Blower with bearing tube

The present invention relates to a blower for creating a pressure differential (eg, air at positive or negative (vacuum) pressure). In one embodiment, the blower may be used in a positive airway pressure (PAP) device or flow generator used for providing respiratory therapy to a patient. Examples of such therapies are continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), and variable positive airway pressure (VPAP). This therapy is used for the treatment of various respiratory conditions including sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and more specifically obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the blower may also be used for other applications, such as applying vacuum (medical or otherwise).

This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/924909 filed on June 5, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/996001 filed on October 24, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/996001 filed on March 7, 2008. Claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/064477, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Blowers generally include two main parts: a rotating part, an impeller and a shaft, and a stationary part, typically a chamber such as a volute, that defines a fluid flow path.

Bearings are typically employed in pairs and in a coaxial arrangement to support rotating parts, such as shafts. Ideally, the two bearings are positioned by a stationary member that constrains the two bearings in perfect axial alignment. Real-world designs are not perfect, thus compromising bearing performance.

A widely adopted bearing suspension mode involves holding each bearing within a separate housing structure and fitting the housing structures together to approximate a coaxial bearing configuration.

There are two main types of constraints regarding bearing encapsulation. One constraint relates to practical limits of manufacturing precision, and another relates to the need to mount and efficiently enclose articles that must be rotated.

Regarding the first constraint, although the accuracy of part forming technology is constantly improving, the current technology is not perfect. Additionally, improved accuracy typically translates into greater expense, often discouraging manufacturers from adopting state-of-the-art processes.

A second constraint arises from the need to place items (rotor/stator, etc.) between the pair of bearings. This typically results in the use of a two-piece housing configuration. A consequence of multi-component housings is that they accumulate undesirable tolerance increases at each joint or mating surface, and therefore each component part must be precisely shaped so that the accumulated dimensional errors remain within tolerance. There must be.

<p><patcit num="1"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/877373</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>PCT application PCT/AU2007/000719 specification</text></patcit><patcit num="3"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/853,778</text></patcit><patcit num="4"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/929558</text></patcit><patcit num="5"><text>PCT Application No. PCT/AU2006/001617</text></patcit></p>

<p>Therefore, a need has arisen in the art for an improved arrangement that does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks.</p>

