Connection plug for connecting a pneumatic flow sensor to a ventilator, ventilation system, and method for preparing a ventilation system

Abstract

A connection plug (2) for connecting a pneumatic flow sensor (160) to a ventilator (110) comprises a plug body (10); a first passage (20) extending through the plug body (10) and having a first flow sensor-side pressure line port (24) and a first ventilator-side pressure sensor port (22); and a second passage (40) extending through the plug body (10) and having a second flow sensor-side pressure line port (44) and a second ventilator-side pressure sensor port (42); wherein the first ventilator-side pressure sensor port (22) is provided with a first electrical contact (26) and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor port (42) is provided with a second electrical contact (46), and wherein an electrical connection (60) is provided between the first electrical contact (26) and the second electrical contact (46).

Description

[0001] M26861.4

[0002] Connector for connecting a pneumatic flow sensor to a ventilator, ventilation system, and method for preparing a ventilation system

[0003] The present invention lies in the field of ventilators, i.e., the present invention lies in the field of mechanical ventilation of patients. In particular, the present invention relates to the controlled provision of a ventilation variable, such as the ventilation pressure or ventilation volume, of a ventilator.

[0004] During mechanical ventilation, breathable air is supplied to a patient mechanically, usually by applying positive pressure. Mechanical ventilation can support the patient's own breathing or completely replace it. The ventilation air is supplied in successive ventilation cycles. Each ventilation cycle has an inspiration phase followed by an expiration phase. The ventilation air is supplied during the inspiration phase of each ventilation cycle, usually mechanically or at least with mechanical assistance, and at a positive pressure compared to the pressure prevailing in the patient's airways. Exhalation occurs during a subsequent expiration phase of the ventilation cycle. In this case, the airways are usually not subjected to positive or negative pressure; rather, exhalation usually occurs passively as the airways relax below ambient pressure.However, it is also possible that mechanical support is provided during the expiratory phase.

[0005] In mechanical ventilation, the attempt is often made to apply a ventilation parameter, such as the ventilation pressure or the ventilation flow (i.e., the ventilation volume per unit of time), in a time-varying manner. In particular, the attempt is made to apply the ventilation parameter according to a desired target curve for an inspiration phase and / or an expiration phase. The desired target curve can be a model of the patient's normal breathing behavior or depict a breathing behavior that is particularly favorable for the patient's current condition, etc.

[0006] For advanced versions of mechanical ventilation, the most accurate feedback possible regarding the ventilation rate applied to the patient is very helpful. Some modern ventilation systems have a flow sensor located in close proximity to the patient's airway within the ventilation system. For example, a flow sensor can be located between the inspiratory and expiratory tubes on one side and the patient interface, such as the tube inserted or insertable into the patient, on the other side. A flow sensor positioned in this way is also referred to as a proximal flow sensor.

[0007] Before mechanical ventilation begins, the flow sensor is calibrated. Calibration ensures that the flow measurements obtained using the flow sensor are a highly accurate representation of the patient's ventilation conditions. Reliable calibration of the flow sensor is therefore considered very important. In existing ventilation systems, calibrating the flow sensor is a complex and time-consuming process. For many application scenarios, such as emergency care, the time required for calibration is considered unacceptable.

[0008] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a ventilation system, a method for preparing a ventilation system, and components of a ventilation system that enable faster commissioning of the ventilation system or contribute to faster calibration of the flow sensor of the ventilation system.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a connector plug for connecting a pneumatic flow sensor to a ventilator, comprising: a connector body; a first passage through the connector body, which has a first flow sensor-side pressure line connection and a first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection; and a second passage through the connector body, which has a second flow sensor-side pressure line connection and a second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection; wherein the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection is provided with a first electrical contact and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection is provided with a second electrical contact, and wherein an electrical connection is provided between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.Exemplary embodiments of the invention enable faster commissioning of a ventilation system, in particular through faster calibration of a pneumatic flow sensor of a ventilation system. The electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the connecting plug allows a ventilator to establish a closed circuit through the connecting plug. By applying an electrical test voltage and / or an electrical test current, the ventilator is able to detect the connecting plug or the connecting plug type / type of connecting plug. Such detection of the connecting plug or the connecting plug type allows the ventilator to draw conclusions about the pneumatic flow sensor connected via the connecting plug and thus indirectlyto determine the pneumatic flow sensor type. In other words, the electrical behavior of the connector between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be understood as coded information for the connected pneumatic flow sensor.

[0010] By knowing the connected connector or connector type and inferring the pneumatic flow sensor or flow sensor type, the ventilator can measure the flow sensor using an abbreviated calibration routine and calibrate it for subsequent operation. Compared to previous approaches, in which calibrating the flow sensor involved calibrating the flow sensor in two flow directions, each with a variety of ventilation pressures and / or ventilation flows introduced by the ventilator, the connector described here enables the flow sensor to be calibrated based on introducing fewer ventilation pressures / ventilation flows and / or calibrating in only one flow direction.In particular, it is possible to create calibration data for either the inspiratory or expiratory direction, and to determine the calibration data for the other of the inspiratory and expiratory directions based on knowledge of the connected flow sensor or flow sensor type. This may make it possible to reduce the time required to calibrate the pneumatic flow sensor by half or even less than with previous approaches. The connector described here is an adapter between two pressure lines, which are connected or connectable to the pneumatic flow sensor, and two pressure sensor ports of the ventilator.Compared to previous approaches, in which the two pressure lines coming from the flow sensor were connected directly to the ventilator, the connector represents an intermediary between the pressure lines and the ventilator's pressure sensor ports. This intermediary provides an effective way to provide coded information regarding the connected connector and the connected pneumatic flow sensor to the ventilator via the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The connector enables effective connector detection without interfering with the sensing provided by the ventilator and flow sensor.

[0011] The connector plug is designed for connecting a flow sensor, preferably a differential pressure sensor, to the ventilator. In other words, the pneumatic flow sensor described herein is preferably a differential pressure sensor. The pneumatic flow sensor measures the pressure at two points on the flow sensor. From these two pressure values, the ventilator can determine the gas flow through the pneumatic flow sensor. The pressure lines between the connector plug and the pneumatic flow sensor create a spatial decoupling of the pneumatic flow sensor and the pressure sensors in the ventilator.

[0012] The connector has a first pressure line connection on the flow sensor side and a second pressure line connection on the flow sensor side. The term "pressure line connection" refers to a connection for a pressure line from the connector to the pneumatic flow sensor, i.e., a connection for a pressure line that extends between the connector and the pneumatic flow sensor.

