Oxygen generator and oxygen storage tank used therefor

Abstract

The utility model relates to a ventilation therapy equipment field discloses an oxygen making machine and oxygen storage tank for it, including oxygen storage tank main part (1) and install to oxygen storage tank main part (1) oxygen outlet control valve (2), the oxygen storage tank main part (1) is formed with high pressure bin (13) and low pressure bin (14) by the partition (122) separation, oxygen outlet control valve (2) has the intercommunication state and the closed state of making high pressure bin (13) and low pressure bin (14) intercommunication and cut off respectively, to allow the oxygen stored in high pressure bin (13) to discharge outward through low pressure bin (14) under the intercommunication state. The oxygen storage tank can utilize low pressure bin buffer airflow impact at least in addition to having the oxygen storage function of high pressure bin, is convenient for arranging low pressure detection element on the oxygen storage tank, and simultaneously also reduces the use of connecting pipeline, effectively guarantees the air tightness and reliability in the oxygen supply process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to ventilation therapy equipment, specifically to an oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator. Furthermore, this utility model also relates to an oxygen generator including the oxygen storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] Portable oxygen concentrators, as a novel medical device, offer convenience for people's daily oxygen therapy and health maintenance. The core of a portable oxygen concentrator lies in its use of pressure swing adsorption (PSA) principle. Using ambient air as raw material, under normal temperature and low pressure conditions, it utilizes the characteristic of molecular sieves that their adsorption capacity for nitrogen (adsorbate) increases when pressurized and decreases when depressurized, forming a rapid cycle of pressurized adsorption and depressurized desorption, thus separating oxygen and nitrogen from the air.

[0003] During the operation of an oxygen generator, air is delivered to an oxygen production unit, such as a molecular sieve adsorption tower, for oxygen-nitrogen separation. The resulting oxygen is delivered to the user, while the nitrogen is discharged into the external environment. To ensure a stable supply of oxygen to the user, oxygen generators are typically equipped with a finished oxygen storage device, i.e., an oxygen storage tank. This tank stores the oxygen produced by the oxygen production unit, allowing for a stable flow of oxygen to be output as needed. The oxygen storage tank may also be equipped with connection joints for ventilation pipelines, etc.

[0004] However, on the one hand, the oxygen storage tank in existing oxygen concentrators is only used for the single function of storing oxygen. It is connected with other related components to complete the oxygen supply of the oxygen concentrator. The whole machine has many parts, which is not conducive to the development of portable oxygen concentrators. On the other hand, the way the oxygen storage tank is connected with other related components through pipelines is prone to the risk of poor airtightness and reliability after a period of use. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems of existing oxygen concentrators having a single function of oxygen storage tanks and poor airtightness and reliability due to the use of pipelines to connect to other related components. This invention provides an oxygen storage tank for oxygen concentrators that integrates functions other than oxygen storage, which helps to reduce the number of components in the oxygen concentrator and promotes portability. At the same time, it reduces the use of connecting pipelines and effectively ensures airtightness and reliability during the oxygen supply process.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator, comprising an oxygen storage tank body and an oxygen outlet control valve installed on the oxygen storage tank body. The oxygen storage tank body has a high-pressure chamber and a low-pressure chamber separated by a partition. The oxygen outlet control valve has a connected state and a closed state that respectively connect and disconnect the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber, so that in the connected state, oxygen stored in the high-pressure chamber can be discharged outward through the low-pressure chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the oxygen storage tank body includes a lower shell with the partition formed thereon and an upper cover sealed to the lower shell to define the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber between the upper cover and the lower shell, wherein one of the upper cover and the lower shell is formed with grooves surrounding the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber respectively, and the other is formed with a protrusion that seals with the groove.

[0008] Preferably, the oxygen storage tank body has an air inlet for introducing oxygen into the high-pressure chamber, and the low-pressure chamber is located on the side of the high-pressure chamber away from the air inlet.

[0009] Preferably, at a position away from the air inlet, the high-pressure chamber has a high-pressure detection chamber adjacent to the low-pressure chamber and separated from the low-pressure chamber by the partition. When the oxygen outlet control valve is in the connected state, the high-pressure chamber is connected to the low-pressure chamber through the high-pressure detection chamber.

[0010] Preferably, the oxygen storage tank body has a baffle extending into the high-pressure detection chamber. When the oxygen outlet control valve is in the connected state, the high-pressure detection chamber is connected to the low-pressure chamber on the side of the baffle facing the air inlet, and allows the pressure in the high-pressure chamber to be detected on the side of the baffle away from the air inlet.

