Coupling member for connecting a patient connection to a breathing gas supply structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling member (1) for connecting a patient connection (2) to a breathing gas supply structure (3). The coupling member has a base body (4) with at least one first connection structure (5) for connecting to the breathing gas supply structure, a second connection structure (6) for connecting a patient connection, and a securing element for at least indirect, releasable connection to a headgear and / or a head cover. The securing element is designed and arranged in such a way that a pulling force applied to the securing element from the headgear and / or the head cover at least indirectly in operation is at least partially converted by the securing element into a compression force acting in the base body in the direction of the patient connection. Characterized in that the securing element is supported in a rotatable manner with respect to the base body by means of a rotational joint (8), and that the angle between the direction of the pulling force and the direction of the compression force can be changed on the basis of a rotational movement of the securing element with respect to the base body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a coupling member for connecting a patient connector to a breathing gas supply structure, and an artificial respiration device with such a coupling member. The coupling member comprises: a base having at least one first connecting structure for connection to the breathing gas supply structure; a second connecting structure for connection to the patient connector; and a fixation element for at least indirect and detachable connection to a headband and / or head covering. The fixation element is designed and arranged such that during operation, the tension applied at least indirectly to the fixation element by the headband and / or head covering is at least partially converted by the fixation element into a clamping force acting in the base along the direction of the patient connector. Background Technology

[0002] Non-invasive artificial respiration and respiratory support for patients, especially premature infants, babies, and young children, are associated with a number of challenges, not only for the patients but also, particularly, for caregivers. First, when introducing mechanical artificial respiration or respiratory support, it is crucial to ensure reliable and effective artificial respiration, in which, in particular, leakage must be prevented or at least minimized. Such leakage can occur, for example, at coupling components that connect the respiratory gas supply structure, primarily its artificial respiration and respiratory support tubing, to a patient connector, typically in the form of a breathing mask or nasal cannula, also known as a nasal plug.

[0003] Another challenge is ensuring the highest possible comfort for patients using the patient connector. This is especially important for patients who are receiving artificial respiration for extended periods, as there is a risk of pressure points in the nasal region, primarily in the nasal septum or bridge of the nose.

[0004] Nasal cannulas, also known as nasal plugs or nasal masks, are used, particularly for frequent, non-invasive artificial respiration or respiratory support in premature infants, babies, and toddlers. These patient connectors are often used alternately to minimize the aforementioned injuries. It is always important that the mask and nasal cannula are securely fastened to the patient without injuring the sensitive nasal area. To ensure secure fastening, suitable straps are typically provided to support the connection between the patient connector and a headband or head covering, such as a cap for premature infants. In these cases, the coupling must be constructed such that a secure fastening of the patient connector to the patient is achieved while allowing for flexible adjustment to fit the patient's head shape. Furthermore, proper alignment of the fastening of each patient connector used is crucial to ensure that it presses against the patient's face at the necessary angle. Thus, for example, a nasal cannula is pressed against the patient's face at other angles, acting as a nasal mask.

[0005] Another challenge is that the coupling element should be constructed to be as small, compact, and lightweight as possible, so that the patient's face is barely obscured and the coupling element causes only a small patient load.

[0006] In this context, a coupling member, for example, is known from US2002 / 0005201A, by which a nose mask can be secured to a headband. Importantly, in this technical solution, receptacles with different orientations are provided in the area of ​​the nose mask to secure the coupling member, which has straps or strips with clips arranged on both sides of its shape, to the nose mask. Here, the different receptacles are arranged such that the straps or strips of the coupling member can be oriented differently and thus secured in the receptacles of the nose mask according to the desired compression direction.

[0007] Furthermore, US2009 / 0126739A1 discloses an artificial respiration device in which patient connectors of different shapes can be connected to a headband. The headband has a frame member with two opposing, laterally positioned connecting structures on the face when worn, between which the respective patient connectors can be fixed. According to a particular extension of the described technical solution, a device is provided to change the arrangement of the patient connectors relative to the patient's nose as needed.

[0008] Furthermore, a coupling member is known from US2007 / 0209663A1, which has elements for securing and connecting a pressure button to a headband, a connection structure for connecting to a nasal mask, and a connection structure for connecting to a breathing gas supply structure. Additionally, a hinge is provided between the coupling member and the supply hose of the breathing gas supply structure to position the supply hose relative to the coupling member in a desired position.

