JP2006158621A - Oxygen enrichment machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an oxygen enrichment machine with high usability capable of preventing a user from sucking droplets condensed on an oxygen-enriched air supply route along with the oxygen-enriched air. <P>SOLUTION: This oxygen enrichment machine is provided with an oxygen enriching means 15 generating the oxygen-enriched air, an emission part 7 emitting the oxygen-enriched air obtained from the oxygen enriching means 15, and an air channel 24 connecting between the oxygen enriching means 15 and the emission part 7; and a tube 3 constituting the air channel 24 is formed of a material with superior thermal insulation. This constitution can suppress the dew condensation in the air channel 24 to prevent the user from sucking the droplets along with the oxygen-enriched air. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an oxygen enricher that provides a user with so-called oxygen enriched air obtained by using an oxygen enrichment means.

As a conventional oxygen enricher, an apparatus main body that generates oxygen-enriched air by concentrating oxygen in the air and an oxygen discharge unit connected to the apparatus main body, for example, includes negative ion generating means, etc. Thus, it has been developed in various ways (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-234836

  However, in the conventional oxygen enrichment means 15 (oxygen enrichment membrane unit), the oxygen permeation means (oxygen enrichment unit) is operated when operating in an atmosphere having a higher water vapor permeability than nitrogen and high humidity as in the case of oxygen. ) The oxygen-enriched air discharged from is very humid. When high-humidity oxygen-enriched air is blown through the air flow path, if it comes into contact with a part of the air flow path that is lower than its own air temperature, condensation tends to occur at that part. It remains as water droplets. There has been a problem that the condensed water droplets are directly discharged from the oxygen discharge portion, and the user sucks the water droplets and the like together with the oxygen-enriched air.

  In addition, there is a possibility that water droplets remain as they are in the air flow path to the oxygen discharge unit, causing generation of mold and bacteria.

  Conventionally, in order to remove the water droplets from the air flow path pipe, a liquid pool capsule is provided in a part of the air flow path to the discharge port, and a high flow rate air is forced to flow into the flow path after operation. Although there was a means for carrying out and collecting the water droplets remaining in the tube to the liquid pool, the device itself was complicated and there was a liquid pool capsule in a part of the tube, so it is not preferable in terms of usability There wasn't.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides a highly usable oxygen enricher by preventing a user from sucking condensed water droplets together with oxygen-enriched air. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the present invention includes an oxygen-enriching unit that generates oxygen-enriched air, a discharge unit that discharges oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen-enriching unit, and the oxygen-enriched unit And an air flow path connecting the discharge section and the air flow path, and the air flow path is formed of a material having high heat insulation properties, and oxygen-enriched air passing through the air flow path is surrounded by Since it passes through the inside of the air flow path insulated from the temperature, the occurrence of condensation can be suppressed, and the user can be prevented from sucking water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from sucking the water droplets condensed in the supply path to the user of the oxygen-enriched air together with the oxygen-enriched air. A high oxygen enricher can be provided.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oxygen-enriching unit that generates oxygen-enriched air, a discharge unit that discharges the oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen-enriching unit, the oxygen-enriched unit, and the discharge unit. The air flow path is formed of a material with high heat insulation properties, and the air flow path made of a material with high heat insulation properties depends on the temperature inside the air flow path depending on the ambient temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress condensation that occurs in the supply path due to the supply of oxygen-enriched air with high humidity, and the user sucks water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air. Can be prevented.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oxygen enrichment unit that generates oxygen-enriched air, a discharge unit that discharges oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen enrichment unit, the oxygen enrichment unit, and the discharge unit. An air flow path to be connected, and a structure including an outer cover body that covers the air flow path around the air flow path. Therefore, the temperature inside the air flow path can be stabilized to a high level without depending on the ambient temperature, and dew condensation occurring in the supply path during the supply of high-humidity oxygen-enriched air can be suppressed. It is possible to prevent the user from sucking water droplets together with the chemical air.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oxygen enrichment unit that generates oxygen-enriched air, a discharge unit that discharges oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen enrichment unit, the oxygen enrichment unit, and the discharge unit. An air flow path to be connected, and the air flow path is configured to include a heating unit that raises the temperature of the flow path. The temperature inside the passage can be stabilized to a high level without depending on the ambient temperature, and condensation generated in the supply path due to the supply of high-humidity oxygen-enriched air can be suppressed. Together, it is possible to prevent the user from sucking water droplets.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the temperature detection means for detecting the ambient environmental temperature and the temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the heating means of the air flow path from the information detected by the temperature detection means. Yes, it can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature according to the ambient temperature, can prevent the user from sucking water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air, and the discharged oxygen-enriched air has a temperature at which the user does not feel uncomfortable. To do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oxygen enrichment unit that generates oxygen-enriched air, a discharge unit that discharges oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen enrichment unit, the oxygen enrichment unit, and the discharge unit. And an air heating means for raising the temperature of the oxygen-enriched air sent to the air flow path, and the oxygen-enriched air itself is forcibly and appropriately forced by the heating means. Since the heating is performed, the relative humidity of the oxygen-enriched air itself is lowered and the heated oxygen-enriched air is blown into the air flow path, so that the temperature of the air flow path can be stabilized at a high level. Since dew condensation generated in the supply path due to the high oxygen-enriched air supply can be suppressed, the user can be prevented from sucking water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air.

