlet port 161 of the base unit 50, one wiper seal may be positioned inside each base unit connection port 157, 159, and when the liquid chamber is assembled with the base unit 50, one wiper seal may be positioned outside each base unit connection port 157, 159. Alternatively, when the liquid chamber 151 is assembled to the heating plate 140 in the recess 108, both wiper seals are positioned inside their respective base unit connection ports 157, 159. The arrangement using two wiper seals for each port 161, 163 provides redundancy against liquid ingress. Similar arrangements can be used for L-seals, X-rings, or O-rings. The gas outlet port 161 and gas inlet port 163 of the base unit 50 are constructed to have elongated portions, that is, the length of ports 161 and 163 is such that a wiper seal, L-seal, X-ring, or O-link is held over ports 161 and 163.

[0194] The gas inlet port 157 of the liquid chamber is complementary to the gas outlet port 161 of the respiratory support device base unit 50, and the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber is complementary to the humidifying gas inlet port 163 of the respiratory support device base unit 50. The axes of these ports are parallel and / or horizontal, so that the liquid chamber 151 can be inserted into the recess 108 in substantially linear motion, and a gas connection can be formed between the ports.

[0195] The chamber connection ports 161 and 163 are parallel cylindrical mechanisms extending from the housing of the respiratory support device base unit 50. Ports 161 and 163 typically have equal profiles and lengths, and their axes lie on the same horizontal plane. Ports 161 and 163 typically terminate in the same vertical plane at their respective distal ends. Ports 161 and 163 have a port separation distance or pitch, which is the horizontal distance between the centers or axes of each port 161 and 163. This is substantially equal to the horizontal distance between the centers of the base unit connection ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber.

[0196] The chamber connection ports 161 and 163 (male connectors in the illustrated configuration) of the respiratory support device base unit 50 are inserted concentrically into the base unit connection ports 157 and 159 (female connectors in the illustrated configuration) of the liquid chamber. The inner diameter of the base unit connection ports 157 and 159 is larger than the outer diameter of the chamber connection ports 161 and 163.

[0197] The liquid chamber 151 is initially inserted diagonally into the recess 108 and may then be tilted until it is substantially horizontal, thereby making the rear portion of the liquid chamber 151's movement substantially linear. The recess 108 may include one or more guide rails to help hold the liquid chamber in place within the recess 108.

[0198] The respiratory support device 10 may have one or more of the features and / or functions of respiratory support devices described and illustrated in International Publication No. 2016 / 207838A9 (WO'838). The entire contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference.

[0199] To prevent gas leakage from either of the two connections (port 157 to port 161 and port 159 to port 163), one or more sealing elements are provided for each connection. One or more sealing elements may be located on the outer surface of the male port and in contact with the inner surface of the female port to seal. In one configuration, the gas inlet port 157 and the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber are female ports, and the housing ports, i.e., the gas outlet port 161 and the humidifying gas inlet port 163, are male ports. Alternatively, the ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber may be male ports, and the ports 161 and 163 of the respiratory support device base unit 50 may be female ports.

[0200] Figures 6-12 show details of the removable elbow 171. This section describes the characteristics of the interconnection between the humidifying gas inlet port 163 and the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber, including the seal 173, but the characteristics of the interconnection between the housing's gas outlet port 161 and the liquid chamber's gas inlet port 157 are the same.

[0201] The humidifying gas inlet port 163 includes a portion 162 that extends generally horizontally, which is configured to be inserted into the gas outlet port 159 of the liquid chamber. The end 163a of the port has a rounded edge to help align the gas outlet port 159 with the humidifying gas inlet port 163. In addition, the end 163a is slightly smaller in diameter than the gas outlet port 159.

[0202] At least one recessed portion 163b is provided in the port 163. This recessed portion allows the seal 173 to be attached to the port. The seal 173 can be attached by overmolding directly onto the port 163. Alternatively, the seal 173 can be stretched around the end 163a of the port and placed into the recess 163b. The seal may be shaped to remain stretched to help hold the seal in place after it has been placed in the recess. Once the seal 173 is placed in the recess 163b, the boundary of the recess 163b prevents the seal 173 from moving along the port 163 at all. This allows the liquid chamber 151 to be connected / disconnected by lateral movement without the seal 173 coming off the port 163.

[0203] The humidifying gas inlet port 163 may include a plurality of seals or sealing elements located within the recess 163b. The plurality of seals 175 may be pairs of wiper seals, L-seals, X-rings, or O-rings. The wiper seal may have a T-shaped cross-section. In some configurations, the gas inlet port 163 may include three or more seals or sealing elements. A similar seal arrangement may also be located on the outlet port 161 of the base unit 50. The wiper seal, i.e., double seal, prevents or reduces the movement of breathing gas leakage and / or condensation toward the electronic components in the removable elbow 171 or the electrical connector 178 (described later) of the elbow. Similarly, the seal reduces, and preferably prevents, the opportunity for liquid, i.e., condensation, to flow back into the gas outlet port 161 of the base unit 50 and drip into it, thereby preventing water from entering the electronic component chamber of the base unit.

[0204] The seal 173 may be made from silicone rubber. In an alternative configuration, the seal 173 can be made from any suitable elastomer, such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the seal 173 may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or thermoplastic vulcanized product, particularly when the seal is overmolded onto a removable elbow.

[0205] As described above, multiple sealing elements may be provided on port 163 to seal port 159 of the liquid chamber at multiple locations. Multiple sealing elements can be realized by having multiple seals 173, and port 163 having multiple corresponding recesses 163b for accommodating each seal. Alternatively, in the diagrammatic configuration, multiple sealing elements 175 are incorporated into one seal 173 located within one recess 163b.

[0206] Having multiple sealing elements 175 on a single seal 173 is preferable to having multiple seals on a port 163 because it reduces the number of seals that need to be installed during manufacturing. In addition, the wider seal width when multiple sealing elements 175 are provided reduces the chance of the seal being turned inside out during assembly onto the port 163.

[0207] Having multiple sealing elements 175 is advantageous in providing redundancy to the seal between the respiratory support device base unit 50 and the liquid chamber 151. This reduces the chances of respiratory gas leakage and / or liquid movement into the base unit 50, as this would require a seal provided by each of the sealing elements 175 to fail. In addition, having one sealing element 175, i.e., the forward sealing element, closer to the end 163a of port 163 (compared to a single sealing element positioned in the center), allows a seal to be formed between the liquid chamber 151 and the respiratory support device 10 even if the liquid chamber is not fully connected to port 163. Having multiple sealing elements 175 also helps to align the liquid chamber 151 in the recess 108 and the ports 159, 153 by providing multiple contact points between ports 159, 163. The rearmost sealing element 175 on port 163 limits the position of the liquid chamber 151 more than the forward sealing elements on the port. The reason for this is that the rearmost sealing element is further from the center of the liquid chamber, resulting in a smaller amount of available angular rotation of the liquid chamber 151, which corresponds to the tolerance between the sealing element and the liquid chamber ports 159 and 163.

[0208] If multiple sealing elements are provided, the sealing elements may be spaced equally apart relative to each other along the base 173a. In other configurations, the distances between sealing elements do not have to be equal.

[0209] In some configurations, the distance between the sealing elements is equal to the distance between the front sealing element and the end 163a of the gas inlet port 163. In other configurations, the distance between the sealing elements does not need to be equal to the distance between the front sealing element 175 and the end 163a.

[0210] The forward sealing element is the primary sealing element, and the rearmost sealing element is the secondary sealing element. The sealing elements create an effective outer diameter for ports 161 and 163 of the base unit 50 that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber before connection.

[0211] The elasticity of the seals allows for connection between the rigid bodies of ports 157, 159, 161, and 163. Having multiple sealing elements 175 ensures that even if one seal fails, an air pressure seal is maintained between the base unit 50 of the respiratory support device 10 and the humidifying liquid chamber 151.

[0212] The degree to which a good seal can be obtained depends on how deep the corresponding chamber connection ports 161, 163 of the respiratory support device base unit 50 are positioned within the base unit connection ports 157, 159 of the liquid chamber so that one or more sealing elements 175 engage. This ensures that the diameters of the chamber connection ports 161, 163, the base unit connection ports 157, 159, and the seals 175 are of appropriate dimensions to allow one or more seals to engage. Advantages include the fact that both seals 175 engage, minimizing any possible rotation or oscillation of the liquid chamber 151 by restricting further freedom of movement during use, and providing a pneumatic seal. Engaging both seals 175 provides redundancy in case one seal fails.

[0213] When the connection ports 157 and 159 of the liquid chamber base unit and the chamber connection ports 161 and 163 of the respiratory support device base unit 50 are completely sealed, it should be understood that some leakage will occur between these components, while at the same time sufficient gas flow will still be provided to the user.

[0214] One or more of the sealing elements 175 may be wiper seals. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 11, the wiper seal is a flexible annular rim extending along the circumference of the port 163. As shown in the cross-section in Figure 12, the wiper seal has a bulbous tip 175a positioned radially outward, which may have, for example, a circular cross-section. The tip 175a is configured to contact the inner surface of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber. In an advantageous embodiment, the wiper seal may have a narrow web section 175b extending from the base of the seal to the tip 175a. The narrow web section 175b makes the wiper seal more flexible, while the larger bulbous tip 175a provides a larger surface area for sealing contact with the inner surface of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber. In some configurations, the wiper seal may not have a bulbous tip 175a.

[0215] Referring to Figure 12, the radial heights h1 and h2 of each wiper seal are such that, in an unbent state, the diameter of the wiper seal is greater than the inner diameter of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber. When the liquid chamber 151 is inserted into the recess 108, the wiper seal contacts the inner wall of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber and bends downward toward the base 173a of the seal 173 to accommodate the smaller inner diameter of the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber. The elasticity of the seal unit means that the wiper seal 175 resists this bending, thereby providing a sealing force between the contact point on the base unit connection port 159 of the liquid chamber and the tip 175a of the wiper seal. This configuration can accommodate slight size variations due to manufacturing tolerances in both the wiper seal 175 and the port 159 of the liquid chamber, because the wiper seal bends to match the actual diameter of the liquid chamber port.

[0216] Another advantage of the wiper seals 175 is the low resistance they provide to axial motion. Unlike other seals, the wiper seals can bend and conform to the inner surface of the base unit connection port of the liquid chamber, resulting in reduced friction, which in turn facilitates the attachment and detachment of the liquid chamber 151 from the base unit 50 of the respiratory support device 10 to the housing 100.

[0217] However, it is also true that the wiper seal 175 provides slightly higher resistance to the movement of the fluid chamber 151 in certain scenarios. When the fluid chamber is moving in a first direction (e.g., towards the housing 100 in the insertion direction CID during connection), the wiper seal 175 bends in the first direction. When the fluid chamber is moving in a second direction (e.g., away from the housing 100 in the removal direction CRD during disconnection), the wiper seal 175 bends in the second direction. Therefore, if the fluid chamber 151 moves in one direction first and then in the opposite direction, the wiper seal 175 also switches from one direction to the opposite direction. This occurs because the wiper seal 175 bends in the gap between the base 173a of the seal and the inner surface of the fluid chamber port 159. As a result of this bend, the wiper seal 175 bends more than it would normally bend during the normal movement of the two components, and thus temporarily provides greater resistance to the movement of the fluid chamber 151 than usual.

[0218] This increased resistance can be advantageous because it tends to occur immediately after the liquid chamber 151 has been connected, just before the user attempts to remove the liquid chamber from the recess 108. In this situation, the reversal effect of the wiper seal 175 provides a temporary resistance that must be overcome to remove the liquid chamber 175. This helps prevent the liquid chamber 151 from unexpectedly disengaging from the respiratory assist device 10, but does not prevent the removal of the liquid chamber 151 once it begins to move relative to the housing 100.

[0219] In a favorable configuration, each of the chamber connection ports 161, 163 of the respiratory support device base unit 50 has one seal 173 located in one recess, and the seal has two sealing elements 175 in the form of two wiper seals. The wiper seal closer to the end 163a of the gas port 163 can have a larger diameter than the other wiper seal (i.e., h1 > h2). The longer wiper seal provides a more reliable seal and accommodates variations in the inner diameter of the respective base unit connection ports 157, 159 of the liquid chamber, but also requires more travel to settle into the correct position. This longer travel is provided by the liquid chamber 151 making contact with the forward wiper seal earlier when the liquid chamber is connected.

[0220] In an alternative configuration, the wiper seal closer to the end 163a of gas port 163 may have a smaller diameter than the other wiper seal (i.e., h2 > h1), but the inward taper of ports 157, 159 of liquid chambers 151, 159 provides a greater overlap between ports 157, 159 and the wiper seal closer to the end 163a of gas port 163 than the other seal. Similarly, h1 and h2 may be equal, and the inward taper of ports 157, 159 provides a greater overlap between ports 157, 159 and the wiper seal closer to the end 163a of gas port 163 than the other seal.

[0221] In other alternative configurations, the wiper seal may have the same dimensions. In other alternative configurations, the wiper seal may have three or more sealing elements 175.

