WO2011087110A1 - Humidifier and oxygen enrichment device using same - Google Patents

Humidifier and oxygen enrichment device using same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011087110A1
WO2011087110A1 PCT/JP2011/050592 JP2011050592W WO2011087110A1 WO 2011087110 A1 WO2011087110 A1 WO 2011087110A1 JP 2011050592 W JP2011050592 W JP 2011050592W WO 2011087110 A1 WO2011087110 A1 WO 2011087110A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
nozzle
humidifier
introduction
lid
oxygen
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2011/050592
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
直之 飯田
小西　善之
Original Assignee
帝人ファーマ株式会社
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Publication date
Application filed by 帝人ファーマ株式会社 filed Critical 帝人ファーマ株式会社
Priority to JP2011550027A priority Critical patent/JP5390641B2/en
Publication of WO2011087110A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011087110A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/1005—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement
    • A61M16/101—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement using an oxygen concentrator
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/14—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by mixing different fluids, one of them being in a liquid phase
    • A61M16/16—Devices to humidify the respiration air
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
    • A61M2016/0033—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical
    • A61M2016/0039—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical in the inspiratory circuit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/1005—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement
    • A61M2016/102—Measuring a parameter of the content of the delivered gas
    • A61M2016/1025—Measuring a parameter of the content of the delivered gas the O2 concentration
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
    • A61M2202/02—Gases
    • A61M2202/0208—Oxygen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2256/00—Main component in the product gas stream after treatment
    • B01D2256/12—Oxygen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/45—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications
    • B01D2259/4533—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications for medical purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/45—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications
    • B01D2259/455—Gas separation or purification devices adapted for specific applications for transportable use
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
    • B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
    • B01D53/047—Pressure swing adsorption

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator that separates oxygen from the air, and relates to an oxygen concentrator equipped with a water humidifier for appropriately humidifying a generated dry oxygen concentrated gas.
  • oxygen inhalation therapy is a method in which a patient with respiratory disease inhales oxygen gas or oxygen-enriched gas.
  • Oxygen concentrators, liquid oxygen, oxygen gas cylinders, and the like are known as oxygen sources used for this purpose.
  • oxygen concentrators are used for home oxygen therapy. Is used in the mainstream.
  • the oxygen concentrator is a device that supplies approximately 21% oxygen existing in the air after being separated and concentrated.
  • a membrane type oxygen concentrator using a membrane that selectively permeates oxygen and a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator using an adsorbent capable of preferentially adsorbing nitrogen or oxygen are known.
  • a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator is mainly used as a home oxygen therapy device.
  • the pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator was compressed by a compressor in an adsorption cylinder filled with molecular sieve zeolite such as 5A type, 13X type, Li-X type, etc., which is an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen.
  • the adsorbent is made by adsorbing nitrogen to the adsorbent under pressurized conditions by supplying air to obtain unadsorbed oxygen, and reducing the pressure in the adsorption cylinder to atmospheric pressure or lower.
  • a high concentration oxygen-enriched gas can be continuously generated. Since zeolite used as a nitrogen adsorbent has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air, the oxygen-enriched gas produced is discharged in a dry state containing almost no humidity.
  • a humidifier for supplying oxygen-enriched gas in a humidified state to many oxygen concentrators Is installed.
  • Such a humidifier is provided with moisture through a bubble generator that introduces oxygen-enriched gas into water and bubbles it as disclosed in JP-A-7-165402 due to its high humidification performance. Therefore, a bubble humidifier that humidifies the oxygen-enriched gas in a dry state is generally used (Patent Document 1).
  • the tube that supplies the oxygen-enriched gas to the patient is closed by crushing or bending the cannula according to the patient's own weight, especially when turning over while sleeping.
  • a pressure sensor is generally installed in the oxygen-enriched gas pipe in the apparatus, and it is generally provided with a function of issuing an alarm when the use is continued in a state where a certain pressure threshold is exceeded.
  • the pressure threshold value for supplying the oxygen-enriched gas is set higher, and the pressure is controlled so that the flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas does not decrease when the oxygen-enriched gas supply tube is slightly bent to prevent the therapeutic effect from being lowered.
  • An oxygen concentrator having a function has been proposed (Patent Document 2). Such an apparatus has a function of maintaining the oxygen supply amount to the patient constant by controlling the supply pressure.
  • the pressure in the oxygen concentrating gas pipe including the humidifier is always set to be equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, even after the oxygen concentrator is stopped, the pressure in the humidifier is maintained under pressure when the tube that supplies the oxygen-enriched gas is bent and closed. If the humidifier is removed from the oxygen concentrator to replenish the humidified water in this state, the water remaining in the humidifier is caused by the pressure difference between the residual pressure inside the humidifier and atmospheric pressure. There is a possibility of ejection from the introduction port. In the present invention, even when the pressure inside the humidifier of the oxygen concentrator is increased due to the blockage of the oxygen concentrated gas supply tube, the humidifier is removed for the purpose of replenishing the humidified water. It aims at solving the problem of the ejection of humidified water to the outside through the bubble generator.
  • the present invention is a humidifier for appropriately humidifying a dry gas
  • the humidifier includes an introduction nozzle for introducing gas into the humidification container and a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas.
  • the airtightness of the discharge nozzle and the lid outlet port of the humidifier is determined by the introduction nozzle and the cover. It is intended to provide a humidifier comprising a sealing means that is lost before the airtightness of the part introduction port.
  • the sealing means is attached to the outer surfaces of the introduction nozzle and the outlet nozzle, and when the lid of the humidifier is removed from each nozzle, the sealing means attached to the outlet nozzle is attached to the inlet nozzle.
  • the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are cylindrical openings fitted to the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle, and are attached to the discharge nozzle.
  • the sealing means is provided on the inlet side of the cylindrical opening with respect to the sealing means attached to the introduction nozzle, and the length of the outlet nozzle is a member shorter than the introduction nozzle.
  • the outlet nozzle is a multi-stage annular member having a small outer diameter on the tip side, and the sealing means of the outlet nozzle is installed on the small-diameter side of the multi-stage nozzle, or the introduction nozzle and
  • the outlet nozzle is an annular member, the inlet and outlet provided in the lid are the inlet nozzle and a cylindrical opening fitted to the inlet nozzle, and the sealing means attached to the outlet nozzle
  • a humidifier is provided in which sealing means attached to the introduction nozzle is provided on the side surface of the annular member at the leading end of the lead-out nozzle.
  • the sealing means is attached to the inner surfaces of the inlet and outlet, and when the lid of the humidifier is removed from the inlet nozzle and outlet nozzle, the sealing means on the outlet side is attached to the inlet nozzle.
  • a humidifier characterized in that it is installed at a position where airtightness is lost first with respect to the attached sealing means in relation to the outlet and inlet of the lid to be fitted.
  • the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are cylindrical openings that fit into the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle.
  • the humidifier, the introduction nozzle, and the lead-out device wherein the sealing means attached to the outlet port is provided on the back side of the cylindrical opening with respect to the sealing means attached to the inlet port.
  • the nozzle is a tubular member having a sealing means on the side surface, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are a cylindrical opening that fits the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle.
  • the tip is tapered, or the humidifier is provided with a groove on the outer surface of the tip, or the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members each having a sealing means on a side surface, and are provided on the lid Guidance A humidifier, wherein the inlet and the outlet are openings that fit into the inlet nozzle and the inlet nozzle, the inlet has a cylindrical shape, and the outlet has a tapered opening. I will provide a.
  • the present invention is an adsorption-type oxygen concentrating device that includes an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen and separates unadsorbed oxygen-enriched gas from the air, and humidifies the generated oxygen-enriched gas
  • a humidifying container for containing humidifying water a bubble generator for a porous material that introduces a dry gas into the water contained in the humidifying container, and a humidifying container.
  • the lid is fitted with each of an introduction nozzle for introducing a dry gas into the humidification container and a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas from the humidification container,
  • an introduction nozzle for introducing a dry gas into the humidification container
  • a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas from the humidification container
  • the airtightness of the outlet nozzle and the lid outlet of the humidifier is: Airtightness of the inlet nozzle and lid inlet Characterized in that it is a humidifier comprising a sealing means that is lost remote destination, provides an oxygen concentrator.
  • an oxygen supply means such as a cannula or tube provided downstream of the humidifier is crushed or bent, and the humidifier is removed while the pressure in the humidifier is increased. It is possible to provide a humidifier in which humidified water remaining in the humidification container does not flow out to the introduction nozzle side through the bubble generator, and an oxygen concentrator equipped with the humidifier.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an oxygen concentrator which is an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an external view of the oxygen concentrator
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic external view showing a connecting portion of a humidifying container mounted on the oxygen concentrator as an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing the inside of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic external view showing a humidifier mounting portion of the oxygen concentrator.
  • 6 and 7 schematically show the connection state of the outlet nozzle and the inlet nozzle of the humidifier attachment portion of the oxygen concentrator, and the outlet port and inlet portion of the humidifier lid portion fitted therein. .
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic apparatus configuration diagram illustrating a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator as an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an external view thereof.
  • the pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator 1 of the present invention includes a compressor 112 for supplying raw air, adsorption cylinders 131 and 132 filled with an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen rather than oxygen, and a flow path for switching adsorption / desorption processes.
  • Supply valves 121 and 122 as switching means, exhaust valves 123 and 124, and pressure equalizing valve 125 are provided, and after oxygen-concentrated gas separated and generated from the raw air is adjusted to a predetermined flow rate by control valve 142 as a flow rate setting device, cannula 148 Supplied to the user using
  • the raw material air taken in from the outside is taken in from an air intake port provided with an external air intake filter 111 for removing foreign matters such as dust.
