WO2016043644A1

WO2016043644A1 - Breathing apparatus with protected display unit

Info

Publication number: WO2016043644A1
Application number: PCT/SE2015/050951
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tobias BODIN; Karin Blomquist
Original assignee: Maquet Critical Care Ab
Priority date: 2014-09-15
Filing date: 2015-09-10
Publication date: 2016-03-24

Abstract

A breathing apparatus (1) comprising a housing (2) for enclosing components of a breathing circuit (20) for providing respiratory support to a patient is disclosed. The housing (2) has a base (3), a top surface (4) opposing the base (3), and an axial direction (5) between the base (3) and the top surface (4). A display unit (6) for interacting with the components of the breathing circuit (20) is attached to the housing (2) and moveable between a first position relative to the housing (2) and a second position relative to the housing (2). The display unit (6) has a front surface (7), a back surface (8) opposing the front surface (7), and side surfaces (9) between the front surface (7) and the back surface (8). A protective structure (10) extends from the top surface (4) at a periphery thereof and is arranged to protect the display unit (6) at least when positioned in its first position.

Description

Breathing Apparatus with Protected Display Unit

Field of the Invention

The present invention pertain in general to a breathing apparatus having a housing for enclosing components of a breathing circuit for providing respiratory support to a patient, and a display unit for interacting with the components of the breathing circuit. More specifically, the breathing apparatus comprises a protective structure that extends from a top surface of the housing and is arranged to protect the display unit at least when positioned in a first position relative to the housing. The display unit is moveable between the first position and a second position relative to the housing. In the latter position, the display unit may be substantially unprotected by the protective structure but positioned for convenient interaction with a user.

Background of the Invention

Mechanical ventilation in hospitals and in the field has contributed to improving the life of patients during and after surgeries, or suffering from accidental disrupted lung function or of patients suffering from acute chronic pulmonary diseases. Breathing apparatuses for mechanical ventilation may be designed for various types of uses, and may be designed for more or less mobility depending on the intended use, and may thus to be transportable between various locations. The apparatus normally comprises a control for operating the device and a display for displaying settings and data relating to the therapy of the patient. The control and display may be integrated with the apparatus, or detachable for a more ergonomical positon in terms of readability and control of the device in a clinical environment, where patient safety is paramount.

As indicated, the breathing apparatus may be more or less mobile depending on size and application. For example, the breathing apparatus may be carried on a trolley, such as the SERVO-s ventilator from Maquet Critical Care, which comprises handles attached to the trolley for facilitating mobility of the trolley, and the breathing apparatus may be moved from the trolley to a shelf or holder at the bed. Alternatively, the breathing apparatus may comprise a patient unit where gases are mixed and administered separated from the display unit.

Since the breathing apparatus may be transported between various locations and positions, it is exposed to the risk of incidental damage while being transported or moved. It can also be sensitive to tipping over, such as if transported on a trolley, again leading to incidental damage to the apparatus, and also be a risk for injury of the operator. The display or control unit of the device is a critical component for the operation of the device, and many times be attached to the breathing apparatus in a position that exposes it to incidental damage during transportation or during storage.

US5678539 discloses a respirator with a flat screen, a keypad and an input element designed as an operating unit which is pivotable in relation to the respirator. The operating unit may be designed as a component removable from the respirator, so that it can be fastened on any desired side of the respirator. When fastened to any side on the respirator, it will protrude from the respirator and thus be subject to incidental damage while being transported.

Some portable breathing apparatus may be transported on a trolley, such as the Evita® XL 5 intensive care ventilator available from Drager Medical®. This device has a tiltable control unit that can be attached to a front surface of the apparatus. The apparatus can be pushed using handles on the trolley. However, with the control panel mounted on the front surface of the apparatus, it is sensitive to tipping over during transportation, such as if the cart is tilted too much at thresholds or ramps. The display arranged on the front surface adds weight to this side of the apparatus, which o makes it more prone to tipping over to this side, which may cause damage to the apparatus and be safety risk to the person transporting it. Also, the control unit, which comprises a display, is exposed to incidental damage when transported. Furthermore, a user may rather use the control panel to push the apparatus than grabbing the handle on the trolley, not realizing that this may cause damage to the control panel.

