Humidifying chamber for respiratory support devices

Abstract

To provide an improved humidification chamber.SOLUTION: A respiratory assistance apparatus includes a flow generator and a humidifier. The humidifier includes a humidification chamber. The humidification chamber comprises a water tub that is configured to receive a volume of water. A lid is hingedly coupled to the water tub for enclosing a volume contained within the water tub.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidification chamber for an expiratory assist device that supplies a stream of humidified gas to a user for therapeutic purposes. A respiratory assist device can provide respiratory assistance to a patient or user who requires a supply of gas for respiratory therapy, which therapy includes, for example but not limited to, humidification and / or flow therapy, and positive pressure airway (PAP) therapy including but not limited to CPAP therapy, Bi-PAP therapy, and OPAP therapy, and is commonly used for the treatment of diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snoring, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background Art

[0002] Respiratory assist devices or systems for supplying a flow of humidified and warmed gas to a patient for therapeutic purposes are well known in the art. Systems that provide this type of therapy generally have a structure that transports gas from a gas source to a humidification chamber, such as a blower (also referred to as a compressor, ventilator unit, fan unit, flow generator, or pressure generator). When the gas passes over hot water or through heated and humidified air within the humidification chamber, it becomes saturated with water vapor. The heated and humidified gas is then delivered from the humidification chamber to a downstream user or patient via a patient interface that includes a flexible gas conduit and a user interface.

[0003] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a known type of respiratory support system 1 for delivering humidified and heated gas to a patient. System 1 includes a housing 2 containing a blower unit 3 and a humidifier unit 4. During operation, air 5 is drawn into the blower unit 3. The blower unit 3 generates a stream of pressurized air or gas, which is delivered to the inlet 7 of the humidifier chamber 8. The humidifier chamber 8 contains water and is heated by a heating pad 9. The stream of humidified and heated gas 10 exits the humidifier chamber through the outlet 11, as shown in the figure, and is delivered to the patient or user 12 via a flexible hose or gas conduit 13 and a user interface 14. The blower unit and the humidifier unit are typically connected via a series of connectors and / or conduits, allowing the gas to pass from the blower unit to the humidifier chamber.

[0004] The user interface 14 shown in Figure 1 is a nasal mask that covers the nose of the user 12. However, it should be noted that in this type of system, a mask that covers both the mouth and nose, a full-face mask, a nasal cannula, or any other suitable user interface can be used instead of the nasal mask shown in the figure. A mouth-only interface, i.e., a mouth mask, can also be used. In addition, the patient or user end of the conduit can be connected to a tracheostomy device or endotracheal intubation device.

[0005] The humidification chamber 8 generally includes a rigid plastic receiver or container that can be filled with a mass of water. In one known embodiment, the base of the humidification chamber includes a circular thermally conductive metal heating plate, which is fixed by overmolding a plastic base along the periphery of the heating plate into a complementary opening in the base of the humidification chamber. The overmolding creates a seal at the joint between the periphery of the heating plate and the surrounding plastic base surface of the humidification chamber. During use, the heating plate comes into contact with a heating pad or heating base on which the humidification chamber rests, and heats the mass of water in the chamber by conduction. Overmolding to bond the heating plate to the base of the plastic chamber is a complex manufacturing process and can be difficult to control.

[0006] Where this specification refers to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources, these are intended to provide content that generally describes the features of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, such references to external documents shall not be construed as an acknowledgment that such documents or sources constitute prior art or part of the ordinary general knowledge of the art in any jurisdiction. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved humidification chamber, or at least a beneficial option for the general public. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In a first embodiment, the present invention relates to a humidifying chamber for humidifying a gas in a broad sense, which includes a water tank configured to receive a mass of water; a tray defining an open cavity for receiving the water tank; a lid hinged to the tray to enclose the water tank and define the internal space of the humidifying chamber, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the water tank is closed and an open position in which the water tank is open; one or more operable clips for fixing the lid in the closed position; a gas inlet for receiving a flow of gas into the internal space of the humidifying chamber; and a gas outlet through which the flow of humidified gas exits the internal space of the humidifying chamber.

[0009] In one configuration, the lid and the tray may be formed from rigid plastic. For example, the lid and the tray may be hinged together by a living hinge and formed as a single unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water tank may be formed of a thermally conductive material, such as, but not limited to, a metal.

[0011] In one embodiment, the tank may be defined by a base and a peripheral wall extending upward from the base, and the tray includes a complementary base and an upward-extending peripheral wall, the peripheral wall of the tray being discontinuous along its periphery, and one or more portions of the peripheral wall of the tank held within the tray being exposed. In such an embodiment, the heat transfer contact surface may protrude from the base of the tank, and the tray may be provided with a complementary, position-aligned opening through which the contact surface of the tank extends and protrudes beyond the lower surface of the base of the tray.

[0012] In one configuration, the water tank may be removably held within a tray by a sliding engagement.

[0013] In one embodiment, the gas inlet and gas outlet are located on opposite sides of the lid. In this configuration, the lid may include a vertical flow surface extending downward from the underside of the lid in the central region of the lid.

[0014] In one configuration, the gas inlet may be connected to an inlet conduit, which is located between the inlet end of the gas inlet and the upper central region of the internal space of the humidifying chamber, or near thereto, and extends between the outlet end adjacent to the first side surface of the vertical flow plane, thereby allowing the incoming gas flow to enter the internal space of the humidifying chamber in its upper central region. In addition, a flow guide forming section in the form of an inverted curved inclined surface may be located between the outlet end of the inlet conduit and the first side surface of the vertical flow plane.

[0015] In one configuration, the gas outlet may be connected to an outlet conduit located in or near the upper central region of the internal space of the humidifying chamber, extending between the inlet end adjacent to the second side of the vertical flow plane and the outlet end of the gas outlet.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lid may include one or more water supply openings and at least one water supply opening including an associated maximum water level indicator, which includes a tab member supported from the underside of the lid and extending into the field of view of the internal space of the humidification chamber and directly visible through the water supply opening.

[0017] In one embodiment, the overall shape of the humidification chamber is defined by front and rear end walls with side walls extending between them, these walls extending between the top surface of the lid and the base surface of the tray, the lid is hinged to the tray at the rear end of the humidification chamber, and at least one operable clip is provided at the front end of the humidification chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the chamber may include at least one operable clip provided in the form of a torsion clip, which is attached to either the lid or the tray and configured to engage with a fastener provided on either the tray or the lid, respectively. For example, at least one operable clip is provided, which is hinged to the lid or the tray and configured to engage with a fastener provided on either the tray or the lid, respectively.

[0019] In a second embodiment, the present invention relates to a humidifying chamber for humidifying a gas in a broad sense, which includes a water tank configured to receive a mass of water; a lid hinged to the water tank to enclose the water tank and define the internal space of the humidifying chamber, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the water tank is closed by the lid and an open position in which the water tank is open; one or more operable clips for fixing the lid in the closed position; a gas inlet for receiving a flow of gas into the internal space of the humidifying chamber; and a gas outlet through which the flow of humidified gas exits the internal space of the humidifying chamber.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lid may be formed from rigid plastic. For example, the tank may be formed from rigid plastic and may include a base surface and a peripheral wall extending upward from the base, the base surface including a heating plate. In one embodiment, the heating plate may be fixed by overmolding inside the opening of the base surface of the tank. In one configuration, the peripheral connecting surface of the heating plate may be fixed by overmolding within the peripheral engaging portion of the base surface around the opening of the tank, so that the thickness of the engaging portion is greater than the thickness of the rest of the base surface. For example, the engaging portion may include an upper portion above the connecting surface of the heating plate and a lower portion below the connecting surface, the upper portion being at least the same thickness as the rest of the base surface. For example, the heating plate may be made of metal.

[0021] In one embodiment, the tank may further include a stepped portion along the inner surface of the tank wall, which is formed above the base surface of the tank and at a height corresponding to the highest water supply line indicator.

[0022] In one configuration, the base of the tank may be dome-shaped, so that it curves outward toward a central vertex defined by a heating plate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the perimeter wall of the tank may include one or more reinforcing regions. For example, the reinforcing regions of the perimeter wall may include a corrugated surface having alternating ridges and grooves.

[0024] In one configuration, the lid and the tank may be hinged together by a living hinge and formed as a single unit.

[0025] In one configuration, the gas inlet and gas outlet may be located on opposite sides of the lid. In such a configuration, the lid may include a vertical flow surface extending downward from the underside of the lid in the central region of the lid. In one configuration, the vertical flow surface may further include a pair of side baffles, each extending from the respective side end of the vertical flow surface toward the side of the lid containing the gas inlet.

[0026] In one form, the gas inlet may be connected to an inlet conduit, which is disposed at or near the inlet end of the gas inlet and the upper central region of the internal space of the humidification chamber, and extends between the inlet end and the outlet end adjacent to the first side surface of the vertical flow surface, whereby the incoming gas flow enters the internal space of the humidification chamber at its upper central region. In addition to this, a flow guiding formation in the form of an inverted curved inclined surface may be disposed between the outlet end of the inlet conduit and the first side surface of the vertical flow surface.

[0027] In one form, the gas outlet may be connected to an outlet conduit, which is disposed at or near the upper central region of the internal space of the humidification chamber, and extends between the inlet end adjacent to the second side of the vertical flow surface and the outlet end of the gas outlet.

[0028] In one form, the gas outlet of the lid may include an engaging surface along the periphery of the gas outlet, which slopes outwardly, whereby the upper portion of the engaging surface is displaced outwardly from the lid more than the lower portion of the engaging surface.

[0029] In one form, the lid may include at least one water supply opening and a tab member supported from the lower surface of the lid and extending into the view of the internal space of the humidification chamber and directly visible through the water supply opening, including a related maximum water level indicator.

[0030] 1. In one form, the overall shape of the humidification chamber is defined by side walls extending therebetween and end walls at the front and rear, these walls extending between the upper surface of the lid and the base surface of the water tank, the lid being hinged to the water tank at the rear end of the humidification chamber, and at least one operable clip being provided at the front end of the humidification chamber.

[0031] In one embodiment, the chamber may include at least one operable clip provided in the form of a torsion clip, which is attached to either the lid or the tank and configured to engage with a fastener provided on either the tank or the lid, respectively. For example, at least one operable clip is provided, which is hinged to the lid or the tank and configured to engage with a fastener provided on either the tank or the lid, respectively.

[0032] In one embodiment, the humidifying chamber may further include a sealing material between the lid and the water tank, along the perimeter of the humidifying chamber, which seals the humidifying chamber when in the closed position.

[0033] In a third embodiment, the present invention relates to a respiratory assist device configured to provide a stream of heated and humidified gas in a broad sense, which includes an apparatus gas inlet configured to receive a gas supply, a blower configured to generate a stream of pressurized gas from the gas supply, a humidifier configured to heat and humidify the stream of pressurized gas, an apparatus gas outlet for the stream of heated and humidified gas, and a flow path for the stream of gas through the respiratory device from the gas inlet through the blower unit and the humidifier unit to the gas outlet, wherein the humidifier includes a sealable humidification compartment, which is configured to receive and hold a removable humidification chamber according to either the first or second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In one embodiment, the humidifying compartment may include a lid that is movable between an open position, which allows the humidifying chamber to be removed, and a closed position, which seals the humidifying chamber within the humidifying compartment.

[0035] In one embodiment, the humidifying compartment may include a gas inlet connected to a flow path, receiving a stream of pressurized gas from a blower to create a pressurized humidifying compartment, and a gas outlet connected to the device gas outlet of the flow path.

[0036] In one configuration, the gas inlet of the humidifying chamber may open within the humidifying compartment to receive a flow of gas entering from within the pressurized humidifying compartment.

[0037] In one configuration, the gas outlet of the humidification compartment may be sealed and connected to the gas outlet of the humidification chamber.

[0038] In one configuration, the humidifying compartment may include a heating pad, on which the humidifying chamber rests.

[0039] In one configuration, the device may be housed within a single enclosure.

[0040] In one form, the device may be a CPAP breathing device.

[0041] A humidifying chamber according to a third aspect of the present invention may have any one or more of the features described in relation to either the first or second aspect of the present invention.

[0042] As used herein and in the claims, the term “comprising” means “consisting at least in part of.” When interpreting each statement containing “comprising” in this specification and in the claims, there may be other features besides those that follow the term. The related terms (comprise, comprises) should be interpreted in the same way.

[0043] References to the range of numbers disclosed in this application (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, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10) and to the ranges of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, 3.1 to 4.7), and thus all partial ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed in this application are expressly disclosed. These are merely examples of what is expressly intended, and it should be considered that all possible combinations of numbers between the minimum and maximum numbers are expressed in a similar manner in this application.

