GAS CONTROL DEVICE FOR A VENTILATOR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gas control device (10) for a ventilator, comprising a first gas channel (11) having a non-return valve (19), a second gas channel (12) and a switching apparatus (13), wherein the first gas channel (11) has an opening (14) for the outflow of gas with a seal (15) and a closure cap (16), wherein the switching apparatus (13) is configured to guide the gas stream of the first gas channel (11) past the non-return valve (19) in the event of a blockage/malfunction of the non-return valve (19). The present invention also relates to a ventilator comprising a gas control device (10) according to one of the above-mentioned features.

Claims

1.-25. (canceled)

26. A gas control device for a ventilator, wherein the device comprises a first gas channel with a first valve, the first gas channel and the first valve being configured to permit the passage of a pressurized gas stream in a first direction which is respiratory gas of inspiration and to block a pressurized gas stream in a second direction which is respiratory gas of expiration, an opening branching off from the first gas channel and leading to a bypass channel for the first valve, a second valve being configured to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel to the bypass channel, and a switching mechanism being configured to control the second valve to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel to the bypass channel.

27. The gas control device of claim 26, wherein the second direction is oriented counter to the first direction, at least in part and temporarily.

28. The gas control device of claim 26, wherein the first valve is a pneumatically actuated non-return valve, which is actuated by a force of the pressurized gas stream in the second direction, and therefore the gas stream cannot pass through the non-return valve in the second direction.

29. The gas control device of claim 26, wherein a respiratory gas source suctions respiratory gas from the surroundings and conveys it along the first gas channel for inspiration in the first direction to a tube port and a breathing tube, the gas stream passing through the opened first valve which is a non-return valve.

30. The gas control device of claim 26, wherein the switching mechanism opens the second valve, and therefore the pressurized gas stream of expiration passes at least in part through the opening and through the bypass channel into the environment.

31. The gas control device of claim 26, wherein second the valve is configured as a pneumatic valve, a seal of the second valve closing or opening a gas-conveying connection between the opening and the bypass channel, and wherein a second gas channel is configured to conduct a pneumatic control pressure onto a surface of the seal.

32. The gas control device of claim 31, wherein the seal charged with the control pressure is configured to bear sealingly on an edge of the opening and thus prevent a gas stream from the opening into the bypass channel.

33. The gas control device of claim 31, wherein the second gas channel is connected pneumatically to a breathing tube or the first gas channel or a blower, and the switching mechanism at least temporarily opens or closes the pneumatic connection.

34. The gas control device of claim 26, wherein the device comprises a first gas channel with a first valve which is a non-return valve, a second gas channel, and a switching mechanism, the first gas channel comprising an opening for an outflow of gas with a seal and a closure cap, and the gas control device being configured to guide the gas stream of the first gas channel past the first valve in the event of a blockage/disturbance of an expiratory or inspiratory branch of the ventilator.

35. The gas control device of claim 34, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to control the gas stream/pressure of a second gas channel and to allow the gas stream of the first gas channel to be guided around the first valve which is a non-return valve through the opening.

36. The gas control device of claim 35, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to free or block the second gas channel.

37. The gas control device of claim 34, wherein the seal of the opening is designed to permit a flow of the gas stream of the first gas channel through the opening in the event of a blocked second gas channel.

38. The gas control device of claim 37, wherein the seal is made of an elastomeric material and is arranged lying on the opening, the seal comprising a weight made of metal which is present as a ring in a middle of the seal.

39. The gas control device of claim 38, wherein the seal comprises an embossing, which is formed in the region of the weight, facing in a direction of the first gas channel.

40. The gas control device of claim 34, wherein the closure cap is configured to be placeable onto the opening, and comprises a connector piece, which is connectable to the second gas channel.

41. The gas control device of claim 40, wherein, during normal operation of an expiratory branch, the switching mechanism is configured to free the second gas channel and to convey a gas stream/pressure via the second gas channel and the connector piece to the seal and close the opening.

42. The gas control device of claim 34, wherein, in the event of a blockage/disturbance of an expiratory branch, the switching mechanism is configured to block the second gas channel and thus open the bypass channel for expiratory respiratory gas.

