air conditioner

Abstract

This invention discloses an air conditioner, comprising: a housing; a heat exchanger; an ion generator; a temperature sensor; a humidity sensor; a humidifier; and a controller. Upon receiving an ion purification activation signal, the controller controls the ion generator to operate and acquires the current operating status of the air conditioner. If the air conditioner is currently in cooling or heating mode and has a set humidity setting, the controller controls the air conditioner to operate at the set temperature and humidity. If the air conditioner is currently in cooling or heating mode and does not have a set humidity setting, but the set temperature is within a preset temperature range, the controller acquires the indoor humidity. When the indoor humidity is below the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the controller controls the humidifier to operate. When the indoor humidity is above the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the controller activates the dehumidification function. When the indoor humidity is within the preset humidity range, the controller maintains the current operating status of the air conditioner. This invention's air conditioner can improve the ion propagation range and extend the ion lifespan, resulting in excellent ion purification performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners in related technologies typically purify indoor air using ions. However, the distribution, propagation range, and lifespan of ions in space are significantly affected by indoor temperature and humidity. For example, at lower temperatures, ions have a longer lifespan but slower movement speed; at higher temperatures, ions move faster but have a shorter lifespan. Furthermore, at lower humidity, ions tend to accumulate static electricity, while at higher humidity, ion sterilization is more effective but ion output is poor. Most air conditioners in these technologies only control the on / off state of the ion generator, failing to rationally adjust and control the propagation efficiency and lifespan of ions based on indoor humidity and temperature. This results in poor sterilization and purification effects and a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can improve the ion propagation range and extend the ion lifetime, resulting in good ion purification effect.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, an air conditioner is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a housing with an air outlet; a heat exchanger installed inside the housing for exchanging heat with indoor air to regulate the temperature and humidity of the indoor air; an ion generator installed at the air outlet of the housing for generating ions; a temperature sensor installed in the housing for detecting indoor temperature; a humidity sensor installed in the housing for detecting indoor humidity; a humidifier for humidifying indoor air; and a controller installed in the housing and connected to the ion generator, the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the humidifier, respectively; the controller is configured to, upon receiving an ion purification activation signal, control the ion generator to operate and acquire the... The system describes the current operating status of the air conditioner. If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling or heating mode and has a set humidity, the system controls the air conditioner to operate at the set temperature and the set humidity. If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling or heating mode and does not have the set humidity, and the set temperature is within a preset temperature range, the system obtains the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor. When the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the system controls the humidifier to start operating. When the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the system controls the air conditioner to start the dehumidification function. When the indoor humidity is within the preset humidity range, the system controls the air conditioner to maintain its current operating status.

[0005] The air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present invention can improve the ion propagation range and extend the ion life, resulting in good ion purification effect.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is further configured to: control the humidifier to operate at a preset operating humidity when the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range; and control the air conditioner to dehumidify at the preset operating humidity when the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range; wherein the preset operating humidity is located within the preset humidity range.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is further configured to: when the air conditioner is in cooling mode or heating mode, and the air conditioner does not have the set humidity, and the set temperature is not within the preset temperature range, control the humidifier to run at the upper limit of the preset humidity range for a first preset time.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes: an ion concentration sensor, which is installed at the return air vent of the housing and connected to the controller for detecting indoor ion concentration; the controller is configured to control the humidifier to operate at a preset operating humidity when the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is within the preset ion concentration range.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is configured to, when the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is less than the lower limit of a preset ion concentration range, control the humidifier to run for a second preset time at the upper limit of the preset humidity range; and when the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is greater than the upper limit of the preset ion concentration range, control the humidifier to run for a third preset time at the lower limit of the preset humidity range.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is configured to acquire the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode and the heating mode, and if the indoor temperature is within the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is not less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range and not greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, then control the air conditioner to operate in the air supply mode with the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is configured to, when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode and the heating mode, acquire the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity; if the indoor temperature is within the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, then control the air conditioner to operate at the indoor temperature and the humidifier to operate at the preset operating humidity; if the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, then control the air conditioner to operate at the indoor temperature and dehumidify at the preset operating humidity.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is configured to, when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode and the heating mode, acquire the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity, wherein the indoor humidity is within the preset temperature range; if the indoor temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, control the air conditioner to operate in the heating mode at the preset operating temperature and the indoor humidity; if the indoor temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, control the air conditioner to operate in the cooling mode at the preset operating temperature and the indoor humidity.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is configured to, when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode and the heating mode, acquire the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity; if the indoor temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, then control the air conditioner to operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature and the humidifier to operate at the preset operating humidity; if the indoor temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, then control the air conditioner to operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature and dehumidify at the preset operating humidity; if the indoor temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, then control the air conditioner to operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature and the humidifier to operate at the preset operating humidity; if the indoor temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, then control the air conditioner to operate in cooling mode at the preset operating temperature and dehumidify at the preset operating humidity.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the humidifier is installed inside the housing; or the housing and the humidifier are separate components.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner in cooling or heating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner in an embodiment of the present invention when it is not in cooling or heating mode.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is another flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention when the air conditioner is in cooling or heating mode.

