KR20020029223A - control mathod and control device in oxygen generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method and an apparatus for controlling an oxygen generator are provided to improve performance of oxygen generation by maintaining adsorption performance of an adsorbent and extend a life cycle of the adsorbent. CONSTITUTION: In an oxygen generator equipped with an adsorption column(30) in which adsorbent(Z) separating thus producing oxygen by adsorbing nitrogen from the external air is filled, an air pump(10) piping connected with the adsorption column(30) in a row and a plural direction change valves(21,22) installed on a pipe connecting the adsorption column(30) with the air pump(10), the apparatus for controlling the oxygen generator comprises a pump driving part(210) driving the air pump(10); a valve driving part(220) driving the direction change valves(21,22) by determining directions of the direction change valves(21,22); a cycle counting part(310) counting the number of cycles during operation by calculating a pressurizing step and a vacuum step as one cycle, and recounting the cycle numbers by resetting the cycles when the cycles reaches to a set cycle number; a comparison judging part(320) outputting the determined pressurization and vacuum to the valve driving part(220) by checking a pressurizing time and a vacuum time per each cycles after the directions of the direction change valves(21,22) are changed by the valve driving part(220), and comparing the pressurizing time and vacuum time set per cycles that are counted in the cycle counting part(310), thereby determining pressurization and vacuum; and a memory part(330) storing the set cycle numbers, pressurizing time and vacuum time by setting the cycle numbers, pressurizing time and vacuum time per cycles that are to be reset.

Description

Control method and control device for oxygen generator {control mathod and control device in oxygen generator}

The present invention relates to an oxygen generator, and more particularly, to a method and a control device for an oxygen generator for improving the oxygen generation performance and extending the life of the adsorbent.

In general, the oxygen generator is to be supplied to the user by separating approximately 21% of the oxygen contained in the atmosphere, it is possible to use a method such as electrolysis of water, a method of chemical reaction, etc. These methods suffered from troublesome handling and low stability.

Therefore, in recent years, an oxygen generator for separating and supplying oxygen by using a method of adsorbing and desorbing oxygen from the atmosphere is mainly used, and FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of such a conventional oxygen generator.

As shown, the conventional oxygen generator is an air pump 10 for forced circulation of air, and two three-sided (21), 22 connected in parallel to the air pump 10 to selectively generate an air flow path And an adsorption tower 30 connected to the two three sides 21 and 22 and filled with an adsorbent Z for adsorbing nitrogen from the air therein, and connected to the adsorption tower 30 to the adsorbent ( It is largely composed of an oxygen discharge portion 40 for discharging the oxygen gas separated by Z) to the outside, and a check valve 50 provided between the adsorption tower 30 and the oxygen discharge portion 40.

On the other hand, as the adsorbent (Z) to be filled in the adsorption tower (30) is generally used zeolite (zeolite) excellent in nitrogen adsorption.

The operation of the conventional oxygen generator configured as described above is a pressurizing step to pressurize the inside of the adsorption tower 30 in order to adsorb nitrogen from the external air and separate the oxygen generated, and a vacuum step of desorbing and discharging the nitrogen adsorbed on the adsorbent (Z). Each step is described in more detail as follows.

First, in the pressurizing step, the outside air is introduced and compressed through the first three-way side 21 by the operation of the air pump 10, and then supplied to the adsorption tower 30 through the second three-way side 22. 30) is pressurized by the introduced external air.

At this time, nitrogen contained in the outside air is adsorbed to the adsorbent (Z) and oxygen is separated, and when a predetermined pressure or more is discharged to the oxygen discharge portion 40 through the check valve (50).

On the other hand, in the vacuum step, the flow path is switched to the first, the two-way sides 21, 22 as opposed to the pressurizing step, the adsorption agent is brought into the vacuum state inside the adsorption tower 30 by the suction force of the air pump 10 Nitrogen gas is desorbed from (Z) and discharged to the outside through the first three-way 21, the air pump 10, and the second three-way 22 in order.

As described above, the oxygen generator generates oxygen by repeatedly performing a pressurization step of separating and generating oxygen and a vacuum step of desorbing and discharging nitrogen.

On the other hand, the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the oxygen generator are closely related to the oxygen concentration and the adsorption performance of the adsorbent, and as a result, the oxygen generation performance has a significant effect.

