Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2317150A1/en
Timestamp: 2019-08-22 23:47:05
Document Index: 464202049

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 202', 'arts 202', 'arts 202', 'arts 202', 'art 202', 'art 202', 'art 202', 'arts 200', 'art 202', 'arts 462', 'art 462', 'art 470', 'art 472', 'art 470', 'art 472', 'arts 470', 'art 472', 'art 470', 'art 472', 'art 472', 'art 470', 'art 470', 'art 470', 'art 472', 'art 472', 'art 470', 'art 470', 'art 470', 'art 604', 'art 606', 'art 608', 'art 604', 'art 608', 'art 608', 'art 604', 'art 604', 'art 604', 'art 608', 'art 606', 'art 606', 'art 720', 'art 720', 'arts 140', 'art 720']

EP2317150A1 - Patient ventilation device and components thereof - Google Patents
EP2317150A1
EP2317150A1 EP09174494A EP09174494A EP2317150A1 EP 2317150 A1 EP2317150 A1 EP 2317150A1 EP 09174494 A EP09174494 A EP 09174494A EP 09174494 A EP09174494 A EP 09174494A EP 2317150 A1 EP2317150 A1 EP 2317150A1
EP09174494A
2009-10-29 Application filed by ResMed Pty Ltd filed Critical ResMed Pty Ltd
2009-10-29 Priority to EP09174494A priority Critical patent/EP2317150A1/en
2011-05-04 Publication of EP2317150A1 publication Critical patent/EP2317150A1/en
For example, Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was invented by Sullivan (see U.S. Patent No. 4,944,310 ). An apparatus for treating, e.g., OSA typically comprises a blower that provides a supply of air or breathable gas to a patient interface, such as a mask, via an air delivery conduit.
With reference to Fig. 1 and 2, derived from prior art discussion in WO-A-2007/134405 , three directions of a blower are defined, i.e., radial R, tangential T and axial A. Prior art centrifugal blower 10 includes an outlet 20, an inlet 30, an electric motor 40, an impeller 50 and a shaft 60. Arrows 70 indicate the general direction of airflow. Air enters the blower at the inlet 30 and is accelerated by the rotating impeller. The rotation imparted by the impeller generally directs the airflow in a tangential direction T. The volute then constrains the airflow to spiral the volute. The airflow then exits the blower in a generally tangential direction T via the outlet 20.
US-A-5701883 discusses an oxygen mixing arrangement for or in a pressure support ventilator, in which a modular oxygen-providing assembly is selectively insertable into a greater respiration apparatus. A valving arrangement and metering for supplying the oxygen is used which is added downstream from a valving arrangement used for venting patient exhaust flow and for controlling system pressure by venting excess gas flow to the ambient atmosphere.
The impeller according to the present invention preferably has an inertia or moment of inertia of below about 3,2 g cm2 and preferably of below about 2,5 g cm2. Preferably the moment of inertia lies in a range between about 1,2 and 3,2 g cm2 and preferably between about 1,2 and 2,5 g cm2 and preferably is about 2,2 g cm2.
Said gasket is provided with a skin or coating of elastic plastic material. Said material is comparatively softer than the core of the gasket and preferably is silicone. Silicone is particularly preferred since it enhances O2 resistance, is biocompatible and has advanced dampening and sealing characteristics. Preferably, substantially the entire core of the gasket is provided or coated with such skin. In this context, 'substantially' is understood to mean more than 80% and preferably more than 90% and further preferred more than 95% and up to 100% of the core's surface area. In particular, depending on the way of coating, certain portions of the core may remain uncoated. This is particularly the case if the core is held or supported by support means during coating so that no coating or skin will be applied at the contact portions between support member and core.
The self-sealing cable according to the present invention is of particular advantage in that it provides electronic insulation of the different metal wires vis-à-vis one another and the surrounding, exhibits an improved O2 safety and can be clamped between two parts in a self-sealing manner. In other words, the self-sealing cable according to the present invention can extend through the contact region between, e.g., two housing parts connected to one another and can extend from an inner side of such housing to an outer side thereof in a sealed manner without the need for any additional sealing material and the like. The self-sealing cable according to the present invention is in sealing contact with the parts, here the parts of a housing, between which it extends without the need of any particular additional sealing means or the like. The silicone coating preferably has a certain minimum thickness, e.g., of at least 0,5mm measured along the shortest distance from the outer circumference or surface of the cable to one of the wires.
Preferably, the second part of the inlet housing comprises at least one outlet, preferably at least a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is in fluid connection with the first (air) inlet and thus the inlet air flow. The second outlet is in fluid communication with the second (e.g. oxygen) inlet and thus the oxygen flow. Preferably, the first and second outlets are coaxially arranged. Preferably, the second outlet has a circular cross section while the first outlet has a ring shaped cross-section or geometry. Preferably, with regard to the direction of the air and/or oxygen flow, the second or oxygen outlet is set back with regard to the first or air outlet. Preferably, the second outlet is located upstream of the first outlet seen in the direction of air/oxygen flow, preferably immediately, i.e., less than 5mm, upstream.