<p>One aspect of the invention includes a stationary part that includes an inlet and an outlet, a rotating part that is provided (e.g., in close proximity to, but not in contact with) the stationary part, and a motor that is adapted to drive the rotating part. For example, it relates to a blower including an electric motor). The inlet and outlet are coaxially aligned. The stationary portion includes a housing, a stator component mounted on the housing, and a tube providing an interior surface. The rotating portion includes one or more bearings that are provided along the inner surface of the tube to support the rotor within the tube (e.g., the bearings connect the rotating portion to the stationary portion. do). In alternative embodiments, the stator components may include stator vanes, and the stator vanes may be separate parts from the tubes. In one embodiment, the blower is configured to supply air at positive pressure. In one embodiment, the stator components and/or tubes may be constructed from a plastic material.</p><p>Another aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device for producing a supply of pressurized gas to be provided to a patient for treatment. The PAP device includes an outer casing, a blower, and a support system between the blower and the outer casing. The support system includes an annular seal provided on the outer surface of the blower and adapted to engage the outer casing to support the blower within the casing and to separate the inlet side of the blower from the outlet side of the blower. include. In alternative embodiments, the annular seal may be overmolded onto the blower or may be a separate part adapted to be attached to the blower.</p><p>Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for forming windings of a stator assembly in a blower. The method includes the steps of: providing a stationary portion for a blower including a tube adapted to support a rotor; and using the tube as a mandrel to form windings of a stator assembly. include.</p><p>Another aspect of the invention relates to a blower that includes a stationary part including an inlet and an outlet, a rotating part mounted on the stationary part, and a motor adapted to drive the rotating part. A stationary portion includes a housing and a stator component mounted on the housing. The stator component includes a portion adapted to support a rotor of a rotating portion and a cage surrounding the portion. In one embodiment, the blower is configured to supply air at positive pressure. In one embodiment, the stator component may be constructed from a plastic material. In one embodiment, the portion includes a tube and the motor includes a stator assembly disposed along an outer surface of the tube. In an alternative embodiment, the portion includes a metal bearing support having first and second portions adapted to support first and second bearings that support a rotor.</p><p>Another aspect of the invention includes a stationary part including an inlet and an outlet, a rotating part disposed in the stationary part, and a motor adapted to drive the rotating part, the motor comprising a stator assembly having windings. and a detection system for detecting motor failure by monitoring winding resistance and/or current draw and then providing a signal to indicate a detected motor failure. Regarding. In one embodiment, the blower is configured to supply air at positive pressure.</p><p>Another aspect of the invention relates to a stator (eg, one, two, or more piece magnetic core) for a stator assembly. The stator includes an inner portion including a plurality of stator teeth and an annular outer portion configured to receive the inner portion. The outer portion includes a plurality of recesses at its inner periphery that are adapted to receive respective teeth of the inner portion.</p><p>Another aspect of the invention relates to a blower that includes a stationary part including an inlet and an outlet, a rotating part mounted on the stationary part, and a motor adapted to drive the rotating part. The inlet and outlet are coaxially positioned. The stationary part includes a housing and a metal bearing support provided on the housing. The metal bearing support includes first and second portions, and the rotating portion includes first and second portions supported by the first and second portions, respectively, for supporting a rotor within the metal bearing support. including bearings. In one embodiment, the blower is configured to supply air at positive pressure.</p><p>Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.</p><p>The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of various embodiments of the invention.</p><p>[Additional note 1]</p><p>A blower comprising a stationary part including a coaxially arranged inlet and an outlet, a rotating part disposed in the stationary part, and a motor adapted to drive the rotating part, the stationary part comprising a housing. a stator component disposed in the housing; and a tube having an inner surface, wherein the rotating portion includes one or more bearings disposed along the inner surface of the tube, thereby causing the A blower characterized by supporting a rotor inside a tube.</p><p>[Additional note 2]</p><p>2. The blower of claim 1, wherein the motor includes a stator assembly disposed along an outer surface of the tube.</p><p>[Additional note 3]</p><p>The blower according to claim 1, wherein the stator component is integrally formed as a unitary structure.</p><p>[Additional note 4]</p><p>2. The blower of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the tube is sufficiently magnetically transparent to allow passage of a magnetic field.</p><p>[Additional note 5]</p><p>The blower according to supplementary note 1, wherein the blower is a multi-stage blower.</p><p>[Additional note 6]</p><p>The blower according to supplementary note 5, wherein the rotating portion includes one impeller provided on one side of the motor and one impeller provided on the other side of the motor.</p><p>[Additional note 7]</p><p>6. The blower according to claim 5, wherein the stationary portion is configured to allow airflow to enter and exit each stage in the axial direction.</p><p>[Additional note 8]</p><p>The blower according to supplementary note 1, wherein the bearings have different sizes.</p><p>[Additional note 9]</p><p>At one end of the tube, a first surface is formed to support a first bearing, and at the other end of the tube, a second surface is formed to support a first bearing. 8. The blower according to claim 8, wherein the blower is configured to support a second bearing that is also smaller.</p><p>[Additional Note 10]</p><p>2. The blower according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of stationary blades are provided on the stator component.</p><p>[Additional Note 11]</p><p>11. The blower of clause 10, wherein the stator vanes are configured to support and maintain a stator assembly of the motor in an operating position.</p><p>[Additional Note 12]</p><p>An inner portion of the stator vane is configured to lock and support a winding of the stator assembly, and an outer portion of the stator vane is configured to lock and support a stator of the stator assembly. The blower described in Supplementary Note 11.</p><p>[Additional Note 13]</p><p>13. The blower of claim 12, wherein the inner portion is concave or lowered relative to the outer portion.</p><p>[Additional Note 14]</p><p>2. The blower of claim 1, wherein the stationary portion includes at least one shield to isolate stationary blades of the stationary portion from impeller blades of the rotating portion.</p><p>[Additional Note 15]</p><p>15. The blower of clause 14, wherein the stationary portion includes a first shield that cooperates with the stator components to surround and sandwich the stator assembly.</p><p>[Additional Note 16]</p><p>16. The blower of clause 15, wherein the first shield includes one or more tabs adapted to lock within each slot in the housing and/or stator component.</p><p>[Additional Note 17]</p><p>16. The blower of clause 15, wherein the first shield includes an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit to form a pressure short circuit around the tube.</p><p>[Additional Note 18]</p><p>15. The blower of clause 14, wherein the stationary portion includes a second shield that directs airflow toward the outlet.</p><p>[Additional Note 19]</p><p>19. The blower of clause 18, wherein the second shield includes a plurality of vanes configured to support and align the shield at the outlet.</p><p>[Additional Note 20]</p><p>19. The blower of clause 18, wherein the housing includes a plurality of stator vanes to direct airflow toward the outlet, and the stator vanes are configured to support and align the second shield.</p><p>[Additional Note 21]</p><p>Clause 1, wherein at least a portion of the stator assembly is exposed to a gas flow path, said gas flow path allowing cooling of said stator assembly when gas flows through said stationary portion in use. Blower described in.</p><p>[Additional Note 22]</p><p>2. The blower of claim 1, wherein the rotating portion includes at least one impeller adapted to be driven by the motor.</p><p>[Additional Note 23]</p><p>23. The blower of claim 22, wherein the at least one impeller has a mixed flow configuration by having the impeller blades bent or tilted downward relative to the axis of the impeller hub.</p><p>[Additional note 24]</p><p>24. The blower of clause 23, wherein the impeller blades each include ends having longitudinal axes bent or inclined downwardly at an angle with respect to the axis of the impeller hub.</p><p>[Additional note 25]</p><p>25. The blower according to claim 24, wherein the angle is about 90° to about 160°.</p><p>[Additional note 26]</p><p>24. The blower of claim 23, wherein the stationary portion is tapered to match the mixed flow configuration of the impeller.</p><p>[Additional note 27]</p><p>The blower according to supplementary note 1, wherein the housing includes a first housing part and a second housing part.</p><p>[Additional note 28]</p><p>28. The blower of clause 27, wherein the housing portion cooperates to form a slot adapted to receive and support an edge of the stator component.</p><p>[Additional note 29]</p><p>29. The blower according to claim 28, further comprising a sealing arrangement between the first housing part and the second housing part.</p><p>[Additional note 30]</p><p>The sealing arrangement includes a first seal for sealing between ends of the housing portion and a second seal for sealing between an edge of the stator component and the housing portion. The blower according to supplementary note 29, which includes a seal.</p><p>[Additional note 31]</p><p>31. The blower of claim 30, wherein the first seal and the second seal are overmolded to an end of one of the housing sections.</p><p>[Additional note 32]</p><p>31. The blower of clause 30, wherein the stator component includes a protrusion adapted to lock to the second seal.</p><p>[Additional note 33]</p><p>28. The blower according to claim 27, wherein the housing portions are secured to each other by a plurality of snap-fit members.</p><p>[Additional note 34]</p><p>2. The blower of claim 1, wherein the stator component forms a cage that includes a plurality of spaced apart sidewalls, the plurality of spaced apart sidewalls forming an opening in the cage.</p><p>[Additional note 35]</p><p>35. The blower according to claim 34, wherein the cage is cylindrical.</p><p>[Additional note 36]</p><p>2. The blower of claim 1, wherein the stationary portion includes a grid configured to direct airflow during use.</p><p>[Additional note 37]</p><p>2. The blower of claim 1, wherein the stationary portion includes a woven mesh configured to direct airflow during use.</p><p>[Additional note 38]</p><p>The blower according to claim 1, wherein the stationary portion includes a honeycomb-like structure configured to guide airflow during use.</p><p>[Additional note 39]</p><p>The blower according to claim 1, wherein the stationary portion includes a helical extrusion configured to guide airflow during use.</p><p>[Additional note 40]</p><p>The blower according to clause 1, configured to supply air at positive pressure.</p><p>[Additional note 41]</p><p>Clause 1, wherein the motor includes a stator having an annular body and a plurality of stator teeth extending radially inward from the body around which windings are wound. Blower.</p><p>[Additional note 42]</p><p>The blower according to claim 1, wherein the motor includes windings wound directly around the tube.</p><p>[Additional note 43]</p><p>A PAP device equipped with the blower described in Supplementary Note 1.</p><p>[Additional note 44]</p><p>44. The PAP device of clause 43, further comprising an outer casing and a support system for supporting the blower within the outer casing.</p><p>[Additional note 45]</p><p>45. The PAP device of clause 44, wherein the support system includes an annular ring formed on a side of the blower and adapted to lock within each slot formed in the outer casing.</p><p>[Additional note 46]</p><p>46. The PAP device according to claim 45, wherein the annular ring divides or seals an inlet side of the blower from an outlet side of the blower.</p><p>[Additional note 47]</p><p>47. The PAP device of clause 46, wherein the support system includes a plurality of legs adapted to lock a base of the outer casing.</p><p>[Additional note 48]</p><p>48. The PAP device of clause 47, wherein the leg includes a backup seal between the inlet side and the outlet side of the blower.</p><p>[Additional note 49]</p><p>49. The PAP device of clause 48, wherein the annular ring and leg are overmolded to the housing of the blower.</p><p>[Additional Note 50]</p><p>50. The PAP device of clause 49, wherein an overmolded feeder interconnects the annular ring to each of the legs.</p><p>[Additional note 51]</p><p>A PAP device for supplying pressurized gas for supplying and treating a patient, comprising: an outer casing; a blower; and a support system disposed between the blower and the outer casing; the support system is provided with an annular seal, the annular seal being disposed on an outer surface of the blower and locking to the outer casing, thereby supporting the blower within the outer casing; and a PAP device that separates the inlet side of the blower from the outlet side of the blower.</p><p>[Additional note 52]</p><p>52. The PAP device of clause 51, wherein the support system includes a plurality of legs formed on a bottom of the blower and adapted to engage a base of the outer casing.</p><p>[Additional note 53]</p><p>52. The PAP device of clause 51, wherein the seal is overmolded onto the outer surface of the blower.</p><p>[Additional note 54]</p><p>52. The PAP device of clause 51, wherein the seal is formed as a separate piece adapted to be attached to the outer surface of the blower.</p><p>[Additional note 55]</p><p>52. The PAP device of clause 51, wherein the seal is molded from an elastomeric material.</p><p>[Additional note 56]</p><p>A method for forming windings of a stator assembly in a blower, the steps comprising: providing a stationary portion for the blower including a tube adapted to support a rotor; using the tube as a mandrel to form the winding.</p><p>[Additional note 57]</p><p>57. The method of claim 56, comprising forming the tube such that the tube can be used as a mandrel.</p><p>[Additional note 58]</p><p>58. The method of clause 57, comprising forming the tube to include a cylindrical structure with a tapered portion.</p><p>[Additional note 59]</p><p>57. The method of clause 56, comprising adding one or more structural components to the tube to assist in unwinding the winding from the tube.</p><p>[Additional note 60]</p><p>60. The method of clause 59, comprising adding one or more splines to the tube.</p><p>[Additional note 61]</p><p>A blower comprising a stationary part including an inlet and an outlet, a rotating part disposed in the stationary part, and a motor adapted to drive the rotating part, the stationary part comprising: a housing; a stator component disposed on the housing, the stator component including a portion adapted to support a rotor of the rotating portion; and a cage surrounding the portion. A blower.</p><p>[Additional note 62]</p><p>62. The blower of claim 61, wherein the portion includes a tube and the motor includes a stator assembly disposed along an outer surface of the tube.</p><p>[Additional note 63]</p><p>63. The blower of clause 62, wherein the cage is configured to support and maintain the stator assembly in an operational position.</p><p>[Additional note 64]</p><p>64. The blower of clause 63, wherein the cage includes a plurality of spaced side walls defining an opening in the cage.</p><p>[Additional note 65]</p><p>Clause 64, wherein at least a portion of the stator assembly is exposed to a gas flow path, and the gaseous fluid allows the stator assembly to be cooled when gas flows through the stationary portion in use. Blower as described.</p><p>[Additional note 66]</p><p>63. The blower of clause 62, wherein the stator component includes a base configured to support the stator component within the housing.</p><p>[Additional note 67]</p><p>63. The blower of clause 62, wherein the stator component includes a shield portion configured to direct gas in use.</p><p>[Additional note 68]</p><p>68. The blower of claim 67, wherein the tube and the cage are configured to extend from the shield portion.</p><p>[Additional note 69]</p><p>63. The blower of claim 62, wherein the stator component is integrally formed as a unitary structure.</p><p>[Additional note 70]</p><p>63. The blower of clause 62, wherein the rotating portion includes one or more bearings along an inner surface of the tube to support the rotor within the tube.</p><p>[Additional note 71]</p><p>62. The blower according to claim 61, wherein the inlet and the outlet are coaxially aligned.</p><p>[Additional note 72]</p><p>62. The blower according to claim 61, wherein the cage is cylindrical.</p><p>[Additional note 73]</p><p>62. The blower according to claim 61, wherein the blower is configured to supply air under positive pressure.</p><p>[Additional note 74]</p><p>The blower according to supplementary note 61, which is a multi-stage blower.</p><p>[Additional note 75]</p><p>Supplementary item 74, characterized in that the rotating portion includes one impeller provided on one side of the motor and one impeller provided on the other side of the motor. Blower described in.</p><p>[Additional note 76]</p><p>62. The blower of claim 61, wherein the motor includes an annular body and a plurality of stator teeth extending radially inward from the body having windings wound thereon.</p><p>[Additional note 77]</p><p>62. The blower of claim 61, wherein the motor includes windings wrapped directly around the tube.</p><p>[Additional note 78]</p><p>that the portion includes a metallic bearing support having a first portion and a second portion adapted to support a first bearing and a second bearing supporting the rotor; The blower according to feature 61.</p><p>[Additional note 79]</p><p>A PAP device comprising the blower according to Supplementary Note 61.</p><p>[Additional note 80]</p><p>a stationary part including an inlet and an outlet; a rotating part disposed on the stationary part; a motor adapted to drive the rotating part, the motor including a stator assembly with windings; a detection system for detecting a failure of the motor by monitoring line resistance and/or current draw and providing a signal to indicate a detected failure of the motor. Blower.</p><p>[Additional note 81]</p><p>81. The blower according to claim 80, wherein the signal includes content prompting the user to repair the blower.</p><p>[Additional note 82]</p><p>81. The blower of claim 80, wherein the detected failure includes at least one of a bearing life failure or a friction condition, and a software failure of an electronic drive system.</p><p>[Additional note 83]</p><p>80. The blower according to claim 80, wherein the blower is configured to supply air at positive pressure.</p><p>[Additional note 84]</p><p>an inner portion including a plurality of stator teeth; and an outer portion configured to receive the inner portion, the outer portion being adapted to receive each tooth of the inner portion along its inner periphery. a stator for a stator assembly, the outer portion being annular and including a plurality of recesses.</p><p>[Additional note 85]</p><p>A blower comprising a stationary part including a coaxially arranged inlet and an outlet, a rotating part disposed in the stationary part, and a motor adapted to drive the rotating part, the stationary part comprising: is provided with a housing and a metal bearing support provided on the housing, the bearing support is provided with first and second parts, and the rotating part is provided with a metal bearing support. 1. A blower comprising a first bearing and a second bearing supported by a first portion and a second portion, respectively, for supporting a rotor inside the blower.</p><p>[Additional note 86]</p><p>85. The blower according to claim 85, wherein the blower is configured to supply air under positive pressure.</p>