Figure 2a, 2b is a diagram showing the cycle of the pressurization step and the vacuum step of the conventional oxygen generator, Figure 2a shows that the pressurization time and the vacuum time is set equally, Figure 2b is set to increase the pressurization time and short the vacuum time Indicates that one did.

However, in the related art, although the pressurization time and the vacuum time have a great influence on the oxygen generation performance as described above, the pressurization time and the vacuum time are simply set to be the same as in FIG. 2A, or at the pressurization step as in FIG. 2B. Since the oxygen is separated and produced, the pressurization time is set long, while in the vacuum step, since no oxygen is generated, the vacuum time has been set as short as possible.

However, if the vacuum time is shortened, since the pressurization step is performed in a state where nitrogen is not desorbed completely during the vacuum step, as the oxygen generator is operated, the adsorption performance of the adsorbent is drastically lowered, and the lifetime of the adsorbent is extended. There is a problem of being shortened.

In addition, zeolites, which are commonly used as adsorbents in oxygen generators, are vulnerable to moisture and do not exhibit sufficient adsorption in high humidity environments. Although it is necessary to operate, conventionally, the vacuum time is set to be equal to or shorter than the pressurization time, which is not preferable for the adsorption performance and the lifetime of the adsorbent.

That is, conventionally, the vacuum time is set to be equal to the pressurization time without any consideration, or by setting the short time unconditionally, there is a problem that the oxygen generation performance is lowered.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, to maintain the adsorption performance of the adsorbent to improve the oxygen generation performance, and to extend the life of the adsorbent.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional oxygen generator

Figure 2a, 2b is a view showing the cycle of the pressurization step and the vacuum step of the conventional oxygen generator

3 is an oxygen concentration optimization trend of the oxygen generator according to the present invention

4 shows a first embodiment of one embodiment of an oxygen generator control method according to the present invention;

5 shows a second embodiment of one embodiment of an oxygen generator control method according to the present invention;

6 shows a first embodiment of another form of the oxygen generator control method according to the present invention;

7 shows a second embodiment of another form of the oxygen generator control method according to the present invention;

8 is a block diagram of an oxygen generator control apparatus according to the present invention

Explanation of Reference Symbols in Major Parts of Drawings

210.Air pump drive unit 220.Valve drive unit

300. Control unit 310. Cycle counting unit

320. Comparison Judgment 330 Memory

L.3.5 l / min flow line M.4.5 l / min flow line

One embodiment of the oxygen generator control method according to the present invention in order to achieve the above object is an adsorption tower is provided with an adsorbent for adsorbing nitrogen from the outside air to separate and generate oxygen, and air connected in parallel with the adsorption tower A pump, and a plurality of direction switching valves and the like installed on a pipe connecting the adsorption tower and the air pump, the pressurizing step of separating and generating oxygen by adsorbing nitrogen contained in external air with the adsorbent, and the adsorbent. In the control method of the oxygen generator to repeat the vacuum step of desorbing and discharged nitrogen adsorbed to one cycle; The length of the pressurization time of the pressurization step and the vacuum time of the vacuum step of the one cycle is different from the pressurization time of the pressurization step and the vacuum time of the vacuum step in adjacent front and rear cycles.

On the other hand, in another embodiment of the oxygen generator control method according to the present invention, one cycle is formed by the pressurizing step and the vacuum step, and one cycle is configured by the plurality of cycles formed as described above, and the cycle is repeatedly performed. Together, the pressurization time and vacuum time of each cycle constituting the cycle are set differently from the pressurization time and vacuum time of other cycles.

On the other hand, the control device of the oxygen generator according to the present invention for controlling the oxygen generator as described above is the adsorption tower is provided with an adsorbent for adsorbing nitrogen from the outside air to generate oxygen is connected to the pipe in parallel with the adsorption tower An oxygen generator comprising an air pump and a plurality of direction switching valves and the like installed on a pipe connecting the adsorption tower and the air pump, the oxygen generator comprising: a pump driving unit for driving the air pump; A valve driving unit which determines and drives the direction switching valve; A cycle counting unit for counting the number of cycles during operation using the pressurization stage and the vacuum stage as one cycle, and resetting by resetting if the set cycle number is reached; After the direction of the direction change valve is changed by the valve driving unit, the pressurization time and vacuum time for each cycle are checked, and the pressurization or vacuum is determined by comparing the pressurization time and vacuum time set for each cycle counted by the cycle counting unit. A comparison judging unit output to the valve driving unit; And a storage unit for setting and storing the cycle number to be reset, the pressurization time for each cycle, and the vacuum time.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

3 is an oxygen concentration optimization trend of the oxygen generator according to the present invention, the experimental results showing the oxygen concentration and oxygen generation amount of the oxygen generator according to the pressurization time and vacuum time at a specific oxygen generation flow rate (hereinafter, referred to as flow rate) to be.

