Hydrogen inhalation device

The hydrogen inhalation device addresses condensation and hygiene issues by cooling and purifying the gas using a Peltier element and gas-liquid separator, ensuring a comfortable and reliable inhalation experience.

JP3252932UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-24SUISO JAPAN CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025002470U
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-23
Publication Date
2025-09-24
Estimated Expiration
2035-07-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional hydrogen inhalation devices generate hot gas that can lead to condensation in the inhalation pathway, causing discomfort and hygiene issues.

Method used

A hydrogen inhalation device that uses a Peltier element to cool the generated gas and a gas-liquid separator to remove liquid components, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic inhalation experience.

Benefits of technology

The device provides a cool and refreshing inhalation sensation while preventing condensation and hygiene problems, with a compact design suitable for both home and commercial use.

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Abstract

The gas produced by electrolysis is cooled by a Peltier element, and the liquid component is removed by a gas-liquid separator, allowing the cooled hydrogen-containing gas to be supplied to the inhaler in a comfortable and hygienic manner. [Solution] A hydrogen inhalation device (1) that supplies a mixed gas containing hydrogen to an inhaler, comprising: a water storage section (60) that stores purified water; a pressure pump (61) that pumps purified water from the water storage section (60); an ion protector (62) that purifies the pumped purified water; an electrolytic cell (63) that electrolyzes the pure water to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas; a cooling device (64) that includes a Peltier element (64a) that cools the hydrogen gas produced in the electrolytic cell (63); a gas-liquid separator (65) that separates and removes liquid components from the hydrogen gas cooled by the cooling device (64); and an inhalation path (66) that supplies a mixed gas containing the hydrogen gas from which the liquid components have been separated and removed by the gas-liquid separator (65) and the oxygen gas to an inhaler.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen inhalation device for supplying a hydrogen-containing gas to an inhaler, and more particularly to a device having a structure excellent in cooling the gas and suppressing condensation. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional hydrogen inhalation device, a mixed gas of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated by electrolysis is supplied to the inhaler as is (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-033729 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the gas generated by electrolysis is hot, and there is a risk of condensation forming in the inhalation pathway, which can cause problems in terms of the inhaler's physical sensation and hygiene.

[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide cooled hydrogen-containing gas to an inhaler in a comfortable and hygienic manner by cooling gas generated by electrolysis using a Peltier element and removing the liquid component using a gas-liquid separator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the hydrogen inhalation device supplies a hydrogen-containing mixed gas to an inhaler, and includes a water reservoir that stores purified water, a pressure pump that pumps purified water from the water reservoir, an ion protector that purifies the pumped purified water, an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes the pure water to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, a cooling device that includes a Peltier element that cools the hydrogen gas produced in the electrolytic cell, a gas-liquid separator that separates and removes liquid components from the hydrogen gas cooled by the cooling device, and an inhalation path that supplies a mixed gas containing the hydrogen gas from which the liquid components have been separated and removed by the gas-liquid separator and the oxygen gas to an inhaler. The cooling device lowers the temperature of the hydrogen gas, thereby improving the sensation during inhalation and suppressing condensation in the inhalation path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the following effects (1) to (3) can be obtained. (1) By cooling the gas using a Peltier element, the inhaler can feel the cool gas, improving the inhalation sensation. (2) Condensation in the inhalation path is suppressed, preventing discomfort and hygiene problems caused by water droplets getting into the tube. (3) The configuration is compact yet functional, making it applicable to both home and commercial use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hydrogen inhalation device according to the present embodiment is in use. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the hydrogen inhalation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Embodiment> The hydrogen inhalation device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the scope of the claimed invention, and not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0010] The hydrogen inhalation device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that supplies a mixed gas (oxyhydrogen gas) containing oxygen and hydrogen generated by electrolysis to a person (user). By using this device, the user can inhale oxyhydrogen gas stably and comfortably in an environment such as indoors.

