RESPIRATORY THERAPY DEVICE AND COUPLING DEVICE FOR COUPLING AT LEAST TWO RESPIRATORY THERAPY DEVICES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a respiratory therapy device (1) for producing a breathable air stream for carrying out respiratory therapy, comprising a housing system (2) for housing device components. The housing system (2) comprises two mounting surfaces (12, 22) so that the respiratory therapy device (1) can be mounted and operated as intended in two mounting positions (3, 4). The invention also relates to a coupling system (200) for coupling at least two respiratory therapy devices (1), as well as to an apparatus comprising said coupling system (200), and to a coupling system (200) for receiving a respiratory therapy device (1).

Claims

1.-38. (canceled)

39. A respiratory therapy device for generating a respiratory air stream for carrying out respiratory therapy, wherein the device comprises at least one housing system for accommodating device components, the housing system comprising at least two mounting surfaces, such that the respiratory therapy device can be mounted and operated as intended in at least two mounting positions.

40. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein the housing system comprises at least one first mounting surface for at least one first mounting position and at least one second mounting surface for at least one second mounting position.

41. The respiratory therapy device of claim 40, wherein the first mounting surface is suitable and configured for a horizontal mounting position and the second mounting surface is suitable and configured for a vertical mounting position.

42. The respiratory therapy device of claim 41, wherein, in the horizontal mounting position, a mounting height of the respiratory therapy device is less than a length and/or a width of the first mounting surface, and/or wherein, in the vertical mounting position, a mounting height of the respiratory therapy device is greater than a length and/or a width of the second mounting surface.

43. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein the mounting surfaces are arranged at an angle of at least 65° and at most 115°.

44. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein a device center of gravity is arranged in a lower device half, at least in the one of the at least two mounting positions in which the respiratory therapy device has a greater mounting height.

45. The respiratory therapy device of claim 44, wherein the device center of gravity is made available at least by an arrangement of at least one battery system for energy supply to the respiratory therapy device and/or at least one fan system for generating a respiratory gas stream.

46. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein the device further comprises at least one interface for coupling a hose for a respiratory gas stream and/or at least one cable connection, the at least one interface and/or the at least one cable connection being arranged in a lower device half, at least in the one of the at least two mounting positions in which the respiratory therapy device has a greater mounting height.

47. The respiratory therapy device of claim 46, wherein the at least one interface and/or the at least one cable connection are arranged laterally on the housing system in all of the intended mounting positions.

48. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein at least one handle system is arranged in such a way that the handle system is located, in a horizontal mounting position, on a front face of the housing system, and, in a vertical mounting position, on a top face of the housing system, such that the handle system can be reached in both mounting positions by an operator standing in front of the respiratory therapy device.

49. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein at least one handle system is arranged in a recessed manner on the housing system, such that the handle system does not protrude from a contour of the housing system and/or at least one handle system is arranged immovably on the housing system.

50. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein the housing system comprises at least one housing edge designed as a tilting edge, the tilting edge being resilient and/or reinforced and/or rounded.

51. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein the mounting surfaces are made available by in each case a side face of the housing system.

52. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein the device is suitable and configured to be capable of being transferred as intended between the mounting positions by mounting of the housing system.

53. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein the device is suitable and configured to independently detect an adopted mounting position by at least one control system to change at least one device setting in accordance with the mounting position.

54. The respiratory therapy device of claim 53, wherein at least one display mode of a display system and/or at least one function assignment of an operating system is set in accordance with the mounting position.

55. The respiratory therapy device of claim 39, wherein all of the openings provided in the housing system are protected, in all of the intended mounting positions, at least against solid foreign bodies with a diameter of ≥12.5 mm and against access with a finger and have protection against falling water when the housing system is inclined by up to 15°.

56. A coupling system for coupling at least two respiratory therapy devices according to claim 39, wherein the coupling system comprises at least two coupling units which can be connected to each other via a coupling element, and wherein a first respiratory therapy device can be received horizontally on at least one coupling unit by means of its housing system and a second respiratory therapy device can be received vertically on at least one other coupling unit by means of its housing system, such that the respiratory therapy devices in different mounting positions can be received simultaneously on the coupling system and operated as intended thereon.