5 The present invention addresses a widely recognized need to provide a breathing

apparatus that is easy to control when positioned for intensive care in a clinical environment and with improved protection and safety during transport and/or storage, and/or flexibility of the breathing apparatus. 0 Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention preferably seek to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more deficiencies, disadvantages or issues in the art, such as the above-identified, singly or in any combination by providing a breathing apparatus according to the appended patent claims.

5 The invention is defined by the appended claims.

The disclosed approach introduces in a first aspect a breathing apparatus comprising a housing for enclosing components of a breathing circuit for providing respiratory support to a patient. The housing has a base, a top surface opposing the base, and an axial direction between the base and the top surface. A display unit for interacting with the components of the breathing circuit is o attached to the housing and moveable between a first position relative to the housing and a second position relative to the housing. The display unit has a front surface, a back surface opposing the front surface, and side surfaces between the front surface and the back surface. A protective structure extends from the top surface at a periphery thereof and is arranged to protect the display unit at least when positioned in its first position.

5 The protective structure in the axial direction of the housing may extend beyond the

extension of the front surface of the display unit when the display unit is positioned in its first position. The front surface of the display unit in the axial direction of the housing may extend beyond the protective structure when the display unit is positioned in its second position.

The protective structure may be formed integral with the housing, and preferably form part of the side surface as a single unit.

5 The protective structure may comprise at least one through-hole forming a bar. In some embodiments, the protective structure comprises at least two through-holes at opposing sides of the housing. Each through-hole may form a bar.

The protective structure may extend from at least two sides of the top surface and preferably from at least three sides of the top surface. The display unit may be surrounded, or at least o substantially surrounded, on at least two, preferably on at least three, of its side surfaces by the protective structure when the display unit is positioned in its first position.

The display unit may be pivotally arranged relative the housing.

A display of the display unit may be facing the top surface of the housing when the display unit is in its first position.

5 The first position of the display unit may be a transport position and the second position of the display unit may be an operational position for user interaction with the display unit.

The protective structure may be arranged generally flush or coplanar with side surfaces of the housing in the axial direction.

The disclosed approach introduces in a second aspect the breathing apparatus in

0 combination with a trolley having a top plate for supporting the breathing apparatus, a frame, and wheels supporting the frame. The trolley may be free of any handles, such as bars or rails, for moving the trolley. A locking system may be arranged for releasably locking the breathing apparatus (1) to the trolley (30). 5 Some embodiments of the invention provide for a breathing apparatus that is easier to transport, safer to use, and at the same time protects vital parts of the apparatus during

transportation and/or storage. The device is as such less prone to incidental damage during transportation and/or storage.

The term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the o presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which embodiments of the invention 5 are capable of, will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a side view of the breathing apparatus and the protective structure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the breathing apparatus with the display unit in the first position;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the breathing apparatus with the display unit in the second position;

Fig. 4 is a front view of the breathing apparatus with the display unit in the first position;

Fig. 5 is a front view of the breathing apparatus with the display unit in the second position; Fig. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the housing and the of the breathing apparatus; Figs. 7a-7c are side views of the breathing apparatus with the display unit in the second position, a partially folded position, and the first position, respectively

Fig. 7d is a top view of an embodiment with the front surface of the display unit facing the top surface of the housing in the first position;

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the components of a breathing circuit; and

Fig. 9 is a side view of the breathing apparatus positioned on a trolley. Description of embodiments

Specific embodiments of the invention now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

The present description of the current invention is given with reference to a breathing apparatus 1 as an example only. It should be born in mind, however, that a breathing apparatus 1 can comprise a machine for respiratory support, such as a ventilator and/or an anaesthesia machine.

The invention is particularly suitable for a transportable breathing apparatus 1 , such as a mobile ventilator or a portable ventilator. The breathing apparatus may be for stationary use, such as bedside use, and as such be wall-gas dependent or wall-gas independent, or for use during transport. Furthermore, during use, the breathing apparatus may be put on a rack, a holder, a trolley, a shelf, etc. or simply be self-supported on wheels integrated with the apparatus, all depending on the size and application of the apparatus.