43. The gas control device of claim 34, wherein the second valve comprises a seal which comprises a weight and which, in the event of a blocked second gas channel, is configured to allow a gas stream of the first gas channel to flow through the opening.

44. The gas control device of claim 26, wherein the device comprises a valve block with a first gas channel and a second gas channel and with a first and a second valve, wherein the first gas channel comprises the first valve and an opening which branches off from the first gas channel and leads to a bypass channel for the first valve, wherein a second valve is configured to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel to the bypass channel, and wherein the second gas channel as connector piece for a control pressure is assigned for this purpose to the second valve.

45. The gas control device of claim 26, wherein the device is present as an electrical and/or pneumatic control unit in a ventilator and is configured to permit a passage of a pressurized gas stream in the first direction and to block a pressurized gas stream in the second direction and to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel to the bypass channel, the device being configured to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel to the bypass channel.

46. The valve block of the device of claim 44.

47. A ventilator, wherein the ventilator comprises the gas control device of claim 26.

Description

[0061] Preferred illustrative embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to highly simplified, schematic illustrations, in which:

[0062] FIG. 1a shows a schematic view of a gas control device according to the invention,

[0063] FIG. 1b shows a schematic view of a gas control device according to the invention, wherein the gas control device is only partially illustrated here, namely as a switching mechanism or as a valve block,

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a schematic exploded view of the gas control device shown in FIG. 1b,

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the gas control device shown in FIGS. 1b and 2,

[0066] FIG. 4a shows a side view of the gas control device shown in FIGS. 1b to 3,

[0067] FIG. 4b shows a plan view of a closure cap, according to the invention, of the gas control device shown in FIGS. 1b to 4a,

[0068] FIG. 4c shows a side view of a non-return valve of the gas control device shown in FIGS. 1b to 4b.

[0069] In the figures, the same structural elements each have the same reference numbers.

[0070] FIG. 1a shows a schematic view of a gas control device 10 according to the invention for a ventilator 1. Ventilators 1 generally have an inspiratory branch, which is provided for delivering respiratory gas to a patient, and an expiratory branch, which serves to carry away respiratory gas that has been exhaled by the patient. The gas control device (10) can be designed as an electrical and/or pneumatic control unit and can be configured to permit the passage of a pressurized gas stream in a first direction (25) and to block a pressurized gas stream in a second direction (26) and to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel (11) to the bypass channel (21), wherein a gas control device (10) is configured to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel 11 to the bypass channel (21).

[0071] The gas control device 10 according to the invention, shown in FIG. 1a, is provided for use in a ventilator or as part of a ventilator and has a first gas channel 11 with a first valve (19), wherein the first gas channel (11) and the valve (19) are configured to permit the passage of a pressurized gas stream in a first direction (25) and to block a pressurized gas stream in a second direction (26), wherein an opening (14) branches off from the first gas channel 11 and leads to a bypass channel (21), for the valve (19), wherein a second valve (15, 16) is configured to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel (11) to the bypass channel (21), wherein a switching mechanism (13) is configured to control the second valve (15, 16) to block and/or at least temporarily permit a gas stream from the first gas channel 11 to the bypass channel (21).

[0072] The switching mechanism here comprises, for example, the valve block 13 with the first valve 19 and second valve, the first gas path 11 and second gas path and the bypass 14, 21. Optionally, the switching mechanism 13 also comprises the pneumatic or electronic control for the components of the valve block.

[0073] A gas source or respiratory gas source 30, for example a blower, conveys gas or respiratory gas, suctioned for example from the environment 29, along the first gas channel (11) for inspiration in the first direction (25) to the tube port (28) and the breathing tube (27). The gas stream passes through the opened non-return valve (19).

