Three-way valve and oxygen concentrator

Abstract

A three-way valve (10) includes a manifold (50) in which flow paths are formed, the flow paths including a gas supply port (71), a gas supply passage (75), a gas discharge port (72), a gas discharge passage (76), a supply / discharge port (73, 74), a supply / discharge passage (77, 78), and valve chambers (51, 52), valve spools (23, 24) housed in the valve chambers (51, 52) and capable of being displaced to a first position (P1) in which the gas supply port (71) communicates with the supply / discharge passages (77, 78) or a second position (P2) in which the gas discharge port (72) communicates with the supply / discharge passages (77, 78), and a pilot mechanism (30) that switches the positions of the valve spools (23, 24) to the first position (P1) or the second position (P2), the manifold (50) being configured by laminating a plurality of plate-shaped manifold members (60) in the plate thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a three-way valve and an oxygen concentrator including the three-way valve. Background Technology

[0002] An oxygen concentrator is known to generate high-concentration oxygen containing more oxygen than that in the air and supply it to a user. This oxygen concentrator is used, for example, in oxygen therapy for patients (users) with lung disease that impairs lung function.

[0003] In conventional oxygen concentrators, three-way valves are used as control valves to control the pressurization and exhaust circulation of the two adsorption cylinders. For example, a three-way valve disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a three-way valve used in oxygen concentrators. The three-way valve disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an internally pilot-operated three-way valve. The internally pilot-operated three-way valve includes: a valve core comprising a connecting rod and a diaphragm; a manifold internally forming a space for receiving the valve core and an air flow path; and a pilot valve for switching the target of pilot pressure application, etc., and is configured such that by moving the valve core through the pilot pressure, the flow path communicating with the two adsorption cylinders is switched to the pressurization side and the exhaust side. Furthermore, the three-way valve disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a double three-way valve (hereinafter also referred to as an internally pilot-operated double three-way valve) having a structure that connects two three-way valves into one unit.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-168087 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Generally, various devices such as oxygen concentrators often desire further miniaturization and weight reduction. However, in devices with the aforementioned three-way valve, the size and weight of the three-way valve can sometimes become major obstacles to further miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a smaller and lighter three-way valve and oxygen concentrator compared to previous designs.

[0010] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0011] (1) The three-way valve of this disclosure includes: a manifold, the manifold forming a flow path, the flow path including a first port, a first passage connected to the first port, a second port, a second passage connected to the second port, a third port, a third passage connected to the third port, and a valve chamber communicating with the first passage, the second passage and the third passage; a valve core, the valve core being housed in the valve chamber and capable of being displaced to a first position communicating with the first port and the third port or a second position communicating with the second port and the third port; and a switching mechanism, the switching mechanism switching the position of the valve core to the first position or the second position, the manifold being constructed by stacking multiple plate-shaped manifold components along the thickness direction of the plate.

[0012] According to the three-way valve disclosed herein, by employing a manifold with a stacked structure, the cross-sectional shape of the passages constituting each flow path within the manifold can be made to be a shape other than circular, thereby improving the space efficiency (the ratio of the space to be ensured within the manifold to its volume) within the manifold. This enables the miniaturization and weight reduction of the three-way valve.

[0013] (2) Preferably, the three-way valve of (1) of this disclosure comprises the following flow path formed in the manifold: a first valve chamber as a first valve chamber; a second valve chamber as a second valve chamber; a first connecting path that connects the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber and is connected to the first passage; a second connecting path that connects the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber and is connected to the second passage; a first valve chamber side third port as a third port on one side of the first valve chamber; a first valve chamber side third passage as a third passage on one side of the first valve chamber; a second valve chamber side third port as a third port on one side of the second valve chamber; and a second valve chamber side third passage as a third passage on one side of the second valve chamber, wherein the valve core comprises a first valve core as a first valve core and a second valve core as a second valve core, the first valve core being housed in the first valve chamber and the second valve core being housed in the second valve chamber.

[0014] In this case, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and lightweight design even when the three-way valve is a double three-way valve.

[0015] (3) In the three-way valve of (2) of this disclosure, it is preferred that the first connecting path and / or the second connecting path are formed by the recesses of the boundary surfaces of the adjacent manifold members.

[0016] In this configuration, by forming a stacked structure in the manifold, the first and second connecting paths can be formed at the boundary portions of the manifold components. This improves the space efficiency within the manifold and enables its miniaturization.

[0017] (4) In the three-way valve of (2) or (3) of this disclosure, preferably, the flow path formed in the manifold further includes: a first pilot passage communicating with the first valve chamber; a second pilot passage communicating with the second valve chamber; and a third pilot passage communicating with the first pilot passage or the second pilot passage and the first passage. The first valve core also has a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, which are deformable by the pressure of the fluid supplied to the first valve chamber via the first pilot passage. The second valve core also has a third diaphragm and a fourth diaphragm, which are deformable by the pressure of the fluid supplied to the second valve chamber via the second pilot passage. The switching mechanism is composed of a pilot valve, which switches the communication target of the third pilot passage to either the first pilot passage or the second pilot passage, thereby causing either the first valve core or the second valve core to be in the first position and causing the other valve core to be in the second position by the deformation of the first diaphragm, the second diaphragm and the third diaphragm and the fourth diaphragm.

[0018] In this case, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and weight reduction in the case of a pilot-operated three-way valve that operates by pilot pressure.

[0019] (5) In the three-way valve of (4) of this disclosure, preferably, the flow path formed in the manifold further includes a fourth pilot passage, the fourth pilot passage connecting the first pilot passage or the second pilot passage with the second passage, and the pilot valve switching the connection target of the fourth pilot passage to either the first pilot passage or the second pilot passage, thereby deforming the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm or the third diaphragm and the fourth diaphragm.

[0020] In this case, the reliability of the operation of the first valve core and the second valve core can be improved when exhaust is drawn from the second port.

[0021] (6) In the three-way valve of (4) of this disclosure, preferably, the first valve core includes: a first connecting rod; a first diaphragm connected to one end of the first connecting rod; a second diaphragm connected to the other end of the first connecting rod; a first valve portion disposed on the first diaphragm; and a second valve portion disposed on the second diaphragm. The second valve core includes: a second connecting rod; a third diaphragm connected to one end of the second connecting rod; a fourth diaphragm connected to the other end of the second connecting rod; a third valve portion disposed on the third diaphragm; and a fourth valve portion disposed on the fourth diaphragm. The first valve chamber has: a first chamber for receiving the first diaphragm; a second chamber for receiving the second diaphragm; a first connecting hole for communicating the first chamber and the second chamber and receiving the first connecting rod; and an end portion formed on one side of the first chamber of the first connecting hole. The second valve chamber comprises: a first valve seat opposite to the first valve portion; and a second valve seat formed at one end of the second chamber of the first connecting hole and opposite to the second valve portion. The second valve chamber has: a third chamber for receiving the third diaphragm; a fourth chamber for receiving the fourth diaphragm; a second connecting hole connecting the third chamber and the fourth chamber and receiving the second connecting rod; a third valve seat formed at one end of the third chamber of the second connecting hole and opposite to the third valve portion; and a fourth valve seat formed at one end of the fourth chamber of the second connecting hole and opposite to the fourth valve portion. The first connecting passage connects the second chamber and the fourth chamber, the second connecting passage connects the first chamber and the third chamber, the third pilot passage connects to the first passage via the first connecting passage, and the fourth pilot passage connects to the second passage via the second connecting passage.

[0022] In this case, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and lightweight design even when the three-way valve is an internally piloted double three-way valve.

[0023] (7) In the three-way valve of (6) of this disclosure, preferably, in the manifold, the axial directions of the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of manifold components, and the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, the fourth chamber, the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are formed on two or more of the manifold components.

[0024] In this case, a manifold with a stacked structure can be used to construct an internally piloted double three-way valve. This allows for the miniaturization and weight reduction of the internally piloted double three-way valve.

[0025] (8) The oxygen concentration apparatus disclosed herein is an oxygen concentration apparatus that generates high-concentration oxygen containing oxygen at a concentration higher than that in the air and supplies the generated high-concentration oxygen. It includes: an adsorption material capable of adsorbing nitrogen or oxygen contained in the air and desorbing the adsorbed nitrogen or oxygen; a first adsorption cylinder and a second adsorption cylinder for housing the adsorption material; an air supply pipe that supplies air, which serves as the raw material for high-concentration oxygen, to the first adsorption cylinder and the second adsorption cylinder; an exhaust pipe that exhausts the generated high-concentration oxygen from the first adsorption cylinder and the second adsorption cylinder; and a switching valve that alternately selects the first adsorption cylinder or the second adsorption cylinder and connects the selected one to the air supply pipe while connecting the other to the exhaust pipe. The switching valve is composed of the three-way valve described in (4) above.

