JP4847086B2 - Oxygen concentrator and oxygen concentrating method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical oxygen concentrator, an oxygen concentrating method, and a computer-readable storage medium. In particular, the present invention takes in raw air from the atmosphere, separates oxygen using a catalyst after compression, and purifies the catalyst in a vacuum state. The present invention relates to a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator that performs a vacuum regeneration method.

  In recent years, various types of medical oxygen concentrators have been put into practical use that allow patients to stay at home to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. A vacuum regeneration method pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator that takes in raw air from the atmosphere, separates oxygen using a catalyst after compression, and purifies the catalyst in a vacuum state, for example, is equipped with an AC power supply (commercial power supply) It can be used at any time if it is installed in a location. For this reason, the QOL (Quality of Life) of the patient is remarkably improved as compared with the type in which oxygen filling is performed in a hospital, such as the oxygen cylinder type that has been widely used conventionally.

  In addition, the vacuum regeneration pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator can be battery-driven, but in this case, the patient can take it to the outside, so oxygen is sucked at the destination as in the oxygen cylinder type. It becomes possible.

  Conventional pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrators are roughly classified into two types, one in which the regeneration process is performed at substantially atmospheric pressure and the other in which the regeneration process is performed at a pressure below atmospheric pressure (vacuum).

  In the case of the latter type, the raw material air compression process in which the raw material air taken in from the air intake is compressed by a compressor that is a compression means, and the supply process to the adsorption cylinder that supplies the compressed air to the adsorption cylinder with a built-in catalyst And a nitrogen adsorption and oxygen generation process in which nitrogen is adsorbed by the catalyst in the adsorption cylinder to generate oxygen, and a purification process in which the catalyst is regenerated by purifying the catalyst by evacuating the adsorption cylinder. It is configured to obtain concentrated oxygen by repeating. Concentrated oxygen generated in the adsorption cylinder is temporarily stored in the product tank, and a predetermined flow rate of oxygen is supplied from the product tank to the patient via the nasal cannula using a pressure reducing valve and a flow rate setting device. A concentrated oxygen supply means or process is usually provided.

On the other hand, as the catalyst, molecular sieve zeolite 5A or 13X having a separation factor based on a binary adsorption equilibrium of nitrogen and oxygen of about 2.0 to 3.0 is used. Recently, a high-value catalyst having a high separation performance with lithium ions and having a separation factor of 6.0 or more has been developed in the United States. (Patent Document 1)
Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-25527

  These zeolites exhibit a high nitrogen adsorption amount, but have a problem that the adsorption rate is not sufficient in an apparatus in which the adsorption process and the regeneration process are quickly switched. The time until the zeolite adsorbent reaches the adsorption equilibrium depends on the volume, type, pressure, temperature condition, etc. of the zeolite, but generally requires about 5 to 100 minutes.

  However, small oxygen concentrators for medical use employ a method of repeating adsorption and desorption in a short time of about several tens of seconds in order to secure the product gas flow rate. Only 40-70% of the adsorption capacity is exhibited. In other words, even when a catalyst having an excellent separation factor as described above is used, the actual situation is that its ability cannot be fully exhibited. For this reason, measures such as increasing the capacity of the adsorption cylinder or increasing the compressor by one rank have been taken, leading to an increase in the size of the apparatus. Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an attempt to solve the above-described problems, and is intended to improve the oxygen concentration efficiency and improve the oxygen concentration of the product gas without increasing the catalyst amount or the compressor rating. is there.

  In addition, in a vacuum regeneration pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator, for the purpose of providing an oxygen concentration method that can perform a nitrogen adsorption step and a purification step within a short time without increasing the amount of catalyst or increasing the compressor rating. Yes.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an oxygen concentrator according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
By supplying a compressor in which a compression unit and a decompression unit are integrally formed, and compressed air generated by compressing raw material air by the compression unit to a first adsorption cylinder in which a catalyst is built, By reducing the pressure in the first flow path for forming a generation state in which nitrogen contained in the compressed air is adsorbed to the catalyst and generating oxygen, and the inside of the first adsorption cylinder is reduced, Generated by compressing the raw air by the first switching means for switching between the second flow path capable of forming a purification state for purifying the catalyst incorporated in the first adsorption cylinder, and the compression means. A third flow path for forming a generation state in which compressed air is supplied to a second adsorption cylinder containing a catalyst so that nitrogen contained in the compressed air is adsorbed to the catalyst and oxygen is generated. And the pressure reducing means in the second adsorption cylinder A second switching means for switching between a fourth flow path capable of forming a purification state for purifying the catalyst incorporated in the second adsorption cylinder by reducing the pressure, and the first and second switching Means, an open valve provided between the pressure reducing means, the first and second switching means, and a vacuum tank provided between the pressure reducing means, and the first switching By switching to the first flow path by the means, the second switching means is switched to the fourth flow path when the first adsorption cylinder is in the generation state, and the second flow path By switching to the third flow path by the switching means, the first switching means is controlled to be switched to the second flow path when the second adsorption cylinder is in the generation state. The release valve is in the purified state after the first adsorption cylinder has finished generating. Pressure equalization process from when the second adsorption cylinder transitions to the generation state, and after the second adsorption cylinder completes the generation state and transitions to the purification state, In the pressure equalization process until the adsorption cylinder is shifted to the generation state, the adsorption cylinder is controlled to be in an open state .

The pressure equalizing valve further includes a pressure equalizing valve arranged in a pipe connecting the first adsorption cylinder and the second adsorption cylinder, and the pressure equalization valve is in the purified state after the first adsorption cylinder finishes generating. Until the second adsorption cylinder transitions to the production state, and after the second adsorption cylinder finishes the production state and transitions to the purification state, the first adsorption The cylinder is controlled to be in an open state until it shifts to a generation state.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the oxygen concentration method of the oxygen concentration apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
By supplying a compressor in which a compression unit and a decompression unit are integrally formed, and compressed air generated by compressing raw material air by the compression unit to a first adsorption cylinder in which a catalyst is built, By reducing the pressure in the first flow path for forming a generation state in which nitrogen contained in the compressed air is adsorbed to the catalyst and generating oxygen, and the inside of the first adsorption cylinder is reduced, Generated by compressing the raw air by the first switching means for switching between the second flow path capable of forming a purification state for purifying the catalyst incorporated in the first adsorption cylinder, and the compression means. A third flow path for forming a generation state in which compressed air is supplied to a second adsorption cylinder containing a catalyst so that nitrogen contained in the compressed air is adsorbed to the catalyst and oxygen is generated. And the pressure reducing means in the second adsorption cylinder A second switching means for switching between a fourth flow path capable of forming a purification state for purifying the catalyst incorporated in the second adsorption cylinder by reducing the pressure, and the first and second switching And an open valve provided between the pressure reducing means, the first and second switching means, and a vacuum tank provided between the pressure reducing means. When the first adsorption cylinder is switched to the first flow path by the first switching means, the second switching means has the fourth switching means. A first step controlled to be switched to a flow path, and when the second adsorption cylinder is in a generation state by being switched to the third flow path by the second switching means; The first switching means is controlled to be switched to the second flow path. And the pressure equalization process from when the first adsorption cylinder ends the generation state and shifts to the purification state until the second adsorption cylinder shifts to the generation state, and the second The opening valve is controlled to open in the pressure equalization process from when the adsorption cylinder finishes the generation state and shifts to the purification state until the first adsorption cylinder shifts to the generation state. And a third step .

  The computer-readable storage medium stores program codes for the oxygen enrichment method.

  According to the present invention, in a vacuum regeneration method pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen concentrator, the oxygen concentration efficiency is improved without increasing the amount of catalyst or increasing the compressor rating, and the improvement of the oxygen concentration of the product gas is realized. The performance of the catalyst having an excellent separation factor can be sufficiently exhibited.

  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 can be made within the range defined in (1), and the present invention can be applied particularly to the indoor-installed oxygen concentrator 1 having only an AC power source.

