JP2019054954A - Oxygen concentrator system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an oxygen concentrator system capable of remotely controlling an oxygen concentrator, optimally suppressing dew condensation in a tube for supplying oxygen-enriched gas to a user, and reducing a burden of the user.SOLUTION: An oxygen concentrator system 1 causes a teleoperation device 5 to remotely operate an oxygen concentrator 3. Further, the oxygen concentrator system causes a humidifier 29 of the teleoperation device 5 (namely, the teleoperation device 5 that a patient has at hand) located distantly from the oxygen concentrator 3 to humidify the oxygen-enriched gas and supplies it to the patient. Accordingly, this configuration can suppress dew condensation in the extension tube 19, even when a patient inhales the oxygen-enriched gas via an extension tube 19 at a location away from the oxygen concentrator 3. This configuration can reduce discomfort of the patient and is hygienically excellent. Furthermore, the oxygen concentrator system can easily implement correct regimen of oxygen supply and significantly reduce a burden of a patient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an oxygen concentrator system that can be used, for example, for home oxygen therapy.

Conventionally, as a device for supplying oxygen-enriched gas to a patient such as chronic bronchitis, a medical oxygen concentrator has been used for home oxygen therapy and the like.
As this type of oxygen concentrator, for example, an adsorption-type oxygen concentrator provided with a plurality of nitrogen adsorption containers (for example, adsorption cylinders) filled with an adsorbent that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen is known. Among them, a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator using a compressor as an air supply means is used as a home oxygen therapy device.

  By the way, patients who receive home oxygen therapy do not always inhale oxygen in the room where the oxygen concentrator is installed. Instead of a long extension tube (for example, an extension tube that can be moved to another room) from the oxygen concentrator. I wear a nasal cannula and live my life while moving to various rooms.

  In recent years, increasing the activity of patients with home oxygen therapy at academic societies (for example, the Japanese Respiratory Society, the Japanese Society for Respiratory Care and Rehabilitation) It has been suggested to be important. Therefore, the patient is instructed by a doctor or the like to increase the amount of activity as much as possible, including going out. Thus, patients are becoming increasingly active, as are healthy people.

  Therefore, recently, not only a heavy stationary oxygen concentrator, but also a portable oxygen concentrator that is lightweight and portable has been developed. As a portable oxygen concentrator, in order to reduce its size and weight, a breathing-synchronized type that detects a slight differential pressure via a nasal cannula worn by the patient and opens and closes the valve in synchronization with breathing. Is the mainstream.

  However, this portable oxygen concentrator may not be able to detect respiration when the cannula comes off from the nose when sleeping at night, and there may be a problem that oxygen cannot be delivered to the patient.

  For this reason, the supply of oxygen-enriched gas to the patient cannot be provided by one portable oxygen concentrator, and as a result, it is necessary to use a stationary type at home and a portable type when going out. However, only one medical fee is paid, and most of the installation cost of the second unit is burdened by the service provider, so the situation is that portable oxygen concentrators are not so popular.

  In addition, when one stationary oxygen concentrator is used and the room where the oxygen concentrator is installed is different from the room that is actually inhaling, for example, even if one setting change such as a set flow rate is taken, the patient It is necessary to return to the room where the oxygen concentrator is installed and change the setting. In addition, when an abnormality has occurred in the oxygen concentrator, there is a possibility that the response will be delayed if the abnormality alarm is not noticed in another room.

  As a countermeasure against this, some stationary oxygen concentrators have a remote operation device. However, since the remote control device is a one-way communication such as an infrared remote control, it cannot be operated from another room across the wall, and if an abnormality occurs in the oxygen concentrator, check with the remote control at hand. I can't.

Therefore, recently, a remote control device (see Patent Document 1) using short-range wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication is also provided.
In addition, in the pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator described above, an adsorbent called synthetic zeolite is used, but moisture is also adsorbed at the same time as nitrogen is preferentially adsorbed over oxygen. Become dry. However, since the patient's nasal cavity is thirsty and uncomfortable, the oxygen concentrator is generally equipped with a humidifier. By passing through the humidifier, the oxygen concentration humidified by the patient Gas is being supplied.

  However, in an environment where there is a temperature difference between the oxygen concentrator and the tube connected to the oxygen outlet, condensation occurs in the tube when the humidified oxygen-enriched gas passes through the tube. There is. For example, if the room where the patient is located is different from the room where the oxygen concentrator is installed, and a long tube (ie, an extension tube) is drawn from the oxygen concentrator to the patient's room, condensation will form inside the extension tube. May occur.

  And if the water droplets which dew condensation in the extension tube increase and become the quantity which obstruct | occludes the extension tube, during operation of the oxygen concentrator, the dew condensation water will be sent toward the patient. And when condensed water is sent to a patient, it is not only unpleasant for the patient but also unsanitary. In addition, there is a risk that the oxygen supply is not performed with the correct recipe (that is, an appropriate oxygen supply amount cannot be obtained).

