JP2004188121A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier in which water can be effectively utilized. <P>SOLUTION: In the humidifier capable of replenishing water to an upper level of a water reservoir, a lid member 100 equipped with a turning member 102 for maintaining the state locked to an outlet tube and the inlet tube and a bubble generating member 114 for feeding oxygen into water stored in a container 101 to generate bubbles are disposed, so that their lengthwise directions may be close to the bottom of the container 101. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a humidifier, and particularly to a technique suitably used for a medical oxygen concentrator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
BACKGROUND ART Oxygen concentrating devices based on an adsorption method for generating oxygen by using zeolite, which permeates oxygen in the air and selectively adsorbs nitrogen as an adsorbent, have been put into practical use for medical use.
[0003]
According to this oxygen concentrator, the air taken in from the air inlet is compressed by a compressor to generate compressed air, the compressed air whose temperature has been increased by the compressor is cooled by heat exchange, and the heat exchanger is blown by outside air. It cools with a cooling fan attached and generates oxygen by alternately supplying compressed air to a pair of adsorption cylinders with built-in zeolite, and stores the generated oxygen in a product tank. , The pressure and flow rate of oxygen supplied from the product tank are automatically controlled, and by humidifying the oxygen with a humidifier, comfortable oxygen can be supplied to the patient via a conduit such as a nasal cannula. ing.
[0004]
Therefore, if the oxygen concentrator is installed in a place where a commercial power supply is provided, for example, a home patient with reduced lung function can safely breathe oxygen while sleeping.
[0005]
On the other hand, since the oxygen supplied from the oxygen concentrator is very dry, if it is sucked from the nose through a nasal cannula or the like in a dry state as it is, a dry state in the nasal cavity will be caused, causing pain to the user. Will give.
[0006]
Therefore, before sending oxygen in a wet state to breathing means such as a nasal cannula, a humidifier that sends oxygen into the water stored in the container, generates bubbles, and sends out the wet state after containing moisture is used. I have. The water stored in the container in this way needs to be replenished because it is consumed over time.
[0007]
In this refilling operation, after the lid member is combined with the container, the lid member is removed from the oxygen concentrator, the lid member is removed from the container, water is replenished to the upper level of the container, the lid member is covered, and the oxygen concentrator is placed on the oxygen concentrator. It is done by reconnecting. Then, after the reconnection, oxygen is sent out into the water stored in the container through the porous body to generate bubbles to make the water wet (Patent Document 1).
[0008]
On the other hand, when the water as the humidifying medium stored in the container is filled to the upper level and bubbles are generated as described above, the particles of the bubbles burst at the liquid level and oxygen gas together with the oxygen gas. Will be discharged.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-9-70436.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the device proposed in Patent Document 1, since the porous body as the foam generating means is located above the bottom of the container, water below the porous body cannot be used and is wasted. There's a problem. Alternatively, it is to be used for the next use, but it is desirable to discard the remaining amount every time it is replenished from the viewpoint of hygiene management.
[0011]
On the other hand, in a state where the foam is generated as described above in a state where the foam is filled up to the upper level as described above, and the particles of the foam exploded at the liquid level are discharged to the breathing means side together with the oxygen gas, especially for health. There is no problem, but there is a problem that the water equivalent to the foam particles is consumed more.
[0012]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a humidifier capable of effectively using water.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, an outlet pipe for sending out oxygen supplied in a dry state from an oxygen concentrator provided with an oxygen generating means, and breathing oxygen in a wet state A humidifier which is removably inserted into an inlet pipe to be sent to the means and enables replenishment of water to an upper level of a water storage container, wherein the humidifier is fixed to the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe. Locking means for maintaining a state, an inlet flow path communicating with the outlet pipe, an outlet flow path communicating with the inlet pipe, and fitting means for detachably and airtightly fitting the container. The lid member, sends oxygen into the water stored in the container, communicates with the inlet flow path to generate bubbles to make the wet state, and its longitudinal direction with respect to the bottom surface of the container. A bubble disposed near the bottom surface so as to be substantially parallel It is characterized by comprising a raw device.
[0014]
Further, an outlet pipe for sending out the oxygen supplied in a dry state from the oxygen concentrating apparatus provided with the oxygen generating means, and an inlet pipe for sending out the oxygen in the wet state to the breathing means are detachably inserted into the water, A humidifier capable of replenishing water up to an upper level of a container for storing water, a locking means for maintaining a locked state with respect to the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe, and an inlet flow path communicating with the outlet pipe. And an outlet flow path communicating with the inlet pipe, and a cover member having a detachable and airtight fitting means for attaching the container, and a cover member, and sends oxygen into the water stored in the container, Foam generating means communicating with the inlet flow path so as to generate bubbles to make the wet state, a main body part covering the entire inlet part of the outlet flow path, and a substantially horizontal direction at a position higher than the upper level And an opening communicating with the opening. It is characterized in that it comprises a small-diameter hole portion which is arranged opposite the baffle plate having, to the inlet portion.
[0015]
Further, the foam generating means further includes an adjusting means for adjusting the amount of oxygen sent to the space above the upper level. Further, the bubble generating means is characterized in that it has a substantially disk shape.
[0016]
The fitting means includes a lip seal provided on a joint surface between the lid member and the container so as to be deformed into an airtight state after the fitting, and a cylinder extending from an edge of the lid member. Plural or preferably three or more places of one engaging portion formed on the peripheral surface, plural or preferably three or more places of other engaging parts formed on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the container, and the cylindrical outer peripheral surface And a flange portion which is formed at the same time as the operation surface of the locking means.
[0017]
Further, the oxygen concentrating device, the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe are disposed at a height that is easy to operate, and greatly open above the operation surface of the lid member after insertion, And a cover member having a space formed in the lateral direction of the flange portion of the container.