The ventilation device of the present invention is of particular advantage, as becomes clear from the overall discussion of advantages and benefits of the different aspects of the invention. In particular, there is provided an effective and efficient ventilation device which allows the provision of an optimized, fast therapy at reduced power consumption. Thus, the device can suitably be used with a battery pack - instead of being dependent on the generally power supply.
15. Blower according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the outlet channel and/or the channels achieved by the split of said outlet channel and/or
16. the blade include a turn of the flow path of about 70° to 110°, preferably of about 90°. Blower according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the blade is L-shaped
21. Impeller for use in a blower for providing a supply of air at positive pressure, particularly a blower according to any one of items 1 to 19, the impeller having an intertia of less than about 3,2 g cm2, preferably of about 2,5 g cm2.
22. Impeller according to item 21, wherein the moment of inertia lies in a range between about 1,2 and 3,2 g cm2 and preferably between about 1,2 and 2,5 g cm2 and preferably is about 2,2 g cm2.
24. Impeller according to item 23, wherein the wavy shaped outer diameter extends between a minimum diameter Dmin and a maximum diameter Dmax, wherein the minimum diameter Dmin is in the range of about 24 to 32 mm, preferably about 28mm, and wherein the maximum diameter Dmax is in the range of about 38 to 46 mm, preferably about 42 mm, and/or wherein the difference between the minimum and maximum diameter is about 4 to 22mm, preferably about 10 to 18mm.
31. Gasket for use in a breathing or ventilation device for providing a supply of air at positive pressure and for sealingly separating different areas of a flow path, preferably high pressure areas of a ventilation and breathing device from low or ambient pressure areas, the gasket comprising a core of a comparatively
32. hard material and an outer layer being of a comparatively soft material as compared to the core. Gasket according to item 31, wherein the core is made of aluminium and/or wherein the outer layer is made of silicone, said outer layer covering substantially the entire gasket.
47. Cable according to any one of items 43 to 46 , wherein the silicone coating has a thickness of at least 0,5mm, preferably of at least 0,6 mm and preferably of at least about 0,7mm, measured along the shortest distance from the outer surface of the cable to one of the wires.
51. Inlet member according to item 48, 49 or 50, having a/the filter element comprising a frame and a filter material, which has a generally planar extension and generally extends in at least one planewherein the filter frame preferably defines and surrounds the at least one a plane in which the filter material extends.
70. Modular ventilation device according to any one of items 62 to 69, wherein the, preferably two, parts of the housing module are screwed to one another,
71. thereby simultaneously fixing and securing the position of the different modules, such as the air path module, electric module and housing module. Modular ventilation device according to any one of items 62 to 70, wherein no part of the device outer housing or housing module constitutes part of the flow path.
74. Combination of a blower according to any one of items 1 to 19 with a blade according to item 20, with an impeller according to any one of items 21 to 30, with a gasket according to any one of items 31 to 37, with a flow path according to any one of items 38 to 42, with a cable according to any one of items 43 to 47, with an inlet member according to any one of items 48 to 61, and/or with a modular ventilation or breathing device according to any one of items 62 to 73.
75. Method for supplying air at positive pressure to a patient for treatment including providing air to a blower of the invention, pressurizing said air and supplying the air at positive pressure to a patient, preferably for applying a Bi-PAP therapy, using a blade according to item 20, and/or an impeller according to any one of items 21 to 30, and/or a gasket according to any one of items 31 to 37, and/or a flow path according to any one of items 38 to 42, and/or a cable according to any one of items 43 to 47, and(or an inlet member according to any one of items 48 to 61, and/or a modular ventilation or breathing device according to any one of items 62 to 73 and/or a combination according to item 74.
76. Use of one or more of the items of the invention, such as a blade according to item 20, an impeller according to any one of items 21 to 30, and/or a gasket according to any one of items 31 to 37, and/or a flow path according to any one of items 38 to 42, and/or a cable according to any one of items 43 to 47,
and/or an inlet member according to any one of items 48 to 61, and/or a modular ventilation or breathing device according to any one of items 62 to 73 and/or a combination according to item 74 in the application of a method or therapy according to item 75.
