Oxygen supply system and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable oxygen supply system (100) comprising an oxygen production device (1, 1 ', 1' '). The oxygen generation device (1, 1 ', 1' ') comprises at least one compressor (12, 12') for compressing ambient air (L), and at least one adsorption device (10, 10 ', 10' ') arranged to generate a high oxygen content oxygen gas (S) from the ambient air (L) compressed by the at least one compressor (12, 12') by a pressure swing adsorption method. Furthermore, the oxygen generation device (1, 1 ', 1' ') comprises at least one supercharger (13, 13') for pressurizing the generated gas (S); at least one gas tank (14, 14 ') for storing gas compressed by the at least one supercharger; and one or more gas outlets (15, 15 ') for outputting the generated gas from at least one gas tank (14, 14'). Also disclosed is a method for providing an oxygen gas (S), the method comprising operating an oxygen supply system (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an oxygen supply system, which includes a portable oxygen generating device that can provide oxygen gas, i.e., a gas with a higher oxygen content compared to ambient air, and is particularly suitable for medical use. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for oxygen supply.

[0002] For mobile supply of oxygen gas, oxygen cylinders have traditionally been used. In the field of medical oxygen therapy, portable devices for individual patient oxygen supply are also known, which generate oxygen gas by pressure swing adsorption. Such devices are specifically designed to increase or improve the patient's freedom of movement.

[0003] DE 36 27 203 C1 discloses a device that includes an oxygen enrichment and distribution system with a pressure swing adsorber for providing oxygen to multiple people in a protective shelter.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can simplify the mobile supply of high-oxygen-content gas in a particularly reliable manner even under harsh conditions, such as in remote areas due to lack of infrastructure (such as the interior of Africa or Australia) or in cases where infrastructure has been damaged or severely damaged due to natural disasters or other accidents.

[0005] This object is achieved by the oxygen supply system according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] The oxygen supply system according to the present invention is portable, i.e., designed for multiple transports and reusable at different locations.

[0007] The oxygen supply system includes an oxygen generation device that is equipped with at least one compressor for compressing ambient air, particularly preferably compressing it to a pressure that is at least 1 bar, at least 1.5 bar, or at least 2.4 bar higher than the respective ambient pressure.

[0008] The oxygen generation device also includes at least one adsorption device. This adsorption device generates a gas with a higher oxygen content compared to ambient air from the ambient air compressed by the compressor by pressure swing adsorption; hereinafter, this gas will be referred to as "oxygen-containing gas". Specifically, the at least one adsorption device is an oxygen concentrator. In the case of multiple adsorption devices, these devices can operate individually (sequentially) and / or synchronously (i.e., in parallel), preferably selected by the user.

[0009] Particularly preferably, the at least one adsorption device can generate oxygen gas with an oxygen content of at least 75 volume percent, at least 80 volume percent, or even at least 90 volume percent.

[0010] The oxygen supply system according to the present invention further includes at least one compressor for compressing the generated (oxygen) gas, and at least one gas storage tank for storing the compressed oxygen. The generated gas can be output from at least one gas storage tank through at least one outlet of the oxygen generating device. Preferably, the oxygen generating device can output the generated gas at at least one of the outlets or multiple outlets, while the pressure swing adsorption operation is continued (by at least one adsorption device) to continuously generate gas.

[0011] Therefore, the oxygen supply system of the present invention is a device capable of generating and providing oxygen gas from ambient air, and is particularly suitable for medical use, and can also be used for industrial use. The system is preferably electrically driven. Equipped with a corresponding power source (such as a generator or a battery), which can be part of the oxygen supply system, making it an autonomous oxygen supply device, and thus can be particularly advantageously applied in emergencies under the above extreme conditions.

[0012] In particular, the oxygen supply system of the present invention provides a technology for mobile use, which can reliably provide high-quality medical emergency oxygen supply for patients even in inaccessible areas and in situations where the existing infrastructure makes it difficult or even impossible to transport liquid oxygen in traditional O2 cylinders (usually used in emergencies).

[0013] By compressing the ambient air input into at least one adsorption device by a compressor, the efficiency of the adsorption device can be significantly improved, thereby achieving high performance of the oxygen generating device. At least one gas storage tank can buffer possible power fluctuations or even power outages. The pre-compression of the generated oxygen gas enables at least one gas storage tank to be designed in a volume-saving manner, facilitating the transportation of the oxygen supply system, and on the other hand, also ensures that the generated oxygen gas can be output from the outlet or at least one outlet at a pressure higher than the ambient pressure.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one compressor is adapted to compress the generated gas to a pressure of at least 1.5 bar, at least 2 bar, at least 2.5 bar, at least 5 bar, at least 5.5 bar, at least 6 bar or even at least 6.5 bar.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the oxygen generating device can discharge the generated oxygen at a constant pressure, especially at the maximum pressure (defined by the equipment), at the output end or at least one (if there are multiple) output ends.

[0016] The maximum pressure can preferably be at least 1.5 bar, at least 2 bar, at least 2.5 bar, at least 5 bar, at least 5.5 bar, at least 6 bar or even at least 6.5 bar. This can meet higher oxygen demands, especially in medical emergencies, and can supply oxygen to multiple patients simultaneously.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet / at least one outlet is equipped with a pressure regulator for regulating the output pressure of the generated gas (up to the maximum pressure). Thus, the user of the oxygen supply system can flexibly adjust the output pressure according to the actual situation, especially according to the number of patients to be treated in medical applications.

