WO1991017081A1 - Respiratory apparatus used in water - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a respiratory apparatus to be used during diving in water, which apparatus contains an aquatic moving unit (D) provided with an assembly comprising a gas exchange module (A) incorporating hollow-filament membranes (1) and having a gas inlet (2) and gas outlet (3), an air reservoir (8) having an inlet (6) and outlet (7), and a mouthpiece (C) provided with an outlet (11) having a valve opening only when discharging expiratory air and an inlet (10) having a valve opening only when inhaling inspiratory air, respective outlets and inlets being connected to one another in series. This respiratory apparatus enables improvement in function of gas exchanging since water around the hollow-filament membranes (1) is easily exchanged when the apparatus moves in water together with the aquatic moving unit (D). A portable respiratory apparatus, too, in which an assembly as above is composed to be mountable on the human back instead of being fixed to the aquatic moving unit is disclosed.

Description

 Description Respirator in water

 Technical field

 The present invention relates to a breathing apparatus with a moving device that can be used for a long time when diving underwater.

 The present invention also relates to a portable respiratory apparatus that can be worn on a human body during underwater diving and used.

 Background technology

 A person usually inhales air containing about 20.8 vol% of oxygen and about 0.03 vol% of carbon dioxide as inhaled air, and a mixed gas of about 16.4 vol% of oxygen and about 4.1 vol% of carbon dioxide. Is exhaled.

A device that contacts respiratory air and water in water through a membrane, discharges carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath discharged from the human body into the water, takes in oxygen dissolved in the water into the exhaled breath, and uses it as inhaled air. Has been known for a long time. For example, an underwater structure that provides a living space for humans in the water is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-35488. In addition, those that are used by attaching to the human body instead of oxygen cylinders (artificial gills) are described in JP-B-42-14589, JP-B-50-37956, USP 3,228,394, It is disclosed in USP 3,318,306. In these artificial gills, a gas exchange membrane made of silicone rubber is used. Ι Ο Ο μm.

 In such an underwater breathing apparatus using a gas exchange membrane, if the oxygen permeation rate in the membrane exceeds a certain value, the membrane resistance formed at the interface between the membrane and water controls the oxygen permeation rate. . Therefore, in order to increase the oxygen transmission rate, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of the film.

 However, artificial gills, in which a person carries a gas exchange membrane module and moves in water only by human power, cannot increase the flow velocity of the water flow on the membrane surface, and therefore cannot reduce the membrane resistance. Oxygen permeation rate was not sufficient. For this reason, an extremely large amount of membrane area is required to perform an appropriate amount of gas exchange, and an increase in the size of the membrane module was inevitable.

 In addition, a large amount of energy was consumed to move underwater by human power, and thus a large amount of oxygen was consumed, so that the dive time could not be extended and the range of action in water was narrow.

 Disclosure of the invention

 An object of the present invention is to provide a respiratory apparatus with a moving device that can extend the dive time of a diver.

 Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable underwater breathing apparatus that is compact and has excellent gas exchange efficiency.

That is, the breathing apparatus with the underwater moving device of the present invention has a built-in hollow fiber membrane, and has a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A gas exchange module A, an air reservoir B with an inlet and an outlet, and a gas outlet with a valve that opens only during exhalation and a gas inlet with a valve that opens only during inhalation The mouthpiece C is connected to the inlet and outlet in series, and an assembly is attached to the underwater moving device D.

 Further, the portable breathing apparatus of the present invention has a hollow fiber membrane, a gas exchange module A having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, an air reservoir B having an inlet and an outlet, and a valve that opens only when exhalation is discharged. Mouthpiece C equipped with a gas inlet with a gas outlet and a valve that opens only at the time of intake, a baggage E for carrying an air reservoir B, and a gas exchange module A and an air reservoir B It has a fixing belt F for fixing, and the inlet and outlet of each of the gas exchange module A, the air reservoir B and the mouthpiece C are connected in series.

