JP3140846U - Oxygen concentrator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable oxygen concentrator capable of being carried and capable of supplying an optimal amount of oxygen regardless of where the oxygen concentrator is used.
SOLUTION: A pair of adsorption cylinders for selectively adsorbing nitrogen to generate oxygen, filter means for filtering raw air to be compressed air, and compressor means for obtaining the compressed air from the air filtered by the filter means An oxygen concentrator comprising: a switching valve that is switched to alternately supply compressed air to the adsorption cylinder; a product tank that stores the generated oxygen; and an oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is an oxygen sensor provided with an ammeter that measures the current flowing through the wire, and is made of a composite ceramic mixed with LnBa ₂ Cu ₃ O _7-Δ and Ln ₂ BaCuO ₅ . Using a wire rod, adjusting the oxygen flow rate according to GPS and / or atmospheric pressure, and providing a polypropylene nonwoven fabric at least in part inside the casing of the oxygen concentrator And
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator, and more particularly to a medical portable oxygen concentrator using a pressure swing adsorption method.

  An oxygen concentrator using a pressure swing adsorption method in which oxygen is generated by using, as an adsorbent, a zeolite that permeates oxygen in the air and selectively adsorbs nitrogen has been put into practical use for medical purposes.

  According to this type of oxygen concentrator, the raw material air taken in from the air intake port is compressed by a compressor as a compression means to generate compressed air, and the compressed air whose temperature has increased during this compression is cooled by a heat exchanger. . The heat exchanger is cooled by the cooling means that blows outside air together with the above-described compression means, and oxygen is generated by supplying compressed air to the adsorption cylinder containing the adsorbent. It is configured so that oxygen can be inhaled to the patient via a nasal cannula or the like by storing the oxygen in a predetermined flow rate from the tank via a pressure reducing valve or a flow rate setting device.

  If the oxygen concentrator configured in this way is installed in a place equipped with, for example, an AC power supply (commercial power supply), for example, home oxygen therapy patients with reduced lung function can safely absorb oxygen even while sleeping. Will be able to sleep well. In particular, when used even while sleeping, it is preferable that the oxygen concentrator generates very little noise. If possible, it is desirable that the noise level is less than the level generated by the indoor air conditioning equipment.

  On the other hand, an oxygen concentrator used for long-term oxygen inhalation therapy that is effective as a treatment method for patients with respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis is generally not portable. That is, it is not configured so that the patient can be taken out. Therefore, when the patient is forced to go out, concentrated oxygen is sucked from the oxygen cylinder while pushing the cart equipped with the oxygen cylinder. Oxygen supply to the oxygen cylinder had to be performed by a dedicated facility, and the patient's QOL (Quality of Life) was considerably impaired.

  Therefore, portable and mobile oxygen concentrators using battery-driven compressors have been proposed (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In addition, when a compressor having a compression means for generating compressed air and a pressure reduction means for generating negative pressure is employed, vibration of the integrated compressor, and vibration generated during the pressure equalization process in the oxygen concentration process, in particular. For reducing the pressure, a negative pressure release valve communicating with the outside air is provided between the flow path between the pressure reducing means and the switching valve, and the negative pressure release valve is opened in synchronization with the pressure equalizing step. There has been proposed a technique for preventing vibration of the compressor and reducing power consumption by allowing outside air to enter the flow path between the pressure reducing means and the switching valve. (Patent Document 3).

In addition, a compressor having compression means for generating compressed air and a pressure reduction means for generating negative pressure, and connecting the compressor to the inlet side thereof, the compressed air is introduced into the cylinder and filled into the cylinder. The adsorbent adsorbs nitrogen to separate and produce oxygen, supplies oxygen from the outlet side, introduces negative pressure when the adsorbent is saturated with nitrogen, and discharges nitrogen to the outside of the adsorption cylinder 2 sets of 3 to be switched alternately between a compressed air flow path, a negative pressure flow path, and a closed flow path by being connected between the two adsorption cylinders to be made and the inlet side of the two adsorption cylinders and the compressor A directional switching valve, a pressure sensor for detecting that one of the two adsorption cylinders has reached the maximum internal pressure value, and a branch pipe between the outlet sides of the two adsorption cylinders and the highest pressure sensor When the internal pressure value is detected, the pressure is equalized between the two adsorption cylinders. An equal pressure valve that is opened so as to perform, and is connected between the negative pressure generating section and the negative pressure flow path of the three-way switching valve and is opened when performing equal pressure, and thus in the flow path There has been proposed a technique for reducing noise using a negative pressure release valve that includes a negative pressure release valve that controls the pressure of the exhaust gas and exhausts through the silencer by exhausting through the silencer.
JP 2002-121010 A JP 2000-79165 A JP 2005-1111016 A

  In the oxygen concentrator configured as described above, although the vibration of the compressor is prevented, it is not compact and portable, and it may be difficult to carry around when going out and may be inconvenient.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can be carried when going out, and an oxygen concentrator capable of supplying an optimal amount of oxygen wherever the oxygen concentrator is used. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, compressed air is permeated into the adsorbent of the stored zeolite, and nitrogen is selectively adsorbed by the adsorbent to generate oxygen. A pair of adsorption cylinders, filter means for filtering the raw air that becomes the compressed air, compressor means for obtaining the compressed air from the air filtered by the filter means, and compression for the pair of adsorption cylinders alternately An oxygen concentrator comprising a switching valve that is switched to supply air, a product tank that stores the generated oxygen, and an oxygen sensor, wherein the compressor means is a horizontally opposed two-tube type, The oxygen sensor is an oxygen sensor provided with an ammeter for measuring a current flowing through a wire, and a composite ceramic in which the wire is mixed with LnBa ₂ Cu ₃ O _7-Δ and Ln ₂ BaCuO _5. The oxygen wire flow rate is adjusted in accordance with GPS and / or atmospheric pressure, and a polypropylene nonwoven fabric is provided in at least a part of the inside of the casing of the oxygen concentrator.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a small and light oxygen concentrator that can be carried around when going out and can supply oxygen optimally wherever the oxygen concentrator is used.

