JP2021045318A - Oxygen concentrator - Google Patents

Abstract

To maintain longer moisture absorption function, while suppressing a necessary amount of a moisture absorption layer, in an oxygen concentrator capable of sending, to an adsorption layer, dry air from which moisture is removed by the moisture absorption layer.SOLUTION: An oxygen concentrator 10 includes a plurality of moisture absorption layers for absorbing moisture contained in gas, first holding parts 71A and 71B for holding detachably the plurality of moisture absorption layers in an intake flow pass 21, and second holding parts 72A and 72B for holding detachably the plurality of moisture absorption layers in a discharge flow path 23. A moisture absorption layer held by the first holding parts 71A and 71B can be replaced with a moisture absorption layer held by the second holding parts 72A and 72B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator.

The oxygen concentrator of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of adsorption cylinders filled with an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing nitrogen rather than oxygen, and a compressor that supplies pressurized air to the adsorption cylinders. In addition, the oxygen concentrator has an adsorption step of supplying pressurized air to the adsorption cylinder to take out the concentrated oxygen, a desorption step of decompressing and exhausting the adsorption cylinder after the adsorption step to regenerate the adsorbent, and a concentrated oxygen from the adsorption cylinder on the adsorption process side. Is equipped with a control means that repeats the purge step (purge generation step, purge exhaust step) for opening the pressure equalizing valve and introducing it into the adsorption cylinder on the desorption process side to purge the adsorbent, and the pressure equalizing step for communicating between the suction cylinders at a predetermined timing. ing. When this oxygen concentrator receives a stop signal of the device by turning off the operation switch, it continues the operation until the end of the purge process of the steady operation sequence, so that the moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption cylinder on the purge exhaust process side Is exhausted to suppress deterioration of the adsorbent.

The oxygen concentrator of Patent Document 2 includes a compressor and a plurality of adsorption layers filled with an adsorbent that alternately supplies compressed air from the compressor and adsorbs and desorbs nitrogen. In this oxygen concentrator, a hygroscopic layer filled with a hygroscopic agent for removing moisture in compressed air is provided upstream of the adsorption layer. A moisture sensor for detecting the moisture concentration is provided between the moisture absorbing layer and the adsorption layer. The moisture concentration in the compressed air is measured by the moisture sensor, and the decrease in the moisture removal ability of the hygroscopic agent is detected. Then, when the water absorbing ability of the hygroscopic agent is lowered, the adsorbent is replaced before the adsorbent adsorbs the water, thereby preventing the adsorbent from deteriorating due to the water content.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-92622 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-18970

When the oxygen concentrator of Patent Document 1 receives a stop signal, the deterioration of the adsorbent can be suppressed by exhausting water from the adsorbent existing in the adsorption cylinder on the purge exhaust process side. However, although this oxygen concentrator can suppress the deterioration of the adsorbent to some extent, it is inevitable that water gradually accumulates in the adsorbent when the steady operation sequence is repeated, and the adsorbent cannot be used. Moisture continued to accumulate until it became. When the adsorbent is completely deteriorated, it is essential to discard the deteriorated adsorbent and fill the adsorbent with a new adsorbent.

On the other hand, in the oxygen concentrator of Patent Document 2, a hygroscopic agent is provided on the upstream side of the adsorption layer, and the deteriorated state of the hygroscopic agent can be determined by a moisture sensor provided between the hygroscopic agent and the adsorption layer. There is. This oxygen concentrator can maintain a state in which dry air can be supplied to the adsorption layer by exchanging the hygroscopic agent when the hygroscopic agent is deteriorated by containing a certain amount of water. However, this oxygen concentrator has to replace the hygroscopic agent with a new one every time the hygroscopic agent deteriorates, and it is inevitable that the required amount of the hygroscopic agent increases for continuous use. It was.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and in an oxygen concentrator capable of sending dry air from which moisture has been removed by a moisture absorbing layer to an adsorption layer, the required amount of the moisture absorbing layer can be reduced. The purpose is to realize a configuration that can maintain the moisture absorption function for a longer period of time while suppressing it.

The oxygen concentrator, which is one of the solutions of the present invention, is
An adsorption layer that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen,
A pressurizing unit that supplies air to the adsorption layer to pressurize it,
A first flow path on the upstream side of the adsorption layer through which air supplied from the pressurizing portion to the adsorption layer flows.
A second flow path on the downstream side of the adsorption layer through which the oxygen concentrator gas generated in the adsorption layer flows, and
It is an oxygen concentrator equipped with
Multiple hygroscopic layers that absorb the moisture contained in the gas,
A first holding portion that detachably holds any one or more of the plurality of moisture absorbing layers in the first flow path, and
A second holding portion that detachably holds one or more of the plurality of moisture absorbing layers in the second flow path,
With
The moisture-absorbing layer held by the first holding portion and the moisture-absorbing layer held by the second holding portion are interchangeable.

Since the oxygen concentrator can hold one or more moisture absorbing layers in the first flow path on the upstream side of the adsorption layer, moisture can be removed from the air supplied from the pressurizing part through the first flow path. It can be removed and dry air can be sent to the adsorption layer. Therefore, this oxygen concentrator can suppress the deterioration of the adsorption layer due to the accumulation of water in the adsorption layer, and can continuously maintain the function of satisfactorily releasing the concentrated oxygen from the adsorption layer.

Further, in this oxygen concentrator, the moisture absorbing layer held by the first holding portion on the upstream side of the adsorption layer and the moisture absorbing layer held by the second holding portion on the downstream side can be exchanged. If the use is continued with the first holding portion holding one or more moisture absorbing layers and the second holding portion holding the other one or more moisture absorbing layers, the moisture absorbing layer held by the first holding portion gradually loses moisture. If the state is continued too much, the moisture-absorbing layer cannot fulfill a sufficient moisture-absorbing function.

However, in the oxygen concentrator, the moisture absorbing layer held in the first holding portion is held in the second holding portion at the timing when water is accumulated to some extent, and the moisture absorbing layer held in the second holding portion is held in the first holding portion. It is possible to replace it so that it is held by the part. When the exchange is performed in this way, the hygroscopic layer in which water is accumulated by being arranged on the upstream side (first holding portion) of the adsorption layer is rearranged on the downstream side (second holding portion) of the adsorption layer. It can be exposed to dry concentrated oxygen.

