WO2022200271A1

WO2022200271A1 - High-altitude mask and portable breathing gas supply device

Info

Publication number: WO2022200271A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/057347
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus Voll
Original assignee: Klaus Voll
Priority date: 2021-03-24
Filing date: 2022-03-21
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Also published as: DE202021101526U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-altitude mask (1) comprising a mask body (6), in particular made of a flexible material, which has a hollow cavity (11) covering the mouth and nose of a person wearing the high-altitude mask (1), a retaining means (19) for attaching the mask body (6) to the person (9) wearing the high-altitude mask (1), a first through opening (12) in the mask body (6) to ensure the delivery of gas from a gas supply, as well as at least one second through opening (13), wherein, in the region of the second through opening (13), a functional module or a passive breathing gas conditioning element (8) is provided on the mask body (6), which heats and/or moistens ambient air entering the hollow cavity (11).

Description

Altitude mask and portable breathing gas supply device

The present invention relates to an altitude mask according to the preamble of claim 1 and a portable breathing gas supply device comprising a corresponding altitude mask according to the preamble of claim 22.

Technological background

An altitude mask is a breathing mask that is used at higher altitudes and/or when the oxygen concentration in the ambient air is reduced. Altitude masks can be used in many ways. Elevation masks are e.g. B. used in high-altitude mountaineering or extreme mountaineering.

High-altitude mountaineering or extreme mountaineering refers to mountaineering at great heights. As the altitude increases, the air pressure decreases, meaning that less oxygen is available to the body. For example, at an altitude of 8,000 m, only a third of the oxygen at sea level is available. The lack of oxygen can lead to what is known as altitude sickness. In the case of untrained mountaineers, the first symptoms such as headaches or fatigue can already appear at an altitude of 2,500 m. From an altitude of 7,000 m to 7,500 m, the “death zone” begins, in which trained mountaineers can only survive for a few days without oxygen supply.

Therefore, at the beginning of the "death zone", many extreme mountaineers fall back on an artificial oxygen supply. For this purpose, oxygen bottles and breathing masks are carried, which ensure a continuous supply of oxygen and thus counteract an oxygen deficiency. The mostly pure oxygen from the oxygen bottles is mixed with the ambient air when inhaled. Printed state of the art

A high mountain expedition mask according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from www.summitoxygen.com. This is the "Himalayan Facemask" model for expedition mountaineering or high-altitude mountaineering. This breathing mask includes a mask body which can be attached to a mountaineer's head using carrying straps. There is an oxygen reservoir directly on the breathing mask, which is connected to an oxygen bottle with a hose. When the climber inhales, oxygen flows from the oxygen reservoir into his lungs. When the climber exhales, the exhaled air flows out of the mask body to the outside via an exhalation valve. Meanwhile, the oxygen reservoir refills with oxygen from the oxygen cylinder.

Object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a high-altitude mask and a portable breathing gas supply device, each of which contributes to reducing the physical strain at high altitudes.

solution of the task

The above object is achieved by the features of claim 1 in the generic altitude mask and by the features of claim 22 in the portable respiratory gas supply device. Expedient embodiments of the invention are claimed in the dependent claims.

The ambient air at very high altitudes can have temperatures as low as -50 °C. The gas mixture of ambient air and oxygen must be conditioned by the body to a temperature of 37 °C when it is inhaled. For the conditioning of the breathing gas at these low temperatures, the body a lot of energy, which can lead to an additional high physical strain on the user or extreme mountaineer. According to the invention, the exhaled, warm respiratory gas is passed through a passive respiratory gas conditioning element before it escapes from the mask into the environment. The passive breathing gas conditioning element is thus gradually “charged” with thermal energy and/or moisture with increasing breathing cycles through the exhaled breathing gas. With the help of this charged thermal energy or moisture, inhaled, very cold or dry ambient air is heated or moistened in the passive breathing gas conditioning element before it flows into the cavity of the high-altitude mask and into the respiratory tract. As a result, additional physical strain on the user or extreme mountaineer due to the otherwise additionally required heating or humidification of ambient air with a very low temperature in the respiratory tract can be effectively avoided. The invention thus makes it possible to effectively reduce the physical strain on a climber at high altitudes or at very low ambient temperatures. When the passive breathing gas conditioning element is “charged” with maximum heat energy or moisture, it preferably releases approximately the heat energy or moisture to the inhaled ambient air, which the passive breathing gas conditioning element withdraws from the exhaled breathing gas. Alternatively, a function module can be attached in the area of the second passage opening instead of the passive respiratory gas conditioning element.

Advantageously, the high-altitude mask can include a third through-opening to ensure the release of respiratory gas from the cavity to the environment and/or to ensure the entry of ambient air into the cavity of the mask body. A third passage opening creates the possibility of using an additional respiratory gas conditioning element on the mask body. As a result, two breathing gas conditioning elements can be connected in parallel on the mask body. This achieves the advantage that the total resistance of the flow of ambient air entering through the respective breathing gas conditioning element is halved when the user or mountaineer inhales compared to the use of only one breathing gas conditioning element. The resistance is thus halved and is for the user or mountaineer is therefore not as high as when using only one breathing gas conditioning element. This facilitates breathing for a person wearing the high-altitude mask. At the same time, the additional respiratory gas conditioning element causes additional heating or humidification of the inhaled ambient air.