<figref num="1-1">1 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to an embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="1-2">1-2 is a perspective view of the stator vane/cover component of the blower shown in FIG. 1-1. FIG.</figref><figref num="1-3">FIG. 1-2 is a perspective view of the winged shield of the blower shown in FIG. 1-1.</figref><figref num="1-4">1-2 is a top view of the blower shown in FIG. 1-1 with the blower housing cover removed; FIG.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="5">1 is a cross-sectional view of a support system for a blower according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.</figref><figref num="6-1">1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sealing arrangement for a blower according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.</figref><figref num="6-2">FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sealing arrangement for a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="7-1">FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="7-2">FIG. 7-2 is a side view of the blower shown in FIG. 7-1.</figref><figref num="7-3">FIG. 7-2 is a cross-sectional view of the blower shown in FIG. 7-1.</figref><figref num="7-4">FIG. 7-3 is an enlarged partial view of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7-3.</figref><figref num="7-4B">FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="7-5">FIG. 7-2 is another cross-sectional view of the blower shown in FIG. 7-1.</figref><figref num="7-6">7-5 is an enlarged partial view of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7-5.</figref><figref num="7-7">FIG. 7-2 is a side view of the blower shown in FIG. 7-1 with the housing removed;</figref><figref num="7-8">FIG. 7-2 is a top perspective view of the stator component of the blower shown in FIG. 7-1;</figref><figref num="7-9">FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the stator component shown in FIGS. 7-8;</figref><figref num="7-10">FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the stator component shown in FIGS. 7-8.</figref><figref num="7-11">FIG. 7-2 is a top perspective view of the first shield of the blower shown in FIG. 7-1.</figref><figref num="7-12">FIG. 7-12 is a top view of the first shield shown in FIG. 7-11.</figref><figref num="7-13">FIG. 7-2 is a top perspective view of the second shield of the blower shown in FIG. 7-1.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="9-1">FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="9-2">FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="10-1">FIG. 2 is a diagram of a stator according to an embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="10-2">FIG. 2 is a diagram of a stator according to an embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="10-3">FIG. 2 is a diagram of a stator according to an embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 3 is a plan view of a stator according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="12-1">FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="12-2">FIG. 12-2 is a cross-sectional view of the blower shown in FIG. 12-1.</figref><figref num="12-3">FIG. 12-2 is a perspective view of the stator of the blower shown in FIG. 12-1.</figref><figref num="13-1">FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blower according to another embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="13-2">FIG. 13-2 is a cross-sectional view of the blower shown in FIG. 13-1.</figref>

The following description is provided with reference to several embodiments that may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of any one embodiment may be combinable with one or more features of other embodiments. Moreover, any single feature or combination of features in any embodiment may constitute further embodiments.

As used herein, the term "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, i.e. in its "comprising" sense, and therefore in its "closed" sense, i.e. in its "consisting of" sense. but not limited to. Corresponding meanings are ascribed to the corresponding terms "comprise," "comprised," and "comprises" where they appear. Embodiments of the invention herein include non-invasive ventilation (NIVV) therapy devices (e.g., positive airway pressure (PAP) devices or flow generators), such as CPAP (e.g., 4-28 cmH₂within the range of O, with a flow rate of up to 180 L/min (measured with a mask), variable pressure therapy (e.g. 2-6 cmH₂Low O area, and 6~30cmH₂However, features of the invention are applicable to other applications where blowers are used, such as vacuum cleaners, cooling equipment in computers, etc. It should be understood that it also has applications in HVAC equipment, such as those found in buildings and vehicles. That is, the blowers described herein may have application in both positive and negative pressure applications.

Additionally, although each blower embodiment below is described as including two stages, each embodiment may be a single stage design or other multi-stage design, such as a three stage, four stage, or more stage design. It should be understood that this may be the case.

As used herein, the terms "air pump" and "blower" may be used interchangeably. As used herein, the phrase "stationary part" may be considered to include "volute." The term "air" may be considered to include breathable gases, such as air with supplemental oxygen. It is also recognized that the blowers described herein can be designed to pump fluids other than air.

1. Blower with Bearing Tube Figures 1-1 to 1-4 illustrate a blower 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the blower 10 includes two stages with two corresponding impellers 50,52. In this embodiment, one impeller 50 is positioned on one side of the motor 40 and the other impeller 52 is positioned on the other side of the motor 40. However, other suitable impeller arrangements are also possible, for example two impellers positioned on the same side of the motor. Blower 10 may also include a single-stage design or other multi-stage designs, such as two or more impellers.

1.1 Overview The stationary part of the blower 10 includes a housing 20 having first and second housing parts 22, 24, a stator component 30 including stator vanes 32, and first and second shields 60, 70. include. The rotating portion of the blower 10 includes a rotatable shaft or rotor 80 adapted to be driven by the motor 40 and first and second impellers 50, 52 provided at the ends of the shaft 80. include. Motor 40 includes a magnet 42 (eg, a dipole magnet) mounted on a shaft 80 and a stator assembly 44 that causes spinning motion of shaft 80. In one embodiment, the motor may be operated without the use of a rotor position sensor, e.g. a Hall sensor on a printed circuit board (PCB), which reduces the number of wires, e.g. three wires. There are things to do.

Stator assembly 44 includes a winding 46 and a (eg, slotless or toothless) stator or stator stack 48 mounted on winding 46 . Further details of coil windings are disclosed in US Pat.

The blower 10 is generally cylindrical and has an inlet 26 provided by the first housing part 22 at one end and an outlet 28 provided by the second housing part 24 at the other end. Blower 10 is operable to draw a supply of gas into housing 20 through inlet 26 and to provide a flow of pressurized gas at outlet 28 .

Blower 10 has axial symmetry with both inlet 26 and outlet 28 aligned with axis 15 of blower 10. In use, gas enters the blower 10 axially at one end and exits the blower 10 axially at the other end. Such a configuration may provide relatively low noise in use, for example due to axial symmetry and/or low volute turbulence. An exemplary embodiment of such a blower is disclosed in US Pat.

In one embodiment, the blower 10 is relatively compact and may have an overall diameter D of about 50-60 mm, such as 53 mm, and an overall length L of about 45-55 mm, such as 52 mm. However, other suitable sizes are also possible.

1.2 Stator Component As shown in Figures 1-1 and 1-2, the stator component 30 includes a base 34, an annular flange 36 extending from the base 34, a tube or bearing tube 38, and a plurality of and stationary blades 32. In the exemplary embodiment, stator component 30 is integrally formed (eg, injection molded from a plastic material) as a one-piece construction. However, stator component 30 may be configured in other suitable manners.

As best shown in FIG. 1-1, an annular flange 36 is sandwiched between the first and second housing portions 22, 24 to support the stator component 30 within the housing 20.

A plurality of stator vanes 32, for example 2 to 100 stator vanes, are configured to direct airflow to orifice 35 in base 34. In the illustrated embodiment, stator component 30 has six stator vanes 32. Each wing 32 is substantially identical and has a generally helical shape. Additionally, each wing 32 includes an inner portion 37 (adjacent to tube 38) and an outer portion 39. As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, inner portion 37 is recessed (eg, reduced in height) with respect to outer portion 39. However, the stator components may have other suitable structures for regulating airflow between stages.

1.2.1 Bearing alignment and retention The inner surface 90 of the tube 38 is configured to retain and align the bearings 100, 102 that rotatably support the shaft 80. Additionally, tube 38 surrounds a magnet 42 on shaft 80 that is aligned proximate a stator assembly 44 provided along an outer surface 92 of tube 38 . In the exemplary embodiment, tube 38 has at least a portion that is sufficiently "magnetically permeable" to allow the magnetic field to pass through the portion, such that stator assembly 44 has a significant magnetic flux density. The magnets 42 positioned inside the tube 38 can now be acted upon without increased losses and/or heat. In one embodiment, such "magnetic permeability" may be provided by one or more of the tube's material properties, such as electrically non-conductive, non-magnetic, and/or thermally conductive. For example, a tube may include one or more of the following: Anisotropic materials, composites (e.g., base polymers (e.g., LCP and PPS) with ceramic fillers, graphite fillers, and/or other fillers), heterofilling, insert molding, plating, ion implantation, etc. Alternatively or additionally, such "magnetic permeability" may be provided by structural properties of the tube, such as one or more perforations or slits within the tube. It should be understood that a tube may include one or more of these properties and/or a sufficient degree of these properties to provide sufficient "magnetic permeability." Further details of magnetically permeable tubes are disclosed in US Pat.

