CN101537221A

CN101537221A - Humidification of breathable gas

Info

Publication number: CN101537221A
Application number: CNA2009101387078A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 伊恩·马尔科姆·史密斯; 安德鲁·罗德里希·巴特; 纳坦·约翰·罗; 亚历山大·威尔
Original assignee: Resmed Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Resmed Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-06
Filing date: 2009-03-06
Publication date: 2009-09-23
Also published as: CN107715271B; CN113425974A; CN107715271A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidifier for a respiratory apparatus for delivering a humidified flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a humidifier chamber configured to store a supply of water to humidify the flow of breathable gas. The humidifier chamber includes a first heating element configured to heat the supply of water. The humidifier also includes a relative humidity sensor to detect a relative humidity of ambient air and generate signals indicative of the ambient relative humidity; a first temperature sensor to detect a temperature of ambient air and generate signals indicative of the ambient temperature; and a controller configured to determine an absolute humidity of the ambient air from the signals generated by the relative humidity sensor and the first temperature sensor and to control the first heating element to provide a predetermined relative humidity to the flow of breathable gas. A method of humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be provided to a patient includes determining an absolute humidity of ambient air used to form the flow of breathable gas; and controlling a temperature of a supply of water that humidifies the flow of breathable gas to provide a predetermined absolute humidity corresponding to a predetermined temperature and a predetermined relative humidity of the flow to be delivered to the patient.

Description

The humidifying of breathing gas

The cross reference of related application

[0001] the application requires the priority of following U.S. Patent application, they are respectively to be the application 61/034 on March 6th, 2008 applying date, 318, the applying date is the application 61/042 on April 3rd, 2008,112 and the applying date be the application 084 on July 29th, 2008,366, the full content of above-mentioned each application is hereby incorporated by.

Technical field

[0002] the present invention relates to control the system and method for the humidity of breathable gas, described system and method is used for the ventilating system of various forms of breathing equipments, comprises such as sleep disordered breathing (SDB) situation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and various other disordered breathing and disease intrusive mood or non-intrusion type ventilation, continuous positive airway (CPAP), two horizontal stretcher and the disposal carried out.

Background technology

[0003] breathing equipment has the ability of the humidity that changes breathable gas usually, so that reduce patient airway drying and the uncomfortable and relevant complication owing to the caused patient of air flue drying.The humidifier that use is placed between flow generator and the patient's face shield can produce humidified gas, and this gas makes the drying of nasal mucosa minimize and increase the comfortableness of patient airway.In addition under colder environment, give usually in the face shield and around face area apply warm air ratio to apply cold air more comfortable.

[0004] humidifier of a lot of types is arranged at present, become one or be configured to and connect thereon although the form of most convenient is the sort of with relevant breathing equipment.Though passive humidifier can provide some to alleviate, the humidifier that needs usually to heat is so that enough humidity and temperature to be provided to air, and is comfortable so that the patient will feel.Humidifier typically comprises bucket with hundreds of milliliters of capacity, be used for adding hot water barrel's water heating element heater, make controller that the humidity level can change, receive gas access from the gas of flow generator, and be suitable for being connected to gas outlet to patient's conduit of patient's face shield transmission humidified gases.

[0005] typically, heating element heater and hot plate are integrated, described hot plate be positioned at below the bucket and with the bucket thermo-contact.

[0006] air of humidifying may cause " rain-out (rain-out) " phenomenon along cooling off on the path of the conduit from the humidifier to patient, perhaps forms condensation on the inwall of conduit.In order to overcome the problems referred to above, known solution is to add the gas that heat supply is given the patient extraly by being inserted into the heating wire circuit in patient's conduit, and wherein said patient's conduit supplies to patient's face shield with the gas of humidifying from humidifier.Rub now than respiratory care equipment (Mosby ' s Respiratory Care Equipment) (the 7th edition) in set forth such system in the 97th page.Alternately, the heating wire circuit can be positioned on the wall of patient's conduit.Such system is at United States Patent (USP) 6,918, is described in 389.

[0007] in hospital environment, the ambient temperature in the hospital is controlled to be by air-conditioning and maintains for example about 23 ℃ usually.Therefore the required temperature of humidified gas that breathing equipment provided can be controlled in the fixed temperature parameter.Controlled temperature parameter guarantees that humidified gas maintains temperature on their dew point to prevent the condensation in breathing catheter.

[0008] in home care environment, also uses humidifier, be used for for example breathing and the disorderly treatment of time-out of sleeping through regular meeting.The humidification system that uses together with domestic CPAP device because the cost restriction and need make system small and exquisite and in light weight, have comfortable flexible pipe and face shield, have low-complexity when also needing it to face unbred user, therefore be subjected to many restrictions.In the system that uses in clinical or hospital, this restriction is out of question usually, and the temperature and humidity pick off can be arranged in the air flue and contiguous patient's nose so that direct feedback to be provided to control system, therefore guaranteed good effect.The cost of said system, size, weight and uncomfortable property also are not suitable for domestic.Therefore family's user can only depend on by test and the wrong experience that is obtained and obtain acceptable effect.

[0009] in home care environment, the scope of ambient temperature and gas temperature may be considerably beyond hospital environment.In home care, ambient temperature may be low to moderate 10 ℃ at night, and day temperature may be above 20 ℃.It is unfavorable that such variations in temperature causes above-mentioned normally used control technology to meet with.Use the humidifier of the above-mentioned type, the condensation on the breathing catheter (or rain-out) will occur at least to a certain extent.Degree of condensation greatly depends on ambient temperature, and the difference of ambient temperature and gas temperature is big more, and degree of condensation is just big more.Form big water gaging in the air tube patient caused suitable inconvenience, thereby and may quicken gas cooled and finally block pipeline, in pipe, produce current sound, perhaps water may be by in the spirt patient body.In addition, when the temperature of the breathing gas that is transmitted and ambient temperature differed greatly, the patient also may do not feel like oneself.Excessive condensation also can cause the invalid use of water of the humidifier intracavity of humidifier.

[00010] the monitoring environment temperature occurred and solved with domestic respiratory system relevant these problems as the input quantity that is input to control algolithm with trial with air mass flow, the corrigent heating input of described algorithm predicts is to follow the trail of the initial setting up of user.But it is that each operating position is determined a suitable setting that this method still depends on user.

Summary of the invention

[0011] scheme is a kind of breathing equipment, this device solves the complaint of excessive condensation etc. in the symptom of patient's, dry nasal cavity warm inadequately and/or the air transporting hose about the breathable gas that is transferred to patient interface.

[0012] another program is a kind of breathing equipment, and this device allows patient's selection to be transferred to temperature and/or the relative humidity and/or the absolute humidity of the breathable gas of patient interface.In an alternate and/or additional scheme, the absolute humidity of humidifier outlet is controlled as and is adjusted to the predetermined relative humidity that is transferred to the patient.

[0013] scheme is a kind of breathing equipment again, and this device provides the humidifying gas of predetermined temperature and/or humidity to flow to patient interface, considers to change ambient temperature and/or humidity simultaneously.

[0014] another scheme is a kind of breathing equipment, but this device provides the humidifying respiratory air flow of predetermined temperature and/or humidity to patient interface, considers the flow of the humidifying air-flow of change breathable gas simultaneously.

[0015] another scheme relates to a kind of breathing equipment, and this device comprises that the flow generator that can connect together and humidifier are to allow to be communicated with between flow generator and the humidifier and/or indication connects and/or removes.

[0016] scheme relates to a kind of breathing equipment again, and this device comprises humidifier and heated air transfer tube, flexible pipe or conduit.The dutycycle of the heating element heater of humidifier and the dutycycle of heating tube can be controlled as and make and to be no more than 100% by above-mentioned two synthetic dutycycles of dutycycle, and/or make the heating element heater of humidifier and heating tube not receive electric power simultaneously.In an alternate and/or additional scheme, the heating element heater of humidifier and/or heating tube attemperation but not apply a fixed dutycycle.In another alternate and/or additional scheme, in the air transfer tube temperature of the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas in the measured downstream of humidifier so that be adjusted to the predetermined relative humidity that is transferred to the patient.

[0017] another program relates to a kind of flow generator, the connection of the pipeline of its test example such as heating tube, with and/or the size of connection tube, with and/or the separating of pipeline and humidifier.

[0018] another scheme relates to a kind of flow generator, and it comprises the constant such as the control parameter that for example is stored in the table, and this constant can be inserted with control humidifier and/or heating tube by trilinear.

[0019] again a scheme relate to a kind of breathing equipment with and controller, this device comprises humidifier and can be connected to non-heating tube on the humidifier.

[0020] another scheme relates to a kind of humidifier controller, and its voltage transitions that will measure on critesistor for example becomes temperature.

[0021] more a scheme relates to a kind of breathing equipment, and this device comprises flow generator and humidifier, and described flow generator can be connected between the two with humidifier and can pass through serial communication link transmission data and/or instruction.

[0022] according to an example embodiment, but be used for comprising to the humidifier of breathing equipment that the patient is transmitted the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas being configured to store the humidifier chamber of supply water with the humidification respiratory air flow, the humidifier chamber comprises first heating element heater that is configured to heat supply water; The testing environment relative air humidity also produces the relative humidity sensor of the signal of indicative for environments relative humidity; Testing environment air themperature and first temperature sensor that produces the signal of indicative for environments temperature; But determine that by the signal that the relative humidity sensor and first temperature sensor are produced the absolute humidity of surrounding air provides the controller of predetermined absolute humidity to control first heating element heater to respiratory air flow with being configured to.

[0023] according to another example embodiment, but the humidifier of breathing equipment that is used for transmitting to the patient humidifying air-flow of breathable gas comprises the humidifier chamber that is configured to store in order to the supply water of humidification respiratory air flow, and the humidifier chamber comprises first heating element heater that is configured to heat supply water; Detect the absolute humidity of humidifying air-flow and the absolute humidity sensor that the signal of absolute humidity is indicated in generation; Be configured to receive the signal that absolute humidity sensor produces and control first heating element heater so that but the controller of predetermined absolute humidity to be provided to respiratory air flow.

[0024] according to another example embodiment, but the humidifier of breathing equipment that is used for transmitting to the patient humidifying air-flow of breathable gas comprises the humidifier chamber that is configured to store in order to the supply water of humidification respiratory air flow, and the humidifier chamber comprises first heating element heater that is configured to heat supply water; The relative humidity of testing environment air also produces the relative humidity sensor of the signal of indicative for environments relative humidity; Testing environment air themperature and first temperature sensor that produces the signal of indicative for environments temperature; But determine the absolute humidity of surrounding air and control first heating element heater provides predetermined absolute humidity, predetermined temperature and/or controller from predetermined relative humidity to respiratory air flow with the signal that is configured to from relative humidity sensor and first temperature sensor are produced.

[0025] according to another example embodiment, but the humidifier of breathing equipment that is used for transmitting to the patient humidifying air-flow of breathable gas comprises the humidifier chamber that is configured to store in order to the supply water of humidification respiratory air flow, and the humidifier chamber comprises first heating element heater that is configured to heat supply water; The absolute humidity of testing environment air also produces the absolute humidity sensor of the signal of indicative for environments absolute humidity; Testing environment air themperature and first temperature sensor that produces the signal of indicative for environments temperature; But be configured to control first heating element heater provides predetermined absolute humidity, predetermined temperature and/or controller from predetermined relative humidity to respiratory air flow.

[0026], but is used for providing the breathing equipment of the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas to comprise the flow generator and the humidifier of aforesaid generation respiratory air flow to the patient according to another example embodiment.

[0027] according to another example embodiment, but the method for the respiratory air flow that a kind of humidifying provides to the patient, but this method comprises the absolute humidity of the surrounding air that is identified for forming respiratory air flow; But be used for the temperature of supply water of humidifying respiratory air flow with the predetermined temperature and the corresponding predetermined absolute humidity of predetermined relative humidity of the air-flow that provides and be transferred to the patient with control.