[0026] In this case, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and lightweighting of oxygen concentration devices. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the three-way valve (first embodiment) of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the three-way valve (first embodiment) of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3A This is a top view showing the first manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0030] Figure 3B This is a bottom view showing the first manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0031] Figure 3C This is a rear view showing the first manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0032] Figure 4A This is a top view showing the second manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0033] Figure 4B This is a bottom view showing the second manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0034] Figure 5A This is a top view showing the third manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0035] Figure 5B This is a bottom view showing the third manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0036] Figure 6A This is a top view showing the fourth manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0037] Figure 6BThis is a bottom view showing the fourth manifold component of the first three-way valve.

[0038] Figure 7A This is an explanatory diagram of the operation (first mode) of the three-way valve disclosed herein.

[0039] Figure 7B This is an explanatory diagram of the operation (second mode) of the three-way valve disclosed herein.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the three-way valve (second embodiment) of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the three-way valve (second embodiment) of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 10A This is a top view showing the first manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0043] Figure 10B This is a bottom view showing the first manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0044] Figure 10C This is a rear view showing the first manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0045] Figure 11A This is a top view showing the second manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0046] Figure 11B This is a bottom view showing the second manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0047] Figure 12A This is a top view showing the third manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0048] Figure 12B This is a bottom view showing the third manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0049] Figure 13A This is a top view showing the fourth manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0050] Figure 13B This is a bottom view showing the fourth manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0051] Figure 14A This is a top view showing the fifth manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0052] Figure 14B This is a bottom view showing the fifth manifold component of the second three-way valve.

[0053] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of an oxygen concentration apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 16 This is a block diagram used to illustrate the oxygen concentration process of an oxygen concentration device.

[0055] Figure 17 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the pressure change of the adsorption cartridge during one cycle and the switching state of the control valve of the oxygen concentration unit. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The oxygen supply device of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is shown in the form of claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0057] [Overall structure of the three-way valve (first embodiment) disclosed herein]

[0058] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the three-way valve (first embodiment) of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the three-way valve of this disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure shows a three-way valve 10 as an example of a three-way valve in this disclosure. Figure 1 The three-way valve 10 shown is the three-way valve 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure, and is also referred to as the first three-way valve 10A in the following description. In addition, when referred to simply as "three-way valve 10" in the following description, the common structure of the first three-way valve 10A of the first embodiment and the three-way valve of the second embodiment (the second three-way valve 10B described below) will be described.

[0059] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The three-way valve 10 shown is an internally pilot-operated double three-way valve. In this embodiment, the three-way valve 10, which is an internally pilot-operated double three-way valve, is used as an example to describe the three-way valve of this disclosure. However, although the three-way valve of this disclosure is described as an internally pilot-operated double three-way valve, it may also be a single (non-double) three-way valve, or a three-way valve that does not operate by pilot pressure.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the three-way valve 10 includes a control valve 20, a pilot mechanism 30, and a manifold 50. In this embodiment of the three-way valve 10, the control valve 20 includes a first control valve 21 and a second control valve 22. In this embodiment of the three-way valve 10, the pilot mechanism 30 includes a first pilot valve 31 and a second pilot valve 32. The manifold 50 includes a first valve chamber 51 for receiving the first control valve 21 and a second valve chamber 52 for receiving the second control valve 22. Thus, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The three-way valve 10 shown is a pilot-operated double three-way valve including a pair of first control valves 21 and second control valves 22, and a pair of first pilot valves 31 and second pilot valves 32. In this embodiment, the three-way valve 10, as an internally piloted double three-way valve, will be used as an example to describe the three-way valve of this disclosure. Furthermore, in the following description, the X, Y, and Z directions for the three-way valve 10 are defined as follows: The X direction in this description includes the arrangement direction of the first control valves 21 and second control valves 22 and the direction parallel to it. The Z direction in this description includes the displacement direction of each valve core (first valve core 23 and second valve core 24 described later) of the first control valves 21 and second control valves 22 and the direction parallel to it. The Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions. In the following explanation, the direction pointed to by the arrow in the X direction in each figure will be called the right and its opposite direction will be called the left, the direction pointed to by the arrow in the Y direction will be called the front and its opposite direction will be called the back, and the direction pointed to by the arrow in the Z direction will be called the top and its opposite direction will be called the bottom.

[0061] (Regarding control valves)

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the three-way valve 10 includes a first control valve 21 and a second control valve 22 arranged in the left-right direction (X direction).

[0063] The first control valve 21 includes a first valve core 23. The first valve core 23 includes a first connecting rod 23a, a first diaphragm 23b fixed to one end of the first connecting rod 23a, a second diaphragm 23c fixed to the other end of the first connecting rod 23a, a first valve portion 23d disposed on the side of the first diaphragm 23b of the first connecting rod 23a, and a second valve portion 23e disposed on the side of the second diaphragm 23c of the first connecting rod 23a. The first valve core 23 is housed in the first valve chamber 51 of the manifold 50 with the first connecting rod 23a axially oriented in the Z direction. The first diaphragm 23b divides a first chamber A1, and a pilot chamber A1a is formed on the side (the upper side in this embodiment) that holds the first diaphragm 23b. The first diaphragm 23b deforms within the first chamber A1 according to the pressure of the pilot fluid supplied to the pilot chamber A1a. The first connecting rod 23a displaces in the Z direction along with the deformation of the first diaphragm 23b. The second diaphragm 23c deforms within the second chamber A2 as the first connecting rod 23a is displaced.

[0064] The second control valve 22 includes a second valve core 24. The second valve core 24 includes a second connecting rod 24a, a third diaphragm 24b fixed to one end of the second connecting rod 24a, a fourth diaphragm 24c fixed to the other end of the second connecting rod 24a, a third valve portion 24d disposed on the side of the third diaphragm 24b of the second connecting rod 24a, and a fourth valve portion 24e disposed on the side of the fourth diaphragm 24c of the second connecting rod 24a. The second valve core 24 is housed in the second valve chamber 52 of the manifold 50 with the second connecting rod 24a axially oriented in the Z direction. The third diaphragm 24b divides a third chamber A3, and a pilot chamber A3a is formed on the side (upper side in this embodiment) that sandwiches the third diaphragm 24b. The third diaphragm 24b deforms within the third chamber A3 according to the pressure of the pilot fluid supplied to the pilot chamber A3a. The second connecting rod 24a displaces in the Z direction along with the deformation of the third diaphragm 24b. The fourth diaphragm 24c deforms within the fourth chamber A4 as the second connecting rod 24a is displaced.

[0065] (Regarding the pilot valve)

[0066] The first pilot valve 31 is a solenoid valve that controls the displacement (position switching) of the first valve core 23. The second pilot valve 32 is a solenoid valve that controls the displacement (position switching) of the second valve core 24. In this embodiment, both the first pilot valve 31 and the second pilot valve 32 are three-port valves. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 (and the following explanation) Figure 8 In the middle, the numbers “1”, “2” or “3” marked near the first pilot valve 31 and the second pilot valve 32 indicate the port number of the valve.

[0067] (Regarding manifolds)

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the manifold 50, the first valve chamber 51 housing the first valve core 23 includes: a first chamber A1 housing the first diaphragm 23b; a second chamber A2 housing the second diaphragm 23c; and a first connecting hole B1, which is a space connecting the first chamber A1 and the second chamber A2 and housing the first connecting rod 23a. The manifold 50 includes a first valve seat 53 formed at the end of the first connecting hole B1 on the first chamber A1 side and a second valve seat 54 formed at the end of the first connecting hole B1 on the second chamber A2 side. The first connecting hole B1 is formed with its axial direction parallel to the Z direction. In the first valve chamber 51, the first valve core 23 is configured to be displaceable along the Z direction.

[0069] The first valve seat 53 is opposite to the first valve portion 23d housed in the first diaphragm 23b of the first chamber A1. When the first control valve 21 is separated from the first valve portion 23d, fluid can flow between the first chamber A1 (the portion sandwiching the other side (below) of the first diaphragm 23b) and the first connecting hole B1. When the first valve portion 23d and the first valve seat 53 are in close contact, fluid cannot flow between the first chamber A1 and the first connecting hole B1. The second valve seat 54 is opposite to the second valve portion 23e housed in the second diaphragm 23c of the second chamber A2. When the first control valve 21 is separated from the second valve portion 23e, fluid can flow between the second chamber A2 and the first connecting hole B1. When the second valve portion 23e and the second valve seat 54 are in close contact, fluid cannot flow between the second chamber A2 and the first connecting hole B1.

[0070] The position of the first control valve 21 in which the first valve part 23d and the first valve seat 53 are in close contact and the second valve part 23e is separated from the second valve seat 54 is called the first position P1, and the position in which the first valve part 23d and the first valve seat 53 are separated and the second valve part 23e is in close contact with the second valve seat 54 is called the second position P2.

[0071] In the manifold 50, the second valve chamber 52 housing the second valve core 24 includes: a third chamber A3 housing the third diaphragm 24b; a fourth chamber A4 housing the fourth diaphragm 24c; and a second connecting hole B2, which is a space connecting the third chamber A3 and the fourth chamber A4 and housing the second connecting rod 24a. The manifold 50 includes a third valve seat 55 formed at the end of the second connecting hole B2 on the third chamber A3 side and a fourth valve seat 56 formed at the end of the second connecting hole B2 on the fourth chamber A4 side. The second connecting hole B2 is formed with its axial direction parallel to the Z direction. In the second valve chamber 52, the second valve core 24 is configured to be displaceable along the Z direction.

