Air conditioner indoor unit and its control method, air conditioner

Abstract

This invention discloses an indoor air conditioner unit and its control method, as well as an air conditioner. The indoor air conditioner unit includes: a casing, an indoor heat exchanger, a fan, a photoplasma module, a light sensor, a display panel, and a controller. The controller is configured to: in response to a command to activate the air conditioner's sterilization function, acquire the brightness detected by the light sensor; when the brightness is determined to be greater than a preset brightness threshold, control the photoplasma module to execute a first sterilization mode, the first sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the maximum speed, and making the execution time of the first sterilization mode reach a first preset time; when the brightness is determined to be less than the preset brightness threshold, control the photoplasma module to execute a second sterilization mode, the second sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the minimum speed, which can meet the sterilization requirements while avoiding light leakage affecting sleep.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an indoor air conditioner unit and its control method, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the air conditioning industry commonly uses ultraviolet (UV) sterilization modules for sterilization. However, the sterilization efficiency of UV sterilization modules is generally low, and they all exhibit light leakage when used at night, which can significantly disrupt sleep for people with poor sleep quality or those sensitive to light. Existing technology typically addresses this by disabling the sterilization function at night, automatically shutting it off. While this avoids the effects of light leakage, it sacrifices the core sterilization function, failing to meet the need for nighttime air sterilization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an indoor air conditioning unit and its control method, and an air conditioner.

[0004] This invention discloses an indoor air conditioner unit, comprising: a casing with an air inlet and an air outlet; an indoor heat exchanger disposed inside the casing; a fan disposed inside the casing, which draws airflow from outside the casing into the casing through the air inlet, where it is exchanged with the indoor heat exchanger to form a heat exchange airflow, which is then output outward through the air outlet under the drive of the fan; a photoplasma module disposed inside the casing, which emits positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet light to sterilize the indoor environment; a light sensor connected to the photoplasma module for detecting the brightness of the outdoor environment; and a display panel disposed on the casing for displaying air temperature. The controller is configured to: in response to an instruction to activate the air conditioner's sterilization function, acquire the brightness detected by the light sensor; when the brightness is determined to be greater than a preset brightness threshold, control the photoplasma module to execute a first sterilization mode, the first sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, and controlling the fan speed to the maximum speed, controlling the opening of the air outlet guide vane to the maximum, and making the execution time of the first sterilization mode reach a first preset time; when the brightness is determined to be less than the preset brightness threshold, control the photoplasma module to execute a second sterilization mode, the second sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, and controlling the fan speed to the minimum speed.

[0005] In addition, the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0006] Furthermore, in the first sterilization mode, before controlling the photoplasma module to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, the controller is also configured to: control the fan to operate at a first preset speed, wherein the first preset speed is greater than or equal to the minimum speed of the fan and less than the fan speed corresponding to when the photoplasma module executes the first sterilization mode.

[0007] Furthermore, in the first sterilization mode, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the controller is further configured to: control the photoplasma module to execute a third sterilization mode, the third sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to stop emitting ultraviolet light, controlling the fan to run at a second preset speed, and controlling the opening of the air guide plate of the air outlet to be adjusted to a preset opening, and making the execution time of the third sterilization mode reach the second preset time, wherein the second preset speed and the preset opening are the fan speed and the air guide plate opening corresponding to the time before the sterilization function command is executed.

[0008] Furthermore, after a second preset time, the controller is also configured to: cyclically execute the first sterilization mode until an instruction to exit the sterilization function is received, at which point the first sterilization mode is exited.

[0009] Furthermore, in the second sterilization mode, before controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, the controller is also configured to: control the fan to operate at a first preset speed, wherein the first preset speed is greater than or equal to the minimum speed of the fan and less than the fan speed corresponding to when the photoplasma module executes the first sterilization mode.

[0010] Furthermore, in the second sterilization mode, after controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the minimum speed, the controller is also configured to: after the third preset time, control the photoplasma module to emit ultraviolet light and then stop emitting the ultraviolet light after a fourth preset time.