77. Assembly of a modular patient ventilation device according to one of items 62 to 73.
shows a plan view of a generic prior art blower assembly;
shows an elevation view of the generic prior art blower assembly shown in Fig. 1;
shows a three dimensional front view of a ventilation device according to the present invention;
shows a three dimensional back view of the ventilation device shown in Fig. 3
shows a three dimensional top view of the ventilation device shown in Figs. 3 and 4;
shows a three dimensional top view of a preferred blower according to the present invention including a motor attached to the blower;
shows a three dimensional side view of the blower according to Fig. 6 (motor not shown) facing the outlet channel of the blower;
shows a three dimensional view of a first part of the blower housing of the blower of Fig. 6 from the inside of the blower;
shows a three dimensional view of a second part of the blower housing of the blower of Fig. 6 from the inside of the blower;
shows an exploded three dimensional view of the blower shown in Figs. 6 to 9; Figs. 11 shows a three dimensional top view (Fig. 11a), a side view (Fig. 11b), of a preferred impeller according to the present invention;
shows a three dimensional partly cross sectional side view along line A- A of Fig. 11 a (Fig. 12a) and a bottom view (Fig. 12b) of the impeller according to Fig. 11;
shows a first (Fig. 13a) a second (Fig. 13b) and a third (Fig. 13c) three dimensional side view of a core of a gasket according to the present invention;
shows three dimensional side views (Figs. 14a-14c) of a coated core corresponding to the views of the gasket core shown in Figs. 13a-13c;
shows different three dimensional views (Figs. 15a, 15b, 15c) of core 400 in combination with a blower, preferably a blower in accordance with the present invention, and with fluid flow part members;
shows three dimensional views corresponding to those of Figs. 15a, 15b and 15c wherein housing parts are attached to the gasket;
shows three dimensional views of the first (Fig. 17a) and second (Fig. 17b) part of the flow path housing taken along line A-A (Fig. 17a) and B- B (Fig. 17b) of Fig. 16a;
shows a three dimensional view of an air path according to the present invention; Fig. 19 shows preferred embodiments (Fig. 19a, Fig. 19b) of a cable in accordance with the present invention;
shows an inlet member according to the present invention, wherein Fig. 20a shows a three dimensional side view, Fig. 20b a top view, Fig. 20c a bottom view and Fig. 20d a side view seen in an opposite direction of the view shown in Fig. 20a of said inlet member;
shows a preferred embodiment of a first inlet housing part while the three dimensional views shown in Figs. 21a to 21d correspond to those of Fig. 20;
shows a preferred embodiment of a second inlet housing part while the three dimensional views shown in Figs. 22a and 22d correspond to those of Fig. 20;
shows a three dimensional filter element according to the present invention (Fig. 23a) while Figs. 23b and 23c show views of the filter element attached to the second inlet housing part;
shows an exploded three dimensional view of the inlet member according to Figs. 19 to 22;
shows a three dimensional view of an electric module according to the invention;
shows a three dimensional top (Fig. 26a) and bottom (Fig. 26b) view of an air path module according to the invention; and
shows an exploded three dimensional view of the modular ventilation device according to, i.a., Figs. 24 to 26;
Figs. 6 to 9 show various three-dimensional views of a preferred blower according to the present invention or of parts and components thereof. Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of the blower shown in Figs. 6 to 9 .
Blower 200 comprises a housing 202 having the general shape of a volute. Preferably, the housing comprises two parts 202a, 202b, which are connected, e.g., mechanically and/or by means of ultrasonic welding. The housing 202 constitutes the stationary portion of the blower 200. The blower 200 further comprises a rotating portion comprising at least one impeller and a shaft to be driven by electric motor 208. In an embodiment, the electric motor 208 may be a brushless d.c. motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the blower has one stage while it is well understood that the blower may comprise two or more stages. The rotating portion of blower 200 is not shown in Figs. 6 to 9 . However, according to a preferred embodiment, impeller 300 according to the present invention constitutes the rotating portion of blower 200 according to the present invention.
In the shown embodiment, outlet 206 comprises a first axis 260 being generally tangentially arranged with regard to the blower and particularly its volute shape and/or rotation of impeller. Tangential axis 260 is preferably arranged essentially perpendicular to axial axis 250. Preferably, axis 250 and tangential axis 260 are distanced (shortest way) by less than 50mm, and preferably by a length which generally corresponds to the radius of the blower, volute, and/or impeller. As indicated above, axis 260 preferably is a tangent to a radius 232 around the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the blower.
Preferably, the length of the first portion 216 of the outlet lies in the range from about 12 to 23 mm and preferably of about 18 mm along axis 260. According to a preferred point of reference, the length of the first portion 216 along axis 260 starts from the intersection of axis 260 with the outer radius of the blower, as is indicated in Fig. 8 . In Fig. 8 the outer radius of the inside of blower 200 is indicated as 230, while the starting point of the first portion 216 is indicated as 'p'. First portion 216 preferably ends at the cross-section of the axis 260 of the first portion of the outlet 216 and the axis 270 of the second portion of the outlet 218.
Preferably, the diameter of the outlet 206 is about 12 to 23 mm and preferably about 17mm, the diameter of the inlet 204 is about 10 to 20 and preferably about 15 mm, the radius of the blower is about 57 to 67 and preferably about 62mm; the shortest distance between axis 250 and 270 is about 37 to 47mm and preferably about 42mm. Preferably, the inlet 204 of the blower is of generally tubular shape and extends from the blower housing 202a. Inlet 204 preferably has a length of about 5 to 15mm, preferably of about 10mm. Preferably, inlet opening 204 and outlet opening 206 lie in one plane.
The present invention additionally and alternatively relates to a blade 210 as well as to a blower 200 provided with such blade 210. Blade 210 is preferably made of the same material as the blower and is preferably integrally formed with one of the two housing parts 202a or 202b of the blower housing or volute 202. Alternatively a portion of the blade 210 may be integrally formed in each of the two housing parts 202a and 202b. However, it will be well understood that blade 210 may also be provided separately and to then be connected to one or two of housing or volute parts 202a,202b.
