MODULAR SWITCHING VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A VENTILATION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching valve assembly for switching between two breathing gas sources of a ventilator, the switching valve assembly comprising: a housing with a first source connection opening for connecting a first breathing gas source, with a second source connection opening arranged at a distance from the first source connection opening for connecting a second breathing gas source, and with an output connection opening arranged at a distance from the first and second source connection openings for outputting breathing gas from at least one of the source connection openings, a first gas supply line connecting the first source connection opening to the output connection opening, a second gas supply line connecting the second source connection opening to the output connection opening, a valve arrangement accommodated in the housing, which is adjustable between a first operating state in which it opens the first gas supply line for the flow of breathing gas and closes the second gas supply line, and a second operating state,in which it blocks the first gas supply line and releases the second gas supply line for the flow of breathing gas.

[0002] A switching valve assembly with the features mentioned above is known from DE 29 18 791 A1. This known switching valve assembly serves to continuously supply a consumer (not further specified) connected to the outlet connection opening with gas from cylinder banks connected to the first and second source connection openings.

[0003] Especially when supplying artificially ventilated patients with breathing gas, an uninterrupted supply can contribute significantly to the success of the treatment or even be life-saving.

[0004] An uninterrupted supply of breathing gas is particularly difficult to take for granted when the breathing gas cannot be drawn from a virtually infinite source, such as the ambient atmosphere, but rather from a limited supply. This is the case with so-called "hi-flow" ventilators, which continuously deliver breathing gas to the patient's mouth and / or nose, independent of the patient's breathing rhythm and the volume of each breath. The breathing gas, often delivered to a nasal cannula or oronasal mask worn by the patient, is then preferably oxygen or oxygen-enriched air, which has a higher oxygen content than the ambient atmosphere.

[0005] The changeover valve assembly known from DE 29 18 791 A1 teaches in general terms how to use the gas pressures of the gas sources connected to the source connection openings to automatically switch the valve arrangement back and forth between its first and second operating state. If the gas source at one source connection opening is running low while the gas source at the other source connection opening is still fully available, the exhaustion of one gas source leads to a decreasing gas pressure in the gas supply line connected to this gas source, so that the gas pressure of the other gas source, which then increases relative to the gas pressure of one gas source, causes the valve arrangement to be adjusted. As a result, the dwindling gas source is fluidically separated from the output connection opening and the full gas source supplies the output connection opening.The exhausted gas source can then be replaced with a fresh one, which is then activated by its relatively increasing gas pressure when the last activated gas source also begins to run out.

[0006] DE 29 18 791 A1 teaches that not only one gas cylinder as a supply but also entire cylinder batteries with a plurality of gas cylinders can be connected to each source connection opening in order to make the replacement cycles of the individual gas sources connected to the source connection openings as long as possible.

[0007] This leads to two disadvantages: First, the use of cylinder banks results in relatively poor utilization of the individual cylinder filling, since the cylinder banks of a gas source must be interconnected via fan-shaped lines so that each individual cylinder in the cylinder bank is connected to the assigned source connection port and can supply gas to it. This increases the dead space on the gas source side. Gas from the cylinders in a cylinder bank can flow between the cylinders in the cylinder bank and does not necessarily have to reach the outlet connection port.

[0008] Second, the switch valve assembly equipped with cylinder banks quickly becomes unwieldy and can only be used as a stationary switch valve assembly. Configuring the switch valve assembly to accommodate a specific number of connectable cylinders can only be achieved through appropriate design of the switch valve assembly by using fan lines that connect the desired number of cylinders to a source connection opening. Changing a selected configuration can then only be achieved through undesirably complex assembly work.

[0009] In view of the disadvantages described above, it is the object of the present invention to improve the switching valve assembly mentioned at the outset in such a way that any number of separate gas sources, in particular respiratory gas sources, can be connected to a consumer, preferably to a ventilation device, particularly preferably to an above-mentioned "Hi-Flow" ventilation device, wherein the individual gas sources should be reliably emptied and a consumer supplied with more than two gas sources should continue to be usable as a mobile switching valve assembly.

[0010] The present invention achieves this object with the switching valve assembly mentioned at the outset in that the switching valve assembly is designed to be stackable as a modular switching valve assembly, in that the housing has a first outer side section with a first stack outer surface section and a second outer side section arranged at a distance and / or angular distance relative to the first outer side section with a second stack outer surface section complementary to the first stack outer surface section, wherein the output connection opening is formed on an outer side section from the first and the second outer side section, and wherein a source connection opening from the first and the second source connection opening is formed as a subsequent connection opening on the respective other outer side section from the first and the second outer side section, in such a way that then,if the first and second stack outer surface sections are intended as stack outer surface sections of similar separate modular changeover valve assemblies in stack engagement with each other, sections of gas supply lines extending from the outlet and the subsequent connection opening into the housing are connected to form a continuous gas supply line region.

[0011] The switching valve assembly of the present application is thus stackable, i.e., two switching valve assemblies designed according to the above-mentioned problem solution and therefore of the same type can be brought into stacking engagement with one another and thus stacked together in such a way that the output connection opening of one switching valve assembly can supply to a source connection opening of the other switching valve assembly. The source connection opening following the output connection opening in the supply direction is therefore referred to in the present application as the "follow-up connection opening."

[0012] The design required for this type of stackability can be easily determined on a single changeover valve assembly, just as with stackable toy building blocks (such as Lego® bricks). This must have the first and second stack outer surface sections at different locations, i.e. offset from one another, so that the first stack outer surface section of this changeover valve assembly can be connected to the second stack outer surface section of a similar changeover valve assembly to form a gas supply line section that is continuous across both changeover valve assemblies, and / or so that the second stack outer surface section of this changeover valve group can be connected to the first stack outer surface section of a similar changeover valve assembly to form a gas supply line section that is continuous across both changeover valve assemblies.Consequently, the first and second stack outer surface sections of one and the same switching valve assembly of the present application are basically designed to be brought into said stack engagement with one another, by which the gas supply line section leading to the output connection opening is connected to the gas supply line section extending from a source connection opening and leading into the housing to form a common gas supply line region.

[0013] The switching valve assembly can therefore be imagined as being divided into two assembly parts, such that each assembly part has a different outer surface section of the two outer surface sections with the respective associated stacking outer surface section. These two assembly parts can then be stacked together by creating a stacking engagement between the two stacking outer surface sections of the respective assembly parts.

[0014] Preferably, the housings of stacked, similar switching valve assemblies form a common flush outer surface, at least in sections. Preferably, at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, of the length of an externally visible parting line of a parting line formed between two stacked switching valve assemblies is arranged in a common flush outer surface formed by the two switching valve assemblies.

[0015] In principle, it is sufficient to ensure the desired stackability if a gas supply line section originating from the output connection opening and extending into the housing and a gas supply line section originating from the subsequent connection opening and extending into the housing form a continuous gas supply line region when the stacking engagement is established. Preferably, the output connection opening and the subsequent connection opening are arranged on the housing such that they are aligned with one another when the stacking engagement is established, which facilitates the sealing of the connection between the output and subsequent connection openings against gas penetration between the gas supply line region and the external environment.

[0016] To ensure stackability, the subsequent connection opening and the output connection opening of one and the same switching valve assembly can be penetrated by one and the same opening axis, wherein the opening axis preferably runs parallel to a stacking axis along which a plurality of similar modular switching valve assemblies can be stacked. Preferably, the subsequent connection opening and the output connection opening are arranged concentrically to the opening axis. Likewise, for reasons of maximum simplicity of production, the gas supply line sections extending from the subsequent connection opening and the output connection opening into the housing are preferably penetrated by the opening axis, particularly preferably concentrically to the opening axis.

[0017] In the region of a connection opening, a connection formation can be provided for secure connection to a gas source or to a consumer. The connection formation can be a thread, part of a bayonet lock, or a male or female part of a known quick-action coupling for gas lines. Each connection opening is preferably provided with a connection formation. To prevent a connection formation from colliding with structures outside the changeover valve assembly and becoming damaged when the changeover valve assembly is handled, at least one connection formation, preferably all connection formations, of a changeover valve assembly are preferably arranged set back into the housing from an opening and / or an edge of the connection opening assigned to the connection formation.

[0018] The fact that the stack outer surface sections are located on an outer side section of the housing ensures that the complementary stack outer surface sections of separate but similar changeover valve assemblies can be brought into engagement with one another.

