DE102008030158A1 - Device for extracting condensate from breathable air of humans and animals, has pipe-shaped line with approximately U-formed curved distribution, which is passed from exhaled air and is connected at outer side with cooling device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a pipe-shaped line with an approximately U-formed curved distribution, which is passed from an exhaled air and is connected at an outer side with a cooling device. The U-formed curved pipe line is adjusted such that the curve and peak are provided below during the extending of an arm to both sides of the curve in vertically upward manner. The pipe-shaped line is made of thermally good conductive material, and is also made of metal.

Description

The The invention is directed to a device for obtaining respiratory air condensate.

A generic device discloses the SU 627 820 A1 , It is a breathing mask for one person. This consists of two half-shells, which are interconnected along their circumference, so that a narrow cavity remains therebetween. The inner half-shell has an outwardly directed, tubular protuberance, which passes through the outer half-shell and opens outwards. In the closed cavity between the two half-shells, a liquid cooling medium can be filled. When worn, this mask covers the mouth and nose of a patient; It is fixed with a belt on the head and closes tightly. The patient breathes exclusively through the tubular protuberance; its breathing air fills the space inside the inner mask and condenses on the cooled inner shell. The condensate runs down the inner shell due to gravity down to the area of the chin. There, a hose is connected, which opens into a container for collecting the condensate. This arrangement has the serious disadvantage that only a small proportion of the breathing air flows along the inner shell and can cool down there; the overwhelming portion flows directly from the patient's mouth to the tubular protuberance. Therefore, this arrangement is extremely ineffective.

Out the disadvantages of the described prior art results the problem initiating the invention, a generic Further develop device such that the largest possible Part of the exhaled air can be cooled and opportunity has to condense.

The Solution of this problem succeeds in the context of a device for obtaining breathing air condensate through at least one tubular Conduction of approximately U-shaped curved course, which of the exhaled air is flowed through and on its outside is coupled with a cooling device.

Instead of to cool an entire breathing mask, according to the doctrine of Invention the breathing air through a tubular conduit, which flows through them from one end to the other. there it remains in this line for a relatively long time. There she also finds a large surface in front, with which they complete and therefore highly efficient in thermal interaction stands. Therefore, the cooling device has sufficient time and Opportunity to cool and condense the breathing air.

As the invention further provides, which is approximately U-shaped bent pipe aligned so that their bow or Vertex is located below, while the thighs to both From there, the sides of the arch extend approximately vertically upwards. A Such an arrangement offers the advantage that on the insides of the tubular conduit condensing liquid under the influence of the weight on this inner surface can flow down and get in the area of the bow collects.

It has proven to be favorable that the approximately U-shaped extending line a tubular, approximately constant Having a cross-section, so that the flow velocity the breathing air in this line is approximately constant. Preferably the cross section of an annular shape.

Preferably the tubular conduit consists of a thermally good conductive material, for example of a metal. The production off non-metallic materials, for example of glass or plastic, is however also conceivable.

One Another advantageous feature is that the tubular Line in the area of the arc is not fixed, so that length expansions as a result of temperature changes are possible. The invention provides instead, the tubular conduit only to fix in the area of the two free leg ends. Between May the tubular pipe run completely free, especially without contact with solids.

The tubular conduit can be held in a housing be, which in addition to the line in addition, the cooling device or contains a coolant.

Especially has proved an arrangement in which the housing has a lower, approximately cup-shaped part, which can be filled with a coolant.

When Coolant can either be a largely arbitrary liquid be used with the largest possible heat capacity; this liquid is poured in just before use a refrigerator or freezer or tray to the desired Temperature is cooled and keeps this temperature then approximately over a period of time constant.

on the other hand also liquids can be used which eg due to a chemical, eg endothermic ongoing reaction between several mixed together immediately before use Substances - cool off by yourself if necessary.

The Invention recommends the use of ammonium chloride as a coolant.

The Invention can be further developed to that the shape of the cup-shaped housing part at least partially, the outer shape of the tubular pipe follows, from this, however, by a separated gap-shaped gap. Preferably, the Width of this gap about constant.