[0044] As used in this application, the term “and / or” means “and,” or “or,” or both.

[0045] As used in this application, the "s" after a noun signifies the plural and / or singular form of that noun.

[0046] The present invention is contained within the above, and configurations provided merely as examples in the following description are also assumed.

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described simply as examples with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a known form of respiratory support device is shown, in which the blower unit and humidifier unit are integrated into a single main housing. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the main components and configuration of a respiratory support device that can utilize the humidifying chamber of the present invention. [Figure 3] A closed lower perspective view is shown of a humidification chamber according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which includes a lid, a discontinuous tray, and a water tank. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the humidification chamber. [Figure 5] Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the humidifying chamber. [Figure 6]Figure 3 shows a side view of the humidifying chamber on the gas inlet side. [Figure 7] Figure 3 shows a side view of the humidifying chamber on the gas outlet side. [Figure 8] Figure 3 shows an elevation view of the rear end of the humidifying chamber. [Figure 9] Figure 3 shows an elevation view of the front end of the humidifying chamber. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the humidifying chamber in a closed state, along line AA in Figure 6. [Figure 11A] Figure 3 shows the upper, side, and lower perspective views of the water tank in the humidifying chamber. [Figure 11B] Figure 3 shows the upper, side, and lower perspective views of the water tank in the humidifying chamber. [Figure 11C] Figure 3 shows the upper, side, and lower perspective views of the water tank in the humidifying chamber. [Figure 12] Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the humidifying chamber in its closed state, with the water tank omitted. [Figure 13] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the heating chamber, specifically the tray and lid in the open position. [Figure 14] Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the humidifying chamber with the tray and lid in the open position. [Figure 15] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the humidifying chamber, specifically the tray and lid in the open position. [Figure 16] Figure 3 shows a side view of the humidifying chamber, specifically the tray and lid in the open position. [Figure 17] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper part of the lid of the humidifying chamber. [Figure 18] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the underside of the lid of the humidifying chamber. [Figure 19] Figure 3 is another enlarged perspective view of the underside of the lid of the humidifying chamber. [Figure 20] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a closed humidification chamber passing through line CC. [Figure 21A] A perspective view of the humidification chamber of the first embodiment, which has a first alternative form of clip mechanism, is shown with the humidification chamber closed. [Figure 21B]Figure 21A shows the humidification chamber in the open position with the water tank removed. [Figure 21C] Figure 21A shows an enlarged perspective view of the rear end of the humidifying chamber's tray and the fastener forming part of the clip mechanism. [Figure 22A] The lid of the humidification chamber of the first embodiment, having a second alternative type of clip mechanism, is shown. [Figure 22B] The tray and lid of the humidification chamber of the first embodiment, which have a third alternative type of clip mechanism, are shown. [Figure 23A] A perspective view of the humidifying chamber of the first embodiment, which has a fourth alternative type of clip mechanism, is shown with the humidifying chamber closed. [Figure 23B] Figure 23A shows a side view of the humidification chamber. [Figure 24A] A cross-sectional perspective view of a humidification chamber of a first embodiment having a first alternative water level indicator, which is a variation of a tab-type water level indicator, is shown. [Figure 24B] Figure 24A shows a plan view of the humidifying chamber lid as seen from the water supply opening, illustrating an alternative configuration for the tab-type water level indicator. [Figure 25] A cross-sectional view of a humidification chamber of the first embodiment, which has a second alternative type of water level indicator in the form of a conical water level indicator, is shown. [Figure 26] Figure 25 shows a plan view of the lid of the humidifying chamber, and the conical water level indicator as seen from the user's perspective. [Figure 27A] A perspective view of a closed humidification chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which includes a lid, a continuous tray, and a water tank, is shown. [Figure 27B] The lid and continuous tray of the humidifying chamber of the second embodiment are shown in the open position, with the water tank omitted. [Figure 27C] This shows a perspective view of the front end of the continuous tray and the fastener of the clip mechanism of the humidification chamber in the second embodiment. [Figure 28A]This is a first upper perspective view of a humidifying chamber according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which includes a lid and a water tank having an overmolded heating plate, in the closed position, showing the rear end and gas inlet side of the humidifying chamber. [Figure 28B] Figure 28A is a second upper perspective view of the humidification chamber of the third embodiment, showing the front end and gas outlet side of the humidification chamber. [Figure 28C] Figure 28A shows a plan view of the humidification chamber of the third embodiment. [Figure 28D] Figure 28A shows a bottom view of the humidifying chamber of the third embodiment. [Figure 28E] Figure 28A shows a side view of the gas inlet side of the humidifying chamber in the third embodiment. [Figure 28F] Figure 28A shows a side view of the gas outlet side of the humidifying chamber in the third embodiment. [Figure 28G] Figure 28A shows an elevation view of the rear end of the humidifying chamber in the third embodiment. [Figure 28H] Figure 28A shows an elevation view of the front end of the humidifying chamber in the third embodiment. [Figure 28I] Figure 28C shows a cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber of the third embodiment, passing through line EE. [Figure 28J] Figure 28I shows an enlarged view of the FF region. [Figure 28K] Similar to Figure 28H, this shows an elevation view of the front end of the humidification chamber of the third embodiment at an angle that shows the inclined shape of the gas outlet. [Figure 28L] An upper perspective view of the humidification chamber of the third embodiment in the open position is shown. [Figure 28M] This is a lower perspective view of the humidifying chamber of the third embodiment in the open position. [Figure 28N] Another perspective view of the humidification chamber of the third embodiment in the open position, as seen from the gas inlet side of the humidification chamber, is shown. [Figure 28O] The first upper perspective view shows the lower portion of the humidification compartment for receiving the humidification chamber of the third embodiment, with the gas inlet of the compartment visible. [Figure 28P]Figure 280 shows a second upper perspective view of the humidification compartment, with the gas outlet of the compartment visible. [Figure 28Q] Figure 28O shows a plan view of the humidification chamber of the third embodiment, which is attached to the humidification compartment component. [Figure 28R] Figure 28O shows a side perspective view of the humidification chamber of the third embodiment, which is attached to the humidification compartment component. [Figure 28S] Figure 28Q shows a cross-sectional view of a humidifying chamber of a third embodiment, attached to a humidifying compartment component, passing through line GG. [Figure 28T] Figure 28Q shows a cross-sectional view of a humidifying chamber of a third embodiment, attached to a humidifying compartment component, passing through line HH. [Figure 29A] A perspective view of a humidification chamber of a fourth embodiment, including a lid, a sleeve, and a water tank, is shown. [Figure 29B] A cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber of the fourth embodiment is shown. [Figure 30A] A perspective view of the lid of a humidifying chamber according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, including a lid that fits inside the water tank, is shown. [Figure 30B] A perspective view of the water tank of the humidifying chamber in the fifth embodiment is shown. [Figure 30C] A perspective view of the assembled and closed lid and water tank of the humidifying chamber of the fifth embodiment is shown. [Figure 31A] This shows a closed upper perspective view of a humidification chamber according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which includes a lid with a duct that fits onto the water tank. [Figure 31B] A lower perspective view of the humidifying chamber of the sixth embodiment is shown. [Figure 32] A perspective view of the water tank of the humidifying chamber according to the sixth embodiment is shown. [Figure 33] The first lower perspective view of the ducted lid of the humidification chamber of the sixth embodiment is shown. [Figure 34] Figure 33 shows a side view of the lid with a duct. [Figure 35] Figure 33 shows a second bottom perspective view of the ducted cover. [Figure 36] Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rear end of a modified version of the humidification chamber of the first embodiment, which has a sealing material between the lid and the water tank. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] The present invention relates to a humidifying chamber for a respiratory support device (breathing apparatus) that supplies a flow or stream of heated and humidified breathing gas to a user or patient for respiratory therapy, such as, but not limited to, CPAP therapy.

[0050] In this regard, Figure 2 shows an example of a general schematic configuration of a breathing apparatus 20 in which a humidifying chamber of the present invention can be utilized, but this is not intended to limit the use of the humidifying chamber. The breathing apparatus 20 includes a humidifying unit or humidifying compartment 22, which receives and holds a removable humidifying chamber 24 during use. In this embodiment, the humidifying compartment 22 may be formed within the housing of the breathing apparatus, or it may be an openable compartment with a lid, so that the humidifying chamber 24 inside the humidifying compartment 22 can be accessed and removed for cleaning or refilling water. Generally, the humidifying compartment 22 is sealed and / or pressurized when the lid is closed. The humidifying chamber 24 is filled with a mass of water as shown in 26, and the chamber 24 rests on a heating pad or heating base 28. As is known in the art, the heating pad 28 is powered on during use and heats the water 26 in the humidifying chamber 24 by heat transfer through the base of the humidifying chamber 24, which is at least part of which is thermally conductive.

[0051] The breathing apparatus 20 includes a blower 30, which draws air or other therapeutic gas through an inlet 32 ​​and generates a pressurized gas stream 34 at the blower outlet. The outlet of the blower 30 is fluidly connected to the inlet 36 of the humidifying compartment 22 via a connecting conduit 38 that extends to the inlet 36 of the humidifying compartment 22. Since the humidifying compartment is sealed when closed, the gas stream 34 entering the inlet 36 pressurizes the compartment and the gas flows into the gas inlet 37 of the humidifying chamber 24. In an alternative embodiment, the inlets 36, 37 of the compartment 22 and the chamber 24 may be connected in a sealed state by a connector or other sealing configuration.

[0052] The pressurized gas stream passes through the humidification chamber 24 and exits from the gas outlet 40 of the humidification chamber. In this embodiment, the gas outlet 40 of the chamber 24 is sealed to or engaged with the outlet 41 of the humidification compartment 22, as shown in the figure. Naturally, in alternative embodiments, the outlets 40, 41 of the compartment 22 and the chamber 24 do not have to be sealed to or engaged with each other by a connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 41 of the humidification compartment 22 is fluidly connected to a patient interface via a connector and / or conduit for delivery to a patient 42. The patient interface generally includes a flexible gas conduit 44 connected at one end to the main gas outlet of the respiratory device 20 and at the other end to a user interface 46.

[0053] In the following embodiments, the humidification chamber 24 is generally housed and held in a complementary, enclosed, and sealable humidification compartment 22 formed within the housing of the respiratory apparatus 20. However, naturally, in other embodiments, the humidification chamber 24 may instead be housed and held in an open or exposed compartment or on a support including a heating pad 28, with the chamber's gas inlet connected to the blower outlet by a conduit and / or connector, and the chamber's gas outlet connected directly or indirectly to the patient interface by a conduit and / or connector.

[0054] First embodiment of a humidifying chamber - discontinuous tray with lid The humidification chamber 50 of the first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3-20. As previously stated, the humidification chamber 50 is configured to be received and held in a complementary humidification compartment (not shown) provided within the housing of the breathing apparatus. Generally, the compartment includes a heating base or heating pad on which the heating chamber rests. The humidification compartment is accessed via an openable lid, into which the heating chamber 50 can be inserted and removed as needed, for example, for cleaning and / or replenishment.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the humidification chamber or chamber assembly 50 includes a tray, or lower component, generally shown 52, which is shaped to receive and hold a water tank or container 54 of complementary size and dimensions. The upper component, or lid 56, is hinged to the tray 52 and is movable between a closed position (shown in Figure 3) in which the lid firmly holds the water tank 54 within the tray 52 and an open position (see, for example, Figure 14) in which the lid can be swung away from the tray 52 to remove the water tank 54 from the tray, for example, for cleaning, refilling, or replacement. As will be described later, the lid may also include a flow straightener in the form of a conduit and / or flow surface and guide configuration, which controls the flow path of the gas stream between the inlet and outlet of the chamber.

[0056] In this embodiment, the tray 52 and the lid 56 may be formed from rigid plastic by injection molding or otherwise. Generally, the tray 52, the lid 56, and the hinge coupling means between these two components are formed integrally with each other as a single part, but in other embodiments, the lid and the tray may be formed as separate parts and then hinged together by one or more hinges. The lid and / or tray may be formed to be substantially transparent or opaque, depending on the design requirements. The tank or chamber base 54 is formed from a rigid, thermally conductive material, and is generally formed by press-forming or molding from sheet metal such as aluminum, stainless steel or other suitable material, or by die-casting, for example.

[0057] Naturally, in alternative embodiments, the tray 52, lid 56, and tank 54 can be formed from other materials or by other means. For example, the tray 52 and lid 56 can be formed by vacuum forming. The tray and / or lid may also be formed from metal, for example, by press-forming from sheet metal or by die-casting. In alternative embodiments, the tank may instead be formed from a thermally conductive plastic.