[0019] In principle, it is conceivable to arrange the one or more modular switching valve assemblies in a stacking frame provided for this purpose, in particular to hold two or more modular switching valve assemblies in a stacked engagement with one another. However, such a stacking frame as an additional component is dispensable without compromising the ability to secure the switching valve assemblies in the stacked engagement if the switching valve assembly has connecting means for connecting to a similar modular switching valve assembly. For example, the switching assembly can have an engagement projection and an engagement recess, wherein the engagement projection, for example a movable engagement hook, is designed to engage with the engagement recess of a similar modular switching valve assembly.

[0020] A simple yet effective way of securing similar modular reversing valve assemblies in a stacked engagement with one another can be realized by providing at least one connecting formation as a connecting means on each outer side section of the first and second outer side sections, which is designed to secure a physical connection of the modular reversing valve assembly to a similar separate modular reversing valve assembly. Modular reversing valve assemblies connected to one another to form a stacked reversing valve assembly cascade can then be directly connected to one another and secured to one another in a stacked engagement.

[0021] The stackability of a modular switching valve assembly with a similar modular switching valve assembly is expressed constructively when forming the above-mentioned connection formations in that a spatial relative arrangement between the subsequent connection arrangement and the connection formation in the outer side section having the subsequent connection arrangement is the same spatial relative arrangement which exists between the output connection opening and the connection formation in the outer side section having the output connection opening.Since the outer side sections that abut or oppose one another after stack engagement have been established usually have to be mirror-imaged relative to one another with respect to a plane of mirror symmetry orthogonal to the stack axis, the spatial relative arrangements of the connecting formation and the subsequent connection arrangement in one outer side section, on the one hand, and of the connecting formation and the output connection opening in the other outer side section, on the other hand, can be mirror-imaged on a switching valve assembly. However, this does not change the fact that the spatial relative arrangements are the same, taking mirror symmetry into account, i.e., the at least one connecting formation and the connection opening in each of the two outer side sections that accommodate them are arranged in identical directions and at identical distances from one another.

[0022] The at least one connecting formation of the first outer side section can be complementary to the at least one connecting formation of the second outer side section, for example, as a projection and recess, wherein the two connecting formations can be secured to one another, for example, by threads, by a bayonet lock, or by combining a locking projection with a locking recess. A connecting formation within the meaning of the present application also includes a through-opening extending through the housing from the first to the second outer side section, through which a connecting means, such as a threaded rod, a screw, a clamping device, or the like, can be passed.The through-openings of switching valve assemblies stacked along a stacking axis are preferably aligned so that they are penetrated by a common connecting means and the switching valve assemblies can be secured to one another in the stacked state by a common connecting means per through-opening.

[0023] To ensure that a breathing gas source can be connected to a modular switching valve assembly that is part of a package of stacked modular switching valve assemblies, it is preferably provided that the respective other source connection opening from the first and second source connection openings, which is not the follower connection opening, is provided in a different outer side section of the housing than the first and second outer side sections. The other outer side section is still exposed even if the outer side section having the follower connection opening and the outer side section having the output connection opening are located in a stack of similar modular switching valve assemblies and are covered by outer side sections of other similar modular switching valve assemblies.

[0024] A simple and effective stacking of two or more similar modular changeover valve assemblies while simultaneously requiring the smallest possible installation space volume for the stack thus produced can be made possible by the first and second outer side sections being formed on opposite housing sides facing away from one another.

[0025] The respective other source connection opening can be formed in a third outer side section, which connects the first and the second outer side section to one another. For example, the housing can have a space-saving parallelepiped-like outer shape. In particular, a cube- or cuboid-shaped housing shape is conceived so that several similar modular changeover valve assemblies can be brought into stack engagement with one another to form a stack by simply stacking one on top of the other along a stacking axis, with an unchanged floor plan area. Although this is not absolutely necessary, in a preferred cuboid-shaped housing the first and the second outer side section each form a different end face of the housing. The third outer side section can then be formed on one of the lateral shell surface sections.The end faces are preferably the largest side surfaces of the cuboid-shaped housing, so that sufficient space is available both for the arrangement of the respective connection opening and for the arrangement of the at least one connection formation preferably mentioned above.

[0026] In the case of a cube-shaped or cuboid-shaped housing, the stacking axis and the aforementioned opening axis are preferably oriented orthogonally to two opposite, parallel outer side sections.

[0027] Of course, a conventional breathing gas source, such as a gas cylinder, can be connected to the subsequent connection opening if the modular switching valve assembly is used as the only switching valve assembly for supplying breathing gas to a ventilator.

[0028] The complementary configurations of the first and second stack outer surface sections ensure that the first and second stack outer surface sections fit together to establish the stack engagement. The stack engagement can be a form-fitting engagement of the first and second stack outer surface sections and / or can be a contact engagement of the first and second stack outer surface sections.

[0029] If a positive engagement is to be produced as a stack engagement between the first and the second stack outer surface section, the first stack outer surface section can have a formation of a projection and a recess and the second stack outer surface section can have the respective other formation of a projection and a recess complementary to the formation of the first stack outer surface section.

[0030] In the case of a contact engagement other than the stack engagement, the first stack outer surface section and the second stack outer surface section can each be flat or complementarily curved stack outer surface sections. If, according to a preferred development, the modular switching valve assembly has at least one connecting formation in each of the first and second outer side sections, two connecting formations in each of the first and second outer side sections are sufficient for the correct relative orientation of modular switching valve assemblies to be stacked.

[0031] Likewise, the first and second outer side sections can be planar outer side sections, as is the case with the parallelepiped-shaped housing mentioned above. The stacking axis and the aforementioned opening axis are then preferably oriented orthogonally to the first and second outer side sections.

[0032] To create a continuous gas supply line section that is as gas-tight as possible, a sealing arrangement, such as a sealing ring, is provided at the mouth or edge of at least one connection opening comprising the secondary and output connection openings. When stacked together, the sealing arrangement comes into contact with a structure of the further switching valve assembly. Preferably, a sealing arrangement is arranged at each of the secondary and output connection openings. Preferably, the structure of the further switching valve assembly against which the sealing arrangement comes into contact is the sealing arrangement on the further switching valve assembly.In order to achieve the best possible sealing effect, the outwardly facing surfaces of the sealing arrangement at the output connection opening on the one hand and the sealing arrangement at the subsequent connection opening on the other hand can be designed to be complementary to one another, so that they fit into one another in the manner of a key-lock principle and, when in contact with one another, can form a type of labyrinth seal in addition to or alternatively to a sealing effect by deforming contact with one another.

[0033] In principle, the stack outer surface sections can be designed as desired. However, they preferably have a spatially assigned connection opening, so that the aforementioned sealing arrangement is preferably arranged in the respective stack outer surface section. However, it is also possible to use the stack outer surface sections solely to ensure a correct relative arrangement between two similar modular changeover valve assemblies. The correct relative arrangement then ensures that, when the stack is engaged, the connection openings arranged at a distance from the complementary stack outer surface sections in the respective outer side sections and their gas supply line sections extending from the respective connection openings into the housing are connected to one another to form a continuous gas supply line area that extends beyond the connection openings.

[0034] A changeover valve arrangement of the type mentioned above, in particular the modular stackable changeover valve arrangement described above, can undesirably trap a gas volume in the region of the gas supply line to be blocked from flow when a valve body of its valve arrangement is displaced between its two operating positions assigned to the different operating states of the valve arrangement. The trapped gas volume can then, like a gas spring, counteract the actually desired adjustment of the valve body into the desired operating position and, in the worst case, prevent the operating position from being reached or only allow the operating position to be reached briefly and then move the valve body back out of the actually desired operating position.

[0035] The switching valve assembly known from DE 29 18 791 A1 has two separate valve bodies in the form of translationally displaceable valve pistons. The valve piston closer to the output connection opening opens a valve via a mechanical tappet in the area where it blocks a gas supply line. Through this valve, the blocked gas supply line is flushed with reduced-pressure gas, which is discharged downstream of the output connection opening from a gas line connected to the output connection opening and downstream of a pressure reducer. Due to its design, the switching valve assembly known from DE 29 18 791 A1 also allows for the entrapment of a gas volume in the area of ​​the gas supply line to be blocked, with the aforementioned adverse effects.

[0036] In addition, when the previously blocked gas supply line is reopened for gas flow, the known changeover valve assembly creates a direct flow path from the very high-pressure gas source into the gas line leading to the consumer downstream of the pressure reducer for a brief but significant period of time. Such a flow path, even if only briefly present, can have fatal consequences in the case of a patient requiring ventilation.