[0018] The outlet / at least one outlet of the oxygen generation device of the oxygen supply system according to the present invention is preferably connectable to at least one medical device through respective threaded connections, snap connections, and / or medical standard interfaces, especially to an anesthesia machine for life-saving / life-sustaining purposes, or one or more (identical or different) medical devices for supportive or non-life-sustaining patient oxygen supply (such as a breathing mask), and in particular, multiple identical or different types of medical devices can be connected simultaneously.

[0019] Alternatively / and, the oxygen generation device may include a filling system for filling oxygen cylinders, and / or is connected to the filling system through corresponding threaded connections, snap connections, and / or medical standard interfaces. Thus, the oxygen supply system can also be used for oxygen storage according to user needs, and / or achieve a longer-distance oxygen supply connection.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention, at least one adsorption device - based on the predetermined use direction of the oxygen generation device - is provided with at least one waste gas outlet at its top; the waste gas outlet may particularly include a (corresponding) molecular sieve.

[0021] In such embodiments, the adsorption device is preferably connected to the top through a sealed (preferably detachable) cover that covers at least one waste gas outlet. The cover body can be connected to the top of the adsorption device in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, especially by screwing. To achieve airtightness, a radial sealing ring can be provided between the adsorption device and the cover body.

[0022] The cover body and at least a part of the top jointly enclose a space into which the waste gas can flow from at least one waste gas outlet. The cover body is provided with an opening with a moisture-proof device through which the waste gas can be discharged from the space, but preventing moisture (especially the humid ambient air above the adsorption device) from entering. Thus, highly reliable operation, a long service life, and function retention of the adsorption device can be achieved. The moisture-proof device may include, for example, a moisture-proof sieve and / or a check device, especially a check valve.

[0023] Preferably, the opening in the cover body is provided on the end face, especially (in the said use direction) above at least one waste gas outlet. This can achieve a particularly advantageous waste gas guide, especially for cooling, such as for cooling the equipment electronic components arranged above the adsorption device, as described below.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one adsorption device of the oxygen generation device is a multi-chamber adsorption device, having a plurality of adsorption chambers each containing at least one adsorbent (especially at least one zeolite). The adsorption chambers can be cylindrical or prismatic. The number of chambers can be at least 12 or at least 18.

[0025] The number, size and / or shape of the adsorption chambers and the adsorbent contained therein are preferably selected such that: at 25 °C, 60% relative humidity and an ambient pressure of 1.013 bar, the oxygen generation device can produce at least 1 liter of gas from at least 12 liters of inhaled air.

[0026] The multi-chamber adsorption device is preferably provided with a closing device for sequentially opening the respective inlets of the plurality of adsorption chambers for pressurization / filling with compressed ambient air, and opening or closing the respective outlets of the adsorption chambers according to the saturation state of the respective adsorbents. The closing device can include a stepper motor.

[0027] For example, in such an embodiment, the closing device can be set to always open the oxygen (light component gas) outlet for two-thirds (alternately) of the adsorption chambers, while opening the residual gas (heavy component gas or waste gas) outlet for the remaining one-third of the adsorption chambers.

[0028] In the above embodiment where at least one adsorption device is connected to the housing, the housing can also cover the closing device, and is preferably provided with at least one airtight lead-through device for the power cord, through which the closing device is powered.

[0029] Alternatively, as a supplement, the connection between the housing and at least one adsorption device can also adopt such an airtight lead-through device.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen generation device has an exhaust guiding structure for discharging the waste gas generated during the pressure swing adsorption process. The exhaust guiding structure guides the waste gas to the internal space of the oxygen generation device and / or to at least one device electronic component of the device. In particular, it can be designed such that at least part of the device electronic component is surrounded by the waste gas. In this way, the waste gas can be used for cooling, so that no additional cooling device is required or the volume of the cooling device can be reduced. The exhaust gas guiding channel can especially include pipes in at least some areas, and / or is formed by at least one intermediate space within the oxygen generation device, for example, the intermediate space is located between at least one housing part of the oxygen generation device and at least one component (especially at least one adsorption device or at least one compressor).

[0031] When the oxygen generation device is used in a predetermined direction, the device electronic component can be arranged above at least one adsorption device, especially within the (preferably flip-up) housing cover of the oxygen generation device. In this way, an exhaust gas guiding channel can be realized, which directly guides the waste gas discharged from the top outlet of at least one adsorption device to the device electronic component.

[0032] The device electronic components may at least include a part of the computing unit (especially the computing unit described below), for example, for controlling, regulating, and / or monitoring the input and / or output devices included in at least one adsorption device and / or compressor and / or oxygen generation device.

[0033] The exhaust gas guiding channel may include at least one fan for discharging the exhaust gas from the interior space of the device to the external environment of the oxygen generation device. Thereby, the exhaust gas flow can be extended or accelerated, thus achieving particularly efficient cooling.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one gas storage tank includes a coil for storing the generated gas. The coil may include a bent section extending in a plane and / or a coiled section extending in at least one three-dimensional space (such as along a helix). This can achieve a compact structure of the gas storage tank while obtaining a relatively large gas storage capacity. The coil may be at least partially made of copper.

[0035] Preferably, the coil is arranged within the thermal insulation layer of the gas storage tank. This can avoid or at least reduce the formation of condensed water, especially considering the dew point problem caused by the cooling of ambient air during the compression process.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one air inlet of the oxygen generation device includes an air inlet nozzle. This can generate a favorable air flow for at least one adsorption device or for at least one compressor in the corresponding embodiment. As an alternative or supplement, at least one ambient air inlet may include at least one HEPA filter and / or at least one ABC filter. This can prevent the generated gas from containing toxic substances in a particularly harmful environment.