[0018]
The container is injection-molded from a transparent or light-transmissive resin material, and is provided with a display unit at the upper level and a lower level indicating that the remaining amount of water is small.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020]
First, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the oxygen concentrator 1 according to one embodiment, viewed from the front, with a patient K at substantially the same scale. As can be seen from this figure, this oxygen concentrator 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the apparatus 1) has a rectangular parallelepiped shape (width 350 mm x depth 355 mm x height 675 mm) in order to minimize the installation place. It has a total weight of 35 kgf, and is reduced in size and weight. As a design feature, the color of the flat front decorative panel 3 which covers the front surface from the floor surface and the color of the thermoplastic resin cover 2 having a three-dimensionally ergonomically excellent shape are different from each other. The color is used so that when the device 1 is installed in the room, harmony with other furniture such as furniture can be achieved.
[0021]
Specifically, while the cover 2 has a beige or cream-based color, the front decorative panel 3 has a blue-based color, which is a so-called two-tone modern design. Further, various considerations have been made for a small-sized structure while reducing noise, which will be described in detail later.
[0022]
The front decorative panel 3 of the device 1 is made of wood which also has a sound insulation function, and is capable of selecting a favorite color according to the request of the patient K in addition to the above-mentioned blue system. More specifically, the wooden material is preferably a medium density fiberboard (MDF) obtained by hot-pressing and forming a well-known wood fiber which is easy to process and hardly causes a deviation in dimensions, with a special adhesive. It is known that soundproofing performance is excellent.
[0023]
On the left and right side surfaces of the device 1, a left side decorative panel 4 and a right side decorative panel 5 made of the same wood as the front decorative panel 3 are attached to a housing described later by using four upper and lower decorative screws 88. It is fixed detachably from the left and right directions. Handles 15 used for moving the device 1 are fixed to substantially the center portions of the left side decorative panel 4 and the right side decorative panel 5, respectively, and are fixed to four corners on the bottom surface of the device 1. At the time of transportation on the floor using the casters 6 and transport for installing the apparatus 1, the worker can move or lift the apparatus 1 by gripping these handles 15. I have. For this reason, the strength of each handle 15 is strong enough to withstand the lifting force of the device 1.
[0024]
A nasal cannula hook 14 for hooking the tube 6 connected to the nasal cannula 13 is fixed above the front side of the left side decorative panel 4. Since the nose cannula hook 14 can be set in a hooking state as shown in the drawing and in a storage state flush with the surface of the decorative panel 4, the storage apparatus can be put in the storage state when it is unnecessary, so that the device 1 can be placed in the left wall of the room. Can be installed such that the handle 15 comes into contact therewith. The tube 6 connected to the nasal cannula 13 has a total length corresponding to the range of movement in one room where the patient K lives, and at the end thereof an oxygen outlet tube 10 provided in the device 1. The coupler 11 is provided detachably. When not in use, the nose cannula 13 is hooked on the nose cannula hook 14 as shown in the figure after winding the tube 12 several times.
[0025]
The cover 2 has a rounded curved surface from the ceiling surface to the front decorative panel 3, and as shown in the figure, a patient K of a standard height (160 to 170 cm) stands substantially at the waist portion with both hands lowered while standing. In the vicinity of the corresponding height H, a concave portion 2d for providing the humidifier 20 is further continuously formed substantially at the center. By forming the concave portion 2d at the center in this way, the patient K can perform the water replenishment work of the humidifier 20 in a standing posture when performing the frequent water replenishment operation. You don't have to sit and look in each case. Therefore, the burden on the abdomen of the patient is greatly reduced, and even a left-handed person can replace the humidifier 20 without any discomfort because the humidifier 20 is detachable in the central recess 2d. .
[0026]
Above the humidifier 20, a light amount sensor 17, which is, for example, Cds, for detecting the amount of light in the room is provided. On the Cds sensor 17, an operation indicator 16 including a plurality of light-emitting LEDs for individually emitting / lighting red or green to notify the patient K of an operation state together with a voice guide has a white light. It is provided so as to be protected by a transparent resin plate. The Cds sensor 17 described above functions as a sensor that automatically adjusts the light amount of the flow rate display unit 8 having a built-in 7-segment LED disposed on the right of the operation indicator and the humidifier 20 according to the luminosity of the room. When the room is bright, the brightness of the flow rate display unit 8 is increased, and when the room is darkened at the time of sleeping at night or the like, the brightness of the flow rate display unit 8 is automatically reduced so as not to obstruct the sleep. I have.
[0027]
The flow rate display unit 8 is provided on the back side of the concave portion 2c of the cover 2 formed on the right side of the humidifier 20 as illustrated. Below the flow rate display section 8, there is provided a protective cover 9 which is detachably provided to the cover 2, and protects a flow rate setting dial described later by the protective cover 9.
[0028]
A concave portion 2a of the cover 2 is formed on the left side of the humidifier 20, and a power switch 7 to be pressed is provided in the concave portion 2a. Below the power switch 7, an oxygen outlet pipe 10 having a detachable function to which the coupler 11 is connected is provided. The oxygen outlet tube 10 is also fixed to the back of the mortar-shaped concave portion 2b formed on the cover 2 similarly to the power switch 7, and is provided so as to surround the periphery.
[0029]
As described above, the humidifier 20 is detachably provided at the center portion of the curved surface on the front side of the cover 2 of the apparatus 1, and the power switch 7 and the oxygen outlet pipe 10 are formed in the recesses 2a, 2b formed in the cover 2. Formed so as to be substantially flush with the cover 2 and disposed on the left side of the humidifier 20, and the flow rate display section 8 is also located on the right side of the humidifier 20 so as to be located in the recess 2c. The operability is improved by providing. Also, for example, even if the patient K trips and hits the cover 2 violently, the curved surface on the front side of the cover 2 having a shock absorbing function made of resin is appropriately shock-absorbed to prevent injury. The above considerations have been taken.
