Detent, inlet grille and oxygen generator

Abstract

Detent (122), characterized in that the detent (122) is used for mounting a grid body (121) of an inlet grid (12) on a housing body (11), wherein the detent (122) comprises an elastic deformation section (122a) used to bear against the grid body (121) and a detent section (122b) used to lock with the housing body (11), wherein the elastic deformation section (122a) is configured to be deformable in such a way as to insert the detent section (122b) into a detent position or to pull it out of the detent position.

Description

[0001] The application claims priority over a Chinese patent application with application number 202423320886.6 and titled “Oxygen generator and cooling system therefor”, which was filed on 31.12.2024. Technical field

[0002] The present utility model relates to the technical field of respiratory therapies and in particular to a locking mechanism, an inlet grid and an oxygen generator. State of the art

[0003] An oxygen generator is primarily used in various scenarios, such as hospitals, homes, and outdoor rescue operations. These generators typically utilize the principle of pressure swing adsorption (PSA), in which ambient air is compressed at normal temperature and low pressure by a compressor and nitrogen is removed using a molecular sieve. This process generates oxygen by separating the oxygen from the nitrogen in the air. Operating an oxygen generator produces a significant amount of heat, which can lead to overheating, impairing the machine's normal operation and lifespan, and potentially posing a safety hazard if not dissipated promptly.

[0004] In the prior art, oxygen generators typically incorporate a cooling fan that generates an airflow through the heat-generating components within the generator housing to dissipate the heat. The housing also includes an inlet and an outlet for the flow of cooling air. To optimize airflow for cooling, a grille is usually mounted on the inlet and outlet, particularly on the inlet. However, conventional oxygen generators present the problem of the inlet grille and housing being difficult to remove and reinstall, complicating the inspection and maintenance of the cooling fan. Disclosure of the utility model

[0005] The purpose of the present utility model is to eliminate the problems of the inconvenient disassembly or assembly of the inlet grille and the housing, as well as the unstable connection, and to provide a locking mechanism, an inlet grille, and an oxygen generator that enables easy and quick disassembly or assembly of the inlet grille and the housing of the oxygen generator.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problem, the present utility model provides, in a first aspect, a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is used to mount the grille body of an inlet grille to a housing body. The locking mechanism comprises an elastic deformation section used to rest against the grille body and a locking section used to engage with the housing body. The elastic deformation section is configured to be deformable, allowing the locking section to be inserted into and removed from a locking position.

[0007] Preferably, the elastic deformation section comprises a support arm that rests against a bottom wall of a locking mounting groove of the lattice body.

[0008] Preferably, the support arm is an annular arm that fits snugly against a circumferential wall of the locking mounting groove and comprises two upper support arms and a lower support arm formed integrally with the upper support arms. The two upper support arms are arranged symmetrically. The two upper support arms form an obtuse angle. The lower support arm has a specific curvature and a smooth transition at one lower end.

[0009] Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises a pressure section that projects from the housing body outwards from the locking section. The pressure section is used to press the elastic deformation section into deformation when the pressure section is pressed.

[0010] Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises a limiting projection arranged on a side of the locking section facing away from the pressure section. The limiting projection is configured to fit a locking limiting hole in the lattice body and thus limit the deformation limit of the elastic deformation section.

[0011] Preferably, several limiting strips are provided on a main surface of the locking mechanism to guide the movement of the locking mechanism in the locking mounting groove in the grid body.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present utility model provides an inlet grille. The inlet grille comprises a grille body and a locking mechanism. A locking mounting groove is formed in the grille body for mounting the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is at least partially arranged in the locking mounting groove and comprises an elastic deformation section used to abut the grille body and a locking section used to engage with the housing of an oxygen generator. The elastic deformation section is configured to be deformable, allowing the locking section to be inserted into and removed from a locking position.

