Device for collecting particles in the exhaled air stream

Abstract

A device for collecting aerosol particles in an exhaled airflow. The device comprises: a shell having an extension direction between a first end and a second end and an inner cross-section defined by an inner wall of the shell, the first end having an inlet arranged to receive the exhaled airflow, and the second end having an outlet arranged to transmit the exhaled airflow; and at least four first-type partition walls arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the wall and partially covering the inner cross-section of the shell. The first-type partition walls protrude from opposite sides of the inner wall of the shell, and relative openings are formed between the first-type partition walls and the inner wall of the shell, so that the first-type partition walls are arranged to form a labyrinth flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and the flow path is arranged to turn the air flowing from the inlet to the outlet toward the opposite inner wall of the shell, so that the particles are separated from the airflow and attached to the device, and the distance between two opposite first-type partition walls is smaller than the distance between the inner walls of the shell.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / EP2016 / 064110, international application date June 19, 2016, application number 201680036256.5 entering the Chinese national phase, and name “Device for collecting particles in exhaled airflow”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for collecting aerosol particles in an exhaled air stream. The particles may be aerosol particles composed primarily of surfactant formed or found in the alveoli of the lungs, such as biomarkers or exogenous compounds containing trace amounts of drugs or other substances. Background Art

[0003] Human breath contains aerosol particles formed by the respiratory tract lining fluid that covers the airways during normal breathing. The size of the particles is between 0.1 μm and 2 μm, with an average size between 0.3 μm and 0.8 μm. See the article "Exhaled particles from the Healthy Human Lung" by Schwarz et al., Journal of aerosol medicine and pulmonary drug delivery, Volume 23, Number 6, 2010. Aerosol particles carry non-volatile components containing diagnostic information or biomarkers and are often studied as part of the breath condensate. In this aerosol part, endogenous lipids and peptides have been demonstrated. Exogenous compounds have also been found to be present in exhaled gas. Such exogenous compounds can be, for example, drugs and anesthetics. The respiratory tract lining fluid contains a large amount of antioxidants and surfactants. The surfactant phase is lipophilic and may represent a compartment for exogenous compounds. Therefore, exhaled breath can be used as a matrix for several types of tests, such as, for example, tests for medical conditions or medical procedures, tests for drugs of abuse, or tests for doping. It can also be used in medical research.

[0004] With the discovery of the exogenous aerosol particles mainly composed of the surfactant present in the exhaled breath, there has been a demand for the novel method and device for collecting and analyzing the surfactant aerosol particles in the exhaled breath. For accurate analysis, it is important to collect as many aerosol particles as possible from the exhaled breath sample. In addition, in some applications, such as for example the occasions of testing drug abuse or stimulants, the collection of particles is carried out away from the laboratory environment. However, there is a lack of methods and devices for easily collecting the aerosol particles in the exhaled breath.

[0005] In the prior art, for example in WO2009045163A1, a device for collecting and sorting particles in exhaled air that are indicative of a certain medical condition is described. The device is an inertial impactor sampler and comprises a housing having several partitions with a central opening. After each opening, a collecting plate is present that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the airflow. Particles present in the exhaled airflow are collected on the collecting plate. The surface of the collecting plate can be prepared by surface treatment to optimize the collection of certain particles.

[0006] The impactor is a heavy and complex device that requires collection of particles in a laboratory, hospital or other controlled environment to ensure accurate readings. In addition, an impactor of this size requires a pump to draw exhaled air through the device at a controlled rate. Furthermore, the impactor collects only some of all the particles present in the exhaled breath.

