Medical gas supply system and regulator unit

Abstract

To ensure supply of a medical gas at a predetermined flow rate even in a case where a required supply amount of the medical gas is increased.SOLUTION: A medical gas supply system includes a gas supply section that supplies a medical gas, a gas output section that supplies the medical gas from the gas supply section via piping to a space in which a patient is present, a flow rate measuring section that is disposed between the gas supply section and the gas output section and measures a flow rate of the medical gas, and a regulator unit that is disposed in the middle of piping connecting the gas supply section and the gas output section, adjusts a source pressure of the medical gas supplied from the gas supply section via the piping, and outputs the adjusted medical gas from the gas output section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical gas supply system and a regulator unit. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, due to respiratory diseases and the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and other medical facilities have been providing oxygen therapy and high-flow oxygen therapy to patients. Such oxygen therapy requires artificial respirators, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and high nasal flow, and as the number of these devices increases, the amount of medical gases (e.g., oxygen, air, etc.) used is also increasing.

[0003] In conventional medical gas supply systems, a constant flow of medical gas was supplied from a medical gas supplier such as a liquid oxygen tank to the wards, outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, ICUs, etc. where patients were staying at a standard pressure of 0.4±0.04MPa (0.36MPa to 0.44MPa) set by JIS (Japan Industrial Standard) from a medical gas supplier (constant flow method).

[0004] Furthermore, a medical gas supply system has been proposed that efficiently supplies medical gas to a plurality of medical facilities from a single medical gas supply facility (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-015398 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in conventional constant flow medical gas supply systems and the medical gas supply system shown in Patent Document 1, if the required medical gas supply volume increases due to an increase in the number of patients or simultaneous use of equipment, the standard gas supply pressure at the end of the piping may drop significantly, making it impossible to supply medical gas at the expected flow rate.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a medical gas supply system and regulator unit that can supply medical gas at a predetermined flow rate even when the required supply amount of medical gas increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The medical gas supply system of the present invention comprises a gas supply unit that supplies medical gas, a gas output unit that supplies the medical gas from the gas supply unit through piping to a space where a patient is present, and a regulator unit that is positioned midway in the piping connecting the gas supply unit and the gas output unit, adjusts the source pressure of the medical gas supplied from the gas supply unit through the piping, and outputs the adjusted medical gas from the gas output unit.

[0009] In the present invention, the regulator unit is preferably arranged in the space where the patient is present.

[0010] In the present invention, the regulator unit preferably has a first path that adjusts the medical gas supplied from the gas supply unit through piping to a predetermined standard supply pressure and outputs it, and a second path that adjusts the medical gas to a supply pressure higher than the standard supply pressure and outputs it.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the regulator unit has a pressure detection unit that detects the supply pressure of the medical gas output from the first path and the supply pressure of the medical gas output from the second path, and a control unit that switches between the first path and the second path based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit.

[0012] In the present invention, the gas supply unit preferably supplies medical gas to the regulator unit at a supply pressure higher than the standard gas supply pressure.

[0013] The regulator unit of the present invention comprises a first path that adjusts medical gas supplied from a predetermined gas supply unit via piping to a predetermined standard air supply pressure and outputs the adjusted pressure; a second path that outputs medical gas at a supply pressure higher than the standard air supply pressure; a pressure detection unit that detects the air supply pressure of the medical gas output from the first path and the air supply pressure of the medical gas output from the second path; and a control unit that switches between the first path and the second path based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The medical gas supply system and regulator unit of the present invention are capable of supplying medical gas at a predetermined flow rate even when the required supply amount of medical gas increases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medical gas supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 4 is a graph showing changes in the maximum flow rate of oxygen gas flowing through a primary piping in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an adjuster unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a path switching process of a coordinator unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A is a table and FIG. 1B is a graph showing the supply of oxygen gas at assumed flow rates in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a medical gas supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the medical gas supply system 1 includes a gas supply unit 5 that supplies medical gas, a flow meter 30, a monitor 40, regulator units 71-74, a primary piping P1, a secondary piping P2, a secondary branch piping P3, and supply ports 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, and 270. In the medical gas supply system 1, medical gas is supplied to a first unit 10 as a supply destination space (hereinafter simply referred to as "space") to which medical gas is supplied, and a second unit 20 as a space to which medical gas is supplied.

