HK1128642B - Breathing nose mask system, and connecting/disconnecting means usable for the system - Google Patents

Description

Nasal respiratory mask system and connecting/releasing mechanism used therein

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a nasal mask system for breathing used in cpap (continuous Positive air Pressure) therapy suitable for treatment of an apnea syndrome during sleep, nippv (negative intermitten Positive Pressure) therapy suitable for insufficiency of ventilation, and the like, and a coupling/decoupling mechanism preferably usable in the nasal mask system.

Background

One of the most effective methods for treating the apnea syndrome during sleep is nasal continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP), and a respiratory assistance device that supplies positive pressure gas of about 400 to 2000Pa to the nostrils of a user during sleep is used as the treatment method. In addition, as one of the most effective methods for treating hypopnea, a Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) method is used, and a breathing assistance device for supplying intermittent positive pressure gas of about 400 to 2400Pa to the nostrils of the user is used.

In the case of performing therapy using these apparatuses, a nasal mask system is used which is composed of a hose for guiding positive pressure gas, a nasal respiratory mask, a frame for holding the nasal respiratory mask at a predetermined position, and a headgear for bringing the nasal respiratory mask into close contact with the face in order to supply a continuous positive pressure to the nares of the user. The headgear includes a headgear strap whose length can be adjusted, and is connected to the frame via the headgear strap. The headgear strap can adjust the degree of close contact of the nasal mask system with the face, and can approximately eliminate the leakage of the positive pressure gas without causing pain. As a mechanism for maintaining the length in this state, velcro (registered trademark), a buckle (buckle) of a belt (belt), or the like is generally used. The nasal mask system is usually removed during a period other than the treatment time, but the headgear straps are pulled out from the nasal mask system when the nasal mask system is removed, and therefore, the length must be adjusted every time the nasal mask system is worn. To compensate for this drawback, the following nasal mask system is generally employed: the length adjustment function and the connection function to the frame are separated, the headgear strap is connected to a fastener (fasterner), and a buckle (fastnermatch) is prepared on the frame, so that the function of connecting/disconnecting the headgear to/from the frame is shared by the fastener and the buckle. In this nasal mask system, when the mask is worn again, the length does not need to be adjusted.

In these nasal mask systems, various nasal mask systems are disclosed in which a general technique and a conventional technique are mounted because an operation is often required in front of the nose.

For example, patent document 1 proposes a nasal respiratory mask system in which a fastener is easily inserted by sliding a guide surface provided in a latch provided in a frame in a plane, and patent document 2 proposes a nasal respiratory mask system having a rotation mechanism for releasing the rotation of a headgear. These nasal respiratory mask systems are effective in improving the operability during fitting.

However, in these nasal respiratory mask systems, when the fastener is inserted into the buckle, if the fastener is inserted with a deviation in the rotational direction about the insertion direction, the fastener may not be connected properly.

In addition, since the tightening tool needs to be formed as two or more members for twisting the headgear after the headgear is worn, there is a fear that the weight of the entire nasal mask system increases, and in addition, if the degree of freedom of rotation is 180 degrees or more on both sides, the twisting may be maintained as it is.

In addition, the headgear is usually washed in daily life, and at that time, resin members such as fasteners are removed. Since the head band portion is removed from the head band portion, the length of the head band portion needs to be adjusted after washing, and it is difficult to easily obtain a stable wearing state. In addition, since the headgear strap is generally configured to be adjusted in length by velcro (registered trademark) or the like, an increase in the frequency of length adjustment accelerates deterioration of the headgear strap, resulting in a significant reduction in the life of the headgear. In this regard, there is a further problem in a nasal respiratory mask system in which connection and disconnection by a fastener and a latch are not performed.

However, in view of such problems, few consideration has been given to the prior art represented above.

[ patent document 1] Japanese Kohyo publication No. 2005-537906

[ patent document 2] Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2004-

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the problems of the conventional techniques described above, the problems to be solved by the present invention are as follows.

Provided is a nasal respiratory mask system which can solve at least one of the following problems: for example, the joint cover can be extremely easily attached at the time of wearing; the discomfort caused by the twisting of the head cover in the wearing process is reduced as much as possible; the adjustment of the length of the headgear strap is not required after washing.