[0013] The connector plug has a first passage through the connector body and a second passage through the connector body. The first passage extends between the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection. The second passage extends between the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection. The first passage and the second passage may also be referred to as a first channel and a second channel through the connector body. The first passage and the second passage are two separate passages that have no fluid communication with each other within the connector body.

[0014] The connector plug has an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. This means that the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are conductively connected to each other. The electrical connection can be realized using any suitable material and in any suitable geometry, with particularly effective embodiments being described below.

[0015] The connector can be a disposable connector, also known as a single-use connector. This means that the connector can be used, for example, for one patient intubation cycle and then disposed of afterwards. Due to the pneumatic connection to the flow sensor using the pressure lines described, contamination of the connector during a ventilation procedure is possible. By designing it as a disposable connector, the spread of germs via the potentially contaminated connector can be effectively prevented. Especially with the disposable connector design and the resulting frequent replacement of the connector, the faster calibration of the flow sensor and faster commissioning of the ventilation system can be very valuable.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the first electrical contact is arranged in a peripheral region of the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection, and the second electrical contact is arranged in a peripheral region of the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection. In this way, when the ventilator-side pressure sensor connections of the connecting plug are brought together with corresponding pressure sensor connections of the ventilator, a reliable electrical connection between the connecting plug and the ventilator can be easily achieved. The described arrangement can also prevent the contacts from coming into contact with the measuring medium. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be provided on an end face of the connecting plug, which contains the openings of the first passage and the second passage through the plug body.It is also possible for the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to be arranged in the first passage and the second passage, respectively, i.e., to be set back from the end face containing the openings of the first passage and the second passage. The electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can run on the outside of the connector body or inside the connector body. In other words, the contacts can be designed such that they only make contact, at least partially, with the ventilator-side pressure sensor connections on their outside.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the first electrical contact is a first annular or partially annular contact along the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection and / or the second electrical contact is a second annular or partially annular contact along the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection. The partially annular contact can, for example, have the shape of a half ring or a three-quarter ring. By means of an annular or partially annular design of the first and / or second electrical contact, a particularly reliable contact can be achieved between the ventilator-side pressure sensor connections of the connecting plug and the pressure sensor connections of the ventilator. Other geometries of the electrical contacts of the ventilator-side pressure sensor connections of the connecting plug are also possible. For example,the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may have a polygonal shape which extends completely or partially around the respective ventilator-side pressure sensor connection.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the connecting plug are designed to be complementary in terms of their geometry to a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact of the ventilator. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the ventilator can be arranged on a first pressure sensor connection and a second pressure sensor connection of the ventilator. According to a further embodiment, the first electrical contact and / or the second electrical contact are formed from a spring-elastic material. The spring force of the spring-elastic material can achieve particularly reliable contact between the electrical contacts of the connecting plug and complementary electrical contacts of the ventilator.In particular, the first electrical contact and / or the second electrical contact can each be in the form of a metal spring or in the form of an elastic, electrically conductive polymer structure.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection has a first receptacle for a first pressure sensor connection pin of the ventilator, and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection has a second receptacle for a second pressure sensor connection pin of the ventilator. The first and second pressure sensor connection pins can also be referred to as first and second pressure sensor connection pieces. The term connection pin refers to a male connecting element, while the term receptacle refers to a female connecting element. The configuration of male and female connecting elements can also be interchanged.The first pressure sensor port of the ventilator may be a first receptacle for a first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection pin of the connector plug, and the second pressure sensor port of the ventilator may be a second receptacle for a second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection pin of the connector plug.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection has a first pressure line receptacle, and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection has a second pressure line receptacle. The two pressure lines, which connect the pneumatic flow sensor to the connecting plug during operation, can in particular be designed as two connecting hoses between the connecting plug and the pneumatic flow sensor. The first pressure line receptacle and the second pressure line receptacle can in particular be designed such that the respective connecting hose can be plugged into the connecting plug, in particular without the aid of any tools. According to a further embodiment, the electrical resistance between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is less than 1000 kΩ, in particular less than 30 kΩ.Furthermore, in particular, the electrical resistance between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be between 10 Ω and 10 kΩ. The stated resistance values ​​allow effective detection of the connecting plug. In particular, the stated resistance values ​​enable reliable determination that a connecting plug is present, allow good detection of the connecting plug type through clearly defined and easily detectable behavior of the connecting plug when a test voltage or test current is applied, and keep the electrical power consumption and the associated heat generation in the connecting plug within acceptable limits. The electrical resistance can depend on the design of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact as well as on the design of the electrical connection.The resulting resistance value is the resistance value the ventilator sees between its pressure sensor terminals.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the first electrical contact and / or the second electrical contact and / or the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are made of an electrically conductive polymer. In particular, one or any two or all three of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and the electrical connection can be made of an electrically conductive polymer. Using an electrically conductive polymer, a particularly insensitive design of the connector plug can be achieved. In particular, the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact and the electrical connection between the first and second electrical contacts can be made of an electrically conductive thermoplastic elastomer or of an electrically conductive silicone.The three components mentioned can also be made from a combination of electrically conductive polymers. It is also possible for one or more or all of the three components mentioned to be made of metal.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are designed as a one-piece component. As a one-piece component, the aforementioned components can be particularly easily integrated into the connector. Furthermore, a particularly reliable electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be achieved. The first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the electrical connection between the first and second electrical contacts can, in particular, be designed as a coherent injection-molded component.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the connector body is essentially made of a polymer. As a polymer component, the connector body can be designed to be particularly robust. The connector body can, in particular, be made of a non-electrically conductive polymer. In this way, the connector body can provide electrical insulation with respect to the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The connector body can help to provide the best possible electrical behavior of the connector between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The connector body can, in particular, be made of a non-electrically conductive medical-grade silicone, also referred to herein as medical-grade silicone. In this way, the connector can be well-adapted to a treatment environment with high patient tolerance.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the plug body, the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are manufactured using a two-component injection-molding process. In particular, the plug body can be manufactured from a first component, while the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the electrical connection between the first and second electrical contacts are manufactured from a second component. The connecting plug can thus be a two-piece component. By manufacturing using a two-component injection-molding process, the two components can have a materially bonded connection.In other words, even if the connector body, on the one hand, and the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the electrical connection between the first and second electrical contacts, on the other hand, are made of different materials, the connector can be a coherent, non-destructively disassembled structure. The two-component injection molding process represents a particularly effective way to manufacture the connector with as few work steps as possible, while creating a clear material separation between the electrically conductive components and the connector body.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the connector body comprises a main connector body region and a pressure line connection region, wherein the pressure line connection region extends away from the main connector body region. Such a configuration enables very intuitive handling of the connecting plug, with the main connector body region being intuitively recognized by the user as the part that can be plugged into the ventilator. The design with a main connector body region and a pressure line connection region also prevents the connecting plug from being used with the wrong orientation. In particular, the connector body can be designed such that only the main connector body region is compatible with a corresponding connection region of the ventilator.The first flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection are then intuitively recognizable as part of the pressure line connection area.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the connector body is substantially L-shaped. In this way, the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection can be arranged parallel to an outer side of the ventilator. Such an arrangement can be used to connect the pressure lines leading to the flow sensor particularly reliably to the connector plug and to route them along the ventilator for possible bundling with the inspiratory tube and / or the expiratory tube.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the main connector body portion has a main extension plane, and the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection are each arranged at an acute angle to the main extension plane. Such a configuration allows for easy pre-orientation of the pressure lines. This, in turn, can help align the pressure lines for easier bundling with the inspiratory and / or expiratory tubes.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the main connector body region has a main extension plane, and the end of the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the end of the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection are at different distances from the main extension plane. The ends of the first and second flow sensor-side pressure connections can be defined as the openings of the first and second flow sensor-side pressure connections, in particular as the centers of the openings of the first and second flow sensor-side pressure connections. The different distances allow a particularly space-saving arrangement of the first and second flow sensor-side pressure line connections to be achieved.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection are at an angle of between 80° and 100° to each other, and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection are at an angle of between 80° and 100° to each other. In this way, the connector can achieve an effective redirection of the pressure line connection between the pressure sensors provided in the ventilator and the flow sensor. Compared to previous approaches in which the pressure lines were inserted directly into corresponding ports of the ventilator, the connector can enable a substantial redirection of the pneumatic connection without a risk of kinking the pressure lines.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the first passage and the second passage extend substantially in an L-shape through the plug body.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention further include a sensor arrangement for a ventilator, comprising: a pneumatic flow sensor for arrangement in a ventilation path, wherein the flow sensor has a first pressure measuring connection and a second pressure measuring connection; a connector according to one of the embodiments described above; a first pressure line that is connected or connectable to the first pressure measuring connection of the flow sensor and to the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection of the connector; and a second pressure line that is connected or connectable to the second pressure measuring connection of the flow sensor and to the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection of the connector. The additional features, modifications, and effects described above with reference to the connector are analogously applicable to the sensor arrangement.