[0222] In other alternative configurations, the wiper seals can be shaped to follow the inward taper of ports 157 and 159, thereby achieving the same overlap between each wiper seal and ports 157 and 159.

[0223] Alternatives to the wiper seal include using an O-ring, L-seal, or X-ring. The wiper seal is preferred over these alternatives because it offers less resistance to movement of the liquid chamber 151 and is easier to assemble and replace. While O-rings and X-rings have the advantage of having a higher pressure threshold, the pressure threshold of the wiper seal exceeds the pressure when used in the respiratory support device 10.

[0224] Alternatively, one or more wiper seals may be used in addition to one of the alternative types of seals or other suitable seals described above.

[0225] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the seal 173 has another sealing element at the end of the seal 173 opposite to the end 163a of the gas port 163, or adjacent to it. In one configuration, the base 173a of the seal 173 also has an outward taper 173b, which connects to a radially projecting flange 177. The flange 177 is positioned at the proximal end 163b opposite to the end 163a of the port 163, or at the adjacent end of the seal 173, or adjacent to it. The flange 177 is configured to form a seal with a component different from the first component (the base unit connection ports 157, 159 of the liquid chamber). Thus, the flange 177 has a different configuration from the wiper seal 175. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange projects radially further outward than the wiper seal 175, so that the flanged portion of the seal 173 has a larger diameter and connects to a second component having a larger inner diameter than the liquid chamber ports 157, 159. The outward taper 173b helps guide different components to contact the flange 175.

[0226] For example, a larger component may include part of the disinfection kit. Figure 13 shows the components of a disinfection kit 180 connected to the base unit 50 of the respiratory support device 10. The disinfection tube 181 is connected to the gas outlet port 161 and the patient outlet port 30. The inner surface of the first coupling 181a of the disinfection tube 181 forms an interlocking fit with the flange 177 of the seal 173 on the gas outlet port 161. The first coupling 181a may have a tapered surface that forms an interlocking fit. The inner surface of the second coupling 181b of the disinfection tube 181 forms an interlocking fit with the seal on the patient outlet port 30.

[0227] The filter cap 183 is connected to the humidifying gas inlet port 163. The inner surface of the filter cap 183 forms an interference fit with the flange 177 of the seal 173 on the humidifying gas inlet port 163. The filter cap 183 may have a tapered surface that forms the interference fit.

[0228] In one configuration, the disinfection tube 181 and filter cap 183 do not come into contact with the wiper seal 175 because the diameter of the flange 177 is larger. This means that the disinfection kit can operate and disinfect the ports 161, 163, 30 and the elbow 171, as well as the wiper seal 175. In an alternative configuration, the disinfection tube 181 and filter cap 183 may also be sealed with the wiper seal 175 in addition to, or instead of, the seal formed with the flange 177.

[0229] In an alternative configuration, the flange 177 can be an integral part of the ports 161 and 163 instead of the seal 173, and is therefore made of rigid plastic. In this configuration, the disinfection tube 181 and the filter cap 183 can still form an interference fit between the tapered surface and the flange 177.

[0230] The ends 161a and 163a of ports 161 and 163 may contact a stepped portion on the inner surface of the liquid chamber 151, thereby limiting the insertion depth of ports 161 and 163 during use. The flange 177 and taper 173b do not interact with the liquid chamber 151 at all during use of the device, because the liquid chamber 151 does not come into contact with the flange 177 and / or taper 173b. In an alternative configuration, the liquid chamber 151 may come into contact with the flange 177 and / or taper 173b. This contact provides an additional seal between the respiratory support device 10 and the liquid chamber 151.

[0231] The flange 175 and taper 173b can also serve the additional purpose of providing a surface for the user to press when connecting the removable elbow 171 to the housing 100.

[0232] The base unit 50 of the device includes a housing 10 and a casing plate 190 that works in cooperation with a removable elbow 171. Figure 6 shows the removable elbow 171 connected to the casing plate 190. As shown in Figure 2, for example, the casing plate 190 serves to create a uniform top surface for the housing 10 of the device 10, and the patient exit port 30 of the removable elbow 171 protrudes upward through the casing plate 190. The casing plate 190 is configured so that it cannot be removed from the housing during normal use of the device 10.

[0233] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the enclosure plate 190 includes a body 191 which has a substantially flat horizontal top surface 193, two substantially wavy contour-forming shoulders 195 extending downward and outward from both sides of the top surface 193, and two outer side walls 197 extending substantially vertically downward. A recess 199 extends rearward into the top surface 193 from the front edge 193a of the top surface 193. The recess 199 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the removable elbow 171 and to provide an unobstructed path for connecting the removable elbow 171 to the housing 100 of the base unit 50 of the device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess is defined by a pair of substantially parallel side walls 199a and an upper arched rear wall portion 199b. A contour-forming tapered rear wall region 199c protrudes into the recess from the arched rear wall portion and is located below the arched rear wall portion 199b. The contoured tapered rear wall region is configured to receive the chimney 179a of the removable elbow.

[0234] Similarly, the removable elbow 171 has a flat horizontal tab 172 extending from the elbow, which has a shape complementary to the shape of the recess 199 in the enclosure plate, so that when the removable elbow 171 is assembled to the device 10, the flat horizontal tab 172 is received in the recess 199 to create a uniform plane. In addition, the tab 172 can provide a top surface for the conduit 16 to be contacted when the conduit 16 is connected to the patient exit port 30 of the elbow.

[0235] For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the horizontal tab 172 may have a thin portion 172a adjacent to the anterior end portion 172b, positioned between the patient exit port 30 of the elbow and the anterior end portion 172b of the tab. This allows the anterior end portion 172b to bend perpendicularly with respect to the rest of the elbow 171.

[0236] The flat horizontal tab 172 also has an engagement mechanism including two projections 174 extending outward from the opposite side of the front end portion 172b of the tab. The projections 174 are configured to interact with an engagement mechanism including complementary engagement recesses 201 extending outward from each of the side walls 199a of the recesses 199 of the enclosure plate of the housing, as shown in Figures 10 and 14. The removable elbow 171 is configured to connect to the housing by moving the removable elbow in a first direction relative to the housing (rearward toward the housing). The removable elbow 171 is configured to disconnect from the housing by moving the removable elbow 171 in a second direction opposite to the first direction (forward relative to the housing). The interaction of the engagement mechanism is configured such that the removable elbow 171 cannot move in a second direction unless a portion of the removable elbow, such as the front end portion 172b, is actuated relative to the other portion of the removable elbow to bend the tab. This prevents the removable elbow 171 from coming off the enclosure plate 190 of the housing 100.

[0237] The rear portion of each projection 174 is designed to have an inclined surface 174a (Figure 10). When the elbow 171 is inserted into the housing 100, this surface 174a contacts the lower surface of the front edge 193a of the enclosure plate, thereby bending the thin section 172a and causing the end of the tab 172b to bend downward. When the elbow 171 is fully inserted, the projection 174 reaches the complementary engagement recess 201 in the enclosure plate. At this point, the projection 174 engages with the recess 201 as the tab 172 returns to a flat horizontal position. Upon engagement, the front surface 174b of the projection contacts the complementary surface 201b of the engagement recess.

[0238] The front surface 174b of the projection is steeper than the rear surface 174a, i.e., closer to vertical, so that when a user tries to pull the elbow 171 out of the enclosure plate 190 and therefore out of the housing 100, unless a sufficiently strong force is applied to the elbow 171, the tab should not be bent downward by contact between the front surface 174b of the projection and the complementary surface 201b of the recess.

[0239] In an alternative configuration, the removable elbow 171 and the enclosure plate 190 may each have one of the engagement mechanisms 174 or 201, rather than each having two engagement mechanisms.

[0240] To remove the elbow 171 from the housing 100, the user typically first presses down on the upper surface of the front end portion 172b of the tab 172, thereby bending the tab and activating that portion of the tab 172, disengaging the projection 174 from the engaging recess 201. The user cannot pull the elbow 171 out of the housing 100 until the tab is bent. One advantage of this is that it helps prevent the elbow 171 from becoming loose when the liquid chamber 151 is being removed from the device by pulling it out of the recess 108.

[0241] This configuration allows the user to easily assemble the elbow 171 with the housing 100 in a single, one-handed motion, but requires a more complex interaction to separate them afterward. If the user attempts to remove the elbow 171 by pulling it without activating the tab 172, without knowing the correct removal method, the engagement mechanism will be subjected to sufficient force to eventually disengage from each other. This avoids damage to the removable elbow 171 and / or the enclosure plate 190.

[0242] In an alternative configuration, the engagement mechanism may be configured such that the removable elbow 171 cannot be detached from the enclosure plate 190 of the housing 100 unless the tab 172, for example, the front end portion 172b, is actuated. This can be achieved by having vertical front surfaces 174b, 201b rather than angled front surfaces.

[0243] Figure 11 schematically shows the position 176 of a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, within the removable elbow 171. The thermistor 176 is positioned on the rear vertical wall of the upright portion of the elbow, near the curved transition region between the vertical and horizontal elbow portions. At this position, the thermistor is relatively shielded from the heat generated by the heating plate 140, thereby allowing for a more accurate estimation of the temperature of the gas flowing through the removable elbow 171.

[0244] The elbow 171 has an electrical connector 179 located within the upright chimney 179a, which is configured to supply power from the main power board of the device 10 to the heating wire 16a in the conduit 16.

[0245] As mentioned above, the enclosure plate 190 is designed not to come off during normal use. The enclosure plate has a mechanism that allows it to be clipped onto the screen carrier 211, which in turn is fixed to the upper chassis 102 and becomes part of the housing 100. The screen carrier 211 can be connected to and support the display 212. In an alternative configuration, the screen carrier 211 may not be provided, and the enclosure plate 190 may be clipped directly to part of the housing 100, for example, to the upper surface of the upper chassis 102 of the housing.

[0246] Figures 16-19 show a mechanism for integrally mounting the enclosure plate 190 and the screen carrier 211 without the use of fasteners. The enclosure plate 190 is configured to be attached to the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 via two movements: an initial movement of the enclosure plate in a first direction, followed by a subsequent movement of the enclosure plate in a second direction offset from the first direction. In one configuration, the second direction intersects the first direction. In the illustrated configuration, the enclosure plate 190 is configured to be initially moved in a first downward direction DD with respect to the screen carrier 211 and thus the housing 100, and then moved in a second backward direction RD. In the illustrated configuration, the downward direction DD is vertical and the backward direction RD is horizontal.

[0247] The enclosure plate 190 is configured such that simply pulling the removable elbow 171 in a second rearward direction with respect to the housing 100 does not disengage the enclosure plate from the screen carrier 211 of the housing.

[0248] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, each side surface 197 of the enclosure plate 190 is shaped to be complementary to the shape of the screen carrier 211. The side surfaces of the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 have two horizontal protrusions 213 (one on each side wall) that face forward, which engage with complementary rearwardly opening recesses 194 in the rear wall on each side of the enclosure plate 190 when the enclosure plate is moved in a rearward direction with respect to the housing. When the enclosure plate 190 is connected to the screen carrier 211, the horizontal protrusions 213 are received in the recesses 194 to prevent vertical movement of the enclosure plate 190.

[0249] Similarly, the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 has vertical protrusions 215 that stand upright on each side, which engage with complementary downwardly opening recesses 196 at the bottom of each side wall 197 of the enclosure plate when the enclosure plate is moved in a downward direction with respect to the housing. Unlike the horizontal protrusions, the vertical protrusions 215 are narrower than the complementary recesses 196 in the enclosure plate. This allows for a small amount of horizontal movement in the rearward direction RD, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The vertical protrusions 215 and the recesses 196 assist in aligning the enclosure plate 190 with the screen carrier 211 during assembly.

[0250] The enclosure plate 190 is first placed on top of the screen carrier 211 and moved in the downward direction DD to the position shown in FIG. 17. The enclosure plate is then slid horizontally in the rearward direction RD, whereby the horizontal protrusions 213 engage with the complementary recesses 194 in the enclosure plate as shown in FIG. 18.

[0251] The enclosure plate 190 and the screen carrier 211 may have a second set of horizontally extending forward projections 213a and recesses 194a opening rearward, which face the front ends of the screen carrier 211 and the enclosure plate 190, and further prevent vertical movement of the enclosure plate 190 with respect to the screen carrier 211.

[0252] In addition, the enclosure plate 190 and the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100 have a mechanism for preventing horizontal movement of the enclosure plate with respect to the screen carrier when they are fully engaged at the position shown in FIG. 18, and thus preventing the enclosure plate from disengaging from the housing. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 and 19, the enclosure plate has one or a plurality of engaging projections 198 (two in the illustrated configuration) extending downward, which extend downward from the back of the lower surface of the enclosure plate 190. The engaging projections 198 are configured to engage with complementary upwardly extending engaging projections 217 extending from the upper surface of the screen carrier 211. The sets of engaging projections 198, 217 each have a first side surface 198a, 217a with a relatively flat angle and a second side surface 198b, 217b with a relatively steep angle. When attaching the enclosure plate 190 to the screen carrier 211 by moving the enclosure plate in the rearward direction RD, the first side surfaces 198a, 217a of each set of engaging projections interact with each other by contacting each other, and due to the relatively flat angle of each engaging projection, the enclosure plate 190 temporarily and easily bends when the engaging projections fit into a predetermined position. That is, the first side surfaces 198a, 217a are configured to interact with each other when attaching the enclosure plate to the screen carrier.