The effect of each component is as follows.
<Effects of horizontally opposed 2-cylinder compact compressor>
Compared with the conventional compressor structure in which the pistons are arranged on the left and right of the dual-axis motor, the horizontally opposed two-cylinder compact compressor has a single motor shaft, which reduces the number of parts, especially the longitudinal direction, and is downsized. Is done. In addition, an effect of less vibration can be obtained.
<Effect of small oxygen sensor>
A conventional portable oxygen concentrator does not include an oxygen sensor, and the small oxygen sensor of the present application is an oxygen sensor provided with an ammeter for measuring a current flowing through a wire, and the wire is LnBa ₂ Cu ₃ O. It is characterized by using a composite ceramic wire mixed with _7-Δ and Ln ₂ BaCuO _5, and can realize a small size and light weight with high accuracy.
<Effect of manifold>
Conventional portable oxygen concentrators have assembled pipe joints and pipe tubes, but by using a manifold structure, useless pipes are eliminated, assemblability is improved, and an efficient flow path is secured. In addition, performance degradation due to aging of piping parts is eliminated.
<Effect of polypropylene nonwoven fabric>
The noise reduction of the portable oxygen concentrator can be realized by disposing the sound deadening parts using polypropylene nonwoven fabric inside the case cover and inside the main body.
<Effect of adjusting oxygen concentration according to atmospheric pressure>
By performing compressor rotation control according to atmospheric pressure, it is possible to supply oxygen with a stable concentration regardless of changes in weather conditions or altitude changes.
<Effect of GPS>
By mounting the GPS on the portable oxygen concentrator, it is possible to obtain a position where the position information of the sold oxygen concentrator can be grasped and the operation status can be known.
<Effect of atmospheric pressure sensor>
By combining with GPS, it is possible to supply concentrated oxygen in any use environment such as outdoors or aircraft.

  Hereinafter, a portable oxygen concentrator will be described as an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and changes, of which specific examples are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail below. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to these, and various configurations are possible within the scope defined in the claims.

Fig. 1 (a) is a piping diagram for explaining the principle of oxygen generation, and Fig. 1 (b) shows pressure fluctuations in a positive pressure fluctuation adsorption method (PSA) using positive pressure and a positive / negative pressure fluctuation adsorption method (VPSA) using positive pressure and negative pressure. The chart illustrated with the passage of time, (c) is a chart illustrating the nitrogen adsorption amount in the pressure fluctuation adsorption method (PSA) and the positive / negative pressure fluctuation adsorption method (VPSA) together with the pressure.

  In FIG. 1, a positive pressure fluctuation adsorption method (PSA) using positive pressure raw material air and a positive / negative pressure fluctuation adsorption method (VPSA) using positive pressure and negative pressure raw material air will be briefly described. In FIG. 1 (a), the raw air compressed by the compressor C by introducing external air is introduced into the first adsorption cylinder 108a through one of the three-way switching valves 109a. The first adsorption cylinder 108a contains a catalyst zeolite, and nitrogen is adsorbed by the zeolite to separate and produce oxygen. The oxygen separated and generated in this way flows through a check valve (not shown) and flows into the product tank. When the internal pressure of the first adsorption cylinder 108a increases, the three-way switching valve 109a is switched to the exhaust side to perform exhaust. Before and after this, the equal pressure valve 107 is opened, and a part of oxygen concentrated in the first adsorption cylinder 108a is used to shift to the cleaning and pressure equalization process of the second adsorption cylinder 108b.

  Next, the three-way switching valve 109b is opened to perform the desorption process (discharge of nitrogen and moisture) of the first adsorption cylinder 108a and intake of compressed air into the second adsorption cylinder 108b, and the second adsorption cylinder Oxygen separated and generated by the compressed air flowing into the body 108b flows into the product tank through a check valve (not shown). Thereafter, when it is detected by a pressure sensor (not shown) that the predetermined pressure has been reached, the equal pressure valve 107 is opened for a predetermined time, and then the second adsorption cylinder 108a is cleaned and pressure equalized. By repeating the above steps at a predetermined timing, continuous stable supply of oxygen is performed.

  As described above, when the compressed air is supplied to each of the two adsorption cylinders by switching the two three-way switching valves, the positive pressure is changed so that the pressure change shown by the solid line in FIG. A method in which pressurized compressed air is sent into the adsorption cylinder to adsorb nitrogen and the desorption operation is performed at substantially atmospheric pressure is called a positive pressure fluctuation adsorption method (PSA), and the desorption operation illustrated by the broken line in FIG. A method of positively washing the built-in zeolite by reducing the pressure to the bottom is called a positive / negative pressure fluctuation adsorption method (VPSA).

As shown in FIG. 1 (c), the nitrogen adsorption amount of positive pressure swing adsorption (PSA), compared to the positive and negative pressure variation adsorption (VPSA), to reduce also N ₂ adsorption amount in the same pressure difference, positive or negative pressure It is desirable to carry out based on the variable adsorption method. However, in this case, a compressor capable of supplying both positive-pressure compressed air and decompressed negative-pressure air is required. Since such a compressor is usually increased in size, it is difficult to incorporate it into a portable small oxygen concentrator, for example.