In the exemplary embodiment, the tube has a circular cross-sectional shape along its length. However, it should be understood that the tube may have other suitable shapes, such as square, polygonal, conical, etc. A tube may also include one or more parts, such as a multi-part configuration. Additionally, a tube may have different material properties along its length or circumference, e.g. different levels or regions of "magnetic permeability", "non-conductivity", and/or "thermally conductivity". It may have.

In the exemplary embodiment, tube 38 is configured such that a mixture of bearing sizes may be used. As shown in FIG. 1-1, the upper end of tube 38 is configured to support a bearing 100 and the lower end of tube 38 is configured to support a bearing 102 having a smaller size or diameter than bearing 100. It is composed of

Specifically, the upper end of the tube 38 includes an annular surface 90(1) that defines a diameter d1 and is adapted to support the bearing 100. The lower end of tube 38 includes an annular surface 90(2) that defines a smaller diameter d2 and is adapted to support bearing 102. As illustrated, the one-piece tube 38 provides precise bore-to-bore alignment, which provides precise bearing-to-bearing alignment.

In one embodiment, the tube may be manufactured such that the upper and lower ends of the tube are adapted to support bearings of the same size. However, tubes configured to support mixed bearing sizes may facilitate the line of draw molding processes. The tube may also be configured to support one or more bearings, which may include other suitable configurations, such as hydrodynamic bearings. Additionally, in one embodiment, the tube may be configured such that the upper end of the tube is configured to support a bearing having a smaller size or diameter than the bearing supported at the lower end of the tube. For example, a blower with a larger inlet diameter towards the second impeller).

An inclined surface 90(3) is provided between surfaces 90(1) and 90(2) to guide shaft 80 (with bearings 100, 102 at each end) into the lower end of tube 38. May be provided. For example, the smaller bearing side of shaft 80 may be inserted or "thrown" into tube 38 through the upper end of tube 38. As the smaller bearing 102 approaches the lower end, the ramped surface 90(3) guides the bearing 102 into engagement with the reduced diameter surface 90(2). The bearing 102 is therefore self-guided into its operating position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end of tube 38 includes a flange 94 that provides a stop or support for bearing 102 at its lower end. The upper end of the tube 38 is adapted to engage a shield or rotor cap 60, which provides a stop at the upper end for the bearing 100, thereby retaining the shaft 80 within the tube 38. .

A washer 104 and a spring or biasing element 106 may be provided between the bearing 102 and the rotor magnet 42 to maintain alignment of the rotor magnet 42 and the stator assembly 44 and/or to maintain the alignment of the bearing 102. Provides a preload to the inner race.

In one embodiment, the end of the shaft 80 may include one or more coupling grooves to secure the bearings 100, 102 in the operational position, and the intermediate portion of the shaft 80 may include one or more coupling grooves to secure the bearings 100, 102 in the operational position. It may include one or more coupling grooves (eg, helical coupling grooves) for securing. The coupling groove may be provided in selected portions of the shaft (eg, the ends and middle of the shaft), or the coupling groove may extend along the entire length of the shaft. In another embodiment, the intermediate portion of the shaft may include threads (eg, extending outwardly from the outer surface of the shaft) to secure the magnet in the operative position.

1.2.2 Stator Assembly Alignment and Retention Stator assembly 44 was provided along outer surface 92 of tube 38. Additionally, stator component 30 and first shield 60 cooperate to support and maintain stator assembly 44 in an operational position.

As illustrated, windings 46 of stator assembly 44 are housed or supported by recessed inner portions 37 of stator vanes 32 and stacks 48 of stator assembly 44 are housed or supported by outer portions 39 of stator vanes 32. contained or supported. Further, the shield 60 includes an annular flange 64 that surrounds the upper portion of the winding 46 and engages the top surface 47 or outer surface 49 of the stack 48 (e.g., the left side of FIG. 1-1 shows that the stack 48 The right side of FIG. 1-1 shows the flange 64 engaging the outer surface 49 of the stack 48). An elongated portion of annular flange 64 (ie, the portion that engages outer surface 49 of stack 48) is provided to accommodate a tab that engages the housing, as described in more detail below. In this manner, stator component 30 and shield 60 cooperate to surround and sandwich stator assembly 44.

In the exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 49 of the stack 48 and/or the annular flange 64 that engages the stack 48 are exposed to the gas flow. This configuration allows forced convection cooling of stack 48 as gas flows through housing 20 in use. Additionally, this configuration may assist in heating the gas or patient air.

Additionally, windings 46 of stator assembly 44 are exposed to the gas flow to cool and assist in heating the gas or patient air.

In one embodiment, stator component 30 and shield 60 may be thermally conductive (eg, addition of graphite or other fillers to the polymeric material) to aid in heat transfer.

1.3 Shield The first or upper shield 60 includes a disk portion 62 and an annular flange 64 extending from an outer edge of the disk portion 62 and adapted to engage the stator assembly 44 as described above. . The outer edge of the disk portion 62 is substantially aligned with or extends radially beyond the outer edge of the impeller 50 . Shield 60 provides a narrow annular gap 110 between annular flange 64 and the sidewall of housing portion 22, which is sufficient to direct gas to stator component 30.

Disk portion 62 includes an aperture 66 that allows shaft 80 to extend therethrough. An annular flange or protrusion 68 is provided along opening 66 and is configured to engage the upper end of tube 38 of stator component 30, such as by a friction fit.

The annular flange 64 also includes one or more tabs 65 for engaging within respective slots 23 defined between the first housing portion 22 and the stator component 30. (see, for example, Figures 1-1 and 1-4). As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the shield 60 includes three tabs 65 within respective slots 23 defined between the first housing portion 22 and the stator component 30. Received. However, any suitable number of slots/tabs may be provided. It should also be understood that the slots/tabs may be optional and that the shield 60 may be supported within the housing in any other suitable manner.

The second or lower shield 70 includes a plurality of stator vanes 72, eg, 2 to 100 stator vanes, to direct the airflow toward the outlet 28. In the illustrated embodiment, shield 70 has seven stator vanes. Each wing 72 is substantially identical and has a generally helical shape. Additionally, each wing 72 includes an inner portion 73 (adjacent to hub 74) and an outer portion 75. As best shown in FIGS. 1-1 and 1-3, the outer portion 75 is recessed (e.g., reduced in height) with respect to the inner portion 73 so that the inner portion 73 and the outer portion 75 are A contoured edge 76 extends therebetween.

In the exemplary embodiment, stator vanes 72 support shield 70 adjacent outlet 28 within second housing portion 24 . As illustrated, the contoured edge 76 of the shield 70 engages the edge of the outlet 28 to align the shield 70 with the outlet 28. The hub 74 and the inner portion 73 of the wing 72 extend at least partially through the outlet 28, and the outer portion 75 of the wing 72 engages the lower wall of the second housing part 24. A hub 74 in the central portion of shield 70 is shaped to direct airflow downward toward outlet 28.

1.3.1 Alternative Air Flow Path In one embodiment, the shield 60 includes an inlet conduit 84 and an outlet conduit 86 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1-1) to provide pressure balance across the bearings 100, 102. Sometimes. Specifically, the inlet and outlet conduits 84, 86 provide a short circuit of pressure around the tube 38 and thus the bearings 100, 102 to avoid drying or migration of lubricant in the bearings 100, 102 (e.g. Airflow through the tubes and inside the bearing can dry out the grease in the bearing and remove heat from the bearing). That is, inlet conduit 84 allows air to flow into the space between shield 60 and tube 38, and outlet conduit 86 allows air to flow out of that space. Such a configuration allows any pressure differential to exit through the inlet and outlet conduits 84, 86 rather than passing through the tube 38 as described above.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, grooves 184, 186 may be provided along the shaft 80 to provide airflow or pressure around the bearings 100, 102, respectively, to avoid drying out the bearings. Provide a short circuit. As illustrated, grooves 184, 186 are provided adjacent the respective bearings 100, 102 such that when air flows through the tube 38 due to a pressure differential within the tube 38, the air flows into the respective bearings 100, 102. Allowing flow to flow through grooves 184, 186 rather than through 100, 102. In one embodiment, the one or more grooves may extend along the length of the shaft rather than along selected portions as illustrated. Alternatively, grooves 184, 186 may be present in tube 38 adjacent the outer diameter of the respective bearings 100, 102.

1.4 Impellers In the exemplary embodiment, each impeller 50, 52 includes a plurality of continuously curved or straight blades 54 sandwiched between a pair of disc-shaped shrouds 55, 56. The shroud may help reduce acoustic noise during use. Lower shroud 56 incorporates a hub or bushing 58 adapted to receive shaft 80. Each impeller 50, 52 also includes a tapered configuration, with blades 54 tapering toward the outer edge. Further details of the impeller are disclosed in US Pat.