[0253] When the enclosure plate 190 is connected to the screen carrier 211, the second sides 198b and 217b of each set of protrusions come into contact with each other. The steeper angles on the surfaces of the second sides 198b and 217b of the engaging protrusions mean that a greater horizontal force is required to bend the enclosure plate 190 as before. As a result, assembling the enclosure plate 190 and the screen carrier 211 requires less force than disassembly. The second sides 198b and 217b interact with each other once the enclosure plate is installed to prevent the enclosure plate from detaching from the screen carrier of the housing. The enclosure plate can still be removed by applying a sufficiently large force to move the enclosure plate 190 forward in the opposite direction to the rearward direction RD. However, this is only done by technicians when a certain form of maintenance is being performed on the device. The aforementioned mechanism is designed so that the enclosure plate 190 does not detach (even accidentally) during normal use.

[0254] As can be seen from Figures 14-19, the engagement mechanism between the enclosure plate 190 and the screen carrier 211 can be configured such that the upper surface of the screen carrier has no or only a minimal number of exposed fasteners (e.g., screws) on the lower surface of the enclosure plate and the upper surface of the screen carrier, which means that the upper surfaces of the enclosure plate and the screen carrier are easy to clean.

[0255] Referring to Figures 14-16, the enclosure plate 190 has a front wall 190a projecting downwards, which is complementary to the surface 211a of the screen carrier 211 of the housing. The front wall 190a is configured to contact the surface 211a of the screen carrier 211 when the enclosure plate is attached to the screen carrier. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall 190a and surface 211a are arched and follow the shape of the rear wall of the recess 108 for receiving the liquid chamber 151. Alternatively, the front wall 190a and surface 211a may have different shapes, for example, a substantially linear shape.

[0256] When the enclosure plate 190 is assembled with the screen carrier 211, the front wall 190a and the surface 211a come into contact with each other. This eliminates any exposed gaps between the front portions of these components, which would require cleaning if gaps existed. Due to their tight and complex shape, such gaps are difficult to clean, which could mean that the enclosure plate needs to be removed for thorough cleaning. Eliminating such gaps makes the enclosure plate 211a either permanent or difficult to remove, thus avoiding cleaning problems.

[0257] The removable elbow 171 is removable from the housing 100 when the enclosure plate 100 is attached to the housing.

[0258] In an alternative configuration, one or more of the engaging projections 198, 217 can be replaced with engaging recesses. One side of the engaging recess will have a complementary surface to the second side of the engaging projection so that it cannot be disassembled, similar to the configuration described above. In another configuration, one or more of the engaging projections 198, 271 can be replaced with a combination of an engaging projection and an engaging recess, so that the complementary engaging projection engages around the engaging projection and within the engaging recess.

[0259] A similar engagement configuration between the enclosure plate 190 and the screen carrier 211 and / or housing 100 can be used when the enclosure plate 190 functions as a cover for part of the housing or other components, but the covered component is not removable.

[0260] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the removable elbow 171 also includes electrical connections. The elbow 171 has an inlet that is pneumatically connected to a first attachment for the respiratory support device 10, such as a fluid chamber 151; an outlet that is pneumatically and optionally electrically connected to a second attachment for respiratory support, such as a patient conduit 16; and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector 178 that is electrically connected to the respiratory support device 10 and forms electrical connections with electrical components in the housing. The electrical connections provide an electrical link between the base unit 50 of the device 10 and a temperature sensor 176 embedded in the elbow, as well as between the base unit 50 of the device 10 and the conduit 16 (if the conduit has one or more sensors and / or heating elements) via an electrical interconnection assembly 221 in the housing, as described later. The PCB electrical connector 178 is electrically connected to the electrical interconnection assembly 221 when the removable elbow 171 is connected to the housing 100.

[0261] The pneumatic inlet connection of the removable elbow 171 is provided by the humidifying gas inlet port 163, and the pneumatic outlet connection is provided by the patient outlet port 30 and by a connector 179 (Figure 9) provided in a chimney 179a that extends upward parallel to the axis of the outlet electrical connection port 30.

[0262] The humidifying gas inlet port 163 and the patient exit port 30 are in fluid communication with each other via a gas passage within the removable elbow. The electrical connectors 178 and 179 of the removable elbow are pneumatically isolated from the gas passage between the humidifying gas inlet port 163 and the patient exit port 30 via at least one wall of the removable elbow. For example, the body of the removable elbow may be made of injection-molded plastic material and provide an isolation area for the electrical connectors that are separated and isolated from the gas passage.

[0263] The portion of the removable elbow configured to form an electrical connection with the electrical components (electrical interconnect assembly 221) within the housing, namely the PCB electrical connector 178, is pneumatically isolated from the gas passages of the removable elbow. Therefore, simply connecting the removable components to the housing provides the electrical connection between the PCB electrical connector 178 and the electrical interconnect assembly 221. This does not form a direct pneumatic connection between the gas passages within the removable elbow 171 and the housing 100. Instead, the gas passages within the removable elbow provide a pneumatic connection between the first attachment (liquid chamber 151) and the second attachment (patient conduit 30).

[0264] In the configuration shown in the figure, the PCB electrical connector 178 is partially housed within a housing 178a that is integrally formed with the elbow. The PCB electrical connector protrudes rearward from the housing 178a and is inserted horizontally into the electrical connector on the base unit 50 of the device 10 (i.e., in the same rearward insertion direction CID as when the liquid chamber 151 is connected to the housing 10 of the base unit 50 and in the same rearward direction RD as when the enclosure plate 190 is connected to the screen carrier 211). Thus, the removable elbow 171 can be connected horizontally to the device in the rearward direction RD, and the liquid chamber 151 is then connected horizontally to the two device ports 161, 163. Alternatively, the liquid chamber 151 can be initially connected to the removable elbow 171, and then the assembled liquid chamber 151 and elbow 171 are connected together to the base unit 50 of the device by moving them together in the rearward direction.

[0265] This allows for the assembly and disassembly of the component in multiple ways. Specifically, the elbow 171 is connected in three places during assembly. These three connections are between the elbow 171 and the patient conduit 16, between the elbow 171 and the fluid chamber 151, and between the elbow 171 and the housing 100. Each of these three connections can be made in any order. Similarly, when disassembling the component, these three connections can be disconnected in any order. This is advantageous because different orders of assembly and disassembly may be preferable depending on the situation.

[0266] For example, the removable elbow 171 may be assembled with the housing 100 initially, when the removable elbow may be assembled with the housing 100, and the fluid chamber 151 and conduit 16 are not attached until the device 10 is used. This is the most common assembly sequence because the removable elbow 171 is removed much less frequently than the fluid chamber 151 and / or conduit 16. In addition, in a hospital setting, the fluid chamber 151 and conduit 16 may be replaced for each patient, while the removable elbow 171 may only be cleaned / disinfected after each use. Therefore, the removable elbow 171 can be assembled with the housing 100 after cleaning, and the fluid chamber 151 and conduit 16 are connected again only when the patient needs to use the device 10 again.

[0267] The liquid chamber 151 and conduit 16 may also be removed after use of the apparatus 10 and before removing the elbow 171, and these components may be discarded first, so that the removable elbow 171 remains attached to the apparatus 10 until it is cleaned. The removable elbow 171 may be cleaned using the disinfection kit described above while still connected to the housing 100.

[0268] The conduit 16 and / or liquid chamber 151 may be disassembled from the removable elbow 171 after cleaning the elbow 171, thereby allowing all three components to be quickly connected to the housing 100 in a single operation as needed.

[0269] The removable elbow 171 may be cut from the housing 100 with the conduit 16 and fluid chamber 151 still attached, which may be beneficial, for example, if the patient has a particularly infectious disease. In these situations, it may be desirable to cut the removable elbow 171 in this manner, thereby leaving the circuit largely contained and allowing the entire assembly to be easily discarded.

[0270] Connecting and disconnecting the pre-assembled removable elbow 171, conduit 16, and fluid chamber 151 to the housing 100 is facilitated by connecting the removable elbow 171 and the fluid chamber 151 in the same direction (i.e., horizontally backward), and by eliminating the need to install the enclosure plate 190 around the removable elbow 171 after it has been inserted.

[0271] As shown in Figures 28-36, the PCB electrical connector 178 of the removable elbow 171 is inserted into the electrical interconnect assembly 221 of the base unit 50 of the device 10. The interconnect assembly 221 consists of three components: a socket 231, a PCB 241, and an overmolding 251. The socket defines a receptacle for receiving the PCB electrical connector of the removable elbow.

[0272] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, socket 231 includes a housing 232, which defines a receiving portion 233 for receiving the PCB electrical connector 178 of removable elbow 171. The front portion 233a of the receiving portion 233 has relatively large vertical and horizontal dimensions for receiving the housing 178a of the electrical connector. The rear portion 233b of the receiving portion 233 has relatively small vertical and horizontal dimensions for receiving the portion of the PCB electrical connector 178 that projects rearwardly from the housing 178a. The rear portion 233b is defined between upper and lower ribs 234 that extend from the upper and lower walls thereof to the rear portion of the receiving portion. The rear portion 233b of the receiving portion is configured to form an interference fit or a press fit with the PCB electrical connector 178 to assist in holding the removable elbow 171 in a connected state to the socket 231 through contact between the rear portion 233b of the receiving portion and the PCB electrical connector 231. The front portion 233a of the receiving portion may be configured to form an interference fit or a press fit with the housing 178a of the PCB electrical connector 178 to assist in holding the removable elbow 171 in a connected state to the socket 231. Alternatively, this may form a looser fit.

[0273] The interaction between the socket 231 and the PCB electrical connector 178 and / or the housing 178a, and the interaction between the protrusion 174 and the engagement recess 201 form two spaced-apart engagement regions of the removable elbow 171 with the housing 100 (through the surrounding plate 190), namely the region of or adjacent to the rear portion of the removable elbow and the region of or adjacent to the front portion of the removable elbow. This helps to fix the removable elbow to the housing and reduces the possibility that the removable elbow 171 will accidentally disengage from the housing 100 when the liquid chamber 151 is removed from the recess 108.

[0274] The front edge 234a of the rib 234 is angled to create a tapered region between the front portion 233a and the rear portion 233b of the receiving portion 233, helping to guide the PCB electrical connector 178 to engage with the rear portion 233b of the receiving portion.

[0275] The socket 231 has several mechanisms for holding it in place relative to the housing 100 of the device 10. As shown in Figure 31, two fastening holes 235 are located on either side of the socket 231. These holes 235 are designed to receive fasteners such as screws for securing the socket 231 to the upper chassis 102 of the housing, thereby securing the interconnect assembly to the housing 100. As shown in Figure 27, the inclined upper surface 131 of the upper chassis 102, configured to receive the screen carrier 211, has two complementary holes 132 for receiving fasteners.

[0276] The socket 231 also has a mounting projection 236 extending downward from the lower surface of the socket body 232. The mounting projection 236 is configured to engage with a complementary recess 133 on the inclined upper wall 131 of the upper chassis 102 of the housing. In the configuration shown, the mounting projection 236 has a cross-shaped cross section, and the width and length of the cross fit the inner diameter of the circular recess 133. The engagement of the mounting projection 236 with the recess 133 prevents the socket 131 from moving laterally relative to the housing 100, which could otherwise be caused by connecting and disconnecting the elbow 171. As shown in Figure 30, the mounting projection 236 may be tapered so that its lower end is smaller in dimension than its upper end, which helps guide the mounting projection 236 to engage with the recess 133.

[0277] The inclined projection 225a visible on the side of the socket in Figures 28 and 30 helps to form a better seal between the socket 231 and the screen carrier 211 of the housing 100, which helps to prevent liquid from entering the screen carrier 211.

[0278] As shown in Figure 33, the PCB 241 of the interconnection assembly 221 has multiple holes 242, which engage with complementary projections 237 projecting rearward from the rear wall of the socket 231 to precisely position the two components together. More or fewer projections and holes can be provided.

[0279] When assembled with the housing 100, the interconnection assembly 231 connects to both the main power board 263a and the display / interface PCB 263b of the device (Figure 36). PCB 241 has an electrical connector 243 (shown on the right side of Figure 34), which connects to a tab 245 (shown in the lower left of Figure 34) that forms an electrical connector that connects to the main power board 263a as well as the display / interface PCB 263b.

[0280] The main power board 263a is positioned between the upper chassis 102 and the lower chassis 104 of the housing 100. As shown in Figure 27, the inclined top surface 131 of the upper chassis 102 has a long hole 134 that extends horizontally across it. When assembled with the interconnect assembly 221, a portion of the PCB 241 extends through this hole 134 and connects to the main power board 263a.

[0281] Because the main power board 263a operates at high power, it requires stricter sealing against both gas and moisture than the display / interface PCB 263b. By using PCB 241 within the interconnect assembly 221 to connect both the interface PCB 263b and the main power board 263a, the main power board 263a can be sealed simply by sealing the connection between the main power board 263a and the interconnect PCB 241.