[0011] This device is configured to cool the generated mixed gas using a cooling device 64 equipped with a Peltier element 64a and a heat dissipation fan 64b, so that the inhaled gas is cool and refreshing. As a result, the inhalation sensation is improved and condensation is suppressed in the inhalation path 66 and the tube 40. Furthermore, the cooled mixed gas is supplied to the inhaler after the liquid component is appropriately removed by the gas-liquid separator 65, so discomfort and hygiene concerns caused by water droplets getting into the tube 40 are reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, by housing all of the above components in a compact housing 10, the device is easy to use for home use while also being reliable and capable of withstanding continuous use for business purposes. By using the device configured in this way, inhalers can enjoy the benefits of continuous oxygen-hydrogen inhalation for medical and health promotion purposes, as well as benefits in a wider range of fields, such as beauty, relaxation, and stress relief.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a hydrogen inhalation device 1 according to this embodiment is in use.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the hydrogen inhalation device 1 has a housing 10 that is approximately rectangular parallelepiped overall, and is designed to be stably installed on a flat surface such as a desk. As shown in Fig. 2, this housing 10 contains the main components of the present invention, such as a pressure pump 61, an ion protector 62, an electrolytic cell 63, a cooling device 64, and a gas-liquid separator 65, resulting in a compact yet highly functional design.

[0015] The front of the housing 10 is provided with an operation panel consisting of a display panel 21 and multiple operation buttons 22. The display panel 21 displays, for example, the operating time, output status, remaining water volume, etc., using numerical values ​​and icons, allowing the user to check the status of the device at a glance. The operation buttons 22 are arranged to set the suction time and start and stop operation, and can be easily operated by anyone.

[0016] An oxyhydrogen gas supply port 30 is provided at the bottom front of the housing 10, from which a long, thin tube 40 extends to the outside of the device. The tip of this tube 40 is positioned near the user's nostrils, allowing the user to naturally inhale the gas through their nose while seated in a chair or other position. The tube 40 is flexible, allowing the user to use it comfortably while maintaining a relaxed position.

[0017] An openable and closable inlet lid 50 is provided on the top surface of the housing 10. By opening this lid 50, the user can inject purified water directly into the water storage section 60 inside the device. This not only simplifies regular water supply work, but also makes it easy to visually determine when purified water needs to be replenished.

[0018] A plurality of legs 51 are provided at intervals on the bottom surface of the housing 10. These legs 51 are components for stably supporting the entire housing 10, and are arranged at the four corners or in positions that take weight balance into consideration so that the device will not tilt or wobble when installed.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the hydrogen inhalation device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 10, there are arranged a water storage section 60, a pressure pump 61, an ion protector 62, an electrolytic cell 63, a cooling device 64, a gas-liquid separator 65, an intake path 66, a power supply 67, and a control board 68.

[0021] <Water storage section 60> The water reservoir 60 contains purified water. In this specification, "purified water" refers to water from which impurities (e.g., metal ions, organic matter, microorganisms, chlorine, dissolved gases, etc.) have been removed as much as possible, and is water used to maintain the efficiency of electrolysis and prevent deterioration of the electrolytic cell and corrosion of the electrodes. Specifically, this includes reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) treated water, ion exchange treated water, distilled water, or highly purified water obtained by combining these.

[0022] The water reservoir 60 is a container for temporarily storing purified water used in the electrolysis process in this device, and is designed so that purified water can be added from outside through the inlet lid 50 located on the top of the device. The capacity of the water reservoir 60 is set so that it can hold a sufficient amount of purified water for continuous use for a certain period of time. In addition, by providing a water level sensor inside the water reservoir 60, the device can detect when it is time to add water and display an alert or remaining amount on the display panel 21.

[0023] In addition, a water intake connected to a pressure pump 61 is provided at the bottom or side of the water storage unit 60, from which purified water is pressurized and sent to the downstream ion protector 62. The water supply path is made up of sealed hoses or piping, and is designed to enable hygienic and stable water supply. Furthermore, by linking with the circulation system within the device, excess water separated in the gas-liquid separator 65 is also returned to the water storage unit 60, allowing for water reuse.

[0024] In this way, the water reservoir 60 is one of the key components that supports efficient electrolysis processing by the electrolytic cell 63, and plays an important role in ensuring stability of water quality and supply volume in the process of generating oxyhydrogen gas to be supplied to the inhaler.