The present invention relates to a nasal respiratory mask system that is in contact with the face of a user, is fixed to the head of the user via a headgear, and supplies positive respiratory pressure gas to the nose of the user, the nasal respiratory mask system including at least: a nose mask which is in close contact with the face of the user and serves as a mechanism for guiding positive pressure breathing gas to the nose of the user; a frame for holding the nose mask at a predetermined position; and headgear attached to the head so as to bring the nose mask into close contact with the face, wherein the headgear has a headgear strap at a distal end thereof for adjusting a length of the headgear, the headgear strap has a headgear fastener at a distal end thereof serving as a connecting/disconnecting mechanism with the frame, the frame has a latch engaged with the headgear fastener, and the latch has a rotationally symmetrical guide structure having a direction of insertion of the headgear fastener as an axis (rotation).

In addition, the invention also relates to a connecting/releasing mechanism which is composed of a fastener and a buckle lock, wherein the fastener is composed of a pair of holding parts which are symmetrical left and right; and a front end part which connects the front end sides of the pair of holding parts and is received and engaged by the lock catch; the fastener lock has a rotationally symmetrical guide structure having a direction of insertion of the fastener as a (rotational) axis.

The present invention also relates to a connecting/disconnecting mechanism comprising a belt having a front end portion forming a loop, and a fastener having a pair of bilaterally symmetrical holding portions; a distal end portion formed by connecting distal end sides of the pair of grip portions; and a connecting portion formed by extending inward from the rear end side of the holding portion and connected to the belt; the connecting portion has a cutout on a portion thereof.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a general nasal respiratory mask system.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating direct connection between the headgear 13 and the frame 12 in a general nasal respiratory mask system.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the headgear fastener 14 and the latch 15 in a general nasal respiratory mask system.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the headgear fastener 14 and the latch 15 in a general nasal respiratory mask system.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a view illustrating the headgear fastener 14 and the fastener lock of the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a view illustrating a portion where the headgear fastener 14 of the nasal respiratory mask system according to the present invention engages with the fastener lock, and the rotation of the portion.

Fig. 8 is a view illustrating the headgear fastener 14 of the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention and the strap hook 14c provided in the headgear fastener.

Fig. 9 is a view illustrating the attachment and detachment of the headgear strap 13a according to the structure of the strap hook 14c of the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention.

Fig. 10a shows a modification of the headgear fastener, and fig. 10b shows a state where the pressing portion of the modification is pressed and removed from the buckle.

Fig. 11a shows another modification of the headgear fastener, fig. 11b shows a state where the pressing portion of the modification is pressed and removed from the buckle, and fig. 11c shows an example where the slit is formed as an inclined slit.

Description of the reference numerals

1 nasal respiratory mask system

2 breathing auxiliary device for generating positive pressure gas

3 Flexible pipe

11 nose mask

12 frame

12a strap hook

13 head cover

13a headgear strap

13b adjustment part of headgear strap

14 headgear fastener

14a locking pawl

14b holding part

14c hook with hook

14d incision

15 fastener lock

15a locking hole

15b guide surface

N direction of insertion

Angle of rotation of theta about the direction of insertion

In-plane error of alpha insertion

Detailed Description

Specific examples of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention relates to a nasal respiratory mask system, comprising: a nose mask which is in close contact with the face of the user and serves as a mechanism for guiding positive pressure breathing gas to the nose of the user; a frame for holding the nose mask at a predetermined position; and headgear attached to the head so as to bring the nose mask into close contact with the face, wherein the headgear includes a headgear strap for adjusting the length thereof, the headgear strap has a headgear fastener at the tip thereof serving as a connecting/disconnecting mechanism with respect to the frame, the frame includes a latch engaged with the headgear fastener, and the latch includes a rotationally symmetrical guide structure having a (rotational) axis in a direction of insertion of the headgear fastener.

The frame used in the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention is, for example, substantially triangular, and is used so that both buccal sides of the user are the base of the triangle and the apex of the triangle is the forehead of the user.