The inner region of the ellipse A shown is the region where the oxygen concentration is about 32.3% or more, the region between the ellipse B and the ellipse A is the region where the oxygen concentration is about 30 to 33.3%, and the outer region of the ellipse B is about 30 the oxygen concentration. The area is% or less.

In addition, the line L is a flow rate line for maintaining the flow rate of 3.5 L / min, the line M is a flow rate line for maintaining the flow rate of 4.5 L / min, the above flow line is lowered as the flow rate of the oxygen generator increases, It can be seen that as the flow rate decreases, it tends to move upward.

Therefore, it is possible to know the pressurization time and vacuum time to obtain the optimum oxygen concentration at a specific flow rate through the oxygen concentration optimization trend of FIG. 3.

On the other hand, the average amount of air inhaled through the breathing of the average person is 3 L / min ~ 4 L / min, it is preferable that the oxygen generator also maintains such a flow rate.

Therefore, the present invention is to control the oxygen generator in a pressurization time and a vacuum time to obtain the optimum oxygen concentration while maintaining a flow rate suitable for human inhalation as described above.

Hereinafter, a pressurization time and a vacuum time to obtain an optimal oxygen concentration will be described as an example when the flow rate is 3.5 L / min and when the flow rate is 4.5 L / min.

First, when the flow rate of the oxygen generator is 3.5 l / min, the oxygen concentration is 32.3% or more and the oxygen generation amount (oxygen generation weight / unit time) in the range of pressurization time of about 30 to 60 seconds and vacuum time of about 18 to 36 seconds. ) Is maintained at 35 g / hr or more.

At this time, the pressurization time and the vacuum time represent a constant ratio, that is, the vacuum time is about 0.6 times the pressurization time.

In addition, when the flow rate of the oxygen generator is 4.5 L / min, the oxygen concentration is 30 to 32.3% and the oxygen generation is 28 to 35 g / in the range of pressurization time of about 40 to 60 seconds and vacuum time of about 12 to 18 seconds. hr, and the vacuum time is about 0.3 times the pressurization time.

Table 1 is a table showing the pressurization time and vacuum time having the optimum oxygen concentration for each flow rate.

Flow rate: 3.5 ℓ / min Flow rate: 4.5 ℓ / min Pressurization time (second) Vacuum time (seconds) Vacuum / pressurization Pressurization time (second) Vacuum time (seconds) Vacuum / pressurization 30 18 0.6 35 10.5 0.3 40 24 0.6 40 12 0.3 50 30 0.6 50 15 0.3 60 36 0.6 60 18 0.3 70 42 0.6 65 19.5 0.3

As can be seen from Table 1, when the flow rate is 3.5 l / min, the vacuum time is about 0.6 times the pressurization time, and when the flow rate is 4.5 l / min, the vacuum time is about 0.3 times the pressurization time. Indicates.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, when the flow rate is 3.5 L / min to 4.5 L / min, the slope of the flow line is in the range of 0.6 to 0.3, which means that the vacuum time is 0.6 to 0.3 times the pressurization time.

As a result, it can be seen that there is a pressurization time and a vacuum time having an optimal oxygen concentration at a specific flow rate, and the pressurization time and the vacuum time are in a constant proportional relationship.

In particular, this pressurization time and vacuum time are in the form of a substantially straight line in the region with the optimum oxygen concentration.

Meanwhile, the proportional relationship between the pressurization time and the vacuum time is expressed as follows.

Y = aX + C

X: Pressurization time Y: Vacuum time C: Constant a: Proportional value

(C is a constant determined by the flow rate and the capacity of the air pump.)

In other words, the pressurization time and the vacuum time can be expressed in the form of a linear equation, and knowing one of the values, the remaining values can be known.

As described above, it can be seen that the optimum oxygen concentration can be maintained at a specific flow rate even if the pressurization time and the vacuum time are changed within a certain range.

Therefore, this means that the pressurization time and the vacuum time can be increased while maintaining the oxygen concentration optimally, and as the vacuum time can be increased, the adsorption performance of the adsorbent is maintained by more effectively desorbing nitrogen adsorbed to the adsorbent. Together it indicates that it is possible to extend the life.