57. A coupling system for receiving a respiratory therapy device, wherein the coupling system comprises a support plate for a respiratory therapy device and is mounted with the support plate on a frame, the support plate comprising has at least one connecting system, the connecting system being set up and designed to interact, substantially by force-fit or form-fit engagement, with a corresponding receptacle on the respiratory therapy device, and wherein the respiratory therapy device for this purpose has, in a region of its mounting surface, such receptacles that interact by force-fit or form-fit engagement with the rail system, the respiratory therapy device being placed with its mounting surface on the support plate and being pushed into a mounting position on the support plate, wherein the respiratory therapy device moves at least in part along rails of the rail system until the rails interact with the receptacles (by force-fit or form-fit engagement), wherein the support plate is arranged horizontally on a frame, wherein the support plate has, as a left and right boundary, rails as connecting system, and wherein a front region of the support plate has no boundary, or only connecting device has a securing element for locking the respiratory therapy device.

58. An appliance, wherein the appliance comprises at least one coupling system for at least two respiratory therapy devices, at least one respiratory therapy device being a ventilator and at least one other respiratory therapy device being a cough assist device.

Description

[0060] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become clear from the description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0061] In the figures:

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a purely schematic representation of an assembly having a coupling system according to the invention with two respiratory therapy devices according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0063] FIG. 2 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 in a view from behind;

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a respiratory therapy device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a coupling system according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0066] FIG. 5 shows the coupling system of FIG. 4 in a view obliquely from below;

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a perspective detailed representation of the coupling system of FIG. 4, in a view obliquely from above;

[0068] FIG. 7 shows another perspective and detailed representation of the coupling system of FIG. 4, in a view obliquely from above; and

[0069] FIG. 8 shows a perspective and detailed representation of the coupling system of FIG. 4, in a view obliquely from below.

[0070] FIG. 1 shows two respiratory therapy devices 1 according to the invention, which are coupled here via a coupling system 200 according to the invention to form an assembly 300. Such an assembly 300 provides a particularly user-friendly and space-saving arrangement of two respiratory therapy devices 1. The respiratory therapy devices 1 can also be used individually or on their own (stand alone) without the coupling system 200. A single respiratory therapy device 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 8.

[0071] One respiratory therapy device 1 is designed here as a ventilator 20, and the other as a cough assist device 10. The ventilator 20 here comprises a fan system 102 (not visible here since arranged in the interior) in order to generate a respiratory air stream for ventilating the patient. The cough assist device 10 serves to specifically support the discharge of secretions from the airways of a patient and uses the fan system 102 for insufflation and exsufflation.

[0072] The internal device components of the respiratory therapy device 1 are accommodated here by a housing system 2. The housing system 2 here comprises a plurality of side faces, namely a front face 32, a top face 42, a bottom face 52, a rear face 62, and two laterally arranged sides 72, 82. The device 1 is equipped here as a portable respiratory therapy device with a maximum weight of 6 kg.

[0073] In addition, the respiratory therapy device 1 here comprises a display system 7 and an operating system 17. Part of the operating system 17 is made available by a touch-sensitive surface of the display system 7. The operating system 17 additionally comprises various hard keys, for example buttons and switches.

[0074] The respiratory therapy device 1 can be set up and operated in two different mounting positions 3, 4. The lower respiratory therapy device 1 of the assembly 300 is situated here in a horizontal mounting position 3, and the upper respiratory therapy device 1 in a vertical mounting position 4. To permit these mounting positions 3, 4, the housing system 2 here comprises two mounting surfaces 12, 22. A first mounting surface 12 is provided for the horizontal mounting position 3, and a second mounting surface 22 is provided for the vertical mounting position 4.

[0075] In the horizontal device 1, the first mounting surface corresponds to the bottom face 52, and the second mounting surface 22 corresponds to the rear face 62. In the vertical device 1, the first mounting surface 12 corresponds to the rear face 62, and the second mounting surface 22 corresponds to the bottom face 52.

[0076] In order to bring the individual respiratory therapy device 1 without the coupling system 200 from the horizontal to the vertical mounting position 3, 4 or vice versa, it merely has to be tilted. The change between the mounting positions 3, 4 is possible without any further measures, such as elements that can be coupled on or folded out. This is achieved here by, among other things, the fact that the mounting surfaces 12, 22 are designed to be sufficiently large and that a device center of gravity is also sufficiently low for the vertical position. Moreover, for the change of position, there is no need for hoses or cables to be reconnected. Furthermore, the respiratory therapy device 1 can provide the respiratory air stream required for the respective therapy independently of the mounting position 3, 4. Moreover, the openings provided for suctioning in of the air are arranged such that, in all mounting positions 3, 4, respiratory air suction is reliably permitted and there is no risk of blockage. The opening necessary for the suction and all the other openings of the housing system 2 correspond here to protection class IP22.