[0007] It is also previously known to use different types of filters to collect aerosol particles in exhaled breath. In an article entitled "Demonstration that methadone is being present in the exhaled breath aerosol fraction" published in Pharm Biomed Anal., December 15, 2011; Vol. 56 (Issue 5): pp. 1024-8 (2011 Dec 15; 56(5): 1024-8), doi: 10.1016 / j.jpba.2011.08.004 (Epub 2011 Aug 9), two types of filters were tested when collecting aerosol particles for the analysis of methadone in exhaled breath. The two types of filters described are glass fiber filters and polymer filters, which are compared in this article to the C18 silica filters used earlier. Polymer filters collect more than 90% of the aerosol particles in the exhaled breath. Polymer filters also have the practical advantage of low flow resistance, making it possible to sample without the aid of pumping. However, extraction of the collected particles from polymer filters is a complex process, requiring large amounts of analytical fluid to separate the particles from the filter fibers.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to improve prior art devices for collecting biomarkers and other particles in exhaled air. In particular, there is a need to provide a particle collector that is small and simple so that it can be used to sample biomarkers, such as trace drugs or pharmaceuticals, in a field screening device or laboratory. The particle collector also needs to collect most of the particles present in the exhaled breath.

[0009] It is also an advantage if the collected particles can be easily removed from the collector for analysis. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to create a small and simple but reliable and effective device for collecting aerosol particles in exhaled breath, preferably consisting mainly of surfactants for use as biomarkers. The device is described in the attached patent claims.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for collecting aerosol particles in an exhaled airflow, the device comprising:

[0012] a housing having: an extension direction between a first end and a second end, the first end having an inlet arranged to receive an exhaled flow, the second end having an outlet arranged to transmit the exhaled flow; and an inner cross section defined by inner walls of the housing arranged at a distance from each other,

[0013] At least four first-type partition walls, which are arranged at a distance from one another and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the walls, partially cover the inner cross section of the housing.

[0014] The device is characterized in that the first type of partition wall protrudes from the opposite side of the inner wall of the shell, forming a relative opening between the first type of partition wall and the inner wall of the shell, so that the first type of partition wall is arranged to form a labyrinth flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and the labyrinth flow path is arranged to turn the air flowing from the inlet to the outlet in a direction toward the relative inner wall of the shell, so that the aerosol particles are separated from the airflow and attached to the device, wherein the distance between two relative first type partition walls is smaller than the distance between the inner walls of the shell.

[0015] When the airflow hits a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the airflow, the airflow turns in a direction parallel to the surface. The turning of the airflow separates the heavier aerosol particles in the exhaled air from the air itself. The heavier particles continue to travel in the original flow direction and collide with and adhere to the partition wall or the inner wall of the shell, while the air changes direction and follows a maze-like flow path. In addition, the change in direction also produces turbulence, during which the particles are more easily separated from the air. In addition, by making the distance between the partition walls less than the distance between the inner walls of the shell (i.e., reducing the cross-section of the flow path to shrink the flow), the speed of the exhaled air increases, which in turn increases the amount of aerosol particles deposited / collected on the surface of the collection device. Therefore, the device according to the present invention collects a large amount of aerosol particles in the exhaled gas, but has such a low flow resistance that a person can breathe through the device without using a separate pump to suck the exhaled gas from the person.

[0016] In one embodiment, each first type partition wall has a partition area substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the housing, which covers 50% to 95%, preferably 60% to 85%, more preferably 65% ​​to 80% of the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the housing.

[0017] When the first type of partition wall covers 50% to 95%, preferably 60% to 85%, and more preferably 65% ​​to 80% of the inner cross-section of the shell, an opening is created between the first type of partition wall and the inner wall of the shell, which has an area large enough so as not to produce too high a flow resistance, and has an area small enough to accelerate the airflow, thereby generating turbulence.

[0018] In one embodiment, the inner cross-sectional area is 20 mm 2 and 615mm 2 Between, preferably 50mm 2 and 250mm 2 between 70 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 100 mm 2 and 90mm 2 between.

[0019] In one embodiment, the opening area is 10 mm 2 Up to 25mm 2 In the range of , the extension length is between 10 mm and 70 mm, and the number of first type partition walls is between 4 and 14.

[0020] A device with the above-mentioned specifications enables a certain pressure difference to be generated across the device, thereby generating a flow rate through the device which is high enough to separate the particles from the gas flow without generating too high a back pressure.