[0013] Preferably, the grid body further comprises a locking limit hole arranged on an inner side of the locking mounting groove. The locking mechanism also includes a limiting projection extending from the locking section towards one side of the housing body. The limiting projection is configured to fit the locking limit hole and thus limit the limit position of the locking mechanism relative to the grid body.

[0014] Preferably, the grid body further comprises a pressure guide groove arranged on an outer side of the latch mounting groove. The latch also includes a pressure section that projects from the housing body outwards from the latch section. The pressure section and the pressure guide groove are matched to each other so that the latch slides in the latch mounting groove in a predetermined direction.

[0015] In a third aspect, the present utility model provides an oxygen generator. The oxygen generator comprises a housing consisting of a housing body and an inlet grille as described above, and the grille body is detachably mounted to the housing body by means of a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0016] With the technical solutions described above, the locking section and the elastic deformation section of the utility model's locking mechanism create a detachable connection between the inlet grille body and the oxygen generator housing. During disassembly or assembly, the locking section is pressed towards one side of the grille body, causing the elastic deformation section against the grille body to deform. This allows the locking section to be pulled out of or inserted into the locking point on the housing, thus removing or attaching the grille body to the housing. In this way, the inlet grille and the oxygen generator housing can be easily and quickly removed or assembled. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an oxygen generator according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the oxygen generator from Fig. 1, with the housing body removed; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the oxygen generator from Fig. 1. at a different angle; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the oxygen generator from Fig. 3, with the housing body removed; Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b are perspective views of a locking mechanism of an inlet grid of the oxygen generator. Fig. 1 at different angles; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a lattice body of the inlet lattice of the oxygen generator made of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the oxygen generator from Fig. 1, with the casing removed; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the oxygen generator from Fig. 7, with the oxygen cylinder removed; Fig. Figure 9 is a structural section of the oxygen generator made of Fig. 7; and Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic view of the flow in an air path of a cooling system for the oxygen generator according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Reference symbol list

[0017] 1- Housing; 11- Housing body; 111- Outlet; 12- Inlet grille; 121- Grille body; 1211- Detent mounting groove; 1212- Detent limiting hole; 1213- Pressure guide groove; 121a- First inlet; 121b- Second inlet; 122- Detent; 122a- Elastic deformation section; 122b- Detent section; 122c- Pressure section; 122d- Limiting projection; 122e- Limiting strip; 122a1- Upper support arm; 122a2- Lower support arm; 2- Cooling fan; 3- Compressor; 4- Main circuit board; 5- Oxygen generation unit; 6- Control valve for air intake and nitrogen removal; 7- Main support; 71- Guide plate; 72- Guide opening; L1- First cooling air path; L2- Second cooling air path. Detailed descriptions

[0018] In connection with the figures, the detailed embodiments of the present utility model are explained in more detail below. It is understood that the detailed embodiments described here are intended only to illustrate and explain the utility model, but not to limit it.

[0019] Unless otherwise stated, in this utility model, the positional terms used, such as "top", "bottom", "left", and "right", generally refer to the top, bottom, left, and right parts shown in the figures. The terms "inner" and "outer" mean the inside and outside in relation to the profile of a part itself.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. In the present utility model, a cooling system for an oxygen generator is provided, comprising a housing 1 and a cooling fan 2 mounted in the housing 1. The housing 1 also contains elements to be cooled, such as a main circuit board 4, a compressor 3, an oxygen generation unit 5, and a control valve for air inlet and nitrogen removal 6. The compressor 3 and the main circuit board 4 are the predominant heat-generating components. Typically, the compressor 3 can draw in ambient air from an external space within the housing 1 and, through the control valve for air inlet and nitrogen removal 6, supply the compressed air to the oxygen generation unit 5 (acting as one of the molecular sieves) in an adsorbing operating mode to generate oxygen, which is then administered to a patient.Simultaneously, the nitrogen emitted by the oxygen generation unit 5 in a desorbing operating mode can be discharged through the air inlet and nitrogen removal control valve 6. The main circuit board 4 can be configured to control the operation of these functional components. During this process, the components generate heat due to friction, electrical conduction, etc., which can impair the normal operation of the components if it is not dissipated promptly.

