Respiratory therapy device

Abstract

To provide a respiratory therapy device whose noises can be effectively damped in operation.SOLUTION: A respiratory treatment apparatus (1) includes: a gas inlet (3); a gas outlet (5); a blower (7) for conveying respiratory gas from the gas inlet (3) to the gas outlet (5); and a chamber (9) for sound damping. The chamber (9) includes a first opening (11), a second opening (13) and a tubular channel (15). The channel (15) includes an inner channel section (15a) projecting from the first opening (11) into an interior of the chamber (9), and / or an outer channel section (15b) projecting from the first opening (11) to exterior surroundings of the chamber (9). The respiratory treatment devices (1) is designed such that the respiratory gas, when conveyed from the gas inlet (3) to the gas outlet (5), flows between the first opening (11) and the second opening (13) through the chamber (9) and passes through the channel (15) in this case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to respiratory treatment devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Respiratory therapy devices can be used to treat sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or respiratory pump failure, such as those caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To this end, respiratory therapy devices can generate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) within a patient's airway. Such devices typically include a blower that, depending on its speed, can produce audible airflow noise. This noise can be unpleasant or even bothersome, especially during sleep. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One of the problems of the present invention is to provide a respiratory treatment device that can effectively attenuate noise during operation, so that the noise is not perceived at all, or at least is not perceived as unpleasant or bothersome. This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0005] The present invention relates to a respiratory treatment device comprising a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a blower for delivering respiratory gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, and a chamber for sound attenuation. The chamber includes a first opening, a second opening, and a tubular channel, the channel including an inner channel portion projecting from the first opening into the interior of the chamber and / or an outer channel portion projecting from the first opening to the external environment (outside, surroundings) of the chamber. The respiratory treatment device is designed (configured) so that when respiratory gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the respiratory gas flows through the chamber between the first opening and the second opening, passing through the channel, i.e., the inner channel portion and / or the outer channel portion.

[0006] Such a respiratory treatment device has the advantage that unpleasant or bothersome operating sounds are significantly attenuated by the special sound-attenuating chamber, and in particular, therefore no special sound-attenuating material needs to be incorporated into the device, which can simplify the manufacture, maintenance, and cleaning of the device.

[0007] A "respiratory treatment device" may generally be understood to mean a ventilator for invasive or non-invasive ventilation, or a device for removing secretions, for example in the form of a cough assist device. Respiratory treatment devices may be particularly suitable for high-flow therapy. A "respiratory treatment device" may also be understood to mean a ventilator or a component (of multiple components) of a ventilation system that includes a ventilator.

[0008] The gas inlet and gas outlet may be connected to each other via a flow path within the respiratory treatment device. The flow path may include, for example, at least one of the following components: a channel, a chamber, a blower, a gas line, a humidifier, and a gas sensor. The gas inlet may be connectable to a suitable respiratory gas source and / or to the external environment of the respiratory treatment device. The gas outlet may be connectable to a hose for supplying respiratory gas to a patient. The hose may be connected to, for example, at least one of the following patient interfaces: a tube, a nasal mask, a nasal cannula, and a face mask. One or more gas inlets and / or gas outlets may be formed, for example, in the (external) housing of the respiratory treatment device.

[0009] A "blower" can generally be understood as a fluid machine (e.g., a turbomachine) for pressurizing breathing gas. The blower can generate a pressure ratio (between the outlet and inlet sides, respectively) of, for example, 1.0 to 1.3, 1.3 to 3.0, or greater than 3.0.

[0010] The chamber can generally be understood as a spring-mass system capable of attenuating sound in the relevant frequency range depending on its adjustment, particularly the length and / or flow cross-section of the inner and / or outer channel portions. The interior of the chamber can be a cavity defined by multiple walls, e.g., in the length, height, and / or width directions. The blower can be fluidly coupled to the first opening and / or the second opening via its (intake side) inlet and / or (discharge side) outlet directly and / or indirectly, e.g., by one or more gas lines. For example, a first gas line can connect the first opening to the blower inlet on the one hand and the second opening to the gas inlet on the other hand, and a second gas line can connect the blower outlet to the gas outlet on the other hand. Alternatively, a first gas line can connect the gas inlet to the blower inlet on the one hand, and a second opening to the blower outlet on the other hand, and a second gas line can connect the first opening to the gas outlet on the other hand. Both embodiments have the effect that, when the blower is activated, breathing gas flows through the chamber from the second opening to the first opening. However, embodiments are also possible in which, when the blower is activated, breathing gas flows from the first opening to the second opening. It has been found that, with regard to sound attenuation, it is particularly advantageous if the chamber is located on the intake side of the blower, i.e., in front of the blower inlet in the direction of the breathing gas flow.