[0011] Preferably, the air inlet end of the oxygen storage tank body is provided with a pressure equalization control component. The pressure equalization control component forms a first oxygen delivery channel and a second oxygen delivery channel for connecting the high-pressure chamber to the first oxygen generating unit and the second oxygen generating unit, respectively. It is also provided with a pressure equalization control valve for controlling the first oxygen delivery channel and the second oxygen delivery channel to be interconnected or isolated from each other, and / or a throttling connection structure that keeps the first oxygen delivery channel and the second oxygen delivery channel constantly connected.

[0012] Preferably, the oxygen storage tank body has a safety valve interface connected to the low-pressure chamber and used to connect to the low-pressure chamber safety valve, the low-pressure chamber safety valve being configured to open when the pressure inside the low-pressure chamber reaches a first predetermined value to discharge oxygen from the low-pressure chamber, and / or, the oxygen storage tank body is equipped with a low-pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the low-pressure chamber.

[0013] Preferably, the low-pressure chamber has a ventilation chamber and an exhaust chamber that are separated from each other, and the main body of the oxygen storage tank is equipped with an oxygen concentration sensor that connects the ventilation chamber and the exhaust chamber. When the oxygen exhaust control valve is in the connected state, the oxygen stored in the high-pressure chamber is discharged to the outside through the oxygen exhaust control valve, the ventilation chamber, the oxygen concentration sensor and the exhaust chamber in sequence.

[0014] Preferably, the oxygen storage tank body is equipped with a high-pressure chamber safety valve, the air inlet of the high-pressure chamber safety valve is connected to the high-pressure chamber, and when the pressure in the high-pressure chamber reaches a second predetermined value, the high-pressure chamber safety valve opens to discharge the oxygen in the high-pressure chamber.

[0015] A second aspect of this invention provides an oxygen generator including the aforementioned oxygen storage tank.

[0016] Through the above technical solution, the oxygen storage tank of this utility model utilizes its high-pressure chamber to store finished oxygen produced by the oxygen generating unit, so as to output a stable flow of oxygen. Whether this oxygen is output can be controlled by the on / off state of the oxygen output control valve. The high-pressure oxygen from the high-pressure chamber is buffered by gas expansion when it enters the low-pressure chamber through the oxygen output control valve, thereby reducing the airflow impact when supplied to the patient. By integrating the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber into the main body of the oxygen storage tank, in addition to the oxygen storage function of the high-pressure chamber, the oxygen storage tank can at least use the low-pressure chamber to buffer the airflow impact, which facilitates the placement of the low-pressure detection element on the oxygen storage tank, and also reduces the use of connecting pipelines, effectively ensuring the airtightness and reliability of the oxygen supply process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the lower shell of the intermediate oxygen storage tank;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the oxygen flow direction in the intermediate oxygen storage tank;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the top cover of the intermediate oxygen storage tank;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the oxygen storage tank;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the lower shell of the intermediate oxygen storage tank, which also shows the connection location of the oxygen concentration sensor;

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the oxygen flow direction in the intermediate oxygen storage tank;

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the top cover of the intermediate oxygen storage tank;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a top view of a pressure equalization control component that can be used in an oxygen generator according to a preferred embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a pressure equalization control component that can be used in an oxygen generator according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A top view of the equalization control component.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1-Oxygen storage tank body; 11-Upper cover; 111-Protrusion; 12-Lower shell; 121-Groove; 122-Baffle; 123-Baffle; 124-Safety valve interface; 125-First oxygen delivery channel; 126-Second oxygen delivery channel; 127-Throttling connection structure; 128-One-way valve; 129-Equalizing control valve interface; 13-High pressure chamber; 131-High pressure detection chamber; 14-Low pressure chamber; 141-Vent chamber; 142-Outlet chamber; 15-High pressure sensor interface sealing gasket; 16-Low pressure sensor interface sealing gasket;

[0031] 2-Oxygen outlet control valve; 3-Oxygen concentration sensor; 4-High pressure chamber safety valve; 5-Fasting screw; 6-Oxygen outlet assembly; 61-Filter plate; 62-Sealing gasket; 63-Sealing ring; 64-Oxygen outlet connector. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0033] In this utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" generally refer to the upper, lower, left, and right as shown in the accompanying drawings; "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 5As shown, an oxygen storage tank for an oxygen concentrator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an oxygen storage tank body 1 and an oxygen outlet control valve 2 installed on the oxygen storage tank body 1. The oxygen storage tank body 1 contains a high-pressure chamber 13 and a low-pressure chamber 14 separated by a partition 122. The oxygen outlet control valve 2 has a connected state that allows the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14 to communicate with each other, and a closed state that isolates them from each other. In the connected state, oxygen stored in the high-pressure chamber 13 can be discharged through the low-pressure chamber 14 to supply the patient; in the closed state, oxygen generated by the oxygen generation unit of the oxygen concentrator is stored in the high-pressure chamber 13, and oxygen in the high-pressure chamber 13 cannot be discharged through the low-pressure chamber 14.

