Oxygen generator

Abstract

The present invention provides an oxygen generator comprising, inside a main body case, a nitrogen removal module for removing nitrogen from the air; and a filter module for removing foreign substances from the air, wherein indoor air is allowed to be supplied to the nitrogen removal module after having passed through the filter module. Accordingly, operation reliability of the oxygen generator can be improved, and damage or contamination of the nitrogen removal module can be prevented.

Description

Oxygen generator

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for an oxygen generator for supplying high-concentration oxygen with nitrogen removed to an indoor environment.

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner is a device that maintains indoor temperature, humidity, and other conditions at set levels. For example, in the summer, it can serve to relatively lower the indoor air temperature by expelling indoor heat to the outside. In the winter, it can relatively raise the temperature of the air expelled from the air conditioner so that the indoor temperature becomes relatively higher than the outdoor temperature. Alternatively, it can purify the air within a designated space and return it to that space.

[0003] Such an air conditioner includes an indoor unit provided for the interior and an outdoor unit provided for the exterior. The outdoor unit is equipped with a compressor and a condenser, and the indoor unit is equipped with an evaporator. As a result, the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of the refrigerant are performed sequentially and repeatedly, thereby enabling the indoor space to be cooled or heated.

[0004] Meanwhile, the indoor space is maintained as closed as possible from the outside to prevent the entry of various outdoor pollutants or fine dust. However, since conventional air conditioners operated by continuously circulating the closed indoor air, a shortage of oxygen in the indoor air occurred.

[0005] Recently, a device with oxygen generation capabilities (oxygen generator) is additionally provided to allow oxygen to be added to the air supplied to the indoors. Various such inventions are available, including Published Patent No. 10-2002-0048176, Published Patent No. 10-2003-0093393, Published Patent No. 10-2003-0093395, Published Patent No. 10-2005-0021847, and Published Patent No. 10-2005-0055258.

[0006] As indicated in these prior art documents, conventionally, an oxygen generator was additionally installed in an outdoor unit. Furthermore, the oxygen generated by the oxygen generator was configured to be supplied to the air discharge side of an indoor unit located indoors, so that it is provided to the indoor space along with the air discharged into the room. In other words, the oxygen generated by the oxygen generator is supplied into the indoor unit and then rides along with the air discharged into the room to be supplied to the room, thereby increasing the oxygen concentration inside the room.

[0007] Meanwhile, conventional general oxygen generators produce high concentrations of oxygen by removing nitrogen components from the air using expensive zeolite.

[0008] However, since the air supplied into the oxygen generator to produce high-concentration oxygen contains foreign substances, there were problems such as the zeolite being contaminated by said foreign substances.

[0009] In particular, considering that the oxygen generator is provided outdoors and operates to generate oxygen using outdoor air, the contamination of the zeolite is inevitably more severe, which leads to a problem of shortened zeolite lifespan.

[0010] In addition, during seasons when there is a significant temperature difference between the outdoor and indoor air (e.g., summer or winter), there was a problem in that the outdoor air temperature inevitably affected the indoor temperature.

[0011] In addition, conventionally, high-concentration oxygen generated from an oxygen generator is configured to be supplied into an indoor unit by a pump. Accordingly, conventionally, discharge noise from oxygen supplying to the indoor unit was inevitable. As a result, as in prior art documents 2 (Published Patent No. 10-2003-0093393) and 3 (Published Patent No. 10-2003-0093395), a separate silencer had to be provided to prevent pulsating noise.

[0012] The objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of oxygen generator for air conditioners that can be easily applied to existing general air conditioners.

[0013] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of oxygen generator for an air conditioner that allows for easy and convenient maintenance of the oxygen generator.

[0014] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of oxygen generator for an air conditioner that prevents the outdoor temperature from affecting the indoor environment during the process of supplying high-concentration oxygen to the indoor environment.

[0015] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of oxygen generator for air conditioners that minimizes contamination of expensive zeolites used to generate high concentrations of oxygen.

[0016] The oxygen generator of the present invention may be provided with a filter module that removes foreign substances from the air provided to generate high-concentration oxygen. This prevents contamination or performance degradation of the nitrogen removal module.

[0017] The oxygen generator of the present invention may be provided with a nitrogen removal module and a filter module together in a single main body case. This allows for easy management of the oxygen generator or enables it to be optionally provided to existing air conditioners.

[0018] The oxygen generator of the present invention can be detachably installed on an outdoor unit. This allows for easy maintenance of the oxygen generator or can be selectively provided to an existing air conditioner.

