Gas sampling point and base comprising a gas sampling point

Abstract

Gas Base and Sampling Point Comprising a Base The invention relates to a base (5) and a gas sampling point (15) comprising a base (5) of this type. The base has a first connection structure (18) for fixing to a wall (16), a base channel (4) that can be connected to a gas supply, at least a second connection structure (19) for fixing a plug-in fitting (1) which is designed to receive a connector in a removably locked manner in a gas flow position, in order to produce a gas-tight connection between a connector channel disposed inside the connector and the base channel (4), and a gas base valve (13) which is disposed at least partially in the base channel (4) and releases a flow channel between the base channel (4) and the connector channel as soon as the connector is in the gas flow position.The technical solution described is characterized in that the base channel (4) is disposed at least partially within a base element (10) which includes at least a portion of the first connecting structure (18), and within a socket element (11) which includes at least a portion of the second connecting structure (19), in that the base element (10) and the socket element (11) each comprise at least one metal, and in that the base element (10) is formed as a single unit with the socket element (11) or is connected to the socket element (11) by means of a material bond (20). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Gas base and sampling point comprising a base

[0001] The invention relates to a base for a gas sampling point and to a gas sampling point equipped with such a base. The base has a first connection structure for fixing to a wall, a base channel that can be connected to a gas supply, at least a second connection structure for fixing a plug-in fitting, and a gas base valve that is disposed at least partially in the base channel and, if necessary, opens a flow channel between the base channel and a connector disposed in the plug-in fitting.

[0002] Modern hospitals and laboratories generally have gas tanks, a compressed air generation system, and a branching network of tubular pipes comprising multiple gas sampling points through which medical gases or compressed air required for various examinations and treatments are supplied to treatment rooms, operating rooms, and patient rooms. Furthermore, such gas sampling points are provided not only in buildings but also in mobile rescue units, particularly rescue containers or rescue vehicles, and are also usually connected to a gas or compressed air tank. It is also possible to provide, at gas sampling points of this type, a reduced vacuum relative to ambient pressure, for example to be able to perform aspirations on patients. In order to connect the pipes, devices or medical equipment respectively required to the gas and compressed air supply, plug-in fittings are provided at the gas sampling points, which fittings make possible a connection to a connector, which is gas-tight and non-interchangeable.

[0003] Gas sampling points are arranged directly in the wall, at the level of a supply channel, extend in the tubular pipes of the gas and compressed air supply or are arranged on another device, both inside buildings and in mobile units, such as vehicles.

[0004] A generic type plug-in fitting is known from DE 26 23 934 AL. In the described plug-in fitting, a connector can be inserted into a gas flow position to produce a gas-tight connection between a gas or compressed air supply and a consumer. The plug-in fitting has a connector housing with a locking ball, by means of which a connector is fixed in the gas flow position and prevented from unintentionally detaching, it is attached to a wall-mounted base equipped with a gas base valve. The gas base valve has a locking bolt that is moved by the connector during the transition to the gas flow position, such that a flow channel between the gas or compressed air supply and a connector channel located inside the connector is opened in the gas base valve.

[0005] The base therefore generally ensures a permanent fixing of the gas sampling point and constitutes the basis for the connection between a medical device and a source of gas or compressed air or a reduced pressure relative to ambient pressure, for example for aspiration, is provided. Typically, the bases of known gas sampling points are fixed to a wall and have an internal base channel containing a gas base valve. If a connector is inserted into the push-fit fitting attached to the base and a gas flow position is reached, a locking bolt on the gas base valve is moved by the front side of the connector against a spring force and held in that position, thus opening a flow channel between a gas or compressed air supply and a connector channel inside the connector. For the removable attachment of a plug-in fitting, known bases have suitable connection structures. To allow work, particularly maintenance, to be carried out on a gas tap, maintenance valves are provided in these bases. These valves ensure that, even after the gas tap base valve has been removed or decommissioned, at least approximately no gas or compressed air escapes into the environment at the gas tap during the work. In this context, for example, the "Forano" maintenance valve from Greggersen is known. This valve includes a locking bolt that is screwed into the base during maintenance work. A metallic seal between the base and the locking bolt is created after the removal of the standard sealing elements.

