Spring connector, spring connection counter-bag plate system and rebreather

Abstract

The invention relates to a spring connector (40) for a spring-connected breathing bag panel system (80) of a rebreather (100), comprising a spring connection carrier (42) for arranging at least one spring element (82) of the spring-connected breathing bag panel system (80), and at least one fixing element (44) for holding the spring connector (40) at the rebreather (100), wherein the at least one fixing element (44) is a rotating element and / or a sliding element for moving the spring connection carrier (42) in a manner that allows rotation and / or sliding at and relative to the rebreather (100). Furthermore, the invention relates to a spring-connected breathing bag panel system (80) for a rebreather (100) and a rebreather (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention is a divisional application of the parent case of the Chinese patent application with the application date of November 19, 2018, the application number of 201880080641.9 and the invention name of “Spring connector for spring-connected breathing bag plate system of rebreather, spring-connected breathing bag plate system and rebreather” (PCT international application PCT / EP2018 / 081703 entered the Chinese national phase). Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a spring connector for a spring-connected breathing bag plate system of a rebreather, the spring connector having a spring connection carrier for arranging at least one spring element of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, and at least one fixing element for holding the spring connector on the rebreather. In addition, the invention relates to a spring-connected breathing bag plate system for a rebreather, comprising a breathing bag plate, a spring connector and at least one spring element, which is arranged between the breathing bag plate and the spring connector. In addition, the invention relates to a rebreather, comprising: a housing having a housing bottom and a housing top, a CO 2 The absorber, breathing bag, oxygen cylinder and spring connect the breathing bag plate system. Background Art

[0003] In rebreathers or breathing systems for emergency or long-term breathing of patients, breathing bags, also called fitted lungs, of different designs and modes of operation are usually present. The fitted lungs or breathing bags are flexible volume bodies that assist breathing under difficult conditions or in harmful environments.

[0004] The common principle of all breathing bags is to absorb a certain amount of gas by unfolding or inflating and to deliver a certain amount of gas by folding or collapsing the sleeve surrounding the gas. Here, the cyclic movement can be carried out actively, for example by auxiliary equipment, or passively by feeding in and removing volume.

[0005] Such an auxiliary device can be, for example, a spring system of different constructions. Compression springs or tension springs can be used here. In any case, the shrinkage or folding of the breathing bag is supported by the corresponding spring system. Here, the breathing bag is combined with a suitable breathing bag plate of the mechanical first matching support of the spring system. The second matching support, also called the spring seat, is usually a U-shaped fixing part in the rebreather, which is usually called a spring connector. In the case of using a compression spring, the spring connector is used for support, and in the case of using a tension spring, the spring connector is used for suspension. The spring force acting on the breathing bag plate and thus on the breathing bag surface generates a constant overpressure inside the gas-enclosing sleeve, that is, inside the breathing bag and the entire breathing circulation system. On the one hand, this overpressure promotes and assists inhalation, that is, the inhalation of breathing gas, and at the same time protects the user of the breathing circulation system from the influence of the intrusion of harmful health substances in the pressure direction.

[0006] There is also a need for a breathing bag as a collection volume or active gas reservoir for the exhaled air that has been cleared of carbon dioxide. Due to the fact that the breathing bag is in contact with the breathing gases on the inside and faces the environment (which is usually toxic) on the outside, the breathing bag needs to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. It is therefore important and necessary to clean and disinfect the breathing bag after each use of the breathing circulation system. To this end, the corresponding components or parts in the periphery of the breathing bag usually have to be removed. Depending on how and how the corresponding spring system is connected to the breathing bag, the spring system also has to be removed. Conventional rebreathers also have mechanical guide systems and / or pneumatic connecting elements, which also have to be disassembled for cleaning and disinfection processes. Since the space inside the rebreather is usually small, the disassembly and installation of the breathing circulation is very complicated and very time-consuming and difficult for untrained users.

[0007] The starting point of the invention is the spring-connected breathing bag concept of the applicant's rebreather, which is mainly used for mine rescue, but also for the fire fighting field, in particular for long-term use. In this rebreather, a receiving point for fastening the breathing bag plate is provided on the upper part of the breathing bag, which serves as a counter bearing and for distributing the force of a corresponding compression spring for the internal overpressure.

[0008] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a spring-connected breathing bag plate system (80) of the applicant's rebreather (1000) is schematically shown. The rebreather (1000) has a housing (1020) with a housing bottom (1040) and a housing top (1060). The breathing bag (210) has a smaller upper side (212) and a larger lower side (214). Also shown is an interface, a connector (216) for connecting the breathing bag (210) to a carbon dioxide absorber and a breathing gas cooler unit.

[0009] In order to connect to other components, the interface connector (216) must be greatly expanded by hand so that the corresponding undercut in the connector (216) engages with the corresponding groove geometry in the corresponding component. On the upper side (212) of the breathing bag (210), there is a receiving point for a pressure plate (218), the so-called breathing bag plate (218), which in turn serves as a base and matching support for a compression spring (282). The compression spring (282) interacts with the breathing bag plate (218) based on area and force to generate a continuous overpressure in the breathing bag (210). Due to the direction of pressure, the continuous overpressure prevents the ingress of harmful substances and thus protects the wearer of the device during breathing. The second matching support for the two compression springs (282) forms a so-called spring connector (240). The spring connector is fixedly connected to the housing bottom (1040) in the rebreather (1000), that is, it is non-detachably connected. The installation position and peripheral equipment are Figure 1 In order to disassemble the breathing bag (210), for example after cleaning and disinfection in preparation for use of the rebreather (1000), the compression spring (282) must be removed. This is achieved by compressing the compression spring (282).