  First, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an 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 FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, this oxygen concentrator 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “device 1”) is a smart travel bag-like appearance that looks slender in the vertical direction in order to minimize the installation location. It has. 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 electricity bill is about 34 yen per day (the electricity bill is 15.58 yen per 1 kWH) by reducing the weight about one third of the conventional equipment and pursuing energy saving. In some cases, it can be used with the attached rechargeable battery and household power supply. The rechargeable battery can also be used as a backup power source in the event of a power failure. Furthermore, in the rechargeable battery usage mode, when the oxygen flow rate is set to 1.25L or more per minute, it has a function to automatically switch to the “tuned mode” in which oxygen is sent in synchronization with the intake air in order to save battery power. ing.

  Further, as will be described later, the front cover 2 and the back cover 3 shown in the figure are the first injection-molded resin parts in the industry, and other components including the suction cylinders are lightened as much as possible, so that the total weight is about 10 kg. The weight is reduced (when AC power is used and no carrier is provided). As a result, it is a handle part for making it a so-called portable type that can be carried by an adult with one hand, and a handle 4 having sufficient strength to withstand the force of lifting the device 1 is provided above, producing a design feature. is doing.

  Further, the external dimensions of the apparatus 1 are rounded as a whole. Specifically, the width W is 350 mm × the depth D is 250 mm × the height H is 550 mm. For this reason, since the occupation area on a floor surface can be made as small as possible, it is aiming at size reduction with said weight reduction. Further, as a design feature of the apparatus 1, a front cover 2 that three-dimensionally covers the front surface of the apparatus 1 from the installation floor surface is connected to an accent line continuous to the bottom surface of the handle 4 as shown in FIG. Are formed integrally in a concave shape in the vertical direction on the left and right sides, 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 disposed above this, while the remaining part including the back cover 3 Is a beige or cream color.

  By adopting the so-called two-tone modern design with the above design and color scheme, consideration is given to harmonizing with other furniture such as furniture when the apparatus 1 is installed indoors. . In addition, 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 a 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 resin, an oxygen outlet 7 which is a resin part, and a large dial type oxygen flow setting dial 8 made of resin are arranged. Above the oxygen outlet 7 is shown a resin coupler 13 which 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 the opening of the tube 15 of the nasal cannula 14 communicates.

  The operation panel 5 is provided near a height corresponding to a waist portion where a patient having a standard height (160 to 170 cm) stands and both hands are lowered, so that the operation operation of the device 1 can be performed while standing. Can be performed. For this reason, it is not necessary to sit down and look into each other like a conventional device. 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.

  A hook (not shown) for hooking the tube 15 connected to the nasal cannula 14 may be provided. The tube 15 connected to the nasal cannula 14 has an overall length substantially corresponding to the range of movement in the same room where the patient lives. When the tube 15 is not used, the tube 15 is wound several times and then the nasal cannula 14 is wound. The tube 15 is hooked on the hook.

  Further, the bottom cover 9 shown by a two-dot chain line in the drawing is also made of, for example, an ABS resin which is an impact-resistant thermoplastic resin, so that the weight is reduced. A carrier 10 that is easy to attach and detach and is used for the bottom cover 9 when moving out is fixed with a fixing screw 12. As shown in the figure, the carrier 10 is a type in which resin wheels 11 are provided at the four corners, and the base of the carrier 10 is made of a light metal reinforced aluminum plate and is reduced in weight and has four side edges. All are bent to ensure strength.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2, the back cover 3 is fixed to the front cover 2 by a total of eight fixing screws 16. The back cover 3 is also made of an impact-resistant thermoplastic resin, for example, ABS resin, like the front cover 2 described above. A filter replacement lid 17 in which an outside air introduction filter 20 is exchangeably accommodated is detachably attached below the opening that allows the hand to enter the half handle 4 integrally formed with the back cover 3. Is 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. Further, a portion between each of the exhaust ports 3a and 3b is a cutout portion cut out upward, and the battery connector 131, the breaker 18, and the AC connector 130 are respectively exposed from the cutout portion as shown in the figure. I am letting. Further, the illustrated AC cable 19 is inserted into the AC connector 130 to supply AC (AC 100V) power to the apparatus 1, while a rechargeable battery (not illustrated) is set in the battery connector 131, so Battery drive is possible when moving indoors (indoors).

  Next, FIG. 3 (a) is an external perspective view of a rechargeable battery used in the oxygen concentrator 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 (b) is an external perspective view of a dedicated charger for the rechargeable battery. FIG. 3C is an external perspective view of a dedicated carrying cart, and FIG. 3D is an external perspective view of an extension tube set of a nasal cannula.

  First, in FIG. 3A, a rechargeable battery 127 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, and power is supplied via the connector 21 set on the battery connector 131. Further, the remaining amount confirmation button 22 that displays the remaining amount of the battery by being pressed on the surface, and five displays with the remaining amount of 100% when the remaining amount confirmation button 22 is pressed to confirm the remaining amount. The display is provided with a five-stage display unit in which one display unit is lit when the remaining amount is 20%, and for example, a remaining amount confirmation monitor 23 for liquid crystal display is provided. By confirming the remaining amount of charge before using the rechargeable battery 127 configured in this way, it is possible to prevent the worst situation in which the battery runs out when going out.

  An AC cable 27 connected to an AC power source and a connector 25 connected to the connector 21 are connected to the dedicated charger 24 for the rechargeable battery shown in FIG. Charging is performed by the power supply device.

  The carrying cart 28 shown in FIG. 3 (c) is used when going out using the rechargeable battery 127 instead of the carrier 10, and the main body has impact resistance for weight reduction. It is made of, for example, polypropylene resin, which is a thermoplastic resin, and has been reduced in weight. Further, the main body of the carrying cart 28 is formed with a recess 29 and a handle that can fully accommodate the rechargeable battery 127 as shown in the figure. As shown in the figure, resin wheels 11 are provided at the four corners. By setting the apparatus 1 on the carrying cart 28 configured as described above, it is possible to use the battery driving mode when going out.

  In FIG. 3D, a resin-made relay coupler 30 is connected to the tube 15 of the nose cannula 14 in order to connect the extension tube 31 via the coupler 13. By connecting the extension tube 31 in this way, it can be extended to a maximum length of about 15 m. As a result, it becomes easy for the patient to use, the range of movement of the patient can be increased, and the QOL can be further improved.

  Subsequently, in the substantial view of the operation panel 5 of the oxygen concentrator 1 in FIG. 4, components that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. It is operated between the ON position rotated clockwise. 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 in the drawing).

  For this reason, safety considerations are taken so as not to injure the patient even when, for example, the patient stumbles and hits the operation panel 5 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.

  Also, the central oxygen outlet 7 is also provided so that most of the enclosed portion is 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 portion 128 c printed with “inspection” characters is provided. Below this alarm display portion 128c, there is provided an oxygen concentration lamp 128b incorporating, for example, a light emitting LED that lights in green and red.

  The oxygen flow rate setting dial 8 is also provided so that most of the oxygen flow rate setting dial 8 is retracted into a mortar-shaped recess from the operation surface of the operation panel 5 to the back side (the back side in the drawing). The oxygen flow setting dial 8 is rotated to the character position shown in the 0.25L step from 0.5L (liter) to 2L per minute, thereby setting the oxygen flow rate.

  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, when the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 127 is 100%, the lamp with a built-in light emitting LED provided on the left side lights in green (continuously lights), and all of the five-stage liquid crystal display units Illuminated and displayed as shown. Also, every time the remaining battery level is reduced by 20%, the light is turned off from the right side and the number of lights is reduced.

  When the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 127 becomes 10% or less, a lamp with a built-in light emitting LED provided on the left side flashes red (lights intermittently) and warns with a built-in buzzer every 5 minutes. In this way, safety in use in the battery drive mode is ensured particularly when going out.

  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. In addition, a buzzer sounds when an abnormality occurs on the device side. In addition, when the device stops due to a power failure, it blinks and notifies the visually impaired person by sounding a buzzer.

  In FIG. 5C, in the oxygen concentration lamp 128b, the built-in LED is lit in green when oxygen is flowing normally. Further, the light is turned off when oxygen is not emitted or when the oxygen concentration is lowered. In the battery drive mode, when the oxygen flow rate is 1.25 L or more and the respiratory state cannot be detected for a certain period of time, the light turns red and the buzzer sounds.

  When the power switch 6 is turned on, a buzzer sounds and all the lamps are lit in green for 2 seconds. And when using it in battery drive mode, it is lit and displayed according to the remaining amount in the liquid crystal display part of 5 steps | paragraphs after that. When the patient sets the oxygen flow rate setting dial 8 to a predetermined flow rate according to the doctor's prescription, oxygen supply is started.