[0011] Above and below, a "tubular channel" can be understood to mean, for example, a channel having an at least partially closed cross-sectional shape, as opposed to a groove-shaped channel having an open cross-sectional shape. The cross-section of the tubular channel can be, for example, circular, oval, or rectangular. However, more complex cross-sectional shapes are also possible, such as, for example, an L-shape or a T-shape and / or a cross-sectional shape that varies in the longitudinal direction of the tubular channel. The tubular channel can, for example, be designed as a pipe and / or a hose.

[0012] A "gas line" can be understood as, for example, a (rigid) pipe, a socket (nozzle), a hose, or a combination of at least two of these examples.

[0013] An "opening," such as a "first opening" or a "second opening," may generally be understood to be a passageway through the wall of the chamber. In particular, the passageway may connect an inner surface of the wall facing the interior of the chamber with an outer surface of the wall facing the environment external to the chamber.

[0014] The first and second openings can be at least partially opposite each other, i.e., partially or completely overlapping, when viewed in the direction of flow of breathing gas through the chamber, or alternatively, the first and second openings can be offset from each other.

[0015] The first opening can form a gas inlet port and / or the second opening can form a gas outlet port. Alternatively, the first opening can form a gas outlet port and / or the second opening can form a gas inlet port. In other words, the gas inlet port and / or the gas outlet port can be formed by one or more openings or passages in one or more walls of the chamber. This can significantly reduce pressure loss compared to embodiments in which the chamber is connected to the gas inlet port and / or the gas outlet port via one or more gas lines. This can make the respiratory treatment device more efficient and / or quieter during operation.

[0016] A "channel portion", as in "inner channel portion" or "outer channel portion", can be understood to mean, for example, a pipe piece that protrudes vertically or obliquely from the wall of the chamber and is connected on one or both sides. The inner channel portion can be separated, for example, from the second opening and / or the wall of the chamber, in particular from the wall of the chamber opposite the first opening, by an air gap. The channel or at least one of the channel portions can extend straight and / or curved when viewed in its longitudinal direction. A curved channel (portion) can cause the breathing gas flow to impinge on the channel wall somewhat obliquely rather than perpendicularly, which can reduce noise.

[0017] The inner channel portion can be substantially identical in length to the outer channel portion, or can differ significantly from the outer channel portion, for example by at least 10%, at least 30%, or at least 50%.

[0018] Various embodiments of the present invention are described below, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the tubular channel, or more precisely its internal cavity, may be at least partially defined by wall portions of the chamber and / or of the rest of the housing of the respiratory treatment device, for example the outer housing thereof.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the tubular channel can be at least partially defined by at least one plug-in part that can be force-locked (frictionally) and / or form-lockedly connected to the housing of the respiratory treatment device without the aid of tools. In this case, the tubular channel can be at least partially formed by a corresponding gap between the housing and the plug-in part(s). This facilitates cleaning of the respiratory treatment device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the second opening can be at least partially opposite the first opening and / or the open end of the inner channel portion when viewed in the direction of flow of breathing gas through the chamber. The term "open end" can be understood above and below in particular as an end that is not connected.

[0022] More generally, at least one of the openings of the tubular channel can be positioned with some offset relative to at least one of the openings of the chamber, in particular the inlet opening of the chamber, so that the openings partially (or completely) overlap, which in some circumstances has the effect of reducing the direct penetration of sound waves into the chamber.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the (e.g., average) ratio R=P 2 R / A can be 14-30, 16-30, or 20-30, where P represents the (e.g., average) circumference of the tubular channel and A represents the (e.g., average) cross-sectional area of ​​the tubular channel. By using such R-values, particularly effective sound attenuation can be achieved in experiments, precisely because this involves a significant increase in the friction area of ​​a given cross section compared to other R-values. In certain cases, R-values ​​below 14 (e.g., 12) or above 30 (e.g., 40) are also conceivable.