[0019] In the oxygen generator of the present invention, the air supplied to the nitrogen removal module can be provided at high pressure. This can improve nitrogen removal efficiency.

[0020] The oxygen generator of the present invention may further include a compression module to provide air supplied to the nitrogen removal module at high pressure. This can improve nitrogen removal efficiency.

[0021] The filter module of the oxygen generator of the present invention can be detachably installed on one of the perimeter walls of the main body case. This allows for easy replacement or cleaning of the filter.

[0022] The oxygen generator of the present invention may be configured so that air supplied to the nitrogen removal module passes through a filter module. This prevents foreign substances from entering the nitrogen removal module.

[0023] The main body case of the oxygen generator of the present invention may be formed as a tubular body having an open top surface and a bottom so as to be optionally provided to an existing air conditioner. Thereby, the oxygen generator of the present invention can be additionally installed on the top surface of the outdoor unit of an existing air conditioner.

[0024] The oxygen generator of the present invention has an open upper surface of the main body case that can be opened and closed by an upper cover. This allows for easy maintenance of the oxygen generator's interior. In particular, the upper cover can be formed identically to the upper surface of an outdoor unit of a conventional air conditioner. This allows the oxygen generator of the present invention to be additionally installed on the upper surface of an outdoor unit of a conventional air conditioner.

[0025] In the oxygen generator of the present invention, a discharge port may be formed in the bottom of the main body case. This allows air passing through the interior of the main body case to flow into the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0026] The oxygen generator of the present invention may further include a compression module. This allows the air supplied to the nitrogen removal module to be compressed.

[0027] The oxygen generator of the present invention may be provided with a partition wall within the main body case. This allows the compression module and the nitrogen removal module to be installed in precise locations.

[0028] In the oxygen generator of the present invention, a communication hole may be formed in the partition wall. This allows air passing through the space where the compression module is located to flow into the space where the nitrogen removal module is located.

[0029] The oxygen generator of the present invention may further be provided with a module cover that covers the compression module and the nitrogen removal module. This allows for blocking noise or vibration generated during the operation of the compression module and the nitrogen removal module.

[0030] The filter module of the oxygen generator of the present invention may include a filter case having a first space into which air is introduced and a second space into which air is discharged, and a filter installed inside the filter case.

[0031] The filter module of the oxygen generator of the present invention may further include a filter frame that crosses the inside of the filter case.

[0032] The filter of the oxygen generator of the present invention can be detachably installed on a filter frame. This makes it possible to replace or clean the filter.

[0033] The filter frame of the oxygen generator of the present invention may be detachable from the filter case. This makes it possible to replace or clean the filter.

[0034] The filter frame of the oxygen generator of the present invention may include a cover portion that closes the open front of the filter case. This prevents the inflow of external air into the filter case while the filter frame is coupled to the filter case.

[0035] The filter frame of the oxygen generator of the present invention may have an installation portion in which a filter is installed. Thus, the filter may be provided to the filter frame so as to be detachable.

[0036] A partition wall may be formed within the filter case of the oxygen generator of the present invention. As a result, the interior of the filter case can be divided into a first space and a second space by the partition wall.

[0037] A guide tube may be formed in the partition wall of the oxygen generator of the present invention. This allows air passing through the first space within the filter case to flow into the second space.

[0038] In the oxygen generator of the present invention, a partition wall may be formed in a filter case or at least one part of the filter case.

[0039] The oxygen generator of the present invention may include a first partition wall formed protruding from the inner wall surface of a filter case and a second partition wall formed protruding from the cover portion of a filter frame toward the interior of the filter case. By doing so, the first partition wall and the second partition wall can interlock or come into close contact with each other to distinguish between a first space and a second space.

[0040] In the oxygen generator of the present invention, an inlet nozzle may be positioned on one wall of the filter case. Thereby, external air can be introduced into the first space through the inlet nozzle.

[0041] In the oxygen generator of the present invention, an outlet nozzle may be positioned on the other wall of the filter case. This allows air within the second space to be discharged through the outlet nozzle.

[0042] The oxygen generator of the present invention can generate oxygen using indoor air and supply it to the room. This allows for minimizing changes in indoor temperature caused by the oxygen supplied to the room.

[0043] The oxygen generator of the present invention may be provided with a second connecting hose to supply air, from which foreign substances have been removed while passing through a filter module, to a nitrogen removal module. The second connecting hose can supply air from a second space to a nitrogen removal module by being connected to an outlet nozzle.

