WO2006017875A1 - Breathing mask - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a breathing mask (1) for the mouth and/or nose area, which comprises a mask body (3) and a device through which the breathing air flows. The device is provided in the form of a heat exchanger (5). The preferably cold ambient air to be inhaled is preheated by the heat content of the exhaled breathing air, and the heat content of the exhaled breathing air is temporarily stored in the heat exchanger (5). The heat exchanger (5) comprises a heat exchanger sheet stack (11) that carries out the heat exchange between the material of the heat exchanger sheet stack (11) and the ambient air to be inhaled.

Description

 oxygen mask

The invention relates to a respiratory mask for the oral and / or nasal area, which comprises a mask body and a device flowing through the respiratory air

Respiratory masks are naturally known for a wide variety of applications According to the use of these known respiratory masks, devices and / or filters are provided in the respiratory masks, which primarily clean the air to be inhaled

Thus, for example, GB 2 352 978 A discloses a filter which is intended to filter out dust, pollen or smoke from the ambient air before it is inhaled

Furthermore, US Pat. No. 4,821,71 A discloses a respiratory protective device which has a regeneration cartridge for the regeneration of the respiratory air

Furthermore, from WO 03/099 366 A a device for warming and moistening respiratory gases is known, which consists of two passive heat-moisture exchangers and an intermediate active Anwarm moistening part with an external control device exists

There are also known flexible membranes for cleaning the ambient air to be inhaled, as for example from IT 1 226 179 A.

Furthermore, a face mask is known from US Pat. No. 4,269,183 A, which temporarily stores the respiratory air in a container and controls the supply and removal via valves

From DE 200 13 945 U1 a respiratory mask is known, which is worn only over the nose This mask is only for moistening the breath This is done via an insert that is saturated with lithium chloride and hygroscopic This mask serves as a sleep mask in long-term flights and should prevent the mucous membranes from drying out To round off the prior art, a medical device is known from DE 195 15 739 C2, which is to prevent collapse of the respiratory mucous membranes during sleep This device works with mechanically generated overpressure and has a heat exchanger for cooling the compressed air to a temperature as before compression

A disadvantage of all the above-mentioned devices is especially their complicated structure or handling

The object of the invention is to provide a respiratory mask of the type mentioned, on the one hand avoids the disadvantages of the known devices and on the other hand, an unimpaired respiratory function in the exercise of activities, especially in sports activities allowed

The object is achieved by the invention

The erfmdungsgemaße breathing mask is characterized in that the device is designed as a heat exchanger, the einzatmende, preferably cold, ambient air is preheated by the warm content of the exhaled breath and the intermediate storage of the warm content of exhaled breath in the heat exchanger takes place with the inventive breathing mask, it is possible for the first time In the case of mouth breathing, to bring the air to be inhaled to the level, in terms of temperature and humidity, which is given by the nasal mucous membranes during nasal breathing

Especially during sports activities, the normal nasal breathing is not sufficient to meet the oxygen demand of the body Therefore, by breathing in the mouth the respiratory rate and respiratory rate, also back to the low flow resistance, increased To now by the nasal mucus normally given moistening and prewarming Compensate, the use of the inventive breathing mask is proposed The occurring in unfavorable weather conditions infections of the respiratory organs are thereby avoided The inhalation of air is moistened and preheated The moisture and heat is removed from the exhaled air by cooling and fed back when inhaling the air This function takes the inventive heat exchanger It therefore needs to operate the inventive breathing mask no external energy or extraneous moisture

The very low flow resistance of the inventive breathing mask ensures an unimpaired respiratory function and sufficient oxygen supply Furthermore, nasal breathing is not hindered However, as is well known, nasal breathing at full physical performance contributes only a few percent of total respiration

A further advantage of the respiratory mask according to the invention is then to be seen that icing at extremely low temperatures is avoided by the heat pipe in the heat exchanger. For different conditions of use, the effect of the respiratory mask according to the invention can be individually adapted or changed. This can be achieved, on the one hand, by various exchangeable variants of the device, ie the heat exchanger, and / or by special structures of the heat exchanger, preferably a multi-layered structure carried out Some embodiments are shown below

