Animal oxygen supply system

Abstract

Provided is an oxygen supply system for animals that can properly supply oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide gas to a cage in which an animal is housed. [Solution] The oxygen supply system for animals includes a cage for housing an animal inside, an oxygen concentrator that generates and delivers concentrated oxygen, a tube for transporting the concentrated oxygen generated by the oxygen concentrator, and an adapter 100 that connects a supply port provided on the cage to the tip of the tube. The adapter 100 includes a first pipe section 110 to which the tube is attached, a second pipe section 120 that is attached to the supply port and has a flow path 123 that is wider than the flow path 113 of the first pipe section 110, and a connection section 130 that connects the first pipe section 110 and the second pipe section 120. The flow path 113 of the first pipe section 110 has an outlet 112 narrower than an inlet 111 for concentrated oxygen, and an outside air intake 132 is formed in the connection section 130.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oxygen supply system for animals that supplies oxygen to a cage in which an animal is housed. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, in veterinary medicine, animals such as pets are housed in cages and treated. For example, the following Patent Document 1 describes an animal housing box used for treating heatstroke in pets and the like. This animal housing box includes an observation room that can be observed from the outside, and an electrical equipment room for controlling the air conditioning of the observation room. The electrical equipment room includes a storage section capable of storing solid carbon dioxide therein, and a fan that sends air cooled by the storage section to the observation room. An animal such as a pet is housed in the observation room. In addition, the oxygen concentration in the observation room is monitored by an oxygen concentration measurement sensor. When controlling the oxygen concentration in the observation room, oxygen is taken in from the outside, and controlled so as to be a predetermined oxygen concentration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-14429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In veterinary medicine, as in human medicine, there are cases where it is necessary to have living organisms inhale high-concentration oxygen. In human medicine, it is common to have humans inhale oxygen using a mask or cannula, but it is difficult to use a mask or cannula in veterinary medicine. For this reason, in veterinary medicine, it is common to have animals inhale high-concentration oxygen by supplying high-concentration oxygen into the semi-sealed cage in which the animal is housed.

[0005] In this case, it is important to supply an appropriate amount of oxygen into the cage. That is, if the oxygen concentration becomes high, the animal may inhale high-concentration oxygen, which may worsen the condition of the airways, lungs, and entire body. Also, if the animal inhales carbon dioxide contained in the animal's breath again, it may become confused. For this reason, it is also important that carbon dioxide is smoothly discharged from the cage when high-concentration oxygen is being supplied.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an oxygen supply system for animals that can properly supply oxygen and exhaust carbon dioxide to a cage in which an animal is housed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A main aspect of the present invention relates to an oxygen supply system for animals. The oxygen supply system for animals according to this aspect includes a cage for housing an animal inside, an oxygen concentrator that generates and delivers concentrated oxygen, a tube for transporting the concentrated oxygen generated by the oxygen concentrator, and an adapter that connects a supply port provided on the cage to the tip of the tube. The adapter has a first pipe section to which the tube is attached, a second pipe section that is attached to the supply port and has a flow path wider than the flow path of the first pipe section, and a connecting section that connects the first pipe section and the second pipe section. The flow path of the first pipe section has an outlet narrower than the inlet of the concentrated oxygen, and the connecting section is formed with an outside air intake port.

[0008] According to the oxygen supply system for animals of this embodiment, the outlet of the flow path of the first pipe section is narrower than the inlet, so the speed of the concentrated oxygen discharged from the outlet is increased by the Venturi effect. In addition, since the speed of the concentrated oxygen discharged from the outlet is increased and the pressure is reduced, outside air is taken in from the outside air intake port and integrated into the flow of concentrated oxygen according to Bernoulli's theorem. As a result, a mixture of concentrated oxygen and outside air is supplied into the cage through the supply port, and the oxygen concentration in the cage is prevented from becoming excessively high. In addition, since a high flow rate of the mixture of concentrated oxygen and outside air is supplied into the cage, the gas in the cage can be pushed out of the cage, and the carbon dioxide gas contained in the animal's breath is smoothly discharged from the cage. Therefore, oxygen can be appropriately supplied to the cage in which the animal is housed and carbon dioxide gas can be discharged. Effect of the Invention

[0009] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an oxygen supply system for animals that can properly supply oxygen and exhaust carbon dioxide to a cage in which an animal is housed.

