JP6430966B2 - Breathing synchronized gas supply device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a breathing gas supply device that supplies breathing gas to a user.

As the number of patients with respiratory diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis increases, one of the most effective treatments is oxygen inhalation therapy. As an oxygen supply source used for this treatment method, an oxygen concentrator, an oxygen cylinder, liquid oxygen, or the like is used. Because of convenience during use and ease of maintenance, when using oxygen concentrators at home and going out to hospitals, shopping, concert halls, movie theaters, etc., small and light oxygen cylinders that can be carried by patients are the mainstream. It is used. Oxygen cylinders have a problem of running out of oxygen, so a small and lightweight portable oxygen concentrator has also been developed. However, further technological innovation is required for its spread in terms of supply capacity, performance, and price.
Oxygen inhalation therapy using such oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators is based on the results of various tests such as measuring the arterial blood oxygen saturation of the patient and exercise load tests in advance. Prescribe inhalation amount. The oxygen inhalation amount is often prescribed at 0.25 LPM to 7 LPM. For example, the oxygen inhalation amount at rest is 1 LPM, and 2 LPM at the time of exertion is instructed to the patient.
Unlike the oxygen concentrator, the oxygen cylinder cannot be newly generated when the oxygen filled in the cylinder is consumed, so that the cylinder needs to be replaced. Therefore, in order to inhale oxygen as long as possible, a means for suppressing wasteful oxygen consumption is required. Therefore, in order to extend the usable time of the oxygen cylinder as much as possible, using a breath synchronization gas supply device (hereinafter referred to as a demand regulator) that supplies oxygen only during inspiration in synchronization with the patient's breathing pattern. It is done to save oxygen consumption.
After the pressure of the high-pressure oxygen is reduced to, for example, 1.5 kg / cm 2 by a pressure reducing valve connected to the original valve of the oxygen cylinder, it is rectified to a predetermined flow rate of 0.5 LPM to 7 LPM by a flow rate setting device and supplied to the user. By using a demand regulator together, detecting the user's breathing, and supplying oxygen only during inspiration, it is possible to save 1/3 to 1/6 of the amount of oxygen used continuously, It is possible to extend the usage time of going out.
For example, in the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-24098 (Patent Document 1), the oxygen supply flow rate is adjusted to the maximum value with a flow rate setting device, the patient's respiratory pressure is detected, and the electromagnetic valve is opened and closed. Oxygen is administered during the patient's inspiratory period and is not administered during the exhaled period. Since the ratio between the inspiratory time and the expiratory time of the patient is generally 1: 2, the oxygen saving rate of each company's demand regulator is often set to about 1/3 to 1/7. A mode in which oxygen is supplied in synchronization with the breathing pattern is often referred to as a tuning mode, a demand mode, or the like.
On the other hand, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-143306 (Patent Document 2), some demand regulators include a flow path switching valve to bypass the solenoid valve and continuously supply oxygen in an emergency. Proposed. Such an emergency is, for example, when the battery for operating the demand regulator is exhausted, or when a part of the demand regulator such as a sensor breaks down. It can also be used when the patient himself wants to continuously inhale oxygen.
The flow rate when oxygen is supplied in an emergency is adjusted by the orifice of the flow rate setting device. The emergency flow rate may be fixed at one setting, but may be selected and supplied from a plurality of orifices having different diameters so that it can be set according to the prescription (utility model registration No. 2502812 (Patent Document 3). )). Such a mode in which oxygen is continuously supplied is referred to as a continuous mode, an emergency mode, or the like.
In the configuration of the demand regulator described in Patent Document 2, an electric signal of a set flow rate value, for example, a rotary switch is used to control a desired flow rate at the time of tuning with a flow rate setting dial provided in a continuous flow path in an emergency mode. It is necessary to set / recognize in such a case, and in the case of running out of battery, manual change of the flow path switching valve is required.
Fig. 1 of JP-T-1-501999 (Patent Document 4). 19 describes a demand regulator having a dual flow rate setting device capable of simultaneous control of two flow rates, a high flow rate and a low flow rate, and a terminal for outputting a set value by a BCD encoder. A device is described that simultaneously controls a single setter.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-24098 JP 2002-143306 A Utility Model Registration No. 2502812 Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 1-501999

When the continuous flow and the tuned flow are controlled by the same flow rate setting device, it is possible to adopt a rotary valve in which the orifices for the tuned flow and the continuous flow of Patent Document 4 are arranged on the same circumference.
When supplying the breathing gas in synchronization with respiration, as in the device described in Patent Document 1, when supplying the maximum flow rate of the device and controlling the supply amount only by the opening / closing time of the tuning valve, the valve is opened. All flow settings need to be sensed to control time. If the set flow point increases, the risk of false detection of the set value increases, and the detection device also uses a rotary encoder, potentiometer, etc., resulting in high costs.
On the other hand, when performing respiration synchronization control with the valve opening time of the tuning valve constant, the gas supply amount and flow rate switching on the tuning flow side can be supplied so that breathing gas can be supplied according to the flow rate setting value and valve opening time. It is necessary to control the orifice diameter. Since the gas is designed so as to supply the gas with the maximum set flow rate of the apparatus, the error in the supply amount on the low flow rate side becomes large.

As a solution to this problem, the following invention has been found.