As already mentioned, the breathing mask according to the invention is particularly suitable for exercising sports activities. The respiratory mask according to the present invention can preferably be used in the transitional period and in winter. However, in the opposite extreme, namely at high heat, use is also recommended According to the invention respiratory mask for athletes, both for condition training as well as in high-performance sports, intended The use is not bound to any particular sport There are only exemplary uses for broad and competitive athletes, such as cycling, jogging, Nordic walking, hiking, mountaineering, pointed out Equally suitable but for cross-country skiing or extreme mountain climbing According to a particular feature of the invention, the heat exchanger is designed, in particular, as a regenerator and / or recuperator. As already explained above, the regenerator or the recuperator assumes the function of the nasal mucous membranes. The moisture and warmth of the exhaled air are removed by cooling and inhaled again supplied Em such heat exchanger has, especially when the flow ducts are arranged in the direction of breathing, a very high efficiency

According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger, in particular the regenerator, made of a wire mesh, in particular with very small wire diameters, preferably <0.03 - 0.2 mm, made This technique of producing such regenerators has been well preserved and also brings optimal technical values

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the Wärmetauschci comprises a heat exchanger laminated core, which durchfuhrt the heat exchange between the material of the heat exchanger laminated core and the ambient air to be inhaled Such a heat exchanger laminated core meets the demands made on the breathing mask in the most economical form It is simple in construction and can be manufactured in the most rational way

According to a particular feature of the invention, the heat exchanger laminated core has a laminar structure and alternately at least one smooth sheet and / or a smooth foil and at least one deformed sheet and / or a deformed foil are provided, wherein the deformed sheet and / or the deformed This makes it possible for heat exchangers or recuperators for the breathing mask with very thin sheets without costly and therefore expensive processing method of sheets or films, such as chemical etching, erosion or complicated machining, such as finest metal cutting or deep drawing finished. As a result, an economical production is given, which simultaneously ensures excellent technical functionality Furthermore, it is possible with the invention to realize heat exchangers or recuperators by the use of very thin sheets or films very simple and therefore inexpensive with large heat exchanger surfaces per volume unit Furthermore, it comes through the inventive design to minimal or lowest flow losses per amount of heat transferred

Another serious advantage is then to be seen that in Blechstarken in the macro range no additional devices, such as rods or other spacers to meet the necessary distances from sheet to sheet are required, with high labor costs on each sheet, by welding, soldering or screwing , must be attached

According to a further feature of the invention, the heat exchanger laminated core on at least one deformed sheet and / or a deformed film and for the formation of flow ducts, the deformed sheet or the deformed film parallel to each other, at intervals, preferably equal distances, arranged elevations and depressions , similar to a sine wave, on Such deformations, similar to a roller shutter, are easy to produce in manufacturing A rational production is thus ensured The regenerator can be advantageously wound from a wavy and a smooth layer of sheets or films, the size of the channels on the well height is determined.

According to an alternative feature of the invention, the deformed sheet and / or the deformed film for the formation of flow ducts fold-like, parallel, at intervals, preferably equal distances, arranged elevations and depressions, similar to a concertina, in principle, the above advantages apply Of course, for this kind of export

According to a particular feature of the invention is at an angle, preferably a right angle, to the flow ducts in at least one sheet or in a foil of the heat exchanger laminated core at least one Embossing provided in the material Especially in heat exchangers, such produced inhomogeneity of the material for the long-term heat transfer would certainly of immense advantage The production of these embossments is in the manufacturing process simple and economical durchfuhrbar

According to a very special feature of the invention, at least one cut and / or a cut is provided at an angle preferably to a right angle to the flow channels in at least one sheet or in a foil of the heat exchanger laminated core. These cuts or openings serve only to prevent the long-life line parallel to the gas flow and do not serve to equalize the pressure between the channels, because, for example, slots to strong turbulence of the flow and therefore lead to a large flow resistance. It is therefore possible to multiply the heat resistance in the direction of flow very easily and inexpensively by interruptions, such as cuts, are provided transversely to the direction of flow in the sheet or in the film Thus, the undesirable heat transport along the channel wall can be largely prevented, which improves the overall efficiency

According to a development of the invention when using the

Heat exchanger laminated core in a regenerator or recuperator the arrangement and / or the length of the cut or cuts according to the temperature difference between inlet and outlet, optionally to the thickness of the sheet and / or the film and / or optionally the distance and / or the cross section of Flow ducts, adapted One of the most important features in the design of heat exchangers, and in particular for regenerators, is an equal flow through the channels If uneven channels are present in the flow, this leads to uneven mass flows and unequal heat transfer. However, this results in different temperatures and these lead to warm voltages

