Exhalation valve assembly and breathing gas line assembly including the exhalation valve assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exhalation valve assembly (16) for an artificial ventilator, the exhalation valve assembly (16) comprising an exhalation channel (38) having an exhalation inlet (22) at one end and an inlet connection formation (30a) configured for connection to an exhalation breathing gas line (36a) and an exhalation outlet (40) at the other end, the exhalation channel (38) having an exhalation valve (42), an inhalation inlet (54) at one end and an inlet connection formation (58) configured for connection to a breathing gas source providing inhalation breathing gas, and an inhalation outlet (24) at the other end and an inhalation breathing gas line (36a) at the other end. the inhalation channel (52) having an outlet connection formation (30b) configured to connect to the inhalation valve (36b); and a control channel (68) branching off from the inhalation channel (52) at a branch point (66) and leading to the exhalation valve (42) whereby the exhalation valve (42) can be displaced by inhaled breathing gas to a blocking position blocking the flow of exhaled breathing gas, the inhalation channel (52) having a one-way valve (60, 60') disposed therein which permits flow of inhaled breathing gas in an inhalation direction (I) from the inhalation inlet (54) to the inhalation outlet (24) and prevents flow of breathing gas in the opposite direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exhalation valve assembly for a ventilator for providing artificial ventilation to a patient, the exhalation valve assembly comprising: an expiratory channel having at one end an expiratory inlet for introducing an expiratory respiratory gas flow into the expiratory channel and an inlet connection formation adapted for connection to an expiratory respiratory gas line leading to a patient, and at the other end an expiratory outlet for expelling the expiratory respiratory gas, the expiratory channel having an expiratory valve movable into a passing position to pass the expiratory respiratory gas flow by the expiratory respiratory gas flow in the expiratory direction from the expiratory inlet to the expiratory outlet; an inhalation channel having at one end an inhalation inlet for introducing an inhaled breathing gas flow into the inhalation channel and an inlet connection formation configured for connection to a breathing gas source supplying inhaled breathing gas, and at the other end an inhalation outlet for exhausting the inhaled breathing gas and an outlet connection formation configured for connection to an inhaled breathing gas line leading to a patient; a control channel branching off from the inhalation channel at a branch point and leading to an exhalation valve, whereby the exhalation valve can be displaced by the inhalation breathing gas into a blocking position in which it blocks the exhalation breathing gas flow; Contains: [Background technology]

[0002] Such an exhalation valve assembly is configured to direct both an exhalation and an inhalation respiratory gas flow and is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 5,399,633.

[0003] The exhalation valve assembly known from US Pat. No. 5,999,333 is part of a breathing gas line assembly and comprises a hose as a line member connected to the exhalation valve assembly. The hose is configured as a double lumen hose and has both an exhalation breathing gas line and an inhalation breathing gas line inside its outermost hose sleeve. The known double lumen hose is connected to the exhalation valve assembly at its distal longitudinal end, i.e. at the longitudinal end that is remote from the patient during operation. At its proximal longitudinal end, i.e. the longitudinal end that is closer to the patient during operation, a Y-shaped connection element with a non-return valve assembly is arranged on the hose. Between its distal longitudinal end with two legs and its proximal longitudinal end with one leg, the Y-shaped connection element merges the distally connected breathing gas lines, the exhalation breathing gas line and the inhalation breathing gas line, into a common bidirectional breathing gas line.

[0004] The anti-reflux valve assembly is used to isolate the existing breathing gas column from the other active breathing gas line in the region of each currently inactive breathing gas line, consisting of the inhalation breathing gas line and the exhalation breathing gas line, located distal to the anti-reflux valve assembly, so that breathing gas flows only through the active breathing gas line that is desired during each ventilation phase.

[0005] However, the Y-connection element requires a relatively large installation space and becomes bulky due to the reception of the anti-reflux valve assembly, which is particularly disadvantageous for a Y-connection element that is always located close to the patient.

[0006] A known exhalation valve arranged in an exhalation channel blocks the exhalation channel when the diverted inhalation breathing gas flows through the inhalation channel in the inhalation direction during the inhalation phase, by displacing the exhalation valve to the blocking position. During spontaneous inspiration of the patient, the negative pressure generated by the patient during spontaneous inspiration displaces the exhalation valve to the blocking position. In each of the two aforementioned cases, during the inhalation phase, a pressure gradient exists between the upstream and downstream sides of the exhalation valve in the exhalation direction, which pressure gradient displaces the exhalation valve to the blocking position.

[0007] In the breathing gas line assembly known from US 6,933,566, a non-return valve in the Y-connection element similarly blocks the inhalation breathing gas line during exhalation, thereby preventing a flow of breathing gas in the inhalation breathing gas line in the exhalation direction opposite to the inhalation direction.

[0008] For further background on the prior art, see also US Pat. No. 5,399,313. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 018902 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 2663354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to describe a technical teaching that makes it possible to temporarily block inactive respiratory gas lines during each ventilation phase consisting of inspiration and expiration against a flow in the wrong direction for each inactive respiratory gas line, without having to permanently place medical technical components requiring space near the patient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention solves this problem by arranging a one-way valve in the inhalation channel of an exhalation valve assembly of the type mentioned at the beginning, which one-way valve allows the flow of inhaled breathing gas in the inhalation direction from the inhalation inlet to the inhalation outlet and prevents the flow of breathing gas in the opposite direction.

[0012] Advantageously, the exhalation valve assembly, which is always located away from the patient on the distal side of the ventilation hose or the like, blocks the exhalation breathing gas line during inspiration and blocks the inhalation breathing gas line during expiration. The one-way valve required for this can be arranged on the one hand in a relatively compact assembly and on the other hand at a location away from the patient to be artificially ventilated. Even if the arrangement of the one-way valve in the exhalation valve assembly increases the installation volume of the exhalation valve assembly with respect to the exhalation valve assemblies known from the prior art, this occurs at a location far away from the patient to be artificially ventilated, so that the patient is not restricted by this.

[0013] The one-way valve is preferably a simple non-return valve having a valve seat and a valve body, which in a closed position closing off its inhalation breathing gas line physically abuts against the valve seat and can be removed from the valve seat for the throughflow of the inhalation breathing gas line. In order to ensure that the inhalation breathing gas line can only be throughflowed in the inhalation direction, the valve body can be lifted from the valve seat in its mounting position in the exhalation valve assembly only along the local inhalation direction. Thereby, the one-way valve is lifted from the valve seat by the inhalation breathing gas flow itself and thus displaceable to an open position allowing throughflow, while on the other hand a breathing gas flow in the opposite direction returns the valve body to its seat and thus displaces it to a closed position.