In In these areas, the coolant surrounds the tubular one Line therefore in the form of a layer of approximately constant thickness.

Around the tubular conduit - eg. For removing the Condensate - easily release from the housing to be able to follow the cup-shaped housing part only partially the shape of the pipeline, namely at the Bottom and outside (outside the gap between the two thighs), but not at the top and Inside between the two thighs.

A underside, level footprint allows the parking the condensation device on a flat surface, eg a tabletop.

The about cup-shaped housing part can be at his open top with a lid to be closed with it in the space between the tubular conduit and the housing filled coolant can not escape.

The Invention recommends the height of the cup-shaped Housing equal or lower perform as the overall height of the tubular pipe, so that the two free ends of the pipe legs protrude from the top of the cup. So that the lid can still be put on, this has over two recesses for passing through the two pipe ends.

In the gap between the two recesses is the lid preferably down, ie in the cup-shaped housing part inside, eviscerated. This protuberance is reduced the volume within the cup-shaped housing part, so less coolant is needed. The Shape of this protuberance may be about the shape of the adjacent Surfaces of the U-shaped pipeline on the one hand and the housing cup on the other hand be adapted. It should be compared to the pipeline sufficient Distance for the coolant to be maintained, what about the inner wall of the housing cup is not required.

Of the Lid can by means of screw caps on the cup-shaped Housing part to be fixed. For this purpose has the cup-shaped housing part to two or more Place each with a screw connection. This can, for example, as optional upward or outward swiveled Threaded be formed. If he is swung up, towers He through a marginal slot in the lid and allows the fixing Clamping the latter by means of (one) screwed onto the thread Mother. In such a clamped state can a intervening, elastic region serve as a seal to the escape of coolant even during movements to avoid the arrangement.

Furthermore can the tubular duct below the free ends the two legs each have at least one circular collar exhibit. Such a collar of each leg engages under the lid from below, preferably via an intervening Sealing ring, so that even at this point the leakage of coolant is prevented.

Above of the lid, each pipe leg has each over two or more, preferably equidistant about the circumference distributed, outwardly projecting extensions. A bayonet ring can be put over it, which in turn is supported on the lid. On the inside of the bayonet ring are located approximately radially outward extending notches, depending on the rotational position in a common Escape with the radial extensions on the concerned Pipe sockets are located to allow them to pass through or offset from the latter, so that the radial extensions the pipe socket to be retained before a passage.

Instead of Such a bayonet ring could each have a Nut or a threaded ring used on a thread can be pulled on the outer circumference of the pipe leg and overlaps the edge of a Durchsteckausnehmung.

On the upwardly projecting end of a pipe leg can be a hose stuck - and possibly by a pipe clamp od. Like. Fixed - are, at the other end, for example, a mouthpiece or a Respiratory mask is located.

Finally, it is the teaching of the invention that in the hose or other supply line, a valve is arranged, for example. A check valve, which opens during exhalation, on inhalation on the other hand closes. This avoids repeated inhalation of exhaled air. The fresh air can either be inhaled through the nose, or it may be provided upstream of a check valve, a fresh air opening, possibly with a second check valve, which closes when exhaling, but inhalation allowed. Possibly. The various connections - mouth opening - supply line to condenser - fresh air opening can be replaced together with the two check valves by a multi-way valve with appropriate function.

Further Features, details, benefits and effects based on the Invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred Embodiment of the invention and with reference to the drawing. Hereby shows:

1 a side view of an inventive arrangement for collecting condensate from the breathing air of a person;

2 a vertical section through the 1 along the line AA;

3 a horizontal section through the 2 along the line BB;

4 a horizontal section through the 2 along the line CC; such as

5 a mouthpiece suitable for animals, in particular dogs, for use in connection with a device according to 1 to 4 ,

The core of the device according to the invention 1 for obtaining a condensate from the breathing air of a person is a condensation device 2 in a housing 3 with a lower footprint 4 for placing on a flat surface. The housing 3 consists of a lower part 5 and a top lid 6 , Through this lid 6 open through two pipe sockets 7 outward. On one of these pipe sockets 7 is an end of a hose 8th attached. At the free end of the hose 8th is a mouthpiece 9 connected, which can be taken by a patient similar to the mouthpiece of a scuba bottle in the mouth.