The head cover strap is a rope strap part (13a) which is arranged on the head cover and is used for adjusting the length of the head cover. The headgear strap may be combined with a member manufactured separately from the headgear. The headgear strap can be adjusted to an appropriate length (13b) by the user by, for example, sticking a hook-loop member (so-called hook and loop fastener (registered trademark)) such as velcro (registered trademark) to one surface. In addition, a buckle (buckle) or the like may be used as the length adjustment mechanism of the headgear strap. The headgear and the headgear strap may be made of a material having air permeability and stretchability, and examples thereof include circular knitted fabric (plain knitted material) and rubber (air permeable neoprene).

In the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention, the headgear fastener includes: a tip portion that can be engaged with a buckle described later, a pressing portion (release lever 14b) that is an engagement/release mechanism of the headgear fastener and the buckle, and a connecting portion (strap hook) to the headgear strap. The connecting portion (strap hook) of the headgear fastener may have, for example, a long frame shape (14c), and in this case, the portion where the headgear strap contacts the long frame is referred to as the tip of the headgear strap in the description of the present application. When the strap hook has a long frame shape, the notch 14d is provided in a part of the strap hook, whereby the headgear fastener and the headgear strap can be connected/disconnected without changing the length of the headgear strap. In addition, for the sake of weight reduction and elasticity of the headgear fastener, it is preferable to manufacture the headgear fastener from a resin having elasticity such as polypropylene or polyacetal.

In the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention, the frame is provided with latches at both side portions of the base portion thereof, and is provided so that a receiving opening for receiving the headgear fastener is opened on the cheek side of the user. Thus, since the headgear strap is in the most tense state when the headgear fastener and the buckle are engaged, once the length of the headgear strap is adjusted, it is not necessary to adjust the length of the headgear strap after the headgear strap is worn in the next wearing. Further, when the receiving opening is provided so as to be opened to the buccal side of the user slightly downward, the user can wear the device more easily. The latch may be made of polycarbonate, polyacetal, or the like, and when the latch is formed integrally with the frame, polycarbonate is preferably used.

In the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention, the fastener lock has a rotationally symmetrical guide structure having a direction of insertion of the headgear fastener as an axis (rotation). The guide structure is an auxiliary structure for engaging the headgear fastener with the buckle only by bringing the headgear fastener close to the buckle without strictly adjusting the engagement between the headgear fastener and the buckle. The structure includes a rotationally symmetric structure in which the direction of insertion of the fastener into the headgear fastener is the axis (rotation), and a structure in which the receiving opening of the fastener is wider than the receiving inner portion of the fastener. According to this nasal respiratory mask system, even when the headgear fastener is inserted into the latch in a state in which the insertion direction and the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction N are deviated, and further, the rotational direction about the insertion direction N is deviated, the headgear fastener can be easily engaged. Specific examples of the structure include a spindle shape and a conical shape, but the structure is not limited to the above structure as long as the structure can provide the effect.

In the nasal respiratory mask system according to the present invention, the headgear fastener has a shape that engages with the fastener lock having the guide structure. It is preferable that the headgear fastener is rotatable about the insertion direction N even in a state where the headgear fastener is engaged with the engagement portion of the fastener lock. According to this nasal respiratory mask system, the user can correct the twisting of the headgear or headgear strap while wearing the system, and discomfort due to the twisting can be prevented.

The headgear fastener is preferably rotatable at least 30 degrees or more, more preferably rotatable 30 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees, and further preferably rotatable 30 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees at the engagement portion between the headgear fastener and the fastener. In the present specification, the rotatable angle is referred to as an allowable rotation angle θ. When the headgear fastener can be rotated by 30 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees, not only can the twisting of the headgear or the headgear strap during wearing be corrected, but also, in a state of being engaged after wearing, even if the headgear is twisted in a rotating direction about the insertion direction N by the moving body, the allowable rotation angle θ can be restricted, so that the force generated between the headgear or the headgear strap and the frame by the movement of the body can be absorbed by the rotation of the headgear fastener, and the headgear or the headgear strap can be prevented from being twisted.