[0028] according to another example embodiment, but the humidifier of breathing equipment that is used for transmitting to the patient humidifying air-flow of breathable gas comprises the humidifier chamber that is configured to store in order to the supply water of humidification respiratory air flow.The humidifying gas that but humidifier further comprises the inlet that is configured to receive respiratory air flow, be configured to heat first heating element heater of supply water and be configured to transmit breathable gas flows to the outlet of conduit.Being configured to control the electric power that is supplied to heating element heater provides the controller of predetermined absolute humidity with the humidifying air-flow to breathable gas.But controller is constantly regulated in response to the variation of ambient condition and/or respiratory air flow and is supplied to the electric power of first heating element heater to continue to provide predetermined absolute humidity.

[0029] according to another example embodiment, but the method for the respiratory air flow that a kind of humidifying provides to the patient, but this method comprises the absolute humidity of the surrounding air that is identified for forming respiratory air flow; But be used for the temperature of supply water of humidifying respiratory air flow to provide predetermined absolute humidity to the humidifying air-flow with control.The temperature of regulating supply water but the temperature of control supply water comprises the variation of the absolute humidity of relative humidity in response to ambient air temperature, surrounding air, surrounding air and/or respiratory air flow is to continue to provide predetermined absolute humidity.

[0030] according to another example embodiment, but the method for the respiratory air flow that a kind of humidifying provides to the patient, this method comprises the temperature of the humidifying air-flow of detected transmission flexible pipe one end, this transporting hose is configured to be connected to patient interface; Produce the signal of the temperature of the humidifying air-flow of indicating the transporting hose end; With in response to this signal controlling transporting hose heating element heater.

[0031] according to another example embodiment, but the humidifier of breathing equipment that is used for transmitting to the patient humidifying air-flow of breathable gas comprises the humidifier chamber that is configured to store in order to the supply water of humidifying respiratory air flow, and the humidifier chamber comprises first heating element heater that is configured to heat supply water; The absolute humidity sensor of the signal of the absolute humidity of testing environment air and generation indication absolute humidity; Be configured to receive the signal that absolute humidity sensor produces and control first heating element heater so that but the controller of predetermined absolute humidity to be provided to respiratory air flow.Predetermined absolute humidity is corresponding to predetermined temperature and predetermined relative humidity.

Description of drawings

[0032] referring now to accompanying drawing example embodiment is described, wherein:

[0033] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates flow generator and the humidifier according to an example embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the flow generator among Fig. 1;

[0035] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the humidifier among Fig. 1;

[0036] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates air transporting hose and the patient interface according to an example embodiment;

[0037] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the air transporting hose in Fig. 4 of the end opposite of air transporting hose and can be connected to wherein electronics connector;

[0038] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the breathing equipment according to an example embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates the relation between the temperature of the absolute humidity of surrounding air under the steam-laden situation and surrounding air;

[0040] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates according to an example water temperature in the humidifier bucket and the relation between the ambient air temperature under the situation that environment absolute humidity does not have to change;

[0041] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates according to a comparative example, the water temperature under the situation that environment absolute humidity does not have to change in the humidifier bucket and be transferred to the temperature of air-flow of patient interface and the relation between the ambient temperature;

[0042] Figure 10 schematically illustrates according to the water temperature of another example in response to variation that air-transmitting variations in temperature took place;

[0043] Figure 11 schematically illustrates the variation that water temperature is taken place in response to the ambient humidity variation under the situation that ambient temperature does not have to change according to another example;

[0044] Figure 12 schematically illustrates according to the variation that variation took place in response to the average gas flow by humidifier of the water temperature of an example;

[0045] Figure 13 schematically illustrates the humidifier according to another example embodiment;

[0046] Figure 14 schematically illustrates according to an example embodiment in the process of using breathing equipment, compensates the demonstration setting of humidifier by the heating element heater of control humidifier in response to the variation of surrounding and/or average discharge;

[0047] Figure 15 schematically illustrates according to the control of an example embodiment to breathing equipment;

[0048] Figure 16 schematically illustrates according to the control of another example embodiment to breathing equipment;

[0049] Figure 17 schematically illustrates according to the control of another example embodiment to breathing equipment; With

[0050] Figure 18 schematically illustrates according to the control of another example embodiment to breathing equipment.

The specific embodiment

[0051] humidification theory

[0052] humidity is represented airborne water vapour content.Humidity is measured with two kinds of methods usually: absolute humidity (AH) and relative humidity (RH).Absolute humidity is the actual content of the water that writes down according to every volume weight.Absolute humidity is usually to restrain every cubic metre of (g/cm ³) or every liter of (mg/L) measurement of milligram.

[0053] relative humidity be in the gas actual water vapour content with respect to the percentage ratio that under arbitrary assigned temperature, carries the ability of water.The ability that air carries steam improves along with the rising of air themperature.For the air with stable absolute humidity, relative humidity will reduce along with the rising of air themperature.Otherwise for water saturation air (being 100%RH), if temperature descends, too much water will condensation from air.

[0054] air that the people breathed is by the temperature and the 100%RH of air flue heating and humidification to 37 ℃.Under this temperature, absolute humidity is greatly about 44mg/L.

[0055] is used for the humidification of CPAP

[0056] ISO8185 requires medical humidifier that minimum 10mg/LAH can be provided, and minimum is 33mg/L when patient's last air flue is bypassed.These minimums calculate when requiring with the input dry air.These minimum requirements also only are suitable for short-term and use.These minimums require common deficiency so that nose and the exsiccant symptom of last air flue minimize.Under normal operation, patient or clinician should be set to the air themperature that is transferred to patient interface from environment about 37 ℃.If breathing equipment does not provide warning system or indicator, according to the 51.61-51.8 part of ISO8185, under normal and single default situations (single fault condition), the air themperature that is transferred to patient interface should be no more than 41 ℃.

[0057] for CPAP, the upper limit level of 44mg/L may be unaccommodated, because patient's last air flue is not bypassed.On the other hand, the threshold level of 10mg/L may be too low for CPAP, especially for the patient of mouth leaks.

[0058] though the minimum level of determining the humidity that CPAP is required is not studied, but (Sleep such as Wiest, the 24th the 4th phase of volume, the 435-440 page or leaf, calendar year 2001) finds for North America and European patient, when the CPAP treatment was not used humidifier system, the average absolute humidity of 10mg/L was too low.This development test two kinds of humidifiers, two kinds of humidifiers all provide the absolute humidity of 23mg/L at least.Wiest etc. sum up for CPAP need surpass the level of the 10mg/LAH of ISO8185, but may be lower than the 23mg/LAH that uses in the research.The applicant has determined that the absolute humidity of about 20-30mg/L provides suitable patient's comfortableness.

[0059] humidifier and flow generator

[0060] with reference to figure 1, breathing equipment 1 can comprise flow generator 2 and humidifier 4, and both are configured to and can interconnect.Such flow generator and humidifier combination are disclosed in, and for example among the WO 2004/112873A1, its full content is hereby incorporated by.Humidifier also can be as United States Patent (USP) 6,935, disclosed humidifier in 337, and its full content is hereby incorporated by.

[0061] flow generator 2 can comprise ON/OFF switch 6 and display 8, and LCD for example is with the mode of operation that shows flow generator and other parameter that below will describe in detail.Flow generator 2 also can comprise the button 14 that is used to control flow generator 2 operations, and for example with the various programs in the memorizer of selecting to be stored in controller, described controller is configured to control the operation of flow generator.Button 14 also can be used to set various parameters, for example, and the flow of flow generator 2.

[0062] humidifier 4 can comprise the temperature that control handle 10 is used to control the electric power of heating element heater (not shown) and sets the patient interface place, will elaborate as following.Alternately, the control for humidifier 4 can merge with flow generator 2.Humidifier 4 also can comprise outlet 12, and outlet 12 is configured to be connected to air transporting hose or the conduit that is used for transmitting to the patient through patient interface the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas.

[0063] with reference to figure 2, flow generator 2 can by, for example, be molded as top shell 16 and drain pan 18 two-part hard plastics and form.Top shell 16 and drain pan 18 define the composition surface 20 of flow generator 2, and composition surface 20 is configured to engage humidifier 4 when humidifier 4 is connected to flow generator 2.Composition surface 20 comprise be configured to be arranged on humidifier 4 on a pair of groove 22 that engages of corresponding tongue piece (not shown), by means of engaging of above-mentioned groove and tongue piece, flow generator 2 and humidifier 4 are joined together.Can provide electric connector 24 to be used for when flow generator 2 is connected with humidifier 4, providing electric power to humidifier 4.Flow generator 2 may further include outlet 26, but it is configured to when flow generator 2 is connected with humidifier 4 respiratory air flow is transferred to humidifier 4.

[0064] as shown in Figure 3, humidifier 4 can comprise hinged lid 28.Humidifier 4 also can comprise bucket, and as disclosed among the U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0302361A1, its full content is hereby incorporated by.Humidifier 4 also can comprise can be by the heating element heater of control handle 10 controls.Such heating element heater for example is disclosed among the WO 2008/148154A1, and its full content is hereby incorporated by.Humidifier also can be heated, as WO 2004/112873A1 is disclosed.

[0065] although flow generator and humidifier are disclosed as the isolated system that can be connected to single unit system, but will be appreciated that flow generator and humidifier can be used as the individual component that presents the one outward appearance that can not link together and be provided, as United States Patent (USP) 6,338,473 is disclosed such, and its full content is hereby incorporated by.

[0066] air transporting hose

[0067] with reference to figure 4, air transmitting catheter or flexible pipe 30 are connected to for example patient interface 32 of face shield, so that the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas is transferred to the patient from the humidifier outlet.Will be appreciated that patient interface 32 can be nasal mask, full face mask, nasal cannula, nose pillow or nose fork, or be configured to around the combination of liner and the nose fork or the nose pillow of patient's mouth.

[0068] air transporting hose 30 can be a heating tube, and as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0105257A1 was disclosed, its full content was hereby incorporated by.Air transporting hose 30 can be formed by made pipe 30a of for example thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and the spiral ribs 30b that is for example made by very low

density polyethylene.Lead

30c, 30d, 30e can be supported by spiral ribs 30b, thereby can contact with the outer surface of

pipe 30a.Lead

30c, 30d, 30e can be used for heating pipe 30a and the transmission signal of the controller in flow generator 2 and/or humidifier 4 or the reception signal from them.Will be appreciated that air transporting hose 30 can comprise two leads, and signal can pass through these two lead multiplexing.It is also recognized that air transporting hose 30 can comprise heating element heater, for example is the form of fire-bar or lead, and disclosed as WO2009/015410A1, its full content is hereby incorporated by.

[0069] air transporting hose 30 comprises connector or the big envelope (cuff) 34 that is configured to air transporting hose 30 is connected to patient interface 32.Patient interface big envelope 34 can comprise temperature sensor, for example as the disclosed critesistor of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0105257A1, its full content is hereby incorporated by, so that detected transmission is to the temperature of the humidifying air-flow of the breathable gas of patient interface 32.

[0070] with reference to figure 5, air transporting hose 30 comprises the connector or the big envelope 36 of the outlet 12 that is configured to be connected to humidifier.Humidifier big envelope 36 comprises the end 36a that is configured to be connected to outlet 12, with grip part 36b so that for air transporting hose 30 and being connected with disengaging of outlet 12 providing grasping preferably.

[0071] humidifier big envelope 36 can be connected to the controller of humidifier 4 by electrical connector 38.Electrical connector 38 provides electric power with the 4 length direction heated air transporting hoses 30 to patient interface 32 along it from humidifier to lead 30c, 30d, the 30e of air transporting hose 30.

[0072] respiratory system

[0073] with reference to figure 6, the respiratory system of an example embodiment can comprise flow generator 2, humidifier 4 and air transporting hose 30 according to the present invention.Patient interface 32 can be connected on the air transporting hose 30.

[0074] flow generator 2 can comprise controller 40.Flow generator controller 40 can comprise, for example programmable logic controller (PLC) or application-specific IC (ASIC).But it is that produced and be transferred to the volume (for example rise/minute) of the respiratory air flow of humidifier 4 inlets to detect flow generator 2 that flow generator 2 may further include flow transducer 42.Will be appreciated that flow can estimate from the motor speed of flow generator rather than directly be provided by flow transducer.