[0021] In one embodiment, the at least four first type partition walls are arranged at a constant distance apart.

[0022] The collector according to this embodiment has production advantages since it can be manufactured to be symmetrical.

[0023] In another embodiment, the first type of partition walls are arranged at increasing distances apart in the flow direction.

[0024] A particle collection device with an increased distance between the first type partitions closer to the outlet creates less flow resistance to the airflow. This is because the air that has traveled some distance through the device is slowed down, and by arranging the partitions further apart the airflow is made even slower, so the slower airflow approaching the outlet does not necessarily change direction as much as the airflow approaching the inlet, thereby reducing the resistance to flow.

[0025] In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one second type partition wall, which is arranged substantially parallel to the extension direction of the housing. In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least two second type partition walls arranged parallel to each other.

[0026] By adding at least one second type of partition wall to the device, the impact area of ​​the aerosol particles is increased and it is possible to collect more particles without substantially increasing the flow resistance.

[0027] In one embodiment, the at least one second type partition wall extends from the inlet to the outlet of the housing.

[0028] When one or more second type partition walls extend from the inlet all the way to the outlet, at least two flow channels are formed, directing the flow from the inlet to the outlet. In one embodiment, the flow channels can be arranged to have the same flow resistance by adapting the design of the outer edge of the first type partition wall (and therefore the open flow area) to the position of the second type partition wall.

[0029] In one embodiment, the housing has the shape of an elongated cylinder.

[0030] When the housing has the shape of a cylinder, the device can easily fit into a test tube for analysis. The test tube can include any type of analysis fluid in an amount covering at least a portion of the device, but preferably covering the entire length of the device. The analysis fluid is suitable for washing the collected aerosol particles from the device and can be analyzed in a later analysis step to determine the presence and type of the collected aerosol particles.

[0031] In one embodiment, the device is made of a non-absorbent material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or other non-absorbent material (preferably a polymeric material).

[0032] If a non-absorbent material such as listed above is used, the material is approved for medical purposes and aerosol particles adhering to the device can be easily washed away for later analysis.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least one of the following components has a rough surface structure in order to increase the surface area: housing, first type partition wall, second type partition wall.

[0034] If the device is provided with a rough structure on at least a portion of its surface, the surface area is increased and the number of collected particles can be increased.

[0035] In one embodiment, the device includes a first housing half and a second housing half adapted to connect.

[0036] When the device is designed to consist of two (preferably identical) halves, the production process is simplified. By dividing the device into two parts, each partition wall and possible rough structures on the inner wall can be easily produced by using cutting production tools. It is also possible to produce two identical halves, one of which is turned 180 degrees before connection.

[0037] In one embodiment, each housing half comprises at least two first type dividing walls extending over more than half of the total cross section of the housing.

[0038] As described in one of the above embodiments, if each first type partition wall is to cover 50% to 95%, preferably 60% to 85%, and more preferably 65% ​​to 80% of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the shell, the first type partition wall in each shell half must extend over more than half of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the shell.

[0039] In one embodiment, each housing half comprises at least one second type partition wall which is arranged substantially parallel to the extension direction of the housing and extends over at most half of the total cross section of the housing.

[0040] In order to enable the two halves to be connected, the second type partition wall may not protrude more than half of the total cross section of the housing.

[0041] In one embodiment, the at least one second type partition wall has at least two grooves, and the at least two first type partition walls are arranged to be inserted into the at least two grooves.

[0042] In order to enable the first type of partition to extend over half of the total cross-section of the housing, in this embodiment the second type of partition has a cutout adapted to accommodate the outer end of the first type of partition. In one embodiment, the first type of partition may be arranged to be inserted into the cutout by a press fit. The press fit also has the advantage of acting like glue, thereby connecting the two device halves.

[0043] In one embodiment, the particles in the exhaled airstream are biomarkers such as lung surfactant, drugs or other endogenous or exogenous compounds found in the alveoli of the lungs, the biomarkers having a size between 0.1 μm and 2 μm, with an average size between 0.3 μm and 0.8 μm.