The rotatable engagement portion can be realized, for example, by the following method: the headgear fastener is provided with locking claws 14a, the fastener is provided with locking holes 15a that engage with the locking claws 14a, and the locking holes 15a are formed as recesses along an arc drawn on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction N of the headgear fastener.

Further, the present invention relates to a nasal respiratory mask system including: a nose mask which is in close contact with the face of the user and serves as a mechanism for guiding positive pressure breathing gas to the nose of the user; a frame for holding the nose mask at a predetermined position; and a headgear attached to the head so as to bring the nose mask into close contact with the face, wherein the headgear has a headgear strap at a distal end thereof for adjusting a length of the headgear, the headgear strap has a headgear fastener at a distal end thereof serving as a connecting/disconnecting mechanism with respect to the frame, the frame has a buckle engaged with the headgear fastener, the headgear fastener has a strap hook capable of connecting/disconnecting with respect to the headgear strap, the strap hook has a cut-out at a portion thereof, and the strap fastener is configured to be elastically deformable through the cut-out.

Preferably, the headgear fastener is configured to elastically deform the strap hook so as to connect/disconnect the headgear fastener and the frame. According to this nasal respiratory mask, the mechanism for connecting/disconnecting the headgear fastener to the frame and the mechanism for connecting/disconnecting the headgear fastener to the headgear strap can be integrally configured, and the overall weight of the nasal respiratory mask system can be reduced.

Examples

First, fig. 1 to 4 show the structure of a general nasal respiratory mask system in use.

In fig. 1, a nose mask 11 made of a soft material such as silicon rubber is held in place by a frame 12 integrally formed of resin or the like for attaching the nose mask 11 and a headgear 13 for fixing the frame 12 by the shape of the head, and a breathing assistance device 2 for generating positive pressure gas and a hose 3 for guiding the positive pressure gas generated by the breathing assistance device 2 to the frame are connected and used. The frame 12 is substantially triangular, and is used so that both buccal sides of the user form the base of the triangle and the apex of the triangle forms the forehead of the user.

The frame 12 and the headgear 13 are fixed to each vertex of the frame, and the frame and the portions on both sides of the base portion of the headgear are fixed to each other by a strap hook 12a directly provided on the frame 12 as shown in fig. 2, or fixed to a buckle 15 via a headgear fastener 14 so as to be easily connected and disconnected (see fig. 3 and 4).

Next, fig. 3 and 4 show a structure used for a general headgear fastener 14 and a fastener 15. In such a structure, the headgear fasteners 14 are inserted into the latches 15 and connected by the locking claws 14a, and the locking claws 14a are released by pinching the grip portions 14b with hands, whereby the headgear fasteners 14 can be detached from the latches 15. In this case, the deviation of the relative positional relationship between the headgear fastener 14 and the latch 15 at the time of connection is allowed only in the direction of the insertion in-plane error α. In any of the structures, since the adjustment portion 13b of the headgear strap 13a is detached and the frame 12 is separated from the headgear 13 or the headgear fastener 14 is separated from the headgear 13 when washing is performed, the length of the headgear strap 13a must be adjusted when wearing the device again.

Figure 5 illustrates a nasal respiratory mask system 1 of the present invention. A nasal respiratory mask system (1) is provided with: a nose mask 11 that is a mechanism that is in close contact with the face of the user and guides positive pressure breathing gas into the nose of the user; a frame 12 for holding the nose mask 11 at a predetermined position; and a headgear 13 attached to the head so as to bring the nose mask into close contact with the face. The nose mask 11 is provided between the frame 12 and the user, and is connected to the frame 12 for use, as shown in fig. 5. The frame 12 is substantially triangular, and is used so that both cheek sides of the user form a base of the triangle and a vertex of the triangle forms a forehead side of the user. As shown in fig. 5, the frame 12 has headgear 13 connecting portions at four positions in total, two on the forehead side and two on the base side. In the nasal respiratory mask system 1 of the present invention, the frame 12 includes latches 15 at both side portions of the base portion.