The breathing air of the patient thus flows through the hose 8th to the condensation device 2 and leaves the same through the second upper-side pipe socket 7 , Preferably, only the exhaled air flows through the condensation device 2 ; This may, for example, by a check valve in the hose 8th be ensured. Inhalation takes place either through the nose or through an additional fresh air opening above this check valve.

The internal structure of the condensation device 2 is from the 2 to 4 refer to. It shows in particular that the two upper-side pipe sockets 7 through a pipe 10 communicate with each other with a tubular cross-section and an approximately U-shaped course. In particular, the tubular conduit 10 a constant, circular cross-section. This line 10 is hollow inside and flows exclusively through the exhaled air.

The approximately U-shaped bent pipe 10 is oriented so that its bow 11 or vertex is located below, while the thighs 12 on both sides of the arch 11 from there extend approximately vertically upwards. The tubular pipe 10 consists of a thermally highly conductive material, for example. Of a metal, in particular stainless steel.

The tubular pipe 10 is in the area of her bow 11 not fixed, so that length extensions due to temperature changes are possible. Instead, it is exclusively in the region of the two free ends of the legs 12 , ie, the pipe socket 7 , on the lid 6 fixed.

As the height of the housing base 5 is equal to or less than the height of the tubular conduit 10 , the two free ends protrude 7 the pipe leg 12 as a pipe socket 7 up from the case 3 out. So that the lid 6 Nevertheless, it can be put on, this has two recesses 13 for passing the two pipe ends 7 ,

In the space between the two recesses 13 is the lid 6 preferably down, ie in the lower housing part 5 inside, eviscerated. This protuberance 14 reduces the volume inside the case 3 , The shape of this protuberance 14 is about the shape of the adjacent surfaces of the U-shaped pipeline 10 on the one hand and the lower housing part 5 adapted on the other hand. It should be opposite the pipeline 10 a sufficient distance for the coolant are maintained, which is opposite to the inner wall of the housing base 5 is not required.

The lid 6 can by means of screw caps on the housing base 5 be fixed. For this purpose, the lower housing part has 5 in the region of its top at two or more points via a screw connection 15 , Between each two adjacent, parallel to each other outwardly protruding projections 16 of the housing base 5 is a transverse or horizontal pivot axis 17 stored or fixed. At this one is located around the pivot axis 17 either upwards or outwards swiveling threaded shaft 18 , Is this threaded shaft 18 pivoted upward in an approximately vertically upward position, so he protrudes through a marginal slot 19 in the lid 6 and allows the fixative clamping of the latter by means (one) on the thread of the shaft 18 screwed nut 20 , In such a clamped state acts between the lower housing part 5 and the lid 6 located, elastic area 21 as a seal.

In addition, the tubular conduit 10 below the free ends 7 the two thighs 12 in each case at least one circular collar 22 on. The Bund 22 every thigh 12 engages under the lid 6 from below, preferably via an inserted between the sealing ring 23 ,

Above the lid 6 There are two or more, preferably equidistantly distributed over the circumference, outwardly projecting extensions 24 , Above that can be a bayonet ring 25 which in turn are put on the lid 6 supported. Such a bayonet ring 25 has on its inside over several, approximately radially outwardly extending notches 26 , These correspond with one extension each 24 , so depending on the rotational position of the bayonet ring 25 the extensions 24 through the notches 26 can pass through or from between the notches 26 lying, radially unextended areas are retained before a passage.

The lower part 5 of the housing 3 has approximately the shape of a cup, that is, it is exclusively open at the top, but otherwise completely closed.