[0030]
Next, FIG. 2A is a left side view showing a state in which the device 1 is installed on a floor F near a wall surface W of a room, and FIG. 2B is a rear view of the device 1. In FIG. 2, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description is omitted.
[0031]
First, in FIG. 2A, the device 1 is installed with its back surface separated from the wall surface W of the room by a small gap G. Prior to such installation, the power cord 19 is released from the pair of cord hooks 18 fixed to the back panel 25 of the device 1 shown in FIG. 2 (b), and power can be supplied by connecting to a commercial power supply. To Below the back panel 25, an exhaust port 26 provided in a wooden housing, which will be described later, is provided. Through this exhaust port 26, the exhaust toward the lowermost position of the narrow gap G is directed in the direction of the arrow. By doing so, it is possible to exhaust from the place where the exhaust sound is lowest.
[0032]
A breaker switch 24 is provided above the back panel 25, and can cope with an emergency when an excessive current occurs. Referring again to FIG. 2A, the upper surface of the cover 2 forms an inclined surface rearward at a predetermined angle, for example, about 45 degrees with respect to the wall surface W as shown in FIG. The filter replacement lid 21 is provided detachably on the surface. In this way, by providing the filter replacement lid 21 on the inclined surface, it is possible to introduce outside air in the direction of the arrow so that the intake sound does not reach the front side of the device 1 and the intake noise is reduced. In addition, the replacement work is facilitated.
[0033]
The filter replacement lid 21 has a built-in filter (air intake filter) that is periodically cleaned / replaced by the patient K or a family member. As shown, the cover 2 has a flat portion continuously formed from the above-described inclined surface toward the rear surface side, and an inspection lid 22 shown by a broken line is detachably provided on the flat portion.
[0034]
The inspection lid 22 is used when an inspector or the like performs an inspection operation on a display unit mounted on the inspection substrate 23 fixed on a control substrate 51 (shown by broken lines) arranged inside the cover 2. It is designed to be detached when replacing the intake filter or the bacterial filter, which will be described later, and cannot be opened by the patient K as described later. On the other hand, a first sound insulation box 54 and a second sound insulation box 55 shown by a dashed line, and a stabilized power supply 52 shown by a broken line are built in the positions shown in the figure.
[0035]
With the above configuration, the opening to the outside of the apparatus 1 is only the opening provided in the filter replacement lid 21 and the exhaust port 26 at the rear rear of the bottom of the apparatus 1, and the opening area is the same as that of the raw material air described later. As a minimum required to secure the flow rate of the device, the internal sound is prevented from leaking to the outside of the device.
[0036]
Next, FIG. 3A is an external perspective view showing the flow rate display unit 8 and the protective cover 9 shown in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 3B shows a state in which the protective cover 9 is removed. FIG. In this figure, as described above, the flow rate display section 8 is disposed to the right of the humidifier 20 and incorporates a 4-digit 7-segment LED as shown in the figure. The oxygen flow rate per minute is set while watching the flow rate display section 8.
[0037]
Since the flow rate setting is not changed once it is set once, the flow rate setting dial 27 provided below for changing the flow rate has a plastic cover of the same color as the cover 2 having the illustrated shape. A protective cover 9 is provided. A knob portion 9a is integrally formed on the upper portion of the protective cover 9, and is removed by putting a fingertip into this portion. For this purpose, in FIG. 3B, locking claws 9b, 9b for locking with locking grooves 2k, 2k formed in the cover 2 are integrally formed on the back surface side of the protective cover 9.
[0038]
The flow rate of the flow setting dial 27 is increased by turning a knob as shown in the clockwise direction, and the set flow rate is displayed on the flow rate display section 8. Further, by pressing the upper left display section 28, the usage time of the apparatus 1 per patient is temporarily displayed. When the protection cover 9 is set in the original state after setting the desired flow rate, the protection cover 9 is formed so as to be flush with the cover 2.
[0039]
FIG. 4A is a plan view of the apparatus 1, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a state in which the inspection lid 22 is opened. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description is omitted. The filter replacement lid 21 has nine openings 21b. Further, it is formed such that a fingertip is put into a concave portion 2h formed on the cover 2 side, and the fingertip is lifted upward to be easily removed. Therefore, it is extremely easy to remove and attach the filter (air intake filter) 33 (see FIG. 5) that needs to be cleaned (replaced as necessary) by the patient K every day, thereby improving the maintainability.
[0040]
On the other hand, the inspection lid 22 is provided inside the inspection window 2g formed in the cover 2 so that its surface is flush with the surface of the flat portion of the cover 2. By opening the inspection lid 22, an inspection operation is performed using the rotary switch 23a mounted on the inspection substrate 23 and the display unit 23b mounted beside the rotation switch 23a as shown in FIG. Can be done. The replacement of the intake filter 30 and the bacteria filter 32 and the adjustment of the pressure regulator 31 are performed in the same manner. The inspection lid 22 cannot be opened to the patient K, but its configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
[0041]
FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing the appearance of removing the filter replacement cover 21 and the inspection cover 22. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the removal of the filter replacement cover 21. FIG. (C) and (d) show how the inspection lid 22 is removed, respectively.
[0042]
First, in FIG. 5A, the patient K puts a fingertip into a recess 2h formed in the cover 2 to remove the filter replacement lid 21. After that, the filter replacement cover 21 is folded down with the fingertip inserted, thereby removing the cover 2 from the opening 2k of the cover 2. Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the filter replacement cover 21 is turned upside down, so that the filter 33 is removed from the filter replacement cover 21 and washed with water or replaced with a new one. Is set on the filter replacement lid 21. For this purpose, the filter replacement lid 21 is integrally formed with a storage portion for setting the filter 33 and four locking claws 21a as shown in FIG. The opening 2k can be set in a locked state.