[0035] Therefore, in addition to its function of storing oxygen, this oxygen storage tank also has other functions such as buffering airflow, resulting in higher integration and facilitating the development of portable oxygen concentrators. Specifically, oxygen produced by, for example, a molecular sieve adsorption tower can be stored in the high-pressure chamber 13 of the oxygen storage tank, so as to output a stable flow of oxygen during patient oxygen inhalation. Whether this oxygen is output can be controlled by the on / off state of the oxygen output control valve 2. When the oxygen passes through the oxygen output control valve 2 and enters the low-pressure chamber 14, the high-pressure oxygen is buffered by gas expansion in the low-pressure chamber 14, thereby reducing the airflow impact when supplied to the patient, reducing the air pressure supplied to the patient to a level suitable for breathing, and reducing the impact on the patient's nasal cavity. Thus, in addition to the oxygen storage function of the high-pressure chamber 13, this oxygen storage tank can at least buffer the airflow impact using the oxygen output control valve 2 and the low-pressure chamber 14. Furthermore, as detailed below, the oxygen storage tank, by integrating the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14 within the main body 1, facilitates the placement of low-pressure detection elements (such as oxygen concentration sensor 3) on the oxygen storage tank, further enhancing the integration of the oxygen generator. At the same time, it reduces the use of connecting pipelines, effectively ensuring the airtightness and reliability of the oxygen supply process.

[0036] It should be understood that this utility model uses "high-pressure chamber" and "low-pressure chamber" to represent different chambers within the oxygen storage tank. These chambers typically have different internal pressures during operation. Specifically, as oxygen generated by the oxygen generator is stored in the high-pressure chamber, its internal pressure increases, making it unsuitable for direct supply to the patient's nasal cavity. Conversely, after the oxygen from the high-pressure chamber is transferred to the low-pressure chamber, its pressure decreases due to the aforementioned gas expansion and pressure buffering effect, making it suitable for supply to the patient's nasal cavity through the ventilation tubing. Therefore, the terms "high-pressure chamber" and "low-pressure chamber" used here are intended to differentiate the different functional modules within the oxygen storage tank by utilizing the relative relationship between their internal pressures during operation and the gas pressure required for ventilation therapy.

[0037] Typically, the oxygen storage tank body 1 may include a lower shell 12 with a partition 122 and an upper cover 11 sealed to the lower shell 12 to define a high-pressure chamber 13 and a low-pressure chamber 14 between the upper cover 11 and the lower shell 12. Since the high-pressure chamber 13 needs to withstand relatively high pressure, the oxygen storage tank body 1 (especially the portion defining the high-pressure chamber 13) may be made of rigid plastic, and the chamber walls should have an appropriate thickness, such as not less than 2 mm. Additionally, reinforcing ribs (not marked) may be provided on the inner wall surface of the high-pressure chamber 13 to prevent expansion under the pressure inside the high-pressure chamber 13, thus ensuring operational safety and chamber airtightness. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, these reinforcing ribs can be formed on the inner wall surface of the lower shell 12 and the bottom surface of the upper cover 11, respectively.

[0038] To prevent oxygen from leaking out of the high-pressure chamber 13 or the low-pressure chamber 14 and to ensure that the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14 are separated from each other, in the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the lower housing 12 is provided with grooves 121 that surround the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14 respectively. That is, grooves 121 are formed on the peripheral wall and the partition 122 of the lower housing 12. Correspondingly, the upper cover 11 is provided with a protrusion 111 that seals with the groove 121, thereby facilitating the sealing connection of the upper cover 11 to the lower housing 12 and defining the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14, which are separated from each other and serve different functions, between the two. In the production process, sealant can first be applied to the groove 121 of the lower housing 12, and then the upper cover 11 is placed over the lower housing 12, with the protrusion 111 extending into the groove 121. After the sealant cures, the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14 are sealed, preventing gas leakage and making the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14 relatively independent chambers. In an alternative embodiment, the positions of the groove 121 and the protrusion 111 can be interchanged, with the groove formed on the upper cover 11 and the protrusion 111 placed on the lower housing 12. The upper cover 11 and the lower housing 12 can be connected together by fastening screws 5 to ensure a sealed connection and guarantee the airtightness of the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14.