[0037] The oxygen generation device is preferably equipped with a housing, especially a housing cover that can be flipped open. This can protect the various components of the oxygen generation device on the one hand and maintain accessibility for maintenance on the other hand. The housing is preferably made of a light metal such as aluminum and / or one or more light metal alloys such as aluminum alloy, either partially or entirely.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the oxygen generation device is used to display and / or regulate at least one operating parameter and / or function, and is at least equipped with an input and / or output device, especially at least one knob, at least one switch, and / or at least one preferably touch-type display screen (especially the screen). The display screen can be specifically designed to be dimmed, and the display information can only be recognized using night vision goggles. This can prevent the oxygen supply system and its users from being detected when used, for example, in a military environment.

[0039] Preferably, the oxygen generation device includes at least one computing unit.

[0040] In the above-described embodiments with input and / or output devices, these devices can in particular be connected to the computing unit so as to serve as an interface for communicating with the user. As an alternative or in addition, the computing unit can include a wireless and / or wired connection port for one-way or two-way communication with an external computing unit (the external computing unit is preferably also equipped with corresponding input and / or output devices). In this way, the user can control the oxygen generation device or adjust its operating parameters as needed.

[0041] As an alternative or in addition, the computing unit can also be used to control, regulate and / or monitor at least one component of the oxygen generation device, such as at least one adsorption device and / or compressor.

[0042] Preferably, the oxygen generation device includes at least one control unit for monitoring at least one function of the oxygen generation device, and / or for measuring the oxygen content of the generated gas and / or for performing carbon monoxide measurement during continuous generation (or output). The control unit can include at least one sensor. The sensor can be connected to the computing unit (especially the above-mentioned computing unit) and is capable of evaluating and / or outputting the detected parameters, or transmitting them to an external unit.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the maximum floor area of the oxygen generation device is at most 1000 mm * 700 mm, more preferably at most 900 mm * 600 mm. As an alternative or in addition, its height (in the direction and state set for use, especially when in the closed state in the above-described embodiment with a flip cover) is preferably at most 900 mm, more preferably at most 800 mm. Such a design makes the oxygen generation device particularly compact, easy to transport, and can be used under conditions of limited space.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen supply system further includes a standby oxygen supply unit, which has a housing separated from the oxygen generation device, especially an independent housing, and has a gas inlet that is detachably connected or connectable through a gas pipeline to at least one gas outlet of the oxygen generation device. In this connected state, the standby oxygen supply unit can receive the oxygen generated by the oxygen generation device through its gas inlet.

[0045] In addition, the standby oxygen supply unit is provided with at least one gas outlet that can be connected to at least one output device. In particular, the standby oxygen supply unit preferably includes at least one gas outlet that complies with the DIN standard and / or at least one gas outlet that complies with the NIST standard.

[0046] The oxygen supply system is designed to be able to output, at at least one gas outlet of the standby oxygen supply unit, on the one hand (in the first operating mode), the oxygen received through the gas inlet, i.e., the oxygen generated by the oxygen generation device, and on the other hand (optionally or additionally, in particular simultaneously or subsequently, or in the second operating mode of the standby oxygen supply unit), the oxygen from at least one oxygen cylinder provided in or on the housing of the standby oxygen supply unit.

[0047] In particular, the oxygen generation device may be provided with only one outlet for outputting oxygen (from at least one gas storage tank), which is specifically used for connection to the standby oxygen supply unit.

[0048] Designing the oxygen generation device and the standby oxygen supply unit separately particularly allows these two devices to be arranged in different rooms. For example, the low-noise standby oxygen supply unit can be placed in the ward, while the noisy oxygen generation device that supplies it can be placed in other rooms. This can significantly reduce noise interference. At least one oxygen cylinder is particularly used as a failure backup for the oxygen generation device.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, multiple (preferably two) oxygen cylinders can be provided or installed on or in the housing of the standby oxygen supply unit, and the oxygen supply system is also arranged to be able to output, sequentially or simultaneously, the oxygen from the multiple oxygen cylinders through at least one gas outlet of the standby oxygen supply unit.

[0050] The oxygen supply system preferably can automatically switch from the first operating mode of the standby oxygen supply unit (i.e., receiving and outputting the oxygen generated by the oxygen generation device through the gas inlet) to the second operating mode (i.e., alternatively or supplementally outputting the oxygen from at least one oxygen cylinder), and output through at least one gas outlet.

[0051] In a variant involving multiple oxygen cylinders, the oxygen supply system preferably outputs the oxygen from the first oxygen cylinder first in the second operating mode of the standby oxygen supply unit and automatically switches to the third operating mode, in which the oxygen from the second oxygen cylinder, different from the first one, is output (alternatively or supplementally).

[0052] The oxygen supply system is preferably arranged to automatically switch according to the oxygen supply capacity of the oxygen generation device, or (in the case of multiple oxygen cylinders) according to the oxygen supply capacity of the first oxygen cylinder, in particular through a control unit in the standby oxygen supply unit. The standby oxygen supply unit may include at least one flow sensor and / or pressure gauge for detecting the oxygen flow or pressure received through the gas inlet, and the switching can be automatically carried out based on the currently detected values.

[0053] As an alternative or supplement, the oxygen generation device can be arranged to transmit the current flow or pressure data at its outlet to the standby oxygen supply unit through an established data connection (wireless or wired), and the switching can be automatically carried out based on these data.