[0032] The sensor arrangement comprises a pneumatic flow sensor for arrangement in a ventilation path of a ventilation system. The pneumatic flow sensor can be a differential pressure sensor. In particular, the pneumatic flow sensor can have a first pressure measuring port, which is in fluid communication with a first section of the flow sensor, and a second pressure measuring port, which is in fluid communication with a second section of the flow sensor. Between the first section of the flow sensor and the second section of the flow sensor, a membrane or other suitable barrier to the fluid flow through the flow sensor can be arranged. This membrane allows the flow of ventilation gas but ensures a pressure difference due to the flow resistance and thus enables a determination of the ventilation gas flow via the two described pressure measuring ports.It is also possible that the pneumatic flow sensor is a different type of flow sensor. The principles described herein are applicable to all pneumatic flow sensors that have at least two pressure lines leading from them to supply the respective pressure to the corresponding sensor.

[0033] The connection between the first and second pressure lines and the first and second pressure measuring ports of the flow sensor can be made directly or via a suitable adapter. In particular, it is possible for the first and second pressure lines to be inserted into corresponding receptacles forming the first and second pressure measuring ports or to be plugged onto corresponding pins forming the first and second pressure measuring ports.

[0034] The first pressure line is connected or connectable to the first pressure measurement port of the flow sensor and to the first flow sensor-side pressure line port of the connector, and the second pressure line is connected or connectable to the second pressure measurement port of the flow sensor and to the second flow sensor-side pressure line port of the connector. The statement that the pressure lines are connected or connectable to the aforementioned components indicates that the sensor arrangement can be presented as a fully assembled arrangement or as a set / kit, whereby the individual components can be connected / assembled at a suitable time, e.g., shortly before the patient is ventilated.

[0035] With a sensor assembly consisting of related and coordinated components, the connector detection described above can be used to conveniently identify the entire sensor assembly. The ventilator can interpret the detection of a specific connector or connector type as the detection of a specific sensor assembly or sensor assembly design. Accordingly, the ventilator can easily draw conclusions about the design of the pneumatic flow sensor by detecting the connector or connector type.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the invention further comprise a ventilation tube assembly for a ventilator, comprising: an inspiratory tube; an expiratory tube; and a sensor assembly according to one of the above-described embodiments; wherein the inspiratory tube is connected or connectable to the flow sensor and is connectable to a ventilation gas outlet of the ventilator, and wherein the expiratory tube is connected or connectable to the flow sensor and is provided or connectable to an expiratory valve. The additional features, modifications, and effects, as described above with reference to the connector and with reference to the sensor assembly, are analogously applicable to the ventilation tube assembly. Again, the ventilation tube assembly can be provided as a fully assembled assembly or as a set / kit.By providing such a ventilation tube assembly, the complete connection system between the ventilator on the one hand and the ventilation component attached to the patient, such as the airway, on the other hand, can be provided as a complete package. Both the comprehensive connection of the ventilator to the patient and the rapid commissioning and calibration of the flow sensor can be achieved with such a ventilation tube assembly. The inspiratory and expiratory tubes can be connected, or connectable, to the flow sensor via a Y-connector, for example.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the inspiratory tube, the expiratory tube, the first pressure line, and the second pressure line are routed in a single bundle. This allows the number of tubes / lines around the patient to be kept to a minimum, and the patient's environment can be kept as barrier-free as possible for the treating physicians and medical professionals.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention further include a ventilation system comprising: a ventilator; and a ventilation tube assembly according to any one of the above-described embodiments. The additional features, modifications, and effects described above with respect to the connector, the sensor assembly, and the ventilation tube assembly are analogously applicable to the ventilation system.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the ventilator has an inspiration tube connection to which the inspiration tube is or can be connected.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the ventilator has a first pressure sensor connection and a second pressure sensor connection, which are connected or connectable to the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection of the connector. In particular, the ventilator can have a first pressure sensor connection pin and a second pressure sensor connection pin, which can be inserted into ventilator-side pressure sensor connections of the connector, which are designed as corresponding receptacles.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the first pressure sensor connection of the ventilator is provided with a first electrical contact which is designed to be complementary to the first electrical contact of the connecting plug, and the second pressure sensor connection of the ventilator is provided with a second electrical contact which is designed to be complementary to the second electrical contact of the connecting plug. In other words, when the ventilator and the connecting plug are connected, there is an electrical connection to the ventilator at both the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection of the connecting plug and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection of the connecting plug. According to a further embodiment, the ventilator is designed to connect the connecting plug or the sensor arrangement orto detect the ventilation tube arrangement via the electrical behavior of the connector between the first pressure sensor port and the second pressure sensor port of the ventilator. For this purpose, the ventilator can be configured to determine a potential difference between the first electrical contact of the first pressure sensor port of the ventilator and the second electrical contact of the second pressure sensor port of the ventilator and / or, upon application of a specific voltage, to determine a current between the two electrical contacts and / or to determine a resistance between the electrical contacts.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the invention further comprise a ventilation system, comprising: a ventilator for the controlled provision of ventilation gas; an inspiratory tube which is or can be connected to the ventilator; an expiratory tube; a pneumatic flow sensor to which the inspiratory tube and the expiratory tube are or can be connected and which has two pressure measuring connections; and a pressure line arrangement which detachably connects the two pressure measuring connections of the flow sensor to two pressure sensor connections of the ventilator; wherein the ventilator is configured to recognize the pressure line arrangement via the two pressure sensor connections of the ventilator. In such a ventilation system, the ventilator is able to recognize the pressure line arrangement and to interpret the recognition of the pressure line arrangement such that a specific pneumatic flow sensor ora pneumatic flow sensor of a specific type is connected to the pressure line arrangement. Such detection, in turn, can enable faster calibration of the flow sensor or faster commissioning of the ventilation system. The pressure line arrangement can consist of a connector and two pressure lines, as described above, or just two pressure lines. To detect the pressure line arrangement, the two pressure sensor connections of the ventilator can be provided with electrical contacts that are complementary to two electrical contacts of the pressure line arrangement. The ventilator can then detect the pressure line arrangement via the electrical behavior of the pressure line arrangement between the two electrical contacts.According to a further embodiment, the pressure line arrangement has a connecting plug, in particular a connecting plug according to one of the embodiments described above, as well as a first pressure line and a second pressure line, wherein the first pressure line and the second pressure line connect the two pressure measuring connections of the flow sensor to the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection of the connecting plug, and wherein the connecting plug connects the first pressure line and the second pressure line to the two pressure sensor connections of the ventilator, and the ventilator is configured to recognize the connecting plug of the pressure line arrangement.In particular, the connector connects the first pressure line and the second pressure line to the two pressure sensor ports of the ventilator via its first and second ventilator-side pressure sensor ports.