  On the other hand, in the positive pressure fluctuation adsorption method, a compressor capable of supplying only positive-pressure compressed air may be used, so that it can be incorporated into, for example, a portable small oxygen concentrator. Hereinafter, a small and portable oxygen concentrator constructed based on the positive pressure fluctuation adsorption method will be described in detail as an example.

<Description of Overall Configuration of Oxygen Concentrator 1>
FIG. 2A is an external perspective view showing a small and portable oxygen concentrator 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “device 1”) according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper left side of the front side together with the nasal cannula 14. FIG. FIG. 2B is an external perspective view of the portable bag 4 prepared exclusively for accommodating the small portable oxygen concentrator 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the oxygen concentrator 1 has a vertically long and elongated external shape that is approximately 2 to 4 kg in total weight and is substantially close to a 2 liter PET bottle. By adopting such a vertically long configuration, it becomes possible to insert downward from the opening 4a of the portable bag 4 illustrated in FIG. 2B, and the lid 4b provided with a hook covers the operation panel 5 after insertion. By being fixed in this manner, it is prevented from falling off, and the hanging belt 4d fixed to the portable bag 4 is hung from the shoulder so that, for example, it can be carried without getting in the way when going out. Yes. Further, a shoulder pad is fixed to the suspension belt 4d as shown in the figure so as not to be a burden on the shoulder, and a pouch 4c for storing a nasal cannula 14 connected with a tube 15 is provided on the front surface of the portable bag 4. Is provided. In addition, the portable bag 4 can be made of synthetic leather or urethane-coated cloth, and an opening is formed so as not to block an air inlet described later.

  As described above, the small oxygen concentrator 1 has a vertically long outer shape that is substantially similar to that of a plastic bottle. In particular, in the unused state in which the nasal cannula 14 and the bent tube 15 are housed in the pouch 4c of the portable bag 4. Consideration is given so that the small oxygen concentrator 1 cannot be easily known by a glance at another person.

  In addition, while pursuing weight saving and energy saving, the electricity bill is further reduced, while the attached external battery which can be attached and detached and can be repeatedly charged and the built-in rechargeable battery 228 which can be repeatedly charged and the home commercial (AC ) It can be used with three power supply systems. In particular, the built-in battery 228 and the external battery can be used with confidence because they can be used as a backup power source in the event of a power failure. Furthermore, it has a function that can be switched to a “tuning mode” in which oxygen is sent in synchronism with intake air in order to save battery power.

  Further, the main casing 2 constituting the hermetic cover having the above-mentioned vertically long external shape is made of, for example, an ABS resin which is a thermoplastic resin having impact resistance which is an injection-molded resin part. Secured. Further, other components including two adsorption cylinders filled with an adsorbent are reduced in weight as much as possible. For the heaviest compressor 10, only compressed air is generated by the positive pressure fluctuation adsorption method (PSA). By adopting the type, the weight has been reduced by about 2kg. In addition, the soundproofing chamber 3 indicated by a two-dot chain line in the drawing can also be made of an impact-resistant thermoplastic resin, for example, ABS resin for weight reduction.

  In FIG. 2 (a), the operation panel 5 is formed obliquely at an angle of about 10 degrees, for example, and the power switch 6 and the 7-segment numbers on the LED or liquid crystal display are arranged on the operation panel 5 from left to right. An oxygen flow rate and other display unit 204 for performing the above, an oxygen outlet 7 for resin parts, and two upper and lower oxygen flow setting buttons 8 with or without a resin cover are arranged. Above the concentrated oxygen outlet 7, a resin coupler 13 is provided that is engaged with a stepped portion formed in the oxygen outlet 7 in an airtight state and is detachable. The coupler 13 is set so that an opening of a flexible tube 15 such as a nasal cannula 14 communicates therewith.

  When loaded in the above portable bag 4, the patient should be outside the body at a height approximately corresponding to the waist where a Japanese standard height (160-170 cm) patient stands and both hands are lowered. Since the operation panel 5 is formed obliquely, for example, the operation operation of the oxygen concentrator 1 can be performed without difficulty while standing. Furthermore, since the dials are arranged at symmetrical positions with the oxygen outlet 7 at the center, even a left-handed person can operate without any discomfort.

  The total length of the tube 15 connected to the nasal cannula 14 is, for example, within 60 cm so as not to be particularly disturbed when being carried. However, the total length substantially corresponds to the range of movement in the same room where the patient lives. If a separate one is prepared, the oxygen concentrator 1 can be used in a state of being fixed to one corner of the room. In addition, four rubber feet (not shown) may be fixed to the four corners of the bottom surface to prevent a side slip when used on the floor surface and not to easily fall down.

  In FIG. 2A, the soundproof chamber 3 serving as a sub-housing is formed from a wall member 9 that is integrally formed with the main housing 2 or provided as a separate member, and is laid on the inner wall surface of the soundproof chamber 3. By providing the soundproofing material, the operation sound generated from the compressor 10 is effectively absorbed.

As shown in the figure, the soundproofing material is provided so as to cover appropriate positions on the inner wall surface of the main housing 2 and various electromagnetic valves 109, 115, 117 (see FIG. 3) described later, thereby turning on (ON) / off. The operation sound at the time of (OFF) can be effectively absorbed.

This soundproofing material is a nonwoven fabric composed of polyolefin fibers (preferably polypropylene fibers) having a fiber diameter of 1 to 4 μm and polyolefin fibers (preferably polypropylene fibers) having a fiber diameter of 20 to 30 μm. Can be used. It was confirmed that such a nonwoven fabric can be used to make it lightweight and the soundproof and sound absorbing effect can be dramatically improved.