[0011] Furthermore, when the second sterilization mode is executed, the controller is also configured to control the display panel to turn off.

[0012] Furthermore, the photoplasma module includes a photoplasma tube, positive and negative ion emitting electrodes, a power supply, and a housing; wherein, the housing is located at the air inlet, the power supply is located inside the housing, the photoplasma tube is located at the front end of the housing, and the ultraviolet light emitted by the photoplasma tube is parallel to the indoor heat exchanger and irradiates laterally so that the ultraviolet light laterally covers the air inlet, and the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes are located at the air outlet and are connected to the power supply through wires.

[0013] Furthermore, the controller is configured to: control the photoplasma tube to start operation so that the photoplasma module emits the ultraviolet light; and control the photoplasma tube to stop operation so that the photoplasma module stops emitting the ultraviolet light.

[0014] Furthermore, the controller is configured to: control the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes to start operation so that the photoplasma module emits the positive and negative ions; and control the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes to stop operation so that the photoplasma module stops emitting the positive and negative ions.

[0015] Furthermore, the positive electrode voltage of the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes does not exceed the negative electrode voltage of the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit of an air conditioner detects the brightness of the outdoor environment using a light sensor, and controls the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet rays based on the brightness, thereby achieving sterilization of the indoor environment. This satisfies the sterilization requirements while avoiding light leakage that could affect sleep. Furthermore, by controlling the fan speed, the sterilization effect of the photoplasma module can be enhanced, and the impact of air conditioner noise on the sleep of indoor occupants can be effectively reduced. Further, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a third sterilization mode, i.e., through alternating execution of super-strong sterilization and healthy antibacterial properties, the health of indoor occupants can be maximized, and the service life of the photoplasma module can be extended.

[0017] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention also proposes an air conditioner, comprising: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit; and an indoor unit as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner detects the brightness of the outdoor environment using a light sensor and controls the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet rays based on the brightness, thereby achieving sterilization of the indoor environment. This satisfies the sterilization requirements while avoiding light leakage that could affect sleep. Furthermore, by controlling the fan speed, the sterilization effect of the photoplasma module can be enhanced, and the impact of air conditioner noise on the sleep of indoor occupants can be effectively reduced. Further, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a third sterilization mode, i.e., through alternating execution of super-strong sterilization and healthy antibacterial properties, the health of indoor occupants can be maximized, and the service life of the photoplasma module can be extended.

[0019] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention also proposes a control method for an air conditioner indoor unit, used in any of the above embodiments. The method includes the following steps: in response to an instruction to activate the air conditioner's sterilization function, acquiring the brightness detected by the light sensor; when the brightness is determined to be greater than a preset brightness threshold, controlling the photoplasma module to execute a first sterilization mode, the first sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the maximum speed, and making the execution time of the first sterilization mode reach a first preset time; when the brightness is determined to be less than the preset brightness threshold, controlling the photoplasma module to execute a second sterilization mode, the second sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the minimum speed.

[0020] According to the control method of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, the brightness of the outdoor environment is detected by a light sensor, and the photoplasma module is controlled to emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet rays according to the brightness to achieve sterilization of the indoor environment. This satisfies the sterilization requirements while avoiding light leakage that could affect sleep. Furthermore, by controlling the fan speed, the sterilization effect of the photoplasma module can be enhanced, and the impact of air conditioner noise on the sleep of indoor occupants can be effectively reduced. Further, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a third sterilization mode, i.e., through alternating execution of super-strong sterilization and healthy antibacterial properties, the health of indoor occupants can be guaranteed to the greatest extent and the service life of the photoplasma module can be extended.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of daytime sterilization according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of nighttime sterilization according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photoplasma module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner indoor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a control method for an indoor air conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0031] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical 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 invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, the air conditioner performs a refrigeration cycle using a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air.

[0034] The compressor compresses refrigerant gas under high temperature and pressure and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0035] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant in the expansion valve, returning the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves its cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner regulates the temperature of the indoor space.

