JPH01221170A - Gas feed device for respiration - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the feed of gas for respiration even when respiration of a user is weakened, by providing an automatic opening and closing valve which is operable according to a respiration cycle. CONSTITUTION:Oxygen concentrated gas produced from a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrating device 1 is discharged through a nose cannula 7 after passing a conduit means 5 having a cushion tank 2, an automatic opening closing means 3, and a cushion tank 4. A time T between a point of suction starting time and a point of suction starting time of a respiration cycle right before the former point of suction starting time is measured by a respiration cycle length measuring means 20, and a given time T1 from a memory means 22 and the time T are compared with each other by means of a comparing means 24. When T exceeds T1, the valve 3 is opened in succession by a time T2 through a memory means 32 for a continuous feed time T2 set by an external input means 34 by means of a valve opening and closing means 30 to continuously feed oxygen concentrated gas. After lapse of the time T2, the valve 3 is closed, and when a subsequent point of suction starting time is not detected during the time T1, similarly the valve 3 is opened upon lapse of the time T1 and brought into a continuously opened state by the time T2, and the above cycle is orderly repeated until a new point of suction starting time is detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a breathing gas supply device equipped with an automatic opening/closing valve that can operate according to the breathing cycle.

Particularly preferred is an oxygen-enriched gas supply device using a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator, which is equipped with an automatic opening/closing valve that can operate according to the breathing cycle.

<Prior art> Conventionally, oxygen therapy has been performed for patients with respiratory diseases by inhaling oxygen from an oxygen cylinder. Since oxygen concentrators were developed and put into practical use, oxygen therapy using them has gradually become popular.

Such oxygen concentrators can be roughly divided into adsorption type oxygen concentrators, such as pressure-fluctuation type oxygen concentrators, which repeat adsorption and desorption by varying the pressure in an adsorption column filled with an adsorbent such as zeolite that easily adsorbs nitrogen; There are two types of model oxygen concentrators using permselective membranes.

When supplying oxygen-enriched gas obtained from these oxygen concentrators to patients with respiratory diseases, it is usually continuously introduced into the patient's nostrils through a nasal cannula installed at the tip of a tube extending from the concentrator. The method will be adopted.

In addition, an even more improved supply method is to be able to supply oxygen-enriched gas only during inhalation in response to the patient's breathing cycle, thereby preventing wasteful release of oxygen-enriched gas and increasing efficiency. A method has been proposed (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-8972).

<Objective of the Invention> The present invention provides a breathing gas supply device equipped with an automatic opening/closing valve that can operate according to the breathing cycle, which has improved safety and can sufficiently respond to abnormalities in breathing of a patient. The purpose is to provide a device that

Breathing with excellent functionality that can strengthen and ensure the safety of the patient's breathing by reliably supplying breathing gas to the patient's nasal cavity, especially when the patient's breathing becomes temporarily weak. The purpose of this invention is to provide a gas supply device for use.

<Structure of the Invention> The breathing gas supply device of the present invention includes a breathing gas generating means, one end communicating with the breathing gas generating means, and an open supplying means for the breathing gas at the other end. llJ conduit means having an on-off valve means, a breathing phase detection means having a function of detecting at least a part of a predetermined phase in respiration, and opening/closing of the automatic on-off valve means based on the detection result of the detection means. In a respiratory gas supply device equipped with a control means for controlling, when the detection means detects the predetermined phase and does not detect the predetermined phase after a predetermined time T + the number of hours elapsed,
The control means causes the automatic opening/closing valve means to operate for the predetermined time T+.
Some devices are characterized by being opened continuously after a certain period of time has elapsed.

Roughly speaking, the breathing gas supply device of the present invention includes a breathing gas generating means, one end communicating with the breathing gas generating means and the other end communicating with the breathing gas supplying means, and an automatic opening/closing valve means in the middle. a conduit means having a respiration phase detecting means having a function of detecting at least a part of a predetermined phase in respiration, and controlling the opening and closing of the automatic opening/closing valve means based on the detection result of the detecting means. In the respiratory gas supply apparatus, when the detection means does not detect the predetermined phase after a predetermined time T+time after detecting the predetermined phase, the control means automatically controls the The opening/closing valve means is operated for the predetermined time T1.
After the elapse of time, the automatic opening/closing valve means is closed after being continuously opened for a predetermined time fil T2, and if the predetermined phase is detected by the detection means during the predetermined time T3, the detection result of the detection means is determined. If the predetermined phase is not detected during the predetermined time T3, then the predetermined time is reached! ! Also included are those characterized in that the automatic opening/closing means is continuously opened during 11 T4.