In one embodiment, each impeller may be constructed from glass reinforced polycarbonate. In another embodiment, each impeller may be constructed from glass reinforced liquid crystal polymer (LCP), such as Ticona Vectra-E130i. Glass-reinforced LCPs may improve acoustic attenuation, particularly with regard to reducing acoustic noise by reducing impeller resonance. However, other suitable materials are also possible.

1.5 Fluid Flow Path In the first stage, air enters the blower 10 through the inlet 26 and proceeds to the first impeller 50 where it is tangentially accelerated and directed radially outward. Note that suction is generated at the inlet to draw air into the blower. The air then flows helically, with a large tangential velocity component and also an axial component, through the gap 110 defined by the outer edge of the shield 60 and the sidewall of the housing portion 22. As mentioned above, air may exit through the shield 60 (through inlet and outlet conduits 84, 86) to provide pressure balance during use. The air then enters stator vanes 32 formed within stator component 30 and is directed radially inward toward orifices 35 and then to a second stage.

In the second stage, the air advances to the second impeller 52 where it is tangentially accelerated and directed radially outward. The air then flows helically, with a large tangential velocity component and also an axial component, through the gap 112 defined by the outer edge of the shield 70 and the sidewall of the housing portion 24. The air then enters stator vanes 72 formed within shield 70 and is directed to outlet 28.

In the exemplary embodiment, the airflow enters and exits each stage substantially axially within the blower. Air thus enters the blower axially at one end and exits the blower axially at the other end. Axisymmetric blowers provide balance, which results in lower levels of blade passing sound and lower levels of turbulence noise.

2. Blower with Mixed Flow Upper Impeller FIG. 3 illustrates a blower 210 according to another embodiment of the invention. Blower 210 is substantially similar to blower 10 described above. In contrast, upper impeller 250 has a mixed flow configuration, with corresponding portions of first housing portion 222 and first shield 260 tapering to match the mixed flow configuration of upper impeller 250. can be attached.

As illustrated, the impeller blades 254 each include an end 257 that tapers toward an outer edge. Additionally, the end 257 of each blade 254 is bent, angled, or sloped downwardly with respect to the hub 258. For example, the longitudinal axis L of each end 257 may be bent or angled at an angle α with respect to the axis H of the hub 258. Such angle α may be approximately 90° to 160°, for example 125°. However, other suitable angles are also possible depending on the application.

The top wall 225 of the first housing portion 222 is tapered to match the mixed flow structure of the impeller 250, and the top wall 267 of the shield 260 is tapered to match the mixed flow structure of the impeller 250. can be attached.

3. Blower with Alternative Stationary Parts FIG. 4 illustrates a blower 310 according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to the blowers 10, 210 described above, the blower 310 has one impeller 350 positioned on one side of the motor 340 and one impeller 352 positioned on the other side of the motor 340. Contains two stages. Blower 310 also has axial symmetry with both inlet 326 and outlet 328 aligned with axis 315 of blower 310. In contrast, blower 310 provides an alternative configuration of stationary parts.

3.1 Overview The stationary portion of the blower 310 includes a housing 320 having first and second housing portions 322, 324, a stator component 330 including stator vanes 332, and first and second shields 360, 370. include. The rotating portion of the blower 310 includes a rotatable shaft or rotor 380 adapted to be driven by a motor 340 and first and second impellers 350, 352 provided at the ends of the shaft 380. include. The motor 340 includes a magnet 342 mounted on a shaft 380 and a stator assembly 344 that causes the shaft 380 to spin.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the blower 310 is relatively compact and has an overall diameter D of about 50-60 mm, e.g. 53 mm, and an overall length L of about 45-55 mm, e.g. 52 mm. Sometimes. Each impeller 350, 352 may have a diameter of approximately 40-45 mm, such as 42 mm. However, other suitable sizes are also possible.

3.2 Stator Components As shown in FIG. 4, the stator component 330 includes a base 334, an annular flange 336 extending from the base 334 to support the stator component 330 within the housing 320, and a shaft. It includes a tube 338 for holding and aligning the bearings 300, 302 that rotatably support the bearing 380, and a plurality of stationary vanes 332. Similar to the embodiments described above, stator component 330 may be integrally formed (eg, injection molded) as a one-piece construction.

In the exemplary embodiment, each wing 332 includes an outer portion 339 that is long enough to support and maintain the stator assembly 344 in the operational position. As illustrated, the outer portion 339 of each wing 332 provides an inner surface 315 that engages an outer surface 345 of the stator assembly 344. In one embodiment, to secure stator assembly 344 in position, opposing wings may define a diameter d of approximately 30-35 mm, such as 34 mm. However, other suitable sizes are also possible, depending on the size of the stator assembly, for example.

Additionally, the free end of the outer portion 339 of each wing 332 is adapted to engage the shield 360, thereby supporting and maintaining the shield 360 in an operational position.

3.3 Shield The first or upper shield 360 includes an inner annular flange 367 and an outer annular flange 369. Inner annular flange 367 is configured to engage the upper end of tube 338 of stator component 330, e.g., by a friction fit, and outer annular flange 369 is configured to engage outer portion 339 of wing 332, e.g., by a friction fit. configured to match.

The second or lower shield 370 is supported and maintained in the operational position by the second housing portion 324. A hub 374 in the central portion of shield 370 is shaped to direct airflow downward toward outlet 328.

3.4 Housing In the exemplary embodiment, the second housing portion 324 of the housing 320 includes a plurality of stator vanes 325, such as from 2 to 100 (e.g., about 5 to 15) stator vanes, to direct airflow to the outlet 328. include. As illustrated, stator vanes 325 support shield 370 adjacent outlet 328 within second housing portion 324 . At least one of the vanes 325 also includes a protrusion 327 adapted to extend through an aperture 377 in the shield 370 to align and secure the shield 370 in orientation.

Four. Support System for Blower Each of the blowers 10, 210, 310 described above may be supported within an outer casing or chassis (forming part of a NIVV device, such as a PAP device or a flow generator). In one embodiment, each blower may be supported within the outer casing by a support system configured to provide support and to provide a seal between the inlet and outlet sides of the blower.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, outer casing 400 includes a base 402 and a cover 404 disposed on base 402. Support system 405 includes side supports 406 and bottom supports 408 to support a blower (eg, blower 10).

As illustrated, side support 406 is in the form of an annular ring (e.g., made of silicone or TPE) provided on the blower housing (e.g., housing 20) between base 402 and cover 404. It includes an end 407 adapted to engage within a respective defined slot 403. The bottom support 408 is in the form of a plurality of flexible legs or pegs, for example three legs, which are adapted to engage the bottom wall of the base 402. An annular ring 406 (also referred to as a divider seal or soft girdle/seal) suspends/supports the blower 10 within the chassis and separates or seals the inlet side of the blower from the outlet side of the blower (i.e., separates the low pressure side from the high pressure side). for example, eliminating the need for a connecting tube to direct the flow to the outlet of the outer casing 400. Legs 408 may serve as a backup seal or backup support for the blower between the inlet and outlet sides of the blower, for example, if ring 406 ages and creeps.

As illustrated, a relatively small outlet muffler volume V1 was provided on the outlet side of the blower, and a relatively small inlet muffler volume V2 was provided on the inlet side of the blower.

In one embodiment, the annular ring 406 and legs 408 may be overmolded onto the outside of the first housing portion 22 of the blower 10 (ie, the first stage cover of the blower). As illustrated, an overmolded feeder 409 may interconnect an overmolded ring 406 with each overmolded leg 408. For example, the first housing part 22 (along with the second housing part 24) may be constructed of a relatively rigid plastic material, such as polycarbonate (PC), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and an overmolded ring. 406, legs 408, and feeder 409 may be constructed from an elastomeric material, such as Versollan. Alternatively, the rings, legs, and/or feeders may be separate molded pieces that are mounted in operational position.

Support system 405 provides a configuration that eliminates the need for inlet and outlet seals adjacent the blower inlet and outlet. Furthermore, the support system 405 is comprised of an elastomeric material, which provides isolation (e.g., vibration isolation) between the blower 10 and the outer casing 400, e.g. without the use of springs, and/or between the blower 10 and the outer casing 400. It acts as a suspension body between. In one embodiment, additional supports (e.g., legs or pegs) may be provided on the top and/or sides of the blower, thereby allowing the outer casing and any blower supported therein to For example, the casing can be positioned laterally rather than vertically.

Five. Sealing Arrangements for Blower Housing Each of the blowers 10, 210, 310 described above may include a sealing arrangement between the housing portions of the housing, for example, to prevent leakage or pressure loss.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6-1, the ends of the blower first housing portion 522 (i.e., the blower first stage cover) include the first and second steps 527(1), Contains a step shape with 527(2). Each step 527(1), 527(2) is provided with a sealing structure, ie a first and second seal 597(1), 597(2), respectively. In one embodiment, the seals 597(1), 597(2) may be overmolded to the first housing portion 522 as described above, e.g., the elastomeric seals 597(1), 597(2) may It is overmolded to a relatively rigid plastic first housing portion 522.

The end of the second housing part 524 of the blower includes a step shape similar to the first housing part 522, eg, first and second steps 529(1), 529(2).