[0044] Aerosol particles in the form of biomarkers or particles associated with drugs or other exogenous compounds are the particles that the device is most interested in collecting. The average size of the particles is between 0.3 μm and 0.8 μm. Larger particles, such as saliva or other particles, will be collected to a large extent on the first type of partition wall located closest to the inlet (i.e., closest to the mouth of a person exhaling into the device). Smaller and lighter particles will largely follow the airflow and leave the device through the outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1a A cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1b Show Figure 1aA plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0048] Figure 1c Shows the different areas defining the invention.

[0049] Figure 1d Different embodiments of the invention are shown with different cutting cross-section geometries.

[0050] Figure 2a A cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 2b Show Figure 2a A plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0052] Figure 3 A plan view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 5a to Figure 5d Another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In the following, a detailed description of the device according to the present invention is given. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals represent the same or corresponding elements in all drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are only for illustration and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0056] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An embodiment of a device 1 for collecting particles in exhaled breath is disclosed. Figure 1a yes Figure 1b It is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB section, and shows the interior of the device 1 . Figure 1c Different cross-sectional areas showing the invention. Figure 1d is another cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device.

[0057] The device 1 comprises a housing 2 having an extension direction between a first end 2a having an inlet and a second end 2b having an outlet. The inlet is arranged to receive an exhaled air flow Q comprising aerosol particles P from a subject (such as, for example, a human). 入 , and the outlet is arranged to convey the exhaled airflow Q from the device 1 出 Thus, the exhaled air is arranged to flow in a direction from the inlet to the outlet. The housing 2 has an inner cross-sectional area A1 defined by the inner wall 2c of the housing 2. Figure 1a to Figure 1cIn the embodiment shown, the housing has the shape of an elongated cylinder having a length L and a circular cross section, ie a cross-sectional area A1 having an area defined by an inner diameter d1 of the housing 2 . Figure 1d Another embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the housing has a rectangular cross section and the cross-sectional area A1 is defined by the height and width of the housing. Other cross-sectional area shapes are possible, but the cross-sectional area is always defined by the distance d between the inner walls 2c of the housing.

[0058] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the housing is of such a size that it can easily fit into a standard size test tube. That is, the diameter of the housing is between 8 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm. The inner cross-sectional area A1 is thus slightly smaller than the above area, depending on the thickness of the housing wall. Thus, the cross-sectional area A1 can be between 20 mm and 30 mm. 2 and 615mm 2 Between, preferably 50mm 2 and 250mm 2 between 70 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 100 mm 2 and 90mm 2 Accordingly, the distance d between the inner walls 2c of the housing may be between 5 mm and 28 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 18 mm, most preferably between 9.5 mm and 10.5 mm.

[0059] At least four first-type partition walls 3 are arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner wall 2c, and therefore substantially perpendicular to the initial direction of the exhaled airflow when leaving the subject's mouth. Each first-type partition wall 3 has a first surface 3a facing the airflow, an opposite second surface 3b, and a peripheral edge 3c. The first surface 3a and the second surface 3b each have a surface area A2 that is smaller than the cross-sectional area A1. Therefore, the first-type partition wall has a surface area A2 that partially covers the inner cross-sectional area A1 of the housing 2. In different embodiments, the surface area A2 of the first-type partition wall covers 50% to 95%, preferably 60% to 85%, and more preferably 65% ​​to 80% of the cross-sectional area A1.

[0060] The first type partition wall 3 protrudes from opposite sides of the inner wall 2c of the housing 2. Therefore, the wall forms opposing openings 4a, 4b between the first type partition wall 3 and the housing inner wall 2c, the opposing openings 4a, 4b having an opening area A3 = A1 - A2.

