Mixed gas supply apparatus

Abstract

To provide a mixed gas supply apparatus capable of further reducing cost compared to conventional devices.SOLUTION: A mixed gas supply apparatus 1 includes: an oxygen supply unit 2 that generates an oxygen gas; a hydrogen supply unit 3 that generates a hydrogen gas; a first compressor 5 connected to the oxygen supply unit 2 and the hydrogen supply unit 3 for compressing a mixed gas containing oxygen gas and hydrogen gas; a flow regulator 6 connected to the first compressor 5 for adjusting the output flow rate of the mixed gas; an output section 8 connected to the flow regulator 6 for supplying the mixed gas to a user; and a recovery box 11 connected to the output section 8 for collecting the gas discharged from the output section 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying a mixed gas for inhalation by a user.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for the purpose of bringing about a fatigue recovery or relaxation effect in a user, apparatuses such as an oxygen capsule or an oxygen box have been used. Usually, in these apparatuses, the user enters a sealed apparatus, and air with an increased oxygen concentration is sent into the apparatus to efficiently allow the user to absorb oxygen. Patent Document 1 describes a high-pressure oxygen capsule that supplies air containing oxygen to a human under high pressure.

[0003] In recent years, it has been noted that the health promotion effect and the beauty effect are enhanced by the reducing effect of hydrogen. Based on this, the sale of hydrogen water and supplements, as well as the use of apparatuses such as hydrogen capsules and hydrogen boxes, have become widespread. Patent Document 2 describes a hydrogen bath unit for performing a hydrogen bath, and it is described that a user enters a container to perform a hydrogen bath.

[0004] In addition, apparatuses that can simultaneously inhale oxygen and hydrogen are also on the market. While inhaling oxygen has various advantages, there is a disadvantage in that reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl radicals), which are harmful to health, increase in the body. In addition to the above effects, hydrogen is also known to remove hydroxyl radicals, and it is considered that by simultaneously inhaling oxygen and hydrogen, an effect of reducing the above-mentioned disadvantage of oxygen inhalation can be obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As described above, various devices that provide a fatigue recovery or relaxation effect by allowing a user to inhale oxygen or hydrogen are known. Generally, devices with lower costs than conventional devices are in high demand, and similarly for this device, a device with further reduced costs is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The mixed gas supply device of the present invention includes an oxygen supply machine that generates oxygen gas, a hydrogen supply machine that generates hydrogen gas, a first compressor that is connected to the oxygen supply machine and the hydrogen supply machine and compresses a mixed gas of the oxygen gas and the hydrogen gas, a flow regulator that is connected to the first compressor and adjusts the output flow rate of the mixed gas, an output unit that is connected to the flow regulator and supplies the mixed gas to a user, and a recovery box that is connected to the output unit and recovers the gas discharged from the output unit, and supplies the gas recovered in the recovery box to the first compressor.

[0008] With this configuration, by supplying the gas in the recovery box recovered from the output unit to the first compressor, the oxygen gas and hydrogen gas in the gas can be reused. Thereby, compared to generating all of the necessary gas, the cost can be reduced.

[0009] The mixed gas supply device of the present invention further includes a carbon dioxide supply machine that generates carbon dioxide gas, and the first compressor is further connected to the carbon dioxide supply machine and compresses a mixed gas including the oxygen gas, the hydrogen gas, and the carbon dioxide gas.

[0010] With this configuration, the user can inhale not only oxygen gas and hydrogen gas but also carbon dioxide gas at the same time. Carbon dioxide gas has a vasodilatory effect and also has the effect of enhancing the effect of transporting oxygen to peripheral nerves as the carbon dioxide concentration increases. As a result, it becomes easier for oxygen gas to be taken into the user's body, and the effects of oxygen gas can be more effectively exerted.

[0011] The recovery box of the mixed gas supply device of the present invention includes a measuring device for measuring the concentrations of oxygen and hydrogen that make up the gas gas, and the oxygen supply machine and the hydrogen supply machine may supply oxygen and hydrogen based on the concentrations of oxygen and hydrogen contained in the recovered gas gas. With this configuration, an appropriate amount of gas gas can be replenished from each supply machine based on the measurement results.