[0054] The switching can be carried out by a control device, which can be included in the oxygen supply unit. Additionally, it can also be carried out by the computer unit of the oxygen generating device, such as the aforementioned computer unit. Then, the oxygen supply unit is preferably connected or linked to the oxygen generating device or its computer unit via (wireless or wired) control lines.

[0055] The backup oxygen supply unit is preferably portable, i.e., designed for transportation and use at different locations. In particular, it can be transported separately from the oxygen generating device.

[0056] In a predetermined use orientation, the bottom area of its housing is preferably within a rectangular range with a maximum of 50 cm * 50 cm, or even a maximum of 35 cm * 45 cm. In this orientation, the height of its housing preferably does not exceed 50 cm, or does not exceed 40 cm.

[0057] The backup oxygen supply unit is preferably equipped with a power interface for connection to the oxygen generating device. In particular, it is preferably adapted to operate using electrical energy obtained through this power interface.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the backup oxygen supply unit includes an alarm monitor. The alarm monitor is preferably optionally installable or detachable. The backup oxygen supply unit preferably can be operated with or without the alarm monitor selected.

[0059] Through the alarm monitor, it is preferably possible to display at least one functional parameter of the oxygen generating device, at least one operating parameter of the backup oxygen supply unit, at least one alarm condition, the gas flow rate through the gas inlet and / or at least one gas outlet, and / or at least one characteristic of the generated or output oxygen (such as the current pressure and / or the current oxygen concentration), and issue a visual and / or audible alarm when exceeding or falling below a preset limit value. The alarm monitor is preferably connected to at least one corresponding sensor.

[0060] The alarm monitor is thus used for reliable automatic monitoring of the oxygen supply of the backup oxygen supply unit and the entire oxygen supply system.

[0061] In a corresponding embodiment, the backup oxygen supply unit preferably has at least one interface as a gas outlet for connection to life-saving or life-sustaining medical equipment, such as anesthesia equipment or active breathing equipment (these equipment can be included in the oxygen supply system).

[0062] Alternatively, as a supplement, the emergency oxygen supply unit may also be provided with at least one air intake port for connecting to the gas outlets of one or more auxiliary breathing devices, which may consist of multiple components, such as a flowmeter with a breathing mask and / or nasal cannula (these components may also be included in the oxygen supply system). Such an air intake port may be designed as a plug assembly, particularly a socket strip, with multiple (preferably all conforming to DIN or NIST standards) jacks for connecting to the respective auxiliary breathing devices. In this way, in medical applications, the oxygen supply system can provide respiratory support to multiple patients simultaneously. Between at least one air intake port and the corresponding breathing device, the flowmeter also serves as an external flow regulator in the corresponding embodiment, thereby enabling individual adjustment of the oxygen amount for each patient supplied with gas through the oxygen supply system.

[0063] At at least one outlet of the oxygen generation device and / or - in embodiments including an emergency oxygen supply unit - at at least one of its gas outlets, preferably at least one filtration module may be provided for filtering impurities (such as particles, moisture, viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, and / or oil residues) in the output oxygen. In particular, preferably no other functional components of the oxygen supply system are provided between the filtration module and the respective outlet or gas outlet (along the oxygen flow direction). In this way, the biocompatibility of the gas path (i.e., the entire pneumatic circuit within the system) can be ensured without additional control of individual components, meeting the requirements of standards and pharmacopoeias. At least one filtration module may be designed as a single filter or as a combination of multiple filters, with at least two filters specifically filtering different types of impurities.

[0064] In a preferred variant, the oxygen supply system of the present invention includes a transport case for or capable of accommodating the oxygen generation device, thus particularly constituting an accommodation space for accommodating at least part of the oxygen generation device. When the oxygen generation device is placed within this accommodation space, it preferably contacts the corresponding walls of the transport case on opposite sides. This can reduce the risk of the oxygen generation device sliding during transportation, thereby reducing the likelihood of equipment damage.

[0065] The transport case may include a bottom and a detachable and / or hinged lid. In the closed state of the transport case, the lid is preferably fixable to the bottom.

[0066] The transport case is preferably capable of achieving airtight, dust-tight, and / or splash-proof, and even fully waterproof sealing. In this way, the oxygen generation device placed within the transport case can be excellently protected and transportation is more convenient. The transport case may also be designed such that it together with the oxygen generation device inside can float on water.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the transport case is made entirely or partially of plastic, particularly polyester fiber material, thereby achieving excellent durability and a relatively low self-weight. Preferably, the weight of the empty case does not exceed 35 kilograms, and more preferably does not exceed 30 kilograms.

[0068] The transport box can be designed according to military standards, for example, certified by 15 MIL-Spec and / or MIL-STD 810. Preferably, at least part of the interior of the transport box is lined with an elastic material to achieve shock-absorbing protection, thereby providing excellent protection for the oxygen gas generation system during transportation. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the interior of the transport box can be made of sound-insulating or sound-absorbing material to significantly reduce noise emissions when the device is operating inside the (possibly open) transport box (or its bottom).

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the transport box has a basic shape similar to a cuboid. This facilitates stacking and storage, especially during transportation, where it can be arranged space-savingly together with other transport boxes.