 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

1 to 8 are drawings related to the respirator with the underwater moving device, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire image of the respirator with the underwater moving device, and FIG. 2 is X— in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the X ′ cross section viewed in the direction of the arrow. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the gas exchange module in FIG. 2, and most of the hollow fiber membranes are not shown. the 4th The figure is an external view of the gas exchange module A in which the perforated container has a double frusto-conical structure. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a gas exchange module A having a double cylindrical structure with a baffle plate, and FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the gas exchange module A as viewed from behind. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic side views of a gas exchange module A in which two fixing members are fixed by plate-like supporting members, in which the illustration of the hollow fiber membrane is omitted. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a portable respirator.

 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 The breathing apparatus with a moving device according to the present invention is basically configured such that an assembly including a gas exchange module A, an air reservoir B and a mouthpiece C is attached to the underwater moving device D.

The gas exchange module A has a large number of hollow fiber membranes arranged in a bundle, two fixing members that fix both ends of the hollow fiber membrane with both ends opened, and two fixing members joined to both ends. A porous container containing a hollow fiber membrane inside, or two fixing members are joined to both ends, and a supporting member that fixes the positional relationship between the fixing members. A gas introduction unit having a gas communication inlet and an inlet for gas inflow, and a gas discharge unit joined to the other fixing member and communicating with the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane and having an outlet for gas outflow. You. In the breathing apparatus with a mobile device shown in Fig. 1, the gas exchange module A is located behind the underwater mobile device D, and the air reservoir and the mouthpiece C are each located beside the underwater mobile device D. In the figure, 1 is a hollow fiber membrane, 2 is a gas inlet of a gas exchange module, 3 is a gas outlet, 4 is a fixing member, 5 is a porous container, 6 is a gas inlet of an air reservoir, 7 is a gas inlet. Outlet, 8 is a bellows (air reservoir), 9 is the mouthpiece inlet, 10 is the gas inlet of the mousepiece, 11 is the gas outlet, 12 is the underwater moving device main body, and 13 is for operation Handle, 14 for screw, 15 for power switch, 16 for air reservoir fixed belt, 17 for mouthpiece fixed belt, 18 for water inlet to screen Express.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the gas exchange module in FIG. 2, in which a bundle of hollow fiber membranes 1 is housed in a cylindrical porous container 5. Here, the gas exchange module has a structure in which a plurality of gas exchange modules are housed between two net-like objects 19 and 20 arranged substantially concentrically. In addition, the net-like objects 19 and 20 in FIG. 3 may be used as a porous container, and a bundle of hollow fiber membranes may be housed in this double cylindrical porous container to form a gas exchange module. The porous container has a porous structure in order to facilitate the flow, movement and exchange of water around the hollow fiber membrane. It protects the hollow fiber membrane and also provides a gas exchange module A for the whole. Physical It has the role of maintaining the structure.

 It is preferable that the gas exchange module is placed at a location where the water around the hollow fiber membrane is easily exchanged, and that the water flow due to the rotation of the screw 14 of the submersible moving device is positively controlled. Available locations are preferred. However, it is preferable to consider this point if it is placed at the position (just behind) where the water flow by the screw directly hits, because the propulsion will be obstructed. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, if the gas exchange module is arranged behind the screen so that the water flow from the screen is wound in a cylindrical shape, the screw can be propelled. It is possible to easily exchange water around the hollow fiber membrane without lowering the force. Further, the gas exchange module may be arranged at the position of the water inlet 18 in front of the screen.

 Fig. 4 shows a schematic external view of the gas exchange module A in which the perforated container has a double frusto-conical structure. In this gas exchange module A, the diameter of the cone gradually decreases along the direction of the water flow, and the exchange of water around the hollow fiber membrane by the screw water flow is easier than in the double cylindrical structure. You can go to The method of narrowing the diameter of the cone can be appropriately changed depending on the strength of the water flow of the screw.