[0025] <Pressure Pump 61> The pressure pump 61 delivers purified water from the water storage unit 60. The pressure pump 61 is a device that applies a predetermined pressure to the purified water supplied from the water storage unit 60 and delivers the water in one direction toward the downstream ion protector 62. In other words, the pressure pump 61 pressurizes and moves the water within a sealed flow path formed within the device, and plays a role in ensuring the amount and flow rate of water required for electrolysis.

[0026] The pressure pump 61 in this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be either a non-positive displacement pump or a positive displacement pump. Specifically, a vane pump, a screw pump, a gear pump, a diaphragm pump, a plunger pump, a piston pump, a centrifugal pump, a mixed flow pump, an axial flow pump, a cascade pump, a turbine pump, or the like may be appropriately selected. In actual implementation, an appropriate pump type is selected depending on the viscosity and flow rate of the purified water, the requirements for continuous supply to the electrolytic cell 63, and the like.

[0027] The intake port of pressure pump 61 is connected to a water intake port provided on the bottom or side of water storage section 60, and is configured to draw in purified water and then pump the water from its output side toward ion protector 62. This water supply path is made up of a sealed hose or tube, ensuring hygienic specifications that prevent the intrusion of foreign matter and external leakage.

[0028] The pressure pump 61 is controlled in conjunction with the control board 68 and is configured to automatically operate when the user starts the device, supplying purified water stably at the required timing and flow rate. This ensures an uninterrupted supply of water to the electrolytic cell 63, ensuring efficient generation of oxyhydrogen gas and stable operation of the device.

[0029] <Ion Protector 62> The ion protector 62 purifies the purified water delivered by the pressure pump 61. The ion protector 62 is a component for further improving the quality of the purified water that has been pressurized and delivered by the pressure pump 61, i.e., for purifying the water. Since the electrolysis process requires water with low conductivity and a low impurity content, it is necessary to further remove trace amounts of metal ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, and chlorine ions, as well as organic impurities and dissolved gases remaining in the purified water before supplying it to the electrolytic cell 63.

[0030] The ion protector 62 in this embodiment is configured as a cartridge-type or modular filter unit equipped with, for example, an ion exchange resin, an activated carbon filter, a hollow fiber membrane, etc. As the water passes through the inside of the ion protector 62, it is subjected to ion removal processing by these functional filter layers, and pure water (ultrapure water level) with low conductivity suitable for electrolysis reactions is obtained.

[0031] The ion protector 62 can be designed to be replaceable and cleanable as needed, which contributes to the ease of maintenance of the device and ensuring stable water quality over long-term use. Furthermore, it is possible to add a sensor or indicator that notifies the user when it is time to replace the ion protector 62 based on the internal pressure or water flow rate.

[0032] In this way, the ion protector 62 further purifies the purified water supplied from the water storage section 60, thereby supporting the stable generation of hydrogen and oxygen gas in the electrolytic cell 63 and preventing deterioration factors such as electrode corrosion and scale buildup.

[0033] <Electrolytic cell 63> The electrolytic cell 63 is a component that generates hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by electrolyzing high-purity water purified by the ion protector 62. In this embodiment, for example, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) solid polymer water electrolysis system is used, which has excellent gas generation efficiency and device durability.

[0034] An electrolytic cell is disposed inside the electrolytic bath 63. The electrolytic cell uses a proton exchange membrane (solid polymer membrane) made of, for example, a fluororesin as a separator, with a cathode (negative electrode) carrying a platinum (Pt) catalyst and an anode (positive electrode) carrying iridium oxide (IrO2) or the like formed on each side of the separator. Pure water is supplied to the cathode side, and a DC voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell, causing the water molecules to electrolyze. This generates oxygen gas (O2) from the anode side and hydrogen gas (H2) from the cathode side.

[0035] Of the generated gases, hydrogen gas is sent via a tube to the inlet of cooling device 64, where it is cooled by a Peltier element and then supplied to the user via the inhalation path. Meanwhile, oxygen gas is introduced via another tube into the inlet of water storage unit 60. With this configuration, oxygen gas is reused as a recirculatable fluid within the device together with purified water, which allows for efficient use of water resources and eliminates the need for a separate exhaust treatment device.