[0009] The problem with solutions known from the prior art is often that, especially when different patient connectors are involved, the patient connector cannot be replaced, or can only be replaced with great difficulty. It is important to consider that replacement should be performed as quickly as possible with minimal damage to the patient. Furthermore, known devices, in many cases, cover a large portion of the face and, primarily due to their weight and only insufficient adjustability or adjustability, generate forces acting on the patient's face that can potentially cause injury, particularly in sensitive areas of the nose, such as pressure points or friction points. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Based on existing technical solutions and the problems described above, the objective of this invention is to provide a coupling member for connecting a patient connector to a breathing gas supply structure. This coupling member has a compact and lightweight construction, while ensuring that only a small portion of the patient's face is covered when breathing gas is supplied. Furthermore, it should be ensured that the coupling member can be connected to various patient connectors, particularly nasal cannulas (i.e., nasal plugs), nasal masks, or even oronasal masks. First and foremost, a safe and leak-free support should always be manufactured in a simple manner, while simultaneously providing the highest possible wearing comfort. Particularly important here is that each patient connector used is pressed against the patient's face in the correct orientation, thus preventing pressure points and injury in the nasal region with a high probability.

[0011] The aforementioned task is solved using a coupling member according to the invention. Other parts of this disclosure describe a beatmungsset for solving the preceding task. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of other parts of this disclosure and are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] This invention relates to a coupling member for connecting a patient connector to a respiratory gas supply device, the coupling member comprising: a base having at least one first connecting structure for connection to a respiratory gas supply structure; a second connecting structure for connection to the patient connector; and a fixation element for at least indirectly and detachably securing to a headband and / or head covering. The fixation element is designed and arranged such that, in the operating position during artificial respiration or respiratory support operation, the tension applied at least indirectly to the fixation element by the headband and / or head covering is at least partially converted by the fixation element into a compressive force acting in the base along the direction of the patient connector. According to the invention, the coupling member is further designed such that the fixation element is supported by means of a pivot in a manner rotatable relative to the base, wherein the rotational movement of the fixation element relative to the base can change the angle between the direction of the tension force and the direction of the compressive force. The coupling member designed according to the present invention allows for a relatively simple adjustment of the direction of the clamping force, which acts towards the patient's face, in a relatively straightforward manner. Specifically, the angle between the direction of the tension applied by the headband and / or head covering and the direction of the clamping force can be adjusted accordingly. Importantly, although the direction of the tension acting on the coupling member generally remains almost constant during the patient's breathing gas supply, the direction of the clamping force acting on the patient's face can be adjusted as needed depending on the patient connector used. This adjustment is facilitated by rotation in a pivot joint arranged in the base. Based on this arrangement, a compact, and therefore lightweight and small-sized construction can be achieved.

[0013] This invention can generally be used to provide respiratory support to patients, that is, to support the breathing of patients with spontaneous breathing and to provide artificial respiration to patients with little or no spontaneous breathing. In principle, respiratory support can also be achieved if only the artificial respiration process is described below.

[0014] Therefore, when using the coupling member designed according to the invention, the angle between the directions of tension and clamping forces can be adjusted, thus minimizing the load required to ensure the patient connector is securely and sealingly fixed to the patient's face. This results in minimizing the load on the patient, particularly in the nasal region. This is primarily achieved by tailoring the adjustment of the corresponding angle between the present tension and the resulting clamping force to the patient's anatomy. In this relationship, it is important to consider the changes in the optimal direction of clamping force when using different patient connectors, such as when alternating between nasal masks and nasal plugs. By adapting the orientation of the fixing element, which is rotatably supported at the base of the coupling member according to the invention, the corresponding adaptation can be easily and primarily quickly achieved by caregivers, especially when changing patient connectors. Therefore, different patient connectors can be smoothly changed without additional adaptation in the area of ​​the headband or separately provided connecting strap.