  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 and dirt attached to the outside air introduction filter 20 provided on the back cover 3 are 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 and purified by washing 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 flows in the direction of the arrow F, but by covering the inside with the shielding plate 32 in this way, noise described later is effectively prevented from leaking to the outside. That is, only the opening 3K1 and the above-described exhaust ports 3a and 3b are opened to the outside of the apparatus 1, and the opening area is the minimum required to secure the flow rate of raw material air described later, 38 dB is possible by preventing the sound generated from the sound from leaking outside. It covers the surroundings and reduces the number of outlets so that it can be soundproofed and waterproofed.

  In addition, since the apparatus 1 is usually installed with a narrow gap away 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 noise becomes the lowest can be obtained. It is possible. In addition, the breaker 18 makes it possible to cope with the occurrence of an excessive current in the unlikely event.

  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. The internal configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a piping diagram that also serves as a block diagram of the apparatus 1. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components that have already been described, and descriptions thereof are omitted, and the double lines indicate air, oxygen, and nitrogen gas flow paths, and are generally indicated as pipes 33. . A thin solid line indicates power supply or electric signal wiring.

  Here, in the following description, the case where a compressor in which the compression means and the pressure reduction means are integrated is described as a compressor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the compression means and the pressure reduction means may be configured separately. Yes.

  In FIG. 7, air is introduced into the apparatus 1 through the outside air introduction filter 20 incorporated in the filter replacement lid 17. This air is separated into raw air and cooling air by blowing air from the blower 104 as a pair of cooling means in the direction of the arrow. Each of the blowers 104 and 104 has a high thermal conductivity for cooling the compressed air whose temperature rises, and the cooling is made so as to cover the cooling pipe 37 arranged by meandering a pipe material such as aluminum, which is a light metal material. Fixed on the chamber 36. The cooling chamber 36 is provided with a second opening for blowing air, and introduces air from the blowers 104 and 104 into the cooling chamber 36. The cooling chamber 36 may be made of a reinforced aluminum plate, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, or the like for weight reduction and high heat transfer.

  The cooling chamber 36 is fixed as shown in a soundproof chamber 35 having a first opening for blowing air on the outer wall portion and a cooling pipe 37 disposed along the outer wall portion. The soundproof room is also preferably made of a reinforced aluminum plate for weight reduction and high heat transfer, and other materials such as an aluminum alloy and a titanium alloy are also possible. Inside the soundproof chamber 35, there is built in a compressor 105 in which a compression means 105a for compressing raw material air to generate compressed air and a decompression means 105b are integrated. The soundproof chamber 35 is provided with a first opening at a position opposite to the second opening of the cooling chamber 36, and air from the blowers 104, 104 is introduced inside to cool the compressor 105. Do. Further, the exhaust gas whose temperature has risen after cooling is sent out from the lower opening in the direction of the arrow and travels toward the exhaust port. On the way, the sound is further silenced by passing through a maze-like silencer.

  On the other hand, from the cooling chamber 36, a pipe 33 is connected to the intake filter 101 that performs secondary filtration for killing bacteria and the like in order to send raw material air for generated oxygen. A large-capacity intake buffer tank 102 is piped downstream of the intake filter 101, and a pipe is connected from the intake buffer tank 102 to the compression means 105a. The intake buffer tank 102 temporarily stores the raw material oxygen taken from the cooling chamber 36 and silences the operating sound generated from the compression means 105a. For this reason, if the piping from the side surface of the intake buffer tank 102 serving as the resonance point is connected to the compression means 105a, more effective noise reduction can be achieved. The inside of the intake filter 102 has a volume of about 200 cc and a weight of about 120 g.

  Next, the filtered raw material air is pressurized by the compression means 105a of the compressor 105 to become compressed air. At this time, the temperature rises. Therefore, the filtered raw air is supplied to the cooling pipe 37 serving as a heat exchanger piped downstream. Sent out. As described above, the cooling pipe 37 may increase the surface area by making a lightweight metal pipe (for example, an aluminum pipe having an outer diameter of 6 mm and an inner diameter of 4 mm) excellent in heat dissipation effect into a spiral or spiral coil shape. The pipe may be a rectangular pipe limited to a round pipe. The cooling pipe 37 is tightly fixed to the outer wall portion of the aluminum soundproof chamber 35, and is cooled by heat conduction by directly blowing air from the pair of blowers 104 and 104 and cooling the outer wall portion by blowing air. Thus, by cooling the compressed air, the zeolite which is an adsorbent whose function is lowered at high temperatures can be sufficiently concentrated as a catalyst carrier for generating oxygen by adsorption of nitrogen.

  The compressed air after being sufficiently cooled by the cooling pipe 37 is supplied to the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b via the pipe 33. , 107b, it is sent to the adsorbent stored in the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b. These three-way switching valves 107a and 107b further include a pipe 33 to the decompression means 105b, a pipe to the release valve 118, and a vacuum tank 300 for purging (purifying) the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b. Are connected as shown in the figure, and the adsorbent is reduced in pressure within a short time to sufficiently purge and exhaust the nitrogen and moisture released from the adsorbent to the outside. Further, an exhaust silencer 120 is piped to the decompression means 105a.

The zeolite stored in the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b is an X-type zeolite having a SiO ₂ / Al ₂ O ₃ ratio of 2.0 to 3.0 as a catalyst carrier, and this The amount of nitrogen adsorbed per unit weight is increased by using at least 88% of Al ₂ O ₃ tetrahedral units combined with lithium cations. 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. This can 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, a check valve 130 is connected to the upper outlet side of the first suction cylinder 108a and the second suction cylinder 108b as shown in the figure. Moreover, the piping 33 is comprised so that the downstream of each check valve 130 and 130 may join, and the product tank 111 for storing the produced | generated oxygen is piping as shown in the figure. Further, an equal pressure valve 119 is piped between each outlet side of the first adsorption cylinder 108a and the second adsorption cylinder 108b so as to perform secondary purification of each adsorption cylinder.

  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. An oxygen concentration sensor 114 is connected to the downstream side of the pressure regulator 112 so as to detect the oxygen concentration. A flow rate regulator 115 linked to the oxygen flow rate setting dial 8 is connected to the downstream side, and is connected to the oxygen outlet 7 of the apparatus 1 through a demand valve 116 serving as a respiratory synchronizer on the downstream side. Yes.

  With the above configuration, oxygen concentrated to about 88 to 94% at a maximum flow rate of 2 L / min is supplied to the patient via a nasal cannula (not shown).

  In addition, the control board 124 of the control means is energized by a commercial power source through the AC power connector 130 connected to the AC power source, the breaker 18 and the switching power source unit 125. When the user goes out, the control board 124 is energized via the connector 131 because the battery (rechargeable battery) 127 is used.

  On the other hand, the oxygen concentration sensor 114, the flow rate regulator 115, the three-way switching valves 107 a and 107 b, the equal pressure valve 119 and the release valve 118 are connected to the control board 124.

  The compressor 105 has a total weight of about 1 kg, and motor drive control is performed by a motor control unit 123 connected to the control board 124 and a variable speed controller 123a connected thereto. The compressor 105 can be operated at various speeds, can provide the necessary vacuum / pressure levels and flow rates, produces only a little noise and vibration, generates little heat, is small and light, And it is preferable that a little electric power is consumed.

  Further, a variable speed controller 123a, which is a variable speed control means, is connected to a power source such as a rechargeable battery 127 or other commercial power source in order to reduce power consumption required for the compressor 105. By providing the variable speed controller 123a connected to the motor control circuit 123, the speed of the compressor 105 can be freely changed based on the activity level of the patient and the environmental conditions. For example, if the variable speed controller 123a determines that the patient's oxygen demand is relatively low, such as when the patient is sitting, sleeping, or in a low place, the variable speed controller 123a reduces the drive rotational speed of the compressor 105 and The patient's oxygen demand is relatively high, such as when standing, active, or at high altitudes, and can be speeded up when deemed to have increased.

  This reduces the power consumption of the entire apparatus 1, extends the life of the rechargeable battery 127 when driven by the rechargeable battery 127, reduces the weight and size of the rechargeable battery 127, and reduces the degree of wear of the compressor 105. This can extend the life and improve the reliability.