Preferably, these devices include those in which the breathing gas is oxygen or an oxygen-enriched gas, and the means for generating oxygen is an oxygen concentrator, an oxygen cylinder, or a liquid oxygen storage tank. In particular, one using a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator as a generating means can be advantageously used in practice.

The open-type supply means in the present invention is one that supplies breathing gas to the patient's nostrils and mouth in an unsealed state, that is, in a state that is open to the atmosphere, and includes, for example, a nasal cannula.

The automatic opening/closing means is a DC excitation type solenoid valve.

AC-excited solenoid valves, air-operated automatic valves, pilot-operated solenoid valves, etc. are preferable, and among them, DC-excited solenoid valves, air-operated automatic valves, pilot-operated solenoid valves, etc. are preferable because the iron core moves slowly. It has a long life and generates little noise during operation, which is more preferable in terms of noise reduction. In particular, a DC excited type solenoid valve is practical.

The respiratory phase detection means may be of any type as long as it can detect exhalation and exhalation cycles during breathing. A specific example is the pressure associated with airflow in the expiratory and inspiratory passages.

Examples include means for detecting values that change based on respiration, such as temperature and humidity. In addition, there is also a method based on gas flow characteristics such as a fluid logic element.

Detection means based on pressure include those that detect pressure fluctuations and those that measure pressure itself.The former is preferred from a practical standpoint, and in particular, one that detects the rate of change in pressure is effective in increasing sensitivity. It is valid. Examples of means for detecting pressure fluctuations include pressure fluctuation detection means using a diaphragm or the like in a conduit having an opening in the nostril, which is a passage through which exhaled and inhaled air passes. Some diaphragm-type micro-pressure fluctuation detection means use metal materials such as stainless steel, but there are also diaphragm-type micro-pressure fluctuation detection means that use a metal material such as stainless steel. An example is one in which a polymer film surface-treated with a conductive substance is used as a diaphragm to measure pressure or differential pressure by changing capacitance. In particular, in the case of a detection means using such a polymer film as a diaphragm, it is suitable for detecting fluctuations in slight pressure and differential pressure of several layers AQ. Note that the conduit that communicates with the space on one side of the diaphragm and whose other end opens at the nostril may be provided separately from the conduit means for supplying breathing gas to the nostril, but it may have both functions. may be provided in a single conduit means.

As a means for detecting temperature fluctuations, a temperature sensing member such as a thermocouple is placed in the exhalation and inhalation passages, that is, in the respiratory airflow. Furthermore, an example of a means for detecting humidity fluctuations is one using a hygrometer.

Among these, the pressure fluctuation detection means is convenient because it can detect the fluctuation at a position remote from the respiratory airflow such as the nostril, and in particular, the conduit means for detecting pressure fluctuation is used for supplying breathing gas. It has the advantage of being common to conduit means.

At least some of the predetermined phases in respiration detected by such a respiration phase detection means include the start of inhalation, the start of exhalation, and the like. Particularly, a device in which the start of inspiration is detected as a predetermined phase is advantageous in practical terms, since the breathing gas can be stably supplied in accordance with the intake.

In normal operation, the breathing gas supply device of the present invention opens and closes the automatic opening/closing valve means V provided in the middle of the breathing gas supply conduit based on the detection result by the breathing phase detection means. Breathing gas is supplied intermittently during part of the inhalation phase.

A feature of the device of the present invention is that if, while using the device, the user's breathing temporarily weakens or the respiratory detection means disengages, it becomes impossible to detect the phase in the breathing cycle. The present invention is provided with a means for preventing the automatic opening/closing valve means V in the middle of the gas supply conduit means from remaining closed and making it impossible to supply breathing gas from the conduit means.

That is, the feature of one example of the breathing gas supply device according to the present invention is that after the above-mentioned breathing phase detection means detects a predetermined phase such as the start of inspiration, a predetermined time T + elapsed time, the next breathing cycle starts. If the predetermined phase is not detected, the automatic opening/closing valve means 611
11 means to automatically and continuously open the valve. FIG. 2 (ω shows the opening and closing of the valve means (2) over time in such an embodiment.

The predetermined time T1 may be set, for example, as a constant value in the control means of the device (or, depending on the case, the set value may be changed by external input means).

In addition, as a specific mode of control, for example, in the control means, a predetermined time Tl is memorized, a time fllT is measured between the detection of a predetermined phase in each of a certain breathing cycle and the next breathing cycle, and T+ and T are compared. Here are some things you can do.

Further, as another aspect of the breathing gas supply device of the present invention, after the above-described continuous supply after the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the automatic opening/closing valve means (2) is closed, and then the breathing gas is stopped for a predetermined time T3. A device characterized by comprising a control means for opening and closing a normal automatic opening/closing valve means (■) based on the detection result of the detection means when a predetermined phase is detected by the phase detection means. can give.