[0070] The transport box is preferably equipped with at least two handles. In the corresponding embodiment, the handles can be respectively provided on the lid and / or the bottom. Particularly preferably, the handles adopt a movable suspension structure, especially rotatable relative to the lid and / or the bottom. In this way, when lifting or carrying the transport box (including the oxygen generation device inside), the handles can be flipped open from the box wall for easy grasping, and can be fitted against the box wall when the oxygen supply system needs to be stored compactly.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the oxygen supply system of the present invention is at least equipped with one roller, through which the oxygen generation device can be moved and repositioned. At least one roller can be designed to enable movement (repositioning) in a state where the oxygen generation device is not lifted and / or in a state where it is partially (e.g., unilaterally) lifted.

[0072] At least one such roller can be provided on the oxygen generation device, especially on its housing, thus simplifying the repositioning of the device. If the oxygen supply system is equipped with the transport box as described above, then (as an alternative or supplement) at least one roller can be provided on the transport box, thus facilitating the movement of the transport box together with the oxygen generation device inside.

[0073] At least one roller can have an adjustable, especially foldable suspension structure, such as an axis rotatable relative to the oxygen generation device or the transport box. In this way, the oxygen supply system can achieve a particularly compact shape when stored.

[0074] The method of the present invention is used to provide an oxygen gas with an oxygen content higher than that of ambient air, for example, containing at least 75 volume percent, at least 80 volume percent, or even at least 90 volume percent of oxygen.

[0075] The method includes operating an oxygen supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] In particular, the method may include providing oxygen ventilation for a plurality of patients (e.g., via a breathing mask or nasal cannula respectively). These patients are connected to an oxygen generating device, or in a corresponding embodiment, to a backup oxygen supply unit of an oxygen supply system. In the latter case, the backup oxygen supply unit is preferably arranged in a room different from the oxygen generating device during ventilation. The plurality of patients may be five or more.

[0077] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the various elements and components may also be used in combinations different from the illustrated manner.

[0078] The accompanying drawings show:

[0079] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of an oxygen generating device of a first exemplary embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of an oxygen generating device of a second exemplary embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 3 : A partial structure of an adsorption device of an exemplary embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 4 : A schematic diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention; and

[0083] Figure 5 : A transport box of an exemplary embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a mobile oxygen generating device 1 of a first embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention is shown, and a typical implementation process of the method of the present invention is thereby illustrated. The mass of the oxygen generating device 1 is preferably not more than 90 kg or not more than 80 kg.

[0085] The oxygen generating device 1 includes a housing 17, and the housing is provided with an air inlet 11 for ambient air L. After the ambient air L enters through the air inlet 11, it is guided to a compressor 12, and the compressor 12 preferably compresses it to a pressure higher than the current ambient pressure by at least 1 bar, 1.5 bar or 2.4 bar.

[0086] The air compressed in this way is fed into a (here single) adsorption device 10, and the adsorption device 10 generates oxygen gas S from the air by pressure swing adsorption, and the oxygen content of the gas is at least 90 volume percent. Preferably, the adsorption device 10 is a multi-chamber structure, each chamber contains at least one adsorbent (especially zeolite), and may be equipped with a closing device as described above.

[0087] The generated oxygen gas S is further compressed in a booster 13, preferably to at least 1.5 bar, 2 bar, 2.5 bar, 5 bar, 5.5 bar, 6 bar or 6.5 bar. Subsequently, the compressed oxygen gas is stored in a (here single) gas storage tank 14, which preferably includes at least one coil for collecting the oxygen gas S and can be output through (here two) gas outlets 15. One of the gas outlets 15 is equipped with a pressure regulator 16, which can be used to set the required output pressure of the oxygen S.

[0088] In particular, at least one gas outlet 15 is preferably connectable to an oxygen cylinder filling system and / or medical equipment (such as anesthetic equipment or a breathing mask, not shown in the figure). The adjustment of the pressure regulator 16 can be set automatically or manually by the user according to the number and / or type of the connected equipment.

[0089] Figure 1 The housing of the oxygen generation device 1 shown encloses the compressor 12, the adsorption device 10, the booster 13 and the gas storage tank 14, as well as the device electronic unit 18 arranged in the internal space I of the device.

[0090] Such a device electronic unit 18 can be constituted (if necessary, together with at least one other electronic component), in particular as part of a computing unit, which can be used to control, regulate and / or monitor the adsorption device 10, the compressor 12, the booster 13, the gas storage tank 14 and / or the pressure regulator 16, and / or communicate with the user through an (unshown) input and / or output unit.

[0091] As Figure 1 As shown in the schematic diagram, the waste gas A generated during pressure swing adsorption in the adsorption device 11 is guided to the internal space I of the device, especially flowing towards the device electronic unit 18, where the waste gas A surrounds and cools the electronic unit. Subsequently, under the action of at least one fan 19, the waste gas A is discharged to the external environment of the oxygen generation device 1 through the outlet of the housing 17.

[0092] Figure 2 The structure of the oxygen generation device 1' of the second embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention is schematically shown. The oxygen generation device 1' is equipped with two adsorption devices 10', which preferably can work separately (sequentially) or synchronously. Preferably, at least one adsorption device 10' is of a multi-chamber structure, each chamber containing at least one adsorbent (especially zeolite) and can be equipped with a closing device as described above.

[0093] Each adsorption device 10' introduces ambient air through its respective air inlet 11', and the air is preferably compressed to a pressure higher than the current ambient pressure by at least 1 bar, 1.5 bar or 2.4 bar by its respective compressor 12'.

