JP2009067617A - Oxygen concentrator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an oxygen concentrator for medical use, particularly an oxygen concentrator generally called as a pressure-swing adsorption system with decreased noise. <P>SOLUTION: The oxygen concentrator is equipped with: a compressor 105; an adsorption cylinder body in which compressed air is introduced to the inside of the cylinder and nitrogen is adsorbed by a catalytic adsorbent filled in the cylinder body to separate and generate oxygen; a switching valve alternately switching flow passages between a state of introducing the compressed air into the adsorption cylinder body and a state of introducing negative pressure into the adsorption cylinder body so as to discharge nitrogen to the outside when the catalytic adsorbent is saturated with nitrogen; and a blowing fan 104 blowing the introduced air to the compressor to perform cooling. The oxygen concentrator is equipped with a sound-insulating chamber 300 configured to house the compressor via a vibration insulating member and to approximately uniformly disperse the blown air over the outer circumference surface of the compressor and then to guide the air to a discharge port. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical oxygen concentrator, and more particularly to an oxygen concentrator generally called a pressure swing adsorption method.

  Various devices have been put into practical use for medical use as an oxygen concentrator using a pressure swing adsorption method in which oxygen is generated by using as an adsorbent a zeolite that permeates oxygen in the air and selectively adsorbs nitrogen.

  According to this type of oxygen concentrator, the raw material air taken in from the air intake port is compressed by a compressor as a compression means to generate compressed air, and the compressed air whose temperature has increased during this compression is cooled by a heat exchanger. . The heat exchanger is cooled by the cooling means that blows outside air together with the above-described compression means, and oxygen is generated by supplying compressed air to the adsorption cylinder containing the adsorbent. It is configured so that oxygen can be inhaled to the patient via a nasal cannula or the like by storing the oxygen in a predetermined flow rate from the tank via a pressure reducing valve or a flow rate setting device.

  If the oxygen concentrator configured in this way is installed in a place equipped with, for example, an AC power supply (commercial power supply), for example, home oxygen therapy patients with reduced lung function can safely absorb oxygen even while sleeping. Will be able to sleep well. In particular, when used even while sleeping, it is preferable that the oxygen concentrator generates very little noise. If possible, it is desirable that the noise level is less than the level generated by the indoor air conditioning equipment.

  On the other hand, an oxygen concentrator used for long-term oxygen inhalation therapy that is effective as a treatment method for patients with respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis is generally not portable. That is, it is not configured so that the patient can be taken out. Therefore, when the patient is forced to go out, concentrated oxygen is sucked from the oxygen cylinder while pushing the cart equipped with the oxygen cylinder. Oxygen supply to the oxygen cylinder had to be performed by a dedicated facility, and the patient's QOL (Quality of Life) was considerably impaired.

  Thus, portable and mobile oxygen concentrators using battery-driven compressors have been proposed. (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).

  In addition, when the applicant of the present invention adopts a compressor having a compression means for generating compressed air and a pressure reduction means for generating negative pressure, the vibration of the integrated compressor, and the pressure equalization step in the oxygen concentration process are particularly important. In order to reduce the vibration generated by the pressure, a negative pressure release valve communicating with the outside air is provided between the flow path between the pressure reducing means and the switching valve, and the negative pressure release valve is opened in synchronization with the pressure equalization process. Thus, a technique has been proposed in which outside air enters the flow path between the pressure reducing means and the switching valve, thereby preventing vibration of the compressor and reducing power consumption. (Patent Document 3).

In addition, the applicant of the present application introduces compressed air into the cylindrical body by connecting the compressor to the inlet side of the compressor provided with a compression means for generating compressed air and a pressure reducing means for generating negative pressure, Adsorbs nitrogen by the adsorbent filled in the cylinder, separates and generates oxygen, supplies oxygen from the outlet side, and introduces negative pressure when the adsorbent is saturated with nitrogen, adsorbing nitrogen Are switched between a compressed air flow path, a negative pressure flow path, and a closed flow path by being connected between the two adsorption cylinders to be discharged to the outside and the inlet side of the two adsorption cylinders and the compressor. Two sets of three-way switching valves, a pressure sensor for detecting that one of the two adsorption cylinders has reached the maximum internal pressure value, and a branch pipe between the outlet sides of the two adsorption cylinders When the maximum internal pressure value is detected by the pressure sensor, the two adsorption cylinders Is connected between the equal pressure valve which is opened so as to perform equal pressure, and the negative pressure flow path of the negative pressure generating portion and the three-way switching valve, and is opened when equalization is performed. Therefore, a technique for reducing noise by using a negative pressure release valve that exhausts air through a silencer is proposed.
JP 2002-121010 A JP 2000-79165 A JP 2005-1111016 A

  As described above, it is possible to introduce the outside air by being connected between the pressure reducing means negative pressure generating portion and the negative pressure flow path of the three-way switching valve and being opened when equalizing pressure, In addition, according to the apparatus using the negative pressure release valve that exhausts through the silencer, it has been confirmed that the high vacuum generated during the pressure equalization process can be reduced, and the noise can be reduced and the power can be reduced. .

  However, reducing the noise of the compressor during steady operation is also a major issue, and particularly when the rotational speed of the compressor is made variable, it is required to reduce the noise reduction while satisfying conditions such as cooling.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an oxygen concentrator capable of satisfying various operating conditions including cooling of the compressor and reducing noise. . In particular, an object is to provide a suitable medical oxygen concentrator that can be used at a medical site such as a hospital or at home.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, a sealed container that introduces air into the inside thereof through the air inlet and discharges it outside through the air outlet, and the introduced air A compressor having a compressed air generating section that generates compressed air using a part of the compressor, and a negative pressure generating section that generates negative pressure, and introducing the compressed air into the cylinder and filling the cylinder An adsorption cylinder that separates and generates oxygen by adsorbing nitrogen by the prepared catalyst adsorbent, a state in which the compressed air is introduced into the adsorption cylinder, and the adsorption of nitrogen when the catalyst adsorbent is saturated with nitrogen Switching means for alternately switching the flow path between the state in which the negative pressure is introduced into the adsorption cylinder so as to be discharged to the outside of the cylinder, and the introduced air is blown toward the compressor to Fan for cooling the compressor And a soundproofing chamber formed so as to be directed to the exhaust port after the blown air is distributed substantially evenly on the outer peripheral surface of the compressor, and the soundproofing chamber is prevented. And an anti-vibration braking member that is supported in a vibration and braking state.

  The compressor includes an electric motor, a pair of horizontally opposed pistons and a pair of cylinder chambers that perform a crank motion around a crankshaft fixed to the output shaft of the electric motor, and the compressed air generating portion is one of And the negative pressure generating part is constituted by the other piston and cylinder chamber, and the reciprocating direction of the pair of horizontally opposed pistons is along a horizontal plane, and the vibration isolation in the vertical direction. The compressor is built in the soundproof room so as to be held in a state, and the compressed air is generated through an opening individually provided in the ceiling wall surface of the soundproof room. And the negative pressure generating part are blown.

  Further, the soundproof chamber is formed of an aluminum die-cast base portion and a lid portion that are divided in the vertical direction while forming an inner peripheral surface that is substantially equidistant from the outer peripheral surface of the compressor. It is characterized by.

  The anti-vibration braking member includes a coil spring and a rubber bush incorporated in the coil spring, and is fixed to a flange portion extending from the soundproof chamber.