  Further, the rechargeable built-in battery 228 is disposed at the lowest position as shown in the figure, and the center of gravity of the entire apparatus is lowered. As described above, the AC power supply (commercial power supply), external battery, and built-in battery have three power sources, and the priority of the power source to be used is automatically switched to the AC power supply, external battery, and built-in battery. The battery 228 can be preserved.

  An operation state lamp (not shown) having a built-in light emitting LED, for example, that lights in green and red is provided at a position corresponding to the ON position of the power switch 6. There is also a model in which a battery remaining amount monitor is provided.

The central oxygen outlet 7 is provided so that all the enclosed portions are retracted from the operation surface of the operation panel 5 to the back side (the back side in the drawing) as illustrated. On some oxygen outlets 7, there is also a model provided with an alarm display unit in which a character “inspection” or a character display corresponding thereto is printed horizontally. Further, there is a model in which an oxygen lamp having a built-in light emitting LED, for example, which is lit in green, red and yellow is provided below the alarm display section.

  The upper and lower oxygen flow rate setting buttons 8 and 8 are provided as flat switches so as to be substantially flush with the operation surface of the operation panel 5. Each time the oxygen flow setting button 8 is operated to push oxygen concentrated to about 90% or more from 0.25 L (liter) per minute to 5 L at the 0.25 L step or 0.01 L step, the oxygen flow rate Can be set, and is displayed on the upper oxygen flow rate display unit 9.

  As described above, it is possible to operate by changing the oxygen generation capacity. There is also a model provided with a tuning lamp provided to notify the patient by lighting or blinking that the concentrated oxygen is being operated in an intermittent supply state by breathing synchronization. There is also a model provided with an operation indicator provided for informing a patient by blinking in synchronization with respiration.

  As described above, each operation unit arranged on the operation panel 5 is configured to be able to operate all main functions with a minimum necessary operation on the premise of safety in use and use by the elderly.

  Specifically, the remaining battery capacity display section of the display section 204 is fully lit for about 2 seconds when the power is turned on. After that, if the remaining amount of the internal battery 228 or the external rechargeable battery is 100%, the lamp with the built-in light-emitting LED lights in green (continuously shines) and displays in multiple levels (for example, 5 levels) All the parts are lit up. In addition, each time the remaining battery level is reduced by a predetermined percentage (for example, 20%) with respect to full charge, the lights are turned off sequentially and the number of lights is gradually reduced. And can be alerted with a built-in buzzer or voice guide.

  Then, when the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery becomes 10% or less of a predetermined ratio with respect to the full charge, the lamp incorporating the light emitting LED blinks so as to shine intermittently in an alarm color such as red, and at a predetermined interval, for example, A warning is provided with a built-in buzzer or voice guide every 5 minutes, ensuring safety in use in the battery drive mode especially when going out or during a power failure. Note that the remaining battery capacity display portions of the internal battery 228 and the external rechargeable battery may be displayed separately so as to correspond to the internal battery 228 and the external rechargeable battery, respectively, so that they can be easily viewed. In addition, “inspection” may be printed on the alarm display unit so that a built-in lamp is turned on when the oxygen concentration is lowered. Further, when an abnormality occurs on the apparatus side, a buzzer may sound and be notified with a voice guide. In addition, by setting the external battery connector that can be repeatedly charged to the external battery connector 131, it can be used in passenger cars, trains, buses, ships, airplanes and other transportation systems, when going out, and when moving indoors (indoors). The battery can be driven for about 2 hours at the maximum.

In addition, when the apparatus stops due to a power failure, while blinking and informing, it may be possible to be surely informed to a visually handicapped person with a buzzer and a voice guide. In the oxygen lamp, the built-in LED is lit in green when oxygen is normally inhaled. Further, the light is turned off when oxygen is not emitted or when the oxygen concentration is lowered. Then, in the synchronization mode (breathing synchronization mode), when the respiratory state cannot be detected for a certain time, for example, about 30 seconds, it may be lit in red as an alarm color, and a buzzer may be sounded and notified by a voice guide.

  In addition, when driving in a synchronized mode in which concentrated oxygen is supplied in synchronization with inspiration, the indicator lights up or blinks in green substantially in synchronization with the breathing pattern (oxygen output) in order to make the patient visually recognize that fact. As a reminder, the patient may be able to confirm that concentrated oxygen is being supplied normally.

  On the other hand, when the power switch 6 is turned on, an initial self-check is performed in which a buzzer sounds and all the lamps are lit in green for 2 seconds. It may be lit. When the patient performs an increase / decrease operation of the oxygen flow rate setting button 8 according to the doctor's prescription and sets the flow rate to a predetermined flow rate, oxygen supply is started. When the small oxygen concentrator 1 is normally stopped, the previous operating conditions (oxygen flow rate, presence / absence of the tuning mode) are stored in the temporary storage device. For this reason, when the oxygen flow rate setting button 8 is not pressed after the initial self-check, the concentrated oxygen is automatically supplied under the previous operating conditions. Note that the fact (the same operating conditions as the previous time) may be notified by voice guidance.

  When the power switch 6 is turned off at the time of stop, the oxygen lamp is also extinguished, and the operation lamp may blink for a while and then automatically end.

<Description of piping and block diagram of oxygen concentrator 1>
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the piping illustrated also as a block diagram of the oxygen concentrator 1. In the figure, components that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The double line in the figure is a pipe 24 serving as a flow path for air, oxygen, and nitrogen gas, and is generally indicated by pipes 24a to 24g. A thin solid line indicates power supply or electric signal wiring.

  Here, in the following description, a case where a horizontally opposed two-cylinder compressor is used as the compressor 10 will be described. In addition, the main housing 2 that introduces outside air (air) into the compressor 10 through the intake port 2a and the filter 22 and discharges it to the outside through the exhaust port 2b is shown as a sealed container in the figure by a broken line. Yes.