[0018] In the medical gas supply system 1, the gas supply section 5, the first unit 10, and the second unit 20 are connected by a plurality of types of primary piping P1, secondary piping P2, and secondary branch piping P3, which will be described later.

[0019] The gas supply unit 5 of the medical gas supply system 1 has a liquid oxygen tank 51 and a spare oxygen manifold 52 that supply oxygen gas Ox as, for example, medical gas. The liquid oxygen tank 51 supplies oxygen gas Ox at a supply source pressure of 0.50 MPa to 0.64 MPa. In this case, the following description will be given taking as an example a case where oxygen gas Ox is supplied at a supply source pressure of, for example, 0.55 MPa. However, this is not a limitation, and the liquid oxygen tank 51 may supply oxygen gas Ox at any supply source pressure higher than the standard supply pressure of 0.4±0.04 MPa, such as 0.50 MPa, 0.60 MPa, or 0.64 MPa.

[0020] The spare oxygen manifold 52 supplies backup oxygen gas Ox by switching over from the liquid oxygen tank 51 in the event of damage or malfunction of the liquid oxygen tank 51, running out of oxygen, or a power outage. In this case, the spare oxygen manifold 52 is also capable of supplying oxygen gas Ox at a supply source pressure of 0.55 MPa, just like the liquid oxygen tank 51.

[0021] The first unit 10 of the medical gas supply system 1 is located on the first floor of the hospital and includes, for example, an outpatient examination room 11, an emergency ward 12, and an examination room 13. The first unit 10 is a first space that receives a supply of oxygen gas Ox from the gas supply unit 5 to the outpatient examination room 11, the emergency ward 12, and the examination room 13. The first unit 10 is the main space in the medical gas supply system 1 where oxygen gas Ox is normally used most frequently. The gas supply unit 5 and the regulator unit 71 of the first unit 10 are connected by a primary piping P1 with a diameter of φ25 (outer diameter of 28.58 mm).

[0022] The first unit 10 is provided with an outpatient supply port 110 that supplies oxygen gas Ox from the gas supply unit 5 to the outpatient examination room 11, an emergency ward supply port 120 that supplies oxygen gas Ox to the emergency ward 12, and an examination room supply port 130 that supplies oxygen gas Ox to the examination room 13. The outpatient supply port 110, the emergency ward supply port 120, and the examination room supply port 130 are examples of gas output units.

[0023] In the space of the first unit 10, a regulator unit 71 is disposed in the primary piping P1 connecting the gas supply unit 5 and the first unit 10. The regulator unit 71 is disposed midway between the gas supply unit 5 and the first unit 10 on the primary piping P1, upstream of the outpatient supply port 110 of the first unit 10 and in the vicinity of the outpatient supply port 110. Here, "in the vicinity" means that the regulator unit 71 is disposed within the space of the first unit 10, and is close enough that no significant pressure loss occurs in the supply of oxygen gas Ox from the regulator unit 71 to the outpatient supply port 110, the emergency ward supply port 120, and the examination room supply port 130.

[0024] The outpatient supply port 110, the emergency room supply port 120, and the examination room supply port 130 are arranged in series in this order, but are not limited to this and may be arranged in any order or in parallel. In this case, the regulator unit 71 may be arranged near any of the outpatient supply port 110, the emergency room supply port 120, and the examination room supply port 130.

[0025] The regulator unit 71 is connected to the outpatient examination room 11, the emergency room 12, and the examination room 13 by secondary piping P2 with a diameter of 16 mm (outer diameter of 19.05 mm). In the outpatient examination room 11, the emergency room 12, and the examination room 13, the secondary piping P2 is connected to the outpatient supply port 110, the emergency room supply port 120, and the examination room supply port 130 by secondary branch piping P3 with a diameter of 10 mm (outer diameter of 12.70 mm). The outpatient supply port 110, the emergency room supply port 120, and the examination room supply port 130 are attached to the ends of the secondary branch piping P3, and supply oxygen gas Ox to the outpatient examination room 11, the emergency room 12, and the examination room 13.

[0026] The second unit 20 of the medical gas supply system 1 is a second space on the second, third, and fourth floors of the hospital that receives a supply of oxygen gas Ox from the gas supply unit 5. The second unit 20 does not need to include all of the second, third, and fourth floors; any floor except the first floor may be the second space that receives a supply of oxygen gas Ox. That is, the second unit 20 may be on any of the second, third, or fourth floors, or may be only the space on the second and third floors, or only the space on the second and fourth floors, or only the space on the third and fourth floors.