Blade 210 is preferably located and arranged such that it extends in or into the outlet channel from a starting point 'p' as defined above. Preferably, blade 210 starts at said starting point 'p' or distanced from that starting point, preferably by about ± 3mm. As will be understood, if blade 210 extends to far into the volute, blade pass noise will be increased. If blade 210 starts to far from the volute, efficiency will be less.
According to a preferred embodiment, the blade has a thickness of about 0,5 to 1,5 mm, preferably about 0,8 to 1mm, a width of about 10 to 20mm, preferably 13 to 17 mm (depending on the size of the outlet channel), and a length of about 20 to 30mm, preferably of about 23 to 27 mm. The length of the blade is preferably at least about 5 to 10mm and it preferably extends along the entire length of the outlet channel. The thickness of the blade may vary, e.g. for allowing improved demoulding after being injection moulded.
In the shown embodiment, blade 210 is integrally formed with blade housing part 202a by means of injection moulding. Blade housing part 202b comprised a recess 226 for receiving blade 210. Blade housing part 202b preferably comprises an opening 240 (see Fig. 9 ) for receiving a rotating member, e.g. impeller 300. In use (compare Fig. 6 ) opening 240 is closed by motor 208.
Fig. 10 shows an exploded three dimensional view of blower 200 and motor 208. As will be readily understood blower housing parts 200a and 200b including blade 210 can be individually assembled wherein a rotating portion, e.g., impeller 300, is attached to drive axis of motor 208 and inserted into blower 200 via opening 240 provided in housing part 202b. Said opening 240 is preferably closed and sealed by the front face of motor 208, preferably using a sealing member 241. Motor 208 preferably comprises a cable 500 to be discussed below.
Shroud 304 is, vis-à-vis the vanes 302, located further distanced from the air inlet or downstream when seen in the direction of the air flow. Vanes 302 extend from shroud 304 into an upstream direction. Shroud 304 preferably incorporates a hub or bushing 306 that is adapted to receive a motor shaft 224. Shroud 304 is preferably of a disk-like shape having a maximum outer diameter of about 38 to 46 mm, preferably of about 42mm. The radially outer tips of the vanes 302 preferably extend to the outer diameter of shroud 304. Preferably, the outer diameter of shroud 304 has a wavy or saw tooth shape and varies between a minimum outer diameter Dmin and a maximum outer diameter Dmax. Preferably, the maximum outer diameter Dmax is provided adjacent the radially outside tips of the vanes 302 while the minimum outer diameter Dmin is provided between each of two neighbouring vanes or tips of vanes 302. Preferably, the maximum outer diameter Dmax lies in the range of about 38 to 46 mm and preferably about 42 mm and/or the minimum outer diameter lies in the range of about 24 to 32 mm and preferably about 28 mm. Additionally and/or alternatively, the difference between the maximum and minimum outer diameter is in the range of about 4 to 22 mm and preferably or about 10 to 18 mm.
Additionally and/or alternatively, vanes 302 are curved in radial direction and are preferably tapered in height in their radially outer portions. The reduced height at the tips of the vanes preferably reduces turbulences and/or noise as well as the inertia of the impeller 300. Preferably, vanes 302 have an inlet height, i.e. at their inner diameter with regard to impeller's 300 axis where the air flow enters the impeller which uniformly extends along a first portion of the vanes 302 towards their (radially) outer end or tip. In a second portion of the vanes 302, which is preferably radially outwardly of the first portion, the height of the vanes 302 is reduced from a first height to a second height, being lower than the first height, wherein the second height constitutes the outlet height at the radially outer end of the vanes 302. Preferably, the first part extends from a starting point at the vanes' inner diameter close to the impeller's axis of rotation until a first intermediate diameter Dint1. The reduction in height starts from the first intermediate diameter towards their end at an outer diameter. The first intermediate diameter lies between the inner and outer diameters. Preferably, the maximum height of a blade is about 4 to 6 mm and is preferably about 5 mm and/or the minimum height of a blade, preferably close to its tip at its outer diameter, is about 1,5 to 3,5 mm, preferably about 2,8 mm. The geometry of the increase/decrease in height is preferably aligned with the geometry of the housing or stationary part and preferably corresponds thereto. Preferably, the difference between the inlet height and the outlet height, additionally or alternatively to the above preferred height dimensions, of the vanes 302 lies in the range of about 2,5 to 4,5 mm and more preferred of about 2 to 2,5mm. The height reduction is preferably linear and/or curved.
The first intermediate diameter Dint1 is preferably about 20 to 24mm and preferably about 22mm and/or the second intermediate diameter Dint2 is preferably about 21 to 25 mm and preferably about 22 to 24 mm.
Preferably, the vanes 302 have an inclination with respect to an associated tangent at their tip of between 0° and 60°, e.g., about 40° (see Fig. 11a).
The impeller according to the present invention preferably has an inertia of less than about 3,2 g cm2, preferably less than about 2,5 g cm2 and more preferred of about and/or less than 2,2 g cm2. Preferably, the inertia lies in a range between about 1,2 g cm2, preferably 1,7 g cm2 and the above upper values.