[0282] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, the overmolding 251 is applied to the interconnect assembly 221 to provide a pneumatic seal. The overmolding is provided on at least a portion of the PCB. The overmolding is configured to create a pneumatic seal on the covering portion of the PCB and between the overmolding and other components of the respiratory assist device. The overmolding may be molded from any suitable material, such as polyurethane. Any thermoplastic elastomer that is soft and adheres to the board is suitable. Alternatively, the overmolding 251 can be made of silicone, which exhibits lower stress relaxation. Interlocks may be formed to improve adhesion between the silicone overmolding and the board.

[0283] The purpose of the overmolding 251 is to seal high-power electrical components by air pressure. These higher-power electrical components include the main power board 263a, the section of PCB 241 providing the electrical connection between the main power board 263a and the socket 231, and the internal electrical connections within the socket 231 itself. A portion of the PCB is exposed from the overmolding 251 to form an electrical connector 245 that connects the higher-power section of the PCB to the main power board 263a. In the illustrated configuration, the electrical connector 245 includes a male tab on the PCB configured to engage with a complementary female socket on the main power board 263a. In an alternative connection, the electrical connector 245 includes a female socket on the PCB configured to receive a complementaryly protruding tab on the main power board 263a. In either configuration, the entire higher-power section of the PCB, excluding the electrical connector 245, is advantageously surrounded by the overmolding 251 and thereby air-sealed.

[0284] Overmolding surrounds electrical and / or electronic components on a PCB.

[0285] The overmolded 251 covers a portion of the PCB 241, as well as the connection between the PCB 241 and the socket 231. The covered portion of the PCB 241 is the section through which current flows from the main power board 263a to the socket 231. The remaining portion of the PCB 241 is used to supply current to the user interface via the display / interface PCB 263b and does not require the same level of pneumatic sealing.

[0286] Therefore, other sections of the PCB are exposed from the overmolding. The sections of the PCB exposed from the overmolding are lower-power sections of the PCB, while the higher-power sections of the PCB are substantially covered by the overmolding. The lower-power sections of the PCB exposed from the overmolding are connected to the electrical connector 243. In the configuration shown in the figure, the electrical connector 243 is associated with components that have lower power demands than the main power board 263a. For example, the display interface PCB 263b associated with the display has lower power demands than the main power board 263a. Due to the lower power demands, the portion of the PCB connected to the electrical connector 243 does not need to be air-sealed.

[0287] In an alternative configuration, the portion of the PCB connected to the electrical connector 243 may be covered by overmolding. In yet another alternative configuration, the entire PCB except for the electrical connector may be covered by overmolding.

[0288] By also sealing the connection between socket 231 and PCB 241, any oxygen-enriched gases leaking around socket 231 during use will be prevented from entering socket 231 through the gap between socket 231 and PCB 241. This is important because socket 231 may be supplying a large amount of power to the removable elbow 171, as the elbow itself supplies power for heating the conduit 16.

[0289] As shown in Figures 32 and 36, the overmolding 251 on the PCB 241 is configured to form an interlocking fit with the hole 134 in the wall of the upper chassis 102 of the housing. This helps to form an air seal between the PCB 241 and the hole 134, preventing moisture and gases from entering the interior of the housing 100 in which the main power board 263a is located.

[0290] Referring to Figures 20-27, the housing of the base unit 50 of the device 10 includes a handle 261 connected to the upper chassis 102 of the housing 100. The handle 261 is movable between a lowered storage position, as shown in Figure 23, and a raised transport position, as shown in Figure 24. In the raised transport position, the user can transport the device 10 using the handle.

[0291] When the handle 261 is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the handle 261 is substantially flush with the upper front wall portions 110a, 110b of the upper chassis 102 of the housing 100. The rear peripheral upper wall portion 110c of the upper chassis forms a handle recess for receiving the handle in the lowered position. A recess 102d (Figure 20) is provided at the rear edge of the upper wall portion 110c, thereby allowing the user to place their fingers under the handle and lift it from its lowered storage position.

[0292] Each side of the upper chassis 102 has an inwardly opening connecting recess 112 for receiving the complementary connecting portion 263 of the handle. Although only the left recess 112 is shown in the figure, the right recess is a mirror image of it.

[0293] Referring to Figure 22, the recess has a substantially semicircular structure. The recess 112 has a laterally shallow rear portion 112a and a laterally deeper front portion 112b. The arch-shaped slot 112c extends upward and rearward from the laterally deeper front portion 112b, and its upper end is open upward.

[0294] The laterally deep front portion 112b and the arched slot 112c define the boundary of the handle connection mechanism, thereby determining the possible positions of the handle.

[0295] Figures 23 and 24 show the connection mechanism of the handle connection portion 263. The connection mechanism includes a curved arm 265, which extends from each end of the handle body or from an adjacent position. The tip of the arm 265 is connected to a tab 267 that projects forward and outward from the arm 265. The curved arm 265 and the tab 267 project outward from a flat plate 264 (Figure 27) which has a curved perimeter. The flat plate 264 has dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the laterally shallow rear portion 112a of the recess.

[0296] The connecting mechanisms 265 and 267 of the handle 261 engage with the laterally deep front portion 112b and the arched slot 112c. The upper edge of the arched arm 263 forms an interference fit with the semicircular upper wall of the laterally deep front portion 112b of the recess. In addition, the arched slot 112c forms interference fits with the upper and lower edges of the arched arm 263, thereby allowing the handle 261 to follow a desired movement path.

[0297] The tab 267 of the projection moves within the laterally deep front portion 112b of the recess. The length of the tab 267 is configured to form an interference fit with the upper and lower arched walls of the laterally deep front portion 112b. When the handle 261 is lifted, the tab 267 rotates within the laterally deep front portion 112b with respect to the housing 10, and the tab shifts between the front boundary wall 112b' and the substantially vertical rear boundary wall 112b'' defined by the laterally shallow rear portion 112a of the recess. When the handle reaches a nearly vertical position as shown in Figure 24, the tab 267 comes into contact with the rear boundary wall 112b'', thereby limiting the movement of the handle 261.

[0298] The handlebars 261 are connected to the inner vertical wall of the upper chassis 102, so that they do not come off once the screen carrier 211 is attached to the upper chassis 102.

[0299] The handle 261 also includes a hole 268 that accommodates a gas port 275 on the filter module 271 when the handle is in the stowed position and the filter module is received in the filter recess 118 of the housing. The hole 268 is located along one side member of the handle and is positioned closer to the lateral transport portion 262 of the handle 261 that can be used to transport the device 10 than the connection mechanisms 263-267 on that side member of the handle that movably connect the handle to the housing. The lateral transport portion 262 extends from the side member opposite the end with the connection mechanisms.

[0300] The apparatus has a removable filter module 271, as shown in Figures 25 and 26. The configuration of the filter module has been described in International Publication No. 2018 / 074935A1 (WO'935). Unless otherwise described below, the features and functions of the filter module 271 are the same as those of the filter module described in WO'935, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0301] The filter module 271 has a filter body 272, which has multiple walls including a first front upright wall 272a, an opposing second rear upright wall 272b, and an upper wall 277 extending between the first wall 272a and the second wall 272b, and an opposing lower wall 279. The body 272 defines one or more filter chambers. The lower gas port 273 defines a first inlet at the bottom of the filter body, is in fluid communication with the outlet port of the valve module 301 (Figure 40), and receives gas from the outlet port 307.

[0302] An upper gas port 275 defining a second inlet is provided at the upper end of the filter body 272, extending upward from the upper wall 277. The upper gas port 275 is configured to interact with a hole 268 in the handle. The upper gas port 275 can be connected to a supplemental gas source. An ambient air inlet (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the filter body to capture ambient air. These gases then pass through the filter media 274 of the filter 271, and the gases exiting the filter chamber are filtered before being delivered to the blower of the motor module, where they are mixed.

[0303] The upper gas port 275 communicates with at least one filter chamber, the lower gas port 273 communicates with at least one filter chamber, and the ambient air inlet communicates with at least one filter chamber. Two or more inlets may communicate with the same filter chamber or with different filter chambers.

[0304] As shown in Figure 37, the lower chassis 104 of the housing 100 has a filter recess 118 whose shape is complementary to the shape of the main body 272 of the filter module 271. The interior of the filter recess 118 communicates with the interior of a recess 122 for receiving the motor module, allowing gas to be delivered from the filter to the motor module.

[0305] Referring to Figures 20 and 32, the filter recess 120 is provided in the upper wall portion 110c of the upper chassis 102 and has a shape complementary to the shape of the upper portion of the filter module body 272. When the upper chassis 102 is connected to the lower chassis 104, the recess 120 is positioned above the recess 118.

[0306] As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the upper wall 277 of the filter body 272 is angled so as not to be parallel to the lower wall 279 of the filter body. The angle α of the upper wall may be approximately 2 to 10 degrees, optionally 2 to 5 degrees, or optionally 3 degrees with respect to the lower wall. Therefore, the second wall 272b is higher than the first wall 272a. That is, the upper wall 277 is angled so that when the filter module 271 is mounted on the housing 100, it is offset from the horizontal and coincides with the upper surface 110c of the upper chassis 102 of the housing 100. In an alternative configuration, the upper wall 277 is parallel to the lower wall 279.

[0307] The upper gas port 275 is located closer to one of the first wall 272a and the second wall 272b than to the center of the upper wall 277. In particular, the upper gas port 275 is located on or adjacent to the second wall 272b on one side of the filter body 272, and in the illustrated configuration, it is located on or adjacent to the higher end 277a of the upper surface 277. This has many advantages, which will be explained with respect to the handle 261 and housing 100.

[0308] Firstly, by installing the upper gas port 275 on one side of the filter body, or adjacent to it, the second inlet 275 aligns with the hole 268 in the handle 261 only when the filter 271 is inserted in the correct orientation. If the filter is inserted in the wrong orientation, the second inlet 275 prevents the handle 261 from becoming flat, which informs the user that the filter has been inserted incorrectly.

[0309] Secondly, the upper gas port 275 is positioned farther away from the axis of rotation of the handle 261. This results in a larger radius of curvature for the path that the hole 268 follows when the handle 261 is moved. This is advantageous when the tube is connected to the upper gas port 275 because the handle 261 is less likely to get tangled with the tube as the hole 268 moves along a smoother path. The end of the tube may have one or more flanges, which can be the position where the hole 268 stops. A larger radius of curvature for the path of the hole 268 means that the hole 268 will move substantially vertically as it passes through the flange at the end of the tube. A smaller radius of curvature means that the hole 268 will move more obliquely as it passes through the flange, which means that the hole 268 is more likely to get tangled with the flange of the tube.

[0310] Thirdly, because the upper gas port 275 is positioned far from the axis of rotation of the handle 261, the upper gas port 275 is also positioned far from the handle 261 when the handle is lifted. This is advantageous because the user may use the upper gas port 275 to pull the filter when removing it from the housing 100, and a longer distance between the upper gas port 275 and the handle 261 provides the user with more space to grip the second inlet. The filter module 271 may have a grip mechanism on or near its top surface for the user to grip when removing the filter from the housing 100.

[0311] It should be understood that these advantages can also be obtained with filters that have only an upper gas port 275 and no lower gas port 273 or ambient air inlet.

[0312] Although the filter module 271 is shown as being on the left side of the housing 100, it can instead be mounted in a filter recess on the right side of the housing. In that configuration, the right side member of the handle 261 would have an opening 268. Alternatively, both sides of the housing could have filter recesses to receive their respective filter modules 271, and both sides of the handle 261 could have holes 268.

[0313] The handle 261 is pivotably attached to the housing 100 by its front end, and the filter module 271 is mounted within the housing such that the side of the filter having the upper gas port 275 is positioned aft on the filter module. Alternatively, the rear end of the handle 261 can be pivotably attached to the handle 100 (thereby positioning the lateral transport section 262 toward the front of the housing 100 rather than toward the rear of the housing), and the filter module 271 can be mounted within the housing such that the side of the filter having the upper gas port 275 is positioned forward on the filter module.

[0314] As described above, the filter module 271 is removable and may be removed by pulling the upper gas port 275, or alternatively by pulling the grip mechanism. The housing may include a push button or a release latch. Figure 3 shows a release latch in the form of a filter release tab 276. The filter release tab 276 includes a pivoting member that pushes the filter module 271 out of the housing. In the illustrated configuration, the filter release tab 276 pushes the filter module 271 upward and outward. Alternatively, the filter module 271 may be released from its fixed position by a push button, thereby allowing the filter module 271 to be pulled out by hand. An alternative method for removing the filter module 271 is by using the filter removal tool 280 shown in Figures 57 and 58.

[0315] The filter removal tool 280 includes an engaging portion 281 and a gripping portion 282. The engaging portion 281 is generally cylindrical and corresponds to the upper gas port 275, and includes an inner recess 283 that receives it. The inner recess 283 is shaped to match standard medical tapers, such as the shape of the upper gas port 275. The inner recess 283 may have a smooth surface as shown in Figure 57. Alternatively, the inner recess may include one or more engaging mechanisms that engage with a mechanism on the filter portion 275. For example, the inner surface of the inner recess 283 may include one or more ridges or one or more annular recesses located on the inner surface of the engaging portion 281.