[0027] The second floor of the second unit 20 has, for example, a rehabilitation room 21, an ICU room 22, an operating room 23, etc. On the second floor of the second unit 20, there are provided a rehabilitation room supply port 210 that supplies oxygen gas Ox from the gas supply unit 5 to the rehabilitation room 21, an ICU supply port 220 that supplies oxygen gas Ox to the ICU room 22, and an operating room supply port 230 that supplies oxygen gas Ox to the operating room 23. The rehabilitation room supply port 210, the ICU supply port 220, and the operating room supply port 230 are examples of gas output units.

[0028] In the space of the second unit 20, a regulator unit 72 is disposed in the primary piping P1 connecting the gas supply unit 5 and the second floor of the second unit 20. The regulator unit 72 is disposed midway between the gas supply unit 5 of the primary piping P1 and the second floor of the second unit 20, upstream of the rehabilitation room supply port 210 of the second unit 20 and in the vicinity of the rehabilitation room supply port 210. In this case, "in the vicinity" also means that the regulator unit 72 is disposed within the space of the second unit 20, and is close enough that no significant pressure loss occurs in the supply of oxygen gas Ox from the regulator unit 72 to the rehabilitation room supply port 210, the ICU supply port 220, and the operating room supply port 230.

[0029] The rehabilitation room supply outlet 210, the ICU supply outlet 220, and the operating room supply outlet 230 are arranged in series in this order, but are not limited to this and may be arranged in any order or in parallel. In this case, the regulator unit 72 only needs to be arranged near any of the rehabilitation room supply outlet 210, the ICU supply outlet 220, and the operating room supply outlet 230.

[0030] The regulator unit 72 is connected to the rehabilitation room 21, the ICU room 22, and the operating room 23 by secondary piping P2. In the rehabilitation room 21, the ICU room 22, and the operating room 23, the secondary piping P2 is connected to the rehabilitation room supply port 210, the ICU supply port 220, and the operating room supply port 230 by secondary branch piping P3. The rehabilitation room supply port 210, the ICU supply port 220, and the operating room supply port 230 are attached to the ends of the secondary branch piping P3 and supply oxygen gas Ox to the rehabilitation room 21, the ICU room 22, and the operating room 23.

[0031] The third floor of the second unit 20 has, for example, a first ward 24 and a second ward 25. The third floor of the second unit 20 is provided with a first ward supply port 240 that supplies oxygen gas Ox from the gas supply unit 5 to the first ward 24, and a second ward supply port 250 that supplies oxygen gas Ox to the second ward 25. The first ward supply port 240 and the second ward supply port 250 are examples of gas output units.

[0032] In the space of the second unit 20, a regulator unit 73 is disposed in the primary piping P1 connecting the gas supply unit 5 and the third floor of the second unit 20. The regulator unit 73 is disposed midway between the gas supply unit 5 of the primary piping P1 and the third floor of the second unit 10, upstream of the first ward supply port 240 of the second unit 20 and in the vicinity of the first ward supply port 240. In this case, "in the vicinity" also means that the regulator unit 73 is disposed within the space of the second unit 20, and is close enough that no significant pressure loss occurs in the supply of oxygen gas Ox from the regulator unit 73 to the first ward supply port 240 and the second ward supply port 250.

[0033] The first hospital ward supply outlet 240 and the second hospital ward supply outlet 250 are arranged in series in this order, but are not limited to this and may be arranged in any order or in parallel. In this case, the adjuster unit 73 only needs to be arranged near either the first hospital ward supply outlet 240 or the second hospital ward supply outlet 250.

[0034] In the first ward 24 and the second ward 25 on the third floor of the second unit 10, the secondary side piping P2 is connected to the first ward supply port 240 and the second ward supply port 250 by a secondary side branch piping P3. The first ward supply port 240 and the second ward supply port 250 are attached to the ends of the secondary side branch piping P3 and supply oxygen gas Ox to the first ward 24 and the second ward 25.

[0035] The fourth floor of the second unit 20 includes, for example, a third ward 26 and a fourth ward 27. The fourth floor of the second unit 20 is provided with a third ward supply port 260 that supplies oxygen gas Ox from the gas supply unit 5 to the third ward 26, and a fourth ward supply port 270 that supplies oxygen gas Ox to the fourth ward 27. The third ward supply port 260 and the fourth ward supply port 270 are examples of gas output units.

