Sound damping apparatus for ventilator

Abstract

To provide a ventilator comprising a sound damping apparatus.SOLUTION: In addition to a sound damping apparatus 10, a ventilator 1 comprises a respiratory gas inlet 2, a respiratory gas outlet 4, and a respiratory gas path 3 formed between the respiratory gas inlet and the respiratory gas outlet and comprising a blower 5. The blower can have a first acoustic impedance 14 based on the geometry thereof, and can have at least one further acoustic impedance 15, 16, which differs from the first acoustic impedance 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound attenuating device, which is designed for a ventilator. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a ventilator equipped with a sound attenuating device. [Background technology]

[0002] A ventilator is a device for ventilating individuals whose breathing is insufficient, impaired, or stopped, and can be used in both home and clinical settings. Ventilators can assist natural breathing and / or take over ventilation. Ventilators can also affect an individual's breathing in other ways, for example, in the area of ​​respiratory therapy, i.e., oxygen delivery, or to assist with expectoration. Additionally, ventilators can be used for diagnostic purposes.

[0003] A ventilator typically has at least one breathing gas passageway with an inlet, an outlet, and a breathing gas driver (blower) for transporting the breathing gas. To minimize the nuisance of a ventilator, its operating noise must be minimized. Operating noise is caused by sound waves generated by the blower, air ducts, cooling fans, etc. Prior art ventilators are known that are equipped with sound-damping foam to reduce operating noise. Sound-damping foam is made, for example, from polyester-based polyurethane. EP 3708208, for example, shows a ventilator equipped with an absorber foam for sound damping. However, it has been found that some foams may have adverse effects on the patient's health. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3708208 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem of the present invention can be seen as providing an apparatus for a ventilator that provides effective acoustic suppression and ensures safe and efficient operation of the ventilator. This problem is solved by a sound attenuation device and a ventilator according to the independent claims. Developments and advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the features of which can be combined with one another in any way within technically reasonable limits. This applies in particular across the boundaries of different claim categories. The following description, particularly in conjunction with the drawings, further characterizes and clarifies the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to an acoustic attenuation device for a ventilator, the ventilator further comprising a breathing gas passageway formed between the breathing gas inlet and the breathing gas outlet and having a blower, the blower being designed to transport breathing gas from the breathing gas inlet to the breathing gas outlet, whereby the breathing gas passageway has an inlet side and an outlet side, the device comprising a chamber designed to be disposed between the blower and the breathing gas outlet at the outlet side of the breathing gas passageway, and a tubular channel designed to fluidly connect the chamber to the breathing gas outlet.

[0007] A "ventilator" can be understood as a device for ventilation and / or anesthesia. Thus, a ventilator can have ventilation and / or anesthesia functions, as well as combinations thereof. "Ventilation" can be understood as artificial respiration, respiratory assistance, respiratory therapy, respiratory diagnostics, expectoration assistance, oxygen therapy, e.g., high-flow therapy, inhalation anesthesia, and combinations of at least two of these examples. Thus, a ventilator can be used to ventilate or assist breathing of an individual, or alternatively or additionally, to maintain an individual under anesthesia. For this purpose, a ventilator can also be operated using an anesthetic gas and thus can be used for inhalation anesthesia.

[0008] Thus, a ventilator can be understood as any device that assists an individual's natural breathing and / or takes over ventilation and / or is used for respiratory therapy and / or is used for inhalational anesthesia and / or otherwise affects the breathing of a patient or user. A ventilator can be, for example, a clinical or home ventilator, a respiratory therapy device, a CPAP device, an APAP device or a BiLevel device, a high-flow therapy device, an anesthesia machine, an emergency ventilator, an oxygen supply device, a diagnostic system, or a cough therapy device or cough machine.

[0009] The ventilator may have a housing. A breathing gas inlet and a breathing gas outlet of the ventilator may be located in and / or formed by the housing. A breathing gas passageway is formed between the breathing gas inlet and the breathing gas outlet, typically at least for the most part within the housing. The breathing gas passageway is configured and designed to conduct breathing gas. "Breathing gas" may be understood as a gas or gas mixture that is inhaled and / or exhaled. The breathing gas may be, for example, normal breathing air from the surrounding environment, oxygen, or breathing air supplemented with oxygen. The breathing gas may also be understood as a gas mixture to which at least one drug or anesthetic agent has been added, thereby allowing the breathing gas to be used for therapeutic or anesthetic purposes.

[0010] The breathing gas passage may include at least one breathing gas driver for directing breathing gas in at least one direction. The breathing gas driver may be designed, for example, as a blower, particularly a centrifugal or axial blower, a piston motor, a bellows, or a valve assembly. Preferably, the breathing gas driver is designed as a centrifugal blower. The blower may have an inlet tube end and an outlet tube end. In a centrifugal blower, breathing gas can flow axially into the blower through the inlet tube end and out of the blower again through the outlet tube end.

[0011] In some embodiments, the breathing gas can again exit the blower perpendicular to the axial direction through the discharge tube. In some embodiments, the breathing gas can also be deflected within the discharge tube and / or after the discharge tube in the flow direction. Thus, even in a centrifugal blower, the breathing gas can enter the blower axially, be guided radially by the impeller, and then exit the blower axially again after deflection. For this purpose, the discharge tube can have a curvature and / or the blower can have guide vanes configured to deflect the breathing gas.

[0012] The blower is typically driven by a motor and includes at least one rotatably mounted impeller that deflects breathing gas from an axial direction to a radial direction, thereby generating a flow of breathing gas. The blower can achieve speeds of up to 60,000 rpm or more for ventilation and generate a corresponding breathing gas pressure.

[0013] The blower can divide the breathing gas passage into an inlet side and an outlet side. The inlet side is located upstream before the inlet tube end of the blower. Breathing gas is fed into the breathing gas passage via the breathing gas inlet and delivered to the blower on the inlet side. The inlet side is therefore located between the breathing gas inlet and the inlet tube end of the blower. The outlet side is located downstream after the outlet tube end of the blower. Breathing gas can be transported from the blower to the patient via the outlet side and the breathing gas outlet. The outlet side is therefore located between the outlet tube end of the blower and the breathing gas outlet.