[0010] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of an oxygen supply system for animals according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of an adapter according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3(a) to 3(d) are diagrams each showing a schematic cross section taken along lines C11-C12, C21-C22, C31-C32, and C41-C42 in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of measurement values ​​displayed on a display unit of an environment monitor according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration in Reference Example 1. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(a) is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in Reference Example 2. Fig. 6(b) is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature and humidity in Reference Example 2. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are graphs showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration in the verification 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image of the movement of gas inside a cage in verification 2 of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Fig. 9(a) is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in verification 3 of the embodiment, and Fig. 9(b) is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature and humidity in verification 3 of the embodiment. [Figure 10] Fig. 10(a) is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in verification 3 of the embodiment, and Fig. 10(b) is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature and humidity in verification 3 of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the configuration of an adapter according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of an oxygen supply system 1 for animals.

[0014] The animal oxygen supply system 1 is used in veterinary medicine when treating animals such as pets housed in a cage 10, and is a system for properly supplying oxygen from an oxygen concentrator 20 into the cage 10. The animal oxygen supply system 1 includes the cage 10, the oxygen concentrator 20, a tube 30, an environmental sensor 40, an environmental monitor 50, and an adapter 100.

[0015] Cage 10 is a box-shaped container for housing an animal inside. Cage 10 is made of a transparent material such as acrylic resin or vinyl so that the state of the animal housed inside can be confirmed. A door 11 for opening the inside of cage 10 to the outside is provided on the front side of cage 10, and animals are housed in and removed from cage 10 through door 11. A supply port 12 is provided on the side of cage 10. Supply port 12 is a hole for introducing gas from oxygen concentrator 20 into cage 10.

[0016] Cage 10 is configured to be in a semi-sealed state with door 11 closed so that oxygen delivered from oxygen concentrator 20 is retained within cage 10 while carbon dioxide gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) contained in the breath of the animal in cage 10 is discharged to the outside of cage 10. The semi-sealed state is formed by gaps in cage 10 through which gas can pass, such as gaps around door 11 and gaps that occur at positions where multiple members constituting cage 10 are assembled.

[0017] The oxygen concentrator 20 is a device that generates and delivers concentrated oxygen. The oxygen concentrator 20 includes an outlet 21 for delivering the generated concentrated oxygen. The oxygen concentration of the gas delivered from the outlet 21 is, for example, about 90%.

[0018] Tube 30 transports concentrated oxygen produced by oxygen concentrator 20. One end of tube 30 is connected to outlet 21 of oxygen concentrator 20, and the other end of tube 30 is connected to inlet 111 of adapter 100 (see FIG. 2).

[0019] The adapter 100 connects the supply port 12 of the cage 10 to the tip of the tube 30. The adapter 100 increases the speed of concentrated oxygen delivered from the tube 30, and delivers a mixture of concentrated oxygen and outside air into the cage 10. An outlet 122 (see FIG. 2) of the adapter 100 is connected to the supply port 12 of the cage 10. The configuration of the adapter 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0020] The environmental sensor 40 is a device for measuring the environment inside the cage 10. The environmental sensor 40 includes a plurality of sensor units 41 for use in the measurement. The environmental sensor 40 is installed on the upper surface of the cage 10, and the plurality of sensor units 41 are positioned inside the cage 10 via holes formed in the upper surface of the cage 10. The environmental sensor 40 transmits the measurement values ​​obtained by the plurality of sensor units 41 to the environmental monitor 50.

[0021] The environment monitor 50 is communicatively connected to the environment sensor 40, and includes a display unit 51 for displaying the measurement value received from the environment sensor 40. The display unit 51 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal monitor.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the adapter 100. As shown in FIG.

[0023] For convenience, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes are indicated in Fig. 2. The Z axis direction is the direction in which the adapter 100 extends, and concentrated oxygen supplied from the tube 30 advances in the positive direction of the Z axis. For convenience, the shape inside the adapter 100 is also shown by dashed lines in Fig. 2.