[0036] In the space of the second unit 20, a regulator unit 74 is disposed in the primary piping P1 connecting the gas supply unit 5 and the fourth floor of the second unit 20. The regulator unit 74 is disposed midway between the gas supply unit 5 of the primary piping P1 and the fourth floor of the second unit 10, upstream of the third ward supply port 260 of the second unit 20 and in the vicinity of the third ward supply port 260. In this case, "in the vicinity" also means that the regulator unit 74 is disposed within the space of the second unit 20, and is close enough that no significant pressure loss occurs in the supply of oxygen gas Ox from the regulator unit 74 to the third ward supply port 260 and the fourth ward supply port 270.

[0037] The third ward supply outlet 260 and the fourth ward supply outlet 270 are arranged in series in this order, but are not limited to this and may be arranged in any order or in parallel. In this case, the regulator unit 74 only needs to be arranged near either the third ward supply outlet 260 or the fourth ward supply outlet 270.

[0038] The regulator unit 74 is connected to the third ward 26 and the fourth ward 27 by secondary piping P2. In the third ward 26 and the fourth ward 27 on the fourth floor of the second unit 10, the secondary piping P2 is connected to the third ward supply port 260 and the fourth ward supply port 270 by secondary branch piping P3. The third ward supply port 260 and the fourth ward supply port 270 are attached to the ends of the secondary branch piping P3 and supply oxygen gas Ox to the third ward 26 and the fourth ward 27.

[0039] A flow meter 30 is provided between the gas supply unit 5 and the regulator unit 71 of the first unit 10 and each of the regulator units 72 to 74 in the second unit 20 to detect the flow rate of oxygen gas Ox supplied from the gas supply unit 5 via the primary side piping P1.

[0040] The flow meter 30 detects the supply source pressure and flow rate of oxygen gas Ox supplied from the liquid oxygen tank 51 of the gas supply unit 5 through the primary piping P1, and outputs the detection results to the regulator units 71 to 74 and the monitoring monitor 40, which will be described later. The flow meter 30 is, for example, a thermal mass measuring meter.

[0041] A monitoring monitor 40 is provided between the regulator unit 71 and the flow meter 30. The monitoring monitor 40 acquires detection results from the flow meter 30 and detection results from flow meters 135 (FIG. 3) provided in the regulator units 71 to 74. Based on the acquired detection results, the monitoring monitor 40 displays changes in the supply source pressure of the primary side pipe P2 and the supply pressure and flow rate of the oxygen gas Ox supplied to the first unit 10 and the second unit 20. The monitoring monitor 40 may be provided between any of the regulator units 72 to 74 and the flow meter 30.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a graph showing changes in the maximum flow rate of oxygen gas Ox supplied from liquid oxygen tank 51 of gas supply unit 5 through primary piping P1 to regulator units 71 to 74. As shown in Fig. 2, the supply source pressure from liquid oxygen tank 51 can be set to, for example, 0.43 MPa, 0.5 MPa, 0.55 MPa, 0.6 MPa, or 0.64 MPa, and in these cases, the maximum flow rate of oxygen gas Ox flowing through primary piping P1 changes as shown in the graph.

[0043] As can be seen from the graph in Figure 2, as the flow rate (flow velocity) per unit time of oxygen gas Ox increases, resistance occurs in the piping and the supply source pressure gradually decreases, so in order to supply a large flow rate, the supply source pressure must be set higher than the standard supply pressure of 0.43 MPa, for example to 0.55 MPa.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, for example, when oxygen gas (Ox) is supplied at a supply source pressure of 0.43 MPa, the supply source pressure decreases as the flow rate increases, and when the supply source pressure drops to around 0.41 MPa, the flow rate can only be 500 L / min (nor). However, when the supply source pressure is 0.55 MPa, it is possible to supply a flow rate of 1287 L / min (nor) even when the supply source pressure drops to around 0.43 Pa.

[0045] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of adjuster units 71 to 74 in an embodiment of the present invention. Since adjuster units 71 to 74 all have the same configuration, only the configuration of adjuster unit 71 will be described here.