The present description also refers to transporting the breathing apparatus. Transporting includes moving the apparatus shorter or longer distances, such as from a trolley to a rack, holder, or shelf for bedside use of the apparatus or between locations within the hospital. Furthermore, transportation includes moving the apparatus longer distances, and optionally using the apparatus while being transported, such as in emergency care in an ambulance or helicopter. Figs. 1-3 illustrate embodiments of the breathing apparatus 1 , comprising a housing 2 for enclosing components of a breathing circuit 20 (Fig. 8) for providing respiratory support to a patient. The housing 2 has a base 3, for positioning the breathing apparatus 1 on top of a surface, such as a shelf, a desk, the floor, a transport trolley, a holder etc. during normal use or for transportation. A top surface 4 of the housing 2 is generally opposing the base 3. The housing 2 has an axial direction 5 between the base 3 and the top surface 4. The breathing apparatus 1 has a display unit 6, which may be referred to as a control unit, for interacting with the breathing apparatus 1 , such as providing settings of the components of the breathing circuit 20 and/or presenting data concerning the respiratory care. The display unit 6 is attached to the housing 2, such as permanently attached and thus not detachable from the housing 2. The display unit 6 is moveable between a first position relative to the housing 2, illustrated in Fig. 2, and a second position relative to the housing 2, illustrated in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the display unit 6 has a front surface 7, a back surface 8 (Fig. 9) generally opposing the front surface 7, and side surfaces 9 between the front surface 7 and the back surface 8. Alternatively, the display unit 2 is detachable from the housing 2, and has a connection interface for connecting the display unit 6 to the housing 2, such as by a fastening claw.

The breathing apparatus 1 comprises a protective structure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective structurel O extends from the top surface 4 of the housing 2 at a periphery thereof. Furthermore, the protective structure 10 is arranged to at least partially protect the display unit 6 at least when positioned in its first position.

Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the breathing apparatus 1 wherein the protective structure 10a is formed as an integral unit with a side surface 2a of the housing 2. The display unit 6 is illustrated by dashed line 6a, and the top surface with dashed line 4a. Hence, the side surface 2a and the protective structure 10a may form a single unit, which is configured such that it, as viewed in the axial direction 5 of the housing 2, is substantially equivalent to the extension of or extends beyond the extension of the front surface 7 of the display unit 6a, as will be described below with regard to the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 4. The embodiment of Fig. 1 may not have a through-hole, as will be discussed below with regard to other embodiments. Furthermore, the protective structure 10a may be arranged generally flush or coplanar with the housing 2a in the axial direction 5, which provides for a compact design substantially without protruding elements that may hook onto other items and cause damage to the breathing apparatus and/or its environment.

Fig. 4 illustrates the first position of the display unit 6. This position of the display unit 6 may be a transport position, a position for stand-by mode or when the breathing apparatus 1 is in disconnected mode and in storage. In the first position, interaction with the display unit 6 may not be required, and the display unit 6 may even be in in an in-operable mode. In the first position of the display unit 6, the protective structure 10 is configured such that it, as viewed in the axial direction 5 of the housing 2, is substantially equivalent to the extension of or extends beyond the extension of the front surface 7 of the display unit 6. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the protective structure 10 extends beyond the extension 11 of the front surface 7 of the display unit 6, as is illustrated with dotted line 11. Hence, the display unit 6 is protected from incidental damage coming from several of the side surfaces 9 of the display unit 6. Furthermore, a user may not risk pushing on the display unit 6. In this position of the display unit 6, the breathing apparatus 1 is less prone to incidental damage, tipping over, and thus safer to use.

Fig. 5 illustrates the second position of the display unit 6. This position of the display unit 6 may be an interaction position of the display unit 6, wherein the display is positioned for interaction with the breathing apparatus 1. In the second position of the display unit 6, the protective structure 10 is configured such that it, as viewed in the axial direction 5 of the housing 2, the front surface 7 of the display unit 6 extends beyond the protective structure 10 when the display unit 6 is positioned in its second position.

In the illustrated embodiments, the protective structure 10 is formed integral with the housing 2. Hence, it is permanently fixed to the housing 2, and may as such form an integral part of the side surface as a single unit, i.e. be made of a single piece of material. Alternatively, the protective structure 10 may be formed as a separate unit but permanently attached to the housing 2 using e.g. fastening elements, such as screws, snap-fit connections etc. Thus, the protective structure 10 forms a rigid unit with the housing 2 and stable and reliable protection against damage. Furthermore, the protective structure 10 may as such form a stable structure for transporting the breathing apparatus 1 , such as pushing the apparatus on a trolley without accidentally pushing on the fragile display unit 6 and cause damage to it.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1-4, the protective structure 10 extends from three sides of the top surface 4. Hence, the display unit 6 may be surrounded or substantially surrounded on three of its side surfaces 9 by the protective structure 10 when the display unit 6 is positioned in its first position. The protective structure 10 may extend substantially along the entire length of any of the side surfaces of the top surface 4, such as the along the entire length of the three sides of the top surface 4.