  • the normal air contains 1.2% of about 21% oxygen gas, about 77% nitrogen gas, 0.8% argon gas, carbon dioxide and other gases. In such an apparatus, oxygen necessary as a breathing gas is separated and extracted.
  • the oxygen-enriched gas is separated from the adsorbing cylinders 131 and 132 filled with an adsorbent made of zeolite or the like that selectively adsorbs nitrogen molecules rather than oxygen molecules.
  • an adsorbent made of zeolite or the like that selectively adsorbs nitrogen molecules rather than oxygen molecules.
  • the number of adsorption cylinders is determined by the relationship with the amount of oxygen produced, and there are oxygen concentrators using multiple cylinders of 3 or more in addition to 1 cylinder and 2 cylinders.
  • a two-head type oscillating air compressor is used as a compressor having only a compression function or a compression and vacuum function, and a rotary type such as a screw type, a rotary type, a scroll type and the like.
  • An air compressor may be used.
  • the power source of the electric motor that drives the compressor may be alternating current or direct current.
  • the apparatus can be quieted and cooled by being housed in a compressor box provided with a cooling fan 113.
  • the oxygen-enriched gas mainly composed of oxygen that has not been adsorbed by the adsorption cylinders 131 and 132 flows into the product tank 140 via check valves 128 and 129 provided so as not to flow back to the adsorption cylinders. Stored. In order to continuously generate the oxygen-enriched gas, it is necessary to desorb and remove nitrogen adsorbed on the adsorbent filled in the adsorption cylinder.
  • the adsorption cylinder is connected to the exhaust line, the pressurized adsorption cylinder is switched to the open atmosphere, and the nitrogen adsorbed in the pressurized condition is desorbed. Regenerate the adsorbent.
  • the exhaust silencer 150 is provided at the end of the exhaust line, noise associated with nitrogen exhaust can be reduced.
  • the other desorption process is performed from the product end side of the adsorption cylinder in the adsorption process of the two adsorption cylinders 131 and 132 via the pressure equalizing valve 125.
  • a purge step is performed in which the oxygen-enriched gas is caused to flow backward as a purge gas with respect to the adsorption cylinder.
  • the pressure equalizing valve 125 is provided with orifices 126 and 127.
  • operation control is performed by shifting each process, and when one adsorption cylinder 131 performs the adsorption process and generates oxygen, the other adsorption cylinder 132 performs the desorption process and performs the adsorption process.
  • Regeneration is performed, and oxygen is continuously generated by switching each process. Oxygen-enriched gas is produced from the raw air and is temporarily stored in the product tank 140.
  • the oxygen-enriched gas stored in the product tank 140 contains a high-concentration oxygen-enriched gas such as 95%, for example, and its supply flow rate and pressure are controlled by the flow rate setting means 142 such as the pressure regulating valve 141 and the control valve.
  • the humidified oxygen-concentrated gas supplied to the humidifier 145 is supplied to the patient.
  • a bubbling humidifier or a surface evaporation humidifier using water as a humidification source can be used.
  • the flow rate and oxygen concentration of the oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the user are detected by an ultrasonic oxygen concentration / flow rate sensor 144. Based on the oxygen concentration detection value and the oxygen supply flow rate value, the rotation speed of the compressor 112 and the flow path switching are performed.
  • the oxygen concentrator includes a pressure sensor 115 and a relief valve 114 to detect abnormal compressor operation and adsorption cylinder pressurization, and a temperature sensor 151 detects the adsorption temperature of the oxygen concentrator.
  • device abnormality detection and optimization control of the adsorption / desorption process are performed.
  • Molecular adsorbents such as Na-X, Li-X, and MD-X are adsorbed in the air at the same time as adsorbents that selectively adsorb nitrogen over oxygen. Therefore, the produced oxygen-enriched gas is separated as an almost completely dry gas.
  • humidification is provided in the middle of the pipe connecting the product tank 140 that primarily stores the generated oxygen-enriched gas and the cannula 148 that supplies oxygen to the patient.
  • a water humidifier 145 is installed to humidify the oxygen-enriched gas by bubbling underwater.
  • the water humidifier for humidifying the oxygen-enriched gas after opening the cover with respect to the humidifier housing portion 202 provided with the opening and closing cover 201 provided in the front center portion of the housing as shown in FIG.
  • a humidifier 203 is connected in the vertical direction. As shown in the schematic external view of FIG.
  • the humidifier is composed of a humidifying container 301 for containing humidified water and a humidifier lid 302 for sealing the humidified water, and the lid portion is dried from the oxygen concentrator.
  • the inlet nozzle which is fitted with each of the introduction nozzle 303 for supplying the oxygen enriched gas in the state and the outlet nozzle 304 for delivering the humidified oxygen enriched gas to the oxygen concentrator side and constitutes a receiving side for connection in an airtight state 305 and an outlet 306 are provided.
  • the humidifier is attached to the oxygen concentrator via an attachment base 307 in the humidifier housing.
  • An introduction nozzle 303 and a discharge nozzle 304 are vertically attached to the humidifier attachment base.
  • the dried oxygen-enriched gas produced by the oxygen concentrator is introduced into the humidification container 301 from the introduction nozzle 303 through the introduction port 305 of the lid.
  • the oxygen-enriched gas humidified in the humidification container is returned to the oxygen concentrator again from the lid outlet 306 via the outlet nozzle 304.
  • the introduction nozzle 303 and the discharge nozzle 304 and the introduction port 305 and the discharge port 306 provided in the lid 302 are detachable, and can be easily removed by pulling the handle 308 upward. Further, the lid 302 and the humidifying container 301 are also detachable, and the humidifying water can be supplied to the humidifying container 301 by rotating and removing the lid 302.
  • FIG. 4 shows the humidification container 401 and lid 402 of the present invention in detail.
  • the introduction nozzle 403 is fitted into the introduction port 405 on the introduction nozzle receiving side, and the dried oxygen-enriched gas passes through the introduction pipe 407 and is bubbled by the bubble generator 408 having a porous tip, and is supplied with humidified water 409. It is moderately humidified by passing inside.
  • the humidified oxygen-enriched gas is returned to the oxygen concentrator from the outlet port 406 installed in the humidifier lid 402 through the outlet nozzle 404.
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows the external configuration of the humidifier housing portion 500 for showing in detail the introduction nozzle 503 and the discharge nozzle 504 constituting the connection portion with the humidifier of the oxygen concentrator of the present invention. is there.
  • the introduction nozzle 504 and the discharge nozzle 505 provided on the mounting base 507 are respectively provided with an introduction nozzle Y ring 513 and a discharge nozzle in order to maintain a sealed structure between the introduction nozzle reception side and the discharge nozzle reception side on the lid side.
  • a sealing material for the nozzle Y ring 514 is attached. This is not necessarily a Y-ring as long as the sealing function can be secured, and may be an O-ring or other shapes.
  • a tube for supplying an oxygen-enriched gas or a supply tube called a cannula may be bent during use.
  • Factors such as tube connection failure when connecting multiple extension tubes and inhaling oxygen away from the oxygen concentrator, or crushing the tube under the patient's body at bedtime Many are based on In such a state, the oxygen-enriched gas does not flow through the tube, and as a result, the pressure in the humidifying container also increases.
  • a flow rate sensor and a pressure sensor are attached to the oxygen concentrator side. When a flow rate drop or a pressure rise is detected, a warning that the supply tube is bent is issued. In recent oxygen concentrators, in consideration of patient convenience, a warning is not issued for a slight decrease in flow rate or pressure increase, and a device for maintaining an appropriate flow rate by a flow rate control function has been devised.
  • control is performed to compensate for the decrease in the oxygen supply amount due to bending of the supply tube or the like by performing control such as increasing the product tank pressure by increasing the oxygen generation amount or increasing the oxygen supply flow rate.
  • the supply piping side including the inside of the humidification container is kept in a positive pressure state. If the humidifier is removed from the oxygen concentrator to replenish the humidified water in this state, the air suddenly flows from the inlet or outlet of the humidifier lid due to the pressure difference between the pressure in the humidification container and atmospheric pressure. There are situations where water enters the inside or the water remaining from the inside of the humidifier blows out.
  • the pressurized oxygen-enriched gas generated by the cannula breaks down the humidified water remaining in the container downward, There is a possibility that water may be ejected from the inlet through the bubble generator and the inlet pipe. In particular, when water spouts to the upstream side of the humidifier, the nitrogen adsorbent absorbs moisture, which may cause the adsorption bed to deteriorate. On the other hand, if the airtightness of the lead-out nozzle and the lead-out port is lost before the introduction side, the residual pressure of the oxygen-enriched gas on the product tank side flows into the humidifier from the introduction nozzle.
  • the introduction nozzle Y ring 513 and the discharge nozzle Y ring 514 are installed in different positions in the height direction, and the discharge nozzle Y ring 514 is more in the introduction nozzle Y ring 513. It is installed at a lower position. Therefore, when removing the humidifier, the seal structure is always opened from the outlet nozzle side, and the oxygen-enriched gas staying in the humidification container as a positive pressure is released to the atmosphere from the outlet port on the outlet nozzle receiving side. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the humidified water from being ejected outside the humidifier.
  • FIG. 6A schematically show various embodiments of the connection part of the inlet and outlet of the humidifier lid, the inlet nozzle and outlet nozzle of the oxygen-enriched gas, and the sealing means. The specific structure of the humidifier body is omitted.
