VENTILATOR WITH SWITCHING VALVE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilator with a device inlet and a device outlet and a breathing gas path between the device inlet and the device outlet, wherein a breathing gas actuator, a check valve and a switching valve are arranged in the breathing gas path.

[0002] Ventilators are used for the treatment of respiratory disorders; they can be used in non-invasive and invasive ventilation, both in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings.

[0003] When ventilating a patient, a ventilator with an inspiratory branch for the flow of respiratory gases and, optionally, an expiratory branch can typically be used. The expiratory branch allows the patient to exhale respiratory gases, while the inspiratory branch supplies the patient with respiratory gases.

[0004] GB 2 101 895 discloses a ventilator comprising an inspiratory and an expiratory gas path, a device inlet and a device outlet, wherein the inspiratory gas path includes a gas actuator, a check valve, two pressure relief valves, and a manual switching valve. The check valve is configured to prevent gas flow in one direction, from the device outlet to the device inlet. The manual switching valve is arranged in a bypass to the check valve, allowing the check valve to be bypassed by opening the manual switching valve and gas to be recirculated from the device outlet towards the device inlet.

[0005] CN 107 308 531 discloses a valve with a non-return valve and a ventilator with such a valve. The valve regulates the inspiratory pressure. Furthermore, the valve is designed to prevent expiratory rebreathing of the patient into the ventilator.

[0006] CN 105 617 527 discloses an exhalation valve for use with a ventilator, featuring a bypass to ambient air. The bypass opens in the event of a ventilator failure, allowing the patient to breathe independently. The purpose is to divert exhaled air to the environment, preventing it from being rebreathed into the ventilator.

[0007] US 2012 / 145156 discloses a speaking valve for use in ventilated patients who have a tracheostomy and are therefore unable to speak while on ventilation.

[0008] US 8,893,718 discloses an anesthesia machine with a ventilation unit. The ventilation unit has an inspiratory and an expiratory branch. Both branches are unidirectional. A pressure relief valve is located at the point where the branch is closest to the patient.

[0009] With ventilators known in the prior art, blockages / disturbances can occur in both the expiratory and inspiratory branches of the ventilator.

[0010] An obstruction / disorder in the expiratory duct can be caused, for example, by the introduction of material such as medication or secretions. Obstructions / disorders in the expiratory duct can prevent a patient from exhaling respiratory gases.

[0011] A blockage or obstruction of the expiratory airway can, for example, prevent the airway pressure from decreasing to the desired level during expiration, thus preventing the patient from exhaling. Sustained elevated airway pressure can have harmful consequences. For instance, it can lead to a dangerous increase in intrathoracic pressure, resulting in reduced venous return, decreased cardiac output, and ultimately, a drop in arterial blood pressure.

[0012] In addition to the problem of a blockage / malfunction in the expiratory branch of the ventilator, a blockage / malfunction can also occur in the inspiratory branch. A blockage / malfunction in the inspiratory branch can be caused, for example, by a failure of the respiratory gas delivery system. Blockages / malfunctions in the inspiratory branch can prevent patients from inhaling or at least make it difficult.

[0013] The ventilators known in the prior art therefore have the disadvantage that, even with existing safety devices, they are not sufficiently protected against blockages, malfunctions or failures, so that inspiration and / or expiration of respiratory gas cannot be ensured.

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a ventilator that ensures the provision of inspiration and / or expiration of respiratory gas in the event of a disturbance / blockage of an inspiratory or expiratory branch of the ventilator.

[0015] The subject matter of the invention is defined by the independent claim. The dependent claims define embodiments of the invention.

[0016] This document describes a ventilator with at least one inlet and one outlet, and a breathing gas path between the inlet and outlet. The breathing gas path includes a breathing gas actuator, a check valve, and a switching valve. The breathing gas path is an inspiratory gas path. The ventilator comprises at least one inspiratory gas path and at least one expiratory gas path. At least one check valve is located in at least one inspiratory gas path.

[0017] The check valve can be located between the device inlet and the breathing gas drive. Alternatively, the check valve can be located between the breathing gas drive and the device outlet. A breathing gas drive can be a blower or a pressure source, in particular an oxygen or compressed air source.

[0018] A check valve prevents the flow of breathing gas in one direction, from the device outlet to the device inlet, while a switching valve allows, at least temporarily, the flow of breathing gas in one direction, from the device outlet to the device inlet or to a separate device opening. This separate device opening can be a second / separate device inlet or a second / separate device outlet. A switching valve can be electromechanical. For example, a switching valve can be a pneumatic valve with a solenoid valve or a bypass with a solenoid valve. A switching valve can be a 3 / 2-way valve, a pneumatic valve, or a diaphragm valve.