[0046] Normally, when oxygen gas Ox is being supplied and the amount of oxygen gas Ox required to be supplied increases, the regulator units 71 to 74 are units that enable the supply of oxygen gas Ox to the first unit 10 and the second unit 20 while maintaining a predetermined flow rate corresponding to the standard air supply pressure, even though the amount of oxygen gas Ox required for the entire system in the medical gas supply system 1 increases.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3, the regulator unit 71 has a first path 110 and a second path 120 branching off from the primary piping P1. The first path 110 has a valve 111 on it, and a pressure regulator 112, a check valve 113, and a valve 114 downstream of it. The pressure regulator 112 reduces the oxygen gas Ox supplied from the primary piping P1 at a supply source pressure of 0.55 MPa to a standard supply pressure of 0.43 MPa and supplies the gas. The valves 111 and 114 are provided in case the pressure regulator 112 needs to be disconnected for maintenance or the like.

[0048] The second path 120 has a valve 121 on the path, and a pressure regulator 122, a solenoid valve 123, and a valve 124 located downstream of the valve 121. The solenoid valve 123 is connected to the microcomputer 100 and is opened and closed under the control of the microcomputer 100. The pressure regulator 122 reduces the supply pressure of oxygen gas Ox, which is supplied from the primary piping P1 at a supply source pressure of 0.55 MPa, to 0.46 MPa, which is higher than the standard supply pressure of 0.43 MPa, and supplies the gas. The valves 121 and 124 are provided in case the pressure regulator 122 needs to be disconnected for maintenance or the like.

[0049] The first path 110 and the second path 120 are joined to each other after the valves 114 and 124, and then connected to the secondary pipe P2. The secondary pipe P2 has a pressure switch 131 as a pressure detector arranged on the upstream side of the path, and a flow meter 135 arranged on the downstream side thereof.

[0050] The pressure switch 131 detects the supply pressure of the oxygen gas Ox flowing through the secondary piping P2 after the first path 110 and the second path 120 are joined, and sends the detection result to the microcomputer 100. The flow meter 135 detects the flow rate per unit time [L / min.(nor)] of the oxygen gas Ox flowing through the secondary piping P2, and sends the detection result to the microcomputer 100.

[0051] The microcomputer 100 has a computer configuration including at least one processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and peripheral circuits. The microcomputer 100 operates using power from a power source P and comprehensively controls the entire regulator unit 71. The microcomputer 100 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 123 of the second path 120 based on detection results from the pressure switch 131 and / or the flow meter 135.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a path switching process in which the microcomputer 100 of the regulator unit 71 controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 123 of the second path 120 to switch between the first path 110 and the second path 120.

[0053] When the microcomputer 100 sets the first path 110 to an open state, for example by closing the solenoid valve 123, and sets the second path 120 to a closed state, it obtains the detection result of the air supply pressure of the first path 110 from the pressure switch 131 (step S1).

[0054] The microcomputer 100 determines whether the detection result acquired from the pressure switch 131 has dropped to 0.38 MPa, which is lower than the standard air supply pressure (step S2). If the microcomputer 100 determines that the detection result acquired from the pressure switch 131 has not dropped to 0.38 MPa, which is lower than the standard air supply pressure (step S2: NO), it does not open or close the solenoid valve 123 (step S3). In this case, the regulator unit 71 can continue to supply oxygen gas Ox at the standard air supply pressure via the first path 110.

[0055] On the other hand, when the microcomputer 100 determines that the detection result acquired from the pressure switch 131 has dropped to 0.38 MPa, which is lower than the standard air supply pressure (step S2: YES), it opens the solenoid valve 123 of the second path 120. In this case, oxygen gas Ox flows preferentially from the side with the higher pressure setting value, so that the supply path of oxygen gas Ox can be switched from the first path 110 (0.38 MPa) to the second path 120 (0.46 MPa) (step S4).

[0056] The microcomputer 100 then determines whether the detection result acquired from the pressure switch 131 has risen to 0.46 MPa, which is higher than the standard air supply pressure (step S5). If the detection result acquired from the pressure switch 131 has not risen to 0.46 MPa, which is higher than the standard air supply pressure (step S5: NO), the microcomputer 100 does not open or close the solenoid valve 123 (step S6).

[0057] On the other hand, if the detection result acquired from the pressure switch 131 rises to 0.46 MPa, which is higher than the standard air supply pressure (step S5: YES), the microcomputer 100 closes the solenoid valve 123 of the second path 120. This is because when the amount of oxygen gas Ox used decreases, the air supply pressure in the secondary piping P2 increases and exceeds the range of the standard air supply pressure, so the microcomputer 100 closes the solenoid valve 123 of the second path 120, sets the second path 120 to a closed state, and sets the first path 110 to an open state, thereby switching from the second path 120 to the first path 110 (step S7).