  • FIG. 6A is a configuration of the connection portion shown in FIG.
  • the diameters of the introduction nozzle 603a and the outlet nozzle 604a and the inlet 605a and the outlet 606a of the humidifier lid 602 fitted thereto are the same.
  • the position of the Y ring as a sealing means is provided on the mounting base side 607 where the outlet nozzle Y ring 614a is lower than the inlet nozzle Y ring 613a, and when the humidifier is removed, the tip of the outlet nozzle 604a The airtightness on the side is previously lost with respect to the introduction nozzle 603a.
  • 6B shows the Y ring installed from the nozzle tip at the same position, but the outlet nozzle 604b is shorter than the inlet nozzle 603b, and FIG.
  • FIG. 6C shows a humidifier by making the outlet nozzle 604c a multistage aperture.
  • FIG. 6D is a structure in which the airtightness on the side of the outlet nozzle is always lost by making the structure sealed at the tip of the outlet nozzle 604d.
  • FIG. 7 shows that the sealing means is installed not at the nozzle side but at the inlet and outlet of the humidifier lid.
  • FIG. 7A shows that the leading end of the outlet nozzle 704a has a taper so that the air tightness at the outlet nozzle side.
  • 7B is a structure in which a longitudinal groove is provided on the outer surface of the leading end of the outlet nozzle.
  • FIG. 7C is a position where the sealing means 714c of the outlet 706c is installed on the back side from the inlet 705c side. Furthermore, FIG. 7D shows a shape in which the shape of the outlet 706d is tapered.
  • the humidifier of the present invention can be used as a humidifier of an oxygen concentrator used as an oxygen supply source for oxygen inhalation therapy for patients suffering from respiratory organ diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. it can.
  • the patient can use the oxygen concentrator, which is a medical device, more comfortably and safely without the problem of the humidified water flowing back to the oxygen concentrator or spouting to the outside during the removal and replacement of the humidifier. It becomes possible.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Separation Of Gases By Adsorption (AREA)
  • Oxygen, Ozone, And Oxides In General (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed is a humidifier provided with a sealing means in which even if the inside of the humidifier is maintained at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, the air-tightness between an extruding nozzle and a lid section extruding port of the humidifier is lost earlier than the air-tightness between an introducing nozzle and a lid section introducing port during the separation of the lid of the humidifier from the introducing nozzle and the extruding nozzle in such a manner that the humidified water is not ejected via a bubble generator of the humidifier when the humidifier is detached from an oxygen enrichment device in order to replenish the humidified water.

Description

加湿器およびそれを用いた酸素濃縮装置Humidifier and oxygen concentrator using the same
　本発明は、空気中から酸素を分離する酸素濃縮装置に関するものであり、生成した乾燥状態の酸素濃縮ガスを適度に加湿するための水加湿器を搭載した酸素濃縮装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to an oxygen concentrator that separates oxygen from the air, and relates to an oxygen concentrator equipped with a water humidifier for appropriately humidifying a generated dry oxygen concentrated gas.
　近年、喘息、肺気腫症、慢性気管支炎等の呼吸器系器官の疾患に苦しむ患者が増加する傾向にあり、その治療法として最も効果的なもののひとつに酸素吸入療法がある。かかる酸素吸入療法とは、酸素ガスあるいは酸素濃縮ガスを呼吸器疾患患者に吸入させるものである。これに用いる酸素の供給源として、酸素濃縮装置、液体酸素、酸素ガスボンベ等が知られているが、使用方法の簡便性や保守管理の容易性などの理由から、在宅酸素療法には酸素濃縮装置が主流で用いられている。
　酸素濃縮装置は、空気中に存在する約２１％の酸素を分離濃縮して供給する装置である。かかる装置としては、酸素を選択的に透過する膜を用いた膜式酸素濃縮装置や、窒素または酸素を優先的に吸着しうる吸着剤を用いた圧力変動吸着型酸素濃縮装置が知られているが、９０％以上の高濃度の酸素が得られることから、在宅酸素療法用の装置としては、圧力変動吸着型酸素濃縮装置が主に使用されている。
　圧力変動吸着型酸素濃縮装置は、酸素よりも窒素を選択的に吸着する吸着剤である５Ａ型や１３Ｘ型、Ｌｉ−Ｘ型などのモレキュラーシーブゼオライトを充填した吸着筒に、コンプレッサで圧縮された空気を供給することにより加圧条件下で吸着剤に窒素を吸着させ、未吸着の酸素を得る加圧・吸着工程と、前記吸着筒内の圧力を大気圧またはそれ以下に減じて、吸着剤に吸着された窒素をパージすることにより吸着剤の再生を行う減圧・脱着工程を交互に繰り返し行うことで、高濃度の酸素濃縮ガスを連続的に生成することができる。
　窒素吸着剤として用いられるゼオライトは、空気中の水分も吸着する性質を有するため、生成される酸素濃縮ガスは湿度をほとんど含まない乾燥した状態で吐出される。そのため乾燥状態の酸素濃縮ガスを継続して吸入することによる患者の鼻腔や口腔の乾燥を防止するために、多くの酸素濃縮装置には、酸素濃縮ガスを加湿した状態で供給するための加湿器が搭載されている。このような加湿器には、加湿性能の高さから、特開平７−１６５４０２号公報に開示されているように、酸素濃縮ガスを水中へ導いて気泡化する気泡発生器を通し、水分を付与することによって、乾燥状態にある酸素濃縮ガスを加湿する気泡式加湿器が一般的に使用されている（特許文献１）。
　このような酸素濃縮装置を用いて酸素吸入を行う場合、特に就寝中の寝返りなどによって、患者自身の体重によるカニューラの押し潰し、あるいは折り曲げなどによって、酸素濃縮ガスを患者に供給するチューブを閉塞させてしまった場合には、供給する酸素濃縮ガスの流量が減少し、結果として治療効果が低下する不具合が生じる。これを防止するために、装置内の酸素濃縮ガス配管に圧力センサを設置し、ある圧力閾値を超えた状態で使用を継続すると、警報を出す機能を備えることが一般的になされている。
　最近では、この酸素濃縮ガスを供給する圧力閾値を高めに設定し、酸素濃縮ガスの供給チューブの多少の折れ曲がりでは酸素濃縮ガス流量が低下しないように圧力を制御し、治療効果の低下を防止する機能を付与した酸素濃縮装置が提案されている（特許文献２）。かかる装置では、供給圧力を制御することで患者への酸素供給量を一定に維持する機能を備えている。 In recent years, the number of patients suffering from respiratory organ diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis has been increasing, and one of the most effective treatment methods is oxygen inhalation therapy. Such oxygen inhalation therapy is a method in which a patient with respiratory disease inhales oxygen gas or oxygen-enriched gas. Oxygen concentrators, liquid oxygen, oxygen gas cylinders, and the like are known as oxygen sources used for this purpose. However, for reasons such as ease of use and ease of maintenance, oxygen concentrators are used for home oxygen therapy. Is used in the mainstream.
The oxygen concentrator is a device that supplies approximately 21% oxygen existing in the air after being separated and concentrated. As such an apparatus, a membrane type oxygen concentrator using a membrane that selectively permeates oxygen and a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator using an adsorbent capable of preferentially adsorbing nitrogen or oxygen are known. However, since a high concentration oxygen of 90% or more can be obtained, a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator is mainly used as a home oxygen therapy device.
The pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator was compressed by a compressor in an adsorption cylinder filled with molecular sieve zeolite such as 5A type, 13X type, Li-X type, etc., which is an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen. The adsorbent is made by adsorbing nitrogen to the adsorbent under pressurized conditions by supplying air to obtain unadsorbed oxygen, and reducing the pressure in the adsorption cylinder to atmospheric pressure or lower. By alternately repeating the depressurization and desorption steps of regenerating the adsorbent by purging nitrogen adsorbed on the gas, a high concentration oxygen-enriched gas can be continuously generated.
Since zeolite used as a nitrogen adsorbent has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air, the oxygen-enriched gas produced is discharged in a dry state containing almost no humidity. Therefore, in order to prevent drying of the patient's nasal cavity and oral cavity due to continuous inhalation of the oxygen-enriched gas in a dry state, a humidifier for supplying oxygen-enriched gas in a humidified state to many oxygen concentrators Is installed. Such a humidifier is provided with moisture through a bubble generator that introduces oxygen-enriched gas into water and bubbles it as disclosed in JP-A-7-165402 due to its high humidification performance. Therefore, a bubble humidifier that humidifies the oxygen-enriched gas in a dry state is generally used (Patent Document 1).
When performing oxygen inhalation using such an oxygen concentrator, the tube that supplies the oxygen-enriched gas to the patient is closed by crushing or bending the cannula according to the patient's own weight, especially when turning over while sleeping. If this happens, the flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas to be supplied decreases, resulting in a problem that the therapeutic effect decreases. In order to prevent this, a pressure sensor is generally installed in the oxygen-enriched gas pipe in the apparatus, and it is generally provided with a function of issuing an alarm when the use is continued in a state where a certain pressure threshold is exceeded.
Recently, the pressure threshold value for supplying the oxygen-enriched gas is set higher, and the pressure is controlled so that the flow rate of the oxygen-enriched gas does not decrease when the oxygen-enriched gas supply tube is slightly bent to prevent the therapeutic effect from being lowered. An oxygen concentrator having a function has been proposed (Patent Document 2). Such an apparatus has a function of maintaining the oxygen supply amount to the patient constant by controlling the supply pressure.
