DE102015010079B4 - Mouthpiece and mask fitting for a breathing circuit device as well as breathing circuit dipping device and circuit breathing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A mouthpiece or mask fitting (M) for a breathing circuit device, comprising - a housing with a breathing connection opening (AA) for a user, further comprising a connection piece (A1) for a fresh air breathing tube and further comprising a connection piece (A2) for an exhaust breathing tube, - further comprising first valve (V1), which regulates a first fluid mechanical connection between the fresh breathing tube and the breathing port (AA), - and further comprising a second valve (V2), which regulates a second fluid mechanical connection between the exhaust breathing tube and the breathing port (AA), wherein the housing (G) has a receiving region (AB) for a rotary element (R), which is provided between a first position in which the fluid-mechanical connections are made possible by the rotary element (R) and a second position in which the rotary element (R) the fluid mechanical connections blocked, roti is erbar, characterized in that the rotation element (R) - also reversibly inserted over a receiving opening (AO) of the receiving area (AB) in the receiving area (AB) and can be removed from the receiving area (AB), - and that the rotational element ( R) has respective mechanical valve receptacles (VA1, VA2) for receiving the valves (V1, V2).

Description

Respiratory cycle devices, in particular breathing circuit diving devices or circuit breathing devices, are known from the prior art, in which a user can inhale and exhale breathing air via a breathing nozzle or a breathing mask. In the case of a breathing mask of a circuit breathing apparatus, the breathing mask is usually connected via a mask connector to an air hose for supply air or fresh air, which is also called fresh air hose, and another air hose for exhaust air or used air to a so-called Abluftatemschlauch connected. In the case of a breathing circuit dipping device, the mouthpiece is usually connected to such air hoses and also has a bite mouth or bite mouthpiece for receiving in a mouth of the user.

A breathing circuit device usually performs a treatment of the exhaust air or exhaled air by means of CO ₂ absorption and preferably an enrichment with oxygen from a separate source of oxygen.

For proper operation of the breathing circuit device, it is necessary that a fluidic connection between the mouthpiece and the Frischluftatemschlauch is given by means of the mouthpiece or the mask fitting during the inspiratory phase or Einatemphase the user, during this inspiratory phase, a fluid-mechanical connection between the mouthpiece and the exhaust air hose should be prevented. Likewise, during an expiratory phase or exhalation phase of the user, a fluid-mechanical connection between the mouthpiece and the fresh air breathing hose should be prevented and at the same time a fluid-mechanical connection between the mouthpiece and the exhaust breathing hose should be provided. For this purpose, usually two directional valves in the mouthpiece or mask connector are used.

For a mouthpiece or a mask fitting of a breathing circuit device, it is sometimes desired in the course of use by the user that any fluid-mechanical connection between a breathing port of the mouthpiece or the mask connecting piece and fittings of the breathing air hoses is prevented. This is z. B. desired, if the user has taken the mouthpiece from the mouth or if the user has dropped off the mask. Such an interruption of a fluid-mechanical connection of the breathing connection opening to the connecting pieces of the respiratory air hoses is possibly particularly desirable since, for example, in the case of a breathing circuit exchange device, penetration of water through the mouthpiece or the mask connection piece into the breathing air hoses is to be prevented. The same applies to the penetration of dirt particles or gases into the breathing air hoses.

Here are known solutions in which in different ways by adjusting one or more sub-elements of a mouthpiece or a mask fitting the fluid-mechanical connections between the breathing port and the respective breathing air hoses can be made or prevented.

The US 2013/0 186 402 A1 shows a valve assembly in which a rotary member is received. By moving a knob along a slot, a sleeve can be rotated between an "ON" position where all mouthpiece ports are open and an "OFF" position where all mouthpiece ports are closed.

The document US 5,127,398 A shows a mouthpiece for rebreather devices, in which via a valve which is adjustable between two states, a fluid-mechanical connection between the breathing port and the terminals for breathing air hoses is locked or unlocked.