[0075] humidifier 4 can comprise controller 44.Humidifier controller 44 can be, for example programmable logic controller (PLC) or ASIC.Will be appreciated that at flow generator and humidifier can be joined together to form under the situation of single unit system that flow generator controller and humidifier controller can be the single controllers that is configured to control two devices.Alternately, the controller 40 of flow generator can comprise the function that controller 44 is whole, and when humidifier is connected, and can slave controller 40 obtains to relate to the function of humidification.

[0076] humidifier 4 further comprises and is configured to heat the heating element heater 46 that is stored in the supply water in the humidifier 4.Heating element heater 46 can be, for example is arranged on the plate below the humidifier bucket.It is also recognized that heating element heater 46 can comprise the disclosed heating element heater as WO 2009/015410A1, its full content is hereby incorporated by.The temperature of the water of temperature sensor 48 to detect heating element heater 46 and heated can be provided.Will be appreciated that and to determine water temperature by the temperature that detects or measure heating element heater 46, for example directly detect the temperature of heating element heater by the serviceability temperature pick off.

[0077] humidifier 4 may further include temperature sensor 50 that is used for the testing environment air themperature and the relative humidity sensor 52 that is used for the testing environment relative air humidity.Humidifier also can selectively comprise ambient pressure sensor 53.Will be appreciated that pick off 50,52,53 need not provide on humidifier, but can be for example provide separately from the position that comprises pick off and can be connected to humidifier 4.Also will be appreciated that and pick off 50,52,53 is provided can for flow generator 2 rather than humidifier 4, perhaps ambient temperature, relative humidity and ambient pressure can offer flow generator 2 rather than humidifier 4 from a position.Be further appreciated that flow transducer 42 can offer humidifier 4 rather than flow generator 2, perhaps flow transducer 42 also offers humidifier 4 except that offering flow generator 2.Should recognize further that ambient temperature, relative humidity and

ambient pressure sensor

50,52,53 can be substituted by absolute humidity sensor, described absolute humidity sensor is configured to test example as at the absolute humidity of the humidifying air-flow of humidifier outlet with produce the signal of indication absolute humidity.

[0078] air transporting hose 30 comprises for example temperature sensor 54 of critesistor in patient interface big envelope 34.Will be appreciated that temperature sensor 54 can be arranged in the patient interface 32 but not in the big envelope 34.Temperature sensor 54 detected temperature can be used as signal and are transferred to humidifier controller 44 by air transporting hose 30.

[0079] system of Fig. 6 can be configured to allow the patient to select and set the temperature of the humidifying air-flow of the breathable gas that is transferred to patient interface 32.For example, system can be configured to allow user to use the control knob 14 of control handle 10 on the humidifier 4 or flow generator 2 to be set in the temperature of the humidifying air-flow of patient interface 32.For example, system can be configured to the scope of temperature of the humidifying air-flow that allows patient or clinician to select patient interface approximately from 10 ℃-37 ℃, for example about 26 ℃-28 ℃.System can be configured to and prevents that patient or clinician from selecting and/or setting the temperature value that is lower than ambient temperature.Ambient temperature may be displayed on the display 8 of flow generator, perhaps can display alarm patient or the invalid information of this temperature of clinician when selected temperature is lower than ambient temperature.Alternately, system can allow to select automatically or the setting of the temperature of acquiescence, for example 27 ℃.

[0080] system of Fig. 6 also can be configured to patient interface 32 and for example is provided at the approximately absolute humidity between the 10-44mg/L.The relative humidity of the air-flow of patient interface can be controlled as less than 100%RH, and about 70-90%RH for example is for example as about 80%RH of default value.Keep the relative humidity of the air-flow in the air transporting hose 30 to be lower than 100%RH and help to prevent rain-out (rain out) phenomenon in the air transporting hose between humidifier 4 and the patient interface 32.System also can be configured to provide automatically or the relative humidity of acquiescence at patient interface 32, and for example 80%.System also can be configured to the relative humidity that allows patient or clinician to set the air-flow of patient interface 32.Although the relative humidity of the air-flow of patient interface 32 can directly be detected by the humidity sensor that is arranged in the patient interface, but because humidity sensor is misread easily or because the condensation fault, so more reliable method may be testing environment air or relative humidity and the temperature that enters air-flow, and calculate absolute humidity.

[0081] system of Fig. 6 can compensate in big ambient temperature and range of humidity variation.The gas flow temperature of patient interface 32 can for example directly be detected by temperature sensor 54.The relative humidity of the air-flow of patient interface can calculate according to following data: the 1) water content of surrounding air (from its ambient temperature and relative humidity); 2) water temperature in the humidifier bucket (for example, detecting) by temperature sensor 48; And/or 3) flow by the humidifier bucket (for example, the flow transducer 42 by flow generator detects).Will be appreciated that relative humidity also can be for example by directly detecting in the end of pipe 30 or the relative humidity sensor in the patient interface 32.

[0082] gas flow temperature of patient interface 32 can be supplied to the electric power of air transporting hose 30 to control by control, for example passes through the electric current of the lead of control flexible pipe 30.The relative humidity of the air-flow of patient interface 32 can be controlled by the water temperature in the humidifier bucket, with ambient temperature, envionmental humidity and flow as input parameter.

[0083] humidity control

[0084] with reference to figure 7, the saturated humidity ratio of surrounding air can be calculated by the humidity characteristic of steam.Referring to, for example, Y. money gill, Mike Lao-Xi Er's Heat passage( Heat Transfer, Y.Cengel, McGraw-Hill), 1998 (958-59 page or leaf, Table As 9).Perhaps referring to, for example, The industrial water and steam thermodynamic properties of distribution in 1997 Computing formula IAPWS( Release on the IAPWS Industrial Formulation 1997 for the Thermodynamic Properties of Water and Steam), international water and steam character association (TheInternational Association for the Properties of Water and Steam), in JIUYUE, 1997, Germany, Ai Er Cymbidium ensifolium (L.) Sw. root (Erlangen).As shown in Figure 7, absolute humidity represents with mg/L, i.e. the airborne steam quality of per unit volume, and wherein condition is ambient temperature and standard (sea level) pressure, or ATPS.The absolute humidity AHa of surrounding air can be limited by any equation or the look-up table corresponding to the humidity characteristic of steam.For example, following quadratic equation:

AHa＝RHa·(K ₁-K ₂·Ta+K ₃·Ta ²) (1)，

Wherein RHa is the relative humidity of surrounding air, and Ta is the temperature of surrounding air, K ₁, K ₂And K ₃It is coefficient.COEFFICIENT K for example ₁, K ₂, K ₃Can rule of thumb determine, such as obtaining data by curve fitting.K for example ₁Can equal 7.264, K ₂Can equal 0.09276, and K ₃Can equal 0.02931.

[0085] the target relative humidity RHm at the target temperature Tm of face shield place air-flow and face shield place defines the absolute humidity AHm at face shield place equally, and equation limited as following:

AHm＝RHm·(K ₁-K ₂·Tm+K ₃·Tm ²) (2)，

Wherein, K for example ₁=7.264, K ₂=0.09276, and K ₃=0.02931.

[0086] equals to join absolute humidity in the air-flow by equation (1) determined environment absolute humidity AHa with by the difference DELTA AH between the absolute humidity AHm at the determined face shield of equation (2) place by humidifier 4.Certainly, if AHm＜AHa does not need to carry out humidification.Given flow F (L/min) by the humidifier bucket can use the deutero-equation of describing the humidifier response to determine evaporation of water speed E.For example, in one embodiment, evaporation rate can be determined by the variation of flow and absolute humidity by following equation:

E(g/hr)＝ΔAH(mg/L)·F(L/min)·(60min/hr)·0.001g/mg (3)。

[0087] as an example, for the CPAP treatment that the system that uses among Fig. 6 carries out, supply 10cmH ₂The pressure of O is with the patient of treatment OSA.At 10cmH ₂During O, flow F approximately is 35L/min, and it equals the face shield vent flow under predetermined pressure.At ambient temperature Ta is that 20 ℃ and envionmental humidity RHa are that according to equation (1), the absolute humidity AHa that enters the air of humidifier equals 0.517.3=10.4mg/L under 50% the situation.Suppose that it is that 25 ℃ and relative humidity are selected or be automatically made 90% that the patient selects face shield temperature T m, then according to equation (2), the absolute humidity AHm at face shield place equals 0.923.3=20.9mg/L.The absolute humidity Δ AH that humidifier increased equals 20.9-10.4=10.5mg/L.According to equation (3), the evaporation rate E of humidifier therefore be defined as E=(10.5mg/L) (35L/min) (60min/hr) (0.001g/mg)=22g/hr.

[0088] evaporation of water speed is relevant with its steam pressure, and it is by the temperature-driven of aqueous water.In general, 10 ℃ of the every risings of water temperature, saturated vapour pressure just almost doubles.Referring to, for example, Y. money gill, Mike Lao-Xi Er's Heat passage, 1998 (958-59 page or leaf, Table As 9).Perhaps referring to, for example, The water for industrial use of distribution in 1997 With steam thermodynamic properties computing formula IAPWS, international water and steam character association, in JIUYUE, 1997, Germany, Ai Er Cymbidium ensifolium (L.) Sw. root.In addition, the surrounding air water content promptly by the steam pressure of the water in ambient air temperature and the determined surrounding air Already in of surrounding air relative humidity, has reduced evaporation rate.The atmospheric pressure of surrounding air also can influence evaporation rate, but big to the influence of evaporation rate not as good as water temperature increase and surrounding air water content.Atmospheric pressure is low more, and the steam evaporation is fast more, and for example the high water vapor evaporation is fast more more for height above sea level.

[0089] water temperature in the humidifier bucket can closed loop control.Alternately, the temperature of heating element heater under water also can closed loop control.Other parameter can be used for the set point of closed loop control.For example, evaporation rate E is subjected to the restriction of the saturation of steam in the humidifier bucket.Steam-laden degree in the bucket depends on the temperature that flow into the air of humidifier from flow generator.Flow generator can increase the temperature of the air that flows to humidifier, for example, and by the heat that is produced from the flow generator motor.

[0090] theory relation between evaporation rate and the water temperature supposes that also the steam in the humidifier bucket is removed effectively from bucket.But, may get around the container that some produces steam by the airflow pattern of bucket.In addition, the agitaion of air-flow can evenly be transmitted heat by the water in the bucket.

[0091] theory relation supposes that also evaporation rate is not subjected to the influence of air themperature in the bucket up to reaching capacity to a great extent.In fact, for example reducing ambient air temperature turns cold water surface can to reduce evaporation rate.The outside of passing through the inwall arrival humidifier of water and bucket from thermotank exists thermograde.These thermogrades may cause between the temperature of detected temperature and actual water surface inconsistent.Even serviceability temperature pick off not, thermograde still may cause the inconsistent of water temperature and water surface temperature.Evaporation rate is relevant with the temperature of water surface.

[0092] temperature of routine 1-control face shield is regulated the variation of ambient temperature

[0093] in this example, the system among Fig. 6 is set at 30 ℃ saturated air is transferred to face shield.Patient or clinician can use the control knob 14 of flow generator 2 and/or the control handle 10 of humidifier 4 to come design temperature.For example patient's bedroom when the patient be in sleep during, the absolute humidity of surrounding air is 10mg/L, this absolute humidity does not change along with the variations in temperature of surrounding air.As shown in table 1, the water temperature in the humidifier bucket is adjusted to the air that obtains 100%RH at patient interface.

Table 1

[0094] as shown in Figure 8, the result of closed loop control does not consider the ambient temperature of room air, and the water temperature in the bucket must be controlled at approximately identical set point.Therefore, if regulate the temperature at face shield place, the variation of temperature that system need not the response environment air then.

[0095] comparative example 1-does not control the face shield temperature and the variation of ambient temperature is regulated

[0096] in this comparative example, the air themperature that is transferred to patient interface is not under feedback control loop.On the contrary, system is controlled as the water temperature that makes in the humidifier bucket and is controlled as the tracking ambient air temperature, as table 2 and shown in Figure 9.

Table 2

[0097] in this comparative example, all be 100%RH though be transferred to the relative humidity of the air of patient interface to all temperature, the absolute humidity that is transferred to the air of patient interface alters a great deal, for example from 12.5mg/L-30.7mg/L.The gas flow temperature that is transferred to patient interface also changes according to ambient air temperature.Therefore the patient can not improve the gas flow temperature that is transferred to patient interface.