[0021] For this purpose, the cooling system for an oxygen generator according to the present utility model provides a first inlet 121a on the housing 1 to form a first cooling air path L1 between the first inlet 121a and the cooling fan 2. At least some of the elements to be cooled described above are arranged in the first cooling air path L1, so that the cooling airflow supplied in the first cooling air path L1 passes over the surfaces of the respective components to be cooled and thus dissipates their heat. It is essential that the cooling system provides a guide opening 72 in the housing 1, which is used to guide the cooling air drawn in through the first inlet 121a to one of the elements to be cooled. In the preferred embodiments shown in the figures, in particular in the Fig. 2, Fig. 7 and Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figure 10, the main circuit board 4 is located on one side of the core. The cooling air drawn in through the first inlet 121a flows through the guide opening 72 exclusively to the side on which the main circuit board 4 is located, without any further cooling air flowing to the other side, the top, or any other part of the core. This allows the heat in the main circuit board 4 to be dissipated quickly and effectively.

[0022] Therefore, this optimized design of the first cooling air path L1 in the cooling system enables sufficient cooling airflow through the relevant components to be cooled, thus maximizing the cooling effect of the first cooling air path L1 and maintaining the components within a suitable temperature range. In particular, directing the cooling airflow to the main heat-generating components in the oxygen generator, such as the main circuit board 4, effectively improves heat dissipation, ensuring that heat from the housing 1 and its other components is dissipated promptly. Even after prolonged operation of the oxygen generator, the accumulated heat is prevented from impacting the cooling system, allowing the affected components within the oxygen generator to operate within a suitable temperature range and thus extending the generator's service life.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, a first inlet 121a and a second inlet 121b can be provided at a first end and a second end of the housing 1 opposite the first end, respectively, and an outlet 111 can be provided on a side wall between the first and second ends to form a first cooling air path L1 and a second cooling air path L2, each passing through the gap between the housing 1 and at least part of the elements to be cooled. Fig. 2 and Fig. The airflow path from the first inlet 121a and the second inlet 121b to the cooling fan 2 is indicated by an arrow. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a portion of the cooling air is drawn in through the first inlet 121a and guided through the main circuit board 4 to an inlet end of the cooling fan 2. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a further portion of the cooling air is drawn in through the second inlet 121b and guided sequentially through the oxygen generation unit 5, the air inlet and nitrogen removal control valve 6, and the main circuit board 4 to the inlet end of the cooling fan 2. The cooling air is blown by the cooling fan 2 to the compressor 3 and then discharged through the outlet 111 of the housing 1 to the external space of the housing 1.

[0024] In the cooling system for an oxygen generator according to the utility model, inlets are formed at two opposite ends of the housing 1, ensuring a sufficient quantity of cooling air is introduced into the housing 1 to guarantee effective cooling. Furthermore, the intake cooling air flows through the gap between the heat-generating units and the housing 1, thus cooling both the heat-generating units and dissipating the heat transferred to the housing 1 by radiation. Even after prolonged operation, this prevents the accumulated heat of the housing 1 from affecting the cooling process, ensuring that the relevant components in the oxygen generator operate within a suitable temperature range and thereby extending the service life of the oxygen generator.By arranging the outlet 111 on an end wall of the housing 1 differently from the end wall on which the first inlet 121a and the second inlet 121b are arranged, the airflows in the first cooling air path L1 and the second cooling air path L2 can flow relatively independently through different elements to be cooled or different sections of the same element to be cooled in order to ensure a high air velocity and a good cooling effect.