[0316] Figure 57 shows a gripping portion 282 including a tab 284 having an extended flat area 285. The flat area 285 is configured to be grasped by the user with the hand, for example, between the user's thumb and index finger. The extended flat area 285 may also include a rough surface and / or one or more protrusions 286 configured to make it easier for the user to grip the filter removal tool 280.

[0317] When in use, the user first presses the filter removal tool 280 against the upper gas port 275 so that the upper gas port 275 engages with the inner recess 283 of the engagement portion 281. To make the inner recess 283 and the upper gas port 275 fit more tightly, the user can twist the filter removal tool 280 relative to the upper gas port 275 when pressing the tool 280 against the upper gas port 275, and this movement is made possible by the width of the tab 284. Once the filter removal tool 280 is engaged with the upper gas port 275, the user can press the filter release tab 276 (Figure 3) located on the side of the base unit 50. This allows the filter to move relative to the main housing 100 of the base unit 50. The user can then continue to pull the filter removal tool 280 out of the main housing 100 of the base unit 50, thereby pulling the filter module 271 out of the main housing 100 of the base unit 50. Even if the user attempts to pull out the filter module 271 using the filter removal tool 280 without first pressing the filter release tab, only the filter removal tool 280 will detach from the upper gas port 275, and neither the filter module 271 nor the filter removal tool 280 will be damaged.

[0318] If the filter removal tool 280 has an internal ridge or recess, twisting the filter removal tool 2880 may cause the internal ridge or recess to engage with the corresponding ridge or recess on the upper gas port 275 of the filter module 271. The engagement of the various ridges or recesses allows the tool to grip the upper port of the filter module 271, thereby facilitating the removal of the filter module 271.

[0319] When the filter module 271 is removed, the user can discard the filter removal tool 280 together with the filter module 271 and then proceed to insert a new filter module 271 into the device. Since the filter removal tool 280 may be discarded together with the filter module 271, the filter removal tool 280 may contain bio-derived and / or biodegradable plastics to reduce waste. Alternatively, the filter removal tool may be made from renewable plastics.

[0320] The filter removal tool 280 is useful in situations where the upper gas port 275 is too small or inconvenient to grasp properly, making it difficult for some users to pull out the filter module 271. In addition, the filter removal tool 280 only needs to be assembled with the filter module 271 when the tool 280 is used to remove the filter module 271; that is, the tool 280 or any other similar component does not need to protrude from the main housing 100 of the base unit 50 when not in use.

[0321] The filter removal tool 280 may be packaged together with each filter module 271. The filter removal tool 280 may be placed in the same packaging as the filter module 271. Alternatively, the filter removal tool 280 may be placed in the sealed packaging provided with or within the packaging of the filter module 271. If the filter removal tool 280 is sealed away from the filter module 271, the chances of the filter module 271 being contaminated before it is opened are reduced.

[0322] The respiratory support device has a valve module 301 shown in Figure 40. The valve module 301 controls the flow of oxygen and / or other gases into the gas passage of the device 10, allowing the device 10 to adjust the proportion of oxygen trapped in the airflow. The valve module 301 is formed as a modular component to facilitate manufacturing, assembly, inspection, or replacement, for example, in case of failure, routine maintenance, or future upgrades / improvements.

[0323] The valve module 301 engages with the main housing 100 of the base unit 50 of the device, thereby substantially receiving the valve module 301 within the housing and being accessible from outside the housing. The valve module 301 may or may not be removable from the housing 100. A portion of the valve module 301 is positioned so as to be substantially flush with the outer wall of the housing, for example, the bottom wall 115 of the lower chassis 104, when the valve module engages with the housing. The valve module 301 includes a flow control valve 303, which is positioned to control the flow of gas through a valve manifold. The valve 303 is positioned to control the flow of gas to a part of the device. For example, the valve 303 may be positioned to control the flow of gas to a filter module 271. Alternatively, the valve 301 may be positioned to control the flow of gas to other parts of the device 10. The valve module 301 and the filter module 271 are located upstream of the blower of the motor module.

[0324] Valve 303 receives gas from inlet port 304, which is embodied as a swivel connector 305 in the illustrated configuration. Valve 303 delivers the gas to outlet port 307. Outlet port 307 is configured to be fluidly connected to the first inlet 273 of filter module 271.

[0325] The valve module 301 also includes an ambient air port 309 that can deliver ambient air to the ambient air inlet of the filter module 271.

[0326] The configuration of the valve module to date is described in International Publication No. 2018 / 074935A1 (WO'935). Unless otherwise stated herein, the features and functions of valve module 301 are the same as those of the valve module described in WO'935, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0327] The valve module 301 is electrically connected to the main power board 261 of the device 10, and the device 10 can supply power to and / or communicate with the valve module 301. In WO'935, the lower chassis had a valve recess for receiving the valve module and a battery recess for receiving the battery cover. These two recesses were separated by a wall, with a gap in the wall so that a wire (or alternatively a flexible PCB) could pass from the valve module through the valve recess and then connect to the power board. To help prevent oxygen from leaking from the valve recess to the battery recess, a grommet was placed in the gap, and the flexible PCB was passed through the grommet.

[0328] Referring to Figures 37-39, in the configuration of the present invention, the lower chassis 104 of the housing 100 includes a valve recess 105 at its lower end for receiving a valve module 301 and a battery recess 107 on its rear surface for receiving a battery module 125. The wires from the valve module 301 do not pass directly from the valve recess 105 to the battery recess 107. Instead, the wires are configured to pass from the valve recess 105 to a recess 122 for the motor module, and then from the recess 122 for the motor module to the battery recess 107. This provides several advantages. The wiring path WP1 is schematically shown by a dashed line in Figure 37.

[0329] Firstly, if oxygen leaks from the valve module 301, it should be prevented from flowing into the battery recess 107, as the battery recess houses numerous electrical connections, including electrical connectors for the main power board 261. By using the proposed routing WP1 for the wires, the wall between the valve recess 105 and the battery recess 107 can remain intact and impermeable to gas flow. For oxygen to enter the battery recess 107, it would first need to flow into the motor module recess 122, and then from the motor module recess 122 to the battery recess 107. Since the battery and / or sensor module recess 122 is not sealed, in this situation, the oxygen will disperse from the motor module recess 122 to the outside of the device, and at most only a small amount of oxygen will continue to flow into the battery recess 107.

[0330] Secondly, since there is no gap in the wall between the valve recess 105 and the battery recess 107, the grommet mentioned above is unnecessary. This reduces the number of components and simplifies manufacturing.

[0331] The valve module 301 is also modified by changing the wiring for the heating plate 141. In the conventional configuration shown in Figure 162 of International Publication No. 2016 / 207838A9, the heating plate is connected to the upper chassis, and the wiring for the heating plate passes through a first gap in the upper chassis. After passing through this gap, the wiring is located between the upper and lower chassis (i.e., inside the housing) and connected to the power board.

[0332] In this configuration, the heating plate 140 is instead connected to the lower chassis 104. This is advantageous because any spilled liquid around the heating plate 140 can pass through the gap in the lower housing and out to the bottom of the housing 100, preventing it from accumulating between the upper chassis 102 and the lower chassis 104.

[0333] As schematically shown in Figure 38, the wiring from the heating plate 140 exits from the lower portion 108a of the liquid chamber recess 108 through gap 108b, along the back surface of the lower bottom wall of the recess 108, and returns to the lower chassis 104 through a second gap 108c. The wiring path WP2 is schematically shown in Figure 38. The second gap 108c provides an entry point for the wiring path into the internal region of the housing 100.

[0334] To prevent the wiring from being exposed to the outside of the device 10 between the first gap 108b and the second gap 108c, a cover is provided on this portion of the base of the lower chassis 104. Similarly, the wiring extending from the valve module 301 along the wiring path WP1 from the valve recess 105 to the battery recess 107 would also be exposed if it were not covered.

[0335] Covers for these two sections are provided by the base housing member 311 of the valve module 301, as shown in Figure 39. This makes it possible to cover these two sections without adding any additional components to the housing 100. The main body portion 313 of the base housing member 311 provides a cover for the wiring path WP1. The forward and laterally extending finger-like portions 315 of the base housing member 311 provide a cover for the wiring path WP2. The main body portion 313 completely surrounds the edge of the base 123 of the motor module (not shown in Figure 39), thereby more securely fixing the motor module within the housing 100, so that the valve module 301 is removable from the housing and cannot be removed unless it is first removed. In addition, the size of the base housing member 311 allows the valve module 301 to be fixed to the lower chassis 104 of the housing using multiple fasteners, thereby more securely fixing the valve module 301 to the housing 100.

[0336] The base housing member 311 has an overlapping region 317, which is designed to overlap with the rear edge of the bottom of the guard 160. During assembly, the valve module 301 is connected to the lower chassis 104, and the guard 160 is then connected to the lower chassis 104. The guard 160 then overlaps with the base housing member 311 of the valve module 301, preventing the valve module 301 from being removed until the guard 160 is removed from the housing. Since the valve housing prevents the motor module from being removed, this also means that the guard 160 indirectly prevents the motor module from being removed.

[0337] As shown in Figure 40, the valve module 301 also has a post 319, which extends upward from a portion of the valve housing, in the illustrated configuration from a cover plate 321 above the valve 303. During assembly, the wire / flexible PCB from the valve module 301 will be wound around the post 319. When wound around the post 319, when a tensile force is applied to the wire, it will always tighten around the post rather than come off the valve module 301. The post may also have hooked ends 319a at its ends, in the form of lateral or vertical projections. This helps to prevent the wire from slipping off the post 319.

[0338] Referring to Figures 41 and 42, the lower chassis 104 has a battery recess 107, and a wall 142 separates the battery recess 107 from a recess 122 for receiving the motor module. This wall 107 has a gap 143 adjacent to its bottom edge, thereby allowing wires 301w (shown as dashed lines in Figure 42) from the valve module 301 to pass between the two recesses. Wires 301w are used to power the valve module 301 and / or to communicate with it. Similarly, a flexible PCB 123p (shown as dashed lines in Figure 42) is used to power the motor module and / or to communicate with it, and this too can also be passed through this gap 143. Both the flexible PCB for the motor module and the wires for the valve module 301 extend vertically through the battery recess 107 along the rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower chassis 104 and connect to the main power board 161.

[0339] The rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower chassis 104 has a retaining mechanism 144 designed to hold a flexible PCB. The retaining mechanism is oriented substantially vertically and positioned above the gap 143. The retaining mechanism has two spaced ribs 144a extending from the rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower chassis 104, with inwardly facing projections 144b extending from the edges of the ribs 144a. The distance between the ribs 144a is configured to be complementary to the width of the flexible PCB 123p. The distance between the projections 144b is less than the width of the flexible PCB 123p. When assembled, the flexible PCB 123p is placed between the ribs 144a, and the projections 144b hold the flexible PCB in the desired position between the projections 144b and the wall 142.

[0340] The wire 301w of the valve module 301 can also extend between the ribs 144a of the retaining mechanism. The wire 301 will be installed between the flexible PCB 123p and the rear surface of the wall 142, so that the retaining mechanism 144 holds the flexible PCB 123p and the flexible PCB holds the wire 301w. The rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower chassis 104 may also have one or more grooves to help hold the wiring in the desired position.

[0341] One or more support means 144c are also positioned between the ribs 144a, extending from the wall 142 to support the flexible PCB. The support means 144c are positioned between the ribs 144a, and their front-to-back depth is smaller than that of the ribs 144a. The support means 144c support the flexible PCB 123p at the correct distance from the rear surface of the wall 142, ensuring that the projections 144b of the ribs 144a make secure contact with the flexible PCB.

[0342] In addition, the sides of the support means 144c form the track boundary for the wire. Thus, the track boundary can be defined by four sides during use by the rear surface of the wall 142, one of the ribs 144a of the retaining mechanism, one side of one of the support means 144c, and the flexible PCB 123p. Alternatively, the track boundary can be defined by four sides during use by the rear surface of the wall 142, two of the support means 144c (if a gap is provided between the upper ends of the two support means 144c), and the flexible PCB 123p. The depth of the support means 144c, and the distance between the support means 144c and the rib 144a are configured to create a cross-sectional area complementary to the wire, so that the wire fits snugly into the track when the device is fully assembled.

[0343] In an alternative configuration, the flexible PCB 123p can be used to connect the valve module 301 to the main power board 161, and the wire 301w is then used to connect the motor module to the main power board 161. In another alternative configuration, both the motor module and the valve module 301 may have flexible PCBs, which are stacked between the retaining mechanisms 144. Tracks for receiving wires are not required in this configuration.

[0344] An advantage of the gap 143 is that it is positioned directly vertically below the base of the retaining mechanism 144, thereby allowing the flexible PCB and wires to extend directly vertically downward from the gap 143 through the retaining mechanism 144 to the main power board 161, thereby preventing the flexible PCB and wires from twisting.