[0098] routine 2-is to the adjusting of the design temperature variation at patient interface place

[0099] reference table 3 and Figure 10, in this example, the system of Fig. 6 is controlled as and is used to transmit saturated air, and the temperature of patient interface is changed.

Table 3

[00100] the supposition surrounding air is 22.5 ℃, and absolute humidity is 10mg/L, and relative humidity is 50%.Suppose that the surrounding air situation does not change.Water temperature in the adjusting humidifier bucket is to obtain 100%RH at patient interface, and is as shown in table 3.Along with the raising of patient interface place need temperature, the water temperature in the humidifier bucket has also improved so that keep the saturation of the air of transmission.As shown in figure 10, the relation between the temperature of the water temperature in the humidifier bucket and the air of transmission is approximately linear, for example, is transferred to 1 ℃ of the every increase of temperature of the air of patient interface, and water temperature is approximate to increase by 1.55 ℃.The electric power that the temperature at face shield place can impose on heating tube by control automatically and control independently.

[00101] in this example, the temperature that is transferred to the air of patient interface can be passed through to use by patient or clinician, and for example the control knob 14 of flow generator 2 is selected.The patient can select to allow to regulate the operator scheme of the air themperature at patient interface place.Then, the heating element heater of humidifier quilt is controlled the water temperature in the raising humidifier bucket with the air themperature increase that needs along with the patient interface place automatically, and correspondingly reduces water temperature along with the reduction of required air temperature.

[00102] routine 3-is to the adjusting of ambient humidity variation

[00103] system of Fig. 6 also can be configured to adjusting is made in the variation of ambient humidity.For example, can offer controller 40 and/or 44 with the absolute humidity of computing environment air periodically or continuously from the signal of pick off 50,52.As table 4 and shown in Figure 11, it is constant relatively that the temperature of surrounding air keeps, and for example 22.5 ℃, but absolute humidity is all changing in whole patient's sleep cycle.

Table 4

[00104] water temperature in the humidifier bucket is adjusted at patient interface place acquisition 100%RH.It is constant that the temperature at patient interface place keeps, for example 30 ℃.Therefore the water temperature in the humidifier bucket reduces along with the increase of the absolute humidity of surrounding air and relative humidity.System allows to be transferred to the saturated air of patient interface by this control mode temperature keeps constant relatively, as shown in table 4.

[00105] routine 4-is to the adjusting of air mass flow variation

[00106] reference table 5 and Figure 12, ambient temperature and relative humidity and the temperature that is transferred to the air of patient interface are constant.

Table 5

[00107] flow by humidifier can, for example by Leix prunus mume (sieb.) sieb.et zucc. moral (ResMed)

The effect of control algolithm and regulating.Flow also can, for example be conditioned in response to the gas leakage at patient interface place.As table 5 and shown in Figure 12, thereby the water temperature in the humidifier bucket improves the saturation that keeps the patient interface place along with the increase of air mass flow.

[00108] respiratory system can be controlled according to each or their combination among the routine 1-4.The data that table 1 and 3-5 and Fig. 8 and 10-12 provided can be stored in the memorizer of controller 40 for example and/or 44.

Controller

40,44 can be programmed with the data in the visit stored

information.Controller

40,44 also can be programmed with the data in insertion and/or the extrapolation stored information.For providing the set point of the heating element heater of suitable evaporation rate, each combination of ambient temperature and humidity, flow and predetermined output humidity can rule of thumb determine, thereby the performance design also then is introduced into controller, for example is stored in the memorizer or as a prescription formula as a table to be stored.

[00109] all is described to 100% though be transferred to the relative humidity of the air of patient interface in each in routine 1-4, but the relative humidity that will be appreciated that the air that is transferred to patient interface can be about 50%-100%, for example about 70%-90%, be about 80% perhaps as another example, or other numerical value of selecting of patient or clinician.

[00110] humidifier control

[00111] humidifier 4 can provide the user optionally to set, and it will provide the automatic transmission of face shield 32 place's predetermined moisture content.The example value of the air moisture content of considering to cause the situation of the condensation do not expected in the pipe 30 and being identified for being transmitted.For the normal user of upper respiratory tract, the physiology result of expectation regulates air to approximate normal nose suction condition.For example, surrounding air can be 20 ℃ and 25%RH (4mg/LAH).Air can be heated with humidification to the situation that equals about 20 ℃ and 80%RH (14mg/L AH).Therefore can be selected corresponding to water content as the example value at the 14mg/L of the absolute humidity of 20 ℃ of following 80%RH.Humidifier will be set to the output with 14mg/L.The difference of 10mg/L will be added by humidifier.Can be used as that example value is selected for use and humidifier can be configured to comprise the user setting that this value is provided automatically though will be appreciated that this value, this example value can be determined on the basis of clinical recommendation or revise, humidifier can be configured to, and perhaps is redeployed as to comprise that the user that clinical definite water content is provided automatically sets.For example, patient or clinician can select absolute humidity in the scope of about 10mg/L-25mg/L, 20mg/L for example, and it is usually corresponding at the relative humidity between the 70%-80% under about 27 ℃-28 ℃ temperature.

[00112] be provided with under the situation of heating tube at breathing equipment, the actual temperature of transmission air can be higher than room temperature in the CPAP system, typically approximately is 29 ℃.Therefore, the RH value at nose place will be than same absolute humidity value low 50%.Be not provided with at breathing equipment under the situation of heating tube, the humidifying air cooling in the pipe is arrived twice to being higher than surrounding one.When not having heating tube, air will be transmitted with about 22 ℃ and 70%RH (14mg/LAH).

[00113] is provided with down in the best, 10mg/L for example, condensation in the air tube will can not take place, unless room temperature drops to the air themperature that is enough to cause transmitting and drops to below its dew point (for 29 ℃ of air that typically are transferred to the face shield with CPAP device of operating in 22 ℃ of environment, its dew point approximately is 16 ℃).The room temperature air themperature that causes transmitting that continue to descend also descends, and then heter temperature reduces automatically with the water content that reduces transmission to optimum level, thereby avoids condensation, but still as far as possible near-earth reach optimum level.

[00114] with reference to Figure 13, the humidifier 4 of another example embodiment comprises control handle 10 according to the present invention, and control handle 10 comprises sets indicator 10a.Humidifier 4 comprises the indicant 11 of indicating a plurality of setting values.Indicant 11a can represent automatic setting, and it provides the water content of acquiescence.For example, as shown in figure 13, automatic setting indicant 11a can comprise, for example Will be appreciated that and can use any other indicant, for example indicant 11a can comprise literal " the best " or " automatically ".Remaining indicant 11 can comprise numeral, for example 1-4 and 6-9, the humidity that it allows user to increase and reduce to be transmitted.Indicant also can be configured to show the value of relative humidity or absolute humidity and temperature, for example percentage ratio RH.In order to select default setting, user is aimed at automatic setting indicant 11a with the setting indicator 10a of control handle 10.In order to regulate the humidity setting, user will be set indicator 10a and aim at other indicant 11 arbitrarily, or the optional position between other indicant 11 arbitrarily.For example, set in order to reduce humidity, user can be aimed at setting indicator 10a any among the digital 1-4, or any setting therebetween.Similarly, set in order to increase humidity, user can be aimed at setting indicator 10a any among the digital 6-9, or any setting therebetween.It is also recognized that controller can not be a knob, for example controller can comprise the display setting to allow selecting setting or to change demonstration with display setting and one or more button such as LCD.

[00115] as shown in figure 14, when selecting to give tacit consent to water content automatically, be about to set indicator 10a Alignment indicator 11a, but humidifier 4 can be controlled as the feasible heating element heater 46 of adjusting humidifier 4 that continues so that the water content of respiratory air flow remains on predetermined default level, for example 14mg/L.As following discussed in detail, continue regulate heating element heater 46 and still prevent condensation or rain-out (rain-out) in the pipe 30 simultaneously near default level as far as possible with the water content that keeps air-flow.

[00116] between the user sleep period, in response to the variation of indoor design condition, for example ambient temperature, envionmental humidity, and/or ambient pressure, and/or in response to the variation of air-flow, heating element heater 46 are controlled to keep the water content given tacit consent to, for example 14mg/L.For example, sleep the incipient stage the patient (state 1), indoor design condition may be first temperature, first relative humidity and first pressure.Flow generator can incipient stage of sleeping produce the first air-flow Q1 the patient.When the patient selects automatic setting by setting indicator 10a Alignment indicator 11a, thus the heating element heater of the humidifier 4 46 controlled water content that acquiescence is provided, for example 14mg/L.

[00117] although state 1 is described to sleep between elementary period corresponding to the patient in the above, but will be appreciated that state 1 can for example consider the preheating time of the effect of transmission air themperature on ambient temperature corresponding to the time that starts beginning from respiratory system.

[00118] during patient's sleep procedure, indoor design condition comprises ambient temperature, envionmental humidity, and/or pressure can become second state (state 2).The air-flow Q2 that flow generator produced also can change during patient's sleep procedure.The heating element heater 46 of humidifier 4 is controlled as and makes that state 2 times no matter how indoor design condition changes, the water content of air-flow is a default value, for example 14mg/L.

[00119] similarly, if patient's (state 1) when starting selects different settings, for example by will setting indicator 10a Alignment indicator " 9 " (increasing water content from default value) or indicant " 1 " (reducing water content from default value), heating element heater 46 is controlled so that be transferred to the water content of face shield for 2 times at state identical with the water content that is transferred to face shield at state for 1 time.Being the gamut set of the water content at center with the default setting value readjusts continuously and automatically in response to the value of the ambient temperature that is monitored, envionmental humidity, ambient pressure and the air-flow that transmitted, and Xuan Ding setting always is adjusted to and transmits the water content of selecting like this.

[00120] first embodiment of humidity control

[00121], illustrates the control system and the method thereof that are used for breathing equipment with reference to Figure 15.At S1, determine to be transferred to the temperature T m of the air-flow of face shield.At S2, determine to be transferred to the relative humidity RHm of the air-flow of face shield.Will be appreciated that user can be by for example using button 14 design temperature Tm and the relative humidity RHm on the flow generator 2.Alternately, user can be selected water content by the control handle 10 of regulating humidifier, promptly is transferred to the absolute humidity of the air-flow of face shield.For example, user can be aimed at default setting indicant 11a with setting indicator 10a.The acquiescence water content can be a nominal water content, for example 14mg/L, or clinical definite water content.User also can be aimed at another indicant 11 and selects other non-acquiescence moisture content value by setting indicator 10a.Under the whole situation about being connected of humidifier and flow generator, breathing equipment can be configured to allow user to utilize the button 14 on the flow generator 2 or the control handle 10 of humidifier 4 to select water content.Select at user under the situation of water content, be transferred to the temperature T m of face shield and relative humidity RHm corresponding to selected water content setting.

[00122] heating element heater of control air transfer tube 30 is to provide predetermined temperature Tm to the air-flow that is transferred to face shield.Detect the actual temperature of air transporting hose 30 end air-flows in the temperature sensor 54 of air transporting hose 30 ends.In S11, determine poor Δ Tm between predetermined temperature Tm and the detected temperature, and the differences of electric power between predetermined temperature and detected temperature of the heating element heater of controller 40 and/or 44 adjusting air supply transfer tubes 30 are substantially zero by controller 40 and/or 44.

[00123] at S3, pick off 54 detected temperature are input to equation (2) so that absolute humidity AHm, i.e. water content to be provided to face shield with the predetermined relative humidity RHm that is transferred to face shield.At S5, be imported into equation (1) so that environment absolute humidity AHa to be provided at S6 from the ambient temperature Ta of pick off 50 with from the envionmental humidity RHa of pick off 5.At S7, determine to be transferred to the absolute humidity AHm of face shield and the difference DELTA AH between the environment absolute humidity AHa.Thereby being humidifier 4, difference DELTA AH must add to the selected water content of absolute humidity transmission of air-flow.

[00124] at S8, flow transducer 42 flow F and difference DELTA AH detected or that estimate are imported into the required evaporation rate E of supply water that equation (3) is used for determining humidifier.At S9,, determine to produce the required water temperature of evaporation rate E or the equivalent temperature of humidifier heating element heater 46 for example by closed loop control discussed above.