  In FIG. 3, description will be made sequentially along the flow of the introduced air. Raw air (outside air) enters the compressor 10 located in the soundproof chamber 3 shown by a broken line through the air inlet 2a, the filter 22, and the pipe 24. The compressor 10 is in a vibration-proof state and is fixed to the lower manifold M1 by bolts and is also fixed to the soundproof chamber 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

  The filtered raw material air is pressurized by a compression mechanism of the compressor 10 to be described later to become compressed air. At this time, the temperature rises in an aluminum lower manifold M1 (shown by a broken line) in which a pipe 24c is formed. Since it is sent out and cooled by the heat radiation effect of the lower manifold M1, the blower fan 30 can be downsized. The cooled compressed air is introduced into the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b. Thus, as a result of the function of zeolite, which is an adsorbent whose function deteriorates at high temperatures, oxygen can be concentrated to about 90% or more.

  The compressed air is alternately supplied to the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b, which are arranged in parallel as described above via the pipe 24d. For this reason, the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b, which are switching valves, are connected as shown in the figure. In order to perform a purification process for desorbing unnecessary gases from these three-way switching valves 109a and 109b and the first and second adsorption cylinders 108a and 108b, the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b A pipe 24f is connected as shown. Further, a silencer 31 is connected to the downstream side of the pipe 24f to silence the exhaust and exhaust from the exhaust port 2b to the outside.

Zeolite which is a catalyst adsorbent stored in the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b, respectively, has a Si ₂ O ₃ / Al ₂ O ₃ ratio of 2.0 to 3.0. The amount of nitrogen adsorbed per unit weight can be increased by using X-type zeolite which is obtained by binding at least 88% of the Al ₂ O ₃ tetrahedral unit with a lithium cation. In particular, a granule measurement value of about 0.3 to 0.6 mm and a fusion of at least 88% or more of tetrahedral units with a lithium cation are preferable.

  By using such a zeolite, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of raw material air required to produce the same oxygen. As a result, the compressor 10 for generating compressed air can be of a smaller type, and further noise reduction can be achieved.

  On the other hand, an equal pressure valve 107 including a check valve, a throttle valve, and an on-off valve is branched and connected to the outlet side above the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b as shown in the figure. A product tank 111 serving as a container for storing separated and produced oxygen having a concentration of about 90% or more is piped to the pipe 24d as shown in the figure. Further, a pressure sensor (not shown) for detecting the pressure in each adsorption cylinder is provided.

  On the downstream side of the product tank 111, a pressure regulator 112, which is a so-called regulator that automatically adjusts the pressure of oxygen on the outlet side to be constant, is piped. An oxygen concentration sensor 114, which will be described later, is connected to the downstream side of the pressure regulator 112 via a pipe 24e, and the oxygen concentration is detected intermittently (every 10 to 30 minutes) or continuously. A proportional opening valve 115 that opens and closes in conjunction with the oxygen flow rate setting button 8 is connected to the downstream side via a pipe 24g, and an oxygen flow rate sensor 116 is further connected to the downstream side. Further, a demand valve 117 is connected downstream of the sensor 116 via a negative pressure circuit board for respiratory synchronization control, and is connected to the oxygen outlet 7 of the oxygen concentrator 1 through the sterilization filter 119. Yes. With the above configuration, it is possible to inhale oxygen concentrated to about 90% or more through the nasal cannula 14 and the like at a maximum flow rate of 5 L / min.

  Next, the power supply system includes an AC adapter 19 connected via an AC power connector 130 connected to a switching regulator type AC adapter 19 that rectifies AC (commercial AC) power to a predetermined DC voltage, and a main housing. The built-in battery 228 is built in the bottom of the body 2, the external battery 227 is detachably provided via the connector 131, and the power control circuit 226. The internal battery 228 and the external battery 227 are rechargeable secondary batteries, and the internal battery 228 is charged by receiving power from the power supply control circuit 226. Note that at least the built-in battery 228 can be repeatedly charged and discharged at least about 500 times (several hundred times), and has a management function such as the remaining battery capacity, the number of charge / discharge cycles used, the degree of deterioration, and the output voltage. It is preferable to have a management function capable of confirming the remaining battery capacity, remaining charge capacity, and the number of charge / discharge cycles with an external portable terminal or the like. In addition, the external battery 227 can be charged by receiving power from the power supply control circuit 226 in a connected state via the connector 131, but is normally repeatedly charged using a separately prepared battery charger. It will be. Or you may prepare as the external battery 227 which integrated the battery charger designed exclusively.

  In the configuration of the power supply system described above, the oxygen concentrator 1 is operated in response to power supply from the AC adapter 19, and in second power supply state that operates in response to power supply from the internal battery 228. The power supply state is automatically switched to one of three power supply states, ie, a third power supply state that operates by receiving power supply from an external battery.

  The power supply control circuit 226 is controlled by the central controller 200 so that the priority for this automatic switching is automatically determined in the order of the first power supply state, the third power supply state, and the second power supply state.

  In addition, an ID tag code identification circuit 230 may be further connected to the power supply control circuit 226 to prevent a situation where the rechargeable battery runs out when being carried, as will be described later. That is, in order to prevent the situation where the rechargeable battery runs out when being carried, it is preferable to connect a plurality of rechargeable batteries 228. However, if a plurality of batteries are connected in this way, the means for switching the power source becomes complicated. It becomes impossible to monitor power consumption individually.