[0021] Figure 5 This is another flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention when the air conditioner is in cooling or heating mode.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the humidifier of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention after it has been running for a first preset time.

[0023] Figure 7 This is another flowchart of the humidifier of the air conditioner in this embodiment of the invention after it has been running for a first preset time.

[0024] Figure 8 This is another flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention when the air conditioner is not in cooling or heating mode.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating how the indoor temperature is within a preset temperature range when the air conditioner is not in cooling or heating mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the indoor humidity within the preset temperature range when the air conditioner is not in cooling or heating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 This is another flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode or the heating mode. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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.

[0030] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0031] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, and "several" means one or more.

[0032] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figures 1-11 As shown, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a heat exchanger, an ion generator, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a humidifier, and a controller.

[0034] The housing has an air outlet, and a heat exchanger is installed inside the housing to exchange heat with indoor air to regulate the temperature and humidity of the indoor air. An ion generator is installed at the air outlet of the housing to generate ions. A temperature sensor is installed in the housing to detect the indoor temperature, and a humidity sensor is installed in the housing to detect the indoor humidity. A humidifier is used to humidify the indoor air. The controller is installed in the housing and is connected to the ion generator, temperature sensor, humidity sensor and humidifier respectively.

[0035] The controller is configured to control the ion generator to run and obtain the current operating status of the air conditioner when it receives an ion purification start signal;

[0036] If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling or heating mode and has a set humidity, then the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the set temperature and set humidity.

[0037] If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling or heating mode, and the air conditioner does not have a set humidity, and the set temperature is within the preset temperature range, then the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor is obtained. When the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the humidifier is controlled to start running. When the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to start the dehumidification function. When the indoor humidity is within the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to maintain the current operating state.

[0038] The ion purification signal can be a user-input command, such as the user controlling the air conditioner to perform ion purification and sterilization by pressing a button on the remote control, or it can be programmed to perform ion purification and sterilization for a certain period of time.

[0039] The air conditioner can be installed inside the casing, and it can simultaneously have the functions of dehumidification and humidification, thus enabling the air conditioner to humidify and dehumidify the indoor air.

[0040] Alternatively, the housing and humidifier can be set up separately but linked together. For example, the housing and humidifier can be set up independently, and the heat exchanger and humidifier of the air conditioner can work together to regulate the indoor humidity. In this way, when it is necessary to humidify the room, the controller can be used to control the humidifier to humidify the indoor air, and when it is necessary to dehumidify the room, the controller can be used to control the heat exchanger of the air conditioner to dehumidify the room.

[0041] For example, the upper limit of the preset temperature range, that is, the maximum value of the preset temperature range, can be 24℃~27℃, and the lower limit of the preset temperature range, that is, the minimum value of the preset temperature range, can be 16℃~20℃. The upper limit of the preset humidity range, that is, the maximum value of the preset humidity range, can be 60~80%RH, and the lower limit of the preset humidity range, that is, the minimum value of the preset humidity range, can be 40~50%RH.