[0044] The oxygen generator of the present invention may be connected to a second connecting hose to supply oxygen, from which nitrogen has been removed as it passes through a nitrogen removal module, into the room.

[0045] In the oxygen generator of the present invention, an inlet nozzle to which a first connecting hose is connected and a separate nozzle to which a second connecting hose is connected can be connected to a filter case. Thereby, air inflow and oxygen discharge to the oxygen generator can be provided in the same location.

[0046] As described above, the oxygen generator of the present invention is provided with a filter module to remove foreign substances in the air provided to generate high-concentration oxygen, thereby preventing contamination or performance degradation of the nitrogen removal module.

[0047] Since the oxygen generator of the present invention is provided with a nitrogen removal module and a filter module together in a single main body case, it offers ease of management for the oxygen generator or can be selectively provided to existing air conditioners.

[0048] Since the oxygen generator of the present invention uses indoor air to generate oxygen, the outdoor temperature does not affect the indoor environment during the process of supplying high-concentration oxygen into the room.

[0049] The oxygen generator of the present invention also functions as a silencer that prevents pulsating noise by diverting the direction of air passing through the filter module within the filter case.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a state diagram illustrating an air conditioner with an oxygen generator of an embodiment of the present invention applied.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view shown at a different angle from FIG. 3 to explain the internal structure of the main body case of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention with the upper cover removed.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a filter module of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a filter module of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a side view of the filter module of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention in a separated state.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention in a separated state, with the filter module separated.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a planar cross-sectional view of the internal state of a filter module of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 11 is a planar exploded cross-sectional view of the internal state of a filter module of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Embodiments of the present invention are described through exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0062] In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0063] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.

[0064] The oxygen generator of the present invention can be configured to generate oxygen using indoor air and supply the generated oxygen to the indoor space. This allows for minimizing changes in indoor temperature.

[0065] In addition, the oxygen generator of the present invention can be used in conjunction with an air conditioner for controlling indoor temperature or for circulating or purifying indoor air.

[0066] The oxygen generator of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail for each component with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 11 as follows. Before the description, the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention is exemplified as an air conditioner having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

[0067] Figure 1 is a state diagram illustrating an air conditioner in a state where an oxygen generator of an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Additionally, Figures 2 to 5 are state diagrams of an oxygen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As illustrated in these drawings, the oxygen generator of the embodiment of the present invention includes a main body case (100).

[0069] The above main body case (100) can be defined as a part that forms the exterior of the oxygen generator.

[0070] Such a main body case (100) may be formed to provide an internal mounting space. For example, the main body case (100) may be formed as a tubular body having an open top surface and a bottom.

[0071] The open upper surface of the main body case (100) can be opened and closed by an upper cover (110). This allows the internal space of the main body case (100) to be protected from the external environment, and enables easy maintenance of each module (200, 300, 400) provided within the main body case (100).

[0072] The upper cover (110) can be formed to open and close the upper opening of the outdoor unit (10). This allows the oxygen generator to be stored together with the outdoor unit (10), making maintenance easier.

[0073] Along with this, the main body case (100) can be installed on the upper surface of the outdoor unit (10) of the existing air conditioner. For example, after separating the upper cover (110) from the existing outdoor unit (10), the main body case (100) is attached to the open upper surface of the outdoor unit (10), and the open upper surface of the main body case (100) is closed with the upper cover (110).

[0074] To this end, the main body case (100) may be formed to have the same left-right length and front-back width as the outdoor unit (10).

[0075] In addition, the bottom of the main body case (100) may be formed to interlock with the top of the outdoor unit (10). For example, the top perimeter of the outdoor unit (10) may be partially accommodated within the bottom interior of the main body case (100). To this end, the bottom of the main body case (100) may be formed to be positioned at a step from the bottom surface of the perimeter wall of the main body case (100).

[0076] The main body case (100) may be formed from at least one of synthetic resin or metal. Preferably, the main body case (100) may be formed from synthetic resin to reduce weight and lower manufacturing costs.

[0077] A partition wall (120) that blocks the space between the two sides may be provided within the main body case (100). Thus, the space within the main body case (100) can be divided into one space provided on one side of the partition wall (120) and another space provided on the other side of the partition wall (120). Each of these spaces may be a space where a nitrogen removal module (200) and a filter module (300), which will be described later, are respectively provided. That is, the nitrogen removal module (200) can be installed in the correct position by providing the partition wall (120).

[0078] A connecting hole (121) connecting two installation spaces may be formed in the above partition (120). That is, through the connecting hole (121), one space and the other space are connected to each other, making it possible to connect a conduit for air flow and the delivery of compressed air.