[0345] The power panel 331 shown in Figure 43 is positioned directly above the retaining mechanism 144 in a vertical direction. The power panel is held between the upper chassis 102 and the lower chassis 104 and has multiple receiving sections through which electrical connectors can extend. The power panel 331 has a slot 333 which extends to the bottom of the rear surface of the main body portion 335 of the power panel 331.

[0346] The slot includes a first enlarged region 333a configured to receive the flexible PCB 123p and a smaller, laterally extending auxiliary region 333b in the form of a hooked recess for receiving the wire 301w. When assembled with the housing 100, the slot 333 is positioned above the retaining mechanism 144. The upper end of the slot communicates with a recessed portion 337 that extends into a receiving portion 339 at the upper end of the power panel 331. When assembled, the receiving portion 339 houses an electrical connector for the main power board 263a to which the flexible PCB and wires are connected. The flexible PCB and wires extend from the retaining mechanism 144 through the slot 333 into the recessed portion 337 and connect to the main power board connector in the receiving portion 339.

[0347] The power panel 331 has two tapered side walls 341, which have protruding retaining mechanisms 343 in the form of long ribs. The retaining mechanisms 343 are received by complementary grooves in the upper chassis portion 102 and / or the lower chassis portion 104, thereby attaching the power panel 331 to the housing 100.

[0348] During assembly, the rear surface of the wall 142 of the lower chassis 104 is exposed, making it easy to assemble the flexible PCB and wiring with the holding mechanism 144 and connect them to the connector in the receiving section 339 of the main power board 263a. Once this is done, the battery module 125 can be connected, thereby covering the flexible PCB and wiring. This protects the flexible PCB and wiring and also helps to hold them in place.

[0349] The rear walls 113 and 142 of the housing form an interlocking fit with the battery when the battery and battery cover 126 are assembled into the housing 100. This holds the battery in place, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or adhesives. This makes assembly, maintenance, and repair easier.

[0350] Referring to Figure 41, an electrical socket 114 is provided in a recess on the underside of the lower chassis 104 and is configured to supply power to the main power board 263a by connecting a power cord to it. The power cord is detachably connected to the electrical socket 114 so that if the power cord is damaged during use, it can be replaced without any wiring of the device 10.

[0351] However, during typical use, it would be desirable to prevent the power cord from being disconnected from the base unit 50 of the device 10. Firstly, this prevents the device 10 from losing main power due to an accidental disconnection of the power cord. Secondly, this prevents the power cord from being disconnected from the base unit 50 of the device 10 and being installed incorrectly.

[0352] To prevent the power cord from being detached from the base unit of the device 10, a power cord retainer 351, as shown in Figures 45-51, is used. In one configuration, the power cord retainer 351 is connected to the battery cover 126 of the battery module 125, so that during assembly the power cord is attached to the base unit 50 of the device 10 after the battery cover 126, and the power cord retainer 351 is attached last. Alternatively, the power cord retainer 351 can be connected to a different part of the housing 100, for example, directly to the lower chassis 104.

[0353] Referring to Figures 48a and 48b, the battery cover 126 includes a receiving housing 126a for receiving the battery module 125, a fastening hole 126b for receiving fasteners for attaching the battery cover 126 to the lower chassis 104, an upper retaining mechanism 126c that interacts with complementary mounting mechanisms of the lower chassis 104 or the upper chassis 102, and a retainer cavity 126d for receiving the power cord retainer 351.

[0354] Referring to Figures 45, 46, 48A, and 48B, the power cord retainer 351 includes an inverted, substantially U-shaped body portion 353, comprising a lateral upper transverse member 355, a right-side downward-extending leg 357, and a left-side downward-extending leg 359 (left and right are viewed from the front of the device 10 during use). The body portion 353 includes a relatively narrow and tall front body portion 361, which has an upward-extending upper flange 363 corresponding to the upper transverse member 355. The body portion 353 further includes a relatively wide and short rear body portion 365, which has a right outer flange 367 corresponding to the right leg and a left outer flange 369 corresponding to the left leg. The left leg is further provided with a left inner flange 371, which is defined by a wedge-shaped portion having an upper narrow end and a lower wide end. A vertical channel 373 is provided between the left outer flange 369 and the left inner flange 371.

[0355] The power cord passage 375 is provided between the right leg 357 and the left leg 359. The upper part 375a of the passage 375 is wider than the lower part 375b of the passage 375.

[0356] A forward-projecting prong 377 is provided in the upper section of the main body, above the upper part 375a of the power cord passage.

[0357] Referring to Figures 48A and 48B, the power cord retainer 351 is mounted to the housing 100 by moving the power cord retainer vertically upward with respect to the lower chassis 104 and the battery cover 126. The upper flange 363 of the power cord retainer abuts against the upper horizontal lip 126e of the cavity 126d of the battery cover. This lip 126e helps to hold the power cord retainer in place. A vertical rib 126f extends downward from the lip 126e and abuts against the left outer flange 369 of the power cord retainer 351, helping the user to properly align the upper flange 363 with the lip 126e. Once fully inserted, the left inner flange 371 also abuts against the wrapped vertical rib 126f, thereby positioning the vertical rib 126f within the channel 373 between the left inner and outer flanges 371 and 373, further holding the power cord retainer 351 in the correct position.

[0358] The foot 376 extends forward from the lower end of the right leg 357 and has a fastener receiving hole 376a, which aligns with and is complementary to the fastener receiving hole 126e in the cavity 126d of the battery cover 126 when the power cord retainer is fully inserted into the cavity 126d. When assembled, fasteners such as screws can be inserted into holes 376a and 126g to secure the power cord retainer 351 to the battery cover 126. This assembly is designed so that the power cord retainer 351 and, consequently, the power cord cannot be removed by anyone other than a technician.

[0359] In its assembled state, the prongs 377 of the power cord retainer engage with the electrical connector of the power cord, holding it engaged with the electrical connector 114 of the device 10. The prongs 377 have a gap between them, allowing the cord itself to pass through, but preventing the electrical connector of the power cord from passing through. The cord then passes through the power cord passage 375.

[0360] The power cord retainer 351 is also shown to have a clip 378. In the illustrated configuration, the clip 378 is located on the top of the body 353, above the power cord passage 375. The clip 378 can be used to help hold one or more cables. One side of the clip may be open so that a cable can be inserted into the clip.

[0361] For example, as shown in Figure 43, the power panel 331 may also have an additional receptacle 344 for additional electrical connectors (such as USB connections) located above the electrical connector 114 for the power cord. When cables are connected to these electrical connectors in the receptacle 344, the cables can be attached to or received by the clip 378, which helps prevent the cables from accidentally coming loose from the receptacle 344.

[0362] Figures 52–56 show alternative configurations of the removable components, including the removable elbow 1171. Unless otherwise noted below, the features, functions, and options of the removable elbow 1171 are the same as those of the removable elbow 171, and similar reference numbers with 1000 added refer to the same parts.

[0363] Although not shown in Figures 52-56, the removable elbow 1171 will have one or more seals 173 or sealing elements 175 on the recess 1163b, as described above.

[0364] As previously stated with respect to the removable elbow 171, the removable elbow 1171 also includes electrical connections. The elbow 1171 has an inlet that is pneumatically connected to a first attachment for the respiratory support device 10, e.g., a fluid chamber 151; an outlet that is pneumatically and optionally electrically connected to a second attachment for the respiratory support device, e.g., a patient conduit 16; and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector 1178 that is electrically connected to the respiratory support device 10 and forms electrical connections with electrical components in the housing 100. The electrical connections 1178 provide an electrical link between the base unit 50 of the device 10 and a temperature sensor 1176 embedded in the elbow 1171, as well as between the base unit 50 of the device 10 and the conduit 16 (if the conduit has one or more sensors and / or heating elements) via the aforementioned electrical interconnection assembly 221 in the housing. The PCB electrical connector 1178 is electrically connected to the electrical interconnect assembly 221 when the removable elbow 1171 is connected to the housing 100.

[0365] The pneumatic inlet connection of the removable elbow 1171 is provided by the humidifying gas inlet port 1163, the pneumatic outlet connection is provided by the patient outlet port 1030, and the outlet electrical connection is provided by the connector 1179 provided in the chimney 1179a which extends upward parallel to the axis of port 0130.

[0366] The humidifying gas inlet port 1163 and the patient exit port 1030 are in fluid communication with each other via a gas passage within the removable elbow. The electrical connectors 1178 and 1179 of the removable elbow are pneumatically isolated from the gas passage between the humidifying gas inlet port 1163 and the patient exit port 1030 via at least one wall of the removable elbow. For example, the body of the removable elbow may be made of injection-molded plastic material, and an isolation area for the electrical connectors is provided, which is separated and isolated from the gas passage.

[0367] The portion of the removable elbow configured to form an electrical connection with the electrical components (electrical interconnect assembly 221) within the housing, namely the PCB electrical connector 1178, is pneumatically isolated from the gas passages of the removable elbow. Therefore, when the removable components are connected to the housing, only the electrical connection between the PCB electrical connector 1178 and the electrical interconnect assembly 221 is provided. This does not form a direct pneumatic connection between the gas passages within the removable elbow 1171 and the housing 100. Instead, the gas passages within the removable elbow provide a pneumatic connection between the first attachment (liquid chamber 151) and the second attachment (patient conduit 30).

[0368] In the configuration shown in the figure, the PCB electrical connector 178 is partially housed within a housing 1178a that is integrally formed with the elbow. The PCB electrical connector 1178 protrudes rearward from the housing 1178a and is inserted horizontally into the electrical connector on the base unit 50 of the device 10 (i.e., in the same rearward insertion direction CID as when the liquid chamber 151 is connected to the housing 10 of the base unit 50 and in the same rearward direction RD as when the enclosure plate 190 is connected to the screen carrier 211). Thus, the removable elbow 1171 can be connected horizontally to the device in the rearward direction RD, and the liquid chamber 151 is then connected horizontally to the two device ports 161, 163. Alternatively, the liquid chamber 151 can be connected first to the removable elbow 1171, and then the assembled liquid chamber 151 and elbow 171 can be connected together to the base unit 50 of the device by moving them together in the rearward direction.

[0369] As shown in Figures 28-36, the PCB electrical connector 1178 of the removable elbow 171 is inserted into the electrical interconnect assembly 221 of the base unit 50 of the device 10. The interconnect assembly 221 consists of three components: a socket 231, a PCB 241, and an overmolding 251.

[0370] As described above with respect to Figures 29 and 30, the socket 231 includes a housing 232 which defines a receptacle 233 for receiving the PCB electrical connector 1178 of the removable elbow 1171. The front portion 233a of the receptacle 233 has relatively large vertical and horizontal dimensions for receiving the housing 1178a of the electrical connector. The rear portion 233b of the receptacle 233 has relatively small vertical and horizontal dimensions for receiving the portion of the PCB electrical connector 1178 that protrudes rearward from the housing 1178a. The rear portion 233b is defined between the upper and lower ribs 234 that extend from its upper and lower walls to the rear of the receptacle. The rear portion 233b of the receptacle is configured to form an interlocking or interlocking fit with the PCB electrical connector 1178 to help hold the removable elbow 1171 connected to the socket 231. The front portion 233a of the receiving section may be configured to form an interlocking or interlocking fit with the housing 1178a of the PCB electrical connector 178, thereby helping to hold the removable elbow 1171 connected to the socket 231. Alternatively, they may form a looser fit.

[0371] The housing 1178a of the removable elbow 1171 carries a seal 1182. The seal 1182 is configured to engage with the inner surface of the front portion 233a of the receiving portion 233 of the socket 231 when the removable elbow 1171 engages with the electrical interconnect assembly 221 of the base unit 50 of the device. The seal 1182 provides a pneumatic and / or fluid seal between the housing 1178a of the removable elbow 1171 and the receiving portion 233 of the socket 231.

[0372] The seal 1182 prevents or reduces the movement of breathing gas leakage and / or condensation toward the electronic components in the removable elbow 1171 and the electrical connector 1178 of the elbow.

[0373] The housing 1178a of the removable elbow 1171 generally includes an annular recess 1178b, which extends around at least a portion of the top, sides, and bottom of the housing 1178a. The seal 1182 is received within the annular recess 1178b and protrudes outward beyond adjacent surfaces of the housing 1178a, engaging with the inner surface of the front portion 233a of the receiving portion 233 of the electrical interconnect assembly 221.

[0374] The seal 1182 may be a wiper seal. The wiper seal has a T-shaped cross-section. In the illustrated configuration, the wiper seal is a flexible annular rim that extends along the circumference of the housing 1178a. The wiper seal may or may not have a bulbous tip on the seal.

[0375] In alternative configurations, the seal 1182 may be an L-seal, an X-ring, or an O-ring.

[0376] The seal 1182 may have one sealing element as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the seal 1182 may have multiple sealing elements as described with respect to seal 173 and sealing element 175. Alternatively, the housing may carry multiple seals 1182. Each of the multiple seals 1182 may have one sealing element.

[0377] The seal 1182 may be made from silicone rubber. In an alternative configuration, the seal 1182 can be made from any suitable elastomer, such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the seal 1182 may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or thermoplastic vulcanized product, particularly when the seal is overmolded onto a removable elbow.