The shape of the cup-shaped housing part 5 follows at least partially the outer shape of the tubular conduit 10 , is from this, however, by a gap-shaped gap 27 separated. The width of this gap is preferred 27 about constant. However, the cup-shaped housing part follows 5 only partially the shape of the pipeline 10 , namely at the bottom and outside of the space between the two legs 12 but not on the upper and inner side between the two thighs 12 ,

As it turned out 3 results, the housing lower part 5 in the area between the two thighs 12 through the protuberance 14 of the lid 6 continued, leaving the cavity 27 the tubular conduit 10 on the entire (cross-sectional) circumference with approximately constant thickness surrounds. While the protuberance 14 therefore from the tubular pipe 10 an appropriate distance, for example. 10 mm or more, this is against the inside of the housing base 5 not mandatory. There is either only a smaller distance of, for example, 1 mm or no distance.

As a coolant 28 Different liquids can be used. For example, an aqueous solution having NH ₄ Cl and KNO ₃ , in particular having a mixing ratio of about 25 g to 35 g of NH ₄ Cl per 100 ml of H ₂ O, and / or of about 15 g to 25 g of KNO _{3, has} proved suitable 100 ml H ₂ O each.

Before use, this solution is cooled in a refrigerator; due to phase change material, the temperature remains unchanged at about -3.9 ° C. Then the lid 6 opened and the coolant 28 in the cavity 27 filled; then the lid 6 put back on and nuts 20 tightened again. Then the patient takes the mouthpiece 9 in the mouth and breathe in and out regularly.

The breathing air flows through the tubular conduit 10 ; while striking their by the intimate contact with the coolant 28 strongly cooled inside vapor components of the breath as liquid condensate down. This condensate then flows along the inside of the legs 12 the tubular conduit 10 down to the bottom arch 11 and accumulates there. After a while, the treatment can be finished and that in the area of the bow 11 accumulated condensate poured or otherwise removed and subjected to one or more investigations.

The mouthpiece 9 out 1 is even suitable for patients who, for example, run on a treadmill during the examination. Alternatively, a breathing mask can also be used.

5 also shows that the condensation device 2 also in animals, especially dogs 29 , Can be used for the production of respiratory air condensate. This is a special breathing mask 30 used, which is designed in the manner of a muzzle and with its edge opposite the muzzle 31 of the dog 29 (largely) sealed.

At the front end of the breathing mask 30 there is a connection 32 for the hose 8th leading to the condensation device 2 leads. So that the dog gets enough fresh air, one or more fresh air openings are in the area of the shell of the breathing mask 33 intended. That the fresh air through these fresh air openings 33 sucked in, but the exhaled air through the connection 32 and the hose 8th to the condensation device 2 is ensured by a check valve in the terminal 32 on the one hand and in / at the fresh air openings 33 on the other hand. While the latter open when inhaled, the former is only open when exhaling.

1

contraption

2

condensation device

3

casing

4

footprint

5

lower part

6

cover

7

pipe socket

8th

tube

9

mouthpiece

10

pipeline

11

bow

12

leg

13

recess

14

protuberance

15

screw

16

extension

17

swivel axis

18

threaded shaft

19

slot

20

mother

21

poetry

22

Federation

23

sealing ring

24

extension

25

Bayonet ring

26

notch

27

gap

28

coolant

29

dog

30

oxygen mask

31

snout

32

Connection

33

Fresh air opening

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - SU 627820 A1 [0002]

Claims (29)