[0036] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner refers to the part of the refrigeration cycle that includes the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor unit of an air conditioner includes the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve can be provided in either the indoor or outdoor unit.

[0037] The indoor and outdoor heat exchangers function as either condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode; when the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0038] In this invention, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser. At this time, the condenser functions as a radiator. Therefore, the refrigerant, flowing through the condenser, heats the indoor air through heat exchange with it, while simultaneously cooling itself by dissipating heat. The low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, having lost heat to the condenser, is depressurized by the expansion valve, transforming into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing through the expansion valve into the evaporator is then heated through heat exchange with the outdoor air. Finally, the primarily low-temperature gaseous refrigerant is drawn from the evaporator into the compressor via the receiver.

[0039] The following is for reference. Figures 1-6 An air conditioner indoor unit and its control method, and an air conditioner, are described according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a casing 10, an indoor heat exchanger 20, a fan 30, a photo-plasma module 40, a light sensor 50, a display panel 60, and a controller 70. The casing 10 has an air inlet and an air outlet; the indoor heat exchanger 20 is disposed inside the casing 10; the fan 30 is disposed inside the casing 10, and the operation of the fan 30 draws airflow from outside the casing 10 into the casing 10 through the air inlet, where it is exchanged with heat by the indoor heat exchanger 20 to form a heat exchange airflow, which is then output to the outside through the air outlet under the drive of the fan 30; the photo-plasma module 40 is disposed inside the casing 10, and the photo-plasma module 40 can emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet light to sterilize the indoor environment; the light sensor 50 is connected to the photo-plasma module 40 and is used to detect the brightness of the outdoor environment; the display panel 60 is disposed on the casing 10 and is used to display the operating status of the air conditioner. The controller 70 is configured to: in response to a command to activate the air conditioner's sterilization function, acquire the brightness detected by the light sensor; when the brightness is determined to be greater than a preset brightness threshold, control the photoplasma module to execute a first sterilization mode, the first sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, and controlling the fan speed to the maximum speed, controlling the opening of the air outlet guide vane to the maximum, and making the execution time of the first sterilization mode reach a first preset time; when the brightness is determined to be less than the preset brightness threshold, control the photoplasma module to execute a second sterilization mode, the second sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, and controlling the fan speed to the minimum speed.

[0041] Specifically, the light sensor 50 can generate different currents according to different light intensities. In a specific embodiment, a brightness threshold for switching between day and night can be set. In the light sensor, different brightness thresholds correspond to different current thresholds. Thus, the controller 70 executes a first sterilization mode or a second sterilization mode based on the current threshold detected by the light sensor 50, i.e., different sterilization modes are executed during the day and night. The photoplasma module 40 is used to emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet light. When the brightness is greater than a preset brightness threshold, the first sterilization mode is executed, controlling the photoplasma module 40 to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light for ultraviolet light sterilization. Since the photoplasma module 40 emits positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light simultaneously, the sterilization rate of the photoplasma module 40 can reach 99% within a first preset time, such as 1 hour, which can meet the sterilization requirements. Furthermore, in the first sterilization mode, the fan speed of 30 is set to maximum, which facilitates indoor air circulation and enhances the sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays and positive and negative ions on the airflow. In the second sterilization mode, the fan speed of 30 is set to minimum, effectively reducing the impact of air conditioner noise on people's sleep. When the brightness is not greater than the preset brightness threshold, the photoplasma module 40 is controlled to emit only positive and negative ions, using only positive and negative ions for sterilization. This achieves sterilization while avoiding the light emitted by the ultraviolet emitting device from affecting people's sleep. It is understandable that in the first sterilization mode, when the fan speed of 30 is set to maximum, the opening of the air outlet guide vane is also set to maximum, allowing the air conditioner to blow air downwards, avoiding direct airflow onto people and improving the user experience. In practical applications, the first sterilization mode allows the air conditioner to sterilize during the day, and the second sterilization mode allows it to sterilize at night.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, for the air conditioner's sterilization function, the user can send a sterilization command to the air conditioner via a remote control, an air conditioner app on a mobile terminal, or the control panel on the air conditioner itself, using voice, gestures, or other methods to trigger the sterilization function. Alternatively, the air conditioner can be set to periodically activate a sterilization command to trigger its sterilization function. That is, the air conditioner will automatically trigger the sterilization command at regular intervals to perform the sterilization function, thus eliminating the need for manual operation by the user and periodically activating the sterilization command to sterilize the indoor environment, thereby improving the air conditioner's intelligence.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the first sterilization mode, before controlling the photoplasma module 40 to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, the controller 70 is further configured to: control the fan 30 to operate at a first preset speed, the first preset speed being greater than or equal to the minimum speed of the fan and less than the fan speed corresponding to when the photoplasma module executes the first sterilization mode.