[0024] It has also been found that embodiments are particularly advantageous in which the (e.g., average) flow cross-section of the chamber is twice as wide or more than twice as wide as the (e.g., average) flow cross-section of the tubular channel in at least a portion between one of the plurality of openings of the chamber and one of the plurality of openings of the tubular channel.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the respiratory treatment device can be designed such that when respiratory gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the respiratory gas flows through the chamber from the second opening to the first opening, passing through the channel.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the second opening can have a different flow cross-section than the first opening and / or the open end of the inner channel portion, in particular a significantly larger flow cross-section. When breathing gas flows from the second opening to the first opening through the chamber when the breathing gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the second opening can have a flow cross-section that is significantly larger than the first opening and / or the open end of the inner channel portion. Conversely, when breathing gas flows from the first opening to the second opening through the chamber when the breathing gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the second opening can have a flow cross-section that is significantly smaller than the first opening and / or the open end of the inner channel portion. Alternatively, the flow cross-section of the second opening can substantially match the flow cross-section of the first opening and / or the open end of the inner channel portion in size and / or shape.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the second opening may be flush with or protrude very slightly from the inner surface of the chamber wall facing the interior of the chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the second opening may be flush with or protrude very slightly from the outer surface of the chamber wall facing the environment external to the chamber.

[0028] Furthermore, the first opening may be flush with the inner or outer surface of the chamber wall on one side, or may protrude only slightly from the inner or outer surface.

[0029] The first opening or the second opening being flush on one or both sides has the advantage that pressure loss can be reduced by flowing in the same direction.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the flow cross section of the inner channel portion may substantially match in size and / or shape the flow cross section of the outer channel portion.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the inner and outer channel portions can have a common longitudinal axis. The common longitudinal axis of the inner and outer channel portions can be straight and / or curved. Alternatively, the inner and outer channel portions can have longitudinal axes that are parallel to one another.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the chamber can be longitudinally defined by a first wall on one side and a second wall on the other side. In this case, the first wall can have a first opening, and / or the second wall can have a second opening. In other words, the first opening and the second opening can be located on opposite sides of the chamber. The "longitudinal direction" can generally be understood as a first spatial direction in a three-dimensional coordinate system, such as a horizontal direction or a vertical direction. The "wall" in the "first wall" or "second wall" can be understood as, for example, at least a portion of the floor, ceiling, sidewall, or chamber cover of the chamber, or a combination of at least two of these portions. For example, the first wall can be integrally formed with the inner channel portion and / or the outer channel portion, for example, by injection molding.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the inner channel portion can project into the chamber in the longitudinal direction between the first and second walls by up to half of the (total) length of the chamber. The length of the chamber can be, for example, 30 mm to 50 mm, preferably 35 mm to 45 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the (total) height of the chamber in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be 20 mm to 40 mm, preferably 25 mm to 35 mm, and / or the (total) width of the chamber in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and height directions can be 30 mm to 50 mm, preferably 35 mm to 45 mm.

[0034] According to one embodiment, a first end of the inner channel portion can be connected to the first wall and a second, unconnected end of the inner channel portion can protrude into the interior of the chamber. The second, unconnected end of the inner channel portion can additionally be open.