  Furthermore, the apparatus 1 has an AC drive mode and a battery drive mode, and automatically switches the oxygen generation amount in the AC drive mode to 2 L, which is about twice the oxygen generation amount in the battery drive mode. At the same time, the blower is controlled to rotate at a high speed in the AC drive mode and at a low speed in the battery drive mode.

  The compressor 105 has both compression and decompression functions as described above, and the rotation speed is automatically controlled according to the oxygen flow rate to be taken out. Specifically, the rotation speed is from 500 rpm to 3000 rpm. The operating life when rotating at about 1700 rpm, which is a normal optimum speed, can be extended to 15000 hours. The compressor 105 compresses air to 100 KPa, preferably about 75 KPa.

  The operating temperature surrounding the compressor 105 is preferably 0 ° C. to 40 ° C., the driving voltage for the compressor 105 is preferably DC 12V or 24V (power source obtained from an adapter such as an automobile), and the power consumption is , About 45-80W.

  Here, the role of the release valve 118 is to adjust the degree of vacuum on the compression 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 larger than that of the compressor dedicated to pressurization of the compression means and the compressor dedicated to vacuum of the decompression means. In particular, the vibration becomes particularly intense at the time of transition to the pressure equalization process in the compression process. This is because the flow path of the three-way switching valves 107a and 107b is in a state where the compression means side and one suction cylinder side are in communication with each other and the pressure reduction means side is shut off. Due to the extreme high vacuum between the means. In order to eliminate this high vacuum state, an opening valve 118 that communicates with the outside air is provided, and the opening valve 118 is operated to open in response to an instruction from the control board 124 in synchronization with the pressure equalization step. The inside of the flow path is brought closer to the atmospheric pressure so that the outside air enters inside. 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.

  On the other hand, the blowers 104 and 104 that cool the compressor 105 and the inside of the apparatus 1 consume about 2.7 W of power. An axial fan may be used instead of this blower. Here, the maximum noise pressure level of the apparatus 1 is 35 dBA or less at the maximum rotation speed, and 33 dBA when the concentrated oxygen flow rate is 1 L / min or less.

  As the three-way switching valves 107a and 107b, 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. In this device 1, a pilot-type three-way switching valve can be used for the three-way switching valves 107a and 107b. According to this valve, since it can be operated by using a little power consumption and air pressure from the compressor, the power is greatly reduced as a result of reduction from the conventional 8 W to 0.5 W. . The operation will be described later with reference to FIG.

  With the above configuration, when the power switch 6 of the apparatus 1 is turned on, supply of a predetermined voltage is started, and a self-check is performed on the control board 124. Subsequently, the compressor 105, the blowers 104 and 104, and the three-way switching valve 107 are energized, so that external air is introduced and air introduction sound accompanying it is continuously generated. At the same time, the vibration of the compressor 105, the noise accompanying the vibration, and the transmitted sound from the pipe extending to the adsorption cylinder are continuously generated.

  Following this, the introduced air is introduced into the first adsorption cylinder 108a through one of the three-way switching valves 107a, and the produced oxygen flows into the product tank 47 through the check valve 130, and the pressure gradually increases. When the predetermined pressure is reached, the equal pressure valve 119 is in the “open state” for a predetermined time. With the above, a part of oxygen concentrated in the first adsorption cylinder 108a is used to prepare the second adsorption cylinder 108b for purification and the next pressurization. Moreover, since the operation sound is accompanied when the equal pressure valve 119 is operated, it is surrounded by a soundproof sponge.

  Next, the three-way switching valve 107b is operated to perform the 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 release valve 118 is operated to release the nitrogen gas remaining in the first adsorption cylinder 108a. This exhaust noise is temporary but loudest. The oxygen produced by the compressed air that has flowed into the second adsorption cylinder 108 b flows into the product tank 111 via the check valve 130. Thereafter, when a predetermined pressure is reached, the equal pressure valve 119 is “open” for a predetermined time. Thereafter, preparation for the purification and the subsequent pressurization of the second adsorption cylinder 108a is performed.

  By opening the equal pressure valve 119 as described above, 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 purified. It will be. By repeating the above switching operation at a predetermined timing, continuous stable supply of oxygen is possible.

  Note that the flow rate detection means is for the control board to read the set value of the flow rate setting device for determining the oxygen flow rate to be used as described above, but when the flow rate drops due to disturbance factors such as tube breakage. In preparation, the actual flow rate may be measured. As described above, the oxygen concentration can be stably maintained regardless of the arbitrarily set oxygen flow rate.

  As described above, the supply sound of compressed air, the introduction sound of external air, the introduction sound of filtered air for making raw material air, the operation sound and exhaust sound of the three-way switching valve are periodically generated, In order to reduce the noise generated as described above, in the conventional apparatus, the external air introduction passage is set long, a large number of refractions are given, and the sound is further 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.

  FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional exploded view seen from the back side in order to show the internal configuration 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. From the lower side, the resin bottom cover 9 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The plurality of fixing screws 16 are fixed to the bottom surface of 40.

  The base body 40 incorporates the connectors 131 and 130 and the breaker 18 described above. Further, exhaust ports 40b and 40c are formed facing the exhaust ports 3a and 3b of the back cover 3, and these exhaust ports communicate with an internal maze-like sound deadening chamber. The upper surface of the base body 40 is formed flat as shown in the figure, and an upright portion 40f having a hole for fixing the soundproof chamber 35 from the left and right surfaces and the rear surface with the fixing screw 16 is integrally formed. is doing. Further, an exhaust opening 40a is further drilled.

  The soundproof room (compressor room) 35 is a sealed box that houses the compressor 105 in a soundproof state, and the soundproof room cover 41 shown on the front side is fixed by a plurality of fixing screws 16. For this purpose, the soundproof chamber 35 is integrally provided with a mounting portion that is bent as shown in the drawing and in which an insert nut is implanted. A soundproof material is laid in the soundproof room. In addition, the outer peripheral surface is a damping member, and a sheet-like material made of a mixture of synthetic rubber and special resin material is laid, and the soundproof chamber 35 itself made of a thin aluminum plate vibrates due to resonance or the like. Is preventing.

  An opening 35 d is formed in the lower surface of the soundproof chamber 35 so as to face the exhaust opening 40 a of the base body 40. Further, first openings 35 a and 35 b are formed in the upper surface of the soundproof chamber 35 at positions facing the second openings 36 a and 36 b of the cooling chamber 36. Further, the soundproof chamber 35 is provided with a hole 35c and the like so that the cooling pipe 37 is positioned as shown and the pipe 33 is exposed to the outside.

  The cooling chamber 36 is made of aluminum as described above, and the attachment portion 36 f is bent from four directions, and is fixed to the outer wall portion of the soundproof chamber 35 using the fixing screw 16. On the cooling chamber 36, the blower 104 is fixed by brackets 38 and 38 so that the blower port 104a faces downward so as to blow air toward the second openings 36a and 36b.

  On the left side surface of the soundproof chamber 35, cylindrical suction cylinders 108a and 108b indicated by two-dot chain lines are arranged side by side with the intake buffer tank 102. Further, the product tank 111 shown in the two-dot chain line is disposed above the cooling chamber 36 in the longitudinal direction as shown in the figure.

  The shielding plate 32 is also made of, for example, a reinforced aluminum plate, which is a lightweight metal plate for weight reduction, and is integrally provided with a member that straddles the cooling chamber 36 as shown in the figure. It is fixed to the upper outer wall using a fixing screw 16. The control board 124 and the like are fixed on this member, and cooling is possible by the gas flow when the blowers 104 and 104 blow. The shielding plate 32 is colored black because a part of the shielding plate 32 is exposed to the outside as described above.

  FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional exploded view seen from the bottom surface side to show the bottom cover 9 and the base body 40 of the oxygen concentrator 1. As shown in the figure, the base body 40 has a first silencing chamber 42 communicating with the opening 40a, a second silencing 45 communicating with the first silencing chamber 42 through a passage 44, and the exhaust port 40c. A third silencing chamber 46 that communicates with a fourth silencing chamber 47 that communicates with the exhaust port 40b is formed. Since each of these silencing chambers has a maze shape as shown in the figure, the exhaust sound exhausted through the silencer 120 is attenuated in the process of passing through them.