[0014] The valve body can be pretensioned by elastic forces and displaced into the closed position by means of pretensioning means, for example a pretensioning spring or a pretensioning element of an elastic polymer. By the valve body being the pretensioning element itself, an advantageous simplification can be achieved by minimizing the number of parts as much as possible. Preferably, therefore, the valve body is deformable by the inhaled breathing gas flow between a closed shape and an open shape. In the closed shape, the valve body abuts against the valve seat and closes the inhalation channel. In the open shape, the valve body is at least partially lifted from the valve seat and allows a throughflow of the inhalation channel in the inhalation direction. This makes it possible to dispense with additional pretensioning elements.

[0015] According to the invention, the valve body can be configured as a pivotable flap, and in order to achieve the above-mentioned deformability between the closed and open shapes, the hinge enabling the pivoting movement of the flap-like valve body is preferably configured as a living hinge.

[0016] Alternatively, and preferably because of the possibility of a symmetrical throughflow, the valve body can be configured as a disk, which is held with a central disk area located away from its disk edge, so that the disk edge can move transversely with respect to the disk surface through deformation of the disk with respect to the held central disk area. The valve seat can be formed by an annular surface on which rests a disk edge area located radially outside the central disk area in the closed position of the one-way valve, from which the disk edge area can be lifted into an opening shape by deformation of the disk-shaped valve body.

[0017] To hold the valve body, the valve body has an opening in the central disk region that passes through the central disk region, which opening is pierced by a retaining element, which preferably has a larger cross section on both sides of the pierced opening than the pierced opening, so that the valve body can be held in a form-locking manner very effectively by the retaining element.

[0018] Preferably, the valve seat and the retaining member of the valve body are configured as an integral part. The one-way valve can be inserted into the intake channel, preferably as a preassembled assembly, which includes the basic part with the valve seat and the retaining part. The part, preferably with the valve seat and the retaining member, can be fixed in the intake channel after being inserted into the intake channel, particularly preferably as an integral part, by gluing, welding, such as ultrasonic welding or friction welding, or simply frictionally connected by friction between the outer and inner surfaces of the wall of the part facing the inner surface of the wall of the intake channel. To facilitate the insertion, the retaining member can be configured to have a rotationally symmetrical or circumferentially repeating shape portion at least in the fixing part fixable to the intake channel, if the part of the intake channel into which the basic part with the one-way valve is inserted is also configured rotationally symmetrical. In this case, the orientation of the basic part relative to the insertion axis during assembly is advantageously not important.

[0019] To facilitate thermal fixing by melting of the overlapping interface, as in welding, at least the fixing portion of the primary part and the part of the intake channel receiving said fixing portion are made from compatible thermoplastics at least on their facing and contacting surfaces. Preferably, to simplify manufacture, the entire primary part with the valve seat and the retaining member and / or the entire intake channel are made from compatible thermoplastic materials.

[0020] The valve body, in particular the disk-shaped valve body, may be made of an elastomer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer or a common silicone. The material of the valve body does not have to be compatible with the material of the valve seat and / or the material of the retaining member and / or the material forming the intake channel wall. Preferably, this is not the case, in order to avoid undesired random connections between the valve body and the valve seat and / or the intake channel wall.

[0021] Although the inhalation and exhalation directions are functionally opposite, this does not mean that the inhalation and exhalation respiratory gas flows flow in opposite directions at each position of the exhalation valve assembly. The exhalation and inhalation channels can run partially parallel, but usually do not run parallel along the entire common extension, for example because the exhalation outlet, preferably located in the region of the arrangement of the exhalation valve, opens into the outside environment of the exhalation valve assembly, while the inhalation inlet is connected to a respiratory gas source, for example a pressurized respiratory gas storage device or / and a blower. Insofar as the exhalation and inhalation channels run locally parallel on or within the exhalation valve assembly, within this parallel region the exhalation and inhalation respiratory gas flows generally flow in actual opposite directions.

[0022] The inlet connection formation, the inlet connection formation and the outlet connection formation can have any shape that allows the connection of further lines or further channels. Each of the aforementioned formations can be part of a pneumatic quick coupling or can simply be formed either by a channel socket or a channel bush. The skilled person generally knows how to connect a breathing gas line to the inlet connection formation and the outlet connection formation. The skilled person also knows how the inlet connection formation can be effectively connected fluidically with a breathing gas storage device, i.e. a container in which pressurized breathing gas is stored or a ventilator with a blower, etc.

[0023] The branch point is preferably located upstream of the one-way valve in the inspiration direction to ensure that the inhaled breathing gas displaces the exhalation valve into the shut-off position regardless of the functional capability of the one-way valve.

[0024] The expiratory valve is preferably configured as a diaphragm valve known per se and has as a valve body a diaphragm displaceable in a direction perpendicular to its main extension plane and has an end face side longitudinal end of a portion of the expiratory channel as an annular valve seat on which the valve body rests in the blocking position.

[0025] Preferably, the exhalation valve has, in a manner known per se, an inlet exhalation channel part with a valve seat with an exhalation inlet radially inside and an outlet exhalation channel part with an exhalation outlet radially outside the inlet exhalation channel part. The exhaled breathing gas can flow from the inlet exhalation channel part to the outlet exhalation channel part only in the through position, i.e. only when the valve body is lifted from the valve seat. Due to the relatively large diaphragm surface, it is possible to form a chamber on the side of the preferred diaphragm valve body facing away from the valve seat, which chamber communicates with a control channel, so that the inhaled breathing gas can flow through the control channel into the chamber and displace the diaphragm valve body towards the valve seat, i.e. in the closed position.

[0026] The diaphragm valve body preferably has an inhalation diaphragm surface, which faces the chamber and can be wetted by the inhalation breathing gas. On the opposite side facing the exhalation inlet, the diaphragm valve body preferably has an exhalation diaphragm surface, which can be accessed by the exhalation breathing gas from the inlet-side exhalation channel part. The exhalation diaphragm surface is located inside the valve seat when viewed with the exhalation valve closed as the reference state. Preferably, the inhalation diaphragm surface of the diaphragm valve body, which can be wetted by the inhalation breathing gas, is larger than the exhalation diaphragm surface that can be accessed by the exhalation breathing gas, so that the exhalation valve can be reliably kept closed by the inhalation breathing gas during the inhalation process. An advantageous area ratio of the inhalation diaphragm surface to the exhalation diaphragm surface is in the range of 1.5 to 2. More preferably, the area ratio is in the range of 1.7 to 1.9. Particularly preferably, the area ratio is 1.8.