  Therefore, this condensation problem can be dealt with by installing a water trap fixture in the middle of the extension tube to collect the condensation water, or controlling the humidity of the oxygen-enriched gas humidified by the humidifier. Devices and the like that have taken various measures have been devised (see Patent Documents 2 to 5).

JP 2012-249856 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-233821 JP-A-11-137692 JP 2000-135287 A JP 2006-087684 A

  However, as described above, even when a water trap for collecting the dew condensation water generated in the extension tube is provided, if the dew condensation water is excessively accumulated, the dew condensation water is eventually sent to the patient. Therefore, it is necessary to throw away the accumulated condensed water regularly.

  In addition, as a humidifier capable of humidity control, a non-feed water humidifier using a moisture permeable membrane is provided, but humidity control is also possible when there is an environment with a large temperature difference such as in winter. Due to the limitations, after all, condensation will occur in the same way.

In other words, in any case, although it is a measure to reduce the problem caused by condensed water, it is not a sufficient measure.
Furthermore, in the above-described prior art, when the patient is inhaling oxygen-enriched gas in a room different from the room where the oxygen concentrator is installed, the amount of water in the humidifier is reduced unless the room is moved. There is a problem that it cannot be confirmed.

  Moreover, even when trouble such as oxygen leaks from the humidifier attached to the oxygen concentrator, the patient also has the inconvenience of having to move to a room with the oxygen concentrator.

  The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and can remotely control the oxygen concentrator, and can suitably suppress dew condensation in the tube that supplies the oxygen-enriched gas to the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an oxygen concentrator system that can reduce the burden on the user.

  (1) A first aspect of the present disclosure includes an oxygen concentrating device that generates an oxygen concentrating gas, and a remote control device that performs wireless communication with the oxygen concentrating device to remotely operate the oxygen concentrating device. The present invention relates to a device system.

  In this oxygen concentrator system, the remote control device includes an operation unit for operating the oxygen concentrator, a display unit for displaying contents related to operation and / or operation of the oxygen concentrator, and an oxygen concentrated gas outlet of the oxygen concentrator. A connecting portion to which a piping tube to be attached is connected, a humidifying portion for humidifying oxygen-concentrated gas generated by the oxygen concentrator and sent through the piping tube, and an oxygen-concentrated gas humidified by the humidifying portion And a supply unit for supplying the product to the user.

In the first aspect, the oxygen concentrator can be operated by the operation unit of the remote control device, and the contents related to the operation and / or operation of the oxygen concentrator can be displayed by the display unit.
Further, by connecting a pipe tube attached to the outlet of the oxygen enriched gas of the oxygen concentrator to the connecting portion of the remote controller, the oxygen enriched gas can be supplied from the oxygen concentrator to the remote controller. And the oxygen concentration gas supplied via this piping tube can be humidified by a humidification part, and this humidified oxygen concentration gas can be supplied to a user from a supply part.

  As described above, in the first aspect, the oxygen concentrator can be remotely operated by the remote control device, and the remote control device (that is, the remote control device at the user's hand) located away from the oxygen concentrator. In the humidification unit, the oxygen-enriched gas can be humidified and supplied to a user such as a patient. Therefore, even when the user inhales the oxygen-enriched gas through the piping tube at a location away from the oxygen concentrator, it is possible to suppress dew condensation in the piping tube.

  As a result, since it is possible to suppress the supply of condensed water to the user, the user's discomfort can be reduced, which is also preferable for hygiene. In addition, there is a remarkable effect that the correct prescription of oxygen supply can be easily performed (that is, an appropriate oxygen supply amount can be supplied).

  Moreover, in this 1st aspect, since it is not necessary to throw away the accumulated dew condensation water regularly like the prior art which provides a water trap for a piping tube, for example, a user's burden can be reduced significantly.

Furthermore, there is an advantage that there is almost no problem that condensation occurs even in an environment with a large temperature difference such as winter, as in the conventional humidity control for suppressing condensation.
Moreover, even when the user is inhaling the oxygen-enriched gas in a room different from the room where the oxygen concentrator is installed, there is a humidifier (eg, a humidifier) in the remote control device at hand of the user. For example, the amount of water in the humidifier can be easily confirmed.

  In addition, for example, when trouble such as oxygen leaks from the humidifier, the user only has to check the state of the humidifier of the remote control device at hand, and there is an advantage that the burden on the user is small.

  As described above, in the first aspect, the oxygen concentrator can be remotely operated, it is possible to suppress dew condensation in the piping tube that supplies the oxygen-enriched gas, and the burden on the user can be reduced. Play.

In particular, since the burden on the user can be reduced, there is an advantage that it contributes to the improvement of the quality of life (QOL) of the user.
In addition, if the inside of the piping tube is dewed, it becomes an environment in which bacteria, molds, etc. are easy to propagate. Therefore, when considering the hygiene, it is necessary to frequently replace the piping tube. However, since equipment such as piping tubes is generally covered by the service provider, there is also an effect that the service provider can be reduced.