  According to the present invention, the air blown from the blower fan can be cooled by being distributed substantially evenly on the outer peripheral surface of the compressor incorporated in the soundproofing chamber, and then can be discharged to the outside, and the soundproofing chamber is supported in a vibration-proof and braking state. It is possible to provide an oxygen concentrator that can be used.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the present invention is capable of various modifications and changes, specific examples of which are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail below, but are not limited thereto. It is needless to say that various configurations are possible within the range specified in the above, and that the present invention is also applicable to the indoor-installed pressure swing adsorption type oxygen concentrator 1 that uses only an AC power source that is a commercial power source.

<Description of Overall Configuration of Oxygen Concentrator 1>
First, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a portable pressure swing adsorption type oxygen concentrator 1 according to an embodiment as viewed from the upper front diagonally. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the oxygen concentrator 1 shown in FIG.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the oxygen concentrator 1 has a smart travel bag-like appearance that is slender and slender in the vertical direction in order to minimize the installation location. For this reason, consideration is given so that it is not known to others that the oxygen concentrator 1 is obtained by a glance.

  In addition, as a feature, the cost of electricity is about 3456 yen per day (the electricity cost is 15.58 yen per kWH) by pursuing lightening and energy saving of about one-third the weight of conventional oxygen concentrators. On the other hand, it can be used in three systems: an attached detachable and rechargeable external battery, a built-in rechargeable battery, and a home commercial (AC) power source. In particular, the built-in battery and external battery can be used with peace of mind because they can be used as a backup power source in the event of a power failure. Furthermore, it has a function that can be switched to a “tuning mode” in which oxygen is sent in synchronization with intake air in order to save battery power.

  Further, as will be described later, the front cover 2 and the back cover 3 having the shapes shown in the figure for constituting the oxygen concentrator 1 hermetic container are formed as injection-molded resin parts, and a plurality of adsorptions arranged in parallel filled with an adsorbent. Other component parts including the cylinder (two in this embodiment) were also made lighter as much as possible so that the total weight was reduced to about 1012 kg (when the carrier 10 was not provided using an AC power source). As a result, since an adult can carry it with one hand, a handle 4 serving as a handle portion having sufficient strength to withstand the lifting force of the so-called portable oxygen concentrator 1 is provided on the upper side as shown in the figure. Has produced a special feature.

  Further, the outer shape of the oxygen concentrator 1 is rounded as a whole, and the dimensions are a width W of 350 mm, a depth D of 250 mm, and a height H of 550 mm. For this reason, since the occupation area on a floor surface can be made as small as possible, the above-mentioned weight reduction and downsizing are achieved. Further, as a design feature of the oxygen concentrator 1, a front cover 2 that covers the front surface of the oxygen concentrator 1 three-dimensionally from the installation floor is provided on the bottom surface of the handle 4 as shown in FIG. Consecutive accent lines are formed integrally in a concave shape in the vertical direction on the left and right, and the portion sandwiched between these accent lines is a light warm color system, and the operation panel 5 of the same color system is arranged above this, while the back cover 3 is The remaining part is a beige or cream color.

  By adopting the so-called two-tone modern design with the above design and color scheme, consideration should be given to harmonizing with other furniture such as furniture when the oxygen concentrator 1 is installed indoors. ing. Further, the front cover 2 and the back cover 3 are made of, for example, ABS resin, which is a thermoplastic resin having impact resistance, thereby ensuring design freedom.

  In FIG. 1, the operation panel 5 extends obliquely upward at an angle of, for example, about 10 degrees to the joint surface with the back cover 3 at the opening below the handle 4, and resin is sequentially applied from the left to the top. A large dial type power switch 6 made of plastic, an oxygen outlet 7 of resin metal parts, an oxygen flow setting button 8 with a resin cover, and an oxygen flow rate display unit 9 for performing LED or liquid crystal display with 7-segment numbers. Is arranged. Above the oxygen outlet 7, a resin coupler 13 is shown that is engaged with a stepped portion formed in the oxygen outlet 7 in an airtight manner and is detachably provided. The coupler 13 is set so that an opening of a tube 15 such as a nasal cannula 14 communicates therewith.

  This operation panel 5 is provided near the height corresponding to the waist where a Japanese standard height (160-170 cm) patient stands and both hands are lowered. The operation of the device 1 can be performed. For this reason, it is not necessary to sit down and look into each other like a conventional oxygen concentrator. In some cases, it can also be used by remote operation to be described later. Therefore, the burden on the patient's abdomen is greatly reduced. Furthermore, even a left-handed person can operate without any sense of incongruity because the dials are arranged in symmetrical positions with the oxygen outlet 7 at the center.

  It should be noted that a hook (not shown) for hooking the tube 15 connected to the nasal cannula 14 or the like is provided and substantially corresponds to a range in which the tube 15 connected to the nasal cannula 14 or the like moves in the same room where the patient lives. The tube 15 may be used by removing it from the hook as a full length, and when the tube 15 is not used, the tube 15 with the nasal cannula 14 or the like connected thereto may be hooked on the hook after being wound several times.

  Further, the bottom lid 41 shown by a two-dot chain line in the drawing is also made of an impact-resistant thermoplastic resin, for example, ABS resin for weight reduction. Four rubber feet 22 are fixed to the bottom lid 41 at the four corners to prevent skidding when installed on the floor surface. On the other hand, the carrier 10 used during movement such as going out is fixed to the bottom lid 41 with two fixing screws 12. The carrier 10 has holes 10b larger than the rubber feet 22 at the corresponding positions, and is provided with resin-made free casters 11 at the four corners as shown. Further, the base of the carrier 10 is made of a light metal reinforced aluminum plate for weight reduction, and all the edges of the four sides are bent to ensure strength. In addition, an external battery, which will be described later, is inserted from the back side, and is accommodated in a predetermined position so as to be immovable, and the two fixing screws 12 are passed through and fixed to the female screw portion of the bottom lid 41. Thus, holes 10a for integrating the carrier 10 with the apparatus 1 are provided.

  Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The back cover 3 constitutes an airtight container by being fixed to the front cover 2 with a plurality of fixing screws 16 in total. The back cover 3 is also made of an impact-resistant thermoplastic resin, for example, ABS resin, similarly to the front cover 2 described above. An outside air introduction filter 20 for primary filtration of the atmosphere introduced into the sealed container is provided below the opening portion in which a hand can enter below the handle 4 that is integrally formed with the back cover 3 in the front-rear direction. A filter replacement lid 17 accommodated in a replaceable manner is detachably provided.

  Exhaust ports 3a and 3b for exhausting air, which will be described later, are formed in the left and right portions below the back cover 3 with a lattice. Further, the portion between the exhaust ports 3a and 3b is a cutout portion cut out upward, and the external battery connector 131 and the AC adapter connector 130 are respectively exposed from the cutout portion as shown. ing. Furthermore, the AC cable 19a of the AC adapter 19 shown in the figure is inserted into the AC adapter connector 130 to supply power from the AC adapter (AC 100V) 19 to the oxygen concentrator 1 to the oxygen concentrator. In addition, by setting the connector 227c of the external battery 227 that can be repeatedly charged to the battery connector 131, the maximum flow rate depends on the oxygen flow rate supplied to the patient when going out or moving indoors (indoors). The battery can be driven for about 2 hours.