If the user or climber breathes in, this causes a predetermined value of a pressure drop (i.e. a pressure drop to a reference pressure of e.g. -0.3 mbar) due to the flow resistance caused by the breathing gas conditioning element or elements. A differential pressure sensor in the gas supply control system detects this drop in pressure and releases the gas flow from the gas supply by switching a valve. This drop in pressure thus triggers the control of the supply of gas from the gas supply (gas cylinder). Due to the fact that connection means are provided on the first through-opening and/or second through-opening and/or third through-opening on the high-altitude mask, the passive respiratory gas conditioning element can, for. B. alternately with other function modules to the height mask or to its mask body or be detached from this or this. This makes it possible, if necessary, to replace a passive breathing gas conditioning element with a diffuser.

The passive breathing gas conditioning element is advantageously designed as a clamp-on module that can be plugged onto the mask body. The passive breathing gas conditioning element can thus be used as a modular insert in the passage opening in question, for example in exchange for a dummy cover, a diffuser insert, a communication module, or something else.

Preferably, the connection means of the first through-opening and/or the connection means of the second through-opening and/or the connection means of the third through-opening comprise a connecting mechanism that can be released, preferably without tools and/or manually. A bayonet fitting is expediently provided as a releasable connection mechanism.

The passive breathing gas conditioning element preferably comprises a housing in which there is a conditioning insert, which is permeable to flow on both sides or bidirectionally, for heating and/or humidifying breathing gas. Advantageously, the conditioning insert comprises a porous material such as. B. corrugated paper or plastic foam, preferably a polyurethane (PU) - foam. The conditioning insert or its material is preferably designed and/or arranged in such a way that it can be flown through, but at the same time stores the thermal energy or moisture in the exhaled air, for example through air in enclosed cavities and/or through heating of the material. In particular, the conditioning insert or its material can have a low pneumatic resistance. The passive respiratory gas conditioning element can preferably be a so-called HME insert.

Because the housing of the passive breathing gas conditioning element can be in several parts, preferably in two parts, it is possible to change the conditioning insert if it is damaged or used up. Preferably the housing comprises two housing parts, e.g. B. in the form of housing shells.

The housing parts can advantageously be connected via a connecting mechanism, preferably a latching mechanism. This creates a simple connection option, which can also be released during use if necessary.

The fact that the passive breathing gas conditioning element comprises a filter, in particular a membrane-like filter, preferably arranged between the heat exchanger or humidifier insert and an opening pointing to the cavity, prevents material components of the breathing gas conditioning element from getting into the respiratory tract and/or the lungs . Because a gas connection adapter that can be connected to a passage opening is provided, the altitude mask can be connected to the gas supply in a simple manner. The gas supply includes a compressed gas bottle, which is preferably filled with oxygen or an oxygen mixture. Advantageously, an opening of the gas connection adapter facing the cavity is conical, so that the flow diameter increases towards the cavity. This increases the flow cross section of the gas or gas mixture and slows down the flow speed into the cavity. This avoids a hard and unpleasant flow onto the face.

Since the gas connection adapter includes a one-way valve, preferably a check valve, it is ensured that gas or a gas mixture from the gas supply can only flow in the direction of the cavity of the altitude mask. The one-way valve opens in particular when there is a negative pressure in the cavity of the altitude mask caused by inhalation. It closes automatically when there is no longer any negative pressure in the cavity, as is the case with expiration. Because the gas connection adapter includes a detachable coupling mechanism, the gas supply can be quickly disconnected from it if required. If necessary, the gas supply can be separated from the high-altitude mask with a simple movement if it is not required. The coupling mechanism is advantageously a so-called rectus locking coupling. This automatically closes the disconnected connecting elements of the self-locking coupling when the self-locking coupling is separated. This means that no additional closure elements for the gas supply or for the mask that can be lost or difficult to find in an emergency situation have to be carried and used.

The detachable coupling mechanism of the gas port adapter can either be located directly on the altitude mask or it can be located at the end of a length of tubing permanently attached to the altitude mask. A diffuser that can be connected to a passage opening is advantageously provided. On the one hand, the diffuser allows exhaled respiratory gas to be released through it to the environment, and on the other hand it allows air to flow from the environment into the mask when inhaled. If the user or climber breathes in, the pneumatic resistance of the diffuser causes a pressure drop inside the mask, ie a pressure difference (e.g. -0.3 mbar), which the differential pressure sensor of the control recognizes and the gas flow from the gas supply released by switching the valve. This drop in pressure thus triggers the control of the supply of gas from the gas supply (gas cylinder). The diffuser thus serves to ensure the pressure drop or differential pressure within the mask when the climber inhales. This allows a flow controller to detect when the climber is inhaling and release the supply of gas or gas mixture from the gas supply. Furthermore, the diffuser can also include a filter which filters out particles from the ambient air.