[0074] An expiration by the patient ensures a stream of respiratory gas in a second direction (26) through the breathing tube, the port (28) and the first gas channel (11) as far as the non-return valve (19). The latter is a pneumatically actuated non-return valve (19) which is actuated by the force of the pressurized gas stream of expiration, in the second direction (26), and therefore cannot pass through the non-return valve (19). Since the opening (14) is connected to the first gas channel (11), the pressurized gas stream of expiration also spreads, in the second direction (26), into the opening and reaches as far as the valve (15, 16). Provided that the switching mechanism (13) opens the valve (15, 16), the pressurized gas stream of expiration flows further along the opening and the bypass channel (21) into the environment (29) or alternatively into the first gas channel and from there at least in part into the environment.

[0075] The valve (15, 16) can be designed as a pneumatic valve. In this case, a seal (15) of the valve can close or open the gas-conveying connection between opening 14 and bypass channel. The control impulse for the seal (15) of the valve comes from a second gas channel (12), which conducts a pneumatic control pressure to the surface of the seal 15. When the control pressure is applied to the seal, the latter bears sealingly on the edge 22 of the opening 14 and thus prevents a gas stream from the opening into the bypass channel.

[0076] The second gas channel can for this purpose be fed pneumatically from the breathing tube or the gas channel (11). Another compressed gas source, for example a control blower, is likewise conceivable. The switching mechanism 13 at least temporarily opens or closes the pneumatic connection between the second gas channel 12 and the breathing tube or the gas channel (11).

[0077] The valve (15, 16) can be designed as a switching valve. In this case, an activation of the valve, by the switching mechanism 13, opens or closes the gas stream from the opening 14 into the bypass channel. In this case, a second gas channel is not needed.

[0078] Ventilators generally have an inspiratory branch, which is provided for delivering respiratory gas to a patient, and an expiratory branch, which serves to carry away respiratory gas that has been exhaled by the patient.

[0079] FIG. 1b shows a schematic view of a gas control device 10 according to the invention for a ventilator.

[0080] The gas control device (10) is shown here only in part, namely as a switching mechanism 13 or as a valve block, and comprises a first gas channel (11) with a first valve (19), wherein the first gas channel (11) and the valve (19) are configured to permit the passage of a pressurized gas in a first direction (25) and to block a pressurized gas in a second direction (26), wherein an opening (14) branches off from the first gas channel 11 and leads to a bypass channel (21), for the valve (19), and a second valve (15, 16) for opening or closing the bypass channel (21).

[0081] The gas control device 10 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 1b is provided for use in a ventilator and has a first gas channel 11 (inspiratory branch) which conveys a gas stream in the direction of a patient. The first gas channel 11 comprises a non-return valve 19 and an opening (not shown) with a seal (not shown). The opening and the seal are concealed by a closure cap 16 in FIG. 1. The non-return valve 19 prevents return of a respiratory gas/gas stream that comes from the patient and that has been contaminated by the exhalation.

[0082] Moreover, the gas control device 10 has a second gas channel 12, which conveys a gas stream to the opening (not shown). The second gas channel 12 is connected to by a connector piece 20 to the closure cap 16, which is clipped onto the opening of the first gas channel. The second gas channel 12 extends via the connector piece to the closure cap 16 and is controlled by a switching mechanism (not shown). A gas stream can flow through the second gas channel 12.

[0083] The switching mechanism (not shown) can free or block the second gas channel 12. The switching mechanism here frees the second gas channel 12 for a gas stream or a gas pressure or a gas stream volume. During normal operation of the ventilator, the second gas channel 12 is freed, such that the gas stream or pressure can be guided via the connector piece 20 to the seal (not shown) inside the closure cap 16. By means of the gas stream/pressure of the second gas channel 12, the seal is pressed completely onto the opening, and the opening is thus closed. In this way, during normal operation of the ventilator in which there is no blockage, an outward flow of an inspiratory gas stream of the first gas channel 11, which is intended to be conveyed to the patient, via the opening into the bypass channel 21 is prevented. This is not necessary in this case, since the expiratory branch is blockage-free, and therefore the respiratory gas exhaled by the patient can be discharged via the expiratory branch.