  Therefore, among the plurality of rechargeable batteries 228,... 228, the identification ID tag code and the charge state detection are individually performed to enable control to automatically switch from a discharged battery to a fully charged rechargeable battery. Means are provided so that a discharged battery can be confirmed and switched to a fully charged battery. Furthermore, the number of batteries to be connected is freely selected according to the time when the battery is desired to be used, thereby improving convenience.

  Further, the built-in built-in battery 228 is disposed on the bottom surface as described later in order to lower the center of gravity of the oxygen concentrator 1. On the other hand, the external battery 227 is housed in, for example, a pocket of a patient's clothing, and can be used when going out by connecting it appropriately. Since the external battery 227 is provided with the remaining charge display section, the remaining usage time can be known together with the voice guide.

  The AC adapter 19 is preferably a switching regulator type that can generate a predetermined DC voltage without being affected by the difference in frequency and voltage fluctuation, and can be configured to be small and light, but may also be a normal series type. . In addition, the internal battery 228 and the external battery 227 are preferably lithium ion or lithium hydrogen ion secondary batteries that have little memory effect during charging and can be fully charged even during recharging, but may be conventional nickel cadmium batteries or nickel metal hydride batteries. Further, in preparation for an emergency, the external battery may be configured as a box of AA dry batteries available anywhere.

  The central control unit 200 stores a program for switching to an optimal operation mode according to the amount of oxygen to be generated. When generating a large amount of oxygen, the central control unit 200 automatically drives the compressor 10 and the blower fan 30 at high speed. In the case of generating a small amount of oxygen, the built-in battery 228 is particularly conserved by performing the control through the motor control unit 201 and the fan motor control unit 203 that perform the rotation drive at a low speed. As a result, even when the external battery 227 is forgotten to be charged, it is possible to cope with sudden outings or power outages.

  The central control unit 200 incorporates a ROM that stores a predetermined operation program, and is further connected to an external storage device 210, a circuit 207 including a volatile memory, a temporary storage device, and a real-time clock. The storage contents can be accessed by connecting to a communication line or the like via the communication line.

  In addition, a control circuit that controls to desorb unnecessary gas in the first adsorption cylinder body 108a and the second adsorption cylinder body 108b by performing on / off control of the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b and the equal pressure valve 107. 208, a flow rate control unit 202 that drives and controls the oxygen concentration sensor 114, the proportional opening valve 115, the flow rate sensor 116, and the demand valve 117 is connected to the central control unit 200.

  The compressor 10 having a total weight of about 500 g is driven by a variable speed control unit built in the motor control unit 201 so that the driving sound of the DC motor including the outer rotor type electric motor is controlled with a sine wave drive waveform. is doing. The compressor 10 can be operated at various speeds, can generate a required positive pressure level and flow rate, generates only a little noise and vibration, generates only a little heat, is small and light, and has a small amount. It is configured so that it can be operated with sufficient power consumption.

  By providing the motor controller 201 with a variable speed controller, which is a variable speed control means, the speed of the compressor 10 can be freely changed based on the activity level and environmental conditions of the patient. As a result, if it is determined based on the frequency of the demand valve 117 that the patient's oxygen demand is relatively low, such as when the patient is sitting or sleeping, the drive rotation speed of the compressor 10 can be automatically reduced. it can. Also, the patient's oxygen demand is relatively high and the oxygen demand is increased, such as when the patient is standing, active, or when GPS determines that the patient is at a high altitude with a low oxygen concentration, as will be described later. When configured, the speed can be increased automatically.

  With the motor control described above, the power consumption of the entire apparatus 1 is reduced, it is possible to extend the life when driven by a rechargeable battery, the weight and size of the rechargeable battery are reduced, and the degree of wear of the compressor 10 is reduced. It is also possible to obtain a secondary effect that can improve the reliability by lowering the lifetime.

  The compressor 10 has a function only for generating compressed air as described above, and the rotation speed is automatically controlled according to the oxygen flow rate taken out, and the rotation speed is controlled between 500 rpm and 3000 rpm. Further, the compressor 10 has a performance of compressing air to about 60 to 150 kPa.

  The operating temperature surrounding the compressor 10 is 0 ° C. to 40 ° C., and the driving voltage of the compressor 10 is DC 12V or 24V, which is a power source obtained from a cigarette lighter adapter such as an automobile or truck, and the power consumption is , About 30W. For this reason, in the worst case, the power can be supplied by connecting to the connector 131. Since the lower manifold M1 has a heat dissipation / cooling effect, a minimum necessary fan is sufficient, which contributes to noise reduction and power reduction.

  As the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b, electromagnetic valves that perform a valve operation generally called a direct acting type by a magnetic force during energization can be used. This type of solenoid valve has a problem of high power consumption because the main valve is operated only by electric power. Therefore, a pilot-type three-way switching valve can be used as the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b. According to this pilot-type three-way selector valve, since it can be operated by using a little power consumption and the air pressure from the compressor, it is reduced from the conventional 8W to 0.5W, so the power consumption is greatly reduced. It will be planned.

  Each of the above-described components is mounted mainly on the main housing 2 from one direction as shown in FIG. 3 in consideration of improvement in assembly workability and serviceability of the small oxygen concentrator 1 with reduced noise. Designed to be fixed as a part. That is, various control boards, the pressure regulator 112 that automatically adjusts the oxygen pressure to be constant as described above, the oxygen concentration sensor 114, the proportional opening valve 115 on the downstream side of the pressure regulator 112, and the oxygen flow rate sensor 116. The demand valves 117 connected to the negative pressure circuit board 118 for breathing synchronization control can all be fixed from one direction. In particular, components that generate vibration or noise are provided in the soundproof room 3 in a soundproof and vibration-proof state, so that the supply sound of compressed air, the introduction sound of external air, and the filtered air for producing raw air Noise is reduced by preventing the introduction sound and the periodically generated exhaust sound from leaking outside. Further, the operation sound of the three-way switching valve is soundproofed by covering with the soundproof sheet 11 as described above. Further, the main housing 2 is configured as a hermetic cover having a minimum necessary opening that is introduced into the inside through the air inlet 2a and discharged to the outside through the air outlet 2b, thereby further reducing noise. It becomes possible to plan.