[0024] The adapter 100 comprises a first pipe section 110, a second pipe section 120, and a connection section .

[0025] The first pipe section 110 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and has a flow path 113 formed therein. A tube 30 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the end of the first pipe section 110 on the Z-axis negative side. The end of the flow path 113 on the Z-axis negative side is connected to the inside of the tube 30 via an inlet 111, and the end of the flow path 113 on the Z-axis positive side is connected to the inside of the connection section 130 via an outlet 112. The flow path 113 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and the diameter becomes smaller as it proceeds in the Z-axis positive direction. The diameter of the outlet 112 is several stages smaller than the diameters of the inlet 111 and the flow path 113.

[0026] The second pipe section 120 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and has a flow path 123 formed therein. The end of the second pipe section 120 on the Z-axis positive side is attached to the supply port 12 of the cage 10 (see FIG. 1). The end of the flow path 123 on the Z-axis negative side is connected to the inside of the connection section 130 via the inlet 121, and the end of the flow path 123 on the Z-axis positive side is connected to the supply port 12 via the outlet 122. The flow path 123 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and the diameter increases as it progresses in the Z-axis positive direction. The diameter of the flow path 123 is larger than the diameter of the flow path 113 of the first pipe section 110.

[0027] The connection part 130 connects the first pipe part 110 and the second pipe part 120. The connection part 130 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and a flow path 131 is formed inside. The outlet 112 of the first pipe part 110 is positioned near the middle position of the flow path 131 in the Z-axis direction. The end of the flow path 131 on the Z-axis positive side is connected to the inlet 121 of the second pipe part 120. The flow path 131 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and the diameter increases as it progresses in the Z-axis positive direction. The diameter of the end of the flow path 131 on the Z-axis positive side is slightly smaller than the diameter of the end of the flow path 123 on the Z-axis negative side. In addition, a plurality of outside air intake ports 132 are formed on the side surface of the connection part 130. The flow path 131 inside the connection part 130 is connected to the outside of the adapter 100 via the outside air intake port 132. Outside air is taken into the inside of the flow path 131 via a plurality of outside air intakes 132 .

[0028] 3(a) to (d) are schematic views showing the C11-C12 cross section, the C21-C22 cross section, the C31-C32 cross section, and the C41-C42 cross section of FIG. 2, respectively.

[0029] Each cross section in FIGS. 3(a) to (d) is a plane parallel to the XY plane, and FIGS. 3(a) to (d) are views of each cross section viewed in the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the outline of the inlet 111 and the flow path 113 of the first pipe section 110 is circular when viewed in the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 3(b), the outline of the outlet 112 of the first pipe section 110 and the flow path 131 of the connection section 130 is circular when viewed in the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 3(c), four outside air intake ports 132 of the connection section 130 are provided at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction about the center. As shown in Fig. 3(d), the outline of the inlet 121 and the flow path 123 of the second pipe section 120 is circular when viewed in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of measurement values ​​displayed on the display unit 51 of the environment monitor 50. As shown in FIG.

[0032] The environmental sensor 40 uses a plurality of sensor units 41 positioned within the cage 10 to acquire measurement values, such as the oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity, within the cage 10, and transmits the acquired measurement values ​​to the environmental monitor 50. The environmental monitor 50 displays the measurement values, such as the oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity, received from the environmental sensor 40 on a display unit 51. The user can understand the environment within the cage 10 by referring to the measurement values ​​displayed on the display unit 51.

[0033] Incidentally, when oxygen is supplied to the cage 10 housing the animal during treatment of the animal, it is important to supply an appropriate amount of oxygen to the cage 10. That is, if the oxygen concentration becomes high, the condition of the airway, lungs, whole body, etc. may deteriorate due to the animal inhaling high-concentration oxygen. In addition, if the animal inhales carbon dioxide gas contained in the animal's breath again, it may become confused.