Therefore, the moisture absorbing layer rearranged in the second holding portion can be regenerated into a moisture absorbing layer having a sufficient moisture removing function by gradually desorbing water during use of the oxygen concentrator. On the other hand, by the above exchange, the moisture absorbing layer (regenerated moisture absorbing layer) arranged on the downstream side (second holding portion) of the adsorption layer is rearranged on the upstream side (first holding portion) of the adsorption layer. After the replacement, the regenerated moisture-absorbing layer can continue to remove water on the upstream side of the adsorption layer.

Since the oxygen concentrator has such a function, it is not necessary to replenish a large amount of a new moisture-absorbing layer each time the oxygen concentrator is replaced, and the moisture-absorbing function is maintained for a longer period of time while suppressing the required amount of the moisture-absorbing layer. It becomes a possible device.
On top of that, the oxygen concentrator can supply humidified concentrated oxygen because the moisture absorbing layer arranged in the second holding portion gradually desorbs water during use.

In the above oxygen concentrator, the hygroscopic layer may have an adsorbent that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen.

Since the oxygen concentrator has an adsorbent in which the moisture absorbing layer preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen, nitrogen can be adsorbed not only by the adsorbing layer but also by the moisture absorbing layer, and oxygen can be concentrated. More area can be secured. However, if the hygroscopic layer containing the adsorbent is simply used, the absorption of water progresses as the use of the hygroscopic layer becomes longer, and there is a concern that the performance of adsorbing nitrogen deteriorates.

However, the oxygen concentrator can be replaced so as to hold the moisture absorbing layer in the second holding portion even if the absorption of water in the moisture absorbing layer progresses due to the arrangement on the upstream side (first holding portion). It becomes. Therefore, the hygroscopic layer is regenerated so as to release water, and not only the hygroscopic function but also the nitrogen adsorption function can be restored.

In the above oxygen concentrator, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the second holding unit and a notification that notifies when a change in the temperature of the second holding unit detected by the temperature detecting unit reaches a predetermined state. It may be provided with a part.

When a moisture-containing endothermic layer is arranged in the second holding portion, the desorption endothermic of water is generated in response to the desorption of moisture from the moisture-absorbing layer, and the temperature of the second holding portion is lowered. After that, when the moisture is sufficiently desorbed from the moisture absorbing layer, the desorption of the moisture is less likely to occur, and the desorption endothermic is also less likely to occur, so that the temperature of the second holding portion rises. Therefore, as in the oxygen concentrator, if a notification is given when the temperature change of the second holding portion reaches a predetermined state, the desorption of water is less likely to occur, that is, the moisture absorbing layer is dried. Can be notified to the outside that has been completed to a certain extent.

In the above oxygen concentrator, the temperature detection unit may detect the temperature of the second holding unit and the temperature outside the second holding unit. The notification unit may notify when the difference between the temperature of the second holding unit detected by the temperature detecting unit and the temperature outside the second holding unit becomes a predetermined value or less.

As described above, when the moisture absorbing layer containing moisture is arranged in the second holding portion, the temperature of the second retaining portion decreases as the moisture is desorbed from the moisture absorbing layer, and then as the use progresses. When the desorption of water is less likely to occur, the desorption heat absorption is less likely to occur, so that the temperature of the second holding portion rises. When the temperature of the second holding portion rises in this way, the difference between the temperature of the second holding portion and the external temperature gradually decreases. Therefore, as in the oxygen concentrator described above, if a notification is given when the difference between the temperature of the second holding portion and the temperature of the outside becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is more accurate that the drying of the moisture absorbing layer is completed to a certain extent. It can be detected and notified to the outside at a more accurate timing.

In the above oxygen concentrator, a measuring unit that measures the cumulative elapsed time according to the progress of use after the moisture absorbing layer is held in the second holding unit and a cumulative elapsed time measured by the measuring unit are notified as a predetermined value. It may be provided with a notification unit that notifies when the time is reached.
When the moisture-containing moisture-absorbing layer is held in the second holding portion, the moisture is subsequently desorbed from the moisture-absorbing layer as the use of the oxygen concentrator progresses. Then, when the cumulative elapsed time according to the progress of use elapses to a certain extent, the drying of the hygroscopic layer is completed to a certain extent, and by notifying at that timing, it is externally notified that the drying of the hygroscopic layer has been completed to a certain extent. Can be informed.

According to the present invention, in an oxygen concentrator capable of sending dry air from which moisture has been removed by a moisture absorbing layer to an adsorption layer, the moisture absorbing function can be maintained for a longer period of time while suppressing the required amount of the moisture absorbing layer.

It is explanatory drawing which conceptually showed the internal structure of the oxygen concentrator which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the switching mode of each three-way valve and a purge valve in each step of a gas supply control in the oxygen concentrator of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the data which shows the supply oxygen concentration and the in-cylinder pressure in each state of the initial state, the deterioration state and the state after regeneration of the moisture absorption layer in the oxygen concentrator of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the data which shows the relationship between the cumulative elapsed time and the relative humidity of concentrated oxygen in the oxygen concentrator of FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the notification control in the oxygen concentrator of FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the notification control in the oxygen concentrator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which conceptually showed the internal structure of the oxygen concentrator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

1. 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Configuration of Oxygen Concentrator The oxygen concentrator 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a device that concentrates oxygen from air taken in from the outside and supplies oxygen concentrator gas. The oxygen concentrator gas discharged from the outlet 11 of the oxygen concentrator 10 is supplied to the patient via, for example, a cannula (not shown). The oxygen concentrator 10 is a stationary oxygen concentrator, and is driven by, for example, a commercial power source as a drive source. The oxygen concentrator 10 concentrates oxygen from the air taken in from the intake port 13 to generate an oxygen concentrator gas, and discharges it from the outlet 11.