[0079] A hose installation groove (122) may be formed in the above bulkhead (120) to accommodate a hose (or air pipe) (not shown) for transferring compressed air that has passed through the compression module (400) to the nitrogen removal module (200). Thus, the hose can be connected to the nitrogen removal module (200) by passing through the connecting hole (121) along the hose installation groove (122).

[0080] A first discharge port (101) may be formed on the bottom of the main body case (100). This allows air passing through the interior of the main body case (100) to flow into the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner. In other words, sufficient air can be supplied into the outdoor unit (10). The first discharge port (101) may be formed in both side spaces within the interior of the main body case (100) or only in one side space.

[0081] An intake port (102) may be formed in the perimeter wall of the main body case (100). Outdoor air may be introduced into the space inside the main body case (100) through the intake port (102).

[0082] The above suction port (102) may be provided as one or more than one. The above suction port (102) may be formed on only one perimeter wall of the main body case (100) or may be formed on two or more perimeter walls respectively.

[0083] Preferably, the intake port (102) may be formed in the space within the main body case (100) that is maintained at a relatively higher temperature. For example, the intake port (102) may be formed on the wall of the space within the main body case (100) where the compression module (400), which will be described later, is provided. A cooling fan (not shown) for forced air blowing may be provided in the intake port (102).

[0084] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a second discharge port (103) may be formed on another perimeter wall of the main body case (100). Air passing through the space inside the main body case (100) may be discharged to the outside through the second discharge port (103). For example, air that has cooled the compression module (400) may be discharged through the second discharge port (103).

[0085] The second discharge port (103) may be positioned facing the suction port (102). That is, the suction port (102) and the second discharge port (103) may each be formed on two walls facing each other of the main body case (100).

[0086] An installation hole (104) may be further formed in one of the perimeter walls of the main body case (100). The installation hole (104) may be provided as a part where a filter module (300), which will be described later, is installed.

[0087] Next, the oxygen generator of the embodiment of the present invention includes a nitrogen removal module (200).

[0088] The above nitrogen removal module (200) may be defined as a device or module provided to remove nitrogen from air.

[0089] The nitrogen removal module (200) may be configured to remove nitrogen by adsorbing it from the air. For example, the nitrogen removal module (200) may be formed as a module filled with zeolite.

[0090] The nitrogen removal module (200) can be mounted in either of the two mutually partitioned spaces within the main body case (100).

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the nitrogen removal module (200) has two charging containers (211, 212) filled with zeolite, and can continuously generate oxygen by repeatedly supplying air into these two charging containers (211, 212). At this time, while nitrogen is being removed in one charging container (211), adsorbed nitrogen is released in the other charging container (212). Thus, through sequential air supply into the two charging containers (211, 212), the generation of oxygen and the release of nitrogen occur alternately, thereby generating continuous and high-concentration oxygen (approximately 90-95%).

[0092] The above nitrogen removal module (200) includes an air inlet nozzle (221) for receiving air and an oxygen discharge nozzle (222) for discharging oxygen, and the air inlet nozzle (221) can be connected to a flow path switching valve (230) for selectively supplying air to the two charging tanks (211, 212).

[0093] To increase the nitrogen removal efficiency by the above nitrogen removal module (200), the oxygen generator of the embodiment of the present invention may further include a compression module (400) for compressing air to a high pressure.

[0094] In other words, since the zeolite can adsorb nitrogen more smoothly as the air is compressed, a compression module (400) for compressing the air is further provided to further improve the nitrogen removal efficiency. Considering this, the oxygen generator of the embodiment of the present invention can be a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) type device.

[0095] The above compression module (400) can be a conventional air compressor.

[0096] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the compression module (400) may be installed in either of the two spaces separated by a partition (120) within the main body case (100). For example, the nitrogen removal module (200) may be installed in one of the two spaces, and the compression module (400) may be installed in the other of the two spaces.

[0097] The above compression module (400) and nitrogen removal module (200) can be formed with different sizes (lengths). The two spaces can be formed to match the length of each module (200, 400), and the operator can accurately install the two modules (200, 400) in the correct position.

[0098] The above compression module (400) can be installed in the space where the intake port (102) and the second discharge port (103) of the main body case (100) are formed. This allows the compression module (400) to be sufficiently cooled by external air.

[0099] The above intake port (102) and the second discharge port (103) are positioned facing each other with the compression module (400) in between, and can cool the compression module (400).