1) In a breath-synchronized gas supply device that supplies breathing gas in synchronization with a user's breath, a flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts the user's desired flow rate, a pressure detecting unit that detects the user's breath, and the pressure detection An automatic opening valve for supplying a breathing gas in synchronization with respiration based on a respiration detection result of the means, and a flow path switching valve for continuously supplying the respiration gas without synchronizing with the respiration of the user, The adjusting means has a rotary shaft that can be positioned at a fixed angle for each set flow rate value, and an orifice having a diameter corresponding to the flow rate set value of the flow rate setting means is provided on a concentric circle on a disk attached to the rotary shaft. A rotary valve provided with a disk, and is divided into a plurality of groups of flow rates in which the flow rate of breathing gas flowing through the orifice on the tuned flow side corresponding to the set flow rate value of the flow rate setting means is a constant ratio to the set flow rate Within the same category In the same open time with a control means for controlling the opening and closing of the automatic opening and closing valves, respiratory tuning gas supply device.
2) The flow rate adjusting means has a rotary shaft that can be positioned at a fixed angle for each set flow rate value, and the flow rate setting value of the flow rate setting means is arranged on a plurality of concentric circles on a disk attached to the rotary shaft. Is a rotary valve having a disk with an orifice having a diameter corresponding to the flow rate switching valve in which the flow path of the orifice arranged on one concentric circle supplies a continuous flow, and the orifice arranged on the other concentric circle The respiratory tuned gas supply device according to 1) above, further comprising a conduit connected to the automatic opening / closing valve for supplying a synchronized flow.
3) The above description 1), wherein the flow rate of the breathing gas supplied in synchronized flow per breath is 1/3 to 1/5 of the continuous flow, and is supplied within the first 3/4 of the inhalation time. Respiratory synchronized gas supply device.
4) The above description 1), wherein the flow rate of the breathing gas supplied in synchronized flow per breath is 1/3 to 1/5 of the continuous flow, and is supplied within the first half of the inspiration time. Respiratory synchronized gas supply device.
5) The group of the plurality of groups having the constant ratio is 4 sections, and includes two limit switches mounted on the rotation shaft of the flow rate adjusting unit as the flow rate setting value detection unit of the flow rate adjusting unit. ) Breathing synchronized gas supply device.
6) The respiratory tuned gas supply device according to 1) to 5) above, wherein the constant ratio is in a range of 2 to 10 times the set flow rate.
In addition, as shown below, the inventor of the present application uses two or more switches arranged on the circumference or in parallel with the rotation axis via a cam integrated with the flow rate setting knob of the flow rate setting device or a cam linked thereto. The mechanism for recognizing the position of the flow rate setting with a simple configuration was found.
7) A device that supplies a breathing gas to a user at a predetermined flow rate, a flow rate setting knob, a flow rate adjusting means that can be switched by the flow rate setting knob, a cam that is integrated with or interlocked with the rotary shaft of the flow rate setting knob, A flow rate setting device with two or more switches arranged on the circumference or parallel to the rotation axis, and a position for determining the flow rate setting value by turning the flow setting knob on and off with a cam mechanism. A breathing gas supply device.
8) The respiratory gas supply device according to 7), wherein the determination means is a means for converting the contact signal of the switch into a binary number and determining a flow rate setting value based on a combination of the signals.
9) An orifice plate, which is a disc-shaped plate that has a rotation shaft that can be positioned at a predetermined angle and is mounted coaxially with the rotation shaft, and the orifice plate for rectifying the flow rate. The breathing gas supply device according to 7) above, which is provided with perforations (orifices) and whose rotating shaft is integral with or interlocked with the rotating shaft of the flow rate setting knob.
10) A flow setting knob, a cam integrated with or linked to the rotation axis of the flow setting knob, and two or more switches arranged on the circumference of the cam or in parallel with the rotation axis, and the position associated with the rotation of the flow setting knob. A flow rate setting device comprising a determination means for determining a flow rate setting value by turning on / off a switch by a mechanism.
11) The flow rate setting device according to 10) above, wherein the determination unit is a unit that binarizes a contact signal of the switch and determines a flow rate set value based on a combination of signals.

According to the respiratory tuned gas supply device of the present invention, it is not necessary to detect the position of all flow rate setting points, and even if there are many setting points, the simple detection means using the limit switch is inexpensive and has few false detections. The flow rate can be controlled by controlling the same opening time.
Further, in the respiratory tuned gas supply device of the present invention, by arranging two or more switches on the circumference or in parallel with the rotation axis via a cam integrated or linked with the flow rate setting knob, for example, in the case of two switches In the case of 4 positions and 3 switches, the position of 8 positions can be recognized. Accordingly, it is possible to set an appropriate solenoid valve opening / closing time for the flow rate setting, and it is possible to further save oxygen cylinders by supplying oxygen more appropriately. In addition, since the function can be obtained with a low cost and a small number of switch arrangements, it is possible to configure a small-sized respiratory-tuned gas supply device at a lower cost.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a breath-tuned gas supply apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow rate adjusting means mounted in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a flow rate setting detection mechanism of the flow rate adjusting means mounted in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 schematically shows the cam mechanism rotating with the rotation of the flow rate setting knob in the flow rate detecting means, and the ON / OFF state of the limit switch.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the tuning mode state of the switching means mounted in the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the power-off state, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the continuous mode state. . FIG. 8 shows a warning flowchart installed in the embodiment of the present invention.