[0027] Basically, the inhalation and exhalation channels may have any path between their respective inlets and outlets. However, in order to avoid unnecessary turbulence and flow resistance, it is preferred that the inhalation inlet portion of the inhalation channel extends along the inhalation inlet axis closer to the inhalation inlet than the inhalation outlet of the inhalation channel. Preferably, the inhalation inlet portion has an inhalation inlet and extends from the inhalation inlet.

[0028] It should be noted that for clarity, in this application the concept of "axis" refers to a linear path.

[0029] In Patent Document 1, the valve movement path when the valve body of the exhalation valve is lifted from the valve seat is perpendicular to the inhalation inlet axis. The known valve movement path further extends parallel to the inhalation outlet portion located closer to the inhalation outlet than the inhalation inlet. The known inhalation outlet portion extends along the inhalation outlet axis. The known valve movement path further extends parallel to the exhalation inlet portion extending along the exhalation inlet axis, the exhalation inlet portion being located closer to the exhalation inlet than the exhalation outlet. With such kinematics of the valve body, depending on the operating situation, gravity has a detrimental effect on the exhalation valve, or at least has no advantageous effect.

[0030] Basically, the valve element of the exhalation valve is usually pretensioned by the material elasticity of the preferred diaphragm valve element and displaced to the blocking position. In order to additionally allow gravity to displace the exhalation valve to the blocking position in most operating situations, thus increasing the functional reliability of the exhalation valve, it is preferably specified for the exhalation valve assembly discussed here that the valve element of the exhalation valve, in particular the above-mentioned diaphragm valve element, when lifted from the exhalation valve blocking position from the exhalation valve seat, in particular the above-mentioned valve seat, and when approaching the valve seat, is inclined at an inclination angle in the range of 10° to 45°, preferably in the range of 15° to 35°, relative to the intake inlet axis. Preferably, the exhalation valve assembly discussed here is used in an emergency ventilator mounted on a patient emergency transport vehicle or an emergency transport vehicle in the event of an accident, such as an ambulance, a rescue helicopter, etc. Thus, the orientation of the exhalation valve assembly in emergency use is unpredictable. The description of the position of the exhalation valve relative to the valve travel path indicates that in most operating conditions, the exhalation valve assembly is used oriented such that at least gravity acting on the valve disc displaces the valve disc to the shutoff position.

[0031] An advantageously compact exhalation valve assembly in use with further lines connected to the connecting and connecting formations of the exhalation valve assembly is obtained by the fact that the exhalation inlet portion of the exhalation channel, located closer to the exhalation inlet than the exhalation outlet, extends along the exhalation inlet axis. Preferably, the valve movement path is inclined with respect to the inhalation inlet axis around a line parallel to the exhalation inlet axis.

[0032] Preferably, the exhalation inlet axis and the inhalation inlet axis are oriented perpendicular to each other. The two inlet axes, which are assumed to pass through the centre of each channel portion, do not have to intersect and may pass each other at a distance.

[0033] Preferably, the valve seat has a seat surface which is flat or lies in a plane. If the seat surface has an extension along the valve travel path, for example because it is conical or negative conical, then said plane of the seat surface is not to be understood as a mathematical plane, but as a technical plane with a small extension along the valve travel path.

[0034] As explained above, if the valve movement path is inclined to the inlet axis, the valve seat or the extension surface of the flat valve seat surface is preferably also inclined to a plane perpendicular to the inlet axis. In this case, the valve seat, even theoretically possible non-flat valve seats, has a proximal portion inclined towards the inlet part and a remote portion inclined away from the inlet part and located further away. In order to make the control channel as short as possible and thus as loss-free as possible, the control channel preferably extends from the branch point to the exhalation valve closer to the proximal portion than to the remote portion.

[0035] The control channel may be configured at least partially as a channel member or a channel member portion arranged at a spatial distance from the inhalation channel and / or the exhalation channel, whereby, unlike a one-piece structure of the control channel with at least one channel consisting of an inhalation channel and an exhalation channel, each of these channels can have the smallest possible cross section, and thus an exhalation valve assembly with the smallest possible installation space can be provided.

[0036] Preferably, in the exhalation valve assembly according to the invention, it is also provided that, if a signal line is required, it is at least partially extended through the exhalation valve assembly, in particular through at least one of the channels, which consist of the inhalation channel and the exhalation channel. To ensure that such at least one signal line guided into the channel passes through the channel and can be connected to its communication device, according to a preferred further development of the invention, at least one passage opening may be formed in the area between the inhalation inlet part and the exhalation inlet part or / and in the area between the inhalation inlet part and the inhalation outlet part, which is located closer to the inhalation outlet than the inhalation inlet. This at least one passage opening passes through the channel walls that define the inhalation channel or / and the exhalation channel.

[0037] The at least one through opening may simply be pierced by the at least one signal line. Alternatively, the signal line may physically terminate on the inner side of the channel wall facing the respective channel. In order to ensure a reliable positioning of the longitudinal ends of the signal lines, the inner side of the channel wall may be provided with receiving formations, such as plug-on sockets, plug-in collars or rings made of leaf springs projecting in the same direction from the peripheral area of ​​the through opening, into which the longitudinal ends of the signal lines may be plugged, so as to form a form-fitting receiving engagement with the longitudinal ends of the signal lines.

[0038] Likewise, further receiving formations may be arranged on the outer side of the associated channel, which are configured in the same way for positioning a longitudinal end of a further signal line that continues the signal line outside the channel in which it is guided. The further receiving formation may, for example, be a plug-on socket, a plug-in collar or a ring of a leaf spring protruding in the same direction from the peripheral area of ​​the through-opening. At least one receiving formation may also be formed on a separate lead-through member, which may be inserted and fixed in the through-opening.

[0039] If several passage openings are formed, the passage openings are preferably formed in the same way as in the case of several lead-through elements.

[0040] In order to avoid unnecessary bending of the at least one signal line, the at least one through opening is arranged so that, as far as possible, the signal line section connected to the through opening or the connected further signal line does not have to be routed around the channel member. This can be achieved by the at least one through opening being located downstream of a reference plane in the expiratory direction, the reference plane being oriented perpendicular to the expiratory inlet axis, and the opening surface enclosed by the valve seat being divided into equal surface portions.

[0041] Furthermore, unnecessary bending of the signal line can be avoided by at least one through opening or / and possibly a penetrating member inserted into the through opening extending along a through axis parallel to the expiratory inlet axis or / and to the inhalation outlet axis along which the inhalation outlet portion extends.