  The sixth aspect of the invention includes a temperature detection means for detecting the ambient environmental temperature, and a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the oxygen-enriched air from the information detected by the temperature detection means, according to the ambient temperature. The temperature can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature, the user can be prevented from sucking water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air, and the discharged oxygen-enriched air has a temperature that does not make the user feel uncomfortable.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oxygen enrichment unit that generates oxygen-enriched air, a discharge unit that discharges oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen enrichment unit, the oxygen enrichment unit, and the discharge unit. And an air cooling means for reducing the temperature of the oxygen-enriched air sent to the air flow path, and the oxygen-enriched air itself is forcibly and moderately forced by the cooling means. Since it is cooled, the relative humidity of the oxygen-enriched air itself is increased and condensed in advance, and then low-humidity oxygen-enriched air is blown into the air flow path, thus suppressing condensation that occurs in the supply path It is possible to prevent the user from sucking water droplets together with oxygen-enriched air.

  The eighth aspect of the invention has a configuration including a condensed water tank that accumulates condensed water generated during cooling together with the air cooling means, and the oxygen-enriched air itself is forcibly and appropriately cooled by the cooling means. Condensed water generated by increasing the relative humidity of the conditioned air itself and accumulating it in the body are stored inside the main body, making it easy to perform intensive maintenance and allowing the user to suck water droplets together with oxygen-enriched air It is intended to prevent this.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view.

  In FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 1 is provided with oxygen enriching means 15 (oxygen-enriched membrane unit in the present embodiment) for increasing the concentration of oxygen and generating so-called oxygen-enriched air. The oxygen-enriched membrane unit of the oxygen-enriching means 15 is composed of an organic polymer flat membrane, and utilizes the difference in the speed of molecules passing through the membrane. In order to pass oxygen well compared to nitrogen in the air, So-called oxygen-enriched air with a relatively high oxygen concentration is obtained. The proportion of oxygen in normal air is about 21% (about 79% nitrogen), but in the oxygen-enriched air after passing through the oxygen-enriched membrane unit (oxygen-enriching means 15) of the present embodiment, The proportion of oxygen is about 30% (nitrogen is about 70%).

  Reference numeral 10 denotes suction means for sucking oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen enrichment means 15 through the first connection pipe 11, and the second connection pipe 12, the connection portion 14, the tube 3 and the headset 6. And ejecting from the ejection unit 7. The suction unit 10 uses a bellows pump having a high pressure during operation in order to increase the flow rate of oxygen-enriched air against the passage pressure loss of the oxygen-enriched membrane of the oxygen-enriching unit 15. The suction means 10 sucks with a drive signal from the control means 8. As described above, the air flow from the oxygen enrichment means 15 to the discharge section 7 by the first connection pipe 11, the suction means 10, the second connection pipe 12, the connection portion 14, the tube 3 and the headset 6. A path 24 is formed.

  In FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 1 is connected to the headset 6 by connecting the tube 3 to the connection portion 14 that protrudes to the outline. The headset 6 is provided with a discharge portion 7, and the headset 6 is mounted in the vicinity of the head when the user sucks oxygen-enriched air using the apparatus.

  Here, the tube 3 forming the air flow path 24 is made of a material having high heat insulation.

  The operation of the oxygen enricher configured as described above will be described.

  During the oxygen-enriched air generation operation, the control means 8 drives the suction means 10. Oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen-enriching means 15 is sucked by the suction means 10 through the first connecting pipe 11 and discharged through the second connecting pipe 12, the connecting portion 14, the tube 3 and the headset 6. It is discharged from the part 7. The tube 3 is made of a material having excellent heat insulation properties, and even if the ambient temperature is low, the inside of the tube 3 through which the oxygen-enriched air passes is insulated from its surroundings, so the temperature does not decrease. Therefore, the dew condensation generated on the inner surface of the air flow path 24 (the first connecting pipe 11 and the suction means 10, the second connecting pipe 12, the connecting portion 14, the tube 3 and the headset 6) during the oxygen-enriched air generating operation is It is suppressed.