特開平７−１６５４０２号公報JP 7-165402 A 特開２００５−６６０７３号公報JP 2005-66073 A
　このような機能を有する酸素濃縮装置では、加湿器を含む酸素濃縮ガス配管内の圧力は常に大気圧以上に設定されている。そのため、酸素濃縮装置を停止させた後も、酸素濃縮ガスを供給するチューブが折れ曲がり、閉塞した状態であると、加湿器内の圧力は加圧下で維持される。この状態で加湿水を補充するために酸素濃縮装置から加湿器を取り外した場合には、加湿器内部の残圧力と大気圧との圧力差により、加湿器内に残っていた水が気泡発生器を介して導入口から噴出する可能性がある。
　本発明は、酸素濃縮ガスの供給チューブの閉塞により、酸素濃縮装置の加湿器内圧力が上昇した状態であったとしても、加湿水を補充する等を目的とした加湿器の取り外しを行った場合に生じる、気泡発生器を介した加湿水の外部への噴出という問題点を解決することを目的としたものである。 In the oxygen concentrator having such a function, the pressure in the oxygen concentrating gas pipe including the humidifier is always set to be equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, even after the oxygen concentrator is stopped, the pressure in the humidifier is maintained under pressure when the tube that supplies the oxygen-enriched gas is bent and closed. If the humidifier is removed from the oxygen concentrator to replenish the humidified water in this state, the water remaining in the humidifier is caused by the pressure difference between the residual pressure inside the humidifier and atmospheric pressure. There is a possibility of ejection from the introduction port.
In the present invention, even when the pressure inside the humidifier of the oxygen concentrator is increased due to the blockage of the oxygen concentrated gas supply tube, the humidifier is removed for the purpose of replenishing the humidified water. It aims at solving the problem of the ejection of humidified water to the outside through the bubble generator.
　かかる問題の解決方法として、本発明者らは以下の装置を見出した。すなわち本発明は、乾燥状態のガスに対して適度な加湿を行うための加湿器であり、該加湿器は、加湿容器内にガスを導入する導入ノズルおよび加湿されたガスを排出する導出ノズルと、加湿用の水を入れる加湿容器と、該加湿容器に入れられた水中へ乾燥状態のガスを導いて気泡化する多孔質材料の気泡発生器と、加湿容器を密閉する蓋とを備え、
　該蓋は、乾燥状態のガスを該加湿容器へ導入するための導入ノズルと、加湿されたガスを該加湿容器から排出するための導出ノズルの各々と嵌合し、気密状態で接合するための導入口および導出口を備えると共に、該加湿器の蓋と該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルを分離する際に、該導出ノズルと該加湿器の蓋部導出口の気密性が、該導入ノズルと蓋部導入口の気密性よりも先に失われるシール手段を備えることを特徴とする加湿器を提供するものである。
　また本発明は、かかるシール手段が、導入ノズルおよび導出ノズルの外表面に取り付けられ、加湿器の蓋を各ノズルから取り外した際に、導出ノズルに取り付けられた該シール手段が、該導入ノズルに取り付けられたシール手段に対して、嵌合する蓋部の導出口および導入口との関係において、先に気密性が失われる位置に設置されていることを特徴とする加湿器であり、特に、該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが円管状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する円筒状開口部であり、該導出ノズルに取り付けられた該シール手段が、該導入ノズルに取り付けられたシール手段に対して、円筒状開口部の入口側に備えること、該導出ノズルの長さが、導入ノズルに対して短い部材であること、また、該導出ノズルが、先端側外径が小さい多段径の円環状部材であり、該導出ノズルのシール手段が多段径のノズルの小径側に設置されていること、或いは該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが円環状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する円筒状開口部であり、導出ノズルに取り付けられた該シール手段が導出ノズル先端に、該導入ノズルに取り付けられたシール手段が円環状部材の側面に備えることを特徴とする加湿器を提供する。
　また本発明は、該シール手段が、導入口および導出口の内表面に取り付けられ、加湿器の蓋を導入ノズルおよび導出ノズルから取り外した際に、導出口側のシール手段が、該導入ノズルに取り付けられたシール手段に対して、嵌合する蓋部の導出口および導入口との関係において、先に気密性が失われる位置に設置されていることを特徴とする加湿器を提供する。
　また、かかる加湿器としては、該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが円管状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する円筒状開口部であり、該導出口に取り付けられた該シール手段が、該導入口に取り付けられたシール手段に対して、円筒状開口部の奥側に備えることを特徴とする加湿器、該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが側面部にシール手段を備えた円管状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する円筒状開口部であり、該導出ノズルの先端がテーパー状、または先端外表面に溝部を備えることを特徴とする加湿器、または該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが側面部にシール手段を備えた円管状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する開口部であり、該導入口の形状が円筒状、該導出口の形状がテーパー状の開口形状を備えることを特徴とする加湿器を提供する。
　さらに本発明は、酸素よりも窒素を選択的に吸着する吸着剤を備え、空気中から未吸着の酸素濃縮ガスを分離する吸着型酸素濃縮装置であり、生成された酸素濃縮ガスを加湿する加湿器を備えると共に、かかる加湿器が、加湿用の水を入れる加湿容器と、該加湿容器に入れられた水中へ乾燥状態のガスを導いて気泡化する多孔質材料の気泡発生器と、加湿容器と密閉する蓋を備え、該蓋は、乾燥状態のガスを該加湿容器へ導入するための導入ノズルと、加湿されたガスを該加湿容器から排出するための導出ノズルの各々と嵌合し、気密状態で接合するための導入口および導出口を備えると共に、該加湿器と該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルを分離する際に、該導出ノズルと該加湿器の蓋部導出口の気密性が、該導入ノズルと蓋部導入口気密性よりも先に失われるシール手段を備える加湿器であることを特徴とする、酸素濃縮装置を提供する。 As a solution to this problem, the present inventors have found the following apparatus. That is, the present invention is a humidifier for appropriately humidifying a dry gas, and the humidifier includes an introduction nozzle for introducing gas into the humidification container and a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas. A humidifying container for containing water for humidification, a bubble generator for a porous material that introduces a dry gas into the water contained in the humidifying container to form bubbles, and a lid for sealing the humidifying container,
The lid is fitted with each of an introduction nozzle for introducing a dry gas into the humidification container and a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas from the humidification container, and is joined in an airtight state. In addition to the introduction port and the discharge port, when the lid of the humidifier and the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are separated, the airtightness of the discharge nozzle and the lid outlet port of the humidifier is determined by the introduction nozzle and the cover. It is intended to provide a humidifier comprising a sealing means that is lost before the airtightness of the part introduction port.
Further, according to the present invention, the sealing means is attached to the outer surfaces of the introduction nozzle and the outlet nozzle, and when the lid of the humidifier is removed from each nozzle, the sealing means attached to the outlet nozzle is attached to the inlet nozzle. It is a humidifier characterized by being installed at a position where airtightness is lost first in relation to the outlet and inlet of the lid to be fitted with respect to the attached sealing means, The introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are cylindrical openings fitted to the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle, and are attached to the discharge nozzle. The sealing means is provided on the inlet side of the cylindrical opening with respect to the sealing means attached to the introduction nozzle, and the length of the outlet nozzle is a member shorter than the introduction nozzle. And the outlet nozzle is a multi-stage annular member having a small outer diameter on the tip side, and the sealing means of the outlet nozzle is installed on the small-diameter side of the multi-stage nozzle, or the introduction nozzle and The outlet nozzle is an annular member, the inlet and outlet provided in the lid are the inlet nozzle and a cylindrical opening fitted to the inlet nozzle, and the sealing means attached to the outlet nozzle A humidifier is provided in which sealing means attached to the introduction nozzle is provided on the side surface of the annular member at the leading end of the lead-out nozzle.
In the present invention, the sealing means is attached to the inner surfaces of the inlet and outlet, and when the lid of the humidifier is removed from the inlet nozzle and outlet nozzle, the sealing means on the outlet side is attached to the inlet nozzle. Provided is a humidifier characterized in that it is installed at a position where airtightness is lost first with respect to the attached sealing means in relation to the outlet and inlet of the lid to be fitted.
Further, as such a humidifier, the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are cylindrical openings that fit into the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle. The humidifier, the introduction nozzle, and the lead-out device, wherein the sealing means attached to the outlet port is provided on the back side of the cylindrical opening with respect to the sealing means attached to the inlet port. The nozzle is a tubular member having a sealing means on the side surface, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are a cylindrical opening that fits the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle. The tip is tapered, or the humidifier is provided with a groove on the outer surface of the tip, or the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members each having a sealing means on a side surface, and are provided on the lid Guidance A humidifier, wherein the inlet and the outlet are openings that fit into the inlet nozzle and the inlet nozzle, the inlet has a cylindrical shape, and the outlet has a tapered opening. I will provide a.
Furthermore, the present invention is an adsorption-type oxygen concentrating device that includes an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen and separates unadsorbed oxygen-enriched gas from the air, and humidifies the generated oxygen-enriched gas A humidifying container for containing humidifying water, a bubble generator for a porous material that introduces a dry gas into the water contained in the humidifying container, and a humidifying container. And the lid is fitted with each of an introduction nozzle for introducing a dry gas into the humidification container and a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas from the humidification container, In addition to providing an inlet and an outlet for joining in an airtight state, when separating the humidifier from the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle, the airtightness of the outlet nozzle and the lid outlet of the humidifier is: Airtightness of the inlet nozzle and lid inlet Characterized in that it is a humidifier comprising a sealing means that is lost remote destination, provides an oxygen concentrator.
