Blower device, in particular for a respiratory protection system

Abstract

The invention relates to a blower device for a respiratory protection system (10a), comprising a fan (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) for generating an airflow (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d). It is proposed that the blower device includes a thermal unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) which, in at least one operating state, is designed to change the temperature of the airflow (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) and which is arranged along the airflow (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) upstream of the fan (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a blower device, in particular for a respiratory protection system.

[0002] A blower device for a respiratory protection system, with a fan to generate an airflow, has already been proposed.

[0003] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to compactness and comfort. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a blower device, in particular for a respiratory protection system, with a fan for generating an airflow. The blower device is specifically intended for a breathing system, and particularly preferably for a respiratory protection system.

[0005] It is proposed that the blower device include a thermal unit which, in at least one operating state, is designed to temperature-control the airflow and which is arranged along the airflow upstream of the fan. Preferably, the thermal unit and the fan are arranged in a common housing unit. Preferably, the housing unit forms defined channels for guiding the airflow. The blower device is, in particular, a compact design. The blower device is specifically designed to be worn on the body, for example, on the back and / or hip. The thermal unit can be designed to cool or heat the airflow. Preferably, however, the thermal unit is designed to cool the airflow.

[0006] In this context, a "blower device" is understood to mean, in particular, a device designed to actively generate an airflow, especially to supply breathing air to a user. In operation, the blower device is specifically designed to supply the airflow to a face mask of the respiratory protection system. Preferably, the blower device is connected to the face mask of the respiratory protection system via at least one breathing air supply line. Preferably, the blower device is designed to draw in air from the environment, purify the air, especially by filtering it, and actively supply the purified air to a user, particularly via the face mask. Preferably, the blower device is designed to generate an active airflow. In particular, the blower device is designed to generate a positive pressure airflow.The fan is intended for the active generation of an airflow within a system. Specifically, it is designed to actively draw air from the environment and transport that air to the mouthpiece of the respiratory protection system. The fan is primarily an axial fan and / or a radial fan.

[0007] Preferably, the fan is arranged adjacent to the thermal unit. Preferably, an airflow is deflected between the fan and the thermal unit. In this context, the phrase "the fan is arranged at least partially adjacent to the at least one thermal unit" means, in particular, that the fan is free from complete overlap with the thermal unit in a direction perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the fan. Preferably, a normal vector of the principal extension plane of the fan, which passes through a geometric center point of the fan, is free from an intersection with the thermal unit. Preferably, the fan and the thermal unit are arranged side by side in a principal extension plane of the blower device.Preferably, the fan and the thermal unit, viewed perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the blower device, are designed to be at least substantially free, and in particular completely free, from mutual overlap. A "main plane of extension" of a component is understood to be, in particular, a plane that is parallel to a largest side face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the component, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid. "At least substantially" in this context is understood to mean, in particular, that a deviation from a predetermined value is less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and most preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value.

[0008] In this context, the phrase "the airflow between the fan and the thermal unit is deflected" means, in particular, that the airflow changes direction during operation of the blower device along a path between the thermal unit and the fan. The direction of the airflow, in this context, refers specifically to the average direction of movement of the airflow particles at a given point. Preferably, a guide channel is arranged between the thermal unit and the fan, which is designed to guide the airflow and deflect it in a defined manner. Preferably, the guide channel between the thermal unit and the fan forms at least one deflection. This deflection can, for example, take the form of a curve, a bend, a kink, or the like.Preferably, an inflow axis and / or an inflow direction of the airflow into the guide channel is substantially different from and / or substantially offset from an outflow axis and / or an outflow direction of the airflow from the guide channel. "Provided for" is understood to mean, in particular, specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. In this context, a "thermal unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit that is provided for extracting thermal energy from the airflow during operation or for supplying thermal energy to the airflow during operation. Preferably, the thermal unit comprises at least one thermal element.The thermal element is specifically designed to be heated to a temperature different from that of the ambient air in order to directly extract thermal energy from or supply thermal energy to the airflow during operation. Preferably, the thermal element is designed to extract thermal energy from an airflow flowing past and / or through the thermal element, thereby cooling the airflow, or to supply thermal energy, thereby heating the airflow. The thermal element can be heated to a desired temperature during operation, either actively, particularly chemically, electrically, or electromechanically, or passively, particularly by prior supply of thermal energy. The thermal element can, for example, be designed as a latent heat storage device.

[0009] In this context, "along the airflow in front of the fan" means, in particular, that during operation, air from the airflow passes through, past, and / or around the thermal unit before passing through the fan. Preferably, the blower device is designed to guide the airflow in a defined manner. This airflow guidance is specifically configured such that the airflow is at least partially limited and / or guided by parts of the blower device. Preferably, the fan is operated by an airflow that has already been tempered by the thermal unit.

[0010] The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide a particularly compact, especially flat, blower device which also enables temperature control of the breathing air. In particular, it eliminates the need to cool an entire room. At the same time, it also allows for cooling of the breathing air in an open space.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the thermal unit be formed by a cooling unit, which, in at least one operating state, is designed to cool the airflow. Preferably, the cooling unit comprises at least one cooling element. The cooling element is preferably formed by a latent heat storage device. In this context, a "cooling unit" is understood to be, in particular, a unit designed to extract thermal energy from the airflow during operation. Preferably, the cooling unit comprises at least one cooling element. The cooling element is, in particular, formed by a heat sink, which, during operation, has a temperature that is significantly lower than the temperature of the airflow. Preferably, the cooling element is designed to extract thermal energy from an airflow flowing past and / or through the cooling element, thereby cooling the airflow.The cooling element can be actively cooled, for example by a cooling circuit, particularly with a coolant and / or a cooling compressor, or the like, or passively cooled. Preferably, the cooling element is formed by a cooling pack. Preferably, the cooling element comprises at least one casing and at least one liquid located in the casing, which undergoes a phase change upon cooling. Preferably, the cooling element is cooled before operation. The cooling element is particularly formed by a latent heat storage device. The cooling element utilizes the phase change from ice to water for cooling. This allows, in particular, the provision of an advantageous thermal unit. It can, in particular, enable the cooling of breathing air.

[0012] Alternatively, the thermal unit could be a heating unit designed to heat the airflow in at least one operating state. Preferably, the heating unit comprises at least one heating element. This heating element could be an electric heating element or a latent heat storage medium. However, other configurations of the heating element that would be considered sensible by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. In the case of a latent heat storage medium, it would be particularly conceivable for the heating element to comprise, for example, sodium acetate trihydrate and function similarly to a heat pack.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the blower device has at least one filter element designed to be passed through by the airflow, with the thermal unit arranged along the airflow upstream of the fan and upstream of the filter element. Preferably, the airflow is cooled by the cooling unit along the airflow upstream of the filter element and upstream of the fan. Preferably, during operation, the airflow first flows around the cooling unit, then through the filter element, and then through the fan. Preferably, during operation, the airflow through the fan and the filter element is already cooled by the cooling unit. Preferably, the airflow between the fan and the filter element is deflected by at least 50°, preferably by at least 90°, preferably by at least 140°, and particularly preferably by at least 180°.In this context, a "filter element" is understood to mean, in particular, an element that is provided for filtering the airflow in an operation. For this purpose, the filter element preferably comprises a filter through which the airflow passes during operation. Preferably, the airflow passes completely through the filter of the filter element. The filter element is specifically designed for separating particles, especially suspended solids, from the airflow. Various filters that would appear suitable to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. Preferably, the filter of the filter element is formed by a particulate filter. Preferably, the filter is designed as a depth filter or cake filter, in particular as a lamellar filter.