[0006] A drawback of the solutions known from the prior art is that additional structural elements are required and must be inserted into the base to produce the necessary seal, thus hindering normal hospital operation. Furthermore, reliable sealing often cannot be guaranteed, resulting in a leak of medical gases or compressed air at a gas sampling point during maintenance. This can pose a risk to people in the surrounding area and constitutes a financial loss. financial on the other hand. Often, sealing the gas sampling point can only be done manually in an emergency.

[0007] Based on the bases for gas or compressed air sampling points known from the prior art, the invention aims to provide a base that guarantees, both during maintenance work and in the event of a fire, a secure seal of the gas sampling point against the environment. The use of components made of synthetic materials should therefore be avoided. At the same time, the base to be provided, as well as the components used, should have a comparatively simple construction and be economically viable to manufacture. Furthermore, the base to be supplied should be designed so that the plug-in fitting can be easily and safely assembled and disassembled, without requiring additional components that would need to be attached to or inside the base for maintenance purposes to ensure a seal. In addition, a plug-in fitting should be replaceable without unduly disrupting normal hospital operations.

[0008] The objective described above is achieved by means of a base according to claim 1. In addition, a gas sampling point is indicated in claim 15, which makes it possible to achieve the objective of the invention. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

[0009] The invention relates to a base for a gas or compressed air sampling point, which includes a first connection structure for fixing to a wall, a base channel that can be connected to a gas supply, at least a second connection structure for fixing a plug-in fitting which is made to receive a connector in a removably locked manner in a gas flow position, in order to produce a gas-tight connection between a connector channel disposed inside the connector and the base channel, and a gas base valve which is disposed at least partially in the base channel and releases a flow channel between the base channel and the connector channel as soon as the connector is in the gas flow position.According to the invention, the base has been improved such that the base channel is disposed at least partially inside a base element which includes at least a part of the first connecting structure and a socket element which includes at least a part of the second connecting structure, such that both the base element and the socket element comprise a metal and such that either the base element and the socket element are made in one piece or The base element is connected to the socket element by means of a material bond. With regard to the solution according to the invention, it is essential that the base be made as a purely metallic structural unit. Preferably, the gas base valve also consists exclusively of metallic components. According to the invention, the base therefore has two functional elements forming its basic structure, namely, on the one hand, a base element by means of which the gas base can be fixed to a wall, and on the other hand, a socket element preferably made tubular, which includes a connecting structure for attaching a plug-in fitting. The base channel containing the gas base valve is disposed within these two elements.Because the base element and the socket element are made as a single piece or connected to each other by a material bond, the base is supplied as a uniform structural unit that is easy to handle, and it is further ensured that the base channel is reliably sealed between an inlet and an outlet in various operating situations and even in the event of a fire.

[0010] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the material bonding is achieved by brazing, the material bonding preferably comprising silver, copper, and / or zinc. A bond of this type is particularly advantageous when the base element and the socket element are made of brass. Inside the base is a gas valve with a locking bolt which, in the installed position, can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the base channel against a spring force from a closed to an open position. A spring element, preferably a spiral spring, is therefore provided to generate the spring force acting in the closing direction of the locking bolt.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the second connecting structure may include a thread. In this embodiment, a protective cap may be screwed onto the thread during transport or assembly work.

[0012] In a special improvement of the invention, a protective element is provided to be attached at least intermittently to the second connecting structure, which covers an outlet opening of the base channel and, at least in certain regions, the second connecting structure. Such a protective element is made, for example, in the form of a cap made of synthetic material that is inserted onto or screwed onto the second connecting structure, provided that the second connecting structure is threaded. Preferably, the protective element is therefore made in the form of a threaded cap made of synthetic material.