In general, if the predetermined phase is not detected by the respiratory phase detection means during the predetermined time T3, after the predetermined time T3 has elapsed, the automatic opening/closing valve V is opened for a predetermined time T4 to continuously perform breathing. Examples include devices characterized by supplying gas. In this case, T1, T3 and T2
~T4 may be different, but it is more practical if they are the same. In such a device, from the time when the predetermined open phase is no longer detected at time T1 until the next time when the predetermined phase is detected, a cycle of continuous supply for 12 times and then continuous stop for 1 m Ta is automatically performed. A device equipped with a control means for the automatic opening/closing valve V for repeated operation is practically advantageous in that it satisfies both the safety of the user and the reduction in consumption of breathing gas.

Incidentally, the predetermined times T2, Ta, and T4 may be either fixed types or variable types whose settings can be changed by external input means, similarly to the above-mentioned predetermined time T1. Although their lengths can be selected as appropriate, it is usually preferable for the predetermined time T2 to be longer than the predetermined time T3 for safety reasons.

Also, it is advantageous to have a means to reduce the supply flow rate when switching to continuous supply because it can reduce the amount of breathing gas consumed while still ensuring the required amount of breathing gas. Especially in the case of an adsorption type oxygen concentrator, there is an advantage that it is easy to maintain a high oxygen concentration.

As a specific means for this purpose, for example, a bypass means equipped with a flow path restricting means such as an orifice and an automatic opening/closing valve means (1) is used for the automatic rM for chipping operation in the conduit means from the generation means to the open type supply means. The conduit means provided on the downstream or upstream side of the leap valve means (1) and between the inlet and outlet of the bypass means may be provided with another automatic opening/closing valve means v2. That is, in this case, these automatic opening/closing valves are restricted by the control means so that when (1) is opened continuously, T2 is closed and T1 is open. In addition, in the case of normal operation where ■ opens and closes in accordance with the breathing cycle, it is necessary to keep T2 open and V+ closed.

Furthermore, it is practically advantageous to provide a humidifying means for humidifying the breathing gas passing through the bypass means.

FIG. 1 shows one example of a preferred embodiment of the breathing gas supply device of the present invention. The oxygen enriched gas obtained from the pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator 1, which is a means for generating breathing gas, is transferred to a cushion tank 2. Automatic opening/closing valve means 3. It is discharged from a nasal cannula 7, which is an open delivery means, through a conduit means 5 with a cushion tank 4.

The respiratory phase detection means 9 equipped with a diaphragm-type micro-pressure fluctuation sensor installed at a branch from the conduit means 5 converts pressure fluctuations during respiration into fluctuations in capacitance, and the conversion circuit 12 in the control means 10 converts the electrostatic The variation in capacitance is converted into a variation in the electrical pulse signal, and the electrical pulse signal is converted into a signal of the number of pulses per unit time by the counting circuit 14.

Using the digital signal obtained in this manner, the amount of variation of the digital signal with respect to time, that is, the differential value, is calculated in the intake start point detection means 16 in the CPU 11 such as a microcomputer, and the value is determined as a predetermined value. If it is larger than the value, it is detected as the starting point of inspiration. The predetermined value is set by the intake air detection sensitivity setting storage means 18, and preferably can be set by external input.

ll[IT between this inspiration start time and the inspiration start time in the immediately preceding breathing cycle is measured by the breathing cycle length measuring means 20, and the predetermined time fil T + and time are stored from the storage means 22 of the predetermined time T+ by external input. T is compared by comparison means 24.

If T is not larger than T1, the basic time To for opening the on-off valve 3 is determined by the calculation means 26, and the extra time α input by the external input means 27 is added to determine the valve opening time determination means. 28 determines the opening time of the on-off valve 3 (
To+α) is determined, and the valve opening/closing means 30 opens and closes the valve 3 in each breathing cycle.

In addition, in the calculation means 26, for example, the time [I
Although T o may be obtained, it may also be obtained by simply multiplying the time of one previous cycle by ⅓.

The value of N is selected from the range of 1 to 10, for example.

If T is larger than T1, the continuous supply time T2 set by the external input means 34 is stored in the storage means 32,
The valve 3 is continuously opened for a time T2 by the valve opening/closing means 30, and oxygen enriched gas is continuously supplied.

After the valve 3 is closed when the time T2 has elapsed, if the detection of the next intake start point is not obtained during the time T1, the valve 3 is opened when the time fifl T + has elapsed in the same way as above.
2 will be kept open continuously. Thereafter, the cycle is sequentially repeated until there is a new detection at the time of the start of inspiration.

In addition, after closing the valve 3 when the time T2 has elapsed, if the next intake start point is detected within the time T1, the previously stored time To+α is used to open and close the valve 3 normally. is started.