The oxygen concentrator 10 is formed with an intake port 13 for taking in air, an exhaust port 15 for discharging nitrogen separated from air, and an outlet 11 for discharging oxygen concentrated gas. The oxygen concentrator 10 includes an intake flow path 21, a discharge flow path 23, an exhaust flow path 25, and a bypass flow path 27. The oxygen concentrator 10 includes an intake filter 31, a compressor 33, a first suction cylinder 41, a second suction cylinder 42, a pair of check valves 43, a product tank 45, a regulator 47, and a proportional valve 49. , 1st three-way valve 51, 2nd three-way valve 52, exhaust buffer 53, purge valve 55, pressure detection unit 57, temperature detection unit 59, control unit 60, sounding unit 61, and first holding. The portions 71A and 71B and the second holding portions 72A and 72B are provided.

The intake flow path (first flow path) 21 is a flow path on the upstream side of the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42, and is supplied from the compressor 33 to the suction layers held by the suction cylinders 41 and 42. Air is circulated. Specifically, the intake flow path 21 is a flow path that supplies the air taken in from the intake port 13 to the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42, respectively, via the first holding portions 71A and 71B. .. The intake flow path 21 branches in the middle and is divided into a first supply path 21A and a second supply path 21B. The first supply passage 21A and the second supply passage 21B are connected to the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42, respectively. The intake filter 31 and the compressor 33 are provided in this order from the intake port 13 side in the flow path before branching in the intake flow path 21.

The compressor (pressurizing portion) 33 is interposed between the intake port 13 and the first holding portions 71A and 71B, and compresses the air taken in from the intake port 13 into the first holding portions 71A and 71B. Can be discharged. The compressor 33 supplies air to the suction layers of the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 to pressurize the suction layer.

The first holding portions 71A and 71B are formed in a tubular shape, for example, and are provided in the intake flow path 21. Specifically, the first holding portions 71A and 71B are provided in the first supply path 21A and the second supply path 21B, respectively. The first holding portions 71A and 71B detachably hold a moisture absorbing layer made of, for example, a zeolite-based moisture absorbing material. This hygroscopic layer also functions as an adsorbent that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen. The moisture absorbing layer accommodated in the first holding portions 71A and 71B absorbs moisture from the compressed air sent from the compressor 33, and the dried compressed air is transferred to the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 on the downstream side. Supply each.

The first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 have a function of concentrating oxygen from the air taken in from the intake port 13 and discharging the oxygen-concentrated gas. Each of the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42 has a configuration in which compressed air sent from the compressor 33 is introduced and an adsorption layer that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen is arranged in the cylinder. The adsorption layer is, for example, a zeolite-based nitrogen adsorbent that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen in the air when pressurized and releases the adsorbed nitrogen when the pressure is reduced to regenerate the adsorption layer. Each of the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42 generates oxygen-concentrated gas, and discharges the generated oxygen-concentrated gas to the discharge flow path 23.

The discharge flow path (second flow path) 23 is a flow path on the downstream side of the first adsorption cylinder 41 and the second adsorption cylinder 42, and the oxygen concentrated gas generated in the adsorption layer flows through the discharge flow path (second flow path) 23. Specifically, the discharge flow path 23 is a flow path for flowing oxygen-concentrated gas from the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42 to the outlet 11. The discharge flow path 23 is individually connected to each of the suction cylinders 41 and 42, merges and splits on the way to the outlet 11, and finally becomes one flow path and is connected to the outlet 11. There is.

A check valve 43 is provided in the discharge flow path 23 before merging, corresponding to the suction cylinders 41 and 42. The check valve 43 has a function of allowing the inflow of gas from the suction cylinders 41 and 42 to the outlet 11 side, while blocking the inflow of gas from the outlet 11 side to the suction cylinders 41 and 42.

A product tank 45, a regulator 47, and a proportional valve 49 are provided in order from the pair of suction cylinders 41 and 42 side in the flow path after merging in the discharge flow path 23. The product tank 45 is a container for storing the oxygen concentrator gas discharged from each of the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42.

The second holding portions 72A and 72B are formed in a tubular shape, for example, and are provided on the downstream side (the portion near the outlet 11) of the proportional valve 49 in the discharge flow path 23. The discharge flow path 23 branches on the downstream side of the proportional valve 49 and is divided into a first discharge flow path 23A and a second discharge flow path 23B. The second holding portions 72A and 72B are provided in the first discharge flow path 23A and the second discharge flow path 23B, respectively. The second holding portions 72A and 72B detachably hold a moisture absorbing layer made of, for example, a zeolite-based moisture absorbing material. This hygroscopic layer also functions as an adsorbent that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen. Moisture is desorbed from the moisture absorbing layer accommodated in the second holding portions 72A and 72B by the air sent from the proportional valve 49, so that the air humidified from the second holding portions 72A and 72B is sent to the outlet 11 side. ..

The downstream side of the second holding portions 72A and 72B in the discharge flow path 23 merges on the way to the outlet 11 to form a single flow path and is connected to the outlet 11. Near the outlet 11 of the discharge flow path 23, a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of the gas flowing through the discharge flow path 23, an oxygen sensor that detects the oxygen concentration of the gas flowing through the discharge flow path 23, and a bacterial filter that blocks the passage of bacteria. Etc. may be provided.

Three-way valves 51 and 52 are provided in the respective supply paths 21A and 21B after branching in the above-mentioned intake flow path 21 corresponding to the respective suction cylinders 41 and 42, respectively. Each of the three-way valves 51 and 52 is connected to the exhaust flow path 25, and is connected to the exhaust port 15 via the exhaust flow path 25. An exhaust buffer 53 is provided in the exhaust flow path 25. The three-way valve 51 switches the first suction cylinder 41 between a pressurized state and a depressurized state. In the pressurized state, the flow path between the compressor 33 and the first suction cylinder 41 is opened, and the flow path between the first suction cylinder 41 and the exhaust port 15 is closed, so that the first suction cylinder is closed. Air is supplied to 41. In the reduced pressure state, the flow path between the compressor 33 and the first suction cylinder 41 is closed, and the flow path between the first suction cylinder 41 and the exhaust port 15 is opened, so that the first suction cylinder 41 Air is discharged to the outside of the oxygen concentrator 10 through the exhaust flow path 25, and the pressure inside the first adsorption cylinder 41 is reduced.