  In addition, a built-in battery 228 (see FIG. 7) that can be repeatedly charged is also provided, and is used as three power sources: an AC power source, an external battery, and a built-in battery. In addition, the priority order of power sources to be used is an AC power source, an external battery, and a built-in battery, so that the built-in battery is particularly preserved. A remaining amount confirmation button 227a that displays the remaining amount of the battery by being pressed on the surface of the external battery 227, and a plurality of remaining amount 100% when the remaining amount confirmation button 227a is pressed to confirm the remaining amount. For example, a remaining amount confirmation monitor 227b is provided for displaying, for example, LEDs in a plurality of steps (five steps) in which five display units are turned on and one display unit is turned on when the remaining amount is 20%. Further, the external battery 227 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, for example, and may be specially designed with an integrated charger. Or you may make it charge from the charger connected to AC power supply. The rechargeable battery 227 configured in this way always checks the remaining charge before use, so that the worst situation in which the battery runs out when going out is prevented.

  In addition, the cord hooks 21 and 21 are fixed to the carrier 10 with the accommodating portion 10c interposed therebetween, so that the AC adapter cable 19a is wound around the carrier 10 so as not to get in the way.

  Next, FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of an extension tube set such as the nasal cannula 14. In this figure, a resin-made relay coupler 30 is connected to a tube 15 such as a nasal cannula 14 in order to connect an extension tube 31 via a coupler 13. By connecting the extension tube 31 in this way, it can be extended to a length of about 15 m at the longest. As a result, the movement range of the patient can be increased, and the QOL can be further improved.

  FIG. 4 is a substantial view of the operation panel 5 of the oxygen concentrator 1. In this figure, components that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, and the power switch 6 is operated between the illustrated OFF position and the ON position rotated clockwise by about 90 degrees. The The power switch 6 is provided so that most of the power switch 6 is retracted from the operation surface of the operation panel 5 to the back side (the back side of the drawing). Safety measures are taken to prevent injury even if it hits violently. At a position corresponding to the ON position of the power switch 6, for example, an operation state lamp 128 a incorporating a light emitting LED that is lit in green and red is provided. A battery remaining amount monitor 128d is provided on the operation state lamp 128a.

  The central oxygen outlet 7 is also provided so that all the enclosed portions are retracted from the operation surface of the operation panel 5 to the back side (the back side in the drawing) as shown in the figure. On the oxygen outlet 7, an alarm display unit 128 c is provided which has a character “inspection” or a character display corresponding thereto printed horizontally. Below the alarm display portion 128c, an oxygen lamp 128b having a built-in light emitting LED, for example, that lights in green, red, and yellow is provided.

  The oxygen flow rate setting button 8 is provided as flat switches 8 a and 8 b on which up and down arrows are printed, and is provided so as to be substantially flush with the operation surface of the operation panel 5. The oxygen flow setting button 8 is used to press the oxygen flow rate every time the oxygen concentrated to about 90% or more is pressed in a 0.25L step or a 0.01L step from 0.25L (liter) per minute to a maximum of 5L. It can be set, and is displayed on the upper oxygen flow rate display unit 9. The synchronization lamp 25 is provided to notify the patient by lighting or flashing that the concentrated oxygen is being operated in an intermittent supply state by breathing synchronization.

  As described above, each operation unit arranged on the operation panel 5 performs a minimum necessary operation on the premise of safety in use and use by the elderly.

  5A is an operation explanatory diagram of the battery remaining amount display unit 128d of the operation panel 5 in FIG. 4, FIG. 5B is an operation explanatory diagram of the alarm display unit 128c of the operation panel 5 in FIG. FIG. 5C is an operation explanatory diagram of the oxygen concentration lamp 128b.

  First, in FIG. 5A, the battery remaining amount display portion 128d is fully lit for about 2 seconds when the power is turned on. After that, if the remaining amount of the built-in battery 228 (see FIG. 7) or the external rechargeable battery 227 is 100%, the lamp with the built-in light emitting LED provided on the left side lights in green (lights continuously). All of the display sections in a plurality of stages (for example, five stages) are lit up as shown in the figure. Each time the remaining battery level decreases by a predetermined percentage (for example, 20%) with respect to the full charge, the lights are sequentially turned off from the right side and the number of lights is gradually reduced. It is configured so that it can be lit and warned by a built-in buzzer or a voice guide to be described later.

  When the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery becomes a predetermined ratio (for example, 10%) or less with respect to the full charge, the lamp with the built-in light emitting LED provided on the left side flashes in a warning color such as red (lights up intermittently). At the same time, a warning is given by a built-in buzzer or voice guide at predetermined intervals, for example, every 5 minutes. In this way, safety in use in the battery drive mode is ensured particularly when going out or during a power failure. In addition, the battery remaining amount display part 128d of the internal battery 228 and the external rechargeable battery 227 may be displayed separately so as to correspond to the internal battery 228 and the external rechargeable battery 227, respectively, so that they can be easily viewed.

  Next, in FIG. 5B, the alarm display unit 128c is printed with the letters “check”, and the built-in lamp is lit to notify when the oxygen concentration is lowered. Also, when an abnormality occurs on the device side, a buzzer sounds and is notified with a voice guide. In addition, when the device stops due to a power failure, while blinking and informing, the buzzer and the voice guide can be surely notified particularly to the visually impaired.

  In FIG. 5C, in the oxygen lamp 128b, the built-in LED is lit in green when oxygen is normally inhaled. Further, the light is turned off when oxygen is not emitted or when the oxygen concentration is lowered. Then, in the synchronization mode (respiration synchronization mode), when a respiratory state cannot be detected for a certain time, for example, about 30 seconds, the alarm color is red, and a buzzer is sounded and a voice guide is used. In addition, when driving in a synchronized mode in which concentrated oxygen is supplied in synchronization with inspiration, the indicator lights up or blinks in green substantially in synchronization with the breathing pattern (oxygen output) in order to make the patient visually recognize that fact. I will let you know. By doing so, the patient can confirm that the concentrated oxygen is normally supplied.

  On the other hand, when the power switch 6 is turned on, a buzzer sounds and all the lamps are lit in green for 2 seconds together with a voice guide (initial self-check). And when using it in battery drive mode, it is lit and displayed according to the remaining amount in the display part of five steps after that. The patient operates the increase / decrease switches 8a and 8b of the oxygen flow rate setting button 8 according to the doctor's prescription and starts to supply oxygen when the flow rate is set to a predetermined flow rate (the oxygen flow rate increases and decreases when the increase / decrease switch 8a is pressed). Pressing the switch 8b decreases the oxygen flow rate). When the oxygen concentrator 1 is normally stopped, the temporary storage device 206 stores the previous operating conditions (oxygen flow rate, presence / absence of the synchronization mode). For this reason, if the oxygen flow rate setting button 8 is not pressed after the initial self-check, the concentrated oxygen is automatically supplied under the previous operating conditions. Note that the fact (the same operating conditions as the previous time) may be notified by voice guidance.

  At the time of stop, when the power switch 6 is turned off, the oxygen lamp 128b is turned off, and the operation lamp 128a flashes for a while and then automatically ends.

  As an operation performed by the patient every day, there is a case where dust, dust, or the like attached to the outside air introduction filter 20 provided on the back cover 3 is removed with a vacuum cleaner. In order to simplify this operation, the outside air introduction filter 20 is configured to be easily detachable.

  FIG. 6A is an external perspective view showing a state for allowing the outside air introduction filter 20 to be detachable from the back cover 3 of the oxygen concentrator 1, and FIG. 6B is a view showing that the outside air introduction filter 20 further includes a replacement lid 17. FIG. 7C is an external perspective view showing a state of being removed from FIG. 6C, and FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

  First, in FIG. 6A, the back cover 3 is provided with an opening 3k having a vertical opening 3K1 for introducing outside air, and a replacement lid 17 is shown in the opening 3k. So as to be detachable. The opening 3k has a volume for burying the entire replacement lid 17, and forms a concave portion 3c into which the fingertip can be inserted.