[0015] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the fastening element has a fastening structure in the form of at least one clip. The clip preferably allows for the attachment of a loop (Schlaufe) that is at least indirectly connected to the headband and / or head covering. The clip is advantageously designed and shaped to easily engage the loop while preventing accidental disengagement or at least reducing the associated risk. Under this interrelationship, it is conceivable that the clip is hook-shaped at the open end for receiving the loop, so that while the loop can be easily moved by the hook, the reverse movement is more difficult, but without making removal of the loop, for example, when changing patient connectors, overly difficult. According to this embodiment, the coupling element can thus be secured to the headband and / or head covering through a smoother connection with one or more loops of the headband or additional connecting strap.

[0016] Additional fastening elements are not necessary. Therefore, fastening elements with a clip-shaped tethering structure, preferably with two clip-shaped tethering structures arranged on both sides of the base of the coupling member, allow for quick and easy attachment of the coupling member to the headband and / or head covering, and thus also facilitate smooth replacement of the patient connector attached to the coupling member. The fastening element preferably has two clips that are interconnected and symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the base. This symmetrical arrangement of the clips, particularly on the opposite sides of the coupling member, ensures that forces introduced on both sides of the coupling member are evenly introduced into the base and distributed to the coupling member. Loads on the patient due to possible rotation or torsion of the fastening element and / or base are reliably avoided in this way. Because, according to a particularly specific embodiment of the invention, the fastening element, with its clip-shaped tethering structure arranged on both sides of the base, forms a single, integrated component, stresses occurring within the fastening member and / or base are also minimized, and coupling members with such fastening elements can be manufactured relatively easily.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot point of the swivel joint is arranged on the side of the region or point of the fixation element (through which the tension from the headband and / or head covering is introduced into the fixation element), facing away from the second connection structure for connecting the patient connector. In common artificial respiration or respiratory support situations (where the patient is supine), the pivot point of the swivel joint is thus positioned above said region or point, through which the tension is introduced into the fixation element, particularly the tethering structure of the fixation element for at least indirectly securing the headband and / or head covering. Due to this arrangement of the pivot point relative to said region or point (through which the tension is introduced), once the tension is introduced into the fixation element, the fixation element automatically orients itself relative to the base of the coupling member in the desired manner. Targeted manual orientation or calibration of the fixation element is not necessary due to this design. More precisely, optimal orientation of the clamping force is automatically achieved, which perfectly affects the tightness and seal of the patient connector, particularly the nasal mask, nasal cannula, or nasal plug. To achieve the necessary compression force, only a small amount of tension is required, particularly through the headband, thus reducing harm to the patient and improving wearing comfort. Furthermore, it ensures that the patient connector does not deform, as it is always optimally pressed against the patient's face.

[0018] According to an extended design of the invention, a second connection structure for connecting the patient connector is configured to establish an airtight connection between the flow channel inside the coupling member and the mouth-nose mask, nasal mask, and / or a pair of nasal plugs. Particularly advantageously, different patient connectors can preferably be connected to the coupling member without the use of additional adapters. However, it is always important that the correct orientation of the clamping force acting toward the patient's face is ensured by the rotational hinge (which enables movement of the base relative to the fixing element and the belt fixed to the fixing element) located in the region of the coupling member's base.

[0019] Furthermore, the first connection structure is preferably designed such that it can be connected to at least one breathing gas hose, and particularly preferably to a second breathing gas hose, i.e., the inhalation and exhalation branches of the breathing gas supply structure. The first connection structure therefore preferably has at least two hose connectors to which one inhalation hose and one exhalation hose of the breathing gas supply structure can be moved.