The three-way valve 52 switches the second suction cylinder 42 between a pressurized state and a depressurized state. In the pressurized state, the flow path between the compressor 33 and the second suction cylinder 42 is opened, and the flow path between the second suction cylinder 42 and the exhaust port 15 is closed, so that the second suction cylinder is closed. Air is supplied to 42. In the reduced pressure state, the flow path between the compressor 33 and the second suction cylinder 42 is closed, and the flow path between the second suction cylinder 42 and the exhaust port 15 is opened, so that the second suction cylinder 42 Air is discharged to the outside of the oxygen concentrator 10 through the exhaust flow path 25, and the pressure inside the second suction cylinder 42 is reduced.

The three-way valve 51 is electrically connected to the control unit 60, and when a control signal is given from the control unit 60, the pressurization state and the depressurization state are switched. Similarly, the three-way valve 52 is electrically connected to the control unit 60, and when a control signal is given from the control unit 60, the pressurization state and the depressurization state are switched. Specifically, each of the three-way valves 51 and 52 is in a pressurized state when the driving power is not applied, and is in a depressurized state when the driving power is applied.

The bypass flow path 27 is a flow path that connects the outlet 11 sides of the suction cylinders 41 and 42 to each other. A purge valve 55 is provided in the bypass flow path 27. The purge valve 55 opens the bypass flow path 27 to communicate with the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42, and closes the bypass flow path 27 to allow the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 to communicate with each other. It switches between a non-communication state in which the 42 does not communicate with the 42. The purge valve 55 is electrically connected to the control unit 60, and when a control signal is given from the control unit 60, the purge valve 55 switches between a communication state and a non-communication state. Specifically, the purge valve 55 is in a state where the bypass flow path 27 is closed when the drive power is not applied, and is in a state where the bypass flow path 27 is open when the drive power is applied.

The control unit (notification unit) 60 includes a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an I / O (Input / Output). The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the pressure detection unit 57 and the temperature detection unit 59, and can acquire information indicating the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 57 and information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 59. .. The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the compressor 33, the three-way valves 51 and 52, and the purge valve 55, and controls the operation of these devices. The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the sounding unit 61 and controls the operation of the sounding unit 61.

The sounding unit (notifying unit) 61 is a device that emits voices such as a melody and a message. It works to emit. For example, the sounding unit 61 notifies the outside that the drying of the moisture absorbing layer has been completed to a certain extent by the instruction from the control unit 60.

The pressure detection unit 57 is configured as a known pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the first suction cylinder 41 or the second suction cylinder 42. The pressure detection unit 57 outputs information indicating the detected pressure to the control unit 60.

The temperature detection unit (external temperature detection unit) 59 is configured as a known temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, and detects the temperature of the second holding units 72A and 72B and the temperature outside the second holding units 72A and 72B. Specifically, the temperature detecting unit 59 detects the surface temperature of the second holding units 72A and 72B while being provided on the cylinder surface of the second holding units 72A and 72B. Further, the temperature detection unit 59 is provided at a predetermined position in the space (internal space of the case constituting the outer shell of the oxygen concentrator 10) in which the second holding unit 72A is housed, and the second holding units 72A and 72B are provided. Detects the temperature outside the device (the temperature inside the device). The temperature detection unit 59 outputs information indicating the detected temperature to the control unit 60.

1-2. Operation of Oxygen Concentrator In the oxygen concentrator 10, when the power is off, the three-way valves 51 and 52 are in a pressurized state, and the purge valve 55 is in a state where the bypass flow path 27 is blocked. When a power switch (not shown) is operated, the oxygen concentrator 10 is turned on and performs the following operations.

The oxygen concentrator 10 compresses the air taken in from the intake port 13 by the compressor 33 and discharges it to the pair of suction cylinders 41 and 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the oxygen concentrator 10 is subjected to the first to sixth controls by the control unit 60. First, as the first control, the control unit 60 controls the three-way valve 51 to put the first suction cylinder 41 in a pressurized state, and controls the three-way valve 52 to put the second suction cylinder 42 into a pressurized state, and the purge valve. The 55 is controlled to bring the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 into a communicating state. As a result, the air compressed by the compressor 33 is supplied to the first holding portions 71A and 71B via the three-way valves 51 and 52, respectively. The moisture absorbing layer accommodated in the first holding portions 71A and 71B absorbs moisture from the compressed air. The compressed air discharged from the first holding portions 71A and 71B is supplied to the suction cylinders 41 and 42, respectively. Each of the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42 generates oxygen-concentrated gas by adsorbing nitrogen from the compressed air, and discharges the generated oxygen-concentrated gas to the outlet 11 side. Further, the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 are in a communicating state via the purge valve 55 and the three-way valves 51 and 52, respectively. Therefore, the pressure inside the suction cylinders 41 and 42 is equalized. The oxygen concentrator gas discharged from each of the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42 is stored in the product tank 45.

Next, as the second control, the control unit 60 controls the three-way valve 51 to put the first suction cylinder 41 in a pressurized state, controls the three-way valve 52 to put the second suction cylinder 42 into a depressurized state, and a purge valve. The 55 is controlled to bring the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 into a non-communication state. By communicating the second suction cylinder 42 with the exhaust port 15, the pressure of the second suction cylinder 42 is reduced, and the nitrogen adsorbed from the second suction cylinder 42 is released. The moisture absorbing layer housed in the first holding portion 71A subsequently absorbs moisture from the compressed air supplied from the compressor 33. The first adsorption cylinder 41 subsequently generates oxygen-concentrated gas by adsorbing nitrogen from the compressed air that has passed through the first holding portion 71A, and discharges the generated oxygen-concentrated gas to the outlet 11 side.

Next, as the third control, the control unit 60 controls the three-way valve 51 to put the first suction cylinder 41 in a pressurized state, controls the three-way valve 52 to put the second suction cylinder 42 into a depressurized state, and a purge valve. The 55 is controlled to bring the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 into a communicating state. Since the first adsorption cylinder 41 and the second adsorption cylinder 42 are in a communicating state, a part of the oxygen concentrating gas discharged from the first adsorption cylinder 41 to the outlet 11 side is passed through the bypass flow path 27 to the second adsorption cylinder 42. Inflow from the exit 11 side. In this way, by inflowing the oxygen-concentrated gas into the second adsorption cylinder 42 in the exhaust, the nitrogen released by the second adsorption cylinder 42 is sent out to the exhaust port 15 side. As a result, nitrogen is efficiently discharged. Therefore, while the oxygen concentrating gas is being generated by the first adsorption cylinder 41, the second adsorption cylinder 42 is regenerated and the oxygen concentrating gas is continuously supplied.