<Structure of horizontally opposed 2-cylinder compressor>
In FIG. 2, the soundproofing material 11 is laid in a suitable place (preferably almost the entire surface) inside the soundproofing chamber 3 in which the compressor 10 is housed in a soundproof state. The soundproofing material 11 is composed of polyolefin fibers (preferably polypropylene fibers) having a fiber diameter of 1 to 4 μm and polyolefin fibers (preferably polypropylene fibers) having a fiber diameter of 20 to 30 μm. Nonwoven fabric can be used. Such a nonwoven fabric can be used to make it lightweight and has a soundproofing effect.
The compressor 10 is a horizontally opposed compressor, and the motor shaft is a single shaft, the number of parts is reduced, particularly the longitudinal direction is shortened and the size is reduced. In addition, vibration is reduced.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the compressor 10, the suction cylinders 108a and 108b, the lower manifold M1, and the upper manifold M2 are fixed, and the total weight of the whole is about 1 kg. The pipe 24 of the compressor 10 is fitted into the lower manifold M1 and sealed with an O-ring. The upper portions of the suction cylinders 108a and 108b are fitted into the upper manifold M2 and sealed with an O-ring. The upper manifold M2 and the compressor 10 are fixed by bolts, and thus the compressor 10, the suction cylinders 108a and 108b, the lower manifold M1, and the upper manifold M2 are fixed.

  With the above configuration, when the power switch 6 of the oxygen concentrator 1 is turned on, supply of a predetermined voltage is started and a self-check is performed. Subsequently, the compressor 10 and the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b are energized, so that external air is introduced. At the same time, the compressor 10 and the noise accompanying the vibration, The transmitted sound from the pipe extending to the adsorption cylinder is continuously generated. However, since the vibration and soundproofing is performed as described above, the noise and vibration leaking to the outside can be very small.

  Following this, the introduced air is introduced into the first adsorption cylinder 108a through the one-way switching valve 109a, and the generated oxygen flows into the product tank 111 through the check valve, and the pressure gradually increases. . When the predetermined pressure is reached, the equal pressure valve 107 is in the “open state” for a predetermined time.

  A portion of oxygen concentrated in the first adsorption cylinder 108a is used to clean the second adsorption cylinder 108b, and preparations for the next pressurization in which the pressure equalizing step is performed are performed. .

  Next, the three-way switching valve 109b operates to perform a desorption process (discharge of nitrogen and moisture) of the first adsorption cylinder 108a and intake of compressed air into the second adsorption cylinder 108b. Oxygen generated by being separated from the compressed air flowing into the second adsorption cylinder 108b flows into the product tank 111 via a check valve (not shown). Thereafter, when it is detected by a pressure sensor (not shown) that the predetermined pressure is reached, the equal pressure valve 107 is “open” for a predetermined time. Thereafter, a cleaning and pressure equalizing process of the second adsorption cylinder 108a is performed. By repeating the above switching operation at a predetermined timing, it is possible to stably supply oxygen continuously.

  The flow rate sensor 116 reads the set value set in the flow rate setting to determine the oxygen flow rate to be used, and can measure the actual flow rate in case the flow rate drops due to disturbance factors such as tube breakage. I have to.

<Global positioning system (GPS), automatic setting of oxygen supply according to atmospheric pressure>
The control device 200 is connected to the global positioning system device 221 in the selection mode, thereby increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the compressor 10 according to the altitude of the location where the oxygen concentrating device 1 is measured by the global positioning system 221. The amount of compressed air can be changed.

  FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory flowchart for increasing the oxygen supply amount by measuring the altitude of the place of use of the apparatus by the global positioning system 221. When the oxygen concentrator 1 is activated, the process proceeds to step S10 and surveying of the global positioning system is performed. In this global positioning system 221, the altitude is calculated by comparing the coordinates obtained from the four-point survey performed between the four satellites and the three-point survey performed between the three satellites and the built-in altitude map. In step S11, 4-point survey or 3-point survey is selected. If 4-point surveying is selected in step S11, it will progress to step S12 and altitude calculation will be performed. Based on the result of the altitude calculation and the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 222 (step S13), when the altitude is low and the atmospheric pressure is low, the rotation speed of the compressor 10 is increased and the oxygen concentration is improved (step S14). In the aircraft, it is preferable to perform drive control of the motor based on the atmospheric pressure measured by the barometer 222 without operating the global positioning system 221. Thereafter, motor drive control is performed in step S15, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if three-point surveying is selected in step S11, the process proceeds to step S16. If it is determined that the three-point surveying is not performed, the process returns to step S10 for re-surveying and starts again from step S10. If it is determined that the three-point survey is performed in step S16, the altitude is determined in step S17 with reference to the built-in altitude map. Therefore, the rotation of the compressor 10 corresponding to the altitude and the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 222 is determined. To provide a stable oxygen concentration. Thereafter, motor drive control is performed in step S15, and the process is terminated. Note that the processing flow shown in FIG. 5 may be updated every 30 minutes in preparation for a change in altitude or atmospheric pressure, such as climbing / downhill. Further, the motor drive control may be performed based on the atmospheric pressure in the use environment by the atmospheric pressure sensor 222.