[0042] In this case, it should be taken into account that the signal line generally extends from a sensor, particularly a flow sensor, located closer to the patient than the exhalation valve assembly to the exhalation valve assembly. The signal line may be an electrical signal line that transmits an electrical signal. In this case, the bending of the signal line is generally not important. Frequently used proximal differential pressure flow sensors are provided with two signal lines, each of which transmits the breathing gas pressure upstream of the flow resistance in the flow sensor and the breathing gas pressure downstream of the flow resistance as a hollow pressure line. For the most accurate pressure transmission possible, it is useful to avoid bending and bending.

[0043] Basically, it is also possible to configure the expiratory inlet section and the inhalation outlet section so that they are both functionally facing the patient to be ventilated. However, particularly in emergency medicine, it is a decisive advantage to set up the ventilator and thus the exhalation valve assembly as quickly as possible. It is therefore preferred that the expiratory inlet section and the inhalation outlet section are formed at a common multi-lumen end. Advantageously, therefore, the inlet connection formation and the outlet connection formation can be configured as a common, preferably integral, connection-connection formation, to which the multi-lumen hose can be connected in one connection process such that the expiratory breathing gas line is connected to the expiratory channel and the inhalation breathing gas line is connected to the inhalation channel simultaneously and as far as possible in one operating process.

[0044] The exhalation valve assembly can be provided in the most compact form possible by realizing the inlet, the inlet and the outlet by means of a one-piece channel member. Preferably, the one-piece channel member is manufactured using a plastic injection molding process. The one-piece channel member preferably also has an inlet coupling formation, an inlet connection formation and an outlet connection formation integrally formed thereon, preferably formed as a connection socket or / and a connection bush, respectively.

[0045] The present invention further relates to a breathing gas line assembly including an exhalation valve assembly formed as described above, an exhalation breathing gas line, an inhalation breathing gas line, and a flow sensor.

[0046] The exhalation breathing gas line preferably has a distal exhalation coupling formation at its distal longitudinal end, which is configured to form a connection with the inlet connection formation of the exhalation channel of the exhalation valve assembly for directing the exhalation breathing gas flow. Similarly, the exhalation breathing gas line has a proximal exhalation coupling formation at its proximal longitudinal end, which is configured to form a connection with the exhalation exhaust connection formation at the distal longitudinal end of the flow sensor for directing the exhalation breathing gas flow. Furthermore, the inhalation breathing gas line has a distal inhalation coupling formation at its distal longitudinal end, which is configured to form a connection with the outlet connection formation of the inhalation channel of the exhalation valve assembly for directing the inhalation breathing gas flow. Finally, the inhaled breathing gas line has a proximal inhaled coupling formation at its proximal longitudinal end, which is configured to form a connection for directing an inhaled breathing gas flow with the inhaled suction connection formation at the distal longitudinal end of the flow sensor.

[0047] In order to avoid an unnecessarily large number of different lines or hoses that may entangle rescuers or medical staff during use, preferably at least one breathing gas line, consisting of an exhalation breathing gas line and an inhalation breathing gas line, receives at least one signal line, which is configured to transmit the detection information of the flow sensor from the proximal longitudinal end to the distal longitudinal end of the at least one breathing gas line, which is the at least one signal line mentioned above.

[0048] In such a breathing gas line assembly, preferably, the above-mentioned one-way valve in the inhalation channel of the exhalation valve assembly is the only one-way valve in the inhalation breathing gas flow from the inhalation inlet to the proximal end of the flow sensor. It is not functionally necessary to place additional valves in the inhalation channel or the entire inhalation breathing gas line.

[0049] Similarly, the exhalation valve is preferably the only valve arrangement in the exhalation channel, or, particularly preferred, the only valve arrangement in the entire exhalation breathing gas line.

[0050] As mentioned above, at least one of the at least one signal line may pass through at least one of the at least one pass-through openings or may terminate in a receiving engagement of a receiving formation for receiving a distal end of the at least one signal line. Possible receiving formations are described above.

[0051] In order to further avoid an unnecessarily large number of lines, especially hoses, which may become entangled in the personnel working in the working area of ​​the breathing gas line assembly and thus increase the risk of endangering or terminating the artificial ventilation of the patient, preferably the expiratory breathing gas line and the inhalation breathing gas line are formed on a common multi-lumen line member, which may be connected to mutually spatially separate formations consisting of an inlet connection formation and an outlet connection formation, for example as a multi-lumen breathing gas hose. However, preferably, the multi-lumen line member is connected to the above-mentioned multi-lumen end of the exhalation valve assembly.

[0052] The multi-lumen line member, as a double lumen line member, can have two coaxial, preferably concentric, hoses, but in order to provide approximately the same cross-sectional area for the inhaled and exhaled breathing gas lines with approximately the same wall area per section unit, it is preferred that the exhaled and inhaled breathing gas lines are separated from each other within the line member by a partition extending along and along the inner diameter of the line member. The line member is preferably a hose.

[0053] In order to load the two breathing gas lines, consisting of the expiratory breathing gas line and the inhalation breathing gas line, as evenly as possible by receiving the signal lines, preferably the expiratory lumen and the inhalation lumen receive the same number of signal lines, preferably exactly one signal line each.

[0054] At its proximal longitudinal end, the respiratory gas line assembly, in particular a line member, particularly preferably a multi-lumen line member, can have a proximal coupling member, to which a line member, in particular a multi-lumen line member, is connected. The coupling member preferably has at its distal longitudinal end an expiratory connection formation for forming a connection with an expiratory respiratory gas line, in particular with the expiratory lumen of the multi-lumen line member, directing an expiratory respiratory gas flow, and an inhalation connection formation for forming a connection with an inhalation respiratory gas line, in particular with the inhalation lumen of the multi-lumen line member, directing an inhalation respiratory gas flow. At its proximal longitudinal end, the coupling member preferably has a coupling formation, which is both a proximal expiratory coupling formation and a proximal inhalation coupling formation.

[0055] In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1A]FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the distal end of an embodiment of a respiratory gas line assembly according to the present invention, including an embodiment of an exhalation valve assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an exploded side view of the proximal end of the respiratory gas line assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 3A and 4 , is a side view of the distal end of the respiratory gas line assembly of FIG. 1A in an assembled state, as viewed along arrow IIA in FIG. [Figure 2B] 3B is a side view of the proximal end of the respiratory gas line assembly of FIG. 1B in an assembled state, as viewed along arrow IIB of FIG. 3B. [Figure 3A] 2A and 4 , taken along arrow IIIA, is a bottom view of the proximal end of the respiratory gas line assembly of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the distal end of the respiratory gas line assembly of FIG. 2B, taken along arrow IIIB in FIG. 2B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the respiratory gas line assembly as viewed along arrow IV in FIGS. 2B and 3B. [Diagram 5] 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the integral channel member of the exhalation valve assembly of FIG. 4 taken along section V-V of FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] 1A-3B, one embodiment of a respiratory gas line assembly according to the present invention is generally designated 10. A distal longitudinal end region 12 of the respiratory gas line assembly 10 is shown in Figures 1A, 2A and 3A, and a proximal longitudinal end region 14 thereof is shown in Figures 1B, 2B and 3B.