[0025] As mentioned above, the compressor 3, as a key heat-generating component of the oxygen generator, produces a significant amount of heat due to friction. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling fan 2 is arranged such that its outlet points towards the compressor 3. This causes the cooling air drawn in through the first inlet 121a and the second inlet 121b to be blown by the cooling fan 2 to the compressor 3 and discharged by the compressor 3 through the outlet 111. This allows a large volume of air to pass through the compressor 3 and the heat generated by it to be dissipated. Furthermore, it prevents the heat generated by the compressor 3 and carried away by the cooling air from being blown to other components requiring cooling, thus optimizing the cooling air path and effectively improving the overall cooling effect.

[0026] The cooling fan 2 can be mounted directly above the compressor 3, so that the outlet 111 is directed towards the lower end of the compressor 3. Thus, the cooling air blown by the cooling fan 2 towards the compressor 3 flows past the front and rear of the compressor 3 and is then discharged through the outlet 111. This allows the compressor 3 to be effectively cooled, and the entire oxygen generator can be configured with a small thickness in the front-to-back direction, which facilitates its portability.

[0027] The electronics on the main circuit board 4, as another significant heat-generating component of the oxygen generator, also produce a large amount of heat during operation. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling air flowing in the first cooling air path L1 and in the second cooling air path L2 is drawn through the gap between the main circuit board 4 and the housing 1 into the cooling fan 2, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 10 shows that the cooling air drawn in through the first inlet 121a and the second inlet 121b can flow through different areas of the main circuit board 4 to cool the electronics in the different areas and thus ensure the operation of the main circuit board 4 in a suitable temperature range.

[0028] The main circuit board 4 can be mounted on the side of the compressor 3 facing away from the outlet 111, and the compressor 3 is located near the first inlet 121a. The cooling air drawn in through the first inlet 121a can be routed so that, before and after the cooling fan 2, it passes only through the main circuit board 4 and the compressor 3, thus having a short air path and allowing heat to be effectively dissipated from the two main heat-generating components. In this case, the electronics on the main circuit board 4 can also be arranged in an optimized manner so that the main heat-generating elements are located in the first cooling air path L1. As described above, the housing 1 can be provided with a guide opening 72. The guide opening 72 can be defined by a guide plate 71 formed on a main support 7.The cooling air, guided through the guide opening 72 and drawn in through the first inlet 121a, flows to the gap between the main circuit board 4 and the housing 1, effectively ensuring the airflow in the first cooling air path L1. The guide plate 71 optimizes the first cooling air path L1, ensuring that sufficient cooling air is supplied to the main circuit board 4 and preventing overheating of the main circuit board 4.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the oxygen generation unit 5 can be arranged near the second inlet 121b, and the second cooling air path L2 runs through the gap between the oxygen generation unit 5 and the housing 1, the gap between the air inlet and nitrogen removal control valve 6 and the housing 1, and the gap between the main circuit board 4 and the housing 1 into the cooling fan 2. Although the air flows over a relatively long path in the second cooling air path L2, the heat dissipation requirements of the oxygen generation unit 5 and the air inlet and nitrogen removal control valve 6 can thus be easily met, since they generate a relatively small amount of heat.Because the temperature of the cooling air does not increase significantly after passing through the oxygen generation unit 5 and the air inlet and nitrogen removal control valve 6, the cooling air can be further routed through the main circuit board 4 and the compressor 3 to dissipate heat from the oxygen generator. The cooling air drawn in through the second inlet 121b can flow past both sides of the oxygen generation unit 5 and the air inlet and nitrogen removal control valve 6, or alternatively, the cooling air can flow through the air inlet and nitrogen removal control valve 6 because the control valve 6 has an irregular contour.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, a main support 7 can be provided in the housing 1, and the elements to be cooled are each mounted on the main support 7. For example, the main support 7 can be provided with a compressor chamber for mounting the compressor 3 and an adsorption chamber for mounting the oxygen generation unit 5, which are arranged near a first and second end of the housing 1, respectively. The cooling fan 2 and the control valve for air inlet and nitrogen removal 6 can each be arranged above the compressor 3 and mounted on the main support 7. A shorter duct not only facilitates the connection of the air path between the compressor, the control valve for air inlet and nitrogen removal, and the oxygen generation unit, but also allows the first cooling air path L1 and the second cooling air path L2 to achieve effective heat dissipation.