The document WO 2007/126317 A1 shows a mouthpiece for rebreather, where you can switch between two different modes. In a first mode, the mouthpiece acts for a circulatory mode of breathing as described above, wherein in a second mode the mouthpiece acts as an open breathing mode in which a separate breathing air source can be connected via a separate mouthpiece connection. Depending on the position of a rotation element within the mouthpiece, there is either a fluid-mechanical connection of the breathing connection opening to the breathing air hoses of the Kreislaufatemgerätes or a fluid-mechanical connection of the breathing connection opening to the separate connection opening of the separate air source.

The document GB 2,462,672 A discloses a mouthpiece for rebreather devices, in which by means of a rotating roller opening or closing of fittings for breathing air hoses is achieved.

The document WO 2009/058080 A1 discloses a mouthpiece for rebreather devices, wherein by a corresponding position of a Rotation roller closing of inputs and outputs is achieved.

Object of the present invention is to provide a mouthpiece or a mask fitting for a breathing circuit device, in which penetration of water, dirt particles or gases by means of an adjusting element on the mouthpiece or on the mask connector can be prevented.

The object of the invention is achieved by a mouthpiece or a mask fitting for a breathing circuit device according to claim 1. Further, this object is achieved by a breathing circuit diving apparatus with a mouthpiece according to claim 9. Further, the object is achieved by a circuit breathing apparatus with a mask connector according to claim 10 ,

It is proposed a mouthpiece or mask fitting for a breathing circuit device, comprising a housing with a breathing connection opening for a user, further comprising a connection for a fresh air breathing tube and also with a connection piece for a Abluftatemschlauch, further comprising a first valve, preferably as a directional valve, which is a first fluid mechanical Regulated connection between the fresh air breathing tube and the breathing opening, and further comprising a second valve, preferably as a directional valve, which regulates a second fluid-mechanical connection between the exhaust breathing tube and the breathing opening, wherein the housing has a receiving area for a rotation element, which between a first position, in which the fluid-mechanical connections are made possible by the rotation element, and a second position, in which the rotation element blocks the fluid-mechanical connections, red It is also possible for the rotation element to be inserted reversibly into the receiving area via a receiving opening of the receiving area and reversibly removed from the receiving area, and that the rotating element has respective mechanical valve seats for receiving the valves.

The mouthpiece or mask connecting piece according to the invention is advantageous since a blocking of the fluid-mechanical connections between the breathing connection opening and the breathing air hoses can be achieved by means of the second position, so that penetration of water, dirt particles or gases into the breathing air hoses can be prevented. In the context of the use of breathing circuit devices, it is sometimes also desired that a cleaning of the breathing air hoses is carried out by flushing the breathing air hoses and subsequent drying. Usually, in this case the breathing air hoses are separated from the mouthpiece or the mask connection piece by means of reversible mechanical connections, preferably threaded connections, so that a cleaning of the mouthpiece or mask connection piece can be carried out separately from a cleaning of the breathing air hoses of the breathing circuit device. A possibility of cleaning the breathing air hoses and the mouthpiece or mask connection piece according to the invention is advantageously made possible since the rotation element can be removed reversibly for a cleaning process of the breathing air hoses and of the mouthpiece or of the mask connection piece, in order then to clean the breathing air hoses together with the mouthpiece or mouthpiece To perform mask connector. For this purpose, the breathing hoses need not be mechanically decoupled from the mouthpiece or mask connection piece, but may remain mechanically connected thereto, since the valves for regulating or for preventing the fluid-mechanical connections are removed by removing the rotation element. The valves do not remain in the mask fitting or mouthpiece, but can be removed by the rotation element in a single operation. This is also advantageous because the valves are particularly easy to access as a wear element for maintenance and also no mechanical or thermal stress during the cleaning process of the breathing tubes and the mouthpiece or mask connector are exposed. It can thus be made easily accessible to a maintenance technician by the reversible removal of the rotary member from the receiving area, which can replace these valves in a simple manner by new, unused valves to replace the valves, for example, after a predetermined temporal use cycle ,