　本発明によると、加湿器下流側に設けられたカニューラやチューブなどの酸素供給手段の押し潰しあるいは折れ曲がりが生じ、加湿器内の圧力が上昇した状態で加湿器の取り外し操作が行なわれたとしても、加湿容器内に残留する加湿水が気泡発生器を通って導入ノズル側に噴出することが無い加湿器、およびそれを搭載した酸素濃縮装置を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, even if an oxygen supply means such as a cannula or tube provided downstream of the humidifier is crushed or bent, and the humidifier is removed while the pressure in the humidifier is increased, It is possible to provide a humidifier in which humidified water remaining in the humidification container does not flow out to the introduction nozzle side through the bubble generator, and an oxygen concentrator equipped with the humidifier.
　図１は、本発明の実施態様例である酸素濃縮装置の概略構成図を示したものである。図２は酸素濃縮装置の外観図を、図３は、本発明の実施態様例である酸素濃縮装置に搭載される加湿容器の接続部を示す外観模式図を示したものである。図４は、本発明の実施態様例である加湿器の内部を示した正面模式図、図５は酸素濃縮装置の加湿器取り付け部分を示した外観模式図である。図６および図７は、酸素濃縮装置の加湿器取り付け部分の導出ノズルおよび導入ノズルと、それに嵌合する加湿器蓋部の導出口および導入口部分の接続状態を模式的に示したものである。 FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an oxygen concentrator which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of the oxygen concentrator, and FIG. 3 is a schematic external view showing a connecting portion of a humidifying container mounted on the oxygen concentrator as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing the inside of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic external view showing a humidifier mounting portion of the oxygen concentrator. 6 and 7 schematically show the connection state of the outlet nozzle and the inlet nozzle of the humidifier attachment portion of the oxygen concentrator, and the outlet port and inlet portion of the humidifier lid portion fitted therein. .
　本発明の酸素濃縮装置の実施態様例を、図面を用いて説明する。
　図１は、本発明の一実施形態である圧力変動吸着型酸素濃縮装置を例示した概略装置構成図、図２はその外観図である。本発明の圧力変動吸着型酸素濃縮装置１は、原料空気を供給するコンプレッサ１１２、酸素よりも窒素を選択的に吸着する吸着剤を充填した吸着筒１３１，１３２、吸脱着工程を切替る流路切替手段である供給弁１２１，１２２、排気弁１２３，１２４、均圧弁１２５を備え、原料空気から分離生成した酸素濃縮ガスを流量設定器であるコントロールバルブ１４２で所定流量に調整した後、カニューラ１４８を用いて使用者に供給する。
　先ず、外部から取り込まれる原料空気は、塵埃などの異物を取り除くための外部空気取り込みフィルタ１１１を備えた空気取り込み口から取り込まれる。このとき、通常の空気中には、約２１％の酸素ガス、約７７％の窒素ガス、０．８％のアルゴンガス、二酸化炭素ほかのガスが１．２％含まれている。かかる装置では、呼吸用ガスとして必要な酸素を分離して取り出す。
　酸素濃縮ガスの分離は、吸着工程に於いて、酸素分子よりも窒素分子を選択的に吸着するゼオライト等からなる吸着剤を充填した吸着筒１３１、１３２に対して、供給弁１２１，１２２、排気弁１２３，１２４の開閉を制御することによって、原料空気を供給対象とする吸着筒への流路を切り換えることにより、コンプレッサ１１２から加圧空気を順次供給し、加圧状態の吸着筒内で原料空気中に含まれる約７７％の窒素ガスを選択的に吸着除去することにより行われる。
　前記の吸着筒は、酸素よりも窒素を選択的に吸着する吸着材を充填した円筒状容器で構成される。吸着筒の数は酸素生成量との関係で決定され、１筒、２筒の他に３筒以上の多筒を用いた酸素濃縮装置があるが、連続的かつ効率的に原料空気から酸素濃縮ガスを製造するためには、図１に示す２筒式や多筒式の吸着筒を使用することが好ましい。
　また、前記のコンプレッサ１１２としては、圧縮機能のみ、或いは圧縮、真空機能を有するコンプレッサとして２ヘッドのタイプの揺動型空気圧縮機が用いられるほか、スクリュー式、ロータリー式、スクロール式などの回転型空気圧縮機が用いられる場合もある。また、このコンプレッサを駆動する電動機の電源は、交流であっても直流であってもよい。コンプレッサ１１２は、騒音源および熱発生源となるため、冷却ファン１１３を備えたコンプレッサボックス内に収納することにより装置の静穏化及び冷却を図ることが出来る。
　前記吸着筒１３１，１３２で吸着されなかった酸素を主成分とする酸素濃縮ガスは、吸着筒へ逆流しないように設けられた逆止弁１２８，１２９を介して、製品タンク１４０に流入し、一時貯留される。
　酸素濃縮ガスを連続して生成するためには、吸着筒内に充填された吸着剤に吸着した窒素を脱着除去する必要がある。そこで脱着工程では供給弁を閉じ、排気弁を開くことにより吸着筒を排気ラインに接続し、加圧状態の吸着筒を大気開放状態に切り換え、加圧状態で吸着されていた窒素を脱着させて吸着剤を再生する。排気ラインの末端には排気消音器１５０を備えることにより、窒素排気に伴う騒音を低減させることが出来る、
　さらにこの脱着工程において、その窒素の脱着効率を高めるため、均圧弁１２５を介して、２本の吸着筒１３１，１３２のうちの吸着工程中の吸着筒の製品端側から、他方の脱着工程中の吸着筒に対して酸素濃縮ガスをパージガスとして逆流させるパージ工程を行う。パージガスの流量を制御する為に均圧弁１２５にはオリフィス１２６，１２７を備える。
　２つの吸着筒１３１，１３２では、各工程をずらして運転制御を行い、一方の吸着筒１３１で吸着工程を行い酸素を生成している時には、他方の吸着筒１３２では脱着工程を行い吸着剤の再生を行い、各工程を切り換えることにより連続的に酸素を生成する。
　原料空気から酸素濃縮ガスが製造され、製品タンク１４０へ一時的に蓄えられる。この製品タンク１４０に蓄えられた酸素濃縮ガスは、例えば９５％といった高濃度の酸素濃縮ガスを含んでおり、調圧弁１４１、コントロールバルブ等の流量設定手段１４２によってその供給流量と圧力が制御されて加湿器１４５へ供給され、加湿された酸素濃縮ガスが患者に供給される。かかる加湿器１４５には、加湿源として水を用いたバブリング式加湿器あるいは表面蒸発式加湿器を用いることが出来る。
　使用者に供給される酸素濃縮ガスの流量及び酸素濃度は超音波式の酸素濃度・流量センサ１４４で検知され、酸素濃度検出値、酸素供給流量値に基づいてコンプレッサ１１２の回転数や流路切換弁の開閉時間をフィードバック制御し、酸素生成をコントロールすることも可能である。
　その他、酸素濃縮装置には圧力センサ１１５やリリーフ弁１１４を備えることでコンプレッサの運転異常や吸着筒の加圧異常を検知する他、温度センサ１５１を備えることにより、酸素濃縮装置の吸着温度を検知し、装置異常の検知や、吸脱着工程の最適化制御を行う。
　吸着筒内に充填された、酸素よりも窒素を選択的に吸着する吸着剤として、Ｎａ−Ｘ型、Ｌｉ−Ｘ型、ＭＤ−Ｘ型などのモレキュラーシーブゼオライトは、窒素を吸着すると同時に空気中の水分も吸着することから、生成された酸素濃縮ガスは、ほぼ絶乾状態のガスとして分離される。かかる酸素濃縮ガスを連続して吸入することによって生じる鼻孔等の乾燥を防ぐため、生成した酸素濃縮ガスを一次貯留する製品タンク１４０と患者へ酸素を供給するカニューラ１４８を繋ぐ配管の途中に、加湿水中をバブリングすることで酸素濃縮ガスを加湿する水加湿器１４５が設置されている。
　酸素濃縮ガスを加湿するための水加湿器は、図２に示すように筐体の正面中央部に設けられた開閉カバー２０１を備えた加湿器収容部２０２に対して、カバーを開いた後、垂直方向に加湿器２０３が接続される。かかる加湿器は、図３に外観模式図で示すように、加湿水を入れる加湿容器３０１と、これを密閉するための加湿器蓋３０２から構成され、かかる蓋部分には、酸素濃縮装置から乾燥状態の酸素濃縮ガスを供給する導入ノズル３０３及び加湿済みの酸素濃縮ガスを酸素濃縮装置側に導出する導出ノズル３０４の各々と嵌合し、気密状態で接続するための受側を構成する導入口３０５および導出口３０６を備える。
　加湿器は加湿器収容部にある取り付け基盤３０７を介して酸素濃縮装置に取り付けられる。加湿器取り付け基盤には導入ノズル３０３および導出ノズル３０４が垂直方向に取り付けられている。酸素濃縮装置で生成した乾燥状態の酸素濃縮ガスは、導入ノズル３０３から蓋の導入口３０５を通して加湿容器３０１に導入される。また加湿容器内にて加湿された酸素濃縮ガスは蓋の導出口３０６から導出ノズル３０４を介し再び酸素濃縮装置に戻される。導入ノズル３０３および導出ノズル３０４と、蓋３０２に設けられた導入口３０５および導出口３０６は着脱自在になっており、取っ手３０８を上方に引くことで容易に取り外すことが可能である。また、蓋３０２と加湿容器３０１も着脱自在になっており、蓋３０２を回転させて外すことで加湿用の水を加湿容器３０１に補給することができる。
　図４は、本発明の加湿容器４０１および蓋４０２を詳細に示したものである。導入ノズル４０３は導入ノズル受側の導入口４０５に嵌合し、乾燥状態の酸素濃縮ガスは導入管４０７を通り、先端が多孔体となっている気泡発生器４０８により気泡化され、加湿水４０９の中を通ることで適度に加湿される。加湿された酸素濃縮ガスは、加湿器の蓋４０２に設置された導出口４０６から導出ノズル４０４を通って酸素濃縮装置に戻される。
　図５は、本発明の酸素濃縮装置の加湿器との接続部を構成する導入ノズル５０３と導出ノズル５０４を詳細に示すための、加湿器収容部５００の外観構成を模式的に示したものである。取り付け基盤５０７に設けられた導入ノズル５０４と導出ノズル５０５には、蓋側の導入ノズル受側および導出ノズル受側との間で密閉構造を保持するために、それぞれに導入ノズルＹリング５１３および導出ノズルＹリング５１４のシール材が取り付けられている。これは、シール機能を担保できれば必ずしもＹリングである必要はなく、Ｏリングやその他の形状のものであっても構わない。
　呼吸器疾患患者が酸素濃縮装置を使用して酸素吸入を行っていると、使用中に酸素濃縮ガスを供給するチューブやカニューラと呼ばれる供給チューブが折れ曲がることがある。複数の延長用のチューブを繋いで、酸素濃縮装置から離れた場所で酸素吸入を行う際のチューブ取り廻し不良によるもの、或いは就寝時に患者自身の体に下敷きになってチューブを押し潰すなどの要因に基づくものが多い。このような状態になるとチューブ内を酸素濃縮ガスが流れず、結果として加湿容器内の圧力も上昇する。
　酸素濃縮装置側には流量センサや圧力センサが取り付けられており、流量低下や圧力上昇を検知すると供給チューブが折れ曲がっている事を警報として発報するようになっている。最近の酸素濃縮装置では患者の利便性を考え、多少の流量低下や圧力上昇では警報が発報せず、流量制御機能によって適正な流量を維持する工夫がなされている。すなわち、酸素生成量を上げることで製品タンク圧力を上げる、あるいは酸素供給流量を上げるなどの制御を行うことで供給チューブの折れ曲がり等による酸素供給量の減少分を補償する制御が行なわれている。その結果、加湿容器内部を含め、供給配管側が陽圧状態に保たれている。