In the nasal respiratory mask system 1 of the present invention, the headgear 13 includes a headgear strap 13a for adjusting the length thereof, and the headgear strap 13a includes a headgear fastener 14 integrally formed of resin or the like at the distal end thereof, which serves as a connecting/disconnecting mechanism with respect to the frame 12.

As shown in fig. 6, the nasal respiratory mask system of the present invention is characterized in that the latch 15 of the frame 12 has a guide structure with rotational symmetry with respect to the axis in the direction of insertion of the headgear fastener (insertion direction N). The latch 15 is a member integrally molded with a resin or the like as a part of the frame 12. Therefore, a structure that allows variation in the rotational direction about the insertion direction N, which is a characteristic portion of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to fig. 6. As shown in fig. 6, since the guide surface 15b of the latch 15 has a rotationally symmetrical shape about the insertion direction N, when the headgear fastener 14 is inserted, the insertion can be performed without any problem even if the insertion is performed in a state where the rotational direction about the insertion direction N is deviated. Further, by forming the guide surface as a spindle-shaped, for example, conical recess, it is also possible to allow for variations in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction N.

Further, by providing the lock hole 15a directly engaged with the lock claw 14a as a concave portion along an arc drawn on a plane perpendicular to the N-axis so that the allowable rotation angle θ during insertion is, for example, 30 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees (see fig. 7), even if there is a deviation in the rotation direction during insertion, the head buckle 14 and the latch 15 can be engaged at a predetermined position. When the body is moved in the engaged state, the headgear 13 or the headgear straps 13a are twisted in the rotation direction about the insertion direction N, but the locking claws 14a are restricted by the locking holes 15a at the allowable rotation angle θ, so that the headgear 13 or the headgear straps 13a can be prevented from being twisted.

Further, a description will be given of a headgear hook 14c as still another feature of the present invention with reference to fig. 8. The tape hook 14c is shown in fig. 8, and has a cut 14d in a part thereof. By providing the strap hook 14c with the notch 14d, when the headgear fastener 14 is detached from the headgear 13 at the time of washing or the like, the headgear strap 13a can be detached in an adjusted length state by passing through the notch 14d as shown in fig. 9. When the headgear is mounted again, the reverse procedure is followed, and thus, the time for adjusting the fixing position of the headgear strap for adjusting the length of the headgear again can be saved. Moreover, when the nose mask is worn, the tension of headgear 13 is not affected, and headgear straps 13a are not detached at will. The notch 14d can be connected by directly providing the strap hook 14c to the frame 12 without using the headgear fastener 14 and the latch 15.

In addition, the headgear fastener 14 shown in fig. 8 is further provided with a pair of bilaterally symmetrical holding portions 14 b; and a pair of locking claws 14a which are connected to the front end sides of the pair of holding portions 14b in a substantially V-shape to form protruding portions and are provided outside the substantially V-shaped front end portions. Further, by having the slits 14d in a part of the band hooks 14c formed to extend inward from the rear end sides of the pair of bilaterally symmetrical gripping portions 14b, the entire headgear fastener 14 including the band hooks 14c has a plate spring structure that is folded at the front end of the headgear fastener 14. Thus, when the headgear fastener 14 is inserted into the latch 15 formed as the concave portion, the pair of locking claws 14a can be engaged with the pair of locking holes 15a, respectively, by the headgear fastener 14 being slightly elastically flexed inward. Further, if the unlock handle 14b, which is a grip portion provided in the headgear fastener 14, is pinched by a hand, the strap hook 14c is elastically deformed, and the locking claw 14a can be released from the locking hole 15a, so that the headgear fastener 14 can be removed from the buckle 15. In this case, the mechanism for connecting and disconnecting headgear fastener 14 and frame 12 and the mechanism for connecting and disconnecting headgear fastener 14 and headgear strap 13a can be integrally formed, and the weight of the entire nasal mask system can be reduced.

As described above, the headgear fastener 14 shown in fig. 8 has the notch 14d at the connecting portion with the headgear strap 13a, that is, at a portion of the strap hook 14c, and the notch 14d is formed so that the outer side is opened at a position close to the one holding portion 14b and the inner side is inclined from the central opening. Thus, by inserting the headgear strap 13a through the slit 14d, the headgear strap can be easily connected to and disconnected from the strap hook 14 c. The grip portion 14b is provided with a plurality of protrusions so that the hand operation can be easily performed without slipping.