[0014] The ventilator may also have several inlets, via which alternatively or additionally other breathing gases, such as fresh gas, oxygen, gas mixtures, drugs or anesthetics, can be introduced into the breathing gas passage. Alternatively or additionally, the ventilator may also have several outlets. The breathing gas inlet and / or the breathing gas outlet may each form or include a connection to a hose or hose system or a patient interface.

[0015] Via the respiratory gas outlet, the respiratory gas can be released from the respiratory gas passage and provided to the patient, for example, via a hose or hose system and / or via a patient interface. In the sense of the present invention, a "patient interface" can be understood as any peripheral device designed to interact with a living body. In particular, the patient interface is designed in conjunction with a ventilator for ventilation, therapeutic, and / or diagnostic purposes. The patient interface can be designed as a respiratory mask. This includes, for example, but is not limited to, a nasal mask, a nasal cushion mask, a nasal cannula or oxygen cannula, a full-face or total face mask, and a tracheal tube or cannula.

[0016] During operation of a ventilator, operating noise may occur, for example, generated by a blower, impeller, motor, air duct, cooling fan, etc. If the operating noise occurs or is present on the discharge side and can thereby reach the patient directly, the patient may find it particularly annoying. The present invention can attenuate the noise, especially on the discharge side.

[0017] In the sense of the present invention, "acoustic attenuation" can be understood generally as the reduction of sound. The reduction of sound can be achieved by attenuation and / or blocking and / or acoustic impedance and / or reflection and / or superposition (interference) of sound waves and / or absorption. In this specification, the term "acoustic attenuation" is used as a generic term for all physical effects that can reduce sound.

[0018] According to the present invention, sound is attenuated in particular by acoustic impedance. "Acoustic impedance", in particular acoustic streaming impedance, refers to the resistance to sound propagation, for example, in a pipe. At the transition between regions of different acoustic impedance, reflections of sound waves occur, thereby achieving sound attenuation.

[0019] The disclosed device with chambers and channels significantly reduces the operating noise emitted by the ventilator, and because the chambers and channels can be located on the discharge side of the breathing gas passageway of the ventilator, it can attenuate the sound, particularly on the discharge side, as it reaches the patient.

[0020] A "channel" can be understood as, for example, a tube, a hose, or a combination of both. The channel can be designed to be rigid or at least partially flexible. The channel is formed as an elongated cavity with walls surrounding the lumen of the channel. The channel has two openings on its longitudinal sides, through which breathing gas can enter and exit the channel.

[0021] The channels are designed to take in and / or deliver breathing gas. They have a length, a height, and a width. Typically, the length of a channel is many times greater than the width and / or height. The height and width of a channel can be the same or (slightly) different from each other. In the lumen of the channel, breathing gas can be taken in and / or delivered. The breathing gas can be driven and delivered through the channel by a breathing gas driver of the ventilator. In that case, the flow direction usually corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the channel. The channel has a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0022] A "chamber" can be understood as an area with a different geometry to a channel. A chamber, like a channel, is designed to take in and / or deliver breathing gas. A chamber is designed as a cavity with a wall surrounding the chamber's lumen. A chamber can have two openings through which breathing gas can enter and exit the chamber. A chamber can have a chamber wall, the inner wall of which surrounds the chamber's lumen. Breathing gas can be taken in or delivered in the lumen of the chamber. A chamber can also be formed at least in part by the ventilator itself, for example by a part of the housing, the outer wall of another ventilator component, etc. A chamber has a length, height, and width. Unlike a channel, the length is usually not several times larger than the width and / or height. A chamber has a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction. The cross section of a chamber is usually larger than the cross section of a channel.

[0023] The breathing gas passage thus has different parts. On the inlet side, breathing gas flows from the breathing gas inlet to the blower, and on the outlet side, from the blower to the breathing gas outlet. The blower can be understood as part of the breathing gas passage. Further parts, in particular channels and chambers with different geometries and dimensions, can be arranged on the inlet and / or outlet side. Preferably, one or more channels and / or chambers are formed on the outlet side. In some embodiments, it is also conceivable to arrange chambers and / or channels on the inlet side.

[0024] In one embodiment, the device can have a modular structure. In that case, one module can correspond to one part. Thus, one module can contain one chamber, another module can contain a channel, etc. The modules can be designed so that they can be arranged one after the other in different orders. The modules can be designed, for example, as a plug-in system, which allows any order of the modules to be realized. This offers the advantage of a particularly flexible system. The modules can be arranged in the flow direction so that a chamber is connected after the discharge piece and a channel is connected after the chamber. Additional channels and chambers can follow.

[0025] The breathing gas passageway is changed in cross section and / or shape at least once, preferably several times, by different sections (modules). The geometry of the breathing gas passageway is changed at least once, preferably several times. This allows the cross section of the breathing gas passageway to be reduced or increased at least once, preferably several times. In this case, it is preferred if the cross section of the breathing gas passageway is suddenly or sharply reduced or increased at the transition between two sections (blower, chamber, channel). In a preferred embodiment, the transition between sections is sudden, resulting in a clear discontinuity in geometry.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cross section of the blower, particularly the cross section of the discharge piece, can be smaller than the cross section of the chamber, which can also be larger than the cross section of the channel, and the cross sections of the discharge piece and the channel can be the same or preferably different.

[0027] To achieve sound attenuation, at least one, preferably two, and particularly preferably three or more abrupt changes in cross section are required. The more abrupt changes in cross section in the respiratory gas passage, the greater the sound attenuation effect. However, it should be noted that in this case, the different sections and / or cross sections will result in a certain pressure loss, so the geometry of the device must be designed to be as small as possible. To compensate for the pressure loss, the rotation speed of the blower can be adapted.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the blower has a first acoustic impedance, the chamber has a second acoustic impedance, and the channel has a third acoustic impedance, which acoustic impedances are different from one another such that sound generated by the blower is attenuated.