One or two sides of the protective structure may be slightly tapered, i.e. slightly lower in one end than the other which may cause the protective structure not to extend beyond the entire front surface of the display (exemplified in figs. 3 and 9). Further, one or two sides of the protective structure may be curved in one or both ends (exemplified in figs. 2, 3 and 9).

Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein the protective structure 10 extends from four sides of the top surface 4, whereby the display unit 6 is surrounded or substantially surrounded on all four of its side surfaces 9 by the protective structure 10 when the display unit 6 is positioned in its first position. The protective structure 10 may extend substantially along the entire length of any of the side surfaces of the top surface 4, such as the along the entire length of the four sides of the top surface 4. In other embodiments, the structure 10 extends from two opposing sides of the top surface 4, whereby the display unit 6 is surrounded on two of its side surfaces 9 by the protective structure 10 when the display unit 6 is positioned in its first position.

In one embodiment wherein the display only cover part of the top surface 4, the protective structure 10 may extend along any of the side surfaces to the extent that at least the side surfaces of the display are protected.

In some embodiments, the protective structure 10 is configured as a rail or a bar. As such, the protective structure 10 comprises at least one through-hole 13 forming the bar or rail, preferably at least two through-holes at opposing sides of the housing 2. Each through-hole 13 thus forms the bar or rail. In the illustrated embodiments, the sides of the housing 2 extend in the axial direction 5 of the housing 2, and the protective structure 10, such as each bar or rail, is arranged generally flush or coplanar with one side of the housing 2. This provides for a safer design since it may not accidentally hook to something in the clinical environment, such as cords and hoses, whereby the apparatus may tip over, be damaged or cause damage to its environment, and in worst case cause damage to the clinician or the patient. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments, the bar or rail is attached to the housing 2 at the ends of the bar or rail. Hence, the protective structure 10 does not extend from the housing 2 in the vertical direction, again leading to a safer design. In other embodiments, the bar or rail may, additionally or optionally, be attached to the housing 2 at other positions along the length of the bar or rail or along the length of the side of the housing 2.

Providing at least one bar or rail provides for convenient transportation of the breathing apparatus 1 , such as by gripping the bar or rail and pushing it on a cart or trolley (see Fig. 9). Two bars or rails at opposing sides of the housing 2 provides for transporting the breathing apparatus 1 by carrying it. At the same time, the display unit 6 is protected from incidental damage when in its first position.

The bar or rail may be connected to the housing 2 by a connective element. The connective element may be an integral portion of the housing 2 and the rail forming a single unit of the three elements. For example, each side of the housing 2, optionally including the bar or rail and/or the connective element, may form a single unit as described above. Four such units may be connected to a single assembly. Alternatively, several sides of the housing 2 are formed as a single unit made out of one integrated piece of material.

The breathing apparatus 1 having a protective structure formed as a bar or rail may be of a size suitable for carrying or transport, such as on a cart or trolley. Hence, this embodiment facilitates both convenient transporting of the apparatus at the same time as the display unit 6 is protected during transportation. Such portable breathing apparatus may be wall-gas dependent relying on gas drawn from the hospital supply lines. Alternatively, such portable breathing apparatus may comprise ventilators capable of providing their own controlled pressure and flow of gas, such as intensive care units, for at-home recovery, intensive care, transport, and neonatal respiratory care etc., e.g., following pulmonary surgery or when acute Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) syndrome, or even Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), are factors. Such portable ventilators have in common that they may be wall-gas independent and thus do not rely on oxygen and compressed air drawn from the hospital supply lines. Instead, these devices may use the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) principle, where continuous positive pressure generated to maintain a continuous level of positive airway pressure in a spontaneously breathing patient. The flow of air may be generated by a blower, such as a micro turbine blower, where inspiration pressure and expiration pressure can be controi!ed by acting on the motor speed.