[0077] The device center of gravity in the vertical mounting position 4 is arranged here in a lower half of the device. For this purpose, a battery system 101 for energy supply and also the fan system 102 were arranged in the lower half of the device. Moreover, the interface 103 for the coupling of ventilation hoses and the cable connections 104 were arranged in the lower half of the device. Thus, the device 1 remains stable in the corresponding mounting position 3, 4 even if a hose or cable is accidentally pulled. The interfaces 103 and the cable connections 104 were moreover arranged in such a way that they are located laterally on the housing system 2 in all of the mounting positions 3, 4.

[0078] To make it possible to change between the mounting positions 3, 4 in a way that is as straightforward and convenient as possible, an integrated handle system 5 is provided here, which is arranged in a recessed manner on the housing system 2. As a result, the handle system 5 does not protrude from the contour of the housing system 2. Moreover, the handle is designed and arranged such that it can be grasped in both mounting positions 3, 4. Moreover, the handle system 5 is designed to be rigid and therefore does not have to be folded over or folded out before the mounting position 3, 4 is changed. The handle system 5 thus allows the device 1 to be carried in a simple and ergonomic manner and also enables the quick change of position from the horizontal to the vertical position 3, 4, and vice versa. Moreover, the handle system 5 can be reached in both mounting positions 3, 4 by a user standing in front of the respiratory therapy device 1.

[0079] To further simplify the mounting or laying down of the device 1, the housing system 2 is here equipped with a housing edge designed as a tilting edge 6. The device 1 can thus be tilted via the lower edge or rear edge for the change of position, without the user having to lift the whole device 1 up for this purpose. The tilting edge 6 is preferably provided, on the two mounting surfaces 12, 22, with suitable protective, soft or flexible mounting elements which allow the tilting process and the change of position to be carried out without, for example, causing scratches on the device or on a mounting surface 12, 22 or without risk of the user making such scratches.

[0080] The respiratory therapy device 1 here comprises a control system 105 which independently detects the respective mounting position 3, 4, for example by means of a sensor system, and then for example changes a device setting. For example, depending on the mounting position 3, 4, the alignment of the touchscreen is rotated or mirrored accordingly.

[0081] The display system 7 here has a display area which substantially covers the entire surface area of the largest side face of the device 1. This corresponds here, in the horizontal position 3, to the top face 42 and, in the vertical position 4, to the front face 32. The viewing angle of the display system 7 is optimized here in the horizontal mounting position 3 for a person who is standing. In the vertical mounting position 4, the viewing angle is then accordingly optimized for a person who is lying down or seated.

[0082] The respiratory therapy devices 1 shown here can also be mounted and operated in a back-to-back arrangement without the coupling system 200. For this purpose, both devices 1 are mounted in the vertical position 4 such that they stand on the second mounting surfaces 22. The first mounting surfaces 12, that is to say the rear faces 62, then touch each other, such that the devices can support each other at all times or in the event of an impact.

[0083] The coupling system 200 permits a mechanical and reliable connection of the two respiratory therapy devices 1. For this purpose, the horizontal respiratory therapy device 1 is joined to a coupling element via a first coupling unit 201, and the vertical respiratory therapy device 1 is connected to a coupling element via a second coupling unit 202. The coupling element 205 is designed here as a tube element and, for example, as a square tube.

[0084] In one embodiment, a chassis 207, shown here in a highly schematic manner, can be mounted on the coupling element 205. In this way, the entire assembly 300 can be moved in a particularly simple way and handled flexibly. To take hold of the assembly 300, an auxiliary handle 206 is then provided for example which, in the embodiment shown here, is arranged in the region of the horizontal respiratory therapy device 1.

[0085] The coupling system 200 or the assembly 300 are described below with reference to FIG. 1 and to the detailed representations in FIGS. 2 to 7.

[0086] The coupling units 201, 202 each comprise a coupling sword 203 and a coupling plate 204. The coupling swords 203 are attached here to the coupling element 205. The connection of coupling sword 203 and coupling plate 204 can be seen particularly well in FIG. 2, which shows this connection for the upper device 1 in a rear view of the assembly 300. The coupling plates 204 are here fastened as accessory parts to the first mounting surfaces 12 of the housing systems 2 of the respective respiratory therapy devices 1. By inserting the coupling sword 203 into the coupling plate 204, the devices 1 are fastened to the coupling element 205. Releasing and fastening without tools is preferably provided. Moreover, the connection can be secured, for example by means of a latch. Here, for example, a securing element 208 is provided, which can be seen particularly well in FIG. 7.