[0019] Exhaled respiratory gases from the patient can be removed via an expiratory airway of the ventilator. This prevents the recirculation of respiratory gases via the inspiratory airway.

[0020] The non-return valve prevents unwanted contamination of the breathing gas drive with contaminated patient breathing gas during normal operation of the ventilator. The integrated switching valve allows the non-return valve to be bypassed, at least temporarily, in the event of a blockage or malfunction of the expiratory airway. This offers the advantage that, in the event of an expiratory airway blockage, patient breathing gas can be discharged via the inspiratory airway.

[0021] A flow meter is located between the check valve and the device outlet. The flow meter is designed to measure the volume of breathing gas in the breathing gas path. The switching valve is configured to open or close based on the measured volume of breathing gas. This allows the switching valve to be controlled based on either the breathing gas volume or pressure. The switching valve can, for example, be controlled by a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0022] The switching valve is arranged in a bypass to the check valve. The bypass can be either open or closed. Closed means that the bypass connects to the breathing gas path from which it branches off, bypassing the check valve. The switching valve is located within the bypass. Open means that the bypass does not connect to the breathing gas path from which it branches off. Rather, an open bypass is a breathing gas path that may, for example, have a separate / second device outlet. The open bypass typically branches off between the device outlet and the breathing gas actuator or the check valve and connects to the separate / second device outlet. Alternatively, the open bypass can branch off between the check valve and the breathing gas actuator and connect to the second / separate device outlet. A flow meter may be located within the open bypass.The flow meter is typically located between the second / separate device outlet and the bypass. A separate switching valve can be installed in the open bypass. This switching valve can be time-controlled, patient-triggered, or activated based on the flow, volume, or pressure of the breathing gas detected by the flow meter. The flow meter is typically located between the switching valve and the common device outlet. Optionally, the open bypass can be configured in addition to a closed bypass. The open bypass offers the advantage that breathing gas exhaled by the patient can be discharged to the environment via the separate / second device outlet.

[0023] In a further development, at least one switching valve forms a bypass around the check valve. By forming a closed bypass around the check valve, the check valve can be bypassed in such a way that the breathing gas is introduced around the check valve into the same breathing gas path from which it was diverted. Optionally, at least one switching valve forms an open bypass around the check valve. With the open bypass, in the event of a blockage or malfunction of the inspiratory breathing gas path, breathing gas can be discharged via the open bypass, past the check valve, and through a separate device outlet.

[0024] In this embodiment, at least one switching valve is configured to open and / or close the bypass, and the switching valve is configured to switch automatically. The switching valve is configured to open or close automatically based on the determined volume of the breathing gas.

[0025] In this configuration, the breathing gas actuator is arranged between the device inlet and the check valve and configured to deliver breathing gas towards the check valve and the device outlet. The arrangement of the breathing gas actuator defines a suction side and a pressure side within the ventilator. The suction side is the side upstream of the breathing gas actuator in the direction of gas flow. The pressure side is the side downstream of the breathing gas actuator in the direction of gas flow. Due to the positioning of the breathing gas actuator directly after the device inlet, the check valve, the switching valve, and the flow meter are located on the pressure side of the ventilator.

[0026] In one embodiment, the bypass to the switching valve branches off between the breathing gas actuator and the check valve and re-enters the breathing gas path between the check valve and the device outlet. This arrangement protects the breathing gas actuator from unwanted contamination by recirculated breathing gas during normal operation of the ventilator.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the breathing gas actuator is arranged between the check valve and the device outlet and configured to deliver breathing gas towards the device outlet. Due to the arrangement of the breathing gas actuator between the check valve and the device outlet, the check valve and the switching valve are located on the suction side of the ventilator.

[0028] In a further development of the alternative design, the bypass to the switching valve branches off between the device inlet and the check valve and rejoins the breathing gas path between the check valve and the breathing gas drive. This offers the advantage that the check valve can be bypassed. Furthermore, in such an arrangement, the switching valve and the check valve are located on the suction side of the ventilator.

[0029] In a further embodiment, in addition to the bypass, a second breathing gas path is provided, comprising a second device inlet and at least one check valve, and opening into the first breathing gas path upstream of the common device outlet. Typically, the second breathing gas path is a separate inspiratory breathing gas path, designed to provide an alternative breathing gas path through which breathing gas can be inhaled in the event of a blockage or malfunction of the inspiratory breathing gas path. The second inspiratory breathing gas path may include a separate breathing gas actuator. For example, the breathing gas actuator is located between the second device inlet and the check valve of the second breathing gas path. Furthermore, the second breathing gas path may include a separate flow meter designed to measure the flow rate, volume, or pressure of the breathing gas in the second breathing gas path.