In the gas exchange module A in Fig. 5, a baffle plate 21 for disturbing the water flow is provided at the outlet of the propulsion water flow. Have been. By providing such a baffle plate in the gas exchange module A having a double cylindrical structure or a frusto-conical structure, water exchange around the hollow fiber membrane can be performed more easily.

 In the above-described gas exchange module A, the hollow fiber membrane is housed in the porous container, but a structure using a support member 22 instead of the porous container may be adopted. The supporting member 22 has a role of holding the fixing members 4 and 4 ′ at a predetermined interval, and is usually fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the two fixing members as a plurality of rods or plate-like objects. . It is preferable that the surface and side surfaces of the support member are smoothly processed to prevent damage to the hollow fiber membrane. The shape of the support member may be another shape.

In FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, Ri Contact shown hollow fiber membrane 1 between two fixing members length 4, 4 ¹ of the distance to about 1 to 5% of a long gas exchange module A, six Are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference. 7 and 8 show the state of the hollow fiber membrane when the underwater moving device D is stopped and when it is activated, respectively. During operation, the water flow causes the bundle of hollow fiber membranes to swell outward, and water around the hollow fiber membrane can be easily exchanged. As shown in these figures, if the length of the hollow fiber membrane is 1 to 50% longer than the distance between the two fixing members 4 and 4 ', the hollow fiber membrane is shaken by the water flow, so that the gas Exchange Efficiency can be increased.

 Figures 7 and 8 show the gas exchange module A with different sizes of the left and right fixing members, but almost the same effect even if the left and right fixing members have the same size. Is obtained.

 The hollow fiber membrane used in the gas exchange module of the breathing apparatus of the present invention may be either a homogeneous membrane (non-porous membrane) or a microporous membrane.

As the membrane material, a known material may be used, but as the homogeneous membrane material, a silicone rubber-based polymer such as polymethyl siloxane, a copolymer of silicone and polycarbonate is used. Polymers: Polymers such as polymethyl pentene-1, low-density polyethylene, etc .: Non-fluoroalkyl-based fluorine-containing polymers; ethyl cellulose, etc. Cellulose-based polymers; Polyphenylene oxide; Poly (vinylvinylpyridine); Monomer copolymers constituting these polymers; and Mixtures thereof. Examples of the microporous membrane material include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, poly3-methylbutene-11, and poly4-methylpentene-11. Polymers: Fluoropolymers such as fusibivinylidene and tetrafluoroethylene; hydrophobic polymers such as polystyrene and polyetheretherketone; it can . When using a homogeneous film, as long as the oxygen transmission rate at the time of air permeation is about ^{10 _ 5 cm 3 (STPi Zcn} ^ 'sec'cmHg more in air, the oxygen permeability speed during oxygen permeation in water is boundary film Since the resistance is governed only by the resistance, the oxygen permeation rate of the homogeneous membrane is preferably the above-mentioned value.

 In order to satisfy these conditions, the film thickness must be about 30 μm or less even in the case of silicone rubber, which is considered to have the highest oxygen permeation rate. Further, in the case of a copolymer of silicone and polycarbonate, it is necessary that the film thickness be 6 μιη or less.

 In any case, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of the homogeneous membrane, but in such a case, the hollow fiber membrane is configured with a homogeneous membrane layer in the middle layer and porous membrane layers in the inner and outer layers on both sides. A three-layer structure is preferred. Such a three-layered film can be obtained, for example, by a melt spinning method disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,713,292 followed by a drawing treatment.

On the other hand, in the case of using a microporous membrane, have yo be selected from even that consider water pressure to use breathing apparatus and (depth) of both of the gas permeation rate having a suitable pore size appropriately ₀

The air reservoir Β is disposed on the outlet side or the inlet side of the mouse piece C, and has a role of temporarily storing expiration or inspiration. Therefore, it expands and contracts when breathing Preferably, the structure has a bellows structure or a bellows structure. In particular, if the air reservoir with a coiled tube structure is placed between each device such as between the mouse piece and the gas exchange module, the air reservoir can also serve as a connecting pipe through which gas passes, so it is compact. It is preferable to be able to design an appropriate device. Preferably, the air reservoir has an air storage capacity of about 0.5 to 20 pounds under normal conditions.