[0034] In contrast, in this embodiment, the highly concentrated oxygen transported by the tube 30 is introduced into the cage 10 from the supply port 12 via the adapter 100. At this time, outside air is taken in from the outside air intake port 132 of the adapter 100, and the concentrated oxygen and the outside air are mixed.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, in the flow passage 113 of the first pipe section 110, the outlet 112 from which the concentrated oxygen is discharged is narrower than the inlet 111 into which the concentrated oxygen flows in, so that the speed of the concentrated oxygen discharged from the outlet 112 is increased by the Venturi effect. Also, since the speed of the concentrated oxygen discharged from the outlet 112 is increased and the pressure in the flow passage 131 of the connection section 130 is reduced, according to Bernoulli's theorem, outside air is taken into the flow passage 131 from the outside air intake port 132 and integrated into the flow of concentrated oxygen, as shown by the white arrows in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3(c). As a result, the flow rate (volume per unit time) of the mixture of concentrated oxygen and outside air becomes greater than the flow rate (volume per unit time) of the concentrated oxygen introduced into the inlet 111.

[0036] The mixture of concentrated oxygen and outside air is then sent out from the outlet 122 of the second pipe section 120 and supplied into the cage 10 via the supply port 12. This allows the necessary flow rate of oxygen to be supplied into the cage 10, while preventing the oxygen concentration in the cage 10 from increasing excessively due to mixing of the concentrated oxygen with outside air. In addition, since the flow rate of the mixture of concentrated oxygen and outside air is greater than the flow rate of the concentrated oxygen alone, the gas in the cage 10 is smoothly pushed out of the cage 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, oxygen can be appropriately supplied to the cage 10 and carbon dioxide gas can be discharged.

[0037] The effects of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Reference Examples 1 and 2 and Verifications 1 to 3 of the embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration in Reference Example 1.

[0039] In Reference Example 1, oxygen is supplied from the oxygen concentrator 20 into the cage 10 without using the adapter 100. A cage 10 having three sides with lengths of 600 mm, 450 mm, and 450 mm and a cage 10 having three sides with lengths of 700 mm, 525 mm, and 525 mm are used, and no animals are housed in either cage 10. In the graph of FIG. 5, the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time of oxygen supply to the cage 10, and the vertical axis indicates the oxygen concentration in the cage 10.

[0040] In general, the oxygen concentration required for oxygen therapy for animals is said to be about 35% to 40%. However, as shown in Fig. 5, in all cages 10 in Reference Example 1, the oxygen concentration in the cage 10 continues to increase over time, and exceeds 80% in about 60 minutes. Therefore, if oxygen from the oxygen concentrator 20 is introduced directly into the cage 10 as in Reference Example 1, a high oxygen concentration will continue, and there is a risk that the condition of the animal will deteriorate.

[0041] Fig. 6(a) is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in Reference Example 2. Fig. 6(b) is a graph showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature and humidity in Reference Example 2.

[0042] In Reference Example 2, the adapter 100 is not used, and 90% oxygen is supplied from the oxygen concentrator 20 to the cage 10 at 5 L / min. The cage 10 has three sides measuring 700 mm, 525 mm, and 525 mm, and a French bulldog (1 year old, blunt male, 11 kg) is housed in the cage 10. In Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time of oxygen supply to the cage 10. The vertical axis in Fig. 6(a) indicates the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in the cage 10, and the vertical axis in Fig. 6(b) indicates the temperature and humidity in the cage 10.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6(a), in Reference Example 2, similar to Reference Example 1, the oxygen concentration in the cage 10 continues to increase with time, exceeding the upper limit of the appropriate oxygen concentration of about 40% within 20 minutes. In Reference Example 2, since an animal is housed in the cage 10, the carbon dioxide concentration increases due to the animal's exhalation. Therefore, the carbon dioxide concentration in the cage 10 continues to increase with time, exceeding 5000 ppm within 20 minutes. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the temperature and humidity in the cage 10 also increase gradually with time.

[0044] Therefore, if oxygen from oxygen concentrator 20 is introduced directly into cage 10 as in Reference Example 2, it is possible that the high concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as the high temperature and humidity, may cause adverse reactions in the animals.

[0045] 7(a) and (b) are graphs showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration in Verification 1 of the present embodiment.