リミットスイッチを３つ用いた場合には、同様に原理で、″０００″から″１１１″の組み合わせの８ポジションの流量設定信号を検知することが出来る。
本発明の呼吸同調器の流量設定つまみの位置検出機構は、図３に示す配置図で明らかなように、流量設定つまみの中心を基準に検出スイッチが流量設定つまみのカム部分に沿うように配置されている。このとき個々の検出スイッチの配置をずらすことにより、設定流量に対する検出範囲を限定することが可能となる。
図４に流量設定つまみの回転に伴うカム機構の回転、リミットスイッチのＯＮ／ＯＦＦの状態を模式的に示す。カムが回転し、リミットスイッチを順次、ＯＮ／ＯＦＦすることで、４ポジションの設定流量の信号を得ることが出来る。このように流量設定つまみに連動するカムおよびリミットスイッチという簡便かつ安価な手段により流量設定値を検知することが出来る。
上記実施態様例で説明した流量調整手段を備えた呼吸同調気体供給装置を用い、４流量区分による同調制御について、表２を用いて説明する。
流量設定値としては６ポイントとし、連続流の最小設定流量０．５ＬＰＭ、最大設定流量７ＬＰＭの間で、０．５、１、２、３、５、７ＬＰＭの６ポイントの流量設定が可能な装置とする。低流量域の領域１として０．５ＬＰＭ、中流量域の領域２として１〜２ＬＰＭ、領域３として３ＬＰＭ、高流量域の領域４として５〜７ＬＰＭの設定流量に区分する。
同調流のベース流量は、連続流の定数倍とし、領域１では連続流の１０倍、領域２では連続流の５倍、領域３では連続流の３倍、領域４では連続流の２倍となるように、同調流のオリフィス径を設定した。ベース流量比率は呼吸の吸気時の前半３／４の時間内、特に１／２の時間内に酸素投与が完了可能なように流量比率を決定する。低流量域では高倍率、高流量域では鼻孔への風圧刺激を抑えるために２〜３倍程度に抑えるのが好ましい。
図３のカム機構およびリミットスイッチを備えた流量調整手段の設定検出機構により領域１、領域２、領域３、領域４の各領域区分を検出し、自動開閉弁の弁開時間を制御する。これにより節約率が４倍（連続流量の１／４）の酸素を、領域１〜３では吸気時間の前半１／２以内、領域４は前半３／４以内に投与することが可能となる。

前述のように、非常モードの連続流路に設けられた流量設定ダイヤルで同調時の所望の流量を制御するために、設定流量値の電気的信号を、例えばロータリースイッチなどで設定・認識する必要があり、電池切れなどの非常モードの場合には電磁弁が作動しない事から流路切換切替弁の手動変更が必要となる。
酸素が非常に高い支燃性を持ったガスであることから、安全に配慮し、デマンドレギュレーターを使い終わった際には、酸素ボンベの元栓を閉じて、さらにデマンドレギュレーター内に残留した高圧ガス酸素を開放することが望ましい。そこで、デンマンドレギュレーターの電源をＯＦＦした場合に、電磁弁を開放することで残留した高圧ガス酸素を開放し、該電磁弁の下流に設置された圧力センサで酸素ボンベの元栓が開放状態であること検知した場合には警報を発することのできるデマンドレギュレーターも提案されている（特開２０００−２６２６２０号公報に記載）。非常時に電磁弁をバイパスし、同調モードから連続モードに切り替える場合には、流路切替弁を切り替える方法があるが、切替手段が電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦスイッチと独立して設けられる場合が一般的である（特許文献２）。連続モードが選択された場合には、同調モードの制御（電磁弁の開閉等）が必要無くなるため、電源をＯＦＦすることが好ましいが、切替手段が電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦスイッチと独立している場合には、其々にリミットスイッチ等、電気的な検出手段を使用する必要があり、かつ、スイッチの操作部（レバー等）をそれぞれに設ける必要があるため、高コストであり、機器に求められる小型・軽量化の障害にもなる。特に非常時に連続モードに切替える場合には、使用者の分かり易い位置に切替手段があることが好ましく、さらには電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦスイッチと一体化されることが好ましい。
多くのデンマンドレギュレーターには、装置電源をＯＦＦにした時に酸素ボンベの元弁の閉め忘れを防止するために、電磁弁の下流に設置された圧力センサで酸素ボンベの元栓が開放状態であること検知し、警報を発する機能を備えており、かかる装置においては以下の問題も発生する。すなわち、連続モードを選択する場合には同調モードで使用する呼吸検知や電磁弁の開閉などの制御が不要であり、電池の消耗を防ぐために、あるいはデマンドレギュレーターに一般的に備えられている無呼吸警報（同調モードで呼吸が検知しない場合に発する警報。連続的な酸素の流れがあるときには呼吸の検知が出来ないために発報される。）を止めるために、デマンドレギュレーターの電源をＯＦＦにするが、その場合には、該圧力センサで酸素ボンベの元栓が開放状態であることが検知され、不要にもかかわらず、警報が発報され使用者に混乱を招く。
かかる問題は、以下の１２）〜１８）に記載の解決方法で解消可能である。
１２）呼吸用気体を使用者の呼吸に同調して供給する呼吸同調気体供給装置において、使用者の呼吸を検知する手段、呼吸検知結果に基づき、呼吸に同調して呼吸用気体を供給する自動開放弁、緊急時には使用者の呼吸には同調せず連続して供給するための流路切替弁を備え、使用者の呼吸に同調して呼吸用気体を供給する同調モードと緊急時に連続して供給する連続モード及び電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦの切替えを一体で行う一つの切替手段を備えたことを特徴とする呼吸同調気体供給装置。
１３）該切替手段がカム機構、同調モード選択を検出するリミットスイッチを備え、電源ＯＮ動作と同調モードへの切替え電源ＯＮ、電源ＯＦＦへの切替え、及び、流路切替弁の作動である連続モードへ切替弁の切替えを行うことを特徴とした、上記１２）に記載の呼吸同調気体供給装置。
１４）使用者の呼吸を検知する手段が圧力センサであり、該自動開閉弁が圧力センサの検知結果に基づいて呼吸に同調して開閉する電磁弁であり、該流路切替弁が該切替手段で作動するメカニカル弁である上記１３）に記載の呼吸同調気体供給装置。
１５）該切替手段で電源ＯＦＦが選択された場合に、該自動開放弁を開放し、圧力センサで圧力が検知された場合には警報を出すことを特徴とした、上記１４）に記載の呼吸同調気体供給装置。
１６）切替手段が連続モード選択を検出するリミットスイッチを備え、電源ＯＦＦの選択に続けて連続モードを選択された場合には、上記１５）記載の警報を止めることを特徴とした呼吸同調気体供給装置。