 In order to minimize the resistance during breathing, it is preferable to be able to breathe under the same pressure as the water pressure.Therefore, the material of the air reservoir B should be an elastic body that can easily expand and contract. Preferably, the air reservoir B may be a rubber-like material such as silicone rubber, acryl rubber, or natural rubber.

 The mouthpiece C has an outlet for sending the exhaled air from the human mouth to the air reservoir B (or the gas exchange module A), and the gas exchange module A (or the air reservoir). It has an inlet for introducing respiratory (oxygen-enriched) inhalation from the bar B), and a mouth connected to the human mouth. In order to allow the respiratory gas to flow in only one direction, a gas outlet valve that opens only at the time of exhalation discharge is provided at the outlet, and a gas inlet valve that opens only at the time of inhalation is provided at the inlet.

The underwater moving device D connects a driving source such as a battery to water. The main body for isolation has a drive source, a steering wheel 13, a screw 14 for generating propulsion, and the like, and a known one is used. be able to.

Also, the mobile device with the respiratory device of the present invention, with steam, but it may also be provided dewatering device for removing water vapor in order to prevent the breath that is saturated becomes condensed water droplets in the gas flow path _c

 Next, the portable respirator of the present invention, which is used while worn on the human body during diving underwater, will be described with reference to FIG.

 The portable breathing apparatus according to the present invention basically comprises a gas exchange module A, an air reservoir B, a mouthpiece C, a backpack E and a fixed belt F, and the expansion and contraction of the air reservoir B. Thus, the gas exchange module A is characterized in that it is configured to be able to swing.

 As the gas exchange module A and the mouse piece C, those having the same configuration as described in the respiratory apparatus with a moving device can be used, but the gas exchange module A has a hollow fiber membrane protected. Therefore, the evening eve stored in a perforated container is preferred.

The air reservoir B may be the same as that described for the breathing apparatus with a moving device, but is shown in Fig. 9 to facilitate the swinging of the gas exchange module. It is preferable to use one having a bellows-like side wall. The backpack E is for mounting the air reservoir B and the gas exchange module A and mounting them on the human back. At least a plate or ladder for the backrest is used. And a pair of straps 24 for shoulder straps. The material of the backpack is not particularly limited, and for example, a resinous material such as polyethylene or polypropylene can be used.

The air reservoir B is fixed directly to the backpack E, and the gas exchange module A is fixed to the backpack E via the air reservoir B. If such a fixing method is adopted, the operation of the air reservoir B, which expands and contracts repeatedly during breathing, is transmitted to the gas exchange module A, and the gas exchange module A is moved underwater, and is moved underwater. Gas exchange capacity can be improved. The fixing method is not particularly limited, but the gas exchange module A and the air reservoir B are usually fixed by a fixing belt F. The gas exchange module A and the air reservoir B and the air reservoir B and the backpack D may be fixed with the same fixed belt F. In this case, the movement of the gas exchange module A is performed in accordance with the movement of the air reservoir B. The fixed belt is preferably made of a material with good elasticity, such as silicone rubber or natural rubber, so that it can be tuned. In the figure, reference numeral 24 denotes a belt for fixing the air reservoir B to the backpack, and reference numeral 25 denotes a hose. In addition, the gas exchange module A can be connected to a fin or the like with a string to promote the swing.

 Hereinafter, the respiratory apparatus of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples.

Example 1

Melt spinning and subsequent drawing process have an inner diameter of 200 μm, a porous inner layer with a thickness of 20 μηι, a non-porous intermediate layer with a thickness of 0.7 μπι, and a porous outer layer with a thickness of 20 μπι A hollow fiber membrane with a three-layer structure, the polymer material of the inner and outer layers is high-density polyethylene, and the polymer material of the middle layer is segmented polyurethane. oxygen transmission rate of ^{1. 1 X 10 "5 cm 3} (STP) / / cm was ^{2 -sec-cmHg © Φ ^^ ΙΙ} ¾ί.