[0039] As mentioned earlier, the oxygen produced by the oxygen generating unit is first stored in the high-pressure chamber 13, and then the oxygen in the high-pressure chamber 13 is discharged out through the low-pressure chamber 14. For this purpose, the oxygen storage tank body 1 (usually its lower shell 12) can be provided with two air inlets for receiving oxygen from the oxygen generating unit. These two air inlets correspond to the adsorption towers in the oxygen generator that alternately perform adsorption and desorption steps, respectively, for introducing the produced oxygen into the high-pressure chamber 13. The end of the oxygen storage tank body 1 with these air inlets is called the air inlet end. The low-pressure chamber 14 can be located on the side of the high-pressure chamber 13 away from the air inlet end. Figure 3As shown, the high-pressure chamber 13, serving as a temporary storage chamber for high-pressure oxygen, has a relatively large volume and a main body that is generally rectangular in shape. The low-pressure chamber 14 is positioned away from the air inlet to facilitate the thorough mixing of oxygen introduced into the high-pressure chamber 13 before it enters the low-pressure chamber 14, thereby ensuring a stable gas composition and airflow rate supplied to the patient.

[0040] Furthermore, at a location away from the air intake end, the high-pressure chamber 13 may have a high-pressure detection chamber 131 adjacent to the low-pressure chamber 14 and separated from the low-pressure chamber 14 by a partition 122. This high-pressure detection chamber 131 is relative to the high-pressure chamber body (reference). Figure 3 The rectangular portion of the high-pressure chamber 13 extends away from the air inlet. The high-pressure detection chamber 131 has a smaller volume relative to the main body of the high-pressure chamber 13. The two ends of the oxygen outlet control valve 2 are connected to the high-pressure detection chamber 131 and the low-pressure chamber 14, respectively. Thus, when the oxygen outlet control valve 2 is in the connected state, the high-pressure chamber 13 is connected to the low-pressure chamber 14 through the high-pressure detection chamber 131. Alternatively, following the direction of gas flow, the position on the high-pressure chamber 13 that connects to the low-pressure chamber 14 is positioned away from the air inlet of the oxygen storage tank body 1. Preferably, the connection position can be located diagonally opposite the oxygen storage tank body 1, or the high-pressure detection chamber 131 can be positioned diagonally opposite the oxygen storage tank body 1. With this configuration, the oxygen entering the high-pressure chamber 13 from the oxygen generator unit is thoroughly mixed within its main body. In particular, due to the large diagonal distance of this main body, the pressure tends to stabilize when the oxygen reaches the high-pressure detection chamber 131. This allows for accurate detection of the pressure within the high-pressure chamber 13, facilitating the determination and calculation of the pulse output volume controlled by the oxygen outlet control valve 2. Conversely, if the low-pressure chamber 14 or the high-pressure detection chamber 131 is positioned too close to the inlet of the high-pressure chamber 13, the fluctuations in the inlet and outlet air will cause significant pressure fluctuations in the detected high-pressure chamber, affecting the precise control of the oxygen outlet control valve 2 and resulting in poor oxygen generator performance and user experience.

[0041] To further reduce the impact of inlet and outlet air fluctuations on high-pressure detection, the oxygen storage tank body 1 may also have a baffle 123 extending into the high-pressure detection chamber 131, so as to accurately detect the pressure inside the high-pressure chamber 13 at a position opposite to the inlet and outlet within the high-pressure detection chamber 131. Specifically, when the oxygen outlet control valve 2 is in the connected state, the high-pressure detection chamber 131 is connected to the low-pressure chamber 14 on the side of the baffle 123 facing the inlet end, allowing the pressure inside the high-pressure chamber 13 to be detected on the side of the baffle 123 opposite to the inlet end. Figure 3 As shown, on the side of the baffle 123 facing the air inlet, the high pressure detection chamber 131 has a vent hole for connecting to the oxygen outlet control valve 2. Oxygen in the high pressure chamber 13 can enter the oxygen outlet control valve 2 through the vent hole and then enter the low pressure chamber 14. Figure 1 and Figure 5 The diagram shows a high-pressure sensor interface sealing gasket 15 for sealingly extending a high-pressure sensor into the high-pressure chamber 13. The high-pressure sensor can be mounted on a main control board above the upper cover 11, and the portion of the sensor that extends into the high-pressure chamber 13 sealed by the high-pressure sensor interface sealing gasket 15 is blocked by a baffle 123. By using the baffle 123 to form a local barrier within the high-pressure detection chamber 131, the detection position of the high-pressure sensor is separated from the air inlet and outlet, thus reducing the impact of air inlet and outlet on the accuracy of pressure detection in the high-pressure chamber 13.

[0042] The oxygen dispensing control valve 2 in the oxygen storage tank of this invention is used to input oxygen from the high-pressure chamber 13 to the low-pressure chamber 14 in a timely manner. The oxygen dispensing control valve 2 is normally closed and is only opened when a user inhales, thus achieving pulsed oxygen dispensing control. The oxygen dispensing control valve 2 should be designed with a small delay to respond quickly according to the user's breathing status, ensuring optimal timing and quantity of oxygen dispensing. The oxygen dispensing control valve 2 can be connected to the lower shell 12 of the oxygen storage tank body 1 by fastening screws 5, with its two ports connected to the high-pressure chamber 13 and the low-pressure chamber 14 respectively.