  Next, in FIG. 6B, the replacement lid 17 is provided with a lateral opening 17b and upright portions 17a at the four corners as shown in the figure, and an open cell is formed in a portion surrounded by the upright portions 17a. The external air introduction filter 20 made of sponge is housed in an immobile state by its own elastic force. This standing portion 17a also serves as a mounting wall portion to the opening 3k. For this reason, the outside air introduction filter 20 is taken out in the state shown in the figure, washed with water, or replaced with a new one, so that it can be returned to its original state by being set on the replacement lid 17.

  6C, when the replacement lid 17 is set in the opening 3k as shown, the end face 32a of the shielding plate 32 of the main body covers most of the vertical opening 3K1 for introducing outside air. A slight upper part is left. As a result, the outside air is introduced into the inside in the direction of arrow F. Thus, by covering the back surface cover 3 from the inside with the shielding plate 32, noise is effectively prevented from leaking to the outside. That is, only the opening 3K1 and the exhaust ports 3a and 3b are opened to the outside of the oxygen concentrator 1, and the opening area is the minimum required to secure the flow rate of raw material air described later. By doing so, it is possible to realize a noise level of 38 decibels or less during operation so that sound generated from the inside does not leak to the outside as much as possible. In addition, the hermetic cover structure completely covers the periphery and reduces the number of exit portions, thereby enabling waterproofing measures in addition to soundproofing. The shielding plate 32 is prepared as a molded part of black resin, and the speaker 23 and the external communication connector 133 are fixed as shown.

  In addition, since the oxygen concentrator 1 is usually installed through a narrow gap from the wall surface of the room, the outside air introduction and the exhaust are performed from the back cover 3 side, so that the outside air introduction and the exhaust from the place where the exhaust sound becomes the lowest can be obtained. It is possible.

  On the other hand, the concave portion 3c of the back cover 3 allows the replacement lid 17 to be taken out so that the fingertip can enter as shown in the figure. The above are the components used directly by the patient. A specific internal configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS.

<Description of piping and block diagram of oxygen concentrator 1>
FIG. 7 is a piping diagram that also serves as a block diagram of the oxygen concentrator 1. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description is omitted, and the double line in the figure is a flow path of air, oxygen, and nitrogen gas, and is generally indicated by pipes 24a to 24g. Has been. A thin solid line indicates power supply or electric signal wiring.

  Here, in the following description, a case will be described in which a compressor 105 (compressed air generating unit) and a decompressing unit (negative pressure generating unit) are integrated as the compressor 105. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it goes without saying that the compressed air generating unit and the negative pressure generating unit may be configured separately. Further, the front cover 2 and the back cover 3 that introduce outside air into the inside through the intake port and discharge them to the outside through the exhaust port are shown as broken lines in the figure as the oxygen concentrator 1 (sealed container).

  Referring to FIG. 7 in order along the flow of introduced air, the air passes through the outside air introduction filter 20 built in the filter replacement lid 17 (see FIG. 6) and enters the oxygen concentrator 1 inside the outside (outside air). ) Is introduced in the directions of arrows F1 and F2. The air in the F2 direction enters the two-stage soundproof chamber 34 by the air blown by the pair of blower fans 104 and 104. That is, as will be described later, the opening formed in the side surface of the two-stage soundproof chamber 34 (shown by a broken line) in which the blower fans 104 and 104 are arranged on the upper member and the compressor 105 is arranged in the lower member in a vibration-proof state. Air enters the two-stage soundproof chamber 34 through the section.

  On the other hand, in order to supply the atmosphere in the direction of arrow F1 as the raw air to the compression means 105a of the compressor 105 through the pipe 24, the atmosphere is sent to the intake buffer tank 400 provided with the intake filter 101 for performing secondary filtration. . In addition, two intake pipes, which will be described later, are connected to the intake filter 101 so that the intake air noise of the raw material air is reduced below the predetermined set flow rate by opening and closing the on-off valve 126.

  The two-stage soundproof chamber 34 is made of a reinforced light alloy, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy plate or other suitable material having a thickness of about 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm for weight reduction. Thus, when comprised from a thin plate, the intensity | strength of a screw hole part is not ensured. Therefore, the insert nut is fixed in place as a screw hole. Inside the two-stage soundproof chamber 34, a compressor 105, which preferably includes a compression means 105a for compressing raw material air to generate compressed air, and a decompression means 105b, is fixed in a vibration-proof state.

  Next, the raw material air filtered by the secondary filter 101 of the intake buffer tank 400 is compressed by the compression unit 105a of the compressor 105 to become compressed air, but at this time, the temperature rises and is sent to the pipe 24c. The pipe 24c may be a lightweight metal pipe (for example, an aluminum pipe having an outer diameter of 6 mm and an inner diameter of 4 mm) having an excellent heat dissipation effect, and may be cooled by blowing air from the blowing fan 104. Thus, by cooling the compressed air, zeolite, which is an adsorbent whose function is lowered at high temperatures, can sufficiently concentrate oxygen to about 90% or more as an adsorbent for generating oxygen by adsorption of nitrogen.

  The compressed air is alternately supplied to the first adsorption cylinder body 108a and the second adsorption cylinder body 108b arranged in parallel via the pipe 24c. For this reason, switching valves (three-way switching valves) 109a and 109b are connected as shown. The negative pressure breaking first valve 120 and the negative pressure breaking are connected to the switching valves 109a and 109b, and the pipe 24f communicating with the flow path to desorb unnecessary gas from the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b. A plurality of (at least two) second valves 121 are connected in series. By opening these, the pressure in the pipe 24f is controlled to the atmospheric pressure in the pressure equalizing process to near atmospheric pressure, and the pressure is optimally controlled below the predetermined flow rate, thereby suppressing the vibration of the compressor 105 and reducing the electric energy.

  Here, the zeolite which is the catalyst adsorbent stored in the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b is an X-type zeolite having a SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio of 2.0 to 3.0. In addition, the amount of adsorption of nitrogen per unit weight is increased by using at least 88% or more of the tetrahedral unit of Al2O3 combined with a lithium cation. In particular, those having a granule measurement value of less than 1 mm and at least 88% or more of tetrahedral units fused with lithium cations are preferred.

  By using such a zeolite, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of raw material air used to generate the same oxygen, and as a result, the compressor 105 for generating compressed air can be made a small type. It was possible to further reduce noise. Here, conventional zeolite that has been used in the past may be used, and even in this case, a sufficient noise reduction can be achieved by the muffling function described later.

  On the other hand, an equal pressure valve 107 including a check valve and an on-off valve is branched and connected to the outlet side above the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b. Further, a pipe 24d is formed so that the downstream side of the equal pressure valve 107 is joined, and a product tank 111 serving as a container for storing the separated and produced oxygen having a concentration of about 90% or more is piped as shown in the figure. Has been. A pressure sensor 208 for detecting the pressure in each adsorption cylinder is piped as shown.