[00125] at S10, calculating sensor 48 detected water temperatures and the difference DELTA T between the required water temperature that S9 determines.The difference of heating element heater 46 between required water temperature and detected water temperature of controller 40 and/or 44 control humidifiers 4 is zero substantially.Replacedly, the difference of control heating element heater 46 between the temperature of the temperature of required heating element heater and detected heating element heater is zero substantially.

[00126] second embodiment of humidity control

[00127], illustrates control system and method thereof according to the breathing equipment of another example embodiment with reference to Figure 16.In the respiratory system use, flow can for example pass through

The effect of control algolithm changes, and this algorithm can provide relatively slow flow change, and perhaps owing to produced gas leakage, the gas leakage that mask cushion is peripheral or mouth is peripheral when using nasal mask, above-mentioned gas leakage can provide comparatively faster flow to change.If changes in flow rate is very fast, the control of heating tube or flexible pipe and/or humidifier may be not enough to response fast to prevent managing interior condensation, needs slower than long time and feasible response relatively because humidifier changes the temperature of supplying water.

[00128] as shown in figure 16, at S12, determine detected or for example from the variation or the difference DELTA F of the flow that blower speed estimated by flow transducer 42.Difference DELTA F can be determined by compare cycle interval flow detected or that be estimated to.At S13, difference DELTA F and predetermined difference value Δ F _PtdCompare.If the difference DELTA F between the periodic flow surpasses predetermined amount delta F _Ptd, handle advancing to S14 and regulating the gas temperature Tm that is transferred to patient interface, for example by using controller 40 and/or 44 to control heating tube 30.If difference DELTA F is no more than predetermined amount delta F _Ptd, handle progress with identical about the foregoing description of first embodiment, at S8 according to absolute humidity difference DELTA AH and the required evaporation rate of flow rate calculation detected or that estimate.

[00129] if difference DELTA F is a negative value, promptly changes in flow rate is for reducing, and then temperature T m increases in S14.Temperature T m can be increased to the temperature T m that is enough to being transferred to the air of patient interface and remain on more than the saturation point in S14.The reducing of flow also causes the temperature of in S9 water temperature or heating element heater to reduce, in S10, calculate difference DELTA T and by controller 40 and/or 44 control heating element heaters to reduce the temperature set-point of humidifier.Along with reducing of the temperature of humidifier supply water, absolute humidity AHm has the surplus of toning and does not arrive saturation point.

[00130] in S11, determine by the difference DELTA Tm between temperature sensor 54 detected temperature and the temperature T m that regulated, and control heating tube 30 is zero up to difference DELTA Tm substantially.Through predetermined period of time, the temperature that the temperature T m that is regulated in S12 reduces the supply water in humidifier gradually is reduced to the new set point of humidifier.

[00131] if in S11 determined flow difference Δ F be on the occasion of, promptly flow be changed to increase, and this flow difference is greater than predetermined difference value Δ F _Ptd, then the adjusting in S14 can be to reduce temperature T m so that keep absolute humidity AHm near saturated.But it is uncomfortable that the patient may find to reduce temperature T m.In this case, controller 40 and/or 44 can be configured to ignore the flow difference Δ F that the indication flow increases.

[00132] discussed herein about example embodiment humidifier and breathing equipment to the inexperienced or new user of warming and humidifying device being provided automatically or the setting of acquiescence, it is designed to provide to the air that is transmitted the water content (being nominally 14mg/L) of acquiescence under given arbitrarily service condition.In patient's sleep procedure, if needed, thereby avoid taking place in the air hose condensation with the desired value that reduces the acquiescence water content with causing compensation automatically.

[00133] proper operation need not be for setting and operating means use the knowledge or the intervention of any user suitably according to the humidifier of example embodiment disclosed herein.This sets up the suitable very difficult user of humidifier setting for those discoveries is helpful.Between patient's sleep period, in response to influence transmission air moisture content and the variation that may produce the factor of condensation, proper operation is automatically kept, and above-mentioned factor comprises environment absolute humidity, ambient temperature, relative humidity and pressure and transmission air mass flow.

[00134] if desired, according to the hobby of user, can offer them and add setting to finely tune automatically or the setting of acquiescence.The full-scale range of available setting is constantly readjusted to keep middle value to be calibrated under the acquiescence water content, to prevent in above-mentioned air transporting hose condensation taking place.This means that be different from the humidifier of technology formerly, the available full-scale range of the setting of acquiescence and setting always is calibrated according to the ambient condition of reality.A geographic climate difference, for example cold dampness is waited, and can not jeopardize another geographic obtainable humidifying performance or obtainable setting as the situation in the device with fixed heater setting.

[00135] for example, user can determine that one is lower than the acquiescence or the setting of automatic setting, " 3 " of 11 labellings of indicant for example, or be higher than the setting of acquiescence or automatic setting, " 7 " of 11 labellings of indicant for example, this setting provides the humidifying air-flow of the most comfortable.The absolute humidity that user therefore can be selected the setting of expecting and be transferred to the air-flow of patient interface will be the most comfortable, and it determines by the patient, and not consider ambient condition and/or flow.

[00136] the 3rd embodiment of humidifier control

[00137], illustrates control system and processing according to the breathing equipment of another example embodiment with reference to Figure 17.For the system and the processing of example embodiment among Figure 17, the operation of its S1-S8 and S11 is similar to the corresponding steps operation of example embodiment among aforesaid Figure 15.

[00138] calculating is transmitted under predetermined temperature after the required evaporation rate of predetermined moisture in S8, in S15, determines the temp of heating element threshold value, applies a fixed dutycycle when temperature is higher than this threshold value, determines to drive the dutycycle of humidifier in S16.In S15, determine after the temperature threshold of heating element heater, judge in S17 whether the temperature of heating element heater is higher than threshold value.If the temperature of heating element heater is higher than threshold value (S17: be), then in S21, a fixed dutycycle is applied to heating element heater.If the temperature of heating element heater is not higher than threshold value (S17: not), then in S18, one 100% dutycycle is applied to heating element heater.

[00139] in S19, judges whether be higher than the safety operation temperature by temp of heating element pick off 48 detected temp of heating element.If detected temp of heating element is lower than safety operation temperature (S19: not), then verify temp of heating element once more to judge whether temp of heating element is higher than threshold value in S17.If detected temp of heating element is higher than safety operation temperature (S19: be), then the dutycycle of heating element heater is set to 0% in S20, and promptly heating element heater is closed.

[00140] humidifier can be configured to and uses dissimilar hold container or the bucket of supplying water to operate.A kind of such humidifier is disclosed in, and for example the applying date is that its full content is hereby incorporated by in 17 days the U. S. application of JIUYUE in 2008 61/097,765.Have two types humidifier bucket to use, a kind of is to have for example " can use once again " bucket at the stainless steel-based end, and a kind of is to have for example " disposable " bucket of aluminium substrate.The heat exchange characteristics difference of two kinds of substrates.When heating element heater was adjusted to room temperature, two kinds of buckets can provide different humidity output.But desired is no matter which kind of bucket is fixed on the device, and humidity output all is foreseeable.When the bucket of which kind of type of tool detection was fixed on the humidifier, this also was preferred.

[00141] humidity output with provide the dutycycle of electric power relevant to heating element heater, rather than with the temperature correlation of heating element heater maintenance, as top with reference to as described in the figure 17.This is because under constant duty ratio, gives the heating element heater transmitting electric power with constant rate of speed, and the main consumption of electric power is by evaporation of water in the bucket in the system.In fact, when in same dutycycle operation, " disposable " and " can use once again " bucket has same evaporation rate.

[00142] also as described with reference to Figure 17, example embodiment applies the electric power of constant duty ratio to heating element heater, rather than changes dutycycle to regulate the temperature of hot plate.Heating element heater is resistive load R, for example 9.6 ohm, and for constant electromotive force V, 24V for example, it is opened and closed by the timing that dutycycle limited.This is equivalent to P=V ²The electrical power of/R definition, for example the 60W electrical power under 100% dutycycle drives heating element heater.

[00143] can with the embodiment shown in Figure 15 and 16 in determine that the same mode of the temperature set-point of heating element heater determines that dutycycle-by the characteristic of device, its performance is considered three variablees: environment absolute humidity, be transferred to patient's the gas temperature and the flow of gas transmission.

[00144] two shortcomings of constant duty ratio operation also overcome by this example embodiment.First shortcoming is that the water body in the humidifier needs the longer time to warm from cold initial condition.Reach temperature threshold with 100% dutycycle driving heating element heater up to it by estimated temperature threshold value in S15 with in S18, be converted to the required constant or fixed dutycycle level of evaporation rate for expectation then in S21, above-mentioned shortcoming is overcome.

[00145] in case second shortcoming be water in the humidifier bucket for empty, water all evaporations that for example ought be wherein, heating element heater may reach excessive temperature.By in S19, using the operation of maximum safe temperature, if surpass this maximum safe temperature, in S20, to set dutycycle and be 0% and make heating element heater invalid, above-mentioned like this shortcoming is overcome.

[00146] example embodiment of Figure 17 also can be used to control the humidifier that does not have heating tube.In the case, the patient by user interface (for example knob or dial 10 and/or control knob 14) directly control heating element heater attemperation and can be for comfortable and it is regulated, the patient of the use bucket that can use once again can be tending towards setting the temperature than the patient Lve Gao of use disposable barrel like this.Do not control the dutycycle of the electric power that offers heating element heater, the humidifier of the bucket that use can be used once again will be littler than the humidity that humidifier transmitted of using disposable barrel, and provide the less comfort level that helps humidification to the patient.

[00147] example embodiment of Figure 17 provides equal humidification therapy and keeps the simplification of its operation to all patients too.

[00148] the 4th embodiment of humidifier control

[00149] except the dutycycle of heating element heater 46 of control humidifier, controller 40 and/or 44 also can be configured to control air transporting hose or manages the dutycycle of 30 heating element heater.This allows humidifier to reduce the total capacity of its power supply.The humidifier heating element heater can be shared electrical load with heating tube, may obtain its total current when humidifier heating element heater or heating tube like this, transient current 2.5A under 24V for example, and they are never activated simultaneously.Controller 40 and/or 44 computed duty cycle are to distribute to each in humidifier and the heating tube, and synthetic like this dutycycle is no more than 100%.Controller 40 and/or 44 also makes the heating cycle of humidifier and heating tube synchronous, makes them can not overlap like this.Regular each heating element heater of opening and closing of dutycycle that provides according to flow generator is provided controller 40 and/or 44, makes to have only a device to be opened at one time.Such electrical management control is disclosed in, and for example the applying date is that its full content is hereby incorporated by in 10 days the U. S. application of JIUYUE in 2008 61/095,714.

[00150] according to this example embodiment, input value comprises: the 1) temperature set-point of heating tube, for example set by user interface or weather control algolithm; 2) the detected temperature of heating tube is for example changed by the electric potential difference of critesistor; 3) type of heating tube (for example 15mm or 19mm); 4) temperature set-point of humidifier is for example set by user interface or weather control algolithm; With 5) temperature that humidifier detected, for example change by the electric potential difference of critesistor.

[00151] output valve of example embodiment comprises: 1) be applied to the thermopower that adds of humidifier, for example dutycycle from 0% to 100%; With 2) be applied to the thermopower that adds of heating tube, for example dutycycle from 0% to 100%.

[00152] control also comprises the use of the constant that is used for heating tube, comprising: 1) scale factor Pf; 2) integral divisor If; With 3) derivative factor Df.Similarly, control also comprises the use of the constant that is used for humidifier, comprising: 1) scale factor Pf; 2) integral divisor If; With 3) derivative factor Df.

[00153] built-in variable comprises: 1) with the relevant detected humidifier temperature of reading formerly, and Told; 2) cusum of humidifier temperature gap, sumTd; 3) with the relevant detected heating tube temperature of reading formerly, Told; With 4) cusum of heating tube temperature gap, sumTd.

[00154] controller 40 and/or 44 can comprise the ratio-integration control function of simplification:

[00155] 1. this temperature reading of accounting temperature difference Td=deducts reading Told formerly.