　この状態で加湿水を補給するために、酸素濃縮装置から加湿器を取り外すと、加湿容器内の圧力と大気圧の圧力差により、加湿器蓋の導入口あるいは導出口から空気が急激に加湿器内に入る、あるいは加湿器内から残留している水が外部に吹き出すなどの事態が生じる。
　もし、導入ノズルと導入口の気密性が導出側よりも先に失われた場合には、カニューラ折れによって生じた加圧状態の酸素濃縮ガスが容器内に残留する加湿水を下方に押し下げ、加湿水が気泡発発生器、導入管を通って、導入口から外部に噴出する可能性がある。特に加湿器の上流側に水が噴出した場合には、窒素吸着剤が吸湿してしまい、吸着床が劣化する原因ともなる。
　一方、導出ノズルと導出口の気密性が、導入側よりも先に失われた場合には、製品タンク側の酸素濃縮ガスの残圧が導入ノズルから加湿器内に流れ込むことになるが、残留している水で、気泡発生器からバブリングは生じるが、導出ノズル側へ水が吹き出す事態は防ぐことが出来る。
　本発明では、図５に示すように、導入ノズルＹリング５１３と導出ノズルＹリング５１４の高さ方向の位置が異なって設置されており、導出ノズルＹリング５１４の方が、導入ノズルＹリング５１３よりも低い位置に設置されている。そのため、加湿器を取り外す際、必ず導出ノズル側からシール構造が開放され、加湿容器内に陽圧として滞留していた酸素濃縮ガスは導出ノズル受側である導出口から大気に開放される。この構造によって、加湿水が加湿器の外部に噴出することを防止することができる。
　上記実施態様例の加湿器では、導入ノズルおよび排出ノズルが垂直に配置された縦置き型の加湿器を例として説明したが、導入ノズルおよび排出ノズルが水平方向を向いた横置き型の加湿器の場合においても、導入ノズルＹリングおよび排出ノズルＹリングの位置を本発明が開示する位置に設置することで、同様の効果を得ることが可能である。
　図６および図７に、加湿器蓋の導入口および導出口と酸素濃縮ガスの導入ノズルおよび導出ノズルおよびシール手段の接続部位の種々の実施態様例を模式的に示す。加湿器本体の具体的構造は省略している。
　図６Ａは、図５に示した接続部位の構成であり、導入ノズル６０３ａおよび導出ノズル６０４ａの口径やそれに嵌合する加湿器蓋６０２の導入口６０５ａおよび導出口６０６ａの口径は同じであるが、シール手段であるＹリングの位置が導出ノズルＹリング６１４ａの方が導入ノズルＹリング６１３ａよりも下方である取り付け基盤側６０７に設けられており、加湿器を取り外した際には、導出ノズル６０４ａ先端側の気密性が導入ノズル６０３ａに対して先に失われる構造となっている。
　また、図６Ｂは、ノズル先端からのＹリングの設置位置は同じであるが、導出ノズル６０４ｂを導入ノズル６０３ｂよりも短くしたもの、図６Ｃは導出ノズル６０４ｃを多段口径とすることで、加湿器蓋６０２の導出口６０６ｃ内部で先に気密性が失われる構造、図６Ｄは導出ノズル６０４ｄの先端でシールする構造とすることで、必ず導出ノズル側の気密性が先に失われる構造となっている。
　更に図７はシール手段をノズル側ではなく、加湿器蓋の導入口および導出口に設置したものであり、図７Ａは導出ノズル７０４ａの先端部にテーパーを持たせることで導出ノズル側の気密性が先に失われる構造、図７Ｂは導出ノズル先端の外表面に縦方向の溝を設けたもの、図７Ｃは導出口７０６ｃのシール手段７１４ｃの設置位置を、導入口７０５ｃ側より奥側に設置したものであり、更に図７Ｄは、導出口７０６ｄの形状をテーパー状にしたものである。かかる構造とすることで、加湿器を取り外した際には必ず乾燥状態の酸素濃縮ガスが加湿器に入る導入口側の気密性が先に失われる構造となっている。 Embodiment examples of the oxygen concentrator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic apparatus configuration diagram illustrating a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator as an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external view thereof. The pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator 1 of the present invention includes a compressor 112 for supplying raw air, adsorption cylinders 131 and 132 filled with an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen rather than oxygen, and a flow path for switching adsorption / desorption processes. Supply valves 121 and 122 as switching means, exhaust valves 123 and 124, and pressure equalizing valve 125 are provided, and after oxygen-concentrated gas separated and generated from the raw air is adjusted to a predetermined flow rate by control valve 142 as a flow rate setting device, cannula 148 Supplied to the user using
First, the raw material air taken in from the outside is taken in from an air intake port provided with an external air intake filter 111 for removing foreign matters such as dust. At this time, the normal air contains 1.2% of about 21% oxygen gas, about 77% nitrogen gas, 0.8% argon gas, carbon dioxide and other gases. In such an apparatus, oxygen necessary as a breathing gas is separated and extracted.
In the adsorption process, the oxygen-enriched gas is separated from the adsorbing cylinders 131 and 132 filled with an adsorbent made of zeolite or the like that selectively adsorbs nitrogen molecules rather than oxygen molecules. By controlling the opening and closing of the valves 123 and 124, by switching the flow path to the adsorption cylinder to which raw material air is supplied, pressurized air is sequentially supplied from the compressor 112, and the raw material is supplied in the pressurized adsorption cylinder. This is performed by selectively adsorbing and removing about 77% of nitrogen gas contained in the air.
The adsorption cylinder is constituted by a cylindrical container filled with an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen rather than oxygen. The number of adsorption cylinders is determined by the relationship with the amount of oxygen produced, and there are oxygen concentrators using multiple cylinders of 3 or more in addition to 1 cylinder and 2 cylinders. In order to produce gas, it is preferable to use a two-cylinder or multi-cylinder adsorption cylinder shown in FIG.
Further, as the compressor 112, a two-head type oscillating air compressor is used as a compressor having only a compression function or a compression and vacuum function, and a rotary type such as a screw type, a rotary type, a scroll type and the like. An air compressor may be used. Further, the power source of the electric motor that drives the compressor may be alternating current or direct current. Since the compressor 112 becomes a noise source and a heat generation source, the apparatus can be quieted and cooled by being housed in a compressor box provided with a cooling fan 113.
The oxygen-enriched gas mainly composed of oxygen that has not been adsorbed by the adsorption cylinders 131 and 132 flows into the product tank 140 via check valves 128 and 129 provided so as not to flow back to the adsorption cylinders. Stored.
In order to continuously generate the oxygen-enriched gas, it is necessary to desorb and remove nitrogen adsorbed on the adsorbent filled in the adsorption cylinder. Therefore, in the desorption process, by closing the supply valve and opening the exhaust valve, the adsorption cylinder is connected to the exhaust line, the pressurized adsorption cylinder is switched to the open atmosphere, and the nitrogen adsorbed in the pressurized condition is desorbed. Regenerate the adsorbent. By providing the exhaust silencer 150 at the end of the exhaust line, noise associated with nitrogen exhaust can be reduced.