[0094] The oxygen gas S generated by the adsorption device 12' is jointly fed into a booster 14', which compresses it to at least 1.5 bar, 2 bar, 2.5 bar, 5 bar, 5.5 bar, 6 bar or 6.5 bar according to the above method and then stores it in a gas storage tank 14'. The generated gas can be discharged through (here are two) air outlets 15' as described above, and one of the air outlets is equipped with a pressure regulator 16' for setting the desired ideal pressure of the oxygen output.

[0095] The housing 17' encloses the compressor 12', the adsorption device 10', the booster 13' and the gas storage tank 14'.

[0096] The waste gas A discharged from each adsorption device 10' is guided to the internal space I' of the oxygen generation device 1' and discharged through an exhaust port on the housing 17' by at least one fan 19'. Preferably, the formed waste gas stream A passes through the equipment electronic unit, thereby cooling it; for the sake of simplicity of illustration, Figure 2 the equipment electronic unit is not shown.

[0097] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the adsorption device 10” of the oxygen generation device in the oxygen supply system of the present invention, drawn in its predetermined use direction; this adsorption device 10” can correspond to Figure 1 the adsorption device 10 shown and / or Figure 2 the adsorption device 10' shown.

[0098] The adsorption device 10” has a multi-chamber structure, and is provided with a plurality of waste gas outlets 101a, 101b and a closing device 102 at its top. The closing device 102 can include a stepper motor. This device is used to open or close the outlets of each adsorption chamber, especially the waste gas outlets 101a, 101b, according to the saturation state of the adsorbent.

[0099] The top of the adsorption device 10” is hermetically connected to the cover 103 through a radial sealing ring 104, thereby forming a space P between the top and the cover 103. The cover 103 covers the waste gas outlets 101a, 101b and the closing device 102.

[0100] The cover 103 is provided with an opening inside which a moisture-proof device 105 is installed. As Figure 3 shown, this moisture-proof device 105 allows the waste gas A to be discharged from the space P, but prevents external moisture F from entering the space P. This can protect the adsorption device 10”, especially during equipment shutdown or storage, and extend its functional life and reliability.

[0101] In Figure 4, schematically shows an embodiment of a portable oxygen supply system 100 of the present invention, the system comprises an oxygen generator 1" and a backup oxygen supply unit 2; the oxygen generator 1" is provided with an air inlet 11" and an air outlet 15", and its structure and function can be the same as Figure 1 Oxygen generator 1 or Figure 2 Therefore, the specific details of the oxygen production device 1 "are Figure 4 It is not repeated in the display.

[0102] The oxygen generator 1″ and the backup oxygen supply unit 2 have independent housings 17″ and 20, respectively, and are detachably connected via a gas pipeline 211, a control line 221, and a power line 23 in the illustrated state. In particular, the gas pipeline 211 connects the gas outlet 15″ of the oxygen generator 1″ with the gas inlet 24 of the backup oxygen supply unit 2.

[0103] In a separated state (not shown), the oxygen generator 1″ and the backup oxygen supply unit 2 can be transported separately. The backup oxygen supply unit 2 is powered by the oxygen generator 1″ via a power cord 23, for example, by a generator that is built into or connected to the backup oxygen supply unit 2 and / or by a battery in or connected to the oxygen generator 1″.

[0104] The gas pipeline 211 is connected to a gas pipeline system 21 at the gas inlet 24 of the backup oxygen supply unit 2, which includes three check valves 212a, 212b, 212c and particularly extends from the gas inlet 24 to the gas outlets 26a, 26b. At the gas outlet 26a, an anesthesia device 4 is connected here, or an active breathing device 5 may also be connected.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the gas outlet 26b is used as a gas extraction port for connecting multiple auxiliary breathing devices. In the illustrated embodiment, each gas outlet 26 is connected to two output devices, which are in the form of a nasal oxygen tube 6 and a breathing mask 7, each of which is equipped with a corresponding flow regulator 8.

[0106] Filter modules 27a and 27b are provided at the gas outlets 26a and 26b, respectively. Through these filter modules, it is possible to ensure that the oxygen provided to the patient achieves the required biocompatibility in the entire gas circuit system without the need for tedious testing and verification of individual components.

[0107] Through the control line system 22 of the backup oxygen supply unit 2 (at Figure 4 ), wherein a control line 221 is connected, and in particular the oxygen output of the gas outlets 26a, 26b can be controlled.

[0108] The emergency oxygen supply unit 2 further includes two oxygen cylinders 25a, 25b, which are connected to the gas pipeline system 21 and can also be controlled through the control circuit system 22 of the emergency oxygen supply unit 2.

[0109] The oxygen supply system 100 is configured to be automatically switched from the first operating mode of the emergency oxygen supply unit 2 (i.e., only supplying the oxygen generated by the oxygen generator 1” and input through the gas pipeline 211 to the gas outlets 26a, 26b) to the second operating mode of the emergency oxygen supply unit 2, in which the gas outlets 26a, 26b are at least partially supplied with oxygen by the first oxygen cylinder 25a. This switch can be achieved especially based on the oxygen supply capacity of the oxygen generator; the oxygen supply capacity can be determined, for example, by measuring the flow rate or pressure at the outlet of the oxygen generator and / or in the gas pipeline system 21.

[0110] In this way, when the oxygen supply capacity of the oxygen generator is insufficient (e.g., due to a fault), it can be temporarily switched to be supplied with oxygen by the first oxygen cylinder 25a.