In addition, it is also possible to select and operate an appropriate pressurization time and vacuum time depending on the use environment such as increasing the vacuum time of the oxygen generator in a humid place and reducing the vacuum time in a dry place.

Hereinafter, as described above, the pressurization time and the vacuum time are in a constant proportional relationship, and within the predetermined range, the oxygen concentration can be optimally maintained even if the pressurization time and the vacuum time are changed. The oxygen generator control method of the invention is described.

First, the control method according to the present invention basically has an adsorption tower 30 (see FIG. 1) provided with an adsorbent Z for adsorbing nitrogen from external air to separate and generate oxygen, and parallel with the adsorption tower 30. Oxygen generator comprising an air pump (10) connected to the pipeline and a plurality of direction switching valves (21), 22 are installed on the pipe connecting the adsorption tower (30) and the air pump (10) Applies to

The oxygen generator configured as described above includes a pressurizing step of separating and generating oxygen by adsorbing nitrogen contained in external air with an adsorbent (Z), and a vacuum step of desorbing and discharging nitrogen adsorbed on the adsorbent (Z) in one cycle. In this case, one embodiment of the method for controlling the oxygen generator according to the present invention is one in which the pressurization time of the pressurization step of one of these cycles and the vacuum time of the vacuum step are the lengths of the pressurization time and the vacuum of the pressurization step in adjacent back and forth cycles. It is set differently from the length of the vacuum time of the step.

4 is a view showing a first embodiment of one embodiment of an oxygen generator control method according to the present invention, and in particular, the first embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention is the pressurization time and vacuum step of the pressing step as shown. The length of vacuum time increases with each subsequent cycle.

In this embodiment, in increasing the pressurization time and the vacuum time, the vacuum time of each cycle maintains a proportional relationship of approximately 0.6 to 0.3 with respect to the pressurization time.

Therefore, the increase in the pressurization time and the vacuum time can be expected to improve the oxygen generation performance within the range of maintaining the optimum oxygen concentration as shown in Figure 3, and most preferably the pressurization time and vacuum time of all cycles It is recommended to set the range within which the optimum oxygen concentration is maintained.

That is, in this embodiment, based on the oxygen concentration optimization trend of FIG. 3, the pressurization time and vacuum time of the subsequent cycles are gradually increased within the range of the pressurization time and the vacuum time which can maintain the optimum oxygen concentration.

For example, if the flow rate is 3.5 l / min, if the vacuum time is proportional to 0.6 times the pressurization time, and the pressurization time is set between 30 seconds and 70 seconds, the vacuum time is as shown in Table 1. Similarly, it is set between 18 seconds and 42 seconds, and the optimum oxygen concentration is maintained within this pressurization time and vacuum time range.

In particular, the pressurization time and vacuum time of the initial cycle are set to at least 30 seconds and 18 seconds or more, respectively, and the pressurization time and vacuum time of the final cycle are set to 60 seconds and 36 seconds or less, respectively, between these time intervals. Gradually increasing the pressurization time and vacuum time in subsequent cycles is most desirable to maintain the optimum oxygen concentration.

If the flow rate is 4.5 L / min, the vacuum time is 0.3 times proportional to the pressurization time, and if the pressurization time is set between 35 seconds and 65 seconds, the vacuum time is 10.5 as shown in Table 1. It is set between seconds and 19.5 seconds, and the optimum oxygen concentration is maintained within this pressurization time and vacuum time range.

At this time, the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the initial cycle are set to at least 35 seconds and 10.5 seconds or more, and the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the final cycle are set to 65 seconds and 19.5 seconds or less, respectively, between these time intervals. Gradually increasing the pressurization time and vacuum time in subsequent cycles is desirable to maintain optimum oxygen concentration.

On the other hand, the above is described as an example when the flow rate is 3.5 L / min, and the flow rate is 4.5 L / min, the first embodiment of the present invention through the vacuum time is approximately 0.6 to the pressurization time In addition to ~ 0.3 times, it can be seen that it is most preferable to maintain the oxygen concentration optimally when the pressurization time is approximately 30 seconds to 70 seconds.

That is, the oxygen generator according to the present embodiment is controlled to increase the pressurization time and the vacuum time within the range of the pressurization time and the vacuum time having the optimum oxygen concentration at a specific flow rate.