As illustrated, when the first and second housing parts 522, 524 are coupled together, the first seal 597(1) of the first housing part 522 is connected to the first seal 597(1) of the second housing part 524. to provide a seal between housing portions 522, 524. Additionally, the second step 527(2) of the first housing portion 522 and the second step 529(2) of the second housing portion 524 may be connected to a stator component 530 including a stator vane 532 (e.g. They cooperate to define a slot adapted to receive and support an edge 531 of the stator component 30). A second seal 597(2) provides a seal between stator component 530 and housing portions 522, 524.

Further, a plurality of snap-fit members 516, for example three snap-fit members, are provided at the end of the first housing part 522, which snap-fit into respective shoulders 518 provided on the second housing part 524. adapted to engage with. A snap fit member 516 secures the first and second housing portions 522, 524 together to maintain a seal. However, it should be understood that the first and second housing parts may be secured to each other in any other suitable manner, such as by welding, gluing (e.g. gluing), heat staking, fasteners (e.g. screws), etc. It is.

FIG. 6-1 also illustrates an overmolded ring 406 and feeder 409 provided in the first housing portion 522 and engaged within the slot between the outer casing base 402 and the cover 404 described above. The ring 406 shown in FIG. Additionally, FIG. 6-1 illustrates an impeller 554 between the stator component 530 and the blower outlet.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6-2, the edge 531 of the stator component 530 is configured to engage a second seal 597(2), e.g., to improve gripping and sealing. It may include a relatively rigid protrusion 533 (eg, a V-shaped protrusion) adapted to the shape. Further, the second seal 597(2) may have a more block-like shape instead of a bead-like shape as shown in FIG. 6-1.

6. Alternative Blower Embodiment FIGS. 7-1 through 7-13 illustrate a blower 610 according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to blowers 10, 210, 310 described above, blower 610 includes one impeller 650 positioned on one side of motor 640 and one impeller 652 positioned on the other side of motor 640. Including two stages with. Blower 610 also has axial symmetry with both inlet 626 and outlet 628 aligned with axis 615 of blower 610.

6.1 Overview The stationary portion of the blower 610 includes a housing 620 having first and second housing portions 622, 624, a stator component 630, and first and second shields 660, 670. The rotating portion of the blower 610 includes a rotatable shaft or rotor 680 adapted to be driven by a motor 640 and first and second impellers 650, 652 (e.g. , mixed flow). The motor 640 includes a magnet 642 mounted on a shaft 680 and a stator assembly 644 that causes the shaft 680 to spin.

Stator assembly 644 includes a winding 646 and a stator or stator stack 648 (eg, non-slotted or non-toothed) mounted on winding 646. In one embodiment, the resistance and/or current draw of winding 646 (e.g., at start-up) may be monitored to determine temperature, which may be used to indicate motor failure (e.g., bearing failure detection, bearing life defects or friction conditions, software failures in electronic drive systems). For example, the resistance of the windings may be measured (eg, by circuitry within the blower) after the motor is stopped but still hot. Note that the resistance of the winding changes with temperature in a known manner. If the resistance is such that it suggests a temperature much higher than normal, the device goes into failure mode and prompts the user to have the blower checked, for example. Some blower failures, such as bearing end-of-life failures or software failures in electronic drive systems, tend to result in abnormally high temperatures.

An inlet 626 was provided at one end by a first housing part 622 (also referred to as the first stage cover) and an outlet 628 was provided at the other end by a second housing part 624 (also referred to as the final stage cover).

6.2 Stator Components As best shown in Figures 7-7 through 7-10, the stator component 630 includes an annular base 634, a shield portion 636, and a tube or bearing tube 638 extending from the shield portion 636. and a plurality of spaced apart sidewalls 632 extending between a base 634 and a shield portion 636. As illustrated, stator component 630 forms a cylindrical "cage" with spaced side walls 632 defining an opening into the "cage". Stator component 630 may be integrally formed (eg, injection molded) as a one-piece construction. However, stator component 630 may be configured in any other suitable manner and/or may be formed as multiple individual pieces.

As best shown in FIGS. 7-3 through 7-5, a base 634 is sandwiched between the first and second housing portions 622, 624 to support a stator component 630 within the housing 620. . Additionally, the second housing portion 624 includes a protrusion 695 (e.g., best shown in FIG. 7-4) adapted to engage the first housing portion 622, e.g., to improve gripping and sealing. It may contain a V-shaped protrusion).

In an alternative embodiment, the first housing portion 622 has a connection configured to overlap and/or overhang the connection portion 624(1) of the second housing portion 624, as shown in FIG. 7-4B. May include section 622(1). Similar to the embodiments described above, the base 634 of the stator component 630 is sandwiched between the first and second housing parts 622, 624. Additionally, second housing portion 624 may include a protrusion 696 for sealing to first housing portion 622.

The outer edge of shield portion 636 is substantially aligned with or extends radially beyond the outer edge of impeller 650 . Shield portion 636 provides a narrow annular gap 710 between its outer edge and the sidewall of housing portion 622, which is sufficient to direct gas to stator component 630. Shield portion 636 includes an opening 666 that allows access to the interior of tube 638.

6.2.1 Bearing Alignment and Retention Similar to the embodiments described above, tube 638 is adapted to retain and align bearings 600, 602 (e.g., of mixed bearing sizes) that rotatably support shaft 680. It is composed of Additionally, tube 638 is sufficiently "magnetically permeable," such that stator assembly 644 can accommodate magnets positioned within tube 638 without significant loss of magnetic flux density and/or increase in heat. You can now act on 642.

The tube 638 is also made of acoustic damping materials such as polypropylene, nylon (reinforced), liquid crystal polymer (LCP) with ceramic loading (heat transfer), polyphenylene with graphite filling to dampen vibrations caused by rotor operation. It may be composed of sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK). If ball bearings are utilized, the number of balls within the bearing may be optimized to minimize vibration.

A cap portion 668 is provided on the shield portion 636 along the opening 666. Cap portion 668 provides a stop for bearing 600, thereby retaining shaft 680 within tube 638. Additionally, cap portion 668 may act as a spacer for impeller 650.

A washer 604 and a spring or biasing element 606 may be provided between the bearing 602 and the rotor magnet 642, and a spacer 607 may be provided between the bearing 600 and the rotor magnet 642, e.g. , maintain alignment/spacing of rotor magnets 642 and stator assembly 644, act as a wear stop, and/or provide preload. Additionally, a spacer 607 (e.g., composed of metal ferrite) adjacent to the bearing 600 acts as a magnetic shunt or flux shield to direct the magnetic field toward the windings 646 and away from the bearing 600, e.g. to avoid heating the bearing. do. It should be appreciated that such a spacer or shield may be provided adjacent the bearing 602. Although the magnetic flux shield may be an optional component, it may increase bearing/lubricant life by reducing eddy current losses in the bearing outer race and balls.

As shown in FIG. 7-3, spring 606 provides an inner race preload (IRP), eg, about 1.25 lb spring load, to bearing 602. Specifically, the bearing 602 includes an inner race 602(1), an outer race 602(2), and a ball bearing 602(3) disposed between the inner and outer races (e.g., a ball bearing and a ball bearing 602(3)). There may also be gaps between the laces). Inner and outer races 602(1), 602(2) provide surfaces on which ball bearing 602(3) moves. The bearings may also include spacer elements between the inner and outer races to maintain spacing between the ball bearings (eg, a cylinder with an opening to receive each ball bearing). In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 606 is configured and arranged to engage the inner race 602(1) of the bearing 602 to provide a spring load to the bearing, which spring load brings the ball bearing into contact with the race. (i.e., the load is transferred from the inner race to the ball bearing and from the ball bearing to the outer race).

In alternative embodiments, the spring may be configured and arranged to provide an outer race preload (ORP) to the bearing (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9-1-9-2, discussed below). .

6.2.2 Alternative Airflow Similar to the embodiments described above, the shield portion 636 and cap portion 668 may be configured to provide a bypass passageway or conduit 686 (as shown in Figures 7-6 and 7-8). Together, they provide pressure balance across bearings 600, 602. Specifically, bypass passage 686 provides a pressure short circuit around tube 638 and thus bearings 600, 602.

In one embodiment, tight tolerances (ie, small gaps) are provided between the inner diameter of cap portion 668 and shaft 680, which increases the impedance between cap portion 668 and shaft 680. Therefore, air can flow through the bypass passage or outlet hole 686 with less resistance (eg, tight tolerances may also apply to the bypass configuration shown in FIG. 1-1).

Without a bypass, air may flow upward through the bearing from the high pressure side to the low pressure side. A bypass passage connects the high pressure area to a point above the upper bearing. This means that the high pressure is present somewhat evenly across the pair of bearings. Therefore, there is little flow through the bearing and the grease does not dry out or get moved, thereby increasing bearing life.

6.2.3 Stator Assembly Alignment and Retention Stator assembly 644 was provided along the outer surface of tube 638. Further, as described in more detail below, stator component 630 and first shield 660 cooperate to support and maintain stator assembly 644 in an operational position.

6.3 First Shield As best shown in FIGS. 7-11 to 7-12, the first shield 660 includes a base 661 and a plurality of stationary blades 663 provided on the base 661. The first shield 660 may be heat staked in position (e.g., by engaging pins 665 in the first shield 660 with respective apertures 635 in the base 634 of the stator component 630). pin) attached to the stator component 630. However, first shield 660 may be attached to stator component 630 in other suitable manners.