[0036] Furthermore, in order to efficiently remove the heat energy generated during the electrolysis reaction and maintain a stable reaction environment, a cooling fan 63a is installed next to the electrolytic cell 63. This fan 63a is linked to a temperature sensor that constantly monitors the temperature inside or around the electrolytic cell and a control board 68, and is configured to automatically operate when the set temperature is exceeded, thereby cooling the electrolytic cell and stabilizing the reaction efficiency.

[0037] The electrolytic cell 63 configured in this manner functions as a core unit for efficiently and stably producing high-purity oxyhydrogen gas.

[0038] <Cooling device 64> Cooling device 64 is a component for cooling the hydrogen gas produced in electrolyzer 63 to an appropriate temperature, and is mainly composed of a Peltier element 64a and a heat dissipation fan 64b. The main purpose of cooling device 64 in this device is to lower the temperature of the gas to be inhaled to provide a refreshing inhalation experience, as well as to suppress condensation in the inhalation path and maintain gas quality and the hygiene of the device.

[0039] The cooling device 64 has an inlet through which hydrogen gas generated in the electrolytic cell 63 is delivered, and is configured so that the high-temperature hydrogen gas introduced here first comes into contact with a Peltier element 64a. The Peltier element 64a is a heat transfer element in which one side is cooled and the other side is heated when electricity is applied; the cooled side comes into contact with the hydrogen gas flow path and absorbs heat, thereby quickly and stably lowering the gas temperature. Meanwhile, a heat dissipation fan 64b is connected to the heated side, which forcibly circulates surrounding air to efficiently dissipate heat from the heated surface to the outside, maintaining the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element 64a.

[0040] The outlet side (exhaust port) of cooling device 64 is connected via a hose to the inlet port of gas-liquid separator 65, and after the minute amounts of moisture contained in the cooled hydrogen gas are removed, the hydrogen gas is supplied to the inhaler via inhalation path 66. This multi-stage configuration reliably removes excess moisture from the gas, preventing water droplets from getting into tube 40 and reducing discomfort and hygiene risks during inhalation.

[0041] Furthermore, the cooling device 64 is controlled in cooperation with the control board 68, and automatically starts operating when the inhaler starts the device. A temperature sensor constantly monitors the temperature of the inhaled gas, and if it falls outside a preset temperature range, feedback control is performed to automatically adjust the amount of power supplied to the Peltier element 64a and the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 64b to maintain a constant gas temperature. This makes it possible to provide a constantly stable inhalation environment, regardless of the outside temperature during use or temperature changes due to continuous operation.

[0042] The cooling device 64 configured in this manner is an important component that achieves high levels of functionality, comfort, and hygiene, and greatly contributes to improving user satisfaction and reliability of the oxyhydrogen inhalation device 1.

[0043] <Gas-liquid separator 65> The gas-liquid separator 65 is an important component for physically separating and removing minute droplets of water and condensed liquid components mixed in the gas flow from the hydrogen gas introduced via the cooling device 64. When the hydrogen gas is cooled to a predetermined temperature by the cooling device 64, the water contained therein condenses as the temperature drops. If this water flows directly into the intake path 66 or the tube 40, it may cause discomfort or hygiene concerns, so the gas-liquid separator 65 plays a role in reliably separating and removing these liquid droplets and water vapor.

[0044] The gas-liquid separator 65 in this embodiment has a multi-stage structure with multiple partition walls and baffle plates inside, and is configured to efficiently capture liquid particles by utilizing physical phenomena such as inertial separation, collision separation, and gravitational settling as the gas flows while bending and reflecting. In addition, the inner walls are coated with a water-repellent or hydrophilic material to promote the adhesion and flow of water, thereby achieving efficient drainage.

[0045] An exhaust port is provided at the top of gas-liquid separator 65, from which only the gas component is guided to the next-stage inhalation path 66. More specifically, exhaust port 65a is connected to the inlet side of a three-way valve 66a provided in inhalation path 66, and the separated hydrogen gas is supplied to the inhaler via three-way valve 66a. This three-way valve 66a is a component that is responsible for switching and controlling the inhalation path, for example, and realizes an appropriate gas supply depending on the user's inhalation timing and the operating state of the device.