[0100] The above compression module (400) can be fixed inside the main body case (100) using bolts to prevent movement during operation. However, considering that the bolts are metal and the main body case (100) is synthetic resin, a fastening plate (130) made of metal material may be provided on the outer bottom surface of the main body case (100) for fastening the bolts. A bottom plate (410) made of metal material may be additionally provided on the inner bottom surface of the main body case (100) so that the compression module (400) can be placed on it and fastened together with the fastening plate (130) using bolts.

[0101] Meanwhile, module covers (140, 150) may each be provided within the main body case (100) to block noise or vibration generated during the operation of the compression module (400) and the nitrogen removal module (200). The module covers (140, 150) may be formed to surround the upper surface and perimeter surface of each module (200, 400).

[0102] The above module covers (140, 150) may be provided separately for each module (200, 400). Although not illustrated, the above module covers (140, 150) may be formed to wrap both modules (200, 400) simultaneously.

[0103] Next, the oxygen generator of the embodiment of the present invention includes a filter module (300).

[0104] The filter module (300) may be defined as a device or module for removing foreign substances in the air provided to the nitrogen removal module (200).

[0105] The oxygen generator of the embodiment of the present invention has a nitrogen removal module (200) and a filter module (300) together. As a result, foreign substances and nitrogen in the air provided to generate oxygen are sequentially removed, thereby enabling the generation of high-concentration oxygen.

[0106] The air supplied to the nitrogen removal module (200) can be configured to pass through the filter module (300). As a result, the filter module (300) removes foreign substances or contaminants in the air supplied to the nitrogen removal module (200), thereby minimizing contamination or performance degradation of the zeolite forming the nitrogen removal module (200).

[0107] The filter module (300) and the nitrogen removal module (200) may be connected by a hose (not shown) so that the air supplied to the nitrogen removal module (200) passes through the filter module (300). That is, the air passing through the filter module (300) through the hose is supplied to the nitrogen removal module (200).

[0108] The filter module (300) may be detachably installed on one of the perimeter walls of the main body case (100). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the filter module (300) may be detachably installed in an installation hole (104) formed in the perimeter wall of the main body case (100). This allows the filter module (300) to be replaced as needed.

[0109] The filter module (300) is shown in detail in the attached FIGS. 5 to 11.

[0110] As illustrated in these drawings, the filter module (300) includes a filter case (310) and a filter (320). The filter case (310) is provided as the exterior of the filter module (300), and the filter (320) is provided to filter out foreign substances in the air passing through the filter case (310).

[0111] The filter case (310) may be formed as a cylindrical body with one side (front) open. The perimeter walls (both sides, rear, top, and bottom) of the filter case (310) are located inside the main body case (100), and the open front of the filter case (310) is installed to align with the installation hole (104) of the main body case (100).

[0112] The filter case (310) has a first space into which air enters and a second space into which air exits. The first space and the second space may be provided on one side and the other side, respectively, based on a central portion (or a portion further offset toward one space) within the filter case (310). Preferably, the first space may be formed larger than the second space for the installation of the filter (320) to be described later.

[0113] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 11, the filter module (300) may further include a filter frame (330) on which the filter (320) is installed. In particular, the filter frame (330) may be installed so as to be detachable from the filter case (310) with the filter (320) installed.

[0114] To this end, the filter frame (330) is composed of an installation part (331) in which the filter (320) is installed and a cover part (332) that closes the open front of the filter case (310).

[0115] The installation portion (331) of the filter frame (330) is formed to accommodate the filter (320) and surround the perimeter of the filter (320). It is installed between two spaces within the filter case (310) or across either of the two spaces. The filter (320) is detachably installed in the installation portion (331). In this case, the filter (320) is installed between two spaces within the filter case (310) or in either of the two spaces and functions to remove foreign substances in the air flowing from the first space to the second space.

[0116] For example, the above-mentioned installation part (331) may be located in a first space within the filter case (310). Thus, the filter (320) may be located in the first space.

[0117] Meanwhile, the filter module (300) may further include an inlet nozzle (301) for introducing external air into the first space of the filter case (310) and an outlet nozzle (302) for introducing air from the second space of the filter case (310). The air from the second space may be air introduced into the second space after passing through the filter (320).

[0118] The above-mentioned inlet nozzle (301) may be provided on the front of the filter case (310). An installation frame (311) for installing the inlet nozzle (301) may be further formed on the front of the filter case (310). One end of the inlet nozzle (301) is exposed to the outside, and the other end is formed to sequentially penetrate the installation frame (311) formed on the front of the filter case (310) and the upper surface of the filter case (310) to communicate into the first space of the filter case (310).

[0119] A first connecting hose (351) is connected to one end (the part exposed to the outside) of the above-mentioned inlet nozzle (301).

[0120] The first connecting hose (351) may be formed to receive air from indoors. For example, the first connecting hose (351) may be formed to be connected to an indoor unit (20) and to receive indoor air passing through the indoor unit (20). As a result, the operational reliability of the oxygen generator can be improved because oxygen is generated using indoor air with a small temperature fluctuation range.

[0121] The above-mentioned discharge nozzle (302) may be provided on one of the perimeter walls of the filter case (310). For example, the discharge nozzle (302) may be provided on the rear wall surface of the filter case (310). One end of this discharge nozzle (302) is connected to the second space, and the other end is formed to penetrate the rear wall surface of the filter case (310) and be located within the main body case (310).

[0122] A connecting hose (not shown) is connected to the above-mentioned discharge nozzle (302). The connecting hose may be provided to supply air to the nitrogen removal module (200). In particular, the connecting hose may be connected to a compression module (400) for providing compressed air to the nitrogen removal module (200). Thus, the compressed air provided to the nitrogen removal module (200) can be purified air that has passed through the filter module (300).

[0123] The filter module (300) may further be provided with a connecting nozzle (303). The connecting nozzle (303) is a nozzle for receiving oxygen generated in the nitrogen removal module (200) and transferring it to a second connecting hose (352) connected to the room.

[0124] The above connecting nozzle (303) can be connected to the filter case (310). Preferably, the connecting nozzle (303) can be provided on an installation frame (311) formed on the front of the filter case (310). That is, the inlet nozzle (301) and the connecting nozzle (303) can be provided side by side on the installation frame (311). This allows air inflow and oxygen discharge to be provided in the same location to the oxygen generator.

[0125] One end of the connecting nozzle (303) is positioned inside the main body case (310), and the other end is positioned to penetrate the installation frame (311) and be exposed to the outside. One end of the second connecting hose (352) is connected to the other end of the connecting nozzle (303), and the other end of the second connecting hose (352) is connected to the air intake side of the indoor unit (20) of the air conditioner located indoors. As a result, the air supplied to the indoors after heat exchange in the indoor unit (20) can contain the oxygen.

[0126] Meanwhile, air flow noise may occur in the filter module (300) as air passes through the filter (320) after being introduced. In particular, the air entering the filter case (310) of the filter module (300) generates repetitive pulsating noise due to the operation of the compression module (400).

[0127] Considering this, a partition wall (340) that divides the first space and the second space may be further formed within the filter case (310). The partition wall (340) reduces pulsating noise by allowing at least a portion of the air flow from the inlet nozzle (301) connected to the first space to the outlet nozzle (302) connected to the second space to bend in opposite directions. That is, the zigzag air flow path formed by the partition wall (340) acts as a silencer.

[0128] Additionally, a guide tube (343) is formed in the partition wall (340) to guide the air passing through the filter (320) of the first space to flow into the second space. The guide tube (343) can be positioned as far as possible from the discharge nozzle (302). For example, if the discharge nozzle (302) is located on the upper rear side of the filter case (310), the guide tube (343) can be located on the lower front side of the partition wall (340).

[0129] The above partition wall (340) may be formed such that at least a portion protrudes from the inner wall surface of the filter case (310), or protrudes from the cover portion (332) of the filter frame (330) toward the interior of the filter case (310), or protrudes from both the inner wall surface of the filter case (310) and the cover portion (332) in a direction facing each other.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall (340) is exemplified as being formed by a first partition wall (341) protruding from the inner wall surface of the filter case (310) and a second partition wall (342) protruding from the cover portion (332) of the filter frame (330) toward the inside of the filter case (310). In this case, the first partition wall (341) and the second partition wall (342) may be formed to interlock with each other or to be in close contact with each other. The guide tube (343) may be formed on the second partition wall (342). The two partition walls (341, 342) may have their opposing surfaces formed with an uneven structure to ensure stable coupling with each other. For example, a groove (341a) may be formed on the first partition wall (341) and a protrusion (342a) may be formed on the second partition wall (342). In relation to this, it is as illustrated in Fig. 11.

[0131] Additionally, a first receiving groove (312) may be further formed in the inner wall of the filter case (310) to accommodate a part of the installation portion (331) of the filter frame (330). This is as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0132] In addition, the opposing surfaces between the outer wall of the filter case (310) and the cover portion (332) forming the filter frame (330) can also be formed with an interlocking structure. For example, a groove (310a) may be formed on the outer wall of the filter case (310), and a protrusion (322a) may be formed on the cover portion (332). This is as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0133] In the following, the process of oxygen being generated and supplied into the room by the oxygen generator of the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail.

[0134] First, the oxygen generator of the embodiment of the present invention may operate in conjunction with an air conditioner or may operate according to the oxygen concentration in the room.

[0135] For example, the oxygen generator operates when the air conditioner starts operating, or when the oxygen concentration in the room is lower than a preset concentration.

[0136] If the oxygen concentration in the room is low while the air conditioner is not operating, it is more desirable to control the oxygen generator to operate and simultaneously control the blower fan (not shown) of the indoor unit (20) of the air conditioner to operate at the same time.

[0137] The above oxygen generator is operated by the operation of the compression module (400) and the operation of the flow path switching valve (230) of the nitrogen removal module (200).

[0138] That is, indoor air is drawn into the filter module (300) by the operation of the compression module (400). The indoor air continues to pass through the filter module (300) to filter out foreign substances, and then passes through the compression module (400) to be compressed to high pressure and supplied to the nitrogen removal module (200). While the indoor air passes through the filter module (300), it sequentially passes through two spaces provided within the filter case (310) of the filter module (300), and pulsating noise is reduced during this process.

[0139] The compressed air supplied to the nitrogen removal module (200) is repeatedly supplied into the two charging tanks (211, 212) by the operation of the directional switching valve (230). That is, as the air repeatedly passes through the two charging tanks (211, 212) and nitrogen is removed, high concentrations of oxygen are generated. While nitrogen is being removed as the compressed air is supplied into one of the charging tanks (211), the pressure in the other charging tank (212) is relieved. Accordingly, the nitrogen adsorbed to the zeolite in the corresponding charging tank (212) is released, and the zeolite in the corresponding charging tank (212) is regenerated.

[0140] The high concentration of oxygen generated in the nitrogen removal module (200) is transferred to the connecting nozzle (303) of the filter module (300) through the oxygen discharge nozzle (222). Subsequently, the oxygen is supplied to the indoor unit (20) of the air conditioner through the second connecting hose (352) connected to the connecting nozzle (303) and then supplied into the room. This allows the room to maintain an appropriate oxygen concentration.

[0141] While the above oxygen generator is in operation, a cooling fan (not shown) is operated to dissipate heat from the compression module (400).

[0142] Thus, outdoor air is drawn into the main body case (100) through the intake port (102), cools the compression module (400), and is then discharged to the outside through the second discharge port (103).

[0143] Additionally, some of the air that has cooled the compression module (400) passes through a connecting hole (121) formed in a partition (120) inside the main body case (100) and is supplied to the space where the nitrogen removal module (200) is located. Subsequently, the air, along with the nitrogen discharged into the space, is supplied into the interior of the outdoor unit (10) through a first discharge port (101) formed on the floor of the space.

[0144] Meanwhile, the filter (320) of the filter module (300) can be cleaned as needed. That is, when cleaning of the filter (320) is required, the filter frame (330) is removed from the filter case (310). Subsequently, the filter (320) is separated from the filter frame (330) and cleaned.

[0145] The installation of the filter (320) can be carried out in the reverse order of the separation. That is, the installation of the filter (320) is completed by attaching the filter (320) to the filter frame (330) and then attaching the filter frame (330) to the filter case (310).

[0146] As described above, the oxygen generator of the present invention is provided with a filter module (300) to remove foreign substances in the air provided to generate high-concentration oxygen, so that contamination or performance degradation of the nitrogen removal module (200) can be prevented.

[0147] Since the oxygen generator of the present invention is provided with a nitrogen removal module (200) and a filter module (300) together in a single main body case (100), it can be provided with ease of management of the oxygen generator or optionally to an existing air conditioner.

[0148] Since the oxygen generator of the present invention uses indoor air to generate oxygen, the outdoor temperature does not affect the indoor environment during the process of supplying high-concentration oxygen into the room.

[0149] The oxygen generator of the present invention also functions as a silencer that prevents pulsating noise by diverting the air passing through the filter module (300) within the filter case (310).

[0150] Meanwhile, the oxygen generator of the present invention is not required to be implemented only in the illustrated form.

[0151] For example, although not illustrated, only a nitrogen removal module (200) and a filter module (300) may be provided within the main body case (100) of the oxygen generator. In this case, the compression module (400) may be omitted or provided in a separate location. However, to increase oxygen generation efficiency, it is more desirable to add the compression module (400), and thus it is most desirable to separate the inside of the main body case (100) with a partition (120) and install the nitrogen removal module (200) and the filter module (300) together.