[0058] Humidifier chamber shape In this embodiment, the overall shape of the humidification chamber 50 is substantially rectangular, as shown in the plan view of Figure 4. The humidification chamber 50 is defined by a first end 58 and a second end 60, and a first side 62 and a second side 64 extending between them. In this description, the first end 58 is considered the rear end of the humidification chamber and the second end 60 is considered the front end. The first side 62 may be considered the inlet side of the humidification chamber because it contains the inlet through which the pressurized gas stream from the blower passes when entering the humidification chamber. The second side 64 may be considered the outlet side of the humidification chamber because it contains the outlet for the humidified gas stream exiting the humidification chamber. Naturally, in other descriptions of the chamber, the ends may be considered as sides and vice versa, depending on the context.

[0059] In this embodiment, the corners joining the ends 58, 60 and the sides 62, 64 are curved or rounded, as generally shown by 66, but this is not important, and the corners may be right angles or any other contour shape. In this embodiment, the corner 66a joining the front end 60 and the inlet side 62 is larger than the other corners, but this is not important. Naturally, in other embodiments, the humidification chamber assembly may be formed in any desired shape or contour, including circular or other, and the same construction and configuration principles generally apply.

[0060] saucer The tray 52 is configured to receive and hold the water tank 54, having a complementary shape and slightly smaller dimensions, thereby allowing it to slide into the open cavity formed by the tray. The tightness of the fit between the water tank 54 and the tray 52 may vary. In some embodiments, it may be a tight friction fit, while in other embodiments, it may be a loose fit, allowing the water tank to slide easily into and out of the tray, preferably in which case the force or pressure applied by the user to assemble or disassemble the parts is unnecessary or minimal. When the chamber is closed, the tray functions to hold the water tank firmly and precisely against the lid. In particular, the tray generally holds the water tank against the lid around the entire opening of the chamber, preventing / minimizing splashing of water between the lid and the water tank. The tray also has two functions: holding the water tank in place and, at the same time, hinge-connecting the lid, keeping the lid and water tank aligned, so that the user does not have to align the lid and water tank when closing the chamber.

[0061] Referring to Figure 13, in this embodiment, the tray 52 includes a base or bottom surface 70 on which the base or bottom surface of the water tank 54 rests. The base 70 of the tray 52 also includes a central opening 72, which allows the heating base or heating pad of the breathing device to come into contact with a portion of the base of the water tank 54 for heat transfer, warming the mass of water in the water tank 54, which will be described in more detail later. The tray 52 has discontinuous peripheral walls, which in this embodiment take the form of at least one pair of opposing walls extending upward from the periphery of the base 70, forming a tray-like structure with an open receiving cavity. In this embodiment, the tray 52 includes a front wall 74 and a rear wall 76, which extend upward from the base 70. The end wall forming portions 74 and 76 extend along the front and rear ends of the tray, respectively, and along at least a portion of the area around the corners of the tray 52, and each end wall forming portion includes a central flat portion which extends at each end of the central flat portion to curved corners indicated as 74a, 74b and 76a, 76b.

[0062] In this embodiment, the end wall forming portions 74 and 76 each extend along the entire corner region of the tray, terminate along the respective sides of the tray, and then join together, thereby providing a side wall forming portion open to the tray, exposing the water tank 54 held within the tray 52. ​​For example, Figure 6 shows the inlet side of the tray 52, with the front end wall 74 and rear end wall 76 extending along the respective corners 74a and 76a of the tray and along the sides of the tray, each terminating at inclined curved edges 74c and 76c that extend downward from the upper edge of the tray to the base 70. Of course, the terminating edges 74c and 76c do not necessarily have to be curved contours that slope downward, and may, if desired, be steep vertical edges in alternative forms of the tray. Similarly, a similar configuration is provided on the opposite outlet side of the tray shown in Figure 7. On the exit side, the end walls 74 and 76 also extend along their respective corners 74b and 76b, ending at inclined curved edges 74d and 76d that extend downward from the upper edge of the tray to the base.

[0063] The tray 52 encompasses at least the opposing end walls of the tank and, further along the corners of the tank 54. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the periphery of the tray is discontinuous, and the walls of the tray do not completely or continuously enclose or surround the entire periphery of the tank 54, thereby leaving some or more portions of the tank's walls exposed (not covered by the tray). In this embodiment, the walls of the tray are discontinuous on each side of the tray, thereby exposing most of the side walls of the tank 54 (i.e., not covered by the tray walls). For example, in this embodiment, the opposing end walls 74, 76 terminate at the respective ends or near the edges on the sides of the tray. Naturally, the offset or distance between the edges where the end walls 74, 76 on each side terminate may vary, as desired, to increase or decrease the exposed portion of the tank's side walls. For example, one or both of the end walls may terminate in the middle of the wall, near the middle, or closer to the corner of the wall.

[0064] During use, the tray provides an insulating barrier or surface, and the user may grasp or hold the bottom of the heating chamber after removing the chamber from the breathing apparatus, for example, for refilling or cleaning. This prevents the user from directly touching the heated, heat-conductive water bath, thereby avoiding burns or discomfort. In addition, the ability to remove the water bath from the tray allows both parts to be thoroughly cleaned.

[0065] Aquarium Referring to Figures 11A-11C, the water tank 54 is shown alone. As previously mentioned, the water tank 54 is generally made of sheet metal or similar material and functions as a receptacle or container for holding a mass of liquid, such as water. As shown in the figure, the water tank 54 has a shape complementary to the tray, so that the water tank 54 may fit snugly into the tray 52, for example by a sliding engagement by friction fitting.

[0066] In this embodiment, the water tank 54 is substantially rectangular and has a base or base surface 80 from which peripheral walls extend upward. In particular, the water tank 54 includes a front end wall 82 and a rear end wall 84, and a first side wall 86 and a second side wall 88 extending between the end walls. The corner wall portions 90 joining the end walls and side walls are preferably curved or rounded with a similar curvature or radius that is complementary to the overall plan view shape of the tray described with respect to Figure 4. As shown in the figure, one corner 90a has a larger radius than the other corners and is complementary to the larger corner 66a of the tray. This configuration ensures that the water tank can only be received in the tray in one orientation, helping the user assemble the parts so that the inlet and outlet of the chamber and humidification compartment are correctly aligned with each other. Naturally, the aquarium, saucer, and lid may have corners of any shape, including 90° right angles, and the corner shapes may be uniform or uneven from corner to corner.

[0067] Referring to Figure 11B, a continuous, outwardly extending lip, flange, or rim 92 is provided on the upper edge of the peripheral wall. In this embodiment, the lip 92 extends substantially horizontally or laterally outward from the vertical peripheral wall at the upper edge of the peripheral wall. The peripheral lip 92 is optional. If provided, it is configured to engage with, abut against, or rest on the upper edges 74e, 76e of the end walls 74, 76 of the basin 52 (see Figures 13 and 14), which is more visible, for example, in the cross-sectional view of Figure 10.

[0068] The water tank 54 is provided with a heat-conducting contact surface or portion 94 that protrudes from the lower surface of the base surface 80. The contact surface 94 is preferably formed integrally with the rest of the water tank. For example, the contact surface 94 may be pushed out from the base surface 80. In this embodiment, the contact surface 94 is circular and its diameter is substantially complementary to the central opening 72 (see Figure 13) provided in the defined surface 70 of the tray 52. ​​In particular, the contact surface 94 of the water tank 54 is substantially position-aligned with the complementary opening 72 of the tray 52 and, with respect to the rest of the base surface 80, is such that it extends from the opening 72 and protrudes below the lower surface of the defined surface 70 of the tray 52, as shown in Figure 6. When the humidification chamber 50 is inserted into the complementary humidification compartment of the breathing apparatus, the protruding contact surface 94 of the water tank 54 rests on or abuts against the heating base or pad in the compartment, the heating base or pad being complementary in size and shape, but this is not important. Then, naturally, the heat from the heating base is conducted to the mass of water in the tank through the thermally conductive (e.g., metal) contact surface 94.

[0069] In alternative embodiments, the contact surface does not necessarily have to protrude beyond the rest of the base surface 80 of the tank. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the base surface 80 may be flat and coplanar with the contact surface 94, and the heating base or pad may be shaped such that it protrudes through the opening 72 of the tray and engages with or contacts the base surface 80 of the tank 54. In another alternative embodiment, the contact surface 94 may be recessed with respect to the rest of the underside of the base surface 80 of the tank, i.e., it protrudes upward into the tank. In such embodiments, again, the complementary heating base or pad may be configured with height and shape such that it protrudes through the opening 72 of the tray and engages with the recess or cavity made by the recessed contact surface of the base of the tank 54.

[0070] In the embodiments described above, the contact surface and its associated components are described with respect to a circular contact surface and heating pad, but naturally, any other alternative shape of the contact surface is available, including square, rectangular or any other suitable shape.

[0071] lid Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the lid 56 of the humidification chamber 50 substantially corresponds to the shapes of the tray 52 and the water tank 54 when viewed in plan (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, the lid includes a main body portion 100, which forms the top or upper surface of the humidification chamber, and its overall shape is substantially rectangular, with rounded corners corresponding to the outer shapes of the tray 52 and the water tank 54. Peripheral walls extend downward from the main portion 100. For example, as is best seen in Figure 18, a front end wall 102 and a rear end wall 104 are provided at each end of the main portion. In addition, a first side wall 106 and a second side wall 108 extend along the side of the main body portion 100 between the front and rear end walls 102 and 104. The first side wall 106 is on the inlet side of the humidification chamber, and the second side wall 108 is on the outlet side of the humidification chamber. Rounded corner wall portions 110 are also provided, which connect the side walls and end walls to form the entire peripheral wall that extends vertically downward from the main body portion 100, which extends substantially horizontally.

[0072] In this embodiment, a peripheral ledge or flange 105 (see Figures 10 and 18) is provided along the entire circumference of the lid. In this embodiment, the ledge 105 extends substantially horizontally outward from the peripheral wall, but an angled ledge may be used as an alternative. The ledge is provided toward, but offset from, the lower edge 107 of the peripheral vertical wall of the lid 56. During use, the lower surface of the ledge 105 of the lid is configured to abut or engage with the upper surface of the rim 92 of the tank 54. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the lower peripheral wall portion 91 of the lid 56 below the ledge 105 has some clearance (i.e., is slightly offset) from the adjacent inner surface of the upper peripheral wall portion 93 of the tank below the rim 92, as shown in Figure 10. This allows the lid to engage with and disengage from the tank without the user applying significant force. In this embodiment, the lower peripheral wall portion 91 of the lid functions as a water guard or shield in that it prevents water from splashing between the lid and the tank, and in addition helps the user align the lid and the tank when closing the chamber. Naturally, other embodiments may be configured for a tighter friction fit, so that the lower peripheral wall portion 91 of the lid abuts against or contacts the upper peripheral wall portion 93 of the tank.

[0073] water supply hole Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the lid 56 is provided with one or more water inlets or holes through which water can be poured to supply or replenish the water tank 54 of the humidifying chamber. In this embodiment, two identical water inlets, generally shown by 120, are provided, one at or near the front end of the lid and the other at or near the rear end of the lid, although the positions of the water inlets may differ from this configuration. In this embodiment, each water inlet is provided by a funnel-shaped forming portion that extends from the main body portion 100 of the lid into the interior of the humidifying chamber. For example, each water inlet 120 is provided with a frustoconical forming portion 122, which has a first end coplanar with the main body portion 100 of the lid, extends downward into the humidifying chamber with a gradually decreasing diameter, and terminates at a second end corresponding to the circular edge 124 of the water inlet. Naturally, the funnel-shaped forming portion of the water inlet is optional but helps reduce splashing or spilling when supplying water to the chamber. In an alternative embodiment, the water supply hole may simply be a circular or other opening formed within the main body portion, and may not have any such funnel-shaped guiding portion at all.

[0074] In this embodiment, each water supply hole 120 is provided with one or more concentric circular raised sealing ribs 121 or projections extending along the periphery of the water supply hole. These sealing ribs 121 may be formed integrally with the lid or attached to the lid. The sealing ribs 121 may be made of rigid or hard plastic so that a soft sealant can engage with the rib in a sealed manner to close the water supply hole. For example, the soft sealant may be provided on the lid of the humidification compartment in which the chamber is placed during use. In an alternative embodiment, the ribs 121 may be made of soft overmolded plastic, rubber, or silicone so as to engage in a sealed manner with a hard surface or formed portion provided on the lid of the humidification compartment to close the water supply hole when used in a breathing apparatus.