  On the downstream side of the product tank 111, a pressure regulator 112 that automatically adjusts the oxygen pressure on the outlet side to be constant is provided. A zirconia-type or ultrasonic-type oxygen concentration sensor 114 is connected to the downstream side of the pressure regulator 112, and the oxygen concentration is detected intermittently (every 10 to 30 minutes) or continuously. A proportional opening valve 115 that opens and closes in conjunction with the oxygen flow rate setting button 8 is connected to the downstream side, and an oxygen flow rate sensor 116 is connected to the downstream side. A demand valve 117 is connected downstream of the sensor 116 via a flow rate control board 202 for breathing synchronization control, and is connected to the oxygen outlet 7 of the apparatus 1 via a sterilization filter 119. With the above configuration, it becomes possible to inhale oxygen concentrated to about 90% or more at a maximum flow rate of 5 L / min to the patient via the nasal cannula 14 or the like.

  Next, in FIG. 7, the power supply system includes an AC adapter 19 connected via an AC power supply connector 130 connected to a switching regulator type AC adapter 19 that rectifies AC (commercial alternating current) power to a predetermined DC voltage. The built-in battery 228 built in the apparatus main body, the external battery 227 detachably provided via the connector 131, and a power control circuit 226 are included. The built-in battery 228 and the external battery 227 are rechargeable secondary batteries, and the built-in battery 228 is charged by receiving power from the power supply control circuit 226. In addition, at least the built-in battery 228 can be repeatedly charged and discharged at least about 500 times, and those having management functions such as the remaining battery level, the number of charge / discharge cycles used, the degree of deterioration, and the output voltage are used. What has a management function which can confirm a remaining charge capacity and the frequency | count of charging / discharging with an external portable terminal etc. is preferable.

  Further, the external battery 227 can be charged by receiving power from the power supply control circuit 226 in the connected state via the connector 131, but is normally repeatedly charged using a separately prepared battery charger. Or you may prepare as the external battery 227 which integrated the battery charger designed exclusively.

  In the configuration of the power supply system described above, the oxygen concentrator has a first power supply state that operates by receiving power supply from the AC adapter 19, and a second power supply state that operates by receiving power supply from the built-in battery 228. It is automatically switched to one of three power supply states, ie, a third power supply state that operates by receiving power supply from an external battery.

  The priority for this automatic switching is controlled by the power supply control circuit 226 so as to be automatically determined in the order of the first power supply state, the third power supply state, and the second power supply state.

  Further, the power control circuit 226 and the built-in built-in battery 228 are arranged on the bottom surface as will be described later in order to lower the center of gravity of the oxygen concentrator 1. On the other hand, the external battery 227 can be used when going out by being built in the housing portion of the carrier 10 as described above. Since the external battery 227 is provided with the remaining charge display section and the like, the remaining usage time can be known together with the voice guide.

  The AC adapter 19 can generate a predetermined DC voltage without being affected by the difference in frequency and voltage fluctuation, and is preferably a switching regulator type that can be configured to be small and light, but a normal transformer type may also be used. . The built-in battery 228 and the external battery 227 are preferably lithium ion or lithium hydrogen ion secondary batteries that have little memory effect during charging and can be fully charged even during recharging, but may be conventional nickel-cadmium batteries.

  Further, in preparation for an emergency, the external battery may be configured as a box of AA dry batteries that can be obtained anywhere.

  Further, the central control unit 200 of the oxygen concentrator 1 has a function of switching to an optimum operation mode according to the amount of oxygen to be generated, and is high speed when generating a large amount of oxygen, and a low speed when generating a small amount of oxygen. In addition, the compressor 105 and the blower fan 104 are automatically controlled to rotate. In this way, the built-in battery 228 is preserved. As a result, even when the external battery 227 is forgotten to be charged, it is possible to cope with sudden outings or power outages. By doing so, for example, even when the external battery 227 becomes zero when going out, the internal battery 228 can be used continuously, so that the patient can use it with peace of mind.

<Configuration of Intake Buffer Tank 400>
FIG. 8A is a schematic view of the intake buffer tank 400 connected to the upstream side of the compressed air generation unit 105a, and FIG. 8B is a schematic view of the open / close valve 126 opened. .

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts that have already been described, and the description is omitted. The intake buffer tank 400 has a volume of about 200 cc to 300 cc required for silencing and has an outer diameter of about 50 mm. A resin cylindrical cylinder 405 having an inner diameter of about 40 mm and a length of about 220 mm, and a resin cylindrical inner tube (nozzle) 406 built in the cylinder and having an outer diameter of about 8 mm, an inner diameter of about 5 mm, and a length of about 120 mm. As shown in the drawing, the secondary filter 101 is fixed to the inlet portion, and the pipe 24 is connected to the outlet portion.

A first intake pipe 401 having an inner diameter of about 5 mm for introducing a part of the atmosphere (air) from the secondary filter 101, and a second intake pipe 402 having an inner diameter of about 5 mm that are piped in parallel therewith, Is connected, and the on-off valve 126 is connected in the middle of the second intake pipe 402.
In the above configuration, when the compressor 105 is rotated at a low speed, the on-off valve 126 is closed, and intake through the first intake pipe 401 is performed in the direction of the broken line arrow. As a result, the intake sound generated from the opening of the first intake pipe 401 is reduced. On the other hand, in a state where the compressor 105 is rotated at a high speed, the on-off valve 126 is opened, and intake from the two paths is performed in the direction of the broken line arrow through the first intake pipe 401 and the second intake pipe 402. Therefore, when the rotational speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined rotational speed, the opening area of the intake portion that causes the intake noise is reduced, so that the intake sound can be reduced.

  The rotation speed of the compressor is determined in accordance with the set oxygen supply amount. For example, when the compressor is set to be larger than 50% of the maximum supply amount (1.5 liters per minute or more), the compressor rotates at a high speed. If it is less than 50% (less than 1.5 liters per minute), it is rotated at a low speed.

  FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory flowchart showing an example of driving the on-off valve 126 according to the oxygen supply amount.

  In this figure, when started, it is confirmed that the power switch 6 is turned on in step S1, and it is confirmed that the compressor 105 is started in step S2. Thereafter, it is confirmed in step S3 that the oxygen supply amount has been set, and in step S4, it is determined whether or not the set oxygen supply amount is 1.25 liters per minute or more. If it is determined in this determination that it is not more than 1.25 liters per minute, the process proceeds to step S5, and the operation state shown in FIG. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the set oxygen supply amount is 1.25 liters or more per minute, the process proceeds to step S6, where the open / close valve 126 is energized to be in the open state as shown in FIG. The operation state shown in FIG. Thereby, a large amount of the air after the secondary filtration is introduced into the compressed air generation unit 105a of the compressor 105 in step S7, and the air is supplied until the power switch 6 is turned off in step S8. When the power is turned off in step S8, energization to the compressor 105 and the on-off valve 126 is stopped in step S9 and the process is terminated. The intake noise was reduced by performing the control as described above.

  Again, in FIG. 7, the power switch 6 and the LED element for display are described with reference to FIG. 5 in the central control unit 200 that operates by receiving power supply from one of the three power systems. As shown in the figure, a display driving unit 204 that is driven to turn on and blink and is driven to display a set flow rate and an integrated time with a 7-segment LED is connected.

  The central control unit 200 includes a motor control unit 201 that controls driving of the DC motor of the compressor 105 and the motor of the blower fan 104, and an audio control unit 203 that generates audio content by being connected to the speaker 23. It is connected.

  The central control unit 200 includes a ROM that stores a predetermined operation program, and is further connected to an external storage device 210, a volatile memory 205, a temporary storage device 206, and a real-time clock 207, via an external connector 133. By connecting to a communication line or the like, it is possible to access the stored contents.