[0042] It should be noted that air conditioners can be preset with a temperature range. When the indoor temperature is within the preset temperature range, it means that the indoor temperature is more suitable. At this time, it can ensure that the ions move faster and travel farther, and also that the ions have a longer lifespan in the space.

[0043] The indoor temperature being within the preset temperature range means that the indoor temperature value is within the range specified in the preset temperature range. The indoor temperature being below the preset temperature range means that the indoor temperature value is below the lower limit of the preset temperature range. The indoor temperature being above the preset temperature range means that the indoor temperature value is above the upper limit of the preset temperature range.

[0044] It should be noted that air conditioners can be preset with a humidity range. When the indoor humidity is within the preset humidity range, it means that the indoor humidity is suitable. At this time, it can avoid the accumulation of static electricity in the space by ions, and the ion sterilization effect is better. It can also avoid the effect of excessive humidity on the output efficiency of the ion generator, and avoid the electrode spacing being too small to avoid breakdown.

[0045] The indoor humidity being within the preset humidity range means that the indoor humidity value is within the preset humidity range. Indoor humidity being less than the preset humidity range means that the indoor humidity value is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range. Indoor humidity being greater than the preset humidity range means that the indoor humidity value is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner has an air outlet in its casing, and a heat exchanger is installed inside the casing for heat exchange with indoor air to regulate the temperature and humidity of the indoor air. An ion generator is installed at the air outlet of the air conditioner to output ions. In this way, the temperature of the indoor air can be increased or decreased by using the heat exchanger to exchange heat with the indoor air. The heat exchanger can also reduce the humidity of the indoor air by heating or cooling it. Furthermore, the ions output by the ion generator are closer to the air outlet, and the air conditioning air can blow into the room through the air outlet, thereby blowing ions into the room through the air conditioning air to increase the diffusion rate of ions, allowing ions to quickly enter the room, thereby increasing the ion concentration of the indoor air and improving the purification and sterilization effect of ions on the indoor air.

[0047] In addition, a temperature sensor is installed in the housing to detect indoor temperature, a humidity sensor is installed in the housing to detect indoor humidity, a humidifier is used to humidify the indoor air, and a controller is installed in the housing and connected to the ion generator, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and humidifier respectively. The controller is configured to control the ion generator to operate and obtain the current operating status of the air conditioner when it receives an ion purification start signal.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, if it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling or heating mode and has a set humidity, the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the set temperature and set humidity. In this way, the air conditioner can cool or heat at the set temperature, and the air conditioner and humidifier can humidify or dehumidify at the set humidity. At this time, the air conditioner can meet the user's settings for indoor temperature and indoor humidity, resulting in a better user experience.

[0049] If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling or heating mode, and the air conditioner does not have a set humidity, and the set temperature is within the preset temperature range, then the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor is obtained. When the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the humidifier is controlled to start running. When the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to start the dehumidification function. When the indoor humidity is within the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to maintain the current operating state.

[0050] The humidifier is turned on when the indoor humidity is below the lower limit of the preset humidity range. At this time, the indoor temperature is suitable for ion survival and the ion propagation rate is relatively fast. The humidifier humidifies the indoor air, which increases the indoor humidity. Under the high pressure of the ion generator, the moisture in the air generates high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals, thereby promoting the sterilization effect of ions.

[0051] When the indoor humidity exceeds the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to turn on the dehumidification function. At this time, the indoor temperature is suitable for ion survival and the ion propagation rate is faster. By running the dehumidification mode of the air conditioner, the indoor humidity can be reduced, thereby making the output ion efficiency of the ion generator higher. At the same time, it can avoid the inter-electrode spacing being too small, so as to reduce the risk of breakdown.