Twenty-four gas exchange modules containing the hollow fiber membrane obtained in this way in a polycarbonate porous container 5 having an inner diameter of 65 mm and a total length of 450 mm were manufactured, and these were further formed into a double-pipe net. A gas exchange module (group) with a membrane area of 15 m ^{2 was} arranged and stored almost evenly in the burrs 19 and 20. In addition, a natural rubber serpentine tube structure with a normal volume of 4 was used as the air reservoir, and the gas exchange module, air reservoir, and mousepiece were purchased from a commercial underwater vehicle (Apollo Co., Ltd.). Installed on an Apollo scooter AV-1) made of sports, a respirator with a water moving device as shown in Fig. 1 was manufactured. Using this respirator, a man weighing 70 kg ran in water (at a depth of about 5 m) at a speed of 2.0 Km / Hr for 60 minutes and was able to breathe without any problems. Example 2

Melt spinning and subsequent drawing treatment have an inner diameter of 200 μin and a porous inner layer of 25 μηι, a non-porous intermediate layer of Ο.Ομπι, and a porous outer layer of 25 μηι. A hollow fiber membrane with a three-layer structure, in which the polymer material of the inner and outer layers is poly 4-methylpentene-1, and the polymer material of the middle layer is a copolymer of silicone and polycarbonate. Thus, a hollow fiber membrane having an oxygen transmission rate of 4.1 × 10-cm ³ (STP) / cm ² -sec.cmHg was obtained.

 Using the hollow fiber membrane thus obtained, a respirator with an underwater moving device as in Example 1 was manufactured.

 Using this respirator, a man weighing 70 kg ran in water (at a depth of about 5 m) at a speed of 2.0 Km / Hr for 60 minutes and was able to breathe without any problems. Example 3

A portable respirator as shown in Fig. 9 was manufactured to evaluate gas exchange capacity in water. A microporous hollow fiber membrane 1 made of polypropylene having an inner diameter of 200 μιη, a film thickness of 25 μm, an average pore diameter of 0.2 μm, and a porosity of 40% is placed in a porous container 5 made of polycarbonate. A gas exchange module A having a membrane area of 15 m ² and a container of 20 pounds was manufactured. Air reservoir B is normal A bellows structure made of natural rubber with a capacity of 4 £, a backpack D made of high-density polyethylene, and a fixed belt F made of silicone rubber were used.

 This portable respirator is placed in a water tank of 100 cm in length, 100 cm in width and 60 cm in depth with the backpack facing down, and fresh tap water is poured into the water tank at a rate of 100 £ / min. While feeding, a man weighing 70 kg breathed on this respirator for 30 minutes without wearing mouthpiece C and walking underwater.

 During that time, the carbon dioxide concentration at the gas outlet of gas exchange module A was measured every 10 minutes.

0. It was less than lvol%.

Example 4

 A gas exchange module was manufactured in exactly the same manner as in Example 3 except that the three-layer hollow fiber membrane obtained in Example 2 was used in place of the porous hollow fiber membrane made of polypropylene. A respiratory device for medical use was manufactured.

When the performance of the respiratory apparatus was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 3, almost the same results were obtained. The respiratory apparatus with the underwater moving device of the present invention has excellent gas exchange performance because the water around the hollow fiber membrane is easily exchanged when moving in the water together with the underwater moving device. In particular, install the gas exchange module around the water flow generation part by the screw. If it is arranged in a surrounding area, more excellent gas exchange performance can be achieved. In addition, since the gas exchange module is fixed to the underwater moving device, people who dive can move easily and move underwater by the underwater moving device, which reduces human oxygen consumption due to movement. Reduced dive time can be extended and the range of action can be extended.

 In addition, portable respirators equipped with backpacks have much higher gas exchange efficiency than conventional ones because the expansion and contraction of the air reservoir facilitates water exchange around the gas exchange module. . And since this device does not require any special power source, it is possible to dive for a long time.