Further, in this desorption process, in order to increase the nitrogen desorption efficiency, the other desorption process is performed from the product end side of the adsorption cylinder in the adsorption process of the two adsorption cylinders 131 and 132 via the pressure equalizing valve 125. A purge step is performed in which the oxygen-enriched gas is caused to flow backward as a purge gas with respect to the adsorption cylinder. In order to control the flow rate of the purge gas, the pressure equalizing valve 125 is provided with orifices 126 and 127.
In the two adsorption cylinders 131 and 132, operation control is performed by shifting each process, and when one adsorption cylinder 131 performs the adsorption process and generates oxygen, the other adsorption cylinder 132 performs the desorption process and performs the adsorption process. Regeneration is performed, and oxygen is continuously generated by switching each process.
Oxygen-enriched gas is produced from the raw air and is temporarily stored in the product tank 140. The oxygen-enriched gas stored in the product tank 140 contains a high-concentration oxygen-enriched gas such as 95%, for example, and its supply flow rate and pressure are controlled by the flow rate setting means 142 such as the pressure regulating valve 141 and the control valve. The humidified oxygen-concentrated gas supplied to the humidifier 145 is supplied to the patient. As the humidifier 145, a bubbling humidifier or a surface evaporation humidifier using water as a humidification source can be used.
The flow rate and oxygen concentration of the oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the user are detected by an ultrasonic oxygen concentration / flow rate sensor 144. Based on the oxygen concentration detection value and the oxygen supply flow rate value, the rotation speed of the compressor 112 and the flow path switching are performed. It is also possible to control the oxygen generation by feedback control of the valve opening and closing time.
In addition, the oxygen concentrator includes a pressure sensor 115 and a relief valve 114 to detect abnormal compressor operation and adsorption cylinder pressurization, and a temperature sensor 151 detects the adsorption temperature of the oxygen concentrator. In addition, device abnormality detection and optimization control of the adsorption / desorption process are performed.
Molecular adsorbents such as Na-X, Li-X, and MD-X are adsorbed in the air at the same time as adsorbents that selectively adsorb nitrogen over oxygen. Therefore, the produced oxygen-enriched gas is separated as an almost completely dry gas. In order to prevent drying of the nostrils and the like caused by continuous inhalation of the oxygen-enriched gas, humidification is provided in the middle of the pipe connecting the product tank 140 that primarily stores the generated oxygen-enriched gas and the cannula 148 that supplies oxygen to the patient. A water humidifier 145 is installed to humidify the oxygen-enriched gas by bubbling underwater.
The water humidifier for humidifying the oxygen-enriched gas, after opening the cover with respect to the humidifier housing portion 202 provided with the opening and closing cover 201 provided in the front center portion of the housing as shown in FIG. A humidifier 203 is connected in the vertical direction. As shown in the schematic external view of FIG. 3, the humidifier is composed of a humidifying container 301 for containing humidified water and a humidifier lid 302 for sealing the humidified water, and the lid portion is dried from the oxygen concentrator. The inlet nozzle which is fitted with each of the introduction nozzle 303 for supplying the oxygen enriched gas in the state and the outlet nozzle 304 for delivering the humidified oxygen enriched gas to the oxygen concentrator side and constitutes a receiving side for connection in an airtight state 305 and an outlet 306 are provided.
The humidifier is attached to the oxygen concentrator via an attachment base 307 in the humidifier housing. An introduction nozzle 303 and a discharge nozzle 304 are vertically attached to the humidifier attachment base. The dried oxygen-enriched gas produced by the oxygen concentrator is introduced into the humidification container 301 from the introduction nozzle 303 through the introduction port 305 of the lid. The oxygen-enriched gas humidified in the humidification container is returned to the oxygen concentrator again from the lid outlet 306 via the outlet nozzle 304. The introduction nozzle 303 and the discharge nozzle 304 and the introduction port 305 and the discharge port 306 provided in the lid 302 are detachable, and can be easily removed by pulling the handle 308 upward. Further, the lid 302 and the humidifying container 301 are also detachable, and the humidifying water can be supplied to the humidifying container 301 by rotating and removing the lid 302.
FIG. 4 shows the humidification container 401 and lid 402 of the present invention in detail. The introduction nozzle 403 is fitted into the introduction port 405 on the introduction nozzle receiving side, and the dried oxygen-enriched gas passes through the introduction pipe 407 and is bubbled by the bubble generator 408 having a porous tip, and is supplied with humidified water 409. It is moderately humidified by passing inside. The humidified oxygen-enriched gas is returned to the oxygen concentrator from the outlet port 406 installed in the humidifier lid 402 through the outlet nozzle 404.
FIG. 5 schematically shows the external configuration of the humidifier housing portion 500 for showing in detail the introduction nozzle 503 and the discharge nozzle 504 constituting the connection portion with the humidifier of the oxygen concentrator of the present invention. is there. The introduction nozzle 504 and the discharge nozzle 505 provided on the mounting base 507 are respectively provided with an introduction nozzle Y ring 513 and a discharge nozzle in order to maintain a sealed structure between the introduction nozzle reception side and the discharge nozzle reception side on the lid side. A sealing material for the nozzle Y ring 514 is attached. This is not necessarily a Y-ring as long as the sealing function can be secured, and may be an O-ring or other shapes.
When a respiratory disease patient uses an oxygen concentrator to inhale oxygen, a tube for supplying an oxygen-enriched gas or a supply tube called a cannula may be bent during use. Factors such as tube connection failure when connecting multiple extension tubes and inhaling oxygen away from the oxygen concentrator, or crushing the tube under the patient's body at bedtime Many are based on In such a state, the oxygen-enriched gas does not flow through the tube, and as a result, the pressure in the humidifying container also increases.
A flow rate sensor and a pressure sensor are attached to the oxygen concentrator side. When a flow rate drop or a pressure rise is detected, a warning that the supply tube is bent is issued. In recent oxygen concentrators, in consideration of patient convenience, a warning is not issued for a slight decrease in flow rate or pressure increase, and a device for maintaining an appropriate flow rate by a flow rate control function has been devised. That is, control is performed to compensate for the decrease in the oxygen supply amount due to bending of the supply tube or the like by performing control such as increasing the product tank pressure by increasing the oxygen generation amount or increasing the oxygen supply flow rate. As a result, the supply piping side including the inside of the humidification container is kept in a positive pressure state.
If the humidifier is removed from the oxygen concentrator to replenish the humidified water in this state, the air suddenly flows from the inlet or outlet of the humidifier lid due to the pressure difference between the pressure in the humidification container and atmospheric pressure. There are situations where water enters the inside or the water remaining from the inside of the humidifier blows out.
If the airtightness of the inlet nozzle and the inlet is lost before the outlet side, the pressurized oxygen-enriched gas generated by the cannula breaks down the humidified water remaining in the container downward, There is a possibility that water may be ejected from the inlet through the bubble generator and the inlet pipe. In particular, when water spouts to the upstream side of the humidifier, the nitrogen adsorbent absorbs moisture, which may cause the adsorption bed to deteriorate.
On the other hand, if the airtightness of the lead-out nozzle and the lead-out port is lost before the introduction side, the residual pressure of the oxygen-enriched gas on the product tank side flows into the humidifier from the introduction nozzle. Although bubbling is generated from the bubble generator by the water being discharged, it is possible to prevent the water from blowing out to the outlet nozzle side.
In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the introduction nozzle Y ring 513 and the discharge nozzle Y ring 514 are installed in different positions in the height direction, and the discharge nozzle Y ring 514 is more in the introduction nozzle Y ring 513. It is installed at a lower position. Therefore, when removing the humidifier, the seal structure is always opened from the outlet nozzle side, and the oxygen-enriched gas staying in the humidification container as a positive pressure is released to the atmosphere from the outlet port on the outlet nozzle receiving side. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the humidified water from being ejected outside the humidifier.
In the humidifier of the above embodiment, the vertical type humidifier in which the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are vertically arranged has been described as an example. However, the horizontal type humidifier in which the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle face the horizontal direction. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain the same effect by installing the positions of the introduction nozzle Y ring and the discharge nozzle Y ring at the positions disclosed by the present invention.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 schematically show various embodiments of the connection part of the inlet and outlet of the humidifier lid, the inlet nozzle and outlet nozzle of the oxygen-enriched gas, and the sealing means. The specific structure of the humidifier body is omitted.
FIG. 6A is a configuration of the connection portion shown in FIG. 5, and the diameters of the introduction nozzle 603a and the outlet nozzle 604a and the inlet 605a and the outlet 606a of the humidifier lid 602 fitted thereto are the same. The position of the Y ring as a sealing means is provided on the mounting base side 607 where the outlet nozzle Y ring 614a is lower than the inlet nozzle Y ring 613a, and when the humidifier is removed, the tip of the outlet nozzle 604a The airtightness on the side is previously lost with respect to the introduction nozzle 603a.
6B shows the Y ring installed from the nozzle tip at the same position, but the outlet nozzle 604b is shorter than the inlet nozzle 603b, and FIG. 6C shows a humidifier by making the outlet nozzle 604c a multistage aperture. The structure in which the airtightness is lost first inside the outlet 606c of the lid 602, FIG. 6D is a structure in which the airtightness on the side of the outlet nozzle is always lost by making the structure sealed at the tip of the outlet nozzle 604d. Yes.
Further, FIG. 7 shows that the sealing means is installed not at the nozzle side but at the inlet and outlet of the humidifier lid. FIG. 7A shows that the leading end of the outlet nozzle 704a has a taper so that the air tightness at the outlet nozzle side. 7B is a structure in which a longitudinal groove is provided on the outer surface of the leading end of the outlet nozzle. FIG. 7C is a position where the sealing means 714c of the outlet 706c is installed on the back side from the inlet 705c side. Furthermore, FIG. 7D shows a shape in which the shape of the outlet 706d is tapered. With such a structure, when the humidifier is removed, the air-tightness on the inlet side where the oxygen-enriched gas in the dry state enters the humidifier is always lost first.