[0075] water level indicator Referring to Figure 18, the humidification chamber 50 includes at least one water level indicator, which is configured to provide the user with an indication that the water level is approaching the maximum water level. In this embodiment, a water level indicator 130 is provided for each water inlet 120 and is in the form of a tab-type water level indicator 130, which is supported from the lid and includes a tab or member that extends downward into the internal space of the humidification chamber, in particular into the area defined by the water tank 54. In this embodiment, each water level indicator 130 includes a substantially vertically extending support member 132, which extends downward from the underside of the edge 124 of the water inlet opening and terminates with an inwardly extending tab portion or member 134, which extends into a substantially vertical water inlet path area or field of view related to that water inlet opening. In particular, the tab portion 134 is substantially visible when the user looks directly at the center of the water inlet opening from above, i.e., it is located within the field of view of the inside of the chamber as seen from the water inlet opening. In this embodiment, the angle between the vertical support member 132 and the tab portion 134 is obtuse, and the tab portion 134 extends downward from the vertically extending support member 132. As shown in Figures 4 and 18, each tab portion 130 is provided with a maximum water level indicator forming section 138. In this embodiment, the maximum water level indicator forming section 138 is provided as a triangular forming section extending outward from either side of the tab portion 134, but of course, any other form of indicator is available, including printed indicator means, marks or indices, such as printed lines or the like. Because the tab portion 134 has a downward slope or incline with respect to the horizontal, the user is provided with a warning that the maximum water level is approaching when filling the tank with water and when the water level comes into contact with the tab portion 134 and begins to rise. However, naturally, in alternative embodiments, the tab portion 134 may be substantially horizontal, so that there is a 90°, or right angle, between the tab portion 134 and the vertical support member 132, and in such embodiments, the user is warned to fill the tank to the maximum water level immediately after the water comes into contact with the tab.Naturally, the greater the downward slope or incline of the tab portion 134, the more frequently the user will be given warnings that they are approaching the maximum water supply rate, as they will be able to see the water level on the tab gradually approaching the maximum water level indicator forming portion 138.

[0076] Alternatively, the field of view associated with the water supply opening 120 is the visible area inside the chamber that is visible when the user is directly above the center of the water supply opening. Referring to Figure 20, for example, the field of view can be thought of as a virtual cylindrical zone extending downward from the edge 124 of the water supply opening 120, which is shown between arrows BB in the cross-sectional view of the humidification chamber in Figure 20. As shown in the figure, the tab portion 134, which includes the maximum water level indicator forming section 138, is configured to extend into the field of view of the water supply opening 120. This means that the water level indicator can be seen directly through the water supply opening and is visible to the user simultaneously while water is being supplied through the same hole.

[0077] The opening of the lid The lid 56 is provided with a gas inlet through which a pressurized gas stream generated by the breathing apparatus's blower flows into the humidification chamber 50. Referring to Figures 3-6, the gas inlet 140 is located on the inlet side 62 of the humidification chamber 50. As shown in Figure 6, the gas inlet 140 is located on the inlet side circumferential wall 106 of the lid 56 in the form of an opening, which in this case is rectangular, but may be circular or any other shape. In this embodiment, the gas inlet 140 is located centrally along the circumferential wall 106, but this position may vary. Referring to Figure 18, in this embodiment, the inlet opening 140 is provided with an associated inlet passage or conduit 142, which guides or directs the inlet gas flow stream to a central area or region of the lid, and then exits the conduit 142 into the interior of the humidification chamber. In this embodiment, the inlet conduit 142 extends between a first end 142a at the inlet opening in the wall 106 and a second end 142b near the central area of ​​the lid. The hollow inlet conduit 142 has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the inlet opening 140 and extends substantially horizontally inward from the vertical peripheral wall 106 of the lid 52. The inlet conduit 142 extends into the central area of ​​the lid and helps minimize or reduce backflow of water into the blower or device if the breathing apparatus accidentally tilts or tips over from its normal upright operating orientation.

[0078] In this embodiment, the gas inlet 140 and the inlet conduit 142 are located on or near the top of the lid. However, in an alternative embodiment, the lid may have a higher perimeter wall and be deeper, and the inlet 140 and the conduit 142 may be shifted away from the top of the lid, for example, to be located on or near the bottom of the lid. Such a configuration can create a space above the inlet of the lid for water to accumulate when the chamber is tilted, reducing the possibility of water backflow from the inlet.

[0079] At the outlet of the inlet conduit 142, a flow guide forming section 144 is provided to direct the gas stream exiting the inlet conduit. In this embodiment, the flow guide forming section 144 is in the form of a curved, downward-sloping surface that begins at or near the main body portion 100 of the lid at the outlet end 142b of the inlet conduit 142 and ends at the first surface 146b of a vertical flow panel 146 extending downward from the main body portion 100 of the lid. This configuration causes a portion of the incoming gas stream to return towards the inlet wall of the humidification chamber, where it is humidified, and then circulate again through the side edge 146e of the flow panel 146 towards the outlet of the humidification chamber. This configuration also helps to direct the airflow directly toward the water surface, thereby increasing the absorption of moisture from the water into the incoming gas. The vertical flow surface 146 is offset from the outlet end 142b of the inlet conduit 142.

[0080] Figure 20 shows the first surface 146b of the vertical flow panel 146. In this embodiment, the width (W) of the vertical flow panel 146, i.e., the flow straightener, is shorter than the total length of the humidification chamber from the front end 60 to the rear end 58, but preferably wider than the width (W1) of the inlet conduit 142. In this embodiment, the height (H) of the vertical flow panel is such that its lower end 146a extends at least below the lower end 142a of the inlet conduit 142, and generally further extends at least below the horizontal highest water level line indicated by the indicator forming section 138 of the tab-type water level indicator. In this embodiment, the lower end 146a of the vertical flow surface 146 is located between the highest water level indicator forming section 138 and the lower base surface 80 of the water tank 54, but in an alternative embodiment, it may extend substantially to the base surface 80 of the water tank 54. Preferably, the height of the vertical flow panel 146 is such that its lower end 146a extends into or through the surface of the water in the tank 54 for amounts of water that have reached at least the highest water level line, more preferably, the lower end 146a extends into the surface of the water for amounts of water that have not reached at least the highest water level line, and even more preferably, for any amount of water (i.e., the lower end 146a extends substantially to the base of the tank). Generally, the height of the flow panel is configured such that it protrudes or penetrates into the water surface to a depth sufficient to prevent gas exiting the inlet conduit 142 from passing under the lower end 146a and directly into the outlet conduit 142, thereby forcing the gas to flow around the flow panel, increasing the path through which the gas passes within the chamber, while being exposed to water vapor before leaving the chamber. If the flow panel is too low, allowing the gas to flow directly from beneath the flow panel to the outlet, this can result in a shortened flow path, reduced humidification, and the gas stream blowing or splashing water into the outlet conduit 152 as it returns from beneath the flow panel.

[0081] Outlet of the lid Referring to Figures 4 and 7, the gas outlet 150 is located on the opposite side of the humidification chamber from the gas inlet 140. In this embodiment, the gas outlet 150 is located on the outlet-side periphery wall 108 of the lid 56 of the humidification chamber and, like the gas inlet 140, is centrally located with respect to the front and rear ends of the humidification chamber, although this is not significant. The gas outlet 150 includes a substantially rectangular opening extending through the periphery wall 108, although a circular or other shape of opening may be used instead. Once the gas is heated and humidified in the humidification chamber, the gas stream exits the humidification chamber through the gas outlet 150.

[0082] Referring to Figures 12 and 19, in this embodiment, the gas outlet 150 includes an outlet conduit 152 that extends horizontally or vertically with respect to the peripheral wall 108 into a central area or region of the lid of the humidification chamber. Specifically, the outlet conduit 152 extends from a first end 152a at the opening of the gas outlet 150 in the wall 108, into the interior of the lid 56, and terminates at a second end 152b. In this embodiment, the second end 152b of the outlet conduit 152 abuts against or engages with a second surface 146c of the vertical flow panel 146. One or more inlet openings are provided at or near the second end 152b of the outlet conduit 152, through which gas in the humidification chamber may enter the conduit 152 and exit the humidification chamber through the gas outlet 150. In this embodiment, the outlet conduit 152 is substantially rectangular and has a lower side wall 152c and an upper side wall 152d and a left side wall 152e and a right side wall 152f extending along its length. In this embodiment, two main inlet openings 154a and 154b are provided at or near the second end 152b of the inlet conduit, on each of the side walls 152e and 152f, so that the inlet opens toward either the front or rear end of the cover. In this embodiment, the inlet openings 154a and 154b are substantially rectangular, but may be circular or otherwise. As shown in Figures 7, 12, and 19, vertical wall forming sections 155a and 155b extend upward from the lower side wall 152c of the conduit within the respective areas of the respective inlet openings 154a and 154b. The wall-forming sections 155a and 155b function as water splash barriers and are configured to cause the gas stream to rise around the walls before entering the openings 154a and 154b, rather than moving directly from the water surface just below the openings into the openings. This configuration reduces the likelihood of water being trapped or carried by the gas stream (especially at high flow velocities) and entering the outlet conduit 152. Naturally, the inlet conduit 152 does not necessarily have to extend all the way to contact the vertical flow panel 146, but may instead terminate at some point between the vertical flow panel 146 and the side wall 108 of the cover.

[0083] Connection of the lid's inlet and outlet As mentioned above, the gas inlet 140 and gas outlet 150 have related conduits 142 and 152 for constructing a desired gas flow path within the humidification chamber to maximize humidification, but naturally, these conduits are not important. In an alternative embodiment, the gas inlet 140 and gas outlet 150 may simply be openings in the side wall, without conduits extending into the interior of the humidification chamber.

[0084] If inlet and outlet conduits 142 and 152 are provided, they do not necessarily have to enter the chamber lid from opposite sides towards the center, perpendicular to their respective perimeter walls. The conduits may be positioned at the corners of the lid and may enter the chamber at any desired angle. In addition, the conduits do not necessarily have to be straight; they may be other than straight and may include one or more bends or curves.

[0085] Naturally, the gas inlet 140 and gas outlet 150 of the humidification chamber may be connected in various ways to the gas flow path of the respiratory device. Naturally, the gas inlet 140 may be connected or fluidly connected to the gas flow path in a sealed or unsealed configuration by one or more conduits, connectors, and / or gaskets connected to the gas flow path exiting the blower. Similarly, the gas outlet 150 may be connected in any suitable way, for example, in any suitable way including connectors, conduits, and / or gaskets, in a sealed or unsealed configuration to a gas flow path leading to the gas outlet of the respiratory device, which in turn is connected to a patient interface, such as a flexible gas delivery conduit and a user interface, as described above.

[0086] In this embodiment, as described above with respect to Figure 2, the chamber is held within a sealable humidifying compartment that includes a gas inlet fluidly connected to a blower outlet and a gas outlet fluidly connected to a main gas outlet of a respiratory device, which is generally connected to or connectable to a patient interface. In this embodiment, the chamber's gas inlet 140 is not sealed to the compartment's inlet but is open to pressurized gas entering the sealed compartment. Alternatively, a sealed connection may be used between the chamber's inlet and the compartment. In this embodiment, the chamber's gas outlet 150 is preferably sealed to or connected to the humidifying compartment's gas outlet via a gasket or other sealed connection configuration, or at least closely aligned to minimize gas bypassing the chamber and going directly to the compartment's outlet.

[0087] Hinges and clips As described above, the lid 56 is hinged to or connected to the tray 52, and they are movable between an open position in which the lid can pivot away from the tray, allowing the water tank 54 to be removed from the tray (or the lid to be opened to fill the tank with water or to clean it), and a closed position in which the lid pivots to engage with the tray, enclosing and fixing the water tank between the lid and the tray. In this embodiment, the lid 56 pivots around a hinge at the rear end of the chamber between the closed position, i.e., the state shown in Figure 3, and the open position, i.e., the states shown in Figures 13-16, for example.

[0088] In this embodiment, one or more hinges are located at the rear end of the humidification chamber and are configured to hingely connect the lid 56 to the tray 52. ​​Referring to Figures 8, 15, and 16, in this embodiment, one long living hinge 160 extends along a portion of the rear end of the humidification chamber between the lid 56 and the tray 54. In particular, the living hinge 160 is a thin, flexible plastic hinge that is integrally formed with a portion of the upper edge 76e of the rear wall 76 of the tray and a portion of the ledge 105 at the rear end of the lid 56, and connected between them. However, naturally, two or more hinges may be provided along the rear end of the humidification chamber between the lid and the tray, and the hinges do not necessarily have to be integrally formed living hinges, but may be separately formed hinges or hinge mechanisms fixed to the lid and the tray.

