JP4352743B2 - Oxygen enrichment equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an oxygen enricher that concentrates oxygen in the air, and more particularly to a membrane-type oxygen enricher that selectively permeates oxygen.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of oxygen enrichment apparatus uses a rotary suction pump such as a roots type as a suction means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
FIG. 10 shows a conventional oxygen enrichment apparatus described in Patent Document 1. In FIG. 10, 1 is a blower for suction, 2 is an oxygen-enriched membrane unit, 3 is a suction pump (suction means), 4 is a rotor, 5 is a casing, and a is a flow of air.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-191018
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional configuration, since a rotary type vacuum pump is used, the vacuum pump as a suction means has a long life and is relatively easy to maintain, but on the other hand, it has an outside size with respect to pressure and air volume capability. Is loud and driving noise is loud. Further, in order to reduce the driving sound by applying a soundproofing structure such as a soundproof wall or a sound absorbing material, the outer size is further increased. Furthermore, a cooling structure is necessary so that the rotors and casings do not come into contact with each other due to thermal expansion of the rotor, and the outer dimensions may be increased. In addition, the rotor requires high dimensional accuracy, and it is difficult to manufacture a small rotor. Due to these factors, it has been difficult to reduce the size of the suction pump, that is, it has been difficult to reduce the size of the oxygen enrichment device incorporating the suction pump.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a small oxygen-enriching device by using a blower as the suction means, thereby reducing the size of the suction means.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, an oxygen enrichment apparatus according to the present invention includes an oxygen enrichment membrane unit having a faster oxygen permeation rate than nitrogen in the air, and a downstream side of the oxygen enrichment membrane unit. A suction means for applying a suction pressure to the oxygen-enriched membrane unit; a communication pipe connected to an exhaust port of the suction means; and an exhaust of the main body for discharging oxygen-enriched air that has passed through the communication pipe to the outside of the main body The main body comprises a port, a pipe connecting the oxygen enrichment unit and the intake port of the suction means, and a pipe switching unit provided to connect the communication pipe , The pipe switching unit flows air in the order of the oxygen-enriched membrane unit, the suction port of the suction unit, the exhaust port of the suction unit, and the communication pipe during normal operation, and the communication pipe and the suction unit when operation is stopped. Suction port, exhaust port of the suction means, In order that Mototomi film unit is characterized in that the flow of air. This ensures that can reduce the size of the suction means against the pressure and air volume capacity, oxygen enrichment device by using the suction means of the small also those which can be miniaturized. In addition, when the operation is stopped, the high-concentration oxygen and high-humidity air remaining between the oxygen-enriched membrane unit and the suction means and inside the suction means are exhausted, and the suction means has deteriorated due to oxidation and rusting. Can be prevented.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention described in claim 1 is provided with an oxygen-enriched membrane unit that has a higher oxygen permeation rate than nitrogen in the air, and a downstream side of the oxygen-enriched membrane unit, and is sucked into the oxygen-enriched membrane unit. A suction means for applying pressure, a communication pipe connected to an exhaust port of the suction means, an exhaust port of the main body for discharging oxygen-enriched air that has passed through the communication pipe to the outside of the main body, the oxygen enrichment unit, and the A pipe connecting between the suction port of the suction means and a pipe switching unit provided so as to connect between the communication pipe and the pipe are provided in the main body, and the pipe switching unit is provided during normal operation. Air is flowed in the order of the oxygen-enriched membrane unit, the suction port of the suction unit, the exhaust port of the suction unit, and the communication pipe. When the operation is stopped, the communication pipe, the suction port of the suction unit, and the exhaust port of the suction unit And the oxygen-enriched membrane unit Flowing a is obtained by the oxygen-enriched apparatus according to claim. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size with respect to the ability of pressure and air volume, and the oxygen enrichment apparatus can also be reduced in size by using this small suction means. In addition, when the operation is stopped, the high-concentration oxygen and high-humidity air remaining between the oxygen-enriched membrane unit and the suction means and inside the suction means are exhausted, and the suction means has deteriorated due to oxidation and rusting. Can be prevented.
[0009]
The invention described in claim 2 is particularly an oxygen-enriched membrane having a high pressure loss and a high oxygen-enriching capability because the suction means according to claim 1 is a centrifugal blower , so that the suction pressure can be easily increased. The unit can be used and high concentration oxygen can be discharged.
[0010]
In the invention described in claim 3, in particular, since the suction means described in claim 1 is an axial-flow blower , a large amount of oxygen having a slightly higher concentration than that in the air can be discharged.