[0043]
On the other hand, in FIGS. 5 (c) and 5 (d), locking parts 22a, 22a provided in an elastically deformable shape are molded integrally with the inspection lid 22. These locking portions 22a, 22a are operated so as to press in the direction of the arrow when removing the inspection lid 22 from the inspection window 2g formed in the cover 2. Since this operation alone does not provide any clue, the inspection lid 22 cannot be lifted upward and cannot be taken up from the cover 2.
[0044]
Therefore, the suction pad 35 shown in FIG. 5C is suctioned to the inspection lid 22 in advance. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5D, the suction pad 35 is gripped and the inspection lid 22 is lifted up to remove it from the inspection window 2g, thereby obtaining the state shown in FIG. 4B.
[0045]
That is, in (a) to (c) of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 5C, the inspection lid 22 is formed in the inspection window 2 g of the cover 2. It has an outer dimension to be placed on the step. The locking portion 22a is integrally formed into a U-shape that can be elastically deformed as shown in the figure, and has a projection 22b that locks into a groove 2m formed in the inspection window 2g of the cover 2. It is integrally formed. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 6B, the locking portion 22a is pressed in the direction of the arrow with a fingertip to elastically deform the locking portion 22a to remove the projection 22b from the groove 2m. As shown in FIG. 6 (c), the inspection lid 22 can be removed upward by grasping and lifting the suction pad 34 previously sucked. The patient K is not informed that the inspection lid 22 can be removed by using the suction pad 35 in this manner. For this reason, the operability is easy for a service person or the like, but the structure is such that the patient K cannot be opened carelessly, thereby enhancing safety.
[0046]
As described above, the humidifier 20, the filter 33, and the like, which are maintained by the patient K or a person around them, are linearly arranged at the optimal height H on the upper part of the cover 2 of the apparatus 1, so that the patient K Care is taken that the patient K can pay attention to a limited area of the device 1 while working without bending. For this reason, it has a very excellent ergonomic structure. Further, a protective cover 9 is provided on the set flow rate dial 27 for changing the oxygen flow rate, and almost the entirety is flush with the cover 2, so that trouble after setting can be prevented, and careless contact is prevented. Thus, the risk of accidentally changing the flow rate is reduced.
[0047]
In addition, even for the patient K whose fixed prescription flow rate is substantially fixed and the set flow rate is not changed, the provision of the protective cover 9 makes it unnecessary to check every operation, and not only the patient K but also the attendant So that the burden on the user can be reduced. Further, as for the operation indicators 16 necessary for confirming the driving situation, similarly to the humidifier 20, the patient K is limited to the device 1 by being arranged substantially linearly on the upper part of the cover 2 of the device 1. You only have to check the part that has changed. In addition, after the inspection worker puts the device 1 into the installation state shown in FIG. 2A, the inspection operator can easily remove the inspection lid 22 from the inspection window 2g without moving the device 1, thereby making it necessary. Maintenance work can be performed, and various periodic replacement parts including a filter can be replaced, and the operation status of the apparatus 1 can be grasped. Furthermore, since the device 1 has the minimum required opening, foreign matter does not enter the device 1 carelessly.
[0048]
The operation indicator 16 generally informs the patient K that the device 1 is in a normal state or an abnormal state together with a voice guide, but is simultaneously mounted on the inspection board 23 shown in FIG. By using the rotating switches 23a and 23b, and monitoring the output of the abnormal location of the 23b, the performance of the device 1 can be determined urgently in the event of an emergency, such as when a simple measuring instrument cannot be used. Thus, when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus 1, the worker who has been notified can perform appropriate treatment without bringing the measuring instrument to the patient's house.
[0049]
Next, FIG. 7 is a piping diagram which also serves as a block diagram of the device 1. In this drawing, a thick solid line indicates a flow path of air, oxygen, and nitrogen gas, and is shown as a pipe 36. Further, thin solid lines indicate power supply or electric signal wiring.
[0050]
First, the raw material air sucked into the apparatus after passing through the filter 33 incorporated in the filter replacement lid 21 flows into the pipe 36 via the suction filter 30 and is filtered. Garbage and dust are removed. After that, the filtered raw air is silenced in the intake silencer 37 by the intake silencer 37, and travels to the compressor 38 via the pipe 36. In the compressor 38, the filtered raw air is introduced from the intake port, compressed in the two compression chambers to generate compressed air, and sent out to the heat exchanger 40 piped downstream. The heat exchanger 40 is for cooling the compressed air whose temperature has risen in the compressor 38. The heat exchanger 40 is formed by coiling a metal pipe (for example, an aluminum pipe) having an excellent heat radiation effect to increase the surface area and to increase the internal surface of the apparatus. The metal pipe is cooled by receiving air from a pair of cooling fans 39, 39 for directly blowing external air introduced from the outside into the metal pipe.
[0051]
By sending the compressed air sufficiently cooled by the heat exchanger 40 to a two-way switching valve 41 that supplies alternately to a first adsorption column 43 and a second adsorption column 44 that are piped downstream. The zeolite stored in the first adsorption column 43 and the second adsorption column 44 can sufficiently function as a catalyst carrier for adsorbing nitrogen and generating oxygen. The two-way switching valve 41 is further provided with an exhaust silencer 42 for reducing exhaust noise caused by nitrogen and moisture released from the first adsorption column 43 and the second adsorption column 44.
[0052]
The zeolite stored in the first adsorption column 43 and the second adsorption column 44 is made of SiO _Two / Al _Two O _Three X-type zeolite having a ratio of 2.0 to 3.0, and _Two O _Three By using at least 88% or more of the tetrahedral units bonded to lithium cations, the amount of nitrogen adsorbed per unit weight is increased.