[0084] By contrast, in the event of a blockage/disturbance of an expiratory branch of the ventilator, exhalation by the patient is prevented or made difficult. Moreover, by means of the non-return valve 19, the patient cannot exhale via the inspiratory branch. In the event of a blockage/disturbance of the expiratory branch of the ventilator, the switching mechanism blocks the second gas channel 12. By means of the blocked gas channel 12, the gas stream of the second gas channel 12 acting on the seal comes to a standstill, as a result of which the gas stream of the first gas channel 11 can lift the seal lying on the opening, such that the gas stream of the first gas channel is guided via a bypass channel 21 around the non-return valve. In this case, the gas stream or pressure of the first gas channel 11 is therefore greater than the gas stream or the pressure of the second gas channel 12, as a result of which the gas stream of the first gas channel 11 is able to lift the seal lying on the opening. The seal is dimensioned and designed in such a way that that the gas stream of the first gas channel 11 can lift it when the gas channel 12 is blocked. Here, lift means that the seal is held peripherally at its peripheral edge by the closure cap 16 on the edge of the bypass channel 21 and is pressed upward in the direction of the center of the circular seal by the gas stream of the first gas channel 11. The weight of the seal is proportioned in such a way that it deposits the seal automatically onto the opening when the gas stream of the second gas channel 12 subsides.

[0085] The patient can thus exhale even in the event of a blockage/disturbance of the expiratory branch.

[0086] In a leakage system, the switching mechanism blocks the second gas channel or does not apply pressure to the seal. In this case, the switching valve is configured to continuously permit an outflow of gas.

[0087] In a valve system, the switching mechanism is configured to switch in accordance with the time-controlled expiration of the ventilator. Thus, when the ventilator is switched to expiration, the switching mechanism is configured to block the second gas channel 12. The expiration by a patient is ensured in this way, since the opening of the gas control device is opened during the expiration and a return flow of gas can escape via the opening.

[0088] During normal operation of the expiratory branch of the ventilator, the switching mechanism switches the second gas channel 12 free, as a result of which a gas stream can flow into the second gas channel 12 and is subjected to a pressure. By means of the gas stream in the second gas channel 12, the seal is sealed on the opening, as a result of which an outflow of inspiratory gas through the opening is prevented during the normal operation.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the closure cap 16 comprises three extensions 18, by means of which the closure cap can be clipped onto the opening of the first gas channel 11. Moreover, a connector piece 20 is formed on the closure cap, and the second gas channel 12 can be connected thereto. The connector piece 20 is arranged centrally on the closure cap 16, such that the gas stream/pressure can be applied centrally and uniformly to the seal via the connector piece 20 and the closure cap 16.

[0090] Thus, during normal operation, the gas control device 10 shown in FIG. 1b is configured to guide the gas stream in the first gas channel 11 through the non-return valve 19 to the patient. During normal operation of the expiratory branch, the opening of the first gas channel 11 is closed, and the function of the non-return valve 19 is maintained. In the event of a blockage/disturbance of the non-return valve 19, the gas control device 10 bypasses the non-return valve 19.

[0091] The switching mechanism (not shown) of the gas control device 10 is triggered by the time-controlled switching of the ventilator between inspiration and expiration. Generally, the switching mechanism blocks the second gas channel 12 as soon as the ventilator switches to expiration. The switching can optionally take place with a time delay. Generally, the switching mechanism frees the second gas channel 12 when the ventilator switches to inspiration.

[0092] FIG. 1b furthermore shows the bypass channel 21. The bypass channel 21 extends from the opening and allows the gas stream flowing out of the opening to be guided past the non-return valve 19. The bypass channel 21 is formed peripherally about the opening and, in its further course, narrows to a channel which extends in a direction parallel to the first gas channel. The bypass channel 21 can then open again into the first gas channel or, as a separate branch, can carry away the gas stream that has been guided past the non-return valve.

[0093] In the region of the opening (not shown), the bypass channel has an edge on which the seal can be sealed by the closure cap 16. The edge of the bypass channel 21 can have an elevation behind which an edge of the seal can engage. The edge of the bypass channel 21 prevents slipping of the seal.