[0011]
The invention described in claim 4 particularly has a configuration in which the suction means described in claim 1 is a molecular pump. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size and weight with respect to the ability of pressure and air volume, that is, a small and light oxygen enrichment apparatus can be realized.
[0012]
The invention described in claim 5 is particularly configured such that the suction means described in claim 1 is a turbo-type dry vacuum pump. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size and weight with respect to the ability of pressure and air volume, that is, a small and light oxygen enrichment apparatus can be realized.
[0013]
The invention described in claim 6 has a configuration in which the suction means described in claim 1 is a scroll-type dry vacuum pump. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size and weight with respect to the ability of pressure and air volume, that is, a small and light oxygen enrichment apparatus can be realized.
[0014]
The invention described in claim 7 is particularly configured such that the suction means according to claim 1 is a helical groove type dry vacuum pump. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size and weight with respect to the ability of pressure and air volume, that is, a small and light oxygen enrichment apparatus can be realized.
[0016]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in particular, the suction means according to the first aspect is a piston-type dry vacuum pump, the piston of the dry vacuum pump is integrated with a linear motor, and the piston is reciprocated to perform a suction pressure. It is set as the structure which generate | occur | produces. This can sound operation in small size and small I吸 pull stage, it is not necessary to add the soundproofing structure, is intended to reduce the size of the oxygen enrichment device.
[0018]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an oxygen enrichment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus.
[0020]
In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a main body (hereinafter simply referred to as a main body) of the oxygen enrichment apparatus, and 22 an intake port provided on the upper side of the side surface of the main body 21, and an intake filter 23 is provided in the intake port 22. Further, an axial-flow intake blower 24 communicates with the inside of the main body 21. Reference numeral 25 denotes an exhaust guide provided on the exhaust port side of the intake blower 24, and an oxygen-enriched membrane unit 26 is provided on the downstream side of the air guide. The oxygen-enriched membrane unit 26 is composed of a plurality of oxygen-enriched membranes, and has a plurality of intake slits 27 for flowing air to each oxygen-enriched membrane and an exhaust slit 28 for exhausting nitrogen-enriched air. An oxygen exhaust port 29 for discharging the enriched air is provided.
[0021]
A centrifugal blower 30 is a suction means, and a trumpet-shaped guide tube 32 is provided between the intake port 31 and the oxygen exhaust port 29 of the blower 30. The blower 30 is located below the oxygen-enriched membrane unit 26, with the intake port 31 facing upward, and below it is provided with a damper 33 such as urethane that serves both as vibration and sound insulation. An exhaust port 34 is provided on the side of the blower 30, and a communication pipe 35 is further connected to the moisture condensing unit 36, an impurity removing unit 37 that physically or electrically removes impurities other than air, and an electromagnetic valve. And an exhaust port 39 for exhausting oxygen-enriched air is provided on the side opposite to the intake port 22.
[0022]
Reference numeral 40 denotes a guide pipe through which air slightly enriched in nitrogen is exhausted. The guide pipe 40 contains a part of or all of the blower 30 and the control circuit 41, and the exhaust pipe 42 is connected to the exhaust pipe 42. Connected. At this time, only the radiating fins connected to the control circuit 41 may protrude into the guide tube 40. Reference numeral 43 denotes an exhaust port, in which an exhaust blower 42 is housed, and an exhaust filter 44 is provided at the outermost part. 45 is a downward deflecting guide provided on the exhaust port, are provided one on top of the exhaust port 43, may be provided plurality in the exhaust port 43.
[0023]
In addition, the intake filter and the exhaust filter may be arranged in multiple layers in order to capture various substances such as coarse dust, fine dust, and odor. Further, the intake blower and the exhaust blower may be of a centrifugal type.
[0024]
In addition to the inverter circuit of the blower 30, the control circuit 41 controls the operation of the intake blower, the exhaust blower, and the exhaust control valve 38.
[0025]
Here, details of the blower 30 as suction means will be described. The blower 30 is a centrifugal type, and an impeller 53 is fixed to a rotating shaft 52 in the motor 51. On the outer periphery of the impeller 53, there is a stationary blade 54 fixed to the motor 51, and a rectifying unit 55 is provided below the stationary blade 54 and on the side of the motor 51. An exhaust port 34 is disposed on the side surface 55. The bearing 56 uses a seal-type bearing, but an air bearing or a magnetic bearing is desirable.
[0026]
The blower indicates a pressure of 0.1 MPa or less, and in this embodiment, a blower having a pressure of 0.05 MPa or less is used.