<Description of small oxygen sensor>
Next, the configuration of the small oxygen sensor will be described. An oxygen sensor is provided with a power supply at both ends of a wire having an outer diameter of about 0.3 to 1.0 mm, an ammeter for measuring a flowing current by applying a predetermined voltage to the wire, and the LnBa ₂ Cu is connected to the wire. It is characterized by using a composite ceramic wire mixed with ₃ O _7-Δ and Ln ₂ BaCuO ₅ . In addition, the oxygen sensor is provided with a power source at both ends of the wire, a predetermined voltage is applied to the wire, and an ammeter for measuring a flowing current is provided. GdBa ₂ Cu ₃ 0 _7-Δ and Gd ₂ BaCuO are provided on the wire. A composite ceramic wire mixed with ₅ is used. Further, the oxygen sensor is provided with a power source at both ends of the wire, and an ammeter for measuring a flowing current by applying a predetermined voltage to the wire, and the LnBa ₂ Cu ₃ O _7-Δ and Ln ₂ BaCuO are included in the wire. And a wire rod containing ₅ is used. Further, the oxygen sensor is provided with a power source at both ends of the wire, and provided with an ammeter for measuring a flowing current by applying a predetermined voltage to the wire, and GdBa ₂ Cu ₃ O _7-Δ and Gd ₂ BaCuO are included in the wire. And a wire rod containing ₅ is used.

<Description of Modular Battery 228>
6A is a schematic diagram of the modular power supply device, and FIG. 6B is a circuit diagram of the modular power supply device. In this figure, among the plurality of rechargeable batteries 228,..., 228, a unique ID code is individually provided to enable control to automatically switch from a discharged battery to a fully charged rechargeable battery. (Identification codes) 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d, 228e and a charge state detection device 230 are provided so that a discharged battery can be confirmed and switched to a fully charged battery. Furthermore, the number of batteries to be connected is freely selected according to the time when the battery is desired to be used, thereby improving convenience.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the modular power supply apparatus. In this figure, after activation of the apparatus 1, in step S31, ID codes 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d and 228e specific to each rechargeable battery are individually confirmed. Following this, in step S32, the state of charge or discharge of each rechargeable battery is confirmed. By confirming the battery in which the voltage battery has been discharged in the above steps S31 and S32, the battery is stored together with the ID code. After that, power is supplied through the power supply terminal by switching to the rechargeable battery before discharging in step S34. The above steps 31 to 34 are repeatedly executed, and when it is confirmed in step S35 that all the batteries have been discharged, the process proceeds to step S36 to notify that it cannot be used due to an alarm.

  In addition, said battery is a lithium ion laminated structure, Comprising: The secondary battery whose output voltage is 3.7-29.0V is contained. The weight is about 500 g, and when performing synchronized breathing control, the operation can be performed for up to 2 hours when the concentrated oxygen flow rate of 88 to 94% is 2 L / min. In addition to this lithium ion battery, supply from other portable energy sources can also be received. For example, a rechargeable or replaceable fuel cell can be used. This system is powered by a built-in battery and an external battery as secondary batteries, but may be driven by a number of batteries.

  In addition, since the patient always has an additional freshly charged external battery, the patient can go out for a longer time and the QOL at that time is greatly improved. Moreover, you may provide the humidification means (not shown) for adding moisture to the flow of concentrated oxygen through a suitable connection part.

(a) is a piping diagram explaining the principle of oxygen generation, and (b) shows pressure fluctuations in positive pressure fluctuation adsorption (PSA) by positive pressure and positive and negative pressure fluctuation adsorption (VPSA) by positive pressure and negative pressure over time. (C) is a chart illustrating the amount of nitrogen adsorption in pressure fluctuation adsorption (PSA) and positive / negative pressure fluctuation adsorption (VPSA) with time. (a) is the external perspective view which illustrated the small oxygen concentrator 1 which is one Embodiment of this invention seeing from the front left diagonal upper side with a nose cannula, (b) is a portable for exclusive use of the small oxygen concentrator 1 2 is an external perspective view of a bag 4. FIG. 2 is a block diagram that also serves as a piping diagram of the small oxygen concentrator 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of an integrated horizontal 2-cylinder compressor, manifold, and adsorption cylinder. It is an operation | movement explanatory flowchart which increases the oxygen supply amount by measuring the altitude of the place of use of an apparatus with a global positioning system. (a) is a schematic diagram of a modular power supply device, (b) is a circuit diagram of a modular power supply device. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a modular power supply device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Small oxygen concentrator 2 Main housing 3 Soundproof room 4 Portable bag 5 Operation panel 10 Compressor 11 Soundproof material 114 Oxygen sensor 221 Global positioning system 222 Barometric pressure sensor M1, M2 Manifold

Claims (1)

A pair of adsorption cylinders that allow compressed air to pass through the adsorbent of the stored zeolite and selectively adsorb nitrogen with the adsorbent to generate oxygen; and filter means for filtering the raw air that becomes the compressed air; , Compressor means for obtaining the compressed air from the air filtered by the filter means, a switching valve that is switched to alternately supply compressed air to the pair of adsorption cylinders, and a product that stores the generated oxygen An oxygen concentrator comprising a tank and an oxygen sensor,
The compressor means is a horizontally opposed two-cylinder type,
The oxygen sensor is an oxygen sensor provided with an ammeter for measuring a current flowing through a wire, and uses a composite ceramic wire in which LnBa ₂ Cu ₃ O _7-Δ and Ln ₂ BaCuO ₅ are mixed in the wire,
Adjust the oxygen flow rate according to GPS and / or atmospheric pressure,
A portable oxygen concentrator, wherein a polypropylene nonwoven fabric is provided on at least a part of the inside of the casing of the oxygen concentrator.

Images