[0053]
By using such a zeolite, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of raw material air required for producing the same oxygen. As a result, the compressor 38 for generating the compressed air can be reduced in size and noise can be reduced. Here, zeolite that has been used conventionally may be used, and even in this case, a sufficient noise reduction can be achieved by the silencing function described later.
[0054]
On the other hand, a pressure sensor 29 for detecting pressure is provided at the outlet side of the first adsorption column 43 and the second adsorption column 44 so that the control described later can be performed. A first check valve 46a is connected to the outlet side of the first adsorption column 43, and a second check valve 46b is connected to the outlet side of the second adsorption column 44 as shown in the drawing. A pipe 36 is formed so as to join the downstream side of the valve, and a product tank 47 for storing oxygen generated downstream is provided. Further, a uniform pressure valve 45 is provided between the first adsorption column 43 and each outlet side of the second adsorption column 44 to perform secondary purification.
[0055]
Downstream of the product tank 47, a pressure regulator 31 for automatically adjusting the pressure of oxygen is provided. Downstream of the pressure regulator 31, a bacteria filter 32 for removing bacteria is piped, and oxygen after the bacteria is sent to the flow rate setting dial 27. As shown in the drawing, the middle of the pipe 36 is branched, and oxygen is sent to the oxygen concentration sensor 48 to detect the oxygen concentration and confirm the set oxygen concentration.
[0056]
Oxygen generated by the zeolite contained in the adsorption cylinder has a humidity close to zero, and if the patient inhales as it is, it will cause thirst. Therefore, a humidifier 20 storing purified water is piped downstream so that oxygen is given a humidity in the process of passing the purified water as fine bubbles. A flow rate sensor 50 including a humidity sensor is connected to the downstream side of the humidifier 20 so as to constantly monitor that a set flow rate of oxygen is supplied to the oxygen outlet pipe 10. ing. A coupler 11 is connected to the oxygen outlet tube 10, and a nasal cannula 13 is connected via a tube 12.
[0057]
On the other hand, the above-mentioned sensors, the two-way switching valve 41 and the equal pressure valve 45 are connected to the control board 51, and switching control is performed. The control board 51 is connected to the above-described inspection board 23, is supplied with power from the stabilized power supply 52, and is connected to the secondary power supply 34 such as a rechargeable battery that automatically switches when a power failure occurs.
[0058]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation explanation flowchart in the block diagram of the device 1 of FIG. 7 together with various noise generation timings. In this figure, when a power switch of the apparatus 1 is pressed, supply of a predetermined voltage is started, and a self-check program (step S1) is performed in the control board 51. Subsequently, in step S2, the compressor 38, the cooling fans 39, 39, and the two-way switching valve 41 are energized, so that external air is introduced and the accompanying air introduction noise is continuously generated. At the same time, noise is continuously generated in the vibration and noise of the compressor 38 and the sound transmitted through the pipe reaching the adsorption cylinder.
[0059]
Subsequently, the introduced air flows through the two-way switching valve 41 to the first adsorption column 43, the check valve 46a, and the product tank 47, and the pressure gradually increases. In step S3, when the pressure sensor 29 detects a predetermined pressure, the equalizing valve 45 is opened for a predetermined time. In this step S3, the second adsorption column 44 is prepared for washing and preparation for the next pressurization using a part of the oxygen concentrated in the first adsorption column 43. Further, when the equalizing valve 45 is operated, an operation sound is accompanied. In the next step S4, the two-way switching valve 41 is operated in order to perform the desorption process of the first adsorption column 43 (discharge of nitrogen and moisture) and the intake of air into the second adsorption column 44. In step S4, a switching operation sound of the two-way switching valve 41 and a release sound of the nitrogen gas remaining in the first adsorption cylinder 43 that is released from the exhaust silencer 42 to the atmosphere through the two-way switching valve 41 are generated. . This exhaust noise is temporary but loudest. The air that has flowed into the second adsorption cylinder 44 flows into the check valve 46b and the product tank 47, as in the previous process, and when the attached pressure sensor 29 detects a predetermined pressure, the equal pressure valve is opened for a predetermined time. . In step S5, as in step S3, the second suction tube 43 is prepared for cleaning and preparation for the next pressurization, and it goes without saying that an operation sound is generated when the equalizing pressure valve 45 is operated. In the next step S <b> 6, the two-way switching valve 41 is operated to perform a desorption process of the first adsorption column 44 (discharge of nitrogen and water) and intake of air into the first adsorption column 43. In step S6, similarly to step S4, the switching operation sound of the two-way switching valve 41, the release of nitrogen gas remaining in the second adsorption cylinder 44 that is released from the exhaust silencer 42 to the atmosphere through the two-way switching valve 41. A sound is generated. As a matter of course, this exhaust sound produces a release sound equivalent to that in step S4. The concentrated oxygen gas is generated by the repetitive operation of steps S3 to S6. Then, the supply of oxygen is started. Since the oxygen supplied in this manner is very dry, if the air is sucked from the nose through the nasal cannula 13 in the dry state, the dry state in the nasal cavity is reduced. This will cause pain for the user.
[0060]
Therefore, before sending the oxygen in the wet state to the nasal cannula 13, the oxygen is sent out into the water stored in the container 101 to generate bubbles. Send it out to cannula 13. The water stored in the container 101 in this manner needs to be replenished because it is consumed over time. Hereinafter, a configuration for performing the replenishment operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0061]
FIG. 9A is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the humidifier 20 is removed from the device 1. FIG. 9B shows a state where the container 101 is removed from the lid member 100 of the humidifier 20 after the removal, and FIG. 9C shows a state where water is replenished from the water container to the upper level 101a of the container 101. FIG. 9D is an external perspective view showing a state in which the container 101 is fitted to the lid member 100 together with a partially enlarged view.