１７）呼吸用気体を使用者の呼吸に同調して供給する呼吸同調気体供給装置において、使用者の呼吸を検知する圧力センサ、使用者の呼吸に同調して呼吸用気体を供給する自動開放弁、緊急時には使用者の呼吸には同調せず連続して供給するための流路切替弁、電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦを行うためのスイッチ、使用者の呼吸に同調して呼吸用気体を供給する同調モードと緊急時に連続して供給する連続モードの切替えを行う切替手段を備え、電源ＯＦＦにされた場合に、該自動開放弁を開放し、圧力センサで圧力が検知された場合には警報を出し、電源ＯＦＦの選択に続けて連続モードを選択された場合には該警報を止める制御手段を備えることを特徴とする呼吸同調気体供給装置。
１８）該切替手段が、カム機構および連続モード選択を検出するリミットスイッチを備えることを特徴とする上記１７）に記載の呼吸同調気体供給装置。
かかる呼吸同調気体供給装置によると、同調モードと緊急時に連続して供給する連続モード及び電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦの切替が一つの切替手段で行うことが可能となり、また、連続モード切替時の不要な警報の発報も防ぐことが可能となり、安価で小型・軽量、非常時にも使いやすく、分かり易い警報を搭載した呼吸同調気体供給装置が可能となる。
図５〜図７に更に詳しく切替手段を例示する。切替手段は回転式の操作レバー５０を備え、操作レバー回転軸に連動したカム５１、同調モードに対応したリミットスイッチ５２、連続モードに対応したリミットスイッチ５３を有し、手動弁である流路切替弁５４を操作可能である範囲に設置される。
図５は、回転式の操作レバーで同調モードを選択した場合の図であり、操作レバー５０に連動したカム機構５１が同調モード側のリミットスイッチ５２をＯＮにする。このリミットスイッチのＯＮを制御部１０（図１）が検出して、電源１１をＯＮにし、圧力センサ８によって使用者の呼吸を検知し、呼吸に同調して吸気時に酸素を供給するように自動開閉弁である電磁弁７の開閉する同調モードの制御を行う。
図７は回転式の操作レバーで連続モードが選択され場合の図であり、カム機構５１が連続モード側のリミットスイッチ５３をＯＮするとともに、メカニカル弁である流路切替弁５４を連続側に切替える。
このように、図５〜図７に図示したようなカム機構を備えることで、同調モードと緊急時に連続して供給する連続モード及び電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦの切替えが一つの切替手段で行うことが可能となる。このことにより、安価で小型・軽量、非常時にも使いやすいデマンドレギュレーターを構成することが可能となる。
リミットスイッチのＯＮ／ＯＦＦと警報動作の関係を図５にフローチャートで示す。
電源ＯＦＦが選択された際に（図６）、同調モード側のリミットスイッチがＯＦＦとなり、制御部にその信号が到達すると、自動開閉弁（電磁弁）を一時的に開放し圧抜き動作を行う。その際に圧力センサが圧力を検知し続けた場合には、酸素ボンベの元栓が開いていると判断して警報を発することができる。警報発報の後、一定時間経過後は警報を停止し電磁弁を閉じた状態で電源をＯＦＦとする。これにより使用者に対して酸素ボンベの元栓を閉じるように促すともに、酸素放出を強制的にストップし酸素ボンベが空になるのを防ぐことが出来る。
また、連続モードに対応したリミットスイッチを備えることで（図７、ただし、図７の通り、電源スイッチと一体化されている必要は無い）、酸素ボンベの元栓が開いていると判断して警報を発報した状態においても、続けて連続モードが選択された場合は、連続側のリミットスイッチがカム機構によりＯＮされていることを制御部にて検出して、警報の発報を停止することができる。このことにより、連続モード切替え時の不要な警報の発報が無い、分かり易い警報を搭載した呼吸同調気体供給装置が可能となる。The example of the embodiment of the breath tuned gas supply device of the present invention is described using a drawing.
FIG. 1 is a schematic device configuration diagram illustrating a breath-tuned gas supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The respiratory tuned gas supply apparatus of the present invention uses a flow rate setting knob 5 to adjust the gas regulated by a pressure regulating valve 3 which is a pressure regulating means for regulating the breathing gas filled in the oxygen cylinder 1 at a high pressure to a constant low pressure. Coaxial variable orifice 4 that is a flow rate adjusting means for rectifying the patient to a desired flow rate, pressure sensor 8 that is a pressure detecting means for detecting patient respiration, and a gas rectified in synchronism with respiration based on the pressure detection result It is composed of a gas supply means such as an electromagnetic valve 6 which is an automatic opening valve, a manual valve 7 which is a flow path switching valve for supplying continuously without being synchronized with a user's breathing in an emergency, and a cannula 9. .