[0012] The recovery box of the mixed gas supply device of the present invention is provided with a measuring device for measuring the respective concentrations of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide that make up the gas gas, and the oxygen supply machine, the hydrogen supply machine, and the carbon dioxide supply machine may supply oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide based on the respective concentrations of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide contained in the recovered gas gas. With this configuration, an appropriate amount of gas gas can be replenished from each supply machine based on the measurement results.

[0013] The mixed gas supply device of the present invention has a sealed structure and further includes a pressurized room sized such that a user can enter therein and a second compressor connected to the pressurized room. The second compressor pressurizes the inside of the pressurized room by sending air into the pressurized room, and the output part is provided inside the pressurized room. The user may be able to inhale the mixed gas supplied from the output part in the pressurized pressurized room.

[0014] With this configuration, the user can inhale the mixed gas inside the pressurized room under a pressurized environment. By inhaling the mixed gas under a pressurized environment, the partial pressure of each gas increases, and the proportion of the gas that dissolves in the blood increases. Therefore, the effect of the mixed gas can be obtained more than when inhaling the mixed gas under normal pressure.

[0015] The output unit of the mixed gas supply device of the present invention may have a configuration including an inlet portion to which the mixed gas is supplied from the flow regulator, a supply portion for allowing the user to inhale the mixed gas, and an outlet portion through which the gas exhaled by the user is discharged. With this configuration, the user can effectively inhale the mixed gas.

[0016] In the mixed gas supply device of the present invention, the pressure applied by the second compressor may be 1 atm or more and less than 2 atm. With this configuration, it is possible to make the user inhale in an environment with less burden under a pressurized environment of less than 2 atm, which is generally easy to use and not regarded as a medical act.

[0017] In the mixed gas supply device of the present invention, the pressure applied by the second compressor may be 2 atm or more. With this configuration, the proportion of the gas that dissolves in the blood can be further increased, and the user can inhale each gas more effectively.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a mixed gas supply device that supplies a mixed gas containing oxygen gas and hydrogen gas under high pressure and further reduces costs by reusing the gas.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the mixed gas supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below show examples of implementing the present invention and do not limit the present invention to the specific configurations described below. In implementing the present invention, specific configurations according to the embodiments may be appropriately adopted.

[0021] The mixed gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment is a device for allowing a user to inhale oxygen gas, hydrogen gas, and carbon dioxide gas. Here, the "user" is a human, but may also be an animal such as a pet.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mixed gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment. The mixed gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment includes an oxygen supply machine 2 that generates oxygen, a hydrogen supply machine 3 that generates hydrogen, a carbon dioxide supply machine 4 that supplies carbon dioxide, a first compressor 5, a flow rate regulator 6, a pressurization room 7, an output unit 8, a second compressor 9, and a recovery box 11.

[0023] The oxygen supply machine 2 generates oxygen gas by the PSA type (Pressure Swing Absorption pressure molecular swing adsorption method) as an oxygen concentration method. The hydrogen supply machine 3 generates hydrogen gas by the electrolysis method (electrolytic substance input method) or the PEM method (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane proton exchange membrane method) as a hydrogen generation method.

[0024] The carbon dioxide supply device 4 generates carbon dioxide gas by using a solid obtained by mixing baking soda and citric acid as a carbon dioxide generation method. Note that the generation method of each gas is not limited to the method described here, and other methods such as using cylinders of each gas may also be used.

[0025] The oxygen supply device 2, the hydrogen supply device 3, and the carbon dioxide supply device 4 are connected to the first compressor 5. The first compressor 5 sucks in the hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, and carbon dioxide gas generated by each supply device 2 - 4, and the inside of the first compressor 5 is filled with and compressed by a mixed gas containing these gases. In this embodiment, each supply device 2 - 4 and the first compressor 5 are directly connected without passing through a mixer or the like, resulting in a simple configuration.

[0026] A flow regulator 6 is connected to the first compressor 5. The flow regulator 6 adjusts the output flow rate (output speed) of the mixed gas. The first compressor 5 compresses the mixed gas filled inside and outputs it to the output part 8 via the flow regulator 6. The user inhales the output mixed gas by wearing the output part 8.