[0046] Meanwhile, a drain outlet is formed at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 65, from which the separated and captured water is discharged to the outside. In this embodiment, this wastewater is not simply discarded, but is instead circulated back to the water storage unit 60 for reuse. Specifically, the drain outlet and the water storage unit 60 are connected by a highly airtight tube or pipe, realizing effective use of water resources within the device. This reduces the frequency of refilling the water required for electrolysis, improving the convenience and economy of the entire device.

[0047] The gas-liquid separator 65 may be equipped with a sensor that detects the internal water level or separation state, and may be configured to display an alert on the display panel 21 or the like when a deterioration in separation performance or clogging of the drainage path is detected. This improves the safety and maintainability of the device, and enables a stable inhalation environment to be maintained over the long term.

[0048] The gas-liquid separator 65 configured in this way plays an extremely important role in maintaining a high level of quality of the inhaled gas, as well as ensuring the comfort of the user and the sanitary condition of the device. Furthermore, by providing both exhaust and drainage paths and achieving both gas supply and water reuse, it plays a central role in supporting both resource conservation and high performance in this device.

[0049] <Inhalation route 66> The inhalation path 66 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 65 and the water reservoir 60, and is a gas supply system for ultimately supplying oxyhydrogen gas (mixed gas) to the inhaler. In this embodiment, a three-way valve 66a is provided at a key point in the inhalation path 66, and multiple gas flows are integrated and controlled via this valve.

[0050] Three-way valve 66a has at least three flow path connections, and a first inlet is configured to introduce hydrogen gas from the exhaust port of gas-liquid separator 65. This hydrogen gas is generated in electrolytic cell 63, has its temperature adjusted by cooling device 64, and is then supplied in a state where the liquid component has been completely removed in gas-liquid separator 65, resulting in a highly pure, dry gas suitable for inhalation.

[0051] The second inlet introduces oxygen gas discharged from the outlet of the water reservoir 60. This oxygen gas is produced by an electrolytic reaction in the electrolytic cell 63, sent to the water reservoir 60, and then reused for inhalation. This optimizes the mixture ratio of oxygen and hydrogen, producing oxyhydrogen gas that is effective for medical and health promotion applications.

[0052] The three-way valve 66a is configured to combine the two gas flows (i.e., hydrogen gas and oxygen gas) at its outlet and discharge them as a mixed gas. This mixed gas is guided to the vicinity of the user's nostrils through a tube 40 connected downstream of the inhalation path 66 and is naturally inhaled. The opening and closing operation of the three-way valve 66a and the switching of the flow path are automatically controlled by a control board 68, which stabilizes the mixture ratio and supply amount during inhalation.

[0053] To further prevent condensation, a tube made of a hydrophobic inner wall material (e.g., fluororesin) is used in the suction path 66. This prevents water droplets from adhering to and remaining on the inner wall of the tube, even if minute amounts of moisture remain in the mixed gas, providing a hygienic and comfortable inhalation environment.

[0054] The inhalation path 66 configured in this manner realizes a highly pure and stable supply of mixed gas by utilizing a multiple gas flow integration mechanism centered around the three-way valve 66a and hydrophobic materials, and is an important component that balances the functionality of the device with the comfort and safety of the inhaler. <Power supply 67> The power supply 67 is a component that supplies operating power to the entire hydrogen inhalation device 1. It is configured as a switching power supply unit that converts input from a household AC power source into the DC voltage required by each device. This device is equipped with multiple electronic devices, including the electrolytic cell 63, cooling device 64, pressure pump 61, cooling fan 63a, Peltier element 64a, heat dissipation fan 64b, and display panel 21, and requires constant voltage and constant current outputs appropriate for each. The power supply 67 is designed to ensure a stable power supply to all of these components, and each output system is equipped with safety mechanisms such as overcurrent protection, overheat protection, and short-circuit protection.

[0055] <Control board 68> The control board 68 is the core control circuit of this device, and is equipped with a microcontroller (MCU) that comprehensively controls the operation of the entire device. In particular, the control board 68 has the function of controlling the driving power of the electrolytic cell 63 in real time according to the amount of mixed gas generated, and performs output control so that the amount of gas supplied during inhalation is constant. This control is achieved by constantly monitoring the supply state of the mixed gas based on the detection results of the air pressure sensor and flow rate sensor installed in the device, and allows for fine-tuned control according to the user's inhalation strength and inhalation timing.