[0037] In view of the disadvantages described above, the valve arrangement of a switching valve assembly of the type mentioned at the outset, which preferably contributes to the supply of patients with respiratory gas, in particular a modular stackable switching valve assembly described above, has a first and a second valve body different from the first, wherein the first and the second valve body are each arranged in the flow path between the first and the second source connection opening on the one hand and the output connection opening on the other hand, wherein the first valve body is displaceably received in a first valve body cavity and wherein the second valve body is displaceably received in a second valve body cavity arranged at a distance from the first valve body cavity,wherein the first and the second valve body are each displaceable between a first operating position associated with the first operating state and a second operating position associated with the second operating state, wherein the switching valve assembly has a first sealing arrangement acting between the first valve body and the first valve body cavity, which defines a first cavity region and a second cavity region different from the first in the first valve body cavity, wherein the switching valve assembly has a second sealing arrangement acting between the second valve body and the second valve body cavity, which defines a third cavity region and a fourth cavity region different from the third in the second valve body cavity, wherein a cavity region of the first and third cavity regions is part of the first gas supply line as the first supply cavity region, but not part of the second gas supply line,and wherein a cavity region of the second and fourth cavity regions is part of the second gas supply line as the second supply cavity region, but not part of the first gas supply line, , wherein the switching valve assembly has a first vent line which connects the first supply cavity region to a first sink connection opening different from the output connection opening, wherein the switching valve assembly has a second vent line which connects the second supply cavity region to a second sink connection opening different from the output connection opening, wherein that other cavity region of the first and third cavity regions which is not the first supply cavity region is part of the first vent line as the first vent cavity region, but not of the first gas supply line, and wherein that other cavity region of the second and fourth cavity regions which is not the second supply cavity region is part of the second vent line as the second vent cavity region, but not of the second gas supply line.

[0038] By forming the first and second vent lines, each of which leads to a drain connection opening, gas can be diverted from the valve body cavity to a gas drain. This prevents the valve body, which is housed in the valve body cavity, from trapping a quantity of gas in a critical cavity area. The critical cavity area only needs to be part of the first or second vent line. Since two operating positions of valve bodies exist, each of which blocks a different gas supply line, two critical cavity areas can also exist in which the trapping of a quantity of gas by the valve body prevents it from reaching the blocking operating position and / or remaining in it.Advantageously, for venting the two critical cavity regions, each of these two critical cavity regions can be part of a different vent line from the first or the second vent line.

[0039] In the simplest and therefore preferred case, the gas sink is the ambient atmosphere, so that the sink connection opening can simply be an opening of the respective vent line into the ambient atmosphere.

[0040] However, it should not be excluded that a filter and / or a gas collection container is connected to at least one sink connection opening.

[0041] The gas sink of the first vent line can be different from the gas sink of the second vent line. However, for a preferred ventilation application, it is generally sufficient if both gas sinks are the same gas sink. The first and second sink connection openings can then be implemented together in a single sink connection opening. The first and second vent lines can then have a common vent line section, at least in an area close to the common sink connection opening. However, for reasons of simpler production, separate design of the first and second sink connection openings and the first and second vent lines may be preferred.This applies in particular when the first and second vent lines are designed as drilled vent lines and lead to vent cavity regions which are spatially located apart from each other by a distance coordinate which runs transversely to the respective bore axes of the vent lines.

[0042] In principle, each of the two valve bodies can be designed such that it blocks or opens a gas supply line on one active side and influences a gas flow in a vent line on its other active side. However, such a design is complicated and requires compliance with certain boundary conditions on the valve bodies. A clearer functional assignment and greater design freedom can be advantageously utilized if the first cavity area is the first supply cavity area, the second cavity area is the second supply cavity area, the third cavity area is the first vent cavity area, and the fourth cavity area is the second vent cavity area. In this case, both supply cavity areas are realized by one of the two valve body cavities, and both vent cavity areas are realized by the other of the two valve body cavities.Subsequently, one of the two valve bodies is assigned to both supply cavity areas, and the other valve body is assigned to both vent cavity areas. This allows each valve body cavity and each valve body accommodated within it to be designed and implemented for its intended valve function.

[0043] To implement the valve arrangement and its venting function, a wall surrounding the first venting cavity region, in particular a cavity wall, can surround a first venting valve body region of a valve body and a wall surrounding the second venting cavity region, in particular a cavity wall, can surround a second venting valve body region of a valve body, wherein the first venting valve body region is designed to open or close the first venting line for a gas flow depending on the operating position of the valve body having the first venting valve body region, and wherein the second venting valve body region is designed to open or close the second venting line for a gas flow depending on the operating position of the valve body having the second venting valve body region.Preferably, as already explained above, the first and second venting valve body regions are formed on the same valve body.

[0044] Likewise, to ensure the delivery function of the valve arrangement, a wall surrounding the first delivery cavity region, in particular a cavity wall, can surround a first delivery valve body region, and a wall surrounding the second delivery cavity region, in particular a cavity wall, can surround a second delivery valve body region, wherein the first delivery valve body region is designed to block or release the first gas delivery line for a gas flow depending on the operating position of the valve body having the first delivery valve body region, and wherein the second delivery valve body region is designed to block or release the second gas delivery line for a gas flow depending on the operating position of the valve body having the second delivery valve body region. Preferably, as already explained above, the first and second delivery valve body regions are formed on the same valve body.This is preferably a valve body on which no venting valve body area is formed.

[0045] In principle, it can be envisaged that both the first and the second valve body both block the second vent line in their first operating position and both block the first vent line in their second operating position. However, since venting is only intended to release a residual amount of gas from a valve body cavity, a double closure of the vent lines by two or both valve bodies at the same time is unnecessary. It is therefore preferably provided that, of the first and the second valve body, only the valve body having the first vent valve body region is designed to open or close the first vent line for a gas flow, and / or that, of the first and the second valve body, only the valve body having the second vent valve body region is designed to open or close the second vent line for a gas flow.

[0046] In principle, it can be envisaged that both the first and the second valve body in their first operating position both block the first gas supply line and in their second operating position both block the second gas supply line. Precisely due to the advantageous venting enabled by the valve arrangement of the changeover valve assembly discussed here, a double blocking of the gas supply lines by two valve bodies is unnecessary. It is therefore preferably provided that, of the first and the second valve body, only the valve body having the first supply valve body region is designed to block or release the first gas supply line for a gas flow, and / or that, of the first and the second valve body, only the valve body having the second supply valve body region is designed to block or release the first gas supply line for a gas flow.

[0047] For a particularly space-saving design, a first gas line can be formed in the first supply valve body region, which is part of the first gas supply line, and a second gas line can be formed in the second supply valve body region, which is part of the second gas supply line. Additionally or alternatively, a first gas line can be formed in the first supply valve body region, which is part of the first vent line, and a second gas line can be formed in the second supply valve body region, which is part of the second vent line. In order to be able to vent precisely that critical cavity region in which an enclosed quantity of gas can have a particularly detrimental effect on the positioning of the valve body, the first gas line formed in the first supply valve body region is preferably part of both the first gas supply line and the first vent line.For the same reason, the second gas line formed in the second supply valve body region is preferably part of both the second gas supply line and the second vent line.

[0048] Preferably, both the first and second valve bodies can be displaced between their first and second operating positions solely by the gas pressures prevailing in the changeover valve assembly. This allows the first and second valve bodies, as well as the housing accommodating the two valve bodies, to be free of mechanical preloading means acting on the first and second valve bodies. This reduces the number of components in the changeover valve assembly and thus the number of potential error sources and potential maintenance requirements.

[0049] As a switching valve assembly for a ventilator, the switching valve assembly discussed here is also preferably lubricant-free so that no lubricant can be transported to a patient's airways.

[0050] At least one of the two valve bodies can be a valve body that can be displaced rotationally about a valve body pivot axis between its operating positions. Preferably, at least one of the two valve bodies, particularly preferably both valve bodies, is a valve body that can be displaced translationally between their operating positions, most preferably a valve piston. For displacement between their operating positions solely by gas pressures in the gas supply lines, at least one valve body, preferably both valve bodies, is preferably a double-acting valve piston. Preferably, each valve body is a double-acting valve piston, one piston effective surface of which is acted upon by gas from the first gas supply line and the other piston effective surface of which, acting in the opposite direction, is acted upon by gas from the second gas supply line.

[0051] The present invention also relates to a switching valve arrangement comprising a first switching valve assembly and a second switching valve assembly, each configured as described above, wherein the first stack outer surface section of one switching valve assembly comprising the first and second switching valve assemblies are in stack engagement with the second stack outer surface section of the other switching valve assembly comprising the first and second switching valve assemblies, forming a gas supply line region that is continuous across the outlet connection arrangement of one switching valve assembly and the subsequent connection arrangement of the other switching valve assembly.