[0029] The device is designed so that the impedance changes abruptly between the blower and the chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the impedance can change abruptly between the chamber and the channel. Alternatively or additionally, the impedance can change abruptly between the blower and the channel. This can be achieved by different geometries and / or cross sections, as described above.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the channel can have channel walls including an inner wall surrounding the lumen of the channel. The inner wall of the channel can have a uniform design. Alternatively or additionally, the chamber can have chamber walls including an inner chamber wall surrounding the lumen of the chamber. The inner chamber wall can have a uniform design.

[0031] By "constant" it can be understood that the channel and / or chamber walls are consistently uniform without variations or breaks. A constant wall is continuous without gaps and is regularly connected within at least one portion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the channel and / or chamber walls can be formed, at least in part, by the ventilator itself. For example, parts of the housing, the outer walls of other ventilator components, etc. can form, at least in part, the chamber or channel walls. However, it has been found to be advantageous for the chamber and channel walls to be constant and, in the best case, to consist of their own walls. The channel and chamber can share walls, at least in part. This can mean that in the operating state of the device, i.e., when the modules are adjacent to each other, the channel walls simultaneously form the boundaries of the chambers, and vice versa.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the device may include a second chamber disposed between the channel and the respiratory gas outlet. The second chamber may be designed to introduce a different geometric shape and / or a different cross-sectional change into the respiratory gas passage. Preferably, the second chamber is configured to abruptly expand or contract the cross-section of the respiratory gas passage. The second chamber may cause an abrupt change in the cross-section of the respiratory gas passage, thereby enhancing the acoustic attenuation of the device. The second chamber may have chamber walls corresponding to those of the first chamber, including an inner chamber wall surrounding the chamber lumen. The inner chamber wall of the second chamber may be designed to be constant.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second chamber can have a fourth acoustic impedance different from the first acoustic impedance and / or the second acoustic impedance and / or the third acoustic impedance, thereby providing additional attenuation of the sound generated by the blower. The second chamber can be designed such that there is an abrupt change in impedance between the second chamber and the channel and / or chamber and / or blower, thereby achieving further sound attenuation.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the channel and / or chamber and / or second chamber can be formed as a cavity in a non-porous material, in particular a non-porous plastic. This means that the channel and / or chamber walls comprise a non-porous material. Preferably, at least the inner channel and chamber walls are made of a non-porous material.

[0036] "Non-porous" can be understood as a material formed without (intentional) air inclusions, pores, or the like. A non-porous material optimally exhibits only the properties of a solid aggregate state. The material can be or include, for example, metal and / or non-porous polymeric material (plastic). The device can be manufactured, for example, by casting, injection molding, or the like.

[0037] The material may comprise at least one of the following metallic materials: iron, steel, particularly stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or other suitable metallic materials. Alternatively or additionally, the material may comprise at least one of the following polymeric materials: silicone, natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or other suitable plastics.

[0038] The density of metal materials is 2,000 to 10,000 kg / m 3 , preferably 2,700 to 8,950 kg / m 3 The hardness of the metal material can be 20 to 120HB. The tensile strength of the metal material can be 60 to 950N / mm 2 It can be.

[0039] The density of polymer materials is 800 to 1,500 kg / m 3 , preferably 920 to 1,400 kg / m 3 The Shore A hardness of the polymer material can be 20 to 100 Shore A. The tensile strength of the polymer material can be 1 to 80 N / mm 2 It can be.

[0040] It has proven particularly advantageous if the breathing gas passage is formed substantially without foam and / or fleece. This allows the breathing gas passage to be designed to be particularly safe for the patient, since no substances harmful to health can be generated in the breathing gas passage and / or released into the breathing gas. Furthermore, if the breathing gas passage is formed from a non-porous material, cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization is simplified and made safer, since non-porous materials are not as easily attacked by cleaning agents as foam.

[0041] Preferably, in particular the channel and / or chamber and / or second chamber, and more preferably all components of the ventilator along the breathing gas passageway, can be designed without foam and / or fleece.