Next, as the fourth control, the control unit 60 controls the three-way valve 51 to put the first suction cylinder 41 in a pressurized state, controls the three-way valve 52 to put the second suction cylinder 42 into a pressurized state, and purges. The valve 55 is controlled to bring the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 into a communicating state. As a result, the air compressed by the compressor 33 is supplied to the first holding portions 71A and 71B via the three-way valves 51 and 52, respectively. The moisture absorbing layer accommodated in the first holding portions 71A and 71B absorbs moisture from the compressed air. The compressed air discharged from the first holding portions 71A and 71B is supplied to the suction cylinders 41 and 42, respectively. Each of the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42 generates oxygen-concentrated gas by adsorbing nitrogen from the compressed air, and discharges the generated oxygen-concentrated gas to the outlet 11 side. Further, the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 are in a communicating state via the purge valve 55 and the three-way valves 51 and 52, respectively. Therefore, the oxygen concentrated gas is supplied from the first adsorption cylinder 41 to the second adsorption cylinder 42, and the pressure inside the cylinders 41 and 42 is equalized. As a result, the second adsorption cylinder 42 is used for discharge to the outlet 11 side in the subsequent fifth control without exhausting a part of the oxygen concentrated gas generated by the first adsorption cylinder 41 in the third control.

Next, as the fifth control, the control unit 60 controls the three-way valve 51 to put the first suction cylinder 41 in a depressurized state, controls the three-way valve 52 to put the second suction cylinder 42 into a pressurized state, and a purge valve. The 55 is controlled to bring the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 into a non-communication state. By communicating the first suction cylinder 41 with the exhaust port 15, the pressure of the first suction cylinder 41 is reduced, and the nitrogen adsorbed from the first suction cylinder 41 is released. The moisture absorbing layer housed in the first holding portion 71B subsequently absorbs moisture from the compressed air supplied from the compressor 33. Continuing from the fourth control, the second adsorption cylinder 42 generates oxygen-concentrated gas by adsorbing nitrogen from the compressed air that has passed through the first holding portion 71B, and the generated oxygen-concentrated gas is discharged to the outlet 11 side. Discharge to.

Next, as the sixth control, the control unit 60 controls the three-way valve 51 to put the first suction cylinder 41 in the depressurized state, controls the three-way valve 52 to put the second suction cylinder 42 into the pressurized state, and the purge valve. The 55 is controlled to bring the first suction cylinder 41 and the second suction cylinder 42 into a communicating state. Since the first adsorption cylinder 41 and the second adsorption cylinder 42 are in a communicating state, a part of the oxygen concentrating gas discharged from the second adsorption cylinder 42 to the outlet 11 side is passed through the bypass flow path 27 to the first adsorption cylinder 41. Inflow from the exit 11 side. In this way, by allowing the oxygen concentrated gas to flow into the first suction cylinder 41 in the exhaust, the nitrogen released by the first suction cylinder 41 is sent out to the exhaust port 15 side. As a result, nitrogen is efficiently discharged. Therefore, while the oxygen concentrating gas is being generated by the first adsorption cylinder 41, the first adsorption cylinder 41 can be regenerated and the oxygen concentrating gas can be continuously supplied.

As described above, by repeating the switching of the adsorption cylinders in the pressurized state, the gas supply control in which the oxygen concentrator gas is continuously supplied is performed. Then, the oxygen concentrated gas stored in the product tank 45 is discharged from the outlet 11 via the second holding portions 72A, 72B and the like.

1-3. Replacement of Moisture Absorbing Layer When the oxygen concentrator 10 starts gas supply control, the moisture absorbing layer held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B is in a state before use (a state in which water is not absorbed). .. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the moisture absorbing layers held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B and the adsorption layers of the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42 can sufficiently adsorb nitrogen, and the oxygen concentration supplied from the oxygen concentrator 10 can be sufficiently adsorbed. Indicates a high concentration in the initial state (the state at the time when the gas supply control is started). The oxygen concentration in the initial state is 100%. Further, since the partial pressure of nitrogen becomes low, the maximum pressure in the first adsorption cylinder 41 becomes a low value (about 147 kPa (G)).

Then, as the oxygen concentrator 10 repeatedly controls the gas supply, the hygroscopic layers held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B are in a deteriorated state (a state in which more water is absorbed than in the initial state). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the hygroscopic layers held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B cannot sufficiently adsorb nitrogen, and the oxygen concentration supplied from the oxygen concentrator 10 is lower than the initial state ( It will be about 97.0 kPa (G)). Further, since the partial pressure of nitrogen becomes high, the maximum pressure in the first adsorption cylinder 41 becomes a high value (about 151 kPa (G)).

On the other hand, the moisture absorbing layers held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B are the moisture absorbing layers held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B and the dry air (for example, relative humidity) that has passed through the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42. Is supplied with about 1% concentrated oxygen). Therefore, even if the water is absorbed before use, the water is desorbed (it becomes a regenerated moisture absorbing layer). Moisture is desorbed from the moisture absorbing layer accommodated in the second holding portions 72A and 72B by the air sent from the proportional valve 49, so that the air humidified from the second holding portions 72A and 72B is sent to the outlet 11 side. ..

Then, the moisture absorbing layer (deteriorated moisture absorbing layer) held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B and absorbing moisture, and the moisture absorbing layer held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B and not absorbing moisture or the regenerated moisture absorbing layer. Exchange with the layer. That is, the regenerated moisture-absorbing layer is held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B, and the deteriorated moisture-absorbing layer is held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B. As a result, when the oxygen concentrator 10 continues the gas supply control, the moisture absorbing layers held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B can sufficiently absorb moisture from the air supplied from the compressor 33, and the first 2 Moisture is desorbed in the moisture absorbing layer held by the holding portions 72A and 72B (it becomes a regenerated moisture absorbing layer). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, nitrogen can be sufficiently adsorbed by the hygroscopic layer and the adsorption layer of the adsorption cylinders 41 and 42 held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B, and the oxygen concentration supplied from the oxygen concentrator 10 is high. , The concentration becomes high (about 100%) close to the initial state. Further, since the partial pressure of nitrogen becomes low, the maximum pressure in the adsorption cylinder 41 becomes a low value (about 145 kPa (G)).