[0089] One or more operable clips or clipping mechanisms are provided to secure the humidification chamber in a closed position, and are operable between a latch or lock position for securing the humidification chamber in a closed position and a latched or unlocked position for allowing the lid to pivot away from the tray to an open position or configuration.

[0090] Referring to Figures 9 and 17, in this embodiment, an operable clip 170 is provided or fixed to the lid 56, which is elastically movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to a complementary fastener 172 provided on the tray 52. ​​In particular, the clip 170 is located in the center of the front wall 102 of the lid 56. Referring to Figure 17, in this embodiment, the operable clip 170 is in the form of a torsion clip and is movable between engaged and disengaged positions with respect to the complementary fastener 172 provided on the tray 52. ​​The clip 170 includes a user contact portion 174 that can be pressed when the user moves or pivots the clip to the disengaged position, and an engaging tab portion 176 including an engaging opening 176a. During use, the fastener 172 is a projection or engagement forming portion protruding from the front wall 74 of the tray, which is positionally aligned with the clip and engages with the engaging opening 176a of the clip 170 when the clip is in the latched or locked position, thereby securing the lid 56 to the tray 52.

[0091] As shown in the figure, the clip 170 is attached to the lid 56 via torsion members 178a and 178b, which extend from each side of the clip between the end of the engaging tab portion 176 and the user contact portion 174. The torsion members 178a and 178b are longitudinally aligned and define a pivot axis DD, around which the clip 170 can pivot or rotate with respect to the lid 56 between a resting (engaged, latched) position as shown in the figure and a latched or disengaged position that allows the lid to be released from the tray. As shown in the figure, the user contact portion 174 is located near the front wall 102 of the lid, while the engaging tab portion 176 extends downward below the ledge 105 and the lower end of the lid 56. Each of the torsion members 178a and 178b extends between the respective support posts 180a and 180b provided on the front wall 102 and the sides of the clip 170. In this embodiment, the torsion members 178a and 178b are substantially cylindrical (although their cross-sectional shapes along their length may differ, such as square, rectangular, or otherwise), and twist or bend at a small angle about their longitudinal axis, thereby allowing the clip to pivot or rotate about the pivot axis DD. As shown in the figure, the clip 170 is biased by the torsion members 178a and 178b to or toward its resting position.

[0092] During use, when the lid 56 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the tip of the engaging tab 176 engages with the cam surface 172a of the fastener 172 (see Figure 14), thereby causing the clip to pivot outward from the front wall 102 of the lid in direction F as shown in Figure 17. When the lid 56 is fully engaged with the tray 52, the fastener 172 snaps into place with the engaging opening 176a of the engaging tab portion 176, thereby causing the clip to return to its resting position and spring back, securely hooking the lid onto the tray. At this point, the user does not need to manipulate the clip to engage it with the opening. To release the clip mechanism and open the heating chamber, the user simply presses the user contact portion 174, moving it toward the front wall 102 of the lid in direction E as shown in the figure. This causes the engaging tab to rotate again in direction F so that it moves away from the front wall around the pivot axis DD, disengaging the engaging opening 176a from the complementary fastener 172, thereby allowing the lid 56 to fully pivot and open away from the tray 52. ​​When the user releases the pressure applied to the user contact portion 174, the clip returns to a resting position that can be latched again when the humidification chamber is closed.

[0093] As shown in Figure 17, the front wall 102 of the lid is provided with two limiting projections 182 behind the user contact portion 174 of the front wall of the chamber, which serve to prevent the user from over-turning or over-twisting the clip and thus prevent damage to the clip mechanism. Referring to Figure 14, optional guide forming portions 184 are provided on each side of the fastener 172, which protrude from the front wall 74 of the tray 52. ​​During use, when the guide forming portions 184 are in the engaged position, they are positioned at a distance sufficient to allow the engaging tab portion 176 of the clip to fit between the guide forming portions 184.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the clip 170 is attached to the lid and the fastener 172 is attached to the tray, but of course, this can be reversed as desired, with the clip attached to the tray and the fastener attached to the lid.

[0095] Naturally, various other alternative clip configurations or mechanisms may be used to secure the lid 56 of the humidification chamber to the tray 52. ​​Two or more operable clips or latches may be provided on one or more walls along the perimeter of the heating chamber, as needed. Other examples of various clip mechanisms are described below in relation to alternative embodiments of the heating chamber, but naturally, such clip mechanisms can also be used in this first embodiment of the humidification chamber.

[0096] Ceiling Referring to Figure 10, in this embodiment, there is no flexible sealing material (e.g., silicone or rubber, or otherwise) between the lid 56 and the water tank 54 around the humidification chamber. The pressure generated by the clip mechanism when the humidification chamber is closed is considered sufficient to reduce or minimize gas and / or water leakage at the joint surface between the lid 56 and the water tank 54. Additionally, an additional downward pressure may be applied to the lid 54 when the breathing apparatus is placed inside the humidification compartment. For example, the lid of the humidification compartment may be configured to push down on or engage with the lid 56 of the humidification chamber, thereby applying a downward force to the lid 56 to keep it more tightly closed. Since the chamber is placed inside a pressurized humidification compartment, the pressure difference between the outside and inside of the chamber is negligible or close to zero. Such a substantial neutral pressure difference reduces the tendency for airflow to enter and exit the chamber through the joint surface or peripheral boundary between the lid and the water tank, and therefore, sealing material is generally unnecessary.

[0097] However, naturally, in alternative embodiments, the possibility of gas and / or water leaking from the humidifying chamber at the joint between the water tank and the lid may be further minimized by installing one or more flexible seals along the periphery of the humidifying chamber between the lid 56 and the water tank 54. For example, the periphery flexible seal may be attached to either the edge 92 of the water tank 54 or the lower end 107 or ledge 105 of the lid 56, or both. Referring to Figure 36, one possible sealed chamber configuration is shown in which a periphery recess or groove is provided on the underside of the ledge 105 of the lid, along the entire periphery of the chamber, and a seal, such as a silicone or rubber O-ring or similar, is fitted or positioned in the groove to engage in a sealed manner with the edge 92 of the water tank when the chamber is closed.

[0098] Alternative clip mechanism As mentioned above, various alternative clipping mechanisms may be used to secure the lid 56 of the humidification chamber 50 to the tray 52. ​​Hereinafter, several alternative types of clipping mechanisms are described merely as examples, but of course, these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0099] First alternative clip mechanism Referring to Figures 21A-21C, the first alternative clipping mechanism includes a clip 190 rotatably connected to the front end wall of the lid 56 via a living hinge indicated by 191. As shown in the figure, the clip 190 is hinged to the ledge 105 of the lid 56. In this embodiment, the clip 190 includes a main flat tab portion 190a, which includes a central engagement opening 190b configured to engage with a complementary shaped fastener or protruding portion 192 provided on the front wall of the tray 52. ​​The clip 190 further includes a downward-extending knob or gripping portion 190c. In this embodiment, the finger knob 190c is in the form of a thin, flexible U-shaped member of plastic, which extends from the lower end of the main tab portion 190a. In particular, the knob includes first and second legs 193 extending downward from both sides of the lower end of the main tab portion 190a, which are joined by a crossbar member 194 to provide a gripping opening 198. The finger grip portion 190c may be formed integrally with the main tab portion 190a of the clip as a single component, or they may be formed separately and attached to or fixed to the clip.

[0100] As shown in the figure, the finger grip portion is preferably thinner, bendable, or flexible than the corresponding main tab portion 190a. In this embodiment, the finger grip portion 190c extends substantially toward or to the bottom surface of the tray 52, making it easier for the user to hook or grasp it. This configuration also allows the user to pull the clip using arm strength rather than lifting with fingertips and applying most of the load through the first joint, by inserting more of their fingers and / or multiple fingers into the gripping opening 198. In addition, as shown in Figure 21C, a recess 195 may be provided in the front wall of the tray 52, which is aligning with the grip 190c so that the user's fingers can reach and grasp the grip 190c. In this embodiment, the fastener forming portion 192 includes a long forming portion having a triangular cross-section. In particular, a front cam surface 192a, angled downwards, extends from the front wall 74 of the receiving plate, and a substantially horizontal engagement surface 192b is provided on the lower surface of the forming portion. The front end of the engagement surface 192b is also provided with a ridge or protruding lip, which extends downwards to help hold the clip engaged with the fastener forming portion 192.

[0101] During use, the user pushes or rotates the clip 190 around its living hinge to engage it with the fastening forming portion 192, placing it in the latched position shown in Figure 21A. To release the clip mechanism, the user applies force with one or more fingers to the clip's gripping portion 190c (or the main tab portion 190a itself, depending on the user's preference) away from the front wall of the tray, disengaging the clip from the engagement forming portion 192, thereby removing the clip and the lid 56 from the tray 52.

[0102] Second alternative clip mechanism Referring to Figure 22A, a second alternative clip 200 is shown. The clip 200 includes a main tab portion 201, which, like the first alternative clip 190, is integrally connected to the ledge 105 of the front wall 102 of the lid 56 via a living hinge 202. As previously mentioned, the living hinge 202 is formed from a thinned portion of plastic and is flexible, thereby allowing the clip 200 to pivot relative to the lid 56. Unlike the engaging opening 190b of the first alternative clip 190, the second alternative clip 200 is provided with a protruding engaging portion 203, which is configured to engage with a complementary fastener forming portion or opening (not shown) provided on the front wall of the tray.

[0103] Third alternative clip mechanism Referring to Figure 22B, a third alternative type of clip mechanism is shown. The third alternative type of clip 210 is similar to the first alternative clip 190 and includes a hinged tab 211, which has an engagement opening configured to engage with a fastener forming portion 212 provided on the front wall of the tray. In this embodiment, the tab 211 has an extension knob. It is not provided.

[0104] Fourth alternative clip mechanism Referring to Figures 23A and 23B, a fourth alternative type of clip mechanism is shown. The fourth alternative type of clip 290 is similar to the first alternative clip 190, and the same reference number indicates similar features. Clip 290 includes a hinged tab without an extension knob. Rather, the tab has a first vertical upper portion 291 hinged to the lid and a larger lower inclined portion 292 extending diagonally away from the upper portion. The upper portion 291 provides an engagement opening for engaging with the fastener forming portion 192 of the front wall of the tray, as previously described. In the engagement position shown in the figure, the lower inclined portion 292 of the tab is inclined outward, i.e., away from the wall of the tray 52, thereby forming a gripping recess or access cavity between the lower inclined portion 292 and the recess 195 of the front wall, allowing the user to grasp and pull the tab to release the clip as desired.

[0105] Alternative water level indicator Naturally, various other water level indicators can be used to help the user identify when the water tank has been filled to the maximum water level line, and some non-exclusive examples are described here.

[0106] First alternative water level indicator Referring to Figures 24A and 24B, a first alternative water level indicator 220 is shown, which is a variation of the aforementioned tab-type water level indicator 130. Similar reference numbers indicate similar components and features. In this variation, an additional vertical support or member 221 extends downward from the underside of the cover 56 and connects to the end of the tab 134 to reinforce the water level indicator and maintain the angle of the tab.

[0107] Second alternative water level indicator Referring to Figures 25 and 26, a second alternative water level indicator 230 is shown. The water level indicator 230 is a conical water level indicator, including a hollow cylindrical forming portion 231, which extends downward from the upper main portion of the lid and terminates at a conical end 232 which includes a display means or marker indicating at least the highest water level line, as generally shown in 233. The water level indicator is formed from a transparent material such as clear plastic. The steepness of the conical portion 232 may vary to change the amount of warning the user receives when they approach the highest water level line. A steeper angle provides less warning, while a shallower cone provides more warning. In this embodiment, the lid 56 is provided with one water supply opening, as generally shown in 234.

[0108] Third alternative water level indicator In addition to this, or instead, in other embodiments, water level indicator lines (which may be more than one) may be provided on the inner surface of the perimeter wall of the tank, for example by printing lines on the surface, or otherwise by pressing or forming lines on the inner surface of the tank wall. Such water level indicator lines are visible when the lid is open, allowing water to be poured directly into the tank up to the highest water level line. In such embodiments, another water inlet hole in the lid can be omitted.

[0109] Herein, various other embodiments of humidification chambers are described, where similar reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent components or features. Naturally, features and components of various embodiments may be replaced and / or combined to create other variations.