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the cuts at equal intervals are recurring and preferably over the entire width the sheet and / or the film arranged. As stated above, a gleichmaßige construction and design of the flow ducts of utmost importance and increases the efficiency

According to a further feature of the invention, the sheet metal or film thickness is 10 to 500 microns, in particular 20 to 50 microns As already mentioned, these thin sheets or films have the immense advantage that they are rational with the current state of the art machines and devices Furthermore, a large heat exchanger surface per volume unit can be achieved

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the surface of the sheets or films is smooth, possibly polished, designed It is very easy to make the surface texture, such as the surface roughness, such as polishing so that particle deposits difficult or even prevented Pollution of the heat exchanger or recuperator delayed or perhaps even completely suppressed, resulting in corresponding savings in maintenance important in this context, as completely as possible smooth channels, without surveys, such as spacers or nubs or recesses in the

Channel wall, produce, so that the flow in the channels is disturbed nowhere, causing very low flow losses and thus low pressure losses

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sheets and / or films of less ductile materials, such as titanium, or made from glas¬ ceramic materials The particular embodiment of the inventive heat exchanger or recuperator allows the use of all materials from which sheets or films can be made This means that less ductile metals such as titanium can also be used. This makes it possible to produce heat exchangers or recuperators that are optimally designed for resistance to aggressive media Glass ceramics are particularly suitable for aggressive media and high temperatures According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sheets and / or films are made of nickel-based alloys or molybdenum or tantalum Such heat exchangers or recuperators according to the invention are very simple, without welding or soldering and above all without any waste to produce, so that expensive materials such Nickel-based alloys or exotic metals such as molybdenum or tantalum can be used very advantageously

According to a particular feature of the invention, the embossing, cuts and / or openings in the sheets or films in the course of a rolling process can be produced As already mentioned several times, an economical and efficient production of the heat exchanger according to the invention is ensured This manufacturing step contributes to the economy a great contribution

According to a particular feature of the invention, the individual sheets and / or films laminated to a heat exchanger laminated core are non-positively and / or positively connected or via a sintering process. It is advantageously possible with the invention to make the laminated core outer dimensions very flexible, so that Even up to now not or poorly for heat exchangers or recuperators suitable cavities can be used without any problems. This irrespective of Grundπss the cavities, which may be square, circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, with recesses, etc ..

According to a development of the invention, the heat exchanger laminated core is arranged in a housing. As already indicated above, the inventive heat exchanger laminated core can really be provided individually in a housing

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger sheet-metal package is self-supporting, optionally executed with appropriate fixings This allows a compact and fixed design, so that pressure differences between two different mass flows can be constructed Thus, corresponding flow velocity in the Be achieved media, so that a better heat transfer takes place and the heat exchanger or recuperators are smaller.

Finally, the serious advantages are summarized again

The theoretically best regenerator is made up of parallel plates, as can be seen in Kays and London 1973, provided that it does not have any long-term heat conduction parallel to the flow direction. The regenerator according to the invention presented here comes very close to this goal, since it has continuous channels for the respiratory air flow, which are not disturbed by nubs or the like. Although the shape of the channels due to the corrugation of the film is only an approximation to parallel channels, it brings about an enlarged surface which approximately compensates for the disadvantages. The cross-sectional cuts involuntarily form irregularities in the channel surface which counteract the formation of a continuous boundary layer the use of a corrugated and a straight film compresses the cuts in the films. The respiratory airflow can therefore not deform the film and thus narrow the channel cross-section

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

1 shows schematically the use of a breathing mask, FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a heat exchanger laminated core, and FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the heat exchanger laminated core

Referring to Fig. 1, a breathing mask 1 is shown in use by a user whose head 2 is stylized. This breathing mask 1 is provided in the case shown for the mouth and nose area.

Of course, the breathing mask 1 may cover only the mouth or nose area, according to its purpose and purpose. The breathing mask 1 consists of a mask body 3 with its fastening device 4, in the case shown a flexible band, and a device flowing through the respiratory air, wherein the device is designed as a heat exchanger 5. The inhaled, preferably cold, ambient air is preheated by the warm content of the exhaled breath , where one

Caching of the warm content of the exhaled breath in the heat exchanger 5 takes place

As already mentioned above, the normal nasal breathing is not sufficient to cover the oxygen requirement of the body, especially during sports activities. Therefore, the respiratory rate and respiratory rate are also due to the low flow resistance, increased by the mouth breathing. In order now the humidification normally given by the nasal mucous membranes and to compensate for preheating in mouth breathing, the use of the breathing mask 1 is proposed