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

As an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the rotational element is designed such that in the first position, the respective valve receptacles with the respective directional valves in the region of the respective fluid-mechanical connections, and that the rotation element is formed such that in the second position respective valve seats with the respective directional valves are not in the range of the respective fluid mechanical connections. This is advantageous because the valves are only in the range of fluid mechanical connections, if they are actually the enable and regulate fluid mechanical connections. If no fluid-mechanical connection between the breathing connection opening and the connecting pieces of the breathing air hoses is desired, the valves in the second position are automatically removed from the area of these fluid-mechanical connections.

As an advantageous embodiment, it is further proposed that the rotation element has respective side wall portions which close the respective fluid mechanical connections in the second position. This is advantageous since the rotation element itself closes the respective fluid-mechanical connections by means of its respective side wall regions. Thus, it is not necessary to provide further, separate locking elements for closing the fluid-mechanical connections.

As an advantageous embodiment, it is further proposed that the rotation element is rotatable coaxially about an axis of symmetry of the rotation element, wherein the axis of symmetry substantially coincides with a central axis of the breathing opening. This is advantageous because the rotary member is thus operated with one hand, wherein further a torque applied by the rotary member in the case of a mouthpiece can be received by the area with which a user holds the mouthpiece with his teeth. As a result, an eccentricity of the leverage is excluded by the rotational movement.

As an advantageous embodiment, it is further proposed that the rotation element has a grip piece which is suitable, by one-handed operation, to initiate a rotational force for rotation of the rotation element about its axis of symmetry. This is advantageous because the handle allows a particularly simple one-handed operability of the rotary member. The rotation element as a rotary control element can thus be changed in the course of a one-handed operation, for example by the thumb and forefinger of a single hand between its positions, so that the other hand remains free for the user, which is advantageous especially for the user in the situation of a dive or a rescue operation is.

As an advantageous embodiment, it is further proposed that the rotation element has a sealing element which, when the rotation element is inserted into the receiving region, seals the receiving opening of the receiving region in a fluid-mechanical manner to the environment. This is advantageous because an automatic sealing of the receiving opening of the receiving area for receiving the rotary element is brought about by the sealing element as a partial element of the rotary element.

As an advantageous embodiment, it is further proposed that the receiving area and the rotation element have respective mutually corresponding locking elements, which engage in at least one of the positions in each other. This is advantageous because it can be seen haptically by a latching of the locking elements into one another for the user when setting a position of the rotary element that the desired position of the rotary element is reached.

As an advantageous embodiment, it is further proposed that the housing has at least one stop element in the receiving area, which prevents rotation of the rotary element over a predetermined angle. This is advantageous since the rotary element can thus not be turned over and can only be rotated up to a predetermined angle in which a proper function of the rotary element as part of the mouthpiece or mask connecting piece is ensured.

In the following the invention with reference to specific embodiments without limiting the general inventive concept is explained in detail with reference to the figures. Showing:

1 an exemplary sectional view of the mouthpiece or mask fitting according to the invention;

2 a three-dimensional sectional view of the mouthpiece or mask fitting according to the invention,

3 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the mouthpiece or mask connection piece according to the invention with a sealing element,

4 the three-dimensional view of the mouthpiece or mask connecting piece according to the invention with the sealing element in conjunction with the rotary element,

5 an exploded view in a three-dimensional view of the mouthpiece or mask fitting according to the invention.

1 shows an exemplary sectional view of the mouthpiece M according to the invention for a breathing circuit device. The breathing circuit device may be a breathing circuit diving device or a circuit breathing apparatus.

In the following, the term mouthpiece is used synonymously for the mouthpiece or mask connection piece M.

The mouthpiece M has a housing G, which in turn has a breathing connection opening AA for a user to inhale and exhale. The breathing connection opening AA can preferably be a bite piece, which is not explicitly shown, or in the case of a mask fitting, a connection area for a face mask, preferably a full-face mask, of the user.