[0378] The bottom portion of the housing 1178a includes a cavity 1178c that receives the PCB electrical connector 1178. In the illustrated configuration, the cavity 1178c is open to the bottom of the housing and to the distal rear end of the housing.

[0379] The housing includes one or more engagement mechanisms 1178d that help position the PCB electrical connector 1178 within the cavity 1178c of the housing.

[0380] In the illustrated configuration, the engagement mechanism 1178d includes one or more downward-facing projections. The projections are configured to extend through complementary holes within the PCB electrical connector 1178.

[0381] The engagement mechanism 1178d may include a diameter-expanding head to reduce the likelihood of the PCB electrical connector 1178 being disconnected from the engagement mechanism 1178d. The diameter-expanding head is tapered, with the lateral diameter of the lower end of the head being smaller than that of the upper end of the head, thereby allowing the PCB electrical connector to be inserted into the cavity 1178c on the head.

[0382] Although two engagement mechanisms 1178d are shown, one engagement mechanism 1178d, or three or more engagement mechanisms 1178d may be provided.

[0383] During the initial stages of assembly of the removable elbow 1171 (Figure 54), the removable elbow does not have a PCB electrical connector in the cavity 1187c of the housing 1178a.

[0384] The PCB electrical connector 1178 is then inserted into the cavity 1178c of the housing 1178a, and the engagement mechanism 1178d extends through a complementary hole within the PCB electrical connector. The PCB electrical connector 1178 is partially housed within the cavity 1178c of the housing 1178a and protrudes rearward from the housing 1178a.

[0385] The seal 1182 is then overmolded onto the housing 1178a.

[0386] As shown in Figure 56, the overmolded component includes a molded base member 1182a configured to substantially fill the cavity 1178c and cover the lower surface of the portion of the PCB electrical connector 1178 that is housed within the cavity, and an integrally molded seal 1182. The molded base member 1182a helps to hold the PCB electrical connector 1178 within the housing 1178a.

[0387] In an alternative configuration, the seal 1182 may be formed separately and stretched over the recess 1178b of the housing 1178a. Alternatively, the seal 1182 may be overmolded into the recess of the housing, but the overmolding does not have to include an integrally formed base member 1182a. The base member 1182a may be formed separately or may not exist.

[0388] One or more tactile mechanisms 1172c are provided on the upper surface of a flat horizontal tab 1172. In the illustrated embodiment, the tactile mechanism includes a plurality of raised mechanisms extending upward from the upper surface of the tab 1172. The tactile mechanism may include a plurality of lateral ribs as shown in the figure, but may also have any other suitable configuration, such as upright projections which may be circular or any other suitable shape.

[0389] The tactile mechanism 1172c helps the user grasp the tab and pull the removable elbow 1171 to disengage it from the recess 199 of the enclosure plate 190, thereby removing the removable elbow 1171 from the housing 100 of the respiratory support device base unit 50.

[0390] The tactile mechanism 1172c can also be provided on the aforementioned removable elbow 171.

[0391] As shown in Figures 52 and 53, the removable elbow has a flange 1172d positioned below the portion of the elbow body that provides the flat horizontal tab 1172. The flange 1172d is spaced apart from the lower surface of the rear portion of the tab 1172 by a space 1172e.

[0392] In the illustrated configuration, the shape of the flange 1172d substantially corresponds to the shape of the upper part of the body above space 1172e, and has a relatively wide anterior region adjacent to the patient exit port 1030 and a relatively narrow posterior region adjacent to the chimney 1179a. Different shapes can also be provided.

[0393] At least a portion of the flange 1172d has dimensions larger than the corresponding portion of the recess 199 of the enclosure plate.

[0394] In the illustrated configuration, the width of at least the relatively narrow rear region of the flange 1172d is greater than the contoured tapered rear wall region 199c (Figure 14) of the enclosure plate 190. In addition, or alternatively, the width of the relatively wide front region of the flange 1172d may be greater than the relatively wide front region of the recess 199 of the enclosure plate.

[0395] When the removable elbow 1171 is connected to the base unit 50, the flange 1172d forms an interfering fit with the lower surface of a portion of the enclosure plate.

[0396] The purpose of this is to resist upward forces applied to the removable elbow (for example, when the patient respiratory conduit 16 is detached from the patient exit port 1130), thereby preventing stress from being placed on the flexible tab 1172 and the electrical connector 1178.

[0397] In different configurations, the removable component 1171 does not have to be elbow-shaped, and instead may have, for example, aligned inlet and outlet ports.

[0398] Details of the previous configuration of the motor module are described in International Publication No. 2016 / 207838A9 (WO'838). The entire contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference. In particular, WO'838 discloses a motor module including a sensing layer and comprising three main components: a base 1403, a coating layer 1440, and a sensing layer 1420 sandwiched between the base 1403 and the coating layer 1440. These components are shown in Figure 59.

[0399] The motor module has a sealed air or gas passage between the base 1403 and the coating layer 1440, thereby preventing gas leakage and movement toward the electronic components of the respiratory assist device. In this configuration, the seals used can be soft seals such as O-rings. These types of seals typically rely on the compressive force generated by a fixture that holds the three layers of the motor module together. This configuration has two soft seals: one for sealing between the upper surface of the base 1403 and the lower surface of the sensing layer 1420, and another for sealing between the lower surface of the coating layer 1440 and the upper surface of the sensing layer 1420. Each seal is positioned in a groove located in either the sensing layer 1420, the base 1403, or the coating layer 1440 to properly position and hold the seal. Alternatively, the seal may be overmolded on one layer, with the other layer positioned on top of the layer containing the overmolded seal, sandwiching the seal.

[0400] The electronic components of the respiratory assist device are positioned within the low-pressure region of the device's main housing, forming a meandering path that reduces the possibility of liquid or oxygen entering the electronic components. The portion of PCB1456A containing the electronic components is positioned "outside" the seal, i.e., outside the bulk gas flow. The portion of PCB1456 containing the sensors is inside the flow path and is sealed from the outside by a seal that is pressed tightly against PCB1456. Thus, the ingress of liquid or oxygen can be prevented, at least substantially.

[0401] The coating layer 1440 may be connected to the gas passage and the sensing layer 1420 using fasteners such as screws. The fasteners sandwich two sections that jointly provide compressive force for pressing the seals 2423, 2443 against the PCB board 1456 to seal. Any suitable number of holes for receiving screws may be provided. Washers can be used on the underside of the screws. To minimize the opportunity for leakage from around the screws into the low-pressure area (which may affect performance), ridges may be added to the bosses on which the screw head rests when inserted. Alternatively, once the screws are inserted, any conceivable openings can be sealed with adhesive or filler. Alternatively, the coating layer 1440 may include clips or adhesive mechanisms that connect to the gas passage and the sensing layer 1420 and seal between these layers when force is applied.

[0402] The characteristics of the seals that replace soft seals are described below.

[0403] As shown in Figures 60 and 61, the upper surface of the main body 1422 of the sensing layer 1420 is provided with a groove 1423 to receive a seal 2423 (more details will be described later) which is pressed against and seals the lower surface of the PCB 1456. The seal 2423 is also pressed against and seals the lower surface of the coating layer 1440. The lower surface of the main body 1442 of the coating layer 1440 is provided with a groove 1443 to receive a seal 2443 (also more details will be described later) which is pressed against and seals the upper surface of the PCB 1456.

[0404] Figure 62 is a schematic diagram of grooves 1423 / 1443 that hold seals 2423 / 2443. Advantageously, grooves 1423 and 1443 are provided with inwardly facing projections 1423B and 1443B (clearly shown in Figure 62A) that help hold seals 2423 and 2443 in place within the grooves.

[0405] Seals 2423 and 2443 seal the high-pressure areas of the motor module when the gas flowing through the gas channel is pressurized by the blower. Seals 2423 and 2443 prevent gas from leaking out and moving toward the electronic components of the device. Seals 2423 and 2443 also prevent fluid ingress, for example, if condensation is present on the sensing board, preventing the condensation from entering the gas flow.

[0406] As shown in Figure 65, each seal 2423, 2443 has a fixed portion 2424 and a flexible portion 2425. Referring to Figure 65, the fixed portion 2424 is shaped to fit into grooves 1423, 1443 that hold the seal. The lower region of the seal may have tapered sides 2431 to fit into grooves 1423, 1443 and form a friction fit. The tapered sides are shown in Figure 65. The grooves may be, for example, groove 1423 in the base 1403 or groove 1443 in the coating layer 1440. The lower part of the seal 2423 is similar in size and shape to groove 1423. When the seal 2423 is assembled with the base 1403, the fixed portion is fixed within groove 1423 and remains stationary with respect to the base 1403.

[0407] Referring to Figure 65, the flexible portion 2425 of the seal is structured to curve or inclin toward one side when not bent. The flexible portion has a generally concave twisted surface 2426 formed by two flat surfaces 2427 meeting at a corner 2428. The flexible portion also has a convex curved surface 2429, which, together with the generally concave surface 2426, gives the flexible portion 2425 a curved shape. This curved shape causes the flexible portion 2425 of the seal to bend toward one side when the seal engages with the sealing surface of the sensing layer 1420. In the orientation of Figure 65, the flexible portion bends to the right. In particular, the flexible portion 2425 is structured to curve or inclin inward toward the gas flow path.

[0408] The shape described above extends around the entire perimeter of seals 2423 and 2443.

[0409] The flexible portion 2425 is configured to bend when a compressive force is applied to or near the free end 2430 of the flexible portion 2425 in a direction toward the fixed portion 2424. Such a compressive force is applied when the flexible portion 2425 is pressed against an opposing sealing surface. When the seal 2423 is assembled with the base 1403, the flexible portion 2425 can bend with respect to the fixed portion 2424 and the base 1403. The flexible portion 2425 preferably bends elastically, i.e., it is biased to return to its resting or unbent position when the compressive force is released. The biasing force forces the flexible portion 2425 into a bent state by contact with the sensing layer 1420, generating a sealing force in the sensing layer 1420. As it moves from the unbent position to the bent position, the flexible portion 2425 bends to a more curved shape than its resting shape. The free end 2430 moves inward and downward to a more curved position. In particular, the flexible portion 2425 bends inward toward the gas flow path.

[0410] In addition to, or instead of, curvature, the flexible portion 2425 can bend or flex around the corner 2428. The corner 2428 may be a fold line that assists the seal in folding. The upper flat surface 2427 contacts the opposing flat top surface of the fixed portion 2424 to form an effective seal. In the effective state, the flexible portion 2425 and the fixed portion, together with the upper flat surface 2427 pressed against the opposing flat top surface of the fixed portion 2424, form a closed shape. Alternatively, the upper flat surface 2427 may simply rest on the opposing flat top surface. Because the flexible portion 2425 bends and contacts part of the fixed portion 2424, the seal forms a meandering path for any gas to travel when the seal is in the effective position or orientation.

[0411] The above description concerns the orientation of the seal assembled with base 1403. The orientation of the seal varies depending on the groove into which the seal is assembled. The seal assembled with coating layer 1440 is upside down compared to the seal assembled with base 1403. That is, the fixed portion 2424 is above the flexible portion 2425.

[0412] The advantage of having a flexible portion 2425 in a seal compared to a compression seal is that it can generate a proper seal between the base 1403 and the sensing layer 1420, and / or between the sensing layer 1420 and the coating layer 1440 with less force. In addition, the seal generates proper sealing contact between components over a wider range of locations. As a result, the seal allows for greater tolerances for the components. For example, tolerances are greater for bending and / or manufacturing variations in the components.

[0413] Another advantage of this configuration is that when the pressure in the gas passage increases, the flexible portion 2425 of the seal is further biased to an unbent position. As a result, even if the pressure in the air passage increases, only the sealing force between the flexible portion 2425 and the sealing surface of the sensing layer 1420 increases. Therefore, the chances of the seal failing due to pressure increases are reduced.

[0414] During use, the flexible portion 2425, together with the fixed portion 2424, forms a seal having a double / overlapping portion with an air gap between these portions. If gas leaks from the gas passage, the gas flow must follow a meandering path around the flexible and fixed portions, which includes crossing the gap between these portions. The meandering path is provided by the curved flexible portion 2425. In the event of a leak, all leaked gas must follow the meandering path around and through the curved seal.

[0415] The seal is made of or contains an elastomer material. Preferably, the seal contains a material that exhibits low material creep (low-temperature flow) over time. Silicone is an example of a material with low material creep. Alternatively, the seal is made of or contains an elastomer thermoplastic material. One or both seals can be overmolded into grooves in the base 1403 and / or coating layer 1440. Alternatively, one or both seals can be formed separately and then fitted into the corresponding grooves 1423, 1443.

[0416] Figures 63 and 64 show that each seal has tabs 2435, 2445 for assembling and disassembling the seal with the coating layer or base. Figure 63 also shows a number of integral washers 2437 for sealing around the fasteners connecting the base 1403 and the coating layer 1440.

[0417] One advantage of these seals 2423 and 2443 is that they require less compressive force to provide a proper seal compared to soft seals. To achieve the force required when using soft seals, the fasteners must be sufficiently spaced around the sealing area, because even a slight bend in the components can prevent the portion of the soft seal that is far enough away from the nearest fastener from producing a proper seal.