[0072] The third valve seat 55 is opposite to the third valve portion 24d of the third diaphragm 24b housed in the third chamber A3. When the third valve portion 24d is separated from the third valve seat 55, fluid can flow between the third chamber A3 (the portion sandwiching the other side (below) of the third diaphragm 24b) and the second connecting hole B2. When the third valve portion 24d and the third valve seat 55 are in contact, fluid cannot flow between the third chamber A3 and the second connecting hole B2. The fourth valve seat 56 is opposite to the fourth valve portion 24e of the fourth diaphragm 24c housed in the fourth chamber A4. When the fourth valve portion 24e is separated from the fourth valve seat 56, fluid can flow between the fourth chamber A4 and the second connecting hole B2. When the fourth valve portion 24e and the fourth valve seat 56 are in contact, fluid cannot flow between the fourth chamber A4 and the second connecting hole B2.

[0073] The position of the second control valve 22, where the third valve part 24d and the third valve seat 55 are in close contact and the fourth valve part 24e is separated from the fourth valve seat 56, is called the first position P1. The position where the third valve part 24d and the third valve seat 55 are separated and the fourth valve part 24e is in close contact with the fourth valve seat 56 is called the second position P2. In other words, in the first control valve 21 and the second control valve 22, the position where the first valve core 23 and the second valve core 24 are moved to the uppermost position is called the second position P2, and the position where the first valve core 23 and the second valve core 24 are moved to the lowermost position is called the first position P1.

[0074] The manifold 50 has a second connecting passage C2 that connects the first chamber A1 to the third chamber A3 and a first connecting passage C1 that connects the second chamber A2 to the fourth chamber A4.

[0075] The manifold 50 includes an air supply port 71, an exhaust port 72, a first air supply / exhaust port 73, and a second air supply / exhaust port 74 on its outer surface. The three-way valve 10 of this disclosure, by switching the positions of the first valve core 23 of the first control valve 21 and the second valve core 24 of the second control valve 22, connects either the first air supply / exhaust port 73 or the second air supply / exhaust port 74 to the air supply port 71, while simultaneously connecting the other of the first air supply / exhaust port 73 and the second air supply / exhaust port 74 to the exhaust port 72. Furthermore, while the three-way valve 10 of this embodiment shares the air supply port 71 and the exhaust port 72 in both the first control valve 21 and the second control valve 22, it can also be configured such that the first control valve 21 has dedicated air supply ports and exhaust ports, and the second control valve 22 has dedicated air supply ports and exhaust ports.

[0076] The manifold 50 includes, inside: a supply passage 75 connecting the supply port 71 to the first connection passage C1; an exhaust passage 76 connecting the exhaust port 72 to the second connection passage C2; ​​a first supply and exhaust passage 77 connecting the first supply and exhaust port 73 to the first valve chamber 51; and a second supply and exhaust passage 78 connecting the second supply and exhaust port 74 to the second valve chamber 52.

[0077] The manifold 50 includes, on its outer surface, a first pilot port 81, a second pilot port 82, and a third pilot port 83 for connection to the first pilot valve 31, and a fourth pilot port 84, a fifth pilot port 85, and a sixth pilot port 86 for connection to the second pilot valve 32. The manifold 50 includes: a first pilot passage 91 connecting the first pilot port 81 to the first valve chamber 51; a second pilot passage 92 connecting the fourth pilot port 84 to the second valve chamber 52; a third pilot passage 93 connecting the second pilot port 82 and the fifth pilot port 85 to the first connecting passage C1; and a fourth pilot passage 94 connecting the third pilot port 83 and the sixth pilot port 86 to the second connecting passage C2.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the first pilot valve 31 and the second pilot valve 32 are three-port valves. The first pilot valve 31 is attached to the rear surface of the manifold 50 such that the first pilot passage 91 is connected to the first port "1", the third pilot passage 93 is connected to the second port "2", and the fourth pilot passage 94 is connected to the third port "3". The second pilot valve 32 is attached to the rear surface of the manifold 50 such that the second pilot passage 92 is connected to the first port "1", the third pilot passage 93 is connected to the second port "2", and the fourth pilot passage 94 is connected to the third port "3".

[0079] [Regarding the manifold of the three-way valve in the first embodiment]

[0080] Figure 3A This is a top view showing the first manifold component of the first three-way valve. Figure 3B This is a bottom view showing the first manifold component of the first three-way valve. Figure 3C This is a rear view showing the first manifold component of the first three-way valve. Figure 4A This is a top view showing the second manifold component of the first three-way valve. Figure 4B This is a bottom view showing the second manifold component of the first three-way valve. Figure 5A This is a top view showing the third manifold component of the first three-way valve. Figure 5B This is a bottom view showing the third manifold component of the first three-way valve. Figure 6A This is a top view showing the fourth manifold component of the first three-way valve. Figure 6B This is a bottom view showing the fourth manifold component of the first three-way valve. (Example) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the manifold 50 constituting the first three-way valve 10A is composed of four plate-shaped manifold components 60. Furthermore, in the following description, the manifold 50 of the first three-way valve 10A will also be referred to as the first manifold 50A.

[0081] The first manifold 50A is composed of a first manifold component 60 (hereinafter referred to as the first manifold component 61A), a second manifold component 60 (hereinafter referred to as the second manifold component 62A), a third manifold component 60 (hereinafter referred to as the third manifold component 63A) and a fourth manifold component 60 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth manifold component 64A).

[0082] The first manifold 50A is constructed by stacking the first manifold member 61A, the second manifold member 62A, the third manifold member 63A, and the fourth manifold member 64A in the order of the first manifold member 61A, the second manifold member 62A, the third manifold member 63A, and the fourth manifold member 64A along the thickness direction, starting from the upper side of the first connecting rod 23a housed in the first valve chamber 51 and the second connecting rod 24a housed in the second valve chamber 52.

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 3A , 3B As shown, the first manifold member 61A includes a portion of a first chamber A1, a portion of a third chamber A3, a first pilot port 81, a second pilot port 82, a third pilot port 83, a fourth pilot port 84, a fifth pilot port 85, a sixth pilot port 86, a first pilot passage 91, a portion of a second pilot passage 92, a portion of a third pilot passage 93, and a portion of a fourth pilot passage 94.

[0084] like Figure 1 and Figure 4A , 4B As shown, the second manifold component 62A includes a portion of a first chamber A1, a portion of a third chamber A3, a portion of a first connecting hole B1, a portion of a second connecting hole B2, a portion of a first connecting passage C1, a portion of a second connecting passage C2, a first valve seat 53, a third valve seat 55, a portion of a first supply and exhaust passage 77, a portion of a second supply and exhaust passage 78, a portion of a third pilot passage 93, and a portion of a fourth pilot passage 94.

[0085] In the first manifold 50A, the first chamber A1 and the third chamber A3 are formed over two manifold components 60, and are composed of the first manifold component 61A and the second manifold component 62A.

[0086] like Figure 1 and Figure 5A , 5B As shown, the third manifold component 63A includes a portion of the second chamber A2, a portion of the fourth chamber A4, a portion of the first connecting hole B1, a portion of the second connecting hole B2, a portion of the first connecting passage C1, a portion of the second connecting passage C2, a second valve seat 54, a fourth valve seat 56, a portion of the air supply passage 75, a portion of the exhaust passage 76, a portion of the first air supply and exhaust passage 77, a portion of the second air supply and exhaust passage 78, a portion of the third pilot passage 93, and a portion of the fourth pilot passage 94.

[0087] In the first manifold 50A, the first connecting path C1 and the second connecting path C2 are formed by recesses formed on the boundary surfaces of the second manifold member 62A and the third manifold member 63A. Specifically, the first connecting path C1 and the second connecting path C2 are formed by a space surrounded by a plane formed on the lower surface (boundary surface) of the second manifold member 62A and a recess formed on the upper surface (boundary surface) of the third manifold member 63A. Alternatively, the first connecting path C1 and the second connecting path C2 may also be formed by a space surrounded by a recess formed on the lower surface (boundary surface) of the second manifold member 62A and a plane formed on the upper surface (boundary surface) of the third manifold member 63A, or they may be formed by a space surrounded by a recess formed on the lower surface (boundary surface) of the second manifold member 62A and a recess formed on the upper surface (boundary surface) of the third manifold member 63A. Furthermore, the “boundary surface” of adjacent manifold components 60 mentioned here includes the mating surface where the manifold components 60 contact each other and an imaginary surface obtained by extending the aforementioned mating surface to the portion (space) where the recess exists.

[0088] In other words, in the first manifold 50A, the first connecting path C1 and the second connecting path C2 are formed within the area including the boundary surfaces of adjacent manifold members 60 (second manifold member 62A and third manifold member 63A). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where both the first connecting path C1 and the second connecting path C2 are formed within the area including the boundary surfaces of adjacent manifold members 60 is illustrated; however, the first manifold 50A of this disclosure may also be configured such that either the first connecting path C1 or the second connecting path C2 extends into the interior of the manifold member 60.