[0030] In a further embodiment, a breathing gas path for expiratory gas flow is included, comprising an expiratory device inlet and an expiratory device outlet. This breathing gas path is designed to convey the patient's exhaled gas. The expiratory device inlet is typically located close to the patient, while the expiratory device outlet is positioned further away. The breathing gas path is designed to convey the patient's exhaled gas to the expiratory device outlet, thus enabling the patient to exhale.

[0031] In this advanced training, the breathing gas path runs from the expiratory device inlet to the expiratory device outlet, and a switching valve and a flow meter are located within this path. The flow meter is typically positioned between the expiratory device outlet and the switching valve. The switching valve is usually configured to be activated based on a defined time interval or a patient trigger. Alternatively, the switching valve can be activated based on the flow, volume, or pressure of the breathing gas measured by the flow meter. The flow meter, located between the expiratory device outlet and the switching valve, is typically configured to detect the flow, volume, or pressure of the breathing gas and provide feedback to the ventilator regarding the patient's exhaled breathing gas.

[0032] In a further development, a separate expiratory gas path with a switching valve and a flow meter leads from the expiratory device inlet to a separate device outlet. This separate expiratory gas path is designed to discharge the patient's exhaled gas, for example, in the event of a blockage or malfunction of the expiratory gas path. The flow meter, located between the expiratory device outlet and the switching valve, is typically configured to measure the flow, volume, or pressure of the exhaled gas and provide feedback on the gas expelled by the patient.

[0033] In this configuration, a tubing system is adapted to the device outlet. A first branch of this system leads to a patient interface, and a second branch, located before the patient interface, leads to the expiratory device inlet for expiratory breathing gas. Optionally, the tubing system can be a single-tube system. Alternatively, a leakage tubing system can be adapted to the device outlet. The tubing system connects the patient interface to at least one inspiratory breathing gas path. Optionally, the tubing system connects the patient interface to at least one inspiratory and at least one expiratory breathing gas path.

[0034] In a further development, the switching valve is arranged in the bypass, wherein the bypass is designed as an open bypass comprising a separate device outlet, wherein the open bypass branches off from the inspiratory breathing gas path between the check valve and the device outlet and leads into the separate device outlet, wherein the inspiratory breathing gas path has at least one further valve and a flow measuring device, wherein the flow measuring device is arranged between the breathing gas drive and the check valve.

[0035] This document also describes a ventilator with at least one device inlet and one device outlet and a breathing gas path between the device inlet and device outlet, wherein a breathing gas actuator, a check valve and a switching valve are arranged in the breathing gas path.

[0036] The switching valve is arranged in the bypass, wherein the bypass is designed as an open bypass comprising a separate device outlet, wherein the open bypass branches off from the inspiratory breathing gas path between the check valve and the device outlet and leads into the separate device outlet, wherein the inspiratory breathing gas path has at least one further valve and a flow measuring device, wherein the flow measuring device is arranged between the breathing gas drive and the check valve.

[0037] The following section explains preferred embodiments in more detail using highly simplified schematic diagrams. It shows Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ventilator with an inspiratory gas path with a bypass around a non-return valve; Fig. 2 shows an alternative arrangement of the components. Fig. 1The embodiment of the ventilator shown in Fig. 3 has an inspiratory gas path with a bypass around a non-return valve, and Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the device shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 1 The ventilator shown, with the inspiratory gas path with the bypass and a second inspiratory gas path, Fig. 4 shows an alternative arrangement of the in Fig. 2 embodiment shown in Fig. 1 The ventilator shown, with the inspiratory gas path with the bypass and the second inspiratory gas path, Fig. 5 shows an alternative arrangement of the in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 The embodiment of the ventilator shown, with the inspiratory gas path with the bypass and the second inspiratory gas path, Fig. 6 shows an alternative arrangement of the components shown. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ventilator according to the invention, with the inspiratory gas path including the bypass and the second inspiratory gas path; Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the ventilator with the inspiratory gas path and the second inspiratory gas path, as well as with an expiratory gas path and a separate expiratory gas path; Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the ventilator with the inspiratory gas path including an open bypass with a separate device outlet; Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in Figure 10. Fig. 9The ventilator shown, with the inspiratory gas path with the open bypass and the separate device outlet, Fig. 11, shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the ventilator shown in Fig. 11, with the inspiratory gas path with the open bypass and the separate device outlet. Fig. 9 The ventilator shown, with the inspiratory gas path with the open bypass and the separate device outlet, Fig. 12, shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the - in the Figure 9 and 11 The ventilator shown has an inspiratory gas path with an open bypass and a separate device outlet.