[0035] Correspondingly, a first end of the outer channel portion can be connected to the first wall, and a second, connected or unconnected, end of the outer channel portion can protrude into an environment external to the chamber. For example, the second end of the outer channel portion can be directly or indirectly connected, for example by a socket and / or a pipe and / or a hose, to at least one of the following components of the respiratory treatment device: a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a blower inlet, a blower outlet, an additional chamber for sound attenuation, in particular an additional chamber as described below.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the chamber may further comprise a removable and / or movably, e.g., rotatably and / or displaceably mounted (supported) chamber lid for closing the chamber, thereby facilitating access to the interior of the chamber, e.g., for purposes of maintenance, cleaning, or repair.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the chamber lid may form at least a part of the first wall and / or the second wall when closing the chamber.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the chamber can further include a filter material for filtering particles and / or moisture from the respiratory gas flowing through the chamber between the first and second openings. When the respiratory treatment device is in an operable state, the filter material can be at least partially disposed in the respiratory gas flow path between the first and second openings through the chamber, allowing the respiratory gas to flow through the filter material. The filter material can be, in particular, a porous material. For example, the filter material can include foam, sintered metal, wire mesh, fibers, clay, or a combination of at least two of these examples. Other examples of suitable filter materials are polyester nonwoven fabric, mixed synthetic fibers (chemical fibers) in a propylene carrier, or synthetic polyester blends. Alternatively or additionally, the filter material can have special chemical and / or physical properties that further enhance the filter material's acoustic attenuation. This can further improve the acoustic attenuation of the chamber. The filter material can be provided on a carrier (carrier, support), for example, to stabilize the filter material. The carrier itself can also be gas-permeable. For example, the carrier can be designed as a lattice and / or mesh structure. Alternatively or additionally, the chamber may have at least one support element (mounting element) on its inner wall, for example in the form of a protrusion or a locking element, for supporting (mounting) the filter material and / or carrier.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the filter material can at least partially fill the interior of the chamber and / or at least partially fill the channels. In particular, the filter material can mostly or completely fill the interior of the chamber and / or channels. This allows for efficient filtration without requiring significant adaptation of the chamber and / or respiratory treatment device format.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the filter material can be positioned opposite the first opening and / or the second opening, in which case the filter material can contact the respective opening, cover the respective opening, for example in an air permeable manner, or be separated from the respective opening by an air gap.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the filter material can be formed as part of an insert element that can be inserted into the chamber and / or channel. This allows for easy replacement of the filter material. For example, the insert element can be formed as part of the chamber lid, or vice versa.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the filter material can be fixed (attached) to the chamber lid and can be removably and / or movably attached (supported) together with the chamber lid. The filter material can be fixed to the chamber lid so that the filter material is located in the flow path of the breathing gas when the chamber lid closes the chamber. This allows for easy access to the interior of the chamber, for example for maintenance, cleaning, or repair purposes. This also allows for easy replacement of the filter material.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the chamber may further include a tubular additional channel. The additional channel may include an inner channel portion projecting from the second opening into the interior of the chamber and / or an outer channel portion projecting from the second opening into the environment outside the chamber. In this case, the respiratory treatment device may be designed so that the respiratory gas passes through the additional channel when it is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. The length of the inner channel portion may be substantially identical to that of the outer channel portion, or may differ significantly from that of the outer channel portion, for example by at least 10%, at least 30%, or at least 50%.

[0044] A channel can have a length that substantially matches another channel, or it can differ significantly from another channel, for example by at least 10%, at least 30%, or at least 50%.

[0045] According to one embodiment, a first end of the separate inner channel portion can be connected to the second wall, and a second, unconnected end of the separate inner channel portion can protrude into the chamber. The second, unconnected end of the separate inner channel portion can additionally be open. For example, the second wall can be integrally formed with the separate inner channel portion and / or the separate outer channel portion, for example, by injection molding.