[0044] Specifically, in the first sterilization mode, when the photoplasma module 40 is activated and simultaneously emits positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, it releases a large number of charged ions. In the absence of airflow, this charge accumulates significantly inside the air conditioner, generating high static electricity and posing a significant risk of damaging the air conditioner's circuit board. Therefore, before emitting positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light simultaneously, the fan 30 must be activated; that is, the fan 30 must be activated first, followed by the activation of the photoplasma module 40. Preferably, the first preset speed is a low fan speed. After the fan 30 operates at the first preset speed, the photoplasma module 40 is activated. Once the photoplasma module 40 has activated, the fan 30's speed is adjusted to its maximum, and the opening of the air outlet's guide vane is adjusted to its maximum, maintaining this position for a first preset time to perform ultra-strong sterilization.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the first sterilization mode, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches the first preset time, the controller 70 is further configured to: control the photoplasma module to execute the third sterilization mode. The third sterilization mode includes: controlling the photoplasma module 40 to stop emitting ultraviolet light, controlling the fan 30 to run at a second preset speed, and controlling the opening of the air guide plate of the air outlet to be adjusted to a preset opening, and making the execution time of the third sterilization mode reach the second preset time. The second preset speed and preset opening are the fan speed and air guide plate opening corresponding to the sterilization function command before execution.

[0046] Specifically, when the photoplasma module 40 emits ultraviolet light for sterilization, the ultraviolet emitting device in the photoplasma module 40, such as the photoplasma tube, generates harmful substances such as ozone. To reduce the release of harmful substances, after controlling the photoplasma module 40 to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light for a first preset time, a third sterilization mode is executed. This involves controlling the photoplasma module 40 to stop emitting ultraviolet light, emitting only positive and negative ions, controlling the fan 30 to run at a second preset speed, and controlling the opening of the air outlet guide vane to be adjusted to a preset opening. The execution time of the third sterilization mode reaches the second running time for health-preserving sterilization. For example, the second preset time is 2 hours. It can be understood that the second preset speed and preset opening are settings made by the user for the air conditioner's fan speed 30 and the opening of the air outlet guide vane before activating the sterilization function. Furthermore, by reducing the ultraviolet light emission time of the photoplasma module 40, the third sterilization mode significantly extends the service life of the photoplasma module 40.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, after a second preset time, the controller 70 is further configured to: cyclically execute the first sterilization mode until an instruction to exit the sterilization function is received, at which point the first sterilization mode is exited.