Fig.13 shows the core 402 of a gasket 400 according to the present invention. Fig. 13a shows a view on the gasket core 402 from a first side and Fig. 13b show a view of said gasket core from the opposite side. Fig. 13c shows a view of the core 502 of said gasket 500 from a third side (perpendicular to the views of Fig. 13a and 13b ).
The core of the gasket is preferably made of a comparatively hard material, particularly when compared to an outer material of the gasket, and is preferably made of aluminium. Said core is provided with a plurality of structural elements for allowing air to flow through the gasket and/or for providing structural support, e.g., for a housing or a blower. Said gasket is provided with a skin or coating 404, preferably of elastic plastic material and preferably made of silicon. Figs. 14a-14c , which are views of core 400 corresponding to the views shown in Figs. 13a-13c with a silicon skin or coating 404 applied. According to a preferred embodiment, due to manufacturing reasons, certain areas of core 402 remain uncoated. These areas, which result from the support of the core 402 during the coating process are indicated as areas 406. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that, depending on the coating or manufacturing process, different areas than those shown in Fig. 14 can remain uncoated. For example, areas 406 can be larger or smaller or there can be more or less or even none of such areas.
Fig. 15 shows core 400 in combination with a blower 200 including motor 208, preferably a blower in accordance with the present invention, and with fluid flow path members 460 and 462. Fig. 15a shows a view generally corresponding to the one of Fig. 14c while the blower 200 is shown in a view corresponding to that of Fig. 6 . As can be easily seen, blower 200 is attached to the first side 450 of gasket 400 with its inlet channel 204 extending through opening 408 and its outlet channel 206 extending through opening 410. As can also be seen, the blower 200 is supported by support member 430 and additionally rests on or contacts support members 432. Flow channel member 460 constitutes and defines a first flow channel 460a. Flow channel member 460 is located on a low pressure side of blower 200 and fills a low pressure chamber (to be discussed below) and constitutes a flow channel 460a. Flow channel member 460 is also referred to as low pressure flow channel member 460 and is preferably made of a foamed material, preferably a silicone foam and preferably of a closed-cell silicone foam. Flow channel member 462 defines a flow channel 462 located on a high pressure side of gasket 400 and preferably fills a high pressure chamber (to be discussed below). Preferably, high pressure flow channel member 462 defines a first flow channel 462a and a second flow channel 462b through which pressurized air flows in opposite directions. Flow channels 462a and 462b may be established as one channel making a, e.g., 180°, turn, or may be established as, e.g., two, individual flow channels being directed in opposite or different directions while the turn or connection between these channels is established by a flow directing means, e.g., part of a housing.
As can be taken from, e.g., Figs. 15a and 15b , flow path 460a as preferably defined by flow channel member 460 extends from a connecting member 440 to through gasket 400 into blower 200. Connector 440 preferably comprises a sensor 442, preferably a flow sensor, provided on or attached to a dampening and connecting member 446. Connector 440 is preferably connected to housing 472 (see Fig. 16) to establish fluid connection with flow path 460a and is further adapted to be connected to inlet member 600 (see, e.g., Fig. 18 ) to establish fluid connection with the inlet flow path. Connecting member 446 is preferably made of elastic material and/or arranged to be connected to flow path housing 472 and/or inlet member 600 by means of a plug-in connection. Due to its elastic properties, connecting member 446 preferably also functions as a dampening member.
In the side view according to Fig. 15c (compare Fig. 16c ) sensing means 448 of sensor 442 can be seen as well as flow channel parts 462a and 462b. Through flow channel part 462a outlet 206 and blade 210 of blower 200 are visible.
Figs. 16a, 16b and 16c show views corresponding to those of Figs. 15a, 15b and 15c wherein blower 200 and fluid channel members 460, 462 are covered by a first flow path housing part 470 and a second flow path housing part 472. First flow path housing part 470 is attached to the first side 450 of gasket 400 and second flow path housing part 472 is attached to the second side 452 of gasket 400 (compare Fig. 14 ).
First and second housing parts 470, 472 are provided with connection means corresponding to holes 414, 416, 418 of gasket 400 including, e.g., protrusions, recesses and/or aligned bores for introducing fastening screws or bolts or the like. In Figs. 16c and 16b , the respective means are identified using the same reference numerals as with regard to gasket 400, i.e., 414, 416 and 418.
The second flow path housing part 472 comprises an inlet 474 being in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path 460a, opening 408 and inlet channel 204 of blower 200, whereas the second housing part 470 comprises an outlet opening or channel 476 being in fluid communication with fluid flow path 462 (462a, 462b), openings 410 and 412 as well as with the outlet opening or channel 206 of blower 200.
At inlet 474 of second flow path housing part 472 there is preferably provided a support and/or noise shield 478. Preferably, shield 478 supports and/or shields noise emitted from an inlet connector 440 (only connecting member 446 forming part of connector 440 shown in Fig. 16a) for connecting second flow path housing part 472 with an air inlet member, preferably an inlet member 600 according to the present invention. Such connector 440 preferably comprises a flow sensor 442 for sensing the flow of the air or air and oxygen entering the flow path housing. To outlet 476 of first flow path housing part 470 there is preferably connected an outlet connector 458 (not shown in Fig. 16 ), preferably a silicone bellow connector or decoupler, for connecting the flow path housing to a patient connector 456 (not shown in Fig. 16 ).