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the connecting plug has a first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection with a first electrical contact and a second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection with a second electrical contact, wherein an electrical connection is provided between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, and the ventilator is configured to detect the connecting plug of the pressure line arrangement by applying an electrical current and / or an electrical voltage to the connecting plug.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the ventilator is configured to compare an electrical behavior of the connecting plug with an expected electrical behavior of a specific connecting plug type and to determine whether the connecting plug is of the specific connecting plug type. To compare the electrical behavior of the connecting plug with an expected electrical behavior, one or more electrical variables, such as voltage and / or current and / or resistance between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the connecting plug, can be used. To compare the electrical behavior of the connecting plug with an expected electrical behavior, in particular the measured values ​​for one or more electrical variables can be compared with limit values ​​that define the expected electrical behavior.For example, by comparing upper and lower limit values, it can be determined whether the electrical behavior lies within an expected window. For example, it is possible to determine the electrical resistance between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the connector and compare it with a lower limit value and an upper limit value for an expected resistance value. If the measured resistance falls within the expected window, the ventilator can conclude that a connector of the specific connector type is connected. The ventilator can have a corresponding control unit that performs the aforementioned comparison operations. The control unit can have a storage medium on which the comparison values ​​are stored. It is also possible for the ventilator's control unit to retrieve the comparison values ​​online from a remotely located database.It is also possible for the ventilator control unit to transmit the measured values ​​regarding the electrical behavior of the connector to a remote server, and the comparison with the expected electrical behavior takes place in the server. The comparison values ​​can be stored in a database on the server. The conclusion reached by the server regarding whether the connector is of the specific connector type can be transmitted back to the ventilator control unit. This enables a cloud-based implementation of connector detection.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the ventilator is configured to apply different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows to the inspiratory tube and to determine associated flow measurement values ​​by the pneumatic flow sensor, and the ventilator is further configured to calibrate the flow sensor based on the different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows and the associated flow measurement values. Calibration can be performed in a step prior to normal operation, i.e., prior to mechanical ventilation of a patient. The term calibration includes the association of a ventilation variable, as applied by the ventilator, with the value measured at the proximal flow sensor, i.e., the flow sensor arranged in close proximity to the patient.existing pressure difference. Through this adjustment, a very well-controlled or regulated ventilation quantity can be applied to the patient during subsequent mechanical ventilation, or the ventilation gas flow actually prevailing on the patient can be determined very well. Exemplary embodiments of the invention further comprise a method for preparing a ventilation system, comprising: connecting a ventilation tube arrangement, which comprises an inspiratory tube, an expiratory tube, a flow sensor, and a connector coupled to the flow sensor, to a ventilator, wherein connecting the ventilation tube arrangement comprises arranging the flow sensor in its final operating position and operating orientation; on the ventilator side,Detecting the connector of the ventilation tube assembly via two pressure sensor ports of the ventilator; and calibrating the flow sensor in the inspiratory direction by introducing a plurality of different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows in the inspiratory direction and determining flow measurement values ​​at the flow sensor, wherein the calibration of the flow sensor in the inspiratory direction takes place while the flow sensor is in its final operating position and operating orientation. The additional features, modifications, and effects described above with respect to the connector, the sensor assembly, the ventilation tube assembly, and the ventilation system are analogously applicable to the method for preparing a ventilation system. Conversely, the additional features, modifications, and effects described below with respect to the method for preparing a ventilation system areThis applies analogously to the ventilation system. The term "preparation" refers to making the ventilation system ready for operation. In particular, the term "preparation" refers to those preparatory measures performed on a ventilation system before mechanical ventilation of the patient begins. The procedure for preparing the ventilation system only concerns steps that precede patient treatment and relate to setting up the ventilation system in preparation for ventilation.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, detecting the connector of the ventilation tube assembly comprises comparing an electrical behavior of the connector between the two pressure sensor ports of the ventilator with an expected electrical behavior of a particular connector type.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, detecting the connector of the ventilation tube assembly comprises determining at least one electrical quantity between the two pressure sensor terminals of the ventilator.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, determining at least one electrical quantity between the two pressure sensor terminals of the ventilator comprises determining the electrical current through the connecting plug and / or the electrical voltage applied to the connecting plug and / or the electrical resistance of the connecting plug between the two pressure sensor terminals of the ventilator.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the final operating position and operating orientation of the flow sensor is the only position and orientation of the flow sensor during the calibration of the flow sensor. In particular, it is possible for the entire calibration process to take place while the flow sensor is in its final operating position and operating orientation. The calibration process can be carried out from its beginning to its end without changing the position and orientation of the flow sensor. In this way, the time-consuming and error-prone step of turning the flow sensor over to calibrate both flow directions can be avoided in the calibration process. The calibration can be carried out in a short time and with a low susceptibility to errors.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, for the complete calibration of the flow sensor, different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows are introduced only in the inspiration direction. In particular, the calibration of the flow sensor in both flow directions, i.e., in the inspiration direction and the expiration direction, can be performed only on the basis of measured values ​​when introducing different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows in the inspiration direction.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises calibrating the flow sensor in the expiration direction based on the results of calibrating the flow sensor in the inspiration direction. In other words, a set of flow measurement values ​​for one ventilation flow direction can be used to infer the behavior of the flow sensor in the other ventilation flow direction. In still other words, it is possible to determine actual measurement values ​​for one ventilation flow direction and to derive the behavior of the flow sensor in the other ventilation flow direction from this one set of flow measurement values.