[0020] Furthermore, a particular construction of the invention specifies that at least one braking element is provided in the region of the rotating joint, which at least partially prevents rotational movement of the fixing element relative to the base. Under this relationship, it is conceivable that the braking element has at least one locking element, for example, in the form of a locking nose, which prevents the rotational movement due to at least a partial form fit with a suitable mating member. The braking element is advantageously designed such that it at least partially establishes a form fit with the impeller or gear to prevent rotational movement. Alternatively or supplementarily, it is conceivable that the preventing action on rotational movement is induced by establishing at least a partial force-transmitting fit. Under this relationship, it is conceivable that the braking element has at least one wedge-shaped element or is provided with at least one friction surface, which at least one friction surface makes rotational movement in the region of the rotating joint at least difficult. The braking element, which at least partially prevents rotational movement, ensures that the belt, especially the belt loops, can be secured without being hindered by unintended rotational movement of the fixing element relative to the base of the coupling member.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an artificial respiration device comprising: a coupling member constructed according to at least one of the foregoing embodiments; and at least one patient connector, in the form of a mouth-nose mask, a nasal mask, and / or a pair of nasal plugs, connectable to the coupling member. At least one patient connector of such an artificial respiration device is adapted to form a flow channel extending from the respiratory gas supply structure through the coupling member to the patient. Importantly, the coupling member designed according to the invention can, in principle, be combined with or with different patient connectors without negatively impacting the effective respiratory gas supply structure and the patient's wearing comfort. In particular, the design of the coupling member according to the invention allows for quick, reliable, and non-invasive replacement of the patient connector. The artificial respiration device according to the invention can therefore be used, in a particularly advantageous manner, with at least one mouth-nose mask, nasal mask, and / or nasal cannula, respectively suitable for mechanical, non-invasive artificial respiration of children, infants, and / or newborns. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings, without limiting the general inventive concept. Wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a side view of a coupling member with a headband fixed thereon, designed according to the present invention for connection to a breathing gas supply structure;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a view in the direction of the first connection structure, which is designed according to the present invention for connection to a breathing gas supply structure and has a headband fixed thereon;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the coupling member, with a headband fixed thereon, designed according to the invention for connection to a breathing gas supply structure.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a coupling member with a clip-shaped fastening structure designed according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a coupling member with a tethering structure for hooking the double D-rings, designed according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a coupling member with a fastening structure for securing a buckle hook, designed according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a coupling member with a tethering structure designed according to the present invention, the tethering structure having a bayonet locking mechanism;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a side view of a coupling member designed according to the invention and attached to a respiratory gas supply structure during a mechanical, non-invasive artificial respiration process or respiratory support process, the coupling member having a strap and a nose mask fixed thereon.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a side view of a coupling member designed according to the invention, connected to a respiratory gas supply structure, during a mechanical, non-invasive artificial respiration or respiratory support procedure, the coupling member having a strap and nasal plug fixed therein; and

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the braking element. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 The side view shows the coupling member 1, designed according to the invention, connected to the breathing gas supply structure 3. This view shows the tethering structure 9 of the fixing element 7 and the rotating joint 8 arranged at the base 4 of the coupling member 1. The headband is at least indirectly fixed at the tethering structure, and the fixing element 7 is supported by the rotating joint in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the base 4.

[0034] The coupling member 1 has a base 4, within which a flow channel is arranged, connecting the breathing gas supply structure 3 and the patient connector 2 (not shown) attached to the coupling member 1. A swivel joint 8 is located laterally to the base 4, by means of which the fixing element 7 is rotatably supported, wherein, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotational movement occurs in the plane of the drawing. The fixing element 7 has a clip-shaped fastening structure 9, into which a loop 10, particularly a loop 10 of a headband or a loop 10 of a connecting strap connected to a headband and / or head covering, can be hooked. In this way, the headband and / or head covering can be secured to the coupling member 1 relatively simply and quickly, at least indirectly. During artificial respiration or respiratory support for the patient, tension is introduced into the base 4 of the coupling member 1 through the clip-shaped fastening structure 9 at the fixing element 7, and this tension is converted into a clamping force pressing the patient connector 2 toward the patient's face. This second tethering structure 6 of the coupling member 1 is constructed such that different patient connectors 2, such as not only nasal masks but also nasal plugs, are fixed thereto and can be used for artificial respiration or respiratory support. Because the different patient connectors 2, due to their specific shapes, must be pressed against the patient's face in different directions, particularly towards the patient's nose, the required clamping forces differ in their directions of action. In contrast, the direction in which the tension force is introduced into the fixing element 7 of the coupling member 1 generally remains constant during artificial respiration or respiratory support. A pivot 8, which allows the fixing element to rotate relative to the base 4 of the coupling member 1, ensures that the angle between the direction of the tension force introduced into the base 4 and the direction of the clamping force can be adjusted as needed. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the direction of the tension force and the direction of the clamping force are at least almost parallel.