[0089] For example, in the case where the manifold is constructed from a single metal block as in the past, passages such as the first connecting passage C1 and the second connecting passage C2 are drilled through the block using a drill bit or the like. Since the cross-sectional shape of these passages formed by the drill bit or the like is entirely circular, the blank space outside the passages is necessarily large, resulting in a large block size and increased weight. On the other hand, in the case where the manifold 50 of this disclosure is constructed by stacking plate-shaped manifold members 60 along the thickness direction, passages such as the first connecting passage C1 and the second connecting passage C2 can be formed by recesses provided in the area including the boundary surfaces of adjacent manifold members 60. In the manifold 50 of this disclosure, passages extending in directions orthogonal to the stacking direction of the manifold members 60 can be expanded in the forward-backward and left-right directions, providing greater freedom in the cross-sectional shape of such passages compared to the past. In the manifold 50 with the above structure, blank space outside the passages can be suppressed, resulting in a smaller and lighter manifold.

[0090] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 6A , 6BAs shown, the fourth manifold component 64A includes a portion of the second chamber A2, a portion of the fourth chamber A4, an air supply port 71, a portion of the air supply passage 75, an exhaust port 72, a portion of the exhaust passage 76, a first air supply and exhaust port 73, a portion of the first air supply and exhaust passage 77, a second air supply and exhaust port 74, and a portion of the second air supply and exhaust passage 78.

[0091] In the first manifold 50A, the second chamber A2 and the fourth chamber A4 are formed across the two manifold members 60, and are composed of the third manifold member 63A and the fourth manifold member 64A.

[0092] In the first manifold 50A, the first connecting hole B1 and the second connecting hole B2 are formed in such a way that their axial directions are parallel to the stacking direction of each manifold member 60. In the first manifold 50A, the first connecting hole B1 and the second connecting hole B2 are formed across two manifold members 60 (the second manifold member 62A and the third manifold member 63A).

[0093] [Regarding the operation of the three-way valve]

[0094] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the three-way valve of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the three-way valve 10 of this disclosure is used in a manner where compressed air is supplied to the supply port 71 and gas is drawn out from the exhaust port 72. The three-way valve 10 with the above structure is suitable for VPSA (Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption) type oxygen concentrators that include a pair of adsorption cylinders and reduce pressure by drawing out the other adsorption cylinder while supplying compressed air to one adsorption cylinder. In addition, the three-way valve 10 shown in this embodiment illustrates the case of drawing out gas from the exhaust port 72, but the three-way valve 10 of this disclosure can also be configured to not draw out the exhaust port 72 and instead release gas from the exhaust port 72 to the atmosphere. In this case, the three-way valve 10 is suitable for PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) type oxygen concentrators that include a pair of adsorption cylinders and reduce pressure by releasing the other adsorption cylinder to the atmosphere while supplying compressed air to one adsorption cylinder.

[0095] In a first mode, the three-way valve 10 switches between connecting the "1" port and the "2" port of the first pilot valve 31 and connecting the "1" port and the "3" port of the second pilot valve 32.

[0096] At this time, in the first control valve 21, the pilot chamber A1a is connected to the air supply passage 75 via the first pilot passage 91, the first pilot valve 31, the third pilot passage 93, and the first connecting passage C1. As a result, compressed air is supplied to the pilot chamber A1a (with a positive pilot pressure applied).

[0097] When compressed air is supplied to the pilot chamber A1a, the first control valve 21 applies pilot pressure to the first diaphragm 23b, thereby displacing the first connecting rod 23a towards the second chamber A2 from the first chamber A1. At this time, the first valve portion 23d is pressed against the first valve seat 53, sealing the flow of air from the first connecting hole B1 to the first chamber A1 (the portion lower than the first diaphragm 23b). In this description, the position of the first valve core 23 at this time is referred to as the first position P1.

[0098] Furthermore, at this time, the second valve portion 23e of the first control valve 21 separates from the second valve seat 54, thereby connecting the first connecting passage C1 and the first supply and exhaust passage 77 via the first connecting hole B1 and the second chamber A2. Thus, air is supplied from the supply passage 75 to the first supply and exhaust passage 77 via the first control valve 21.

[0099] At this time, in the second control valve 22, the pilot chamber A3a is connected to the exhaust passage 76 via the second pilot passage 92, the second pilot valve 32, the fourth pilot passage 94, and the second connecting passage C2. Thus, exhaust gas is drawn from the pilot chamber A3a (a negative pilot pressure is applied).

[0100] When the second control valve 22 draws exhaust gas from the pilot chamber A3a, a negative pilot pressure is applied to the third diaphragm 24b, thereby displacing the second connecting rod 24a toward the side from the fourth chamber A4 toward the third chamber A3. At this time, the fourth valve section 24e is pressed against the fourth valve seat 56, sealing the flow of air from the fourth chamber A4 to the second connecting hole B2.

[0101] Furthermore, at this time, the third valve portion 24d of the second control valve 22 separates from the third valve seat 55, thereby connecting the second communication passage C2 and the second supply / exhaust passage 78 via the second communication hole B2 and the third chamber A3 (the portion lower than the third diaphragm 24b). Thus, gas is exhausted from the exhaust passage 76 to the second supply / exhaust passage 78 via the second control valve 22. In this description, the position of the second valve core 24 at this time is referred to as the second position P2.

[0102] Additionally, in the second control valve 22, the pilot chamber A3a is connected to the exhaust passage 76 via the second pilot passage 92, the second pilot valve 32, the fourth pilot passage 94, and the second connecting passage C2. In the second control valve 22, negative pilot pressure is applied to the second valve core 24 (third diaphragm 24b) by drawing exhaust from the pilot chamber A3a.

[0103] When the second control valve 22 draws air from the pilot chamber A3a, a negative pilot pressure is applied to the third diaphragm 24b, thereby reliably displacing the second valve core 24 (second connecting rod 24a) from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Therefore, the second control valve 22 can ensure reliable operation.

[0104] Thus, the three-way valve 10 of this disclosure switches the flow of fluid in the first mode to allow the flow of gas supplied from the gas supply port 71 to the first gas supply and exhaust port 73 so as to discharge gas from the first gas supply and exhaust port 73, and allows the flow of gas discharged from the second gas supply and exhaust port 74 to the exhaust port 72 so as to draw gas from the second gas supply and exhaust port 74.

[0105] The three-way valve 10 of this disclosure switches in a second mode to connect the "1" port and the "3" port of the first pilot valve 31, and to connect the "1" port and the "2" port of the second pilot valve 32.

[0106] At this time, in the first control valve 21, the pilot chamber A1a is connected to the exhaust passage 76 via the first pilot passage 91, the first pilot valve 31, the fourth pilot passage 94, and the second connecting passage C2. Thus, exhaust gas is drawn from the pilot chamber A1a (a negative pilot pressure is applied).

[0107] When the first control valve 21 draws exhaust gas from the pilot chamber A1a of the first chamber A1, a negative pilot pressure is applied to the first diaphragm 23b, thereby displacing the first connecting rod 23a in the Z direction from the second chamber A2 toward the first chamber A1. At this time, the second valve part 23e is pressed against the second valve seat 54, sealing the flow of air from the second chamber A2 to the first connecting hole B1.

[0108] Furthermore, at this time, the first valve portion 23d of the first control valve 21 separates from the first valve seat 53, thereby connecting the second communication passage C2 with the first supply and exhaust passage 77 via the first communication hole B1 and the first chamber A1 (the portion lower than the first diaphragm 23b). Thus, gas is exhausted from the exhaust passage 76 to the first supply and exhaust passage 77 via the first control valve 21. In this description, the position of the first valve core 23 at this time is referred to as the second position P2.

[0109] In addition, in the first control valve 21, the pilot chamber A1a is connected to the exhaust passage 76 via the first pilot passage 91, the first pilot valve 31, the fourth pilot passage 94, and the second connecting passage C2. In the first control valve 21, by drawing exhaust from the pilot chamber A1a, a negative pilot pressure is applied to the first valve core 23 (first diaphragm 23b).

[0110] When the first control valve 21 draws air from the pilot chamber A1a, a negative pilot pressure is applied to the first diaphragm 23b, thereby reliably displacing the first valve core 23 (first connecting rod 23a) from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Therefore, the first control valve 21 can ensure reliable operation.

[0111] At this time, in the second control valve 22, the pilot chamber A3a is connected to the air supply passage 75 via the second pilot passage 92, the second pilot valve 32, the third pilot passage 93, and the first connecting passage C1. As a result, compressed air is supplied to the pilot chamber A3a (with a positive pilot pressure applied).

[0112] When compressed air is supplied to the pilot chamber A3a, a positive pilot pressure is applied to the third diaphragm 24b by the second control valve 22. This causes the second connecting rod 24a to shift in the Z direction from the third chamber A3 towards the fourth chamber A4. At this time, the third valve portion 24d is pressed against the third valve seat 55, sealing the flow of air from the third chamber A3 (the portion lower than the third diaphragm 24b) to the second communication hole B2. In this description, the position of the second valve core 24 at this time is referred to as the first position P1.