[0043] Figure 3 Arrows illustrate the flow path of oxygen into the high-pressure chamber 13, from the high-pressure chamber 13 into the low-pressure chamber 14, and within the low-pressure chamber 14. The low-pressure chamber 14 is divided by a partition into a venting chamber 141 and an outlet chamber 142. The outlet of the oxygen control valve 2 is connected to the venting chamber 141, and the oxygen storage tank body 1 is equipped with an oxygen concentration sensor 3 that connects the venting chamber 141 and the outlet chamber 142. Thus, when the oxygen control valve 2 is in the open state, oxygen stored in the high-pressure chamber 13 first enters the venting chamber 141 through the oxygen control valve 2, then passes through the oxygen concentration sensor 3 into the outlet chamber 142, and is finally discharged through the oxygen outlet assembly 6 described later. The oxygen concentration sensor 3 can detect the pulsed oxygen concentration controlled by the oxygen control valve 2, further expanding the functionality of the oxygen storage tank. The oxygen concentration sensor 3 is connected to the lower housing 12 of the oxygen storage tank body 1 via fastening screws 5.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the oxygen storage tank, the main body 1 may further have a safety valve interface 124 connected to the low-pressure chamber 14 (e.g., connected to the ventilation chamber 141) and used to connect to the low-pressure chamber safety valve. The low-pressure chamber safety valve is configured to open when the pressure inside the low-pressure chamber 14 reaches a first predetermined value to discharge oxygen from the low-pressure chamber 14. Thus, when the oxygen supply assembly 6 or its connected ventilation line becomes blocked and cannot supply gas normally, the pressure inside the low-pressure chamber 14 rises. By providing the low-pressure chamber safety valve, it can open when the pressure reaches the first predetermined value to discharge gas, preventing permanent damage to components such as the aforementioned oxygen concentration sensor 3. Furthermore, when the aforementioned blockage or other problems are resolved and gas supply to the patient is suddenly restored, this arrangement structure, which prevents excessive pressure inside the low-pressure chamber 14, can also prevent accidental shock to the patient. The low-pressure chamber safety valve connected to the safety valve interface 124 can be mechanical or electrically controlled, as long as it can open and discharge oxygen from the low-pressure chamber 14 when a safe pressure is reached.

[0045] In addition, the main body 1 of the oxygen storage tank can also be equipped with a low-pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the low-pressure chamber 14. Figure 1 and Figure 5 A low-pressure sensor interface sealing gasket 16 is shown to allow the low-pressure sensor to extend hermetically into the low-pressure chamber 14. Similar to the high-pressure sensor described above, the low-pressure sensor can also be mounted on the main control board above the upper cover 11 and extend hermetically into the low-pressure chamber 14 through the upper cover 11. By comparing the measured pressure within the low-pressure chamber 14 with the ambient pressure, it can be determined whether a negative pressure has formed within the low-pressure chamber 14 due to the user's inhalation, thus serving as the basis for controlling the opening and closing of the oxygen supply control valve 2 to supply oxygen to the patient in a timely manner.

[0046] At the location corresponding to the air outlet chamber 142 of the low-pressure chamber 14, the upper cover 11 of the oxygen storage tank body 1 can be fitted with an oxygen outlet assembly 6 that is sealed and connected to the air outlet chamber 142, so as to connect to the ventilation line leading to the patient. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the oxygen outlet assembly 6 includes an oxygen outlet connector 64 threadedly connected to the upper cover 11. A sealing ring 63 can be fitted on the oxygen outlet connector 64 to seal the gap between the oxygen outlet connector 64 and the oxygen generator housing. This can prevent external air from passing through the threaded gap between the oxygen outlet connector 64 and the upper cover 11 and mixing into the delivered oxygen, affecting the stability of the oxygen concentration. At the same time, it can also reduce the noise generated by the heat dissipation air in the oxygen generator housing passing through the gap between the oxygen outlet connector 64 and the oxygen generator housing.

[0047] To eliminate potential bacteria and impurities in the supplied oxygen, the oxygen output assembly 6 may further include a filter 61 disposed at the inlet end of the oxygen output connector 64. This filter 61 may be configured to have a filtration accuracy of 1 μm or higher, providing a final filtration before the produced oxygen is supplied to the patient. A sealing gasket 62 made of a soft material may be provided between the filter 61 and the oxygen output connector 64 to ensure a sealed oxygen delivery.