(2) In the second aspect of the present disclosure, the remote control device may include an oxygen leakage detection unit that detects leakage of oxygen-enriched gas in the humidification unit.
In the second aspect, by providing the remote control device with the oxygen leak detection unit, it is possible to easily detect the leakage of the oxygen-enriched gas in the humidification unit.

  In addition, when leakage of oxygen-enriched gas in the humidifying unit of the remote control device is detected, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to move to an oxygen concentrator located at a remote position as in the prior art. In other words, it is only necessary to check the humidifying part of the remote control device at hand, and there is a remarkable effect that the burden on the user is small.

(3) In the third aspect of the present disclosure, any one of a primary battery, a secondary battery, and a commercial power source may be used as a driving power source for the remote control device.
In the third aspect, the remote control device can use a primary battery, a secondary battery, or a commercial power supply as a drive power supply.

  (4) In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a case where a secondary battery is provided as a driving power source of the remote control device is illustrated. For example, the oxygen concentrator may electrically connect the remote control device and the oxygen concentrator directly using, for example, a connector. Or even if it has a charging mechanism that can charge the secondary battery in a state where the remote control device is arranged close to the oxygen concentrator, for example, a wireless power feeding (non-contact power feeding) mechanism using electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance Good.

In the fourth aspect, the secondary battery of the remote control device can be easily charged with the configuration described above.
(5) In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, setting information (for example, information indicating setting contents such as a set flow rate) and / or an operating state (for example, setting flow rate) from the oxygen concentrator to the remote control device by wireless communication. For example, information indicating an operation state such as oxygen concentration) may be transmitted, and the transmitted content may be displayed on the display unit of the remote control device.

  In the fifth aspect, by transmitting the above-described information from the oxygen concentrator to the remote control device by wireless communication, the transmitted information can be displayed on the display unit of the remote control device.

Therefore, even if the user does not go to the oxygen concentrator at a remote position, for example, the user can know the state of the oxygen concentrator with the remote control device at hand, so the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.
(6) In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the remote control device may be configured to be detachable from the oxygen concentrator.

  In the sixth aspect, when the user inhales the oxygen enriched gas near the oxygen concentrator, the remote control device can be attached to the oxygen concentrator and used. Further, when the user inhales the oxygen enriched gas at a position away from the oxygen concentrator, the remote control device can be removed from the oxygen concentrator. Therefore, there is an effect that the convenience for the user is high.

(7) In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the oxygen concentrating device may be a stationary device.
In the seventh aspect, since a stationary apparatus can be employed as the oxygen concentrator, excellent performance such as a high oxygen supply amount can be obtained.

<Here, each configuration of the present disclosure will be described>
The oxygen concentrator includes an adsorption-type oxygen concentrator equipped with one or a plurality of nitrogen adsorption containers (for example, adsorption cylinders) filled with an adsorbent that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen.

-As wireless communication, various near field communication, such as Bluetooth and ZigBee (trademark), is mentioned.
-As a piping tube, the cylindrical flexible member which has a flow path which can pass oxygen concentration gas (oxygen concentration gas) inside is mentioned.

  -As the stationary oxygen concentrator, an apparatus having a weight of 10 kg or more can be mentioned. Moreover, as an oxygen supply amount, an apparatus having a performance of 3 to 10 L / min can be mentioned.

It is a perspective view showing the whole oxygen concentrator system composition of an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the oxygen concentrator system of embodiment, the structure of a flow path, etc. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure inside an oxygen concentrator. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an oxygen concentrator. (A) is a front view which shows a remote control apparatus, (b) is the side view. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a remote control device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of the 2nd display part of a remote control device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the oxygen concentrator system of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. Embodiment]
[1-1. Oxygen concentrator system]
First, the overall configuration of the oxygen concentrator system of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the oxygen concentrator system 1 of the present embodiment is capable of remotely operating, for example, a stationary oxygen concentrator 3 used in a patient's home or the like and the oxygen concentrator 3 by wireless communication. Remote control device 5.

  In the upper part 9 of the front surface 7 of the oxygen concentrator 3, a space similar to the outer shape of the remote control device 5, that is, a recess recessed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (that is, the remote control device 5 can be fitted). A remote control mounting portion) 11 is provided. That is, the remote control device 5 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the oxygen concentrator 3 (specifically, the remote controller mounting unit 11).

  When the remote control device 5 is mounted on the remote control mounting portion 11, the exposed front surface 13 and upper surface 15 of the remote control device 5 are substantially the same plane as the front surface 7 and the upper surface 17 of the oxygen concentrator 3, respectively. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, an extension tube 19 that supplies oxygen-enriched gas from the oxygen concentrator 3 to the remote controller 5 is connected between the oxygen concentrator 3 and the remote controller 5. . Specifically, the extension tube 19 is attached so as to connect the outlet 21 of the oxygen concentrator 3 and the connecting portion 23 of the remote control device 5.