  In addition, the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b, the equal pressure valve 107, and the negative pressure for purging (purifying) to desorb unnecessary gases in the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b. The negative pressure breaking first valve 120, the negative pressure breaking second valve 121, the oxygen concentration sensor 114, the proportional opening valve 115, and the flow rate that are opened to open the generator 105b and the pressure for controlling the pressure in the pipe 24f are opened. A valve for controlling driving of the sensor 116 and the demand valve 117 and a flow rate control unit 202 are connected to the central control unit 200.

  By the way, the compressor 105 having a total weight of about 1 kg is a variable speed controller built in the motor control unit 201, and the driving sound of the motor is controlled by a sine wave driving waveform to lower the operation sound. The compressor 105 can be operated at various speeds, can generate the required vacuum (negative pressure) / positive pressure level and flow rate, generates only a little noise and vibration, generates a little heat, It is preferable that it is small and light and can be operated with little power consumption.

  By providing the motor controller 201 with a variable speed controller, which is a variable speed control means, the speed of the compressor 105 can be freely changed based on the activity level and environmental conditions of the patient. As a result, when the demand valve 117 determines that the patient's oxygen demand is relatively low, such as when the patient is sitting or sleeping, by the respiratory synchronization, the drive rotation speed of the compressor 105 can be automatically reduced. it can. It can also automatically increase speed when it is determined that the patient's oxygen demand is relatively high and the oxygen demand has increased, such as when the patient is standing, active, or at a high altitude with a low oxygen concentration. It is configured to be able to.

  With the motor control described above, the power consumption of the entire apparatus 1 is reduced, the life when driven by a rechargeable battery can be extended, the weight and size of the rechargeable battery are reduced, and the degree of wear of the compressor 105 is reduced. The reliability can be improved by lowering the service life and extending the service life.

  As described above, the compressor 105 has both functions of generating compressed air and generating negative pressure, and the rotation speed is automatically controlled according to the oxygen flow rate to be taken out. Specifically, the rotation speed is controlled between 500 rpm and 3000 rpm, and the operation life when rotating at a normal speed of about 1700 rpm can be increased to 10,000 to 15000 hours. The compressor 105 has a performance of compressing air to 100 kPa, preferably about 75 kPa. In addition, it has a function of notifying with an audio guide or a display lamp when the above operating life has passed.

  The operating temperature surrounding the compressor 105 is 0 ° C. to 40 ° C., and the driving voltage for the compressor 105 is DC 12V or 24V, which is a power source obtained from a cigarette lighter adapter such as an automobile or a truck. Is about 45-140W. For this reason, in the worst case, the power can be supplied by connecting to the connector 131.

  Here, the role of each of the negative pressure release valves 120 and 121 is to automatically adjust the degree of vacuum on the decompression means side of the compressor 105. That is, since the compressor 105 employed in the apparatus 1 has both functions of a compression unit and a decompression unit, there is an advantage that it can be reduced in size and weight. However, the compressor integrated in this way has a problem that vibration is increased as compared with a compressor dedicated to pressurization and a compressor dedicated to vacuum (negative pressure). In particular, the vibration becomes particularly intense during the pressure equalization process in the compression process, and this is caused by the fact that the flow paths of the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b are on the compressed air generation unit 105a side and one adsorption cylinder during the pressure equalization process. Since the 108a side is connected and the negative pressure part 105b side is shut off at this time, the pressure in the flow path 24f of the three-way switching valve and the negative pressure part 105b is in an extremely high vacuum state. In order to eliminate this high vacuum state, the negative pressure release valves 120 and 121 are piped as shown in FIG. 7 so as to communicate with the outside air.

  In synchronism with this pressure equalization step, the valves 120 and 121 are operated in an open state, so that outside air enters the flow path, and the flow path is brought closer to the atmospheric pressure. Due to this action, the compressor 105 is in a state close to a no-load state, so that generation of vibration can be prevented, and noise can be reduced and power can be reduced. As will be described later, the negative pressure release valves 120 and 121 are turned on according to the set oxygen flow rate and are opened.

  On the other hand, the blower fan 104 for cooling the compressor 105 and cooling the inside of the apparatus 1 consumes about 15 W of power. An axial fan may be used instead of this blower. Here, the maximum noise pressure level of the apparatus 1 is 38 dBA or less at the maximum rotation speed, and 32 dBA when the concentrated oxygen flow rate is 1 L / min or less.

  As the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b, electromagnetic valves that perform a valve operation generally called a direct acting type by a magnetic force during energization can be used. This type of solenoid valve has a problem of high power consumption because the main valve is operated only by electric power. Therefore, a pilot-type three-way switching valve can be used as the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b. According to this pilot-type three-way switching valve, since it can be operated by using little power consumption and air pressure from the compressor, it is reduced from 8W to 0.5W in the past, resulting in a significant power reduction. Will be expected. Among the above components, the pair of blower fans and the three-way switching valves 109a and 109b are fixed on the soundproof chamber 300.

  Each of the above-described components is fixed mainly with the two-stage soundproofing chamber 34 as an attachment portion in consideration of improvement in assembly workability and inspection maintenance of the small-sized oxygen concentrator 1 with reduced noise. That is, the compressor 105 generating a large amount of noise, the blower fan 104 that generates a blowing sound to cool the compressor 105 by blowing, the three-way switching valve 109, the silencer 110 that generates an exhaust sound during exhaust, and the other Various valves are arranged inside a two-stage soundproofing chamber 34 in which a soundproofing material is laid on the entire inner peripheral surface, and the outer wall portion of the two-stage soundproofing chamber 34 is effectively used to form the shielding plate 32 and the adsorption cylinder. 108a, 108b, a product tank 111, an intake buffer tank 102, various control boards 200, 201, 202, a pressure regulator 112 that automatically adjusts the pressure of oxygen as described above, and a pressure regulator 112. The oxygen concentration sensor 114, the proportional opening valve 115, the oxygen flow rate sensor 116, and the demand valve 117 connected to the flow rate control board 202 for respiratory synchronization control are fixed. There.

  In this way, the components accompanied by vibration or noise generation are provided in a soundproof state inside the two-stage soundproof chamber 34, so that the supply sound of the compressed air, the introduction sound of the external air, and the filtered air for producing the raw air The noise is reduced in such a way that the introduction sound, the operation sound of the three-way switching valve and the exhaust sound periodically generated from the silencer 110 do not leak to the outside.

  The piping 24 connected to the compressed air generation portion and the negative pressure generation portion is inserted into the rubber bush and fixed to the lid portion, so that the vibration of the piping 24 that vibrates with the vibration of the compressor is absorbed by the rubber bush. The soundproof room 300 configured as described above is supported in the vertical direction by four coil springs and rubber bushes which are vibration-proof braking members in a vibration-proof and brake state.

  Further, as described above, the front cover 2 and the back cover 3 are provided with a minimum required opening for introducing outside air into the inside through the intake ports and exhausting them outside through the exhaust ports 3a and 3b. In the same way, noise reduction is achieved.