[0048] Specifically, in the first sterilization mode, the photoplasma module 40 is controlled to alternate between ultra-strong sterilization and healthy antibacterial operation until a command to exit the sterilization function is received. At this point, the photoplasma module 40 stops emitting positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet light. That is, the photoplasma module 40 simultaneously emits positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, while the fan 30 is adjusted to its maximum speed and the air outlet guide vane opening is maximized, continuing for a first preset time—the ultra-strong sterilization process. Then, the photoplasma module 40 stops emitting ultraviolet light, the fan 30 operates at a second preset speed, and the air outlet guide vane opening is adjusted to a preset level, continuing for a second preset time—the healthy antibacterial process. After this, the ultra-strong sterilization process and the healthy antibacterial process continue to be executed, and this cycle continues until a command to exit the sterilization function is received, at which point the first sterilization mode is exited. Thus, while meeting the requirements for efficient sterilization, the health of indoor occupants is maximized, and the lifespan of the photoplasma module is extended.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the second sterilization mode, before controlling the photoplasma module 40 to emit positive and negative ions, the controller 70 is further configured to control the fan 30 to operate at a first preset speed, the first preset speed being greater than or equal to the minimum speed of the fan and less than the fan speed corresponding to when the photoplasma module executes the first sterilization mode.

[0050] Specifically, similar to the first sterilization mode, in order to avoid the photoplasma module 40 releasing a large number of charged ions and generating high static electricity in the absence of wind, which could damage the air conditioner circuit board, the fan 30 is controlled to run at a first preset speed before the photoplasma module 40 emits positive and negative ions. After the photoplasma module 40 is started, the speed of the fan 30 is adjusted to the lowest speed to perform sleep sterilization.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the second sterilization mode, after controlling the photoplasma module 40 to emit positive and negative ions and controlling the fan 30 to adjust its speed to the minimum speed, the controller 70 is also configured to: after a third preset time, control the photoplasma module 40 to emit ultraviolet light and then stop emitting ultraviolet light after a fourth preset time.

[0052] Specifically, in the second sterilization mode, the photoplasma module 40 is controlled to emit positive and negative ions, and the fan 30's speed is adjusted to the lowest setting. Compared to the first sterilization mode, its sterilization effect is poor. After a third preset time, it is assumed that the occupants have entered a deep sleep and will not be affected by light leakage from the ultraviolet emitting device. At this time, the photoplasma module 40 is controlled to emit ultraviolet light, and this emission continues for a fourth preset time before stopping, thus performing a brief, powerful sterilization. This enhances the sterilization effect and effectively purifies the indoor air without affecting the occupants' sleep. In a specific embodiment, the third preset time is, for example, 4 hours, and the fourth preset time is, for example, 1 hour. Therefore, after the air conditioner controls the photoplasma module 40 to emit positive and negative ions for 4 hours, it controls the photoplasma module 40 to emit ultraviolet light for 1 hour, and then controls the photoplasma module 40 to stop emitting ultraviolet light, emitting only positive and negative ions.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the second sterilization mode is executed, the controller 70 is further configured to control the display panel 60 to turn off.

[0054] Specifically, to further reduce the impact of indoor light leakage on sleep at night, when the air conditioner is running the second sterilization mode, the control display panel 60 is turned off to reduce the impact of the light emitted by the lamps in the display panel 60 on people with poor sleep quality and those who are light-sensitive.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 4-5 As shown, the photoplasma module 40 includes a photoplasma tube 41, positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42, a power supply (not shown in the figure), and a housing 43. The housing 43 is located at the air inlet, the power supply is located inside the housing 43, the photoplasma tube 41 is located at the front end of the housing 43, and the ultraviolet light emitted by the photoplasma tube 41 is parallel to the indoor heat exchanger 20 and irradiates laterally so that the ultraviolet light covers the air inlet laterally. The positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42 are located at the air outlet and are connected to the power supply through wires.

[0056] Specifically, the photoplasma tube 41 can simultaneously release ultraviolet rays in both the UVC and UVD bands. UVC rays, upon irradiating bacteria or viruses, can destroy their DNA and RNA, thus having a bactericidal effect. UVD rays can excite oxygen and moisture in the air, generating photoplasma clusters rich in various active components such as oxygen, ozone, and hydrogen ions, which have bactericidal and deodorizing effects. The photoplasma tube 41 is located at the air inlet of the air conditioner. During sterilization, the UVC and UVD rays it releases can laterally cover the air inlet, forming a bactericidal layer. The positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42 are located at the air outlet, releasing a large number of positive and negative ions, which have bactericidal and deodorizing effects. This achieves dual-polar purification of the air conditioner's intake and exhaust air, overcoming the shortcomings of single-purification technologies and improving sterilization and purification efficiency.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 70 is configured to: control the photoplasma tube 41 to start operation so that the photoplasma module 40 emits ultraviolet light; and control the photoplasma tube 41 to stop operation so that the photoplasma module 40 stops emitting ultraviolet light.