  The silencer 120 is made of a light metal aluminum round pipe (outer diameter Φ6 mm, inner diameter Φ4 mm), the end not connected to the compressor 105 is closed, and the side surface of the pipe is Φ0.3-1 in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of small holes of about 0 mm, for example, 2 to 6, are formed. If it is further increased, noise will be increased, and if it is decreased, the exhaust efficiency of the compressor is lowered, which is not preferable.

  FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the configuration shown in FIG. 8 viewed from the opposite side in order to show the internal configuration of the oxygen concentrator 1 after assembly. In this figure, components that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. All components are fixed on the base body 40 without a gap as illustrated. The suction cylinders 108 a and 108 b and the intake buffer tank 102 are fixed using a plurality of one-touch fixing belts 49. Further, the oxygen sensor 114 and the flow rate regulator 115 are fixed to the member of the shielding member 32 as shown in the figure. By fixing substantially all of the components on the base body 40 in this way, access from four directions is possible, so that the assembly workability is greatly improved. For this reason, an automatic assembly line can be realized. It also contributed greatly to space saving. Thus, in order to save space, it is necessary to prevent the front cover 2 and the back cover 3 from protruding radially from the base body 40.

  FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing a process of fixing the front and back covers 2 and 3 to the internal structure after the assembly 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. On the side of the soundproof chamber 35, a resin block 49k for fixing the one-touch fixing belt 49 through is fixed. Has been. In this way, all parts are fixed on the base body 40 without a gap as shown in the figure. Each of the suction cylinders 108 a and 108 b and the intake buffer tank 102 can be fixed in a stationary state by a one-touch fixing belt 49.

  On the other hand, one flange 48 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base body 40. A sound absorbing material 51 made of closed cell urethane sponge is laid on the back surface of the front cover 2. In addition, a mounting board 128 on which the lamps arranged on the operation panel and the display unit are mounted is fixed as illustrated. Further, below the surface cover 2, the other flange portions 50, 50 are formed integrally so as to sandwich one flange portion 48 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base body 40 from above and below. Furthermore, the abutting surface 2p of the surface cover 2 is formed so as to be substantially along a flat surface, and a shape portion 2h obtained by insert-molding an insert nut serving as a female screw portion of the fixing screw 16 is formed at a plurality of locations.

  Further, the abutting surface 3p of the back cover 3 is formed so as to be along a substantially flat surface, and a shape portion 3h serving as an insertion hole for the fixing screw 16 is formed at a plurality of locations.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing how the front and back covers 2 and 3 are fixed. As shown in the figure, when the covers 2 and 3 are brought into contact with each other at the abutting surfaces 2p and 3p in order to fix the front and back covers 2 and 3 to the base body 40, one flange portion 48 of the base body 40 is brought into contact with the other. It comes in between the buttocks 50 and 50. After that, it is completed by fixing with the fixing screw 16.

  Space saving can be realized by configuring as described above. The front cover 2, the back cover 3, the bottom cover 9, and the base 40 are lightweight parts that are injection-molded using an ABS resin material, and the total weight of the resin parts is 2.6 kg. It became about 26% of the total weight of 10 kg.

  Here, the cover having the same surface area formed from the front cover 2 and the back cover 3 is a conventional wooden casing that is easy to process, is less likely to be distorted in dimensions, is lightweight and has excellent soundproof performance. In case of using MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) wood, the weight is about 4.6 kg. Also, since the wooden casing is a flat plate with a thickness of about 1 cm, in order to make it curved as shown in the figure, these plate members are stacked and processed into a curved shape. End up. For this reason, the target weight of about 10 kg cannot be achieved. Of course, when it is not necessary to reduce the weight, the cover can be made of the above MDF.

  Next, FIG. 13 (a) is a perspective view showing an external view of the main part of the compressor chamber for housing the compressor 105 in a soundproof state, and FIG. 13 (b) omits the compressor chamber (soundproof chamber) 35. It is the external appearance perspective view which showed the mode seen from diagonally lower left provided with the vibration isolating means.

  First, in FIG. 13 (a), the soundproofing material 67 and the soundproofing material of the closed cell sponge 68 are laid on the entire surface of the soundproofing chamber 35 in which the compressor 105 is housed in a soundproof state. Further, as described above, the compressor 105 integrally includes the compression means 105a and the pressure reduction means 105b, and the pistons connected to the connecting rods 57 and 58 around the crankshaft fixed to the output shaft 56 of the outer rotor type electric motor 55. 59 and 60 are provided. These pistons are a pair of horizontally opposed pistons that perform a crank motion, and a compression means is constituted by one piston 60 shown by a broken line, and a decompression means is constituted by the other piston 59. A one-way valve (not shown) is mounted.

  In addition, the reciprocating direction of the pair of horizontally opposed pistons is a horizontal direction parallel to the bottom surface of the soundproof chamber 35, and when the load increases, it vibrates greatly in the directions of arrows V and V. For this purpose, the compressor 105 is fixed via the first base portions 200 and 200 and the second base portion 205 which bring the compressor into a substantially vertical vibration-proof state in the soundproof chamber 35, and the vibration is efficiently absorbed. .

  Subsequently, with further reference to FIG. 13 (b), four coil springs 62 are fixed to the front ends of the pair of left and right second base parts 200, 200, while four coil springs 62 are provided on the floor surface of the soundproof room 35. The rubber bush 63 is fixed at a position corresponding to the coil spring.

  In this way, according to the compressor fixing base constituted by the first and second bases, the air can pass and can be reduced in weight. Further, it is configured to withstand vibrations in strength, so that the vibration and noise of the compressor can be effectively implemented, and the blower for cooling the compressor 105 by the blower is not disturbed.

  FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional exploded view showing how the vibration isolating means is fixed to the compressor. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description will be omitted and from the lower side to the upper side of the drawing. The rubber bush 63 is fixed. The rubber bush 63 is integrally formed with a parallel portion 63b and an inclined portion 63a as shown in the figure. The rubber bush 63 can be made immovable by fitting the inner diameter portion of the coil spring 62 into the inclined portion 63a, and can be easily replaced. It is comprised so that it may become.

  The second base 200 is made of an aluminum plate having a thickness of 2 mm, and is bent to ensure rigidity as shown. The coil spring 62 is fixed to the second base 200 via a rubber plate 202 using a fixing screw 203 inserted into the winding end 62 a of the coil spring 62. The first base 205 is made of iron plate, and is fixed with fixing screws 203 as shown in the figure so as to relay the left and right second bases 200.

  Screw holes 205 c are formed on both side surfaces of the center of the first base portion 205. In addition, a hole 205b for press-fitting the pair of rubber bushings 206 is formed on the upper surface at the center of the first base 205. Further, a rotating main member 210 is provided as a rotating shaft supporting means for rotatably supporting the compressor around the axis parallel to the output shaft of the compressor 105 and for preventing vibration in the vicinity of the output shaft of the compressor 105. Provided. The rotating main member 210 is bent to provide a hole 210a (only the front side is shown) in the front and rear as shown. The rubber grommet 211 is press-fitted into these holes 210a, the spacer 212 is inserted, and is fixed with the fixing screw 203, so that the state shown in the sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. And

  Further, the sub-rotating member 213 is fixed to the main rotating member 210 by using a fixing screw 203. The sub-rotation member 213 is integrally formed with a bent portion 213b as shown in the drawing, and can be fixed to two fixing screw holes 105f formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the compressor 105 by using two fixing screws 203. It is configured. In addition, the structure demonstrated above is only an example, and it cannot be overemphasized that the 1st, 2nd base may be integrally resin-molded from a predetermined resin material, for example in order to reduce weight.

  With the above configuration, a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 13B in FIG. 15, a front view in which the compressor 105 in FIG. 16A is stopped, and the compressor 105 in FIG. In the front view showing the state, the compressor 105 in which the compression means and the decompression means are integrally formed is maintained in a substantially vertical vibration-proof state in the soundproof room.