[0046] In verification 1, three types of adapters A, B, and C are used separately as the adapter 100, and a concentrator and a cylinder are used as the oxygen concentrating device 20. The adapters A, B, and C differ from each other only in the diameter of the outlet 112 of the first pipe section 110. The mixing ratio of oxygen and air by the adapter A is 1:0.5, the mixing ratio of oxygen and air by the adapter B is 1:2.5, and the mixing ratio of oxygen and air by the adapter C is 1:3.5. The concentrator and the cylinder have different oxygen concentrations, and the oxygen concentration from the cylinder is slightly higher than the oxygen concentration from the concentrator. In Figures 7(a) and (b), the dashed lines show values ​​related to the cylinder, and the solid lines show values ​​related to the concentrator.

[0047] Furthermore, in Verification 1, two types of cages 10 similar to those in Reference Example 1 were used. Fig. 7(a) is a graph relating to a cage 10 having three side lengths of 600 mm, 450 mm, and 450 mm, and Fig. 7(b) is a graph relating to a cage 10 having three side lengths of 700 mm, 525 mm, and 525 mm. No animals were housed in either cage 10.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 7(a) and (b), after about 15 minutes, when adapter B is used, the oxygen concentration is saturated at about 40%, and when adapter C is used, the oxygen concentration is saturated at about 35%. Therefore, by using adapters B and C, an appropriate oxygen concentration (35% to 40%) can be maintained. On the other hand, when adapter A is used, the oxygen concentration in the cage 10 continues to increase according to the elapsed time. For this reason, it is not possible to perform long-term treatment using adapter A, but adapter A is also useful when high-concentration oxygen is required during treatment (for example, when it is necessary to quickly increase the oxygen concentration immediately after the start of treatment).

[0049] Furthermore, when the diameter of the outlet 112 of the first pipe section 110 differs as in the above adapters A to C, the ratio of oxygen and air changes, and the degree of increase in the oxygen concentration inside the cage 10 changes. Therefore, it can be seen that by preparing a plurality of adapters 100 with different diameters of the outlet 112 in advance and switching between the adapters 100 as appropriate, the oxygen concentration inside the cage 10 can be adjusted according to the purpose of treatment.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image of the movement of gas inside the cage 10 in verification 2 of the present embodiment.

[0051] In verification 2, mist was generated at the bottom of cage 10, which has three sides with lengths of 600 mm, 450 mm, and 450 mm, oxygen was supplied from oxygen concentrator 20 into cage 10 at 5 L / min, and the movement of gas in cage 10 was photographed. The left side of Fig. 8 is an image showing the movement of gas in cage 10 when adapter 100 is not used, and the right side of Fig. 8 is an image showing the movement of gas in cage 10 when adapter 100 is used. Fig. 8 shows images taken when the elapsed time from the supply of gas was 0 seconds, 5 seconds, and 10 seconds, and no animal was housed in cage 10.

[0052] As shown in the left side of Fig. 8, when the adapter 100 is not used, the gas inside the cage 10 hardly moves even over time. On the other hand, as shown in the right side of Fig. 8, when the adapter 100 is used, the gas inside the cage 10 is stirred over time. Therefore, it can be seen that by using the adapter 100, the flow rate of gas supplied into the cage 10 increases, so that the carbon dioxide gas and moisture inside the cage 10 are efficiently stirred and discharged from the cage 10.

[0053] 9(a) to 10(b) are graphs showing the relationship between elapsed time and each value in verification 3 of this embodiment. Fig. 9(a) and Fig. 10(a) are graphs showing the relationship between elapsed time and oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration, and Fig. 9(b) and Fig. 10(b) are graphs showing the relationship between elapsed time and temperature and humidity.