[0062]
First, in FIG. 9A, the humidifier 20 presses the operation surface of the rotating member 102 provided on the lid member 100 in the direction of arrow d1 to release the humidifier 20 from the state of being inserted into the device 1 and moves in the direction of arrow d2. Is provided with an insertion mechanism that can be easily removed by moving to the front side.
[0063]
An example of the insertion mechanism is described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B which are cross-sectional views taken along line XX of FIG. 9A and FIG. 10C which is a plan view. In other words, the inflow pipe 106 and the outflow pipe 107 connected to the pipe 36 described in FIG. 7 are parallel to each other after being inserted into the holes formed in the wall surface of the cover 2 facing the front of the recess 2d. So that it is fixed. At least an upper portion or the entire circumference of each of the inflow pipe 106 and the outflow pipe 107 has a predetermined depth (recess), for example, a groove-shaped locked portion 106a, 107a of about 3 mm in the longitudinal direction of each pipe. It is machined and formed by milling or the like so as to be orthogonal. The concave portion 2d of the cover 2 opens largely above and to the left and right of the operation surface of the lid member 100 after being inserted, as will be described later, and has space portions in the left and right directions of the flange portion 101f of the container 101 after being inserted. The operability (removability) and the visibility of the patient K are improved by forming.
[0064]
On the other hand, the rotating member 102 has an operation surface 102a that covers substantially the entire upper surface of the lid member 100, and a depth and a width dimension that maintain the locked state by sneaking into the above-described locked portions 106a and 107a. A locking portion 108 is formed at the end, and the shafts 103 are formed on the left and right side surfaces. The turning member 102 is snap-fitted to the shaft supporting portions 104, 104 provided on the lid member 100 and assembled by press-fitting, or the shaft member 103 is prepared as a separate member and inserted to be rotatable. To be provided. This rotating member 102 is injection-molded from a resin material of a color different from that of the lid member 100, thereby clarifying the operation part. In addition, the operability of a patient who is visually impaired is improved by providing a character display of “push” and / or a Braille meaning of “push”.
[0065]
In FIG. 10B, a tubular portion 100d is formed substantially at the center of the lid member 100. In the cylindrical portion 100d, a locking portion 108 of the rotating member 102 is provided with a compression spring 105 of an urging member for generating a rotating power for moving to the locked portions 106a and 107a of the inflow pipe 106 and the outflow pipe 107. Is built-in. With the configuration described above, the rotating member 102 is urged to move clockwise around the shaft 103. In order to release this biased state, as shown in FIG. 10B, the wide operating surface 102a of the rotating member 102 is pressed with a fingertip in the direction of the white arrow as shown in FIG. Then, the locking portion 108 can be released from the locked portions 106a and 107a of each tube and moved upward.
[0066]
In FIG. 10C, in order to pivotally support the rotating member 102 as described above, the cover member 100 has a predetermined shape surrounding the shaft 103 of the rotating member 102, for example, The U-shaped wall 100k is integrally molded with resin.
[0067]
Referring again to FIG. 9A, since the insertion mechanism of the humidifier 20 is configured as described above, the patient K places the index finger on the operation surface 102a from the upright state, and Then, the operation surface 102a can be easily removed by pressing the operation surface 102a downward after the container 101 is sandwiched therebetween. In addition, even a left-handed person can operate without discomfort.
[0068]
As described above, by making the structure that can be directly locked to the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe, it is possible to secure the fitting state, so that it is locked to the locked portion fixed to the device side as in the conventional case. In comparison with the configuration described above, it is possible to provide a humidifier with much higher insertion reliability. Furthermore, while the patient or the like can perform the insertion operation (connection operation) without taking an unreasonable posture, the humidifier 20 is surrounded by the concave portion 2d of the cover 2 so that the patient may get stuck. Even when a minor accident occurs, the impact can be absorbed by the resin cover 2 that can absorb the impact, so that it is safe.
[0069]
Next, the configuration of the humidifier 20 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 11 which is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 10 (c) and FIG. 14 which is an external perspective view. Note that, in both figures, components that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0070]
First, in FIG. 11, the rotating member 102 is provided with shafts 103, 103 integrally formed, and is press-fitted into shaft supports (holes) 104, 104 formed in the walls 100k, 100k. It is assembled so that it will not come off by inserting it.
[0071]
On the other hand, with further reference to FIG. 14, a cylindrical portion 100t serving as a grip portion is formed from the edge of the lid member 100, and three or more locations (for example, three locations) are formed on the annular inner peripheral surface 100j. Are separated at equal intervals in the circumferential direction). A mark 100m is formed or displayed in a predetermined shape (for example, a convex shape) at a predetermined position of a part of the cylindrical portion 100t.
[0072]
Further, the container 101 which is injection-molded using a transparent resin material such as an acrylic resin or the like has a cylindrical bucket shape having a predetermined internal capacity (for example, about 160 cc), and a flange portion 101f is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface. At the same time, three or more places (for example, three places are equally spaced in the circumferential direction) are integrally formed so that the other engaging part 101g corresponds to the engaging part 100g. A mark portion 101m is formed or displayed on the flange portion 101f. Further, since the container 101 is made of an impact-resistant thermoplastic resin, for example, an acrylic resin, it does not break even if it is accidentally dropped. However, by making it almost transparent as described above, a bubble generation state can be seen. However, the container is not limited to this configuration as long as the container passes through the upper level 101a and the lower level 101b and the water level is visible from the outside.
[0073]
A lip seal 116 made of silicon rubber having a cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 11 is fixed to the groove of the lid member 100, and a flat joint surface at an edge of the container 101 is opposed to the lip seal 116. 101k is integrally formed or molded.