[0013] According to another special embodiment of the invention, a closing element is provided, which is designed to bring the base to a sealed state when it is mounted on a wall and no plug-in fitting is attached to the base. In this sealed state of the base, the locking element ensures that the base channel, which is connected to a gas or compressed air supply and in which a pressure higher or lower than ambient pressure prevails, is reliably gas-tight with respect to the environment.Due to the sealing element, which is in a sealing position in the sealed state, it is reliably prevented that gas or compressed air escapes from the base or that air is drawn into the base, depending on whether there is overpressure or underpressure in the base channel, as soon as no plug-in fitting is attached to the second connection structure and / or the gas base valve does not close the outlet opening of the base. Preferably, the closing element bears against the sleeve element in the sealed position at least in certain regions, which sleeve element includes a suitable sealing surface for this purpose. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the closing element to include a valve head that bears directly against an annular sealing surface of the sleeve element with an outer peripheral region. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the closing element rests at least partially on a sealing surface of the base element in the closed position.

[0014] In addition, according to a particular improvement, it is conceivable that the closing element is made in the form of a hat-shaped element and that, in the closed position, at least a region of an edge of the hat element is disposed on a sealing surface of the sleeve element.Preferably, the hat-shaped closing element is arranged in the base channel such that one apex of the hat element is on a side opposite to the side of the base channel subjected to pressure. In this case, the apex of the hat element, i.e. the bulge, is deflected away from the wall to which the base is fixed.

[0015] In another particular embodiment, the closing element, in an open position in which it does not close the base channel, is connected, at least in certain regions, to a spring element, preferably a spring element that subjects the locking bolt of the gas base valve to a spring force in the closing direction. In this context, it is particularly advantageous for the closing element to include a stop element against which the spring element bears at least partially and is fixed in at least one direction. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the closing element is provided to be made and arranged in the base channel such that The closing element of a base fixed to a wall and connected to a gas or compressed air supply is, in an open position in which it does not close the base channel, subjected from two opposite sides to the increased pressure prevailing in the base channel. Preferably, the closing element is positioned at a distance from the limiting wall nearest to the base channel and / or is located in a recess, for example in the form of a groove, between the limiting wall and the closing element. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the closing element to be retained and fixed in the open position by the same spring element that exerts a spring force on the locking bolt in the direction of the locking bolt's closing action.

[0016] According to another special embodiment of the invention, a base for a gas sampling point has a plug-in fitting fixed to a first connection structure for receiving a connector in a gas flow position in which a gas-tight connection exists between a connector channel disposed inside the connector and the base channel, the plug-in fitting comprising at least one locking element which, in the gas flow position, engages at least in certain regions in at least one snap-in structure of the connector positioned in the housing, and at least one unlocking unit, during the actuation of which the locking element is guided out of the snap-in structure.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to a gas sampling point comprising a base which is made according to at least one of the embodiments described above.

[0018] In what follows, the invention is explained in more detail without limitation of the general inventive idea by means of special embodiments with reference to the figures in which:

[0019] [Fig-1] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a gas sampling point comprising a base made according to the invention, fixed to the wall and to which a plug-in fitting is attached,

[0020] [Fig.2] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a gas sampling point comprising a base made according to the invention and fixed to the wall, without a plug-in fitting and with the closing element in the open position and

[0021] [Fig.3] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a gas sampling point comprising a base made according to the invention and fixed to the wall, without a plug-in fitting and with the closing element in the closed position.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates in a cross-sectional view a gas sampling point 15 comprising a base 5 fixed to the wall 16 by means of a first connecting structure 18, to which a plug-in fitting 1 is fixed comprising a plug-in connector housing 9 for receiving a connector that establishes a link between a central gas supply and a medical device. The base 5 thus creates a gas-tight connection between the plug-in connector 1 and a hospital gas supply that provides medical gases or compressed air for patient treatment. The base 5 has a base channel 4 that is connected in a gas-tight manner to a tubular line 2 of the gas supply. Inside the base channel 4 is a gas base valve 13 which is in a closed position in the operating state illustrated in [Fig. 1], so that the base channel 4 is gas-tight with respect to the environment and no gas escapes from the gas sampling point 15.A locking bolt 14 of the gas base valve 13 is forced in the closing direction by means of a spring element 17 and is held in this position, provided that no connector is inserted into the connector housing 9. Furthermore, the gas base 5 has a second connection structure 19 which is configured as an external thread according to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1], an external thread onto which the plug-in fitting 1 is screwed using a fixing structure 6 made in the form of an internal thread.