[0052] By controlling the air conditioner to maintain its current operating state when the indoor humidity is within a preset humidity range, the air conditioner can cool or heat at the set temperature. The air conditioner and humidifier can also dehumidify or humidify the indoor humidity. At this time, the air conditioner can meet the user's set indoor temperature, and the air conditioner and dehumidifier can adjust the indoor humidity to the preset humidity range, so as to achieve a higher sterilization effect of ions and a better user experience.

[0053] Therefore, the controller can acquire the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor, and control the air conditioner to cool, heat or dehumidify the room based on the indoor temperature and humidity, as well as control the humidifier to humidify the indoor air. In this way, the air conditioner can control the indoor temperature within a more suitable range, which can avoid the indoor temperature being too high, thus ensuring a longer ion lifespan, and also avoid the indoor temperature being too low, thus enabling the ions to move faster and travel farther, so that they can be evenly distributed to multiple locations in the room, resulting in a better sterilization effect.

[0054] Furthermore, air conditioners can control indoor humidity within a more suitable range, which can prevent excessively high indoor humidity, thus avoiding the formation of water droplets on the carbon brushes or steel needles of the ion generator's output head, resulting in higher ion output efficiency. On the other hand, they can also prevent excessively low indoor humidity, thus preventing the accumulation of static electricity in the space, resulting in higher safety. Moreover, in high humidity conditions, the moisture in the air can generate high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals under the high voltage of the ion generator, further promoting the sterilization effect of ions.

[0055] In addition, the controller will adjust the heat exchanger and humidifier to humidify or dehumidify based on the current mode of the air conditioner and the indoor temperature and humidity. For example, when a user needs to heat or cool the room at a certain temperature according to their own needs, that is, when the user has a specific requirement for the cooling or heating temperature of the air conditioner, the controller can adjust the humidity based on the current mode of the air conditioner. This avoids the air conditioner automatically adjusting the set temperature in the cooling or heating mode, so as to ensure that the user's temperature setting needs are met, which is conducive to improving the user experience. Furthermore, the controller will adjust the air conditioner and dehumidifier to further improve the sterilization effect of ions while meeting the user's needs.

[0056] Thus, the air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present invention can improve the ion propagation range and extend the ion life, resulting in a good ion purification effect.

[0057] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the controller is also configured as follows:

[0058] When the indoor humidity is lower than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the humidifier is controlled to operate at the preset humidity. The preset humidity is within the preset humidity range. That is, when the set temperature is within the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is lower than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the indoor temperature is suitable for ion survival and the ion propagation rate is relatively fast. However, the indoor humidity is low. By humidifying the indoor air by operating the humidifier at the preset humidity, the indoor humidity can be increased to a range suitable for ion sterilization. This allows the moisture in the air to generate high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals under the high pressure of the ion generator, thereby promoting the sterilization effect of ions.

[0059] When the indoor humidity exceeds the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to dehumidify at the preset operating humidity. The preset operating humidity is within the preset humidity range. That is, when the set temperature is within the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the indoor temperature is suitable for ion survival and the ion propagation rate is relatively fast. However, the indoor humidity is too high. By operating the air conditioner in dehumidification mode at the preset operating humidity, the indoor humidity can be reduced to a range suitable for ion sterilization. This makes the output ion efficiency of the ion generator higher and avoids the electrode spacing being too small, thus reducing the risk of breakdown.

[0060] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the controller is also configured as follows:

[0061] When the air conditioner is in cooling or heating mode, and the air conditioner does not have a set humidity, and the set temperature is not within the preset temperature range, the humidifier is controlled to run at the upper limit of the preset humidity range for a first preset time.

[0062] Understandably, when the set temperature is not within the preset temperature range, since the set temperature is set by the user, it is necessary to adjust the indoor humidity to enhance the sterilization effect of ions in order to meet the user's cooling or heating needs of the air conditioner without changing the temperature. By continuously running the humidifier at the upper limit of the preset humidity range for the first running time, the indoor air humidity can be quickly increased. This allows the moisture in the air to generate high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals under the high pressure of the ion generator, thereby promoting the sterilization effect of ions. Moreover, it can prevent the operating humidity value of the humidifier from exceeding the preset humidity range, thus preventing the indoor humidity value from becoming too high after the humidifier has been running for the first preset time.