[0027] The necessary and sufficient air flow rate for one breath of a human is 10 liters per minute. Therefore, the output speed of the flow regulator 6 is preferably 10 liters per minute.

[0028] The mixed gas supply device 1 of this embodiment includes a pressurized room 7 to create a pressurized environment. The output part 8 is provided inside the pressurized room 7. The user enters the inside of the pressurized room 7 and wears the installed output part 8 to inhale the mixed gas.

[0029] The pressurized room 7 is an airtight room and can maintain a pressure higher than the outside. The pressurized room 7 is sized such that a user can enter the inside of the pressurized room 7. The pressurized room 7 may be sized such that a plurality of users can enter. The pressurized room 7 is equipped with a door, and the user enters the pressurized room 7 through the door. Closing the door maintains the airtightness of the pressurized room 7.

[0030] A second compressor 9 is connected to the pressurized chamber 7. The second compressor 9 sucks in and compresses external air and outputs the compressed air into the pressurized chamber 7.

[0031] The mixed gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment can set the pressure in the pressurized chamber 7 to 1 to 5 atmospheres. A user who enters the pressurized chamber 7 wears the output unit 8 and inhales the mixed gas supplied from the output unit 8 in a pressurized environment. By inhaling the mixed gas in a pressurized environment, the proportion of each gaseous gas dissolved in the blood increases, and the effects of each gaseous gas can be obtained more efficiently than when inhaled under normal pressure.

[0032] Generally, since a pressurizing device for inhalation purposes is regarded as a medical act when the pressure is 2 atmospheres or more, it is preferably less than 2 atmospheres. Thereby, inhalation can be performed in an environment with less burden on the user. However, the mixed gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment can be set to a condition of 2 atmospheres or more, whereby the user can obtain the effects of each gaseous gas more efficiently.

[0033] The operator can set the concentration of each gaseous gas in the mixed gas. The operator adjusts the outputs of the respective gas supply devices 2 to 4 so that each gaseous gas in the mixed gas has a desired concentration.

[0034] The output unit 8 may refer to the configuration of a regulator. The configuration of the output unit 8 includes an inlet portion that is an inlet of the inhaled gas, a supply portion through which the user inhales, and an outlet portion that is an outlet of the exhaled gas. Thereby, the mixed gas of the target concentration can be efficiently introduced into the body, and each gaseous gas discharged from the output unit 8 can be efficiently recovered. In order to achieve the respective target partial pressures in the body of each gaseous gas without using the output unit 8, the pressurized chamber 7 must be filled with the mixed gas of the target concentration. This is not practical in the present invention aimed at introducing the mixed gas of the target concentration into the body because an enormous amount of mixed gas must be used and it also incurs costs.

[0035] In this embodiment, an apparatus for inhaling a mixed gas under a pressurized environment has been described, but the mixed gas may also be inhaled under an atmospheric pressure environment. In this case, the mixed gas supply device 1 does not include the pressurized chamber 7 and the second compressor 9. The flow regulator 6 is connected to the output unit 8, and the user wears the output unit 8 under an atmospheric pressure environment and inhales the supplied mixed gas.

[0036] The output unit 8 of this embodiment is connected to the recovery box 11. The recovery box 11 recovers the gas discharged from the output unit 8.

[0037] The output unit 8 used in this embodiment has an inlet valve which is an inlet part, a mouthpiece which is a supply part, and an exhaust valve which is an outlet part. Normally, the inlet valve and the exhaust valve are in a closed state. The inlet valve is connected to the flow regulator 6, and the exhaust valve is connected to the recovery box 11.

[0038] The user holds the mouthpiece and inhales. Due to the user's inhalation, the inside of the output unit 8 becomes a negative pressure, and the inlet valve is opened. The mixed gas generated in the first compressor is sent in from the opened inlet valve.

[0039] In the next stage, the user exhales while holding the mouthpiece. The negative pressure inside the output unit 8 is eliminated and the inlet valve closes. Then, due to the user's exhalation, the inside of the output unit 8 becomes a positive pressure, and the exhaust valve is opened. The recovery box 11 can recover the exhaled gas and the gas remaining in the output unit 8 without being inhaled.