Moreover, the nose cannula 27 which supplies oxygen concentration gas to the patient who is a user is connected to the supply part 25 of the remote control device 5 so that attachment or detachment is possible.
A humidifier 29 described later is detachably attached to the remote control device 5 in order to humidify the oxygen-enriched gas. The humidifier 29 is disposed in the flow path 30 of the oxygen-enriched gas that extends from the connection unit 23 of the remote control device 5 to the supply unit 25.

  Further, the oxygen concentrating device 3 is provided with a first electric circuit 31 for driving and controlling the oxygen concentrating device 3. Similarly, the remote operating device 5 is provided for driving and controlling the remote operating device 5. In addition, a second electric circuit 33 is provided.

  The first electric circuit 31 is provided with a first communication unit 35, and the second electric circuit 33 is provided with a second communication unit 37. Between the first communication unit 35 and the second communication unit 37, Wireless communication is possible.

  Further, the oxygen concentrator 3 is provided with a first connector 39, the remote control device 5 is provided with a second connector 41, and the first connector 39 and the second connector 41 are connected by the remote control device 5 with oxygen. It is configured to be electrically connected when attached to the concentrating device 3.

The first and second electric circuits 31 and 33 will be described in detail later.
[1-2. Configuration of oxygen concentrator]
Next, the configuration of the oxygen concentrator 3 will be described.

  The oxygen concentrator 3 is a stationary oxygen concentrator having a weight of 10 kg or more. This oxygen concentrator 3 concentrates oxygen by adsorbing and removing nitrogen from the air, and continuously supplies oxygen-enriched gas at a predetermined continuous flow rate (first flow rate; for example, 5 L / min) to the patient. can do. Further, by switching to respiratory synchronization as necessary, it is possible to supply oxygen-enriched gas at a predetermined flow rate (second flow rate; for example, 6 L / min in terms of continuous flow rate) only during the patient's inspiration period.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the oxygen concentrator 3 is accommodated in a main body case 43, and an air introduction path 45 has an air intake 47, a compressor 49 for compressing air, and a flow from the upstream side. A first three-way switching valve 51 and a second three-way switching valve 53 that are a pair of solenoid valves for switching the path, and a first suction cylinder 55 and a second suction cylinder 57 that are a pair of suction cylinders are provided. .

An exhaust port 61 is provided at the tip of an exhaust passage 59 for exhausting nitrogen or the like from each adsorption cylinder 55, 57 via the first or second three-way switching valve 51, 53. Yes.
Here, the first three-way switching valve 51 is an electromagnetic valve that switches a flow path from the compressor 49 to the first adsorption cylinder 55 and a flow path from the first adsorption cylinder 55 to the exhaust port 61. The second three-way switching valve 53 is an electromagnetic valve that switches a flow path from the compressor 49 to the second adsorption cylinder 57 and a flow path from the second adsorption cylinder 57 to the exhaust port 61.

In addition, as a configuration of the supply path 63 for supplying the oxygen-enriched gas from the pair of adsorption cylinders 55 and 57, a connection channel 71 for connecting the oxygen-enriched gas supply side of the pair of adsorption cylinders 55 and 57 from the upstream side. A pressure equalizing valve 73 that is an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the connection flow path 71, a pair of check valves 75 and 77, a product tank 79 that stores oxygen-enriched gas, a regulator 81 that adjusts the pressure of the oxygen-enriched gas, A flow rate setting device 83 for adjusting the flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas (by an instruction from the remote control device 5), an outlet 21 for supplying the oxygen-enriched gas to the extension tube 19, and the like are provided.
[1-3. Electrical configuration of oxygen concentrator]
Next, the electrical configuration of the oxygen concentrator 3 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first electric circuit 31 of the oxygen concentrator 3 is configured to drive or control the oxygen concentrator 3, and includes a first electronic controller 85, a first operation unit 87, and a first display unit. 89, a first storage unit 91, a first communication unit 35, a first power supply unit 93, sensors 95, actuators 97, and the like. Each configuration will be described below.

The first electronic control unit 85 is an electronic control unit whose main part is a known microcomputer.
The 1st operation part 87 is a part which instruct | indicates operation | movement of the oxygen concentrator 3, and consists of a switch and a touch panel, for example.

  The 1st display part 89 is a part which displays the state instruct | indicated in the state of the oxygen concentrator 3 and the 1st operation part 87, for example, consists of LED etc. Note that the first display unit 89 may have a function as a touch panel.

The first storage unit 91 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory that stores data related to the operation of the oxygen concentrator 3.
As described above, the first communication unit 35 is a circuit that performs short-range wireless communication with the second communication unit 37. As wireless communication between the first communication unit 35 and the second communication unit 37, Bluetooth, ZigBee that can ensure communication at a short distance, such as a movement range (for example, 10 m to 20 m) of a patient at home. Etc. can be adopted.

  The first power supply unit 93 is a circuit that is connected to a commercial power supply and supplies necessary power to various devices (for example, the first electronic control unit 85 and the first display unit 89) of the first electric circuit 31. The first power supply unit 93 includes a first battery 94 and is connected to the first connector 39.