[0023] The gas base 5 has, as essential functional elements, a base element 10 and a socket element 11. On the base element 10 is provided the first connection structure 18, here in the form of a through bore, through which the base element 10 and ultimately the entire base 5 can be fixed at least indirectly to the wall 16. In addition, the second connection structure 19 of the base 5, here in the form of an external thread, is arranged on the socket element 11, connection structure to which the plug-in fitting 1 is fixed at least indirectly. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1], the socket element 11 is made in a tubular manner and has, on the outer peripheral surface, an external thread onto which a threaded socket is screwed and the plug-in fitting 1 is fixed to the socket element 11 using a screw connection.

[0024] According to the invention, it is essential that the base element 10 and the socket element 11 be connected to each other by means of a material bond 20, which is produced here by brazing. The brazing ensures that the base channel 4, located inside the base 5 between an inlet 21 and an outlet 22, is reliably sealed against the environment. Furthermore, the base 5 is thus made entirely of metal, in this case brass, which component ensures a reliable supply of gas or compressed air in various operating conditions. Even in the event of a fire, the risk of damage to the base 5 and the risk The associated risk of uncontrolled gas leaks is at least reduced to a minimum.

[0025] The plug-in fitting 1 has a connector housing 9 in which a connector not shown is moved into a gas flow position and can be fixed here using a locking unit 7. In the gas flow position, the connector presses by a front side on the locking bolt 14 of the gas base valve 13 so that the latter is moved against the spring force acting on it in the direction of the wall 16 and thus releases a flow channel between the base channel 4 and a connector channel located inside the connector. Furthermore, the plug-in fitting 1 has a release unit 12 which makes it possible to release the locking of the connector, so that it can be moved out of the gas flow position and removed from the connector housing 9 without considerable force being applied.

[0026] In addition, a hat-shaped closing element 3 is disposed in the base channel 4, which closing element is, by means of the spring element 17 which exerts a spring force acting in the closing direction of the locking axis 14, held in its position on an outer wall of the base channel 4. If the plug-in fitting 1 is removed from the base 5 for maintenance, the locking bolt 14 is no longer held in position and the base channel 4 can be removed together with the spring element 17 or the locking bolt 14 and the spring element 17 fall out of the outlet 22 of the base 5 due to the pressure in the base channel 4. In this operating situation, the hat-shaped closing element 3 is, due to the pressure in the base channel 4, moved into a closed position in which the edge 23 of the hat-shaped closing element 3 rests on a sealing surface 24 of the sleeve element 11 by an external peripheral region. By means of a gap-shaped recess 8 arranged between the closing element 3 and the wall of the base channel 4, a pressure force is exerted on the closing element, which is also driven by the gas flowing momentarily out of the outlet 22, so that the closing element 3 is displaced in the direction of the outlet 22. The triggering of this displacement can be assisted by the fact that the spring element 17 surrounds at least partially the top 25 of the hat-shaped closing element 3 and rests against it and at least at that moment lifts the closing element 3 somewhat from the wall of the base channel 4 in which the spring element 17 and the locking bolt 14 are displaced in the direction of the outlet 22. As soon as the closing element 3 rests against the sealing surface 24 of the socket element 11 in the closed position, the flow of gas or compressed air out of the outlet 22 of the base is reliably, durably and without the use of synthetic material components.

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates the cross-sectional view of a gas sampling point comprising a base 5 made according to the invention and fixed to the wall, without a plug-in fitting 1 and with the closing element 3 in the open position. This operating state occurs during maintenance of the gas sampling point 15 immediately after the plug-in fitting 1 has been unscrewed from the second connection structure 19 of the base 5 in the form of an external thread. The locking bolt 14 and the spring element 17, acting on it in the closing direction, of the gas base valve 13 are at least partially still inside the base channel 4. In the operating position illustrated in Figure 2, the gas base valve 13 is closed.2], the locking bolt 14 and the spring element 17 acting on it in the closing direction are no longer retained inside the base channel 4 and would, due to the pressure within the base channel and the spring tension, be pushed out of the base channel 4 through the outlet 22 or can be easily removed from it.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a gas sampling point comprising a base made according to the invention and fixed to the wall, without a plug-in fitting and with the closing element in the closed position. As can be clearly seen, the closing element 3 rests by its peripheral edge on a sealing surface 24 of the socket element 11. In this way, a secure and durable seal of the base channel 4 and consequently of the gas sampling point against the environment is ensured, since the closing element is pressed uniformly against the sealing surface 24 of the socket element 11 by the pressure prevailing in the base channel 4. List of reference signs