Fig. 10a and b and fig. 11a and b show a modification of the headgear fastener 14. The same point as the embodiment of fig. 8 is that a pair of bilaterally symmetrical gripping portions 14b are provided, but in the modification of fig. 10a, the substantially V-shaped protruding portion connected to the tip ends of the pair of gripping portions 14b has a notch 14d at the tip position. In contrast, no notch is provided on the strap hook 14c as the connecting portion of the headgear strap 13 a. In this modification, when the headgear straps 13a are connected to or disconnected from the headgear fasteners 14, the connection is made through the notches 14b at the front end positions. When the headgear fastener 14 is inserted into the latch 15 and connected to the frame 2, the distal end portion is inserted directly in a substantially V-shape, and this portion is deflected inward due to elasticity as shown in fig. 10b, and the pair of locking claws 14a are fitted into the pair of locking holes 15a of the latch 15, thereby completing the connection. When the headgear fastener 14 is removed from the frame 2, the pair of holding portions 14b are pressed inward in the direction of the arrow P, whereby the pair of locking claws 14a can be removed from the locking holes 15a of the latches 15, and the headgear fastener 14 can be detached from the frame 2.

In the modification of fig. 11a, the substantially V-shaped protruding portions connected to the distal ends of the pair of gripping portions 14b have a notch 14d at a position between one of the distal end positions and the locking claw 14 a. As in the above-described modification, no notch is provided in the strap hook 14c as the connecting portion of the headgear strap 13 a. In this modification, the same as the above modification is that the headgear straps 13a are passed through the slits 14d when being connected to or disconnected from the headgear fasteners 14; when the headgear fastener 14 is inserted into the latch 15 and connected to the frame 12, the distal end portion is inserted directly in a substantially V-shape, and these portions are bent inward due to elasticity as shown in fig. 11b, so that the pair of locking claws 14a are fitted into the pair of locking holes 15a of the latch 15 to connect; however, when the headgear fastener 14 is removed from the frame 2, only the locking claw 14a on the side where the notch 14d is provided is pulled inward by the elasticity by pressing the pair of grip portions 14b inward in the direction of the arrow P, and both the locking claws 14a are removed from the locking holes 15a of the latches 15. In this modification, when the slit 14d is formed as an inclined slit as shown in fig. 11c to connect the headgear strap 13a or when the headgear strap 13 is released from the latch 15, the pair of gripping portions located behind the slit are pressed inward to open the slit 14d or the latch claw 14a is moved inward to be detached from the latch hole 15 a.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various embodiments, modifications, and corrections can be implemented within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, the following may be considered as a configuration different from the above-described embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the case of bilateral symmetry has been illustrated and described with respect to the shape of the headgear fastener 14, but the shape of the headgear fastener is not limited to bilateral symmetry, and may be a shape in which, when the pair of grip portions is pressed inward by a hand, the distance between the pair of locking claws 14a located at the distal end portion of the headgear fastener can be slightly reduced, and these locking claws 14a can be disengaged from the pair of locking holes 15a of the latch 15. Therefore, for example, the tip end portion of the headgear fastener 14 fitted to the latch 15, which protrudes in a substantially V-shape, may be provided at a position close to either one of the pair of grip portions 14 b.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the frame 2 and the headgear fastener 14 are integrally molded with resin has been illustrated and described, but these members may be made of different materials, for example, metal, or may be made by combining a plurality of members. However, it is preferable that the headgear fastener 14 have a structure in which the locking claws can be engaged with and disengaged from the locking holes of the latches by providing elasticity by having one notch as described above.

Industrial applicability

According to the present invention, a nasal respiratory mask system for use in CPAP therapy, NI PPV therapy, or the like can be provided.

In addition, the following remarkable effects are achieved: when the fastener is inserted into the buckle, the fastener can be connected regardless of the deviation of the rotation direction about the insertion direction as the axis, and the weight can be reduced and the uncomfortable feeling caused by the twisting of the head cover after the head cover is worn can be prevented.

