JPH11398A - Oxygen concentrating device for oxygen therapy - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an oxygen concentrator for oxygen therapy, such that installation and removal of a humidifier part are made easier. SOLUTION: In an oxygen concentrating device A for oxygen therapy, which comprtses a concentrated oxygen gas generator 1, a humidifier 2 for humidification, and an oxygen supply port through which the concentrated oxygen gas humidified is put to use, and in which the generator and the oxygen supply port are placed on the main body 1A side of the oxygen concentrating device while the humidifier is freely removably attached to the main body part, the humidifier has a lid part 21 and a container part 22 storing humidifying water, and the lid part has at its top a communicating part which, when the humidifier is mounted in the main body part, communicates with the gas releasing part 11 of the generator placed on the main body part and with the gas taking part of the oxygen supply port. The lid part has at its top a freelyrotating engaging piece 2c which, when the humidifier is mounted in the main body part, is freely removably engaged with an engaging part 4 placed on the main body part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for generating oxygen-enriched gas used as oxygen therapy for a patient with chronic respiratory failure (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a patient), that is, an oxygen concentrator for oxygen therapy. (Hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as an oxygen concentrator).

More specifically, the present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator having a structure in which a humidifier, which is an important component of the oxygen concentrator, can be handled safely and easily.

More specifically, the present invention has a structure in which a humidifier, which is an important component of an oxygen concentrator, can be safely and simply handled by one-handed operation of a patient in consideration of physical strength and aging of the patient. The present invention relates to an oxygen concentrating device.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art In home oxygen therapy (HOT) for chronic respiratory diseases, an oxygen concentrator is widely used as an important tool. In the HOT, a system using an oxygen cylinder, liquid oxygen or the like as an oxygen supply system, a system in which air is treated with an adsorbent such as zeolite to obtain a concentrated oxygen gas, and a system using a so-called adsorption-type gas oxygen concentrator. There is.

[0005] The latter oxygen concentrator has been widely used in recent years because stable oxygen supply is ensured by remarkable improvement technology, and it is simple, lightweight, small, and low in noise.

A conventional adsorption-type oxygen concentrator of this kind (A
The outline of ') is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, this type of conventional adsorption type oxygen concentrator (A ') is
(i). An oxygen-enriched gas generator that generates oxygen-enriched gas with high oxygen concentration and low humidity by taking in air and adsorbing mainly nitrogen and moisture in air using an adsorbent. 1 '), (ii). A humidifier (2') for humidifying the oxygen-enriched gas from the generator (1 '), and
and (iii) an oxygen supply port (3 ') for using the humidified oxygen-enriched gas from the humidifier (2'). In FIG. 8, each component (1 ', 2', 3 ') of the oxygen concentrator (A') is schematically shown. The oxygen supply port (3 ')
Supplies a humidified oxygen-enriched gas to a patient's nose or mask (mouth) by a cannula as shown.

As described with reference to FIG. 8, in this type of oxygen concentrator (A '), the humidifier (2') is an important component. This means that a dry (low humidity) oxygen-enriched gas is obtained in the generator (1 '), but when supplied to the patient as it is, the nasal mucosa of the patient dries and induces pain. Therefore, the humidifier (2 ') is indispensable for adjusting the humidity of the oxygen-enriched gas.

The humidifier (2 ') must satisfy the following needs from the viewpoint of handling operation on the patient side. Oxygen concentrator (A ')
Is used for a long time, day or night,
The humidifier is frequently removed and attached frequently for replenishment and cleaning of the humidifier. For this reason, in consideration of the patient's physical strength, unfamiliarity in handling, deterioration of thinking ability, and the like, there is a strong demand for a method that allows the humidifier (2 ') to be easily and reliably removed and attached.

As described above, in the oxygen concentrator (A '), the humidifier (2') is an important component, and various improvements have been made. Hereinafter, a few examples proposed for handling the humidifier (2 ') will be described.

(I) Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 6-39008: The main purpose of the invention disclosed in this publication is to determine whether or not the attachment of the humidifier to the main body of the medical oxygen concentrator is normal. The present invention relates to an oxygen concentrating device for oxygen therapy, which detects whether or not it is incomplete and issues an alarm when incomplete. On the other hand, the publication also discloses a mechanism in which a humidifier is removably arranged in the apparatus main body in connection with the alarm system (alarm mechanism).

However, the one disclosed in the above-mentioned publication discloses that when the release knob constituting the alarm system also holding the humidifier is pushed upward, the release knob activates a macro switch for generating an alarm signal and , To release the holding state of the humidifier. Then, the patient can remove the humidifier whose holding state has been released (unlocked) from the apparatus main body as the next step. That is, the humidifier disclosed in the above publication cannot be safely and easily removed from the apparatus main body by a one-touch method with one hand of a patient.