Advantageously, the diffuser and/or the passive respiratory gas conditioning element each have a perforated plate oriented toward the cavity for adjusting the pneumatic resistance. By changing the flow cross-section of the perforated plate, z. B. by changing the hole diameter and / or the number of holes, the pneumatic resistance of the perforated plate diffuser or heat exchanger-specific and thus the pressure drop occurring during inspiration can be adjusted.

Since the pneumatic resistance of the diffuser corresponds at least essentially to the pneumatic resistance of the passive breathing gas conditioning element, the pressure difference is generated during inhalation through the diffuser in the cavity of the breathing mask, which essentially corresponds to the pressure difference that occurs during inhalation through the passive breathing gas conditioning element ment is generated. Thus, if a diffuser is replaced with a gas conditioning element on the mask during use, the flow regulator will see no difference. Preferably, the diffuser and/or the passive breathing gas conditioning element has an outlet opening which is covered towards the environment by a cover which is open at the bottom. This avoids that during use or z. B. in a storm, water, snow or ice particles can get into the diffuser and/or the passive respiratory gas conditioning element and clog it. Furthermore, the relatively warm, exhaled breathing gas flows through the cover, which is open at the bottom, downwards and out of the diffuser or the passive heat exchanger. As a result, exhaled breathing gas cannot reach the area of the user's or mountaineer's goggles, which effectively prevents the goggles from fogging up.

A circumferential seal is preferably located between the diffuser and/or the passive respiratory gas conditioning element and/or the gas connection adapter and the mask body.

Because the mask body and the diffuser and/or the passive breathing gas conditioning element and/or the gas connection adapter have position markings that relate to one another, the climber can identify a locked and unlocked position of the diffuser and/or passive heat exchanger.

Advantageously, the diffuser and/or the passive breathing gas conditioning element and/or the gas connection adapter include or include a positioning and/or fastening aid, in particular designed as a web. The position of the bridge can thus also be checked haptically by the user or mountaineer. This enables a particularly simple and secure attachment or positioning of the diffuser and/or the heat exchanger. Advantageously, the mask body includes, along its outer edge, a circumferential seal that fits against the face of the user or mountaineer. When the mask is in contact, this seals the cavity from the environment and thus also contributes to the pressure difference within half of the mask adjusts securely when inhaling. This area can preferably consist of a softer material than the rest of the mask body. Alternatively or additionally, the seal can also be formed by a specific shaping of the edge of the mask body.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a communication module can be arranged in the area of the second passage opening instead of the passive respiratory gas conditioning element as a functional module, which enables the user to carry out voice communication, for example with the other participants in a mountaineering group. As an alternative to the second through-opening, the communication module, for example, can also be accommodated in the third through-opening as a functional module. Thus, the height mask according to the invention also allows the aforesaid through-openings to be used for changing different functional elements. The communication module can be a wired or wireless communication module, which can be connected, for example, to a communication device (radio device) to be worn on the body or to a communication device housed in an external infrastructure (e.g. permanently installed in a glider or helicopter radio) is connected.

An optical and/or acoustic flow indicator can expediently be provided on the altitude mask, which emits an optical and/or acoustic signal when there is a flow of gas from the gas supply to the altitude mask. The flow indicator is of particular importance because, due to extreme influences (wind noise, etc.), it can be extremely difficult to determine whether or not gas is being supplied just from a flow noise. The high-altitude mask according to the invention can expediently be a high-mountain mask, in particular a high-mountain expedition mask, a helicopter pilot mask, a paraglider or parachutist mask, a balloonist mask, a glider pilot mask, or an emergency mask for flight passengers and/or cabin crew - a protective mask when staying in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere (e.g. for industrial use, in special security systems, such as security camps, military operations or operations in submarines). The altitude mask according to the invention ensures very special advantages for all of these areas of application.

The invention also relates to a portable breathing gas supply device for supplying a person with a gas or a gas mixture when the ambient air has a reduced oxygen content or at high altitude, such as during a high mountain expedition, according to the preamble of claim 22, comprising an altitude mask any one of claims 1 to 21.

The flow regulator expediently switches off the inflow (flow) of gas or gas mixture from the gas supply to the high-altitude mask depending on the pressure difference (eg -0.3 mbar) that occurs in the mask as a result of inhalation (inspiration). A supply from the gas supply is therefore only essentially free during the inspiration phase, ie as a function of the respiratory rate. In this way, the gas flow can be adapted to the breathing activity and to the physical strain of the user, for example the extreme mountaineer. As a result, the consumption of gas from the gas supply can be significantly reduced. As a result, smaller and lighter glass bottles are sufficient. Here, the inflow of gas can be opened for a period of time that is shorter than the duration of inspiration, preferably shorter than half of the duration of inspiration, and/or essentially in the initial area of inspiration. on (e.g. in the first third of the inspiration window). As a result, gas can be saved significantly

Compared to conventional systems, for example, the consumption of 6 bottles of oxygen can be reduced to 2 bottles of oxygen for the southern route of Mount Everest. At the same time, the mountaineer is much better oxygenated.