[0035] Figure 2 A view of the coupling member 1 designed according to the present invention is shown toward the first connecting structure 5, the first connecting structure being configured to connect the breathing gas supply structure 3. According to... Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection structure 5 is constructed such that the inhalation hose and the exhalation hose can be connected to this first connection structure. On both sides of the base 4 of the coupling member 1, fastening elements 7 are arranged with clip-shaped fastening structures 9 to at least indirectly secure the headband and / or head covering.

[0036] As can be seen, the clips of the fixing element 7 are symmetrically arranged on the opposite sides of the base 4 of the coupling member 1. Similarly, swivel joints 8 are provided on both sides of the base 4, at which the fixing element 7 is rotatably hinged relative to the base 4, allowing the fixing element 7 to be adjusted, or at least adjusted as automatically as possible, according to the required angle between the necessary directions of the tension and clamping forces introduced into the fixing element 7. As a supplement to this, Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the coupling member 1, designed according to the invention, with a headband fixed at the coupling member for connection to the breathing gas supply structure 3. During artificial respiration or respiratory support, the patient can be positioned differently. Premature infants and babies, in particular, are more often positioned in the lateral decubitus position and rarely in the prone position to receive artificial respiration or respiratory support.

[0037] In contrast, patients according to Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment is supine, so "from above" refers to the view in the direction of the patient's face as they are being artificially respired or supported by the coupling member 1.

[0038] The first connecting structure 5 of the coupling member 1 connects to the inspiratory and expiratory tubing 14, 15 of the breathing gas supply structure 3 on the side facing away from the patient during artificial respiration or respiratory support. Also shown is the fixation element 7 and its symmetrically arranged, clip-on tethering structures 9 about both sides of the base 4. Importantly, the fixation element 7 is integrated with the two tethering structures 9, which enables particularly efficient production. Loops 10 of the strap, which are part of the headband or connecting strap, are fixed at the clips, establishing a connection with the headband and / or head covering. The clip-on design of the tethering structures 9 allows for quick and secure fixation of these loops 10. Furthermore, this clip-on design of the tethering structures 9 makes accidental slippage of the loops 10 from the tethering structures 9 at least difficult due to the hook-shaped stop element 16 provided for this purpose. This ensures that the loops 10 are easily guided through the gap opening 17 provided for this purpose, while simultaneously making accidental slippage of the loops 10 from the gap opening 17 at least difficult.

[0039] To further clarify, Figure 4A perspective view of the coupling member 1 designed according to the present invention is shown. No parts of the breathing gas supply structure 3, the patient connector 2, or the strap ring 10 are fixed at the coupling member. The first connection structure 5 has a hose connector for connecting to the inspiratory and expiratory hoses 14 and 15 of the breathing gas supply structure 3. Above this connection structure 5 is a hose connector 20 for securing the hose, through which a fluid-tight connection is established with the internal space of the coupling member, so that at least one characteristic of the breathing gas flow and / or sampling can be measured during artificial respiration or respiratory support. Furthermore, the base 4 has a second connection structure 6 at which the patient connector 2, particularly a nasal mask or nasal plug, can be secured. Additionally, the base 4 has pins 21 on opposite sides, at which a fixing element 7 is fixed, thereby forming two opposing pivot joints 8, which allow rotational movement of the fixing element 7 relative to the base 4.

[0040] To secure the loop 10 of the strap, the coupling member has a fixing element 7 with two clip-shaped fastening structures 9 into which the suitable loop 10 can be hooked. For this purpose, a gap opening 17 is provided at the end of the clip between the clip and the base 4, through which the loop 10 can pass in and out. To make it difficult for the loop 10 to slip out accidentally, a spherical stop element 16 is arranged at the end of the clip-shaped fastening structure 9 in this area.

[0041] As a response Figure 4 Supplement, Figure 5 , 6 Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a design of coupling members 1 according to the invention, differing only in the design of the tethering structure 9, where a ring 10 is fixed. In this relationship, advantageously arranged, a hook-and-ring locking mechanism or a pressure button for quickly opening and closing the ring is positioned in the area of ​​the ring 10.

[0042] Under this mutual relationship, Figure 5 A perspective view of a coupling member 1 with a tethering structure 9 for hooking a double D-ring, designed according to the present invention, is shown. The double D-ring establishes a connection between the hook of the fixing element 4 and the loop 10 of the strap.