[0046] Correspondingly, a first end of the other outer channel portion can be connected to the second wall, and a second, connected or unconnected, end of the other outer channel portion can protrude into the environment outside the chamber. For example, the second end of the other outer channel portion can be connected directly or indirectly via a socket tube and / or pipe and / or hose to at least one of the following components of the respiratory treatment device: gas inlet, gas outlet, blower inlet, blower outlet, additional chamber for sound attenuation, in particular the additional chambers described in more detail below.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the open end of the other inner channel portion may be at least partially opposite the first opening and / or the open end of the inner channel portion when viewed in the direction of flow of breathing gas through the chamber.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the open end of the other inner channel portion can have a different flow cross-section than the first opening and / or the open end of the inner channel portion, in particular a significantly larger flow cross-section. In particular, when breathing gas flows from the second opening to the first opening through the chamber when the breathing gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the open end of the other inner channel portion can have a flow cross-section that is significantly larger than the open end of the first opening and / or the inner channel portion. Conversely, in particular, when breathing gas flows from the first opening to the second opening through the chamber when the breathing gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the open end of the other inner channel portion can have a flow cross-section that is significantly smaller than the open end of the first opening and / or the inner channel portion. Alternatively, the size and / or shape of the flow cross-section of the open end of the other inner channel portion can substantially match the flow cross-section of the first opening and / or the open end of the inner channel portion.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the length of the further inner channel portion may be up to one-third of the length of the inner channel portion. "Length" may be understood as the extent of the respective channel portion in its longitudinal direction, i.e. in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the separate inner channel portion and the separate outer channel portion can have a common longitudinal axis, which can be straight and / or curved.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the flow cross-section of the other inner channel portion can be substantially identical in size and / or shape to the flow cross-section of the other outer channel portion, or alternatively, the flow cross-section of the other inner channel portion can be significantly different in size and / or shape from the flow cross-section of the other outer channel portion.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the channel can have a different flow cross-section than another channel, in particular a significantly smaller flow cross-section. In particular, when breathing gas flows from the second opening to the first opening through the chamber when the breathing gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the channel can have a significantly smaller flow cross-section than another channel. Conversely, in particular, when breathing gas flows from the first opening to the second opening through the chamber when the breathing gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the channel can have a significantly larger flow cross-section than another channel.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the length of the further channel may be at most one-third of the length of the channel. "Length" may be understood as the extent of the respective channel in its longitudinal direction, i.e. in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the channel and the further channel may have a common longitudinal axis, which may extend straight and / or curved.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the volume of the chamber is 18 cm 3 ~160cm 3 , especially 30cm 3 ~70cm 3 It could be.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the volume of the channel and / or inner channel portion is 5 cm 3 ~12cm 3 A channel can have a volume that is substantially identical to another channel, or it can differ decisively from another channel, e.g., by at least 10%, at least 30%, or at least 50%. An inner channel portion can have a volume that is substantially identical to a volume of another inner channel portion, or it can differ decisively from another inner channel portion, e.g., by at least 10%, at least 30%, or at least 50%.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the chamber is 8 cm 2 ~16cm 2 , especially 10cm 2 ~14cm 2 It could be.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the channel and / or inner channel portion is 1.8 cm 2 ~2.0cm 2 A channel can have a maximum cross-sectional area that is substantially the same as another channel or that differs decisively from another channel, e.g., by at least 10%, at least 30%, or at least 50%. An inner channel portion can have a maximum cross-sectional area that is substantially the same as another inner channel portion or that differs decisively from another inner channel portion, e.g., by at least 10%, at least 30%, or at least 50%.

[0059] With such dimensions, particularly good results in terms of sound attenuation have been achieved in experiments.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the respiratory treatment device can further include an additional chamber for acoustic attenuation. Similar to the chambers described above and below, the additional chamber can include an additional first opening, an additional second opening, and a tubular additional channel, and the additional channel can include an additional inner channel portion projecting from the additional first opening into the interior of the additional chamber and / or an additional outer channel portion projecting from the additional first opening to an environment external to the additional chamber. In this case, the respiratory treatment device can be designed so that when respiratory gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the respiratory gas further flows through the additional chamber between the additional first opening and the additional second opening, passing through the additional channel.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the chamber can be connected in series with one additional chamber or multiple additional chambers, so that breathing gas flows sequentially through the chambers connected in series with each other when passing from the gas inlet to the gas outlet.

[0062] The chamber may be fluidly connected to one or more additional chambers, for example via a passageway in a partition wall and / or a tubular connecting channel, which may for example comprise at least a portion of the channel and / or the additional channel and / or another channel.

[0063] For example, different chambers can be acoustically tuned differently, so that each chamber attenuates a different frequency range of sound.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which neither the description nor the drawings should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0065] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a respiratory treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a chamber of a respiratory treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention having an insert element. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B show chambers of a respiratory treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention having openings that are offset from one another. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a chamber having channels filled with filter material of a respiratory treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a chamber of a respiratory treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention having two channels, each projecting into the interior of the chamber. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a chamber of a respiratory treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention having two channels, only one of which protrudes into the interior of the chamber. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a chamber of a respiratory treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention having two channels, only one of which protrudes into the environment external to the chamber. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a respiratory treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with two chambers connected in series and having an asymmetrical configuration. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows a respiratory treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with two chambers having a symmetrical structure and connected in series with each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The figures are purely schematic and not to scale. Where the same reference signs are used in different figures, these signify the same or identical functional features.

[0067] FIG. 1 shows a respiratory treatment device 1, which comprises a gas inlet section 3, a gas outlet section 5, a blower 7 for delivering respiratory gas from the gas inlet section 3 to the gas outlet section 5, and a chamber 9 for sound attenuation.