[0010] The disadvantage of the rebreather (1000) is that various defects repeatedly occur during the product life at various components of the breathing cycle, in particular at the breathing bag (210). This is due on the one hand to the technical design and on the other hand to the installation position of the breathing bag (210) in the rebreather (1000) and the necessity to install and remove the breathing bag (210) from the rebreather (1000) for cleaning and disinfection. During the installation and removal of the breathing bag (210), the smallest valve (not shown) located at the breathing bag (210) is very frequently damaged. Usually, deformation of the valve stem is the result of difficulties when installing and removing the breathing bag (210). The breathing bag (210) itself is also susceptible to damage. This is also due to the limited space conditions and the connection principle. Since the spring connector (240) is a component fixedly mounted at the lower device housing (1020), the spring connector cannot achieve unimpeded operation in the rebreather (1000). In order to be able to realize the compression spring (282) between the breathing bag (210) and the spring connector (240), some, preferably all, other components must be removed from the interior of the device beforehand, since the space for movement of the fitter's hands is very limited. After removing the breathing air cooler and the absorber of the rebreather (1000), the breathing bag (210) can be removed by removing the minimum valve. Another disadvantage is the necessity to remove the breathing bag guide. The metal rod is directly fixed to the breathing bag plate (218) at the end by means of a button and is movably mounted on the opposite side outside the spring connection breathing bag plate system.

[0011] Due to the wide range of use scenarios, a large number of rebreathers need to be disassembled, cleaned and subsequently reassembled and checked very frequently. This is often the case with the use of rebreathers in large fire brigades with a large number of personnel. Due to the hazardous situations and the limited number of rebreathers, it is very often necessary to prepare the used rebreathers for reuse as quickly as possible. This can only be done by trained personnel with the previously described rebreathers of the applicant. All operations cannot be compared with such operations in everyday life. Therefore, intuitive use and operation are almost excluded. Summary of the invention

[0012] Starting from this prior art, the object on which the present invention is based is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of spring-connected breathing bag plate systems for rebreathers and rebreathers. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a spring connector for a spring-connected breathing bag plate system for a rebreather, a spring-connected breathing bag plate system for a rebreather and a rebreather, which enable the mounting and removal of the breathing bags of the rebreather for cleaning purposes in a simple and rapid manner. In particular, a reduced number of individual components should be achieved in the region of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system within the rebreather and more space should be created for maintenance procedures.

[0013] The above-mentioned objects are achieved by a spring connector for a spring-connected breathing bag plate system for a rebreather according to the invention, a spring-connected breathing bag plate system for a rebreather according to the invention, and a rebreather according to the invention. Further features and details of the invention are apparent from the description and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in the description of the spring connector according to the invention are obviously also applicable to the description of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system according to the invention and the rebreather according to the invention, and vice versa, respectively, so that the disclosures concerning the individual inventive aspects are always mutually referenced or can be mutually referenced.

[0014] According to the present aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a spring connector for a breathing bag of a rebreather, the spring connector having a spring connection carrier for arranging at least one spring element of a spring connection breathing bag plate system, and at least one fixing element for holding the spring connector at the rebreather. The spring connector is characterized in that the at least one fixing element is a rotating element and / or a sliding element for moving the spring connection carrier in a manner that it can rotate and / or slide at and relative to the rebreather.

[0015] A spring connector of such a configuration for a spring-connected breathing bag plate system for a rebreather makes it possible to simply and quickly mount and dismantle the breathing bag of a small rebreather, which is arranged below the spring connector. Due to the specific design of at least one fixing element as a rotating element and / or sliding element, the spring connector held on the rebreather can be simply turned and / or slid into an open position from the working position in order to thus release access to the breathing bag. In the working position, the spring connector serves as a mating support for a spring element, which is arranged between the spring connector and the breathing bag. That is, in the working position, the spring connector serves as a support for a compression spring or a tension spring. In the working position, the spring connector is immovable and is preferably arranged on the rebreather in a latched manner.

[0016] Preferably, the spring connector is arranged in the operating position within the rebreather parallel to the upper side of the breathing bag. As a result, the spring element of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system supported at the spring connector can exert a spring force on the breathing bag. Due to the design of the fixing element as a rotating element and / or sliding element, the spring connector can be transferred from the operating position into a so-called open position by a rotating and / or sliding movement. The spring connector can thus be rotated or pivoted relative to the rebreather or relative to the housing of the rebreather, preferably by means of the rotating element, in order to thereby release access to the breathing bag arranged below the spring connector in the operating position.

[0017] As an alternative or in addition to the rotational movement, the spring connector can be slid by means of at least one sliding element from the operating position into the open position in order to thus release access to a breathing bag arranged below the spring connector. The rotatability or slidability of the spring connector relative to the rebreather or to the housing of the rebreather enables the assembler to gain simple and rapid access to the breathing bag of the rebreather for cleaning purposes or disassembly purposes.

[0018] By arranging at least one fixing element as a rotating and / or sliding element on the spring connector, the spring connector can be pivoted or slid relative to the rebreather in an extremely simple and rapid manner, thereby releasing access to the breathing bag. The at least one fixing element of the spring connector is preferably arranged, in particular rotatably, on a mating fixing element of the rebreather. The mating fixing element is preferably rotatably and / or slidably supported on an inner wall portion of the housing of the rebreather, in particular on the housing lower part or the housing bottom.

[0019] The spring connector is preferably designed as a U-shaped profile, wherein the spring connection carrier forms the base of the profile of the U-shaped configuration and a fixing element in the form of a rotating element and / or a sliding element is provided at each free end of the two arms of the U-shaped profile. This ensures a particularly simple pivotability or slidability of the spring connector relative to the housing of the rebreather.

[0020] Since the spring connector can be moved from the operating position into the open position, a spring connector designed in this way provides more space for maintenance procedures in the rebreather, in particular at the spring-connected breathing bag plate system of the rebreather or at the breathing bags of the rebreather. The breathing bags below the spring-connected breathing bag plate system are easily accessible in the open position of the spring connector and the spring-connected breathing bag plate system and can be removed very easily in this open position for cleaning purposes or replacement purposes. When the spring connector and the spring-connected breathing bag plate system are in the open position, it is correspondingly simple to install a cleaned or new breathing bag in the rebreather.