[0061] The first type of partition wall 3 is arranged to form a labyrinth flow path having a cross-sectional flow area from the inlet to the outlet. When the airflow collides with a surface substantially perpendicular to the airflow, the airflow turns in a direction parallel to the surface. The turning of the airflow separates the heavier particles P in the exhaled air from the air itself. The heavier particles P continue to travel in the original flow direction and collide with the partition wall 3 or the inner wall 2a of the housing, while the air changes direction and follows the labyrinth flow path. The longer the distance the air flows and the more and greater the direction of the airflow changes, the greater the amount of particles separated from the air and collected in the device 1. In addition, the change in direction also produces turbulence, during which particles are more easily separated from the air. Turbulent air also increases the frequency of impact between particles and the surface of the wall of the device 1, thereby increasing the amount of airborne particles P attached to the surface. Therefore, the outflow amount Q out of the device 出 The particles P included are larger than the inflow Q into the device 入 few.

[0062] People can only flow at a certain maximum flow rate Q 入 Exhalation. At a certain counterpressure from the device, the person's soft palate closes and exhalation is impossible. Therefore the pressure difference across the device cannot be too high. However, a certain inflow Q is required 入 and pressure difference to produce specific conditions with a sufficiently high flow velocity to separate the particles from the airflow. Therefore, it is important to design the device with a certain flow path cross-sectional flow area, which flow path cross-sectional flow area is defined by a first cross-sectional flow area and a second cross-sectional flow area, the first cross-sectional flow area being defined by an opening area A3 between the first type of partition wall 3 and the inner wall of the shell, and the second cross-sectional flow area being defined by the first type of partition wall and the inner diameter d1 of the shell. That is, the parameters defining the second cross-sectional flow area are a specific extension length L of the shell, a distance d between the inner walls 2c of the shell or an inner diameter d1 of the shell, and the number of first type partition walls 3 of the device 1, that is, the distance x between the first type partition walls 3. The opening area A3 is preferably 10 mm 2 Up to 25mm 2 In the range of , the extension length L is between 10 mm and 70 mm, and the number of the first type of partition walls 3 is between 4 and 14. In one embodiment, the first cross-sectional flow area is smaller than the second cross-sectional flow area. This relationship increases the acceleration of the air flowing through the peripheral edge 3c of the first type of partition wall 3.

[0063] In e.g. Figure 2a In the preferred embodiment shown, the number of the first type partition walls 3 is 8, the length L is about 22 mm, and the area A3 is about 20 mm. 2Thus, in this embodiment, the wall surface area A2 covers approximately 75% of the total inner cross-sectional area A1.

[0064] In order to increase the flow area, in one embodiment of the invention it is possible to arrange more than one device in parallel with each other in a further outer housing (not shown), thereby reducing the overall flow resistance.

[0065] The first type partition walls 3 can be separated from each other by a certain distance x, depending on the maximum permissible pressure difference on the device. The distance x depends on the length L of the device and the number of first type partition walls 3. However, in order to produce specific conditions with a sufficiently high flow velocity to separate aerosol particles from the air flow, the distance x between at least two opposing first type partition walls 3 is always smaller than the distance d between the inner walls of the housing. In one embodiment, as Figure 1a and Figure 2a As shown, the distance x is constant. In another embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the first type of partition walls 3 gradually increases from the first end 2a of the device 1. That is, the distance x1 between the two opposite partition walls 3 closest to the inlet 2a is smaller than the distance x2 between the two opposite partition walls 3 closest to the outlet 2b. n As the distance between the first type partition walls 3 gradually increases, the flow rate through the device 1 can be substantially maintained. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, since the distance between the first type of partition walls gradually increases and the opening area A3 remains constant, the second flow path cross-sectional flow area gradually increases toward the outlet 2b. However, it is also possible to gradually increase the opening area A3 closer to the outlet 2b. This will further reduce the flow resistance in the device and help maintain the flow velocity. In one embodiment, the relationship between the first flow path cross-sectional flow area and the second flow path cross-sectional flow area remains substantially constant over the entire length L of the device.