[0111] The oxygen supply system 100 is further configured to be automatically switched from the second operating mode of the emergency oxygen supply unit 2 to the third operating mode, in which, in addition to the first oxygen cylinder 25a, the second oxygen cylinder 25b can also be used for oxygen supply. This switch can be achieved, for example, based on the flow rate or pressure in the gas pipeline system 21 and / or based on the (calculated or measured) remaining capacity of the first oxygen cylinder 25a.

[0112] In this way, a transition can be made during the period when the oxygen supply capacity of the oxygen generator decreases or fails, for example, for troubleshooting (such as a bent pipeline) or replacing the oxygen generator 1”.

[0113] Figure 4 The illustrated emergency oxygen supply unit 2 is equipped with an alarm monitor 28. The alarm monitor 28 can be used to display at least one functional parameter of the oxygen generator 1”, at least one operating parameter of the emergency oxygen supply unit 2, the gas flow rate through the air inlet 24 and / or at least one gas outlet 26a and / or through at least one gas outlet 26b and / or at least one characteristic of the generated or output oxygen (such as the current pressure and / or the current oxygen concentration). Additionally or as a supplement, the alarm monitor 28 can also issue visual and / or audible alarms.

[0114] The alarm monitor 28 is preferably detachably mounted on the outside of the housing 20, and even if the alarm monitor 28 is removed, the oxygen can continue to be output through at least one gas outlet 26a, 26b.

[0115] Figure 5Shows the transport box 3 of an embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention. The transport box 3 has a basic cuboid shape, including a bottom 30 and a lid 31 that can be completely detached from the bottom in this example. Through the snap 32a and its corresponding snap groove 32b( Figure 5 Only two snaps 32a and snap grooves 32b are marked for easy illustration in Figure 5 ), when the lid 31 is placed on the bottom 30, it can be fixed. Preferably, the transport box 3 closed in this way can achieve airtight, dust-proof and / or splash-proof (even waterproof).

[0116] The transport box 3 forms a space R for accommodating an oxygen generating device( Figure 5 not shown); when the oxygen generating device is placed in the space R, preferably at least two of its sides are respectively in close contact with the opposite wall surfaces of the transport box 3, and these wall surfaces are lined with elastic material 33 for shock absorption; preferably, the elastic material 33 also has sound insulation or sound absorption function.

[0117] The transport box 3 is also equipped with four rollers 34. Due to the perspective, Figure 5 only two of them can be seen in Figure 5 . Preferably, these rollers have an adjustable suspension structure, so that they can be retracted into the box wall when storing the transport box or the oxygen supply system, and can be fully or partially extended when moving is required. After the rollers are retracted, it can prevent the transport box from rolling accidentally, and at the same time facilitate extremely space-saving storage.

[0118] The transport box can be moved entirely by the four rollers, and / or moved only by two rollers when lifted on one side.

[0119] In the shown embodiment, rotatable handles 35 are provided on both the bottom 30 and the lid 31. Through these handles, the transport box together with the internal oxygen generating device can be lifted and carried, or carried and / or dragged when rolling. In Figure 5 the shown storage state, the handle 35 is embedded in the outer wall of the bottom 30 or the lid 31 and does not protrude, so it will not interfere with stacking or occupy extra space when storing the transport box.

[0120] The present invention discloses a portable oxygen supply system 100, including oxygen generating devices 1, 1', 1”. The oxygen generating devices 1, 1', 1” at least include one compressor 12, 12' for compressing ambient air L, and at least one adsorption device 10, 10', 10” that can generate oxygen gas S with a high oxygen content from the ambient air L compressed by at least one compressor 12, 12' by pressure swing adsorption method. In addition, the oxygen generating devices 1, 1', 1” also include at least one booster 13, 13' for boosting the generated gas S, at least one gas storage tank 14, 14' for storing the gas compressed by at least one booster, and one or more gas outlets 15, 15' for outputting the generated gas from at least one gas storage tank 14, 14'.

[0121] Also disclosed is a method for providing oxygen gas S, the method comprising operating an oxygen supply system 100.