In some embodiments, the display unit 6 is pivotally arranged relative the housing 2 at a fourth side of the top surface 4. For example, the display unit 6 may be pivotally attached to the housing 2 at the side of the top surface 4, such as illustrated in Figs. 2-3. A hinge mechanism may connect the display unit 6 to the housing 2. The hinge mechanism may be arranged at the side of the top surface 4 not having a protective structure, and/or at the front side of the housing 2. At the other end, the hinge mechanism may be attached to the display unit 6, such as at the center 14 of the back surface 8, as is illustrated in Fig. 9, or at a front side surface 15 of the display unit 6 facing towards a front surface of the breathing apparatus 1 , such as is illustrated in Fig. 2.

Figs. 7a-7c illustrate embodiments wherein the hinge mechanism 16a comprises a pivotal and rotational attachment of the display unit 6b to the housing 2b. A first hinge is attached to the back surface of the display unit 6b, and a second hinge is attached to the housing. An arm is attached between the first hinge and the second hinge. The hinge mechanism 16a may be attached to the housing 2b at a single side thereof, such as at the front surface of the housing 2b, as is illustrated in Figs. 7a-7c. Also, the hinge mechanism 16a, such as the first hinge, may be attached to the display unit 6b at a center of its back surface.

Fig. 7a illustrates a side view of the display unit 6a in its second position, wherein it is substantially unprotected by the protective structure 10b, at least from the viewing direction. The display unit is in position for convenient operation of the breathing apparatus by interacting with the display unit 6b.

Fig. 7b illustrates a side view of the display unit 6b in a partially folded position, wherein it has been rotated 180 degrees relative the hinge mechanism 16a, illustrated with arrow 17, and then partially tilted towards the top surface of the housing 2b, illustrated with arrow 18. When rotated 180 degrees, the front surface of the display unit 6b is generally facing towards the top surface of the housing 2b.

Fig. 7c illustrates a side view of the display unit in its first position, wherein the front surface of the display unit 2b is completely facing the top surface of the housing 2b. The front surface of the display unit 6b may be positioned substantially flush or parallel with the top surface of the housing 2b. Furthermore, the display unit 6b is protected by the protective structure 10b, at least from the viewing direction, i.e. from a side surface of the housing 2b. In the illustrated embodiments, the protective structure is formed as a bar or rail, as described above. A corresponding bar or rail may be arranged on the opposing side of the housing 2b or any other side, as described above. In other embodiments, the protective structure 10b is not formed as a bar or rail, also as is described above.

In order to raise the display unit 6b back to the second position, the process may be reversed, whereby the display unit 6b is tilted, e.g. 90 degrees, from its first position with the front surface towards the top surface and with the back surface towards the user, and then rotated 180 degrees, to a position with the front surface facing the user. Hence, the display unit 6b is reversible and may be flipped as well as tilted. The hinge mechanism 16a, when attached at the center of the back surface of the display unit 6b, may have a hinge mechanism configured for tilting as well as reversing the front surface of the display unit 6b from facing the top surface to an upright position facing the user, such as substantially aligned with, or inclined relative (as is illustrated with arrow 19 in Fig. 7a) to, the axial direction 5.

A user interface of the display unit 6b may be aligned relative the base of the housing 2 and oriented relative a first or second end of the display unit 6b depending on its position relative the front side and the back side of the breathing apparatus 1. Hence, in a first orientation relative a first end of the display unit 6b, such as the end of the display unit located closest to the base in Fig. 7a, the user interface is displayed with a bottom portion of the user interface oriented towards the first end of the display unit 6b. In this position, the display unit 6b and the graphical user interface are positioned for interaction from the front side of the breathing apparatus 1. When the display unit 6b has been rotated 180 degrees, such as indicated with arrow 18 in Fig. 7b, but substantially not tilted or titled in the opposite direction compared to Fig. 7b, the front surface of the display unit 6b is facing the same direction as the back side of the breathing apparatus 1. When the display unit 6b is rotated, the graphical user interface is flipped or re-oriented to a second orientation relative the display unit 6b, such that the bottom portion of the graphical user interface is oriented towards the second end of the display unit, which now is located closest to the base of the housing 2b. The graphical user interface may e.g. be re-oriented about 180 degrees relative the display unit 6b. This provides for convenient operation of the breathing apparatus 1 both from its back side and its front side, such as connecting cords and hoses on the back side while at the same time interacting with the graphical user interface. The breathing apparatus 1 will be flexible and yet the display unit is protected, since the breathing apparatus 1 does not have to be moved while being operated interchangeably from its front or back sides.