[0066] In one embodiment, see Figure 1b , the openings 4a, 4b have the shape of a circular segment, wherein the cord delimiting the circular segment is defined by the peripheral edge 3c of the first type of partition wall. The peripheral edge 3c can be arranged as a straight line, see Figure 1d , or may have an arcuate shape, see Figure 1b , Figure 1c , Figure 2b as well as Figure 3 .

[0067] In one embodiment, the device is made of a non-absorbent material, for example a polymer material such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or other non-absorbent materials (preferably polymer materials). On non-absorbent materials, particles can adhere but are easily washed away when subsequent analysis steps are performed. The washing process can be performed in a test tube filled with a certain amount of test fluid sufficient to cover the entire length L of the housing.

[0068] In order to increase the surface area for collecting particles P, in one embodiment, the inner wall of the shell has a rough surface structure. In one embodiment, the rough structure is adapted to the size of the particles to be collected. That is, if the aerosol particles to be collected have diameters of 0.1 μm and 2.0 μm, the inner wall may preferably be provided with or covered with cavities of approximately the same size. The surface may also be processed to have protrusions that are approximately the same distance apart as the diameter of the particles. The rough structure may also be, for example, a spark or electric erosion surface having a surface roughness Ra of 0.1 microns to up to 12.5 microns. The possible surface roughness values ​​also depend on the draft angle on the surface to be eroded relative to the tool that produces the eroded surface. With a larger draft angle, it is possible to produce a larger surface roughness.

[0069] By providing all surfaces of the device (both inside and outside) with a rough structure it is also possible to increase the surface area further.It is possible to have different surface roughness values ​​on different surfaces of the device 1 .

[0070] In one embodiment, the first surface 3a and the second surface 3b of the first type partition wall 3 are oriented at an angle relative to each other, so that the edge 3c of the respective first type partition wall 3 is narrower than the base of the first type wall. Figure 3 As shown, the first surface 3a and the second surface 3b of the first type partition walls 3 can also be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. They can also be manufactured with only a small draft angle.

[0071] Figure 2b and Figure 5a to Figure 5d Another embodiment is shown, in which the housing further comprises at least one second type partition wall 5. The second type partition wall 5 is arranged substantially parallel to the extension direction of the housing 2. The at least one second type partition wall 5 extends from the first end 2a of the housing to the second end 2b, thereby forming at least two flow channels 6a to 6d, which guide the air flow from the inlet to the outlet. Figure 2b as well as Figure 5a to Figure 5d In the embodiment shown, there are three second type parallel partition walls 5, thus forming four flow channels 6a to 6d. Figure 2bIn the illustrated embodiment, the flow channels 6a to 6d have different flow areas A6a to A6d. Therefore, pressure changes occur in different channels, thereby generating different flow rates through different channels.

[0072] exist Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , another embodiment is shown in which one or more second type partition walls 5 are divided into two wall parts 5a, 5b protruding from opposite sides of the inner wall 2c of the housing 2, so that a small gap 7 is arranged between the two wall parts 5a, 5b. The small gap 7 compensates for the pressure changes that may occur in the channels 6a to 6d. The gap may also contribute to turbulent airflow in the channels.

[0073] according to Figure 5a to Figure 5d In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the device 1 comprises two device halves 1a, 1b adapted to be connected. Figure 5a to Figure 5d When the device parts 1a and 1b are connected, they together form an elongated cylinder with a total cross-sectional area A1. Each device half 1a, 1b comprises at least two first-type partition walls 3 extending over half of the total cross-sectional area A1 of the housing 2. In one embodiment, the first-type partition walls 3 extend over 10% to 60% of half of the total cross-sectional area A1 of the housing 2.

[0074] Each housing half 1a, 1b comprises at least one second type partition wall 5, which is arranged substantially parallel to the extension direction of the housing 1 and extends at most half of the total cross section of the housing 1. In order to enable the first type partition wall 3 to extend beyond half of the total cross section A1 of the housing 2, the second type partition wall 5 has a cutout 8 suitable for receiving the outer end 3c of the first type partition wall. In one embodiment, the first type partition wall 3 is arranged to be inserted into the cutout 8 by a press fit.