[0058] Specifically, when the photoplasma module 40 emits ultraviolet light, it controls the photoplasma tube 41 to start operating; when it stops emitting ultraviolet light, it controls the photoplasma tube 41 to stop operating. In a specific embodiment, the photoplasma module 40 can control the start-up and stop-operation of the photoplasma tube 41 by controlling whether the photoplasma tube 41 is energized, which is existing technology and will not be elaborated here.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 70 is configured to: control the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42 to start operation so that the photoplasma module 40 emits positive and negative ions; and control the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42 to stop operation so that the photoplasma module 40 stops emitting positive and negative ions.

[0060] Specifically, when the photoplasma module 40 emits positive and negative ions, it controls the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42 to start operating; when it stops emitting positive and negative ions, it controls the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42 to stop operating. In a specific embodiment, the photoplasma module 40 can adjust the emission amount of positive and negative ions by controlling the voltage of the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42. To enhance the sterilization and deodorization effect, the positive electrode voltage of the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes 42 is controlled to not exceed the negative electrode voltage, so that the amount of negative ions released by the photoplasma module 40 is greater than the amount of positive ions.

[0061] Therefore, when the photoplasma module 40 of this embodiment emits positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet light, the photoplasma tube 41 or the positive and negative ion emitting electrode 42 can be started and operated separately to emit ultraviolet light or positive and negative ions individually, or the photoplasma tube 41 and the positive and negative ion emitting electrode 42 can be started and operated simultaneously to emit ultraviolet light and positive and negative ions simultaneously. This satisfies the requirements of daytime or nighttime sterilization while maximizing the health of indoor personnel and extending the service life of the photoplasma module.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit of the air conditioner detects the brightness of the outdoor environment through a light sensor 50, and controls the photoplasma module 40 to emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet rays according to the brightness, thereby achieving sterilization of the indoor environment. This satisfies the sterilization requirements while avoiding light leakage that could affect sleep. Furthermore, by controlling the rotation speed of the fan 30, the sterilization effect of the photoplasma module 40 can be enhanced, and the impact of air conditioner noise on the sleep of indoor occupants can be effectively reduced. Further, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a third sterilization mode, i.e., through alternating execution of super-strong sterilization and healthy antibacterial properties, the health of indoor occupants can be guaranteed to the greatest extent, and the service life of the photoplasma module 40 can be extended.

[0063] Further embodiments of the present invention disclose a control method for an air conditioner indoor unit, used in any of the above embodiments of the air conditioner indoor unit, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0064] Step S1: In response to the command to turn on the air conditioner's sterilization function, obtain the brightness detected by the light sensor;

[0065] Step S2: When the brightness is determined to be greater than the preset brightness threshold, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute the first sterilization mode. The first sterilization mode includes: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light at the same time, controlling the fan speed to the maximum speed, controlling the opening of the air guide plate of the air outlet to the maximum, and making the execution time of the first sterilization mode reach the first preset time.