A compressed gas bottle is preferably provided as the gas supply.

According to a modification according to the invention, only a so-called nasal cannula can be provided instead of the height mask or the mask body thereof. In this case, only oxygen is supplied to the user via the nasal cannula. Functional elements that were positioned in the second or third through-opening in the previously described configurations are omitted. However, all features with regard to the oxygen supply and the control thereof are still provided in this embodiment. Description of the invention based on exemplary embodiments

Expedient configurations of the present invention are described in detail below. For the sake of clarity, recurring reference symbols are only provided with a reference symbol. Show it:

1 shows a highly simplified, schematic representation of the portable breathing gas supply device with a sectional representation of the inventive altitude mask according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2a shows a greatly simplified, schematic sectional view of the height mask according to the invention without a passive breathing gas conditioning element and gas connection adapter according to FIG. 1; FIG. 2b shows a highly simplified, schematic sectional view of the altitude mask according to the invention with passive breathing gas conditioning element and gas connection adapter according to FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the height mask according to the invention according to FIG. 1 in a front view; FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified, schematic sectional illustration of the height mask according to the invention according to FIG. 1;

5 shows a diagram of the stored heat energy and stored humidity within the passive breathing gas conditioning element;

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the elevation mask with an inserted diffuser in front view;

FIG. 7 shows a simplified, schematic sectional illustration of the elevation mask according to FIG. 6; 8a shows a highly simplified, schematic sectional view of the altitude mask according to the invention without a passive respiratory gas conditioning element and gas connection adapter according to a second embodiment; FIG. 8b shows a highly simplified, schematic sectional view of the altitude mask according to the invention according to FIG. 8a with passive respiratory gas conditioning element and gas connection adapter; FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of the height mask according to the invention according to FIG. 8a in a front view; FIG. Figure 10 is a graph of the flow of gas from the gas supply into the mask versus time (Figure 10a) and a graph of the pressure differential across the mask versus time; 11 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the height mask according to the invention in a front view; such as

12 shows a schematic representation of a further height mask according to the invention with a communication module in the area of the second passage opening.

Numeral 25 in Fig. 1 designates a portable breathing gas supply device for supplying a person (not shown in Fig. 1) with a gas or a gas mixture, for example on a high-mountain expedition. The breathing gas supply device 25 comprises the high-altitude mask 1 according to the invention, a compressed gas cylinder 2 as the gas supply and a supply system 24.

The compressed gas cylinder 2 is connected to the supply system 24 via a pressure reducer 22 . The compressed gas cylinder 2 is filled with a gas or gas mixture, in particular with oxygen or an oxygen mixture. The compressed gas cylinder is preferably made of a particularly light material, such as fiber-reinforced plastic or aluminum.

The supply system 24 connects the compressed gas bottle 2 to the high-altitude mask 1 and includes a gas line 3, a flow regulator 4 and a supply hose 5. The gas or gas mixture stored in the compressed gas bottle 2 is routed via the gas line 3 to the flow regulator 4. The gas or the gas mixture is routed from the flow regulator 4 to a gas connection adapter 7 of the altitude mask 1 via the supply hose 5 . Alternatively, the flow regulator 4 can be attached directly to the gas connection adapter 7 or even integrated into it. The flow controller 4 controls the gas flow towards the high-altitude mask 1. The flow controller 4 adjusts the gas flow to the breathing activity of the person 9 wearing the high-altitude mask 1. So the supply of the gas or Gasge mixture is released from the compressed gas cylinder 2 to the altitude mask 1 during the inspiration phase of the person 9 tion. The supply of the gas or gas mixture is thus controlled as a function of the breathing rate of the person 9 . With a high level of physical exertion, the person 9 breathes with an increased respiratory rate. This is recognized by the flow controller 4, as a result of which the gas supply is adapted to the physical stress on the person 9. In addition, the quantity of the gas flow can be regulated by the flow regulator 4 and more gas or gas mixture can be made available to the person 9 when the person 9 is subject to high physical exertion. As a result, the gas or gas mixture is only activated as required, which means that it can be effectively saved.

The flow regulator 4 is triggered by a drop in pressure during breathing. Here, the flow controller 4 includes a pressure sensor (not shown in Fig. 1), which detects the pressure drop (e.g. -0.3 mbar) occurring in the cavity 11 of the mask 1 when inhaling and generates a corresponding signal, at which the flow controller 4 a valve (not shown in Figure 1) opens and allows the flow of gas to the mask 1 for a certain period of time.

According to a first embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4, the altitude mask 1 comprises a mask body 6 with a cavity 11. The mask body 6 is preferably made of flexible material and covers the mouth and nose of the person 9 wearing the altitude mask 1.

According to FIG. 2a, the mask body 6 comprises a first passage opening 12, which ensures the supply of gas or a gas mixture from the compressed gas bottle 2. According to FIG. 2b, the gas connection adapter 7 is connected to the first passage opening 12 . The gas connection adapter 7 can have a non-return valve (not shown in the figures), which is open during the inspiration phase and closed during the expiration phase. As a result, a gas flow from the cavity 11 via the gas connection adapter ter 7 in the direction of the supply system 24 and/or the gas supply during the expiratory phase. Alternatively, the first through-opening 12 can also be realized by a gas connection (not shown in the figures) integrated into the mask body 6 .