[0052] The switching valve arrangement preferably comprises a prioritization valve assembly known per se, comprising a housing, a first source connection opening formed on the housing for connecting a first gas source, a second connection opening formed on the housing opposite the first prioritized source connection opening for connecting a second gas source, and an output connection opening formed on the housing for connecting a consumer to supply it with gas from the first or second gas source. The prioritization valve assembly comprises a first gas supply line connecting the first source connection opening to the output connection opening, and a second gas supply line connecting the second source connection opening to the output connection opening of the prioritization valve assembly.The prioritization valve assembly further comprises a prioritization valve arrangement whose double-acting valve body has differently dimensioned, opposing active surfaces such that it blocks the first gas supply line and opens the second gas supply line when a gas source with a predetermined minimum gas pressure is connected to the second source connection opening, regardless of whether or not a predetermined gas source is connected to the first source connection opening and regardless of the fill level of the predetermined gas source. With such a prioritization valve arrangement, a clinical building-installed breathing gas source as the second gas source can always be given priority for flow to the output connection opening of the prioritization valve assembly over a breathing gas cylinder as the first gas source.

[0053] Preferably, the prioritization valve arrangement is stackable with a switching valve arrangement described above such that the first source connection opening of the prioritization valve arrangement and the first gas supply line extending from it into the housing of the prioritization valve arrangement connect to the output connection opening of the switching valve arrangement in a state stacked with the switching valve arrangement.

[0054] Preferably, the housing of the prioritization valve arrangement is configured with the same dimensions as the housing of the switching valve arrangement, at least in one plane orthogonal to the stack axis, so that the prioritization valve arrangement and the switching valve arrangement can jointly form a substantially flush outer surface. For permanent connection to the switching valve arrangement, the prioritization valve arrangement can have at least one connecting formation that matches the at least one connecting formation of the switching valve arrangement. Therefore, the above statements regarding the connecting formation of the switching valve arrangement apply accordingly to the connecting formation of the prioritization valve arrangement.

[0055] The prioritization valve arrangement can be provided in addition to or alternatively to the above-mentioned second switching valve assembly in the switching valve arrangement.

[0056] The present invention further relates to a ventilation device, preferably a mobile ventilation device for supplying a patient with respiratory gas, comprising a respiratory gas inlet, a respiratory gas outlet, a respiratory gas line which connects the respiratory gas inlet to the respiratory gas outlet, a flow changing device for changing the amount of respiratory gas flowing through the respiratory gas outlet per unit of time and / or for changing the respiratory gas pressure at the respiratory gas outlet and a control device for controlling the operation of the flow changing device, wherein upstream of the respiratory gas inlet, the output connection opening of at least one switching valve assembly designed as described above or a switching valve arrangement designed as described above is connected in a gas-transmitting manner to the respiratory gas inlet of the ventilation device.

[0057] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the housing of a switching valve assembly according to the invention with a view of the output connection opening, Fig. 2 a longitudinal sectional view through the housing along the section plane II-II parallel to the two end faces in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Fig. 3 a longitudinal sectional view through the housing along the section plane III-III, which is orthogonal to the end faces and parallel to the longitudinal sections of the lateral surface, of Figure 2 , Fig. 4 a plan view of the Figure 1 longitudinal section of the shell surface facing away from the observer, when viewing the housing along the arrow IV of Figure 2 , Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view along the section plane VV orthogonal to the end faces and parallel to the transverse sections of the lateral surface of Figure 2 , Fig. 6 a plan view of the Figure 1the transverse section of the shell surface facing away from the observer, when viewing the housing along the arrow VI of Figure 2 , Fig. 7Top view of the Figure 1 front side of the housing facing away from the viewer with a source connection opening, which is the subsequent connection opening of the housing, Fig. 8 a longitudinal sectional view through the switching valve assembly according to the invention with the valve arrangement in the first operating state, wherein the sectional plane through the switching valve assembly is the same sectional plane as that of the Figure 2 Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view according to Figure 8 by the switching valve assembly according to the invention with the valve arrangement in an intermediate operating state between the first operating state of Figure 8 and the second operating state of Figure 10 , Fig. 10 a longitudinal sectional view according to Figure 8through the switching valve assembly according to the invention with the valve arrangement in the second operating state, Fig. 11 a longitudinal sectional view according to Figure 8 by the switching valve assembly according to the invention with the valve arrangement in an intermediate operating state between the second operating state of Figure 10 and the first operating state of Figure 8 , Fig. 12 a perspective view of a stack of switching valve arrangements of the Fig. 1 to 11 and a prioritization valve assembly in a ventilation system for the uninterrupted supply of a patient with respiratory gas from several successively delivering respiratory gas sources, Fig. 13 a perspective exploded view of the stack of Fig. 12 , and Fig. 14 a longitudinal sectional view through follow-up and output connection openings on the stack of Fig. 12 and 13 and by the gas supply pipeline sections emanating from them, which form a common, continuous gas supply pipeline area.

[0058] Based on the jointly considered Figures 1 to 7 First, the complex line structure within the housing 12 of a changeover valve assembly 10 according to the invention is explained.

[0059] In Figure 1 The housing 12 of a switching valve assembly according to the invention is shown in perspective from the outside. The viewer of Figure 1 faces an end face as a second outer side section 14. The outer side section 14 has a flat second stack outer surface section 16 in which a discharge connection opening 18 is formed. The discharge connection opening 18 forms the end of a discharge gas supply line section 20, which in the illustrated example extends along a virtual discharge gas supply path AG, which is a straight discharge gas supply path AG for reasons of simplified manufacturing. The discharge gas supply path AG is oriented orthogonally to the stack outer surface section 16.

[0060] Figure 7 shows the end face forming the first outer side section 22, which also has a flat first stack outer surface section 24. The flat stack outer surface sections 24 and 16 are parallel to one another and can be brought into contact with one another in a planar manner if two housings 12, each with a stack outer surface section 24 and 16, are used.

[0061] A first source connection opening 26 is formed in the first outer side section 22 and also in the first stack outer surface section 24, from which a first source gas supply line section 28 extends along a virtual first source gas supply path QG1 into the housing 12. The first source gas supply path QG1 is rectilinear and oriented orthogonally to the first stack outer surface section 24.

[0062] The first source connection opening 26 and the output connection opening 18 can be aligned with one another when two similar switching valve assemblies or housings 12 are stacked along a stacking axis SA in a stacking engagement such that the first stack outer surface section 24 and the second stack outer surface section 16 abut one another. The first source connection opening 26 is therefore a subsequent connection opening 26 within the meaning of the above description introduction. Therefore, the first source connection opening 26 and the output connection opening 18 are arranged along mutually coaxial gas supply paths: first source gas supply path Q1 and output gas supply path AG, which form a common opening axis.The first source gas supply line section 28 and the output gas supply line section 20 are also aligned with one another in the described stacking engagement and form a common gas supply line region 30 across the aligned connection openings 26 and 18 (see . Figure 14 ).

[0063] The output connection opening 18 is surrounded by a sealing arrangement 32 in the form of an O-ring, which is arranged in a groove 34 formed concentrically with the output connection opening 18 at a radial distance from the output connection opening 18. In stack engagement with a first stack outer surface portion 22 of another housing 12, the sealing arrangement 32 bears sealingly against the first stack outer surface portion 24.

[0064] To secure a first gas source 88a (see Fig. 12 ), such as a hose 92a leading from a gas cylinder 88a to the housing 12 (see Fig. 12), a first source connection formation 36 in the form of an internal thread is formed at the first source connection opening 26 and in the first source gas supply line section 28. A connecting piece of a line hose 92a or the like can be screwed into this.

[0065] Likewise, to secure a gas line leading to a consumer, again a line hose 96 (see Fig. 12 ), an output connection formation 38, also in the form of an internal thread, is formed at the output connection opening 18 and in the output gas supply line section 20. A connecting piece of a line hose 96 or similar leading to a consumer can be screwed into this.

[0066] Instead of the internal threads shown, bayonet lock formations or pneumatic quick couplings can also be designed as connection formations.

[0067] As in the Figure 2 and 5As can be seen, the housing 12 has a first valve body cavity 40 located closer to the output connection opening 18 or the output gas supply line section 20, and a second valve body cavity 42 located further away from the output connection opening 18 or the output gas supply line section 20. The first valve body cavity 40 extends along a rectilinear first cavity axis KA1. The second valve body cavity 42 extends along a rectilinear second cavity axis KA2 parallel to the first cavity axis KA1. The parallelism of the cavity axes KA1 and KA2 is not absolutely necessary, but practical. A first and a second valve body 74, 76, respectively, are displaceably received in the valve body cavities 40 and 42 on the ready-to-use switching valve assembly 10 (see Figures 8 to 11 ).