  In addition, when this compressor is operated in a state where the load of the piston for compression and the load of the piston for decompression are substantially the same, since the balance is maintained between the horizontally opposed pistons, the compressor can be operated with low vibration. ) Can be operated in a state close to the state shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, even if there is a large difference between the load on the compression piston and the load on the decompression piston, and the balance between the horizontally opposed pistons cannot be maintained, the rubber as shown in FIG. In the rotation shaft means provided with the grommet 211, the rotation member swings with the maximum angle α of about 2 degrees with respect to the left and right rubber bushes 206, and the vibration in the direction of the arrow V1 can be sufficiently absorbed. Furthermore, even if vibration is transmitted to the first base portion 205, the second base portions 200 and 200 can absorb vibration in the vertical arrow V2 direction. In addition, in FIG. 15, even if vibration in the front-rear direction indicated by the arrow V <b> 3 occurs, vibration can be absorbed by the front and rear rubber grommets 211, 211. At this time, even if the vibration in the front-rear direction is not absorbed, the second base 200, 200 is converted into the vertical arrow V2 direction to absorb the vibration.

  As a result, the reliability of the movable part of the compressor and the pipe connected to the compressor can be greatly improved.

  FIG. 17 is an external perspective view showing the flow of outside air introduction air, raw material air and exhaust air, and FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the block diagram of FIG. 7, and the flow of outside air introduction air, raw material air and exhaust air flows. It is the figure which showed a mode.

  Referring to both figures, if components already described are assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, air primarily filtered by the outside air introduction filter 20 is introduced into the inside in the direction of arrow F1. The introduced air is sucked in by the blower 104 so as to branch in the directions of the arrows F2 and F3, and the arrows F4 and F2 are passed through the second openings 36a and 36b of the cooling chamber 36 and the first openings 35a and 35b of the soundproof chamber 35, respectively. It flows in F5 direction. Thereby, the compressor 105 is cooled. Since the compressor 105 generates a large amount of heat and does not cool, the temperature rises to a maximum of 75 degrees, so it is necessary to cool it efficiently. For this reason, the meandering pipe which is accommodated in the soundproof room and cools the hot oxygen after compression is brought into close contact, and further provided with a cooling chamber, a blower is provided thereon, and the meandering pipe and the compressor 105 are blown by the air blown from two blowers. Cooling efficiency is improved by cooling both sides.

  A part of the air introduced into the cooling chamber 36 passes through the pipe 33 in the direction of the arrow F6 and passes through the filter 101 and the buffer tank 102 in the direction of the arrow F7 through the pipe 33 in the direction of the arrow F7. It passes in the direction toward the compression means 105a. At this time, the intake sound is completely blocked. Further, the exhaust gas exits from the opening 35d in the direction of arrow F9 and is sufficiently silenced in each silencing chamber, and then is exhausted from the exhaust port in the direction of arrow F10.

  As described above, all the main components necessary for substantially generating oxygen are soundproofed, so that the sound of the compressor 105, which is a continuous noise source, is transmitted from the air outlet that is the only opening to the outside. At this time, when passing through each silencing chamber, the sound energy is attenuated by repeatedly reflecting and absorbing sound, so that annoying sound is reduced. Furthermore, the interior of the soundproof room has a noise absorbing material on the inner surface, so that the noise source can be minimized, and the conventional exhaust passage is separated from the parts required for oxygen generation. Compared to this, the space can be used efficiently, so that downsizing and maintenance of the apparatus can be greatly improved.

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, it is an X-type zeolite having a SiO ₂ / Al ₂ O ₃ ratio of 2.0 to 3.0, and at least 88% or more of the Al ₂ O ₃ tetrahedral units and lithium cations By combining them, the number of adsorption cylinders can be reduced to one. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the design of the cover is not limited to the above configuration.

  Next, in the piping diagram for explaining the operation of the three-way switching valve to which the vacuum tank 300 of FIG. 19 is connected, the three-way main valves (main solenoid valves) 107a1 and 107b1 are pilot valves (pilot solenoid valves) 107a2 and 107b2. These pilot valves 107a2 and 107b2 are configured to open and close the main valves 107a1 and 107b1 by a slight pressure from the compressor 105, so that the power consumption can be reduced compared to the direct acting type. ing. Also, check valves 107a3 and 107b3 are connected as shown.

  FIG. 20 is a chart showing the pressure change in the adsorption cylinder that changes with the operation of the three-way valve. In FIG. 20, in the state where the three-way valve A is turned on, the raw material air is gradually sent to the adsorption cylinder 108a, nitrogen adsorption starts, and gas separation of the raw material air is performed until it reaches 100 KPa. When the pressure reaches 100 Kpa, the pressure equalizing valve is turned on and the pressure in the suction cylinder 108b increases. In this state, the purpose is to clean the adsorbed gas and improve the oxygen partial pressure. Further, in the next step, the three-way valve B is also turned on, and the pressure in the adsorption cylinder 108b suddenly increases, and the pressure in the substantially right and left adsorption cylinders becomes the same pressure at the end. This is a so-called pressure equalization process. Thereafter, the three-way valve A and the pressure equalizing valve 119 are turned off and the adsorption cylinder 108a enters the regeneration process. However, the newly installed vacuum tank is effective at the moment when it is turned off, and the ultimate vacuum is improved. The improvement in the degree of vacuum improves the adsorption amount per gram of the adsorbent and improves the oxygen concentration. In an experiment where a 300 cc tank was installed, although the volume of the vacuum tank was different, the pressure at the end of regeneration was increased by 5 KPa and the oxygen concentration was increased by about 1%. This means that the oxygen concentration can be improved without increasing the amount of adsorbent and the rotational speed. When the three-way valve A is on, the suction cylinder 108b is decompressed together with the vacuum tank by the decompression means. The suction energy in the vacuum tank acts instantaneously when the adsorption cylinder 108a is regenerated and improves the degree of vacuum reached. Such a series of operations is repeated based on a program stored in the CPU to continuously generate high-concentration oxygen. In addition, the pressure in the vacuum tank varies between predetermined pressures, but when the upper limit pressure in the adsorption cylinder is low, a large effect cannot be expected with the fluctuating pressure performed within the tank pressure of zero to minus 40 KPa. . One factor is that the desorption of nitrogen is not sufficient, but when installing a vacuum tank, it is necessary to examine the volume so that it preferably exceeds minus 40 KPa.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the compressor 105 is operated for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in FIG. 3) (compressor starting step), and then the pilot valve 107a2 of the three-way switching valve 107 is operated (opening operation). (The operating state is indicated by an arrow). By performing the control in this manner, the pilot valve can use the air pressure, and the main valve can be operated with a small amount of electric power. When the main valve is opened, the compressed air flows into the first adsorption cylinder 108a and becomes an adsorption process in which gas adsorption is performed. When the pressure equalizing valve 119 is opened for a predetermined time, the first half of the opening operation state is a purification process of the second adsorption cylinder 108b. When the purification process of the second adsorption cylinder 108b is completed, the main valve 107b1 of the three-way switching valve 107 is controlled to open. The latter half of the opening operation state of the pressure equalizing valve 119 is the pressure equalizing step because both the main valves 107a1 and 107b1 of the three-way switching valve 107 are in the opening operation state.

  Thereafter, the adsorption process, the purification process, and the pressure equalization process are repeated in the same sequence. The compressor 105 is in an operating state in all the above steps (start-up step, adsorption step, purification step, pressure equalization step). Here, the process starting from the adsorption process of the first adsorption cylinder 108a has been described. However, the process may start from the adsorption process of the second adsorption cylinder 108b first. In addition, an open valve 118 is connected to the exhaust flow path side of the three-way switching valve 107, and in synchronization with the pressure equalization process, the open valve 118 is operated to open by the control board 124 so that the compressor 105 is brought into a high vacuum state. It is possible to adjust the degree of vacuum by reducing it, preventing the generation of vibration and reducing noise.

  Next, in FIG. 22, the role of the pressure regulator 112 is that the pressure in the product tank 111 fluctuates in synchronism with the pressure in the adsorption cylinder, so that the pressure regulator 112 causes the relief valve (open valve) 112a, It includes a valve 112c and is configured to function so as to reduce the concentrated oxygen to a substantially constant pressure. Furthermore, it has a relief function (relief valve) 112a and a filter function (filter 112b) when the oxygen discharge pressure (secondary pressure) rises abnormally. It is configured to improve workability such as miniaturization, weight reduction and maintenance. A flow rate setting device 115 is installed on the downstream side of the pressure regulator 112. The flow rate setting device 115 limits the flow rate by an orifice, and the hole diameter is the minimum although it depends on the set discharge pressure. The pore diameter (average pore diameter) of about 120 to 150 microns (micrometer) is set. Therefore, it is preferable that the filter used here has a pore diameter (average pore diameter) of 100 microns or less (micrometer) or less in terms of obtaining a stable flow rate. The relief function is intended to protect the fine pressure sensor used when detecting intake air.