[0052] According to a further embodiment, calibrating the flow sensor in the expiration direction involves converting the results of calibrating the flow sensor in the inspiration direction according to a predefined conversion rule. The conversion rule can be in the form of a function, a table, or any other suitable form of characteristic mapping between the inspiration direction and the expiration direction. For the simple case of a symmetrical flow sensor, the results of calibrating the flow sensor in the inspiration direction can be mirrored for the expiration direction. For the more common case of a non-symmetrical flow sensor, a conversion rule predetermined for a specific flow sensor type can be applied.Such flow sensor-type-specific, predefined implementation instructions can be stored in the ventilator, particularly in the ventilator's control unit. They can also be stored in a remote database and retrieved from it.

[0053] Further exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0054] Fig. 1 schematically shows a ventilation system for mechanical ventilation of patients according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the ventilation system is equipped with a connector for connecting a pneumatic flow sensor to a ventilator according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0055] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary flow sensor as it can be used in a ventilation system according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, in a perspective view;

[0056] 3A to 3E show various views of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, with FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C showing three side views, FIG. 3D showing a sectional view, and FIG. 3E showing an exploded perspective view; FIGS. 4A to 4D show various views of a connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C showing three side views, and FIG. 4D showing an exploded perspective view.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a ventilation system 100 for mechanically ventilating patients according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The ventilation system 100 comprises a ventilator 110 arranged on a frame 112 movable on casters. The ventilator 110 has a monitor 114, which may be provided with control loads 116, and a control unit 118. The control unit 118 may be in the form of a computer equipped with suitable software. In general, the control unit may be any suitable combination of hardware and software or may be a pure hardware component. The control unit 118 can control the monitor 114 and output ventilation data thereon, can receive control commands from the control loads 116 and / or other input devices, and can control the supply of ventilation gas.

[0058] The ventilator 110 has a pump 122 arranged in a pump housing 120, which is designed for the controlled provision of ventilation gas. The pump 122 is known per se. Other devices for the controlled provision of ventilation gas, such as a compressor, a blower, or a pressurized gas supply with a reducing valve, can also be used.

[0059] The ventilator 110 further includes a connection unit 124. The pump 122 is connected via the connection unit 124 and a connecting tube 126 to a humidification unit 128, where the ventilation gas is passed through a liquid reservoir. An external liquid or medication supply 130 is connected to the humidification unit 128, via which the liquid reservoir can be refilled or the liquid in the liquid reservoir can be conditioned.

[0060] The ventilation system 100 further comprises a tube arrangement via which the ventilator 110 can be connected to a patient 140. An inspiration tube 150 leads from the humidification unit 128 to a Y-connector 154. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the humidification unit 128 thus represents an inspiration tube connection of the ventilator 110. An expiration tube 152 leads from the Y-connector to the ventilator 110 and is connected to the connection unit 124 via an expiration valve 156. The Y-connector 154 is connected to a flow sensor 160, which in turn can be connected to a patient application piece, such as a tube 142. During mechanical ventilation of the patient 140, ventilation gas is supplied to the patient 140 during the inspiration phases via the inspiration tube 150, the Y-connector 154 and the flow sensor 160.During the expiratory phases, ventilation gas escapes from the patient's lungs 140 through the flow sensor 160, the Y-connector 154, the expiratory tube 152, the expiratory valve 156 and the ventilator 110 into the environment.

[0061] The flow sensor 160 is a differential pressure sensor and is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2. The flow sensor 160 has a first pressure measuring port to which a first pressure line 162 is connected. Furthermore, the flow sensor has a second pressure measuring port to which a second pressure line 164 is connected. The first pressure line 162 and the second pressure line 164 are connected at their other ends to a connector 2, which in turn is connected to the connection unit 124 of the ventilator 110. The connector 2 establishes a fluid connection between the two pressure lines 162, 164 and two pressure sensors arranged in the ventilator 110. The ventilator 110 can use the flow sensor 160 to determine the ventilation gas flow in close proximity to the patient 140. The connector 2 of the ventilation system 100 is designed according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.The details of possible embodiments of the connector 2 according to the invention are described below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary flow sensor 160, as can be used in a ventilation system according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, in a perspective view. The flow sensor 160 has a first connection piece 170 and a second connection piece 172. A first section 174 of the flow sensor 160 is located in the first connection piece 170, and a second section 176 of the flow sensor 160 is located in the second connection piece 172. The first section 174 and the second section 176 form a flow path through the flow sensor 160, which is indicated by their central axis S. The first connection piece 170 and the second connection piece 172 are provided with suitable coupling structures in order to be connected, for example, to the Y-connector 154 on the one hand and the tube 12 on the other hand, as shown in Fig. 1. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig.2, a conically shaped inner tube 178 is arranged in the first connecting piece 170, which can clamp a corresponding counterpart in the first connecting piece 170. Other connection geometries are possible.

[0063] The exemplary flow sensor 160 in Fig. 2 is not symmetrically constructed. The first connection piece 170 has a different outer diameter than the second connection piece 172. The first section 174 of the flow sensor 160 also has a different geometry than the second section 176 of the flow sensor 160. The asymmetry of the flow sensor 160 can ensure that the flow sensor can only be connected to the Y-connector 154 in one preferred direction unless an adapter is used. On the other hand, the asymmetry results in the flow behavior of the flow sensor 160 being different for the two flow directions.

[0064] A membrane is arranged inside the flow sensor 160 between the first section 174 of the flow sensor 160 and the second section 176 of the flow sensor 160. While the membrane allows ventilation gas to flow through the flow sensor 160, it also represents a flow resistance. This creates a pressure difference between the first section 174 of the flow sensor 160 and the second section 176 of the flow sensor 160 during operation. Instead of the membrane, another suitable flow resistance can also be used.