The mouthpiece M further has a connection piece A1 for a fresh air breathing hose and also a connection piece A2 for an exhaust air breathing hose. An alternative term for a connector is the term breathing tube connection port.

The mouthpiece M further has a first directional valve V1, which is preferably an elastomeric disc. The valve V1 regulates a fluid mechanical connection between the breathing connection piece A1 of the fresh air breathing tube and the breathing connection opening AA. The valve V1 is designed such that in an inhalation phase air can flow from the connection piece A1 of the fresh air breathing hose to the breathing connection opening AA. Furthermore, the valve V1 is designed such that in an exhalation phase no air can flow from the breathing connection opening AA to the connection piece A1 of the fresh air breathing hose.

Furthermore, the mouthpiece M on a second directional valve V2, which is preferably an elastomeric disc. The valve V2 regulates a fluid mechanical connection between the breathing port A2 of the exhaust breathing tube and the breathing port AA. The valve V2 is designed in such a way that in an inhalation phase no air can flow from the connection piece A2 of the exhaust air breathing hose to the breathing connection opening AA. Furthermore, the valve V2 is designed such that in an exhalation phase air can flow from the breathing connection opening AA to the connection piece A2 of the exhaust breathing tube.

The housing G has a receiving area AB or holding area for a rotary element R. The rotation element R is rotatable between a first position in which the fluid-mechanical connections are made possible by the rotation element R and a second position in which the rotation element blocks the fluid-mechanical connections.

These positions will be discussed below and in relation to the 2 and 3 explained in more detail.

The rotation element R can be reversibly inserted into the receiving area AB via a receiving opening AO of the receiving area AB and reversibly removed from the receiving area AB.

The rotary element R further has respective mechanical valve receptacles VA1, VA2 for receiving the valves V1, V2.

2 shows the mouthpiece or mask connecting piece M according to the invention in a three-dimensional sectional view. In this case, the rotational element R is in the so-called first position, in which the valve discs or directional valves V1, V2 enable the fluid mechanical connections between the connecting pieces A1 and A2 of the breathing air hoses to the breathing port opening AA breath phase dependent. Also shown is a central axis ZA of the breathing connection opening AA. An axis of symmetry of the rotary element R coincides with the central axis ZA.

3 shows for this purpose the mouthpiece or mask connector M according to the invention together with a later explained in more detail sealing element AD, which in turn preferably has a handle element GE.

In this case, the rotational element R is in the so-called second position, in which the rotational element R blocks the fluid-mechanical connections between the connecting pieces A1, A2 towards the breathing connection opening AA.

In the illustration in 3 For example, the sealing element AD is shown as an element remote from the rotary element R, these elements preferably being mechanically connected to one another. This can be found correspondingly in 4 a representation in which the sealing element AD is shown as an integral part of the rotation element R.

The above-mentioned and mentioned sub-elements of the mouthpiece or mask connection piece M are also in the 5 shown. In this case, the housing G can be seen in the exploded view shown in FIG. 1, which consists of a first part T1 and a second part T2, this two-part embodiment of the housing being only one exemplary embodiment of the housing G. The breathing connection opening AA can, with the housing G assembled, by means of the assembly of the parts T1 and T2, allow a fluid-mechanical connection between the breathing connection opening AA and the connection pieces A1, A2. Above the Housing G are the components which essentially form the rotation element R. The core of the rotary element R is a hollow cylindrical element HZ, which valve receptacles A11, A12 for valve receptacles VA1, VA2, in which in turn the valve discs or valves V1, V2 are respectively used. The rotation element R preferably also has counter elements KE1, KE2 which hold the valve receptacles VA1, VA2 in their desired position when the individual parts of the rotation element R are assembled. Shown are also sealing rings RD1, RD2 which can be preferably used in corresponding annular joints RF1, RF2 of the hollow cylindrical member HZ to allow a rotatable mounting of the rotary member R in the housing G. For this purpose, preferably, the housing G, preferably at its sub-element T1, in an inner region corresponding to ring joints, which are not explicitly shown.