[0014] Preferably, the fan is arranged at least partially adjacent to the at least one filter element. In this context, "the fan is arranged at least partially adjacent to the at least one filter element" means, in particular, that the fan is free from complete overlap with the filter element in a direction perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the fan. Preferably, a normal vector of the principal extension plane of the fan, which passes through a geometric center point of the fan, is free from an intersection with the filter element. Preferably, the fan and the filter element are arranged side by side in a principal extension plane of the blower device. Preferably, the fan and the filter element, viewed perpendicular to the principal extension plane of the blower device, are at least substantially free, and in particular completely free, from mutual overlap.Preferably, the airflow between the fan and the filter element is deflected. In this context, "the airflow between the fan and the filter element is deflected" means, in particular, that the airflow changes direction during operation of the blower device along a path between the filter element and the fan. The direction of the airflow, in this context, refers specifically to the average direction of movement of the airflow particles at a given point. Preferably, a guide channel is arranged between the filter element and the fan, which is designed to guide the airflow and deflect it in a defined manner. Preferably, the guide channel between the filter element and the fan forms a deflection. This deflection can, for example, take the form of a curve, a bend, a kink, or the like.Preferably, an inflow axis and / or an inflow direction of the airflow into the guide channel is substantially different from and / or substantially offset from an outflow axis and / or an outflow direction of the airflow from the guide channel. "Provided for" is to be understood in particular as specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is to be understood in particular as the object fulfilling and / or performing this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the blower device comprise a housing unit accommodating the fan and the thermal unit. This housing unit includes a base body and at least one cover through which the interior of the housing unit can be accessed, with the thermal unit being at least partially attached to the cover. The housing unit is, in particular, formed from a plastic housing. The housing unit can, for example, have two interconnected housing shells. Furthermore, the housing unit has, in particular, at least one cover, and in particular two covers, through which the interior of the housing unit can be accessed. The rear side of the housing unit, facing the user during operation, is concavely curved. The curvature is, in particular, adapted to the curvature of a human back.Furthermore, the housing unit preferably has several air inlet openings through which air can be drawn in for the airflow. Preferably, the thermal unit is at least partially detachably arranged on the cover. Preferably, the thermal unit has at least one thermal element, in particular a cooling element, which is designed to be separable from the cover. Preferably, the thermal unit is detachably positively connected to the cover. "Positively connected" is understood to mean, in particular, that adjacent surfaces of positively connected components exert a holding force on each other acting in the normal direction of the surfaces. In particular, the components are in geometric engagement with one another. This allows, in particular, the provision of an advantageously compact and enclosed blower device.

[0016] It is further proposed that the blower device comprises a housing unit, in particular the aforementioned housing unit, accommodating the fan and the thermal unit, wherein the fan is arranged in an upper region of the housing unit and the thermal unit is arranged in a lower region of the housing unit. Preferably, the fan and the thermal unit are arranged one above the other. Preferably, there exists at least one imaginary vertical line that intersects both the fan and the thermal unit. "Vertical" here refers to a supported state of the blower device with the operator standing. Preferably, the housing unit is divided into a lower region and an upper region, each region comprising, in particular, at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, and most preferably at least 40% of the longitudinal extent of the housing unit.Preferably, the housing unit has a principal extension plane, wherein the upper and lower regions each extend parallel to the principal extension plane and parallel to a principal extension direction of the housing unit. Preferably, the upper and lower regions are separated from each other by an imaginary plane extending perpendicular to the principal extension direction of the housing unit. A "principal extension direction" of an object is understood to be, in particular, a direction that runs parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. This preferably prevents condensation from the thermal unit from entering the fan. Furthermore, it allows for an advantageously compact arrangement.

[0017] It is further proposed that the at least one filter element be spatially arranged, at least partially, between the thermal unit and the fan. Preferably, the at least one filter element is arranged both spatially and along the airflow between the fan and the thermal unit. Preferably, the at least one filter element is arranged in a lower region of the housing unit. Preferably, the filter element is arranged, at least partially, next to the thermal unit. This prevents condensation from the thermal unit from entering the filter element. Furthermore, it allows for an advantageously compact arrangement.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the blower device has at least one first air duct for guiding the airflow, wherein the thermal unit has at least one cooling element for directly cooling the airflow, and the air duct adjoins at least two sides of the cooling element. Preferably, the first air duct is designed to guide an airflow from an inlet opening of the blower device past the cooling element of the thermal unit to the fan or filter element. Preferably, the air duct is designed to guide the airflow in a defined manner. Preferably, the air duct forms a channel closed at least partially perpendicular to a flow direction. The air duct serves, in particular, to guide the airflow.Preferably, the cooling element has a cuboid shape, with the air duct adjoining at least two sides of the cooling element. Preferably, the air duct is free of any wall in a region adjacent to the cooling element. Preferably, the air duct is at least partially open towards the cooling element. This allows for the provision of a particularly advantageous thermal unit. In particular, it enables the cooling of the breathing air. In particular, it enables advantageous heat transfer.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the blower device has at least one first air duct, wherein the thermal unit has at least one cooling element, the first air duct extending at least partially through the at least one cooling element. Preferably, the cooling element has at least one through-hole through which the first air duct extends. More preferably, the cooling element has at least two, preferably at least three, through-holes through which the first air duct extends. Preferably, a wall of the cooling element bounding the through-hole forms at least the air duct in sections. Preferably, the air duct extends through the cooling element in at least one section, such that the air duct is completely surrounded by the cooling element in at least one plane, in particular perpendicular to the direction of airflow.This allows for a particularly high heat transfer rate. This, in turn, provides a particularly effective cooling effect.