[0110] Humidification chamber of the second embodiment - using a continuous tray Referring to Figures 27A-27C, the humidification chamber 300 of the second embodiment is described. The humidification chamber 300 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the lid 56 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but it includes a different clip mechanism 310 on the front wall. In this embodiment, the clip 310 is a U-shaped member which is attached to the front wall and bends to some extent around an axis shown as II in Figure 27B. As shown in Figure 27A, the clip 310 engages firmly with a fastener forming portion 312. Referring to Figure 27C, the fastener forming portion includes a long forming portion having a substantially triangular cross-section. In particular, an inclined front cam surface 314 extends downward and outward from the front wall, and a substantially horizontal engaging surface 316 returns to the front wall from the lower end of the front cam surface 314. The U-shaped clip 310 includes two vertical legs 318 which extend downward from the lid and are joined by a crossbar member 320. During use, the crossbar member 320 snaps into place or locks into place when the lid engages with the tray 352, engaging with the cam surface 314 of the fastener forming portion 312, and finally fully engaging with the engagement surface 316.

[0111] In other embodiments, the humidifying chamber 300 of the second embodiment is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment and includes a plastic tray 352 for receiving a metal water tank of the aforementioned type and a hinged plastic lid 56. The main difference of the humidifying chamber 300 of the second embodiment is that the tray is substantially continuous around the perimeter wall of the water tank, so as to substantially encompass and surround the entire perimeter wall surface of the water tank.

[0112] Third embodiment using a heating plate with a humidification chamber-overmolded overview The humidification chamber 400 of the third embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 28A to 28T. The humidification chamber 400 is similar in overall shape to the previously described embodiments, and applicable similar features are represented by the same drawing reference numbers. Naturally, the descriptions of similar features in the above embodiments, including variations and alternatives, will not be repeated as they also apply to this embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences between the third embodiment and the previously described embodiments.

[0113] The main difference of the humidifying chamber 400 in the third embodiment is that it is a two-part chamber assembly, not a three-part chamber assembly as in the previously described embodiment. The terms "two-part" and "three-part" assemblies refer to the number of main components of the assembly, whether they are formed as a single unit or otherwise connected, linked, or assembled to one another. In particular, the previously described embodiment is a three-part chamber assembly, which includes an upper part (lid - part 1) that is hinged to a lower part (receiving tray - part 2) to open and close, with part 2 receiving and holding another water tank (part 3) in a releaseable manner. In contrast, the humidifying chamber 400 in this third embodiment is a two-part assembly, which includes an upper part in the form of a lid 456 (part 1), which is hinged on one side to a lower part in the form of a water tank 452 (part 2) that includes a heat-conductive metal heating plate on its base surface.

[0114] In this embodiment, the lid 456 and the tank 452 (excluding the metal heating plate) are formed from rigid plastic by injection molding, vacuum forming, or other suitable production process in a manner similar to that used for forming the lid and tray in the previously described embodiments. Generally, the lid 456, the tank 452, and the hinge joint 160 between the lid and the tank are formed integrally with each other as a single part; however, in alternative embodiments, the lid and the tank may be formed as separate parts and then hinged together via one or more separate hinge components or assemblies. The tank and / or lid may be formed to be substantially transparent or opaque, depending on the design requirements.

[0115] Similar to the embodiments described above, the humidifying chamber 400 is operable or movable between a closed position (for example, shown in Figures 28A and 28B) in which the lid 456 is fixed to the water tank 452, creating a closed chamber, and an open position or state, as shown in Figures 28L to 28N, in which the lid 456 is moved or rotated around the hinge 160 away from the water tank to open the chamber for access. One or more operable clips 290 or latches are provided at the front end of the humidifying chamber to fix or lock the humidifying chamber in the closed position, which is inserted into the breathing apparatus and ready to operate, as described above.

[0116] Aquarium Referring to Figures 28A, 28B, 28L, and 28M, the water tank 452 includes a base surface 470 from which upright side walls extend along the perimeter of the base surface. As shown in the figures, the water tank includes a front wall 474 and a rear wall 476 at the front and rear ends of the humidifying chamber, respectively, and a first side wall 475 and a second side wall 477 extending along the gas inlet and gas outlet sides of the humidifying chamber, respectively.

[0117] Referring to Figures 28D, 28E, and 28F, one or more walls or parts of a wall may be provided with a reinforcing shape configured to resist bending or deformation of the wall surface. In this embodiment, each of the side walls 475, 477 is provided with reinforcing portions or regions 478, 479, respectively, which include a corrugated or undulating surface shape with alternating grooves and ridges. In this embodiment, the grooves and ridges are oriented vertically, but naturally, in alternatives, a horizontal orientation may also be used as desired. In this embodiment, the thickness of the side walls of the reinforcement, i.e., the corrugated portions, is substantially uniform, and the transition sections between ridges and grooves and between ridges and grooves have substantially similar wall thickness, as can be seen in Figure 28D. In alternative embodiments, the thickness of the side walls of the reinforced regions may be non-uniform. In this embodiment, the height of each corrugated region extends on the side wall from the base plane to an intermediate point below the edge or rim of the tank, as shown in Figures 28E and 28F. However, the corrugated region may, of course, begin above the base plane, or, if desired, extend along the entire height of the side wall. In alternative reinforcement configurations, spaced reinforcing ridges or ribs, whether vertical or horizontal, may be provided on the inner or outer surface or both of one or more portions of the side wall. In such embodiments, the ridges or ribs increase the wall thickness in the region of the ridges or ribs. In other alternative embodiments, the side walls of the tank 452 may be hardened or reinforced by peripheral ledges, lips, or rims that extend outward or project from or thereof the upper periphery of the side wall of the tank to prevent or minimize bending and / or deformation. The rim may be of the type or shape shown, for example, 92 or 52a in Figure 36, i.e., integrally formed along the upper periphery of the side wall. The reinforcing rim may be provided in combination with the reinforcing region of the side wall, or as an alternative to the reinforcing region.

[0118] Referring to the side views in Figures 28E-28H, in this embodiment, the humidification chamber 400 includes a convex or dome-shaped base surface 470 which is curved outward or rounded toward a vertex defined by a central heating plate, which will be described in detail below. In an alternative embodiment, the base surface 470 may be substantially flat.

[0119] Referring to Figures 28D, 28L, and 28M, the base surface 470 of the water tank 452 is provided with a centrally located metal or thermally conductive heating plate 494. In this embodiment, the heating plate 494 is circular and is joined or fixed by overmolding to a complementary circular opening in the center of the base surface 470 of the plastic water tank 452. The heating plate may be formed of a rigid thermally conductive material, and is generally pressed or molded from sheet metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or other suitable material, and can be formed, for example, by die casting. In this embodiment, the heating plate 494 and the complementary opening in the base surface 470 of the water tank are circular, but of course, their shapes can vary, and any other alternative shape of integrated heating plate surface may be provided, including square, rectangular, or any other arbitrary shape. In this embodiment, the heating plate 494 is substantially flat before the overmolding process, but after the overmolding process, it may have a slightly outward-curving dome-shaped or convex shape due to the compressive force from the surrounding dome-shaped base surface. The compressive force or biasing force that causes the engaging surface of the heating plate to be slightly outward-curving reduces or resists the possibility of the heating plate deforming inward over time. However, if the engaging surface is used as one that is inwardly concave due to deformation, the contact surface area between the heating plate and the heating pad on which it rests in the humidifying compartment will decrease, thereby reducing the thermal conductivity of this configuration.

[0120] In this embodiment, the heating plate 494 is provided with a circular main contact surface 495, which protrudes from and extends beyond the surrounding plastic base surface 470 of the water tank 452, and is configured to facilitate sufficient engagement and heat conduction when the chamber rests on a complementary shaped heating pad at the bottom of the humidification compartment. In this embodiment, the heating plate further includes an upright or substantially vertical wall portion 496 extending along the periphery of the main contact surface portion 495, and a substantially horizontal outer periphery connecting surface or ledge portion 497 extending outward from the top of the wall portion 496 along the periphery of the heating plate. As shown in the figure, the main contact surface portion 495 and the outer connecting ledge 497 extend in substantially parallel planes but are vertically offset from each other by the height of the vertical wall portion 496. As shown in the figure, it is the connecting ledge 497 of the heating plate 494 that is connected or fixed to the surrounding plastic by overmolding along the periphery of the central opening of the base surface 470. In particular, the engagement portion 471 of the base surface material along the periphery of the central opening of the base surface 470 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the connecting ledge 497 along the entire periphery of the heating plate 494.

[0121] Referring to Figure 28J, in this embodiment, the overmolding process is configured such that the thickness of the engaging portion 471 of the base surface varies with respect to the rest of the base surface. In this embodiment, the overall thickness 401 of the engaging portion 471, which is overmolded onto at least a portion of the connecting ledge 497 of the heating plate 494, is greater than the thickness 402 of the rest of the base surface 470 of the tank. This configuration helps to reduce the amount by which the plastic of the base surface 470 lifts away from the connecting ledge 497 of the heating plate after molding, which in turn reduces the amount of hard water deposits that penetrate the transition junction region between the metal heating plate and the plastic base surface. In one configuration, the thickness 403 of the upper portion of the engaging portion 471 above the connecting ledge 497 of the heating plate 494 is equal to or at least the same as the thickness 402 of the rest of the base surface, so that the upper portion reduces or minimizes the lift of the connecting ledge 497. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the thickness 404 of the lower portion of the engaging portion 471 below the connecting ledge 497 may be thinner than the thickness 403 of the upper portion of the engaging portion 471 on the base surface 470. In an alternative embodiment, the thickness 404 of the lower portion of the engaging surface is also equal to or at least the same as the thickness 402 of the rest of the base surface, reducing or minimizing the lift of the lower portion of the connecting ledge.

[0122] Naturally, in alternative embodiments, the heating plate may be a substantially flat circular plate, which is fixed by an overmolding into the central opening of the base and is substantially flush with the rest of the base rather than protruding as described above.

[0123] Referring to Figure 28L, in this embodiment, the water tank 452 is also provided with a continuous horizontal stepped section 472, which extends along the periphery of the inner surface of the side wall. The stepped section is offset by a uniform height from the base surface of the water tank along its inner circumference. The stepped section is formed integrally with the side wall and may take the form of an inclined step, as shown in Figure 28I. In this configuration, the stepped section 472 is positioned at a height from the base surface corresponding to the highest water level line. When the chamber lid is in the open position, the user may, as an alternative to using the water supply hole, fill the water tank with water up to the height of the stepped section.

[0124] lid The lid 456 of the humidification chamber 400 in the third embodiment is substantially the same as the lid 56 in the previously described embodiment, but there are several key differences, which will be described below. Naturally, the humidification chamber in the third embodiment can also use the same lid 56 as described above.

[0125] Referring to Figures 28C, 28I, and 28L, in this embodiment, the lid 456 is provided with a tab-type water level indicator 220 of the type described in relation to Figures 24A and 24B. In particular, the tab-type water level indicator 220 includes an inclined tab 134, which is suspended below the water supply opening 120 by upright support members 132, 221 at each end. In this embodiment, the sign "MAX," meaning maximum, is printed inverted on the underside of the tab portion 134, as shown in Figure 28L. At least the tab portion 134 is made of transparent plastic so that the sign "MAX" is visible in a format that can be correctly read by the user when viewed through the water supply hole 120.

[0126] Referring to Figures 28E and 28C, the inlet-side peripheral wall 106 of the lid 456 is provided with one or more projections 407, for example, ridges, ridges or formations extending from the surface of the peripheral wall. In this embodiment, the projections 407 are provided on each side of the central inlet opening 140 of the lid and engage with position-aligning rails provided on the inner inlet gas side wall of the humidification compartment, which will be described here. Referring to Figure 28O, the lower portion of the humidification compartment 800 is shown, which has shape and dimensions having a complementary cavity 802 that receives and holds the humidification chamber 400. The lower portion of the humidification compartment may be part of the housing or body of the breathing apparatus of the type described above. As previously described with respect to Figure 2, the humidification compartment may further include an openable lid that seals or encloses the compartment when the humidification chamber 400 is installed in this cavity. As shown in the figure, two vertical rails 406 project from the inner wall surface of the humidification compartment on either side of the gas inlet 804 that receives the gas flow from the breathing apparatus blower described in relation to Figure 2. In this embodiment, each rail 806 extends from a first upper end at or near the height of the gas inlet 804 and a second lower end at or near the floor surface of the compartment. In this embodiment, referring to Figures 28O and 28T, each rail includes a first short starting inclined portion 806a, which is tapered or inclined outward from the wall surface, and then extends to a second, longer returning inclined portion 806b, which is again tapered or inclined toward the inner wall surface. During operation, the projection 407 on the gas inlet side of the humidification chamber 400 aligns with the engaging rail 806 on the inlet side of the humidification compartment. As the heating chamber 400 is lowered or inserted into the humidification compartment, the projections 407 abut or engage with their respective rails 806, causing the rails to bias the chamber 400 toward the opposite outlet side wall of the compartment, which includes the gas outlet 808 shown in Figure 28P. This configuration helps to bias and hold the chamber's gas outlet so that it engages or connects in a sealed manner with the compartment's gas outlet 808 when the chamber is fully inserted or installed.In this configuration, a sealant 810 is provided at the gas outlet 808 of the compartment, extending along the periphery of the gas outlet 808. The sealant may be, for example, an elastomer or rubber component or insert. As will be described below, in this embodiment, an engaging surface 430 is provided at the gas outlet 150 of the chamber, which engages in a sealed manner with the sealant 810 along the periphery of the gas outlet 808, thereby sealing the connection between the outlets. In alternative embodiments, the sealant may, of course, be provided at the gas outlet 150 of the chamber, or both the chamber and the compartment outlets may have complementary sealants.