[0122] Reference numeral

[0123] 1, 1', 1” oxygen generation device

[0124] 10, 10', 10” adsorption device

[0125] 101a, 101b exhaust gas outlet

[0126] 102 closing device

[0127] 103 cover

[0128] 104 radial sealing ring

[0129] 105 moisture-proof device

[0130] 106 lead device for powering the closing device

[0131] 11, 11', 11” inlet

[0132] 12, 12' compressor

[0133] 13, 13' booster

[0134] 14, 14' gas storage tank

[0135] 15, 15', 15” outlet

[0136] 16, 16' pressure regulator

[0137] 17, 17' housing

[0138] 18 equipment electronic unit

[0139] 19, 19' fan

[0140] 20 spare oxygen supply unit housing

[0141] 21 gas pipeline system

[0142] 211 gas pipeline

[0143] 212a, 212b, 212c check valve

[0144] 22 control circuit system

[0145] 221 control line

[0146] 23 power line

[0147] 24 inlet

[0148] 25a, 25b Oxygen cylinders

[0149] 26a, 26b Gas outlets

[0150] 27a, 27b Filter modules

[0151] 28 Alarm monitor

[0152] 3 Transport box

[0153] 30 Bottom of the box

[0154] 31 Box cover

[0155] 32a Buckle

[0156] 32b Buckle groove

[0157] 33 Elastic material

[0158] 34 Roller

[0159] 35 Handle

[0160] 4 Anesthesia equipment

[0161] 5 Active breathing equipment

[0162] 6 Nasal oxygen tube

[0163] 7 Breathing mask

[0164] 8 Flow regulator

[0165] A Exhaust gas

[0166] I Internal space

[0167] L Ambient air

[0168] P Space formed by the cover and the adsorption device

[0169] R Accommodation space

[0170] S Generated oxygen gas

Claims

1. A portable oxygen supply system (100), comprising an oxygen generation device (1, 1', 1”), which includes: - At least one compressor (12, 12') for compressing ambient air (L); - At least one adsorption device (10, 10', 10”) configured to generate oxygen gas (S) with a high oxygen content from the ambient air (L) compressed by at least one of the compressors by pressure swing adsorption; - At least one booster (13, 13') for boosting the generated oxygen gas (S); - At least one gas storage tank (14, 14') for storing the oxygen gas boosted by at least one of the boosters; and - At least one gas outlet (15, 15') for outputting the generated oxygen gas from at least one of the gas storage tanks (14, 14').

2. The oxygen supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a backup oxygen supply unit (2), the backup oxygen supply unit including: - A housing (20) separated from the oxygen generation device (1, 1', 1”); - An air inlet (24) detachably connectable to at least one of the gas outlets (15, 15') of the oxygen generation device; - At least one gas outlet (26a, 26b) for connecting to at least one output device (4, 5, 6, 7), wherein the oxygen supply system is configured to be able to receive the generated oxygen gas through the air inlet (24) via the backup oxygen supply unit (2), and further selectively or additionally output oxygen from at least one oxygen cylinder (25a, 25b), the oxygen cylinders (25a, 25b) being provided in or mounted on the housing (20).

3. The oxygen supply system according to claim 2, wherein the oxygen supply system is configured to be able to automatically switch from outputting the generated oxygen gas received from the backup oxygen supply unit (2) through the air inlet (24) to supplementing or specifically distributing oxygen gas from at least one of the oxygen cylinders (25a, 25b).

4. The oxygen supply system according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the backup oxygen supply unit (2) further includes an alarm monitor (28) for displaying: - At least one functional parameter of the oxygen generation device (1, 1', 1”), - At least one operating parameter of the backup oxygen supply unit (2), - At least one alarm condition, - The gas flow rate through the air inlet (24) and / or at least one of the gas outlets (26a, 26b) of the backup oxygen supply unit (2), and / or - At least one characteristic of the generated oxygen gas.

5. The oxygen supply system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the backup oxygen supply unit (2) as the gas outlet (26a, 26b): - At least includes an interface for connecting to an anesthesia device (4) and / or an active breathing device (5), and / or - Includes a gas extraction port for connecting to one or more assisted breathing devices (6, 7).

6. The oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein -at at least one gas outlet (15) of the oxygen generation device (1, 1', 1"); -and / or--for an oxygen supply system having the features of claim 2--at at least one gas outlet (26a, 26b) of the standby oxygen supply unit (2), there is provided at least one filter module (27a, 27b) for filtering impurities in the oxygen gas.

7. The oxygen supply system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the gas storage tanks (14, 14') includes at least one coil section for collecting the generated gas (S).

8. The oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one waste gas outlet (101a, 101b) is provided at the top of the at least one adsorption device (10, 10', 10") in the predetermined use direction of the oxygen generation device (1, 1', 1"), and is hermetically connected to a cover (103), the cover (103) covering the at least one waste gas outlet (101a, 101b) and having an opening with a moisture-proof device (105). The moisture-proof device prevents moisture (F) from entering the space (P) formed by the cover and the top, and allows waste gas (A) to be discharged from the space (P).

9. The oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen generation device (1, 1', 1") includes at least one or at least two multi-chamber adsorption devices (10"), and each multi-chamber adsorption device includes: -a plurality of adsorption chambers, each adsorption chamber containing an adsorbent; and -a closing device (102) for sequentially opening the gas inlets of the plurality of adsorption chambers for pressurization / filling with compressed ambient air, and opening or closing the gas outlets of the respective adsorption chambers according to the saturation state of the respective adsorbents.

10. The oxygen supply system according to claim 8 in combination with the additional features of claim 7, wherein the cover (103) also covers the closing device (102), and the cover and / or the connection between the cover and the adsorption device (10") includes at least one airtight lead device (106) for the power supply line of the closing device (102).

11. The oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen generation device is provided with an exhaust gas guiding structure for guiding the exhaust gas (A) generated during the pressure swing adsorption process to the internal space of the oxygen generation device and / or at least one device electronic unit (18) for cooling.

12. The oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at the gas outlet or gas outlets (15, 15') of the oxygen generation device: -the outlet pressure of the output gas can be adjusted, and / or -at least one medical device can be connected through a threaded connection, snap connection, and / or medical standard interface, and in particular, multiple medical devices of the same or different types can be connected simultaneously.

13. The oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen generation device includes an oxygen cylinder filling system, and / or can be connected to the filling system through respective threaded connections, snap connections, and / or medical standard interfaces.

14. The oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen generation device includes a calculation unit, -the calculation unit is connected to at least one input device for adjustment and / or to an output device for displaying at least one operating parameter and / or function of the oxygen generation device, and / or -the calculation unit has a wireless and / or wired connection interface for one-way or two-way communication with an external calculation unit.

15. The oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen generation device includes a control unit for monitoring at least one function of the oxygen generation device, and / or measuring the oxygen content and / or carbon monoxide content of the generated gas during continuous generation (or propagation) and / or output.

16. A method of providing an oxygen gas (S), the method comprising operating an oxygen supply system according to any one of the preceding claims.

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