[0020] It is further proposed that the blower device comprise at least one adapter element to which the thermal unit is at least partially detachably attached and which is designed to connect the cooling unit to a housing unit. Preferably, the adapter element serves, in particular, to position the thermal unit relative to the housing unit. The adapter element facilitates a modular design of the blower device. The blower device can be used, in particular, with or without the thermal unit, via the adapter element. Preferably, the adapter element is formed from a bent sheet metal part. However, another embodiment of the adapter element that would appear advantageous to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. Preferably, the adapter element is designed to overlap the at least one filter element and redirect the first air duct.Preferably, the adapter element has a first region in which it overlaps the filter element, and a second region in which it accommodates the cooling element of the thermal unit. The adapter element is offset between the first and second regions. Preferably, the adapter element has a flat base in both the first and second regions, with the bases arranged parallel to and offset from each other. This allows for a particularly advantageous variable fan device. In particular, it enables a modular design.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the blower device includes an additional filter element, which is arranged next to the fan and / or next to the existing filter element and whose airflow direction differs from the airflow direction through the fan and / or the filter element. Preferably, the additional filter element is arranged next to both the fan and the existing filter element. Furthermore, the airflow direction through the additional filter element is preferably different from the airflow direction through the fan. This allows for a particularly advantageously compact arrangement of the fan, the filter element, and the additional filter element. In particular, this enables the provision of a particularly compact, and especially low-profile, blower device.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one filter element has a principal extension plane and that the fan has a principal extension plane, wherein the principal extension plane of the filter element is angled relative to the principal extension plane of the fan. Preferably, the angle between the principal extension plane of the filter element and the principal extension plane of the fan is greater than 45°, preferably greater than 60°, and particularly preferably greater than 75°. Preferably, a normal vector of the principal extension plane of the filter element intersecting the filter element and a normal vector of the principal extension plane of the fan intersecting the fan form an angle of at most 90° and at least 5°. Preferably, a line of intersection between the principal extension plane of the filter element and the principal extension plane of the fan passes at least in the immediate vicinity of the filter element and the fan.The minimum distance between the cutting line and the filter element is, in particular, less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, and most preferably less than 5 cm. This allows for a particularly compact arrangement of the fan and the filter element. In particular, this enables the provision of a particularly compact, and especially low-profile, blower device.

[0023] It is further proposed that the blower device comprise a housing unit accommodating the fan and the thermal unit, which has a thickness of less than 70 mm. Preferably, the housing unit has a thickness of less than 50 mm. The housing unit serves, in particular, to protect and align the fan and the filter element. Preferably, the blower device also includes an energy storage device for powering the fan, which is likewise housed within the housing unit. In this context, the "thickness" of the housing unit is understood to mean, in particular, the maximum extent of the housing unit perpendicular to a principal plane of extent of the housing unit. This allows, in particular, the provision of an advantageously compact blower device.

[0024] It is further proposed that the fan be designed to generate an airflow of at least 50 l / min and a maximum of 250 l / min. Preferably, the fan is designed to generate an airflow of at least 80 l / min and a maximum of 120 l / min. This allows for a particularly advantageously compact and powerful blower device.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention relates to a respiratory protection system, in particular a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) system, comprising a blower device and at least one mouthpiece device. It is proposed that the at least one blower device be designed to generate positive pressure in the mouthpiece device. Preferably, the at least one blower device is designed to generate a relative positive pressure in the mouthpiece device compared to the surrounding environment. In this context, a "respiratory protection system" is understood to mean, in particular, a system comprising a blower device and a mouthpiece device, designed to actively supply an airflow to a user's breathing air supply. The respiratory protection system is specifically designed to generate an airflow during operation by means of a blower device, which is then supplied to the mouthpiece device of the respiratory protection system.Preferably, the blower device is connected to the mouthpiece of the respiratory protection system via at least one breathing air supply line. Preferably, the respiratory protection system is designed to draw air from the environment using the blower device, to purify the air, in particular to filter it, and to actively supply the purified air to a user using the mouthpiece. In this context, a "mouthpiece" is understood to mean, in particular, a device forming a mouth guard, which is intended to be worn at least in the mouth and / or nose area of ​​a user. Preferably, the device is designed to form a breathing zone in front of the mouth and / or nose area of ​​a user, which is continuously supplied with breathing air during operation.Preferably, the face mask is designed to directly supply a user with breathing air and to protect the mouth and / or nose area of ​​the user from external influences, in particular from gases, particles, and / or airborne substances. Preferably, the face mask is free of any covering of the eyes, especially the eye area, of the user. Preferably, the face mask comprises a mask body designed to cover the mouth and / or nose area of ​​the user and which at least partially defines a breathing zone, and at least one breathing air supply line connected to the mask body, which defines at least one breathing air channel opening into the breathing zone and designed to guide an active breathing airflow. This allows for the provision of a particularly comfortable respiratory protection system. In particular, a reliable breathing air supply can be achieved.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that the respiratory protection system includes a vest for wear by the user, on the back of which the blower unit is arranged. Preferably, the blower unit is detachably connected to the vest. This ensures, in particular, a more comfortable wearing experience with the respiratory protection system. Furthermore, it allows for a more advantageous arrangement of the blower unit, preventing it from slipping.

[0027] The blower device and / or the respiratory protection system according to the invention are not to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the blower device and / or the respiratory protection system according to the invention may, in order to fulfill a function described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than the number specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure are also to be considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0028] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate four exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1 A respiratory protection system with a blower device, a face mask device, a vest, an external control unit, and a user in a schematic representation; Fig. 2 The blower device of the respiratory protection system in a schematic top view; Fig. 3 The blower device of the respiratory protection system, with a fan, a thermal unit, and a filter element in a schematic exploded view; Fig. 4 The blower device of the respiratory protection system, with a fan, a thermal unit, and a filter element in a schematic sectional view along section line II-II; Fig. 5 An alternative blower device of a respiratory protection system, with a fan and a thermal unit in a schematic sectional view.6. The alternative blower device of the respiratory protection system, with the fan and with the thermal unit in a schematic representation with a removed cover, Fig. 7. A cooling module of the alternative blower device with the thermal unit and with the first air duct in a schematic representation, Fig. 8. Another alternative blower device of a respiratory protection system, with a fan and with a thermal unit in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 9. Another alternative blower device of the respiratory protection system, with the fan and with the thermal unit in a schematic representation with a removed cover, Fig. 10. Another alternative blower device of a respiratory protection system, with a fan and with a thermal unit in a schematic sectional view and Fig.11The further alternative blower device of the respiratory protection system, with the fan and with the thermal unit in a schematic representation with a removed cover. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0030] The Figure 1Figure 10a shows a respiratory protection system. Respiratory protection system 10a is a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR). Specifically, respiratory protection system 10a is a powered air-purifying respirator of safety class TH3. Respiratory protection system 10a is designed to protect a user 40a from particles such as smoke, aerosols, and / or dust. Furthermore, respiratory protection system 10a can also protect against unpleasant odors and harmful ozone. In particular, it is conceivable that respiratory protection system 10a could protect the user 40a from organic, inorganic, and / or acidic gases in environments containing harmful or even toxic gases. Respiratory protection system 10a includes a blower 12a and a face mask 36a. The blower 12a is designed to generate a breathing airflow 42a. The blower device 12a is intended to generate a breathing airflow 42a for the mouth protection device 36a.