[0040] The output unit 8 used in this embodiment refers to the configuration of a regulator used in diving or the like. However, the regulator used in diving or the like discharges exhaled air into the water. For the output unit 8 used in this embodiment, the gas discharged from the outlet part is recovered by the recovery box 11. These mainly differ in whether to recover the discharged gas or not.

[0041] It is known that exhaled breath contains carbon dioxide. Also, not all of the hydrogen and oxygen supplied to the user are taken into the user's body, and some hydrogen and oxygen are discharged as exhaled breath. There is also a mixed gas that is not inhaled by the user and remains inside the output unit 8. The recovery box 11 recovers the gas containing these mixed gases.

[0042] The recovered gas is supplied to the first compressor 5. The supplied gas is supplied to the user via the flow regulator 6 and the output unit 8. In this way, the mixed gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment can reuse the mixed gas, leading to cost reduction.

[0043] As described above, it is known that exhaled breath discharges more carbon dioxide than inhaled breath. Carbon dioxide has the property of being more soluble in water than other gases such as oxygen and hydrogen. Therefore, a configuration may be adopted in which the gas recovered by the recovery box 11 is passed through water and then supplied to the first compressor 5.

[0044] Also, in advance, when a normal person inhales the mixed gas, the measurement results of the respective concentrations of the constituent gas of the exhaled breath may be grasped as model data.

[0045] In this case, at the beginning when the mixed gas supply device 1 is started, the supply machines 2 to 4 are set so as to have the set concentration. When a certain amount of gas is recovered by the recovery box 11, the output settings of the gas supply machines 2 to 4 can be changed. For example, at the beginning when the device is started, the amount is set so that the concentration of hydrogen gas in the mixed gas becomes 4% by the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply machine 3, and after several minutes, it is set to an amount less than that at the beginning of the device startup. Thereby, the hydrogen gas supplied by the recovery box 11 and the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen supply machine 3 are combined to supply the hydrogen gas with a desired concentration of 4% to the user.

[0046] The gaseous gas measured inside the recovery box 11 and the gaseous gas generated by any one or all of the supply machines 2 to 4 are sent to the first compressor 5. As a result, the concentration of each gas in the mixed gas inside the first compressor 5 becomes the desired concentration. In this way, by using the gaseous gas in the recovery box 11, each gas can be reused, which is more efficient than generating gaseous gas from scratch and can also reduce costs.

[0047] This time, the following model data was obtained in order to grasp the oxygen concentration of the exhaled gas in the recovery box. First, the oxygen concentration contained in the exhaled gas when the subject inhaled gaseous gas under the following conditions was measured. The subject inhaled a gas containing 20.8% oxygen at 1 atm for 5 minutes. The numerical values of the oxygen concentration contained in the exhaled gas of the subject obtained by 5 measurements were 17.7%, 17.9%, 16.5%, 17.7%, and 17.8% respectively. The average value of these is 17.5% (rounded off to the second decimal place). Since the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere is about 21% and the oxygen concentration in exhaled breath is about 16%, the measurement using this measuring instrument is reliable.

[0048] Next, the subject inhaled a gas containing 50% oxygen at 1 atm for 5 minutes. The numerical values of the oxygen concentration contained in the exhaled gas of the subject obtained by 5 measurements were 24%, 26%, 28%, 34%, and 36% respectively. Different from the above data, it increased with each repetition and leveled off at about 35%. For the measurement of oxygen concentration, an oxygen concentration meter OXY-1S (manufactured by Ichinen Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) was used.

[0049] Next, the hydrogen concentration contained in the exhaled gas when the subject inhaled gaseous gas under the following conditions was measured. The subject inhaled a gas containing 4% hydrogen at 1 atm for 5 minutes. The numerical values of the hydrogen concentration contained in the exhaled gas of the subject obtained by 5 measurements were 0.96%, 1.04%, 1.12%, 1.36%, and 1.44% respectively. The average value of these is 1.2% (rounded off to the second decimal place). For the measurement of hydrogen concentration, a high-concentration flammable gas detector XP-33602-W (Shinko Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd.) was used.