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the upper cover 11 can form an oxygen outlet channel for connecting the oxygen outlet assembly 6. The bottom end of the oxygen outlet channel can have a through hole communicating with the low-pressure chamber 14, so that oxygen in the low-pressure chamber 14 can enter the oxygen outlet assembly 6 through the through hole and be output to the outside through the oxygen outlet assembly 6. The bottom end of the oxygen outlet channel can be configured as a mesh-like support structure to form the through hole, thereby pressing and fixing the filter 61 of the aforementioned oxygen outlet assembly 6 onto the mesh-like support structure, thereby avoiding vibration of the filter 61 caused by airflow impact and extending its service life.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the oxygen storage tank, the oxygen outlet channel for connecting the oxygen outlet assembly 6 can be formed as a stepped hole, thereby pressing and fixing the filter 61 onto the step inside the hole. A vent hole is formed on the bottom wall or peripheral wall below the step, which also effectively fixes the filter 61. By placing the vent hole on the peripheral wall below the step, the airflow direction is changed before reaching the filter 61, thus reducing the airflow impact on the filter 61.

[0050] Reference Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention has a structure and principle that are substantially the same as the oxygen storage tank of the aforementioned embodiment. The above description of the oxygen storage tank of the present invention applies to this preferred embodiment. Therefore, the following will mainly describe the differences.

[0051] As mentioned above, in the oxygen production process of an oxygen generator, an adsorption tower that alternately performs adsorption and desorption steps can usually be used to produce oxygen. Therefore, the oxygen production unit can deliver the produced oxygen to the oxygen storage tank through the pressure equalization purging control component. Figures 6 to 9 The oxygen storage tank shown integrates the equalization purging control component at its air inlet, thus eliminating the need for a relatively independent equalization purging control component in the oxygen generator.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the air inlet of the oxygen storage tank body 1 may be provided with a pressure equalization control component. This pressure equalization control component forms a first oxygen delivery channel 125 and a second oxygen delivery channel 126 for connecting the high-pressure chamber 13 to the first oxygen generating unit and the second oxygen generating unit (i.e., two adsorption towers), respectively. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the main body of the pressure equalization control component is integrally formed with the oxygen storage tank body 1 and is equipped with a pressure equalization control valve for controlling the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126 to be interconnected or isolated from each other. This pressure equalization control valve can be connected at both ends to the pressure equalization control valve interface 129 in the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126, respectively. Therefore, at specific times during each oxygen production cycle, the on / off state between the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126 is switched via a pressure equalization control valve. The oxygen outlets of the two adsorption towers are connected through the pressure equalization control valve, supplying the high-concentration oxygen produced at the end of the adsorption cycle in one adsorption tower to the other adsorption tower in the nitrogen removal cycle. This not only facilitates the desorption of the sieve bed in the adsorption tower but also increases the initial oxygen concentration when entering the next adsorption cycle, ensuring a stable oxygen supply from the oxygen generator. Simultaneously, the oxygen produced by the adsorption tower during the oxygen production (adsorption) cycle is output through the corresponding first oxygen delivery channel 125 or second oxygen delivery channel 126 for storage in an oxygen storage tank.

[0053] Furthermore, the pressure equalization control assembly may also include a throttling connection structure 127 that keeps the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126 constantly connected. During the adsorption cycle, part of the oxygen produced by the adsorption tower enters the oxygen storage tank for storage, while the other part passes through the throttling connection structure 127 to another adsorption tower to aid in nitrogen desorption. This facilitates the effective adsorption and separation of oxygen by the adsorption tower in the desorption cycle during the next cycle. This constant connection is crucial for the performance of the oxygen generator; if it cannot effectively desorb nitrogen during the desorption cycle, the oxygen concentration produced in subsequent adsorption cycles will gradually decrease with each cycle. The throttling connection structure 127 may be configured with a throttling element made of metal or plastic and installed in the main body of the pressure equalization control assembly, ensuring that the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126 remain constantly connected. The orifice size and machining precision of the throttling connection structure 127 have a significant impact on the performance of the oxygen concentrator. Generally, for home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators, the orifice size of the throttling element should be between 0.1mm and 3mm.

[0054] To prevent the delivered oxygen from flowing back through the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126, each of the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126 may be equipped with a one-way valve 128 that only allows the gas flow to flow unidirectionally towards the oxygen storage tank. In this case, a throttling connection structure 127 can be located upstream of the one-way valve 128 so that the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126 remain constantly connected through the throttling connection structure 127.