  As described above, during the supply of oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enricher, the generation of water droplets that are condensed in the air flow path is suppressed, so that the user can suck the water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air. Can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the description is limited to the tube 3 of the air flow path 24, but other components (for example, the connection pipe 11 and the connection pipe 12) that form the air flow path 24 are combined to provide heat insulation properties. It goes without saying that the effect can be obtained in the same way or more by using a high material.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a structural block diagram. In addition, about the same functional part as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 3, the outer periphery of the tube 3 forming the air flow path 24 is covered with a separate casing 33. An air layer is formed between the jacket 33 and the tube 3, and plays a role of preventing the ambient temperature from being conducted to the tube 3.

  The operation of the oxygen enricher configured as described above will be described.

  During the operation of generating oxygen-enriched air, the same operation as in the above embodiment is performed. Oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen-enriching means 15 is sucked by the suction means 10 through the first connecting pipe 11 and discharged through the second connecting pipe 12, the connecting portion 14, the tube 3 and the headset 6. It is discharged from the part 7. The tube 3 is covered with an outer cover 33 to keep heat insulation. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature is low, the inside of the tube 3 through which the oxygen-enriched air passes is insulated from its surroundings, so that the temperature is maintained, and the air flow path 24 (the first connecting pipe) is operated during the oxygen-enriched air generation operation. 11, the suction means 10, the second connecting pipe 12, the connecting portion 14, the tube 3, and the headset 6) dew condensation occurring on the inner surface is suppressed.

  As described above, during the supply of oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enricher, the generation of water droplets that are condensed in the air flow path is suppressed, so that the user can suck the water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air. Can be prevented.

  Although the material of the outer cover 33 is not particularly described in the present embodiment, it is needless to say that the effect is improved by using a material having high heat insulating properties as is apparent from the purpose. In addition, since the tube 3 and the jacket 33 are connected when the user uses the headset 6 when inhaling oxygen-enriched air, use of a soft and lightweight material does not improve usability. Needless to say.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram. In addition, about the same functional part as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 4, the tube 3 forming the air flow path 24 is provided with heating means 40 that can heat the tube 3 and its inner surface by applying a heating wire to the surroundings and energizing the tube 3. The heating means 40 is controlled by the control means 8 and is energized and constantly heated during the supply of oxygen-enriched air.

  The operation of the oxygen enricher configured as described above will be described.

  During the operation of generating oxygen-enriched air, the same operation as in the above embodiment is performed. Oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen-enriching means 15 is sucked by the suction means 10 through the first connecting pipe 11 and discharged through the second connecting pipe 12, the connecting portion 14, the tube 3 and the headset 6. It is discharged from the part 7. At this time, the tube 3 is heated by the heating means 40. Accordingly, the inside of the tube 3 through which the oxygen-enriched air passes is kept at an appropriate temperature even when the ambient temperature is low, and condensation that occurs on the inner surface of the air flow path 24 during the oxygen-enriched air generation operation is suppressed.

  As described above, during the supply of oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enricher, the generation of water droplets that are condensed in the air flow path is suppressed, so that the user can suck the water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air. Can be prevented.

  It should be noted that the temperature of the heating means 40 is controlled through the control means 8 while detecting the ambient temperature, so that the inside of the tube 3 is always kept at an appropriate temperature and is heated. It can be prevented.

  In the above embodiment, the control is described as heating the heating means 40 when the oxygen-enriched air is generated, that is, when the user is using the device. However, the user has finished the oxygen-enriched air suction. After that, that is, after use, the heating means 40 can be operated to evaporate water droplets remaining as condensed water inside the tube 3 by the control means.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram. In addition, about the same functional part as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 5, air heating means 50 for heating oxygen-enriched air itself passing through the flow path is provided in a part of the flow path forming the air flow path 24. The air heating means 50 is controlled by the control means 8 and is energized during the supply of oxygen-enriched air so that the oxygen-enriched air is always heated.

  The operation of the oxygen enricher configured as described above will be described.

  During the operation of generating oxygen-enriched air, the same operation as in the above embodiment is performed. Oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen-enriching means 15 is sucked by the suction means 10 through the first connecting pipe 11 and discharged through the second connecting pipe 12, the connecting portion 14, the tube 3 and the headset 6. It is discharged from the part 7. At this time, the oxygen-enriched air is heated by the air heating means 50. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature is low, since the warmed oxygen-enriched air passes through the air flow path 24, the air flow path 24 is gradually warmed. As a result, the air flow path 24 is operated during the operation of generating oxygen-enriched air. Condensation occurring on the inner surface is suppressed.