[0050] Referring to the above model data, when air with an oxygen concentration of 50% under 1 atm is inhaled by the user, it is considered that the oxygen concentration in the exhaled gas after a predetermined time has elapsed is 35%. Therefore, when reusing the gas in the recovery box 11, oxygen gas may be generated from the oxygen supply device 2 so that the oxygen concentration of 35% becomes the oxygen concentration of 50%.

[0051] Also, referring to the above model data, when air with a hydrogen concentration of 4% under 1 atm is inhaled by the user, it is considered that the oxygen concentration in the exhaled gas after a predetermined time has elapsed is 1.2%. Therefore, when reusing the gas in the recovery box 11, hydrogen gas may be generated from the hydrogen supply device 3 so that the hydrogen concentration of 1.2% becomes the hydrogen concentration of 4%.

[0052] Referring to the above model data, when a gas with an oxygen concentration of 50% and a hydrogen concentration of 4% is inhaled by the user, the case of collecting and reusing the exhaled gas will be considered. It is considered that the oxygen concentration contained in the exhaled gas of the user under this condition is 35%, and the hydrogen concentration is 1.2%. Therefore, when reusing the gas in the recovery box 11, oxygen gas and hydrogen gas may be generated from the oxygen supply device 2 and the hydrogen supply device 3 so that the oxygen concentration of 35% becomes the oxygen concentration of 50% and the hydrogen concentration of 1.2% becomes the hydrogen concentration of 4%.

[0053] In this way, if the concentration of the gas contained in the exhaled gas under the treatment conditions is measured in advance, the necessary gas can be supplied efficiently.

[0054] Also, the case of reusing carbon dioxide gas will be considered. It is known that the carbon dioxide in the human veins and arteries is 40 mmHg in terms of partial pressure. Converting this to concentration, since 1 atm is 760 mmHg, it can be said that the carbon dioxide concentration in the human body is about 5%.

[0055] Under 1 atmosphere, the exhaled gas after inhaling 20% oxygen is known to have an oxygen concentration of about 17% and a carbon dioxide concentration of 4%. Therefore, if the exhaled gas is recovered and reused as it is, it is not necessary to newly supply carbon dioxide. When the carbon dioxide concentration in the recovery box becomes excessive, since carbon dioxide gas dissolves well in water, the exhaled gas may be passed through water and then reused.

[0056] Also, each supply machine 2 to 4 etc. may be appropriately stored in the storage box 50. Thereby, space can be used effectively.

[0057] FIG. 2 is an external view showing a part of the appearance of the mixed gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment. A timer 51 and a monitor 52 are provided on the upper surface of the storage box 50, and casters 55 are provided at the four corners of the lower surface. An inhalation mask is connected to the upper surface of the storage box 50 as an output unit 8.

[0058] Inside the storage box 50, an oxygen supply machine 2, a hydrogen supply machine 3, and a first compressor 5 are arranged. The oxygen supply machine 2 and the hydrogen supply machine 3 are connected to the first compressor 5.

[0059] Each pipe connected to the oxygen supply machine 2 and the hydrogen supply machine 3 is configured to be connected to the outside of the storage box 50 through a round hole 53 in the center of the monitor 52 from the inside of the storage box 50. Each of these two pipes is connected to two bottles arranged in the upper left back of the storage box 50.

[0060] Water is contained inside the two bottles. By passing water through the gas generated by the gas supply machines 2 and 3, the generation of gas can be visually confirmed. Also, although zeolite is often used for the generation of oxygen gas, since zeolite adsorbs water molecules, the generated oxygen gas is dry. To prevent this, it is preferable to pass the generated oxygen gas through water.

[0061] These two bottles are connected to a first compressor 5 installed inside the storage box 50. The first compressor is connected to an output section 8 via a flow regulator 6.

[0062] The upper surface of the storage box 50 is provided with a timer 51 and a monitor 52. The timer 51 may be configured to generate a sound when a set time is reached, or may be configured to set the operating time of each of the gas supply machines 2 to 4. The monitor 52 displays the concentration of each gas generated from each of the supply machines 2 to 4, that is, the treatment content.