[00156] if the temperature that 2. measures near set point (| Td| is less than 1/Pf),

[00157] a. then multiply by Td integral divisor And if the result is added to the accumulated total sumTd of temperature gap,

[00158] b. otherwise sumTd is reset to zero.

[00159] 3. computed duty cycle=Pf*Td+If*sumTd.

[00160] 4. trim dutycycle is between 0 to 1.

[00161] then each the dutycycle in humidifier and the heating tube is compared.

[00162] if 1. the dutycycle sum of humidifier and heating tube surpasses 1.0, then reduces one or two dutycycle.For example, the heating tube dutycycle is reduced to 0.5, then the humidifier dutycycle is reduced to necessary degree.

[00163] 2. two dutycycles multiply by 100 integer values that are used for conduct from 0 to 100 (indication 100%) and export the humidifier controller to.

[00164] the 5th embodiment of humidifier control

[00165] according to another example embodiment, controller 40 and/or 44 can be configured to and uses following input value to control humidifier heating element heater and heating tube, described input value comprises: 1) the detected air mass flow of flow generator for example surpasses one minute average discharge; 2) envionmental humidity is for example determined by humidifier or detected; 3) ambient temperature, for example detected by humidifier; 4) if be connected with heating tube, the detected temperature of heating tube is for example with a ℃ expression; 5) set from the heating tube of user interface, for example with a ℃ expression, or automatic setting; 6) set from the humidifier of user interface, for example automatic setting or than the setting of standard automatic setting " wetter " or " more dried "; 7) time tag.

[00166] Kong Zhi output valve can comprise: the 1) temperature set-point of humidifier; With 2) temperature set-point of heating tube.

[00167] constant that is used to control can comprise: the 1) conversion coefficient from the relative humidity to absolute humidity, and it comprises a) three coefficients that are applied to quadratic equation; With 2) export the table of determining temperature set-point from the humidifier humidity of expectation.

[00168] table can be a dot matrix, and set point can be inserted three-wayly from table, comprising: a) axle that is used for the average air flow for example is to arrive 70L/min corresponding to 10 at interval with 12L/min, and it provides six points; B) axle of an absolute humidity output that is used to expect for example is corresponding 0 to arrive 40mg/L at interval with 8mg/L, and it provides six points; And c) axle that is used for environment absolute humidity for example is to arrive 35mg/L corresponding to 0 at interval with 5mg/L, and it provides eight points.

[00169] whole matrix size provides 6x6x8=288 data point.It is from 5 to 95 ℃ temperature of increment with 0.1 ℃ that each data point is one.This matrix can be, for example, and shown in following table 6.

The additional AH hot plate temperature of traffic environment AH expectation

10 0 0 5.0

10 0 5 5.0

10 0 10 8.3

10 0 15 25.0

10 0 20 41.7

10 0 25 58.3

10 0 30 75.0

10 0 35 75.0

10 8 0 5.0

10 8 5 5.0

10 8 10 16.3

10 8 15 33.0

10 8 20 49.7

10 8 25 66.3

10 8 30 75.0

10 8 35 75.0

10 16 0 5.0

10 16 5 7.7

10 16 10 24.3

10 16 15 41.0

10 16 20 57.7

10 16 25 74.3

10 16 30 75.0

10 16 35 75.0

10 24 0 5.0

10 24 5 15.7

10 24 10 32.3

10 24 15 49.0

10 24 20 65.7

10 24 25 75.0

10 24 30 75.0

10 24 35 75.0

10 32 0 7.0

10 32 5 23.7

10 32 10 40.3

10 32 15 57.0

10 32 20 73.7

10 32 25 75.0

10 32 30 75.0

10 32 35 75.0

10 40 0 15.0

10 40 5 31.7

10 40 10 48.3

10 40 15 65.0

10 40 20 75.0

10 40 25 75.0

10 40 30 75.0

10 40 35 75.0

22 0 0 5.0

22 0 5 5.0

22 0 10 20.3

22 0 15 37.0

22 0 20 53.7

22 0 25 70.3

22 0 30 75.0

22 0 35 75.0

22 8 0 5.0

22 8 5 11.7

22 8 10 28.3

22 8 15 45.0

22 8 20 61.7

22 8 25 75.0

22 8 30 75.0

22 8 35 75.0

22 16 0 5.0

22 16 5 19.7

22 16 10 36.3

22 16 15 53.0

22 16 20 69.7

22 16 25 75.0

22 16 30 75.0

22 16 35 75.0

22 24 0 11.0

22 24 5 27.7

22 24 10 44.3

22 24 15 61.0

22 24 20 75.0

22 24 25 75.0

22 24 30 75.0

22 24 35 75.0

22 32 0 19.0

22 32 5 35.7

22 32 10 52.3

22 32 15 69.0

22 32 20 75.0

22 32 25 75.0

22 32 30 75.0

22 32 35 75.0

22 40 0 27.0

22 40 5 43.7

22 40 10 60.3

22 40 15 75.0

22 40 20 75.0

22 40 25 75.0

22 40 30 75.0

22 40 35 75.0

34 0 0 5.0

34 0 5 15.7

34 0 10 32.3

34 0 15 49.0

34 0 20 65.7

34 0 25 75.0

34 0 30 75.0

34 0 35 75.0

34 8 0 7.0

34 8 5 23.7

34 8 10 40.3

34 8 15 57.0

34 8 20 73.7

34 8 25 75.0

34 8 30 75.0

34 8 35 75.0

34 16 0 15.0

34 16 5 31.7

34 16 10 48.3

34 16 15 65.0

34 16 20 75.0

34 16 25 75.0

34 16 30 75.0

34 16 35 75.0

34 24 0 23.0

34 24 5 39.7

34 24 10 56.3

34 24 15 73.0

34 24 20 75.0

34 24 25 75.0

34 24 30 75.0

34 24 35 75.0

34 32 0 31.0

34 32 5 47.7

34 32 10 64.3

34 32 15 75.0

34 32 20 75.0

34 32 25 75.0

34 32 30 75.0

34 32 35 75.0

34 40 0 39.0

34 40 5 55.7

34 40 10 72.3

34 40 15 75.0

34 40 20 75.0

34 40 25 75.0

34 40 30 75.0

34 40 35 75.0

46 0 0 11.0

46 0 5 27.7

46 0 10 44.3

46 0 15 61.0

46 0 20 75.0

46 0 25 75.0

46 0 30 75.0

46 0 35 75.0

46 8 0 19.0

46 8 5 35.7

46 8 10 52.3

46 8 15 69.0

46 8 20 75.0

46 8 25 75.0

46 8 30 75.0

46 8 35 75.0

46 16 0 27.0

46 16 5 43.7

46 16 10 60.3

46 16 15 75.0

46 16 20 75.0

46 16 25 75.0

46 16 30 75.0

46 16 35 75.0

46 24 0 35.0

46 24 5 51.7

46 24 10 68.3

46 24 15 75.0

46 24 20 75.0

46 24 25 75.0

46 24 30 75.0

46 24 35 75.0

46 32 0 43.0

46 32 5 59.7

46 32 10 75.0

46 32 15 75.0

46 32 20 75.0

46 32 25 75.0

46 32 30 75.0

46 32 35 75.0

46 40 0 51.0

46 40 5 67.7

46 40 10 75.0

46 40 15 75.0

46 40 20 75.0

46 40 25 75.0

46 40 30 75.0

46 40 35 75.0

58 0 0 23.0

58 0 5 39.7

58 0 10 56.3

58 0 15 73.0

58 0 20 75.0

58 0 25 75.0

58 0 30 75.0

58 0 35 75.0

58 8 0 31.0

58 8 5 47.7

58 8 10 64.3

58 8 15 75.0

58 8 20 75.0

58 8 25 75.0

58 8 30 75.0

58 8 35 75.0

58 16 0 39.0

58 16 5 55.7

58 16 10 72.3

58 16 15 75.0

58 16 20 75.0

58 16 25 75.0

58 16 30 75.0

58 16 35 75.0

58 24 0 47.0

58 24 5 63.7

58 24 10 75.0

58 24 15 75.0

58 24 20 75.0

58 24 25 75.0

58 24 30 75.0

58 24 35 75.0

58 32 0 55.0

58 32 5 71.7

58 32 10 75.0

58 32 15 75.0

58 32 20 75.0

58 32 25 75.0

58 32 30 75.0

58 32 35 75.0

58 40 0 63.0

58 40 5 75.0

58 40 10 75.0

58 40 15 75.0

58 40 20 75.0

58 40 25 75.0

58 40 30 75.0

58 40 35 75.0

70 0 0 35.0

70 0 5 51.7

70 0 10 68.3

70 0 15 75.0

70 0 20 75.0

70 0 25 75.0

70 0 30 75.0

70 0 35 75.0

70 8 0 43.0

70 8 5 59.7

70 8 10 75.0

70 8 15 75.0

70 8 20 75.0

70 8 25 75.0

70 8 30 75.0

70 8 35 75.0

70 16 0 51.0

70 16 5 67.7

70 16 10 75.0

70 16 15 75.0

70 16 20 75.0

70 16 25 75.0

70 16 30 75.0

70 16 35 75.0

70 24 0 59.0

70 24 5 75.0

70 24 10 75.0

70 24 15 75.0

70 24 20 75.0

70 24 25 75.0

70 24 30 75.0

70 24 35 75.0

70 32 0 67.0

70 32 5 75.0

70 32 10 75.0

70 32 15 75.0

70 32 20 75.0

70 32 25 75.0

70 32 30 75.0

70 32 35 75.0

70 40 0 75.0

70 40 5 75.0

70 40 10 75.0

70 40 15 75.0

70 40 20 75.0

70 40 25 75.0

70 40 30 75.0

70 40 35 75.0

Table 6

[00170] built-in variable can comprise: 1) environment absolute humidity; 2) absolute humidity at arrival face shield target place; 3) by absolute humidity that humidifier added; With 4) measured flow formerly.

[00171] in order to produce the temperature set-point that is used for humidifier, controller 40 and/or 44:

[00172] 1. according to formula: absolute humidity=relative humidity (1 ratio) x (a+bx temperature+cx temperature x temperature), utilize envionmental humidity and temperature computation environment absolute humidity, wherein given constant coefficient a=7.264, b=0.0928, c=0.0293.

[00173] 2. according to the detected temperature computation target of heating tube absolute humidity.If heating tube is unavailable, can substitute with ambient temperature.Function is still set relative humidity by user interface now with identical at the employed quadratic equation of step 1.

[00174] 3. calculates the absolute humidity that humidifier will add by from target, deducting environment absolute humidity.

[00175] 4. calculates the temperature set-point that is used for humidifier according to the absolute humidity that is added, flow and ambient temperature.Calculating is the Tri linear interpolation of table 6.

[00176] in order to produce the temperature set-point that is used for heating tube:

[00177] 1. the default temperature set point corresponding to the setting on the user interface.

[00178] if 2. flow descends suddenly, temperature set-point can be adjusted to a little (for example several ℃) and exceed set point in a finite time (for example 15 minutes).

[00179] the flow generator design is considered

[00180] be installed on the flow generator or when flow generator disassembles when humidifier, the user interface of flow generator can, for example indication detects humidifier or has removed humidifier in one second.When heating tube is installed to humidifier or when humidifier breaks away from, the user interface of flow generator can, for example indication detects heating tube or has removed heating tube in one second.

[00181] as mentioned above, the flow generator controller can be controlled humidifier and heating tube.The flow generator controller can use the constant that is stored in the humidifier controller, and described constant comprises, six control parameters for example, and the numerical value of each is all between 0 to 1 and the matrix that has 0.01 precision and have 6x6x8=288 data point.Each data point can be from 5 to 95 ℃ of temperature with 0.1 ℃ of precision.

[00182] during treating, but heating element heater and the heating tube temperature of flow generator poll (poll) humidifier to read humidifier, for example at least once every 10 seconds.During treating, flow generator can poll (poll) humidifier to read ambient temperature and relative humidity, for example, at least once every 60 seconds.

[00183] temperature can be used as from 5 to 95 ℃ of numerical value with 0.1 ℃ of precision and is transmitted.Relative humidity can be used as from 0 to 100 integer value and is transmitted.The value that surpasses this scope should be limited in this scope.