[0068] The viewer of Figure 4 looks at the Figure 1longitudinal section 44 of the circumferential surface 46 facing away from the observer between the end faces. The longitudinal section 44 forms a third outer side section which runs between the first outer side section 22 and the second outer side section 16, in the illustrated example of the cuboid housing 12 orthogonal to these.

[0069] Parallel to the longitudinal section 44 runs the Figure 1 recognizable further longitudinal section 48. The two longitudinal sections 44 and 48 are connected to each other by two transverse sections 50 and 52 of the lateral surface 46, which are also parallel to each other and orthogonal to the end faces.

[0070] In the longitudinal section 44, i.e., the third outer side section 44, a second source connection opening 54 is formed, which is similar in shape to the first source connection opening 26. This has the advantage that a gas source connectable to the first source connection opening 26 can also be connected to the second source connection opening 54, and vice versa. A second gas supply line section 56 thus extends from the second source connection opening 54 along a virtual second source gas supply path QG2, which, like the previously mentioned gas supply paths QG1 and AG, is designed as a rectilinear source gas supply path QG2. In the example shown, the second source gas supply path QG2 is oriented orthogonally to the first source gas supply path QG1 and to the output gas supply path AG.To ensure a connection between a gas source, which can also be a gas line, and the housing 12, a second source connection formation 58 in the form of an internal thread is formed in the second gas supply line section 56. The statements made regarding the first source connection formation 36 also apply to the second source connection formation 58.

[0071] The first gas supply line 60 is explained below: the first gas supply line 60, to which the first gas supply line section 28 already belongs, comprises in the example shown a further line section 60a, which extends from the first gas supply line section 28 parallel to the first and second outer side sections 24 and 16 and also parallel to the transverse sections 50 and 52 of the jacket surface 46 past the valve body cavities 40 and 42 (see Figure 3). The further line section 60a is manufactured, for example, as a bore which, starting from the longitudinal section 44, is guided orthogonally thereto to the first gas supply line section 28.

[0072] A line section 60b is connected to the line section 60a orthogonally to the latter and parallel to the second valve body cavity 42 or parallel to the second cavity axis KA2, which is designed, for example, as a bore starting from the transverse section 50.

[0073] Finally, the first gas supply line 60 has a third line section 60c which is orthogonal to both the line section 60a and the line section 60b and which finally opens into a first longitudinal end region 42c of the second valve body cavity 42, located closer to the transverse section 50. From there, a further line section 60d of the first gas supply line 60 leads to a first longitudinal end region 40a of the first valve body cavity 40, located closer to the transverse section 50. A line section 62 (see Fig. 5 ) of the first gas supply line 60 to the output gas supply line section 20. Thus, gas can flow from the first source connection opening 22 along the first gas supply line 60 to the output connection opening 18.

[0074] The second gas supply line 64 is described below (see Figure 2): the second source gas supply line section 56 extending from the second source connection opening 54 into the housing 12 is a first section of the second gas supply line 56. This second source gas supply line section 56 opens directly into a longitudinal end region 42d of the second valve body cavity 42 located closer to the transverse section 52. From this longitudinal end region 42d of the second valve body cavity 42, a further line section 66 leads to a longitudinal end region 40b of the first valve body cavity 40 located closer to the transverse section 52. From the first valve body cavity 40, the line section 62, which is thus part of both the first gas supply line 60 and the second gas supply line 64, leads to the output gas supply line section 20, which is also part of both the first gas supply line 60 and the second gas supply line 64.

[0075] The line section 62 is located in front of the cutting planes of the Figure 2and 8 to 11 .

[0076] The line sections 60d and 66 thus run parallel to each other between opposite longitudinal end regions of the first valve body cavity 40 and the second valve body cavity 42.

[0077] A first vent line 68 and a second vent line 70 are also formed in the housing 12. The first vent line 68 is located closer to the transverse section 50 and preferably runs parallel to it and parallel to the end faces. The second vent line 70 is located closer to the transverse section 52 and preferably runs parallel to it and parallel to the end faces.

[0078] The first vent line 68 comprises a first line section 68a, which preferably runs parallel to the line section 60d, but closer to the longitudinal center of the first valve body cavity 40 between the first valve body cavity 40 and the second valve body cavity 42 and connects the cavities to one another.

[0079] The first vent line 68 also includes a second line section 68b, which runs from the second valve body cavity 42 to a drain connection opening 68c and thus opens to the outside environment of the housing 12. In the example shown, the drain connection opening 68c is located in the longitudinal section 44 of the lateral surface 46. The opening of the second line section 68b into the second valve body cavity 42 is offset relative to the opening of the first line section 68a into the second valve body cavity 42 along the second cavity axis KA2, specifically in the example shown in the direction of the longitudinal center of the second valve body cavity 42.

[0080] The second vent line 70 comprises a first line section 70a, which preferably runs parallel to the line section 66, but closer to the longitudinal center of the first valve body cavity 40 between the first valve body cavity 40 and the second valve body cavity 42 and connects the cavities to one another.

[0081] The second vent line 70 also comprises a second line section 70b, which runs from the second valve body cavity 42 to a drain connection opening 70b and thus opens to the outside environment of the housing 12. In the example shown, the drain connection opening 70c is located in the longitudinal section 44 of the lateral surface 46. The opening of the second line section 70b into the second valve body cavity 42 is offset relative to the opening of the first line section 70a into the second valve body cavity 42 along the second cavity axis KA2, specifically in the example shown in the direction of the longitudinal center of the second valve body cavity 42.

[0082] The two second sections 68b and 70b of the first and second vent lines 68 and 70, respectively, are consequently spaced apart from one another along the second cavity axis KA2 by a smaller distance than the first two sections 68a and 70a.

[0083] At two diagonally opposite corners of the four corners of the housing 12, a connecting formation 72a and 72b, respectively, is formed in the exemplary form of a through-bore or a through-channel. For example, a screw 86 (see FIG. Fig. 12 and 13) or a threaded rod or other clamping device can be passed through in order to connect two or more housings 12 to one another along a stacking axis SA orthogonal to the end faces and to secure them to one another. The connecting formation 72a is located in the housing corner formed by the transverse section 52 and the longitudinal section 44. The connecting formation 72b is located in the opposite housing corner formed by the transverse section 50 and the longitudinal section 48. The connecting formations can be formed in more than two corners, in a different pair of corners, or even at locations other than the housing corners, to name just a few possible variations.

[0084] Generally speaking, those sections located in the extension of line sections which do not themselves fulfill a line function but were formed solely for the production of the associated coaxial line section are designated by the same reference numeral as the associated coaxial line section, but with the addition of an apostrophe. These apostrophized production sections are formed, on the outer side section into which they terminate, with an end section of enlarged diameter in order to be able to arrange a closure 51 of the apostrophized production sections therein, which seals the production sections from the outside environment. The end sections of enlarged diameter are designated by the same reference numeral as the associated coaxial line section, but with the addition of a double apostrophe.

[0085] In Figure 8the complete switching valve assembly 10 is shown, with a first valve body 74 accommodated in the first valve body cavity 40 and a second valve body 76 accommodated in the second valve body cavity 42. The first and second valve bodies 74 and 76 are translationally displaceable, double-acting valve pistons, which are acted upon at their respective longitudinal ends with gas from the first gas supply line 60 and from the second gas supply line 64. In Figure 8The switching valve assembly 10 is shown in its first operating position, in which the first gas supply line 60 is open for gas flow from the first source connection opening 26 to the output connection opening 18, and in which the second gas supply line 64 is closed for gas flow from the second source connection opening 54 to the output connection opening 18. Likewise, the first vent line 68 is closed and the second vent line 70 is open for flow.

[0086] The first valve body 74 and the second valve body 76 are in their first operating position.

[0087] The first valve body 74 has a first sealing arrangement 78, which in the illustrated example comprises six sealing rings 78a to 78f from left to right. The sealing rings 78a to 78f are arranged on the first valve body 74 for movement together with the first valve body 74 and seal against the inner wall of the first valve body cavity 40.

[0088] Likewise, the second valve body 76 has a second sealing arrangement 80, which in the illustrated example comprises six sealing rings 80a to 80f from left to right. The sealing rings 80a to 80f are arranged on the second valve body 76 for joint movement with the second valve body 76 and seal against the inner wall of the second valve body cavity 42.