  The demand valve 116 of the respiratory tuner determines in the control board 124 that the oxygen flow rate in the flow rate setting device 115 is set to a predetermined flow rate (for example, 1.25 L / min or more) and is driven by the rechargeable battery 127. Then, in order to suppress the power consumption of the rechargeable battery 127, the demand control unit 122 of the respiration synchronization control unit performs the concentrated oxygen generation capability and respiration synchronization control (demand control) by the sequence control shown in FIG. ), It is possible to substantially cope with an oxygen flow rate of 2 L / min.

  For this reason, the power consumption is about 50 W at the flow rate of concentrated oxygen of 2 L / min. The opening operation of the main valves 107a1 and 107b1 of the three-way switching valve 107 and the opening operation timing of the release valve 118 and the pressure equalization valve in the adsorption process, the purification process, and the pressure equalization process are as indicated by arrows. At this time, the compressor 105 and the respiratory synchronization device 116 are in a continuous operation state. The pressure fluctuation in the product tank 111 is shown below. In addition, such an oxygen concentration process is an example, and is not limited to this example.

  In order to function properly as a portable system, the system must be powered from a suitable rechargeable power source. Conventionally, the battery used in such a system has an unclear remaining amount, and it has been difficult to predict the remaining amount of the battery due to a decrease in capacity due to repeated use. The power source of the device 1 can be charged and discharged several hundred times, and has a management function such as the remaining battery level, the number of charge / discharge cycles used, the degree of deterioration, and the output voltage. The charge / discharge frequency may be displayed on the display unit or read by an external monitor device via the communication connector 129 (see FIG. 7).

  With this function, it is possible to manage the remaining amount as the actual value of the battery according to the degree of deterioration, not the uncertain remaining amount as in the conventional battery. In addition, a rechargeable battery 127 having an output voltage of 21.0 to 29.0 V is included, which is preferably detachably provided in the device 1 via a connector 131 and is preferably stacked in a lithium ion format. The weight of the rechargeable battery 127 is about 1.5 kg. When performing respiration synchronization control, the rechargeable battery 127 can operate up to 3 hours when the 88-94% concentrated oxygen flow rate is 2 L / min.

  The system can be supplied from other portable energy sources besides lithium ion batteries, for example, rechargeable or replaceable fuel cells can be used. Although the system is generally described as powered by a single rechargeable battery 127, the system is also powered by a number of batteries. Thus, “battery” as used herein includes one or more batteries. Further, the rechargeable battery 127 may include one or more internal and / or external batteries. The battery 127 or battery module including the battery 127 is preferably removable from the system. The system can use a standard internal battery, a low cost battery, an extended working internal battery, a secondary battery external to the clip mounting module. The system can include a built-in adapter that includes a battery charger that can be connected to a charging connector 131 and one or more plugs (not shown), which are connected to the system by a DC power source (eg, Configured to be powered from a car cigarette lighter adapter) and / or from an AC power source (eg, AC wall socket of a commercial power source in a home or office) while the battery 127 is charged from the DC or AC power source. Is done. The adapter or charger can also be a separate accessory.

  For example, the adapter may be a separate cigarette writer adapter that drives the system in a car and / or charges the battery 127. A separate AC adapter may be used to convert AC from the output to DC for use in the system and / or to charge the battery 127. Other examples of adapters include adapters for use with wheelchair batteries or other carts.

  As described above, when the patient always has an additional freshly charged additional battery pack, the patient can go out for a longer time and the QOL is greatly improved. Moreover, you may provide the humidification means (not shown) for adding moisture to the flow of the concentrated oxygen in a system via a suitable connection part. Further, the device 1 may be a cart (two-wheel or four-wheel cart) having wheels, and may be a handcart type provided with a stopper, a retractable / extendable handle, and the like. The system may also include a soundproof box that further covers the device 1 for soundproofing at bedtime.

  The breath-synchronized control is for performing control synchronized with breathing so that the patient can use the concentrated oxygen more efficiently when the entire oxygen concentrator 1 is driven by the rechargeable battery 127. It is. During normal breathing, the patient spends about 1/3 of the inspiration / expiration cycle time on inspiration and the remaining 2/3 on exhalation. The enriched oxygen generated during exhalation is unnecessary for the patient, and as a result, the additional battery power that efficiently provides this surplus enriched oxygen flow is wasted. Therefore, if the inspiratory / expiratory cycle is 1 (inspired): 2 (expired) by supplying the concentrated oxygen generated during exhaled at the time of inhaling, 3 at the time of inhaling. It becomes possible to supply up to double the flow rate.

  Thus, by performing respiratory synchronization control, it is possible to reduce the size and power consumption of the apparatus. The opening and closing control of the breathing tuner 116 is performed over the entire period as shown in FIG. 19 (the compressor 105 also operates over the entire period). In FIG. 23, the arrows indicate the periods of the opening operation of the main valves 107a1 and 107b1 of the three-way switching valve 107 and the opening operation of the opening valve 118 and the pressure equalizing valve. By the way, oxygen concentration detection at the time of breathing synchronization control cannot be detected due to pressure fluctuation. For this reason, oxygen is continuously supplied at a pace of once every 30 minutes for about 10 seconds, and this oxygen concentration is detected for 10 seconds with a delay of about 1 second, thereby enabling oxygen concentration detection during respiratory synchronization control. Yes.

The oxygen concentrator 1 is equipped with an oxygen sensor 114 as standard, but various sensors such as an acceleration sensor 135, a GPS (global position sensor) 134, a shock sensor 132, a pulse sensor, a blood pressure sensor, and blood oxygen saturation. A degree sensor or the like can be attached as an option. As the oxygen sensor, a galvanic cell type, an ultrasonic type, a zirconia type sensor or the like can be used, but a zirconia type oxygen sensor is preferable from the viewpoint of size and measurement accuracy. In addition, a history storage unit that stores the amount of oxygen used, operation time, trouble integration, and the like in time series may be provided so that maintenance can be performed by an external device.

  Finally, in the piping diagram to which the vacuum tank 300 of another embodiment of FIG. 24 is connected, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted, and only one adsorption cylinder is provided. Yes.

The number of adsorption cylinders is not limited to two, and even one can generate oxygen by adopting the configuration shown in FIG. The vacuum tank 300 is installed between the switching means 107a1 and the decompression means 105b and exhibits the same effect.

  Finally, FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the operation. When starting, the three-way valve A is turned on in step S1. In step S2, the pressure is read by the pressure sensor and sent to the CPU. In the subsequent step S3, the pressure equalizing valve 119 is turned on in step S4 after waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time to reach a predetermined pressure in the tank. Thereafter, in step S5, the passage of a predetermined time is waited, and the process proceeds to step S6 to turn on the three-way valve B. Thereafter, the passage of a predetermined time is awaited in step S7, and the three-way valve A is turned off in step S8.

  In step S9, the pressure is read by the pressure sensor. In step S10, the passage of a predetermined time is waited. In step S11, the pressure equalizing valve 119 is turned on. Next, in step S12, the passage of a predetermined time is waited, and in step S13, the three-way valve A is turned on. In step S14, the passage of a predetermined time is awaited. In step S15, the three-way valve B is turned off, and the process returns to step S2. The above steps S1 to S15 are repeated.

  The program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiment is distributed from the outside via a network and stored in a storage means such as a hard disk or memory built in the apparatus or a storage medium such as a CD-RW, CD-R, or VDV. However, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage means itself or the storage medium by the CPU or MPU of the system or apparatus.