[0087] The coupling sword 203 for the lower or horizontal device 1 is fastened here to an extension 215 extending from a longitudinal side of the coupling element. The extension 215 can be seen particularly clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4, in which the coupling system 200 is shown without respiratory therapy devices 1.

[0088] As can be seen particularly clearly in FIG. 2, the coupling sword 203 for the upper device 1 is mounted on the coupling element 205. As can be seen particularly clearly in FIG. 3, the coupling sword for the lower device 1 is arranged on a support plate 213. The coupling sword 203 is then mounted on the extension 215 via the support plate 213.

[0089] In FIGS. 5 to 7, the support plate 213 with the coupling sword 203 and with the auxiliary handle 206 of the coupling system 200 is shown from different views. The support plate 213 of FIG. 6 is equipped in FIG. 7 with a coupling plate 204, such that the connection of coupling sword 203 and coupling plate 204 can be seen particularly clearly. The coupling plate 204 can be part of the coupling system 200 or can also be an accessory part or a fixed part of the housing system 2 of the respiratory therapy device 1. For example, the coupling plate 204 can be screwed onto the housing system 2. Alternatively, the coupling plate 204 can also be designed as a corresponding recess in the housing system 2, into which recess the coupling sword 203 can be inserted. Corresponding designs are also provided for the coupling plate 204 of the upper respiratory therapy device 1 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0090] The bottom face of the mounting plate 213 is shown in FIG. 7, such that a connecting system 217 can be seen particularly clearly here. The connecting system 217 can be provided to connect coupling plate 204 and coupling sword 203 or can also serve for connection to a chassis 207.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a single respiratory therapy device 1 in a horizontal mounting position 3. The device 1 is also equipped here with a coupling plate and an auxiliary handle 206, which however belong to the above-described coupling system 200 and are not part of the respiratory therapy device 1 shown here. The device 1 shown here can be easily and conveniently transferred to the vertical mounting position 4 by being tilted about the tilting edge 6.

[0092] In one embodiment, the coupling system 200 can have a support plate 213 for a respiratory therapy device 1, wherein the coupling system 200 is mounted with the support plate 213 on a chassis 207. The support plate 213 has at least one connecting system 217, which can be designed as a (paired) rail system, wherein the connecting system 217 is set up and designed to interact, substantially by force-fit or form-fit engagement, with a corresponding receptacle on the respiratory therapy device 1. For this purpose, the respiratory therapy device has such receptacles, that interact with the rail system by force-fit or form-fit engagement, in the region of its mounting surface. The respiratory therapy device can be placed with its mounting surface onto the support plate and can be pushed on the support plate into a mounting position, wherein the respiratory therapy device moves at least in part along the rails until the rails interact (by force-fit or form-fit engagement) with the receptacles. A securing element 208 in the region of the support plate serves to secure the respiratory therapy device 1 on the support plate in the mounting position. The support plate is preferably arranged horizontally on a chassis, wherein the chassis can extend in the vertical direction relative to the support plate. The support plate has the rails as left and right boundaries, in the form of an elevation, and has, as its rear boundary, a further rail or edge or a section of the chassis. The front region of the support plate has no boundary and serves to place the respiratory therapy device 1 here and push it onto the support plate.

[0093] The connecting system 217 and the corresponding receptacle on the respiratory therapy device 1 are preferably set up and designed such that both align with each other or slide along each other when the respiratory therapy device is placed with its mounting surface onto the support plate and is pushed on the support plate into a mounting position. For this purpose, the rails are preferably arranged in a funnel shape on the horizontally arranged support plate, wherein the opening of the funnel is to the front and wherein the funnel narrows to the rear. The respiratory therapy device can then be locked on the support plate by means of a securing element 208.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0094] 1 respiratory therapy device [0095] 2 housing system [0096] 3 mounting position, horizontal [0097] 4 mounting position, vertical [0098] 5 handle system [0099] 6 tilting edge [0100] 7 display system [0101] 10 cough assist device [0102] 12 mounting surface [0103] 17 operating system [0104] 20 ventilator [0105] 22 mounting surface [0106] 32 front face [0107] 42 top face [0108] 52 bottom face [0109] 62 rear face [0110] 72 side [0111] 82 side [0112] 101 battery system [0113] 102 fan system [0114] 103 interface [0115] 104 cable connection [0116] 105 control system [0117] 200 coupling system [0118] 201 coupling unit [0119] 202 coupling unit [0120] 203 coupling sword [0121] 204 coupling plate [0122] 205 coupling element [0123] 206 auxiliary handle [0124] 207 chassis [0125] 208 securing element [0126] 213 support plate [0127] 215 extension [0128] 217 connecting system [0129] 300 assembly