Therefore, in the first embodiment of one embodiment of the oxygen generator control method according to the present invention, the adsorption performance of the adsorbent Z is increased by increasing the vacuum time, that is, the desorption time of nitrogen adsorbed on the adsorbent Z as described above. It is possible to maintain the oxygen generation performance is improved, as well as to extend the life of the adsorbent (Z).

This is because when the vacuum time of each cycle is set to be the same or shorter as in the prior art, since the nitrogen adsorbed at the pressurizing step cannot be completely desorbed at the vacuum step, the adsorbent Z is not completely desorbed. This is because the pressurization step at is performed, so that the adsorption performance of the adsorbent (Z) is lowered and the oxygen generation performance is eventually lowered.

As a result, the present embodiment can improve the oxygen generation performance by maintaining the adsorption performance of the adsorbent (Z) by increasing the vacuum time while maintaining the optimum oxygen concentration.

5 is a view showing a second embodiment of one embodiment of the oxygen generator control method according to the present invention, in particular, the second embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention is a pressurization time and vacuum step of the pressing step as shown The length of vacuum time decreases with each subsequent cycle.

In this embodiment, in reducing the pressurization time and the vacuum time, the vacuum time of each cycle maintains a proportional relationship of approximately 0.6 to 0.3 with respect to the pressurization time, as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, an increase in oxygen generation performance can be expected within the range in which the reduced pressurization time and vacuum time maintain the optimum oxygen concentration as shown in FIG. 3, and preferably pressurization time and vacuum time of all cycles are optimized. It is better to set within the range in which the oxygen concentration is maintained.

That is, in this embodiment, based on the oxygen concentration optimization trend of FIG. 3, the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the subsequent cycles are gradually reduced within the pressurization time and vacuum time range for maintaining the optimum oxygen concentration.

For example, when the flow rate is 3.5 l / min, the ranges of the pressurization time and the vacuum time are applied in the same manner as in the first embodiment, wherein the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the initial cycle are at most 60 seconds and respectively. It is set to 36 seconds or less, and the pressurization time and vacuum time of the final cycle are set to at least 30 seconds and 18 seconds or more, respectively, to gradually reduce the pressurization time and vacuum time of the subsequent cycles between these time intervals.

Also, when the flow rate is 4.5 L / min, the ranges of the pressurization time and the vacuum time are applied in the same manner as in the first embodiment, in which case the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the initial cycle are at most 65 seconds and 19.5 seconds, respectively. It is set as below, and the pressurization time and vacuum time of a final period are set to at least 35 second and 10.5 second or more, respectively, gradually reducing the pressurization time and vacuum time of a subsequent period between these time intervals.

That is, the oxygen generator according to the present embodiment is controlled to reduce the pressurization time and the vacuum time within the range of the pressurization time and the vacuum time having the optimum oxygen concentration at a specific flow rate.

Therefore, in the second embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention, as in the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to ensure a sufficient vacuum time, that is, a time for desorbing nitrogen adsorbed to the adsorbent Z, It is possible to extend the life of the adsorbent (Z) as well as to improve the oxygen generation performance which maintains the adsorption performance.

On the other hand, in another embodiment of the oxygen generator control method of the present invention, one cycle is formed by the pressurizing step and the vacuum step, and one cycle is configured by the plurality of cycles formed as described above, and the cycle is repeatedly performed. The pressurization time and vacuum time of each cycle constituting the cycle are set differently from the pressurization time and vacuum time of other cycles.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a first embodiment of another form of the oxygen generator control method according to the present invention. In particular, the first embodiment of another embodiment of the present invention is pressurized toward a subsequent cycle in a plurality of cycles constituting the cycle. It is characterized by an increase in time and vacuum time.

That is, in this embodiment, by repeating the cycle by constructing one cycle with a plurality of cycles having increasing pressurization time and vacuum time to a subsequent cycle, the proportional relationship between the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the cycles constituting the cycle is repeated. And preferred time ranges are the same as described above in the first embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the initial cycle constituting the cycle are set to the shortest pressurization time and the vacuum time having the optimum oxygen concentration at a specific flow rate, and the pressurization time and the vacuum time of the final cycle are optimal. It is set to the longest pressurization time having a concentration of oxygen and the vacuum time or less, and increase the pressurization time and vacuum time of subsequent cycles in the pressurization time and vacuum time range of the initial cycle and the longest cycle.