[0021] According to a preferred improvement of the present invention, it can be proposed in the spring connector that the fixing element or the rotating element is a rotating joint, a universal joint, an angle piece, a ball and socket joint, a hinge element or a plug-in receptacle for fixing on the bolt of the rebreather. The rotating element constructed in this way makes it possible to rotate or pivot the spring connector relative to the housing of the rebreather in a particularly simple manner, thereby achieving a simple and rapid contact with the breathing bag of the rebreather arranged below the spring connector in the working position. The spring connector can be designed so that it has only a single fixing element, in particular a single rotating element, by means of which the spring connector can be reciprocated between the working position and the open position. For example, the following contour can be deflected and arranged at the spring connection carrier of the spring connector, at the end of which such a fixing element is provided. Such a fixing element can be pivotally fixed to a corresponding matching fixing element, for example, to a bolt, in a rotatable manner on the housing of the rebreather. However, it is particularly preferred that the spring connector has two fixing elements, by means of which the spring connector is pivotably supported on the housing of the rebreather, in particular on the housing bottom of the rebreather, at a corresponding matching fixing element.

[0022] Preferably, it can also be provided in the spring connector that at least one fixing element is arranged at at least one cantilever of the spring connector, wherein at least one cantilever is arranged at the spring connector carrier in an angularly offset manner relative to the spring connection carrier. A spring connector is particularly advantageous in which the two cantilever arms are arranged at opposite sides of the spring connection carrier in a manner deflected relative to the spring connection carrier. In particular, the two cantilever arms together with the spring connection carrier form a U-shaped or approximately U-shaped profile. Preferably, a fixing element, in particular a rotating element, is respectively provided at the free end of the cantilever, by means of which the spring connector can be rotatably or pivotally supported at a corresponding matching fixing element of the housing of the rebreather. A spring connector constructed in this way can be easily rotated or pivoted, for example, from the working position to the open position by a rotation of 90° or approximately 90°, so that the spring connector or the spring connection carrier of the spring connector extends perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the lower side of the housing of the rebreather in the open position. As a result, the breathing bag covered by the spring connector in the working position can be freely accessed.

[0023] Preferably, a plug-in receptacle is provided as a rotating element at the end of the cantilever facing away from the spring connection carrier, which plug-in receptacle is connected to each other in a rotating manner with a mating fixing element of the housing wall of the rebreather, which is configured as a bolt. Unlike the known spring-connected breathing bag plate system, the spring connector configured in this way enables the spring connector to be flipped over and even to be removed from the rebreather. As a result, the user is given the advantage of having space for all other operations necessary for maintaining the rebreather. The spring connector is no longer permanently fixedly arranged, in particular riveted, on the housing lower shell as in the known spring-connected breathing bag plate system, but is held movably and / or removably on the housing lower shell. In particular, by configuring the rotating element as a plug-in receptacle, the spring connector can not only be rotated around the bolt forming the mating fixing element for the plug-in receptacle, but can also be simply removed from it under the clamping force of the housing. This enables particularly simple access to the breathing bag of the rebreather so that the breathing bag can be removed from the rebreather by the user and can be transported to the cleaning device accordingly.

[0024] According to a preferred improvement of the invention, it can be provided in the spring connector that the sliding element is a guide rod or a guide pin for guiding the spring connector at a mating sliding element of the rebreather, in particular at a mating guide pin or a mating guide rod. This enables a sliding, in particular a limited sliding, of the spring connector relative to the rebreather. By sliding the spring connector from the working position to the open position or the intermediate open position, additional space can be achieved for mounting or removing the breathing bag of the rebreather. For example, at least one sliding element can also be configured as a translation guide device, by which the spring connector can be slid linearly between the working position and the open position or the intermediate open position. Preferably, the sliding elements are respectively arranged at the two cantilever arms of the U-shaped spring connector.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, it can be provided in the spring connector that the spring connector has a retaining element for retaining the spring connector in the working position and for retaining the spring connector in the open position. By means of one or more retaining elements, the spring connector can be retained in a corresponding position relative to the housing of the rebreather. That is, in the working position, the retaining element holds the spring connector fixedly relative to the housing of the rebreather, so that the spring connector forms a mating support for the spring element of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system. At least one retaining element is preferably configured as a locking element or a clamping element. That is to say, one or more retaining elements are preferably configured so that in the working position the device is ready by locking or clamping and that the removal of the spring connector for maintenance is simplified by locking or clamping in the open position. In both positions, the spring connector can be immovably retained relative to the rebreather due to one or more retaining elements.

[0026] Particularly preferred is a spring connector in which the spring connection carrier has a locking device for locking a breathing bag plate of a spring-connected breathing bag plate system, which is loaded with spring force by at least one spring element of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, to the spring connection carrier. That is, the locking device is used to fix the breathing bag plate of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system to the spring connection carrier of the spring connector. Such a locking device is used to optimize the installation and removal of the spring connector or the spring-connected breathing bag plate system in the rebreather. In order to remove the spring connector or the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, the breathing bag plate of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, which is directly but detachably arranged on the breathing bag, is pulled in the direction of the spring connection carrier and locked, in particular locked or clamped, by means of the locking device of the spring connector. In order to lock the breathing bag plate to the spring connection carrier, at least one spring element, in particular two compression springs, of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system are compressed to a minimum, so that a very compact unit is formed with the spring connector, the breathing bag plate and the at least one spring element. The compact unit can be rotated or slid in a simple movement due to at least one rotating element and / or sliding element and, if necessary, removed from the rebreather, wherein the compact unit essentially represents a spring-connected breathing bag plate system. Thus, open access to the breathing bag of the rebreather and all other components within the rebreather is provided in a simple manner. The breathing bag can be simply removed from the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, in particular from the breathing bag plate of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, in the open position of the spring connector and transported accordingly to a cleaning device. The spring connector and the spring-connected breathing bag plate system are installed on the rebreather in the reverse order. The compact unit of the spring connector or the spring-connected breathing bag plate system is pivotably and / or slidably fixed to a matching fixing element of the housing wall of the rebreather by means of at least one fixing element and is flipped or slid from the open position into the working position and locked there by means of a retaining element. After the spring connector reaches the working position and is locked or clamped in the working position, the locking device can be removed so that the breathing bag plate of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system is in its position on the breathing bag due to the spring force of at least one spring element and can apply the corresponding spring force to the breathing bag.