[0054] In verification 3, oxygen is delivered from the oxygen concentrator 20 at 5 L / min, and the mixture is supplied into the cage 10 using the adapter 100. Figures 9(a) and (b) show the results under the first condition, in which a cage 10 having three sides with lengths of 600 mm, 450 mm, and 450 mm is used, and a miniature dachshund (5 kg, with a medical history of pneumonia) is housed in the cage 10. Figures 10(a) and (b) show the results under the second condition, in which a French bulldog (11 kg, with no medical history) is housed in a cage 10 having three sides with lengths of 700 mm, 525 mm, and 525 mm.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 9(a), under the first condition, after about 35 minutes, the oxygen concentration is saturated at about 40% and the carbon dioxide concentration is saturated at about 3500 ppm. Also, as shown in Fig. 9(b), under the first condition, the temperature and humidity are almost constant regardless of the passage of time.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 10(a), under the second condition, after about 35 minutes, the oxygen concentration is saturated at about 39%, and the carbon dioxide concentration is saturated at about 4000 ppm. As shown in Fig. 10(b), under the second condition, the temperature increases slightly over time, but the degree of increase is within an acceptable range. In addition, the humidity remains almost constant regardless of the passage of time.

[0057] As described above, according to Verifications 1 to 3 of this embodiment, it is found that by using the adapter 100, the oxygen concentration inside the cage 10 can be maintained within an appropriate range (35% to 40%), carbon dioxide gas inside the cage 10 can be smoothly discharged, and an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide gas inside the cage 10 can be suppressed. Furthermore, it is found that an increase in temperature and humidity inside the cage 10 can be suppressed.

[0058] <Effects of the embodiment> According to the embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 1, the oxygen supply system 1 for animals includes a cage 10 for housing an animal therein, an oxygen concentrator 20 for generating and sending out concentrated oxygen, a tube 30 for transporting the concentrated oxygen generated by the oxygen concentrator 20, and an adapter 100 for connecting a supply port 12 provided on the cage 10 to the tip of the tube 30. As shown in Fig. 2, the adapter 100 includes a first pipe section 110 to which the tube 30 is attached, a second pipe section 120 attached to the supply port 12 and having a flow path 123 wider than the flow path 113 of the first pipe section 110, and a connecting section 130 for connecting the first pipe section 110 and the second pipe section 120. The flow path 113 of the first pipe section 110 has an outlet 112 narrower than an inlet 111 for concentrated oxygen, and an outside air intake port 132 is formed in the connecting section 130.

[0060] According to this configuration, the outlet 112 of the flow path 113 of the first pipe section 110 is narrower than the inlet 111, so the speed of the concentrated oxygen discharged from the outlet 112 is increased by the Venturi effect. In addition, since the speed of the concentrated oxygen discharged from the outlet 112 is increased and the pressure is reduced, outside air is taken in from the outside air intake port 132 and integrated into the flow of concentrated oxygen according to Bernoulli's theorem. As a result, a mixture of concentrated oxygen and outside air is supplied into the cage 10 through the supply port 12, and the oxygen concentration in the cage 10 is prevented from becoming excessively high. In addition, since a high flow rate of the mixture of concentrated oxygen and outside air is supplied into the cage 10, the gas in the cage 10 can be pushed out of the cage 10, and carbon dioxide gas contained in the animal's breath is smoothly discharged from the cage 10. Therefore, oxygen can be appropriately supplied to the cage 10 in which the animal is housed and carbon dioxide gas can be discharged.

[0061] In addition, because a high flow rate of the mixed gas is supplied into the cage 10, the gas in the cage 10 is smoothly stirred, as shown in the image on the right side of Fig. 8. This allows the exhaled air, which has a high specific gravity and contains moisture and carbon dioxide, to be efficiently discharged outside the cage 10. As a result, in addition to discharging carbon dioxide, increases in temperature and humidity in the cage 10 can be suppressed, and deterioration of the health of the animals in the cage 10 can be prevented.

[0062] In addition, since the oxygen supply system 1 for animals can be supplied with an appropriate concentration of oxygen to animals such as pets with a simple configuration, it can be easily installed in the homes of pet owners. This allows the pet owner to perform examinations and treatment by a veterinarian while continuing to recuperate through oxygen supply.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3( c ) and ( d ), the connection portion 130 has a plurality of outside air intake ports 132 formed around the outlet 112 .

[0064] According to this configuration, outside air can be introduced from around the outlet 112 of the first pipe section 110, so that the outside air can be mixed well with the concentrated oxygen.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the animal oxygen supply system 1 further includes an environmental sensor 40 that measures the environment within the cage 10 and an environmental monitor 50 that displays the measurement value obtained by the environmental sensor 40 .