[0031] The blower device 12a comprises a housing unit 22a. The housing unit 22a is formed by a plastic housing. The housing unit 22a has a housing base 24a and at least one cover 25a, 48a. The housing base 24a has two interconnected housing shells 44a, 46a, namely a first housing shell 44a and a second housing shell 46a. The housing unit 22a has two openable covers 25a, 48a, through which an interior of the housing unit 22a can be accessed. The second housing shell 46a forms a rear side of the housing unit 22a, which, when worn, faces the user 40a. The second housing shell 46a is concavely curved on one outer surface. The curvature of the second housing shell 46a is adapted to the curvature of a human back. Furthermore, the housing unit 22a has several air inlet openings 50a.The air inlet openings 50a are formed by rotor-shaped recesses in the cover 25a. During operation, the air inlet openings 50a serve to draw in ambient air by means of an airflow 16a. Furthermore, the housing unit 22a has an air outlet opening 52a. The air outlet opening 52a is formed by a hose connection on the first housing shell 44a. During operation, the air outlet opening 52a serves to discharge the purified airflow 16a, in particular the breathing airflow 42a. During operation, the breathing airflow 42a is directed from the air outlet opening 52a to the face mask 36a. Figure 1 , 2 ).

[0032] Housing unit 22a has a thickness d of less than 70 mm. Housing unit 22a has a thickness d of less than 50 mm.

[0033] Furthermore, the blower device 12a includes a fan 14a for generating an airflow 16a. The blower device 12a is designed to generate positive pressure in the face mask 36a. The fan 14a is designed to generate positive pressure in the face mask 36a. The fan 14a is designed to generate a volume flow rate of the airflow 16a of at least 50 l / min and a maximum of 250 l / min. The fan 14a is designed to generate a volume flow rate of the airflow 16a of at least 80 l / min and a maximum of 120 l / min. In operation, the blower device 12a, by means of the fan 14a, is designed to generate a relative positive pressure in the face mask 36a compared to the surrounding environment. The fan 14a is an electric radial fan. However, in principle, another embodiment that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The fan 14a is located in the housing unit 22a.A main extension plane of the fan 14a extends at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane of the housing unit 22a. The fan 14a is arranged in an upper region 26a of the blower device 12a. The air outlet opening 52a is arranged at an outlet side of the fan 14a. The blower device 12a further comprises a control and / or regulating unit 54a for controlling and / or regulating the fan 14a during operation. The control and / or regulating unit 54a is specifically designed for automatically adjusting a power level of the fan 14a. The control and / or regulating unit 54a is designed to adjust an airflow level of the fan 14a depending on the saturation of a filter element 20a. Furthermore, the control and / or regulating unit 54a is specifically designed for automatic airflow control and adjustment. Figure 3 ).

[0034] Furthermore, the blower device 12a includes the filter element 20a. The filter element 20a is designed to be subjected to the airflow 16a. The filter element 20a is formed by a cuboid filter module. The filter element 20a is a HEPA filter. The filter element 20a is designed as a depth filter, in particular as a lamellar filter. However, it would also be conceivable for the filter element 20a to be designed as a gas filter, in particular as an A1 B1 E1 gas filter. The filter element 20a is arranged in the housing unit 22a. A principal extent plane of the filter element 20a extends at least substantially parallel to a principal extent plane of the housing unit 22a. The filter element 20a is arranged in a lower region 28a of the blower device 12a. The housing unit 22a accommodates the fan 14a and the filter element 20a. Furthermore, the filter element 20a is designed to be replaceable via the cover 25a ( Figure 3 ).

[0035] The fan 14a is arranged next to the filter element 20a, with the airflow 16a being deflected between the fan 14a and the filter element 20a. The filter element 20a and the fan 14a are both located in the housing unit 22a. The housing unit 22a has a second air duct 56a that accommodates the filter element 20a and is designed to guide the airflow 16a between the filter element 20a and the fan 14a. The filter element 20a is positioned upstream of the fan 14a along the airflow 16a. The airflow 16a between the fan 14a and the filter element 20a is deflected by at least approximately 90°. This deflection of the airflow 16a occurs in the second air duct 56a. However, it would also be conceivable to omit the air duct 56a.The direction of airflow 16a through the filter element 20a differs essentially from the direction of airflow 16a through the fan 14a. The direction of airflow 16a through the fan 14a runs parallel to the main plane of extension of the fan 14a. However, if the fan 14a is configured as an axial fan, it would also be conceivable that the direction of airflow 16a through the fan 14a runs perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the fan 14a. The direction of airflow 16a through the filter element 20a runs perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the filter element 20a.

[0036] The filter element 20a has a principal extension plane. The fan 14a has a principal extension plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the principal extension plane of the filter element 20a is angled relative to the principal extension plane of the fan 14a. The angle between the principal extension plane of the filter element 20a and the principal extension plane of the fan 14a is greater than 80°, preferably greater than 120°, and particularly preferably greater than 160°. The angle between the principal extension plane of the filter element 20a and the principal extension plane of the fan 14a is at least approximately 165°.

[0037] Furthermore, the blower assembly 12a includes an energy storage device 58a. The energy storage device 58a is formed by a battery. The energy storage device 58a serves to supply energy to the fan 14a. A main extension plane of the energy storage device 58a extends at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane of the housing unit 22a. The energy storage device 58a is arranged in a lower region 28a of the blower assembly 12a. The housing unit 22a accommodates the fan 14a, the filter element 20a, and the energy storage device 58a. The housing unit 22a serves to protect and align the fan 14a, the filter element 20a, and the energy storage device 58a. Furthermore, the energy storage device 58a is designed to be replaceable via the cover 48a. The energy storage device 58a is integrated into the cover 48a by way of example. The housing of the energy storage unit 58a is formed in one piece with the cover 48a ( Figure 3 ).

[0038] Furthermore, the blower device 12a includes a thermal unit 18a. The thermal unit 18a is designed to change the temperature of the airflow 16a in at least one operating state. The thermal unit 18a is formed by a cooling unit, which is designed to cool the airflow 16a in at least one operating state. The thermal unit 18a includes a cooling element 32a. The cooling element 32a is, in particular, formed by a heat sink, which, in operation, has a temperature that is significantly lower than the temperature of the airflow 16a. The cooling element 32a is designed to extract thermal energy from an airflow 16a flowing past and / or through the cooling element 32a, thereby cooling the airflow 16a. The cooling element 32a is, by way of example, passively cooled. The cooling element 32a is formed by a cooling pack.The cooling element 32a comprises a shell and at least one liquid located in the shell, which undergoes a phase change upon cooling. The cooling element 32a is cooled before operation. The cooling element 32a is formed by a latent heat storage unit. The cooling element 32a has a cuboid shape. One edge of the cooling element 32a is chamfered.