[0027]
Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In response to an instruction from the control circuit 41, the intake blower 24 and the exhaust blower 42 start operation. As a result, air is sucked from the air inlet 22. At this time, dust is removed by the intake filter 23. The air that has passed through the intake blower 24 flows into the intake slit 27 of the oxygen enrichment unit 26 while being spread uniformly by the blower guide 25 (arrow A). Further, the air that has passed through the oxygen enrichment unit 26 passes through the guide tube 40 from the exhaust slit 28, is drawn into the exhaust fan 42, dust is removed again by the exhaust filter 44, and the air is discharged from the exhaust port 43 to the outside of the main body 21. Discharged. At this time, since the deflection guide 45 faces downward, the exhaust also flows downward (arrow B).
[0028]
In this state, the blower 30 as the suction means is operated. That is, the rotating shaft 52 of the motor 51 rotates according to an instruction from the control circuit 41 including the inverter circuit, and at the same time, the impeller 53 fixed to the rotating shaft 52 also rotates to generate a suction force on the intake port 31 side of the blower 30. To do. Since the intake port 31 of the blower 30 is connected to the oxygen exhaust port 29 of the oxygen enrichment unit 26 by the guide tube 32, oxygen-enriched air having a concentration higher than that under atmospheric pressure continues from the oxygen exhaust port 29 to the blower 30. (Arrow E). The oxygen-enriched air that has passed through the impeller 53 passes through the stationary blade 54, is uniformly rectified by the rectifying unit 55, and is discharged from the exhaust port 34 to the outside of the blower 30 (arrows C and F). Thereafter, the water passing through the connecting pipe 35 is removed by the water aggregating part 36 from the atmospheric pressure, and the impurities generated in the blower and the pipe are also removed by the impurity removing part 37. Finally, the oxygen-enriched air that has passed through the exhaust adjustment valve 38 is discharged from the exhaust port 39 to the outside of the main body (arrow D).
[0029]
At this time, air that is slightly enriched in nitrogen passes through the guide tube 40, and cools the control circuit 41 and the blower 30, particularly the motor 51.
[0030]
By using the oxygen enrichment apparatus of this embodiment in this way, the centrifugal type (turbo type) dry vacuum pump is generally one-fifth in volume and mass compared to the rotary type, particularly the tool type. Since it is 1/8, a centrifugal blower that continuously discharges oxygen concentration at atmospheric pressure or higher can be expected to be smaller and lighter. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size, that is, a small oxygen enrichment device can be realized.
[0031]
(Example 2)
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the configuration other than the suction unit 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0032]
In FIG. 3, the suction means of the present embodiment is an axial flow type blower, and a set of impellers 53 and stationary blades 54 are connected in multiple stages, and oxygen-enriched air sucked from the oxygen exhaust port 29 is impeller. 53, the stationary blade 54, and the rectifying unit 55 can be continuously exhausted (air arrows E and G). As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size, that is, a small oxygen enrichment device can be realized.
[0033]
(Example 3)
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Since the configuration other than the suction unit 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0034]
In FIG. 4, the suction means of the present embodiment is a turbo molecular pump, and a set of impellers 53 and stationary blades 54 is connected in multiple stages, and the oxygen-enriched air sucked from the oxygen exhaust port 29 is impeller 53, Air that exceeds the oxygen concentration at atmospheric pressure can be continuously discharged through the stationary blade 54 and the rectifying unit 55 (arrows E and H). As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size and weight, that is, an oxygen enrichment apparatus that is small and lightweight can be realized.
[0035]
A similar effect can be obtained even with a molecular pump in which the impeller 53 that can be easily manufactured has a flat plate shape.
[0036]
(Example 4)
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the structure of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Since the configuration other than the suction unit 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0037]
In FIG. 5, the suction means of this embodiment is a school-type dry vacuum pump, which is composed of a revolving scroll 61, a fixed school 62, and a discharge valve 63. The revolving scroll 61 rotates eccentrically and generates a suction force. (Arrow E · I). Low operating noise and no need for large vibration and soundproofing configurations. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size and weight, that is, an oxygen enrichment apparatus that is small and lightweight can be realized.
[0038]
(Example 5)
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the structure of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Since the configuration other than the suction unit 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0039]
In FIG. 6, the suction means of the present embodiment is a helical groove type dry vacuum pump, and a motor 51 is built in a rotor 71 having a groove. The oxygen-enriched air sucked from the oxygen exhaust port 29 passes through the rotor 71 and the rectifying unit 55 and can continuously discharge air having an oxygen concentration higher than the atmospheric pressure (arrows E and J). As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size, that is, a small oxygen enrichment device can be realized.