(Ii) Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 5-154200: The invention disclosed in this publication proposes a medical oxygen-enriched gas supply apparatus in which a humidifier is easily attached and detached. I have. Specifically, the invention disclosed in the above-mentioned publication discloses a medical oxygen-enriched gas supply device having a means (joining holding mechanism) for coupling a humidifier to a humidifier housing portion on the apparatus main body side. As a mechanism for removing the humidifier, the release knob of the joining and holding mechanism is pressed and moved to the left, the tip of the stopper is removed from the end of the humidifier, and the holding state of the humidifier is released (unlocked).
A method is disclosed.

However, in the above-mentioned system, the humidifier cannot be safely and easily removed from the main body of the apparatus by the one-touch system with one hand of the patient.

(Iii) JP-A-5-154201: The invention disclosed in this publication is also disclosed in JP-A-5-154.
No. 200 also proposes a medical oxygen-concentrated gas supply apparatus in which the attachment and detachment of a humidifier is simplified. Specifically, the invention disclosed in the above publication is
The humidifier is moved along the guide of the housing section with respect to the humidifier housing section on the apparatus body side, positioned, and then the oxygen concentration in the apparatus body is operated by operating a set knob disposed in the housing section. A supply device of a type in which a humidifier accommodating portion and a humidifier are set so as to supply oxygen-enriched gas derived from gas generation means to the humidifier is disclosed. In addition,
In the above device, the humidifier can be removed from the humidifier housing portion (in other words, the device body side) by operating the set knob to open (unlock) the holding state of the humidifier housing portion and the humidifier. It is in a state.

However, in the above-mentioned system, the humidifier cannot be safely and easily removed from the apparatus main body by the one-touch system with one hand of the patient, similarly to the above-described system.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional oxygen concentrator, particularly the limit in view of the handling of a humidifier which is an important component thereof.

The present inventors have made intensive studies in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional humidifiers in handling. As a result, in the oxygen concentrator having a humidifier which can be slidably attached to and detached from the main body of the oxygen concentrator, the locking portion provided on the main body side of the oxygen concentrator and the lid of the humidifier are provided. The patient is able to attach and detach the humidifier to and from the oxygen concentrator with one hand and one-touch method by cooperating with a locking piece that is rotatably disposed and engages and locks with the locking portion. I found what I could do.

The present invention has been completed based on the above findings. According to the present invention, there is provided a high value-added oxygen concentrator for oxygen therapy incorporating a humidifier that can be easily and reliably handled by a patient.

[0019]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In general, the present invention comprises an oxygen-enriched gas generator (1) for producing oxygen-enriched gas with high oxygen concentration and low humidity for oxygen therapy.
A humidifier (2) for humidifying the oxygen-enriched gas from the generator (1), and an oxygen supply port (3) for using the humidified oxygen-enriched gas from the humidifier (2) for use. An oxygen concentrator (A) for oxygen therapy, wherein the generator (1) and the oxygen supply port (3) are an oxygen concentrator (A)
In the oxygen concentrating apparatus (A) for oxygen therapy, the humidifier (2) is arranged on the main body (1A) side and the humidifier (2) is detachably mounted on the main body (1A). The humidifier (2) includes a lid (21) and a container (22) for storing humidified water, and (ii) the lid (21) is provided on an upper part (211) thereof. When the humidifier (2) is attached to the main body (1A), the gas is discharged from the gas discharge portion (11) and the oxygen supply port (3) of the generator (1) disposed on the main body (1A) side. (31) It has a communication part (2a, 2b) communicating with each of the parts (31), and (iii).
The lid part (21) is detachably attached to an upper part (211) of the humidifier (2) with an engagement part (4) arranged on the body part (1A) side when the humidifier (2) is attached to the body part (1A). The present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator for oxygen therapy, comprising: a rotatable engaging piece (2c) that engages with the oxygen concentrator.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The technical structure and embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated one.

In the description of the oxygen concentrating device (A) of the present invention with reference to the drawings, the main components of the device are as follows:
The oxygen concentrator (A) shown in FIG. 8 (prior art) described above.
') Should be referred to. Here, the components of the oxygen concentrator (A) of the present invention are described with reference numerals without dashes, whereas the corresponding corresponding components in the related art are described with dashes.