[0043] In contrast, Figure 6 One embodiment is shown in which the fastening structure 9 is designed to accommodate a snap hook. The fastening structure 9 has a receiving portion into which the snap hook is inserted to establish a connection between the strap and the coupling member and is ultimately snapped into the receiving portion.

[0044] also, Figure 7Also shown in the perspective view is the coupling member with a tethering structure designed according to the invention, which has a bayonet locking mechanism. The fastening of the belt at the coupling member 1 is accomplished by inserting the connector fixed at the ring 10 into the mating element of the tethering structure 6 through its opening and rotating it 90°.

[0045] Figure 8 The coupling member 1, designed according to the invention, is shown during artificial respiration or respiratory support for a patient, here an infant. The coupling member 1 is connected via its first connecting structure 5 to the inspiratory and expiratory tubing 14, 15 of the respiratory gas supply structure 3 and to a second connecting structure 6 with a nasal mask, which in this case serves as a patient connector. A headband (not shown) is placed on the patient's head, connected via a connecting strap with a loop 10 arranged at the end side to a fastening structure 9 of a fixing element 7, wherein the loop 10 is hooked into a clip-shaped fastening structure 9. The fixing element 7 and its fastening structure 9 are rotatably supported in a pivot 8 provided at the base 4 of the coupling member, thus allowing the fixing element to rotate about a pivot point 12 relative to the base 4 of the coupling member.

[0046] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the headband introduces tension into the base 4 via the fixing element 7. This tension is then converted into a compressive force, which presses the nasal mask against the patient's face. In use... Figure 4 The patient connector 2 shown here, when it is a nasal mask, has a pulling force that is almost parallel to the direction of the pressing force used to press the nasal mask onto the patient's face.

[0047] also, Figure 8 It is also shown that the pivot point 12 of the pivot 8 is arranged at a spacing "A" above the area or point 11 of the tethering structure 9, through which the tension is introduced into the fixing element 7 and thus into the base 4 of the coupling member 1. For this reason, the fixing element 7 is oriented at least almost automatically in a position required to obtain the desired direction of action of the clamping force.

[0048] exist Figure 9 The implementation method of the artificial respiration or respiratory support procedure shown is as follows: Figure 5 The difference in implementation is that, instead of a nasal mask, a nasal plug is used as the patient connector 2. It is clearly visible that the nasal plug presses towards the patient's face in a direction different from that of the nasal mask. Therefore, the direction of the required clamping force is significantly different from that of the nasal mask. Figure 8 The direction of the required clamping force. In contrast, the direction of the tension force is... Figure 8 and 9The artificial respiration and / or respiratory support conditions shown are at least nearly identical. Because the fixation element 7 is supported in the rotating joint 8 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the rotation point 12 relative to the base 4 of the coupling member 1, the tension introduced into the base 4 of the coupling member 1 by the loop 10 of the tension band is converted into a compressive force in its direction of action, but this does not cause any disadvantage in terms of patient comfort. More precisely, the load required to achieve a safe and simultaneously sealed fixation of the nasal plug to the patient's nose is minimized here. The patient's load is therefore minimized, whether according to the artificial respiration or respiratory support process. Figure 8 The implementation shown is still based on Figure 9 The embodiments shown are all minimized. Here, by rotating the fixing element 7, the direction of the clamping force, i.e., the angle between the tension and clamping forces, can always be adjusted as needed and adapted to the patient's body structure. Figure 8 and 9 It is understood that different patient connectors 2 can be used with the aid of the coupling member 1 designed according to the present invention, wherein the clamping force is always ensured to act in the desired direction. The use of different patient connectors 2 is optimally supported by the orientation of the adapting fixing element 7 and its clip-shaped fastening structures 9 arranged on both sides of the base 4 of the coupling member 1. In particular, nasal masks and nasal plugs can be replaced without problems because the necessary adaptation for the fixation can be achieved quickly and easily. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the coupling member 1 constructed according to the present invention is particularly compact, thus allowing for a lightweight design and causing only minimal damage to the patient's facial area. Due to the consistently optimal orientation of the clamping force, only a small pulling force is required. In addition to the smaller load on the patient, a further advantage is the minimization of the risk of deformation of the patient connector 2, which in turn positively impacts the seal.