[0066] Step S3: When the brightness is determined to be no greater than the preset brightness threshold, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute the second sterilization mode. The second sterilization mode includes: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the lowest speed.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the first sterilization mode, before controlling the photoplasma module to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, the controller is further configured to: control the fan to operate at a first preset speed, the first preset speed being greater than or equal to the minimum speed of the fan and less than the fan speed corresponding to when the photoplasma module executes the first sterilization mode.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the first sterilization mode, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the controller is further configured to: control the photoplasma module to execute a third sterilization mode, the third sterilization mode including: controlling the photoplasma module to stop emitting ultraviolet light, controlling the fan to run at a second preset speed, and controlling the opening of the air guide plate of the air outlet to be adjusted to a preset opening, and making the execution time of the third sterilization mode reach the second preset time, wherein the second preset speed and the preset opening are the fan speed and the air guide plate opening corresponding to the sterilization function command before execution.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, after a second preset time, the controller is further configured to: cyclically execute the first sterilization mode until an instruction to exit the sterilization function is received, at which point the first sterilization mode is exited.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the second sterilization mode, before controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, the controller is further configured to: control the fan to run at a first preset speed, the first preset speed being greater than or equal to the minimum speed of the fan and less than the fan speed corresponding to when the photoplasma module executes the first sterilization mode.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the second sterilization mode, after the photoplasma module emits positive and negative ions, the controller is further configured to: after a third preset time, control the photoplasma tube to start running and then stop emitting ultraviolet light after a fourth preset time.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the second sterilization mode is executed, the controller is further configured to: control the display panel to turn off.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the photoplasma module includes a photoplasma tube, positive and negative ion emitting electrodes, a power supply, and a housing; wherein, the housing is located at the air inlet, the power supply is located inside the housing, the photoplasma tube is located at the front end of the housing, the ultraviolet light emitted by the photoplasma tube is parallel to the horizontal irradiation of the indoor heat exchanger so that the ultraviolet light horizontally covers the air inlet, and the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes are located at the air outlet and are connected to the power supply through wires.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to: control the photoplasma tube to start operation so that the photoplasma module emits ultraviolet light; and control the photoplasma tube to stop operation so that the photoplasma module stops emitting ultraviolet light.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to: control the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes to start operation so that the photoplasma module emits positive and negative ions; and control the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes to stop operation so that the photoplasma module stops emitting positive and negative ions.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present invention, the positive electrode voltage of the positive and negative ion emission electrodes does not exceed the negative electrode voltage of the positive and negative ion emission electrodes.

[0077] It should be noted that the specific implementation method of the air conditioner indoor unit in the embodiment of the present invention for sterilization control is similar to the specific implementation method of the air conditioner indoor unit controller in the embodiment of the present invention. For details, please refer to the description in the method section. In order to reduce redundancy, it will not be repeated here.

[0078] According to the control method of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, the brightness of the outdoor environment is detected by a light sensor, and the photoplasma module is controlled to emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet rays according to the brightness to achieve sterilization of the indoor environment. This satisfies the sterilization requirements while avoiding light leakage that could affect sleep. Furthermore, by controlling the fan speed, the sterilization effect of the photoplasma module can be enhanced, and the impact of air conditioner noise on the sleep of indoor occupants can be effectively reduced. Further, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a third sterilization mode, i.e., through alternating execution of super-strong sterilization and healthy antibacterial properties, the health of indoor occupants can be guaranteed to the greatest extent and the service life of the photoplasma module can be extended.

[0079] Further embodiments of the present invention disclose an air conditioner, comprising: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit; and an indoor unit as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner detects the brightness of the outdoor environment using a light sensor and controls a photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet rays based on the brightness, thereby achieving sterilization of the indoor environment. This satisfies sterilization requirements while preventing light leakage from affecting sleep. Furthermore, by controlling the fan speed, the sterilization effect of the photoplasma module can be enhanced, and the impact of air conditioner noise on the sleep of indoor occupants can be effectively reduced. Further, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a third sterilization mode, i.e., through alternating execution of super-strong sterilization and healthy antibacterial properties, the health of indoor occupants can be maximized, and the service life of the photoplasma module can be extended.