The very low flow resistance of the breathing mask 1 ensures an almost unimpaired respiratory function and a sufficient oxygen supply, especially in the exercise of sports activities

An icing of the breathing mask 1, at extremely low temperatures, is avoided by the heat pipe in the heat exchanger 5, which is used for example as Regeneratot

This trained as a heat exchanger 5 device thus requires no external energy and extraneous moisture in their use

The respiratory mask 1 can be individually adapted or changed for different conditions of use or uses. This could consist, on the one hand, of various interchangeable devices which flow through the respiratory air and / or of a special structure of this device. For example, the device could consist of a multi-layered regenerator The construction of the breathing mask 1 could be selected similar to a ski goggles. The skin-contacting part of the mask body 3 could be made of foam rubber or a similar material. The heat exchanger 5, in particular the regenerator, is used in a corresponding frame. Bonding of the heat exchanger 5 would also be possible The support on the chin can be designed as a movable part, so that a movement of the mouth is possible without hindrance As a fastening device 4 can serve an elastic band on the head 2 of the wearer

As a material of the heat exchanger 5 is particularly suitable a sintered honeycomb construction, which is made of corrugated stainless (Nιro) -Fohe As further Einπchtungsmaterialien sieves, braids, foam, debris, fabric or composites of various materials could be used

An advantage of the sintered honeycomb construction made of stainless steel foils is also to be seen in the fact that the mask can be sterilized by heat, for example, Auskochen

The use of this breathing mask 1 is certainly recommended in the transitional periods and especially in winter. Also, the use of the breathing mask 1 in a fitness training for athletes, be it amateur or elite athletes advantage The use of such a breathing mask 1 but not only in cold but also in very hot areas to advantage

There are practically no limits to the range of sports activities. It is suitable for almost all types of sports. Only a few are counted. Cycling Jogging, Nordic walking, hiking, mountaineering, even extreme mountaineering or cross-country skiing

2, which is a plan view of a heat exchanger laminated core 1 1, the layered structure of deformed sheets or foils 12 and the smooth sheets or foils 13 is shown by the deformation of the deformed Sheet metal or the deformed film 12 between the smooth sheets or films 12 are formed flow channels 14 The deformations are chosen such that the flow channels 14 have parallel, equal distances The cross-section of the flow channels 14 results from the corrugated deformation of the sheet 13 The corrugated deformation of the sheet 3 is similar to a sine wave

Of course, the deformed sheet 12 could also be folded accordingly

The layered to a heat exchanger laminated core 11 individual sheets or films 12, 13 are non-positively and / or positively connected with each other Such a constructed heat exchanger sheet package 1 1 could be carried self-supporting, with appropriate fixings are provided

In an alternative embodiment, of course, the heat exchanger laminated core 1 1 can also be arranged in a housing

Such a heat exchanger laminated core 11 is ideally suited for the heat exchange between two media. In the same way, this heat exchanger laminated core 11 could also be used for a regenerator in which the heat exchange between a medium and the material takes place. Naturally, the use of such a heat exchanger is also possible. Sheet metal package 1 1 suitable for a recuperator

The sheet metal or film mark can be selected from 10 μm to 500 μm

Preferably, a film thickness of 20 microns to 50 microns is used The sheets or foils 12, 13 can be made of all materials that are suitable for it To obtain a resistance to aggressive media, but also, for example, titanium are used Of course, can be used by the waste-free production of the individual sheets or foils 12, 13, expensive materials such as nickel-based alloys or exotic metals such as molybdenum or tantalum In order to obtain no turbulence of the flow, so a minimal flow resistance, the surfaces of the sheets or films 12, 13 are made extremely smooth. This can be done for example by polishing.

By a compact and solid construction of the heat exchanger laminated core 1 1, it is also possible that pressure differences between two different mass flows can be established. Thus, corresponding flow velocity can be achieved in the media, so that a better heat transfer takes place and the heat exchanger or recuperators have a smaller design.