[0055] In other embodiments, the pressure equalization control component can also be formed independently of the oxygen storage tank body 1 and installed such that its first oxygen delivery channel 125 and second oxygen delivery channel 126 can be unidirectionally fluidly connected to the high-pressure chamber 13 of the oxygen storage tank body 1 via the aforementioned one-way valve 128, so as to deliver oxygen produced by the first oxygen generation unit and the second oxygen generation unit into the oxygen storage tank body 1, and control the backflushing of the adsorption tower during the nitrogen removal cycle through the pressure equalization control valve and the throttling element. Therefore, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The pressure equalization control assembly shown, which has a first oxygen delivery channel 125 and a second oxygen delivery channel 126, can be manufactured and installed independently and integrated with the oxygen storage tank body 1.

[0056] Figure 10 A pressure equalization control assembly, formed independently of the oxygen storage tank, is shown, which has the aforementioned combination... Figures 6 to 9 The pressure equalization control component described herein has a basically the same structure, but it is formed independently of the oxygen storage tank body 1 and can be installed to connect to the air inlet of the oxygen storage tank body 1. This pressure equalization control component also includes a throttling connection structure 127, a one-way valve 128, and a pressure equalization control valve interface 129 for connecting the pressure equalization control valve. Furthermore, this pressure equalization control component also integrates a high-pressure chamber safety valve 4, which opens when the pressure inside the high-pressure chamber 13 reaches a second predetermined value (e.g., 200 kPa) to discharge oxygen from the high-pressure chamber 13. As will be described later, in other embodiments, the high-pressure chamber safety valve 4 may also be located on the oxygen storage tank body 1 or on the pressure equalization control component integrally formed with the oxygen storage tank body 1.

[0057] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Another independently molded pressure equalization control component is shown, combined with the above. Figure 10 The pressure equalization control component described is different. This pressure equalization control component itself may not integrate a check valve and a high-pressure chamber safety valve. Instead, a connection port for connecting to the oxygen storage tank body 1 is formed at the end of the first oxygen delivery channel 125 and the second oxygen delivery channel 126. The check valve can be installed in the corresponding connection port or set on the oxygen storage tank body 1.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the oxygen storage tank, the main body 1 of the oxygen storage tank may also be equipped with a high-pressure chamber safety valve 4. The inlet of the high-pressure chamber safety valve 4 is connected to the high-pressure chamber 13. When the pressure inside the high-pressure chamber 13 reaches a second predetermined value (e.g., 200 kPa), the high-pressure chamber safety valve 4 opens to discharge oxygen from the high-pressure chamber 13. The high-pressure chamber safety valve 4 can be a normally closed valve with spring force applied by a compression spring. When the pressure inside the high-pressure chamber 13 exceeds the set value, the high-pressure chamber safety valve 4 opens under pressure to reduce the pressure inside the high-pressure chamber 13. The outlet of the high-pressure chamber safety valve 4 can be supplied to the lower-pressure adsorption tower (in the desorption step) in the oxygen generation unit to facilitate the removal of residual nitrogen in the adsorption tower, thereby improving the nitrogen adsorption capacity in the next adsorption cycle.

[0059] With the above-described configuration, the oxygen storage tank and oxygen generator of the preferred embodiment of this utility model have many advantages:

[0060] 1. By integrating multiple functions within the limited space of a portable oxygen concentrator, based on the main body of the oxygen storage tank, not only can the overall structure of the portable oxygen concentrator's core be improved, but also the space utilization rate can be increased, the structure can be made more compact, and the implementation of component production and assembly processes can be facilitated, thereby improving the product assembly efficiency.

[0061] 2. The oxygen storage tank integrates multiple functions, thereby reducing the number of pipeline connections between different functional components inside the oxygen generator and avoiding aging problems that can easily occur in the pipelines during use, which could affect the airtightness of the system. Airtightness is an important foundation for the pressure swing adsorption performance and oxygen production capacity of an oxygen generator. Therefore, this invention improves the performance stability and reliability throughout the product's life cycle.

[0062] 3. By rationally arranging high-pressure and low-pressure chambers, the impact of gas flow inside the oxygen storage tank and pressure fluctuations caused by inlet and outlet gas on the accuracy of the oxygen generator's oxygen output algorithm and output volume is significantly reduced, ensuring more precise oxygen output control and a good "oxygen therapy" effect.

[0063] 4. By installing a safety valve in the low-pressure chamber, damage to the sensors used in the low-pressure chamber can be prevented when the chamber pressure is abnormal. Simultaneously, if the user's nasal oxygen tube becomes kinked or the oxygen outlet becomes blocked, the excess gas can be released, preventing impact on the user and reducing safety under single-fault conditions.

[0064] 5. The oxygen storage tank can integrate oxygen storage, oxygen output and control, oxygen concentration detection, system pressure monitoring, breathing monitoring, and overpressure release functions, which is conducive to the development of portable oxygen generators towards greater modularity, integration, and miniaturization. It is a brand-new way of realizing multi-functional components.