Figs. 17a and 17b show views into the first and second part of housing 470, 472, respectively. In particular, Fig. 17a shows a view along line A-A indicated in Fig. 16a into first housing part 470, not including blower 200. Fig. 17b shows a view taken along line B-B of Fig. 16a into the second part of housing 472, not including flow channel members 460, 462. As can be seen in Fig. 17a , housing part 470 is separated into two chambers, here by means of a separation wall 480. A first chamber 482 is adapted to accommodate and support blower 200 and motor 208 while chamber 484 constitutes a high pressure chamber from which pressurized air is directed towards the patient. Chamber 482 of first part of housing 470 is preferably provided with supports means 496 for supporting blower 200, and particularly the end of motor 208.
Fig. 17b shows the second housing part 472 also being divided into two chambers, a low pressure chamber 486 and a high pressure chamber 488. Preferably, these chambers are defined and separated by means of a separation wall 490. Low pressure chamber 486 comprises an inlet chamber 464 and is adapted for accommodating or being filled with the first flow channel member 460. Second chamber 488 constitutes a high pressure chamber and is adapted to house second flow channel member 462. Preferably, high pressure chamber 488 of the second housing part 472 comprises spacing means 492 for spacing flow channel member 462 vis-à-vis the back wall 494 of said high pressure chamber 488. According to a preferred embodiment, said structure allows the definition of a distance between back wall 494 and flow channel member 462 so that air flowing from the blower 200 in a pressurized state through channel 462a is redirected by the back wall 494 of the second housing 472 to then enter flow channel 462b in a direction generally opposite to the one through channel 462a. The pressurized air flow is then redirected through gasket 400 and through opening 412 into the high pressure chamber 484 of the first housing part 470. Preferably, high pressure chamber 484 is also filled with a flow channel member (not shown) providing a flow path. According to a preferred embodiment, outlet 476 of a first housing part 470 is displaced in the view according to Fig. 17a so that it is, in this view, hidden by the back wall of blower chamber 482.
The gasket and the further structures described above are arranged as such that the air flow, as indicated by arrows in Figs. 15a and 16a , enters the air path at opening 474 to then flow through low pressure channel 460a and gasket 400 through opening 408 and entering blower 200 at inlet 204. The air is then accelerated and pressurized, as described above, and exits blower 200 at outlet opening 206 passing gasket 400 at opening 210 from the first side of the gasket to its second side. The pressurized air flow then flows through high pressure channel 462a in high pressure chamber 488, is then redirected by approximately 90° by back wall 494 of high pressure chamber 488 and flows along the space established between high pressure flow channel member 462 and back wall 494 by means of spacers 492. The flow of air is then again redirected to flow into high pressure flow channel 462b, preferably in substantially the opposite direction to the flow of air through first high pressure channel 462a and passes gasket 400 through opening 412 from gasket's second side to the first side of the gasket. The pressured air flow thus enters high pressure chamber 484 provided in the first housing part 470 and is directed to outlet 476 where the pressurized air exits the air path.
Fig. 18 shows a three dimensional top view of a preferred air path according to the present invention. The air path starts with an inlet member, preferably inlet member 600 according to the invention and to be described below from which air flows through a connector portion 440 into flow path housing 470/472. Connector portion 440 is preferably provided as or comprises a flexible, preferably made of silicone, tube portion 446 which can be plugged into to flow path housing outlet 474 and/or inlet member 600. Connector portion 440 preferably comprises a flow sensor 442. At the outlet 476 of flow path housing 470 there is preferably provided a patient connector 456 which is preferably flexibly coupled to outlet 474 by means of a decoupling member or outlet connector 458, preferably a silicone bellow structure.
Between the decoupling member 458 and the patient connector 456 or in decoupling member 458 there are preferably provided ports for or at least parts of a pressure sensor 466 for sensing pressure of the breathing gas applied to a patient.
Fig. 19 shows a cable in accordance with the present invention. The cable 500 comprises one or more, in the shown embodiments 5 metal wires, here stranded wires or litz wires 510. Stranded wires or litz wires 510 may be of equal or differing size or diameter. In the embodiment of Fig. 19a wires 510 are located next to one another. In the embodiment of Fig. 19b cable 500, here referred to as 500', comprises 9 wires 510 arranged in a different order such as in a circle around a centre wire 510. Apart from the alignment of wires 510, the embodiments shown in
Figs. 19a and 19b correspond to one another. Wires 510 are embedded in a silicone coating 520 which functions both as a coating for each individual wire 510, as positioning means for each wire 510 with regard to neighbouring wires 510 and/or as self sealing skin allowing the cable 500, 500' to be sealingly arranged between two or more separate components without the need for additional sealing material.
Preferably, silicone coating 520 has a thickness of at least 0,5mm, preferably of at least 0,6 mm and preferably of at least about 0,7mm, measured along the shortest distance from the outer circumference or outer surface of cable 500, 500' to one of the litz wires 510.