[0058] The distal longitudinal end 12 of the respiratory gas line assembly 10, i.e., the longitudinal end 12 further away from the patient being artificially ventilated, includes an exhalation valve assembly 16 having an integral channel member 18 injection molded from plastic. The channel member 18 in its only position is shown in longitudinal section in FIG.

[0059] The channel member 18 includes a multi-lumen end 20, which has an expiratory inlet 22 in its upper region in FIG. 1A and an inhalation outlet 24 in its lower region. A straight expiratory inlet section 26 is connected to the expiratory inlet 22, which extends along an expiratory inlet axis EEA in the expiratory direction E. A straight inhalation outlet section 28 is connected to the expiratory outlet 24, which extends along an inhalation outlet axis IAA in the opposite direction to the inhalation direction I. The expiratory inlet axis EEA and the inhalation outlet axis IAA are parallel to each other in the illustrated embodiment, as are the expiratory inlet section 26 and the inhalation outlet section 28.

[0060] The multi-lumen ends 20 have a common coupling-connection formation 30, which in its upper region in Fig. 1A serves as an inlet coupling formation 30a and in its lower region in Fig. 1A serves as an outlet coupling formation 30b. Radial projections 32a and 32b, which serve as end stops of the associated coupling-connection mating formation 34 of a multi-lumen hose as the multi-lumen line member 36 of the respiratory gas line assembly 10, mark the longitudinal ends of the inlet coupling formation 30a and the outlet coupling formation 30b.

[0061] The multi-lumen hose 36 can be inserted at its connection-connection mating formation 34 into the connection-connection formation 30 of the multi-lumen end 20 to form a flow connection between the multi-lumen hose 36 and the channel member 18. The connection-connection mating formation 34 can be releasably held in the connection-connection formation 30 in a frictional or form-locking manner, for example by a bayonet catch, a resilient catch mechanism, or other locking means.

[0062] The exhalation valve assembly defines an exhalation channel 38 extending from the exhalation inlet 22 to an exhalation outlet 40. The exhalation inlet portion 26 is part of the exhalation channel 38.

[0063] In the expiratory channel 38, in the expiratory direction E between the expiratory inlet 22 and the expiratory outlet 40, an exhalation valve 42 having the form of a diaphragm valve is arranged. In FIG. 1A, an annular, flat but inclined valve seat 44 is visible, at which the inlet expiratory channel section 38a ends in the expiratory direction E and from which the outlet expiratory channel section 38b starts in the expiratory direction E. The expiratory channel sections 38a, 38b are separated from one another by the exhalation valve 42. For this, the exhalation valve 42 has a valve body 46 in the form of a diaphragm, which is held by a cover element 50 on a channel wall 48 of the outlet expiratory channel section 38b. The diaphragm valve body 46 can be clamped between the channel wall 48 and the cover element 50.

[0064] When exhaled breathing gas flows in the exhalation direction E through the inlet-side expiratory channel portion 38a to the diaphragm valve body 46, the diaphragm valve body 46 is lifted from the annular valve seat 44 by the resulting pressure, against the pretension force provided by the material elasticity of the diaphragm valve body 46, and the exhaled breathing gas can flow from the inlet-side expiratory channel portion 38a to the outlet-side expiratory channel portion 38b, which radially surrounds the inlet-side expiratory channel portion 38a on the outside.

[0065] The exhalation valve assembly 16, and in particular the integral channel member 18, defines an inhalation channel 52, which can be seen most clearly in Figure 5. The inhalation channel 52 runs in the inhalation direction I from an inhalation inlet 54 to an inhalation outlet 24.

[0066] A straight inlet section 56 is connected to the inlet 54 in the inlet direction I as part of the inlet channel 52, which in the illustrated example extends along an inlet axis IEA that forms an angle of 90° with the inlet outlet axis IAA. The area of ​​the inlet section 56 with the inlet 54 is configured as an inlet connection formation 58, which is used to form a connection for conducting inlet breathing gas in the inlet direction I, by means of which the inlet breathing gas can be introduced into the inlet channel 52 from a breathing gas source, not shown, for example a ventilator. The inlet connection formation 58 can be configured as a plug-on bushing that can be plugged into a connecting lug of a breathing gas source, surrounding the connecting lug radially outward. Alternatively, the inlet connection formation 58 can be configured as a connecting lug that can be plugged into a bushing of a breathing gas source.

[0067] A one-way valve 60 is inserted into the intake section 56, which has a basic member 62 and an elastomeric, disk-shaped valve body 64 held on the basic member 62. The one-way valve 60 is welded to the inner wall 52a (see FIG. 5) of the intake channel 52, preferably by ultrasonic welding between a fixing link 62a of the basic member 62 and the inner wall 52a, and is thus fixed in place. The valve body 64 is held form-fittingly in the central region on the basic member 62 and can be lifted in its peripheral region from a valve seat 62b formed in the basic member 62 in the case of a flow in the intake direction I. In the case of a flow against the intake direction I, the valve body 64 is pressed against the valve seat 62b and closes the intake channel 52.

[0068] Like the inhalation channel 52, the exhalation channel 38 is defined by a channel wall 38c. The channel wall 48 of the outlet exhalation channel portion 38b is part of the channel wall 38c.

[0069] The dashed rectangle 60' in Figure 1 indicates the position of the one-way valve 60 in the channel member 18 after assembly is complete. In Figure 1, the disk-shaped valve body 64 is oriented such that the extension plane of the valve body disk is perpendicular to the projection plane of Figure 1.