Claims

Range of request  1. A gas exchange module A with a built-in hollow fiber membrane and having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, an air reservoir B with an inlet and an outlet, and a gas outlet and a suction inlet with a valve that opens only during exhalation discharge. Valve that opens only when  A breathing apparatus with a moving device, in which a three-dimensional body formed by connecting each inlet and outlet in series with a mouse piece C having an inlet for introducing gas and having . 2. A number of hollow fiber membranes in which the gas exchange module A is bundled and arranged, two fixing members fixed at both ends while both ends of the hollow fiber membrane are open, and both ends of the fixing members are the fixing members. A perforated container that accommodates the hollow fiber membrane inside the shell and is joined to one of the fixing members, and a gas introduction part that communicates with the hollow part of the hollow fiber membrane and has an inlet for gas inflow, and 2. The respiratory apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a gas outlet connected to the other fixing member and communicating with the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane and having an outlet for gas outflow. 3. The respiratory apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the porous container of the gas exchange module A has a double cylindrical structure.  4. The respiratory apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the porous container of the gas exchange module A has a double truncated conical structure. 5. Gas exchange module A has a double truncated circle The thick side of the cone is located near the screw of the underwater moving device, the narrow side of the double truncated cone is located away from the screw, and the double truncated cone is located away from the screw. 5. The respiratory apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a baffle plate for disturbing a water flow is attached to a small diameter truncated portion of the truncated cone.  3. The respiratory apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hollow fiber membrane has a three-layer structure in which an inner layer and an outer layer are porous layers and an intermediate layer is a non-porous layer. The hollow fiber membrane of the gas permeation rate ^{10- 5 cm 3 (STP) /} cm 2 · sec'cmHg more than a breathing apparatus ranging sixth claim of claim 8. A number of hollow fiber membranes in which the gas exchange module A is bundled and arranged, two fixing members fixed at both ends while both ends of the hollow fiber membrane are open, and both ends of the fixing members are the fixing members. A gas inlet that is joined to one of the fixing members, communicates with the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane and has an inlet for gas inflow, and a hollow fiber membrane that is joined to the other fixing member. 2. The breathing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a gas outlet communicating with the hollow portion and having an outlet for gas outflow.  9. The respiratory apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the length of the hollow fiber membrane is 1 to 50% longer than the distance between the two fixing members. 10. The hollow fiber membrane according to claim 8, wherein the hollow fiber membrane has a three-layer structure in which an inner layer and an outer layer are porous layers and an intermediate layer is a non-porous layer. Respiratory equipment. 11. Gas permeation rate of the hollow fiber membrane 10_ ^s cm ³ (STP) Bruno cm ² ♦ sec ♦ breathing equipment ranging tenth claim of claim is cmHg or more. 12. A gas exchange module A with a built-in hollow fiber membrane and having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, an air reservoir B with an inlet and an outlet, and a valve that opens only when exhalation is discharged. Mouthpiece C with inlet for gas introduction with open valve, backpack E for mounting reservoir B, and fixing belt F for fixing gas exchange module A and reservoir B In other words, a portable underwater breathing apparatus in which the inlet and outlet of the gas exchange module, reservoir B and mouthpiece C are connected in series. 13. A large number of hollow fiber membranes in which the gas exchange module A is arranged in a bundle, two fixing members fixed at both ends while both ends of the hollow fiber membrane are open, and both ends of each of the fixing members A porous container which is joined to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane and accommodates the hollow fiber membrane therein, a gas introduction part which is joined to one fixing member, communicates with the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane and has an inlet for gas inflow, and the other A gas outlet connected to the fixing member and communicating with the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane and having an outlet for gas outflow. 13. The portable respiratory device according to claim 12, wherein 4. The mobile phone according to claim 13, wherein the air reservoir B has a bellows-structured side wall, and the gas exchange module A is fixed to the backpack E via the air reservoir B. For respiratory equipment.