Furthermore, the mask body 6 according to FIG. 2a comprises a second through-opening 13 which ensures that respiratory gas is discharged from the cavity 11 to the environment and that ambient air enters the cavity 11 of the mask body 6 . According to Fig. 2b, a passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 is connected to the second through-opening 13, which extracts heat energy and/or moisture from the breathing gas flowing through the second through-opening 13 when exhaling from the cavity 11 and absorbs this heat energy and/or moisture or at least a portion thereof when inhaling ambient air through the second through-opening 13 into the cavity 11 again feeds the inflowing ambient air.

According to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the first through-opening 12 and the second through-opening 13 can comprise connection means with a connecting mechanism 17 that can be released without tools and/or manually. For example, the connection mechanism 17 can be a bayonet catch. This creates a particularly simple connection option. This enables a particularly simple removal or connection of the passive breathing gas conditioning element 8 and/or gas connection adapter 7 attached to the first and/or second passage opening 12, 13, even during use at great heights. In this way, the passive breathing gas conditioning element 8 can be exchanged for a diffuser 31 .

According to FIG. 3, position markings 32 are attached to the first and second passage openings 12, 13 of the mask body 6. FIG. Such position markings 32 are also provided on the passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 and/or on the gas connection adapter 7 . If the position markings 32 of the mask body 6 and the breathing gas conditioning element 8 or the gas connection adapter 7 point to each other, this indicates that the breathing gas conditioning kidney element 8 and/or the gas connection adapter 7 are locked or that they are in an unlocked position in which they can be removed. This makes it easy to check whether the respiratory gas conditioning element 8 and/or the gas connection adapter 7 has been properly attached to the mask body 6 .

The passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 and the gas connection adapter 7 include a positioning and/or attachment aid 30 with which they can be attached to the mask body 6 in a particularly simple manner. The positioning and/or attachment aid 30 is designed as a web and increases the torque when screwing in and/or attaching the breathing gas conditioning element 8 and the gas connection adapter 7. This enables easy handling when attaching in the mask body 6. In addition, see e.g. Fig. 1, between the respiratory gas conditioning element 8 and the gas connection adapter 7 and the mask body 6 there is a circumferential seal 28, preferably attached to the heat exchanger and/or to the gas connection adapter. This creates the connection between the mask body 6 and the respiratory gas conditioning element 8 or the gas connection adapter 7 so that leaks in the area of the connection between the breathing gas conditioning element 8 and/or the gas connection adapter 7 and the mask body 6 are effectively avoided and the initially mentioned pressure drop when breathing in occurs reliably. The passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 also includes a cover 26 which is open towards the bottom. This prevents during use or z. B. in a storm, water, snow or ice particles in the passive Atemgaskon conditioning element 8 can get and clog it. In addition, the exhaled breathing gas flows away downwards, so that the breathing gas does not reach the area of the user's or mountaineer's goggles, which effectively prevents the goggles from fogging up. According to FIG. 3, the gas connection adapter 7 comprises a detachable coupling mechanism 18, for example a rectus locking coupling, in order to connect the height mask 1 to the supply system 24 via the supply hose 5. This makes it possible in a particularly simple manner to detach the supply system 24 from the altitude mask 1 if no gas supply is required. The locking coupling comprises two connecting elements, not shown in the figures, which are plugged into one another to close the locking coupling. When the locking coupling is opened, the connecting elements close automatically. This avoids gas flow when the locking coupling is disconnected.

In addition, the mask body 6 includes a seal 10 which runs along its outer edge and rests against the face of the climber. This seal 10 seals the cavity 11 from the ambient air. As a result, no gas exchange can take place between the cavity 11 and the ambient air along the outer edge. Alternatively or additionally, the seal 10 can also be formed by a specific shaping of the edge of the mask body 6 . Furthermore, the high-altitude mask 1 includes holding devices 19 for fixing the mask body 6 to the person 9. As a result, the high-altitude mask 1 can be attached to the head of the person 9 or to their helmet, for example.

4 shows a cross-sectional representation of the altitude mask 1 according to the invention and the passive breathing gas conditioning element 8 attached thereto. The passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 is connected to the mask body 6 via the connection mechanism 17 . This connection is sealed by the seal 28.

The passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 comprises a housing 16 which consists of two housing parts 16a, 16b in the form of half shells. Inside be there is conditioning insert 14, which can be used as a heat exchanger and/or as a wetter serves. The conditioning cartridge 14 may include a filter 29 . The housing parts 16a, 16b are connected to one another via a latching mechanism 15. Here, the housing 16b includes projections 15b, which are encompassed by lugs 15a of the housing 16a. This ensures a simple connection mechanism between the two housing parts 16a, 16b. The conditioning insert 14 can thus be exchanged in a simple manner by opening the housing 16 . Furthermore, the connection point of the housing parts 16a, 16b can be wrapped with an adhesive tape, not shown in the drawing, so that an additional fixation and/or sealing of the housing 16a, 16b is achieved. The downwardly open cover 26 is located on the discharge opening 20 of the housing 16 or heat exchanger 8, which points to the environment.