[0127] Referring to Figures 28F, 28K, 28P-28S, in the humidification chamber 400 of the third embodiment, the gas outlet 150 located on the outlet-side peripheral wall 108 of the lid 456 includes an engagement surface or formed portion 430 along the periphery of the opening 150. The engagement surface 430 is configured to engage in a sealed state with the sealant 810 of the gas outlet 808 of the humidification compartment 800 when the humidification chamber 400 is installed in the compartment. In this embodiment, the gas outlet 150 is substantially rectangular, and therefore the engagement surface 430 is also substantially rectangular, including an upper horizontal portion 431 and a lower horizontal portion 432 extending along the upper and lower periphery of the gas outlet 150, and lateral vertical portions 433, 434 along the lateral peripheral portion of the gas outlet 150. In this embodiment, the engaging surface 430 is substantially flat along the periphery or surrounding the gas outlet 150, thereby engaging in a sealed manner with a complementary sealing material or outlet surface associated with the gas outlet 808 of the humidification compartment 800. In the configuration shown in the figure, the engaging surface 430 is preferably inclined or tilted outward with respect to the vertical outlet side circumferential wall 108. In particular, as is more clearly shown in Figure 28K, the engaging surface 430 is inclined such that the upper portion 431 is offset further outward from the outlet side circumferential wall 108 than the lower portion 432. In this configuration, the engaging surface 430 can be thought of as inclined or pivoting outward about a horizontal axis extending across its surface, so that the upper portion of the engaging surface protrudes or is offset outward from the outlet side circumferential wall 108 of the lid 456 than the lower portion or region 432 of the engaging surface. Naturally, the same principle applies whether the gas outlet and the engaging surface are circular or otherwise shaped. The inclined engagement surface 430 helps to allow the humidification chamber to be easily received or inserted into the complementary humidification compartment 800, and helps to engage or connect in a sealed manner between the gas outlet 150 of the chamber and the gas outlet 808 of the humidification compartment 800.

[0128] Referring to Figure 28L, the vertical flow panel 146 of the lid 456 is an improvement over the previously described embodiment. In this embodiment, the vertical panel or surface 146 further includes a pair of baffle portions or wings 435, which extend along the side edge 146 of the flow panel 146 and over the entire height (H) of the flow panel, and function as flow deflectors or guides. The side baffles 435 project or extend along each of their side edges so as to move away from the first side surface 146b of the flow panel 146. In particular, the side baffles 435 extend substantially perpendicular to the flow surface 146, thereby extending toward the inlet side of the lid. In this configuration, the width W2 of the side baffles 435 of the vertical flow panel 146 (extending perpendicular to the surface of the flow panel) is substantially smaller than the overall width W of the vertical flow panel. During use, the side baffle portion or surface 435 is configured to minimize or prevent the flow exiting the inlet conduit 142 from following a path that reduces humidification, flowing directly towards the gas outlet conduit 152 around the side edge 146e of the vertical flow panel. The side baffle 435 forces or promotes the air to recirculate towards the inlet side of the humidification chamber, lengthening the general airflow circulation path in the chamber before the gas exits the chamber, thereby increasing moisture absorption. As previously stated, the height (H) of the flow panel 146 is generally configured to protrude or penetrate to a depth sufficient to prevent the gas exiting the inlet conduit 142 from taking a direct shortcut under the lower end 146a and into the outlet conduit 152 in the water surface.

[0129] Hinges and clips As described above, the upper component, i.e., the lid 456, is hinged to or connected to the lower component, i.e., the water tank 452, so that they can move between an open position where the lid pivots away from the water tank (allowing the lid to be opened to fill or clean the tank) and a closed position where the lid pivots to engage with the water tank and close the chamber. In this embodiment, the lid 456 is hinged to the water tank 452 in a manner similar to the hinged connection between the lid and the tray in the previously described embodiment. In particular, the lid 456 is pivotable around a hinge located at the rear of the chamber, for example, between the closed position or state shown in Figures 28A and 28B and the open position or state shown in Figures 28L to 28N. As shown in Figures 28A, 28G, and 28M, in this embodiment the hinge is a single long living hinge 160 which extends between the lid 456 and the water tank 452 along a portion of the rear end of the humidifying chamber, in the manner described above in the previously described embodiment.

[0130] To secure the humidification chamber in a closed position, one or more operable clips or clipping mechanisms are provided, operable between a latch or lock position that secures the chamber in a closed position and a latch-release or unlock position that allows the lid 456 to be swung away from the water tank to an open position or state. Referring to Figures 28B, 28H, 28M, and 28N, in this embodiment, the heating chamber includes a fastener-forming portion 192 complementary to one operable clip 290 of the type described with respect to Figures 23A and 23B. In particular, the clip 290 may be swivelably attached to the lid and movable to engage with the fastener 192, thereby securely closing the chamber or disengaging from or releasing from the fastener 192 to allow the chamber to be opened. As shown in Figure 28H, a recess 195 is provided on the front wall of the water tank 452 near the clip 290, allowing the user to grasp and pull a tab as desired to disengage the clip from the fastener-forming portion 192.

[0131] Ceiling Similar to the embodiments described above, the chamber 400 in the third embodiment does not necessarily need to be sealed between the lid 456 and the water tank 452. However, it may be sealed as shown in this embodiment, if desired. Referring to Figure 28I, the ledge 105 of the lid 456 is provided with or formed a peripheral groove or recess, and a sealant 99 is fitted into the groove along the periphery of the lid, similar to the configuration described with respect to the embodiment in Figure 36. As shown in the figure, the sealant 99 engages with the upper surface or rim 461 of the peripheral wall of the water tank 452 when the chamber is closed, thereby sealing the chamber. Other configurations may use other sealing configurations described with respect to Figure 36.

[0132] Using the humidifying chamber sleeve of the fourth embodiment Referring to Figures 29A and 29B, the humidification chamber 500 of the fourth embodiment is a variation of the humidification chamber 300 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the lid 56 is not hinged at one end to a continuous tray, but is hinged to a sleeve 552 in the form of a continuous perimeter wall that surrounds or extends around the entire perimeter wall of the tank 54, as shown in the figure. In particular, the sleeve 552 leaves the entire base surface 54 of the tank exposed. The sleeve 552 is preferably formed from the same material as the lid 56, preferably injection molded from plastic or similar. The height of the sleeve, indicated by 554, may vary as desired. In this embodiment, the sleeve extends substantially from the upper edge of the rim of the tank to the base surface of the tank, but in alternative embodiments, it may be thinner and extend only from the upper edge to partway down the perimeter wall. As shown in Figure 29B, the sleeve is prevented from floating up or sliding off the water tank 54 by a lip or rim 92 extending outward from the upper edge of the water tank 54. Otherwise, the humidification chamber is substantially the same as in the previously described embodiment, with a living hinge connecting the lid to the sleeve 552 along its rear end (not shown) and a clip mechanism 560 at the front, which is the configuration described in this embodiment with respect to Figures 21A-21C.

[0133] Fifth embodiment of the humidifying chamber - using an internal clip Referring to Figures 30A-30C, the humidification chamber 600 of the fifth embodiment (see Figure 30C) includes a plastic lid 602 that is releasably connected to a metal water tank 604 (see Figure 30B) via an internal clip. The plastic lid 602 is substantially similar to the lid of the previous embodiment, but includes a slightly different water level indicator configuration. In particular, it has a water supply hole 606 located in the center near one end of the lid and a conical water level indicator 608 located near one corner of the opposite end of the lid. In addition, a finger rest 610 is provided in the center of the water level indicator side of the lid. The internal structure of the lid 602 otherwise includes a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a vertical flow surface. The structure is the same.

[0134] The water tank 604 is entirely made of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or a similar material. Optionally, a sleeve or tray of insulating material, such as plastic or other insulating material, may be provided on the outer peripheral wall and / or bottom surface of the metal water tank to prevent burns to the user's hands when holding the metal tab. Alternatively, the user may pick up the metal water tank by grasping the water supply opening 606 and the finger rest recess 610 through the lid, for example, with one finger and the thumb.

[0135] The lid 602 is not hinged to the tank 604 and is completely removable from the tank. Each end of the lid is provided with a clip or engaging projection 612 (only one end is visible), which is configured to engage with a complementary recess 614 located on or near the upper edge of the tank at each end of the tank 604. To assemble the lid 602 and the tank 604, the user must press the lid to engage the clip forming portion 612 with the complementary recess 614. To remove the lid, the user pulls the lid vertically away from the tank with enough force to disengage the clip forming portion 612 from the recess 614.

[0136] Using the humidifying chamber with duct lid of the sixth embodiment The humidification chamber 700 of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 31A to 35. This embodiment includes a plastic lid 702, which is attached to a complementary metal water tank 704 in the same manner as described above for the humidification chamber 600 of the fifth embodiment. Figure 31A shows the inlet opening 706 of the humidification chamber, and Figure 31B shows the gas outlet 708 of the humidification chamber.

[0137] Referring to Figure 32, in this embodiment, the water tank is formed of metal or other heat-conducting material and is in direct contact with or rests on a heating base. Engaging openings 710 are provided at each end of the water tank to receive complementary elastic clips 730 provided on the lid 702, securing the lid to the water tank. A gas inlet 706 is an opening located in the peripheral wall of one side of the water tank, near the corner of the upper edge of the water tank, which may be centrally located or elsewhere. On the opposite side of the water tank, a notch or recess 712 is provided, into which a gas outlet 708 of the lid may be located when the lid is engaged with the water tank and closed or assembled.

[0138] Referring to Figures 33-35, the lid 702 includes an upper frame member 714, which is connected to a lower frame member 716 via an internal vertical wall 718. The inner wall is recessed or offset inward from the edges of the frame members 714, 716 along the periphery of the lid, so that when engaged with the water tank 704, an outer periphery gas passage is formed along a substantial portion of the inner outer periphery of the lid. Once the gas enters the outer periphery passage from the inlet 706, it flows along the passage and enters the internal space of the humidification chamber through a series of one or more inner inlet openings 720 formed through the inner wall 718 of the lid. In this embodiment, most of the inlet openings 720 are located in the inlet-side wall, but one or more openings may extend along the entire periphery of the inner wall, which includes an end wall and an opposite wall located adjacent to the outlet, as shown by 720 in Figure 35, although this is not visible. In addition, or instead, the inlet openings may also be located in the lower frame member 716 along at least a portion of the periphery of the lid.