[0065] 6. By installing a high-pressure chamber safety valve, when overpressure occurs in the high-pressure chamber, the valve will open, releasing the high-pressure oxygen inside. This released gas can help purge residual nitrogen from the adsorption tank during desorption, thereby improving the nitrogen adsorption capacity for the next adsorption cycle. This high-pressure chamber safety valve prevents high pressure from damaging components inside the high-pressure chamber or from affecting the airtightness of the oxygen storage tank during long-term high-pressure operation, thus improving product reliability and reducing the risk of failure.

[0066] Based on this, the present invention also provides an oxygen generator including the above-mentioned oxygen storage tank.

[0067] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, including combinations of various specific technical features in any suitable manner. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately. However, these simple modifications and combinations should also be considered as the content disclosed in the present invention and are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator, characterized in that, The system includes an oxygen storage tank body (1) and an oxygen outlet control valve (2) installed on the oxygen storage tank body (1). The oxygen storage tank body (1) has a high-pressure chamber (13) and a low-pressure chamber (14) separated by a partition (122). The oxygen outlet control valve (2) has a connected state and a closed state that respectively connect and disconnect the high-pressure chamber (13) and the low-pressure chamber (14), so that in the connected state, oxygen stored in the high-pressure chamber (13) can be discharged outward through the low-pressure chamber (14).

2. The oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen storage tank body (1) includes a lower shell (12) with the partition (122) formed thereon and an upper cover (11) sealed to the lower shell (12) to define the high pressure chamber (13) and the low pressure chamber (14) between the upper cover (11) and the lower shell (12), wherein one of the upper cover (11) and the lower shell (12) is formed with a groove (121) surrounding the high pressure chamber (13) and the low pressure chamber (14) respectively, and the other is formed with a protrusion (111) sealingly engaging with the groove (121).

3. The oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen storage tank body (1) has an air inlet for supplying oxygen to the high-pressure chamber (13), and the low-pressure chamber (14) is located on the side of the high-pressure chamber (13) away from the air inlet.

4. The oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, At a position away from the air inlet, the high-pressure chamber (13) has a high-pressure detection chamber (131) adjacent to the low-pressure chamber (14) and separated from the low-pressure chamber (14) by the partition (122). When the oxygen outlet control valve (2) is in the connected state, the high-pressure chamber (13) is connected to the low-pressure chamber (14) through the high-pressure detection chamber (131).

5. The oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main body (1) of the oxygen storage tank is formed with a baffle (123) extending into the high pressure detection chamber (131). When the oxygen outlet control valve (2) is in the connected state, the high pressure detection chamber (131) is connected to the low pressure chamber (14) on the side of the baffle (123) facing the air inlet end, and allows the pressure in the high pressure chamber (13) to be detected on the side of the baffle (123) away from the air inlet end.

6. The oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The oxygen storage tank body (1) is provided with a pressure equalization control component at the air inlet end. The pressure equalization control component forms a first oxygen delivery channel (125) and a second oxygen delivery channel (126) for connecting the high pressure chamber (13) to the first oxygen generating unit and the second oxygen generating unit, respectively. It is also provided with a pressure equalization control valve for controlling the first oxygen delivery channel (125) and the second oxygen delivery channel (126) to be interconnected or isolated from each other and / or a throttling connection structure (127) for keeping the first oxygen delivery channel (125) and the second oxygen delivery channel (126) constantly connected.

7. The oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen storage tank body (1) has a safety valve interface (124) that communicates with the low-pressure chamber (14) and is used to connect the low-pressure chamber safety valve. The low-pressure chamber safety valve is configured to open when the pressure in the low-pressure chamber (14) reaches a first predetermined value to discharge oxygen from the low-pressure chamber (14). Alternatively, the oxygen storage tank body (1) is equipped with a low-pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the low-pressure chamber (14).

8. The oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-pressure chamber (14) has a ventilation chamber (141) and an exhaust chamber (142) separated from each other. The main body (1) of the oxygen storage tank is equipped with an oxygen concentration sensor (3) that connects the ventilation chamber (141) and the exhaust chamber (142). When the oxygen exhaust control valve (2) is in the connected state, the oxygen stored in the high-pressure chamber (13) passes through the oxygen exhaust control valve (2), the ventilation chamber (141), the oxygen concentration sensor (3) and the exhaust chamber (142) in sequence and is discharged to the outside.

9. The oxygen storage tank for an oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1) of the oxygen storage tank is equipped with a high-pressure chamber safety valve (4). The air inlet of the high-pressure chamber safety valve (4) is connected to the high-pressure chamber (13). When the pressure in the high-pressure chamber (13) reaches a second predetermined value, the high-pressure chamber safety valve (4) opens to discharge the oxygen in the high-pressure chamber (13).

10. An oxygen generator, characterized in that, The oxygen generator includes an oxygen storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images