[0038] In the figures, the same constructive elements each have the same reference numerals.

[0039] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ventilator 10 with an inspiratory gas path 16a, a bypass 17, and a check valve 13a. The inspiratory gas path 16a comprises a device inlet 11a and a device outlet 15a. The device outlet 15a is located close to the patient, and the device inlet 11a is located farther away. The gas path 16a extends from the device inlet 11a to the device outlet 15a. The gas path 16a includes a gas actuator 12a, a check valve 13a, and a switching valve 14a. The switching valve 14a is arranged in a bypass 17 to the check valve 13a. The bypass 17 branches off between the breathing gas actuator 12a and the check valve 13a and rejoins the inspiratory breathing gas path 16a between the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a. The breathing gas actuator 12a is located between the device inlet 11a and the check valve 13a.Breathing gas can be returned towards the device inlet 11a via the switching valve 14a arranged in the bypass 17, thereby bypassing the check valve 13a.

[0040] Figure 2 shows an alternative arrangement of the in Figure 1The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 includes the inspiratory gas path 16a with the bypass 17 around the check valve 13a. The inspiratory gas path 16a comprises the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a. The gas path 16a extends from the device inlet 11a to the device outlet 15a. The gas path 16a includes the check valve 13a, the gas actuator 12a, and the switching valve 14a. The switching valve 14a is arranged in the bypass 17 to the check valve 13a. In this alternative arrangement, the bypass 17 branches off between the device inlet 11a and the check valve 13a and rejoins the inspiratory gas path 16a between the check valve 13a and the gas actuator 12a. The breathing gas actuator 12a is located between the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a. Breathing gas can be returned to the device inlet 11a via the switching valve 14a located in the bypass 17 after it has passed through the breathing gas actuator 12a.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a schematic structure of another embodiment of the in Figure 1 The ventilator 10 shown comprises the inspiratory gas path 16a, the bypass 17, and a second inspiratory gas path 16b. The inspiratory gas path 16a extends from the device inlet 11a to the device outlet 15a. The inspiratory gas path 16a includes the gas actuator 12a, the check valve 14a, and the switching valve 14a, the switching valve 14a being arranged in the bypass 17 to bypass the check valve 13a. The in Figure 3The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 has a second inspiratory gas path 16b extending from a second device inlet 11b to the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b opens into the inspiratory gas path 16a between the check valve 13a and the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b may include a check valve 13b. For example, in the event of a blockage or malfunction of the inspiratory gas path 16a, breathing gas can be drawn via the second inspiratory gas path 16b through the separate device inlet 11b and supplied to the patient. Additionally, in the event of a blockage of an expiratory gas path, breathing gas can be recirculated through the switching valve 14a by bypassing the check valve 13a, thus enabling the patient to exhale.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement of the in Figure 2The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 comprises the inspiratory gas path 16a, the bypass 17, and the second inspiratory gas path 16b. In this alternative embodiment, the check valve 13a is arranged in the inspiratory gas path 16a between the device inlet 11a and the gas actuator 12a. The bypass 17 is formed around the check valve 13a, branching off from the device inlet 11a and re-entering the inspiratory gas path 16a between the check valve 13a and the gas actuator 12a. The gas actuator 12a is arranged between the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b opens into the inspiratory gas path 16a between the gas actuator 12a and the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory airway 16b may include a non-return valve 13b.In this embodiment, for example, if the inspiratory airway 16a is blocked or malfunctioning, breathing gas can be drawn via the second inspiratory airway 16b and supplied to the patient via the separate device inlet 11b. Additionally, if an expiratory airway is blocked, breathing gas can be recirculated through the switching valve 14a by bypassing the check valve 13a, thus enabling the patient to exhale.

[0043] Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement of the in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 embodiment of the ventilator 10 shown, with the inspiratory breathing gas path 16a, the bypass 17 and the second inspiratory breathing gas path 16b.

[0044] The inspiratory gas path 16a extends from the device inlet 11a to the device outlet 15a and includes the gas actuator 12a, the check valve 14a, and the switching valve 14a. The switching valve 14a is arranged in the bypass 17 to bypass the check valve 13a. The bypass 17 is formed between the gas actuator 12a and the device outlet 15a. The in Figure 5The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 also features the second inspiratory gas path 16b, which extends from the second device inlet 11b to the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b opens into the inspiratory gas path 16a between the check valve 13b and the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b has a check valve 13b and a gas actuator 12b, the gas actuator 12b being located between the second device inlet 11b and the check valve 13b. In this embodiment, as elsewhere, in the event of a blockage or malfunction of the inspiratory gas path 16a, breathing gas can be drawn via the second inspiratory gas path 16b through the separate device inlet 11b and supplied to the patient.Additionally, in the event of a blockage of an expiratory airway, respiratory gas can also be recirculated by bypassing the non-return valve 13a via the switching valve 14a located in the bypass 17, thus enabling the patient to exhale.