First, the pressure adjusting means regulates the pressure of the high-pressure (primary pressure) breathing gas supplied from the oxygen cylinder 1 via the main valve 2 to a low pressure (secondary pressure) suitable for supplying to the patient. It comprises at least a pressure reducing valve and a pressure gauge (not shown) for checking the remaining amount of gas filled in the oxygen cylinder.
The gas adjusted to a low pressure is adjusted to a flow rate desired by the patient by a flow rate adjusting means, an automatic opening valve, and a flow path switching valve. The automatic opening valve opens and closes in synchronization with the user's breathing as a breathing synchronization valve. For example, a direct-acting two-port two-position switching electromagnetic valve is used. On the other hand, the flow path switching valve is a valve that switches the flow path in order to supply a continuous flow to emergency situations such as abnormal breathing of the patient itself, abnormal pressure sensor of the device, battery exhaustion, etc. It is preferable to use it.
The pressure sensor 8 is installed downstream of the automatic open / close valve and the flow path switching valve in order to detect the user's breathing pressure, and detects the pressure fluctuation of the cannula port accompanying breathing. For example, the range ± 50 Pa , A differential pressure sensor capable of measuring a pressure of about −0.5 to 1 Pa / 10 ms, a pressure switch operated by the fine pressure, and the like can be used.
A rotary valve is employed as the flow rate adjusting means, and a coaxial variable orifice in which perforations corresponding to the set flow rate are arranged concentrically is used, and the flow rate setting knob is rotated to adjust the flow rate to a predetermined flow rate. When the rotary shaft is operated using the flow rate setting knob, two orifices provided on the disk-shaped plate are selected. The gas supplied from the pressure adjusting means passes through the two orifices and is rectified into two flow rates. Each passes through a different flow path and is connected to an automatic opening valve and a flow path switching valve for tuning and continuous use.
The pressure sensor 8 is a respiration sensor provided downstream of the apparatus, which detects synchronized breathing, that is, breathing of the user, opens the automatic open / close valve only during inspiration and supplies oxygen, and stops oxygen supply during expiration. Thus, the pressure fluctuations of the user's inspiration and expiration are detected, and the controller 10 controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 6. In addition to the pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow rate sensor, and the like can be used as the respiration sensor.
The two flow paths merge on the downstream side of the automatic opening valve and the flow path switching valve, and the gas is supplied to the patient through a gas supply means such as a pressure sensor that is a pressure detection means and a cannula.
Switching between continuous and synchronous is performed by a manual switching valve provided downstream, and is closed by turning off the electromagnetic valve, which is an automatic on-off valve that supplies synchronous flow, and is a manual valve that is a continuous flow supply channel By opening the, continuous flow can be supplied. Even if the supply amount is increased due to the deterioration of the patient's health, the apparatus is abnormal, the battery of the tuner is consumed, etc., the oxygen can be continuously supplied manually.
2 will be described in more detail with reference to a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow rate adjusting means. The flow rate adjusting means includes a rotary shaft 21 that is connected to the flow rate setting knob 5 and can be positioned at a predetermined angle, and includes an orifice plate 22 that is a disk-like plate that is mounted coaxially with the rotary shaft, and a flow rate scale. It has a flow rate setting knob, and the orifice plate 22 is provided with perforations (orifices) for rectifying the flow rate. For example, a flow rate value of 8 points can be set when the plate is rotated at an angle of 45 degrees and the flow path through the orifice is switched, and a flow rate value of 12 points can be set when the plate is switched at a rotation angle of 30 degrees.
Two orifice plates 22 can be provided to rectify the flow rate for supplying a continuous flow for emergency and the flow rate for tuning. As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable to use a single disk and to have an emergency orifice 23 and a tuning orifice 24 on different circle diameters around the rotation axis. The flow rate adjusting means is preferably integrated with the pressure regulating valve 3 in order to reduce the flow path volume in which the residual pressure remains in the apparatus as much as possible.
Oxygen supplied from a nozzle 25 provided in the flow path housing 20 and connected to the pressure regulating valve is provided in an orifice plate 22, and is provided with tuning orifices 24 provided in different concentric circles around the rotation shaft 21. The flow rate is controlled by selecting the orifice 23 for continuous use (emergency). Further, the tuning flow path is connected to the electromagnetic valve 7 via the tuning flow side nozzle outlet 27, and the continuous flow path is connected to the manual valve 6 via the continuous flow side nozzle outlet 26.
When using an oxygen cylinder, how to save consumption is an important factor in determining the usage time of the cylinder, and oxygen is supplied only during inspiration in synchronization with the user's breath using a demand regulator. ing. In general, the ratio of the inspiratory time to the expiratory time in one breath is said to be 1: 2, and it becomes possible to save 1/3 by supplying oxygen only during the inspiratory time. On the other hand, even when oxygen is supplied during the inspiration time, the administered oxygen does not reach the alveoli, which is the site of oxygen absorption, during the second half of inspiration, and is substantially inhaled from the alveoli. Only oxygen administered. Therefore, when the administration oxygen amount in the first half of the inspiration is converted, it is possible to further reduce 1/2 of the continuous flow and to administer 1/6 of the continuous flow.
On the other hand, when oxygen is supplied in a continuous flow, oxygen is supplied even during exhalation, and the administered oxygen is exhausted together with exhalation. However, the oxygen administered when the air flow at the end of exhalation weakens stays in the nasal cavity and is inhaled at the start of the next inspiration, so oxygen administered at the end of exhalation is also absorbed from the alveoli and becomes oxygenated blood Working effectively. In addition, it is desirable to complete the oxygen administration within the first half (1/2) of the inspiratory time that contributes to oxygenation, but when a high flow of oxygen is administered in a short time, irritation to the nasal cavity of the user, It is necessary to consider discomfort. Therefore, in the device of the present invention, administration of oxygen at a flow rate of 1/3 to 1/5 of the continuous flow is completed within the first half of the inhalation time, preferably within the first half of the inhalation time. Complete dosing within time.