[0039] Furthermore, the blower device 12a has an adapter element 34a on which the thermal unit 18a is at least partially detachably arranged. The cooling element 32a is detachably arranged on the adapter element 34a. The adapter element 34a is designed to connect the thermal unit 18a to the housing unit 22a. The adapter element 34a serves to position the thermal unit 18a relative to the housing unit 22a. The adapter element 34a enables a modular design of the blower device 12a. The blower device 12a can be used, in particular with or without the thermal unit 18a, via the adapter element 34a. The adapter element 34a is formed from a bent sheet metal part. However, another embodiment of the adapter element 34a, which would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, would also be conceivable. The adapter element 34a is designed to overlap the filter element 20a and to redirect a first air duct 30a.The adapter element 34a has a first region 84a, in which the adapter element 34a overlaps the filter element 20a and is supported on the housing unit 22a next to the filter element 20a, and a second region 86a, in which the adapter element 34a accommodates the cooling element 32a of the thermal unit 18a. The adapter element 34a has two mounting tabs 88a in the first region 84a, which are provided for attachment to the housing unit 22a. The cooling element 32a is specifically designed to be detachably snapped into the second region 86a of the adapter element 34a in a way that is not visible. The adapter element 34a has an offset between the first region 84a and the second region 86a. The offset has a height at least approximately equal to the thickness of the cooling element 32a.The adapter element 34a has a flat base in both the first area 84a and the second area 86a, with the bases arranged parallel and offset from each other. The adapter element 34a is, for example, made of an aluminum sheet.

[0040] The thermal unit 18a is at least partially attached to the cover 25a. The thermal unit 18a is accessible via the cover 25a. The thermal unit 18a can be replaced and / or cooled via the cover 25a. It would also be conceivable for the thermal unit 18a to be directly attached to the cover 25a and to be at least partially formed as a single unit with the cover 25a. For example, it would be conceivable for the casing of the thermal unit 18a to be formed as a single unit with the cover 25a.

[0041] The thermal unit 18a is arranged along the airflow 16a upstream of the fan 14a. The thermal unit 18a is also arranged along the airflow 16a upstream of the fan 14a and upstream of the filter element 20a. The airflow 16a is therefore cooled by the thermal unit 18a along the airflow 16a upstream of the filter element 20a and upstream of the fan 14a. During operation, the airflow 16a first flows around the thermal unit 18a, then through the filter element 20a, and finally through the fan 14a. Preferably, the airflow 16a through the fan 14a and the filter element 20a is already cooled by the thermal unit 18a. Furthermore, the filter element 20a is spatially arranged at least partially between the thermal unit 18a and the fan 14a.

[0042] The housing unit 22a has an upper section 26a and a lower section 28a. The fan 14a is arranged in the upper section 26a of the housing unit 22a. The thermal unit 18a and the filter element 20a are arranged in the lower section 28a of the housing unit 22a. The fan 14a and the thermal unit 18a are arranged one above the other. Preferably, at least one imaginary vertical line exists which intersects the fan 14a, the filter element 20a, and the thermal unit 18a.

[0043] The blower device 12a further comprises a first air guide duct 30a, which is designed to guide the airflow 16a between the air inlet opening 50a and the filter element 20a. The air guide duct 30a borders at least two sides of the cooling element 32a. The air guide duct 30a borders four sides of the cooling element 32a. The first air guide duct 30a is designed to direct an airflow 16a from the air inlet opening 50a of the blower device 12a past the cooling element 32a of the thermal unit 18a to the filter element 20a. The first air duct 30a is designed such that the airflow 16a in operation first flows past the side of the cooling element 32a facing the cover 25a, then past a bottom of the cooling element 32a, then past a side of the cooling element 32a facing the second housing shell 46a and finally past the top of the cooling element 32a.On the side of the cooling element 32a facing the second housing shell 46a and on the top side of the cooling element 32a, the adapter element 34a is arranged between the first air duct 30a and the cooling element 32a. The first air duct 30a is designed to guide the air of the airflow 16a in a defined manner. The air duct 30a forms a channel closed perpendicular to the flow direction, at least in sections. The first air duct 30a is free of any wall in the area adjacent to the cooling element 32a or the adapter element 34a. The first air duct 30a is at least partially open towards the cooling element 32a. The first air duct 30a is bounded by the housing unit 22a, the adapter element 34a, and the cooling element 32a. The first air duct 30a is formed by the housing unit 22a, the adapter element 34a and the cooling element 32a.

[0044] The cooling element 32a and the first air duct 30a partially form a cooling module 90a.

[0045] Furthermore, the respiratory protection system 10a has an external control unit 60a. The external control unit 60a is a remote control. The control unit 60a has operating elements 62a and a display element 66a. The external control unit 60a is connected to the blower unit 12a by means of a cable 64a. The operating elements 62a can be used, for example, to set the power level of the fan 14a. The operating elements 62a can also be used to activate or deactivate the fan 14a. The external control unit 60a also has a sensor unit 68a for recording environmental parameters. The sensor unit 68a is designed to record air quality, ambient pressure, and / or oxygen concentration.

[0046] Furthermore, the respiratory protection system 10a includes a vest 38a for wear by a user 40a. The vest 38a is made of fabric. The blower unit 12a is located on the back of the vest 38a. The blower unit 12a is detachably connected to the vest 38a. The blower unit 12a is worn by a user 40a on their back by means of the vest 38a. Additionally, the external control unit 60a is designed to be worn on the chest by a user 40a. The external control unit 60a is located on the front of the vest 38a. Therefore, environmental parameters, particularly in the head area of ​​the user 40a, can be detected by means of the sensor unit 68a.

[0047] The respiratory protection system 10a further comprises a breathing air line 70a connected to the blower unit 12a, which is designed to guide the breathing air flow 42a. The breathing air line 70a connects the blower unit 12a to the face mask 36a. The breathing air line 70a is connected to the blower unit 12a via the air outlet opening 52a of the blower unit 12a. The breathing air line 70a is formed by a hose. The breathing air line 70a is designed to guide the breathing air flow 42a during operation.

[0048] The face mask 36a has a mask body 72a. The mask body 72a is designed to cover the mouth and nose area of ​​the user 40a. Furthermore, the mask body 72a is designed to at least partially restrict the breathing area. In an operational setting, the mask body 72a, together with the user's face 40a and a separating layer, restricts the breathing area. The mask body 72a consists at least predominantly of a flexible material. The mask body 72a consists entirely of a flexible material. The mask body 72a consists entirely of a dimensionally unstable material. The mask body 72a consists at least predominantly of a textile material. The mask body 72a consists entirely of a textile material. The mask body 72a is made of a textile. The mask body 72a consists entirely of a textile.The mask base body 72a is at least substantially airtight. In particular, it would be conceivable that a textile from which the mask base body 72a is manufactured has a coating which at least reduces air permeability. The mask base body 72a is, in particular, airtight at least at an absolute pressure of 1 bar, preferably at least 2 bar, and especially preferably at least 3 bar. Figure 1 ).

[0049] Furthermore, the face mask 36a has a breathing air supply line 74a connected to the mask body 72a. The breathing air supply line 74a defines a breathing air channel opening into the breathing area, which is designed to guide the active breathing airflow 42a. The breathing air supply line 74a is formed by an elastic hose. The breathing air supply line 74a has an oval cross-section as an example. However, another cross-section for the breathing air supply line 74a, which would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, would also be conceivable, such as a circular cross-section. The breathing air supply line 74a extends from the breathing air line 70a to the breathing area.