[0045] Figure 6 shows an alternative arrangement of the in Figure 2 and Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 comprises the inspiratory gas path 16a, the bypass 17, and the second inspiratory gas path 16b. The inspiratory gas path 16a extends from the device inlet 11a to the device outlet 15a and includes the check valve 14a, the switching valve 14a, and the gas actuator 12a. The switching valve 14a is arranged in the bypass 17 to bypass the check valve 13b. The bypass 17 with the switching valve 14a is arranged between the device inlet 11a and the gas actuator 12a. Figure 6The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 has a second inspiratory gas path 16b, which extends from a second device inlet 11b to the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b opens into the inspiratory gas path 16a between the gas actuator 12a and the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b has a check valve 13b and a gas actuator 12b, the gas actuator 12b being arranged between the second device inlet 11b and the check valve 13b.

[0046] Figure 7 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ventilator 10 according to the invention, comprising the inspiratory gas path 16a with a bypass 17 and an expiratory gas path 16c.

[0047] The inspiratory gas path 16a extends from the device inlet 11a to the device outlet 15a. The inspiratory gas path 16a comprises the gas actuator 12a, the check valve 13a, and the switching valve 14a, which is arranged in a bypass 17 to the check valve 13a, as well as a flow meter 18a. The flow meter 18a is located between the bypass 17 and the device outlet 15a. The flow meter 18a measures the volume of gas in the gas path. For a predetermined volume of gas over a predetermined period, the switching valve can be controlled, for example, by means of a 3 / 2-way valve. The switching valve is typically configured to set a PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) in the range of 0–20 hPa, preferably 0–15 hPa.

[0048] The expiratory gas path 16c extends from an expiratory device inlet 21 to the expiratory device outlet 22a and includes a switching valve 14b and a flow meter 18c. The flow meter 18c is located between the expiratory device outlet 22a and the switching valve 14b. The flow meter 18c serves to measure the flow, volume, or pressure of the respiratory gas in the gas path. Based on the values ​​measured by the flow meter 18c, feedback about the volume of respiratory gas delivered by the patient can be provided to the ventilator.

[0049] A tubing system 19 with a first branch 24 and a second branch 25 is adapted to the device output 15a. The first branch 24 leads from the device output 15a to a patient interface 20. Prior to the patient interface 20, the tubing system 19 with a second branch 25 leads to the expiratory device inlet 21 for expiratory respiratory gas. A patient interface 20 is connected via the tubing system 19 to the inspiratory branch 16a and the expiratory branch 16c.

[0050] At the in Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10, a breathing gas can be drawn in via the device inlet 11a and guided via the breathing gas actuator 12a and the check valve 13a towards the device outlet 15a. From the device outlet 15a, the breathing gas is routed via branch 24 of the adapted tubing system 19 to the patient interface 20, through which the patient can inhale the breathing gas. The patient's exhaled air can be routed via branch 25 of the adapted tubing system 19 through the expiratory device inlet 21 to the breathing gas path 16c. The breathing gas is then routed via the expiratory breathing gas path 16c to the expiratory device outlet 22a and discharged into the environment. In the event of a blockage or malfunction of the expiratory breathing gas path 16c, the breathing gas can be discharged into the inspiratory breathing gas path 16a by opening the switching valve 14a in the bypass 17.

[0051] Figure 8Figure 1 shows a schematic structure of another embodiment of the ventilator 10 with the first inspiratory breathing gas path 16a and the second inspiratory breathing gas path 16b as well as with the expiratory breathing gas path 16c and a separate expiratory breathing gas path 16d.

[0052] The inspiratory gas path 16a extends from the device inlet 11a to the device outlet 15a. The inspiratory gas path 16a includes the gas actuator 12a, the check valve 13a, and a flow meter 18a. The flow meter 18a is located between the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a. The flow meter 18a measures the flow rate, volume, or pressure of the gas delivered to the patient via the inspiratory gas path 16a.

[0053] The in Figure 8The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 has a second inspiratory gas path 16b extending from the second device inlet 11b to the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b joins the inspiratory gas path 16a between the flow meter and the common device outlet 15a. The second inspiratory gas path 16b may include the separate gas actuator 12b, the check valve 13b, and a flow meter 18b. The separate gas actuator 12b is arranged between the second device inlet 11b and the check valve 13b. The flow meter 18b can detect the volume or pressure of the inspiratory gas in the gas path 16b and transmit this information to the ventilator 10. In the event of a blockage of the inspiratory airway 16a, respiratory gas can be drawn via the second inspiratory airway 16b and supplied to the patient via the device inlet 11b.