[0070] A control channel 68 branches off from the inhalation channel 52 at a branch point 66 located upstream of the valve body 64 of the one-way valve 60 in the inhalation direction I, which passes through the diaphragm valve body 46 by means of an opening 70 in the diaphragm valve body 46 and ends in a chamber located on the side of the cover part 50 facing away from the valve seat 44 of the exhalation valve 42. Therefore, regardless of the operating state of the one-way valve 60, the inhaled breathing gas can always be guided through the control channel 68 to the side of the diaphragm valve body 46 facing away from the valve seat 44, so that during the inhalation process the exhaled breathing gas can reliably hold the exhalation valve 42 in its blocking position, in which the diaphragm valve body 46 resting on the valve seat 44 blocks the throughflow of the exhalation channel 38. The control channel 68 is partially structurally located both outside the inhalation channel 52 and outside the exhalation channel 38 and, along at least one portion, does not share a common wall portion with either the inhalation channel 52 or the exhalation channel 38 that defines the control channel 68 on one side and the channels consisting of the inhalation channel 52 and the exhalation channel 38 on the opposite side. Only in the region of the channel wall 48 of the outlet exhalation channel portion 38b is there a wall portion, which defines both the control channel 68 and the outlet exhalation channel portion 38b.

[0071] To ensure that the expiratory valve remains closed during the inhalation process, the inhalation diaphragm surface 46a of the diaphragm valve body 46, which can be moistened by the inhaled breathing gas, is larger than the opposite expiratory diaphragm surface 46b, which is located inside the valve seat 44 when the expiratory valve 46 is closed and can be accessed by the expiratory breathing gas from the inlet expiratory channel portion 38a. In the illustrated preferred case, the inhalation diaphragm surface 46a is 1.8 times larger than the expiratory diaphragm surface 46b.

[0072] 5, the channel member 58 has a through opening 72a in the expiratory channel 38 and a through opening 72b in the inhalation channel 52. The through openings 72a and 72b extend along a through axis DA parallel to the expiratory inlet axis EEA and the inhalation outlet axis IAA, respectively, through the channel member wall 58a of the channel member 58 that defines both the inhalation channel 52 and the expiratory channel 38.

[0073] The through openings 72a and 72b are fitted with penetrating members 74a and 74b, which are formed separately from the channel member 18 and extend along a respective passing axis DA, as shown in Figure 1. Since the penetrating members 74a and 74b are identical, it is sufficient to describe only the penetrating member 74a, which description is also valid for the other penetrating member 74b.

[0074] The penetrating member 74a has in its expiratory channel 38, i.e. on the side directed towards the inner region of the channel member 18, a receiving formation 76 to which a first signal line 78 guided into the expiratory lumen 36a of the multi-lumen hose 36 can be form-fittingly connected. The receiving formation 76 can be a collar surrounding the signal line 78, a spring washer or a plug-on socket into which the signal line 78 can be plugged.

[0075] On its opposite side, the lead-through element 74a has a further receiving formation 80, to which a further signal line 82 can be connected in a form-locking manner. The further receiving formation 80 can be a collar, a spring washer or a plug-on socket.

[0076] In the multi-lumen hose 36, a second signal line 84 is guided within the intake lumen 36b and may be continued by a further signal line 86 outside the channel member 18 using a penetrating member 74b, similar to the penetrating member 74a described above.

[0077] The signal lines 78 and 84 and the further signal lines 82 and 86 are hollow lines that carry pressure information from a flow sensor 108, described below, at the proximal longitudinal end region 14 of the respiratory gas line assembly 10. The further signal lines 82 and 86 can merge into a connector 88, which can be used to easily and reliably form a connection to carry pressure information with a pressure sensor in the ventilator.

[0078] 1B shows the proximal longitudinal end 14 of the respiratory gas line assembly 10, i.e., the longitudinal end that is located closer to the artificially ventilated patient during operation. At its distal longitudinal end, the multi-lumen hose 36 has the same configuration as the proximal longitudinal end described above, so for the description of the distal longitudinal end, please refer to the description of the proximal longitudinal end of the multi-lumen hose 36.

[0079] The proximal coupling member 90 formed as a separate member is coupled to the proximal longitudinal end of the multi-lumen hose 36 and has at its distal longitudinal end a common coupling-connection formation 92, which corresponds to the above-mentioned coupling-connection formation 30, so that for the description of the coupling-connection formation 92, reference is also made to the description of the coupling-connection formation 30. The common coupling-connection formation 92 includes an upper expiratory connection formation 92a in FIG. 1B, which corresponds to the inlet connection formation 30a on the channel member 18, and a lower inhalation connection formation 92b in FIG. 1B, which corresponds to the outlet connection formation 30b on the channel member 18. The proximal coupling member 90 is a Y-connection member in its function. 1, the exhalation and inhalation lumens are integrated at their proximal longitudinal end into a common coupling formation 94, which is both a proximal exhalation coupling formation 94a and a proximal inhalation coupling formation 94b. The common coupling formation 94 is therefore passed through by both the inhalation and exhalation breathing gas, which flows into the lumen of the inhalation and exhalation lumens arranged therein, depending on the positions of the exhalation valve 42 and the one-way valve 60. The common coupling formation 94 can be connected, for example plugged, to an inhalation connection formation 109 at the distal longitudinal end of the flow sensor 108.

[0080] The first signal line 78, which extends into the expiratory lumen 36a, and the second signal line 84, which extends into the inhalation lumen 36b, are not shown in FIG. 1B. However, these signal lines are present and reunite at piercing members 96a and 96b, which are identical to piercing members 74a and 74b described above. The piercing members 96a and 96b are disposed in through openings 98a and 98b, respectively, which pass through the wall of the proximal coupling member 90. Outside the coupling member 90, the signal lines 78 and 84 are continued by further proximal signal lines 100 and 102, which terminate in coupling lugs 104 and 106 of a differential pressure flow sensor 108. Signal lines 100 and 102 and signal lines 80 or 84 and further signal lines 82 or 86 act as hose lines transmitting the pressure on either side of a flow resistance, not shown in detail within the differential pressure flow sensor 108 but known per se, to a pressure sensor within the ventilator which determines from the transmitted pressure information the flow of respiratory gas flowing in both directions through the proximal differential pressure flow sensor 108 during inspiration and expiration.

[0081] In Figures 2A and 3A the distal longitudinal end of the respiratory gas line assembly 10 in the assembled state is shown from the viewing directions mentioned in the list of figures above and shown in the figures, the same applies in Figures 2B and 3B with respect to the proximal longitudinal end of the respiratory gas line assembly 10.

[0082] In this case, in the bottom view of Fig. 3A, the structure of the base member 62 having the fixed link 62a and the valve seat 62b of the one-way valve 60, and the valve body 64 located behind it when looking at Fig. 3A, can be recognized. For ease of understanding, not all the structures of the valve seat 62b are given reference symbols.