  The medical device 1 of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, nitrogen is adsorbed from the air to generate oxygen. As a catalyst carrier adsorbent for carrying out, it is an X-type zeolite having a SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio of 2.0 to 3.0, and by binding at least 88% or more of the tetrahedral unit of the Al2O3 with a lithium cation, The number of adsorption cylinders can be one. When the power switch 6 of the apparatus 1 is turned on with the above configuration, supply of a predetermined voltage is started and a self-check is performed. Subsequently, the compressor 105, the blower fans 104 and 104, and the three-way switching valve 109 are energized, so that external air is introduced and the accompanying air introduction sound is continuously generated. At the same time, vibration of the compressor 105, noise associated with the vibration, and transmitted sound from the pipes extending to the respective suction cylinders are continuously generated. Following this, the introduced air is introduced into the first adsorption cylinder 108a through one of the three-way switching valves 109a, and the produced oxygen flows into the product tank 111 through a check valve, which will be described later, and the pressure gradually increases. . When the predetermined pressure is reached, the equal pressure valve 107 is in the “open state” for a predetermined time. The second adsorption cylinder 108b is cleaned using a part of the oxygen concentrated in the first adsorption cylinder 108a as described above, and then the pressure equalizing step is performed. Further, the negative pressure breaking first valve 120 is operated in synchronization with the pressure equalization step, thereby reducing the vibration of the compressor. Preparations for the next pressurization are also made. Moreover, since a large operating sound is accompanied when the equal pressure valve 107 is operated, it is surrounded by a sound absorbing soundproofing sponge.

  Next, the three-way switching valve 109b operates to perform a desorption process (discharge of nitrogen and moisture) of the first adsorption cylinder 108a and intake of compressed air into the second adsorption cylinder 108b. Before and after this, the negative pressure breaking first valve 120 is operated, and the nitrogen remaining in the first adsorption cylinder 108a is released through the silencer 110. This exhaust noise is temporary but loudest. The oxygen separated and generated by the compressed air flowing into the second adsorption cylinder 108b flows into the product tank 111 via a check valve (not shown). Thereafter, when the pressure sensor 208 detects that the predetermined pressure is reached, the equal pressure valve 107 is “open” for a predetermined time. Thereafter, a cleaning and pressure equalizing process of the second adsorption cylinder 108a is performed. Preparations for the next pressurization will be made.

  As described above, since the equal pressure valve 107 is opened, oxygen generated in the second adsorption cylinder 108b is sent to the outlet of the first adsorption cylinder 108a, so that the built-in zeolite is cleaned. It will be. By repeating the above switching operation at a predetermined timing, it is possible to stably supply oxygen continuously.

  The flow sensor 116 reads the set value set in the flow setting for determining the oxygen flow to be used. In addition, the actual flow rate is prepared in case the flow rate decreases due to disturbance factors such as tube breakage. Is measured and notified by voice guidance. According to the configuration described above, the oxygen concentration can be stably maintained regardless of the arbitrarily set oxygen flow rate.

  According to the conventional apparatus, the external air introduction passage is set to be long, and a large number of refractions are given, and further, it is housed in a sound insulation box provided with a sound absorbing material. For this reason, the quiet oxygen concentrator was supposed to be enlarged. Further, the adsorption cylinder filled with zeolite is generally arranged at a place where it is difficult to be affected by the temperature because the nitrogen adsorption amount decreases as the temperature rises. For this reason, pressure loss due to the length of the piping path may not be negligible, but these problems are all solved by the configuration shown in FIG. 7 and the mechanical configuration described later.

<Description of Soundproof Room 300 with Built-in Compressor 105>
FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the soundproof room 300. The soundproof room 300 is composed of a base part 302 and a cover part 301 that are stacked in the vertical direction, and a compressor is built in via a vibration isolating member. Flange portions 302f and 301f having the same shape are integrally formed from the base portion 302 and the lid portion 301, and the flange portions are integrated as shown in the figure by overlapping each other as shown in the figure. The four corners serve as attachment portions for vibration-proof braking members including a coil spring 303 and a vibration-proof bushing built in the coil spring.

  A pair of blower fans 104 are fixed to the upper surface of the lid 301 using a fixing member 104a, and compressed air of the compressor is provided through openings 307 and 308 shown in broken lines that are individually drilled in the ceiling wall surface. Air blowing to the generator and the negative pressure generator is performed individually. In the space between the pair of blower fans 104, the switching valves 109a and 109b are fixed in a state surrounded by a soundproof sponge.

  The piping 24 connected to the compressed air generating portion and the negative pressure generating portion is inserted into the rubber bush 306 and fixed to the lid portion 301 so that the rubber bush 306 absorbs the vibration of the piping 24 that vibrates with the compressor vibration. . The soundproof room 300 configured as described above is supported in the vertical direction by four coil springs 303 and rubber bushes which are vibration-proof braking members in a vibration-proof and braking state.

  FIG. 11A is a three-dimensional exploded view of the soundproof room 300, and FIG. 11B is an external perspective view of the compressor 105. In FIG. 11, components or components that have already been described are assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 11A, the base portion 302 of the soundproof chamber 300 is made of aluminum die cast formed with an inner peripheral surface 302 a that is separated from the outer peripheral surface 105 c of the compressor 105 by a substantially equal distance. An exhaust hole 302b is formed in the inner peripheral surface 302a. Further, as shown in the figure, anti-vibration rubbers 305 are bonded or placed on both sides of the exhaust hole 302b, and after the compressed air generating part 105a and the negative pressure generating part 105b of the compressor 105 are mounted on the exhaust hole 302b, they are set. In the vibration-proof chamber 300, the compressor 105 is supported from above and below by being sandwiched between a vibration-proof rubber (not shown) fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cover portion by covering the cover portion 301. Fix in a vibration-proof state. On the other hand, an anti-vibration bush 310 built in the coil spring 303 is fixed with a screw 312. Here, the soundproof chamber 300 is preferably made of aluminum die-cast because of the relationship that the inner peripheral surface is formed at the same distance from the outer peripheral surface of the compressor as described above, but it is made of aluminum sheet metal in terms of weight, temperature conditions, and cost. It may be made of resin.

  Next, in FIG. 11 (b), the compressor 105 includes an electric motor and a pair of horizontally opposed pistons 59 that perform crank motions via connecting rods 57 and 58 around a crankshaft fixed to the output shaft 56 of the electric motor. , 60 and a pair of cylinder chambers, and the reciprocating direction of the pair of horizontally opposed pistons is along the horizontal plane, and is built in the soundproof chamber 300 in a vibration-proof state in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the soundproof room 300 illustrating the flow of the introduced atmosphere F. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or components already described, and the description is omitted. The air F2 after the primary filtration is directed to the blower fan 104, and the air blown from each fan is the opening of the soundproof chamber 300. Through the interior of the compressor 105 and distributed substantially evenly on the outer peripheral surface of the compressor 105 and then toward the exhaust port 302b. Then, it will come out from the opening part 2c.

  As described above, since the air blown from the blower fan 104 can be distributed substantially evenly on the outer peripheral surface of the compressor 105 built in the soundproof room 300, the compressed air generating part 105a and the negative pressure generating part 105b whose temperature has increased are effectively used. Can be cooled. In addition, by sending the exhaust gas whose temperature has been increased by cooling to the outside, it is possible to prevent hot air from flowing inside. Furthermore, vibration of the compressor 105 in the vertical direction can be prevented.