[0042] However, a filter, such as a pleated filter, or a filter system consisting of several filters arranged in succession and / or a fleece may be arranged upstream of the breathing gas passage. The filter and / or fleece may be arranged in or at the breathing gas inlet of the ventilator. The filter and / or fleece may be replaceable. The filter and / or fleece may be configured to filter the breathing gas flowing into the breathing gas passage via the breathing gas inlet. The filter and / or fleece may be configured to filter out possible solid particles from the breathing gas.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the channel can have a round or angular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel. The channel can have any cross-section. According to the present disclosure, the cross-section can be round or angular, for example, circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal. However, other cross-sections are also possible. The cross-section of the channel can be, at least in part, for example, slot-shaped, sickle-shaped, cross-shaped, star-shaped, trapezoidal, X-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, T-shaped, elliptical, or the like. The cross-section can be constant or gradually change longitudinally. For example, in some embodiments, the cross-section can change its geometry or its circumference can increase and / or decrease. Preferably, the channel has a round or oval cross-section, as these have the best flow characteristics.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the cross section remains constant over the longitudinal path of the channel, however, it is contemplated that in some embodiments the channel may increase and / or decrease over its longitudinal path.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the channel can be at least partially straight and / or at least partially curved in its longitudinal direction. In a simple embodiment, the channel is straight in its longitudinal direction. However, it can be advantageous if the channel is at least partially curved, which allows the device to be designed in a particularly space-saving manner. Furthermore, curved channels can result in an advantageous deflection of the breathing gas, which can have a positive effect on sound suppression.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the channel comprises at least one straight section and at least one curved section, the curved section having at least one bend, whereby the channel is curved in its length direction. According to one embodiment, the bend can be round or angular. The bend can be at least 10°, preferably at least 45°. The bend can be particularly preferably between 45° and 180°. According to one embodiment, the channel can have at least one, preferably at least two, U- and / or L-shaped bends in its length direction. A U-shaped bend can result in at least one 180° bend in the channel. An L-shaped bend can result in at least one 90° bend in the channel. The bend(s) can be round or angular.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the channel can include a first straight portion, a second straight portion, and a bent portion connecting the first straight portion to the second straight portion, the bent portion having a U-shaped bend, whereby the longitudinal axes of the first straight portion and the second straight portion are parallel to each other. This embodiment can be designed to be particularly space-saving.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the channel can include a first curved portion, a second curved portion, and a straight portion connecting the first curved portion to the second curved portion.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the channel can include multiple straight and curved portions, thereby forming a meander-shaped path along at least a portion of its length. "Meander-shaped" can be understood as meaning that the channel has a series of multiple bends. These can be arranged regularly or irregularly, thereby forming the channel symmetrically or asymmetrically. A meander-shaped path offers the advantage of making the channel as long as possible, particularly in terms of space saving. The bends can extend in one plane, thus forming the channel in two dimensions. In some embodiments, the channel is bent in another plane, thereby forming one or more three-dimensional bend(s). The bends in the channel can extend in any conceivable direction. The bends in the channel can form the channel symmetrically or asymmetrically. The channels can have any spatial arrangement. However, it is advantageous if the channels exceed or fall below a certain volume and / or certain dimensions.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the channel can include a plurality of straight and curved portions and can be arranged such that the walls of the channel form the walls of the chamber in at least some areas, thereby at least partially forming the first chamber.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the channel can be arranged in a U-shape around the chamber. It is also possible for the channel to include only bends, thereby forming the channel in an oval, circular or spiral shape. Optionally, the channel thus formed can be wound around the chamber. This can be a particularly space-saving embodiment.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the volume of the channel is 100 cm 3 ~10,000cm 3 , preferably 500 cm 3 ~5,000cm 3 The channel volume can be 800 to 4,500 cm 3It has proven particularly advantageous to have a channel length and a diameter in order to achieve this volume. According to one embodiment, the length of the channel can be between 1 mm and 1,000 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 500 mm. A length of between 10 and 350 mm has proven particularly advantageous. Furthermore, the diameter of the channel can be between 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 20 mm, particularly preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm. The length of the channel significantly reduces the acoustic radiation on the discharge side.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the volume of the chamber and / or the second chamber is 2,000 cm 3 ~40,000cm 3 , preferably 4,000 cm 3 ~20,000cm 3 , particularly preferably 10,000 to 15,000 cm 3 The acoustic damping effect occurs in particular when the chamber or the second chamber is dimensioned as defined above. According to one embodiment, the chamber and / or the second chamber may have a depth of 50 mm to 120 mm, preferably 80 mm to 100 mm, and / or a height of 10 mm to 70 mm, preferably 20 mm to 40 mm, and / or a width of 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably 40 mm to 60 mm.

[0054] The depth of the chamber can be understood as the extent of the chamber volume in the flow direction. The width and height of the chamber define the depth and therefore the cross section of the chamber oriented perpendicular to the flow direction of the breathing gas.

[0055] The cross section of the chamber and the second chamber can have any geometric shape or cross section. According to the present disclosure, it can be angular, in particular rectangular. However, it does not have to be angular, and according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it can also be round or oval. According to the present disclosure, both elongated and short embodiments of the chamber are possible.

[0056] However, it has been found to be advantageous if the chamber has a certain depth, as defined above: if the depth is chosen to be too small, the incoming breathing gas flow may impinge directly on the opposing wall of the chamber, which may result in flow noise.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the ratio of the volume of the channel to the volume of the chamber and / or second chamber can be at least 1:2, preferably at least 1:4, particularly preferably 1:10.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the chamber and the second chamber can be identical. According to one embodiment, the chamber and the second chamber can be differently sized, thereby having different acoustic impedances. According to one embodiment, the second chamber and the channel can be differently sized, thereby having different acoustic impedances.

[0059] "Dimensioning" can be understood as geometric shape and / or size and / or volume and / or length / height / depth dimensions. For example, it is conceivable that the chamber and the second chamber have different sizes and therefore different volumes. In some embodiments, the chamber and the second chamber can have the same volume but different length and / or height and / or depth dimensions. It is also conceivable that the chamber and the second chamber have different geometric shapes, whereby the chamber is formed, for example, rectangular or polygonal, and the second chamber is formed, for example, round or oval, and vice versa. The geometric shapes can be formed symmetrically or asymmetrically. For example, it is conceivable that the chamber is formed symmetrically and the second chamber is formed asymmetrically, and vice versa.

[0060] The different dimensions of the two chambers can cause them to be out of tune with each other. This can mean that there is no waveform that fits perfectly into the chamber or the second chamber. Therefore, the chamber and / or the second chamber can be configured in such a way that sound waves of a length that exactly fits the shape of the chamber geometry cannot pass through the chamber. This can attenuate the sound.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the device may include a first and / or second connection for connecting the device to a respiratory gas passage of a ventilator. The respiratory gas passage may be designed to deliver respiratory gas. The respiratory gas may follow the following respiratory gas path within the ventilator: the respiratory gas may enter the respiratory gas passage via a respiratory gas inlet; the respiratory gas may flow from the respiratory gas inlet to a blower via the suction end of the respiratory gas passage and the suction tube; the blower provides energy for transporting the respiratory gas and transports it to the discharge end of the respiratory gas passage via the discharge tube. The respiratory gas then enters the device via the first connection. First, the respiratory gas enters and flows through the chamber. From the chamber, the respiratory gas flows into the channel and through it in its longitudinal direction. The respiratory gas may then exit the device from the channel via the first connection. The respiratory gas then exits the ventilator via a respiratory gas outlet and can be delivered to a patient (not shown).

[0062] The ventilator may include a humidifier configured to humidify and / or heat the respiratory gas with a liquid. The humidifier may include a liquid storage chamber for this purpose. Furthermore, a heating device for heating the water may be included, for example in the form of a heating rod. Furthermore, a device for measuring the temperature of the liquid may be included, for example in the form of a dip tube. Thus, the humidifier may be designed to provide heated water that can be delivered to the respiratory gas and heated and / or humidified therewith.

[0063] In some embodiments, the humidifier may at least partially include an acoustic dampening device, and thus the chamber and / or second chamber and / or channel may be disposed within or formed by the humidifier.