[0094] FIG. 2 shows a schematic exploded view of the gas control device 10 shown in FIG. 1. The first gas channel 11 and second gas channel 12, the non-return valve 19 and the opening 14 with the seal 15 are shown here.

[0095] Also shown is the closure cap 16 with the connector piece 20. The central arrangement of the connector piece 20 is shown, wherein one end of the connector piece 20 extends outward and is connectable to the second gas channel 12.

[0096] FIG. 2 shows that the opening 14 has an edge 22. The edge 22 is designed as an elevation and serves as a support for the weight 17 integrated in the seal 15.

[0097] The seal 15 is made of an elastomeric material, preferably a silicone with a hardness of between 15 and 25 Shore A, in particular of between 18 and 22 Shore A. The seal 15 is circular and has a boundary 23.

[0098] The boundary 23 can be designed as a reinforced structure or as a functional elevation. The boundary 23 is configured to bear on an edge 24 of the bypass channel 21. The seal 15 can have a thinner material thickness between the boundary 23 of the seal 15 and the weight 17 than in the region of the edge 24 of the bypass channel 21 and the region of the seal 15 in which the weight 17 is arranged, mostly integrally.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the seal 15 has a curved structure between the edge 24 of the bypass channel 21 and the weight 17, said curved structure additionally being able to prevent displacement of the seal 15 on the opening 14. In further embodiments, the seal 15 can have a different structure or can be structure-free between the edge 24 of the bypass channel 21 and the weight 17.

[0100] The weight 17 of the seal 15 is in the form of a plain washer. The weight 17 is formed from a metal and is formed integrally in the seal 15. The weight 17 stabilizes the seal 15 on the opening 14.

[0101] When the closure cap 16 is placed onto the opening 14, the seal 15 is pressed, in the region of the boundary 23 of the seal 15, onto the edge of the bypass channel 21 and held. The closure cap 16 seals off the seal 15 to the outside and holds the seal 15 in its position inside the closure cap 16. The seal 15 is thus pressed on/held on the edge 24 of the bypass channel 21 inside the gas control device 10 by means of the clipped-on closure cap 16. The seal 15 is clamped/sealed between the edge 24 of the bypass channel 21 and the closure cap 16 via the peripheral, reinforced boundary 23.

[0102] Regions of the seal 15 that differ from the boundary 23 are formed in a contact-free manner with respect to the closure cap 16. These regions can also be referred to as charging regions, since the switching mechanism charges these regions of the seal 15 with a gas stream/pressure when the second gas channel 12 is freed.

[0103] In an inoperative state (without gas streams), the seal is held by the weight and its structure on the opening 14. If the switching mechanism is configured to free the second gas channel 12, the charging regions of the seal 15 are additionally charged with a gas stream/pressure, as a result of which the seal 15 is sealed off on the opening 14.

[0104] If the switching mechanism is configured to block the second gas channel 12, the charging regions of the seal 15 are not charged with a gas stream, and therefore the gas stream of the first gas channel 11 is sufficient for lifting the seal in the region of the charging regions and for conducting the gas stream into the bypass channel 21.

[0105] The closure cap 16 shown in FIG. 2 comprises extensions 18 which form barbs. When the closure cap 16 is clipped on, the barbs engage in recesses which are formed on the outer side of the gas control device 10. In further embodiments, further closure options are conceivable, for example latching in the form of a bayonet catch. The non-return valve 19 and the bypass channel 21 are moreover shown in FIG. 2.

[0106] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the gas control device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first gas channel 11 with the non-return valve 19, the opening 14 and the seal 15 and also the second gas channel 12 are illustrated. In addition, the closure cap 16 with the connector piece 20 and the bypass channel 21 are illustrated.

[0107] An inspiratory gas stream can be conveyed to the patient via the first gas channel 11. The non-return valve 19 prevents exhaled gas from flowing back into the ventilator via the first gas channel 11. In the event of a blockage/disturbance of the expiratory branch of the ventilator, no expiration of the gas flow/exhaled gas can therefore take place via the first gas channel 11.