Subsequently, when moisture is desorbed from the moisture absorbing layers held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B, the regenerated moisture absorbing layer and the deteriorated moisture absorbing layer held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B by absorbing moisture. And exchange. The replacement timing of the moisture absorbing layer can be set to a time when the desorption of water from the moisture absorbing layer held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B is completed to a certain extent. For example, the humidity of the concentrated oxygen discharged from the outlet 11 of the oxygen concentrator 10 changes with time as shown in FIG. The relative humidity (about 1%) when the time is 0 is the relative humidity of the concentrated oxygen supplied in a state where the moisture absorbing layer is not held in the second holding portions 72A and 72B. When the operating time of the oxygen concentrator 10 (time for repeating gas supply control) is about 10 hours, the relative humidity becomes about 1%, and it is determined that the desorption (drying) of water from the moisture absorbing layer is completed in this state. ..

The volume ratio of the moisture absorbing layer held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B to the suction layer held by the first suction cylinder 41 or the second suction cylinder 42 is, for example, 1: 3 to 1: 5. As a result, since the volume on the moisture absorbing layer side is not increased too much, the problem of excessively absorbing water and lowering the oxygen concentration of the concentrated oxygen after regeneration does not occur. Further, since the volume on the adsorption layer side is not made too small, the problem that a sufficient regeneration effect cannot be obtained even if the moisture is adsorbed to the adsorption layer and the moisture absorbing layer is regenerated does not occur.

1-4. Notification control Here, the notification control of the replacement time of the moisture absorbing layer in the oxygen concentrator 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The control unit 60 starts notification control of the replacement time of the moisture absorbing layer together with the gas supply control described above, provided that the power of the oxygen concentrator 10 is turned on, for example.

First, in step S11, the control unit 60 detects the temperature of the second holding unit 72A and the temperature outside the second holding unit 72A. Specifically, the control unit 60 acquires information indicating the cylinder surface temperature of the second holding unit 72A detected by the temperature detecting unit 59 as the temperature of the second holding unit 72A. The control unit 60 indicates the temperature (internal temperature of the device) of the space (internal space of the case constituting the outer shell of the oxygen concentrator 10) in which the second holding unit 72A is housed as the temperature outside the second holding unit 72A. Get information.

Subsequently, in step S12, the control unit 60 changes the temperature of the second holding unit 72A detected in step S11 in a predetermined state, and the difference from the outside temperature of the second holding unit 72A is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Determine if it exists. Specifically, in the control unit 60, after the temperature of the second holding unit 72A drops by a certain degree (for example, 2 to 3 ° C.), the temperature of the second holding unit 72A rises, and the temperature of the second holding unit 72A becomes the same. It is determined whether or not the difference between the temperature of the second holding portion 72A and the outside temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 1 ° C.). Here, when the moisture-absorbing layers containing water are held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B, the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B decreases as the moisture is desorbed from the moisture-absorbing layer, and then the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B decreases. If the desorption of water becomes less likely to occur as the use progresses, the desorption heat absorption becomes less likely to occur, so that the temperatures of the second holding portions 72A and 72B rise. When the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B rises in this way, the difference between the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B and the external temperature thereof is gradually reduced. Therefore, the temperature of the second holding portion 72A rises, and the difference between the temperature of the second holding portion 72A and the external temperature thereof becomes a predetermined value or less, so that the drying of the moisture absorbing layer is completed to a certain extent.

In step S12, the control unit 60 determines that the change in the temperature of the second holding unit 72A is not in a predetermined state and the difference between the temperature of the second holding unit 72A and the outside temperature is not equal to or less than a predetermined value. If so, the process proceeds to No, and step S11 is performed again. Specifically, when the temperature of the second holding portion 72A does not rise, or even if the temperature of the second holding portion 72A rises, the difference from the outside temperature of the second holding portion 72A does not become a predetermined value or less. In that case, the process proceeds to No in step S12. On the other hand, when the control unit 60 determines in step S12 that the temperature of the second holding unit 72A is in a predetermined rising state, the process proceeds to Yes and the step S13 is performed.

The control unit 60 performs the notification process in step S13. Specifically, the control unit 60 gives an instruction to the sounding unit 61 to emit a sound notifying the outside that the drying of the moisture absorbing layer has been completed to a certain extent. The drying of the moisture absorbing layer is completed to a certain extent, for example, when the relative humidity of the concentrated oxygen supplied from the oxygen concentrator 10 is about 1%. When the sounding unit 61 receives an instruction from the control unit 60, the sounding unit 61 generates a voice such as a melody or a message from the speaker. For example, the sounding unit 61 outputs a message such as "Please replace the moisture absorbing layer" or "Drying of the moisture absorbing layer is completed" as a voice from the speaker. The method of notifying that the drying of the moisture absorbing layer has been completed to a certain extent may be, in addition to the output of voice by the sounding unit 61, lighting of a lamp, display of a message on a liquid crystal display, or the like. When the control unit 60 performs the process of step S13, the notification control of FIG. 5 ends.

1-5. Effect In the oxygen concentrator 10 described above, since the moisture absorbing layer can be held in the intake flow path 21 on the upstream side of the adsorption layer, moisture is removed from the air supplied from the compressor 33 via the intake flow path 21. It can be removed and dry air can be sent to the adsorption layer. Therefore, the oxygen concentrator 10 can suppress the deterioration of the adsorption layer due to the accumulation of water in the adsorption layer, and can continuously maintain the function of satisfactorily releasing the concentrated oxygen from the adsorption layer.

Further, in this oxygen concentrator 10, the moisture absorbing layer held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B on the upstream side of the adsorption layer and the moisture absorbing layer held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B on the downstream side can be exchanged. It is said that. If the use is continued with the first holding portions 71A and 71B holding the moisture absorbing layer and the second holding portions 72A and 72B holding the other moisture absorbing layer, the moisture absorbing layer held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B becomes Since water gradually accumulates, if the state is continued too much, the hygroscopic layer cannot perform a sufficient hygroscopic function.