[0064] There are transitions between the blower and the chamber, and / or between the chamber and the channel, and / or between the channel and the second chamber. The transitions can be formed as openings in the wall of at least one of the elements. This allows the elements to easily adjoin each other and allows breathing gas to flow from one element to the next. In some embodiments, it is also conceivable that one element is designed to protrude into the next element.

[0065] The chamber can be connected directly to the outlet piece of the blower, for example. Thus, for example, the outlet piece can be connected directly to an opening in the chamber wall. In some embodiments, the outlet piece can extend into the wall of the chamber or protrude through the wall into the chamber. Preferably, there are no additional elements (chambers, channels, or other cavities) between the blower and the chamber.

[0066] The transition between the chamber or second chamber and the channel can be similar. The channel can be directly connected to the chamber or second chamber. In some embodiments, the channel can extend into the wall of the chamber or second chamber or extend through the wall of the chamber or second chamber into the chamber.

[0067] The present invention further relates to a ventilator comprising a breathing gas inlet, a breathing gas outlet, and a breathing gas passage formed between the breathing gas inlet and the breathing gas outlet and having a blower, the blower being designed to transport breathing gas from the breathing gas inlet to the breathing gas outlet, whereby the breathing gas passage has an inlet side and an outlet side. The inlet side is formed between the breathing gas inlet and the blower inlet, and the outlet side is formed between the blower outlet and the breathing gas outlet. The ventilator also comprises the aforementioned sound-damping device, which is arranged in the breathing gas passage between the blower and the breathing gas outlet and is connected to the breathing gas passage via a first connection and a second connection.

[0068]

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the described examples. Neither the description nor the drawings should be understood as limiting the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0069] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a ventilator 1 equipped with a device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows an apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a channel 13 according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] The drawings are purely schematic and are not necessarily to scale. Where the same reference signs are used in different drawings, these signs denote the same or functional features.

[0071] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a ventilator 1 equipped with an apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ventilator 1 comprises a breathing gas inlet 2, a breathing gas outlet 4, and a breathing gas passage 3 formed between the breathing gas inlet 2 and the breathing gas outlet 4. The breathing gas passage 3 is designed to take in and / or direct and / or deliver breathing gas.

[0072] The ventilator 1 may include a housing 32, as shown schematically. A breathing gas inlet 2 and a breathing gas outlet 4 may be located in or formed by the housing 32. It is also possible for the ventilator 1 to have multiple inlets 2 and / or outlets 4 (not shown). The breathing gas inlet 2 and the breathing gas outlet 4 may be located opposite each other on the housing 32, as shown. However, the breathing gas inlet 2 and the breathing gas outlet 4 do not necessarily have to be located opposite each other and may occupy any suitable position on the housing. Breathing gas may be supplied to the breathing gas passage 3 via the breathing gas inlet 2. Breathing gas may be discharged from the breathing gas passage via the breathing gas outlet 4.

[0073] At least one blower 5 can be arranged in or on the breathing gas passage 3, as shown schematically, and divides the breathing gas passage 3 into an inlet side 6 and an outlet side 7. The blower 5 can be designed as an axial blower, or preferably as a centrifugal blower, as shown. The inlet side 6 is formed between the breathing gas inlet 2 and the blower inlet 8. The blower inlet 8 can be designed as an inlet tube section. The outlet side 7 is formed between the blower outlet 9 and the breathing gas outlet 4. The blower outlet 9 can be designed as an outlet tube section. The blower 5 can have a first acoustic impedance 14 based on its geometry. The ventilator 1 further comprises an acoustic attenuation device 10. Based on its geometry, the device 10 can have at least one other acoustic impedance 15, 16, 17 different from the first acoustic impedance 14.

[0074] The device 10 is arranged on the discharge side 7 of the breathing gas passage 3. Alternatively or additionally, the device 10 can be arranged on the inlet side 6 of the breathing gas passage 3. The device 10 can include a first connection 30 and / or a second connection 31 for connecting the device 10 to the breathing gas passage 3 of the ventilator 1. Furthermore, the device 10 forms, at least in a portion of its area, the breathing gas passage 3, preferably the discharge side 7 of the breathing gas passage 3.

[0075] In this case, the first connection 30 allows the device 10 to be indirectly or directly connected to the blower 5. As shown, there may be connecting lines 3, 7 between the discharge end 9 of the blower 5 and the first connection 30 of the device 10, thereby indirectly connecting the device 10 to the blower 3. In some embodiments, the discharge end 9 may open directly into or on the first connection 30, thereby connecting the device 10 directly to the blower 5. Furthermore, breathing gas may enter the device 10 directly from the discharge end 9 (not shown).

[0076] The second connection 31 allows the device 10 to be indirectly or directly connected to the respiratory gas outlet 4 of the ventilator 1. As shown, there are connecting lines 3, 7 between the second connection 31 of the device 10 and the respiratory gas outlet 4, thereby indirectly connecting the device 10 to the respiratory gas outlet 4. In some embodiments, the second connection 31 can open directly into the respiratory gas outlet 4, thereby directly connecting the device 10 to the respiratory gas outlet 4. Additionally, the respiratory gas can exit the device 10 directly to the ventilator 1 (not shown).

[0077] The device 10 comprises a chamber 11 disposed between the blower outlet 9 and the breathing gas outlet 4. The chamber 11 can have a second acoustic impedance 15. The geometry and cross-section of the chamber 11 are different from those of the blower 5. Thus, the first acoustic impedance 14 can be different from the second acoustic impedance 15 such that sound generated by the blower 5 is attenuated.

[0078] The device 10 further comprises a channel 13 disposed between the chamber 11 and the breathing gas outlet 4. The diameter of the channel 13 is smaller than the diameter of the chamber 11. The channel 13 may have a third acoustic impedance 16. Because the geometry and cross-section of the channel 13 differ from those of the chamber 11 and / or the blower 5, the third acoustic impedance 16 differs from the first acoustic impedance 14 and / or the second acoustic impedance 15, thereby providing additional attenuation of the sound generated by the blower 5.