The sensors 95 are devices that detect the operation of the oxygen concentrator 3, and examples thereof include an oxygen sensor 99, a first pressure sensor 98, a second pressure sensor 101, a flow sensor 103, and a temperature sensor 105.
Among these, the oxygen sensor 99 is a sensor that detects the oxygen concentration of the oxygen-enriched gas, and is disposed in a flow path between the regulator 81 and the flow rate setting device 83, for example.

The first and second pressure sensors 98 and 101 are sensors that detect the pressure of the oxygen-enriched gas. For example, the first pressure sensor 98 is disposed in the flow path between the compressor 49 and the first and second three-way switching valves 51 and 53, and the second pressure sensor 101 includes the flow rate setting unit 83 and the outlet 21. It is arrange | positioned in the flow path between.
The flow sensor 103 is a sensor that detects the flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas, and is disposed, for example, in a flow path between the flow rate setting unit 83 and the outlet 21.

The temperature sensor 105 is a sensor that detects the temperature in the oxygen concentrator 3.
On the other hand, the actuators 97 are devices that actuate the oxygen concentrator 3, and include, for example, a compressor 49, first and second three-way switching valves 51 and 53, a pressure equalizing valve 73, a flow rate setting device 83, and the like.

Although not shown, the oxygen concentrator 3 includes a speaker and a buzzer that can output sounds and sounds.
[1-4. Configuration of remote control device]
Next, the configuration of the remote control device 5 will be described.

  The remote operation device 5 is a device that remotely operates the oxygen concentrator 3 at a position away from the oxygen concentrator 3 by using short-range wireless communication, and compared with the stationary oxygen concentrator 3. A portable and lightweight device (for example, 1 kg or less).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the remote control device 5 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped device, a carrying handle 111 is provided on the upper portion thereof, and a connection portion 23 to which the extension tube 19 is connected is provided on the back surface 113. Provided (see FIG. 5B).

  Further, a portion from the front surface 13 to the upper surface 15 of the remote operation device 5 is inclined obliquely, and an operation panel 115 for operating the remote operation device 5 and the like is provided in the obliquely inclined portion. ing.

The operation panel 115 is provided with a power switch 117, a pair of operation switches 119 and 121, and a second display unit 123.
Among these, the power switch 117 is a switch for turning on / off the power supply to the remote control device 5. When the power switch 117 is turned on, a signal indicating that is transmitted to the oxygen concentrator 3 side, and the oxygen concentrator 3 also starts supplying power. That is, the oxygen concentrator 3 is started.

  The pair of operation switches 119 and 121 function as switches that increase or decrease the set flow rate when, for example, the set flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas is displayed on the second display unit 123. In addition, the numerical value displayed on the second display unit 123 can be increased or decreased.

  The 2nd display part 123 is a display which consists of LED etc., for example, and has a function of a touch panel. The second display unit 123 normally displays a set flow rate, but can display, for example, an error display or abnormality notification. In addition, the display can be switched to another display using a touch panel, and various inputs can be performed on other display screens.

  In addition, the front surface 13 of the remote control device 5 is provided with a concave portion (that is, a humidifier mounting portion) 125 that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space in which the humidifier 29 is disposed, and the humidifier 29 is provided in the humidifier mounting portion 125. Is detachably attached.

Further, a supply unit 25 to which the nose cannula 27 is connected is provided at the lower part of the operation panel 115 above the humidifier 29.
As described above, the humidifier 29 is disposed in the flow path 30 extending from the connection unit 23 to the supply unit 25, humidifies the oxygen-enriched gas supplied from the connection unit 23, and supplies the humidified gas to the supply unit 25 side. Equipment.

The humidifier 29 itself is the same as the conventional one. In addition, the configuration in which the humidifier 29 is detachably attached to the remote control device 5 is similar to the configuration in which the humidifier 29 is attached to the conventional oxygen concentrating device. Removably coupled to the pair of concave coupling portions of the container 29 (not shown).
[1-5. Electrical configuration of remote control device]
Next, the electrical configuration of the remote control device 5 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second electric circuit 33 of the remote operation device 5 is configured to drive or control the remote operation device 5, as a second electronic control device 131, a second operation unit 133, and a second display unit. 123, a second storage unit 135, a second communication unit 37, a second power supply unit 137, sensors 139, actuators 141, and the like. Each configuration will be described below.

The second electronic control unit 131 is an electronic control unit having a known microcomputer as a main part.
The second operation unit 133 is a part for instructing the operation of the remote operation device 5 and the oxygen concentrating device 3, and includes the above-described power switch 117, operation switches 119, 121, and the like.

  As described above, the second display unit 123 is a display that also functions as a touch panel, and displays information (for example, setting information and operation information) related to the operation of the remote control device 5 and the oxygen concentrator 3 or a remote control device. 5 and the content (operation content) instructing the operation of the oxygen concentrator 3 can be displayed. When the second display unit 123 is used as a touch panel, the second display unit 123 has the same function as the second operation unit 133.