[0075] A preferred embodiment of the device 1 for collecting particles according to the invention has been described. However, a person skilled in the art realizes that variations may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the idea of ​​the invention.

[0076] All of the above-described alternative embodiments or parts of the embodiments may be freely combined as long as the combination is not contradictory without departing from the idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. A device (1) for collecting aerosol particles (P) in an exhaled airflow (Q), the device comprising: A housing (2), the housing (2) having: a length (L) in a longitudinal extension direction between a first end and a second end, the first end having an inlet (2a) arranged to receive an exhaled air flow, the second end having an outlet (2b) arranged to transmit an exhaled air flow (Q); an inner cross-section (A1), the inner cross-section (A1) being defined by one or more inner walls (2c) of the housing (2), wherein the inner cross-section (A1) is circular or rectangular and has a transverse width (d), and wherein the housing (2) has an elongated shape; as well as at least four first-type partition walls (3), which are arranged at a distance (x) from each other and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more inner walls (2c), and which partially cover the inner cross section (A1) of the housing (2), wherein the first type of partition wall (3) protrudes from opposite sides of the one or more inner walls (2c) of the housing (2), and opposite openings (4a, 4b) having an opening area (A3) are formed between the first type of partition wall (3) and the corresponding opposite inner walls (2c) of the housing, The first type of partition wall (3) is arranged to form a labyrinth-like flow path having a cross-sectional flow area from the inlet (2a) to the outlet (2b), and the first type of partition wall (3) is arranged to turn the exhaled air flow (Q) flowing from the inlet (2a) to the outlet (2b) in a direction parallel to the first type of partition wall (3) toward the opposite inner wall (2c) of the housing, so that the aerosol particles (P) in the exhaled air flow (Q) collide with the first type of partition wall (3) and / or the inner wall (2c) and adhere to the device (1). wherein the distance (x) between two opposite first-type partition walls (3) is smaller than the transverse width (d) of the inner cross section (A1) of the housing; The invention is characterized in that, along the longitudinal extension direction of the housing from the inlet (2a), the distance (x1 ... x2) between the opposite first type partition walls (3) is n )Increase.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that Each first type partition wall (3) has a partition area (A2) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the housing (2), and the partition area (A2) covers 50% to 95% of the inner cross-sectional area (A1) of the housing.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: The inner cross-sectional area (A1) is 20 mm 2 and 615mm 2 between.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The opening area (A3) between the first type partition wall (3) closer to the outlet (2b) and the corresponding opposing inner wall (2c) of the housing gradually increases.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The opening area (A3) defines a first cross-sectional flow area, and the lateral width (d) of the cross section of the first type of partition wall (3) and the shell (2) encloses a second cross-sectional flow area, wherein the relationship between the first cross-sectional flow area and the second cross-sectional flow area remains substantially constant over the entire length (L) of the device.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The opening area (A3) is 10 mm 2 Up to 25mm 2 In the range of , the length (L) is between 10 mm and 70 mm, and the number of the first type partition walls (3) is between 4 and 14.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (2) has the shape of an elongated cylinder having a circular cross section.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The housing is sized to fit into a test tube.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (2) has a rectangular cross section.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device is made of non-absorbent material.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one of the following components has a rough surface structure in order to increase the surface area: the housing (2), the first type of partition wall (3).

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (2) comprises a first housing half and a second housing half (1a, 1b) adapted to be connected.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that Each housing half (1a, 1b) comprises at least two first-type partition walls (3) extending over half of the inner cross section (A1) of the housing.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that Each shell half (1a, 1b) comprises at least one second-type partition wall (5) arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the shell (2), and the at least one second-type partition wall (5) extends at most half of the inner cross section (A1) of the shell (2).

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The at least one second-type partition wall (5) has at least two grooves (8), and the at least two first-type partition walls (3) are arranged to be inserted into the at least two grooves (8).

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