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. (a) is an external perspective view of a rechargeable battery used in the oxygen concentrator 1 shown in FIG. 1, (b) is an external perspective view of a dedicated charger for the rechargeable battery, and (c) is an exclusive carrier. External perspective view, (d) 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. These are the block diagrams of the oxygen concentration apparatus 1 which connected the vacuum tank. FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional exploded view showing the internal configuration of the oxygen concentrator 1. These are the three-dimensional exploded views seen from the bottom face side in order to show bottom cover 9 and base body of oxygen concentrator 1. These are external appearance perspective views which show the internal structure of the oxygen concentration apparatus 1 after an assembly. These are external appearance perspective views which show the process of fixing the front and back covers 2 and 3 with respect to the internal structure after the assembly of the oxygen concentrator 1. These are sectional drawings which show a mode that the front and back covers 2 and 3 are fixed. (A) is an external perspective view of the compressor chamber for storing the compressor 105 in a soundproof state, and is a perspective view, and (b) omits the compressor chamber (soundproof chamber) 35 and is provided with vibration isolation means. It is the external appearance perspective view which showed a mode seen from diagonally lower left. These are the three-dimensional exploded views which showed a mode that the vibration isolating means was fixed to a compressor. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. (A) is a front view in which the compressor 105 shows a stop state, (b) is a front view which shows that the compressor 105 is an operation state. These are the external appearance perspective views which showed a mode that external air introduction air, raw material air, and exhaust air flow. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the block diagram of FIG. 7, showing the flow of outside air introduction air, raw material air and exhaust air. These are the piping diagrams of operation | movement description of the three-way valve which connected the vacuum tank 300. FIG. These are the charts which showed the pressure change in the adsorption cylinder which changes with operation | movement of a three-way valve. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control sequence. These are figures which show the internal structure of the pressure regulator in an oxygen concentration apparatus. These are figures which show the driving | operation control sequence at the time of the breathing tuner operation | movement in an oxygen concentration apparatus. These are the piping diagrams which connected the vacuum tank 300 of another embodiment. These are operation | movement description flowcharts.

Explanation of symbols

1 Oxygen concentrator,
2 Front cover (made of resin)
3 Back cover (made of resin)
4 Handle (made of resin)
5 Operation panel 6 Power switch (plastic)
7 Oxygen outlet (made of resin)
8 Oxygen flow setting dial (plastic)
9 Bottom cover (made of resin)
10 carrier 11 caster 12 fixing screw 13 coupler (made of resin)
14 Nose cannula (made of resin)
15 Tube (made of resin)
16 Screw 17 Filter replacement lid (made of resin)
18 Breaker 19 AC cable 20 Outside air introduction filter 24 Charger 28 Carrying cart (partially made of resin)
29 Battery compartment (made of resin)
30 Relay coupler (made of resin)
31 Extension tube (made of resin)
32 Shielding plate 33 Piping (made of resin)
35 Compressor room (aluminum)
36 Cooling chamber (aluminum)
37 Cooling piping (aluminum)
38 Mounting bracket (aluminum)
40 Base body (made of resin)
41 Compressor chamber lid (aluminum)
42 First silencer
108a Opening 45 Second silencer chamber 46, 47 Third silencer chamber 48 One flange 49 Attachment band 50 The other flange 51 Sound absorbing material (urethane sponge)
55 Motor (Fig. 13)
56 Motor shaft 57, 58 Connecting rod 59, 60 Piston 61 Compressor fixing base (aluminum)
62 Compression coil spring (made of spring steel)
63 Anti-vibration rubber 67 Anti-vibration material 68 Sound-proof material 70 Iron reinforcement bracket 101 Intake filter 102 Intake buffer tank 104 Cooling fan (cooling means)
105 Compressor (compression means, decompression means, aluminum die-cast casing)
107 Solenoid valve (made of metal)
108a, 108b Adsorption cylinder (aluminum)
111 Product tank 112 Pressure regulator 116 Respiration tuner 114 Oxygen sensor 127 Rechargeable battery 200 Second base 203 Fixing screw 205 First base 206 Rubber bushing 210 Rotating main member 211 Rubber grommet 212 Spacer 213 Rotating submember 300 Vacuum tank D Depth dimension W Width H Height dimension V1 to V3 Vibration direction F1 to F10 Flow direction of outside air introduction air, raw material air, and exhaust air

Claims (4)

A compressor in which the compression means and the decompression means are configured integrally;
  By supplying the compressed air generated by compressing the raw material air by the compression means to the first adsorption cylinder containing the catalyst, the nitrogen contained in the compressed air is adsorbed to the catalyst, and oxygen is absorbed. A purification state for purifying a catalyst built in the first adsorption cylinder by depressurizing the first flow path for forming the production state to be produced and the inside of the first adsorption cylinder by the decompression means. First switching means for switching between, a second flow path capable of forming
  By supplying the compressed air generated by compressing the raw material air by the compression means to the second adsorption cylinder containing the catalyst, the nitrogen contained in the compressed air is adsorbed to the catalyst, and oxygen is absorbed. A purification state for purifying a catalyst built in the second adsorption cylinder by depressurizing the third flow path for forming the production state to be produced and the inside of the second adsorption cylinder by the decompression means. A second switching means for switching between, and a fourth flow path capable of forming
  An open valve provided between the first and second switching means and the pressure reducing means;
  A vacuum tank provided between the first and second switching means and the pressure reducing means;
  When the first adsorption cylinder is switched to the first flow path by the first switching means, the second switching means switches to the fourth flow path. When the second adsorption cylinder is in the generation state by being switched to the third flow path by the second switching means, the first switching means is Is controlled to switch to
  The release valve includes a pressure equalization process from when the first adsorption cylinder finishes the generation state and shifts to the purification state until the second adsorption cylinder shifts to the generation state; The suction cylinder is controlled to be in an open state during the pressure equalization process from the end of the generation state and transition to the purification state to the transition of the first adsorption cylinder to the generation state. A featured oxygen concentrator. A pressure equalizing valve disposed on a pipe connecting the first adsorption cylinder and the second adsorption cylinder;
  The pressure equalizing valve includes a period from when the first adsorption cylinder finishes the generation state and shifts to the purification state, until the second adsorption cylinder shifts to the generation state, and the second adsorption cylinder. 2 is controlled so as to be in an open state from when the generation state ends and shifts to the purification state until the first adsorption cylinder shifts to the generation state. Oxygen concentrator. A compressor in which the compression means and the decompression means are configured integrally;
  By supplying the compressed air generated by compressing the raw material air by the compression means to the first adsorption cylinder containing the catalyst, the nitrogen contained in the compressed air is adsorbed to the catalyst, and oxygen is absorbed. A purification state for purifying a catalyst built in the first adsorption cylinder by depressurizing the first flow path for forming the production state to be produced and the inside of the first adsorption cylinder by the decompression means. First switching means for switching between, a second flow path capable of forming
  By supplying the compressed air generated by compressing the raw material air by the compression means to the second adsorption cylinder containing the catalyst, the nitrogen contained in the compressed air is adsorbed to the catalyst, and oxygen is absorbed. A purification state for purifying a catalyst built in the second adsorption cylinder by depressurizing the third flow path for forming the production state to be produced and the inside of the second adsorption cylinder by the decompression means. A second switching means for switching between, and a fourth flow path capable of forming
  An open valve provided between the first and second switching means and the pressure reducing means;
  A method for controlling an oxygen concentrator comprising: a first and second switching means; and a vacuum tank provided between the pressure reducing means,
  By switching to the first flow path by the first switching means, the second switching means switches to the fourth flow path when the first adsorption cylinder is in the generation state. A first step controlled to be
  When the second adsorption unit is switched to the third flow path by the second switching unit, the first switching unit switches to the second flow path when the second adsorption cylinder is in the generation state. A second step controlled to be controlled;
  The pressure equalization process from when the first adsorption cylinder ends the generation state and shifts to the purification state until the second adsorption cylinder shifts to the generation state, and the second adsorption cylinder generates A third pressure controlled so that the open valve is opened in a pressure equalization process from the end of the state to the purification state to the transition of the first adsorption cylinder to the generation state. Process and
  An oxygen enrichment method comprising: The oxygen concentrator further includes a pressure equalizing valve disposed in a pipe connecting the first adsorption cylinder and the second adsorption cylinder,
  The control method is:
  The period from when the first adsorption cylinder finishes the generation state and shifts to the purification state until the second adsorption cylinder shifts to the generation state, and the second adsorption cylinder ends the generation state. And a fourth step in which the pressure equalizing valve is controlled to be in an open state between the transition to the purification state and the transition of the first adsorption cylinder to the generation state. The oxygen concentration method of the oxygen concentrator according to claim 3.

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