The cable 500, 500' according to the present invention constitutes a self-sealing cable which provides insulation of different metal wires, such as different stranded or litz wires, vis-à-vis one another as well as vis-à-vis the surrounding. Any desired predefined schematic arrangement of wires 510 constituting cable 500, 500' can be manufactured in a predefined way which is individualized for the desired purpose. The silicone coating of the cable 500 and each of wires 510 allows an effective and improved sealing not only of cable 500 vis-à-vis its exterior. Cable 500, 500' can also advantageously be clamped between two parts of, e.g., a housing, wherein an improved sealing of the interior of the housing against the exterior of the housing (or vice versa) is achieved by a cable 500 according to the present invention. Cable 500 particularly allows to be run into or out of a high pressure chamber without negatively influencing the pressure relations existing in the chamber.
Fig. 20a shows a side view of an inlet member 600 according to the present invention as seen in a back view of a ventilation device, e.g., such as in Fig. 4 . Fig. 20b shows a top view of said inlet member 600 and Fig. 20c shows a bottom view. Fig. 20d shows a side view seen in an opposite direction of the view shown in Fig. 20a .
Inlet member 600 comprises an inlet housing 602 comprising at least a first inlet housing part 604 and a second inlet housing part 606. According to the shown embodiment, the housing comprises an additional third inlet housing part 608. The first part 604 of the filter housing comprises and/or defines air inlets 610 (which according to a preferred embodiment correspond to air inlet 110 of the ventilation device discussed with regard to, e.g., Fig. 4 ). An outlet 612 is provided in the third part 608 of housing 602. The inlet member 600 also comprises a second inlet 618 (according to a preferred embodiment corresponding to inlet 118 discussed above, e.g., with regard to Fig. 4 ). Such second inlet 618, preferably for the supply of additional oxygen, is provided in the first 604 or second 608 inlet housing part. In the shown preferred embodiment the second inlet 618 is provided by a second inlet member 662 connected to the second inlet housing part 608 while first inlet housing part 604 is provided with an opening or cut out 614 allowing access to the second inlet from the exterior of inlet member 600. Figs. 21a to 21b show a preferred embodiment of a first inlet housing part 604 while the views shown correspond to those of Fig. 20 . Figs. 22a to 22d show a preferred embodiment of a second inlet housing part 604 while the views shown correspond to those of Fig. 20 . In Fig. 22b and Fig. 22c (top and bottom view) also the third inlet housing part 608 is shown, which, however, is not shown in Figs. 22a and 22d .
Filter element 620 is shown in Figs. 23a to 23c of which Fig. 23a shows a preferred embodiment of filter 620 in a side view (compare Figs. 20a , 20b ). Fig. 23b shows filter element 620 in accordance with the view shown in Fig. 23a connected to second inlet housing part 606. Fig. 23c shows a top view according to Fig. 22b with second inlet housing part 606 and inlet filter 620. Filter element 620 comprises a frame 652 as well as a filter material 654 connected to the frame 652. The filter element 620 and thus its frame 652 and filter material 654, preferably generally extend in one or at least one plane. The frame 652 is preferably endless and more preferably of generally oval or rectangular configuration defining a plane, preferably plane of the filter element, in which the filter material 654 extends. The filter element preferably extends across the cross section of the air path between the air inlet and the air outlet to ensure that all air entering the device flows through the filter and is thus filtered. It will thus be appreciated that the filter element may take other forms than the ones referred to herein. It is, however, preferred that the filter element has a substantially planar extension or configuration. Preferably, the filter element 620 comprises a cut-out, recess or opening 656, particular for allowing the extension of the additional or second inlet or the corresponding second inlet path past the filter element (see Fig. 23a , 23c and 22b ), without having to flow through the filter. This particularly allows the parallel supply from ambient air and oxygen along to separate flow paths which can then be combined or mixed downstream of the filter element. This improves the possibility of proper mixing the ambient air with an additional supply of oxygen and at the same time reduces the loss of the supplied oxygen, e.g., via the air inlet. The oxygen inlet path, which preferably has a channel like configuration, thus extends from the oxygen inlet, preferably forming part of the second part of the inlet housing along the filter element to the outlet provided in the second part of the housing. The oxygen inlet path is thus preferably part of the second part of the inlet housing. Preferably, the inlet path protrudes from the second part of the inlet housing and extends up to or through the first part of the inlet housing. Preferably, the first part of the inlet housing is provided with an opening or recess for allowing easy accessibility of the oxygen inlet. The oxygen inlet is preferably provided with a connection means for connecting an oxygen supply (not shown).
The filter material is connected to the filter frame, preferably by means of gluing or bonding. However, it will be understood that different technologies may be applied. The filter frame is preferably made of a plastic material. According to a preferred embodiment, a sealing or positioning means such as a rim or lip is provided for allowing proper positioning and/or improved sealing contact of the filter frame with regard to the first and/or second part of the filter housing. Such sealing or positioning means can either be provided on the frame and/or on the first and/or second part of the housing.