A plurality of stator vanes 663, eg, 2 to 100 stator vanes, are configured to direct airflow to orifice 667 in base 661. In the illustrated embodiment, stator component 630 has six vanes 663. Each wing 663 is substantially identical and has a generally helical shape. Further, each wing 663 includes an inner portion 637 (adjacent to orifice 667) and an outer portion 639. As best shown in FIGS. 7-11, inner portion 637 is recessed (eg, reduced in height) with respect to outer portion 639.

As best shown in FIGS. 7-3 and 7-5, windings 646 of stator assembly 644 are engaged or supported by recessed inner portions 637 of stator vanes 663, and stacks of stator assembly 644 648 is engaged or supported by outer portion 639 of stator vane 663.

Additionally, the outer surface 649 of the stack 648 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7-3 and 7-5) engages spaced teeth 651 (see, e.g., FIG. 7-9) provided by the inner surface of the spaced sidewalls 632. or including toothed configurations adapted to interlock. The remainder of the toothed configuration of the stack 648 at least partially projects through the opening 633 of the stator component 630, for example flush with the outer surface of the sidewall 632 (see FIGS. 7-5 and 7-7). . In this manner, stator component 630 and first shield 660 cooperate to maintain or secure stator assembly 644 in the operational position.

As shown in FIGS. 7-1 through 7-3 and 7-7, wires 698 (e.g., three wires for a three-phase motor) extend from winding 646 to the outside of housing 620. Conducting current into winding 646 from an external current source. As illustrated, a slot 631 is provided through the stator component 630 (see FIG. 7-9) and a slot 621 is provided through the housing 620 (see FIG. 7-3) from the winding 646 to the housing 620. Address the passage of the respective wires 698 to the outside.

In the exemplary embodiment, the stack 648 and windings 646 are exposed to the gas flow, for example through openings 633 in the stator component 630, as shown in FIGS. 7-3, 7-5, and 7-7. . This configuration allows for forced convection cooling of the stack 648/windings 646 as gas flows through the stator components 630 in use. Additionally, this configuration may assist in heating the patient air.

6.4 Second Shield As shown in Figure 7-13, a second shield 670 includes a plurality of stator vanes 672, eg, 2 to 100 stator vanes, to direct the airflow toward the outlet 628. In the illustrated embodiment, shield 670 has seven stator vanes. Each wing 672 is substantially identical and has a generally helical shape. Additionally, each wing 672 includes an inner portion 673 (adjacent to hub 674) and an outer portion 675. As best shown in FIGS. 7-3 and 7-5, the outer portion 675 is recessed (e.g., reduced in height) with respect to the inner portion 673, and the inner and outer portions 673, 675 A contoured edge 676 extends therebetween.

In the exemplary embodiment, stator vanes 672 support shield 670 adjacent outlet 628 within second housing portion 624 . As illustrated, the contoured edge 676 of the shield 670 engages the edge of the outlet 628 to align the shield 670 with the outlet 628 (see FIG. 7-3). As best shown in FIG. 7-3, the hub 674 and the inner portion 673 of the wing 672 extend at least partially through the outlet 628, and the outer portion 675 of the wing 672 extends into the second housing portion. Engages with the bottom wall of 624. A hub 674 in the central portion of shield 670 is shaped to direct airflow downward toward outlet 628.

Additionally, the second shield 670 includes a pin 677 adapted to engage a respective aperture 678 provided in the lower wall of the second housing part 624, as shown in FIG. 7-3, e.g. Contains pins that are heat swaged. However, second shield 670 may be attached to second housing portion 624 in other suitable manners.

A second shield 670 (also referred to as a final stage disk) includes a disk or shield to cover the vanes 672 so as not to introduce any discontinuities to the blades of the impeller 652. However, other structures may be provided so as not to introduce any discontinuities in the impeller blades. For example, stator vanes 672 may be integrated into second housing portion 624 and impeller 652 may include a lower shroud to act as a rotating shroud or shield between the impeller blades and stator vanes 672. There is.

6.5 Fluid Flow Path In the first stage, air enters the blower 610 through the inlet 626 and proceeds to the first impeller 650 where it is tangentially accelerated and directed radially outward. Note that suction is generated at the inlet to draw air into the blower. The air then flows helically, with a large tangential velocity component and also an axial component, through the gap 710 defined by the outer edge of the shield portion 636 and the sidewall of the housing portion 622. The air then enters the stator component 630 through the openings 633 in the stator component 630 and flows to the stator vanes 663 of the first shield 660 where it is directed radially inward toward orifices 667 and then , directed to the second stage.

In the second stage, the air advances to the second impeller 652 where it is tangentially accelerated and directed radially outward. The air then flows helically, with a large tangential velocity component and also an axial component, through the gap 712 defined by the outer edge of the second shield 670 and the sidewall of the housing portion 624. The air then enters stator vanes 672 formed within shield 670 and is directed to outlet 628.

6.5.1 Alternative Structures for Directing Flow In the embodiments described above, the blower includes vanes to direct the airflow to the second stage and the outlet. Such vanes straighten the flow and help eliminate the "swirl" caused by the impeller. In alternative embodiments, the stator vanes may be replaced with alternative structures to direct or straighten the flow. For example, grids, meshes (eg, woven meshes), honeycomb structures, and/or extrusions (eg, spirals) can be provided to direct flow in use.

Also, in alternative embodiments, multiple tangential feeds may be provided to the axial outlet 628 to direct flow tangentially from the outlet.

7. Tubes as Mandrels In one embodiment, the tubes of the stator components may be used as mandrels to help form the windings of the stator assembly. The tube can be configured and shaped to facilitate its use as a mandrel. For example, the cylindrical, tapered configuration of the tube may facilitate its use as a mandrel. The shape may be polygonal, such as a rectangle, triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc. Additionally, the tube may include one or more structural components, such as splines, to assist in unwinding from the mandrel.

8. Interstage Seal FIG. 8 illustrates a blower according to another embodiment of the invention. The blower is similar to blower 610 described above and is designated with similar reference numerals. In contrast, the first shield 660 (i.e., the interstage "non-swivel" wing) has a lip region or flange 660(1) adapted to engage or seal against the second housing portion 624. including. Specifically, the lip region 660(1) of the first shield 660 is configured to engage the base 634 of the stator component 630, and the lip region 660(1) and the base 634 are connected to the first and Supported and/or sandwiched between second housing portions 622, 624 to support first shield 660 and stator component 630 within housing 620. Additionally, the lip region/base configuration is configured to provide an interstage seal to prevent air leakage from the second stage back to the first stage during use. Further, the connecting portion 622(1) of the first housing portion 622 is configured to overlap and/or overhang the connecting portion 624(1) of the second housing portion 624.

However, the interstage seal may be provided in other suitable manners. For example, a gasket or viscous sealant may be used at the interface of shield 660, stator component 630, and housing portions 622, 624. In another embodiment, one or more of the interfaces may be overmolded with soft silicone or TPE.

9. Blower with Metal Bearing Support Figures 9-1-9-2 illustrate a blower 810 according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to the blowers described above, blower 810 has two stages with one impeller 850 positioned on one side of motor 840 and one impeller 852 positioned on the other side of motor 840. include. Blower 810 also has axial symmetry with both inlet 826 and outlet 828 aligned with axis 815 of blower 810.

In contrast to the blowers described above, the bearings 800, 802 supporting the shaft 880 are held by a metal housing assembly (rather than a plastic tube), as described in more detail below. A metal housing assembly includes a "cage"-like adapter that supports the metal housing assembly within the blower housing and, similar to the "cage"-like stator component described above, includes a first shield and a first shield. Note that stage 2 allows gas to flow.

9.1 Overview The stationary portion of blower 810 includes a housing 820 having first and second housing portions 822, 824, a metal housing assembly 830, and first and second shields 860, 870. The rotating portion of the blower 810 includes a rotatable shaft or rotor 880 adapted to be driven by a motor 840 and first and second impellers 850, 852 provided at the ends of the shaft 880. include. The motor 840 includes a magnet 842 mounted on a shaft 880 and a stator assembly 844 that causes the shaft 880 to spin.

9.2 Metal Housing Assembly Housing assembly 830 is constructed from a metal material and includes a main housing 832 (eg, secured together by one or more fasteners 838), an end bell 834, and an adapter 836. As illustrated, main housing 832 provides a recess for supporting bearing 800 and end bell 834 provides a recess for supporting bearing 802. The main housing and end bell are configured to support bearings of the same size. However, the main housing and end bell may be configured to support mixed bearing sizes.

A metal bearing support provided by housing assembly 830 improves heat transfer from the bearing during use. Additionally, main housing 832 (eg, constructed from aluminum), end bell 834, and adapter 836 may be machined bar stock. In one embodiment, the end bell and adapter may be aluminum die-cast pieces for mass production.

As best shown in FIG. 9-2, the adapter 836 forms a cylindrical "cage" and defines an opening 833 in the cage.

9.3 Stator Assembly Alignment and Retention Main housing 832 and end bell 834 cooperate to support and maintain stator assembly 844 in an operational position.