In order to achieve an optimal interruption of the longitudinal heat conduction, for example, in a regenerator, according to FIG. 3 at an angle, preferably at a right angle, to the flow channels 14 in at least one sheet or in a film 12, 13 of the heat exchanger laminated core. 1 1 at least one cut and / or a cut 15 provided. These cuts or cuts 15 form inhomogeneities in the material and interrupt the heat conduction in the direction of the media flow, which is indicated by the arrows 16, in the flow channel fourteenth

When using the heat exchanger laminated core 1 1 in a regenerator or recuperator, the arrangement and / or the length of the cut or the cuts 15 corresponding to the temperature difference between inlet and outlet, optionally to the thickness of the sheet and / or the film 12, 13th and / or optionally adapted to the distance and / or the cross section of the flow channels 4. -This optimization of the efficiency can be achieved.

The cuts are arranged in a preferred embodiment of the heat exchanger laminated core 1 1 at equal intervals recurring and preferably over the entire width of the sheet and / or the film 12, 13. For incorporation of the cuts or openings 15 in the sheets or films 12, 13, a variety of process steps can be applied. For example, in the course of a rational manufacturing process, the cuts or perforations 15 could be produced by means of a rolling process.

Claims

claims: Breathing mask for the mouth and / or nose area, which comprises a mask body and a device flowing through the respiratory air, characterized in that the device is designed as a heat exchanger (5), wherein the inhaled, preferably cold, ambient air is preheated by the warm content of the exhaled breath and the intermediate storage of the warm content of the exhaled breath in the heat exchanger (5) Respiratory mask according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat exchanger (5) is designed in particular as a regenerator and / or recuperator Respiratory mask according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat exchanger (5), in particular the regenerator, made of a wire mesh, in particular with very small wire diameters, preferably <0.03 - 0.2 mm Respiratory mask according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat exchanger (5) comprises a heat exchanger laminated core (1 1), which durchfuhrt the heat exchange between the material of the heat exchanger laminated core (11) and the ambient air to be inhaled Breathing mask according to claim 4, characterized in that the heat exchanger laminated core (1 1) has a laminar structure and alternately at least one smooth sheet and / or a smooth foil (13) and at least one deformed sheet and / or a deformed foil (12) are provided, wherein the deformed sheet and / or the deformed Foil (12) for the formation of flow ducts (14) has deformations Breathing mask according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the heat exchanger laminated core (1 1) at least one deformed sheet and / or a deformed foil (12) and for the formation of flow ducts (14) the deformed sheet or the deformed foil ( 12) parallel to each other, at intervals, preferably equal distances, arranged elevations and depressions, similar to a sine wave having Breathing mask according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the heat exchanger laminated core (1 1) at least one deformed sheet and / or a deformed foil (12) and for the formation of flow ducts (14) the deformed sheet or the deformed foil ( 12) fold-like, parallel to each other, at intervals, preferably equal distances, arranged elevations and depressions, similar to a concertina, having Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that at an angle, preferably a right angle, to the flow ducts (14) in at least one sheet or in a foil (12, 13) of the heat exchanger laminated core (1 1) at least one Embossing is provided in the material Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that at an angle, preferably a right angle, to the flow channels (14) in at least one sheet or in a film (12, 13) of the heat exchanger laminated core (1 1) at least one cut and / or a cut-through (15) is provided Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that when using the heat exchanger laminated core (1 1) as a regenerator or recuperator, the arrangement and / or the length of the cut or sections (15) corresponding to the temperature difference between the inlet and Exit, if necessary to Thickness of the sheet and / or the film (12, 13) and / or optionally the distance and / or the cross section of the flow channels (14) is adjusted. 1 1. A respiratory mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the cuts (15) at regular intervals recurring and preferably over the entire width of the sheet and / or the film (12, 13) are arranged. 12. Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 1 1, characterized in that the sheet thickness or film thickness is 10 to 500 .mu.m, in particular 20 to 50 microns. 13. Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the surface of the sheets or foils (12, 13) smooth, optionally polished, is designed. 14. Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the sheets and / or foils (12, 13) of less ductile materials, such as titanium, or glass-ceramic Materials are made. 15. Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that the sheets and / or foils (12, 13) are made of nickel-based alloys or molybdenum or tantalum. 16. Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 15, characterized in that the embossments, cuts and / or openings (15) in the sheets or films (12, 13) can be produced in the course of a rolling process. 17. Respiratory mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that the heat exchanger to a laminated core (1 1) layered individual sheets and / or films (12, 13) are non-positively and / or positively connected to each other or via a sintering process Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 17, characterized in that the heat exchanger laminated core (1 1) in a Housing is arranged Breathing mask according to at least one of claims 4 to 18, characterized in that the heat exchanger laminated core (11) is self-supporting, optionally with appropriate fixings