[0081] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0082] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; An indoor heat exchanger is disposed inside the casing; A fan is installed inside the casing. The fan draws air from outside the casing into the casing through the air inlet, and the air is heated by the indoor heat exchanger to form a heat exchange airflow. The heat exchange airflow is then output to the outside through the air outlet under the drive of the fan. A photoplasma module is installed inside the housing. The photoplasma module can emit positive and negative ions and / or ultraviolet rays to sterilize the indoor environment. A light sensor, connected to the photoplasma module, is used to detect the brightness of the outdoor environment; The display panel, which is disposed on the casing, is used to display the operating status of the air conditioner; The controller is configured to: in response to a command to activate the sterilization function of the air conditioner, acquire the brightness detected by the light sensor; When it is determined that the brightness is greater than a preset brightness threshold, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a first sterilization mode. The first sterilization mode includes: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light simultaneously, controlling the fan speed to the maximum speed, controlling the opening of the air guide plate of the air outlet to the maximum, and making the execution time of the first sterilization mode reach a first preset time. When it is determined that the brightness is not greater than the preset brightness threshold, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute the second sterilization mode. The second sterilization mode includes: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the lowest speed. In the first sterilization mode, after the execution time of the first sterilization mode reaches a first preset time, the controller is further configured to: The photoplasma module is controlled to execute a third sterilization mode, which includes: controlling the photoplasma module to stop emitting ultraviolet light, controlling the fan to run at a second preset speed, and controlling the opening of the air guide plate at the air outlet to be adjusted to a preset opening, and making the execution time of the third sterilization mode reach a second preset time. The second preset speed and the preset opening are the fan speed and the opening of the air guide plate corresponding to the time before the sterilization function command is executed. After a second preset time, the controller is further configured to: cyclically execute the first sterilization mode until an instruction to exit the sterilization function is received, at which point the first sterilization mode is exited. In the second sterilization mode, after controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the minimum speed, the controller is also configured to: after a third preset time, control the photoplasma module to emit ultraviolet light and then stop emitting the ultraviolet light after a fourth preset time.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first sterilization mode, before controlling the photoplasma module to simultaneously emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light, the controller is further configured to: The fan is controlled to operate at a first preset speed, which is greater than or equal to the minimum speed of the fan and less than the fan speed corresponding to the first sterilization mode when the photoplasma module executes the first sterilization mode.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second sterilization mode, before controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, the controller is further configured to: The fan is controlled to operate at a first preset speed, which is greater than or equal to the minimum speed of the fan and less than the fan speed corresponding to the first sterilization mode when the photoplasma module executes the first sterilization mode.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, When executing the second sterilization mode, the controller is also configured to: Turn off the display panel.

5. The air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The photoplasma module includes a photoplasma tube, positive and negative ion emitting electrodes, a power supply, and a housing. The housing is located at the air inlet, the power supply is located inside the housing, the photoplasma tube is located at the front end of the housing, and the ultraviolet light emitted by the photoplasma tube is parallel to the indoor heat exchanger and irradiates laterally so that the ultraviolet light covers the air inlet laterally. The positive and negative ion emitting electrodes are located at the air outlet and are connected to the power supply through wires.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: The system controls the photoplasma tube to start operating, so that the photoplasma module emits the ultraviolet light; and controls the photoplasma tube to stop operating, so that the photoplasma module stops emitting the ultraviolet light.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: The positive and negative ion emitting electrodes are controlled to start operation so that the photoplasma module emits the positive and negative ions; and the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes are controlled to stop operation so that the photoplasma module stops emitting the positive and negative ions.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positive electrode voltage of the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes shall not exceed the negative electrode voltage of the positive and negative ion emitting electrodes.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Air conditioner outdoor unit; as well as, The air conditioning indoor unit as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A control method for an indoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that, For use in an indoor air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1-8, the method comprises the following steps: In response to a command to activate the air conditioner's sterilization function, the brightness detected by the light sensor is acquired; When the brightness is determined to be greater than a preset brightness threshold, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a first sterilization mode. The first sterilization mode includes: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions and ultraviolet light simultaneously, and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the maximum speed, and making the execution time of the first sterilization mode reach a first preset time. When it is determined that the brightness is not greater than the preset brightness threshold, the photoplasma module is controlled to execute a second sterilization mode. The second sterilization mode includes: controlling the photoplasma module to emit positive and negative ions, and controlling the fan speed to be adjusted to the lowest speed.

Images