However, the oxygen concentrator 10 causes the second holding portions 72A and 72B to hold the hygroscopic layer held by the first holding portions 71A and 71B at the timing when water is accumulated to some extent, and causes the second holding portions 72A and 72B to hold the moisture absorbing layer. It is possible to replace the held moisture absorbing layer so that the first holding portions 71A and 71B hold it. When the exchange is made in this way, the hygroscopic layer in which water is accumulated by being arranged on the upstream side (first holding portions 71A, 71B) of the adsorption layer is moved to the downstream side (second holding portions 72A, 72B) of the adsorption layer. ) Can be rearranged and exposed to dry concentrated oxygen.

Therefore, the moisture absorbing layers rearranged in the second holding portions 72A and 72B can be regenerated into a moisture absorbing layer having a sufficient moisture removing function by gradually desorbing water during the use of the oxygen concentrator 10. On the other hand, due to the above exchange, the moisture absorbing layer (regenerated moisture absorbing layer) arranged on the downstream side (second holding portions 72A, 72B) of the adsorption layer is changed to the upstream side (first holding portion 71A,) of the adsorption layer. If it is rearranged in 71B), the regenerated moisture absorbing layer can continue to remove water on the upstream side of the adsorption layer after the replacement.

Since the oxygen concentrator 10 has such a function, it is not necessary to replenish a large amount of a new moisture-absorbing layer each time the oxygen concentrator 10 is replaced, and the moisture-absorbing function is extended while suppressing the required amount of the moisture-absorbing layer. It will be a sustainable device.
On top of that, the oxygen concentrator 10 can supply humidified concentrated oxygen because the moisture absorbing layers arranged in the second holding portions 72A and 72B gradually desorb water during use.

Further, since the oxygen concentrator 10 has an adsorbent in which the moisture absorbing layer preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen, nitrogen can be adsorbed not only by the adsorbing layer but also by the moisture absorbing layer, and oxygen is concentrated. It is possible to secure more areas where the above can be performed. However, if the hygroscopic layer containing the adsorbent is simply used, the absorption of water progresses as the use of the hygroscopic layer becomes longer, and there is a concern that the performance of adsorbing nitrogen deteriorates.

However, the oxygen concentrator 10 retains the moisture absorbing layer in the second holding portions 72A and 72B even if the moisture absorption progresses in the moisture absorbing layer due to the arrangement on the upstream side (first holding portions 71A and 71B). It becomes possible to exchange as. Therefore, the hygroscopic layer is regenerated so as to release water, and not only the hygroscopic function but also the nitrogen adsorption function can be restored.

In the above oxygen concentrator 10, when the moisture-containing endothermic layers are arranged in the second holding portions 72A and 72B, the desorption endothermic heat of water is generated according to the desorption of moisture from the moisture-absorbing layer, and the second The temperature of the holding portions 72A and 72B decreases. After that, when the moisture is sufficiently desorbed from the moisture absorbing layer, the desorption of the moisture is less likely to occur, and the desorption endothermic is also less likely to occur, so that the temperatures of the second holding portions 72A and 72B rise. Therefore, as in the oxygen concentrator 10, if the notification is given when the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B reaches a predetermined rising state, the desorption of water is less likely to occur, that is, the moisture absorption. It is possible to notify the outside that the drying of the layer is completed to a certain extent.

In the above oxygen concentrator 10, when the moisture absorbing layers containing water are arranged in the second holding portions 72A and 72B, the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B decreases as the moisture is desorbed from the moisture absorbing layer. After that, if the desorption of water becomes less likely to occur as the use progresses, the desorption heat absorption becomes less likely to occur, so that the temperatures of the second holding portions 72A and 72B rise. When the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B rises in this way, the difference between the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B and the external temperature gradually decreases. Therefore, as in the oxygen concentrator 10, if the notification is given when the difference between the temperature of the second holding portions 72A and 72B and the external temperature becomes a predetermined value or less, the drying of the moisture absorbing layer is completed to a certain extent. It is possible to detect this more accurately and notify the outside at a more accurate timing.

2. Second Embodiment 2-1. Description of Notification Control In the oxygen concentrator 10 according to the second embodiment, notification control of the replacement time of the moisture absorbing layer may be performed by a method different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of notification control of the replacement time of the moisture absorbing layer according to the second embodiment.

The control unit 60 starts notification control of the replacement time of the moisture absorbing layer together with the gas supply control described above, provided that the power of the oxygen concentrator 10 is turned on, for example. First, in step S21, the control unit 60 starts measuring the usage time of the oxygen concentrator 10 (time for performing the gas supply control described above). The control unit (measurement unit) 60 has, for example, a function as a known timer. Here, the usage time of the oxygen concentrator 10 is the time when the moisture absorbing layer is exchanged between the first holding portions 71A and 71B and the second holding portions 72A and 72B and the power of the oxygen concentrator 10 is turned on. Cumulative elapsed time according to the progress of use. The usage time of the oxygen concentrator 10 is a cumulative time that is not reset even when the power of the oxygen concentrator 10 is turned off. For example, the control unit 60 stores the cumulative elapsed time in the memory at any time.

In step S22, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the usage time of the oxygen concentrator 10 has reached a predetermined elapsed time. The predetermined elapsed time is a preset time as a time for the drying of the moisture absorbing layer to be completed to a certain extent. For example, based on the data shown in FIG. 4, the time (about 10 hours) at which the relative humidity of the concentrated oxygen becomes about 1% can be set as a predetermined elapsed time. Here, when the moisture-absorbing layer containing water is held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B, the moisture is subsequently desorbed from the moisture-absorbing layer as the oxygen concentrator 10 is used, and the progress of use is achieved. When the cumulative elapsed time according to the above elapses to a certain extent, the drying of the moisture absorbing layer is completed to a certain extent.

When the control unit 60 determines in step S22 that the usage time of the oxygen concentrator 10 has not reached the predetermined elapsed time, the process proceeds to No and the step S22 is performed again. On the other hand, when the control unit 60 determines in step S22 that the usage time of the oxygen concentrator 10 has reached a predetermined elapsed time, the process proceeds to Yes and the step S23 is performed.

In step S23, the control unit 60 performs the notification process in the same manner as in step S13 of the first embodiment. When the control unit 60 performs the process of step S23, the notification control of FIG. 6 ends.