Moreover, the following remarkable effects are also achieved: when washing the headgear, since the headgear strap can be attached and detached without detaching the headgear strap, adjustment at the time of reattachment is not necessary, and deterioration of the headgear can be suppressed.

Claims (13)

1. A nasal respiratory mask system comprising: a nose mask which is in close contact with the face of the user and serves as a mechanism for guiding positive pressure breathing gas to the nose of the user; a frame for holding the nose mask at a predetermined position; and a headgear attached to the head so as to bring the nose mask into close contact with the face, wherein the headgear has a headgear strap for adjusting the length, the headgear strap has a headgear fastener at the tip thereof serving as a connecting/disconnecting mechanism with the frame, the frame has a latch engaged with the headgear fastener, the latch has a rotationally symmetrical guide structure having a spindle-shaped or conical recessed portion as an axis in a direction in which the headgear fastener is inserted, the headgear fastener has a substantially V-shaped protruding portion adapted to the recessed portion,

the guide structure is a shape that allows the following two deviations: as the deviation of the rotational direction of the shaft and the deviation when the headgear fastener is inserted in a plane perpendicular to the shaft.

2. The nasal respiratory mask system of claim 1,

the headgear fastener can rotate about an axis in the insertion direction even in a state where the headgear fastener is engaged with the engagement portion of the buckle.

3. The nasal respiratory mask system of claim 2,

the headgear fastener can be rotated at least 30 degrees at the engagement portion with the fastener.

4. The nasal respiratory mask system of claim 2,

the headgear fastener can be rotated by 30 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees at the engagement portion with the buckle.

5. The nasal respiratory mask system of claim 2,

the headgear fastener includes a locking claw, and the latch includes a locking hole that is engaged with the locking claw, and the locking hole is a concave portion along an arc drawn on a plane perpendicular to an insertion direction of the headgear fastener.

6. The nasal respiratory mask system of claim 1,

the headgear fastener has a mechanism that enables connection/disconnection between the headgear fastener and the headgear strap without adjusting the length of the headgear strap.

7. The nasal respiratory mask system of claim 1,

the headgear fastener includes:

a pair of holding portions;

approximately V-shaped protruding portions which are formed by extending from the front end sides of the pair of holding portions, respectively, and are received and disengaged by the latches; and

a connection portion with the headgear strap formed to extend inward from the rear end side of the holding portion;

the connecting portion or the front end portion has a notch at a part thereof, and is configured to be capable of elastically deforming the headgear fastener by the notch.

8. A connecting/disconnecting mechanism characterized in that,

is composed of a fastener and a buckle lock,

the fastener is composed of a pair of holding parts; and a substantially V-shaped front end portion formed to protrude from the front end side of the pair of grip portions and received and engaged by the latch;

the buckle lock is provided with an axisymmetrical guide structure which takes the direction of inserting the buckle as an axis, the shape of the guide structure is a fusiform or conical concave part,

the guide structure is a shape that allows the following two deviations: a deviation in a rotational direction about the axis, and a deviation in a plane perpendicular to the axis when the headgear fastener is inserted.

9. The connection/disconnection mechanism according to claim 8,

the fastener can rotate about an axis in the insertion direction even in a state of being engaged with the engagement portion of the latch.

10. The connection/disconnection mechanism according to claim 9,

the fastener can rotate at least 30 degrees at the engagement part with the lock.

11. The connection/disconnection mechanism according to claim 9,

the fastener can rotate more than 30 degrees and less than 180 degrees at the engagement part with the lock.

12. The connection/disconnection mechanism according to claim 9,

the fastener is provided with a locking claw at a front end portion thereof,

the lock catch has a locking hole engaged with the locking claw,

the locking hole is a concave portion along an arc drawn on a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the clip.

13. The connection/disconnection mechanism according to claim 8,

the clip is a headgear clip, and further includes a connecting portion which is a mechanism capable of connecting/disconnecting with/from a headgear strap and is formed to extend inward from a rear end portion of the holding portion, and the connecting portion or the front end portion has a notch at a part thereof, and is configured to be elastically deformable by the notch.