Contraption ( 1 . 2 ) for obtaining a condensate from the respiratory air of humans and / or animals, characterized by a tubular conduit ( 10 ) with an approximately U-shaped curve, which is flowed through by the exhaled air and is coupled on its outside with a cooling device. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the approximately U-shaped bent pipe ( 10 ) is oriented such that its bow ( 11 ) or vertex at the bottom, while the legs ( 12 ) on both sides of the arch ( 11 ) extend from there approximately vertically upwards. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the approximately U-shaped line ( 10 ) has a tubular, approximately constant cross section, preferably a cross section with an annular shape. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tubular conduit ( 10 ) consists of a thermally highly conductive material, for example. Of a metal. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular conduit ( 10 ) in the area of the arc ( 11 ) is not fixed, but in particular only in the region of the two free leg ends ( 7 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a coolant in the form of a liquid ( 28 ) with a rumbling heat capacity. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a coolant in the form of a liquid ( 28 If necessary, for example, as a result of a chemical, eg endothermic reaction between a plurality of substances mixed together immediately before use, it cools down as required. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular conduit ( 10 ) in a housing ( 3 ), which is preferably next to the line ( 10 ) additionally also the cooling device or a coolant ( 28 ) contains. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the housing ( 3 ) an underside, flat footprint ( 4 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the housing ( 3 ) a lower, preferably approximately cup-shaped part ( 5 ), which with a coolant ( 28 ) is filled or fillable. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the shape of the cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ) at least partially the outer shape of the tubular conduit ( 10 ), but from this by a gap-shaped gap ( 27 ) is disconnected. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the width of the gap ( 27 ) between the cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ) and the tubular conduit ( 10 ) is approximately constant. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ) only partially the shape of the pipeline ( 10 ) follows, namely at the bottom and outside, ie outside the gap between the two legs 12 but not on the upper and inner side between the two thighs 12 , Device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the overall height of the cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ) is equal to or less than the overall height of the tubular conduit ( 10 ). Device according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the housing ( 3 ), in particular the approximately cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ), at its open top with a lid ( 6 ) is closed or lockable. Apparatus according to claim 14 in conjunction with claim 15, characterized in that the lid ( 6 ) over two recesses ( 13 ) for passing the two pipe ends has. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the lid ( 6 ) in the space between the two recesses ( 13 ) is everted, preferably downwards, that is in the cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ) into it. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the shape of the protuberance ( 14 ) of the lid ( 6 ) about the shape of the adjacent surfaces of the U-shaped pipeline ( 10 ) on the one hand and the cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ) is adapted on the other hand. Device according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the lid ( 6 ) on the cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ) is fixed or fixable, in particular by means of screw caps ( 15 ). Device according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the lid ( 6 ) relative to the cup-shaped housing part ( 5 ) and / or with respect to the tubular conduit ( 10 ) is sealed. Device according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the tubular conduit ( 10 ) below the free ends ( 7 ) of her two thighs ( 12 ) each have at least one circumferential collar ( 22 ) for sealing against the lid ( 6 ). Device according to one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the tubular conduit ( 10 ) on the lid ( 6 ) is fixed, in particular clamped or clamped. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that a pipe leg ( 12 ) of a bayonet ring ( 25 ) is surrounded, on whose inside approximately radially outwardly extending notches ( 26 ), which depending on the rotational position in alignment with radial extensions ( 24 ) on the relevant pipe socket ( 12 ) in order to allow them to pass through, or be moved to a different position, so that the radial extensions ( 24 ) of the pipe socket ( 12 ) are held back before passage. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that a pipe leg ( 12 ) od a screwed nut, threaded ring. Like. Enveloped, which in the direction of the cover ( 6 ) is schraubverstellbar and the edge of a Durchsteckausnehmung ( 13 ) overlaps. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the upwardly projecting end ( 7 ) of a pipe leg ( 12 ) a hose ( 8th ) and possibly by a pipe clamp ad. Like. Fixed or fixable. Apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that at the free end of one on the end ( 7 ) of a pipe leg ( 12 ) attached hose ( 8th ) a mouthpiece ( 9 ) or a breathing mask ( 30 ) connected. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in one on the end ( 7 ) of a pipe leg ( 12 ) attached hose ( 8th ) or in another area ( 9 . 30 . 32 ) the supply line is arranged a valve, for example. A check valve, which opens during exhalation, on inhalation on the other hand closes. Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that upstream of the check valve, a fresh air opening ( 33 ) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that in / at the fresh air opening ( 33 ) is a second check valve, which closes on exhalation, on inhalation on the other hand opens.