[0065] The first section 174 of the flow sensor 160 is in fluid communication with a first pressure measuring port 180, and the second section 176 of the flow sensor 160 is in fluid communication with a second pressure measuring port 182. The first pressure measuring port 180 and the second pressure measuring port 182 are connectable to the first pressure line 162 and the second pressure line 164, as shown in Fig. 1. The ventilator 110 can determine the ventilation gas flow through the flow sensor 160 via the pressure difference between the first pressure measuring port 180 and the second pressure measuring port 182. Figs. 3A to 3E show a connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in various views. Fig. 3A shows the connector 2 in a first side view. Fig. 3B shows the connector 2 in a second side view, namely the left side view, starting from Fig. 3A. Fig.Fig. 3C shows the connector 2 in a third side view, namely a bottom side view, starting from Fig. 3A. Fig. 3D shows the connector 2 in a sectional view, with the sectional plane indicated by the arrows marked AA in Fig. 3C. Fig. 3E shows the connector 2 in a perspective exploded view. The entirety of Figs. 3A to 3E is also referred to herein as Fig. 3.

[0066] The connector plug 2 has a plug body 10. The plug body 10 has a main plug body portion 12 and a pressure line connection portion 14. The pressure line connection portion 14 extends from the main plug body portion 12. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the plug body 10 is L-shaped. The main plug body portion 12 forms the long side of the L-shape, and the pressure line connection portion 14 forms the short side of the L-shape.

[0067] The connector plug 2 has a first flow sensor-side pressure line connection 24 and a second flow sensor-side pressure line connection 44, as best seen in Figs. 3B and 3D. The first and second flow sensor-side pressure line connections 24, 44 are arranged in the pressure line connection area 14 of the connector body 10. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the first and second flow sensor-side pressure line connections 24, 44 are each designed as a pressure line receptacle.

[0068] A first pressure line and a second pressure line, which connect the connecting plug 2 to a flow sensor, can be inserted into the first and second flow sensor-side pressure line connections 24, 44. In order to clamp the first and second pressure lines in the connecting plug 2, the aforementioned receptacles are each slightly undercut, i.e., the diameter of the first and second flow sensor-side pressure line connections 24, 44 is smaller at its opening than in the area further into the plug body 10.

[0069] The connector plug 2 further includes a first ventilator-side pressure sensor port 22 and a second ventilator-side pressure sensor port 42, as best seen in Figs. 3C and 3D. The first and second ventilator-side pressure sensor ports 22, 42 are connectable to complementary pressure sensor ports of the ventilator. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the first and second ventilator-side pressure sensor ports 22, 42 are each configured as a receptacle into which a complementary pressure sensor port pin of the ventilator can be inserted.

[0070] The connecting plug 2 has a first passage 20 through the plug body 10 and a second passage 40 through the plug body 10. The first passage 20 connects the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection 24 to the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection 22, and the second passage 40 connects the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection 44 to the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection 42, as best seen in Fig. 3D. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the first passage 20 and the second passage 40 each run through the plug body 10 in an L-shape at a distance from one another. The first passage 20 and the second passage 40 can also run through the plug body 10 in a curved manner or in any other suitable geometry.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the first passage 20 and the second passage 40 are configured such that an angle of approximately 90° exists between the orientation of the respective flow sensor-side pressure connection and the respective ventilator-side pressure sensor connection. By using the connector 2, the pressure lines that are to be connected to the flow sensor-side pressure line connections 24, 44 can be oriented along one end face of the ventilator.

[0072] The connector plug 2 further comprises a first electrical contact 26, a second electrical contact 46, and an electrical connection 60 between the first electrical contact 26 and the second electrical contact 46. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection 22 is provided with the first electrical contact 26 on its peripheral region, and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection 42 is provided with the second electrical contact 46 on its peripheral region. The first electrical contact 26 and the second electrical contact 46 are each annular, and the electrical connection 60 forms a web between the annular first electrical contact 26 and the annular second electrical contact 46, as best seen in Figs. 3C, 3D, and 3E.

[0073] The electrical connection 60 allows the connector plug 2 to close an electrical circuit with the ventilator if the pressure sensor connections of the ventilator are provided with electrical contacts and these electrical contacts contact the first electrical contact 26 and the second electrical contact 46 of the connector plug 2 when the connector plug is connected to the ventilator. Via this closed electrical circuit, the ventilator can check whether a connector plug is connected and, based on the electrical behavior of the connector plug 2, can detect whether a specific connector plug or a specific connector plug type is connected.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the first electrical contact 26, the second electrical contact 46, and the electrical connection 60 are formed as a single, integral component. This is best seen in the exploded view of Fig. 3E. The first electrical contact 26, the second electrical contact 46, and the electrical connection 60 are shown as a common component spaced apart from the connector body 10.

[0075] Overall, the connecting plug 2 can be designed as a two-piece component, wherein the first electrical contact 26, the second electrical contact 46 and the electrical connection 60 form a first coherent component and the remainder of the connecting plug 2, in particular the entire plug body 10, forms a second component. The connecting plug can in particular be produced using a two-component injection molding process, in which the electrically conductive elements, i.e. the first electrical contact 26, the second electrical contact 46 and the electrical connection 60, are made from a first material and the plug body 10 is made from a second material. Further in particular, the electrically conductive components can be made from an electrically conductive polymer, while the plug body 10 is made from a non-electrically conductive polymer. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig.3, the electrical resistance between the first electrical contact 26 and the second electrical contact 46 is between 10 Ω and 10 kΩ. Other combinations of materials, other manufacturing methods, and other resistance values ​​are also possible.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection 24 and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection 44 are arranged at an acute angle a relative to a main extension plane of the main plug body portion 12 of the plug body 10. This is best seen in Fig. 3C, where the centerline of the pressure line connection portion runs at an acute angle a relative to the cross-sectional plane AA, which is the main extension plane of the main plug body portion 12. This slight rotation between the pressure line connection portion 14 and the main plug body portion 12 enables a desired pre-alignment of the pressure lines to be connected to the pressure line connection portion.In general, the location of a terminal is defined herein as the position of the terminal, which may be defined in particular by the mouth of the terminal in the connector plug 2, and the orientation of the terminal, ie the alignment of the terminal.