9.4 Interstage Seal Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8 described above, the lip region 860(1) of the first shield 860 is configured to engage the base 836(1) of the adapter 836, 1) and base 836(1) are supported and/or sandwiched between first and second housing parts 822, 824 to support first shield 860 and housing assembly 830 within housing 820. . Additionally, the lip region/base configuration is configured to provide an interstage seal to prevent air leakage from the second stage back to the first stage during use.

9.5 Outer Race Preload (ORP) In the exemplary embodiment, a spacer or flux shield 804 was provided between each bearing 800, 802 and rotor magnet 842. Additionally, a spring or biasing element 806 was provided between the bearing 802 and the end cap 834.

Spring 806 (e.g., a crest-to-crest spring) has an outer race preload (ORP) against bearing 802 (rather than an inner race preload, such as that shown in FIG. 7-3). load). Specifically, a spring 806 is configured and arranged to engage the outer race 802(2) of the bearing 802 to provide a spring load to the bearing, which spring load brings the ball bearing into contact with the race. (ie, load is transferred from outer race 802(2) to ball bearing 802(3) and from ball bearing 802(3) to inner race 802(1)).

In one embodiment, the ORP configuration can reduce or eliminate corrosion of the second stage bearing 802 (eg, on the inner race) over the life of the blower.

9.6 Fluid Flow Path In the first stage, air enters the blower 810 through the inlet 826 and proceeds to the first impeller 850 where it is tangentially accelerated and directed radially outward. Note that suction is generated at the inlet to draw air into the blower. The air then flows helically, with a large tangential velocity component and also an axial component, through the gap 910 defined by the outer edge of the housing assembly 830 and the sidewall of the housing portion 822. The air then flows through the opening 833 in the adapter 836 to the stator vanes 863 of the first shield 860 where it is directed radially inward toward the second stage.

In the second stage, the air advances to the second impeller 852 where it is tangentially accelerated and directed radially outward. The air then flows helically, with a large tangential velocity component and also an axial component, through the gap 912 defined by the outer edge of the second shield 870 and the sidewall of the housing portion 824. The air then enters stator vanes 872 formed within shield 870 and is directed to outlet 828.

Ten. Closed Slot External Windings Figures 10-1 through 10-3 illustrate a stator 948 for a stator assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. Stator 948 includes an outer portion 948(1) (FIG. 10-1) and an inner portion 948(2) (FIG. 10-2) configured to be received within outer portion 948(1). . FIG. 10-3 shows stator 948 with outer and inner portions 948(1), 948(2) assembled.

The inner portion 948(2) has a plurality of stator teeth 949, for example 6 stator teeth, around which the stator coils or windings are wound. Outer portion 948(1) is annular and includes a plurality of recesses 950 along its inner periphery that are adapted to receive respective teeth of inner portion 948(2). When assembled, stator 948 provides a closed slot configuration.

The outer periphery of outer portion 948(1) includes a toothed configuration (e.g., for use in blower 610, similar to the configurations described above with respect to FIGS. 7-7 and 7-9). Adapted to engage or mate with a stator component. Additionally, one or more slots 951 may be provided on the outer periphery of outer portion 948(1) to accommodate the passage of respective wires from the windings.

This "closed slot" stator core configuration facilitates the insertion of the magnet wire since it can be inserted from the outside through a sufficiently wide slot opening. This opening is closed when the outer portion 948(1) is provided with the toothed inner portion 948(2). In its final assembled form, there are no slot openings and therefore there is little magnetic detent (or magnetic cogging effect) produced by the interaction of the rotor's protruding poles and the stator. This is a cost effective, low cogging configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, each tooth 949 of inner portion 948(2) has a generally T-shaped configuration with substantially square edges. In an alternative embodiment, the end of each tooth 949 (and corresponding recess 950 in outer portion 948(1)) may be more rounded, as shown in FIG. 11.

In yet another embodiment, the stator assembly may include a ironless and slotless stator (i.e., using air as the flux return path rather than using iron to concentrate the magnetic flux). .

11. Blower with Slotted Stator Figures 12-1 to 12-3 illustrate a blower 1010 according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to the blowers described above, the blower 1010 has two stages with one impeller 1050 positioned on one side of the motor 1040 and one impeller 1052 positioned on the other side of the motor 1040. include. Blower 1010 also has axial symmetry with both inlet 1026 and outlet 1028 aligned with the axis of blower 1010.

In this embodiment, stator 1048 of the stator assembly includes a slotted configuration. As best shown in FIG. 12-3, the stator or stack 1048 includes an annular body 1048(1) and a plurality of stator teeth 1048(2) extending radially inwardly from the body 1048(1). ), including, for example, six stator teeth. A stator coil or winding 1046 is wound around each tooth 1048(2) as shown in Figure 12-2. The winding can be inserted from the inside through the respective slot opening (the spacing between the teeth).

Similar to the configurations described above, the outer periphery of body 1048(1) includes a toothed configuration adapted to engage or mesh with stator component 1030. Additionally, one or more slots 1051 may be provided on the outer periphery of body 1048(1) to accommodate the passage of respective wires from windings 1046.

The remainder of the blower is similar to the configuration described above, including a housing 1020 with first and second housing parts 1022, 1024 and a "cage" stator component 1030 with a bearing tube 1038. , first and second shields 1060 and 1070.

12. Blower with Coreless Motor Figures 13-1-13-2 illustrate a blower 1110 according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to the blowers described above, the blower 1110 has two stages with one impeller 1150 positioned on one side of the motor 1140 and one impeller 1152 positioned on the other side of the motor 1140. include. Blower 1110 also has axial symmetry with both inlet 1126 and outlet 1128 aligned with the axis of blower 1110.

In this embodiment, the blower 1110 includes a coreless motor in which the windings or magnet wires are wound directly onto the stator components, thereby eliminating stator or lamination slack. For example, as best shown in FIG. 13-2, winding or magnet wire 1146 may be wound directly onto bearing tube 1138 of stator component 1130. In one embodiment, the windings may be at least partially supported by sidewalls of the stator component.

The remainder of the blower is similar to the configuration described above, including a housing 1120 having first and second housing portions 1122, 1124, a "cage" stator component 1130, and first and second housing portions 1122, 1124. 2 shields are 1160 and 1170. In an exemplary embodiment, the first housing portion 1122 may include one or more guiding structures 1123 for guiding the magnet wire to the exterior of the housing, such as binding posts for wrapping the wire.

13. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS FOR ASSEMBLY In one embodiment, the bearings supporting the shaft may be bonded to respective ends of the bearing tube by a plasma treatment step. For example, for the blower 610 embodiment, plasma may be used to treat the plastic surface of the first stage bearing seat of the bearing tube 638 that engages the outer race of the bearing 600. The plasma treatment allows the selected adhesive (eg, Loctite cyanoacrylate compound) to properly wet when applied. This wetting effect has been shown to increase bondline strength and also reduce changes during the process (as determined by shear strength). Bond lines hold the rotor assembly within the tube and stator assembly.

In an alternative embodiment, a liquid primer may be used to treat the bearing seat before the adhesive (eg, Loctite cyanoacrylate compound) is applied. Also, an alternative to cyanoacrylate compounds and plasma/primers as adhesives may be epoxies.

In one embodiment, the first and second housing portions of the housing may be joined using shear bonding in conjunction with ultrasonic welding.

Additionally, in one embodiment, a combination of rigid and softer materials is molded in a two-shot process (e.g., co-molded) to improve sealing at various locations through the blower. good.

"Binding posts" or "cleats" may be positioned on the exterior of the housing to ensure that the lead wires are the same length as they exit the blower housing. One or more wires may be wrapped around the binding post so that the length of the wires can be uniform.

In one embodiment, a labyrinth seal may be provided to the extent that homogenization is possible with minimal recirculation flow below the first stage impeller (see, e.g., Figures 7-3 and 7-6). Ensure that the pressure is equal between the external side of the first stage bearing and the external side of the second stage bearing.

Although the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included in the . Additionally, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to achieve a still further embodiment. May be combined. Moreover, each individual feature or component of any given assembly may constitute a further embodiment. Additionally, each individual component of any given assembly, one or more portions of the individual components of any given assembly, and various combinations of components from one or more embodiments , may include one or more decorative design features. Additionally, although the present invention has particular application to patients with symptoms of OSA, patients with other diseases (e.g., congestive heart failure, diabetes, morbid obesity, stroke, bariatric surgery, etc.) Please understand that you can benefit from the teachings. Additionally, the above teachings are applicable to patients and non-patients alike in non-medical applications.

Ten blower

15 shaft

20 housing

twenty two Housing part

twenty four Housing part

26 entrance

28 Exit

30 stator components

32 static wings

34 base

35 orifice

36 annular flange

37 inner part

38 bearing tube

39 outer part

40 motor

42 magnet

44 stator assembly

46 winding wire

48 stator laminated stack

50 impeller

52 impeller

60 shield, cap

62 disc part

65 tab

66 opening

68 Annular flange, protrusion

70 shield

72 static wings

73 inner part

74 hub

75 outer part

76 Outline edge

80 shaft

90 inner side

90(1) Annular surface

90(2) Annular surface

90(3) Slope

92 external surface

94 flange

100 bearing

102 bearing

104 washer

106 spring, biasing element