[0074]
With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 9B, the lid member 100 is slightly rotated in the direction of arrow d3 and the container 101 is slightly rotated in the direction of arrow d3 at the same time, so that three engagement portions 101g and 100g are formed. Since the engaged state between them is released, they can be subsequently moved in the direction of arrow d4 to be separated.
[0075]
Then, in FIG. 9C, after refilling the water up to the upper level 101a, the lid member 100 is moved in the direction of arrow d5 and the container 101 is moved in the direction of arrow d5 simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 9D. By rotating at a maximum of 120 degrees corresponding to the angle, an engagement state between the three engagement portions 101g and 100g can be achieved. By providing the special portion 101n in the engaging portion 101g and the concave portion 100n in the engaging portion 100g, the mark portions 100m and 101m coincide with each other. You can check. In this fitted state, the lip seal 116 contacts the joint surface 101k of the container 101 and is appropriately elastically deformed, so that a liquid-tight / air-tight state can be maintained.
[0076]
In FIG. 11, the right-handed person puts the index finger F1 on the operation surface 102a, places the thumb F2 and the middle finger F3 below the flange portion 101f of the container 101, and then sandwiches the container 101. By pressing down on 102a and moving it forward while holding it at three locations, it can be easily removed. On the other hand, a left-handed person can easily remove the index finger F1 by placing the index finger F1 on the operation surface 102a, moving the thumb F3 and the middle finger F2 below the flange portion 101f of the container 101, and moving the same forward. it can.
[0077]
According to the humidifier configured as described above, in the conventional structure in which the male screw provided on the container and the female screw provided on the lid member are hermetically sealed when screwed together, individual differences in working force are reduced. If you tighten it tightly, it will be difficult to remove it when you remove it, and if you tighten it loosely, the sealing will be incomplete and the leakage of concentrated oxygen gas will be completely solved. .
[0078]
Further, in the state shown in FIG. 9 (d), a click feeling is obtained, and at the same time, the positioning mark provided on the outer periphery of the container coincides with the lid member. In addition, the lip seal can reduce the load of the tightening load, so that a humidifier that is gentle to the elderly can be realized together with the device 1.
[0079]
Next, in FIG. 12 which is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 11, an inlet flow path 109 that communicates with the cover member 100 after being inserted into the inflow pipe 106 is further integrally molded or formed. 14, a bubble generating member (bubble generating means) 114 is connected to the end 109a of the inlet channel 109 as shown.
[0080]
In FIG. 13 which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY in FIG. 11, a baffle plate 115 serving as a baffle member is connected and fixed to the end 110a of the outlet channel 110. As described above, the O-ring 117 is provided to make the airtight state after the insertion into the inflow pipe 106 and the outflow pipe 107.
[0081]
First, referring to FIGS. 11, 12, and 14, in the fitted state, the center axis is the distance T from the bottom surface 101 p of the container 101, and is substantially horizontal to the bottom surface 101 p, as a cap-shaped cylinder made of a porous material. A foam generating member 114 to be formed is provided. The foam generating member 114 is manufactured into a shape as illustrated by molding a thermoplastic resin material such as polypropylene into an open cell state. As described above, by providing the bubble generating member 114 at a predetermined position (for example, about 20 mm, or preferably about 10 mm) where the distance T from the bottom surface 101p of the container 101 is as low as possible, the water level W is reduced to W1 in the drawing. Even in this case, the water can be effectively used, and the predetermined humidifying ability can be maintained.
[0082]
That is, conventionally, since the longitudinal direction of the foam generating member is provided vertically, when the water level W decreases with consumption of water, the humidifying ability is hindered. For this reason, water replenishment had to be performed at an early stage, which was troublesome. By providing the water horizontally with respect to the bottom surface, water can be used to a considerably lower level. Reference numeral 1114 denotes another embodiment of the bubble generating member, which is provided substantially in a disk shape or a plate shape at a lower end portion of the cylindrical member 111. The bubble generating member 1114 may be entirely made of a porous material, or may be a material provided with small holes (hole diameter of about 50 to 200 μm) communicating with the cylindrical member 111. The outer edge may have an open shape or a closed shape.
[0083]
In order to provide the bubble generating member 114 in this manner, the end 109a of the inlet channel 109 has a hollow which is press-fitted into a laterally bored hole below the cylindrical member 111 having a closed bottom surface. Are connected as shown in FIG. Further, since the foam generating member 114 can be easily press-fitted into the relay member 113, the patient K can be easily replaced.
[0084]
Above the cylindrical member 111, an adjusting ring 112 for adjusting the amount of oxygen to be sent to a portion above the water level W is rotatably provided. In order to enable such adjustment, large and small holes 111a are drilled in the cylindrical member 111, and the holes 112a of the adjustment ring 112 are set so as to close and open these holes 111a. Are drilled. By adjusting the adjustment ring 112 configured as described above, it is possible to adjust the mixing ratio between the unhumidified concentrated oxygen gas and the humidified concentrated oxygen gas.
[0085]
Next, in FIG. 11, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the baffle plate 115 fixed to the end 110a is connected to the outlet together with oxygen gas when the humidifying medium (water) in the container 101 is stored up to the upper level. It is provided to suppress discharge to the outflow pipe 107 via the flow path 110.
[0086]
By providing the component having the gas-liquid separation function in this manner, water can be effectively used. Therefore, the baffle plate 115 has a main body 115a covering the entire end 110a and a substantially horizontal direction at a position higher than the upper level W. Injection is performed using a predetermined resin material so as to have an opening 115c that opens into the opening 115c and a large number of small-diameter holes 115b that communicate with the opening 115c and that are arranged to face the end 110a of the outlet channel 110. It is molded.