[0113] Furthermore, at this time, the fourth valve section 24e of the second control valve 22 separates from the fourth valve seat 56, thereby connecting the first connecting passage C1 and the second supply and exhaust passage 78 via the second connecting hole B2 and the fourth chamber A4. As a result, air is supplied from the supply passage 75 to the second supply and exhaust passage 78 via the second control valve 22.

[0114] Thus, the three-way valve 10 of this disclosure switches the flow of fluid in the second mode to allow the flow of gas supplied from the gas supply port 71 to the second gas supply and exhaust port 74, thereby discharging gas from the second gas supply and exhaust port 74, and allows the flow of gas discharged from the first gas supply and exhaust port 73 to the exhaust port 72, thereby drawing gas from the first gas supply and exhaust port 73.

[0115] The three-way valve 10 of this disclosure can alternately switch between a first mode and a second mode, thereby alternately using the first supply and exhaust port 73 as a supply port and an exhaust port, and alternately using the second supply and exhaust port 74 as a port on the side of the supply and exhaust port that is different from the first supply and exhaust port.

[0116] [Regarding the three-way valve in the second embodiment]

[0117] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the three-way valve (second embodiment) of this disclosure. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the three-way valve (second embodiment) of this disclosure. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram shows a second three-way valve 10B, which is a second embodiment of the three-way valve 10 of this disclosure. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in the second three-way valve 10B, the manifold 50 is composed of five plate-shaped manifold components 60, which differs from the first three-way valve 10A described above. Furthermore, in the following description, the manifold 50 of the second three-way valve 10B will also be referred to as the second manifold 50B.

[0118] [Regarding the manifold of the three-way valve in the second embodiment]

[0119] Figure 10A This is a top view showing the first manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 10B This is a bottom view showing the first manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 10C This is a rear view showing the first manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 11A This is a top view showing the second manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 11B This is a bottom view showing the second manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 12A This is a top view showing the third manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 12B This is a bottom view showing the third manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 13A This is a top view showing the fourth manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 13B This is a bottom view showing the fourth manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 14A This is a top view showing the fifth manifold component of the second three-way valve. Figure 14B This is a bottom view showing the fifth manifold component of the second three-way valve. (Example) Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the second manifold 50B is composed of a first manifold member 60 (hereinafter referred to as the first manifold member 61B), a second manifold member 60 (hereinafter referred to as the second manifold member 62B), a third manifold member 60 (hereinafter referred to as the third manifold member 63B), a fourth manifold member 60 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth manifold member 64B), and a fifth manifold member 60 (hereinafter referred to as the fifth manifold member 65).

[0120] The second manifold 50B is constructed by stacking the first manifold member 61B, the second manifold member 62B, the third manifold member 63B, the fourth manifold member 64B, and the fifth manifold member 65 in the order of the first connecting rod 23a housed in the first valve chamber 51 and the second connecting rod 24a housed in the second valve chamber 52, along the thickness direction.

[0121] like Figure 8 and Figure 10A , 10BAs shown, the first manifold member 61B includes a portion of a first chamber A1, a portion of a third chamber A3, a first pilot port 81, a second pilot port 82, a third pilot port 83, a fourth pilot port 84, a fifth pilot port 85, a sixth pilot port 86, a first pilot passage 91, a second pilot passage 92, a portion of a third pilot passage 93, and a portion of a fourth pilot passage 94.

[0122] like Figure 8 and Figure 11A , 11B As shown, the second manifold component 62B includes a portion of a first chamber A1, a portion of a third chamber A3, a portion of a first connecting hole B1, a portion of a second connecting hole B2, a portion of a second connecting passage C2, a first valve seat 53, a third valve seat 55, a portion of a third pilot passage 93, and a portion of a fourth pilot passage 94.

[0123] In the second manifold 50B, the first chamber A1 and the third chamber A3 are formed over both manifold components 60, and are composed of the first manifold component 61B and the second manifold component 62B.

[0124] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 12A , 12B As shown, the third manifold component 63B has a portion of the first connecting hole B1, a portion of the second connecting hole B2, a portion of the first connecting path C1, a portion of the second connecting path C2, a portion of the exhaust passage 76, a portion of the first supply and exhaust passage 77, a portion of the second supply and exhaust passage 78, a portion of the third pilot passage 93, and a portion of the fourth pilot passage 94.

[0125] In the second manifold 50B, the second connecting path C2 is formed by a recess in the area encompassing the boundary surface of the second manifold member 62B and the third manifold member 63B. Specifically, the second connecting path C2 is formed by the space surrounded by the lower surface (plane) of the second manifold member 62B and the recess formed on the upper surface of the third manifold member 63B. Alternatively, the second connecting path C2 can also be formed by the space surrounded by the recess formed on the lower surface of the second manifold member 62B and the upper surface (plane) of the third manifold member 63B, or it can be formed by the space surrounded by the recess formed on the lower surface of the second manifold member 62B and the recess formed on the upper surface of the third manifold member 63B.

[0126] In other words, in the second manifold 50B, the second connecting path C2 is formed within the range of the boundary surfaces of adjacent manifold members 60 (second manifold member 62B and third manifold member 63B) to each other.

[0127] like Figure 8 and Figure 13A , 13B As shown, the fourth manifold component 64B includes a portion of the second chamber A2, a portion of the fourth chamber A4, a portion of the first connecting hole B1, a portion of the second connecting hole B2, a portion of the first connecting passage C1, a second valve seat 54, a fourth valve seat 56, a portion of the air supply passage 75, a portion of the exhaust passage 76, a portion of the first air supply and exhaust passage 77, and a portion of the second air supply and exhaust passage 78.

[0128] In the second manifold 50B, the first connecting path C1 is formed by a recess in the area encompassing the boundary surfaces of the third manifold member 63B and the fourth manifold member 64B. Specifically, the first connecting path C1 is formed by the space enclosed by the lower surface (plane) of the third manifold member 63B and the recess formed on the upper surface of the fourth manifold member 64B. Alternatively, the first connecting path C1 can also be formed by the space enclosed by the recess formed on the lower surface of the third manifold member 63B and the upper surface (plane) of the fourth manifold member 64B, or it can be formed by the space enclosed by the recess formed on the lower surface of the third manifold member 63B and the recess formed on the upper surface of the fourth manifold member 64B.

[0129] In other words, in the second manifold 50B, the first connecting path C1 is formed within the area including the boundary surfaces of adjacent manifold members 60 (the third manifold member 63B and the fourth manifold member 64B). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where both the first connecting path C1 and the second connecting path C2 are formed within the area including the boundary surfaces of adjacent manifold members 60 is illustrated; however, the second manifold 50B of this disclosure may also be configured such that either the first connecting path C1 or the second connecting path C2 extends into the interior of the manifold member 60.

[0130] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 14A , 14B As shown, the fifth manifold component 65 includes a portion of the second chamber A2, a portion of the fourth chamber A4, an air supply port 71, a portion of the air supply passage 75, an exhaust port 72, a portion of the exhaust passage 76, a first air supply and exhaust port 73, a portion of the first air supply and exhaust passage 77, a second air supply and exhaust port 74, and a portion of the second air supply and exhaust passage 78.

[0131] In the second manifold 50B, the second chamber A2 and the fourth chamber A4 are formed across the two manifold members 60, and are composed of the fourth manifold member 64B and the fifth manifold member 65.

[0132] In the second manifold 50B, the first connecting hole B1 and the second connecting hole B2 are formed in such a way that their axial directions are parallel to the stacking direction of each manifold member 60. In the second manifold 50B, the first connecting hole B1 and the second connecting hole B2 are formed across three manifold members 60 (second manifold member 62B, third manifold member 63B, and fourth manifold member 64B).

[0133] For example, in a first manifold 50A with a four-layer structure, where two systems of passages (first connecting passage C1 and second connecting passage C2) extending in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction are provided on a third manifold member 63A, the expansion of each passage in the forward and backward directions is constrained, and as a result, it may be difficult to ensure the cross-sectional area of ​​each passage. On the other hand, in a second manifold 50B with a five-layer structure, where one system of passages extending in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction is provided on each of the third manifold member 63B and the fourth manifold member 64B, the constraint on the expansion of each passage in the forward and backward directions is mitigated, and as a result, it becomes easier to ensure the cross-sectional area of ​​each passage (first connecting passage C1 and second connecting passage C2).

[0134] [Regarding the oxygen concentration apparatus disclosed herein]

[0135] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of an oxygen concentration apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 This is a block diagram used to illustrate the oxygen concentration process in an oxygen concentration apparatus. Additionally, in Figure 16 For ease of understanding, the following will be used: Figure 15 The diagrams shown are simplified or omit some of the structural elements. The oxygen concentrator disclosed herein is a device that generates high-concentration oxygen, containing oxygen at a concentration higher than that found in air, and supplies it to a user. The oxygen concentrator is used, for example, in home oxygen therapy, where high-concentration oxygen is provided to users such as patients with respiratory illnesses.