[0068] For example, the gas inlet 3 may be connectable to a suitable breathing gas source. Alternatively or additionally, the gas outlet 5 may be connected via a hose to a corresponding patient interface, such as a nasal mask, a face mask, a (high flow) nasal cannula or a tube.

[0069] The chamber 9 includes a first opening 11, a second opening 13, and a tubular channel (tubular channel) 15. In this example, the channel 15 includes an inner channel portion 15a that protrudes from the first opening 11 into the interior of the chamber 9, and an outer channel portion 15b that protrudes from the first opening 11 into the environment outside the chamber 9.

[0070] The respiratory treatment device 1 is designed so that when respiratory gas is sent from the gas inlet section 3 to the gas outlet section 5, the respiratory gas flows through the chamber 9 between the first opening 11 and the second opening 13, here from the second opening 13 to the first opening 11, passing through the channel 15.

[0071] 1, the chamber 9 can be defined in the longitudinal direction x by a first wall 17 having a first opening 11 on the one hand and a second wall 19 having a second opening 13 on the other hand. The distance between the two walls 17, 19 in the longitudinal direction x can then correspond to the length of the chamber 9.

[0072] In this example, a first end of the inner channel portion 15a is connected to the first wall 17, and a second, unconnected end of the inner channel portion 15a protrudes into the interior of the chamber 9. The second end of the inner channel portion 15a is open and can partially or completely face (oppose) the second opening 13 in the second wall 19 when viewed in the direction of the flow 21 of breathing gas from the second opening 13 to the first opening 11.

[0073] Correspondingly, a first end of outer channel portion 15b is connected to first wall 17, and a second end of outer channel portion 15b can protrude into the environment outside chamber 9. The second end of outer channel portion 15b can be directly or indirectly fluidly connected to an inlet (intake side) portion of blower 7. In this example, the second end is connected to the inlet portion via first gas line 23. An outlet (discharge side) portion of blower 7 can be fluidly connected to gas outlet portion 5, for example, by second gas line 25.

[0074] As can be seen in Figure 1, the second opening 13 may be a simple passageway through the second wall 19. In this case, the central axis of the second, e.g. circular, opening 13 may lie on the longitudinal axis of the channel 15 (see also Figure 5) or may be arranged (aligned) parallel to this (see also Figure 3).

[0075] Additionally, chamber 9 may include a gas-permeable filter material 27 for filtering particles and / or moisture from the breathing gas. Filter material 27 may be disposed within chamber 9 and / or in channel 15 in the flow path between first opening 11 and second opening 13. Filter material 27 may largely or even completely fill chamber 9. In FIG. 1 , channel 15 is free of filter material 27.

[0076] 2 shows an embodiment of the chamber 9 having an optional insert element 29 to which the filter material 27 is attached (fixed). In this example, the insert element 29 is insertable into the interior of the chamber 9 in a height direction y that is orthogonal to the length direction x. This allows for easy replacement of the filter material 27.

[0077] 3 shows an embodiment of the chamber 9 in which the longitudinal axis L of the channel 15 and the central axis M of the second opening 13 are offset from each other in the height direction y (indicated by the double arrow). Here, the chamber 9 further comprises a removable chamber lid 31, which forms the second wall 19 when the chamber 9 is closed.

[0078] 4 shows an embodiment of chamber 9 in which filter material 27 is disposed only in channel 15. Filter material 27 can fill channel 15 partially, or, as here, completely.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the chamber 9 having a separate channel 33. The separate channel 33 may include a separate inner channel portion 33a projecting from the second wall 19 into the interior of the chamber 9 and / or a separate outer channel portion 33b projecting from the second wall 19 into the environment outside the chamber 9. The channel 15 and the separate channel 33 may have a common longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the separate channel 33 may have a significantly larger cross-sectional flow area than the channel 15. Depending on the flow direction of the breathing gas, the separate channel 33 may also have a significantly smaller cross-sectional flow area than the channel 15. Alternatively or additionally, the channel 15 and the separate channel 33 may have significantly different lengths. For example, the length of the separate channel 33 may be at most one-third of the length of the channel 15. Such a length ratio may contribute to reducing pressure losses and / or further improving the acoustic attenuation effect of the chamber 9.

[0080] 6 shows an embodiment of the chamber 9 in which the further channel 33 includes only the further outer channel portion 33b, which differs from the embodiment of FIG. 5. In this case, the second opening 13 may be substantially flush with the inner surface of the second wall 19 facing the interior of the chamber 9.