[0139] Referring to Figure 35, the inner surface or bottom surface of the inner peripheral wall 718 of the lid is provided with a configuration of vertical flow surfaces 722 associated with each inner inlet opening 720, which forces the incoming gas stream into the space of the humidification chamber and facilitates the humidification process. The gas outlet 708 includes an outlet conduit 724, which extends horizontally from the opening 708 into the internal space of the lid and terminates at the inlet opening 726, thereby allowing the humidified gas to enter the outlet conduit 724 and exit the gas outlet 708. It is possible to pass through and exit the humidification chamber. Referring to Figure 33, elastic spring clips 730 are provided at the center of each end of the lid 702, which include clip forming portions 732 configured to engage with complementary engaging openings 710 of the water tank to secure the lid to the water tank. [Examples]

[0140] Embodiment 1. A humidifying chamber for humidifying gas, comprising: a water tank configured to receive a mass of water; a tray defining an open cavity for receiving the water tank; a lid hinged to the tray to enclose the water tank and define the internal space of the humidifying chamber, the lid being movable between a closed position where the water tank is closed by the lid and an open position where the water tank is open; one or more operable clips for fixing the lid in the closed position; a gas inlet for receiving a flow of gas into the internal space of the humidifying chamber; and a gas outlet through which the flow of humidifying gas exits the internal space of the humidifying chamber. 2. The humidifying chamber described in paragraph 1, wherein the lid and tray are formed of rigid plastic. 3. The humidifying chamber according to paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the lid and the tray are hinged together by a living hinge and formed as a single unit. 4. A humidifying chamber according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the water tank is formed of a thermally conductive material. 5. A humidifying chamber as described in paragraph 4, wherein the water tank is made of metal. 6. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the water tank is defined by a base surface and a peripheral wall extending upward from the base, and the tray includes a complementary base surface and a peripheral wall extending upward, the peripheral wall of the tray is discontinuous along the periphery of the tray, and one or more portions of the peripheral wall of the water tank held within the tray are exposed. 7. The humidifying chamber described in paragraph 6, wherein the heat transfer contact surface protrudes from the base surface of the water tank, and the tray is provided with a complementary, position-aligned opening through which the contact surface of the water tank extends and protrudes beyond the lower surface of the base surface of the tray. 8. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the water tank is removably received in a tray by a sliding engagement. 9. A humidifying chamber according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the gas inlet and gas outlet are located on opposite sides of the lid, respectively. 10. The humidifying chamber according to paragraph 9, wherein the lid includes a vertical flow surface extending downward from the underside of the lid in the central region of the lid. 11. The humidifying chamber according to paragraph 10, wherein a gas inlet is connected to an inlet conduit, which is located between the inlet end of the gas inlet and the upper central region of the internal space of the humidifying chamber, or near thereto, and extends between the outlet end adjacent to the first side surface of the vertical flow plane, thereby allowing the incoming gas flow to enter the internal space of the humidifying chamber in its upper central region. 12. A humidifying chamber according to paragraph 11, wherein a flow induction forming section in the form of an inverted curved inclined surface is positioned between the outlet end of the inlet conduit and the first side surface of the vertical flow surface. 13. A humidifying chamber according to either of the two paragraphs 11 or 12, wherein a gas outlet is connected to an outlet conduit located in or near the upper central region of the internal space of the humidifying chamber, and extending between an inlet end adjacent to a second side of the vertical flow plane and the outlet end of the gas outlet. 14. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, wherein the lid includes one or more water supply openings and at least one water supply opening including an associated maximum water level indicator, which includes a tab member supported from the underside of the lid and extending into a field of view of the internal space of the humidifying chamber and directly visible through the water supply opening. 15. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, wherein the overall shape of the humidifying chamber is defined by front and end walls with side walls extending between them, these walls extending between the top surface of the lid and the base surface of the tray, the lid is hinged to the tray at the rear end of the humidifying chamber, and at least one operable clip is provided at the front end of the humidifying chamber. 16. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein at least one operable clip is provided in the form of a torsion clip, which is attached to either the lid or the tray and configured to engage with a fastener provided on either the tray or the lid, respectively. 17. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein at least one operable clip is provided, which is hinged to a lid or a tray and configured to engage with a fastener provided on either the tray or the lid, respectively. 18. A humidifying chamber for humidifying gas, comprising: a water tank configured to receive a mass of water; a lid hinged to the water tank to enclose the water tank and define the internal space of the humidifying chamber, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the water tank is closed and an open position in which the water tank is open; one or more operable clips for fixing the lid in the closed position; a gas inlet for receiving a flow of gas into the internal space of the humidifying chamber; and a gas outlet through which a flow of humidifying gas exits the internal space of the humidifying chamber. 19. A humidifying chamber as described in paragraph 18, wherein the lid is formed from rigid plastic. 20. A humidifying chamber according to item 18 or 19, wherein the tank is formed of rigid plastic and includes a base surface and a peripheral wall extending upward from the base, the base surface including a heating plate. 21. A humidifying chamber as described in Section 20, wherein a heating plate is fixed by an overmolding inside an opening in the base of the water tank. 22. The humidifying chamber according to paragraph 21, wherein the peripheral connecting surface of the heating plate is fixed by an overmolding within the peripheral engaging portion of the base surface around the opening of the water tank, so that the thickness of the engaging portion is greater than the thickness of the rest of the base surface. 23. The humidifying chamber according to paragraph 22, wherein the engaging portion includes an upper portion above the connecting surface of the heating plate and a lower portion below the connecting surface, the upper portion having at least the same thickness as the remaining base surface. 24. A humidifying chamber as described in any one of paragraphs 20 to 23, wherein the heating plate is made of metal. 25. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 20 to 24, further comprising a stepped portion along the inner surface of the wall of the tank, wherein the stepped portion is formed above the base surface of the tank and at a height corresponding to the highest water supply line indicator. 26. A humidifying chamber according to any one of items 20 to 25, wherein the base of the tank is dome-shaped, and thereafter curves outward toward a central vertex defined by a heating plate. 27. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 20 to 26, wherein the peripheral wall of the water tank includes one or more reinforced regions. 28. The humidification chamber according to paragraph 27, wherein the reinforcing region of the perimeter wall includes a corrugated surface having alternating ridges and grooves. 29. A humidifying chamber according to any one of sections 18 to 28, wherein the lid and the water tank are hinged together by a living hinge and formed as a single unit. 30. A humidifying chamber as described in any one of paragraphs 18 to 29, wherein the gas inlet and gas outlet are located on opposite sides of the lid, respectively. 31. The humidifying chamber according to paragraph 30, wherein the lid includes a vertical flow surface extending downward from the underside of the lid in the central region of the lid. 32. The humidifying chamber according to paragraph 31, wherein the vertical flow surface further includes a pair of side baffles, each extending from the respective side end of the vertical flow surface toward the side of the lid containing the gas inlet. 33. A humidifying chamber according to paragraph 31 or 32, wherein the gas inlet is located in or near the upper central region of the internal space of the humidifying chamber and is connected to an inlet conduit extending between the inlet end of the gas inlet and an outlet end adjacent to the first side surface of the vertical flow plane, thereby allowing the incoming gas flow to enter the internal space of the humidifying chamber in its upper central region. 34. A humidifying chamber according to paragraph 33, wherein a flow induction forming section in the form of an inverted curved inclined surface is positioned between the outlet end of the inlet conduit and the first side surface of the vertical flow surface. 35. A humidifying chamber according to paragraph 33 or 34, wherein the gas outlet is located in or near the upper central region of the internal space of the humidifying chamber and is connected to an outlet conduit extending between an inlet end adjacent to a second side of the vertical flow plane and the outlet end of the gas outlet. 36. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 18 to 35, wherein the gas outlet of the lid includes an engaging surface along the periphery of the gas outlet, which is inclined outward, so that the upper portion of the engaging surface is offset outward from the lid compared to the lower portion of the engaging surface. 37. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 18 to 36, wherein the lid includes one or more water supply openings and at least one water supply opening including an associated maximum water level indicator, which includes a tab member supported from the underside of the lid and extending into a field of view of the internal space of the humidifying chamber and directly visible through the water supply opening. 38. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 18 to 37, wherein the overall shape of the humidifying chamber is defined by front and rear end walls with side walls extending between them, the walls extending between the top surface of the lid and the base surface of the water tank, the lid is hinged to the water tank at the rear end of the humidifying chamber, and at least one operable clip is provided at the front end of the humidifying chamber. 39. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 18 to 38, wherein at least one operable clip is provided in the form of a torsion clip, which is attached to either the lid or the water tank and configured to engage with a fastener provided on either the water tank or the lid, respectively. 40. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 18 to 39, comprising at least one operable clip that is hinged to a lid or a water tank and configured to engage with a fastener provided on either the water tank or the lid. 41. A humidifying chamber according to any one of paragraphs 18 to 40, further comprising a sealant between the lid and the water tank, along the perimeter of the humidifying chamber, to seal the chamber when in the closed position. 42. A respiratory assist device configured to provide a stream of heated and humidified gas, comprising: an apparatus gas inlet configured to receive a gas supply; a blower configured to generate a stream of pressurized gas from the gas supply; a humidifier configured to heat and humidify the stream of pressurized gas; an apparatus gas outlet for the stream of heated and humidified gas; and a flow path for the stream of gas through the breathing apparatus from the gas inlet through the blower unit and the humidifier unit to the gas outlet, wherein the humidifier includes a sealable humidification compartment configured to receive and hold a removable humidification chamber as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 41. 43. The respiratory assist device according to paragraph 42, wherein the humidifying compartment includes a lid that is movable between an open position, which allows the humidifying chamber to be removed, and a closed position, which seals the humidifying chamber within the humidifying compartment. 44. A respiratory assist device according to paragraph 42 or 43, comprising a humidifying compartment connected to a flow path, a gas inlet that receives a stream of pressurized gas from a blower and makes a pressurized humidifying compartment, and a gas outlet connected to an apparatus gas outlet of the flow path. 45. A respiratory support device as described in paragraph 44, wherein the gas inlet of the humidifying chamber opens within the humidifying compartment to receive a flow of gas entering from within the pressurized humidifying compartment. 46. ​​A respiratory support device as described in paragraph 44 or 45, wherein the gas outlet of the humidifying compartment is sealed and connected to the gas outlet of the humidifying chamber. 47. A respiratory support device as described in any one of paragraphs 42 to 46, wherein the humidifying compartment includes a heating pad, on which the humidifying chamber rests. 48. A respiratory support device as described in any one of paragraphs 42 to 47, wherein the device is housed in a single housing. 49. A respiratory support device described in any one of paragraphs 42 to 48, wherein the device is a CPAP breathing machine.

[0141] The above description of the present invention includes preferred embodiments, which can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A humidifying chamber for humidifying gas, A water tank configured to accept a predetermined amount of water, A lid that covers the water tank and defines the internal volume of the humidifying chamber, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the water tank is closed by the lid and an open position in which the water tank is open, One or more operable clips for securing the lid in the closed position, A gas inlet for receiving the flow of gas into the internal volume of the humidifying chamber, A gas outlet through which the flow of humidified gas passing through the gas outlet is discharged from the internal volume of the humidifying chamber, The lid is formed from rigid plastic, The water tank is made of rigid plastic and comprises a base and a peripheral wall extending upward from the base, the base comprising a heating plate, The heating plate is fixed inside the opening of the base of the water tank by an overmolding. The base includes a peripheral engagement portion surrounding the periphery of the opening of the base, and a surrounding portion surrounding the peripheral engagement portion. The heating plate is provided with a peripheral connecting surface, which is fixed by overmolding within the peripheral engaging portion of the base around the opening of the water tank, and the thickness of the peripheral engaging portion is greater than the thickness of the surrounding portion of the base. The heating plate has a main contact surface configured to protrude from or extend beyond the surrounding portion of the base of the water tank. The heating plate comprises an upright wall portion extending around the main contact surface, and the peripheral connecting surface extends outward from the top of the upright wall portion along the periphery of the heating plate. A humidifying chamber in which the peripheral engaging portion of the base, located around the central opening of the base, is overmolded around at least a portion of the peripheral connecting surface of the heating plate over its entire circumference.

2. The humidifying chamber according to claim 1, wherein the main contact surface and the peripheral connecting surface extend in planes substantially parallel to each other.

3. The humidifying chamber according to claim 2, wherein the main contact surface and the peripheral connecting surface are offset from each other in the vertical direction by the height of the upright wall portion.

4. The humidifying chamber according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral engaging portion includes an upper portion located above the outer peripheral connecting surface of the heating plate and a lower portion located below the outer peripheral connecting surface.

5. The humidifying chamber according to claim 4, wherein the upper portion of the peripheral engaging portion has at least the same thickness as the thickness of the surrounding portion of the base.

6. The humidifying chamber according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lower portion of the peripheral engaging portion has at least the same thickness as the thickness of the surrounding portion of the base.

7. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating plate is circular.

8. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the opening of the base is circular and has a shape complementary to the heating plate.

9. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main contact surface is circular.

10. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating plate is made of metal.

11. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main contact surface is flat.

12. A humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the surface of the base of the water tank is dome-shaped, and the surface of the base curves outward toward a central vertex defined by the heating plate.

13. The lid is hinged to the water tank, according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the gas inlet and the gas outlet are provided in the lid.

15. A respiratory support device configured to provide a heated and humidified gas stream, A device gas inlet configured to receive the supply gas, A blower configured to generate a pressurized gas stream from the supply gas, A humidifier configured to heat and humidify the pressurized gas stream, A device gas outlet for the heated and humidified gas stream, A flow path for the gas stream passing through the respiratory support device, from the gas inlet of the device through the blower and the humidifier to the gas outlet of the device, Includes, A respiratory assistance device comprising a humidifier including a sealable humidifying compartment, the humidifying compartment being configured to removably receive and hold a humidifying chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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