The housing contains the bidirectionally flow-permeable conditioning insert 14, which is preferably formed from PU foam, and the preferably membrane-like filter 29. The filter 29 is arranged between the conditioning insert 14 and an opening 21 pointing to the cavity 11. The filter 29 prevents material components of the conditioning insert 14 and/or particles from entering the airways and lungs of the person 9 . The conditioning insert 14 is in particular an HME insert.

At the opening 21 there is a perforated plate 27 which, together with the conditioning insert 14 and the filter 29, determine the pneumatic resistance of the respiratory gas conditioning element 8. The pneumatic resistance of the respiratory gas conditioning element 8 can be adjusted by adjusting the flow cross section of the perforated plate 27 . The pneumatic resistance should be adjusted in such a way that during inhalation there is a drop in pressure (e.g. -0.3 mbar) in the cavity 11, which serves as a trigger for the flow controller 4 to release the gas supply from the compressed gas bottle 2.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the functioning of the erfindungsge Permitted height mask 1 is explained in more detail. The figures show the flow path of the respiratory gas during inspiration (dark arrows in the figures) and during expiration (light arrows in the figures).

When the person 9 exhales, the breathing gas first flows into the cavity 11. The exhaled breathing gas flows out of the cavity 11 via the opening 21 into the passive breathing gas conditioning element 8. In the passive heat exchanger 8, the breathing gas flows from the opening 21 through the filter 29 and the conditioning insert 14 toward the opening 20. Here, the respiratory gas conditioning element 14 stores the heat energy of the exhaled respiratory gas and/or the humidity or humidity of the exhaled respiratory gas, at least part of it. The thermal energy is stored in the material of the conditioning insert 14 and/or by the air trapped in the cavities of the conditioning insert 14 . The humidity or moisture is stored by adsorption of water vapor molecules on the material of the heat exchanger and/or also in the cavities of the conditioning insert 14. The exhaled respiratory gas flows through the opening 20 through the cover 26 down into the environment.

10a shows an example of a graph of the flow of gas from the gas supply into the mask over time. 10b shows an example of a graph of the pressure difference in the mask over time. In both graphs, an inspiration and expiration phase is shown as an example. During inhalation, air is drawn from the cavity 11 into the person's 9 lungs. Due to the pneumatic resistance caused by the conditioning insert 14, the filter 29 and the perforated plate 27, a pressure drop to the reference pressure or the zero line in FIG. 10b occurs during inhalation in the cavity 11 (eg -0.3 mbar). This negative pressure is recognized by the flow controller 4, whereupon the flow controller 4 releases the gas flow (flow) from the compressed gas bottle 2 to the cavity 11 for a short period of time at the beginning of the inspiration phase, as shown in FIG. 10a, and then closes again during inspiration. During expiration, a positive pressure difference to the zero line occurs inside the cavity. 10b shows the course of the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor of the flow sensor 4 over time T in Dependence of the inspiration and expiration phase. 10a shows the course of the gas flow F as a function of the inspiration and expiration phases.

Here, the inflow of gas can be opened for a period of time that is shorter than the duration of inspiration, preferably shorter than half of the duration of inspiration, and/or essentially in the initial area of inspiration (e.g. in the first third of the inspiration window ) starts. As a result, gas can be saved significantly. Compared to conventional systems, the consumption of 6 bottles of oxygen can be reduced to 2 bottles of oxygen for the southern route of Mount Everest, for example. At the same time, there is a much better oxygenation of the climber.

Due to the pressure difference in the cavity 11 caused by inhalation, ambient air is additionally sucked in through the passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 and into the cavity 11 . The cold ambient air flows at a temperature T1 through the opening 20 into the passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8. The ambient air at the temperature T1 flows through the conditioning insert 14 and is heated to a temperature T2. The heated ambient air then flows through the filter 29 and enters the cavity 11 via the opening 21. The ambient air, which has been heated to the temperature T2, mixes in the cavity 11 with the gas or gas mixture from the compressed gas cylinder 2 and is carried by the person 9 inhaled. Because the ambient air is preheated to the temperature T2, the person 9 has to expend less energy to heat it to 37° C. with their respiratory organs. As a result, the physical stress on the person 9 is significantly reduced. In addition, the dry ambient air is also humidified at the same time. After the passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 has been inserted into the high-altitude mask 1, it takes a certain amount of time for the conditioning insert 14 to be “charged” with thermal energy and/or moisture. For this purpose, a certain number of breathing cycles is necessary, as can be seen from FIG. It is about this around an asymptotic curve. In the state of maximum "charging" the conditioning insert 14 can deliver a maximum amount of thermal energy to the ambient air that is drawn in. According to FIG. 6, the diffuser 31 is connected to the height mask 1. FIG. The diffuser 31 is connected to the second passage opening 13 and replaces the passive breathing gas conditioning element 8.