The second storage unit 135 is, for example, a non-volatile memory that stores data related to operations and operations of the remote control device 5 and the like.
As described above, the second communication unit 37 is a circuit that performs short-range wireless communication with the first communication unit 35.

  The second power supply unit 137 includes a second battery 138 and is connected to the second connector 41. The second battery 138 is a secondary battery that can be charged by the electric power from the first power supply unit 93 when the first connector 39 and the second connector 41 are connected.

The sensors 139 are devices that detect the operation of the remote control device 5, and examples thereof include an attachment / detachment detection switch 143, a pressure sensor 145, and a smoke sensor 147.
Among these, the attachment / detachment detection switch 143 is a switch that detects whether the humidifier 29 is attached or not, as is well known.

  The pressure sensor 145 is a sensor that detects the pressure of the oxygen-enriched gas, and is used to detect leakage of the oxygen-enriched gas in the humidifier 29. The pressure sensor 145 is disposed in a flow path between the humidifier 29 and an outlet opening / closing valve 149 described later.

The smoke sensor 147 is a sensor that detects smoke such as cigarette smoke.
On the other hand, as the actuators 141, there is an outlet on-off valve 149. The outlet opening / closing valve 149 is an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the flow path to the supply unit 25, and is disposed in the flow path between the pressure sensor 145 and the supply unit 25.

Although not shown, the remote control device 5 includes a speaker and a buzzer that can output sound and sound.
[1-6. Operation of oxygen concentrator system]
Next, various operations of the oxygen concentrator system 1 will be described.

<Oxygen-concentrated gas supply operation of oxygen concentrator system>
For example, when the remote controller 5 is attached to the oxygen concentrator 3, when the oxygen concentrated gas is inhaled at a position away from the oxygen concentrator 3 (for example, an adjacent room), the remote control is first performed from the oxygen concentrator 3. The device 5 is removed, and the remote control device 5 is moved to a place where oxygen-enriched gas is sucked.

  The extension tube 19 is always connected to the oxygen concentrating device 3 and the remote control device 5. In addition, the nasal cannula 27 may be connected to the remote control device 5 at all times, but may be connected before starting the inhalation of the oxygen-enriched gas.

Next, when the oxygen concentrator system 1 is operated to start inhalation of the oxygen enriched gas, the power switch 117 of the remote control device 5 is pressed to turn it on.
Then, a signal indicating that the power switch 117 is turned on is transmitted from the second communication unit 37 of the remote operation device 5 to the first communication unit 35 of the oxygen concentrating device 3 by short-range wireless communication. Thereby, operation | movement of the oxygen concentrator 3 is started similarly to the past.

That is, electric power is supplied from the commercial power source to the first electric circuit 31 and the like of the oxygen concentrator 3, and oxygen-enriched gas is generated in the oxygen concentrator 3 in the same manner as before.
Further, when the power switch 117 is pressed and turned on, power is supplied from the second battery 138 to the second electric circuit 33 and the like of the remote operation device 5 so that various operations can be performed by the remote operation device 5. .

  Then, the oxygen-enriched gas generated by the oxygen concentrator 3 is supplied to the remote control device 5 through the extension tube 19 and is humidified by the humidifier 29 of the remote control device 5 to supply the supply unit 25 and the nasal cannula 27. To be supplied to the patient.

<Operation in remote control device>
a) As shown in FIG. 7A, when the power switch 117 is turned on, for example, an initial setting screen (for example, an initial set flow rate) is displayed on the second display unit 123. Therefore, if there is no particular change, the oxygen-enriched gas is supplied to the patient at this set flow rate.

  Here, when the operation switches 119 and 121 are operated and the set flow rate is changed, the changed numerical value is displayed on the second display unit 123. In addition, a signal indicating the changed set flow rate is transmitted from the remote control device 5 to the oxygen concentrator 3 by short-range wireless communication. Thereby, in the oxygen concentrator 3, the flow rate setter 83 is driven to control the flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas to be the changed set flow rate.

  b) As shown in FIG. 7B, when an abnormality occurs in the oxygen concentrator 3 or the remote control device 5 during the operation of the oxygen concentrator system 1, the second display unit of the remote control device 5 is used. An error code (see Table 1 below) indicating the content of the abnormality is displayed at 123. When an abnormality occurs in the oxygen concentrating device 3, a signal indicating the abnormality is transmitted from the oxygen concentrating device 3 side to the remote control device 5 side by the above-described wireless communication.

以下に、表１の各表示内容について説明する。

Below, each display content of Table 1 is demonstrated.

  -For example, when power is not supplied to the oxygen concentrator 3 or when an abnormality occurs in the power source such as a voltage drop of the second battery 138 of the remote control device 5, the “power source” is displayed on the second display unit 123. An error code indicating "abnormal" is displayed. At this time, a display indicating which of the power supply abnormality of the oxygen concentrator 3 or the remote control device 5 may be performed. For example, in the case of the oxygen concentrator 3, [S] and in the case of the remote control device 5, “E” may be displayed together with the error code.