FIGS. 1 to 3 are views for explaining an oxygen concentrator (A) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a main part explanatory view for explaining a mechanism for attaching and detaching a humidifier (2) to and from a main body (1A) of an oxygen concentrator (A) of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line II of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the oxygen concentrator (A) of the present invention has the same main components as the conventional one (see FIG. 8). An oxygen-enriched gas generator (1) for generating oxygen-enriched gas having a high oxygen concentration and a low humidity by adsorbing nitrogen and water therein using an adsorbent, (ii). The generator (1) A humidifier (2) for humidifying the oxygen-enriched gas from the humidifier, and (iii) an oxygen supply port (3) for using the humidified oxygen-enriched gas from the humidifier (2) for use. Is what is done.

In the oxygen concentrator (A) of the present invention, the generator (1) and the oxygen supply port (3) are compactly disposed on the main body (1A) side of the oxygen concentrator (A),
The humidifier (2) is configured to be detachably mounted on the main body (1A) side.

The most important features of the oxygen concentrator (A) of the present invention, as will be described later in detail, are the attachment and detachment mechanism of the humidifier (2) with respect to the main body (1A) and the configuration thereof.

In the oxygen concentrator (A) of the present invention, other components or mechanisms may be considered to be of the same type as the conventional one, as described below. (i) The oxygen-enriched gas generator (1) is, for example, an adsorption type using an adsorbent such as zeolite.
In the present invention, the oxygen-enriched gas generator (1)
It goes without saying that other sources for supplying oxygen gas at a higher concentration than air, such as an oxygen cylinder and liquid oxygen, are included. (ii) The oxygen supply port (3) for using the oxygen-enriched gas for use is constituted by a device for supplying the patient with the humidified oxygen-enriched gas derived from the humidifier (2), for example, through a cannula hose. The humidified oxygen-enriched gas is supplied to the patient's nares (nasal cannula system) or oral cavity (mask system).

Next, the mechanism for attaching and detaching the humidifier (2) to and from the main body (1A), which is the most characteristic feature of the oxygen concentrating device (A) of the present invention, will be described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the humidifier (2) can be detachably attached to the main body (1A) of the oxygen concentrator (A) with only one-hand operation of the patient and in a one-touch manner. The configuration of both the humidifier (2) and the main body (1A) is defined as follows.

(I) The humidifier (2) of the present invention comprises a lid (2)
1) A container (2) for storing humidified water such as distilled and purified water
2) and a handle (23). (ii). Then, the lid part (21) is placed on the upper part (21).
1) a gas discharge section (11) of the generator (1) arranged on the side of the main body (1A) when the humidifier (2) is mounted on the main body (1A); and an oxygen supply port (3). And a communication portion (2a, 2b) communicating with each of the gas intake portions (31). (iii) Further, the lid (21) has an upper part (211).
When the humidifier (2) is attached to the main body (1A), the humidifier (2) removably engages with the engaging portion (4) disposed on the main body (1A) side and rotates to the upper part (211). It is configured with an engaging piece (2c) freely disposed.

In the oxygen concentrator (A) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the engaging pieces (4) of the main body (1A) and the engaging pieces disposed on the upper part (211) of the lid (21). (2c)
Is based on the engagement between the concave portion (41) of the engaging portion (4) and the convex portion (2c ') of the engaging piece (2c) (see FIG. 3). In the oxygen concentrator (A) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the engagement piece (2c) rotatably disposed on the upper portion (211) of the lid (21) is provided with a spring body (2).
d) (see FIG. 3).

In the oxygen concentrator (A) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the patient can securely and humidify the humidifier (2) with one hand and the one-touch system with respect to the main body (1A). Can be easily installed and removed. That is, the patient grips the humidifier (2) with one hand and operates the engagement piece (2c) with the finger, thereby connecting the humidifier (2) to the main body (1) of the oxygen concentrator (A).
A) Can be easily attached and detached.
In the present invention, the humidifier (2) is provided with a handle (2).
In this case, the patient holds the handle portion (23) and operates the engagement piece (2c) with the thumb to thereby remove the oxygen from the humidifier (2). The device (A) can be attached and detached more securely and easily by the main body (1A). For this reason,
It is possible to completely prevent an unexpected accident such as a decrease in the supply amount of oxygen gas due to a mounting failure of the humidifier (2).