[0136] [Structure of Oxygen Concentration Unit M]

[0137] like Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, the oxygen concentration apparatus M includes: a first adsorption cylinder 101 and a second adsorption cylinder 102; a compressor 103 that supplies pressurized air to the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102; and an oxygen container 105 for storing high-concentration oxygen. In this embodiment, the compressor 103 is a pressurization and vacuum type compressor capable of pressurizing and suctioning gases such as air. The compressor 103 supplies pressurized air to the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102, and desorbs and exhausts the adsorbed nitrogen-rich gas by reducing pressure. Furthermore, while this embodiment uses a pressurization and vacuum type compressor 103, the oxygen concentration apparatus of this disclosure can also be configured to include a vacuum pump as an intake unit in addition to the compressor supplying pressurized air.

[0138] The operation of the compressor 103 and the operation of various solenoid valves, described later, are performed by a control unit 140 installed within the device. The control unit 140 includes a storage unit 140a storing a program for operating the oxygen concentrator M, and an arithmetic unit 140b issuing operating signals to the solenoid valves, etc. A battery 141, which serves as a power source when not connected to a power source, and a display unit 142, which displays the operating status of the oxygen concentrator M, are connected to the control unit 140.

[0139] The housing 109 contains: a compressor housing 110 housing the compressor 103 and the exhaust silencer 114; and a fan housing 130 housing the cooling fan 112, the air supply filter 116, and the air supply silencer box 113 used for cooling the compressor 103. The compressor housing 110, the air supply silencer box 113, and the fan housing 130 constitute the noise reduction mechanism of the oxygen concentrator M. In other words, the compressor housing 110, the air supply silencer box 113, and the fan housing 130 can reduce the noise generated by the various devices installed in the housing 109.

[0140] A switching valve 111 is also provided inside the housing 109. This switching valve 111 switches the flow of pressurized air from the compressor 103 to the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102, and the flow of exhaust gas from the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 to the compressor 103. In this embodiment, the switching valve 111 is composed of a first control valve 111A, which is a three-port valve, and a second control valve 111B, which is also a three-port valve.

[0141] The oxygen concentration apparatus M disclosed herein uses the aforementioned three-way valve 10 as a switching valve 111. The first control valve 111A corresponds to the aforementioned first control valve 21, and the second control valve 111B corresponds to the aforementioned second control valve 22. Furthermore, in Figure 16In the diagram, numbers such as "1", "2", or "3" near the valve markings indicate the port number of the valve. Three-port valves are marked with numbers from "1" to "3", while two-port valves are marked with numbers "1" and "2". Figure 15 The switching valve 111 shows port "A" corresponding to air supply port 71, port "B" corresponding to exhaust port 72, port "C" corresponding to the first air supply / exhaust port 73, and port "D" corresponding to the second air supply / exhaust port 74.

[0142] A dust filter 115 is provided at the air supply port 108 of the housing 109. This dust filter 115 is used to capture dust and other contaminants contained in the external air entering the device. The external air, after passing through the dust filter 115 and being introduced into the housing 109, is drawn into the air supply filter 116 through the opening 131 of the fan housing 130, and then into the compressor 103 after passing through the air supply silencer box 113. The air supply silencer box 113 is arranged in the air flow path from the air supply filter 116 to the compressor 103 to reduce the noise caused by the air supply and compression of the compressor 103.

[0143] Pressurized air (compressed air) is supplied to the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 via the first control valve 111A and the second control valve 111B. Furthermore, exhaust gas from the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 is depressurized and drawn in by the compressor 103 via the first control valve 111A and the second control valve 111B, and discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 170 through the opening 117 of the compressor housing 110 via the exhaust silencer 114. The heat generated by the operation of the compressor 103 is drawn into the fan housing 130 via the air supply port 180 of the housing 109 and the opening 131 of the fan housing 130 by the cooling fan 112, and is cooled by the air blown onto the compressor 103 by the cooling fan 112.

[0144] An adsorbent is contained inside the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102. This adsorbent selectively, and more particularly preferentially, adsorbs nitrogen gas from the pressurized air supplied from the compressor 103. Zeolite, for example, can be used as the adsorbent. The oxygen concentration process using the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 will be described in detail later.

[0145] The flow path on the downstream side of the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 (the flow path on the outlet side of high-concentration oxygen) Figure 15The flow path (from the lower part of the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 to the first oxygen outlet 150) is equipped with various valves for controlling the flow rate or movement of fluids such as high-concentration oxygen, namely, a vent valve 118, check valves 119 and 120, and a tuning valve 122. The tuning valve 122 is equipped with a micro-pressure sensor 128 for detecting the user's breathing. The tuning valve 122 switches to an "open" or "closed" state based on the detection result of the micro-pressure sensor 128. The oxygen container 105 is located upstream of the tuning valve 122 and downstream of the check valves 119 and 120. Furthermore, a pressure sensor 123 for detecting pressure abnormalities is provided in the gas flow path between the check valves 119 and 120 and the oxygen container 105.

[0146] The oxygen concentrator M of this embodiment is a VPSA (Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption System) type oxygen concentrator where, while supplying compressed air to one adsorption cylinder in the compressor 103, the compressor 103 draws air from the other adsorption cylinder to reduce pressure. However, the oxygen concentrator disclosed herein is not limited to this; it can also be a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption System) type oxygen concentrator where, while supplying compressed air to one adsorption cylinder in the compressor, the other adsorption cylinder releases air to the atmosphere to reduce pressure.

[0147] Both the first control valve 111A and the second control valve 111B are three-port valves, switching between a pressurized state (supplying pressurized air from the compressor 103 to the first adsorption cylinder 101 (second adsorption cylinder 102)) and a depressurized state (discharging the waste gas inside the first adsorption cylinder 101 (second adsorption cylinder 102) to the outside via suction). When one adsorption cylinder is in a pressurized state, the other adsorption cylinder is in a depressurized state.

[0148] Check valve 119 is disposed in the gas flow path downstream of the first adsorption cylinder 101, and check valve 120 is disposed in the gas flow path downstream of the second adsorption cylinder 102. The two check valves 119 and 120 are configured to ensure that the high-concentration oxygen discharged from the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 flows only downstream. Vent valve 118 is disposed in the gas flow path connecting the gas flow path between the first adsorption cylinder 101 and check valve 119 to the gas flow path between the second adsorption cylinder 102 and check valve 120.

[0149] High-concentration oxygen from check valve 119 and high-concentration oxygen from check valve 120 are alternately supplied to oxygen container 105 and stored therein. Downstream of oxygen container 105, a bacterial filter 125 for removing foreign matter from the high-concentration oxygen and a tuning valve 122 for regulating the flow rate of the high-concentration oxygen from oxygen container 105 are provided. High-concentration oxygen with excess flow regulated by tuning valve 122 is delivered to oxygen outlet 150 of housing 109 via oxygen sensor 124 for detecting abnormal oxygen concentration. In oxygen concentration device M, high-concentration oxygen is supplied via a sleeve connector 126 located at oxygen outlet 150 and pipes TA and Ca connected to the sleeve connector 126 (see reference). Figure 16 (and then supplied to the patient.)

[0150] [Oxygen Concentration Process]

[0151] Figure 17 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the pressure change of the adsorption cylinder in one cycle and the switching state of the control valve of the oxygen concentration unit. Here, the process of generating high-concentration oxygen in the oxygen concentration unit M is explained.

[0152] Figure 17 The upper part of the diagram shows the first control valve 111A, the second control valve 111B, and the vent valve 118 (see reference) related to the oxygen concentration process. Figure 16 The diagram below shows the opening and closing states of the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 (refer to the diagram). Figure 16 The pressure changes are shown in the diagram below. The thick solid line represents the pressure changes inside the first adsorption cylinder 101, and the thin solid line represents the pressure changes inside the second adsorption cylinder 102. Figure 17 In the example shown, the pressurization process inside the adsorption cylinders is performed in the order of the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102. Furthermore, in Figure 17 In this process, the first adsorption cylinder 101 is subjected to one cycle of treatment during the period indicated by "T". This one cycle of treatment includes six steps, "T1" to "T6", as shown in the upper figure.

[0153] exist Figure 16 In the diagram, the numbers labeled in the boxes representing the first control valve 111A, the second control valve 111B, and the vent valve 118 indicate the port numbers of each valve, as described above. The first control valve 111A and the second control valve 111B are three-port valves, therefore they are labeled with numbers from 1 to 3. The vent valve 118 is a two-port valve, therefore it is labeled with numbers from 1 to 2. Figure 17In the upper diagram, for example, "1→2" of the first control valve 111A is "open," indicating that the port represented by "1" to the port represented by "2" in the first control valve 111A is in a connected state. At this time, the port represented by "2" to the port represented by "3" in the first control valve 111A is in a disconnected state.

[0154] exist Figure 17 In the lower part of the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time, and time passes from left to right in the same diagram. In step T1, the venting valve 118 is in the "open" state, and the high-concentration oxygen in the second adsorption cylinder 102 is supplied from the second adsorption cylinder 102 to the first adsorption cylinder 101. In this step T1, since ports "2" to "3" of the first control valve 111A and the second control valve 111B are all in the "closed" state, no attraction is generated in the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102. The attraction of the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102 is controlled by opening and closing the valves to stagger the timing of each attraction.