  An error code “abnormal flow rate or broken tube” can be displayed on the second display unit 123. The “flow rate abnormality” can be detected by the flow rate sensor 103. Further, the “tube break” of the extension tube 19 or the like can be determined as “tube break” when an excessive pressure is detected by the second pressure sensor 101 when air is normally compressed by the compressor 49, for example. .

  An error code “humidifier oxygen leak” can be displayed on the second display unit 123. The leakage of the oxygen-enriched gas in the humidifier 29 can be determined as “humidifier oxygen leak” when the pressure sensor 145 detects only a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure when the outlet on-off valve 149 is closed, for example.

An error code “decrease in oxygen concentration” can be displayed on the second display unit 123. A decrease in the oxygen concentration of the oxygen-enriched gas can be detected by the oxygen sensor 99.
An error code “device error” can be displayed on the second display unit 123. For example, when the air is not normally compressed by the compressor 49 and a pressure drop is detected by the first pressure sensor 98, or when an abnormality other than the above is detected, this error code is displayed.

  c) In addition to the above, setting information (for example, information such as a set flow rate) and / or operating state (for example, oxygen) of the oxygen concentrating device 3 from the oxygen concentrating device 3 to the remote control device 5 by short-range wireless communication. Information such as concentration) can be transmitted, and the transmitted content can be displayed on the second display unit 123 of the remote control device 5.

<Charging the remote control device>
When charging the remote control device 5, the remote control device 5 may be mounted on the remote control mounting portion 11 of the oxygen concentrator 3.

  That is, by mounting the remote control device 5 on the remote control mounting portion 11, the second connector 41 of the remote control device 5 and the first connector 39 of the oxygen concentrator 3 are connected. Then, electric power is supplied from the first power supply unit 93 to the second power supply unit 137, and the second battery 138 is charged.

At this time, the oxygen concentrator 3 may or may not generate oxygen-enriched gas. For example, even when the remote control device 5 is mounted on the remote control mounting portion 11 with the power switch 117 turned off and the generation and supply of the oxygen concentrated gas stopped, the oxygen concentration device 3 remains connected to the commercial power source. The second battery 138 can be charged. For example, the remote control device 5 is configured to detect that the remote control device 5 is mounted on the remote control mounting unit 11 and supply power from the first power supply unit 93 to the second battery 138. In addition, since the structure charged in this way is known, the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[1-7. effect]
Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.

  (1) In the present embodiment, the remote controller 5 can remotely control the oxygen concentrator 3, and the remote controller 5 located at a position away from the oxygen concentrator 3 (that is, the remote controller 5 at the patient's hand). ), The oxygen-enriched gas can be humidified and supplied to the patient. Therefore, even when the patient inhales the oxygen-enriched gas through the extension tube 19 at a place away from the oxygen concentrator 3, it is possible to suppress dew condensation in the extension tube 19.

  As a result, since it is possible to suppress the supply of condensed water to the patient, the patient's discomfort can be reduced, which is also preferable for hygiene. In addition, there is a remarkable effect that the correct prescription of oxygen supply can be easily performed (that is, an appropriate oxygen supply amount can be supplied).

  In the present embodiment, for example, unlike the conventional technique in which a water trap is provided in the extension tube 19, it is not necessary to periodically discard accumulated condensed water, so that the burden on the patient can be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, there is an advantage that there is almost no problem that condensation occurs even in an environment with a large temperature difference such as winter, as in the conventional humidity control for suppressing condensation.
In addition, even when the patient is inhaling oxygen-enriched gas in a room different from the room where the oxygen concentrator 3 is installed, the humidifier 29 is provided in the remote control device 5 at hand of the patient. You can easily check the amount of water.

  In addition, even when trouble such as oxygen leaks from the humidifier 29, the patient only has to confirm the state of the humidifier 29 of the remote control device 5 at hand, and there is an advantage that the burden on the patient is small.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the oxygen concentrator 3 can be remotely operated, and it is possible to suppress condensation in the extension tube 19 that supplies the oxygen-enriched gas, and to reduce the burden on the patient. Play.

In particular, by reducing the burden on the patient, there is an advantage that it contributes to an improvement in the quality of life (QOL) of the patient.
In addition, if the inside of the extension tube 19 is dewed, it becomes an environment in which bacteria, molds and the like are likely to propagate. Therefore, when considering the hygiene, the extension tube 19 needs to be frequently replaced. Since the equipment such as the extension tube 19 is covered by the burden of the service provider, there is an effect that the burden of the service provider can be reduced.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the remote control device 5 includes a configuration (for example, an outlet on-off valve 149 and a pressure sensor 145) that detects leakage of oxygen-enriched gas in the humidifier 29. Therefore, leakage of the oxygen-enriched gas in the humidifier 29 can be easily detected.

  Moreover, when the leakage of the oxygen concentrated gas in the humidifier 29 of the remote control device 5 is detected, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to move to the oxygen concentrating device 3 located at a remote position as in the prior art. . That is, it is sufficient to check the humidifier 29 of the remote control device 5 at hand, and there is a remarkable effect that the burden on the patient is small.