[0081] 7 shows an embodiment of the chamber 9 in which the further channel 33 includes only the further inner channel portion 33a, which differs from the embodiment of FIG. 5. In this case, the second opening 13 may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the second wall 19 facing the external environment of the chamber 9.

[0082] 8 shows an embodiment in which chamber 9 is connected in series with an additional chamber 35 for acoustic attenuation. Similar to chamber 9, additional chamber 35 may include an additional first opening 37, an additional second opening 39, and a tubular additional channel 41. Additional channel 41 may include an additional inner channel portion 41a projecting from the additional first opening 37 into the interior of additional chamber 35, and / or an additional outer channel portion 41b projecting from the additional first opening 37 to the environment outside additional chamber 35. The respiratory treatment device may be designed such that when respiratory gas is delivered from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the respiratory gas further flows through additional chamber 35 between the additional first opening 37 and the additional second opening 39, for example, from the additional second opening 39 to the additional first opening 37, passing through additional channel 41.

[0083] In this example, the additional first opening 37 is fluidly connected to the second opening 13 of chamber 9 via the additional outer channel portion 41b, so that breathing gas flows sequentially through chambers 9, 35 when being sent from the gas inlet portion to the gas outlet portion.

[0084] In this way, the acoustic damping effect can be further improved, for example different chambers 9, 35 can be acoustically tuned differently, so that each chamber 9, 35 attenuates a different sound frequency range.

[0085] The chamber 9 can also be connected in series with a number of additional chambers 35, for example at least two or at least four additional chambers 35.

[0086] 9 shows an embodiment in which, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 8, an additional channel 41 is arranged in the additional second opening 39. In this case, the two chambers 9, 35 can be fluidly connected to each other via a simple passage in a common partition wall. This passage can form both the additional first opening 37 of the additional chamber 35 and the second opening 13 of the chamber 9. For example, the two chambers 9, 35 can be designed symmetrically with respect to a vertical and / or horizontal imaginary line of symmetry S.

[0087] Finally, it is noted that the words "having", "comprising", "including", "with" and the like do not exclude other elements or steps, and that the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0088] It is further noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with features or steps described with reference to other of the above embodiments.

[0089] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Respiratory treatment device 3 Gas inlet 5 Gas outlet 7. Blower 9 Chamber 11 First opening 13 Second Opening 15 tubular channels 15a Inner channel part 15b Outer channel portion 17 The First Wall 19 The Second Wall 21 Flow 23 First Gas Line 25 Second Gas Line 27 Filter material 29 Insertion Elements 31 Chamber lid 33 separate tubular channels 33a Another inner channel section 33b Another outer channel section 35 additional chambers 37 Additional First Opening 39 Additional Secondary Opening 41 additional tubular channels 41a Additional inner channel section 41b Additional outer channel portion x length direction y height direction L longitudinal axis M center axis S axis of symmetry

Claims

1. A respiratory treatment device (1), comprising: a gas inlet (3); a gas outlet (5); a blower (7) for delivering breathing gas from the gas inlet (3) to the gas outlet (5); a chamber (9) for acoustic attenuation; Equipped with the chamber (9) comprises a first opening (11), a second opening (13), and a tubular channel (15), the channel (15) comprising an inner channel portion (15a) projecting from the first opening (11) into the interior of the chamber (9) and / or an outer channel portion (15b) projecting from the first opening (11) into an environment external to the chamber (9); The respiratory treatment device (1) is designed so that when respiratory gas is sent from the gas inlet portion (3) to the gas outlet portion (5), the respiratory gas flows through the chamber (9) between the first opening (11) and the second opening (13), passing through the channel (15).

2. the second opening (13) is at least partially opposite the first opening (11) and / or the inner channel portion (15a) when viewed in the direction of the flow (21) of breathing gas through the chamber (9); and / or the second opening (13) has a different flow cross section, in particular a larger flow cross section, than the first opening (11) and / or the open end of the inner channel portion (15a); and / or 2. The respiratory treatment device (1) of claim 1, wherein the respiratory treatment device (1) is designed so that when respiratory gas is sent from the gas inlet portion (3) to the gas outlet portion (5), the respiratory gas flows through the chamber (9) from the second opening (13) to the first opening (11).