In oxygen inhalation therapy, the doctor prescribes the oxygen inhalation amount of the user based on the results of various tests such as measurement of arterial blood oxygen saturation and the exercise load test in advance. The oxygen inhalation amount is often prescribed at 0.25 LPM to 7 LPM, and when an oxygen cylinder is used, the demand regulator needs to cover a wide administration region from such a low flow rate to a high flow rate.
For high flow rate, the base flow rate is set high so that the first half of inhalation can be administered, and the low flow rate side makes the base flow rate low and the valve opening time is secured at least 30 msec. Need to fit. Furthermore, in the medium flow rate range such as 3 LPM used by most people, it is necessary to suppress the stimulation at the time of oxygen administration so as not to be uncomfortable as much as possible.
Further, in the present invention, the base flow rate of the tuned flow is divided into a plurality of groups of flow rates in which the flow rate of the breathing gas flowing through the tuned flow side orifice corresponding to the set flow rate value of the flow rate setting means is a constant ratio to the set flow rate. In the same section, control means for controlling the opening / closing of the automatic opening / closing valve with the same opening time is provided.
For example, in the region of 0.25-7 LPM generally used for oxygen inhalation therapy, it is classified into 4 categories such as 1 LPM or less, 1 to 3 LPM, 3 LPM or more, 3 divisions, 1 LPM or less, 1 to 2 LPM, 2 to 4 LPM, 4 LPM or more, Set the orifice diameter so that the flow rate of the breathing gas flowing through the orifice on the tuned flow side corresponding to the set flow rate value in the section is a constant ratio so that the opening time of the automatic open / close valve is the same in the same section .
In the synchronous control in the flow rate classification of the present invention, since it is divided into a plurality of groups of flow rates having a constant ratio with respect to the set flow rate, it suffices to detect which set flow rate range and detect all flow rate set values. This eliminates the need for expensive detection means such as a rotary encoder and a potentiometer, and reduces the risk of false detection.
As a means for detecting the flow rate setting value of the flow rate adjusting means of the present invention, an apparatus having a cam 30 and two limit switches SW1, SW2 mounted on the rotating shaft 21 of the flow rate adjusting means as shown in FIG. 3 is adopted. I can do it.
When the user operates the flow rate setting knob, the rotary valve rotates to select an orifice through which a desired flow rate flows. At the same time, a limit switch is operated by a cam synchronized with the rotary valve, and the flow rate classification can be recognized by an electric signal. The cam can be provided in a flow rate setting knob or a rotary valve.
When two limit switches as shown in FIG. 3 are used, four signals 00, 01, 10, and 11 can be obtained by the ON / OFF signal, and the flow rate setting signals of the four regions as shown in Table 1 can be obtained. Can be used for detection. The limit switch 1 (SW1) has a B contact specification, and the switch 2 (SW2) has an A contact specification.

When three limit switches are used, an eight-position flow rate setting signal of a combination of “000” to “111” can be detected based on the same principle.
The position detection mechanism of the flow rate setting knob of the breathing synchronizer according to the present invention is arranged so that the detection switch follows the cam portion of the flow rate setting knob with reference to the center of the flow rate setting knob, as is apparent from the layout shown in FIG. Has been. At this time, it is possible to limit the detection range for the set flow rate by shifting the arrangement of the individual detection switches.
FIG. 4 schematically shows the rotation of the cam mechanism accompanying the rotation of the flow rate setting knob and the ON / OFF state of the limit switch. The cam rotates, and the limit switch is turned ON / OFF sequentially, so that a signal for the set flow rate at 4 positions can be obtained. As described above, the flow rate set value can be detected by a simple and inexpensive means such as a cam and a limit switch linked to the flow rate setting knob.
Using the respiratory tuned gas supply apparatus provided with the flow rate adjusting means described in the above embodiment, the tuned control by the four flow rate classification will be described with reference to Table 2.
The flow rate setting value is 6 points, and the device can set 6 point flow rate of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 LPM between the minimum flow rate of 0.5 LPM and the maximum flow rate of 7 LPM. And The flow rate is divided into 0.5 LPM as the low flow region 1, 1 to 2 LPM as the medium flow region 2, 3 LPM as the region 3, and 5 to 7 LPM as the high flow region 4.
The base flow rate of the tuned flow is a constant multiple of the continuous flow, 10 times the continuous flow in region 1, 5 times the continuous flow in region 2, 3 times the continuous flow in region 3, and 2 times the continuous flow in region 4. Thus, the orifice diameter of the tuned flow was set. The base flow rate ratio determines the flow rate ratio so that the oxygen administration can be completed within the first 3/4 of the time of inhalation of breathing, particularly within the time of 1/2. In order to suppress wind pressure stimulation to the nostrils in the low flow rate region, it is preferable to suppress the magnification to about 2 to 3 times.
The region detection region of region 1, region 2, region 3, and region 4 is detected by the setting detection mechanism of the flow rate adjusting means including the cam mechanism and limit switch shown in FIG. 3, and the valve opening time of the automatic opening / closing valve is controlled. As a result, it becomes possible to administer oxygen with a saving rate of 4 times (1/4 of the continuous flow rate) within the first half of the inhalation time in the regions 1 to 3 and within 3/4 of the first half of the region 4.