[0050] Furthermore, the face mask 36a has an additional breathing air supply line 74'a, which is redundant to the breathing air supply line 74a and connected to the mask body 72a. The additional breathing air supply line 74'a defines a further breathing air channel opening into the breathing area, which is designed to guide an active breathing airflow 42a. The additional breathing air supply line 74'a is formed by an elastic hose. The additional breathing air supply line 74'a has, by way of example, an oval cross-section. The additional breathing air supply line 74'a extends from the breathing air line 70a to the breathing area. The additional breathing air supply line 74'a is arranged on a side of the mask body 72a facing away from the breathing air supply line 74a. The breathing air supply lines 74a and 74'a are designed to be routed past the user's head 40a on opposite sides.The additional breathing air supply line 74'a has a redundant function with respect to the breathing air supply line 74a. The additional breathing air supply line 74'a serves to increase the reliability of the supply of the breathing air stream 42a. The breathing air supply line 74a and the additional breathing air supply line 74'a each function independently of each other.

[0051] The breathing air line 70a, connected to the blower device 12a, is designed to direct the breathing air flow 42a to the breathing air supply lines 74a and 74'a. The breathing air line 70a is further designed to divide the breathing air flow 42a between the breathing air supply line 74a and the additional breathing air supply line 74'a. The breathing air line 70a is connected to the breathing air supply line 74a and the additional breathing air supply line 74'a via a T-connector 76a. The T-connector 76a is designed to be positioned in the neck area of ​​the user 40a.

[0052] The face mask 36a further comprises a fastening strap 78a for fixing the mask body 72a to the user's head 40a. The fastening strap 78a is formed of an elastic band, in particular a rubber band. The face mask 36a also comprises a head fastening strap 80a for additional fixation of the mask body 72a to the user's head 40a. Furthermore, the effective length of the head fastening strap 80a is adjustable.

[0053] Furthermore, the face mask 36a has a drain valve 82a, which is designed to regulate the pressure in the breathing area to at least an approximately constant value. The drain valve 82a is formed by a pressure relief valve, in particular a one-way pressure relief valve, which is designed to open from a defined overpressure in the breathing area or the outlet area relative to the environment. The drain valve 82a is designed to allow, and in particular to maintain, a defined overpressure in the breathing area.

[0054] In the Figures 5 to 11 Three further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, with regard to identical components, features and functions, reference is made to the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 to 4, can be referenced. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 by the letters b to d in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of the Figures 5 to 11 replaced. With regard to identically designated components, especially those with the same reference numerals, reference can generally also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 to 4 , will be referred.

[0055] Figure 5 shows a blower device 12b of a respiratory protection system.

[0056] The blower device 12b has a housing unit 22b. The housing unit 22b is formed from a plastic housing. The housing unit 22b has two interconnected housing shells 44b, 46b, namely a first housing shell 44b and a second housing shell 46b. The first housing shell 44b has two openable covers 25b, 48b through which the interior of the housing unit 22b can be accessed.

[0057] Furthermore, the blower device 12b includes a fan 14b for generating an airflow 16b. The blower device 12b is designed to generate positive pressure in a mouthpiece of the respiratory protection system.

[0058] The blower device 12b is free of a filter element.

[0059] Furthermore, the blower device 12b has an energy storage device 58b. The energy storage device 58b is formed by an accumulator.

[0060] Furthermore, the blower device 12b includes a thermal unit 18b. The thermal unit 18b is designed to change the temperature of the airflow 16b in at least one operating state. The thermal unit 18b is formed by a cooling unit, which is designed to cool the airflow 16b in at least one operating state. The thermal unit 18b includes a cooling element 32b. The cooling element 32b is, in particular, formed by a heat sink, which, in operation, has a temperature that is significantly lower than the temperature of the airflow 16b. The cooling element 32b is designed to extract thermal energy from an airflow 16b flowing past and / or through the cooling element 32b, thereby cooling the airflow 16b. The cooling element 32b is, by way of example, passively cooled. The cooling element 32b is formed by a cooling pack.The cooling element 32b comprises a shell and at least one liquid located within the shell, which undergoes a phase change upon cooling. The cooling element 32b is cooled before operation. The cooling element 32b is formed by a latent heat storage unit. The cooling element 32b has a cuboid shape.

[0061] Furthermore, the thermal unit 18b has a transmission element 92b. The transmission element 92b serves in particular to improve the transfer of thermal energy from the airflow 16b to the cooling element 32b. The transmission element 92b is formed by an aluminum plate. It would be particularly conceivable for the transmission element 92b to additionally include cooling fins, which further improve heat transfer. The transmission element 92b is arranged on one side of the cooling element 32b facing the second housing shell 46b. Preferably, the transmission element 92b contacts the cooling element 32b during operation.

[0062] The thermal unit 18b is arranged along the airflow 16b upstream of the fan 14b. The airflow 16b is therefore cooled by the thermal unit 18b along the airflow 16b upstream of the fan 14b. During operation, the airflow 16b first flows around the thermal unit 18b and then through the fan 14b.

[0063] Preferably, the fan 14b is supplied with an airflow 16b that is already cooled by the thermal unit 18b during operation.

[0064] The housing unit 22b has an upper section 26b and a lower section 28b. The fan 14b is located in the upper section 26b of the housing unit 22b. The thermal unit 18b is located in the lower section 28b of the housing unit 22b. The fan 14b and the thermal unit 18b are arranged one above the other. Preferably, there exists at least one imaginary vertical line that intersects both the fan 14b and the thermal unit 18b.

[0065] The blower device 12b further comprises a first air guide duct 30b, which is designed to guide the airflow 16b between an air inlet opening 50b and the fan 14b. The air guide duct 30b adjoins at least two sides of the cooling element 32b. The air guide duct 30b adjoins three sides of the cooling element 32b. The first air guide duct 30b is designed to direct an airflow 16b from the air inlet opening 50b of the blower device 12b past the cooling element 32b of the thermal unit 18b to the fan 14b. The first air duct 30b is designed such that, during operation, the airflow 16b first flows past the side of the cooling element 32b facing the cover 25b, then past an underside of the cooling element 32b, and subsequently past a side of the cooling element 32b facing the second housing shell 46b. The first air duct 30b is designed to guide the air of the airflow 16b in a defined manner.The air duct 30b forms, at least in sections, a channel closed perpendicular to a flow direction. The first air duct 30b has a housing 94b, which forms the channel and provides receiving areas 96b and 98b, respectively, for the cooling element 32b and the transmission element 92b. The housing 94b is formed by a plastic housing that is separate from the housing unit 22b. On an outlet side of the channel, the housing 94b has an elongated air outlet flange 100b, which is designed to form an airtight connection with an air inlet flange 102b for the fan 14b, formed in particular by the housing unit 22b. Furthermore, the housing 94b has two elongated inlet openings 104b on an inlet side of the air duct 30b. The channel formed by the housing 94b of the air duct 30b is angled, particularly in a lower area.

[0066] The thermal unit 18b and the first air duct 30b form a cooling module 90b, which is designed to be removable from the housing unit 22b. The thermal unit 18b and the first air duct 30b are at least partially formed as a single unit. The cooling module 90b can be removably fixed in the housing unit 22b via the air outlet flange 100b. By removing the cover 25b, the cooling module 90b can be removed from the housing unit 22b.