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, another configuration or another additional configuration of the oxygen concentrator according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(I) As shown, the humidifier (2)
The lid (21), the container (22), and the handle (2)
In addition to 3), it is configured to have a pressure guiding tube (24) and a filter (25). In the figure (see FIG. 3), the humidifying water is indicated by a symbol (w). Needless to say, the pressure guiding tube (24) is connected to the generator (1).
Of the gas discharge part (11) and the upper part (211) of the lid part (21)
When the connecting portion (2a) of the humidifier (2) is connected (see FIG. 2), the low-humidity oxygen-enriched gas from the gas discharging portion (11) is supplied to the humidifying water (w) in the container portion (22) of the humidifier (2). ). Further, the filter (25) is for bringing the oxygen-enriched gas of low humidity into efficient contact with the humidifying water (w). (ii). As shown in the figure, the high-humidity oxygen-enriched gas humidified by the humidifier (2) passes through the hole of the lid (21), and is supplied with oxygen by the communication (2b). Mouth (3)
(See FIG. 2) and supplied to the patient via a cannula.

(Iii) In the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as a guide (guide) for mounting the humidifier (2) to the main body (1 A), the main body (1 A) side. To
A guide part (5) cooperating with the upper part (211) of the humidifier (2) for guiding the upper part (211) of the humidifier (2) may be provided. (iv) In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, a humidifier (2) which is slidably mounted on the main body (1A).
In order to perform the positioning, a positioning projection (6) may be provided on the main body (1A) side to abut on the bottom (221) of the container (22).

(V) In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the gas discharge part (11) of the generator (1) and the gas intake part (31) of the oxygen supply port (3) communicate with the part ( 2a, 2b), to improve the sealing of the connection,
A packing made of silicone rubber or the like (see reference numeral 32 in FIG. 1) may be provided in 1) and the gas intake section (31). (vi) In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, when the humidifier (2) is attached to the main body (1A), the lid (2) is used.
1) Hole (2e) in upper part (211) and main plate part (1A)
The engaging portions (4) of (1) and (2) serve as a guide for mounting in cooperation with each other, but a spring body may be provided inside the hole (2e). The engagement between the concave portion (41) of the engaging portion (4) and the convex portion (2c ') of the engaging piece (2c) is achieved by the spring body.
The humidifier (2) is automatically pushed out at the moment when it is released by pushing the engagement piece (2c), and can be easily removed. In this type of humidifier (2), consideration must be given to unsanitary aspects such as rust and the attachment of microorganisms.
In this sense, attention should be paid to the arrangement of the spring body inside the hole (2e). As is clear from the above description, when the humidifier (2) and the main body (1A) are mounted, the hole (2e) also serves as a mounting guide. The guide part (5) is not always necessary.

FIGS. 4 to 6 are views for explaining an oxygen concentrator (A) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 4 to 6 are diagrams respectively corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 3 relating to the oxygen concentrating device (A) of the first embodiment.

The oxygen concentrator (A) of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is significantly different from the oxygen concentrator (A) of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The following points are the same, and other configurations are substantially the same. (i) The engagement part (4) provided on the main body part (1A) of the oxygen concentrator (A) includes a gas discharge part (11) with a packing (12) piped from the generator (1). Oxygen supply port (3)
Gas inlet (3) with packing (32)
1) are horizontally arranged in the same row. Therefore, the engaging part (4), the gas discharging part (11), and the gas intake part (31)
The upper part (211) of the lid part (21) of the humidifier (2) also has a corresponding structure in accordance with the arrangement. (ii) A spring body (4a, 4b) is arranged on the main body (1A) side adjacent to the gas release section (11) and the gas intake section (31). The spring bodies (4a, 4b) have the same function as the spring body disposed inside the hole (2e) (see FIG. 3) in the first embodiment. That is, the recesses (4) of the engaging portion (4) are formed by the spring bodies (4a, 4b).
The humidifier (2) is automatically pushed out at the moment when the engagement between the projection (2c ') of the engagement piece (2c) and the projection (2c) is released by pressing the engagement piece (2c). Can be removed. (iii) The engaging piece (2c) engaged with the engaging portion (4) is rotatably disposed with respect to the upper part (211) of the lid part (21), and the engaging piece (2c). Part (2f) of the lid (2f)
It is elastically locked at a position where it comes into contact with 1). In order to elastically lock a part (2f) of the engagement piece (2c) at a position where it comes into contact with the lid (21), the engagement piece (2c) and the lid (21) are made of a plastic material, In addition, a male part and a female part may be formed on each of them, and may be locked through elastic deformation. Note that a part (2) of the engagement plate (2c)
f) Needless to say, it may be elastically locked at a desired portion of the upper portion (211) of the lid (21).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an oxygen concentrator (A) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 relating to the oxygen concentrating device (A) of the first embodiment.