[0089] The first sealing arrangement 78, in particular the seals 78c and 78d, defines the first cavity region 40a and the second cavity region 40b, which is fluidically separated from the first, in the first valve body cavity 40. The first cavity region 40a, as a first supply cavity region 40a, is part of the first gas supply line 60, but not of the second gas supply line 64. The second cavity region 40b, as a second supply cavity region 40b, is part of the second gas supply line 64, but not of the first gas supply line 60.

[0090] In the first valve body 74, Figure 8At the left end, in the first supply valve body region 74a of the first valve body 74, a line section 60e extending along the longitudinal axis of the first valve body 74 and a line section 60f extending orthogonally thereto are formed. The line section 60f opens into a ring line 60g extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the first valve body 74. The line sections 60e, 60f, and 60g formed in or on the first valve body 74 are both part of the first gas supply line 60 and part of the first vent line 68.

[0091] Likewise, in the first valve body 74, which is mirror-inverted with respect to a longitudinal center plane, Figure 8At the right end, in a second supply valve body region 74b of the first valve body 74, a line section 63a extending along the longitudinal axis of the first valve body 74 and a line section 63b extending orthogonally thereto are formed. The line section 63b opens into a ring line 63c extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the first valve body 74. The line sections 63a, 63b, and 63c formed in or on the first valve body 74 are both part of the second gas supply line 64 and part of the second vent line 70.

[0092] On the finished switching valve assembly 10, the valve body cavities 40 and 42 are closed at their respective longitudinal ends with locking nuts 82a and 82b. The three locking nuts 82a are identical. The locking nut 82b is larger than the locking nut 82a because the first valve body 74 is inserted into the first valve body cavity 40 through the opening it closes. For the same reason, a Figure 8 left end of the first valve body cavity 40 formed integrally with the housing 12, which has a smaller diameter than the remaining central region of the first valve body cavity 40, at which in Figure 8 right end of the first valve body cavity 40 by a separately designed and mounted bushing 84.

[0093] The sealing arrangement 78, in particular the seals 78a and 78b on the one hand and the seals 78e and 78f on the other hand, are limited in the Figure 8In the first operating position of the first valve body 74 shown, the line section 68a of the first vent line 68 is separated from the remaining first valve body cavity 40 and thus prevents a gas flow from the first valve body cavity 40 to line sections of the first vent line 68 located downstream in the venting direction.

[0094] The sealing arrangement 78, in particular the seals 78e and 78f, make in the second operating position of the first valve body 74 (see Figure 10 ) the same with the line section 70a or with the line sections of the second vent line 70 located downstream of the first valve body cavity 40 in the venting direction. In the Figure 8 In the first operating position of the first valve body 74 shown, the seals 78e and 78f have no specific function.

[0095] The second sealing arrangement 80, in particular the seals 80c and 80d, delimits on the second valve body 76 in its first venting valve body region 76a or in the second valve body cavity 42 a third cavity region 42a and a fourth cavity region 42b located in a second venting valve body region 76b of the second valve body 76. The third cavity region 42a is part of the first vent line 68 as the first vent cavity region 42a, but is not part of the second vent line 70 or one of the gas supply lines 60 and 64. The fourth cavity region 42b is part of the second vent line 70 as the second vent cavity region 42b, but is not part of the first vent line 68 or one of the gas supply lines 60 and 64. The cavity regions 42a and 42b are formed axially spaced from one another and each run annularly around the second valve body 76.

[0096] The second sealing arrangement 80, in particular the seal 80a on the one hand and the seal 80f on the other hand, delimit the longitudinal end cavity regions 42c and 42d from the third and fourth cavity regions 42a and 42b, respectively. The longitudinal end cavity regions 42c and 42d are part of the first gas supply line 60 and the second gas supply line 64, respectively, and can always be flowed through from the source connection opening in which they end to the output connection opening 18, regardless of the position of the second valve body 76. Thus, in the preferred embodiment shown, the second valve body 76 does not block a gas supply line 60 or 64 in any of its operating positions, but merely opens one vent line for flow and blocks the other vent line.

[0097] In the Figure 8In the first operating position of the second valve body 76 shown, the first sealing arrangement 80, in particular the seals 80a and 80b, delimits the line section 68a of the first vent line 68 from the remaining valve body cavity 42 and thus separates the line section 68a from the line section 68b, whereby the first vent line 68 is interrupted by the second valve body 76. In contrast, gas can escape from the second cavity region 40b via the line sections 63a, 63b and the ring line 63c into the line section 70a and from there via the fourth cavity region 42b into the line section 70b and finally via the sink outlet opening 70c from the housing 12 into the ambient atmosphere.

[0098] In the illustrated first operating position of the second valve body 76, no gas cushion can be enclosed in the second cavity region 40b, which would be suitable for moving the first valve body 74 from its Figure 8shown first operating position towards its second operating position to the left.

[0099] In the first operating position of the first valve body 76, gas can pass from the first source connection opening 26 via the line sections 60a, 60b, 60c, the longitudinal end cavity region 42c, the line section 60d, the first cavity region 40a, as well as via the line sections 60e and 60f formed inside the first valve body 74 and via the ring line 60g into the line section 20 and thus into the gas supply line section 20 and to the output outlet opening 18.

[0100] The end piston surfaces of the first valve body 74 are each formed in two parts, with a radially inner, disc-shaped piston surface section being arranged at an axial distance from a radially outer, annular piston surface section. A seal 79a or 79b is arranged axially between the two piston surface sections of one and the same piston surface. The seal 79a rests against the constriction 83 in the second operating position of the first valve body 74 and, together with the sealing arrangement 78, in particular the seal 78a, interrupts the first gas supply line 60 in the second operating position. Figure 8 In the first operating position of the first valve body 74 shown in FIG. 1, the seal 79b rests against an inner circumferential surface of the bushing 84 and thus, together with the sealing arrangement 78, in particular the seal 78f, blocks the second gas supply line 64. Gas from the second source connection opening 54 can be supplied in the Figure 8shown first operating position of the first valve body 74 only flow into the second cavity region 40b, but not further.

[0101] By dividing the two piston surfaces and by separating the radially inner disc-shaped piston surface section by the seal 79a or 79b on the side of the respectively deactivated, blocked gas supply line, a hysteresis of the first valve body 74 is effected, which prevents "fluttering" of the first valve body 74 when approximately equal pressures prevail in the gas supply lines 60 and 64.

[0102] The two ring lines 60g and 63c are each designed in such a way that in one of the two operating positions of the first valve body 74 they form a flow connection with the in front of the plane of the drawing of the Figure 2 and 8 to 11located line section 62 and in the other of the two operating positions establish a flow connection with a different one of the line sections 68a and 70a.

[0103] Similar to the first valve body 74, the piston surfaces at the longitudinal end regions of the second valve body 76 are also formed in two parts. Each of the piston surfaces has a radially inner, disc-shaped piston surface section and a radially outer, annular piston surface section axially offset from this. This also achieves hysteresis of the second valve body 76 in the event that similar or identical gas pressures prevail in the two end-side cavity regions 42c and 42d. The radially inner, disc-shaped piston surface section, which rests against a locking nut 82a in an operating position of the second valve body 76, is not reached by gas in the respective cavity region 42c or 42d, so that the gas pressure prevailing there only acts on the radially outer, annular piston surface section. On the opposite side of the second valve body 76, in contrast, the gas pressure acts on the entire piston surface.In addition, the axial end pins ensuring the axial offset of the piston surface sections ensure that the end cavity regions 42c and 42d can always be flowed through, regardless of the position of the second valve body 76 as part of the first or second gas supply line 60 or 64.

[0104] In the presentation of Figure 8 Assume that a full cylinder of breathing gas or oxygen is connected to the first source connection port 26 and the second source connection port 54 to supply a patient. The gas cylinder connected to the second source connection port 54 was the last one to be changed. During this changeover, gas was delivered from the cylinder at the first source connection port 26 via the first gas delivery line 60 to the output connection port 18. This delivery state still persists.

[0105] Thus, approximately equal gas pressures prevail in the first gas supply line 60 and in the second gas supply line 64. However, since the gas pressure in the first gas supply line 60 acts on the entire left piston surface of the first and second valve bodies 74 and 76, respectively, while the gas pressure in the second gas supply line 64 only acts on the radially outer annular right piston surface sections of the first and second valve bodies 74 and 76, respectively, a force results on both valve bodies 74 and 76, which forces each of the valve bodies 74 and 76 to the right into the Figure 8 shown and already assumed first operating position is loaded or tensioned.