[00184] flow generator can calculate the dutycycle that is applied by humidifier, and it is the integer value between 0 to 100 (wherein 100 representing 100% dutycycle).Flow generator also can calculate the dutycycle that is applied on the heating tube, and it is the integer value between 0 to 100 (wherein 100 the representing 100% dutycycle).Flow generator can guarantee that the dutycycle summation that is used for humidifier and heating tube is no more than 100 (representing 100%).

[00185] during treating, can transmit demand from the setting humidifier dutycycle of flow generator, for example, at least every 3 seconds 1 time, and can transmit demand, for example at least every 1 second 1 time from the setting heating tube dutycycle of flow generator.

[00186] the humidifier design is considered

[00187] when heating tube and humidifier all required to heat, controller 40 and/or 44 can guarantee that power is so distributed, and made above-mentioned two draw powers at one time not.For this reason, heating tube and humidifier can be by same controller controls.

[00188] can study a suitable communication protocol so that flow generator and humidifier, power supply and any other communication between devices that can add.Communication protocol can be utilized, and for example 16 CRC detect garble.Communication between flow generator and the humidifier can be semiduplex so that the number of pins of Wiring connector minimizes.

[00189] humidifier can be given FG:1 according to the following information of instruction transmission) humidifier state (normal or wrong); 2) reading of relative humidity; 3) temperature of acquisition relative humidity reading; 4) temperature of heating element heater in the humidifier; 5) humidifier heating dutycycle.

[00190] humidifier can in response to from flow generator as giving an order: 1) need the humidifier state; 2) need moisture readings; 3) need the temperature of moisture readings; 4) need the temperature of humidifier internal heating element; 5) the heating dutycycle in the setting humidifier.

[00191] humidifier can stop warming and humidifying device bucket, unless received the demand of setting the heating dutycycle at least every 10 seconds.

[00192] the heating tube design is considered

[00193] humidifier can be given flow generator according to the following information of instruction transmission: 1) heating tube state comprises that a) heating tube exists or do not have the b) diameter of heating tube (15mm or 19mm), and c) normal or mistake; 2) temperature in the heating tube; With 3) humidifier heating dutycycle.

[00194] humidifier can in response to from flow generator as giving an order: 1) need the heating tube state; 2) need temperature in the heating tube; 3) set the interior heating power level of humidifier.

[00195] humidifier can stop to heat heating tube, unless for example received the demand of setting the heating dutycycle at least every 1 second.

[00196] temperature transition

[00197] controller 40 and/or 44 can utilize look-up table to convert temperature to by measured electromotive force on critesistor, for example with a ℃ expression.Need three tables: 1) and 2) be used for the temperature transition table (under 0.1 ℃ precision, each of two tables all has about 360 data points for 5 to 40 ℃ of scopes) of every type of heating tube (for example 15mm and 19mm); With 3) be used for the temperature transition table (under 0.1 ℃ precision, having about 960 data points) of humidifier for 5 to 95 ℃ of scopes.Each can be such look-up table, and it is by being expressed by equipartition on critesistor electromotive force axle.

[00198] the weather control constant that transmits to flow generator

[00199] humidifier can carry a table, and for example table 6 sends it to flow generator as constant and before weather control beginning.The upgrading of humidifier can be finished and the flow generator software of need not upgrading in humidifier like this.

[00200] display lamp

[00201] according to from the instruction of flow generator, for example use instruction through the serial communication link, humidifier can directly control a blueness with an xanchromatic LED of palm fibre.Humidifier can be according to the instruction control display lamp that receives from flow generator, and each instruction can comprise following information: 1) color-blueness or pale brown color; 2) brightness-bright, dim or close; With 3) gradual change-be or not.

[00202] if gradual change be: 1) be that brightness is reposefully on the transition three seconds; Or 2) not, brightness should be transformed into new level.The gradual change simultaneously of two display lamps of humidifier changes, and for example for an even gradual change, flow generator can send-one instruction of two instructions simultaneously and be used for display lamp gradual change ground is closed, another instruct with another display lamp gradual change open.

[00203] humidifier is controlled the 6th embodiment

[00204] may meet with in-tube condensation with the patient who is set at the humidifier sleep of transmitting the dampness that is lower than saturation in pipe under three kinds of situations: 1) ambient temperature descends, and air is managed internal cooling to being lower than its dew point like this; 2) ambient humidity increases, and the air humidity of leaving humidifier like this increases, and then manages internal cooling to being lower than its dew point; With 3) flow descends, and when having reduced disposal pressure when automatic setting, humidifier is to the more humidity of air increase, and air is managed internal cooling to being lower than its dew point then.

[00205] offering suggestion that the patient handles in-tube condensation or rain-out problem at present comprises making and manages in bed the below of articles for use and extend to reduce the pipe internal cooling and/or humidifier is set in a lower heating setpoint point.These methods cause making the patient receive less dampness in whole evening for the distance dew point is farther after the variation of having considered night.

[00206] as mentioned above, example embodiment provides and has carried out weather control is transferred to pipe with the air with predetermined temperature and humidity face shield end.But, require to have in the pipe temperature of temperature sensor with the monitoring inner air tube with reference to the described weather control of example embodiment formerly.Therefore heating tube with temperature detection has increased cost, is having traditionally, and it is very favourable promptly providing the alleviation of condensation to the patient in the system of non-heating tube.

[00207] with reference to Figure 18, according to another example embodiment, in the pipe that is not heated and does not measure the air themperature of being transmitted, provide weather control,, but in S22, from the reading of environment temperature sensor, estimate this air themperature.Heating source in ambient temperature, air mass flow and equipment, for example under power supply, motor, different situations electronics or the humidifier heating element heater, described estimation is the characteristic based on the temperature difference between ambient temperature of being reported and the air themperature of being transmitted.

[00208] as mentioned above, comparative example 1 (table 2) illustrates above-mentioned example embodiment with reference to Figure 15 and 16, environment absolute humidity do not have to change and situation about face shield temperature T m not being controlled under, to the response that change produced of ambient temperature.According to this example embodiment, wherein do not have to measure but estimated the air themperature Tm that is transmitted, shown that one is used to regulate water temperature to change the equivalency tables of ambient humidity below in the table 7, it is for the selection of three different ambient air temperatures.

The air of the air transmission of the sky transmission of water temperature air themperature air absolute humidity relative air humidity humidity output transmission is wet

(mg/L) mg/L temperature degree centigrade humidity (mg/L) degree centigrade %RH

Degree centigrade

48.6 15 4 32％ 8.5 15 12.5 100％

46 15 6 48％ 6.5 15 12.5 100％

42.5 15 8 64％ 4.4 15 12.4 100％

38.3 15 10 80％ 2.4 15 12.4 100％

31 15 12 96％ 0.4 15 12.4 100％

50.5 20 8 47％ 9.1 20 17.1 100％

47.8 20 10 58％ 7.2 20 17.2 100％

44.5 20 12 70％ 5.2 20 17.2 100％

40 20 14 82％ 3.1 20 17.1 100％

34 20 16 93％ 1.2 20 17.2 100％

51.8 25 14 60％ 9.3 25 23.3 100％

49 25 16 69％ 7.3 25 23.3 100％

45.5 25 18 77％ 5.2 25 23.2 100％

41.5 25 20 86％ 3.3 25 23.3 100％

35 25 22 95％ 1.2 25 23.2 100％

Table 7

[00209] this example embodiment is characterised in that the air themperature of being transmitted estimates, makes whether device does not detect pipeline isolated with ambient temperature, for example by cloth bedcover or bedding.Insulation can increase the temperature of the air that is transmitted by reducing cooling in the pipeline.In order to reduce the probability of condensation, can suppose not insulation of pipeline, to colder and more approach its dew point when therefore the air ratio that is transmitted is provided with insulation.

[00210] will be appreciated that the system of this example embodiment changes in the time of will be suitably in response to ambient temperature and ambient humidity and air mass flow.The system of this example embodiment is no matter how ambient temperature, humidity and flow change, and it is providing the protection of anti-condensation the whole night to pipeline.The system of this example embodiment also provides the control fully automatically to humidifier.Adopt one the default value of air-transmitting predetermined relative humidity, the patient does not again need to regulate humidifier.The system of this example embodiment also provides the setting of humidity by user interface, it can be converted into air-transmitting predetermined relative humidity.

[00211] with other comprise the example embodiment of heating tube different be that this example embodiment is not transmitted warmer air or by the entrained higher humidity of warmer air.This example embodiment does not allow the patient to select the temperature of the air that transmitted yet.If pipeline is insulated, this example embodiment can not improve the humidity of being transmitted yet.Change the humidity setting by user interface and can overcome this point.

[00212] the humidifier control according to this example embodiment allows breathing equipment to be provided with standard pipe rather than water back, has therefore reduced system cost.

[00213] above-mentioned example embodiment also can be utilized software or hardware fully (for example, ASIC) carry out, humidifier can be configured to and operates as in these three example embodiment any one and do not increase the goods and materials cost of equipment like this.

[00214] owing to increased comfortableness, reduced throat and take place to do/probability of pain, and/or by providing automatic optimization humidification setting to improve the convenience of using, the humidifier according to example embodiment therefore disclosed herein has improved the compliance of user.

[00215] problem that the humidifier of technology is formerly only followed the trail of indoor environment temperature and flow, humidifier according to example embodiment disclosed herein also provides a solution, and promptly this kind humidifier can be followed the trail of because the inappropriate humidity output that mistake/confusion caused when formulating initial setting.The user of this humidifier do not know for which type of is provided with the most approaching best humidifying level under the arbitrarily given situation, particularly when they experience with their common environment/weather is compared great change, for example, at whilst on tour.

[00216] according to humidifier and the breathing equipment measurement environment relative humidity and the pressure (altimetric compensation) of example embodiment disclosed herein, and ambient temperature is so that improve the humidity level's of transmission accuracy with respect to the system of the technology formerly of testing environment humidity and pressure not.Even the availability of low-cost in recent years humidity and pressure transducer makes that now the above-mentioned additional parameter of monitoring also becomes feasible and can realize on the CPAP device.

[00217] will make response to the lasting mouth leaks that detects according to the humidifier and the breathing equipment of example embodiment disclosed herein, but be different from technological system formerly, it will revise humidity output with the optimization humidity and compactibility, rather than only set an impossible setting near the best arbitrarily.

[00218] though in conjunction with thinking that at present the most feasible invention has been described with preferred embodiment, but be understandable that and the invention is not restricted to the disclosed embodiments, on the contrary, this invention is intended to cover various change and the equivalent arrangements that are included in the spirit and scope of the invention.In addition, above-mentioned various embodiment also can carry out in conjunction with other embodiment, and for example, some schemes of an embodiment can combine to realize another embodiment with some schemes of another embodiment.Further, each independent feature or can form an additional embodiment for arbitrarily the parts of locking assembly.In addition, give arbitrarily each separate part of locking assembly, arbitrarily give locking assembly single parts one or more parts and can comprise one or more ornamental design features from the various combinations of the parts of one or more embodiment.In addition, though the present invention has special application to the patient who suffers from OSA, will be appreciated that the patient's (for example congestive heart disease, diabetes, morbid obesity, apoplexy, bariatric surgery etc.) who suffers from other disease can obtain an advantage from above-mentioned instruction.In addition, above-mentioned instruction all has the suitability for the non-patient of patient and non-medical applications.

[00219] in this description, word " comprises (comprising) " and should be understood that the implication of its open to the outside world, i.e. the meaning that " comprises (including) ", and be not limited to the implication of its " sealing ", promptly " only by ... form " the meaning.Corresponding implication is applicable to that also the corresponding word that is occurred " comprises (comprise) ", " comprising (comprised) " and " comprising (comprises) ".

[00220] also should further understand at this quoting of any technology formerly,, not represent and admit that this technology formerly is related to the present invention conventionally known to one of skill in the art unless opposite indication is arranged.