[0077] 4A to 4D show a connector 2 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in various views. Fig. 4A shows the connector 2 in a first side view. Fig. 4B shows the connector 2 in a slightly perspective second side view, which essentially shows the left side of the connector 2, starting from the viewing direction of Fig. 4A. Fig. 4C shows the connector 2 in a third side view, which shows the connector 2 from below, starting from the viewing direction of Fig. 4A. Fig. 4D shows the connector 2 in a perspective exploded view. Many elements of the connector 2 of Figs. 4A to 4D are the same or very similar to the corresponding elements of the connector 2 of Figs. 3A to 3E. These elements are provided with the same reference numerals, and reference is made to the above description.The following description of the connector plug 2 in Figs. 4A to 4D focuses on the differences between the connector plug 2 in Fig. 4 and the connector plug 2 in Fig. 3. The views of Figs. 4A to 4D are the same or very similar in terms of viewing angle to the views of the connector plug 2 in Figs. 3A to 3C and 3E. The entirety of Figs. 4A to 4D is also referred to herein as Fig. 4. In comparison to the main connector body region 12 of the connector body 10 of the embodiment of Fig. 3, whose surface is substantially smooth, the main connector body region 12 of the connector body 10 of the connector plug 2 in Fig. 4 has a structured surface. In particular, the main connector body region 12 has a surface structure that has a plurality of indentations relative to the outer contour of the main connector body region 12. These indentations create a haptic quality that simplifies manual handling of the connector plug 2.In particular, the surface structure shown can effectively prevent hands from slipping during manual handling of the connector 2. Furthermore, material can be saved compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[0078] A further difference between the connecting plug 2 of Fig. 4 and the connecting plug 2 of Fig. 3 lies in the arrangement of the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection 24 and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection 44 in the pressure line connection region 14 of the plug body 10. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4, the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection 44 is spaced further from the main extension plane of the main plug body region 12 than the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection 24. The distance is defined as the distance between the center point of the respective opening of the first or second flow sensor-side pressure line connection 24, 44 and the main extension plane of the main plug body region 12.This different spacing relative to the main extension plane of the main connector body portion 12 allows the first and second flow sensor-side pressure line connections 24, 44 to be placed closer together. This, in turn, contributes to an overall very compact design of the connector 2.

[0079] Another difference between the connector plug 2 of Fig. 4 and the connector plug 2 of Fig. 3 is that the electrical connection 60 of the connector plug 2 of Fig. 4 runs inside the connector body 10 and not outside along the connector body 10. This is best seen in the exploded view of Fig. 4D, which shows the first electrical contact 26 and the second electrical contact 46 further down than the electrical connection 60. During the preparation of a ventilation system 100, as shown in Fig. 1, for example, the ventilator 110 can interact with a connector plug 2 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention or use the connector plug according to exemplary embodiments of the invention in the following way.After connecting the connector 2 to the ventilator 110, the ventilator 110 can apply an electrical current or an electrical voltage to the first electrical contact 26 and the second electrical contact 46. Using the applied current or voltage, the ventilator 110 can determine the electrical behavior of the connector 2 and detect whether the connector 2 is of a specific connector type.

[0080] The ventilator 110 can further interpret the fact that the connector 2 is of an expected connector type to mean that the flow sensor 160 connected to the connector 2 is also of an expected flow sensor type. The ventilator 110 can use this information to perform an abbreviated calibration procedure for the flow sensor 160. In particular, the ventilator 110 can calibrate the flow sensor 160 for only one flow direction and, based on the knowledge of the specific flow sensor type, use the results of this calibration in one flow direction for the calibration in the other flow direction. The ventilator 110 can use different ventilation pressures or different ventilation flows for the inspiration direction, i.e.for the flow direction from the ventilator 110 to the flow sensor 160, and store the respective pressure difference measurements at the flow sensor 160 as corresponding information for the applied ventilation gas pressures or ventilation gas flows. From this series of measurements, a characteristic curve or one or more characteristic parameters or one or more characteristic characteristic values ​​can be created for the pressure differences sensed by the flow sensor 160 compared to the ventilation gas flows delivered by the ventilator. Based on this characteristic curve / parameter / characteristic value in the inspiration direction, and with the help of knowledge about the specific connector type or the specific flow sensor type, a conclusion can be drawn about the corresponding characteristic curve / parameter / characteristic value in the expiration direction.In other words, from the experimental determination of the characteristic curve / parameter / value for the inspiration direction, the characteristic curve / parameter / value for the expiration direction can be determined with the help of knowledge about the connected flow sensor. During subsequent operation of the ventilation system, i.e. during mechanical ventilation of the patient, two characteristic curves can thus be available by means of which measured pressure differences in the flow sensor can be converted into corresponding ventilation gas flow values. The prior calibration of the flow sensor enables highly precise determination of the ventilation flow during subsequent ventilation of the patient. This highly precise determination of the ventilation flow in the immediate vicinity of the patient contributes to highly effective and safe control and regulation of the patient's ventilation.By using the connector according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, calibration can be carried out quickly and the ventilation system as a whole can be put into operation quickly.

[0081] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents employed without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it includes all embodiments falling within the appended claims.

Claims

M26861.4 Patent claims 1. A connecting plug (2) for connecting a pneumatic flow sensor (160) to a ventilator (110), comprising: a plug body (10); a first passage (20) through the plug body (10), which has a first flow sensor-side pressure line connection (24) and a first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (22); and a second passage (40) through the plug body (10), which has a second flow sensor-side pressure line connection (44) and a second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (42); wherein the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (22) is provided with a first electrical contact (26) and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (42) is provided with a second electrical contact (46), and wherein an electrical connection (60) is provided between the first electrical contact (26) and the second electrical contact (46).

2. Connector plug (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrical contact (26), the second electrical contact (46) and / or the electrical connection (60) between the first electrical contact (26) and the second electrical contact (46) are made of an electrically conductive polymer, in particular of an electrically conductive thermoplastic elastomer or of an electrically conductive silicone.

3. Connecting plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrical contact (26), the second electrical contact (46) and the electrical connection (60) between the first electrical contact (26) and the second electrical contact (46) are designed as a one-piece component, in particular as a coherent injection-molded component.

4. Connector plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrical contact (26) is arranged in a peripheral region of the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (22) and wherein the second electrical contact (46) is arranged in a peripheral region of the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (42), wherein the first- th electrical contact (26) is in particular a first annular or partially annular contact along the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (22) and / or wherein the second electrical contact (46) is in particular a second annular or partially annular contact along the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (42).

5. Connecting plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrical contact (26) and / or the second electrical contact (46) are formed from a spring-elastic material, wherein the first electrical contact (26) and / or the second electrical contact (46) are in particular each in the form of a metal spring or an elastic polymer structure.

6. Connector plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (22) has a first receptacle for a first pressure sensor connection pin of the ventilator (110) and wherein the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (42) has a second receptacle for a second pressure sensor connection pin of the ventilator (110).