[0066] With this configuration, a user such as a veterinarian or a pet owner can understand the environment inside the cage 10 by referring to the display of the environmental monitor 50. Therefore, even if the environment inside the cage 10 is inappropriate, the user can adjust the environment inside the cage 10 by operating the oxygen concentrator 20 or opening and closing the cage 10.

[0067] The environmental sensor 40 measures at least the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations within the cage 10. As shown in Figure 4, the environmental monitor 50 displays the measurements of the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations provided by the environmental sensor 40.

[0068] With this configuration, users such as veterinarians and pet owners can understand the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations inside the cage 10 by referring to the display on the environmental monitor 50, and can smoothly take measures such as adjusting the oxygen concentrator 20 or opening the cage 10 for ventilation.

[0069] <Example of change> Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various other modifications are possible.

[0070] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the flow passage 113 of the first pipe section 110 is configured so that the diameter becomes smaller as it advances in the positive direction of the Z axis, but the shape of the flow passage 113 is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the diameter of the flow passage 113 may be constant regardless of the position in the Z axis direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 11(b), only the vicinity of the Z axis positive side end of the flow passage 113 may have a shape similar to the side of a cone. Alternatively, the flow passage 113 may be configured so that the diameter becomes larger as it advances in the positive direction of the Z axis. However, in either case, the outlet 112 is configured to be narrower than the inlet 111, as in the above embodiment.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the flow paths 113, 123, 131 of the adapter 100 are configured to have a circular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction, but the present invention is not limited to this and may have other shapes, such as a square.

[0072] In the above embodiment, four outside air intakes 132 are provided around the outlet 112, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one to three, or five or more, may be provided around the outlet 112.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the semi-sealed state of the cage 10 when the door 11 is closed is formed, for example, by gaps around the door 11 or gaps that occur at the combination positions of the multiple members that make up the cage 10, but it is not limited thereto and may be formed, for example, by a hole that opens the inside of the cage 10 to the outside. In this case, the hole is preferably provided near the bottom of the cage 10 so that carbon dioxide gas can be smoothly discharged.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the environmental sensor 40 acquires measurement values ​​corresponding to the oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity inside the cage 10, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to acquire other measurement values ​​inside the cage 10. In this case, the environmental monitor 50 displays the other measurement values ​​received from the environmental sensor 40 on the display unit 51.

[0075] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims of the utility model registration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Animal oxygen supply system 10 Cage 12 Supply inlet 20 Oxygen concentrator 30 Tubes 40 Environmental Sensors 50 Environmental Monitor 100 Adapter 110 First Pipe Section 111 Entrance 112 Exit 113 Flow Path 120 Second Pipe Section 123 Channel 130 Connection 132 Fresh air intake

Claims

1. a cage for housing an animal therein; An oxygen concentrator that generates and delivers concentrated oxygen; A tube for transporting the concentrated oxygen produced by the oxygen concentrator; an adapter for connecting a supply port provided in the cage and a tip of the tube; The adapter comprises: a first pipe portion to which the tube is attached; a second pipe section attached to the supply port and having a flow path wider than the flow path of the first pipe section; a connection portion that connects the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion, The flow path of the first pipe section has an outlet narrower than an inlet of the concentrated oxygen, The connection portion is formed with an outside air intake port. An oxygen supply system for animals.

2. 2. The animal oxygen supply system according to claim 1, The connection portion has a plurality of outside air intakes formed around the outlet. An oxygen supply system for animals.

3. 3. The oxygen supply system for animals according to claim 1, an environmental sensor for measuring an environment within the cage; and an environmental monitor that displays a measurement value by the environmental sensor. An oxygen supply system for animals.

4. 4. The animal oxygen supply system according to claim 3, The environmental sensor measures at least an oxygen concentration and a carbon dioxide concentration in the cage; the environmental monitor displays the measurements of the oxygen concentration and the carbon dioxide concentration from the environmental sensors; An oxygen supply system for animals.

Images