Claims

1, a kind of humidifier that is used for breathing equipment, it is used for the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas is transferred to the patient, and described humidifier comprises:

The humidifier chamber, but it is configured to store the supply water in order to the humidification respiratory air flow, and described humidifier chamber comprises first heating element heater that is configured to heat described supply water;

Relative humidity sensor, the signal that it is used for the relative humidity of testing environment air and produces the indicative for environments relative humidity;

First temperature sensor, the signal that it is used for the temperature of testing environment air and produces the indicative for environments temperature; And

Controller, but it is configured to determine the absolute humidity of surrounding air and control described first heating element heater so that predetermined relative humidity to be provided to respiratory air flow according to the signal that is produced by described relative humidity sensor and described first temperature sensor.

2, humidifier according to claim 1, but wherein said controller further is configured to control described first heating element heater so that the respiratory air flow of predetermined temperature is provided.

3, humidifier according to claim 2, wherein said controller is determined and predetermined relative humidity and the corresponding predetermined absolute humidity of predetermined temperature.

4, humidifier according to claim 3, wherein said predetermined absolute humidity approximately is 11-44mg/L.

5, humidifier according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined temperature approximately are 15 ℃-37 ℃.

6, humidifier according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined temperature approximately are 26 ℃-28 ℃.

7, according to each the described humidifier among the claim 1-6, wherein said predetermined relative humidity approximately is 50%-100%.

8, according to each the described humidifier among the claim 1-6, wherein said predetermined relative humidity approximately is 70%-90%.

9,, further comprise being configured to allow patient or clinician to select the user input of described predetermined temperature and/or described predetermined relative humidity and/or described predetermined absolute humidity according to each the described humidifier among the claim 1-8.

10, humidifier according to claim 9, wherein said user input comprises control handle.

11, according to each the described humidifier among the claim 1-10, further comprise second temperature sensor, described second temperature sensor detects the temperature of the temperature of supply water or described first heating element heater and produces the temperature of the described supply water of indication respectively or the signal of the temperature of described first heating element heater, and wherein said controller is configured to the feedback loop of the signal that produced with described second temperature sensor and controls described first heating element heater.

12, humidifier according to claim 3, wherein said controller calculate described supply evaporation of water speed so that described predetermined absolute humidity to be provided.

13, humidifier according to claim 12, but wherein said evaporation rate is determined by the difference that the flow with respiratory air flow multiply by described predetermined absolute humidity and described environment absolute humidity.

14, according to each described humidifier among the claim 3-13, wherein said controller is according to formula AHa=RHa (K ₁-K ₂Ta+K ₃Ta ²) computing environment absolute humidity, wherein, AHa is an environment absolute humidity, RHa is an envionmental humidity and Ta is an ambient temperature, and according to formula AHp=RHp (K ₁-K ₂Tp+K ₃Tp ²) calculate predetermined absolute humidity, wherein, AHp is predetermined absolute humidity, and RHp is predetermined relative humidity, and Tp is a predetermined temperature, and K ₁, K ₂And K ₃It is coefficient.

15, according to claim 13 or 14 described humidifiers, further comprise flow transducer, the signal that it is configured to determine described flow and produces the described flow of indication.

16, according to claim 13 or 14 described humidifiers, but wherein under the pressure of respiratory air flow described flow corresponding to vent flow from patient interface.

17, according to each described humidifier among the claim 1-16, wherein said controller is configured to control described first heating element heater having additional supply of the temperature of water along with the increase of flow, and reduces the temperature of supply water along with the reduction of flow.

18, according to each described humidifier among the claim 1-17, wherein said controller is configured to control described first heating element heater reducing the temperature of supply water along with the increase of environment absolute humidity, and has additional supply of the temperature of water along with the reduction of environment absolute humidity.

19, according to each described humidifier among the claim 1-18, wherein said controller is configured to control described first heating element heater having additional supply of the temperature of water along with the increase of predetermined temperature, and reduces the temperature of supply water along with the reduction of predetermined temperature.

20, according to each described humidifier among the claim 1-19, wherein a plurality of predetermined temperatures, a plurality of predetermined relative humidity and a plurality of corresponding predetermined absolute humidity be stored in the operationally relevant memorizer of described controller in.

21, a kind of humidifier that is used for breathing equipment, it is used for the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas is transferred to the patient, and described humidifier comprises:

Controller, but it is configured to determine the absolute humidity of surrounding air and control described first heating element heater so that predetermined absolute humidity, predetermined temperature and/or predetermined relative humidity to be provided to respiratory air flow according to the signal that is produced by described relative humidity sensor and described first temperature sensor.

22, a kind of humidifier that is used for breathing equipment, it is used for the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas is transferred to the patient, and described humidifier comprises:

Absolute humidity sensor, the signal that it detects the absolute humidity of humidifying air-flow and produces the described absolute humidity of indication; And

Controller, but it is configured to receive from the signal of described absolute humidity sensor and controls described first heating element heater so that predetermined absolute humidity, predetermined temperature and/or predetermined relative humidity to be provided to respiratory air flow.

23, according to each described humidifier among the claim 1-22, further comprise transporting hose and second heating element heater that is configured to heat the humidifying air-flow in the described transporting hose, described transporting hose comprises second end that is configured to be connected to first end of humidifier outlet and is configured to be connected to patient interface.

24, humidifier according to claim 23, further be included in the three-temperature sensor at the second end place of described transporting hose, described three-temperature sensor be configured to detect described transporting hose the second end place the humidifying air-flow temperature and produce the signal of the detected temperature of indication.

25, humidifier according to claim 24, wherein said controller are configured in response to controlling described second heating element heater from the signal of described three-temperature sensor so that the humidifying air-flow of predetermined temperature and predetermined relative humidity to be provided at the second end place of described transporting hose.

26, according to each described humidifier among the claim 23-25, wherein said predetermined absolute humidity is corresponding with the predetermined temperature and the predetermined relative humidity at the second end place of described transporting hose.

27, humidifier according to claim 26, wherein the predetermined temperature at the second end place of described transporting hose is equal to or greater than ambient air temperature.

28, according to each described humidifier among the claim 24-27, but wherein said controller is configured to determine the changes in flow rate of respiratory air flow and controls described second heating element heater to regulate described predetermined temperature when the variation of described flow surpasses the predetermined amount of flow variation.

29, humidifier according to claim 28, wherein said controller are configured to control described second heating element heater to increase described predetermined temperature when the variation of described flow surpasses the predetermined reduction of described flow.

30, humidifier according to claim 29, wherein said controller are configured to control described second heating element heater to increase described predetermined temperature to being higher than saturation temperature.

31, humidifier according to claim 30, wherein said controller are configured to control described first heating element heater to reduce the temperature of supply water when the variation of described flow surpasses the predetermined reduction of described flow.

32, humidifier according to claim 31, wherein said controller are configured to the scheduled time after described first heating element heater is controlled to reduce the temperature of supplying water, control described second heating element heater to reduce described predetermined temperature.

33, humidifier according to claim 28, wherein said controller are configured to control described second heating element heater to reduce described predetermined temperature when the variation of described flow surpasses the predetermined recruitment of described flow.

34, according to each described humidifier among the claim 1-33, wherein said controller is configured to control the dutycycle of described first heating element heater.

35, according to each described humidifier among the claim 23-33, wherein said controller is configured to control each the dutycycle in described first heating element heater and described second heating element heater.

36, a kind of breathing equipment that provides the humidifying air-flow of breathable gas to the patient comprises:

But produce the flow generator of respiratory air flow; And

According to each the described humidifier among the claim 1-35.

37, but a kind of humidifying offers the method for patient's respiratory air flow, and described method comprises:

But be identified for forming the absolute humidity of the surrounding air of respiratory air flow; And

But the temperature of the supply water of control humidifying respiratory air flow is with the predetermined temperature and the corresponding predetermined absolute humidity of predetermined relative humidity of the air-flow that provides and be transferred to the patient.

38, according to the described method of claim 37, wherein said predetermined absolute humidity approximately is 11-44mg/L, for example approximately is 14mg/L.

39, according to claim 37 or 38 described methods, wherein said predetermined temperature approximately is 15 ℃-37 ℃, for example approximately is 26 ℃-28 ℃, preferably about 27 ℃.

40, according to each the described method among the claim 37-39, wherein said predetermined relative humidity approximately is 50%-100%, for example approximately is 70%-90%, preferably about 80%.

41,, further comprise and select predetermined absolute humidity, predetermined temperature and/or predetermined relative humidity according to each the described method among the claim 37-40.

42, according to each the described method among the claim 37-41, further comprise:

Detect the temperature that the temperature of supply water or detection are configured to heat the heating element heater of described supply water;

Produce the signal of the temperature of the temperature of the described supply water of indication or described heating element heater respectively; And

At the described heating element heater of feedback loop inner control of signal to control the temperature of described supply water.

43, according to each the described method among the claim 37-42, wherein according to formula AHa=RHa (K ₁-K ₂Ta+K ₃Ta ²) determine environment absolute humidity, wherein, AHa is an environment absolute humidity, and RHa is an envionmental humidity, and Ta is an ambient temperature, and K ₁, K ₂And K ₃It is coefficient.

44, according to the described method of claim 43, wherein according to formula AHp=RHp (K ₁-K ₂Tp+K ₃Tp ²) determine predetermined absolute humidity, wherein, AHp is predetermined absolute humidity, RHp is a predetermined relative humidity and Tp is a predetermined temperature.

45, according to each the described method among the claim 37-44, wherein the temperature of control supply water comprises definite supply evaporation of water speed.

46, according to the described method of claim 45, but wherein said evaporation rate is determined by the difference that the flow with respiratory air flow multiply by between described predetermined absolute humidity and the described environment absolute humidity.

47,, but further comprise the flow of detection respiratory air flow according to the described method of claim 46.

48, according to the described method of claim 46, but wherein under the pressure of respiratory air flow, described flow is corresponding to the vent flow that is connected the patient interface on the described transporting hose.

49, according to each the described method among the claim 46-48, the temperature of wherein controlling described supply water comprises the temperature of having additional supply of water along with the increase of flow, and reduces the temperature of supply water along with the reduction of flow.

50, according to each the described method among the claim 37-49, the temperature of wherein controlling described supply water comprises the temperature that reduces supply water along with the increase of environment absolute humidity, and has additional supply of the temperature of water along with the reduction of environment absolute humidity.

51, according to each the described method among the claim 37-49, the temperature of wherein controlling described supply water comprises the temperature of having additional supply of water along with the increase of predetermined temperature, and reduces the temperature of supply water along with the reduction of predetermined temperature.

52, according to each the described method among the claim 37-51, further comprise:

The temperature of the humidifying air-flow at detected transmission flexible pipe one end place, described transporting hose is configured to be connected to patient interface;

Produce the signal of the temperature of the humidifying air-flow of indicating transporting hose one end place; And

Control the transporting hose heating element heater so that the humidifying air-flow of predetermined temperature to be provided at the second end place of transporting hose in response to described signal.

53, according to the described method of claim 52, wherein the predetermined temperature at place, described transporting hose end is equal to or greater than ambient air temperature.

54, according to claim 52 or 53 described methods, further comprise:

Determine the variation of the flow of breathable gas; With

Control transporting hose heating element heater is to regulate described predetermined temperature when the variation of flow surpasses the predetermined amount of flow variation.

55, according to the described method of claim 54, wherein when the variation of described flow surpassed the predetermined reduction of described flow, control transporting hose heating element heater was to improve predetermined temperature.

56,, wherein control the transporting hose heating element heater to increase predetermined temperature to being higher than saturation temperature according to the described method of claim 55.

57, according to the described method of claim 56, further comprise:

When surpassing the predetermined reduction of described flow, the variation of described flow reduces the temperature of supply water.

58, according to the described method of claim 57, further comprise:

The scheduled time after the temperature that reduces supply water, control transporting hose heating element heater is to reduce described predetermined temperature.

59, according to the described method of claim 54, further comprise:

When the variation of described flow surpassed the predetermined recruitment of described flow, control transporting hose heating element heater was to reduce described predetermined temperature.

60,, determine that wherein the absolute humidity of surrounding air comprises use sensor absolute humidity according to the described method of claim 37.

61, according to each the described method among the claim 42-60, further comprise:

Control the dutycycle of described heating element heater.

62, according to each the described method among the claim 52-60, further comprise:

Control the dutycycle of described heating element heater and described transporting hose heating element heater.