  (3) In the present embodiment, setting information and / or operating status of the oxygen concentrator 3 is transmitted from the oxygen concentrator 3 to the remote control device 5 by short-range wireless communication, and the transmitted contents are remotely transmitted. It can be displayed on the second display unit 123 of the controller device 5.

Therefore, even if the patient does not go to the oxygen concentrator 3 at a remote position, the state of the oxygen concentrator 3 can be known by the remote control device 5 at hand, so that the burden on the patient can be greatly reduced.
(4) In the present embodiment, the remote control device 5 is configured to be detachable from the oxygen concentrator 3.

  Accordingly, when the patient inhales the oxygen enriched gas near the oxygen concentrator 3, the remote control device 5 can be attached to the oxygen concentrator 3 and used. When the patient inhales the oxygen enriched gas at a position away from the oxygen concentrator 3, the remote control device 5 can be removed from the oxygen concentrator 3 and used. Therefore, there is an effect that convenience is high depending on the patient.

(5) In this embodiment, since the oxygen concentrator 3 is a stationary device, the oxygen concentrating gas can be continuously supplied over a long period of time as compared with the portable device, and the oxygen supply amount is high. There is an advantage that excellent performance can be obtained.
[1-8. Correspondence effect of wording]
Oxygen concentrator 3, remote controller 5, oxygen concentrator system 1, second operation unit 133, second display unit 123, outlet 21, extension tube 19, connection unit 23, humidifier 29, supply of this embodiment Unit 25, pressure sensor 145, outlet on-off valve 149, first power supply unit 93, and first connector 39 are respectively an oxygen concentrator, a remote control device, an oxygen concentrator system, an operation unit, a display unit, It corresponds to an outlet, a piping tube, a connection part, a humidification part, a supply part, an oxygen leak detection part, and a charging mechanism.
[2. Other Embodiments]
Needless to say, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the present disclosure.

(1) For example, examples of the humidifying unit include a humidifier equipped with a container that contains water or the like, and a non-water-supply humidifying device using a water permeable membrane.
(2) Examples of the operation unit include a touch panel, a switch such as a push button, and the like.

(3) Examples of the display unit include a light emitting diode (LED) and a liquid crystal display.
(4) As a configuration for charging the second battery, which is a secondary battery of the remote control device, a well-known charging mechanism capable of charging the secondary battery when the remote control device is arranged close to the oxygen concentrator is used. Can be adopted. For example, a non-contact power feeding (wireless power feeding) mechanism using electromagnetic induction or the like can be employed.

(5) In addition to the secondary battery described above, a primary battery such as a dry battery can be used as a drive power source for the remote control device. Further, commercial power may be supplied to the remote control device.
(6) In addition, the function which one component in the said embodiment has may be shared by a some component, or the function which a some component has may be exhibited by one component. Moreover, you may abbreviate | omit a part of structure of the said embodiment. In addition, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. In addition, all the aspects included in the technical idea specified from the wording described in the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Oxygen concentrator system 3 ... Oxygen concentrator 5 ... Remote control device 19 ... Extension tube 21 ... Outlet 23 ... Connection part 25 ... Supply part 29 ... Humidifier 39 ... 1st connector 92 ... 1st power supply part 123 ... 1st 2 display part 133 ... 2nd operation part 145 ... pressure sensor 149 ... outlet on-off valve

Claims (7)

In an oxygen concentrator system comprising: an oxygen concentrator that generates oxygen-concentrated gas; and a remote control device that remotely controls the oxygen concentrator by performing wireless communication with the oxygen concentrator.
The remote control device is:
An operation unit for operating the oxygen concentrator;
A display unit for displaying contents relating to operation and / or operation of the oxygen concentrator;
A connection part to which a piping tube attached to the outlet of the oxygen-enriched gas of the oxygen concentrator is connected;
A humidifying unit for humidifying the oxygen-enriched gas generated by the oxygen concentrator and sent via the piping tube;
A supply unit for supplying the oxygen-enriched gas humidified in the humidification unit to a user;
Oxygen concentrator system equipped with. The remote control device includes an oxygen leak detection unit that detects a leak of the oxygen-enriched gas in the humidification unit.
The oxygen concentrator system according to claim 1. As a driving power source for the remote control device, any one of a primary battery, a secondary battery, and a commercial power source was used.
The oxygen concentrator system according to claim 1 or 2. As a drive power source for the remote control device, the secondary battery is provided,
When the remote control device and the oxygen concentrator are directly electrically connected, or when the remote control device is disposed close to the oxygen concentrator, the oxygen concentrator is the secondary battery. Equipped with a charging mechanism that can charge
The oxygen concentrator system according to claim 3. Through the wireless communication, the oxygen concentrator transmits setting information and / or operating status of the oxygen concentrator to the remote controller, and the transmitted content is displayed on the display unit of the remote controller. To
The oxygen concentrator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The remote control device is configured to be removable from the oxygen concentrator.
The oxygen concentrator system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The oxygen concentrator is a stationary device,
The oxygen concentrator system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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