As described above, in order to control the desired flow rate at the time of tuning with the flow rate setting dial provided in the emergency mode continuous flow path, it is necessary to set and recognize the electrical signal of the set flow rate value, for example, with a rotary switch etc. In an emergency mode such as battery exhaustion, the solenoid valve does not operate, so the flow path switching valve must be manually changed.
Since oxygen is a gas with a very high flame retardant property, safety is taken into consideration.When the demand regulator is used, the main valve of the oxygen cylinder is closed and the high-pressure gas oxygen remaining in the demand regulator It is desirable to open Therefore, when the power supply of the denmand regulator is turned off, the high pressure gas oxygen remaining is opened by opening the solenoid valve, and the main plug of the oxygen cylinder is opened by the pressure sensor installed downstream of the solenoid valve. There has also been proposed a demand regulator capable of issuing an alarm when detected (described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-262620). When switching from the tuning mode to the continuous mode by bypassing the solenoid valve in an emergency, there is a method of switching the flow path switching valve, but the switching means is generally provided independently of the power ON / OFF switch. (Patent Document 2). When the continuous mode is selected, it is preferable to turn off the power because it is not necessary to control the tuning mode (opening / closing of the solenoid valve, etc.), but when the switching means is independent of the power ON / OFF switch. Each requires an electrical detection means such as a limit switch, and a switch operation part (lever, etc.) must be provided for each, which is expensive and small in size required for equipment.・ It also becomes an obstacle to weight reduction. In particular, when switching to the continuous mode in an emergency, it is preferable that there is a switching means at a position that is easy for the user to understand, and it is preferable that it is integrated with a power ON / OFF switch.
Many denmand regulators have a pressure sensor installed downstream of the solenoid valve with the oxygen cylinder main valve open to prevent forgetting to close the oxygen cylinder main valve when the device power is turned off. It has a function of detecting and issuing an alarm, and such a device also has the following problems. That is, when the continuous mode is selected, there is no need to control breathing detection or opening / closing of the solenoid valve used in the tuning mode, and the apnea that is generally provided in demand regulators to prevent battery consumption. Turn off the demand regulator to stop the alarm (alarm that is triggered when breathing is not detected in tuned mode. It is triggered when there is continuous oxygen flow because breathing cannot be detected.) In this case, however, it is detected by the pressure sensor that the main valve of the oxygen cylinder is in an open state, and although it is not necessary, an alarm is issued and the user is confused.
Such a problem can be solved by the solutions described in the following 12) to 18).
12) In a breath-synchronized gas supply device that supplies breathing gas in synchronization with the user's breathing, a means for detecting the breathing of the user, and an automatic supply of breathing gas in synchronization with breathing based on the breathing detection result Opening valve, equipped with a flow path switching valve for continuous supply without being synchronized with the user's breathing in the event of an emergency. A breathing tuned gas supply apparatus comprising one switching means for integrally switching a continuous mode to be supplied and power ON / OFF.
13) A continuous mode in which the switching means includes a cam mechanism and a limit switch for detecting tuning mode selection, and is a power ON operation, switching to a tuning mode, power ON, switching to power OFF, and operation of a flow path switching valve. The respiratory tuned gas supply device as described in 12) above, wherein the switching valve is switched.
14) The means for detecting the user's breath is a pressure sensor, the automatic opening / closing valve is an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes in synchronization with the breath based on the detection result of the pressure sensor, and the flow path switching valve is the switching means. The respiratory tuned gas supply device as described in 13) above, which is a mechanical valve operated by
15) The respiration according to 14) above, wherein when the power supply OFF is selected by the switching means, the automatic opening valve is opened, and an alarm is issued when the pressure is detected by the pressure sensor. Tuned gas supply device.
16) The breathing tuned gas supply characterized in that the switching means includes a limit switch for detecting the continuous mode selection, and the alarm described in 15) is stopped when the continuous mode is selected following the selection of the power OFF. apparatus.
17) In a breath-synchronized gas supply device that supplies a breathing gas in synchronization with the user's breathing, a pressure sensor that detects the breathing of the user, and an automatic release valve that supplies the breathing gas in synchronism with the user's breathing In emergency, a flow path switching valve for supplying continuously without synchronizing with the user's breathing, a switch for turning on / off the power, a tuning mode for supplying breathing gas in synchronization with the user's breathing And a switching means for switching the continuous mode to be continuously supplied in an emergency, when the power is turned off, the automatic opening valve is opened, and a warning is issued when pressure is detected by the pressure sensor, A breathing tuned gas supply apparatus comprising a control means for stopping the alarm when a continuous mode is selected following selection of power OFF.
18) The breathing tuned gas supply apparatus according to 17) above, wherein the switching means includes a cam mechanism and a limit switch for detecting continuous mode selection.
According to such a breath tuned gas supply device, it is possible to switch between the tuned mode, the continuous mode continuously supplied in an emergency, and the power ON / OFF with one switching means, and an unnecessary alarm at the time of continuous mode switching. This makes it possible to prevent breathing, and it is possible to provide a breath-tuned gas supply device equipped with an easy-to-understand alarm that is inexpensive, compact and lightweight, easy to use in an emergency.
The switching means is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. The switching means includes a rotary operation lever 50, and includes a cam 51 interlocking with the operation lever rotating shaft, a limit switch 52 corresponding to the tuning mode, and a limit switch 53 corresponding to the continuous mode, and a flow path switching which is a manual valve. The valve 54 is installed in a range where it can be operated.