The rotation element R is sealed by a sealing element AD, which is preferably disc-shaped. On the sealing element AD is a handle element GE. The gripping element GE represents an actuating element, by means of which the rotary element R can be adjusted between the different positions. The sealing element AD, which has the actuating element or gripping element GE, represents as a structuring part a gas-tight closure of the rotary element R towards the surroundings of the mouthpiece or mask connecting piece M.

Preferably, the directional valves V1, V2 can be released from the valve receptacles VA1, VA2. This allows for easy maintenance or replacement of used or used valve disks V1, V2 by a service technician.

The rotation element R is reversibly removable together with the valves or valve disks V1, V2 from the housing body or housing G and reversible again, preferably by a single translational movement of the rotation element R. In this movement then at least one of the ring seals RD1 , RD2 generated frictional force are overcome to pull the rotary member R from the receiving area AB. Furthermore, preferably receiving area AB and rotation element R can be designed such that there is a further frictional force between these parts. This further frictional force must be overcome during rotation of the rotary element R. Furthermore, this additional frictional force must be overcome when removing or inserting the rotation element R.

Due to the possibility of removal of the rotary element R, it is no longer necessary to remove the hoses from the connecting pieces A1, A2 for the purpose of cleaning and / or maintaining the breathing air hoses and the housing G. The breathing air hose set can be rinsed or cleaned as a whole inhalation hose, exhalation hose and mouthpiece without valves and preferably then dried by means of a fan or air stream. The rotation element R, which represents a receiving piece for the receiving area AB, can therefore be removed from the mouthpiece or mask connecting piece M by a translatory movement along its axis of symmetry. Thus, this receiving piece or rotating element R can be cleaned very well and also dry quickly.

A manual removal of the hoses for the cleaning process of the breathing circuit device is thus eliminated.

Likewise, eliminates the step of a re-assembly of the breathing air hoses on the mouthpiece or mask connector M after cleaning and preferably drying.

There is also given an ergonomically comfortable operation of the valve functionality, as given by a single rotational movement of the rotary member R from the first position in which a fluid connection between the user's breathing port AA to the connectors A1, A2 of the breathing air hoses, towards the second position in which these fluidic connection or fluid mechanical connections are blocked, penetration of water, dirt particles or gases is prevented.

From the 5 It can be seen that the hollow cylinder HZ as part of the rotary element R has respective side wall portions SW1, SW2, which in the second position close the respective fluid mechanical connections.

Looking at the 2 and 3 , it is apparent that due to the predetermined rotation of the rotary member R in the coaxial direction about the central axis ZA of the breathing port AA force application, preferably via the handle member GE, generates a torque or force, which by a bite on a mouthpiece or a harness on a breathing mask can be well countered. Thus, one-handed operability is possible in a simple manner. By virtue of the fact that the end of the receiving piece or rotary element R is readily graspable as a directly graspable rotary operating element, the bit mouthpiece or the harness of the mask is directly received as a fixed bearing in order to generate emerging torque, so that an eccentricity of this torque and thus further leverage is prevented ,

The handle or gripping element GE is suitable for initiating a rotational force for rotation of the rotary element R by one-handed operation. As a result, the one-handed operability is possible in a particularly favorable manner.

The receiving area AB of the housing G has latching element RE12, RE11 on the inner side walls of the housing G, which are preferably recesses. The hollow cylinder HZ of the rotary element R also has on its side inner walls corresponding locking elements RE1, RE2, which are preferably protruding elevations. These latching elements RE1, RE2 correspond to the latching elements RE11, RE12 and vice versa. Thereby, a clear position of the rotation member R with respect to the housing G is realized, so that the alignment of the rotation member R toward the housing G is correctly achieved for the desired position, here the position as the first position. The user or user can thus experience in a haptic manner that the desired position has been reached. Preferably, the rotation element R and the housing G further corresponding locking elements to provide for the second position, a latching of these locking elements, which is not explicitly in 5 is shown.