  The medical device 1 of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, nitrogen is adsorbed from the air to generate oxygen. As a catalyst support for the above, an adsorption cylinder is obtained by combining at least 88% or more of the tetrahedral unit of Al2O3 with lithium cations as an X-type zeolite having a SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio of 2.0 to 3.0 One body can be used. When the power switch 6 of the apparatus 1 is turned on with the above configuration, supply of a predetermined voltage is started and a self-check is performed. Subsequently, the compressor 105, the blower fans 104 and 104, and the three-way switching valve 109 are energized to introduce external air and continuously generate air introduction sound. At the same time, vibration of the compressor 105, noise associated with the vibration, and transmitted sound from the pipes extending to the respective suction cylinders are continuously generated. Following this, the introduced air is introduced into the first adsorption cylinder 108a through one of the three-way switching valves 109a, and the produced oxygen flows into the product tank 111 through a check valve, which will be described later, and the pressure gradually increases. . When the predetermined pressure is reached, the equal pressure valve 107 is in the “open state” for a predetermined time. The second adsorption cylinder 108b is cleaned using a part of the oxygen concentrated in the first adsorption cylinder 108a as described above, and then the pressure equalizing step is performed. Further, the negative pressure breaking first valve 120 is operated in synchronization with the pressure equalization step, thereby reducing the vibration of the compressor. Preparations for the next pressurization are also made. Moreover, since a large operating sound is accompanied when the equal pressure valve 107 is operated, it is surrounded by a sound absorbing soundproofing sponge.

  Next, the three-way switching valve 109b operates to perform a desorption process (discharge of nitrogen and moisture) of the first adsorption cylinder 108a and intake of compressed air into the second adsorption cylinder 108b. Before and after this, the negative pressure breaking first valve 120 is operated, and the nitrogen remaining in the first adsorption cylinder 108a is released through the silencer 110. This exhaust noise is temporary but loudest. Oxygen separated and generated by the compressed air flowing into the second adsorption cylinder 108b flows into the product tank 111 via a check valve (not shown). Thereafter, when the pressure sensor 208 detects that the predetermined pressure is reached, the equal pressure valve 107 is “open” for a predetermined time. Thereafter, a cleaning and pressure equalizing process of the second adsorption cylinder 108a is performed. Preparations for the next pressurization will be made.

  As described above, since the equal pressure valve 107 is opened, oxygen generated in the second adsorption cylinder 108b is sent to the outlet of the first adsorption cylinder 108a, so that the built-in zeolite is cleaned. It will be. By repeating the above switching operation at a predetermined timing, it is possible to stably supply oxygen continuously.

  The flow sensor 116 reads the set value set in the flow setting for determining the oxygen flow to be used. In addition, the actual flow rate is prepared in case the flow rate decreases due to disturbance factors such as tube breakage. Is measured and notified by voice guidance. According to the configuration described above, the oxygen concentration can be stably maintained regardless of the arbitrarily set oxygen flow rate.

  According to the conventional apparatus, the external air introduction passage is set to be long, and a large number of refractions are given, and further, it is housed in a sound insulation box provided with a sound absorbing material. For this reason, the quiet oxygen concentrator was supposed to be enlarged. Further, the adsorption cylinder filled with zeolite is generally arranged at a place where it is difficult to be affected by the temperature because the nitrogen adsorption amount decreases as the temperature rises. For this reason, pressure loss due to the length of the piping path may not be negligible, but these problems are all solved by the configuration shown in FIG. 7 and the mechanical configuration described later.

  As the soundproofing material laid in the above soundproof room, a polyolefin fiber (preferably polypropylene fiber) having a fiber diameter of 1 to 4 microns and a polyolefin fiber (preferably polypropylene fiber) having a fiber diameter of 20 to 30 microns (preferably May be a nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene fiber). Such a non-woven fabric can be used to make it lightweight, and the sound and sound absorption effect can be improved.

These are the external appearance perspective views which looked at the oxygen concentrator 1 which is one Embodiment of this invention from the diagonally upper left of the front side. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the oxygen concentrator 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of an extension tube set of a nasal cannula. These are the entity diagrams of the operation panel 5 of the oxygen concentrator 1 of FIG. (a) is an operation explanatory view of the battery remaining amount display portion 128d of the operation panel 5 in FIG. 4, (b) is an operation explanatory view of the alarm display portion 128c of the operation panel 5 in FIG. 4, and (c) is It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the oxygen concentration lamp | ramp 128b of the operation panel 5 of FIG. (a) is an external perspective view showing a state in which the outside air introduction filter 20 is detachable from the back cover 3 of the oxygen concentrator 1, and (b) is a state in which the outside air introduction filter 20 is further removed from the replacement lid 17. FIG. 6C is an external perspective view showing the cross-sectional view, and FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram that also serves as a piping diagram of the apparatus 1. (a) is a schematic diagram of the intake buffer tank 400 connected to the upstream side of the compressed air generation unit 105a, (b) is a schematic diagram in a state where the on-off valve 126 is opened, and (c) is a schematic diagram of another configuration. Each figure is illustrated. These are operation | movement explanatory flowcharts which showed an example which drives said on-off valve 126 according to oxygen supply amount. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a soundproof room 300. FIG. 11A is a three-dimensional exploded view of the soundproof room 300, and FIG. 11B is an external perspective view of the compressor 105. These are the schematic diagrams of the soundproof room 300 which illustrated the flow of the introduce | transduced atmosphere F. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Oxygen concentrator,
13 Coupler (Resin)
14 Nose cannula (made of resin)
15 Tube (made of resin)
17 Filter replacement lid (made of resin)
16 Screw 19 AC cable 20 Outside air introduction filter 21 Cord hook 22 Rubber foot 23 Speaker 24 Piping 30 Relay coupler (made of resin)
31 Extension tube (made of resin)
32 Shield plate (molded product)
34 Two-stage soundproof room 101 Intake filter 104 Cooling fan 105 Compressor (air compression part 105a, negative pressure part 105b)
108a, 108b Adsorption cylinder (made of aluminum)
109a, 109b Three-way switching valve 110 Silencer 111 Product tank 300 Soundproof room

Claims (4)

A sealed container that introduces air into the inside through an air inlet and discharges it to the outside through an air outlet; a compressed air generator that generates compressed air using a portion of the introduced air; and a negative pressure A compressor having a negative pressure generating portion that generates,
An adsorption cylinder that introduces the compressed air into the cylinder, adsorbs nitrogen by a catalyst adsorbent filled in the cylinder, and separates and generates oxygen;
A state in which the compressed air is introduced into the adsorption cylinder, and a state in which the negative pressure is introduced into the adsorption cylinder so that nitrogen is discharged outside the adsorption cylinder when the catalyst adsorbent is saturated with nitrogen. Switching means for alternately switching the flow path between and
A blower fan for blowing the introduced air toward the compressor to cool the compressor;
A soundproof chamber formed so as to go to the exhaust port after the compressor is built in via a vibration isolation member and the air blow is distributed substantially evenly on the outer peripheral surface of the compressor;
And an anti-vibration braking member that supports the soundproof chamber in an anti-vibration and braking state. The compressor includes an electric motor, a pair of horizontally opposed pistons and a pair of cylinder chambers that perform a crank motion around a crankshaft fixed to an output shaft of the electric motor,
The compressed air generating part is constituted by one piston and a cylinder chamber, the negative pressure generating part is constituted by the other piston and a cylinder chamber,
The compressor is incorporated in the soundproof chamber so that the reciprocating direction of the pair of horizontally opposed pistons is maintained in the vibration-proof state along the horizontal plane and in the vertical direction,
A pair of the blower fans are provided, and air is blown to the compressed air generation unit and the negative pressure generation unit through openings individually drilled in a ceiling wall surface of the soundproof room. 2. The oxygen concentrator according to 1.   The soundproof chamber is formed of an aluminum die-cast base portion and a lid portion that are divided in the vertical direction while forming an inner peripheral surface that is substantially equidistant from the outer peripheral surface of the compressor. The oxygen concentrator according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The vibration-proof braking member includes a coil spring and a rubber bush built in the coil spring, and is fixed to a flange portion extending from the soundproof chamber. The oxygen concentrator according to the item.

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