[0063] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the air conditioner also includes an ion concentration sensor, which is installed at the return air vent of the casing and connected to the controller to detect the indoor ion concentration. In this way, indoor air can enter the casing through the return air vent, and the ion concentration sensor detects the ion concentration in the air at the return air vent to determine the indoor air ion concentration.

[0064] The controller is configured to operate the humidifier at a preset operating humidity when the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is within a preset ion concentration range.

[0065] The upper boundary value of the preset concentration range, that is, the maximum value of the preset concentration range, can be 10,000 to 100,000 particles / cm³. 3 The lower boundary value of the preset concentration range, that is, the minimum value of the preset concentration range, can be 1000-5000 particles / cm³. 3 .

[0066] Understandably, when the set temperature is not within the preset temperature range, since the set temperature is set by the user, it is necessary to adjust the indoor humidity to enhance the sterilization effect of ions in order to meet the user's cooling or heating needs of the air conditioner without changing the temperature. If the ion concentration is adjusted to the preset concentration range after the humidifier has been running for the first time, the sterilization effect of ions is better. In this case, the humidifier can be controlled to operate at the preset humidity to keep the indoor air humidity within the preset humidity range. This can make the output ion efficiency of the ion generator higher, avoid the electrode spacing being too small to reduce the risk of breakdown, and allow the moisture in the air to generate high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals under the high pressure of the ion generator, thereby promoting the sterilization effect of ions.

[0067] Among them, the preset operating humidity is located within the preset humidity range. The air conditioner can be preset to the preset operating humidity. When the indoor humidity is adjusted to the preset operating humidity, it can avoid the accumulation of static electricity in the space by ions, and the ion sterilization effect is better. It can also avoid the effect of excessive humidity on the output ion efficiency of the ion generator, and avoid the electrode spacing being too small, so as to reduce the risk of breakdown. It is also more comfortable for users.

[0068] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, the controller is configured to control the humidifier to run at the upper limit of the preset humidity range for a second preset time when the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is less than the lower limit of the preset ion concentration range.

[0069] When the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is greater than the upper limit of the preset ion concentration range, the humidifier is controlled to run at the lower limit of the preset humidity range for a third preset time.

[0070] The second preset time can be the same as the third preset time, or the second preset time can be different from the third preset time.

[0071] In other words, when the indoor ion concentration is low, the humidifier can run for a second preset time at the upper limit of the preset ion concentration range. This avoids the humidifier's operating humidity being higher than the preset temperature range, ensuring that the humidifier's operating humidity value is within the preset humidity range. This is beneficial for improving the sterilization efficiency of ions and can also quickly raise the indoor humidity to the preset humidity range. Under the high pressure of the ion generator, the moisture in the air generates high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals, which can further promote the sterilization effect of ions.

[0072] When the indoor ion concentration is high, the humidifier can operate for a third preset time at the lower limit of the preset humidity range. This avoids the humidifier's operating humidity being lower than the preset temperature range, ensuring that the humidifier's operating humidity value is within the preset humidity range. This is beneficial for improving the sterilization efficiency of ions and can also reduce the indoor humidity to within the preset humidity range, making the output ion efficiency of the ion generator higher. It also avoids the electrode spacing being too small, thus reducing the risk of breakdown.

[0073] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, the controller is configured to acquire indoor temperature and indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in cooling or heating mode. If the indoor temperature is within a preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is not less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range and not greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the controller will control the air conditioner to operate in air supply mode based on indoor temperature and indoor humidity.

[0074] For example, the upper limit of the preset temperature range, that is, the maximum value of the preset temperature range, can be 24℃~27℃, and the lower limit of the preset temperature range, that is, the minimum value of the preset temperature range, can be 16℃~20℃. The upper limit of the preset humidity range, that is, the maximum value of the preset humidity range, can be 60~80%RH, and the lower limit of the preset humidity range, that is, the minimum value of the preset humidity range, can be 40~50%RH.