[0031] To facilitate the uniform intake of cooling air into the first cooling air path L1 and the second cooling air path L2, the housing 1 can have a housing body 11 and inlet grilles 12, each detachably connected to a first side and a second side of the housing body 11, respectively. The first inlet 121a and the second inlet 121b are formed in the corresponding inlet grilles 12. This allows ambient air to be drawn through the inlet grilles 12 into the first cooling air path L1 and the second cooling air path L2 during operation of the cooling fan 2, thus preventing uneven heat dissipation caused by insufficient local airflow.

[0032] The inlet grille 12 can be attached to the housing body 11 by means of a locking mechanism 122, which simplifies disassembly and assembly. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5a to Fig. As shown in Figure 6, in a preferred embodiment the inlet grille 12 can comprise a grille body 121 and the latching mechanism 122, which is operabably connected to the grille body 121. The latching mechanism 122 has an elastic deformation section 122a that rests against the grille body 121 and a detent section 122b that is used to latch to the housing body 11. During disassembly or assembly, a pressure section 122c projecting from the housing body 11, starting from the detent section 122b, is pressed, causing the elastic deformation section 122a to deform in order to pull the detent section 122b out of or into the detent position, thereby disassembling or assembling the inlet grille 12 from the housing body 11. Fig. 5a and Fig. Figure 5b shows the three-dimensional structure of the locking mechanism 122, and Fig.Figure 6 shows the three-dimensional structure of the lattice body 121. A locking mounting groove 1211 for mounting the locking device 122 can be formed on the lattice body 1211, and a locking limiting hole 1212 or a pressure guide groove 1213 is provided on the inside or outside of the locking mounting groove 1211, respectively. When the locking device 122 is inserted into the locking mounting groove 1211, a limiting projection 122d is located on its inside in the locking limiting hole 1212 of the lattice body 121, thereby limiting the limit position of the locking device 122 relative to the lattice body 121. The pressure section 122c on the outside of the latch 122 is fitted to the pressure guide groove 1213 of the grid body 121, so that the latch 122 slides in the latch mounting groove 1211 in a predetermined direction.

[0033] The elastic deformation section 122a of the detent 122 can be configured in various suitable shapes, as long as the detent 122 can elastically return to its resting position. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the elastic deformation section 122a is configured as an annular arm that rests against the bottom wall of the detent mounting groove 1211, so that pressing the pressure section 122c of the detent 122 causes the annular arm to deform elastically. Furthermore, in this configuration, the elastic deformation section 122a also allows the annular arm to rest against the circumferential wall of the detent mounting groove 1211, thus facilitating the stable pressing and resetting of the detent 122. In particular, the annular arm comprises two upper support arms 122a1 and a lower support arm 122a2 formed integrally with the upper support arms 122a1.The two upper support arms 122a1 are arranged symmetrically and form an obtuse angle. The lower support arm 122a2 has a specific curvature and a smooth transition at one lower end to increase the contact area with the bottom wall of the latch mounting groove 1211. Furthermore, several limiting strips 122e are provided on the lateral, front, and rear surfaces of the latch body 122 to allow stable movement of the latch 122 within the latch mounting groove 1211.

[0034] The present utility model also provides an oxygen generator with a cooling system described above, which, due to its optimal design, can effectively dissipate the heat from the housing and the elements to be cooled, so that the affected components in the oxygen generator are operated in a suitable temperature range and thus the service life of the oxygen generator is extended.