　本発明の加湿器は、喘息、肺気腫症、慢性気管支炎等の呼吸器系器官疾患に苦しむ患者に対する酸素吸入療法のための酸素供給源に使用される酸素濃縮装置の加湿器として使用することができる。患者は、自らが行う加湿器の取り外し交換作業において、加湿水が酸素濃縮装置側に逆流したり外部に噴出したりする問題がなくなり、より快適に安心して医療機器である酸素濃縮装置を利用することが可能となる。 The humidifier of the present invention can be used as a humidifier of an oxygen concentrator used as an oxygen supply source for oxygen inhalation therapy for patients suffering from respiratory organ diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. it can. The patient can use the oxygen concentrator, which is a medical device, more comfortably and safely without the problem of the humidified water flowing back to the oxygen concentrator or spouting to the outside during the removal and replacement of the humidifier. It becomes possible.

Claims (11)

  1. 　乾燥状態のガスを加湿するための加湿器であり、該ガスを導入する導入ノズルおよび加湿されたガスを排出する導出ノズルと、加湿用の水を入れる加湿容器と、該加湿容器に入れられた水中へ乾燥状態のガスを導いて気泡化する多孔質材料の気泡発生器と、該加湿容器と密閉し、当該ガスの導入口及び導出口を備えた蓋とを備えると共に、
    　該蓋は、乾燥状態のガスを該加湿容器へ導入するための導入ノズルと、加湿されたガスを該加湿容器から排出するための導出ノズルの各々と嵌合し、気密状態で接合するための導入口および導出口を備えると共に、該加湿器の蓋と該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルを分離する際に、該導出ノズルと該加湿器の蓋部導出口の気密性が、該導入ノズルと蓋部導入口の気密性よりも先に失われるシール手段を備えることを特徴とする加湿器。     A humidifier for humidifying a gas in a dry state, an introduction nozzle for introducing the gas, a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas, a humidification container for containing water for humidification, and the humidification container A porous material bubble generator that introduces a dry gas into water and bubbles, and a humidified container, and a lid provided with an inlet and an outlet for the gas,
    The lid is fitted with each of an introduction nozzle for introducing a dry gas into the humidification container and a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas from the humidification container, and is joined in an airtight state. In addition to the introduction port and the discharge port, when the lid of the humidifier and the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are separated, the airtightness of the discharge nozzle and the lid outlet port of the humidifier is determined by the introduction nozzle and the cover. A humidifier comprising a sealing means that is lost before the airtightness of the part introduction port.
  2. 　該シール手段が、導入ノズルおよび導出ノズルの外表面に取り付けられ、加湿器の蓋を各ノズルから取り外した際に、導出ノズルに取り付けられた該シール手段が、該導入ノズルに取り付けられたシール手段に対して、嵌合する蓋部の導出口および導入口との関係において、先に気密状態が失われる位置に設置されていることを特徴とする、請求項１に記載の加湿器。 The sealing means is attached to the outer surfaces of the introduction nozzle and the outlet nozzle, and when the humidifier lid is removed from each nozzle, the sealing means attached to the outlet nozzle is attached to the introduction nozzle. On the other hand, the humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier is installed at a position where the airtight state is lost first in relation to the outlet and the inlet of the lid to be fitted.
  3. 　該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが円管状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する円筒状開口部であり、該導出ノズルに取り付けられた該シール手段が、該導入ノズルに取り付けられたシール手段に対して、円筒状開口部の入口側に備えることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の加湿器。 The introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are cylindrical openings fitted to the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle, and are attached to the discharge nozzle. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the sealing means is provided on the inlet side of the cylindrical opening with respect to the sealing means attached to the introduction nozzle.
  4. 　該導出ノズルの長さが、導入ノズルに対して短い部材であることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の加湿器。 The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the length of the outlet nozzle is a member shorter than the introduction nozzle.
  5. 　該導出ノズルが、先端側外径が小さい多段径の円環状部材であり、該導出ノズルのシール手段が多段径のノズルの小径側に設置されていることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の加湿器。 3. The discharge nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the lead-out nozzle is a multistage annular member having a small outer diameter on the front end side, and the sealing means of the lead-out nozzle is installed on the small-diameter side of the multistage nozzle. humidifier.
  6. 　該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが円環状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する円筒状開口部であり、導出ノズルに取り付けられた該シール手段が導出ノズル先端に、該導入ノズルに取り付けられたシール手段が円環状部材の側面に備えることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の加湿器。 The introduction nozzle and the lead-out nozzle are annular members, and the introduction port and the lead-out port provided in the lid are cylindrical openings fitted to the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle, and are attached to the lead-out nozzle. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the sealing means is provided on the leading end of the outlet nozzle, and the sealing means attached to the introduction nozzle is provided on a side surface of the annular member.
  7. 　該シール手段が、導入口および導出口の内表面に取り付けられ、加湿器の蓋を導入ノズルおよび導出ノズルから取り外した際に、導出口側のシール手段が、該導入ノズルに取り付けられたシール手段に対して、嵌合する蓋部の導出口および導入口との関係において、先に気密状態が失われる位置に設置されていることを特徴とする、請求項１に記載の加湿器。 The sealing means is attached to the inner surfaces of the inlet and outlet and when the lid of the humidifier is removed from the inlet and outlet nozzles, the sealing means on the outlet side is attached to the inlet nozzle. On the other hand, the humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier is installed at a position where the airtight state is lost first in relation to the outlet and the inlet of the lid to be fitted.
  8. 　該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが円管状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する円筒状開口部であり、該導出口に取り付けられた該シール手段が、該導入口に取り付けられたシール手段に対して、円筒状開口部の奥側に備えることを特徴とする請求項７に記載の加湿器。 The introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are cylindrical openings fitted to the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle, and are attached to the discharge port. The humidifier according to claim 7, wherein the sealing means is provided on the back side of the cylindrical opening with respect to the sealing means attached to the introduction port.
  9. 　該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが側面部にシール手段を備えた円管状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する円筒状開口部であり、該導出ノズルの先端がテーパー状、または先端外表面に溝部を備えることを特徴とする請求項７に記載の加湿器。 The introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members each having a sealing means on a side surface, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are cylindrical openings that are fitted to the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle. 8. The humidifier according to claim 7, wherein the leading end of the outlet nozzle is tapered or has a groove on the outer surface of the leading end.
  10. 　該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルが側面部にシール手段を備えた円管状部材であり、該蓋に設けられた導入口および導出口が該導入ノズルおよび該導入ノズルに嵌合する開口部であり、該導入口の形状が円筒状、該導出口の形状がテーパー状の開口形状を備えることを特徴とする請求項７に記載の加湿器。 The introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are tubular members each having a sealing means on a side surface, and the introduction port and the discharge port provided in the lid are openings that fit into the introduction nozzle and the introduction nozzle; The humidifier according to claim 7, wherein the inlet has a cylindrical shape and the outlet has a tapered opening shape.
  11. 　酸素よりも窒素を選択的に吸着する吸着剤を備え、空気中から未吸着の酸素濃縮ガスを分離する吸着型酸素濃縮装置であり、生成された酸素濃縮ガスを加湿する加湿器を備えると共に、
    　かかる加湿器が、加湿用の水を入れる加湿容器と、該加湿容器に入れられた水中へ乾燥状態のガスを導いて気泡化する多孔質材料の気泡発生器と、加湿容器と密閉する蓋を備え、
    　該蓋は、乾燥状態のガスを該加湿容器へ導入するための導入ノズルと、加湿されたガスを該加湿容器から排出するための導出ノズルの各々と嵌合し、気密状態で接合するための導入口および導出口を備えると共に、該加湿器と該導入ノズルおよび該導出ノズルを分離する際に、該導出ノズルと該加湿器の蓋部導出口の気密性が、該導入ノズルと蓋部導入口気密性よりも先に失われるシール手段を備える加湿器であることを特徴とする、酸素濃縮装置。     An adsorption-type oxygen concentrating device that includes an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen and separates unadsorbed oxygen-enriched gas from the air, and includes a humidifier that humidifies the generated oxygen-enriched gas,
    Such a humidifier includes a humidifying container for storing humidifying water, a bubble generator of a porous material that introduces a dry gas into the water contained in the humidifying container, and a lid for sealing the humidifying container. Prepared,
    The lid is fitted with each of an introduction nozzle for introducing a dry gas into the humidification container and a discharge nozzle for discharging the humidified gas from the humidification container, and is joined in an airtight state. When the humidifier and the introduction nozzle and the discharge nozzle are separated from each other, the airtightness of the discharge nozzle and the lid outlet of the humidifier is determined so that the introduction nozzle and the lid are introduced. An oxygen concentrator characterized by being a humidifier provided with a sealing means that is lost before air tightness.
PCT/JP2011/050592 2010-01-12 2011-01-07 Humidifier and oxygen enrichment device using same WO2011087110A1 (en)

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TWI802507B (en) * 2022-09-19 2023-05-11 臺北醫學大學 Oxygen humidifier for medical use and method of use thereof

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TWI802507B (en) * 2022-09-19 2023-05-11 臺北醫學大學 Oxygen humidifier for medical use and method of use thereof
JP7253217B1 (en) * 2023-01-13 2023-04-06 株式会社Tamax Ozone injector and ozone injector

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