[0054] The in Figure 8 The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 further comprises the expiratory gas path 16c, which extends from the expiratory device inlet 21 to the expiratory device outlet 22a and includes the switching valve 14b and the flow meter 18c. The flow meter 18c is arranged between the expiratory device outlet 22a and the switching valve 14b. The flow meter 18c detects the volume and / or pressure of the respiratory gas expelled by the patient. Respiratory gas expelled by the patient can be discharged via the expiratory gas path 16c.

[0055] The flow measuring devices 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d can be configured to detect a flow or volume or pressure of the respiratory gas in the respiratory gas path and, based on this, to switch or open and close a switching valve or to provide feedback to the ventilator 10 about the flow or volume or pressure of the respiratory gas supplied to the patient or respiratory gas expelled by the patient.

[0056] The in Figure 8The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 also features a separate expiratory gas path 16d. This separate expiratory gas path 16d branches off from the expiratory gas path 16c and extends to a separate device outlet 22b. The separate expiratory gas path 16d comprises a switching valve 14c and a flow meter 18d. The flow meter 18d detects the flow, volume, or pressure of the respiratory gas expelled by the patient. In the event of a blockage or malfunction of the expiratory gas path 16c, respiratory gas expelled by the patient can be discharged via the separate expiratory gas path 16d.

[0057] A tubing system 19 with a first branch 24 and a second branch 25 is adapted to the device output 15a. The first branch 24 leads from the device output 15a to a patient interface 20. Prior to the patient interface 20, the tubing system 19 with the second branch 25 leads to the expiratory device inlet 21 for expiratory breathing gas. The patient interface 20 is connected via the tubing system 19 to the inspiratory breathing gas path 16a, the second inspiratory breathing gas path 16b, the expiratory breathing gas path 16c, and the separate expiratory breathing gas path 16d.

[0058] Figure 9Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the ventilator 10 with the inspiratory gas path 16a, an open bypass 17, and a separate device outlet 15b. The inspiratory gas path 16a of the ventilator 10 comprises the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a. Between the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a are the gas actuator 12a, the check valve 13a, and the switching valve 14a, with the switching valve 14a being located in the bypass 17. The bypass 17 is designed as an open bypass that includes a separate device outlet 15b. The open bypass 17 branches off from the inspiratory gas path 16a between the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a and opens into the separate device outlet 15b. The breathing gas drive 12a is located between the device inlet 11 and the check valve 13a.The switching valve 14a can be switched based on a timer, patient-triggered operation, or based on the flow or volume of the respiratory gas measured by a flow meter. The flow meter is positioned between the separate device outlet 15b and the switching valve 14a. The switching valve 14a, located in the open bypass 17, allows respiratory gas exhaled by the patient to be discharged via the switching valve 14a if the inspiratory gas path 16a is blocked. Due to the placement of the check valve 13a between the respiratory gas actuator 12a and the device outlet 15a, the check valve 13a is located on the pressure side of the ventilator 10.

[0059] Figure 10 shows an alternative schematic structure of a Fig. 9The illustrated embodiment of the ventilator 10 comprises the inspiratory gas path 16a and the open bypass 17 with the separate device outlet 15b. The inspiratory gas path 16a of the ventilator 10 includes the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a. Between the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a are the check valve 13a, the gas actuator 12a, and the switching valve 14a, with the switching valve 14a being located in the bypass 17. The bypass 17 is designed as an open bypass that includes a separate device outlet 15b. The open bypass 17 branches off from the inspiratory gas path 16a between the gas actuator 12a and the device outlet 15a and opens into the separate device outlet 15b. The breathing gas drive 12a is located between the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a.The switching valve 14a, located in the open bypass 17, allows exhaled respiratory gas to be discharged via the switching valve 14a if the inspiratory gas path 16a is blocked. The open bypass 17, positioned between the respiratory gas actuator 12a and the device outlet 15a, allows respiratory gas to be recirculated without passing through the respiratory gas actuator. The check valve 13a, located between the device inlet 11a and the respiratory gas actuator 12a, is situated on the suction side of the ventilator 10.