[0056] For example, even if the inhalation pressure temporarily fluctuates while the user is inhaling, the control board 68 receives a signal from the air pressure sensor and quickly adjusts the amount of power supplied to the electrolytic cell 63 to maintain constant pressure and flow rate of the mixed gas. This stabilizes the sensation of the inhaled mixed gas, and can prevent discomfort caused by excessive or insufficient gas supply, as well as unnecessary power consumption.

[0057] Furthermore, the control board 68 also monitors and controls the operation of the Peltier element 64a and heat dissipation fan 64b of the cooling device 64, maintaining the intake gas temperature within a certain range. The control board 68 also ensures a stable supply of pure water by linking the operation of the pressure pump 61 with information from the water level sensor and temperature sensor. In addition, the control board 68 centrally controls a wide range of functions, such as switching control of the three-way valve 66a and outputting various information to the display panel 21 (display of remaining water level, abnormality notification, and operating status), thereby improving the reliability and usability of the entire device.

[0058] <How to use> The inhaler first opens the lid 50 on top of the hydrogen inhalation device 1 and pours purified water into the water reservoir 60. The remaining amount of purified water can be checked on the display panel 21, and an alert will appear if refilling is necessary. Once the water supply is complete, operation is initiated using the operation button 22 on the front of the device. After startup, purified water is pressurized and pumped by the pressure pump 61. It is purified in the ion protector 62 and then sent to the electrolytic cell 63, where hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are generated. The generated hydrogen gas is cooled in the cooling device 64 and the moisture is removed in the gas-liquid separator 65. It is then mixed with oxygen gas and delivered to the inhaler's nostrils via the tube 40 as a mixed gas. The inhaler sits on a chair or other surface and inhales the gas naturally. The device constantly monitors the pressure and flow rate during inhalation with sensors, and the control board 68 controls the gas supply to maintain a constant level. This allows the inhaler to comfortably inhale a stable, cool, and refreshing mixed gas.

[0059] <Modification> The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present invention. The embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0060] As for the electrolytic cell type, alkaline water electrolysis or high temperature steam electrolysis (SOEC) may be adopted instead of solid polymer electrolysis (PEM), which can reduce costs and improve electrolysis efficiency under certain conditions.

[0061] As an alternative to the three-way valve 66a provided in the inhalation path 66, separate hydrogen gas supply lines and oxygen gas supply lines may be used to allow natural mixing before the nozzle. This increases the degree of freedom in adjusting the mixture ratio, making it possible to control the gas concentration according to the user in medical applications, etc.

[0062] The device can be miniaturized and modularized to accommodate not only stationary installation but also portable, shoulder-mounted, and vehicle-mounted types, which will enable inhalation while on the move or in outdoor environments, expanding the range of possible uses.

[0063] <Summary> As described above, the hydrogen inhalation device 1 according to the first embodiment is a hydrogen inhalation device that supplies a hydrogen-containing mixed gas to an inhaler, and includes a water reservoir 60 that stores purified water, a pressure pump 61 that pumps purified water from the water reservoir 60, an ion protector 62 that purifies the pumped purified water, an electrolytic cell 63 that electrolyzes the pure water to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, a cooling device 64 including a Peltier element 64a that cools the hydrogen gas produced in the electrolytic cell 63, a gas-liquid separator 65 that separates and removes liquid components from the hydrogen gas cooled by the cooling device 64, and an inhalation path 66 that supplies a mixed gas containing the hydrogen gas from which the liquid components have been separated and removed by the gas-liquid separator 65 and the oxygen gas to the inhaler. The cooling device 64 lowers the temperature of the hydrogen gas, thereby improving the sensation of inhalation and suppressing condensation in the inhalation path.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the hydrogen gas generated in the electrolytic cell 63 is appropriately cooled by the cooling device 64 using the Peltier element 64a, so that the inhaled gas is cool, providing a refreshing sensation to the user and enhancing the realism of the inhalation action. Furthermore, the cooled hydrogen gas passes through the gas-liquid separator 65, effectively removing moisture from the gas, thereby suppressing condensation in the inhalation path 66 and the tube 40 and reducing discomfort and hygiene concerns. Furthermore, the main components of this device, such as the water storage unit 60, pressure pump 61, ion protector 62, electrolytic cell 63, cooling device 64, gas-liquid separator 65, and inhalation path 66, are compactly housed within the integrated housing 10, making it easy to install and portable. Furthermore, its highly functional configuration provides convenience and practicality that makes it widely applicable not only to home use but also to commercial use.