[0106] Gas cylinders, i.e. individual gas cylinders, are preferred, via a pressure reducer 90a, 90b, 90c (see Fig. 12) is connected to the source connection openings 26 and 54, which reduces the higher pressure prevailing in the gas cylinders to, for example, a pressure of 6 bar (600 kPa). This reduced pressure prevailing at the source connection openings 26 and 54 remains approximately constant until shortly before complete emptying, before then beginning to drop rapidly as the cylinder approaches complete emptying.

[0107] The Figure 8The gas supply source at the first source connection opening 26 is now running low, resulting in the gas pressure prevailing in the second gas supply line 64 increasing relative to the gas pressure prevailing in the first gas supply line 60. The piston surfaces of the valve bodies 74 and 76 are dimensioned such that a smaller pressure difference between the first and second gas supply lines 60 and 64, respectively, is sufficient to displace the second valve body 76 between its operating positions than is required to displace the first valve body 74 between its operating positions.

[0108] Figure 9shows a transition phase with decreasing gas pressure in the first gas supply line 60, in which the relative overpressure in the second gas supply line 64 with respect to the first gas supply line 60 is sufficient to displace the second valve body 76 from its first operating position to the second, but is not sufficient to also displace the first valve body 74 from its first operating position to the second.

[0109] In the Figure 9In the second operating position of the second valve body 76 shown, it blocks the second vent line 70 and opens the first vent line 78, so that when the first valve body 74 is also moved into the second operating position, gas can escape from the first cavity region 40a via the first vent line 68 to the first sink outlet opening 68c and thus to the outside environment. However, this can only occur when the first valve body 76 reaches its second operating position and thereby connects the first cavity region 40a to the line section 68a via the line sections 60e, 60f and the ring line 60g.

[0110] As soon as the seal 79a seals against the constriction 83, only the radially outer annular piston surface section of the left piston surface of the first valve body 74 is subjected to the already decreasing pressure of the first gas supply line 60. The gas then trapped in the area of ​​the line sections 60e, 60f, and 60g formed therein as the first valve body 74 continues to move to the left is moved along with the first valve body 74. Only the gas trapped between the radially inner piston surface section sealed against the constriction 83 and the opposite closure nut 82a is compressed by the leftward movement of the first valve body 74 and ensures an increase in the gas pressure in the line sections 60e, 60f, and 60g inside the first valve body 74.

[0111] As soon as the first valve body 74 has its Figure 10has reached the second operating position shown, excess gas can escape from the line sections 60e, 60f and 60g inside the first valve body 74 via the first vent line 68 already opened by the second valve body 76.

[0112] Since in Figure 10 both valve bodies 74 and 76 are in the second operating position, Figure 10 the switching valve assembly 10 in its second operating state. The first gas supply line 60 is now interrupted and the emptied source connected to the first source connection opening 26 can be replaced with a fresh, filled source. Due to the described distribution of the piston surfaces and the second operating state on the left side of Figure 10of gas in the first gas supply line 60 only reachable radially outer piston surface sections, the pressure increase in the first gas supply line 60 caused by the source exchange does not change the operating state of the changeover valve assembly 10. This continuously supplies gas from one of the sources until it is emptied and then allows it to be replaced by a filled source.

[0113] In Figure 11 is one of the transition phases of Figure 9 corresponding further transition phase of the switching valve assembly 10 is shown, but this time during a transition from the second operating state in the Figure 8 shown first operating state.

[0114] As the source connected to the second source connection opening 54 continues to empty, the relative increase in the gas pressure in the first gas supply line 60 supplied by a fresh source initially causes the second valve body 76 to be moved into the first operating position, in which, as shown in Figure 8 , the first vent line 68 is interrupted and the second vent line is released for venting the second cavity region 40b.

[0115] In Figure 12 An exemplary system 2 for supplying a patient P with oxygen is shown in a rough schematic diagram. The system 2 comprises a stack 4 or a package 4 with two switching valve assemblies 10 and a likewise stackable prioritization valve assembly 11, which are stacked along a stacking axis SA.

[0116] The stack 4 is secured against disassembly by two connecting screws 86. The connecting screws 86 are inserted into the through-holes 72a and 72b of the housings 12 of the switching valve assemblies 10 and screwed into internally threaded openings 73a and 73b in the housing 13 of the prioritization valve assembly 11 (see Fig. 13 ).

[0117] The outer surfaces 46 of the housings 12 of the switching valve assemblies 10 and the outer surface 47 of the housing 13 of the prioritization valve assembly 11 form a common outer surface of the stack 4. The housing 13 of the prioritization valve assembly 11 thus has essentially the same dimensions as the housing 12. It is not harmful if the height dimension of the housing 13 along the stack axis SA deviates from the height dimension of the housing 12.

[0118] An oxygen cylinder 88a is connected to the first source connection port 26 of the uppermost switching valve assembly 10 in stack 4 via a line 92a, with a pressure reducer 90a interposed therebetween. The pressure reducer 90a reduces the pressure of the gas exiting the oxygen cylinder 88a to a uniform pressure of, for example, 6 bar (600 kPa).

[0119] A second oxygen cylinder 88b is connected to the second source connection opening 54 of the uppermost switching valve assembly 10 in the stack 4 via a second pressure reducer 90b by means of a second line 92b.

[0120] The Figure 12 The output connection opening 18 of the uppermost switching valve assembly 10, which cannot be seen, is directly connected to the first source connection opening 26 as the follower connection opening 26 of the second switching valve assembly 10 of the stack 4, so that the Figure 12The upper switching valve assembly 10 of the stack 4 forms the gas source for the first source connection opening 26 of the lower switching valve assembly 10 in the stack 4. An oxygen cylinder, namely the oxygen cylinder 88c, is also connected to the second source connection opening 54 of the lower switching valve assembly 10 in the stack 4. This oxygen cylinder is connected to the second source connection opening 54 via the line 92c with the interposition of a pressure reducer 90c. Due to the interposition of the pressure reducers 90a, 90b, and 90c, the lines 92a, 92b, and 92c always supply a constant pressure of, for example, 6 bar to the respective connection openings until the respectively assigned oxygen cylinders are almost completely empty.

[0121] The output connection opening of the Figure 12The lower switching valve assembly 12 is coupled in the stack 4 to a first source connection opening 27 (not shown) of the prioritization valve assembly 11, so that the switching valve assemblies 10 form the first gas source of the prioritization valve assembly 11. A house line 94 of a clinic K is connected as a gas source to a second source connection opening 55 of the prioritization valve assembly 11.The prioritization valve assembly 11, which is functionally known per se, is designed in such a way that whenever a house line 94 of a clinic K is connected to the prioritization valve assembly 11 as a gas source, the gas from the house line 94 is directed to the output connection opening of the prioritization valve assembly 11, while a gas source connected to the first source connection opening 27 of the prioritization valve assembly 11 is only released for delivery to the output connection opening 19 of the prioritization valve assembly 11 when the house line 94 is disconnected from the prioritization valve assembly 11 or, contrary to expectations, should be exhausted.

[0122] A breathing gas line 96 is connected to the output port of the prioritization valve assembly 11, which forwards a gas delivered to the stack 4 to a ventilator B, which in turn delivers the gas to the patient P via an interface 98. In the example of Figure 12 The interface 98 is shown as a mask. However, the interface 98 can also be a nasal cannula.

[0123] Stack 4 can ensure an uninterrupted supply of the desired breathing gas to patient P, whereby an installed breathing gas source in a clinic has priority over gas cylinders as breathing gas sources.

[0124] In Figure 13 An exploded view of stack 4 is shown. It shows the first source connection opening 27 of the prioritization valve assembly 11, as well as the prioritization valve piston 77, which can be moved between two operating positions, and the locking nut 85 closing its valve piston cavity.

[0125] The openings 73a and 73b, respectively, which are aligned with the through openings 72a and 72b in the stacking engagement, have internal threads into which the screws 86 can be screwed.

[0126] In Figure 14a longitudinal section through the stack 4 along a sectional plane containing the coaxial gas supply paths QG1 and AG and parallel to the longitudinal sections 44 and 48 is shown.

[0127] In Figure 14 It is shown how the gas supply line sections 20 and 28 of the stacked changeover valve assemblies 10 are aligned with each other and form a common, continuous gas supply line area 30.

[0128] The gas supply line section 28 of the Figure 14 The lower switching valve assembly 10 is aligned with the gas supply line section 29 extending from the first source connection opening 27 of the prioritization valve assembly 11 into its housing 13 and forms with it a common, continuous gas supply line area 99.