7 shows a cross-sectional view of the altitude mask 1 and the diffuser 31 attached to it. The housing 16 of the diffuser 31 essentially corresponds to that of the passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8.

Since it can happen during use that the passive breathing gas conditioning element 8 is replaced by the diffuser 31, the pneumatic resistance of the diffuser 31 should essentially correspond to that of the passive breathing gas conditioning element 8 so that the pressure sensor of the flow controller when using the diffuser 31 during inspiration same pressure drop detected. The flow cross section of the perforated plate 27 of the diffuser 31 is therefore adjusted accordingly. This is achieved by reducing the number of holes and/or by reducing the diameter of the perforated plate 27. This ensures that the negative pressure in the cavity 11 with a connected diffuser 31 essentially corresponds to the negative pressure in the cavity 11 with a connected passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 . As a result, the flow regulator 4 does not recognize any difference, so that the supply of gas or gas mixture can also be regulated when using a diffuser.

8a, 8b and 9 show the elevation mask 1 according to the invention according to a second embodiment. In this case, the mask body 6 has an additional, third passage opening 13a to ensure that respiratory gas is discharged from the cavity 11 to the environment and/or to ensure that ambient air enters the cavity 11 . An additional passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 is connected to this passage opening 13a. By- Access opening 13a, the passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 connected to it and the mask body 6 have the same features as the first embodiment of the high-altitude mask 1. However, there is an additional through-opening 13a available, through which ambient air can flow into the cavity 11. Due to the additional passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8, the total breathing resistance that the climber feels when inhaling is halved compared to the use of only one respiratory gas conditioning element 8. In addition, this results in additional heating or humidification of the inhaled ambient air.

11 shows a further embodiment of the altitude mask 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, a flow indicator 34 is provided which has a light source 35, for example an LED. It is intended to emit an optical signal via the light source 35 when gas is supplied via the supply hose 5 to the altitude mask 1 . The flow indicator 34 is preferably located in or on the supply hose 5. For example, the flow indicator 34 can have an impeller (not shown in FIG. 11), which is driven by the flow and causes the light source 35 to light up via an electronic circuit. This configuration has the advantage that the user can determine with certainty, even in very adverse weather conditions, whether or not oxygen is being supplied via the gas line 3 from the compressed gas bottle 2 . Otherwise, the configuration of FIG. 11 corresponds to the exemplary embodiments previously described. Alternatively, the flow indicator 34 can also be a so-called “pneumatic indicator”. A pneumatic indicator is a flow indicator using a float, which is in an ON position when there is a flow and in an OFF position when there is no flow within a transparent container, eg a Plexiglas tube. 12 shows a further embodiment of the altitude mask according to the invention, in which a communication module 33 is used in place of a passive respiratory gas conditioning element 8 in the area of a lateral passage opening. The communication module 33 allows communication with a base module 36, which is worn by the user on the body, e.g. on the arm, or is installed in an external infrastructure (e.g. a radio device permanently installed in a glider or helicopter). The communication module 33 has a microphone (not shown in Fig. 12), audio signal processing and a radio module with an antenna for wireless transmission of audio data to the base module 36. The communication module 33 is fixed in the same way as when the respiratory gas conditioning element is fixed 8. The flow indicator 34 described in FIG. 11 can optionally be provided. Instead of the wireless transmission of sound data shown in FIG. 12, wired transmission (not shown in FIG. 12) to the base module 36 can also be provided.

All other features of the configurations of FIGS. 11 and 12 correspond to the above-described configurations of the height mask 1 according to the invention.

The height mask 1 according to the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications. So the height mask 1, for example, as

High mountain mask, especially high mountain expedition mask, - helicopter pilot mask,

paraglider or skydiver mask,

balloonist mask, or as a glider pilot mask. Irrespective of this, the high-altitude mask 1 can also be used as an emergency mask for flight passengers and cabin crew in commercial aviation and as a protective mask in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere (e.g. for industrial use, in special security facilities such as security camps, for military use or when used in submarines). The advantages achieved by the height mask 1 according to the invention come into play in all of these applications.

According to a modification according to the invention, only a so-called nasal cannula can be provided instead of the height mask or the mask body thereof be. In this case, only oxygen is supplied to the user via the nasal cannula. Functional elements that were positioned in the second or third passage opening in the previously described designs are eliminated. However, all features with regard to the oxygen supply and the control thereof are still provided in this embodiment.