[0079] Respiratory gas can follow the following respiratory gas pathway 3 within the ventilator 1: the respiratory gas can enter the respiratory gas pathway 3 via the respiratory gas inlet 2. From the respiratory gas inlet 2, the respiratory gas enters the suction side 6 of the respiratory gas pathway 3 and enters the blower 5 via the suction tube section 8. The blower 5 provides energy for transporting the respiratory gas, transporting it to the discharge side 7 of the respiratory gas pathway 3 via the discharge tube section 9. The respiratory gas then enters the device 10. First, the respiratory gas enters and flows through the chamber 11. From the chamber 11, the respiratory gas flows into the channel 13, which flows longitudinally through it. The respiratory gas exits the device 10 from the channel 13 and is transported out of the ventilator 1 via the respiratory gas outlet 4 and to the patient (not shown).

[0080] When transitioning from the blower 5 to the device 10, more precisely from the blower 5 to the chamber 11, the geometry and / or cross-section of the breathing gas passage 3 preferably changes abruptly. When transitioning from the chamber 11 to the channel 13, the geometry and / or cross-section of the breathing gas passage 3 again preferably changes abruptly. This causes sound reflections and thus attenuation of the sound generated by the ventilator 1. For this purpose, the ratio of the volume of the channel 13 to the volume of the chamber 11 can be at least 1:2, preferably at least 1:4, particularly preferably 1:10.

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 comprises a chamber 11 and a channel 13. In FIG. 2, it is shown that the device can have a modular structure. In this case, modules can correspond to parts 11, 12 of the device 10. A first module can include the chamber 11, and another module can include the channel 13. In this case, the modules can be designed as a plug-in system, whereby the order of the modules can be changed. In some embodiments, multiple chambers 11 and channels 13 can be arranged one after the other.

[0082] 2, it can be seen that the chamber 11 can have chamber walls 28, including an inner chamber wall 29 that surrounds the lumen of the chamber 11. The inner chamber wall 29 is preferably uniformly shaped. The inner chamber wall 29 can be regularly shaped without breaks, corners, angles, gaps, or the like. Preferably, the inner chamber wall 29 is uniformly and smoothly shaped. This can allow for a particularly uniform, preferably turbulent-free, laminar flow. This results in a regular flow pattern within the chamber 11, which can have a positive effect on the pressure buildup of the breathing gas.

[0083] Respiratory gas can enter and flow through the lumen of chamber 11 via first connection 30. Chamber 11 has a depth T, a height H, and a width not shown here. The depth T of chamber 11 must not be too small, otherwise the incoming flow will strike the opposing wall as a free jet. The opposing wall may be a smooth wall, preferably without corners or the like, to avoid flow noise.

[0084] 2 further shows that the channel 13 has channel walls 18, including an inner wall 19 that surrounds the lumen of the channel 13. The inner wall 19 is preferably uniformly shaped. The channel 13 can be at least partially straight when viewed in its longitudinal direction. The channel 13 can also be at least partially curved. Thus, the device 10 can include a channel 13 having at least one straight portion 21, 22 and at least one curved portion 25, 26. To this end, the curved portion 25, 26 has at least one bend 24, whereby the channel 13 is curved in its longitudinal direction.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, the channel 13 has a first bend 25 and a second bend 26, and a straight section 21 connecting the first bend 25 to the second bend 26. This embodiment offers the advantage of being particularly space-saving. The two bends 25, 26 allow the breathing gas to be further deflected, thereby providing additional sound suppression. The bend 24 can be formed, for example, at a right angle, as shown. The bend 24 can therefore be designed to deflect the breathing gas by 90° into the bends 25, 26, respectively. Other angles of the bend 24 are also conceivable.

[0086] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a channel 13 according to the invention. It can be seen from Figure 3 that the channel 13 can have different shapes in its longitudinal direction. In the simplest embodiment, the channel 13 can be made straight (not shown).

[0087] As shown in Figures 3A-3E, the channel 13 preferably has at least one bend 24. The bend 24 can be formed in a rounded shape (Figures 3A-3C, 3E) or an angular shape (Figure 3D).

[0088] For example, channel 13 can have at least one U-shaped bend that bends the channel by 180 degrees. Channel 13 can also have at least one L-shaped bend that bends the channel by 90 degrees. The bend(s) can be rounded or angular.

[0089] The bends 24 can in principle realize any bending of the channel 13 in two or three dimensional space. However, in a preferred embodiment, the angle of the bends 24 can be at least 45°. The bends 24 can bend the channel 13 in its longitudinal direction preferably by 45° to 180°.

[0090] 3A shows an embodiment of a channel 13 having a first bend portion 25 and a second bend portion 26. The two bend portions 25, 26 are connected to each other via a straight portion 21. In this specific embodiment, the first bend portion 25 and the second bend portion each have a 90° L-shaped bend 24. In this case, the two bends 24 are formed opposite each other.

[0091] 3B shows an embodiment of a channel 13 having four bent portions 25, 26, 27..., which can be connected to one another via straight portions 21, 22, 23. This embodiment exemplarily has three straight portions 21, 22, 23. The straight portions 21, 22, 23 can be designed to have the same length in their longitudinal direction and / or can have different lengths.

[0092] In this particular embodiment, the first bend 25 and the fourth and final bend 26 each have a 90° L-shaped bend 24. The second bend 26 and the third bend 27 each have a 180° U-shaped bend 24. The bends 24 designed in this way allow the longitudinal axes of the straight sections 21, 22, 23 to be arranged parallel to one another, which offers the advantage of being particularly space-saving.

[0093] 3C and 3D show an embodiment of a channel 13 including multiple curved portions 25, 26, 27... and multiple straight portions 21, 22, 23. Thus, the channel 13 has a meandering path along its length. In this case, the longitudinal axes of the straight portions 21, 22, 23 can be arranged parallel to one another as shown. Alternative arrangements are contemplated.

[0094] The number of straight and bent sections can be selected variably. In this case, the more the breathing gas is deflected, the quieter the device 10 can be designed. However, multiple deflections of the breathing gas can cause pressure losses. Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of deflection must be weighed when designing the channel 13. The exemplary embodiment shown here has been found to be an ideal embodiment, ensuring optimal acoustic suppression with sufficient pressure rise.