In some examples, the re-reorientation of the graphical user interface may be used together with a display unit without the protective structure 10b on the housing 2b. In such examples, the breathing apparatus 1 may comprise substantially the features described herein, but without the protective structure 10b.

A sensor, such as a position or motion sensor, e.g. a gyroscope sensor, such as a MEMS gyroscope, or magnetic field sensor, may sense the position, orientation, and/or movement of the display unit 6b relative the base. The sensor may be connected to a controller for re-orienting the graphical user interface relative the display unit in response to sensing movement of the display unit 6b.

Fig. 7d illustrates an embodiment wherein the front surface 7 of the display unit 6 is facing the top surface 4 of the housing 2 when the display unit 6 is in its first position. Hence, the back surface 8 of the display unit 6 is facing away from the top surface 4 protecting, e.g., a display and/or controls on the front surface 7 of the display unit 6. Hinge mechanisms 16b on opposing sides of the display unit 6 are configured for pivotal and/or rotational attachment of the display unit 6 relative to the housing 2. The hinge mechanisms 16b may be attached to side surfaces of the display unit 6 in a slidable arrangement allowing the front surface 7 of the display unit 6 to be tilted forward towards a front side of the housing 2 as well as rotated towards the front side such that the front surface 7 faces the front side of the breathing apparatus 1.

The display unit 6, 6a, 6b may comprise a display. Furthermore, the display unit 6, 6a, 6b may also comprise a control for interacting with the display and the breathing circuit 20 of the breathing apparatus 1. The control may be interactive controls presented on a touch sensitive display. Such interfaces are for example explained in detail in patent applications WO2013/182326, WO 2013/189614, and WO2014/124684 by the same applicant as the present invention and which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, especially with regard to the user interfaces described in these applications, which are applicable for controlling and/or operating the breathing apparatus 1 of the present invention. Alternatively or additionally, the display unit 6 may comprise knobs and/or buttons for interacting with the the breathing circuit 20.

Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the breathing circuit 20, comprising a gas pressure supply unit 21, an inspiratory gas unit 22, an expiratory gas unit 23, and a controller 24.

The gas pressure supply unit 21 comprises respiratory support components, such as components for invasive, non-invasive and/or neurally controlled ventilation for wall-gas dependent or wall-gas independent gas supply. The gas pressure supply unit 21 may e.g. comprise a blower, such as a micro-turbine blower, for providing gas pressure in the inspiratory gas unit 22 and/or the expiratory gas unit 23.

The pressure provided may be controlled by the controller 24, such as by regulating the motor speed of the gas pressure supply unit 21.

Furthermore, the inspiratory gas unit 22 may be connected to a gas inlet in the housing 2 for letting ambient air into the inspiratory gas unit 22 to be supplied to the patient at the other end of the inspiratory gas unit 22. Similarly, the expiratory gas unit 23 may be connected to a gas outlet in the housing 2 for letting expiratory gas flow from the patient to the ambient air.

The breathing circuit 20 may also comprise various valves for regulating the gas flow, which may be controlled by the controller 24. The breathing circuit 20 is connected to the display unit 6, such as to the control thereof, for interacting with the controller 24 in order to operate the breathing apparatus 1. The gas inlet and/or the gas outlet may be provided at a front side of the breathing apparatus 1 , such as is illustrated in Figs. 2-3.

The breathing apparatus 1 may be battery powered with a battery arranged within the housing 2.

Fig. 9 illustrates the breathing apparatus 1 arranged on a trolley 30, having a foot 31, a frame 32 extending between the foot 31 and a top plate 33. The foot 31 may be supported by wheels 34. The breathing apparatus 1 may be arranged on the top plate 33. Hence, the footprint of the top plate 33 may substantially correspond to or be slightly larger than the footprint of the housing 2. The embodiments of the breathing apparatus 1 with the protective structure 10, such as when configured as bars or rails, and the arrangement of the display unit 6 in its first position during transportation provides for improved weight distribution compared to known breathing apparatus 1 with the display unit 6 arranged at side surfaces of the housing 2. Hence, the breathing apparatus 1 is less prone to tipping over during transportation by pushing the trolley 30. At the same time, the display unit 6 is protected from incidental damage during transportation. In some embodiments, the trolley 30 does not have any handles.