[0155] Next, in step T2, ports "1" to "2" of the first control valve 111A and ports "2" to "3" of the second control valve 111B are in the "open" state, and the compressor 103 pressurizes the first adsorption cylinder 101 and depressurizes the second adsorption cylinder 102. In this step T2, the vent valve 118, which was originally in the "open" state in step T1, is in the "closed" state. In the first adsorption cylinder 101, which is pressurized by the supplied pressurized air, the nitrogen contained in the pressurized air is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first adsorption cylinder 101. As a result, the gas in the first adsorption cylinder 101 becomes high-concentration oxygen, with an oxygen concentration higher than that in normal air.

[0156] Next, in step T3, the venting valve 118 is in the "open" state, and the high concentration of oxygen in the first adsorption cylinder 101 is supplied to the second adsorption cylinder 102 through the venting valve 118.

[0157] Next, in step T4, ports “2” to “3” of the first control valve 111A and ports “2” to “3” of the second control valve 111B are in a “closed” state. In this step T4, the supply of high-concentration oxygen from the first adsorption cylinder 101 to the second adsorption cylinder 102 continues as in step T3.

[0158] Next, in step T5, ports "2" to "3" of the first control valve 111A and ports "1" to "2" of the second control valve 111B are in the "open" state, and the compressor 103 pressurizes the second adsorption cylinder 102 and depressurizes the first adsorption cylinder 101. In step T4, the vent valve 118, which was originally in the "open" state in step T3, is in the "closed" state. In the second adsorption cylinder 102, which is pressurized by pressurized air, the nitrogen contained in the pressurized air is adsorbed by the adsorbent contained in the second adsorption cylinder 102. As a result, the gas in the second adsorption cylinder 102 becomes a high-concentration oxygen with an oxygen concentration higher than that in normal air.

[0159] Next, in step T6, the vent valve 118 is in the "open" state, and the high-concentration oxygen in the second adsorption cylinder 102 is supplied to the first adsorption cylinder 101 via the vent valve 118. Then, steps T1 to T6 are repeated. The oxygen concentration device M generates high-concentration oxygen by repeating steps T1 to T6 in the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102, and stores the generated high-concentration oxygen in the oxygen container 105.

[0160] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0161] (1) The three-way valve 10 of the above embodiment includes a manifold 50, valve cores 23 and 24 and a pilot mechanism 30. The manifold 50 has a flow path, which includes: a gas supply port 71; a gas supply passage 75 connected to the gas supply port 71; an exhaust port 72; an exhaust passage 76 connected to the exhaust port 72; gas supply and exhaust ports 73 and 74; gas supply and exhaust passages 77 and 78 connected to the gas supply and exhaust ports 73 and 74; and valve chambers 51 and 52 connected to the gas supply passage 75, the exhaust passage 76 and the gas supply and exhaust passages 77 and 78. The valve cores 23 and 24 are housed in the valve chambers 51 and 52 and can be moved to a first position where the gas supply port 71 is connected to the gas supply and exhaust passages 77 and 78 or a second position where the exhaust port 72 is connected to the gas supply and exhaust passages 77 and 78. The pilot mechanism 30 switches the position of the valve cores 23 and 24 to the first position or the second position. In the three-way valve 10, the manifold 50 is composed of multiple plate-shaped manifold components 60 stacked along the thickness direction of the plate.

[0162] According to the three-way valve 10, by employing a manifold 50 with a stacked structure, the cross-sectional shape of the passages constituting each flow path within the manifold 50 can be made to be a shape other than a circle, thereby improving the space efficiency (the ratio of the space to be ensured within the manifold 50 to the volume of the manifold 50). As a result, the three-way valve 10 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0163] (2) In the three-way valve 10 of the above embodiment, the flow path formed in the manifold 50 includes: a first valve chamber 51; a second valve chamber 52; a first connecting passage C1 connecting the first valve chamber 51 and the second valve chamber 52 and connected to the air supply passage 75; a second connecting passage C2 connecting the first valve chamber 51 and the second valve chamber 52 and connected to the exhaust passage 76; a first air supply port 73 on the side of the first valve chamber 51; a first air supply passage 77 on the side of the first valve chamber 51; a second air supply port 74 on the side of the second valve chamber 52; and a second air supply passage 78 on the side of the second valve chamber 52. The valve core of the three-way valve 10 includes a first valve core 23 and a second valve core 24, the first valve core 23 being housed in the first valve chamber 51, and the second valve core 24 being housed in the second valve chamber 52.

[0164] The three-way valve 10 enables a compact and lightweight design even when it is a dual three-way valve.

[0165] (3) In the three-way valve 10 of the above embodiment, the first connecting passage C1 and the second connecting passage C2 are formed by the recess of the boundary surface of the adjacent manifold members 60.

[0166] In the three-way valve 10 with a stacked structure in the manifold 50, the first connecting passage C1 and the second connecting passage C2 can be formed at the boundary portion of the manifold member 60. This improves the space efficiency within the manifold 50 and enables the manifold 50 to be miniaturized.

[0167] (4) In the three-way valve 10 of the above embodiment, the flow path formed in the manifold 50 further includes: a first pilot passage 91 connecting the gas supply passage 75 or the exhaust passage 76 to the first valve chamber 51; and a second pilot passage 92 connecting the gas supply passage 75 or the exhaust passage 76 to the second valve chamber 52. The first valve core 23 has a first diaphragm 23b and a second diaphragm 23c that can be deformed by the pressure of the fluid supplied to the first valve chamber 51 via the first pilot passage 91. The second valve core 24 has a third diaphragm 24b and a fourth diaphragm 24c that can be deformed by the pressure of the fluid supplied to the second valve chamber 52 via the second pilot passage 92. The pilot mechanism 30 is composed of a first pilot valve 31 and a second pilot valve 32. The pilot mechanism 30 switches the fluid supply target to either the first pilot passage 91 or the second pilot passage 92 via the first pilot valve 31 and the second pilot valve 32. This causes either the first valve core 23 or the second valve core 24 to be positioned at the first position P1 by the deformation of the first diaphragm 23b and the second diaphragm 23c or the third diaphragm 24b and the fourth diaphragm 24c, and causes the other valve core 23 or the second valve core 24 to be positioned at the second position P2.

[0168] The three-way valve 10 enables a small and lightweight design while still being a pilot-operated three-way valve that operates via pilot pressure.

[0169] (5) The flow path formed in the manifold 50 in the three-way valve 10 of the above embodiment also includes a fourth pilot passage 94 that connects the first pilot passage 91 or the second pilot passage 92 to the exhaust passage 76. In the three-way valve 10, the first pilot valve 31 and the second pilot valve 32 switch the connection target of the fourth pilot passage 94 to either the first pilot passage 91 or the second pilot passage 92, thereby deforming the first diaphragm 23b or the third diaphragm 24b.

[0170] According to the three-way valve 10, the reliability of the displacement action of the first valve core 23 and the second valve core 24 can be improved when exhaust is drawn from the exhaust port 72.

[0171] (6) In the three-way valve 10 of the above embodiment, the first valve core 23 includes a first connecting rod 23a, a first diaphragm 23b connected to one end of the first connecting rod 23a, a second diaphragm 23c connected to the other end of the first connecting rod 23a, a first valve portion 23d disposed on the side of the first diaphragm 23b of the first connecting rod 23a, and a second valve portion 23e disposed on the side of the second diaphragm 23c of the first connecting rod 23a. The second valve core 24 includes a second connecting rod 24a, a third diaphragm 24b connected to one end of the second connecting rod 24a, a fourth diaphragm 24c connected to the other end of the second connecting rod 24a, a third valve portion 24d disposed on the side of the third diaphragm 24b of the second connecting rod 24a, and a fourth valve portion 24e disposed on the side of the fourth diaphragm 24c of the second connecting rod 24a. The first valve chamber 51 has: a first chamber A1 for receiving a first diaphragm 23b; a second chamber A2 for receiving a second diaphragm 23c; a first connecting hole B1 for communicating between the first chamber A1 and the second chamber A2 and for receiving a first connecting rod 23a; a first valve seat 53 formed at the end of the first connecting hole B1 on the first chamber A1 side and opposite to the first valve portion 23d; and a second valve seat 54 formed at the end of the first connecting hole B1 on the second chamber A2 side and opposite to the second valve portion 23e. The second valve chamber 52 has: a third chamber A3 for receiving a third diaphragm 24b; a fourth chamber A4 for receiving a fourth diaphragm 24c; a second connecting hole B2 for communicating between the third chamber A3 and the fourth chamber A4 and for receiving a second connecting rod 24a; a third valve seat 55 formed at the end of the second connecting hole B2 on the third chamber A3 side and opposite to the third valve portion 24d; and a fourth valve seat 56 formed at the end of the second connecting hole B2 on the fourth chamber A4 side and opposite to the fourth valve portion 24e. The first connecting passage C1 connects the second chamber A2 to the fourth chamber A4, the second connecting passage C2 connects the first chamber A1 to the third chamber A3, the third pilot passage 93 connects to the gas supply passage 75 via the first connecting passage C1, and the fourth pilot passage 94 connects to the exhaust passage 76 via the second connecting passage C2.