  As described above, during the supply of oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enricher, the generation of water droplets that are condensed in the air flow path is suppressed, so that the user can suck the water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air. Can be prevented.

  The ambient temperature detecting means 45 is provided in the apparatus main body, and the temperature of the air heating means 50 is controlled through the control means 8 while detecting the ambient temperature, so that the air flow path 24 is always kept at an appropriate temperature according to the ambient temperature. Be drunk. Further, when the user sucks the oxygen-enriched air, it becomes possible to suck the oxygen-enriched air having a temperature suitable for the ambient temperature.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram. In addition, about the same functional part as the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In FIG. 6, an air cooling means 60 for cooling the oxygen-enriched air itself that passes through the dew is provided in a part of the flow path forming the air flow path 24. The air cooling means 60 is controlled by the control means 8 and is energized during the supply of oxygen-enriched air so that the oxygen-enriched air is always cooled.
Further, a portion of the air flow path 24 where the air cooling means 60 is provided is provided with a dew condensation water tank 65 connected to the air flow path.

  The operation of the oxygen enricher configured as described above will be described.

  During the operation when oxygen-enriched air is generated, the same operation as in the above embodiment is performed. Oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen-enriching means 15 is sucked by the suction means 10 through the first connecting pipe 11 and discharged through the second connecting pipe 12, the connecting portion 14, the tube 3 and the headset 6. It is discharged from the part 7. At this time, the oxygen-enriched air is cooled by the air cooling means 60. As it cools, the water vapor in the oxygen-enriched air begins to condense all at once. The portion where this condensation occurs is limited. This dew condensation generation portion is provided with a dew condensation water tank 65 connected to the air flow path 24, and all the dew condensation water is concentrated and stored in this dew condensation water tank 65. Therefore, the oxygen-enriched air that has been once cooled and forcibly condensed has its humidity sufficiently reduced and is blown to the discharge port 7. As a result, the inner surface of the air flow path 24 during the oxygen-enriched air generation operation. Condensation that occurs in is suppressed.

  As described above, during the supply of oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enricher, the generation of water droplets that are condensed in the air flow path is suppressed, so that the user can suck the water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air. Can be prevented.

  As described above, the oxygen enricher according to the present invention can prevent the user from sucking water droplets together with the oxygen-enriched air, so that it is clean and always provides a refreshing feeling to the user. It is extremely useful.

The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the oxygen enricher in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. External perspective view of oxygen enricher in the embodiment of the present invention The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the oxygen enricher in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the oxygen enricher in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the oxygen enricher in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the oxygen enricher in the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Apparatus main body 3 Tube 6 Headset 7 Discharge part 8 Control means 10 Suction means 11 1st connection pipe 12 2nd connection pipe 14 Connection part 15 Oxygen enrichment means (oxygen-enriched membrane unit)
24 Air flow path 33 Outer body 40 Heating means 45 Ambient temperature detection means 50 Air heating means 60 Air cooling means 65 Dew condensation water tank

Claims (8)

Oxygen-enriching means for generating oxygen-enriched air, a discharge part for discharging oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen-enriching means, and an air flow path connecting the oxygen-enriched means and the discharge part And the air flow path is formed of a material having high heat insulation. Oxygen-enriching means for generating oxygen-enriched air, a discharge part for discharging oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen-enriching means, and an air flow path connecting the oxygen-enriched means and the discharge part And an oxygen enricher provided with a jacket covering the air flow path around the air flow path. Oxygen-enriching means for generating oxygen-enriched air, a discharge part for discharging oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen-enriching means, and an air flow path connecting the oxygen-enriched means and the discharge part And the air flow path is an oxygen enricher provided with heating means for raising the temperature of the flow path. 4. The oxygen enricher according to claim 3, further comprising temperature detecting means for detecting the ambient environmental temperature, and temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the heating means of the air flow path based on information detected by the temperature detecting means. Oxygen-enriching means for generating oxygen-enriched air, a discharge part for discharging oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen-enriching means, and an air flow path connecting the oxygen-enriched means and the discharge part And an oxygen enricher equipped with air heating means for raising the temperature of the oxygen-enriched air sent to the air flow path. 6. The oxygen enricher according to claim 5, further comprising temperature detection means for detecting the ambient environmental temperature and temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the oxygen-enriched air from information detected by the temperature detection means. Oxygen-enriching means for generating oxygen-enriched air, a discharge part for discharging oxygen-enriched air obtained by the oxygen-enriching means, and an air flow path connecting the oxygen-enriched means and the discharge part And an oxygen enricher comprising air cooling means for reducing the temperature of the oxygen-enriched air sent to the air flow path. The oxygen enricher according to claim 7, further comprising an air cooling means and a condensed water tank for storing condensed water generated during cooling.

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