[0087]
With the above configuration, in FIG. 11, when the humidifying medium (water) to be put in the container 101 is added more than the specified amount of the upper level W, the end 110a of the outlet channel 110 of the humidifier and the water surface are close to each other. From the state, when the bubble ruptures into water droplets when bubbling action is performed by oxygen gas, the water droplets are separated into gas and liquid by hitting the main body 115a of the calendar baffle 115, and the opening 115c and the hole 115b are separated. And the water is collected downstream in the container.
[0088]
Although the humidifier 20 used in the medical device 1 of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the humidifier 20 may be connected to an oxygen cylinder. Is also good.
[0089]
Needless to say, the design of the cover is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the above-described outlet pipe and inlet pipe are arranged at an easily operable height, and a rotating member provided on the lid member after the humidifier is inserted. Any design is possible as long as it is a cover that opens largely above the operation surface of the above and has a space formed in the left and right direction of the flange portion of the container after being inserted.
[0090]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidifier capable of effectively using water.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an oxygen concentrator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front, with a patient K at substantially the same scale.
FIG. 2A is a left side view showing a state where the apparatus 1 is installed on a floor F near a wall surface W of a room, and FIG. 2B is a rear view of the apparatus 1.
3A is an external perspective view showing an enlarged view of a flow rate display section 8 and a protective cover 9 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B shows a state in which the protective cover 9 is removed. It is an external appearance perspective view.
FIG. 4A is a plan view of the apparatus 1, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a state where an inspection lid 22 is opened.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing the appearance of removing the filter replacement lid 21 and the inspection lid 22. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the removal of the filter replacement lid 21. FIGS. (C) and (d) are views showing the state of removal of the inspection lid 22, respectively.
6 (a) to 6 (c) are cross-sectional views taken along line XX of FIG. 5 (c).
FIG. 7 is a piping diagram also serving as a block diagram of the apparatus 1.
8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the device 1 of FIG. 7 in a block diagram.
9A is an external perspective view showing a state in which the humidifier 20 is removed from the apparatus 1, FIG. 9B is a state in which the container 101 is removed from the lid member 100 of the humidifier 20 after removal, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a state in which water is replenished from the water container to the upper level 101 a of the container 101, and FIG.
10 (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views taken along line XX of FIG. 9 (a), and FIG. 10 (c) is a plan view of the humidifier 20.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 10 (c).
FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line YY of FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the humidifier.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Oxygen concentrator
2 Cover
10 Oxygen outlet pipe
11 Coupler
12 tubes
13 Nose Cannula
20 humidifier
21 Filter Replacement Lid
22 Inspection lid
25 Back panel
36 piping
37 Silencer for intake
38 Compressor
39 Cooling fan
40 heat exchanger
41 Two-way switching valve
42 Exhaust silencer
43 1st adsorption cylinder
44 Second suction cylinder
45 Equal pressure valve
46a, 46b Check valve
47 Product tank
100 Lid member
101 container
102 Rotating member
103 shaft
104 shaft support
105 Compression spring (biasing member)
106 Inflow pipe
106a Locked part
107 Outflow pipe
107a Locked part
108 Locking part
109 Inlet channel
110 outlet channel
112 Adjustment ring
114 Foam generation member
115 Baffle
116 Lip Seal

Claims (7)

An outlet pipe for sending out oxygen supplied in a dry state from an oxygen concentrating apparatus equipped with oxygen generating means, and an inlet pipe for sending out oxygen in a wet state to a breathing means, are removably inserted into and store water. A humidifier capable of replenishing water to the upper level of the container,
A locking means for maintaining a locked state with respect to the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe, an inlet flow path communicating with the outlet pipe, an outlet flow path communicating with the inlet pipe, and a detachable and airtight state for the container. A lid member comprising:
Oxygen is sent out into the water stored in the container, is communicated with the inlet flow path to generate bubbles to be in the wet state, and the longitudinal direction thereof is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the container. A foam generating means disposed near the bottom surface;
A humidifier comprising: An outlet pipe for sending out oxygen supplied in a dry state from an oxygen concentrating apparatus equipped with oxygen generating means, and an inlet pipe for sending out oxygen in a wet state to a breathing means, are removably inserted into and store water. A humidifier capable of replenishing water to the upper level of the container,
A locking means for maintaining a locked state with respect to the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe, an inlet flow path communicating with the outlet pipe, an outlet flow path communicating with the inlet pipe, and a detachable and airtight state for the container. A lid member comprising:
Foam generating means communicated with the inlet flow path so as to send oxygen into the water stored in the container, generate bubbles and bring the liquid to the wet state,
A main body that covers the entirety of the inlet of the outlet channel, an opening that opens in a substantially horizontal direction at a position higher than the upper level, and a small diameter that communicates with the opening and is disposed to face the inlet; A baffle plate having a hole of
A humidifier comprising: 3. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the foam generating means further comprises an adjusting means for adjusting an amount of oxygen sent to a space above the upper level. 4. The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the foam generating means has a substantially disk shape. The fitting means includes a lip seal provided on a joint surface between the lid member and the container so as to deform into an airtight state after fitting, and a cylindrical inner peripheral surface extending from an edge of the lid member. A plurality of or preferably one or more engagement portions formed at three or more places,
A plurality of or preferably three or more other engaging portions formed on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the container,
A flange portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and gripped simultaneously with the operation surface of the locking means;
The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The oxygen concentrator, the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe, disposed at a height that is easy to operate,
And a cover member having a large opening above the operation surface of the lid member after the insertion, and a space formed in each of the left and right directions of the flange portion of the container after the insertion is provided. Item 6. A humidifier according to item 5. 3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is injection-molded from a transparent or light-transmissive resin material, and further includes a lower-level display unit that indicates that the remaining amount of water is small. Humidifier as described.

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