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present utility model have been described in more detail above in connection with the figures, but the present utility model is not intended to be limited to these. Within the scope of the technical concepts of the present utility model, simple modifications to the technical solutions of the utility model may be made, including any suitable combination of the individual specific technical features. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the utility model will not be explained further. However, the simple variants and combinations shall also be considered as disclosed content in the utility model and are included in the scope of protection of the utility model. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202423320886.6

[0001] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Title “Oxygen generator and cooling system therefor”, dated 31.12.2024

[0001]

Claims

[1] Locking (122), characterized by , that the latching device (122) is used for mounting a grid body (121) of an inlet grid (12) to a housing body (11), wherein the latching device (122) comprises an elastic deformation section (122a) used to abut the grid body (121) and a latching section (122b) used to latch with the housing body (11), wherein the elastic deformation section (122a) is configured to be deformable in such a way as to insert the latching section (122b) into a latching position and to pull it out of the latching position. [2] Latching device (122) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the elastic deformation section (122a) comprises a support arm which rests against a bottom wall of a locking mounting groove (1211) of the lattice body (121). [3] Latching device (122) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the support arm is an annular arm comprising two upper support arms (122a1) and a lower support arm (122a2) formed integrally with the upper support arms (122a1), wherein the two upper support arms (122a1) are arranged symmetrically and the two upper support arms (122a1) form an obtuse angle, wherein the lower support arm (122a2) has a certain curvature and a smooth transition at a lower end, and / or the annular arm fits snugly against a circumferential wall of the locking mounting groove (1211). [4] Latching device (122) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the latching mechanism (122) further comprises a pressure section (122c) extending from the latching section (122b) out of the housing body (11), wherein the pressure section (122c) is used to press the elastic deformation section (122a) to deformation when the pressure section is pressed. [5] Latching device (122) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the latching (122) further comprises a limiting projection (122d) arranged on a side of the latching section (122b) facing away from the pressure section (122c), wherein the limiting projection (122d) is configured to fit a latching limiting hole (1212) in the lattice body (121) and thus limit the deformation limit of the elastic deformation section (122a). [6] Latching device (122) according to claim 1, characterized by , that on a main surface of the locking mechanism (122) several limiting strips (122e) are provided to guide the movement of the locking mechanism (122) in the locking mechanism mounting groove (1211) in the grid body (121). [7] Inlet grille, characterized by, that the inlet grille comprises a grille body (121) and a detent (122), wherein a detent mounting groove (1211) for mounting the detent (122) is formed in the grille body (121), wherein the detent (122) is at least partially arranged in the detent mounting groove (1211) and comprises an elastic deformation section (122a) used to bear against the grille body (121) and a detent section (122b) used to engage with the housing body (11) of an oxygen generator, wherein the elastic deformation section (122a) is configured to be deformable in such a way as to insert the detent section (122b) into a detent position and to pull it out of the detent position. [8] Inlet grille according to claim 7, characterized by, that the grid body (121) further comprises a locking limit hole (1212) arranged on an inside of the locking mounting groove (1211), wherein the locking (122) further comprises a limiting projection (122d) extending from the locking section (122b) towards one side of the housing body (11), wherein the limiting projection (122d) is configured to be fitted to the locking limit hole (1212) and thus limit the limit position of the locking (122) relative to the grid body (121). [9] Inlet grille according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by, that the grid body (121) further comprises a pressure guide groove (1213) arranged on an outside of the latch mounting groove (1211), wherein the latch (122) further comprises a pressure section (122c) which extends from the housing body (11) outwards from the latch section (122b), and wherein the pressure section (122c) and the pressure guide groove (1213) are fitted to each other so that the latch (122) slides in the latch mounting groove (1211) in a predetermined direction. [10] Oxygen generator, characterized by , that the oxygen generator comprises a housing (1), wherein the housing (1) comprises a housing body (11) and an inlet grille according to one of claims 7-9, and wherein the grille body (121) is detachably mounted on the housing body (11) by means of the latching (122).

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