FIG. 5 is a diagram when the tuning mode is selected with the rotary operation lever, and the cam mechanism 51 interlocked with the operation lever 50 turns on the limit switch 52 on the tuning mode side. The control unit 10 (FIG. 1) detects that the limit switch is turned on, turns on the power supply 11, detects the user's respiration with the pressure sensor 8, and automatically supplies oxygen during inspiration in synchronization with respiration. The tuning mode for opening and closing the solenoid valve 7 which is an on-off valve is controlled.
FIG. 7 is a diagram when the continuous mode is selected with the rotary operation lever. The cam mechanism 51 turns on the limit switch 53 on the continuous mode side and switches the flow path switching valve 54, which is a mechanical valve, to the continuous side. .
As described above, by providing the cam mechanism as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, it is possible to switch between the tuning mode, the continuous mode continuously supplied in an emergency, and the power ON / OFF with one switching means. It becomes. This makes it possible to configure a demand regulator that is inexpensive, small and lightweight, and easy to use in an emergency.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the relationship between limit switch ON / OFF and alarm operation.
When the power OFF is selected (FIG. 6), when the limit switch on the tuning mode side is turned OFF and the signal reaches the control unit, the automatic open / close valve (solenoid valve) is temporarily opened to perform the pressure release operation. . At this time, if the pressure sensor continues to detect pressure, it can be determined that the main valve of the oxygen cylinder is open and an alarm can be issued. After the alarm is issued, the alarm is stopped after a certain period of time, and the power is turned off with the solenoid valve closed. This prompts the user to close the main plug of the oxygen cylinder and forcibly stops the release of oxygen to prevent the oxygen cylinder from becoming empty.
Moreover, by providing a limit switch corresponding to the continuous mode (FIG. 7, however, it is not necessary to be integrated with the power switch as shown in FIG. 7), it is judged that the main valve of the oxygen cylinder is open and an alarm is issued. If the continuous mode is selected even in the state where the alarm is issued, the control unit detects that the limit switch on the continuous side is turned on by the cam mechanism, and the alarm is stopped. Can do. This makes it possible to provide a breath-tuned gas supply device equipped with an easy-to-understand alarm that does not generate an unnecessary alarm when the continuous mode is switched.

  The respiratory tuned gas supply device of the present invention extends the usable time of an oxygen cylinder used in oxygen inhalation therapy for patients suffering from respiratory organ diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis as much as possible. It is used as a breath-synchronized gas supply device (demand regulator) that supplies the patient in synchronism with the patient's breathing pattern.

1. Oxygen cylinder, 2. Original valve, 3. 3. Pressure regulating valve, 4. Coaxial variable orifice, 5. Flow rate setting knob, 6. solenoid valve; Manual valve, 8. Pressure sensor, 9. Cannula, 10. Control unit, 11. Operation switch, 20. Channel housing, 21. Rotating shaft (connected to the flow setting knob), 22. Orifice plate, 23. Orifice (continuous flow), 24. Orifice (tuned flow), 25. Nozzle (connected to pressure regulating valve), 26. Nozzle (continuous flow side outlet, connected to manual valve), 27. Nozzle (tuned flow side outlet, connected to solenoid valve), 30. Cam, SW1. Limit switch 1, SW2. Limit switch 2, 50. Operation lever, 51. Cam mechanism, 52. Limit switch (tuned mode side), 53. Limit switch (continuous mode side), 54. Flow path switching valve

Claims (6)

In a breath tuned gas supply device that supplies breathing gas in synchronization with a user's breath, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate to a desired flow rate by the user, a pressure detecting means for detecting the user's breath, An automatic opening / closing valve for supplying a breathing gas in synchronization with respiration based on a respiration detection result, and a flow path switching valve for continuously supplying the respiration gas without being synchronized with the user's respiration,
The flow rate adjusting means has a rotary shaft that can be positioned at a fixed angle for each set flow rate value, and an orifice having a diameter corresponding to the flow rate set value of the flow rate setting means on a concentric circle on a disk attached to the rotary shaft A rotary valve with a disc with
The flow rate of the breathing gas flowing through the orifice on the tuned flow side corresponding to the set flow rate value of the flow rate setting means is divided into a plurality of groups of flow rates having a constant ratio with respect to the set flow rate. A respiratory tuned gas supply device comprising control means for controlling opening and closing of the automatic opening and closing valve.   The flow rate adjusting means has a rotary shaft that can be positioned at a fixed angle for each set flow rate value, and a plurality of concentric circles on a disk attached to the rotary shaft, according to the flow rate set value of the flow rate setting means. A rotary valve having a disk with an orifice of a different diameter, the flow path of the orifice arranged on one concentric circle to the flow rate switching valve supplying a continuous flow, and the flow of the orifice arranged on the other concentric circle 2. The respiratory tuned gas supply device according to claim 1, wherein the passage includes a conduit connected to the automatic opening / closing valve for supplying the tuned flow.   The respiration according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate of the breathing gas supplied in synchronized flow per breath is 1/3 to 1/5 of the continuous flow, and is supplied within the first half of the inhalation time. Tuned gas supply device.   The respiration according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate of the breathing gas supplied in synchronized flow per breath is 1/3 to 1/5 of the continuous flow and is supplied within the first half of the inspiration time. Tuned gas supply device.   The group of the plurality of groups having the constant ratio is four sections, and two limit switches mounted on a rotating shaft of the flow rate adjusting unit are provided as a flow rate setting value detection unit of the flow rate adjusting unit. Respiratory synchronized gas supply device.   The respiratory tuned gas supply device according to claim 1, wherein the constant ratio is in a range of 2 to 10 times the set flow rate.

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