It is expressly pointed out that the combination of individual features and sub-features is also to be regarded as essential to the invention and covered by the disclosure content of the application.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST 1 Altitude mask

2 compressed gas bottles

3 gas line

4 flow regulators

5 Delivery tube 6 Mask body

7 gas connection adapter

8 breathing gas conditioning element

9 people

10 seal 11 cavity

12 through hole

13 through hole 13a through hole

14 conditioning insert 15 connection mechanism

15a nose

15b protrusion

16 housing

16a housing part 16b housing part

17 connection mechanism

18 clutch mechanism

19 holding device

20 opening 21 opening

22 pressure reducer

24 supply system

25 breathing gas supply device 26 cover

27 hole plate

28 seal

29 Filter 30 Mounting aid

31 diffuser

32 position markers

33 communication module

34 flow indicator 35 light source

36 base module

T1 temperature T2 temperature

Claims

PATE NTAN SAYINGS E

Altitude mask (1) comprising a mask body (6), in particular made of flexible material, which has a cavity (11) covering the mouth and nose of a person wearing the altitude mask (1), a holding device (19) for fixing of the mask body (6) on the person (9) wearing the high-altitude mask (1), a first through-opening (12) in the mask body (6) to ensure the supply of gas from a gas supply, and at least one second through-opening (13) , characterized in that in the area of the second passage opening (13) a functional module or a passive respiratory gas conditioning element (8) is provided on the mask body (6), which in the cavity (11) entering ambient air heats and / or humidifies.

Altitude mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the altitude mask (1) has a third through opening (13a) to ensure the release of respiratory gas from the cavity (11) to the environment and/or to ensure entry of ambient air in the cavity (11) of the mask body (6).

Altitude mask (1) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that connection means are provided at the first through-opening (12) and/or second through-opening (13) and/or third through-opening (13a).

4. Altitude mask (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the passive breathing gas conditioning element (8) is designed as a clamp-on module.

5. Altitude mask (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the connecting means comprise a tool-free and/or manually detachable connecting mechanism (17).

6. Altitude mask (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a bayonet catch is provided as a releasable connection mechanism (17).

7. Altitude mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passive respiratory gas conditioning element (8) comprises a housing (16) in which there is a flow-permeable conditioning insert (14) on both sides.

8. Altitude mask (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (16) comprises several, preferably two, housing parts (16a, 16b), in particular the housing parts (16a, 16b) being connected via a connecting mechanism (15) , Preferably a locking mechanism, ver bindable.

9. Altitude mask (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passive respiratory gas conditioning element

(8) comprises a preferably membrane-like filter (29).

10. Altitude mask (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a gas connection adapter (7) that can be connected to the first passage opening (12) is provided, in particular wherein the gas connection adapter (7) is a one-way valve, preferably a Check valve, and/or the gas connection adapter (7) comprises a detachable coupling mechanism (18), preferably a Rectus locking coupling, for connection to the gas supply. 11. Elevation mask (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a through-opening (13 or 13a) connectable diffuser (31) is provided. 12. Altitude mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for setting a pneumatic resistance, the diffuser (31) and/or the passive respiratory gas conditioning element (8) has a perforated plate (27 ) and/or the pneumatic resistance of the diffuser (31) corresponds at least essentially to the pneumatic resistance of the passive breathing gas conditioning element (8).

13. Height mask (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffuser (31) and / or the passive

Breathing gas conditioning element (8) has an opening (20) or has, which is covered by a cover (26) open at the bottom. 14. Altitude mask (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the diffuser (31) and / or the passive respiratory gas conditioning element (8) and / or the gas connection adapter (7) and the mask body (6) there is a circumferential seal (28). 15. Altitude mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the mask body (6) and on the diffuser (31) and/or on the passive respiratory gas conditioning element (8) and/or on the gas connection adapter (7) there are position markings (32) are provided.

16. Altitude mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffuser (31) and/or the passive respiratory gas conditioning element (8) and/or the gas connection adapter (7) has a positioning and/or or include or includes a fastening aid (30).

17. Altitude mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mask body (6) comprises a peripheral seal (10) along its outer edge.

18. Altitude mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a communication module (33) is arranged as a functional module or a communication module (33) is located in the third passage opening (13a).

19. Altitude mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optical and/or acoustic flow indicator (34) is provided, which outputs an optical and/or acoustic signal as soon as gas is supplied the gas supply takes place. 20. High-altitude mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-altitude mask (1) is a high-mountain mask, in particular a high-mountain expedition

Mask,

- a helicopter pilot mask,

- a paraglider or skydiver mask,

- a balloonist's mask, - a glider pilot's mask, or around

- an emergency mask for flight passengers and cabin crew

- a protective mask when staying in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere.

21. Portable breathing gas supply device (25) to supply a

Person with a gas or a gas mixture at high altitude, e.g. on a high mountain expedition, comprising a high-altitude mask (1), a supply system that can be connected to the high-altitude mask (1) for supplying the high-altitude mask (1) with gas or a gas mixture Gas supply, the supply system comprising a flow regulator (4), characterized by an altitude mask (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. Breathing gas supply device (25) according to claim 21, characterized in that the flow regulator (4) releases the flow of gas or gas mixture originating from the gas supply to the altitude mask (1) depending on an inspiration-related pressure drop in the cavity of the mask. 23. Breathing gas supply device (25) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the flow regulator (4) controls the inflow of gas or gas mixture originating from the gas supply to the altitude

Mask (1) only unlocks in the beginning of the inspiration phase and stops again during the inspiration phase. 24. breathing gas supply device (25) according to claims 21 to

23, characterized in that a compressed gas bottle (2) is provided as the gas supply.