[0075] In other words, when the indoor temperature is not greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range and not less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, and the indoor humidity is not greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range and not less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the indoor temperature and humidity are at a relatively suitable value. At this time, there is no need to adjust the indoor temperature and humidity. The air conditioner operates in the air supply mode, which can keep the indoor temperature and humidity within the preset temperature range and humidity range, so that the ion transmission distance is long and the ion life is extended, resulting in a good ion purification effect.

[0076] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 As shown, the controller is configured to acquire indoor temperature and indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in cooling or heating mode.

[0077] If the indoor temperature is within the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner will be controlled to operate at the indoor temperature and the humidifier will operate at the preset humidity. In this way, the humidifier can adjust the indoor humidity to the preset humidity range, thereby avoiding excessive humidity, improving the efficiency of the ion generator's output ions, and avoiding excessively small inter-electrode spacing to reduce the risk of breakdown.

[0078] If the indoor temperature is within the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner will be controlled to operate at the indoor temperature and dehumidify at the preset operating humidity. In this way, the air conditioner can adjust the indoor humidity to be reduced to within the preset humidity range, and then the moisture in the air can generate high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals under the high pressure of the ion generator to promote the sterilization effect of ions.

[0079] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10 As shown, the controller is configured to acquire indoor temperature and indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in cooling or heating mode.

[0080] If the indoor humidity is within the preset temperature range and the indoor temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, the air conditioner will be controlled to operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature and indoor humidity. In this way, the air conditioner can adjust the indoor temperature to rise to the preset temperature range, thereby increasing the movement speed of ions and allowing the ions to travel a longer distance.

[0081] If the indoor humidity is within the preset temperature range, and the indoor temperature exceeds the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the air conditioner will operate in cooling mode at the preset operating temperature and indoor humidity. This allows the air conditioner to lower the indoor temperature to within the preset temperature range, thereby extending the lifespan of the ions and improving their sterilization effect.

[0082] Among them, the preset operating temperature is located within the preset temperature range. The air conditioner can be preset to a preset operating temperature. When the indoor temperature is adjusted to the preset operating temperature, it can ensure that the ions move faster and travel farther, and that the ions have a longer lifespan in the space, while also making the user more comfortable.

[0083] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 11 As shown, the controller is configured to acquire indoor temperature and indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in cooling or heating mode.

[0084] If the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is lower than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner will operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature, and the humidifier will operate at the preset operating humidity. In this way, the air conditioner can adjust the indoor temperature to within the preset temperature range, thereby increasing the ion movement speed and allowing ions to travel further. The humidifier can also adjust the indoor humidity to within the preset humidity range, thus preventing excessive humidity. This improves the efficiency of the ion generator's output ions and avoids excessively small electrode spacing, reducing the risk of breakdown.

[0085] If the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is higher than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner will operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature and dehumidification mode at the preset operating humidity. In this way, the air conditioner can adjust the indoor temperature to rise within the preset temperature range, thereby increasing the ion movement speed and allowing the ions to travel further. Simultaneously, the air conditioner can adjust the indoor humidity to fall within the preset humidity range, causing the moisture in the air to generate high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals under the high pressure of the ion generator, thus promoting the sterilization effect of the ions.

[0086] If the indoor temperature exceeds the upper limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is below the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner will operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature, and the humidifier will operate at the preset operating humidity. This allows the air conditioner to adjust the indoor temperature to within the preset temperature range, thereby extending the ion generator's lifespan and improving its sterilization effect. Conversely, the humidifier can adjust the indoor humidity to within the preset humidity range, preventing excessive humidity, thus improving the efficiency of the ion generator's output ions and avoiding excessively small electrode spacing, reducing the risk of breakdown.

[0087] If the indoor temperature exceeds the upper limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity exceeds the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner will operate in cooling mode at the preset operating temperature and dehumidify at the preset operating humidity. This allows the air conditioner to adjust the indoor temperature down to the preset temperature range, thereby extending the ion lifespan and improving the ion sterilization effect. Furthermore, the air conditioner can adjust the indoor humidity down to the preset humidity range, allowing moisture in the air to generate high-energy particles such as hydroxyl radicals under the high pressure of the ion generator, further promoting the ion sterilization effect.

[0088] Other configurations and operations of the air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0089] The air conditioner in this application performs an air conditioning refrigeration cycle by 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 and returns 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 and humidity of the indoor space.

[0092] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "specific embodiment" or "specific example" refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0093] 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 air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The casing is equipped with an air outlet; A heat exchanger, installed inside the housing, is used to exchange heat with indoor air in order to regulate the temperature and humidity of the indoor air; An ion generator is installed at the air outlet of the housing to generate ions; A temperature sensor, installed in the housing, is used to detect the indoor temperature; A humidity sensor, installed in the housing, is used to detect indoor humidity; Humidifiers are used to humidify indoor air; The controller is installed in the housing and is connected to the ion generator, the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the humidifier, respectively. An ion concentration sensor is installed at the return air vent of the housing and connected to the controller for detecting indoor ion concentration. The controller is configured to control the ion generator to run and obtain the current operating status of the air conditioner when it receives an ion purification start signal; If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode or heating mode, and the air conditioner has a set humidity, then the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the set temperature and the set humidity. If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode or heating mode, and the air conditioner does not have the set humidity, and the set temperature is within the preset temperature range, then the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor is obtained. When the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the humidifier is controlled to start running. When the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to start the dehumidification function. When the indoor humidity is within the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to maintain the current operating state. The controller is further configured to: when the air conditioner is in cooling mode or heating mode, and the air conditioner does not have the set humidity, and the set temperature is not within the preset temperature range, control the humidifier to run at the upper limit of the preset humidity range for a first preset time. When the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is less than the lower limit of the preset ion concentration range, the humidifier is controlled to run for a second preset time at the upper limit of the preset humidity range. When the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is greater than the upper limit of the preset ion concentration range, the humidifier is controlled to run for a third preset time at the lower limit of the preset humidity range.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: when the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, control the humidifier to operate at the preset operating humidity; When the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to dehumidify at the preset operating humidity. The preset operating humidity is located within the preset humidity range.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to control the humidifier to operate at a preset humidity level when the humidifier has been running for a first preset time and the indoor ion concentration is within the preset ion concentration range.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to acquire the indoor temperature and indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode or the heating mode. If the indoor temperature is within the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is not less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range and not greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, then the controller controls the air conditioner to operate in the air supply mode based on the indoor temperature and indoor humidity.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to acquire the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode and the heating mode, and if the indoor temperature is within the preset temperature range; If the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner will be controlled to operate at the indoor temperature, and the humidifier will operate at the preset operating humidity. If the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the indoor temperature and dehumidify at the preset operating humidity.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to acquire the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode and the heating mode, wherein the indoor humidity is within the preset temperature range; If the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, the air conditioner is controlled to operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature and the indoor humidity. If the indoor temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the air conditioner is controlled to operate in cooling mode at the preset operating temperature and indoor humidity.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to acquire the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity when the air conditioner is not in the cooling mode and the heating mode; If the indoor temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, then the air conditioner is controlled to operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature and the humidifier is controlled to operate at the preset operating humidity. If the indoor temperature is less than the lower limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, then the air conditioner is controlled to operate in heating mode at the preset operating temperature and in dehumidification mode at the preset operating humidity. If the indoor temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is less than the lower limit of the preset humidity range, then the air conditioner is controlled to operate in cooling mode at the preset operating temperature and the humidifier is controlled to operate at the preset operating humidity. If the indoor temperature is greater than the upper limit of the preset temperature range and the indoor humidity is greater than the upper limit of the preset humidity range, then the air conditioner is controlled to operate in cooling mode at the preset operating temperature and dehumidify at the preset operating humidity.

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The humidifier is installed inside the housing; or The housing and the humidifier are separate components.

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