Preferably, the air path module includes an inlet member, preferably the inlet member 600 in accordance with the present invention and/or a patient connector 456. Preferably, inlet member 600 is connected to air path 400 via a plug-in bushing 458, preferably made of silicone and comprising flow sensor 466. Preferably, bushing 458 also serves for dampening and decoupling inlet member 600 from air path housing 400. Preferably, patient connector 456 is connected to air path 400 via a connector member 458, preferably being arranged as a bellow like silicone member for dampening and decoupling patient connector 456 from air path housing 470, 472. Preferably, inlet member 600 comprises two fastening bores 722 wherein patient connector 456 also comprises two fastening bores 724. Preferably, air path housing 470, 472 comprises structural location members 482 which may be provided with dampening elements 468.
The housing module 720 comprises an upper housing part 720a and a lower housing part 720b (compare discussion of Figs. 3 to 5 with regard to housing parts 140a and 104b, preferably corresponding to housing part 720a and720b).
Then, the electric module 740 is placed over the air path module. Electric module 740, preferably its skeleton member, is provided with fastening means or holes 722 and 724 which are aligned with fastening means or holes 722 and 724 of the air path module 740. In addition, electric module 740 comprises support structures 728 which cooperate with support structures 468, 482 of the air path module 760 and thus allow proper positioning and securing in place of air path module 740. Next, the upper part of the housing module 720a is placed over the electric module 740. Hosing module 720a comprises fastening structures of holes 722 and 724 corresponding to and aligned with respective holes 722, 724 of the lower housing module 720, holes 722, 724 of the air path module 760 and holes 722, 724 of the electric module 740. By screwing a screw into these holed, the parts of the housing module are then screwed to one another, thereby simultaneously fixing and securing the position of the air path module and the electric module, generally without the need for further fixation.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and non-restrictive; the invention is thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting the scope.
A blower for providing a supply of air at positive pressure having a stationary portion and a rotating portion, an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air outlet is split into at least two, preferably parallel, channels.
Blower according to claim 1, wherein the stationary portion is a housing, preferably having the shape of a volute, and preferably forming part of the flow channel.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet is of substantially radial cross sectional shape and/or is preferably split such that each of the two channels has a semi-circular cross-section.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet has at least a or a first portion being arranged substantially tangentially with regard to a radius around the axis of rotation of the rotating means.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet has at least a or a second portion extending generally parallel to the axis of the air inlet.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the split of the air outlet is achieved by means of at least one blade dividing the outlet into at least two, preferably parallel, channels.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade forms part of the stationary portion and extends parallel to the direction of the air flow through the outlet and/or to the longitudinal axis of the air outlet.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade extends in a plane defined by two axes, one being generally parallel and one being generally perpendicular to the axis of the stationary portion and/or of the axis of rotation of the rotating portion.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blower is a radial blower.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet channel and/or the channels achieved by the split of said outlet channel and/or the blade include a turn of the flow path of about 70° to 110°, preferably of about 90°.
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade is L-shaped
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade is formed integral with at least a part of the stationary portion, preferably of the blower housing or preferably of the volute
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet channel and/or the blade is arranged and located such that it extends from the volute and/or in or into the outlet channel from a starting point lying on a tangent to a radius around the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the blower
Blower according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet channel and/or the blade is arranged and located such that it extends from the volute and/or in or into the outlet channel from a starting point lying on the inner radius of the volute or housing.
Blade for use with a, preferably radial, blower for providing a supply of air at positive pressure, particularly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the blade being adapted to fit into an air outlet of the blower and to split the outlet into at least two, preferably parallel channels.
EP09174494A 2009-10-29 2009-10-29 Patient ventilation device and components thereof Pending EP2317150A1 (en)
NZ707820A NZ707820A (en) 2009-10-29 2010-10-29 Patient ventilation device and components thereof
NZ701801A NZ701801A (en) 2009-10-29 2010-10-29 Patient ventilation device and components thereof
NZ612577A NZ612577A (en) 2009-10-29 2010-10-29 Patient ventilation device and components thereof
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JP2015113397A JP6374829B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2015-06-03 Patient for ventilation devices and components related to it
AU2016259285A AU2016259285B2 (en) 2009-10-29 2016-11-14 Patient Ventilation Device and Components Thereof
JP2017001121A JP2017109110A (en) 2009-10-29 2017-01-06 Patient ventilation device and component thereof
JP2018136532A JP2019005590A (en) 2009-10-29 2018-07-20 Patient ventilation device and components thereof
EP2317150A1 true EP2317150A1 (en) 2011-05-04
EP09174494A Pending EP2317150A1 (en) 2009-10-29 2009-10-29 Patient ventilation device and components thereof
EP10796302A Pending EP2494213A2 (en) 2009-10-29 2010-10-29 Patient ventilation device and components thereof
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AU2012281259B2 (en) * 2011-07-13 2017-05-18 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited Impeller and motor assembly
EP3213788A1 (en) * 2011-07-13 2017-09-06 Fisher&Paykel Healthcare Limited Impeller and motor assembly
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Inventor name: LANG, BERND CHRISTOPH
Inventor name: NASR, SAAD
Inventor name: BURZ, JOHANN SEBASTIAN