[0063] Next, the main effects obtained by inhaling each gas will be described. Oxygen gas has the effect of improving blood flow, and by inhaling oxygen gas, relaxation effects, fatigue recovery effects, beauty effects, etc. can be obtained. Also, while there are various merits to inhaling oxygen gas, there is also a demerit in that reactive oxygen species, which are harmful to health, increase in the body. Among reactive oxygen species, those with a very strong oxidizing power cause various diseases by damaging cells and tissues. One of the reactive oxygen species is hydroxyl radical, and since hydroxyl radical is the most reactive among reactive oxygen species, its impact on cells is significant.

[0064] Hydrogen gas is said to be effective for fatigue recovery, health promotion, beauty, tumor reduction, etc. Also, hydrogen gas has a reducing action and has the action of reacting with hydroxyl radical to remove it. This reaction formula is as follows. H2+2(·OH)→2H20

[0065] Inhalation of oxygen gas alone had the demerit of generating hydroxyl radical, but by inhaling oxygen gas and hydrogen gas simultaneously, hydroxyl radical can be removed. In addition to the effects of each gas, a synergistic effect can be obtained.

[0066] Next, the effects of inhaling carbon dioxide gas will be described. When the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood increases, the pH of the blood becomes weakly acidic. In the blood, oxygen is transported as bound oxygen by binding to hemoglobin. However, as the pH of the blood tends to be weakly acidic, the oxygen bound to hemoglobin dissociates and becomes dissolved oxygen, making it easier for oxygen to be supplied to the eradicated tissue. In addition, an increase in the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood also has a vasodilatory effect.

[0067] By inhaling carbon dioxide gas and oxygen gas simultaneously, vasodilation occurs, improving blood circulation. At this time, the dissolved oxygen increases, and the effect of further enhancing the oxygen supply to the eradicated tissue is obtained. In this way, by inhaling oxygen gas and carbon dioxide gas simultaneously, a synergistic effect can be obtained in addition to the effects of each gas.

[0068] Next, it will be explained that the effect of oxygen gas can be efficiently obtained under a high-pressure environment. The arterial blood oxygen partial pressure of a living body is obtained by the following formula 1. (Formula 1) Arterial blood oxygen partial pressure (P A O2) = (atmospheric pressure (PB) - saturated water vapor pressure) × inhaled oxygen concentration (FiO2) - arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure (P a CO2) ÷ respiratory quotient

[0069] The larger the atmospheric pressure, the larger the value of "atmospheric pressure (PB)" in Formula 1 above, and the arterial blood oxygen partial pressure increases. Also, when the indoor environment is under a high-pressure environment, the value of the atmospheric pressure (PB) in the above formula becomes larger, and the arterial blood oxygen partial pressure increases. The mixed gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment can supply the mixed gas with the arterial blood oxygen partial pressure of the user increased by the pressurized environment.

[0070] When the arterial blood oxygen partial pressure increases, the ratio of bound oxygen in the blood remains unchanged, but the ratio of dissolved oxygen increases. With the increase in dissolved oxygen, the amount of oxygen supplied to each cell in the body increases. Since dissolved oxygen has small molecules, it can reach the eradicated tissue, improving blood circulation and activating metabolism. Effects can also be obtained for skin beautification and improvement of cold sensitivity.

[0071] Also, by increasing the oxygen ratio of the mixed gas, the value of "inhaled oxygen concentration (FiO2)" in the above formula increases, and the partial pressure of arterial blood oxygen increases. For the same reason as above, the ratio of dissolved oxygen increases. Similarly, the partial pressure of arterial blood carbon dioxide increases in a high-pressure environment.

[0072] As described above, when the user inhales in a high-pressure environment, it is described to use the pressurized room 7. However, the mixed gas may be inhaled in an atmospheric pressure environment. In this case, the pressurized room 7 is not used, and the flow regulator 6 is connected to the output unit 8. The user wearing the output unit 8 inhales the mixed gas in an atmospheric pressure environment.

[0073] Also, in this embodiment, a mixed gas composed of three types of gases is used, but the types of gases are not limited to this. It may be one type of gas or a combination of two types of gases.