[0095] 3E shows an embodiment of a channel 13 having two curved sections 25, 26. The curved sections 25, 26 have a U-shaped bend 24. This embodiment also has three straight sections 21, 22, 23. The curved sections 25, 26 are connected to each other via the straight sections 21, 22, 23, respectively.

[0096] In alternative embodiments, the channel 13 may be of a completely curved design, e.g., spirally wound (not shown). In further embodiments not shown, any arrangement of two- and three-dimensional bends 24 may also be present, thereby achieving symmetric or asymmetric arrangements of the channel 13.

[0097] 4 shows a device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows a device 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the device 10 can comprise a second chamber 12 in addition to the chamber 11 and the channel 13. The second chamber 12 is preferably arranged between the channel 13 and the respiratory gas outlet 4. The second chamber 12 can have a fourth acoustic impedance 17 different from the first acoustic impedance 14 and / or the second acoustic impedance 15 and / or the third acoustic impedance 16. This allows for additional attenuation of the sound generated by the blower 5.

[0098] Chamber 11 and second chamber 12 may have the same dimensions and the same geometric shape, as exemplarily shown in Figures 4 and 5. However, in some embodiments it may be advantageous for chamber 11 and second chamber 12 to have different dimensions and / or geometric shapes (not shown), which may ensure that second acoustic impedance 15 (of the chamber) and fourth acoustic impedance 17 (of the second chamber) are different from each other.

[0099] The chamber 11 and / or the second chamber 12 can be or include a humidifier (not shown). The humidifier can be configured to humidify and / or heat the breathing gas with a liquid.

[0100] 4 shows that the channel 13 can include a first straight portion 21, a second straight portion 22, and a third straight portion 23. Additionally, the channel 13 can include a first bent portion 25 fluidly connecting the first straight portion 21 to the second straight portion 22. Additionally, the channel 13 can include a second bent portion 26 fluidly connecting the second straight portion 22 to the third straight portion 23. In that case, the bent portions 25, 26 can have a bend 24 such that the longitudinal axis of the first straight portion 21 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second straight portion 22 and / or the longitudinal axis of the second straight portion 22 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third straight portion 23, as shown.

[0101] Thus, the channel 13 can be bent in a U-shape at least once in its longitudinal direction (not shown), and preferably at least twice as shown in Figure 4. In a more preferred embodiment, the channel can be bent in a U-shape at least four times, or even more frequently (not shown).

[0102] FIG. 5 shows that the channel 13 includes a plurality of straight portions 21, 22, 23... and curved portions 25, 26, 27..., thereby forming a meandering path along its length. The straight portions 21, 22, 23... can have longitudinal axes that extend parallel to one another, as shown. The bends 24 of the curved portions 25, 26, 27... can have the same and / or different angles. In the specific exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, the first and last curved portions 24 each have a 90° L-shaped bend 24. The remaining curved portions 26, 27... each have a U-shaped bend, thereby forming the longitudinal axes of the straight portions 21, 22, 23 parallel to one another.

[0103] FIG. 6 shows an apparatus 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the illustrations of FIGS. 6A and 6B showing respective internal views of the apparatus 10 in longitudinal cross section.

[0104] From this specific exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that the channel 13 can include a plurality of straight portions 21, 22, 23... and curved portions 25, 26, 27.... It can further be seen from this figure that the channel 13 and the chamber 11 can be formed, at least in some areas, by the same walls 18, 28. The channel 13 can be arranged such that it is at least partially formed around the first chamber 11 and at least partially surrounds the lumen of the chamber 11. The channel 13 can be formed by bending so that it is generally arranged in a U-shape around the chamber 11. In alternative embodiments not shown here, it is also contemplated that the channel only includes curved portions, thereby forming an oval, circular, or spiral shape, e.g., wound around the chamber. This offers the advantage of a particularly space-saving design.

[0105] Respiratory gas can be fed into chamber 11 via connection 30. From this chamber, the respiratory gas can be fed into channel 13, which deflects the respiratory gas by 90°. The sudden narrowing or widening of the cross section of the respiratory gas passage from connection 30 to chamber 11 and from channel 11 to channel 13 can provide effective sound attenuation. The deflection of the respiratory gas can also have an acoustic damping effect.

[0106] Respiratory gas can be delivered directly from the channel 13 to the connection 31. It is also possible that a second chamber 12 (not shown here) is arranged after the channel 13. In some embodiments, this can be arranged in a humidifier. In FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 6, respectively, there are shown embodiments in which the transition between the chamber and the channel and / or between the channel and the second chamber is designed as a simple opening in the wall. Elements such as a chamber, a channel, a second chamber, etc. are adjacent to each other, and respiratory gas can flow from one element to the next. In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable that one element is designed to protrude into the next. In that case, the channel can enter the wall or pass through the wall of the chamber or the second chamber and protrude into the chamber (not shown).

[0107] The device may have connections 30, 31 for connecting the device to the breathing gas passage 3 of the ventilator, as shown. The device may be connected upstream via a first connection, either indirectly or directly, to the discharge tubing of the blower. The device may be connected downstream via a second connection, either indirectly or directly, to the breathing gas outlet of the ventilator. The first and / or second connections may be designed as tubing, as shown, to which the respective components of the ventilator may be connected. In some embodiments, the connections may also be formed as simple openings (not shown). For example, the discharge tubing may be directly adjacent to an opening in the chamber wall, or may extend into the wall or pass through the wall of the chamber. In some embodiments, the discharge tubing may protrude at least partially into the chamber. Furthermore, the channel, or alternatively the second chamber, may have an opening that indirectly or directly connects to or forms the breathing gas outlet of the ventilator.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described in detail using exemplary embodiments, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Rather, modifications are possible, such that individual features can be omitted or other different combinations of the individual features described can be realized, without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims. The present disclosure includes all combinations of the individual features described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 ventilator 2 breathing gas inlet 3 Breathing gas passage 4 Breathing gas outlet 5. Blower (breathing gas drive unit) 6 Suction side 7 Discharge side 8 Blower inlet (suction pipe end) 9 Blower outlet (discharge pipe piece) 10. Sound attenuation device 11 Chamber 12 Second Chamber 13 channels 14 First Acoustic Impedance 15 Second Acoustic Impedance 16 Third Acoustic Impedance 17 The Fourth Acoustic Impedance 18 Channel Wall 19 Inner wall 20 materials 21 First linear portion 22 Second linear section 23 Third linear section 24 bends 25 First bend 26 Second bend 27 Third bend 28 Chamber wall 29 Chamber inner wall 30 First connection part 31 Second connection 32 Housing