FIG. 2(b) shows the automatic opening/closing valve means 3 in this embodiment.
This figure shows the opening and closing states of the door over time.

In FIG. 1, it is preferable that the cushion tank 2 is also used as a cushion tank provided on the downstream side of the adsorption bed when the generation means is a pressure fluctuation adsorption oxygen enricher.
Providing it separately makes it easier to supply a slightly larger amount of gas only at the start of inspiration, which is advantageous for the patient's breathing. Further, although the cushion 4 does not have to be provided, it is preferable to provide it because it eliminates sudden fluctuations in the gas flow and reduces discomfort when breathing.

As a specific example of a preferred embodiment of the breathing gas generating means of the present invention, one or more adsorbent beds filled with an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen gas are provided, and the adsorbent bed is filled with a pressurized atmosphere. compressor means for inlet of oxygen-enriched air, and conduit means within the enricher for extracting oxygen-enriched air from the adsorbent bed and passing it to an outlet, wherein one or more adsorbent beds are arranged singly or One example is a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen enricher that is operated so as to alternately repeat cycles of pressurization and depressurization. It is desirable that any means for generating oxygen-enriched gas has means for regulating the flow of oxygen-enriched air to be used. In this case, for example, a flow 1 setting means that has a plurality of openings with different hole diameters and selects one of the openings to set the flow rate, and a normal rotameter-type flowmeter, facilitates the flow rate setting. In addition, the flow state of the gas can be easily confirmed, which is advantageous in practice.

In the case of the present invention, since the supply of breathing gas is intermittent during normal operation, there is little need to use a special humidifier.

<Effects of the Invention> The breathing gas supply device of the present invention is equipped with an automatic opening/closing valve that can operate according to the breathing cycle, and can reliably supply breathing gas even when the user's breathing weakens. It has excellent effects.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 schematically shows one example of a preferred embodiment of the respiratory gas supply device of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows over time the opening and closing states of the automatic opening/closing valve means that operates according to the breathing cycle in the breathing gas supply device of the present invention. No. A C Symphony Orchestra 1

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A breathing gas generating means, a conduit means having one end communicating with the breathing gas generating means, the other end having an open supply means for the breathing gas, and an automatic opening/closing valve means midway; A respiratory gas supply comprising: a respiratory phase detection means having a function of detecting a certain predetermined phase; and a control means for controlling opening and closing of the automatic opening/closing valve means based on the detection result of the detection means. In the apparatus, when the detection means detects the predetermined phase and the next predetermined phase is not detected by the elapse of the predetermined time T_1, the automatic opening/closing valve means is controlled by the control means to detect the predetermined phase when the predetermined time T_1 has elapsed. A breathing gas supply device characterized in that the device is configured to open continuously at a later stage. (2) A breathing gas generating means, a conduit means having one end communicating with the breathing gas generating means, the other end having an open supply means for the breathing gas, and an automatic opening/closing valve means midway; A respiratory gas supply comprising: a respiratory phase detection means having a function of detecting a certain predetermined phase; and a control means for controlling opening and closing of the automatic opening/closing valve means based on the detection result of the detection means. In the apparatus, when the detection means detects the predetermined phase and the next predetermined phase is not detected by the elapse of a predetermined time T_1, the control means controls the automatic opening/closing valve means for the predetermined time T_1. After the passage of time, the automatic opening/closing valve means is closed after being continuously opened for a predetermined time T_2, and if the predetermined phase is detected by the detecting means during the predetermined time T_3, the automatic opening/closing valve means is opened continuously for a predetermined time T_2. The automatic opening/closing means is operated to open and close, and if the predetermined phase is not detected within the predetermined time T_3, the predetermined time T_3 elapses.
A breathing gas supply device characterized in that the automatic opening/closing means is continuously opened for a period of _4. (3) A breathing gas generating means, a conduit means having one end communicating with the breathing gas generating means, the other end having an open supply means for the breathing gas, and an automatic opening/closing valve means midway; A respiratory gas supply comprising: a respiratory phase detection means having a function of detecting a certain predetermined phase; and a control means for controlling opening and closing of the automatic opening/closing valve means based on the detection result of the detection means. In the apparatus, when the detection means detects the predetermined phase and the next predetermined phase is not detected by the elapse of the predetermined time T_1, the automatic opening/closing valve means is controlled by the control means after the predetermined time T_1 has elapsed. The automatic opening/closing valve means is continuously opened, and when the detecting means detects the predetermined phase, the opening/closing control of the automatic opening/closing valve means is resumed based on the detection result of the detecting means. Breathing gas supply device. (4) The breathing gas supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the breathing gas generating means is a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator.