Air conditioner

By integrating an electrolytic water oxygen generator and an ion exchange membrane into the air conditioner, the oxygen generated by the electrolytic water enters the room, solving the temperature change problem caused by fresh air oxygenation, improving user comfort and oxygenation efficiency, and reducing the frequency and cost of water replenishment for users.

CN223985349UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-10QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER GENERAL CORP LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-13
Publication Date
2026-03-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The problem of indoor temperature changes affecting user comfort when existing air conditioners introduce fresh outdoor air for oxygenation.

Method used

An electrolysis water oxygen generator is used to electrolyze water in a water receiving pan to produce oxygen. Hydrogen and oxygen are isolated by an ion exchange membrane and a hydrogen hood. Hydrogen is discharged outdoors while oxygen enters indoors. Condensate is used as the water source, and the oxygenation process is controlled by combining oxygen and hydrogen detection.

Benefits of technology

It increases indoor oxygen levels, reduces hydrogen levels, maintains stable indoor temperature, improves user comfort, and reduces the frequency and cost of water replenishment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioners, in particular to an air conditioner, and aims to solve the problems that the comfort of a user is reduced and the user experience is influenced due to the fact that fresh air is frequently introduced for oxygenation. In order to achieve the purpose, the air conditioner comprises a water receiving disc and an electrolyzed water oxygen generation device, the electrolyzed water oxygen generation device is arranged in the water receiving disc and used for electrolyzing water in the water receiving disc, and oxygen generated by electrolyzed water can enter a room. Water in the water pan is electrolyzed through the water electrolysis oxygen generation device, oxygen generated by water electrolysis can enter a room, the oxygen content in the room is increased, the indoor temperature change cannot be affected, and therefore the comfort degree of a user can be improved, and better use experience is provided for the user.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and specifically provides an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] As a common appliance for regulating indoor temperature, air conditioners are often used with doors and windows closed to better and faster regulate indoor temperature and for energy conservation. As the closure time increases, the indoor oxygen content gradually decreases, which may cause discomfort such as narrowed attention span, increased mental fatigue, and reduced visual sensitivity.

[0003] In existing technologies, oxygenation is usually achieved by introducing fresh outdoor air. However, the indoor temperature also changes as fresh air is introduced. Frequent introduction of fresh air for oxygenation can reduce user comfort and affect user experience.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in this field for a new type of air conditioner to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that while oxygenation is achieved by introducing fresh outdoor air, the indoor ambient temperature also changes as fresh air is introduced, and frequent introduction of fresh air for oxygenation reduces user comfort and affects user experience.

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an air conditioner; the air conditioner includes a water receiving tray and an electrolytic water oxygen generating device, wherein the electrolytic water oxygen generating device is disposed in the water receiving tray and is used to electrolyze the water in the water receiving tray, and the oxygen generated by the electrolytic water can enter the room.

[0007] When the above technical solution is adopted, the water in the water receiving tray is electrolyzed by the water electrolysis oxygen generator, and the oxygen produced by the electrolysis of water can enter the room, increasing the oxygen content in the room, and will not affect the changes in indoor temperature, thereby improving the user's comfort and giving the user a better user experience.

[0008] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the water electrolysis oxygen generation device includes an electrolysis cell, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The electrolysis cell is disposed in the water receiving tray, and the side wall of the electrolysis cell is provided with a water inlet hole that communicates with the water receiving tray.

[0009] The anode and cathode electrodes are inserted into the electrolytic cell for electrolyzing the water in the cell.

[0010] By employing the above technical solution, water can enter the electrolytic cell through inlet holes on the side wall of the electrolytic cell, allowing water from the receiving tray to flow into the cell. This method is more energy-efficient than using a water pump to supply water into the electrolytic cell. When the anode and cathode electrodes are energized, the water is ionized, producing oxygen at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode. The oxygen and hydrogen entering the room increase the indoor oxygen content.

[0011] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the water electrolysis oxygen generation device further includes an ion exchange membrane, which is disposed in the electrolysis cell and divides the electrolysis cell into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. The anode electrode is inserted into the anode chamber and the cathode electrode is inserted into the cathode chamber.

[0012] By employing the above technical solution, the mixing of oxygen and hydrogen generated by ion exchange membrane is prevented, thereby reducing the concentration of the mixed oxygen and hydrogen gas near the electrolyzer and reducing safety hazards.

[0013] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the water electrolysis oxygen generation device further includes a hydrogen hood and a hydrogen exhaust pipe disposed on the hydrogen hood, wherein the end of the hydrogen exhaust pipe away from the hydrogen hood extends to the outside.

[0014] The hydrogen hood is installed on the electrolytic cell and seals the cathode chamber. The hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis oxygen generator is discharged to the outside through the hydrogen discharge pipe.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, hydrogen and oxygen are separated by an ion exchange membrane and a hydrogen hood, and the hydrogen generated by water electrolysis is directly discharged outdoors through a hydrogen exhaust pipe, which can increase the indoor oxygen content more quickly while reducing the indoor hydrogen content.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the air conditioner further includes a drain pipe connected to the water receiving tray, the inlet of the drain pipe being higher than the water inlet hole, the outlet of the drain pipe extending to the outside, and the end of the hydrogen exhaust pipe away from the hydrogen hood being inserted into the inlet of the drain pipe.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the water electrolysis oxygen generator further includes a liquid level detection element, which is disposed in the electrolysis cell and is used to detect the water level in the electrolysis cell.

[0018] When the above technical solution is adopted, the water level in the electrolytic cell is detected by a liquid level detection device. When the water level is lower than the first set value, ionization is stopped, thereby improving the safety of the water electrolysis oxygen generation device.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, and the drip tray is located below the heat exchanger for receiving condensate generated by the heat exchanger; and / or

[0020] The air conditioner also includes a water replenishment device for replenishing water into the water tray.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, collecting condensate in a water collection pan and using it as the water source for electrolysis reduces the frequency of water replenishment to the pan, making the oxygen production process of the water electrolysis oxygen generator more convenient and cost-effective, and also reducing the amount of condensate discharged. When there is no condensate in the water collection pan, water is replenished to the pan through a water replenishment device, enabling the water electrolysis oxygen generator to produce oxygen.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the water replenishment device includes a water replenishment tank, a water replenishment pipe, and a water replenishment valve disposed on the water replenishment pipe. One end of the water replenishment pipe is connected to the bottom of the water replenishment tank, and the other end of the water replenishment pipe extends to the top of the water receiving tray.

[0023] When the water supply tank is higher than the water receiving tray, and the water supply valve is opened, the water in the water supply tank flows by gravity into the water receiving tray.

[0024] With the above technical solution, since the water supply tank is higher than the water receiving pan, when water needs to be added to the water receiving pan, the water supply valve can be opened, and the water in the water supply tank can flow into the water receiving pan by gravity, which is more energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the water supply tank is located indoors, and the water supply tank is made of a transparent material.

[0026] With the above technical solution, the water tank is located indoors and made of transparent material, making it easy for users to observe the water level in the water tank and to replenish the water tank.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the air conditioner further includes an oxygen detection element for detecting indoor oxygen content; and / or

[0028] The air conditioner also includes a hydrogen detection device, which is located above the air conditioner and is used to detect the indoor hydrogen content.

[0029] When the above technical solution is adopted, since hydrogen is less dense than air, placing the hydrogen detector above the air conditioner can more sensitively and accurately detect the indoor hydrogen content.

[0030] In summary, this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0031] 1. The water in the water collection tray is electrolyzed by the water electrolysis oxygen generator. The oxygen produced by the electrolysis of water can enter the room, increasing the oxygen content in the room without affecting the indoor temperature. This can improve the user's comfort and provide a better user experience.

[0032] 2. The hydrogen and oxygen produced by water electrolysis are separated by an ion exchange membrane and a hydrogen hood. The hydrogen produced by water electrolysis is discharged directly outdoors through a hydrogen exhaust pipe, while the oxygen produced by water electrolysis overflows from the anode chamber and enters the room. This can increase the indoor oxygen content more quickly and reduce the indoor hydrogen content at the same time.

[0033] 3. By collecting condensate in the water collection pan and using it as the water source for electrolysis, the frequency of users replenishing the water collection pan can be reduced, making the oxygen production process of the electrolysis water oxygen generator more convenient and cost-effective, and also reducing the amount of condensate discharged. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the water electrolysis oxygen generation device of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water replenishment device of this utility model;

[0039] Figure label:

[0040] 1. Shell; 2. Water receiving tray; 3. Electrolysis water oxygen generator; 31. Electrolytic cell; 311. Water inlet; 312. Anode chamber; 313. Cathode chamber; 32. Anode electrode; 33. Cathode electrode; 34. Ion exchange membrane; 35. Hydrogen hood; 36. Hydrogen discharge pipe; 37. Liquid level detection device; 41. Water replenishment tank; 42. Water replenishment pipe; 43. Water replenishment valve; 5. Drain pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0042] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] To address the issue of oxygenation through the introduction of fresh outdoor air, which causes changes in indoor temperature and reduces user comfort due to frequent air intake, a method used to increase oxygen levels is employed.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment discloses an air conditioner, which includes a casing 1, a heat exchanger, a water collection tray 2, an electrolytic water oxygen generator 3, and a drain pipe 5. The heat exchanger and the water collection tray 2 are installed inside the casing 1, with the water collection tray 2 located below the heat exchanger to collect condensate formed on the surface of the heat exchanger. The inlet of the drain pipe 5 is connected to the side wall of the water collection tray 2, and the outlet of the drain pipe 5 extends to the outside. When the condensate level in the water collection tray 2 exceeds the inlet of the drain pipe 5, the condensate is discharged through the drain pipe 5. The electrolytic water oxygen generator 3 is installed inside the water collection tray 2. By electrolyzing the water in the water collection tray 2, the generated oxygen can enter the room, increasing the indoor oxygen content.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the water electrolysis oxygen generator 3 includes an electrolytic cell 31, an anode electrode 32, a cathode electrode 33, an ion exchange membrane 34, a hydrogen hood 35, a hydrogen discharge pipe 36, and a liquid level detection element 37. The side wall of the electrolytic cell 31 is provided with multiple water inlet holes 311, and the water inlet holes 311 are lower than the water inlet of the drain pipe 5, so that the water in the water receiving tray 2 can enter the electrolytic cell 31 through the water inlet holes 311 to supply the anode electrode 32 and the cathode electrode 33 for electrolysis. Compared with supplying water into the electrolytic cell 31 by a water pump, it is more energy-efficient.

[0047] An ion exchange membrane 34 is fixed inside the electrolytic cell 31. The ion exchange membrane 34 can prevent the mixing of generated oxygen and hydrogen, and divides the electrolytic cell 31 into an anode chamber 312 and a cathode chamber 313. A hydrogen hood 35 is fixed to the electrolytic cell 31 and seals the cathode chamber 313. One end of the hydrogen discharge pipe 36 is fixed to the hydrogen hood 35 and connected to the cathode chamber 313, and the other end extends into the inlet of the drain pipe 5.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the anode electrode 32 is inserted into the anode chamber 312, and the cathode electrode 33 is inserted into the cathode chamber 313. Power is supplied to the anode electrode 32 and the cathode electrode 33 via the air conditioner's control board. Alternatively, an additional power supply can be provided to power the anode electrode 32 and the cathode electrode 33. After being energized, the following reactions occur at the anode electrode 32 and the cathode electrode 33, respectively:

[0049] The reaction occurs at the anode electrode 32: 4OH - →O2↑+2H2O+4e - ;

[0050] The reaction occurs at cathode electrode 33: 4H₂O + 4e⁻ - →2H₂↑+4OH⁻ - ;

[0051] The anode chamber 312 has an opening at the top, allowing oxygen generated by the anode electrode 32 to directly enter the housing 1. Oxygen then enters the room through an air outlet on the housing 1, or a dedicated oxygen outlet can be provided on the housing 1 to allow the generated oxygen to enter the room, increasing the indoor oxygen content. Furthermore, compared to oxygenation via fresh air, the oxygenation method in this application has less impact on indoor temperature changes, thereby improving user comfort and providing a better user experience. The cathode chamber 313 is sealed by the ion exchange membrane 34 and the hydrogen hood 35, separating the hydrogen generated at the cathode from the oxygen and allowing it to be directly discharged outdoors through the hydrogen exhaust pipe 36. This reduces the indoor hydrogen content while simultaneously increasing the indoor oxygen content more quickly.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the liquid level detection element 37 is installed in the anode chamber 312 or the cathode chamber 313. The liquid level detection element 37 can detect the water level in the electrolytic cell 31. In this embodiment, the liquid level detection element 37 is a liquid level sensor. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 31 is lower than the first set value, the anode electrode 32 and the cathode electrode 33 stop electrolyzing water, reducing the safety hazard caused by the dry burning of the anode electrode 32 and the cathode electrode 33.

[0053] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes an oxygen detector and a hydrogen detector. The oxygen detector is installed at the air outlet of the air conditioner or indoors, and can detect the indoor oxygen content. The hydrogen detector can detect the indoor hydrogen content. The hydrogen detector is installed above the air conditioner. Since hydrogen is less dense than air, placing the hydrogen detector above the air conditioner allows for more sensitive and accurate detection of the indoor hydrogen content. In this embodiment, the oxygen detector is an oxygen meter installed at the air outlet of the air conditioner, and the hydrogen detector is a hydrogen meter installed at the air inlet of the air conditioner.

[0054] When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, a large amount of condensate is generated on the surface of the heat exchanger, which flows into the drip tray 2. When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and detects that the indoor oxygen content is lower than a first preset value, the indoor hydrogen content is lower than a second preset value, and the water level in the electrolysis tank 31 is not lower than a first set value, the water electrolysis oxygen generator 3 is energized to ionize the condensate in the electrolysis tank 31, allowing oxygen to enter the room and increasing the indoor oxygen content. Hydrogen is discharged outdoors through the drain pipe 5. Preferably, the first preset value is 20%, and the second preset value is 3%. When the indoor oxygen content is greater than a third preset value, the indoor hydrogen content is greater than a second preset value, the water level in the electrolysis tank 31 is lower than the first set value, or the air conditioner stops operating in cooling mode, the water electrolysis oxygen generator 3 is de-energized and stops producing oxygen. Preferably, the third preset value is 23%. Furthermore, when the indoor hydrogen content is greater than a preset value, the air conditioner alarms, reminding the user to operate the fresh air mode or open windows for ventilation to reduce the indoor hydrogen content. By collecting condensate in the water collection pan 2 and using it as a water source for electrolysis, the frequency of users replenishing water to the water collection pan 2 can be reduced, making the oxygen production process of the electrolysis water oxygen generator 3 more convenient and cheaper, and also reducing the amount of condensate discharged.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner further includes a water replenishment device, which includes a water replenishment tank 41, a water replenishment pipe 42, and a water replenishment valve 43 disposed on the water replenishment pipe 42. The water replenishment tank 41 is installed indoors, and the bottom of the water replenishment tank 41 is higher than the water receiving tray 2. In this embodiment, the water replenishment tank 41 is made of glass or transparent plastic material so that the user can observe the water level in the water replenishment tank 41 and replenish the water replenishment tank 41 in a timely manner. One end of the water replenishment pipe 42 is connected to the bottom of the water replenishment tank 41, and the other end of the water replenishment pipe 42 extends through the housing 1 to the top of the water receiving tray 2. The water replenishment valve 43 is a solenoid valve, which can be controlled to open or close via a control panel.

[0056] When the air conditioner is in heating mode, no condensation will form on the heat exchanger surface. Water can be replenished to the water tray 2 via the water replenishment device, allowing the electrolytic water oxygen generator 3 to oxygenate the room. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 31 is lower than the second set value, the water replenishment valve 43 is opened, and the water in the water replenishment tank 41 flows by gravity into the water tray 2. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 31 is higher than the third set value, the water replenishment valve 43 is closed, stopping the water replenishment. The first set value < the second set value < the third set value < the inlet of the drain pipe 5. The second set value is greater than the first set value, ensuring that the water replenishment tank 41 can replenish the water tray 2 in a timely manner. The inlet of the drain pipe 5 is greater than the third set value, preventing the water replenished from the water replenishment tank 41 from flowing out through the drain pipe 5, thus conserving water resources.

[0057] When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, if it detects that the indoor oxygen content is lower than the first preset value, the indoor hydrogen content is lower than the second preset value, and the water level in the electrolysis tank 31 is not lower than the first set value, the water electrolysis oxygen generator 3 is energized to ionize the water in the electrolysis tank 31, allowing oxygen to enter the room and increasing the indoor oxygen content. Hydrogen is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 5. When the indoor oxygen content is higher than the third preset value, the indoor hydrogen content is higher than the second preset value, the water level in the electrolysis tank 31 is lower than the first set value, or the air conditioner stops operating in heating mode, the water electrolysis oxygen generator 3 is de-energized and stops producing oxygen.

[0058] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The air conditioner comprises a water collecting tray (2) and an electrolytic water oxygen generating device, the electrolytic water oxygen generating device is arranged in the water collecting tray (2) and is used for electrolyzing water in the water collecting tray (2), and oxygen generated by electrolytic water can enter a room; The electrolytic water oxygen generating device comprises an electrolytic cell (31), an anode electrode (32) and a cathode electrode (33), the electrolytic cell (31) is arranged in the water collecting tray (2), and a water inlet hole (311) in communication with the water collecting tray (2) is arranged on a side wall of the electrolytic cell (31); The anode electrode (32) and the cathode electrode (33) are inserted into the electrolytic cell (31) and are used for electrolyzing water in the electrolytic cell (31).

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The electrolytic water oxygen generating device further comprises an ion exchange membrane (34), the ion exchange membrane (34) is arranged in the electrolytic cell (31) and divides the electrolytic cell (31) into an anode chamber (312) and a cathode chamber (313), the anode electrode (32) is inserted into the anode chamber (312), and the cathode electrode (33) is inserted into the cathode chamber (313).

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein The electrolytic water oxygen generating device further comprises a hydrogen cover (35) and a hydrogen discharge pipe (36) arranged on the hydrogen cover (35), and one end of the hydrogen discharge pipe (36) away from the hydrogen cover (35) extends to the outside of a room; The hydrogen cover (35) is arranged on the electrolytic cell (31) and seals the cathode chamber (313), and hydrogen generated by the electrolytic water oxygen generating device is discharged to the outside of the room through the hydrogen discharge pipe (36).

4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein The air conditioner further comprises a drain pipe (5) in communication with the water collecting tray (2), a water inlet of the drain pipe (5) is higher than the water inlet hole (311), a water outlet of the drain pipe (5) extends to the outside of the room, and one end of the hydrogen discharge pipe (36) away from the hydrogen cover (35) is inserted into the water inlet of the drain pipe (5).

5. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The electrolytic water oxygen generating device further comprises a liquid level detection member (37), the liquid level detection member (37) is arranged in the electrolytic cell (31) and is used for detecting a water level in the electrolytic cell (31).

6. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The air conditioner comprises a heat exchanger, the water collecting tray (2) is located below the heat exchanger and is used for collecting condensed water generated by the heat exchanger; and / or The air conditioner further comprises a water supplementing device, the water supplementing device is used for supplementing water into the water collecting tray (2).

7. The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein The water supplementing device comprises a water supplementing tank (41), a water supplementing pipe (42) and a water supplementing valve (43) arranged on the water supplementing pipe (42), one end of the water supplementing pipe (42) is in communication with a bottom of the water supplementing tank (41), and the other end of the water supplementing pipe (42) extends to above the water collecting tray (2); The water supplementing tank (41) is higher than the water collecting tray (2), when the water supplementing valve (43) is opened, water in the water supplementing tank (41) flows into the water collecting tray (2) by gravity.

8. The air conditioner of claim 7, wherein The water supplementing tank (41) is arranged in a room, and the water supplementing tank (41) is made of transparent material.

9. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The air conditioner further comprises an oxygen detection member, the oxygen detection member is used for detecting an oxygen content in the room; and / or The air conditioner further comprises a hydrogen detection member arranged above the air conditioner and configured to detect the hydrogen content in the room.