[0083] In Fig. 4, the respiratory gas line assembly 10 is aligned along a parallel line P perpendicular to the projection plane of Fig. 4 with respect to the expiratory inlet axis EEA and the inhalation outlet axis IAA, as viewed from the proximal end of the differential pressure flow sensor 108. Looking in Fig. 4 at the proximal opening of the flow sensor 108, which is traversed by both the inhaled and exhaled respiratory gases, apart from the fact that the proximal opening has a flow guide element 110 extending perpendicular to the projection plane of Fig. 4 and a foil-like flow resistance member 112 located behind it, parallel to the projection plane of Fig. 4, and having a flow resistance that is variable depending on the flow, Fig. 4 also shows the inclination of the cover member 50 with respect to the inhalation inlet axis IEA around the parallel line P. In the illustrated example, the inclination angle α is between 20° and 30°, preferably between 22° and 26°, particularly preferably 24° or 25°.

[0084] With this configuration, the valve movement path VBB when the diaphragm valve body 46 is lifted from the valve seat 44 for its passage position and moves toward the valve seat 44 for its return to the blocking position is also inclined at an inclination angle α. This holds the exhalation valve assembly 16, in which the diaphragm valve body 64 is displaced by gravity in the direction of the valve seat 44 even during hectic movements at the accident scene and in rescue situations, thus supporting a kind of pretension of the exhalation valve 42 to the blocking position. The load due to gravity is applied based on the structure and material elasticity of the diaphragm valve body 64 for the pretensioned displacement of the exhalation valve 42 to the blocking position.

[0085] The control channel 68 preferably extends parallel to the valve travel path VBB.

[0086] Due to the valve travel path VBB and the inclination of the cover member 50, the cover member 50, but in particular the exhalation valve 42 and in particular the valve seat 44, which extends perpendicular to the valve travel path VBB, has a proximal portion 44a, which is located closer to the inlet 54 shown in FIG. 1, and a remote portion 44b, which is located further away from the inlet 54. The remote portion 44b and the proximal portion 44a are diametrically opposed with respect to the valve travel path VBB. To achieve a particularly short control channel 68, the control channel 68 is located on the side of the proximal portion 44a.

[0087] In Figure 5, a longitudinal cross section of the channel member 18 is shown taken along section V-V shown in Figure 4. Similarly, spaced apart portion 44b of valve seat 44 can be seen.

[0088] 5 also shows the passage openings 72a and 72b and a substantially flat partition 114 oriented perpendicular to the projection plane of FIG. 5, which divides the multi-lumen end 20 in the channel member 18 into an expiratory lumen 23a and an inhalation lumen 23b. The expiratory lumen 23a and the inhalation lumen 23b continue in the expiratory lumen 36a or the inhalation lumen 36b in the multi-lumen hose 36 when the respiratory gas line assembly 10 is in a completed assembled state. The multi-lumen hose 36 is also divided into two lumens 36a and 36b by a substantially flat partition that passes radially through the multi-lumen hose 36. A groove 114a formed in the partition 114 is used for an airtight connection between the two partitions of the multi-lumen end 20 and the multi-lumen hose 36.

[0089] In Fig. 5, the reference symbol BE denotes a reference plane BE perpendicular to the projection plane of Fig. 5, which divides the opening surface enclosed by the valve seat 44 into surface parts of equal size located on either side of the reference plane BE. The through-openings 72a and 72b are located downstream of the reference plane BE in the exhalation direction E. This allows the signal lines 78 and 84 to extend as long as possible and with as little bending as possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Breathing Gas Line Assembly 12 Distal Longitudinal End 14 Proximal longitudinal end 16 Exhalation valve assembly 18 Channel member 20 Multi-lumen end 22 Exhalation inlet 23a Exhalation lumen 23b Intake lumen 24 Intake outlet 26 Exhalation inlet part 28 Intake outlet part 30 Connection - Joint Formation Part 30a Inlet connection formation part 30b Outlet connection forming part 32a, 32b radial protrusion 34 Connection - Connection partner forming part 36 Multi-lumen line components 36a Exhalation lumen, exhalation breathing gas line 36b Inhalation lumen, inhalation breathing gas line 38 Exhalation Channel 38a, 38b Exhalation channel portion 38c Channel Wall 40 Exhalation outlet 42 Exhalation valve 44 Valve seat 44a Proximal part 44b Separation part 46 Valve body 46a Intake diaphragm surface 46b Expiratory diaphragm surface 48 Channel Wall 50 Cover member 52 Intake Channel 52a inner wall 54 Air intake 56 Intake inlet part 58 Inlet connection forming part, channel member 58a Channel member wall 60 One-way valve 60' rectangle 62 Basic Materials 62a permalink 62b Valve seat 64 Valve body 66 Junction 68 Control Channel 70 Opening 72a, 72b Passage opening 74a, 74b Penetrating member 76 Reception Formation Department 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 100, 102 signal lines 88 Connector 90 Coupling parts 92 Connection - Joint Formation Part 92a Exhalation connection forming part 92b Intake connection forming part 94 Coupling forming part 94a Proximal expiratory coupling formation part 94b Proximal intake coupling formation 96a, 96b Penetrating member 98a, 98b Passage opening 104, 106 Connecting lugs 108 Flow Sensor 109 Suction connection formation part 110 Flow Directing Elements 112 Flow Resistance Members 114 Bulkhead 114a Groove BE Reference Plane DA passing axis E Exhalation direction EEA Exhalation Inlet Axis I Intake direction IAA Intake outlet shaft IEA Intake shaft P parallel line V cross section VBB valve movement path α Incline angle

Claims

1. An exhalation valve assembly (16) for a ventilator for providing artificial ventilation to a patient, comprising: an expiratory channel (38) having at one end an expiratory inlet (22) for introducing an expiratory breathing gas flow into the expiratory channel (38) and an inlet connection formation (30a) configured for connection to an expiratory breathing gas line (36a) leading to a patient, and at the other end an expiratory outlet (40) for discharging the expiratory breathing gas, the expiratory channel (38) having an expiratory valve (42) displaceable to a passing position to pass the expiratory breathing gas flow by the expiratory breathing gas flow in an expiratory direction (E) from the expiratory inlet (22) to the expiratory outlet (40); an inhalation channel (52) having at one end an inhalation inlet (54) for introducing an inhaled breathing gas flow into the inhalation channel (52) and an inlet connection formation (58) configured for connection to a breathing gas source supplying inhaled breathing gas, and at the other end an inhalation outlet (24) for exhausting the inhaled breathing gas and an outlet connection formation (30b) configured for connection to an inhaled breathing gas line (36b) leading to a patient; a control channel (68) branching off from the inhalation channel (52) at a branch point (66) and leading to the exhalation valve (42) so that the exhalation valve (42) can be displaced by the inhalation breathing gas into a blocking position blocking the flow of exhalation breathing gas; In an exhalation valve assembly (16) comprising: The exhalation valve assembly (16) is characterized in that a one-way valve (60, 60') is disposed in the inhalation channel (52), the one-way valve allowing inhalation breathing gas flow in an inhalation direction (I) from the inhalation inlet (54) to the inhalation outlet (24) and preventing breathing gas flow in the opposite direction.