[0067] The term "one-piece" is to be understood in particular as being joined by at least a material bond, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously as being formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. Advantageously, "one-piece" is also to be understood as being formed in one piece. "One-piece" is to be understood in particular as being formed in one piece. Preferably, this single piece is produced from a single blank, a compound, and / or a casting, particularly preferably using an injection molding process, especially a single- and / or multi-component injection molding process.The phrase "partially one-piece" means, in particular, that the units have at least one, in particular at least two, advantageously at least three common elements that are a component, in particular a functionally important component, of both units.

[0068] Figure 8 shows a blower device 12c of a respiratory protection system.

[0069] The blower device 12c has a housing unit 22c. The housing unit 22c is formed from a plastic housing. The housing unit 22c has two interconnected housing shells 44c, 46c, namely a first housing shell 44c and a second housing shell 46c. The first housing shell 44c has two openable covers 25c, 48c, through which the interior of the housing unit 22c can be accessed.

[0070] Furthermore, the blower device 12c includes a fan 14c for generating an airflow 16c. The blower device 12c is designed to generate positive pressure in a mouthpiece of the respiratory protection system.

[0071] The blower device 12c is free of a filter element.

[0072] Furthermore, the blower device 12c has an energy storage device 58c. The energy storage device 58c is formed by an accumulator.

[0073] Furthermore, the blower device 12c includes a thermal unit 18c. The thermal unit 18c is designed to change the temperature of the airflow 16c in at least one operating state. The thermal unit 18c is formed by a cooling unit, which is designed to cool the airflow 16c in at least one operating state. The thermal unit 18c includes a cooling element 32c. The cooling element 32c is, in particular, formed by a heat sink, which, in operation, has a temperature that is significantly lower than the temperature of the airflow 16c. The cooling element 32c is designed to extract thermal energy from an airflow 16c flowing past and / or through the cooling element 32c, thereby cooling the airflow 16c. The cooling element 32c is, by way of example, passively cooled. The cooling element 32c is formed by a cooling pack.The cooling element 32c comprises a shell and at least one liquid located within the shell, which undergoes a phase change upon cooling. The cooling element 32c is cooled before operation. The cooling element 32c is formed by a latent heat storage unit. The cooling element 32c has a cuboid shape.

[0074] The thermal unit 18c is arranged along the airflow 16c upstream of the fan 14c. The airflow 16c is therefore cooled by the thermal unit 18c along the airflow 16c upstream of the fan 14c. During operation, the airflow 16c first flows around the thermal unit 18c and then through the fan 14c. Preferably, during operation, the airflow 16c through the fan 14c has already been cooled by the thermal unit 18c.

[0075] The housing unit 22c has an upper section 26c and a lower section 28c. The fan 14c is located in the upper section 26c of the housing unit 22c. The thermal unit 18c is located in the lower section 28c of the housing unit 22c. The fan 14c and the thermal unit 18c are arranged one above the other. Preferably, there exists at least one imaginary vertical line that intersects both the fan 14c and the thermal unit 18c.

[0076] The blower device 12c further comprises a first air guide 30c, which is designed to guide the airflow 16c between an air inlet opening 50c and the fan 14c. The air guide 30c adjoins at least two sides of the cooling element 32c. The air guide 30c adjoins three sides of the cooling element 32c. The first air guide 30c is designed to direct an airflow 16c from the air inlet opening 50c of the blower device 12c past the cooling element 32c of the thermal unit 18c to the fan 14c. The first air guide 30c extends at least partially through the cooling element 32c. The cooling element 32c has several, in particular five, through-holes 106c through which the first air guide 30c extends. The air duct 30c has several tubular sub-ducts 108c which extend through the passage openings 106c of the cooling element 32c.As a result, the air duct 30c extends through the cooling element 32c in at least one section, such that the air duct 30c is completely surrounded by the cooling element 32c in at least one plane, in particular perpendicular to a flow direction of the airflow 16c. The first air duct 30c is designed such that, during operation, the airflow 16c first flows through the cooling element 32c via the sub-ducts 108c and subsequently flows past a side of the cooling element 32c facing the second housing shell 46c. The sub-ducts 108c each extend from a side facing the first housing shell 44c and the fan 14c, in particular a corner, to a side facing the second housing shell 46c and away from the fan 14c, in particular a corner. The sub-ducts 108c run at least partially diagonally through the cooling element 32c. The first air duct 30c is designed for a defined guidance of the air of the airflow 16c.The air duct 30c forms, at least in sections, a channel closed perpendicular to a flow direction. The first air duct 30c has a housing 94c, which forms the channel and a receiving area 96c for the cooling element 32c. The housing 94c is formed by a plastic housing, which is separate from the housing unit 22c. On an outlet side of the channel, the housing 94c has an elongated air outlet flange 100c, which is designed to form an airtight connection with an air inlet flange 102c for the fan 14c, formed in particular by the housing unit 22c. Furthermore, the housing 94c has inlet openings 104c on an inlet side of the air duct 30c, which are formed by an inlet side of the sub-channels 108c.

[0077] The thermal unit 18c and the first air duct 30c form a cooling module 90c, which is designed to be removable from the housing unit 22c. The thermal unit 18c and the first air duct 30c are at least partially formed as a single unit. The cooling module 90c can be removably fixed in the housing unit 22c via the air outlet flange 100c. By removing the cover 25c, the cooling module 90c can be removed from the housing unit 22c.

[0078] Figure 10 shows a blower device 12d of a respiratory protection system.

[0079] The blower device 12d has a housing unit 22d. The housing unit 22d is formed from a plastic housing. The housing unit 22d has two interconnected housing shells 44d, 46d, namely a first housing shell 44d and a second housing shell 46d. The first housing shell 44d has two openable covers 25d, 48d through which the interior of the housing unit 22d can be accessed.

[0080] Furthermore, the blower device 12d includes a fan 14d for generating an airflow 16d. The blower device 12d is designed to generate positive pressure in a mouthpiece of the respiratory protection system.

[0081] The blower device 12d is free of a filter element.

[0082] Furthermore, the blower device 12d has an energy storage device 58d. The energy storage device 58d is formed by an accumulator.

[0083] Furthermore, the blower device 12d comprises a thermal unit 18d. The thermal unit 18d is designed to change the temperature of the airflow 16d in at least one operating state. The thermal unit 18d is formed by a cooling unit, which is designed to cool the airflow 16d in at least one operating state. The thermal unit 18d comprises a cooling element 32d. The cooling element 32d is, in particular, formed by a heat sink, which, in operation, has a temperature that is significantly lower than the temperature of the airflow 16d. The cooling element 32d is designed to extract thermal energy from an airflow 16d flowing past and / or through the cooling element 32d, thereby cooling the airflow 16d. The cooling element 32d is, by way of example, passively cooled. The cooling element 32d is formed by a cooling pack.The cooling element 32d comprises a shell and at least one liquid located within the shell, which undergoes a phase change upon cooling. The cooling element 32d is cooled before operation. The cooling element 32d is formed by a latent heat storage unit. The cooling element 32d has a cuboid shape.