[0060] Figure 11 shows an alternative schematic structure of a [structure] in the Figures 9 and 10The alternative embodiment of the ventilator 10 shown comprises the inspiratory gas path 16a and the open bypass 17 with the separate device outlet 15b. The inspiratory gas path 16a of the ventilator 10 includes the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a. Between the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a are the gas actuator 12a, the check valve 13, and the switching valve 14a, the switching valve 14a being located in the bypass 17. The bypass 17 is designed as an open bypass that includes a separate device outlet 15b. The open bypass 17 branches off from the inspiratory gas path 16a between the check valve 13a and the gas actuator 12a and opens into the separate device outlet 15b. The breathing gas drive 12a is located between the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a.Via the switching valve 14a arranged in the open bypass 17, it is possible to discharge respiratory gas exhaled by the patient via the switching valve 14a in the event of a blockage of the inspiratory gas path 16a. Due to the arrangement of the check valve 13a between the device inlet 11a and the respiratory gas actuator 12a, the check valve 13a is located on the suction side of the ventilator 10.

[0061] Figure 12Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the ventilator 10 with the inspiratory gas path 16a, the open bypass 17, and the separate device outlet 15b. The inspiratory gas path 16a of the ventilator 10 comprises the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a. Between the device inlet 11a and the device outlet 15a are the gas actuator 12a, the check valve 13a, a flow meter 27, and the switching valve 14a, the switching valve 14a being located in the bypass 17. The bypass 17 is designed as an open bypass comprising a separate device outlet 15b and at least one flow meter 27. The open bypass 17 branches off from the inspiratory breathing gas path 16a between the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a and leads into the separate device outlet 15b. The breathing gas actuator 12a is located between the device inlet 11a and the check valve 13a.The switching valve 14a can be switched based on a timer, patient-triggered operation, or based on the flow or volume of the respiratory gas detected by the flow measuring device 27 located in the bypass 17. The flow measuring device 27 in the bypass 17 is located between the separate device outlet 15b and the switching valve 14a. In the event of a blockage of the inspiratory respiratory gas path 16a, the switching valve 14a, located in the open bypass 17, allows respiratory gas exhaled by the patient to be discharged via the switching valve 14a. Due to the arrangement of the check valve 13a between the respiratory gas actuator 12a and the device outlet 15a, the check valve 13a is located on the pressure side of the ventilator 10.

[0062] The in Figure 12The illustrated embodiment further shows that the inspiratory gas path 16a additionally comprises at least one further valve 26, which is configured to ensure a supply of oxygen, air, or compressed air to the inspiratory gas path 16a. Furthermore, the inspiratory gas path 16a comprises at least one flow meter 27, wherein the flow meter 27 is arranged between the gas actuator 12a and the check valve 13a. The further valve 26 can open into the inspiratory gas path 16a between the device inlet 11a and the gas actuator 12a, as well as between the flow meter 27 and the check valve 13a. The further valve 26 is generally a proportional valve.

[0063] During the Figure 12In the illustrated embodiment, the open bypass section 17 with the switching valve 14a, the flow meter 27, and the separate device outlet 15b, as well as the inspiratory gas path section 16a with the check valve 13a and the device outlet 15a, are removable from the ventilator and autoclavable. The inspiratory gas path section 16a with the device inlet 11a, the gas actuator 12a, and the flow meter 27 is designed and configured such that it does not come into contact with contaminated breathing gas.

[0064] Optionally, the ones in the Figures 9 to 11 The alternative embodiments of the ventilator 10 shown each include a flow measuring device that detects a flow or volume or pressure of the respiratory gas in the respiratory gas path.

[0065] Optionally, the switching valve 14a can be supplied in alternative embodiments, as shown in the Figures 9 to 11shown, switchable based on the flow or volume detected by the flow measuring device.

[0066] Optionally, the ones in the Figures 9 to 11 alternative embodiments shown with the features described in the Figures 1 to 8 The embodiments shown can be combined. Alternatively, the embodiment shown in the Figures 9 to 11 shown open bypass 17 the closed bypass 17 in the in the Figures 1 to 8 replace the embodiments shown. Reference symbol list

[0067] 10 Ventilator 11a Device inlet 11b Second, separate device inlet 12a Breathing gas actuator 12b Breathing gas actuator 13a Check valve 13b Check valve 14a Switching valve 14b Switching valve 14c Switching valve 14d Switching valve 15a Device outlet 15b Separate device outlet 16a First breathing gas path 16b Second breathing gas path 16c Breathing gas path, for expiratory breathing gas flow 16d Separate expiratory breathing gas path 17 Bypass 18a Flow meter 18b Flow meter 18c Flow meter 18d Flow meter 19 Tubing system 20 Patient interface 21 Expiratory device inlet 22a Expiratory device outlet 22b Expiratory device outlet 23 Tubing system 24 First branch 25 Second Branch 26 further valves, proportional valve 27 further flow measuring devices