[0058] In this way, the microcomputer 100 can change the supply path of the oxygen gas Ox from the first path 110 to the second path 120 based on the detection result of the pressure switch 131. That is, in this case, the flow rate of the oxygen gas Ox supplied through the first path 110 can be changed to the flow rate of the oxygen gas Ox supplied through the second path 120 (variable flow rate method).

[0059] Furthermore, the microcomputer 100 can also obtain from the flowmeter 30 changes in the flow rate of the oxygen gas Ox supplied from the liquid oxygen tank 51 to the primary pipe P1, and output this to the monitor 40.

[0060] Furthermore, the microcomputer 100 can output to the monitoring monitor 40 a change in the flow rate in the secondary pipe P2 obtained by the flowmeter 135 of the regulator units 72 to 74 as an actual measurement value.

[0061] The monitoring monitor 40 has a computer configuration including at least one processor such as a CPU or MPU, memories such as ROM and RAM, and peripheral circuits. The processor of the monitoring monitor 40 acquires actual measured values ​​from the flowmeter 30, as well as from the flowmeters 135 of the regulator unit 71 of the first unit 10 and the regulator units 72 to 74 of the second unit 20, and generates and displays tables and graphs of the monitoring results based on the multiple actual measured values.

[0062] Figure 5 is a table (A) and a graph (B) showing the source pressure and flow rate of oxygen gas Ox flowing through the primary side pipe P1, the actual measured values ​​of the supply pressure and flow rate of oxygen gas Ox flowing through the first path 110 or the second path 120 of regulator unit 71 in the first unit 10, and the actual measured values ​​of the supply pressure and flow rate of oxygen gas Ox flowing through the first path 110 or the second path 120 of regulator unit 72 in the second unit 20.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5(A), for example, in the medical gas supply system 1, initially, the supply source pressure of the primary side piping P1 is 0.55 MPa, the first path 110 in the regulator unit 71 of the first unit 10 is set to a closed state, and the second path 120 is set to an open state, and the first path 110 in the regulator unit 72 of the second unit 20 is set to an open state, and the second path 120 is set to a closed state.

[0064] In this case, Figures 5(A) and (B) show an example in which the effect on the second path 120 of the regulator unit 71 and the primary side piping P1 in the first unit 10 was confirmed when oxygen gas Ox was continuously supplied to the first unit 10 from the second path 120 of the regulator unit 71 at a flow rate of approximately 500 L / min and the flow rate of oxygen gas Ox to the second unit 20 was gradually increased.

[0065] Specifically, in the regulator unit 71 of the first unit 10, the second path 120 is in an open state, so the pressure regulator 122 of the second path 120 reduces the supply source pressure of the primary side piping P1 from 0.55 MPa to 0.46 MPa, which is higher than the standard supply pressure, and supplies oxygen gas Ox.

[0066] Meanwhile, in the regulator unit 72 of the second unit 10, because the first path 110 is in the open state, the pressure regulator 112 of the first path 110 reduces the supply source pressure of the primary side pipe P1 from 0.55 MPa to a standard supply pressure of 0.43 MPa, thereby starting the supply of oxygen gas Ox. At this point, the second path 120 of the regulator unit 72 of the second unit 10 remains in the closed state.

[0067] When the supply of oxygen gas Ox is started to the second unit 20 in addition to the first unit 10 in this way, the supply source pressure of the entire medical gas supply system 1, i.e., the primary piping P1, gradually decreases from 0.55 MPa due to the load caused by the increased supply of oxygen gas Ox to the second unit 20. Accordingly, the gas supply pressure of the first path 110 in the second unit 20 also gradually decreases from 0.43 MPa to 0.38 MPa.

[0068] In the regulator unit 72 of the second unit 20, when the microcomputer 100 determines that the supply pressure of the first path 110 has dropped to 0.38 MPa, the solenoid valve 123 is opened to switch from the first path 110 to the second path 120.

[0069] In the second path 120, the pressure regulator 122 reduces the supply source pressure of the primary side piping P1 to 0.46 MPa, which is higher than the standard air supply pressure, and the supply of oxygen gas Ox is started, thereby making it possible to supply oxygen gas Ox to the second unit 20 at a flow rate higher than that of the first path 110.