In some embodiments, the breathing apparatus 1 is releasably attached or locked to the trolley 30. A releasable locking system, such as a snap-fit joint system, may be arranged on the trolley, e.g. on the top plate 33, and the housing 2, such as at the base 3 thereof. The releasable locking system may comprise locating and locking features that are homogenous with at least one of the breathing apparatus 1 or the top plate 33. Joining of the breathing apparatus 1 and the trolley 30 may require the locking features to move aside for engagement with the mating part, followed by return of the locking feature toward its original position to accomplish the interference required to latch the components together. The releasable locking system allows for pushing on the protective structure 10 when the breathing apparatus 1 is positioned on and locked to the trolley 10 without risking the breathing apparatus falling of the trolley 30, thus protecting the breathing apparatus 1 from damage and risk of injury to the operator.

It should also be appreciated that features disclosed in the foregoing description, embodiments and/or in the foregoing drawings and/or following claims both separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realizing the present invention in diverse forms thereof. When used in the following claims, the terms "comprise", "include", "have" and their conjugates mean,

"including but not limited to".

The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above described are equally possible within the scope of the invention. Different method steps than those described above may be provided within the scope of the invention. The different features and steps of the invention may be combined in other combinations than those described. The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims.

Claims

1. A breathing apparatus (1 ) comprising,

a housing (2, 2a) for enclosing components of a breathing circuit (20) for providing respiratory support to a patient, the housing (2) having a base (3), a top surface (4, 4a) opposing the base (3), and an axial direction (5) between the base (3) and the top surface (4, 4a); a display unit (6) for interacting with the components of the breathing circuit (20) being attached to the housing (2, 2a) and moveable between a first position relative to the housing (2) and a second position relative to the housing (2, 2a), the display unit (6) having a front surface (7), a back surface (8) opposing the front surface (7), and side surfaces (9) between the front surface (7) and the back surface (8); and

a protective structure (10, 10a) extending from the top surface (4, 4a) at a periphery thereof and being arranged to protect the display unit (6) at least when positioned in its first position.

2. The breathing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the protective structure (10, 10a) in the axial direction (5) of the housing (2, 2a) extends beyond the extension of the front surface (7) of the display unit (6) when the display unit (6) is positioned in its first position, and wherein the front surface (7) of the display unit (6) in the axial direction (5) of the housing (2, 2a) extends beyond the protective structure (10) when the display unit (6) is positioned in its second position.

3. The breathing apparatus of any of the previous claims, wherein the housing (2) comprises at least one side surface extending between the base and the top surface (4) of the housing (2, 2a), and wherein the protective structure (10) is formed integral with the housing (2, 2a), and preferably forms part of the side surface as a single unit.

4. The breathing apparatus of any of the previous claims, wherein the protective structure (10) comprises at least one through-hole (13) forming a bar, preferably at least two through-holes at opposing sides of the housing, each through-hole (13) forming a bar, wherein the sides of the housing (2) extends in the axial direction of the housing.

5. The breathing apparatus of any of the previous claims, wherein the protective structure (10, 10a) extends from at least three sides of the top surface (4), whereby the display unit (6) is at least substantially surrounded on at least three of its side surfaces by the protective structure (10, 10a) when the display unit (6) is positioned in its first position.

6. The breathing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the display unit (6) is pivotally arranged relative the housing (2, 2a).

7. The breathing apparatus of any of the previous claims, wherein a display of the display unit (6) is facing the top surface (4) of the housing (2, 2a) when the display unit (6) is in its first position.

8. The breathing apparatus of any of the previous claims, wherein the first position of the

display unit (6) is a transport position and the second position of the display unit (6) is an operational position.

9. The breathing apparatus of any of the previous claims, wherein the protective structure (6) is arranged generally flush with side surfaces of the housing (2) in the axial direction (5).

10. The breathing apparatus of any of claims 1-9 in combination with a trolley (30) having a top plate (33) for supporting the breathing apparatus (1), a frame (32), and wheels (34) supporting the frame (32).

11. The breathing apparatus of claim 10, comprising a locking system for releasably locking the breathing apparatus (1) to the trolley (30).