[0108] The bypass channel 21 which extends from the opening 14 is also shown. The bypass channel 21 is designed as an encircling channel around the opening 14 and extends in its further course to a channel which extends in a direction parallel to the first gas channel 11. By means of the encircling arrangement of the bypass channel, a large amount of exhaled gas can be simultaneously conducted around and past the non-return valve 19 and carried away via the opening 14. The bypass channel 21 can open into the inspiratory branch or can be designed as a separate expiratory branch.

[0109] The seal 15 is circular and has a weight 17 in its center. The weight 17 is ring-shaped/has the form of a plain washer. In its shape-induced cutout, the weight 17 has a conical configuration of the seal 15 that extends in the direction of the first gas channel 11. The conical configuration affords the advantage that the seal 15 is secured in its position on the opening against slipping. In further embodiments, the configuration of the seal 15 can have a different geometrical shape which is suitable for holding the seal 15 in its position. The weight 17 is integrated in the seal 15. The seal 15 has a greater material thickness in the region of the weight 17. This firstly affords the advantage that the weight 17 can be integrated in the seal 15 and, secondly, the greater material thickness produces an additional weight 17 that holds the seal 15 in its position. The weight 17 can also be applied to the seal 15.

[0110] The closure cap 16 shown in FIG. 3 is arranged on the opening 14, wherein the closure cap 16, in the region of the boundary 23, presses the seal 15 onto the edge of the bypass channel 21, while the seal 15 is arranged in the charging regions in a contact-free manner with respect to the closure cap 16.

[0111] FIG. 4a shows a side view of the gas control device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The first gas channel 11 and the closure cap 16 with the extensions 18 and the connector piece 20 for the second gas channel (not shown) are illustrated.

[0112] It can be seen in FIG. 4a that the inlet side of the first gas channel 11 is of a larger size than the outlet side. In addition to the first gas channel 11, the inlet side also comprises the bypass channel 21 which is narrowed to form a channel. The inlet side of the first gas channel 11 therefore comprises both the first gas channel 11, which is oriented in the inspiration flow direction, and the bypass channel 21, which is oriented counter to the inspiration flow direction.

[0113] FIG. 4b shows a plan view of the closure cap 16, according to the invention, of the gas control device 10 according to the invention which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4b. The closure cap 16 can be clipped onto the opening (not shown) of the first gas channel. When the closure cap 16 is clipped on, the seal, in the region of the weight (not shown) of the closure cap 16, is pressed onto an elevation 22 (shown in FIG. 3) of the opening and sealed.

[0114] The closure cap 16 has a connector piece 20 for the second gas channel 12 (not shown). The gas stream of the second gas channel 12 (not shown) can be applied to the seal (not shown) via the connector piece 20 in order to close the opening (not shown). The closure cap 16 furthermore comprises the extensions 18 which mostly form barbs and are configured to engage in recesses in the region of the opening. In further embodiments, the closure cap 16 can have further extensions 18 or can be secured on the opening via similar latching elements.

[0115] FIG. 4c shows a plan view of the non-return valve 19 of the gas control device 10 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 4b. The view here is of the non-return valve 19 from the direction of the inflowing gas stream, in the inspiration flow direction. Also shown is the bypass channel 21 via which the gas stream can be guided around the non-return valve 19 in the event of a blockage/disturbance of the expiratory branch of the ventilator.

[0116] The closure cap 16 is also illustrated in a side view, with the extensions 18 by means of which the closure cap 16 can be clipped onto the opening (not shown).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0117] 1 ventilator [0118] 10 gas control device [0119] 11 first gas channel [0120] 12 second gas channel [0121] 13 switching mechanism/valve block [0122] 14 opening [0123] 15 seal [0124] 16 closure cap of the opening [0125] 17 weight [0126] 18 extensions of the closure cap [0127] 19 non-return valve [0128] 20 connector piece [0129] 21 bypass channel [0130] 22 edge of the opening/elevation [0131] 23 boundary of the seal [0132] 24 edge of the bypass channel [0133] 25 gas stream, first direction [0134] 26 gas stream, second direction [0135] 27 breathing tube [0136] 28 tube port [0137] 29 environment [0138] 30 gas source, blower