[0070] At this time, in the first unit 10, the regulator unit 71 supplies oxygen gas Ox at a supply pressure of 0.46 MPa via the second path 120, so although the supply pressure gradually decreases over time, it is possible to continue supplying oxygen gas Ox while maintaining the standard supply pressure (0.41 MPa in this case). In other words, in the medical gas supply system 1, even if the amount of oxygen gas Ox newly required for the second unit 20 increases while oxygen gas Ox is being supplied to the first unit 10, it is possible to continue supplying a flow rate corresponding to the standard supply pressure to the first unit 10 and the second unit 20 without significantly affecting the supply source pressure of the primary piping P1 and the supply amount of oxygen gas Ox to the first unit 10.

[0071] According to the above configuration, in the medical gas supply system 1, even if the amount of oxygen gas Ox newly required for the second unit 20 increases while oxygen gas Ox is being supplied to the first unit 10, the regulator units 71 to 74 can maintain and supply oxygen gas Ox to the first unit 10 and the second unit 20 at a flow rate corresponding to the standard air supply pressure.

[0072] In addition, in the medical gas supply system 1, oxygen gas Ox is supplied to the first unit 10 and the second unit 20 from the liquid oxygen tank 51 of the gas supply section 5 at a supply source pressure of 0.55 MPa, which is higher than the standard air supply pressure, and each regulator unit 71 to 74 is arranged near the gas output section (external supply port 110, etc.).

[0073] In this way, the regulator units 71 to 74 are arranged near the gas output section (external supply port 110, etc.), thereby reducing pressure loss. Thus, in the medical gas supply system 1, even after switching from the first path 110 to the second path 120, oxygen gas Ox can be supplied at a flow rate corresponding to a supply pressure higher than the standard supply pressure.

[0074] In this way, in the medical gas supply system 1, even if the supply amount of oxygen gas Ox newly required in the second unit 20 in addition to the first unit 10 increases, it is possible to continue supplying medical gas to both the first unit 10 and the second unit 20 at a flow rate corresponding to the predetermined standard air supply pressure.

[0075] In the embodiment, the first unit 10 has been described as having an outpatient supply port 110, an emergency ward supply port 120, and an examination room supply port 130, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of supply ports may be greater or less. Similarly, the number of supply ports in the second unit 20 is not limited.

[0076] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the case where oxygen gas Ox is supplied as medical gas from the liquid oxygen tank 51 of the gas supply unit 5 has been described. However, this is not limited to this, and various other gases suitable for medical treatment, such as air or nitrogen gas, may be supplied as medical gas. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Medical gas supply system 5 Gas supply section 10 Unit 1 (Space) 20 Unit 2 (Space) 71~74 Regulator unit 110 Outpatient supply port

Claims

1. a gas supply unit that supplies medical gas; a gas output unit that supplies the medical gas from the gas supply unit through a pipe to a space where a patient is present; a regulator unit that is disposed in the middle of a pipe connecting the gas supply unit and the gas output unit, that adjusts the supply source pressure of the medical gas supplied from the gas supply unit through the pipe, and outputs the adjusted medical gas from the gas output unit; A medical gas supply system comprising:

2. The regulator unit is disposed in the patient space.

10. The medical gas supply system of claim 1.

3. The regulator unit has a first path that adjusts the medical gas supplied from the gas supply unit through the piping to a predetermined standard supply pressure and outputs the adjusted pressure, and a second path that adjusts the medical gas to a supply pressure higher than the standard supply pressure and outputs the adjusted pressure.

3. The medical gas supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The regulator unit comprises: a pressure detection unit that detects the supply pressure of the medical gas output from the first path and the supply pressure of the medical gas output from the second path; a control unit that switches between the first path and the second path based on a detection result of the pressure detection unit; 4. The medical gas supply system of claim 3, comprising:

5. The gas supply unit supplies the medical gas to the regulator unit at the supply source pressure that is higher than the standard supply pressure.

4. The medical gas supply system of claim 3.

6. a first path for adjusting the medical gas supplied from a predetermined gas supply unit through a pipe to a predetermined standard supply pressure and outputting the adjusted pressure; a second path for outputting the medical gas at a supply pressure higher than the standard supply pressure; a pressure detection unit that detects the supply pressure of the medical gas output from the first path and the supply pressure of the medical gas output from the second path; a control unit that switches between the first path and the second path based on a detection result of the pressure detection unit; A regulator unit comprising:

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