Claims

1. 1. A sound attenuation device (10) for a ventilator (1), said ventilator (1) comprising, in addition to said device (10), a breathing gas inlet (2), a breathing gas outlet (4), and a breathing gas passage (3) formed between said breathing gas inlet (2) and said breathing gas outlet (4) and having a blower (5), said blower (5) designed to transport breathing gas from said breathing gas inlet (2) to said breathing gas outlet (4), whereby said breathing gas passage (3) has an inlet side (6) and an outlet side (7), said device (10) comprising: a chamber (11) designed to be placed on the discharge side (7) of the breathing gas passage (3) between the blower (5) and the breathing gas outlet (4); a tubular channel (13) designed to fluidly connect said chamber (11) to said breathing gas outlet (4).

2. 2. The apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the blower (5) has a first acoustic impedance (14), the chamber (11) has a second acoustic impedance (15), and the channel (13) has a third acoustic impedance (16), and the acoustic impedances (14, 15, 16) are different from one another such that sound generated by the blower (5) is attenuated.

3. 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (13) is formed at least partly straight and / or at least partly curved, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the channel.

4. 10. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the channel (13) comprises at least one straight portion (21, 22, 23...) and at least one curved portion (25, 26, 27...), the curved portion (25, 26, 27...) having at least one bend (24), whereby the channel (13) is curved in the longitudinal direction of the channel.

5. 5. The device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the bend (24) is round or angular and / or the bend (24) is at least 10°, preferably at least 45°, particularly preferably between 45° and 180°.

6. 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (13) is U-shaped and / or L-shaped bent in at least one place, preferably at least two places in the longitudinal direction of the channel.

7. 10. The device (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (13) comprises a first straight portion (21), a second straight portion (22), and a curved portion (25) connecting the first straight portion (21) to the second straight portion (22), the curved portion (25) having a U-shaped bend (24), whereby longitudinal axes of the first straight portion (21) and the second straight portion (22) are parallel to each other.

8. 10. The device (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (13) includes the first curved portion (25), the second curved portion (26), and a straight portion (21) connecting the first curved portion (25) to the second curved portion (26).

9. 10. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the channel (13) comprises a plurality of straight portions (21, 22, 23...) and curved portions (25, 26, 27...), whereby the channel (13) has a meandering path at least in part in the longitudinal direction of the channel.

10. 9. The device (10) of claim 8, wherein the channel (13) includes a plurality of straight portions (21, 22, 23, etc.) and curved portions (25, 26, 27, etc.) and is arranged such that the walls (18) of the channel (13) form the walls (28) of the chamber at least in a region, thereby forming the first chamber (11) in at least a portion of the region.

11. 11. The device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the channel (13) is arranged in a U-shape around the chamber (11).

12. 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) comprises a second chamber (12) arranged between the channel (13) and the breathing gas outlet (4).

13. 10. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second chamber (12) has a fourth acoustic impedance (17) different from the first acoustic impedance (14) and / or the second acoustic impedance (15) and / or the third acoustic impedance (16), whereby sound generated by the blower (5) is additionally attenuated.

14. 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (13) and / or the chamber (11) and / or the second chamber (12) are formed as cavities in a non-porous material, in particular a non-porous plastic.

15. The volume of the channel (13) is 100 cm ３ ~10,000 cm ３ , preferably 500 cm ３ ~5,000 cm ３ , particularly preferably 800 to 4,500 cm ３ 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

16. 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (13) has a length of 1 mm to 1,000 mm, preferably 10 mm to 500 mm, particularly preferably 10 to 350 mm, and / or a diameter of 1 mm to 30 mm, preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, particularly preferably 10 to 15 mm.

17. The volume of the chamber (11) and / or the second chamber (12) is 2,000 cm ３ ~40,000 cm ３ , preferably 4,000 cm ３ ~20,000 cm ３ , particularly preferably 10,000 to 15,000 cm ３ 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

18. 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber (11) and / or the second chamber (12) have a depth (T) of 50 mm to 120 mm, preferably 80 mm to 100 mm, and / or a height (H) of 10 mm to 70 mm, preferably 20 mm to 40 mm, and / or a width of 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably 40 mm to 60 mm.

19. 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber (11) and / or the second chamber (12) and / or the channel (13) are differently dimensioned, whereby the acoustic impedances (15, 16, 17) differ from one another.

20. 10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) comprises a first connection (30) and / or a second connection (31) for connecting the device (10) to the breathing gas passage (3) of a ventilator (1).

21. 10. A ventilator (1) comprising a breathing gas inlet (2), a breathing gas outlet (4), and a breathing gas passage (3) formed between said breathing gas inlet (2) and said breathing gas outlet (4) and having a blower (5), said blower being designed to transport breathing gas from said breathing gas inlet (2) to said breathing gas outlet (4), whereby said breathing gas passage (3) has an inlet side (6) and an outlet side (7), said ventilator comprising a device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, said device (10) comprising: a ventilator connected to the breathing gas passage (3) via a first connection (30) and a second connection (31) such that the chamber (11) is located between the blower (5) and the breathing gas outlet (4) on the discharge side (7) of the breathing gas passage (3) and a tubular channel (13) fluidly connects the chamber (11) to the breathing gas outlet (4).

22. 22. The ventilator (1) according to claim 21, further comprising a humidifier for humidifying and / or heating the breathing gas, the humidifier comprising the chamber (11) and / or the second chamber (12) and / or the channel (13).

Images