Accordingly, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as in the above-described embodiment, the vacuum time, that is, the time for desorbing nitrogen adsorbed to the adsorbent Z can be sufficiently secured, so that the adsorbent Z has the adsorption performance. In addition to improving the oxygen generation performance, it is possible to extend the life of the adsorbent (Z).

7 is a view showing a second embodiment of another form of the oxygen generator control method according to the present invention, in particular, the second embodiment of the other form of the present invention is pressurized in a subsequent cycle in a plurality of cycles constituting the cycle; It is characterized in that the time and vacuum time is reduced.

That is, in this embodiment, by repeating the cycle by configuring one cycle with a plurality of cycles having a decreasing pressurization time and a vacuum time gradually to a subsequent cycle, the pressurization time of the cycles constituting the cycle is proportional to the vacuum time. The relationship and the preferred time range are the same as described above in the second embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, the pressurization time and vacuum time of the initial cycle constituting the cycle are set to the longest pressurization time and vacuum time having an optimal oxygen concentration at a specific flow rate, and the pressurization time and vacuum time of the final cycle are optimal. The pressure is set to be the shortest pressurization time and vacuum time with oxygen concentration, and the pressurization time and vacuum time of subsequent cycles are reduced in the pressurization time and vacuum time range of the initial cycle and the longest cycle.

Therefore, also in the second embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum time, that is, the time for desorbing nitrogen adsorbed to the adsorbent Z, can be sufficiently secured as in the above-described embodiment, so that the adsorption performance of the adsorbent Z is sufficient. In addition to improving the oxygen generation performance, it is possible to extend the life of the adsorbent (Z).

Hereinafter, the control apparatus of the oxygen generator for controlling the oxygen generator as mentioned above is demonstrated.

8 is a block diagram showing an oxygen generator according to the present invention, the overall configuration of the oxygen generator of the present invention is an adsorption tower (30) having an adsorbent (Z) provided therein to separate and generate oxygen by adsorbing nitrogen from the outside air; , An air pump 10 connected in parallel with the adsorption tower 30, a suction side direction switching valve 21 installed on a pipe connecting the adsorption tower 30 and the air pump 10, and a discharge side. The direction switching valve 22 is comprised.

And, the control device of the oxygen generator according to the present invention is connected to the air pump driving unit 210 for driving the air pump 10, the air pump 10, and each of the direction switching valves (21), (22) A valve driver 220 for determining and driving a direction is connected to each of the direction switching valves 21 and 22, and the air pump driver 210 and the valve driver 220 are respectively connected to the controller 300. Connected.

On the other hand, the control unit 300 counts the number of cycles during the operation of the pressurization step and the vacuum step in one cycle, and resets and recounts when the set period number, and the cycle number and period to be reset After the pressurization time and the vacuum time are set and stored, the direction of each of the direction switching valves 21 and 22 is changed by the storage unit 330 and the valve driving unit 220, and the pressurization time and the vacuum for each cycle. Checking the time, by comparing the pressurization time and vacuum time for each cycle counted by the cycle counting unit 310 with the cycle time pressurization time and vacuum time stored in the storage unit 330 to determine the pressure or vacuum, and Comparing the determination unit 320 is output to the valve driving unit 220 is made.

In addition, the pressurization time and the vacuum time for each cycle stored in the storage unit 330 are set to different reference values.

In this case, when the cycle pressurization time and the vacuum time stored in the storage unit 330 are stored so as to increase as the number of cycles increases, the oxygen generator can be controlled as shown in FIG. By storing the pressurization time and the vacuum time for each cycle stored in 330 so as to decrease as the number of cycles increases, the oxygen generator may be controlled as shown in FIG. 7.

In addition, the pressurization time stored in the storage unit 330 is set larger than the vacuum time for each cycle, the vacuum time is set to a size of 0.6 ~ 0.3 times the pressurization time, the pressurization time is approximately It ranges between 30 and 70 seconds.

That is, the pressurization time and the vacuum time stored in the storage unit 330 are set within the range for maintaining the optimum oxygen concentration as shown in FIG.

Referring to the operation of the control device of the oxygen generator according to the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

Initially, when the oxygen generator is operated, each valve 21, 22 is switched to a pressurized state by the valve driver 220, and the air pump 10 is driven by the pump driver 210.