Claims

1. A respiratory apparatus (10) comprising at least one expiratory respiratory gas path, having at least one apparatus inlet (11a) and one apparatus outlet (15a) and an inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) between the apparatus inlet (11a) and the apparatus outlet (15a), wherein a respiratory gas drive (12a), a check valve (13a), and a switching valve (14a) are arranged in the inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a), wherein the check valve (13a) is arranged in the inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) and is configured to prevent a flow of respiratory gas in a direction from the apparatus outlet (15a) to the apparatus inlet (11a), and wherein the switching valve (14a) is configured, when the expiratory respiratory gas path is blocked, to discharge respiratory gas of the patient via the inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) in that the check valve (13a) is bypassed through the switching valve (14a) in order to at least temporarily enable a flow of respiratory gas in a direction from the apparatus outlet (15a) to the apparatus inlet (11a) or to a separate apparatus opening, wherein the switching valve (14a) is arranged in a bypass (17) to the check valve (13a), characterized in that a flow measuring device (18a) is arranged between the check valve (13a) and the apparatus outlet (15a), the flow measuring device (18a) is configured to record a volume of the respiratory gas in the respiratory gas path, and the switching valve (14a) is configured to be openable or closable based on the recorded volume of the respiratory gas, which enables the switching valve (14a) to be switched depending on the respiratory gas volume.

2. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one switching valve (14a) forms a bypass (17) around the check valve (13a).

3. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one switching valve (14a) is configured to open and / or to close the bypass (17), wherein the switching valve (14a) is configured to be switchable automatically.

4. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respiratory gas drive (12a) is arranged between the apparatus inlet (11a) and the check valve (13a) and is configured to convey respiratory gas in the direction of the check valve (13a) and the apparatus outlet (15a).

5. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bypass (17) branches off to the switching valve (14a) between the respiratory gas drive (12a) and the check valve (13a) and opens again into the respiratory gas path (16a) between the check valve (13a) and the apparatus outlet (15a).

6. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the respiratory gas drive (12a) is arranged between the check valve (13a) and the apparatus outlet (15a) and is configured to convey respiratory gas in the direction of the apparatus outlet (15a).

7. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the bypass (17) branches off to the switching valve (14a) between the apparatus inlet (11a) and the check valve (13a) and opens again into the inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) between the check valve (13a) and the respiratory gas drive (12a).

8. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to the bypass (17), a second inspiratory respiratory gas path (16b) is designed, which comprises a second apparatus inlet (11b) and at least one check valve (13b) and opens into the first inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) upstream of the common apparatus outlet (15a).

9. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respiratory gas path (16c) for an expiratory respiratory gas flow is comprised which comprises an expiratory apparatus inlet (21) and an expiratory apparatus outlet (22a).

10. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, from the expiratory apparatus inlet (21), the respiratory gas path (16c) for the expiratory respiratory gas flow leads to the expiratory apparatus outlet (22a) and a switching valve (14b) and a flow measuring device (18c) are arranged in the respiratory gas path (16c) for the expiratory respiratory gas flow.

11. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, between the expiratory apparatus inlet (21) and the switching valve (14b), a separate expiratory respiratory gas path (16d) with a switching valve (14c) and a flow measuring device (18d) leads to a separate apparatus outlet (22b).

12. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tube system (19) that leads with a first branch (24) to a patient interface (20) and leads with a second branch (25) upstream of the patient interface (20) to the expiratory apparatus inlet (21) for expiratory respiratory gas is adapted at the apparatus outlet (15a).

13. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to at least one of claims 1-4 or 6, characterized in that the switching valve (14a) is arranged in the bypass (17), wherein the bypass (17) is designed as an open bypass which comprises a separate apparatus outlet (15b), wherein the open bypass (17) branches off from the inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) between the check valve (13a) and the apparatus outlet (15a) and opens into the separate apparatus outlet (15b), wherein the inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) has at least one further valve (26) and a flow measuring device (27), wherein the flow measuring device (27) is arranged between the respiratory gas drive (12a) and the check valve (13b).

14. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1-12, characterized in that the bypass is closed and opens into the respiratory gas path (16a) from which it branches off and thereby bypasses the check valve (13a).

15. The respiratory apparatus (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the second inspiratory respiratory gas path (16b) extends from the second apparatus inlet (11b) to the common apparatus outlet (15a), wherein the second inspiratory respiratory gas path (16b) opens into inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) between the check valve (13a) and the common apparatus outlet (15a), wherein, when the inspiratory respiratory gas path (16a) is blocked / disrupted, respiratory gas can be drawn via the second inspiratory respiratory gas path (16b) via the separate apparatus inlet (11b) and supplied to the patient, and additionally, when an expiratory respiratory gas path is blocked, respiratory gas can be fed back through the switching valve (14a), by bypassing the check valve (13a), and an exhalation can be enabled for the patient.