3. the second opening (13) is flush with the inner surface of the wall (19) of the chamber (9) facing the interior of the chamber (9); and / or 3. Respiratory treatment device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second opening (13) is flush with an outer surface of the wall (19) of the chamber (9) facing the environment outside the chamber (9).

4. the flow cross section of the inner channel portion (15a) corresponds in size and / or shape to the flow cross section of the outer channel portion (15b); and / or Respiratory treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner channel portion (15a) and the outer channel portion (15b) have a common longitudinal axis (L).

5. 5. A respiratory treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the chamber (9) is bounded in the longitudinal direction (x) by a first wall (17) on the one hand and a second wall (19) on the other hand, the first wall (17) having the first opening (11) and / or the second wall (19) having the second opening (13).

6. the inner channel portion (15a) projects in the longitudinal direction (x) into the interior of the chamber (9) between the first wall (17) and the second wall (19) up to half the length of the chamber (9); and / or 6. The respiratory treatment device (1) of claim 5, wherein a first end of the inner channel portion (15a) is connected to the first wall (17) and a second, unconnected end of the inner channel portion (15a) protrudes into the interior of the chamber (9).

7. A respiratory treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the chamber (9) further comprises a removable and / or movably attached chamber lid (31) for closing the chamber (9).

8. A respiratory treatment device (1) according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the chamber lid (31) forms at least a part of the first wall (17) and / or the second wall (19) when closing the chamber (9).

9. 9. The respiratory treatment device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the chamber (9) further comprises a filter material (27) for filtering particles and / or moisture from breathing gas flowing through the chamber (9) between the first opening (11) and the second opening (13).

10. The filter material (27) at least partially fills the interior of the chamber (9) and / or at least partially fills the channel (15), and / or the filter material (27) is positioned facing the first opening (11) and / or the second opening (13); and / or Respiratory treatment device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the filter material (27) is formed as part of an insert element (29) insertable into the chamber (9) and / or the channel (15).

11. Respiratory treatment device (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10 when claim 9 is dependent on claim 7, wherein the filter material (27) is fixed to the chamber lid (31), and the filter material (27) is removable together with the chamber lid (31) and / or is movably attached together with the chamber lid (31).

12. The chamber (9) further includes a tubular channel (33), the channel (33) including an inner channel portion (33a) projecting from the second opening (13) into the interior of the chamber (9) and / or an outer channel portion (33b) projecting from the second opening (13) into an environment outside the chamber (9); The respiratory treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the respiratory treatment device (1) is designed so that when the respiratory gas is sent from the gas inlet portion (3) to the gas outlet portion (5), the respiratory gas further passes through the other channel (33).

13. the open end of said further inner channel portion (33a) is at least partially opposite the open end of said first opening (11) and / or said inner channel portion (15a) when viewed in the direction of the flow (21) of breathing gas through said chamber (9); and / or the open end of said further inner channel portion (33a) has a different flow cross-section, in particular a larger flow cross-section, than the open end of said first opening (11) and / or said inner channel portion (15a); and / or the length of said further inner channel portion (33a) is at most one-third of the length of said inner channel portion (15a); and / or said separate inner channel portion (33a) and said separate outer channel portion (33b) have a common longitudinal axis (L); and / or Respiratory treatment device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the flow cross section of the further inner channel portion (33a) corresponds in size and / or shape to the flow cross section of the further outer channel portion (33b).

14. said channel (15) has a different flow cross section, in particular a smaller flow cross section, than said further channel (33); and / or the length of said further channel (33) is at most one third of the length of said channel (15); and / or Respiratory treatment device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the channel (15) and the further channel (33) have a common longitudinal axis (L).

15. The device further comprises an additional chamber (35) for acoustic attenuation, the additional chamber (35) including an additional first opening (37), an additional second opening (39), and a tubular additional channel (41), the additional channel (41) including an additional inner channel portion (41a) projecting from the additional first opening (37) into the interior of the additional chamber (35) and / or an additional outer channel portion (41b) projecting from the additional first opening (37) to an environment outside the additional chamber (35); The respiratory treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the respiratory treatment device (1) is designed such that when respiratory gas is sent from the gas inlet section (3) to the gas outlet section (5), the respiratory gas further flows through the additional chamber (35) between the additional first opening (37) and the additional second opening (39), passing through the additional channel (41).

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