Claims

1. Switching-valve assembly (10) for switching between two respiratory gas sources (88a, 88b, 88c) of a respiratory device (B), where the switching-valve assembly (10) comprises: - A housing (12) with a first source-linking aperture (26), with a second source-linking aperture (54) arranged spatially at a distance from the first one and with an output-linking aperture (18) arranged spatially at a distance from the first and from the second source-linking aperture (26, 54), - A first gas supply line (60) which connects the first source-linking aperture (26) with the output-linking aperture (18), - A second gas supply line (64) which connects the second source-linking aperture (54) with the output-linking aperture (18), - A valve arrangement (40, 42, 74, 76) accommodated in the housing (12) which is displaceable between a first operational state in which it releases the first gas supply line (60) for flow-through of respiratory gas and blocks the second gas supply line (64) and a second operational state in which it blocks the first gas supply line (60) and releases the second gas supply line (64) for flow-through of respiratory gas, Characterized in that the switching-valve assembly (10) is configured stackably as a modular switching-valve assembly (10), in that the housing (12) exhibits a first outside section (22) with a first stack exterior surface section (24) and a second outside section (14) arranged at a distance and / or at an angular distance relative to the first outside section (22) with a second stack exterior surface section (16) configured complementarily to the first stack exterior surface section (24), where the output-linking aperture (18) is configured at an outside section (14) out of the first and the second outside section (22, 14) and where a source-linking aperture (26) out of the first and the second source-linking aperture (26, 54) is configured as a follow-up linking aperture (26) at the respective other outside section (22) out of the first and the second outside section (14, 22), namely in such a manner that when the first and the second stack exterior surface sections (16, 24) are conceived as stack exterior surface sections (16, 24) of similar separate modular switching-valve assemblies (10) in stack engagement with one another, gas supply line sections (20, 28) each extending from the outlet- and the follow-up linking apertures (18, 26) into the housing (12) are connected into a continuous gas supply line region (30).

2. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to Claim 1, Characterized in that at each outside section (14, 22) out of the first and the second outside section (14, 22) at least one connecting formation (72a, 72b) is provided, which is configured for securing a physical connection of the modular switching-valve assembly (10) with a similar separate modular switching-valve assembly (10), where a relative spatial arrangement between the follow-up linking arrangement (26) and the connecting formation (72a, 72b) in the outside section (22) exhibiting the follow-up linking arrangement (26), is the same relative spatial arrangement which exists between the output-linking aperture (18) and the connecting formation (72a, 72b) in the outside section (14) exhibiting the output-linking aperture (18).

3. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, Characterized in that the respective other source-linking aperture (54) out of the first and the second source-linking aperture (26, 54) which is not the follow-up linking aperture (26), is provided in a different outside section (44) of the housing (12) than the first and the second outside section (14, 22).

4. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, Characterized in that the first and the second outside section (14, 22) are configured on opposite housing sides facing away from one another.

5. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to the Claims 3 and 4, Characterized in that the respective other source-linking aperture (54) is configured in a third outside section (44), where the third outside section (44) connects the first and the second outside sections (14, 22) with one another.

6. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, Characterized in that i) The first stack exterior surface section exhibits a formation out of a projection and a recess and the second stack exterior surface section exhibits the respective other formation out of a projection and a recess complementarily to the formation of the first stack exterior surface section, or that ii) The first stack exterior surface section (16) and the second stack exterior surface section (24) are each planar stack exterior surface sections (16, 24).

7. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, Characterized in that the first and the second outside section (14, 22) are planar outside sections (14, 22).

8. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, Characterized in that the housing (12) exhibits a parallelepiped-like outer shape.

9. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, Characterized in that the valve arrangement (40, 42, 74, 76) exhibits a first valve body and a second valve body different from the first one (74, 76), where the first and the second valve body (74, 76) are each arranged between the first and the second source-linking apertures (26, 54) on the one hand and the output-linking aperture (18) on the other, where the first valve body (74) is accommodated displaceably in a first valve body cavity (40) and where the second valve body (76) is accommodated displaceably in a second valve body cavity (42) arranged at a distance from the first valve body cavity (40), where the first and the second valve body (74, 76) are each displaceable between a first operational position assigned to the first operational state and a second operational position assigned to the second operational state, where the switching-valve assembly (10) exhibits a first sealing arrangement (78) effective between the first valve body (74) and the first valve body cavity (40) which in the first valve body cavity (40) defines a first cavity region (40a) and a second cavity region (40b) different from the first one, where the switching-valve assembly (10) exhibits a second sealing arrangement (80) effective between the second valve body (76) and the second valve body cavity (42) which in the second valve body cavity (42) defines a third cavity region (42a) and a fourth cavity region (42b) different from the third one, where a cavity region (40a) out of the first (40a) and third cavity region (42a) as first supply cavity region (40a) is part of the first gas supply line (60) but not part of the second gas supply line (64), and where a cavity region out of the second (40b) and fourth cavity region (42b) as second supply cavity region (40b) is part of the second gas supply line (64) but not part of the first gas supply line (60), Where the switching-valve assembly (10) exhibits a first venting line (68) which connects the first supply cavity region (40a) with a first sink-linking aperture (68c) different from the output-linking aperture (18), Where the switching-valve assembly (10) exhibits a second venting line (70) which connects the second supply cavity region (40b) with a second sink-linking aperture (70c) different from the output-linking aperture (18), Where that other cavity region (42a) out of the first (40a) and third cavity region (42a) which is not first supply cavity region (40a) is as first venting cavity region (42a) part of the first venting line (68) but not of the first gas supply line (60), and where that other cavity region (42b) out of the second (40b) and fourth cavity region (42b) which is not second supply cavity region (40b) is as second venting cavity region (42b) part of the second venting line (70) but not of the second gas supply line (64).

10. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to Claim 9, Characterized in that the first cavity region (40a) is the first supply cavity region (40a), the second cavity region (40b) is the second supply cavity region (40b), the third cavity region (42a) is the first venting cavity region (42a), and the fourth cavity region (42b) is the second venting cavity region (42b).

11. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to Claim 9 or 10, Characterized in that a wall surrounding the first venting cavity region (42a) surrounds a first venting valve body region (76a) and that a wall surrounding the second venting cavity region (42b) surrounds a second venting valve body region (76b), where the first venting valve body region (76a) is configured to open or to close the first venting line (68) to a gas flow depending on the operational position of the valve body (76) exhibiting the first venting valve body region (76a), and where the second venting valve body region (76b) is configured to open or to close the second venting line (70) to a gas flow depending on the operational position of the valve body (76) exhibiting the second venting valve body region (76b).

12. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the Claims 9 to 11, Characterized in that a wall surrounding the first supply cavity region (40a) surrounds a first supply valve body region (74a) and that a wall surrounding the second supply cavity region (40b) surrounds a second supply valve body region (74b), where the first supply valve body region (74a) is configured to block or release the first gas supply line (60) to a gas flow depending on the operational position of the valve body (74) exhibiting the first supply valve body region (74a), and where the second supply valve body region (74b) is configured to block or release the second gas supply line (64) to a gas flow depending on the operational position of the valve body (74) exhibiting the second supply valve body region (74b).

13. Modular switching-valve assembly (10) according to Claim 11 or 12, Characterized in that out of the first and the second valve body (74, 76) only the valve body (76) exhibiting the first venting valve body region (76a) is configured to open or to close the first venting line (68) to a gas flow, and / or that out of the first and the second valve body (74, 76) only the valve body (76) exhibiting the second venting valve body region (76b) is configured to open or to close the second venting line (70) to a gas flow.

14. Switching-valve arrangement (4), comprising a first switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding Claims and a second switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding Claims, where the first stack exterior surface section (24) of the one switching-valve assembly (10) out of first and second switching-valve assembly (10) with the second stack exterior surface section (16) of the respective other switching-valve assembly (10) out of first and second switching-valve assembly (10) are in stack engagement with one another, forming a gas supply line region (30) continuous across the outlet linking arrangement (18) of the one switching-valve assembly (10) and the follow-up linking arrangement (26) of the other switching-valve assembly (10).

15. Respiratory device (B) for supplying a patient (P) with respiratory gas, comprising a respiratory gas entry, a respiratory gas exit, a respiratory gas line which connects the respiratory gas entry with the respiratory gas exit, a flow modification device for modifying the respiratory gas quantity flowing through the respiratory gas exit per unit of time and / or for modifying the respiratory gas pressure at the respiratory gas exit, and a control device for controlling the operation of the flow modification device, Characterized in that upstream of the respiratory gas entry the output-linking aperture of at least one switching-valve assembly (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 13 or of a switching-valve arrangement (10) according to Claim 14 is connected with the respiratory gas entry of the respiratory device (B) in a gas-conveying manner.