[0172] The three-way valve 10 achieves a small size and lightweight design while being an internally piloted double three-way valve.

[0173] (7) In the three-way valve 10 of the above embodiment, the axial direction of the first connecting hole B1 and the second connecting hole B2 in the manifold 50 is parallel to the stacking direction (Z direction) of the plurality of manifold members 60. The first chamber A1, the second chamber A2, the third chamber A3, the fourth chamber A4, the first connecting hole B1 and the second connecting hole B2 in the manifold 50 are formed on two or more manifold members 60.

[0174] According to this three-way valve 10, an internally piloted double three-way valve can be constructed using a manifold 50 with a stacked structure. This allows for a smaller and lighter internally piloted double three-way valve.

[0175] (8) The oxygen concentrator M of the above embodiment generates high-concentration oxygen containing oxygen at a concentration higher than that in the air, and supplies the generated high-concentration oxygen. The oxygen concentrator M includes: an adsorbent material capable of adsorbing nitrogen or oxygen contained in the air and desorbing the adsorbed nitrogen or oxygen; a first adsorption cylinder 101 and a second adsorption cylinder 102 for housing the adsorbent material; an air supply pipe 106 for supplying air, which serves as the raw material for high-concentration oxygen, to the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102; an exhaust pipe 107 for discharging the generated high-concentration oxygen from the first adsorption cylinder 101 and the second adsorption cylinder 102; and a switching valve 111, which alternately selects the first adsorption cylinder 101 or the second adsorption cylinder 102 and connects the selected one to the air supply pipe 106 while connecting the other to the exhaust pipe 107. The switching valve 111 is composed of a three-way valve 10.

[0176] The oxygen concentrator M employs a three-way valve 10 in the switching valve 111, thus enabling a compact and lightweight design. Furthermore, the oxygen concentrator M is available in portable versions suitable for outdoor use and stationary versions suitable for indoor use. In both portable and stationary versions of the oxygen concentrator M, the three-way valve 10 is preferably used as the switching valve 111, but in the case of a portable version, it is particularly preferred.

[0177] In addition, the oxygen concentration apparatus of this disclosure uses nitrogen adsorption materials such as zeolite as adsorption materials, but this disclosure can also be applied to oxygen concentration apparatuses that use oxygen adsorption materials as adsorption materials.

[0178] Symbol Explanation

[0179] M Oxygen concentration unit;

[0180] 10. Three-way valve;

[0181] 23 First valve core (valve core);

[0182] 23b First diaphragm (first diaphragm);

[0183] 23c Second diaphragm (first diaphragm);

[0184] 24 Second valve core (valve core);

[0185] 24b Third septum (second septum);

[0186] 24c Fourth diaphragm (second diaphragm);

[0187] 30. Pilot mechanism (switching mechanism);

[0188] 50 manifolds;

[0189] 51 First valve chamber (valve chamber);

[0190] 52 Second valve chamber (valve chamber);

[0191] 60. Manifold components;

[0192] 71 Gas supply port (first port);

[0193] 72 Exhaust port (second port);

[0194] 73 First air supply and exhaust port (third port);

[0195] 74 Second air supply and exhaust port (third port);

[0196] 75 Gas supply passage (first passage);

[0197] 76 Exhaust passage (second passage);

[0198] 77 First air supply and exhaust passage (third passage);

[0199] 78 Second air supply and exhaust passage (third passage);

[0200] 91 First leader pathway;

[0201] 92 Second leader pathway;

[0202] 93 Third leader pathway;

[0203] 94. Fourth leader pathway;

[0204] C1 is the first connecting path;

[0205] C2 Second connecting path;

[0206] P1 is the first position;

[0207] P2, second position.

Claims

1. A three-way valve characterized by, including: a manifold formed with a flow path including a first port, a first passage connected to the first port, a second port, a second passage connected to the second port, a third port, a third passage connected to the third port, a valve chamber communicating with the first passage, the second passage, and the third passage; a valve core housed in the valve chamber, capable of being displaced to a first position in which the first port and the third port communicate, or a second position in which the second port and the third port communicate; and a switching mechanism that switches the position of the valve core to the first position or the second position, the manifold being configured by stacking a plurality of plate-shaped manifold members in the direction of plate thickness.

2. The three-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the flow path formed in the manifold includes a first valve chamber as a first of the valve chambers, a second valve chamber as a second of the valve chambers, a first communication passage that communicates the first valve chamber with the second valve chamber and is connected to the first passage, a second communication passage that communicates the first valve chamber with the second valve chamber and is connected to the second passage, a first valve chamber side third port as the third port on the first valve chamber side, a first valve chamber side third passage as the third passage on the first valve chamber side, a second valve chamber side third port as the third port on the second valve chamber side, and a second valve chamber side third passage as the third passage on the second valve chamber side, the valve core includes a first valve core as a first of the valve cores and a second valve core as a second of the valve cores, the first valve core is housed in the first valve chamber, and the second valve core is housed in the second valve chamber.

3. The three-way valve according to claim 2, wherein the first communication passage and / or the second communication passage is formed by a recess of a boundary surface of adjacent manifold members.

4. The three-way valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the flow path formed in the manifold further includes a first pilot passage that communicates with the first valve chamber, a second pilot passage that communicates with the second valve chamber, and a third pilot passage that communicates the first pilot passage or the second pilot passage with the first passage, the first valve core further has a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm that are deformable by pressure of a fluid supplied to the first valve chamber via the first pilot passage, the second valve core further has a third diaphragm and a fourth diaphragm that are deformable by pressure of a fluid supplied to the second valve chamber via the second pilot passage, ​ The switching mechanism is constituted by a pilot valve, and the pilot valve switches a communication target of the third pilot passage to either one of the first pilot passage or the second pilot passage, thereby deforming the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm or the third diaphragm and the fourth diaphragm to position either one of the first spool or the second spool at the first position and the other one of the first spool and the second spool at the second position.

5. The three-way valve according to claim 4, wherein The flow path formed in the manifold further includes a fourth pilot passage that communicates either one of the first pilot passage or the second pilot passage with the second passage, The pilot valve switches a communication target of the fourth pilot passage to either one of the first pilot passage or the second pilot passage, thereby deforming the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm or the third diaphragm and the fourth diaphragm.

6. The three-way valve according to claim 5, wherein The first spool includes a first link rod, the first diaphragm linked to one end portion of the first link rod, the second diaphragm linked to the other end portion of the first link rod, a first valve portion provided to the first diaphragm, and a second valve portion provided to the second diaphragm, The second spool includes a second link rod, the third diaphragm linked to one end portion of the second link rod, the fourth diaphragm linked to the other end portion of the second link rod, a third valve portion provided to the third diaphragm, and a fourth valve portion provided to the fourth diaphragm, The first valve chamber has a first chamber that accommodates the first diaphragm, a second chamber that accommodates the second diaphragm, a first communication hole that communicates the first chamber and the second chamber and accommodates the first link rod, a first valve seat formed at an end portion of the first communication hole on the first chamber side and opposed to the first valve portion, and a second valve seat formed at an end portion of the first communication hole on the second chamber side and opposed to the second valve portion, The second valve chamber has a third chamber that accommodates the third diaphragm, a fourth chamber that accommodates the fourth diaphragm, a second communication hole that communicates the third chamber and the fourth chamber and accommodates the second link rod, a third valve seat formed at an end portion of the second communication hole on the third chamber side and opposed to the third valve portion, and a fourth valve seat formed at an end portion of the second communication hole on the fourth chamber side and opposed to the fourth valve portion, The first communication passage communicates the second chamber and the fourth chamber, The second communication passage communicates the first chamber and the third chamber, The third pilot passage communicates with the first passage via the first communication passage, The fourth pilot passage communicates with the second passage via the second communication passage.

7. The three-way valve according to claim 6, wherein In the manifold, The axis directions of the first communication hole and the second communication hole are parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of manifold members, The first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, the fourth chamber, the first communication hole, and the second communication hole are formed throughout two or more manifold members.

8. An oxygen concentration apparatus, wherein the oxygen concentration apparatus generates high-concentration oxygen containing oxygen at a concentration higher than that in the air, and supplies the generated high-concentration oxygen, characterized in that... Comprise: an adsorbent material capable of adsorbing nitrogen or oxygen contained in air and desorbing the adsorbed nitrogen or oxygen; a first adsorption cartridge and a second adsorption cartridge that house the adsorbent material; a gas supply pipe that supplies air as a raw material of high concentration oxygen to the first adsorption cartridge and the second adsorption cartridge; a gas discharge pipe that discharges generated high concentration oxygen from the first adsorption cartridge and the second adsorption cartridge; and a switching valve that alternately selects the first adsorption cartridge or the second adsorption cartridge and connects the selected one to the gas supply pipe while connecting the other to the gas discharge pipe, the switching valve is composed of the three-way valve of claim 4. ​

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