[0074] Next, the flow of using the mixed gas supply device 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of using the mixed gas supply device 1 of this embodiment.

[0075] The operator turns on the power of the mixed gas supply device 1 (S1). The operator sets the usage conditions (S2). The usage conditions are the ratio of each gas to be generated and the air pressure in the pressurized room 7. When inhaling under atmospheric pressure without using the pressurized room 7, the air pressure setting is not performed.

[0076] According to the set conditions, the oxygen supply machine 2 of the mixed gas supply device 1 generates oxygen gas, the hydrogen supply machine 3 generates hydrogen gas, and the carbon dioxide supply machine 4 generates carbon dioxide gas, and each gas is sent to the first compressor 5. The first compressor 5 compresses the mixed gas (S3) and supplies it to the output unit 8 via the flow regulator 6 (S4).

[0077] The user enters the interior of the pressurized chamber 7, and the door is closed (S5). The mixed gas supply device 1 increases the pressure inside the pressurized chamber 7 to the set pressure by means of the second compressor 9 (S6). The user wears the output unit 8 inside the pressurized chamber 7 and inhales the supplied mixed gas (S7). Inhalation ends when the set inhalation time has elapsed (S8).

[0078] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process of recovering and reusing the discharged gas. The user inhales the mixed gas (S31). Due to the user's inhalation, the interior of the output unit 8 is filled with the user's exhaled gas and each gas that remained without being inhaled by the user. When the interior of the output unit 8 becomes positively pressurized, the gas is discharged from the outlet of the output unit 8 (S32).

[0079] The discharged gas is recovered by the recovery box 11 (S33). The measured gas in the recovery box is directly supplied to the first compressor (S34). Regarding the desired concentration of each gas in the mixed gas, it will be described below. For the gas that is insufficient to reach the desired concentration, the shortage is replenished by adjusting each gas supply machine 2 - 4 (S35). By supplying the insufficient gas, the concentration of each gas constituting the mixed gas becomes the desired concentration.

[0080] The mixed gas with adjusted concentration is inhaled by the user via the flow regulator 6 and the output unit 8. By recovering and reusing the gas as described above, the cost can be reduced compared to generating the gas from scratch.

[0081] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of another operation different from that of Figure 4, which shows the process of recovering and reusing the discharged gas. The user inhales the mixed gas (S51). Due to the user's inhalation, the interior of the output unit 8 is filled with the user's exhaled gas and each gas that remained without being inhaled by the user. When the interior of the output unit 8 becomes positively pressurized, the gas is discharged from the outlet of the output unit 8 (S52).

[0082] The exhausted gas is recovered in the recovery box 11 (S53). The gas recovered in the recovery box 11 is measured for the concentration of each gas constituting the gas by the gas chromatography installed in the recovery box 11 (S54). The measured gas in the recovery box 11 is directly supplied to the first compressor 5 (S55). At this time, when the oxygen supply machine 2 and the hydrogen supply machine 3 are used, it is only necessary to measure the concentrations of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas. Further, when a carbon dioxide supply machine is used, it is only necessary to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide gas as well.

[0083] The desired concentrations of the respective gases in the mixed gas are described below. For the gas that is insufficient to reach the desired concentration based on the measurement results in S54, the deficiency is replenished by adjusting the oxygen supply machine 2, the hydrogen supply machine 3, or the carbon dioxide supply machine 4 (S56). By supplying the lacking gas, the concentration of each gas constituting the mixed gas in the first compressor 5 becomes the desired concentration.

[0084] The mixed gas with adjusted concentration in the first compressor is inhaled by the user via the flow regulator 6 and the output unit 8 (S57). By recovering and reusing the gas as described above, the cost can be reduced compared to generating the gas from scratch.

[0085] When the ratio of the concentrations of oxygen gas, hydrogen gas, and carbon dioxide gas is under normal pressure, it is preferably 94% oxygen, 4% hydrogen, and 2% carbon dioxide. If it is under pressure, in view of safety, hydrogen is preferably 2%.