[0084] The thermal unit 18d is arranged along the airflow 16d upstream of the fan 14d. The airflow 16d is therefore cooled by the thermal unit 18d along the airflow 16d upstream of the fan 14d. During operation, the airflow 16d first flows around the thermal unit 18d and then through the fan 14d. Preferably, during operation, the airflow 16d through the fan 14d has already been cooled by the thermal unit 18d.

[0085] The housing unit 22d has an upper section 26d and a lower section 28d. The fan 14d is arranged in the upper section 26d of the housing unit 22d. The thermal unit 18d is arranged in the lower section 28d of the housing unit 22d. The fan 14d and the thermal unit 18d are arranged one above the other. Preferably, there exists at least one imaginary vertical line that intersects both the fan 14d and the thermal unit 18d.

[0086] The blower device 12d further comprises a first air guide duct 30d, which is designed to guide the airflow 16d between an air inlet opening 50d and the fan 14d. The air guide duct 30d adjoins at least two sides of the cooling element 32d. The air guide duct 30d adjoins three sides of the cooling element 32d. The first air guide duct 30d is designed to guide an airflow 16d from the air inlet opening 50d of the blower device 12d past the cooling element 32d of the thermal unit 18d to the fan 14d. The first air guide duct 30d extends at least partially through the cooling element 32d. The cooling element 32d has several, in particular three by way of example, through-holes 106d through which the first air guide duct 30d extends. The air duct 30d has several tubular sub-ducts 108d, which extend through the passage openings 106d of the cooling element 32d.As a result, the air duct 30d extends through the cooling element 32d in at least one section, such that the air duct 30d is completely surrounded by the cooling element 32d in at least one plane, in particular perpendicular to a flow direction of the airflow 16d. The first air duct 30d is designed such that, during operation, the airflow 16d first flows past the side of the cooling element 32d facing the cover 25d and then flows through the cooling element 32d via the sub-ducts 108d. The sub-ducts 108d each extend from one side of the cooling element 32d facing away from the fan 14d to one side of the cooling element 32d facing the fan 14d. The first air duct 30d is designed to guide the air of the airflow 16d in a defined manner. The air duct 30d forms, at least in sections, a channel closed perpendicular to a flow direction.The first air duct 30d has a housing 94d, which forms the duct and a receiving area 96d for the cooling element 32d. The housing 94d is formed by a plastic housing, which is separate from the housing unit 22d. On an outlet side of the duct, the housing 94d has an elongated air outlet flange 100d, which is designed to form an airtight connection with an air inlet flange 102d for the fan 14d, formed in particular by the housing unit 22d. Furthermore, the housing 94d has an inlet opening 104d on an inlet side of the air duct 30d.

[0087] The thermal unit 18d and the first air duct 30d form a cooling module 90d, which is designed to be removable from the housing unit 22d. The thermal unit 18d and the first air duct 30d are at least partially formed as a single unit. The cooling module 90d can be removably fixed in the housing unit 22d via the air outlet flange 100d. By removing the cover 25d, the cooling module 90d can be removed from the housing unit 22d. Reference sign

[0088] 10 Respiratory protection system 12 Blower device 14 Fan 16 Airflow 18 Unit 20 Filter element 22 Housing unit 24 Housing base 25 Cover 26 Area 28 Area 30 Air duct 32 Cooling element 34 Adapter element 36 Mouth guard device 38 Vest 40 User 42 Breathing airflow 44 Housing shell 46 Housing shell 48 Cover 50 Air inlet 52 Air outlet 54 Control and / or regulation unit 56 Air duct 58 Energy storage 60 Operating unit 62 Control element 64 Cable 66 Display element 68 Sensor unit 70 Breathing air line 72 Mask base 74 Breathing air supply line 74' Breathing air supply line 76 T-connector 78 Fastening strap 80 Head fastening strap 82 Drain valve 84 Area 86 Area 88 Mounting tab 90 Cooling module 92 Transmission element 94 Housing 96 Intake area 98 Intake area 100 Air outlet flange 102 Air inlet flange 104 Inlet opening 106 Through-hole 108 Partial channel d thickness

Claims

1. Blower device, in particular for a respiratory protection system (1 0a), with a fan (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) for generating an airflow (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d), characterized by a thermal unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) which in at least one operating state is provided to change the temperature of the airflow (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) and which is arranged along the airflow (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) in front of the fan (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d).

2. Blower device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the thermal unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) is formed by a cooling unit which, in at least one operating state, is designed to cool the airflow (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d).

3. Blower device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the thermal unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) is formed by a cooling unit and has at least one cooling element (32a; 32b; 32c; 32d) which is formed by a latent heat storage unit.

4. Blower device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one filter element (20a) which is intended to be passed through by the airflow (16a), wherein the thermal unit (16a) is arranged along the airflow (16a) in front of the fan (14a) and in front of the filter element (20a).

5. Blower device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a housing unit (22a) accommodating the fan (14a) and the thermal unit (18a), which has a housing body (24a) and at least one cover (25a) through which an interior of the housing unit (22a) can be accessed, wherein the thermal unit (18a) is at least partially arranged on the cover (25a).

6. Blower device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya housing unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) accommodating the fan (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) and the thermal unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d), wherein the fan (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) is arranged in an upper region (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d) of the housing unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) and the thermal unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) is arranged in a lower region (28a; 28b; 28c; 28d) of the housing unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d).

7. Blower device at least according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that that at least one filter element (20a) is spatially arranged at least partially between the thermal unit (18a) and the fan (14a).

8. Blower device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least a first air guide channel (30a) which is provided for guiding the airflow (16a), wherein the thermal unit (18a) has at least one cooling element (32a) which is provided for direct cooling of the airflow (16a), wherein the air guide channel (30a) adjoins at least two sides of the cooling element (32a).

9. Blower device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one first air duct (30c; 30d), wherein the thermal unit (18c; 18d) has at least one cooling element (32c; 32d), wherein the first air duct (30c; 30d) extends at least partially through the at least one cooling element (32c; 32d).

10. Blower device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one adapter element (34a) on which the thermal unit (18a) is at least partially detachably arranged and which is intended to connect the thermal unit (18a) to a housing unit (22a).

11. Blower device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a housing unit (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) accommodating the fan (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) and the thermal unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d), which has a thickness (d) of less than 70 mm.

12. Blower device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the fan (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) is designed to generate a volume flow of the airflow (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) of at least 50l / min and a maximum of 250l / min.

13. Respiratory protection system, in particular blower respiratory protection system, comprising a blower device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) according to one of the preceding claims and comprising at least one mouth protection device (36a).

14. Respiratory protection system according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that which includes at least one blower device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) for generating an overpressure in the mouth protection device (36a).

15. Respiratory protection system according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by a vest (38a) for wear by a user (40a) on the back of which the blower device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) is arranged.

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