2. 2. The exhalation valve assembly (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the branch point (66) is located upstream of the one-way valve (60, 60') in the inhalation direction (I).

3. The exhalation valve assembly (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that an inhalation inlet portion (56) of the inhalation channel (52), located closer to the inhalation inlet (54) than the inhalation outlet (24), extends along an inhalation inlet axis (IEA), and a valve movement path (VBB) along which the valve body (46) of the exhalation valve (42) can be lifted from and is accessible to the valve seat (44) of said exhalation valve (42) in the shut-off position is inclined with respect to the inhalation inlet axis (IEA) at an inclination angle (α) in the range of 10° to 45°, preferably in the range of 15° to 35°.

4. 4. The exhalation valve assembly (16) according to claim 3, characterized in that the exhalation inlet portion (26) of the exhalation channel, located closer to the exhalation inlet (22) than the exhalation outlet (40), extends along an exhalation inlet axis (EEA) and the valve movement path (VBB) is inclined with respect to the inhalation inlet axis (IAA) around a line (P) parallel to the exhalation inlet axis (EAA).

5. 5. The exhalation valve assembly (16) of claim 4, characterized in that the valve seat (44) has a proximal portion (44a) inclined toward the inlet portion (56) and a remote portion (44b) inclined away from the inlet portion (56) and located further away, and the control channel (68) extends from the branching position (66) toward the exhalation valve (42) closer to the proximal portion (44a) than to the remote portion (44b).

6. 5. The exhalation valve assembly (16) according to claim 4, characterized in that in the region between the inhalation inlet portion (56) and the exhalation inlet portion (30a) and / or in the region between the inhalation inlet portion (56) and the inhalation outlet portion (28) located closer to the inhalation outlet (24) than the inhalation inlet (54), at least one passage opening (72a, 72b) is formed, said passage opening penetrating the channel wall (52a, 38c) that defines the inhalation channel (52) and / or the exhalation channel (38).

7. 7. The exhalation valve assembly (16) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the through openings (72a, 72b) is located downstream of a reference plane (BE) in the exhalation direction (E), the reference plane being oriented perpendicular to the exhalation inlet axis (EEA) and dividing the opening surface enclosed by the valve seat (44) into equal surface portions.

8. 7. The exhalation valve assembly (16) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the passage openings (72a, 72b) extends along a passage axis (DA) that is parallel to an expiratory inlet axis (EEA) and / or an inhalation outlet axis (IAA) along which the inhalation outlet portion (28) extends.

9. 7. The exhalation valve assembly (16) according to claim 6, characterized in that the exhalation inlet portion (26) and the inhalation outlet portion (28) are formed in a common multi-lumen end portion (20).

10. 7. An exhalation valve assembly (16) according to claim 6, characterized in that the inhalation inlet portion (56), the exhalation inlet portion (26) and the inhalation outlet portion (28) are realised by an integral channel member (18).

11. A breathing gas line assembly (10) comprising an exhalation valve assembly (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, an exhalation breathing gas line (36a), an inhalation breathing gas line (36b), and a flow sensor (108), the exhalation breathing gas line (36a) having a distal exhalation coupling formation (34) at a distal longitudinal end of the exhalation breathing gas line, the distal exhalation coupling formation being configured to form an exhalation breathing gas flow conducting connection with an inlet connection formation (26) of an exhalation channel (58) of the exhalation valve assembly (16); the exhaled respiratory gas line (36a) having a proximal exhaled coupling formation (94a) at a proximal longitudinal end of the exhaled respiratory gas line configured to form a connection for conducting an exhaled respiratory gas flow with an exhaled exhaust connection formation (109) at a distal longitudinal end of the flow sensor (108); the inhalation breathing gas line (36b) having a distal inhalation coupling formation (34) at a distal longitudinal end of the inhalation breathing gas line, the distal inhalation coupling formation being configured to form an inhalation breathing gas flow conducting connection with an outlet connection formation (28) of an inhalation channel (52) of the exhalation valve assembly (16); the inhaled respiratory gas line (36b) having a proximal inhalation coupling formation (94b) at a proximal longitudinal end of the inhaled respiratory gas line configured to form an inhaled respiratory gas flow conducting connection with an inhalation suction connection formation (109) at a distal longitudinal end of the flow sensor (108); A respiratory gas line assembly (10), comprising at least one respiratory gas line (36a, 36b) consisting of the exhalation respiratory gas line (36a) and the intake respiratory gas line (36b), wherein at least one signal line (78, 80) is received in the at least one respiratory gas line (36a, 36b), the signal line being configured to transmit detection information of the flow sensor (108) from a proximal longitudinal end to a distal longitudinal end of the at least one respiratory gas line (36a, 36b).

12. A respiratory gas line assembly (10) as described in claim 11, characterized in that at least one through opening (72a, 72b) is formed in the region between the inlet portion (56) and the inlet portion (30a), or / and in the region between the inlet portion (56) and the outlet portion (28) located closer to the outlet (24) than the inlet (54), said through opening penetrating a channel wall (52a, 38c) limiting the inlet channel (52) and / or the outlet channel (38), and at least one of the at least one signal line (78, 80) passes through at least one through opening of the at least one through opening (72a, 72b) or terminates in a receiving engagement portion of a receiving forming portion (76) for receiving a distal end of the at least one signal line (78, 80).

13. 12. The respiratory gas line assembly (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the exhaled respiratory gas line (36a) and the inhaled respiratory gas line (36b) are formed on a common multi-lumen line member (36).

14. 14. A respiratory gas line assembly (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the expiratory lumen (36a) and the inspiratory lumen (36b) respectively receive signal lines (78, 80).

15. 14. The respiratory gas line assembly (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the respiratory gas line assembly (10) comprises a proximal coupling member (90) to which the multi-lumen line member (36) is connected, the coupling member (90) comprising, at a distal longitudinal end thereof, an expiratory connection formation (90a) for forming a connection with the expiratory lumen (36a) for conducting an expiratory respiratory gas flow and an inhalation connection formation (90b) for forming a connection with the inhalation lumen (36b) for conducting an inhalation respiratory gas flow, the coupling member (90) comprising, at a proximal longitudinal end thereof, a coupling formation (94) which is both a proximal expiratory coupling formation (94a) and a proximal inhalation coupling formation (94b).

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