Preferably, the housing G has a stop element in its receiving area AB, which prevents rotation of the rotary element R over a predetermined angle. Such a stop element is not explicitly in 5 shown.

According to the invention, a breathing circuit diving device with a mouthpiece according to the invention is also proposed. According to the invention, a circuit breathing apparatus with a respiratory mask is also proposed, wherein the circuit respirator has a mask connection piece according to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

• AA

  Facepiece opening

  A1, A2

  Respiratory connector

  A11, A12

  valve receiving

  FROM

  reception area

  AD

  sealing

  AO

  receiving opening

  G

  casing

  GE

  handle element

  HZ

  hollow cylinder

  KE1, KE2

  Counter-element

  M

  mouthpiece

  M

  Mask fitting

  R

  rotating member

  RD1, RD2

  ring seal

  RE1, RE2, RE11, RE12

  locking element

  RF1, RF2

  annulus

  SW1, SW2

  Sidewall region

  T1, T2

  section

  V1, V2

  Directional valve, valve

  VA1, VA2

  valve receiving

  ZA

  Central axis

Claims (10)

A mouthpiece or mask fitting (M) for a breathing circuit device, comprising - a housing with a breathing connection opening (AA) for a user, further comprising a connection piece (A1) for a fresh air breathing tube and further comprising a connection piece (A2) for an exhaust breathing tube, - further comprising first valve (V1), which regulates a first fluid mechanical connection between the fresh breathing tube and the breathing port (AA), - and further comprising a second valve (V2), which regulates a second fluid mechanical connection between the exhaust breathing tube and the breathing port (AA), wherein the housing (G) has a receiving region (AB) for a rotary element (R), which is provided between a first position in which the fluid-mechanical connections are made possible by the rotary element (R) and a second position in which the rotary element (R) the fluid mechanical connections blocked, roti is erbar, characterized in that the rotation element (R) - also reversibly inserted over a receiving opening (AO) of the receiving area (AB) in the receiving area (AB) and can be removed from the receiving area (AB), - and that the rotation element ( R) has respective mechanical valve receptacles (VA1, VA2) for receiving the valves (V1, V2). Mouthpiece or mask connection piece (M) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation element (R) is formed such that in the first position, the respective valve seats (VA1, VA2) with the respective valves (V1, V2) in the respective fluid mechanical Are connections, and that the rotational element (R) is formed such that in the second position, the respective valve seats (VA1, VA2) with the respective valves (V1, V2) are not located in the respective fluid mechanical connections. Mouthpiece or mask connection piece (M) according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotation element (R) respective side wall portions (SW1, SW2), which close the respective fluid mechanical connections in the second position. Mouthpiece or mask connection piece (M) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the rotation element (R) is rotatable coaxially about an axis of symmetry of the rotation element (R), wherein the axis of symmetry with a central axis (ZA) of the breathing connection opening (AA) coincides. Mouthpiece or mask connection piece (M) according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotation element (R) comprises a grip element (GE) which is suitable, by one-handed operation, a rotational force to rotate the rotation element (R) to initiate around its axis of symmetry. Mouthpiece or mask connection piece (M) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation element (R) has a sealing element (AD), which in the receiving area (AB) inserted rotary member (R) the receiving opening (AO) of the receiving area (AB ) fluid-mechanically seals. Mouthpiece or mask connection piece (M) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving region (AB) and the rotation element have respective mutually corresponding locking elements (RE1, RE2, RE11, RE12) which engage in one another in at least one of the positions. Mouthpiece or mask connection piece (M) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (G) in the receiving area (AB) has at least one stop element which prevents rotation of the rotary element (R) over a predetermined angle. Breathing circuit diving apparatus with a mouthpiece (M) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Circulatory respirator with a mask connector (M) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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