[0029] 1: Plug-in connector 2: connector 3: closing element 4: base channel 5: base 6: Fixing structure for the plug-in fitting 7: blocking element 8: obvious 9: Connector housing 10: Base element 11: socket element 12: unlocking unit gas base valve locking bolt gas sampling point wall spring element connecting structure for fixing to a wall connection structure for fixing a plug-in fitting material connection entrance exit edge sealing surface summit

Claims

Demands

1. A base (5) comprising a first connecting structure (18) for attachment to a wall (16), a base channel (4) that can be connected to a gas supply, at least a second connecting structure (19) for attaching a plug-in fitting (1) designed to receive a connector in a removably locked manner in a gas flow position, in order to produce a gas-tight connection between a connector channel disposed inside the connector and the base channel (4), and a gas base valve (13) disposed at least partially in the base channel (4) and which opens a flow channel between the base channel (4) and the connector channel as soon as the connector is in the gas flow position, characterized in that the base channel (4) is disposed at least partially inside a base element (10) that includes at least a portion of the first connecting structure (18),and within a socket element (11) which includes at least a portion of the second connecting structure (19), in that the base element (10) and the socket element (11) each comprise at least one metal and in that the base element (10) is made as a single unit with the socket element (11) or is connected to the socket element (11) by means of a material bond (20).

2. Base according to claim 1, characterized in that the material bond (20) is made in the form of a brazing bond.

3. Base according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material bond (20) comprises silver, copper and / or zinc.

4. Base according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one spring element (17) is provided, by means of which a spring force acting in the closing direction of a locking bolt (14) of the gas base valve (13) is generated.

5. Base according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connecting structure (19) comprises a thread.

6. Base according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a protective element is fixed at least intermittently to the second connecting structure (19), which covers an outlet (22) of the base channel (4) and, at least in some regions, the second connecting structure (19).

7. Base according to claim 6, characterized in that the protective element comprises a threaded cap.

8. Base according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a closing element (3) is provided, which is designed to, in the mounted state, in a closed position, make the base channel (4) connected to a gas supply and subjected to increased pressure relative to a pressure prevailing in an environment, gas-tight with respect to the environment, as soon as no plug-in fitting (1) is attached to the second connecting structure (19).

9. Base according to claim 8, characterized in that the closing element (3) bears directly against the socket element (11) at least in certain regions in the closed position.

10. Base according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the closing element (3) comprises a valve head which bears against a sealing surface (24) of the socket element (11) with an outer peripheral region.

11. Base according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the closing element (3) is made in the form of a hat-shaped element, rests against the socket element (11) in the region of an edge of the hat-shaped element and a top of the hat-shaped element is disposed opposite to the pressure-bearing side of the base channel.

12. Base according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the closing element (3) is connected, at least in certain regions, to a spring element (17) which subjects a locking bolt (14) of the gas base valve (13) to a spring force in the closing direction.

13. Base according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the closing element (3) is made and disposed in the base channel (4) such that the closing element (3) is subjected from two opposite sides to the increased pressure prevailing in the base channel (4) in an operating position in which a plug-in fitting (1) is fixed to the second connecting structure (19) and the base channel (4) is connected to a gas supply and is subjected to an increased pressure relative to a pressure prevailing in an environment.

14. Base according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a plug-in fitting (1) fixed to the second connection structure (19) for receiving a connector in a gas flow position in which a gas-tight connection exists between a connector channel disposed inside the connector and the base channel (4), the plug-in fitting (1) having at least one locking element (7) which, in the gas flow position, engages at least in certain regions in at least one snap-in structure of the connector positioned in the connector housing (9), and at least one unlocking unit (12), during the actuation of which the locking element (7) is guided out of the snap-in structure.

15. Gas sampling point (15) comprising a base (5) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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