[0086] The atmosphere is known to be 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% others (carbon dioxide is 0.04%). The ratio of the mixed gas described in this embodiment is 4% carbon dioxide, which has a higher carbon dioxide concentration than the atmosphere, and the vasodilatory effect of carbon dioxide described above can be obtained.

[0087] Generally, it is said that it is dangerous to set the carbon dioxide concentration at 3% or more indoors. However, this is based on the premise of continuous normal breathing. When the carbon dioxide concentration in the room is 3% under 1 atm, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the room is 22.8 mmHg. On the other hand, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the alveoli of a normal human is 40 mmHg. Also, in the present invention, in addition to carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrogen are supplied. Considering these, there is no problem in supplying the mixed gas in this embodiment with a carbon dioxide concentration of 4%.

[0088] In the above, the gas in the recovery box 11 was directly supplied to the first compressor. However, the configuration may be such that the concentrations of oxygen gas, hydrogen gas, and carbon dioxide gas constituting the gas in the recovery box 11 are measured using gas chromatography. In this case, the measured concentrations can be compared with the concentrations of the respective gases of the mixed gas desired by the output unit 8. The gas in short supply with respect to the desired concentration is generated from the respective gas supply machines 2 to 4.

[0089] In this way, by measuring the gas concentration inside the recovery box 11, the gas to be replenished can be set in detail. Therefore, cost reduction can be achieved compared to directly reusing the gas.

Industrial Applicability

[0090] The present invention can efficiently obtain the improvement effect on the health condition and motor function of humans and pets, and is useful as a device for supplying a mixed gas.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0091] 1 Mixed gas supply device 2 Oxygen supply machine 3 Hydrogen supply machine 4 Carbon dioxide supply machine 5 First compressor 6 Flow regulator 7 Pressurized room 8 Output unit 9 Second compressor 11 Recycling Box 50 Storage Box 51 Timer 52 Monitor 53 Round Hole 55 Caster

Claims

1. An oxygen supply machine that generates oxygen gas, A hydrogen supply machine that generates hydrogen gas, A first compressor connected to the oxygen supply machine and the hydrogen supply machine, for compressing a mixed gas containing the oxygen gas and the hydrogen gas, A flow regulator connected to the first compressor, for adjusting the output flow rate of the mixed gas, An output unit connected to the flow regulator, for supplying the mixed gas to a user, A recovery box connected to the output unit, for recovering the gas discharged from the output unit, comprising A mixed gas supply device that supplies the gas recovered by the recovery box to the first compressor.

2. Further comprising a carbon dioxide supply machine that generates carbon dioxide gas, The first compressor is further connected to the carbon dioxide supply machine, for compressing a mixed gas further containing the carbon dioxide gas, The mixed gas supply device according to claim 1.

3. The recovery box is provided with a measuring device for measuring the respective concentrations of oxygen and hydrogen constituting the gas, The oxygen supply machine and the hydrogen supply machine supply oxygen and hydrogen based on the respective concentrations of oxygen and hydrogen contained in the recovered gas. The mixed gas supply device according to claim 1.

4. The recovery box is provided with a measuring device for measuring the respective concentrations of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide constituting the gas, The oxygen supply machine, the hydrogen supply machine, and the carbon dioxide supply machine supply oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide based on the respective concentrations of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide contained in the recovered gas. The mixed gas supply device according to claim 2.

5. A pressurized chamber having a sealed structure and a size that allows a user to enter therein, A second compressor connected to the pressurizing chamber, further comprising, The second compressor pressurizes the inside of the pressurizing chamber by sending air into the pressurizing chamber, The inside of the pressurizing chamber is provided with the output unit, and the user can inhale the mixed gas supplied from the output unit in the pressurized pressurizing chamber. The mixed gas supply device according to claim 1.

6. The output unit includes an inlet portion to which the mixed gas is supplied from the flow regulator, a supply portion for allowing the user to inhale the mixed gas, and an outlet portion through which the gas exhaled by the user is discharged. The mixed gas supply device according to claim 1.

7. The pressure applied by the second compressor is 1 atm or more and less than 2 atm. The mixed gas supply device according to claim 5.

8. The pressure applied by the second compressor is 2 atm or more. The mixed gas supply device according to claim 5.

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