The oxygen concentrator (A) of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is significantly different from the oxygen concentrator (A) of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The other configuration is practically the same. In the first embodiment, the engagement (lock) between the main body (4) and the locking piece (2c) is released by the downward movement of the locking piece (2c) by the thumb of the patient. On the other hand, the engagement (lock) release of the main body (4) and the engagement piece (2c) of the third embodiment is performed by the hand holding the handle (23) by the patient as shown in the figure. By moving it upwards,
This is performed by lifting the entire humidifier (2) upward. (i) For this reason, the main body (1A) is configured to have a projection (1a) for shifting the end of the engagement piece (2c) downward, and (ii) the lid (21). ) At the top (211)
It is configured to have a concave portion (2g) that allows the end of the engagement piece (2c) to move downward by the action of the protrusion (1a).

[0039]

The present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator which is widely used as an oxygen therapy for patients with chronic respiratory failure. In particular, the present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator in which the configuration of a humidifier that is frequently removed from the main body of the oxygen concentrator and that is attached to the humidifier for replenishment of humidification water, cleaning of a container, and the like is improved.

According to the present invention, a humidifier can be securely and easily attached to and detached from a main body of an oxygen concentrator with one hand of a patient and one-touch system in consideration of physical strength and aging of a patient. Is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, an accidental accident due to a shortage or decrease in the supply amount of oxygen gas due to a failure in mounting the humidifier to the main body of the oxygen concentrator is completely prevented. A therapeutic oxygen concentrator is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an oxygen concentrator (A) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 2 is a plan view in which a part of FIG. 1 is seen through;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an oxygen concentrator (A) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view in which a part of FIG. 4 is seen through;

6 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an oxygen concentrator (A) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a conventional oxygen concentrator (A ′).

[Explanation of symbols]

 A: Oxygen concentrator of the present invention A ': Conventional oxygen concentrator 1, 1': Oxygen-enriched gas generator 11: Gas release unit 12: ... Packing 1a ... Projection 2, 2 '... Humidifier 21 ... Cover part 211 ... Upper part (of cover part) 22 ... Container part 221 ... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Locking piece 2c 'Projecting portion 2d (of locking piece) Spring body 2f Elastic engaging portion 2e Hole 2g ... Projecting part 3, 3 '... Oxygen supply port 4 ... Engaging part 41 ... Recessed part (of engaging part) 5 ... Guide part 6 ............... positioning projection

Claims (6)

[Claims] An oxygen-enriched gas generator for generating an oxygen-enriched gas having a high oxygen concentration and a low humidity for oxygen therapy, and a humidifier for humidifying the oxygen-enriched gas from the generator (1) An oxygen concentrator (A) for oxygen therapy, comprising: a vessel (2); and an oxygen supply port (3) for using the humidified oxygen-enriched gas from the humidifier (2). A vessel (1) and an oxygen supply port (3) are provided on the body (1A) side of the oxygen concentrator (A), and the humidifier (2) is slid into and removed from the body (1A). The oxygen concentrator (A) for oxygen therapy having a structure that can be freely mounted: (i) The humidifier (2) has a lid (21) and a container (22) for storing humidified water. (Ii) The lid (21) has a humidifier (2) on its upper part (211). Body portion during attachment to part (1A) (1
A) The gas discharge section (1) of the generator (1) arranged on the side
1) and a communication portion (2a, 2b) communicating with each of the gas intake portion (31) of the oxygen supply port (3), and (iii) the lid portion (21) When the humidifier (2) is attached to the main body (1A), the main body (1) is mounted on the upper part (211).
A) The oxygen concentrating device for oxygen therapy, characterized by having a rotatable engaging piece (2c) removably engaged with an engaging portion (4) disposed on the A) side. . 2. The oxygen concentrator according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier (2) has a handle (23). 3. An engaging mechanism of an engaging portion (4) of the main body (1A) and an engaging piece (2c) of the lid (21) comprises an engaging portion (4).
The oxygen concentrating device for oxygen therapy according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion (41) is engaged with the convex portion (2c ') of the engaging piece (2c). 4. The lid (21) according to claim 1, wherein the engaging piece (2c) of the lid (21) is disposed on the upper part (211) of the lid (21) by being rotatably biased by a spring. Oxygen concentrator for oxygen therapy. 5. The main body (1A) has a guide portion (5) for guiding an upper portion (211) of the lid portion (21) for mounting and guiding the humidifier (2) to the main body portion (1A). The oxygen concentrating device for oxygen therapy according to claim 1, which is a device. 6. The humidifier (2) includes a main body (1A) on a bottom (221) of a container (22) of the humidifier (2) for positioning the humidifier (2) mounted on the main body (1A). The oxygen concentrator for oxygen therapy according to claim 1, comprising a positioning projection (6) to abut.