[0027] In a preferred development of the invention, provision can be made in the spring connector that the locking device is pivotably articulated on the spring connection carrier via a pivot axis, in particular so that the locking device in the release position extends flat or approximately flat relative to the spring connection carrier, and so that the locking device in the locking position extends obliquely, in particular vertically, relative to the spring connection carrier, the breathing bag plate of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system is not held on the spring connection carrier by means of the locking device in the release position, and the breathing bag plate of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system is held on the spring connection carrier by means of the locking device in the locked position. With a spring connector designed in this way, it is already possible for a user to recognize, due to the position of the locking device relative to the spring connection carrier, whether the breathing bag of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system is fastened to the spring connector or not fastened there at all. That is to say, the size and tilting direction of the locking device, which is preferably designed as a locking lever, is designed such that in the set locking device, i.e. when the breathing bag plate is locked and held, the housing cover, i.e. the housing top of the rebreather, cannot be closed. This forces the user to check the breathing circuit of the rebreather, which ultimately increases the safety of the entire rebreather. It is not possible to use a rebreather with a breathing bag plate locked on the spring connection carrier.

[0028] The locking device is preferably designed as a latching element or a clamping element. A bayonet connection is also feasible. In the release position of the locking device, the locking device preferably extends parallel or flat relative to the spring connector of the spring connector. In this release position, the locking device does not engage the breathing bag plate from the rear, so that the breathing bag plate remains freely arranged relative to the spring connector. In the locked position, the locking device engages the breathing bag plate from the rear and thereby fixes the breathing bag plate at the spring connection carrier of the spring connector. The locking device is pivotably supported about a pivot axis at the spring connection carrier, so that the locking device can be easily transferred from the release position to the locking position and vice versa. Preferably, the locking device is arranged centrally at the spring connection carrier of the spring connector or in the spring connection carrier. As a result, the breathing bag plate can be held in the center of the spring connection carrier.

[0029] For cleaning purposes, a user of the rebreather can manually move the breathing bag plate in the direction of the spring connection carrier of the spring connector against the spring force of at least one spring element of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system and then pivot the locking device from the release position to the locking position, locking the breathing bag plate at the spring connection carrier. In this case, the locking device is designed in such a way that it holds the breathing bag plate fixedly at the spring connector in the locking position, so that the breathing bag plate cannot easily jump back to the initial position due to the compression of the at least one spring element. The extremely compact unit thus formed by the spring connector, the breathing bag plate and the at least one spring element can be pivoted and / or moved relative to the housing of the rebreather in a particularly simple manner, so as to thereby ensure simple access to the breathing bag of the rebreather. The particularly vertical arrangement of the locking device or the locking lever in the locking position relative to the spring connection carrier ensures that the housing upper side of the rebreather cannot be mounted on the housing lower side of the rebreather. When the locking device is transferred from the locking position to the release position and thus allows the movement of the breathing bag plate again, the housing top of the rebreather can be mounted on the housing bottom of the rebreather. This ensures a check of the functional safety of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system and the rebreather. By the specific arrangement and function of this locking device of the spring connector, the user is forced to check the breathing cycle, which ultimately increases the safety of the entire rebreather. Using a rebreather with a locked breathing bag plate is not possible.

[0030] The spring-connected breathing bag plate system has at least one spring element, which is arranged between the breathing bag plate and the spring connector or the spring connection carrier of the spring connector. The at least one spring element can be designed in different forms. Particularly preferably, the spring-connected breathing bag plate system has two compression springs or tension springs. In order to reliably hold the compression springs or tension springs at the spring connector, a spring connector is preferred in which the spring connection carrier has at least one first receiving element for arranging at least one first end of the at least one spring element of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system. That is, a so-called receiving geometry for one end of the compression spring or tension spring of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system is provided on the side of the spring connection carrier facing the breathing bag. The receiving geometry or the first receiving element can be an annular groove or a cylindrical projection, for example a sleeve-shaped or potted projection. The at least one receiving element serves as a mating bearing for the at least one spring element, thereby holding the at least one spring element in a defined position relative to the spring connection carrier of the spring connector. The at least one spring element can also be held at the first receiving element of the spring connection carrier by means of a fixing element. It is particularly advantageous if the at least one first receiving element is formed for positively locking the spring connection of at least one spring element of the breathing bag plate system. For example, a plug element, such as a bolt or a cotter pin, is used as the fastening element.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a spring-connected breathing bag plate system for a rebreather, the spring-connected breathing bag plate system having a breathing bag plate, a spring connector and at least one spring element, which is arranged between the breathing bag plate and the spring connector. The spring-connected breathing bag plate system is characterized in that the spring connector is designed according to the first aspect of the invention described above. The spring-connected breathing bag plate system for a rebreather constructed in this way enables a particularly simple movement of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system between an operating position and an open position, and thus enables a simple installation and removal of the breathing bag in the spring-connected breathing bag plate system or from the rebreather. This is ensured in that the spring connector and the corresponding spring-connected breathing bag plate system can be pivotally and / or slidably arranged on the housing of the rebreather. The advantages described in detail with respect to the spring connector according to the first aspect of the invention are obviously also applicable to the spring-connected breathing bag plate system according to the second object of the invention.

[0032] By enabling the spring connector to be pivoted or slid relative to the housing of the rebreather and, if necessary, to be removed from the housing by means of at least one fixing element of the spring connector, it is ensured that the breathing bag of the rebreather can be particularly easily removed from the housing of the rebreather. The breathing bag plate is detachably fastened to the breathing bag so that after pivoting the unit consisting of the spring connector, the at least one spring element and the breathing bag plate, the breathing bag is freely accessible to the user in order to remove it from the rebreather. The at least one spring element of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system can be designed in different ways. For example, the at least one spring element can be designed as a compressible elastomer or rubber. The at least one spring element is particularly preferably designed as a compression spring or a tension spring. The spring-connected breathing bag plate system preferably has two compression springs or tension springs extending parallel to each other. The respective first end of the compression spring or tension spring is held on the spring connection carrier in a form-fitting and, if necessary, additionally force-fitting manner. The respective second end of the spring element is arranged on the breathing bag plate in a form-fitting and, if necessary, also additionally force-fitting manner. The spring element is preferably designed in such a way that the spring element is compressed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spring element, but pivoting of the spring element relative to the longitudinal axis of the spring element is prevented as much as possible. This ensures a certain dimensional stability of the spring element. Other designs of compression or tension springs that are optimized with respect to curved and linear compression and decompression paths are also conceivable. The spring element can be designed, for example, as a compression spring or tension spring with a rectangular spring wire cross section. A spring designed in this way particularly supports linear compression and decompression paths. The breathing bag plate is detachably arranged on the breathing bag upper side of the breathing bag. This can be achieved, for example, by magnets, buttons, tabs or form-fitting geometric bodies.

[0033] According to a preferred improvement of the present invention, in a spring-connected breathing bag plate system, it can be provided that one or more stabilizing elements are arranged between the breathing bag plate and the spring connection carrier of the spring connector so that the breathing bag plate can move upward and downward in a defined manner in a direction away from the spring connector and toward the spring connector. That is, at least one stabilizing element prevents at least one spring element, in particular two compression springs, from bending when compressed, i.e., when the breathing bag volume increases. In order to prevent the at least one spring element from bending, the breathing bag plate is preferably connected to the spring connector linearly and rotationally by means of two wire bending parts configured as stabilizing elements. The stabilizing elements enable a defined upward and downward movement of the breathing bag plate and the breathing bag in all orientations of the rebreather. At least one stabilizing element is preferably configured so that it only enables a linear or quasi-linear movement of the breathing bag plate in a direction toward or from the spring connection carrier. This ensures that the breathing bag fixed to the breathing bag plate is compressed or decompressed in a defined manner. In addition to the wire bending parts, the at least one stabilizing element can also be configured differently. For example, one or more shear joints or guide arms with a rotation point that is geometrically located outside the spring connector can be provided. A corresponding receptacle for the at least one securing element can be arranged on the spring connector, that is, in particular on the spring connection carrier, but also on the breathing bag plate. The receptacle securely holds the at least one securing element between the spring connection carrier and the breathing bag plate, thereby ensuring the function of the at least one securing element.

[0034] Preferably, in the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, provision can be made that the breathing bag plate has at least one second receiving element for arranging at least one second end of at least one spring element of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system. This ensures that the at least one spring element, preferably a spring element designed as a compression spring or a tension spring, is securely arranged on the breathing bag plate. The at least one second receiving element can be, for example, an annular groove, a tubular or sleeve-shaped projection, or a projection in the form of a can or a pin on the breathing bag plate. In addition to the form-fitting retention of the at least one spring element on the breathing bag plate, provision can also be made that a fastening element in the form of a small pin is provided in order to better retain the at least one spring element, in particular to retain it in a force-fitting manner, on the breathing bag plate or on at least one second receiving element of the breathing bag plate.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a rebreather, comprising: a housing having a housing bottom and a housing top, a CO 2Absorber, breathing bag, oxygen cylinder and spring-connected breathing bag plate system. According to the present invention, the spring-connected breathing bag plate system of the rebreather is designed according to the second aspect of the present invention. This rebreather has the same advantages as detailed for the spring connector according to the first aspect of the present invention or the spring-connected breathing bag plate system according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0036] A rebreather constructed in this way can be maintained or cleaned particularly easily after use. In particular, due to the pivoting and / or rotation of the spring connector of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, the breathing bags of the rebreather can be accessed particularly easily. After use of the rebreather, for example in the event of a fire, the spring connector or the unit consisting of the spring connector, the spring element(s) and the breathing bag plate (i.e. the spring-connected breathing bag plate system) can be easily transferred from the operating position to the open position and, if necessary, completely removed from the housing of the rebreather, so that the user can quickly and easily access the breathing bag from the rebreather for cleaning it.

[0037] Preferably, in the rebreather, provision can be made that the housing, in particular the housing bottom, has at least one mating fixing element for holding the spring connector and the spring-connected breathing bag plate system on the rebreather in a rotatable and / or slidable manner by means of at least one fixing element of the spring connection carrier. The at least one mating fixing element can be, for example, a bolt which projects from the inside of a housing wall of the housing bottom of the housing of the rebreather. A corresponding fixing element of the spring connector, in particular a fixing element in the form of a plug-in receptacle, enables the spring connector to be pivoted relative to the housing of the rebreather and to be easily removed from the rebreather. This ensures particularly quick and simple access to the breathing bag.

[0038] According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, provision can be made in the rebreather that a mating fixing element for receiving two fixing elements of the spring connection carrier is provided on two opposite sides of the housing, in particular the housing bottom. This design of the rebreather ensures that the spring connector is particularly well and reliably connected to the housing of the rebreather, and in particular the spring connector or the spring connection breathing bag plate system thus also serves as a stabilizing element in the rebreather, since it connects two opposite walls of the housing bottom of the rebreather to one another and thus acts in an enhanced manner as a supporting element below the housing top.

[0039] According to another development of the invention, in the spring-connected breathing bag plate system, it can be provided that the breathing bag has one or more projections, in particular a circumferential collar on the upper side of the breathing bag, at which or in which the breathing bag plate can be received in a form-fitting manner. This ensures that the breathing bag plate is arranged in a defined position relative to the collar. Particularly preferably, the breathing bag plate is detachably fastened to the upper side of the breathing bag by means of magnets, buttons, tabs or form-fitting geometric bodies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Other solutions for improving the present invention can be derived from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, which are shown in the drawings. All features and / or advantages derived from the description and the drawings together with the structural details and spatial arrangements can constitute the solutions of the present invention alone and in different combinations. In the drawings, elements with the same function and working mode have the same reference numerals. The drawings schematically show:

[0041] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing a known rebreather spring-connected breathing bag plate system,

[0042] Figure 2 A side view showing a spring-connected breathing bag plate system according to the invention for a rebreather,

[0043] Figure 3 Show according to Figure 2 A view from below of the spring-connected counterlung plate system.

[0044] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 2 A perspective view of a spring-connected counterlung plate system with the locking device of the spring connector in the released position,

[0045] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 2 A perspective view of a spring-connected counterlung plate system with the locking device in the locked position,

[0046] Figure 6 A perspective view showing a spring-connected breathing bag plate system according to the present invention,

[0047] Figure 7 A side view showing a breathing bag and a breathing bag plate arranged at the breathing bag of a spring-connected breathing bag plate system,

[0048] Figure 8 Show according to Figure 6 Side view of the spring-connected counterlung plate system.

[0049] Fig. 9 Show according to Figure 6 Another perspective view of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system,

[0050] Fig.10 Show according to Figure 6 Exploded view of the spring-connected counterlung plate system.

[0051] Fig.11 A perspective view showing the housing bottom of a rebreather with a spring-connected breathing bag plate system according to the invention in the operating position,

[0052] Fig.12 Show according to Fig.11 A perspective view of the bottom of the housing with the spring-connected counterlung plate system pivoted to the open position,

[0053] Fig.13 Show according to Fig.12 A further perspective view of the housing bottom with the spring-connected counterlung plate system in the open position,

[0054] Fig.14 Another perspective view of the housing bottom of the rebreather is shown with the spring-connected breathing bag plate system in the operating position,

[0055] Fig.15 Show according to Fig.11 A side view of the bottom of the housing of the rebreather with the spring-connected counterlung plate system in the open position,

[0056] Fig.16 Show according to Fig.11 A side view of the bottom of the housing of the rebreather with the spring-connected counterlung plate system in the operating position, and

[0057] Fig.17 The rebreather according to the invention is shown without the housing top. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 2 A side view of a spring-connected breathing bag panel system 80 according to the present invention for a rebreather is schematically shown. Figure 3 Schematically shown from below Figure 2 The spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 shown in FIG. The spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 has a spring connector 40 with a spring connection carrier 42, two spring elements 82 and a breathing bag plate 18. Figure 2 In the view shown in FIG. 1 , the breathing bag plate 18 is guided to the maximum extent to the spring connection carrier 42 of the spring connector 40, wherein the two spring elements 82 are strongly compressed so that they are Figure 2. In this locking position P, the breathing bag plate 18 is fastened to the underside of the spring connection carrier 42 by means of a locking device 50 (not shown). In the locking position P, the breathing bag 10 of the rebreather 100 can be easily removed from the breathing bag plate 18. The spring connector 40 has a yoke-shaped or U-shaped profile. Cantilevers 46 are arranged at two opposite sides of the spring connection carrier 42, which form the arms of the U-shaped profile of the spring connector 40. The cantilever 46 is arranged at the spring connection carrier 42 in a manner deflected relative to the spring connection carrier 42. At the free ends of the two cantilevers 46, a fixing element 44 in the form of a rotating element is provided. The rotating element 44 can be, for example, a rotating joint, a universal joint, a ball and socket joint or a hinge element. The rotating element 44 is preferably a plug-in receptacle, which is used to be fixed in a rotational manner to a bolt configured as a matching fixing element on the housing inner wall of the housing of the rebreather 100. By means of the fixing element 44 configured in this way, the spring connector 40 can be easily pivoted from the working position A to the open position. Preferably, the spring is pivoted by 90° or approximately 90° about the axis of rotation of the two rotating elements 44. As a result, access to the breathing bag 10 of the rebreather 100, which is arranged below the spring connector 40 in the operating position A, can be ensured in a simple and quick manner. The breathing bag 10 can then be removed from the rebreather 100 very simply for cleaning purposes. The breathing bag plate 18 of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 has a first receiving element 54 for receiving a spring element 82, which is in particular designed as a compression spring or a tension spring. The first receiving element 54 is preferably designed to hold the spring element 82 of the spring-connected breathing bag system 80 in a form-fitting manner. For example, a plug-in element, such as a bolt or a cotter pin, can additionally be used as a fastening element for fastening the spring element 82 to the first receiving element 54.

[0059] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to Figure 2 and Figure 3 3D view of a spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80. It can be clearly seen at this point that a fixing element 44 in the form of a rotatable plug-in receptacle is provided at the free end of the cantilever 46, i.e., at the free end of the cantilever 46 facing away from the spring connection carrier 42. The spring connector 40 is no longer fixedly riveted to the housing underside of the housing of the rebreather as in the prior art, but is rotatably connected to the housing of the rebreather 100 via two pins protruding from the inner wall of the housing bottom 104 and two pluggable plug-in receptacles 44 at the free ends of the cantilever.

[0060] The spring element 82 of the spring-connected counterlung plate system 80 is configured as a compression spring. Figure 4 and Figure 5In the illustrated figure, it is compressed to the greatest extent possible, so that the breathing bag plate 18 is arranged directly on the underside of the spring connection carrier 42. Figure 4 , the locking device 50 of the spring connector 40 arranged at the pivot axis 52 is in the release position F. In this release position F, the locking device 50 holds the breathing bag plate 18 loosely, so that the breathing bag plate 18 can move away from the spring connection carrier 42 due to the spring force of the spring element 82.

[0061] exist Figure 5 , the locking device 50 is in the locking position P. In this locking position P, the locking device 50 locks the breathing bag panel 18 at the spring connection carrier 42. This means that the locking device 50, which is preferably designed as a latching element or clamping element, for example, engages a corresponding undercut of the breathing bag panel 18 from behind and thus holds the breathing bag panel in a defined position below the spring connection carrier 42. In this locking position P, the spring-connected breathing bag panel system 80 forms a very compact unit that can be easily moved from the operating position A, in particular pivoted, into the open position. By means of the compact unit of the spring-connected counter-lung plate system 80 and the pivoting of the spring-connected counter-lung plate system 80 about the pivot axis of the rotating element 44 , a large amount of space is created for access to the counter-lung 10 of the rebreather 100 which is then accessible.

[0062] Figure 6 Schematically showing the Figures 2 to 5 3D view of a spring-connected breathing bag panel system 80. The locking device 50, which is arranged pivotably about a pivot axis 52, is in a release position F, so that the breathing bag panel 18 is arranged spaced apart from the spring connection carrier 42 of the spring connector 40 due to the elastic force of the spring element 82, which is designed as a compression spring. The spring-connected breathing bag panel system 80 also has a securing element 56, which ensures that the breathing bag panel 18 moves straight, i.e. parallel to the spring connection carrier 42 of the spring connector 40 when the breathing bag panel 18 moves in the direction of the spring connection carrier 42 and when the breathing bag panel 18 is moved away from the spring connection carrier 42. The securing element 56 ensures that the compression spring element 82, which is designed as a compression spring, is not deflected but can be compressed or decompressed straight along its spring axis.

[0063] Figure 7A side view of a breathing bag 10 with a breathing bag plate 18 of a spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 arranged on the breathing bag 10 is schematically shown. The breathing bag plate 18 has two second receiving elements 20 for receiving the respective second ends of the compression or tension spring elements 82 of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 in a form-fitting manner. The second receiving elements 20 are preferably designed as annular grooves, tubes, pots or sleeve-shaped projections 22. In addition to the form-fitting holding of the compression or tension spring elements 82 on the breathing bag plate 18, fastening elements (not shown) can also be provided, for example in the form of small pins, in order to ensure that the compression or tension spring elements 82 are better held, in particular force-fittingly held, on at least one second receiving element 20 of the breathing bag 18 or on the breathing bag plate 18. The breathing bag 10 preferably has a stable bottom side 14 and an upper side 12 that can be moved toward the stable bottom side 14. In addition, a plurality of interfaces, connections 16 can be provided on the bottom side 14.

[0064] exist Figure 8 According to Figure 6 A side view of a spring-connected counterlung plate system 80, in Fig. 9 According to Figure 6 1 is a further perspective view of a spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80. The securing element 56 is clearly visible, which ensures that the breathing bag plate 18 slides straight, i.e. parallel to the spring connection carrier 42 of the spring connector 40, when filling and emptying the breathing bag 10 of the rebreather 100. Fig. 9 The fixing element 44 at the end of the cantilever 46 can be clearly seen. The fixing element 44 (here a rotating element) serves to enable a simple and defined pivoting of the spring connector 40 and the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 relative to the housing of the rebreather 100. The rotating element 44 shown here is a so-called plug-in receptacle, onto which a corresponding mating fixing element at the inner wall of the housing bottom 104 of the housing of the rebreather 100 can be plugged in order to be rotated about the corresponding mating fixing element at the inner wall of the housing bottom 104 of the housing of the rebreather 100. Accordingly, the plug-in receptacle can also be removed from the mating fixing element again, so that the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 can be completely removed from the rebreather 100.

[0065] Fig.10 Schematically showing the Figure 6Exploded view of a spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80. The locking device 50 is designed as a pivot lever and can be pivotably mounted at the pivot axis 52 of the spring connection carrier 42. The spring element 82 is arranged and preferably fastened between the spring connection carrier 42 and the breathing bag plate 18. In order to enable a straight decompression and in particular compression of the spring element 82, a securing element 56 in the form of a wire bend is clamped between the spring connection carrier 42 and the breathing bag plate 18. The securing element 56 ensures that the spring element 82, which is designed as a compression spring, is not deflected but can be compressed or decompressed straight along its spring axis. Accordingly, a uniform pressure can be applied to the breathing bag 10 of the rebreather 100 via the breathing bag plate 18.

[0066] exist Figures 11 to 16 Different views of the housing bottom 104 of a housing of a rebreather 100 are shown, each with a spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 according to the invention. Fig.11 , Fig.14 and Fig.16 In the embodiment, the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 is in the working position A, Fig.12 , Fig.13 and Fig.15 In the embodiment, the spring-connected breathing bag panel system 80 is in the open position. In the operating position A, the spring connector 40 or the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 is arranged on the housing bottom 104 of the rebreather 100 so that the spring element 82 arranged between the spring connector 40 and the breathing bag 10 can exert pressure on the breathing bag 10. This means that in the operating position A, the spring connector 40 serves as a supporting compression spring or tension spring. In the operating position A, the spring connector 40 and the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 are arranged on the rebreather 100 in an immovable manner, preferably in a latched manner. In the open position The spring connector 40 and the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 are pivoted by 90° or approximately 90° relative to the operating position A. The breathing bag 10 of the rebreather 100 is thereby released and can be easily removed for cleaning.

[0067] The spring connector 40 and the spring-connected counterlung plate system 80 are used to stabilize the housing bottom 104 of the housing of the rebreather 100. Fig.17 The rebreather 100 according to the present invention is schematically shown here. The rebreather 100 comprises a housing having a housing bottom 104 and a housing top, a CO 2Absorber 120, breathing bag 10, oxygen cylinder 130 and spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 according to the invention. Via the fixing element 44 at the free end of the cantilever 46, the spring-connected breathing bag plate system 80 is rotatably and / or slidably fixed in a rotational manner at corresponding matching fixing elements on two opposite inner wall parts of the housing bottom 104.

[0068] Reference Numbers List

[0069] 10 Breathing Bag

[0070] 12 Upper side of counterlung

[0071] 14 Underside of counterlung

[0072] 16 Interfaces and connectors

[0073] 18 Pressure plate / Counter bag plate

[0074] 20 Second receiving element

[0075] 22 Protrusion

[0076] 40 Spring Connector

[0077] 42 Spring connection carrier

[0078] 44 Fixing elements

[0079] 46 Cantilever

[0080] 48 Holding element

[0081] 50 Locking device

[0082] 52 Pivot axis

[0083] 54 first receiving element

[0084] 56 Stabilizing elements

[0085] 58 Snap-on components

[0086] 80 Spring-connected counterlung plate system

[0087] 82 Spring element

[0088] 84 first end of the spring element

[0089] 86 Second end of the spring element

[0090] 100 Rebreather

[0091] 104 Shell bottom

[0092] 110 Side of housing

[0093] 120 CO 2 Absorber

[0094] 130 oxygen cylinder

[0095] 140 Breathing Gas Cooling Unit

[0096] A. Work Location

[0097] Open Location

[0098] F Release position

[0099] P Lock position

[0100] Prior art

[0101] 210 Breathing Bag

[0102] 212 Upper side of counterlung

[0103] 214 Underside of counterlung

[0104] 216 Interfaces and connectors

[0105] 218 Pressure plate / breathing bag plate

[0106] 240 Spring Connector

[0107] 282 Compression spring

[0108] 1000 Rebreather

[0109] 1020 Housing

[0110] 1040 Shell bottom

[0111] 1060 Shell top.

Claims

1. A spring connector (40) for a spring-connected breathing bag plate system (80) of a rebreather (100), the spring connector having a spring connection carrier (42) for arranging at least one spring element (82) of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system (80), and at least one fixing element (44) for holding the spring connector (40) on the rebreather (100), in, At least one of the fixing elements (44) is a rotating element and / or a sliding element, which is used to enable the spring connector (40) to rotate and / or slide on and relative to the rebreather (100), wherein the rotating element is a rotating joint, a universal joint, an angle piece, a ball and socket joint, a hinge element or a plug-in receptacle for fixing on a bolt of the rebreather (100), wherein at least one of the fixing elements (44) is arranged on at least one cantilever (46) of the spring connector (40), and wherein at least one of the cantilever (46) is arranged on the spring connector carrier (42) in a manner that is angularly offset relative to the spring connector carrier (42), and the spring connector (40) has a retaining element (48) for retaining the spring connector (40) in an operating position (A) and for retaining the spring connector (40) in an open position (Ö).

2. The spring connector (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding element is a guide link or a guide pin for guiding the spring connector (40) at a mating sliding element of the rebreather (100).

3. The spring connector (40) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mating sliding element is a mating guide bolt or a mating guide link.

4. The spring connector (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring connection carrier (42) has a locking device (50) for locking a breathing bag panel (18) of the spring connection breathing bag panel system (80) which is loaded with elastic force by at least one spring element (82) of the spring connection breathing bag panel system (80) on the spring connection carrier (42).

5. The spring connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking device (50) is hinged to the spring connection carrier (42) via a pivot axis (52) in a pivotable manner, so that the locking device (50) extends flat relative to the spring connection carrier (42) in the release position (F), and the locking device (50) extends obliquely relative to the spring connection carrier (42) in the locking position (P), and the breathing bag plate (18) of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system (80) is not held on the spring connection carrier (42) by the locking device (50) in the release position, and the breathing bag plate (18) of the spring-connected breathing bag plate system (80) is held on the spring connection carrier (42) by the locking device (50) in the locking position.

6. The spring connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring connection carrier (42) has at least one first receiving element (54) for arranging at least one first end (84) of at least one spring element (82) of the spring connection breathing bag plate system (80).

7. A spring-connected breathing bag plate system (80) for a rebreather (100), the spring-connected breathing bag plate system comprising a breathing bag plate (18), a spring connector (40) and at least one spring element (82), the spring element being arranged between the breathing bag plate (18) and the spring connector (40), It is characterized in that The spring connector (40) is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The spring-connected breathing bag panel system (80) according to claim 7, characterized in that: One or more securing elements (56) are arranged between the breathing bag plate (18) and the spring connection carrier (42) of the spring connector (40) to enable the breathing bag plate (18) to move upward and downward in a defined manner in a direction away from and towards the spring connector.

9. The spring-connected breathing bag panel system (80) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The breathing bag panel (18) has at least one second receiving element (20) for arranging at least one second end (86) of at least one spring element (82) of the spring-connected breathing bag panel system (80).

10. The spring-connected breathing bag panel system (80) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The breathing bag plate (18) has fastening means for releasably fastening the breathing bag plate (18) to a breathing bag top side (12) of a breathing bag (10).

11. A rebreather (100) comprising a housing having a housing bottom (104) and a housing top, a CO2 absorber (120), a breathing bag (10), an oxygen cylinder (130), and a spring-connected breathing bag plate system (80), It is characterized in that The spring-connected counterlung plate system (80) is designed according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The rebreather (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that The housing has at least one mating fixing element for holding the spring connector (40) on the rebreather (100) in a rotatable and / or slidable manner by means of at least one fixing element (44) of the spring connection carrier (42).

13. The rebreather (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that The housing bottom (104) has at least one mating fixing element for holding the spring connector (40) on the rebreather (100) in a rotatable and / or slidable manner by means of at least one fixing element (44) of the spring connection carrier (42).

14. The rebreather (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that Cooperating fixing elements for receiving two fixing elements (44) of the spring connection carrier (42) are respectively provided on two opposite sides (110) of the housing.

15. The rebreather (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that Cooperating fixing elements for receiving two fixing elements (44) of the spring connection carrier (42) are respectively provided on two opposite sides (110) of the housing bottom (104).

16. The rebreather (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The breathing bag (10) has one or more projections (22) for receiving the breathing bag panel (18) in a form-fitting manner.

Images