[0049] Figure 10 A specially constructed braking element 13 is shown, which is arranged in the region of the rotating hinge 8 and at least partially prevents the rotational movement of the fixed element 7 relative to the base 4 of the coupling member 1, thus making said rotational movement difficult. According to... Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, rotational movement between the actuating element 7 and the base 4 is facilitated by at least a temporary morphological fit between the respective locking elements 18 and the corresponding mating elements 19. The braking element 13 and the resulting stop generally simplify the placement of the belt, particularly the belt loops 10, at the fixing element 7, since the fixing element 7 does not move independently, while the belt, particularly the belt loops 10, is engaged in the preferred clip-shaped fastening structure 9.

[0050] List of reference numerals

[0051] 1 coupling component

[0052] 2 patient connection parts

[0053] 3. Breathing gas supply structure

[0054] 4 matrix

[0055] 5 First connection structure

[0056] 6 Second connection structure

[0057] 7 Fixing Components

[0058] 8 rotating joints

[0059] 9 tethering structures

[0060] 10 rings

[0061] 11. Areas or points used to introduce tensile force.

[0062] 12 turning points

[0063] 13 Braking Components

[0064] 14 Inhalation hose

[0065] 15 Exhalation Tubes

[0066] 16 Stopping elements

[0067] 17 gap opening

[0068] 18-card locking components

[0069] 19 mating elements

[0070] 20 takeover

[0071] 21 pins.

Claims

1. A coupling member (1) for connecting a patient connector (2) to a respiratory gas supply structure (3), the coupling member comprising: a base (4) having at least one first connecting structure (5) for connection to the respiratory gas supply structure (3); a second connecting structure (6) for connecting the patient connector (2); and a fixing element (7) for at least indirectly and detachably securing a headband and / or head covering, wherein, The fastening element (7) is designed and arranged in such a way that, during operation, the tension applied at least indirectly to the fastening element (7) from the headband and / or head covering is at least partially converted by the fastening element (7) into a clamping force acting in the base (4) toward the patient connector (2). The fixed element (7) is supported by means of a rotating joint (8) in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the base (4), wherein the angle between the direction of the tension force and the direction of the clamping force can be changed based on the rotational movement of the fixed element (7) relative to the base (4), wherein the rotation point (12) of the rotating joint (8) is arranged on the side of the fixed element (7) opposite to the side of the second connecting structure (6) for connecting the patient connector (2) in the region or point, and the tension is introduced into the fixed element (7) through the region or point during operation.

2. The coupling member according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening element (7) has at least one clip-shaped fastening structure (9) for attaching a ring (10), the ring being connected at least indirectly to the headband and / or head covering.

3. The coupling member according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing element (7) has two clip-shaped fastening structures (9) that are interconnected and arranged symmetrically about the base (4).

4. The coupling member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second connection structure (6) for connecting the patient connector (2) is configured to establish an airtight connection with the mouth-nose mask, the nasal mask and / or a pair of nasal plugs.

5. The coupling member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one breathing gas hose can be airtightly connected to a first connection structure (5) for connection to the breathing gas supply structure (3).

6. The coupling member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one braking element (13) is provided in the region of the rotating hinge (8), which at least partially prevents the rotational movement of the fixed element (7) relative to the base (4).

7. The coupling member according to claim 6, characterized in that, The braking element (13) has at least one locking element that prevents rotational movement due to a shape fit caused by at least a partial effect.

8. The coupling member according to claim 6, characterized in that, The braking element (13) at least partially achieves a shape fit with the impeller or gear to prevent rotational movement.

9. The coupling member according to claim 6, characterized in that, The braking element (13) has at least one wedge-shaped element.

10. The coupling member according to claim 6, characterized in that, The braking element (13) has at least one friction surface, through which a braking force can be generated to counteract the rotational motion.

11. An artificial respiration device having a coupling member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an oropharyngeal mask, a nasal mask and / or a pair of nasal plugs connectable to said coupling member (1) to establish a flow channel between the respiratory gas supply structure (3) and the patient.

12. The artificial respiration device according to claim 11, comprising a mouth-nose mask, a nasal mask and / or a pair of nasal plugs, respectively adapted to perform mechanical artificial respiration or respiratory support for children, infants and / or newborns.

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