At this time, the comparison determination unit 320 checks the pressurization time and compares the checked pressurization time with the pressurization time of the first cycle stored in the storage unit 330, and if the pressurization times of both sides are equal, vacuum is determined. To command the valve to the valve driving unit 220.

Accordingly, each of the valves 21 and 22 is switched to the vacuum state by the valve driving unit 220, and the comparison determination unit 320 checks the vacuum time again and stores the first time in the storage unit 330. This is compared with the vacuum time of the cycle.

When the checked vacuum time and the vacuum time of the first cycle stored in the storage unit 330 are the same, the comparison determination unit 320 determines the pressure and instructs the valve driving unit 220 to switch the valve. The valves 21 and 22 are switched back to the pressurized state by the valve driving unit 220, and at this time, the cycle counting unit 210 counts the pressurization step and the vacuum step in one cycle.

In the next subsequent cycle, the pressurization time and the vacuum time increase or decrease according to whether the pressurization time and the vacuum time for each cycle are set to be larger or smaller as the number of cycles increases in the storage unit 330.

On the other hand, as described above, the pressurizing step and the vacuum step as one cycle, counting in the cycle counting unit 310 every cycle, and when the set cycle number, that is, after performing the vacuum cycle of the final cycle of the cycle The period counting unit 310 is reset and recounted.

As a result, the oxygen generator according to the present invention is to generate oxygen separately while repeating this cycle.

As described above, the present invention has the following effects as it is possible to change the pressurization time and vacuum time while maintaining the oxygen concentration optimally within a certain range of pressurization time and vacuum time.

First, the present invention maintains the optimum oxygen concentration and at the same time increases the vacuum time, by ensuring sufficient time to completely desorb the adsorbed nitrogen of the adsorbent, it is possible to maintain the adsorption performance of the adsorbent to improve the oxygen generating performance Do.

Second, since the pressing step proceeds after the adsorbent is completely desorbed, the life of the adsorbent can be extended.

Third, it is possible to adjust the vacuum time in accordance with the use environment of the oxygen generator, such as to increase the vacuum time when the humidity is high, and to shorten the vacuum time when drying.

Claims (8)

An adsorption tower having an adsorbent for adsorbing nitrogen from outside air to generate oxygen, an air pump connected in parallel with the adsorption tower, and a plurality of directions provided on a pipe connecting the adsorption tower and the air pump A switching valve and the like, the pressurizing step of separating and generating oxygen by adsorbing nitrogen contained in the outside air with the adsorbent and the vacuum step of desorbing and discharging the nitrogen adsorbed on the adsorbent in one cycle. In a control method; The length of the pressurizing time of the pressurizing step and the vacuum time of the vacuum step of the one cycle is different in the length of the pressurizing time of the pressurizing step and the vacuum time of the vacuum step in adjacent front and rear cycles. Control method. An adsorption tower having an adsorbent for adsorbing nitrogen from outside air to generate oxygen, an air pump connected in parallel with the adsorption tower, and a plurality of directions provided on a pipe connecting the adsorption tower and the air pump In the oxygen generator provided with a switching valve, etc., A pump driver for driving the air pump; A valve driving unit which determines and drives the direction switching valve; A cycle counting unit for counting the number of cycles during operation using the pressurization stage and the vacuum stage as one cycle, and resetting by resetting if the set cycle number is reached; After the direction of the direction change valve is changed by the valve driving unit, the pressurization time and vacuum time for each cycle are checked, and the pressurization or vacuum is determined by comparing the pressurization time and vacuum time set for each cycle counted by the cycle counting unit. A comparison judging unit output to the valve driving unit; And a storage unit for setting and storing the cycle number to be reset, the pressurization time for each cycle, and the vacuum time. The method of claim 2, The storage unit of the oxygen generator, characterized in that the pressurized time for each cycle and the vacuum time is set to different reference values. The method of claim 3, And a pressurization time and a vacuum time for each cycle stored in the storage unit increase as the number of cycles increases. The method of claim 3, The cycle time pressurization time and the vacuum time stored in the storage unit, characterized in that the smaller as the number of cycles increases, respectively. The method according to claim 4, further comprising The pressurization time stored in the storage unit is set to a greater than the vacuum time for each cycle control device of the oxygen generator. The method of claim 6, Wherein the vacuum time is set to a size of 0.6 to 0.3 times the pressurization time. The method of claim 7, wherein The pressurization time is the control device of the oxygen generator, characterized in that set in the range between 30 seconds to 70 seconds.