[0065] In the hydrogen inhalation device 1 according to the second embodiment, the cooling device 64 is configured to include a Peltier element 64a and a heat dissipation fan 64b connected to the heated side of the Peltier element 64a. This embodiment maintains the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element 64a, making it possible to stably cool hydrogen gas to a predetermined temperature even during long periods of operation or under the influence of outside air temperature. This allows the inhaler to be provided with gas at a comfortable temperature at all times, improving the inhalation experience and more effectively suppressing condensation in the inhalation path.

[0066] In the hydrogen inhalation device 1 according to the third aspect, the gas-liquid separator 65 of the first aspect has a multi-stage flow path or baffle structure for removing liquid components from the cooled hydrogen gas. This aspect allows for efficient separation and removal of minute water droplets and water vapor contained in the gas. This more reliably prevents moisture from entering the inhalation path or tube, further reducing discomfort and hygiene issues during inhalation. Furthermore, the stability and quality of the gas supply are maintained at a high level, providing a comfortable and reliable inhalation environment.

[0067] In the hydrogen inhalation device 1 according to the fourth aspect, the inhalation path 66 of the first aspect includes a tube whose inner wall is made of a hydrophobic material to further suppress the occurrence of condensation. This aspect prevents the small amount of moisture remaining in the mixed gas from adhering to and remaining on the inner wall of the tube, thereby more effectively preventing the occurrence of condensation. As a result, discomfort during inhalation and hygiene concerns are further reduced, a clean and comfortable inhalation environment can be maintained at all times, and the effort required for cleaning and maintenance inside the tube is reduced even during long-term use.

[0068] The hydrogen inhalation device 1 according to the fifth aspect of the present invention further includes a control unit 68 that controls the drive power according to the amount of mixed gas generated, and the control unit 68 controls the amount of gas supplied during inhalation to maintain a constant level. This allows the amount of gas supplied during inhalation to be maintained constant, allowing the inhaler to continue stable gas inhalation without being affected by changes in breathing strength or the environment. This prevents variations in the inhalation sensation and discomfort, while also suppressing excessive gas supply and power waste, resulting in energy savings and efficient operation of the entire device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Hydrogen inhalation device 60 Water storage section 61 Pressure Pump 62 Ion Protector 63 Electrolytic cell 64 Cooling device 64a Peltier element 64b Heat dissipation fan 65 Gas-liquid separator 66 Inhalation route

Claims

1. A hydrogen inhalation device that supplies a hydrogen-containing mixed gas to an inhaler, a water reservoir for storing purified water; a pressure pump that pumps purified water from the water reservoir; an ion protector that purifies the delivered purified water; an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes the pure water to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas; a cooling device including a Peltier element for cooling the hydrogen gas produced in the electrolytic cell; a gas-liquid separator that separates and removes liquid components from the hydrogen gas cooled by the cooling device; an inhalation path for supplying a mixed gas containing the hydrogen gas from which the liquid component has been separated and removed by the gas-liquid separator and the oxygen gas to an inhaler; Equipped with The cooling device lowers the temperature of the hydrogen gas, thereby improving the sensation experienced during inhalation and suppressing condensation in the inhalation path. A hydrogen inhalation device characterized by:

2. The cooling device is The device is characterized by comprising a Peltier element and a heat dissipation fan connected to the heated side of the Peltier element. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1.

3. The gas-liquid separator is The present invention is characterized by having a multi-stage flow path or baffle structure for removing liquid components in the cooled hydrogen gas. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1.

4. The inhalation pathway is The present invention is characterized in that it includes a tube whose inner wall is made of a hydrophobic material to further suppress the occurrence of condensation. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1.

5. a control unit that controls the driving power in accordance with the amount of the mixed gas generated; The control unit The gas supply amount during inhalation is controlled to be kept constant. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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