7. Connector plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection (24) has a first pressure line receptacle and wherein the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection (44) has a second pressure line receptacle.

8. Connecting plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical resistance between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is less than 1000 kQ, in particular less than 30 kQ, further in particular between 10 Q and 10 kQ.

9. Connecting plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug body (10) is made essentially of a polymer, in particular of a non-electrically conductive polymer, further in particular of a non-electrically conductive medical-grade silicone.

10. Connector plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug body (10), the first electrical contact (26), the second electrical contact (46) and the electrical connection (60) between the first electrical see contact (26) and the second electrical contact (46) are manufactured in a two-component injection molding process.

11. Connecting plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug body (10) has a main plug body region (12) and a pressure line connection region (14) which extends away from the main plug body region (12), wherein the plug body (10) is in particular substantially L-shaped.

12. Connecting plug (2) according to claim 11, wherein the main plug body region (12) has a main extension plane and wherein the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection (24) and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection (44) are each arranged at an acute angle (α) to the main extension plane, and / or wherein the main plug body region (12) has a main extension plane and wherein the end of the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection (24) and the end of the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection (44) have a different distance from the main extension plane.

13. Connecting plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection (24) and the first ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (22) have an angle of between 80° and 100° to one another and wherein the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection (44) and the second ventilator-side pressure sensor connection (42) have an angle of between 80° and 100° to one another, wherein the first passage (20) and the second passage (40) extend in particular substantially in an L-shape through the plug body (10).

14. Sensor arrangement for a ventilator (110), comprising: a pneumatic flow sensor (160) for arrangement in a ventilation path, wherein the flow sensor (160) has a first pressure measuring connection (180) and a second pressure measuring connection (182); a connecting plug (2) according to one of the preceding claims; a first pressure line (162) which is connected to the first pressure measuring connection (180) of the flow sensor (160) and to the first flow sensor-side Pressure line connection (24) of the connecting plug (2) is connected or connectable; and a second pressure line (164) which is connected or connectable to the second pressure measuring connection (182) of the flow sensor (160) and to the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection (44) of the connecting plug (2).

15. A ventilation tube assembly for a ventilator, comprising: an inspiratory tube (150); an expiratory tube (152); and a sensor assembly according to claim 14; wherein the inspiratory tube (150) is connected or connectable to the flow sensor (160) and is connectable to a ventilation gas outlet of the ventilator (110), and wherein the expiratory tube (152) is connected or connectable to the flow sensor (160) and is provided or connectable to an expiratory valve (156).

16. Ventilation tube arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the inspiration tube (150), the expiration tube (152), the first pressure line (162) and the second pressure line (164) are guided in a line bundle.

17. A ventilation system (100), comprising: a ventilator (110) for the controlled provision of ventilation gas; an inspiratory tube (150) which is or can be connected to the ventilator (110); an expiratory tube (152); a pneumatic flow sensor (160) to which the inspiratory tube (150) and the expiratory tube (152) are or can be connected and which has two pressure measuring connections (180, 182); and a pressure line arrangement which detachably connects the two pressure measuring connections (180, 182) of the flow sensor (160) to two pressure sensor connections of the ventilator (110); wherein the ventilator (110) is configured to detect the pressure line arrangement via the two pressure sensor connections of the ventilator (110).

18. Ventilation system (100) according to claim 17, wherein the pressure line arrangement has a connecting plug (2) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and has a first pressure line (162) and a second pressure line (164), wherein the first pressure line (162) and the second pressure line (164) connect the two pressure measuring connections (180, 182) of the flow sensor (160) to the first flow sensor-side pressure line connection (24) and the second flow sensor-side pressure line connection (44) of the connecting plug (2), and wherein the connecting plug (2) connects the first pressure line (162) and the second pressure line (164) to the two pressure sensor connections of the ventilator (110), and wherein the ventilator (110) is configured to recognize the connecting plug (2) of the pressure line arrangement.

19. Ventilation system (100) according to claim 18, wherein the ventilator (110) is configured to detect the connecting plug (2) of the pressure line arrangement by applying an electrical current and / or an electrical voltage to the connecting plug (2).

20. The ventilation system (100) according to claim 19, wherein the ventilator (110) is configured to compare an electrical behavior of the connector (2) with an expected electrical behavior of a specific connector type and to determine whether the connector (2) is of the specific connector type.

21. The ventilation system (100) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the ventilator (110) is configured to apply different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows to the inspiratory tube (152) and to determine associated flow measurements by the pneumatic flow sensor (160), and wherein the ventilator (110) is further configured to calibrate the flow sensor (160) based on the different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows and the associated flow measurements.

22. A method for preparing a ventilation system (110), comprising: Connecting a ventilation tube arrangement, which comprises an inspiration tube (150), an expiration tube (152), a flow sensor (160) and a connector plug (2) coupled to the flow sensor, to a ventilator (110), wherein the connection of the ventilation Hose arrangement comprises arranging the flow sensor (160) in its final operating position and operating orientation; on the ventilator (110) side, detecting the connector (2) of the ventilation hose arrangement via two pressure sensor ports of the ventilator (110); and Calibrating the flow sensor (160) in the inspiration direction by introducing a plurality of different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows in the inspiration direction and determining flow measurement values ​​at the flow sensor (160), wherein the calibration of the flow sensor (160) in the inspiration direction takes place while the flow sensor (160) is in its final operating position and operating orientation.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein detecting the connector (2) of the breathing tube assembly comprises comparing an electrical behavior of the connector (2) between the two pressure sensor ports of the ventilator (110) with an expected electrical behavior of a particular connector type.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein detecting the connector (2) of the ventilation tube assembly comprises determining at least one electrical quantity between the two pressure sensor terminals of the ventilator (110).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein determining at least one electrical quantity between the two pressure sensor terminals of the ventilator (110) comprises determining the electrical current through the connecting plug (2) and / or the electrical voltage applied to the connecting plug (2) and / or the electrical resistance of the connecting plug (2) between the two pressure sensor terminals of the ventilator (110).

26. Method according to one of claims 22 to 25, wherein for a complete calibration of the flow sensor (160) only different ventilation gas pressures and / or different ventilation gas flows in the inspiration direction are introduced.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, further comprising: Calibrating the flow sensor (160) in the expiration direction based on the results of calibrating the flow sensor (160) in the inspiration direction.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein calibrating the flow sensor (160) in the expiration direction comprises implementing the results of calibrating the Flow sensor (160) in the inspiration direction according to a predefined conversion rule, wherein the predefined conversion rule is stored in particular in the ventilator (110).

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