[0040]
(Example 6)
FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the structure of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Since the configuration other than the suction unit 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0041]
In FIG. 7, the suction means of the present embodiment includes first and second decompression chambers 82 and 83 separated by an ultrasonic vibrator 81 and two switching valves 84. In conjunction with the operation, the switching valve 84 switches the flow path to generate a suction force (when using the first decompression chamber: arrows E, K, M, O, when using the second decompression chamber: arrow E L, N, O). There is no driving sound, and there is no need to provide a vibration and sound insulation structure. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size and weight, that is, an oxygen enrichment apparatus that is small and lightweight can be realized.
[0042]
(Example 7)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Since the configuration other than the suction unit 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0043]
In FIG. 8, the suction means of this embodiment is a piston-type dry vacuum pump, in which N and S pole magnets 92 are alternately embedded in the inner wall of a vertically movable piston 91, and an electromagnet 94 is provided in a casing 93. It is arranged as a linear motor (arrows E, P, Q, R). Furthermore, the driving noise is extremely low, and it is not necessary to provide a large vibration and soundproofing structure. As a result, the suction means can be reduced in size and weight, that is, an oxygen enrichment apparatus that is small and lightweight can be realized.
[0044]
(Example 8)
FIG. 9A is a block diagram showing the state of the oxygen enrichment apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention when the suction means is operating, and FIG. 9B shows the state when the suction means is stopped. It is a block diagram. Since the configuration other than the suction unit 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0045]
9 (a) and 9 (b), a pipe connecting the oxygen-enriched membrane unit 26 and the suction port 31 of the suction means 30, and a communication pipe 35 connected to the exhaust port 34 of the suction means 30; In the normal operation, air flows in the order of the oxygen-enriched membrane unit 26 → the intake port 31 of the suction unit 30 → the exhaust port 34 of the suction unit 30 → the communication pipe 35 (arrows). S, T, U, V). If the operation is stopped in this state, high-concentration oxygen or moisture may remain between the oxygen-enriched membrane unit 26 and the suction unit 30 and further inside the suction unit 30, which may cause aging due to oxidation or rusting of the suction unit. There is sex. Therefore, by switching the pipe switching unit 99 when the operation is stopped, the communication pipe 35 → the intake port 31 of the suction unit 30 → the exhaust port 34 of the suction unit 30 → flows the oxygen-enriched membrane unit 26 and the air (arrows V · T).・ U · S), high-concentration oxygen and moisture can be discharged, and it is possible to prevent aging due to oxidation and rusting of the suction means.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention described in claims 1 to 10, the suction means can be reduced in size with respect to the ability of pressure and air volume, and the oxygen enrichment apparatus can also be reduced in size by using this small suction means. It can be done.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an oxygen enrichment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus. FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the structure of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the structure of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing the structure of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a sectional view showing the structure of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the structure of the suction means of the oxygen enrichment apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a configuration diagram showing a state during operation of a suction means of an oxygen enrichment apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention ( ) Same, EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS overall configuration diagram of an oxygen-enriched diagram showing the suction means operating at the time of stopping state of the apparatus [10] Conventional oxygen enrichment device
21 Main body 26 Oxygen-enriched membrane unit 30 Blower (suction means)
81 Ultrasonic vibrator 91 Piston

Claims (8)

An oxygen-enriched membrane unit that has a faster oxygen permeation rate than nitrogen in the air; a suction means that is disposed downstream of the oxygen-enriched membrane unit and applies suction pressure to the oxygen-enriched membrane unit; and the suction a communicating pipe connected to the exhaust port means, and an exhaust port of the main body for discharging oxygen enriched air passing through the communicating pipe to the outside of the main body, between the inlet of said suction means and said oxygen-enriched units The main body includes a connecting pipe and a pipe switching unit provided so as to connect between the communication pipe, and the pipe switching unit includes the oxygen-enriched membrane unit and the suction unit during normal operation. inlet, outlet of the sucking unit, flowing air in order that the communicating pipe, the communicating pipe during shutdown, the suction port of the suction means, the outlet of said suction means, in order that the oxygen enrichment membrane unit Acid characterized by flowing air Enrichment equipment. The oxygen enrichment apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the suction means is a centrifugal blower . 2. The oxygen enrichment apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the suction means is an axial flow blower . Oxygen enrichment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intake pull stage is molecular pump. Oxygen enrichment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intake pull stage is a dry vacuum pump turbo-type. Oxygen enrichment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intake pull stage is a dry vacuum pump of the scroll type. Oxygen enrichment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intake pull stage is a dry vacuum pump of the helical groove type. Intake pull stage is a dry vacuum pump of the piston type, the piston of the dry vacuum pump is integrated with the linear motor, oxygen enrichment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein for generating a suction pressure the piston is reciprocated.

Images