[0418] In addition, the seal becomes less likely to fail when the pressure in the gas path reaches a certain threshold. As mentioned earlier, the curved seal configuration results in a meandering path.

[0419] In WO'838, the seal may be formed between the upper edge of the filter housing of the lower chassis 3202' and the corresponding hole in the upper chassis 3102'. This seal can be generated by the arrangement of a tongue-shaped portion and a groove. Unless otherwise specified herein, the features and functions of the filter housing / receptor are the same as those of the filter housing / receptor described in WO'838, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0420] The present invention provides an alternative arrangement of tongue-shaped portions and grooves. In the present invention, the upper chassis 3102' and lower chassis 3202' of the main housing 100 of the base unit 50 are configured such that, when assembled together, the cavity 6701 is located between the upper surface of the lower chassis 3202' and the lower surface of the upper chassis 3102', as shown in Figure 67.

[0421] Seal 6703 is installed between these two surfaces, thereby blocking gas from entering the space between the upper and lower chassis.

[0422] The seal 6703 has the form shown in Figure 67 and the cross-sections shown in Figures 68a and 68b.

[0423] The general shape of seal 6703 substantially corresponds to the shape of the filter body 271. The lateral shape and dimensions of the seal correspond to the shape and dimensions of cavity 6701.

[0424] Figures 68a and 68b are cross-sectional views of the seal of Figure 66 in its uncompressed and compressed state. The seal 6703 is initially in its unfolded state as shown in Figure 68a. In this state, the vertical dimension of the seal 6703 exceeds the vertical dimension of the cavity 6701. During assembly, the upper surface 6705 of the seal comes into sealed contact with the lower surface 6704 of the upper chassis 3102', and the lower surface 6707 of the seal comes into sealed contact with the upper surface 6706 of the lower chassis 3202'.

[0425] As shown in Figures 68a and 68b, the seal 6703 has a wave-like shape with peaks and valleys. The seal 6703 has a substantially horizontal upper portion 6709 and a substantially horizontal lower portion 6711. The first inner portion 6713 extends diagonally inward and downward from the left side of the upper portion 6709 to form a bend 6710. The second inner portion 6715 extends diagonally inward and upward from the left side of the lower portion 6711 to form a bend 6712. The first inner portion 6713 and the second inner portion 6715 meet on the inside of the seal (right side in Figures 67a and 67b) to form a bend 6716. The upper portion, lower portion, and inner portion form a transverse M-shaped seal. The seal 6703 is symmetrical with respect to the horizontal centerline. An advantage of this symmetry is that it ensures that the seal 6703 deforms uniformly when a vertical force is applied. In addition, the lateral M-shape causes the seal 6703 to bend in the central region, while the upper and lower surfaces of the seal remain substantially horizontal. In an alternative configuration, the seal 6703 may have fewer bends and / or fewer inward portions, such as a Z-shape. In yet another alternative configuration, the seal 6703 may have more bends or inward portions.

[0426] When assembled, the aforementioned contact causes the seal 6703 to deform into a folded position. The seal deforms not simply by compression, but through a folding motion. As a result, the seal 6703 can move over a wider range with the same force compared to a typical compression seal. This allows the seal 6703 to conform to the shape of the cavity 6701, even with significant differences due to component bending, manufacturing variations, and other factors.

[0427] When compressed from the orientation shown in Figure 68A to the compression orientation shown in Figure 68B, a portion of the seal bends or folds, causing the upper portion 6709 and the lower portion 6711 to move closer to each other. The upper surface 6705 and the lower surface 6707 form a sealing surface, sealing the filter and preventing pressurized gas from leaking from the filter module 271 into the main control and power supply circuit board. The seal is created by the biasing force from the central corrugated shape.

[0428] Seal 6703 is manufactured from an elastomer material. Seal 6703 is manufactured from silicone, which exhibits minimal material creep (low-temperature flow) over time. Alternatively, the material may be manufactured from an elastomer thermoplastic material.

[0429] This cavity 6701 is located at a substantial distance from the fasteners that secure the lower chassis 3202' to the upper chassis 3102'. Therefore, leakage may occur in cavity 6701 due to component variations or misalignment between components. The seal 6703 having the features and functions described herein still provides a sealing function while accommodating variations.

[0430] While this disclosure describes specific embodiments, other embodiments that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, the various components may be repositioned as desired. Features in any of the described embodiments may be combined with each other, and / or a device may include one, more, or all of the features of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, not all features, aspects, and advantages are necessarily required for the implementation of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is defined solely by the claims set forth below.

[0431] The various configurations described above are merely illustrative. Any one or more features of any configuration may be used in combination with any one or more features of any of the other configurations.

[0432] The features described relate to a respiratory support device capable of delivering heated and humidified gas to the patient or user. The device may be suitable for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The device may be configured to deliver the gas to the patient interface at a high flow rate (high-flow therapy), particularly nasal high-flow therapy.

[0433] Alternatively, the feature may be used in devices for different purposes. The device may be a high-flow therapy device or a low-flow therapy device. For example, the feature may be provided in a device for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) that can deliver gas (humidified or otherwise) at a lower flow rate, or in a medical gas infusion device.

[0434] A key feature is that it can be used in a self-contained humidifier. The self-contained humidifier may have a housing, a recess 108 for receiving a liquid chamber 151, and a heating plate 140, but does not have a motor unit. The self-contained humidifier may receive gas from an external supply source.

[0435] Therefore, an alternative form of respiratory support device 10 may be a self-contained humidifier including a base unit 50 that defines a main housing and a humidifier 12.

[0436] Self-contained humidifiers can deliver heated and humidified gases for various medical procedures, including respiratory therapy, laparoscopic surgery, and others. These devices can be configured to control temperature and / or humidity. The devices may also include medical circuits containing various components that can be used to transport heated and / or humidified gases to and from the patient. For example, in some respiratory circuits, the gas inhaled by the patient is delivered from a humidifier through an inspiratory tube or conduit. In another example, a tube can deliver humidified gas (typically CO2) into the abdominal cavity within the supply circuit. This can help prevent drying of the patient's internal organs, i.e., "dry-out," thereby shortening the time required for postoperative recovery. The heater's wires extend into at least part of the piping forming the circuit to prevent or at least reduce the possibility of significant condensation formation.

[0437] A self-contained humidifier typically includes a base unit 50 and a humidifier liquid chamber 151. The base unit 50 may include a heating plate 140. The liquid chamber 151 may be configured to hold a certain volume of liquid, such as water. The heating plate may be configured to heat the volume of liquid held in the liquid chamber 151 to generate steam.

[0438] The liquid chamber 151 is removable from the base unit, thereby facilitating sterilization or disposal of the liquid chamber, or refilling the chamber with liquid. The body of the liquid chamber 151 can be formed from non-conductive glass or plastic material, but the liquid chamber may also include conductive components. For example, the liquid chamber may include a highly thermally conductive base (e.g., an aluminum base) that is in contact with or associated with a heating plate on the heater base.

[0439] The base unit may also include an electronic controller such as a master controller. Based on user input of humidity or temperature values ​​and other inputs via a user interface, the master controller determines when (or to what extent) to excite the heating plate 140 to heat the liquid in the liquid chamber 151.

[0440] The self-contained humidifier may include a gas generator that delivers gas to the liquid chamber. In some configurations, the gas generator may also include a ventilator, a blower, or any other suitable source of pressurized gas suitable for use in respiratory or medical procedures. The flow generator may be located within the base unit 50.

[0441] Alternatively, the self-contained humidifier may consist only of the base unit 50 and the liquid chamber 151, and may be used in conjunction with a flow generator located separately or at a distance. The base unit 50 may be configured to fluidize the generator located separately or at a distance.

[0442] Therefore, the flow generator used with the self-contained humidifier may be, for example, a wall-mounted gas supply source, a ventilator, a blower, or a gas cylinder.

[0443] Self-contained humidifiers can be used in respiratory therapy, positive pressure therapy, non-invasive ventilation, surgical procedures including but not limited to laparoscopic surgery, and other applications. Preferably, the humidifier can be configured to supply moisture or vapor to the gas supply unit. Humidifiers can be used in continuous, variable, or bilevel PAP systems or other forms of respiratory therapy. In some configurations, humidifiers can be integrated into systems providing any of these types of therapy.

[0444] An exemplary self-contained humidifier is described in International Publication No. 2015 / 038013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0445] A self-contained humidifier may have one or more of the features described or illustrated in this application.

[0446] No reference to prior art in this specification constitutes, and should not be interpreted as, an acknowledgment of, that such prior art is part of common knowledge in any field of focus in any country around the world.

[0447] Wherever terms referring to direction are used herein, such as “up,” “down,” “forward,” “backward,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” etc., these terms refer to the device in a typical operating position and / or to a specific orientation shown in the figures, and are used to indicate and / or describe a relative direction or orientation.

Claims

1. In respiratory support devices, A housing including an engagement mechanism, The electrical component within the housing includes an electrical component that includes a receiving portion, A removable component comprising an electrical connector configured to interlock or interlock within the receiving portion of the electrical component, thereby assisting in holding the removable component connected to the electrical component, Includes, A respiratory assist device wherein the removable component includes a gas port, the removable component further includes a tab having a bendable end portion relative to the rest of the removable component, and an engagement mechanism is provided on the end portion of the tab and configured to engage with the engagement mechanism of the housing, so that the removable component cannot be detached from the housing unless the end portion of the removable component is actuated to bend the tab.

2. The respiratory support device according to claim 1, wherein the tab includes a thin portion adjacent to the terminal portion.

3. The respiratory assist device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement mechanism of the removable component includes a projection, and the engagement mechanism of the housing includes a complementary engagement recess.

4. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 3, wherein the projection extends outward from the side surface of the terminal portion.

5. The respiratory assist device according to claim 4, wherein the housing and the removable component each have two of the engagement mechanisms, the engagement mechanism of the removable component includes two projections extending outward from both sides of the end portion, and the housing includes two complementary engagement recesses.

6. The respiratory assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the engagement mechanism is configured such that the end of the tab bends when the removable component is inserted into the housing.

7. The respiratory assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrical component includes a socket, and the removable component includes a seal configured to engage with a portion of the socket.

8. The respiratory assistance device according to claim 7, wherein the seal includes a wiper seal.

9. The respiratory assist device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the seal comprises one or more sealing elements.

10. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the seal includes an overmolded seal.

11. The respiratory assist device according to claim 10, wherein the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, the PCB electrical connector is partially housed within a cavity of the removable component, and the removable component includes a molded base member that is molded integrally with the seal and covers the portion of the PCB electrical connector housed within the cavity.

12. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the removable component is a removable elbow.

13. In respiratory support devices, A housing having a gas port configured to be connected to a port of a liquid chamber, A respiratory assist device comprising a seal on the gas port for providing a pneumatic seal between the liquid chamber and the port, wherein the seal is a single seal comprising two sealing elements, each sealing element comprising a wiper seal.

14. The respiratory assist device according to claim 13, wherein each sealing element includes a bulbous tip positioned radially outward, and each sealing element may include a narrow web section between the tip and the base of the seal.

15. The respiratory assist device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the sealing element is an annular sealing element, one of the sealing elements is positioned closer to the end of the gas port than the other sealing element, and the one of the sealing elements positioned closer to the end of the gas port has a larger diameter than the other sealing element.

16. The respiratory assist device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the seal includes another sealing element at the end of the seal opposite to the end of the gas port, or adjacent thereto.

17. The respiratory assist device according to claim 16, wherein the other sealing element includes an outwardly tapered portion of the seal at the end opposite to or adjacent to the end of the gas port, and a radially projecting flange.

18. The respiratory assist device according to claim 17, wherein the other sealing element is configured to form a seal with a second component different from the liquid chamber.

19. The respiratory assist device according to claim 18, wherein the flange protrudes further radially outward from the wiper seal, so that the flange is connected to a second component having a larger inner diameter than the port of the liquid chamber.

20. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the flange is configured to connect to a component of a disinfection kit.

21. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the port of the liquid chamber includes an inlet port or an outlet port.

22. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the gas port includes a recessed portion for receiving the seal.

23. The respiratory assist device according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the housing includes two gas ports, and one of the seals is provided to each of the gas ports.

24. The respiratory assist device according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the gas port is part of a removable component, and the respiratory assist device includes an electrical component including a socket within the housing, the removable component including an electrical connector for receiving the socket and a seal configured to engage with a portion of the socket.

25. The respiratory assist device according to claim 24, wherein the seal configured to engage with the portion of the socket includes a wiper seal.

26. The respiratory assist device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the seal configured to engage with the portion of the socket comprises one or more sealing elements.

27. The respiratory assist device according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the seal configured to engage with the portion of the socket includes an overmolded seal.

28. The respiratory assist device according to claim 27, wherein the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) electrical connector, the PCB electrical connector is partially housed within a cavity of the removable component, the removable component is molded integrally with the seal configured to engage with the portion of the socket, and includes a molded base member that covers the portion of the PCB electrical connector housed within the cavity.

Images