[0152] As another example, although not illustrated, the filter module (300) may be configured to simply provide a filter (320) and install a separate silencer to prevent pulsating noise. However, it is more desirable to form the filter module (300) to also perform the function of a silencer.

[0153] As another example, although not described, the nitrogen separated from the nitrogen removal module (200) of the oxygen generator may be configured so that it is not discharged into the outdoor unit (10) but is discharged directly to the outside of the main body case (100) from the space where the nitrogen removal module (200) is located. However, in order to prevent problems that may be caused by the nitrogen being directly discharged to pedestrians or objects passing outside, it is more preferable to mix the nitrogen with air and send it to the outdoor unit (10), and then mix it again with outdoor air in the outdoor unit (10) before discharging it to the outside.

[0154] As such, the oxygen generator of the present invention can be implemented in various forms.

[0155] In the foregoing, although all components constituting an embodiment according to the present invention have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all such components may be selectively combined in one or more ways to operate. Furthermore, terms such as "include," "constitute," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; thus, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Terms commonly used, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and, unless explicitly defined in the present invention, should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0156] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A main body case providing internal mounting space; A nitrogen removal module provided within the above main body case for removing nitrogen from air; An oxygen generator comprising: a filter module that is detachably installed on one of the perimeter walls of the main body case and removes foreign substances in the air provided by the nitrogen removal module.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above main body case is formed as a tubular body having an open top surface and a bottom, and The open upper surface of the above main body case is an oxygen generator for an air conditioner that is opened and closed by an upper cover.

3. In Paragraph 1, An oxygen generator for an air conditioner, wherein a discharge port is formed in the bottom of the main body case for discharging air that has passed through the inside of the main body case.

4. In Paragraph 1, An oxygen generator further comprising a compression module for compressing air provided by the above-mentioned nitrogen removal module.

5. In Paragraph 4, An oxygen generator provided with a partition separating the space where the compression module is installed and the space where the nitrogen removal module is installed within the main body case.

6. In Paragraph 5, An oxygen generator having a connecting hole formed in the above partition wall to connect the two installation spaces.

7. In Paragraph 4, An oxygen generator for an air conditioner, wherein a module cover is further provided within the main body case to block noise or vibration generated during the operation of the compression module and the nitrogen removal module.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above filter module is, A filter case having a first space for air to enter and a second space for air to exit, and An oxygen generator comprising a filter that removes foreign substances in the air flowing from the first space to the second space, installed between two spaces within the filter case or in either of the two spaces.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above filter module is, A filter frame is further included that is installed between two spaces within the filter case or across either of the two spaces. The above filter is an oxygen generator for an air conditioner that is detachably installed on the filter frame.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above filter frame is an oxygen generator separable from the above filter case.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above filter case is formed as a cylindrical body with an open front, and The above filter frame is an oxygen generator comprising an installation part where the filter is installed and a cover part that closes the open front of the filter case.

12. In Paragraph 11, The installation part of the filter frame above is an oxygen generator located within the first space.

13. In Paragraph 8, A partition wall is formed within the filter case to partition the first space and the second space, and An oxygen generator in which a guide tube is formed in the above partition wall to guide air passing through the filter of the first space to flow into the second space.

14. In Paragraph 13, An oxygen generator in which at least a portion of the above partition wall is formed to protrude from the inner wall surface of the filter case.

15. In Paragraph 13, An oxygen generator in which at least a portion of the above-mentioned partition wall is formed to protrude from the cover portion of the filter frame toward the inside of the filter case.

16. In Paragraph 13, The above partition wall is, A first partition wall formed protruding from the inner wall surface of the filter case, and An oxygen generator comprising a second partition wall formed to protrude from the cover portion of the filter frame toward the interior of the filter case.

17. In Paragraph 16, An oxygen generating device in which the first partition wall and the second partition wall are formed to interlock or be in close contact with each other.

18. In Paragraph 1, The above filter module is An inlet nozzle for introducing external air into the first space of the filter case, and An oxygen generator further comprising an outlet nozzle through which air from the second space of the filter case is discharged.

19. In Paragraph 18, An oxygen generator for an air conditioner, wherein a first connecting hose is connected to the above-mentioned inlet nozzle, and the first connecting hose is formed to receive air from the room.

20. In Paragraph 18, An oxygen generator for an air conditioner, wherein a second connecting hose is connected to the above-mentioned discharge nozzle, and the second connecting hose is formed to supply to a nitrogen removal module.

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