2-2. Effect In the oxygen concentrator 10 described above, when the moisture absorbing layers containing water are held by the second holding portions 72A and 72B, the moisture is subsequently desorbed from the moisture absorbing layer as the use of the oxygen concentrator 10 progresses. To go. Then, when the cumulative elapsed time according to the progress of use elapses to a certain extent, the drying of the hygroscopic layer is completed to a certain extent, and by notifying at that timing, it is externally notified that the drying of the hygroscopic layer has been completed to a certain extent. Can be informed.

3. 3. Third Embodiment 3-1. Configuration of Oxygen Concentrator The configuration of the first holding portion and the second holding portion of the oxygen concentrator 10 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is different from that of the first embodiment. Since the configurations other than the configurations of the first holding portion and the second holding portion are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first holding portion 271 is formed in a tubular shape, for example, and is provided in the intake flow path 21. Specifically, the first holding portion 271 is on the upstream side before branching into the first supply path 21A and the second supply path 21B in the intake flow path 21, and includes the compressor 33 and the three-way valves 51 and 52. It is provided between. The first holding portion 271 detachably holds a moisture absorbing layer made of, for example, a zeolite-based moisture absorbing material. The moisture absorbing layer accommodated in the first holding portion 271 absorbs moisture from the compressed air sent from the compressor 33, and the dried compressed air is sent to the first suction cylinder on the downstream side via the three-way valves 51 and 52. It is supplied to 41 and the second suction cylinder 42, respectively.

The second holding portion 272 is formed in a tubular shape, for example, and is provided on the downstream side (a portion close to the outlet 11) of the proportional valve 49. The second holding portion 272 detachably holds a moisture absorbing layer made of, for example, a zeolite-based moisture absorbing material. Moisture is desorbed from the moisture absorbing layer accommodated in the second holding portion 272 by the air sent from the proportional valve 49, so that the air humidified from the second holding portion 272 is sent to the outlet 11 side.

Even when the first holding portion 271 is provided as in the third embodiment, the moisture absorbing layer can be regenerated by exchanging with the moisture absorbing layer held by the second holding portion 272, and the first embodiment can be performed. It can produce the same effect as the form.

4. Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the drawings, and for example, the following examples are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

In the description of the first embodiment, in step S12 of the notification control of FIG. 5, the control unit 60 has the temperature change of the second holding unit 72A in a predetermined state (rising state) and the temperature of the second holding unit 72A. It was determined whether or not the difference between the temperature and the outside temperature of the second holding portion 72A was equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 1 ° C.). However, the control unit 60 may be configured to only determine in step S12 whether or not the temperature change of the second holding unit 72A has reached a predetermined state. The change in the temperature of the second holding portion 72A means that the temperature of the second holding portion 72A rises by a predetermined value (for example, 2 ° C.) or the time of the temperature of the second holding portion 72A. The rate of change in temperature with respect to the temperature may be a predetermined value (for example, 1 ° C./min).

In the description of the first embodiment, in step S11 of the notification control of FIG. 5, the control unit 60 has detected the temperature of the second holding unit 72A, but the temperature of the second holding unit 72B may be detected. 2 The temperatures of both the holding portions 72A and 72B may be detected. Then, the control unit 60 may determine in the process of step S12 whether or not the temperature of the second holding unit 72B and the average value of the temperatures of the second holding units 72A and 72B are in a predetermined rising state.

In the description of the first embodiment, when the hygroscopic layer is regenerated, the second holding portions 72A and 72B may be heated by using a separately prepared heat source. As a result, the regeneration speed of the moisture absorbing layer can be increased, and the degree of moisture desorption can also be improved.

In the description of the first embodiment, the temperature detection unit 59 is configured to detect the temperature outside the second holding units 72A and 72B as well as the temperature of the second holding units 72A and 72B. However, an external temperature detection unit that detects the temperature outside the second holding units 72A and 72B may be provided separately in addition to the temperature detection unit 59.

10 ... Oxygen concentrator 21 ... Intake flow path (first flow path)
21A ... 1st supply path 21B ... 2nd supply path 23 ... Discharge flow path (2nd flow path)
23A ... 1st discharge flow path 23B ... 2nd discharge flow path 33 ... Compressor (pressurizing part)
41 ... 1st adsorption cylinder 42 ... 2nd adsorption cylinder 59 ... Temperature detection unit (external temperature detection unit)
60 ... Control unit (notification unit, measurement unit)
61 ... Sounding part (notification part)
71A, 71B, 271 ... 1st holding part 72A, 72B, 272 ... 2nd holding part

Claims (5)

An adsorption layer that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen,
A pressurizing unit that supplies air to the adsorption layer to pressurize it,
The first flow path on the upstream side of the adsorption layer through which the air supplied from the pressurizing portion to the adsorption layer flows, and
A second flow path on the downstream side of the adsorption layer through which the oxygen concentrator gas generated in the adsorption layer flows, and
It is an oxygen concentrator equipped with
Multiple hygroscopic layers that absorb the moisture contained in the gas,
A first holding portion that detachably holds any one or more of the plurality of moisture absorbing layers in the first flow path, and
A second holding portion that detachably holds one or more of the plurality of moisture absorbing layers in the second flow path,
With
An oxygen concentrator in which the moisture absorbing layer held by the first holding portion and the moisture absorbing layer held by the second holding portion are interchangeable. The oxygen concentrator according to claim 1, wherein the hygroscopic layer has an adsorbent that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen. A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the second holding unit,
A notification unit that notifies when a change in temperature of the second holding unit detected by the temperature detection unit reaches a predetermined state, and a notification unit.
The oxygen concentrator according to claim 1 or 2. It has an external temperature detection unit that detects the temperature outside the second holding unit, and has an external temperature detection unit.
In the notification unit, when the change in the temperature of the second holding unit is in a predetermined state, the difference between the temperature of the second holding unit and the temperature outside the second holding unit becomes a predetermined value or less. The oxygen concentrator according to claim 3, which notifies the case when the temperature is high. A measuring unit that measures the cumulative elapsed time according to the progress of use after the second holding unit holds the moisture absorbing layer, and a measuring unit.
A notification unit that notifies when the cumulative elapsed time measured by the measurement unit reaches a predetermined notification time, and
The oxygen concentrator according to claim 1 or 2.

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