阅读说明：本技术 空气调节机及空气调节系统 (Air conditioner and air conditioning system ) 是由 井上颂太 于 2018-08-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：空气调节机(5)进行空气调节。空气调节机(5)具备过滤器(51)、清洁部(54)、通信部(58)以及控制部(56)。过滤器(51)收集空气中的灰尘。清洁部(54)清洁过滤器(51)。通信部(58)基于由收集空气中的灰尘的空气净化机(3)所检测到的灰尘的量接收控制信息(CN)。控制部(56)基于控制信息(CN)执行与清洁部(54)有关的控制。(The air conditioner (5) performs air conditioning. The air conditioner (5) is provided with a filter (51), a cleaning unit (54), a communication unit (58), and a control unit (56). The filter (51) collects dust in the air. The cleaning unit (54) cleans the filter (51). The communication unit (58) receives control information (CN) based on the amount of dust detected by an air cleaner (3) that collects dust in air. The control unit (56) executes control relating to the cleaning unit (54) on the basis of the control information (CN).)

1. An air conditioner that performs air conditioning, characterized by comprising:

a filter which collects dust in the air;

a cleaning section that cleans the filter;

a communication section that receives control information based on an amount of dust detected by an air cleaner that collects dust in air; and

and a control unit that executes control related to the cleaning unit based on the control information.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1,

the control unit controls the operation of the cleaning unit based on the control information.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,

the control unit controls the number of times the filter is cleaned by the cleaning unit based on the control information.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the control unit controls a cleaning time of the filter by the cleaning unit based on the control information.

5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the control section controls notification of information relating to the cleaning section based on the control information.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the cleaning portion includes:

a dust removing unit that removes dust adhering to the filter from the filter; and

a dust containing section that contains dust removed from the filter by the dust removing section,

the information on the cleaning part indicates whether the dust storage part is to be cleaned or replaced.

7. An air conditioning system, comprising:

an air cleaner that collects dust in air;

an air conditioner that performs air conditioning; and

a server connected to the air cleaner and the air conditioner via a network,

the air cleaner includes:

a dust detection portion that detects an amount of dust in air; and

a communication section that transmits dust information to the server, the dust information indicating an amount of dust detected by the dust detection section,

the server generates control information for controlling the air conditioner based on the dust information and transmits the control information to the air conditioner,

the air conditioner includes:

a filter which collects dust in the air;

a cleaning section that cleans the filter;

a communication unit that receives the control information from the server; and

and a control unit that executes control related to the cleaning unit based on the control information.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioning system for performing air conditioning.

Background

The dust collection system described in patent document 1 includes an air conditioning device and a dust collection device. When the movement of the person becomes large and the amount of dust becomes large, the air conditioning device stops blowing air and operates the dust collecting device. As a result, dust can be efficiently collected without interfering with the air flow of the air conditioner and the air flow of the dust collector.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

However, in the dust collection system described in patent document 1, the air conditioning device controls only the start of the dust collection operation and the end of the dust collection operation of the dust collection device. In addition, patent document 1 does not describe any cleaning of the air conditioner itself.

The invention aims to provide an air conditioner and an air conditioning system, which can effectively execute control related to a cleaning part for cleaning a filter.

Means for solving the problems

According to one aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner performs air conditioning. The air conditioner includes a filter, a cleaning unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The filter collects dust in the air. The cleaning section cleans the filter. The communication section receives control information based on an amount of dust detected by an air cleaner that collects dust in air. The control section executes control related to the cleaning section based on the control information.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning system includes an air cleaner, an air conditioner, and a server. The air cleaner collects dust in the air. The air conditioner performs air conditioning. The server is connected to the air cleaner and the air conditioner via a network. The air cleaner includes a dust detection portion and a communication portion. The dust detection portion detects an amount of dust in the air. The communication section transmits dust information indicating the amount of dust detected by the dust detection section to the server. The server generates control information for controlling the air conditioner based on the dust information, and transmits the control information to the air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a filter, a cleaning unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The filter collects dust in the air. The cleaning section cleans the filter. The communication unit receives the control information from the server. The control section executes control related to the cleaning section based on the control information.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, control related to the cleaning section for cleaning the filter can be efficiently executed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 (a) is a diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 (b) is a perspective view showing an air conditioner and an air cleaner according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an air cleaner of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of an air conditioner showing an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a filter and a filter cleaning device of an air conditioner of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an air conditioner of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation of the air conditioner of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation of an air conditioner of the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a notification operation of an air conditioner of an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

(first embodiment)

Referring to fig. 1 to 7, an air conditioning system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the air conditioning system 100 is explained with reference to fig. 1. Fig. 1 (a) is a diagram showing an air conditioning system 100. Fig. 1 (b) is a perspective view showing the air cleaner 3 and the air conditioner 5 of the air conditioning system 100.

As shown in fig. 1 (a), the air-conditioning system 100 includes a server 1, an air cleaner 3, an air conditioner 5, and a communication terminal 7. The server 1, the air cleaner 3, the air conditioner 5, and the communication terminal 7 are connected to each other via a network NW. The Network NW includes, for example, the internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), and a public telephone Network.

The server 1 is connected to a network NW. The server 1 is a computer and includes a processor such as a CPU (Central processing unit), a storage device for storing data and a computer program. The storage device includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory and a secondary storage device such as a semiconductor memory and/or a hard disk drive. The processor of the server 1 executes a computer program stored in the storage device to execute various processes.

Specifically, the server 1 is connected to the air cleaner 3, the air conditioner 5, and the communication terminal 7 via a network. The server 1 receives the information IF1 transmitted by the communication terminal 7. Then, the server 1 communicates with the air cleaner 3 or the air conditioner 5 based on the information IF 1. Therefore, the user can operate the communication terminal 7 and operate the air cleaner 3 and the air conditioner 5 via the server 1.

The server 1 receives the information IF2 transmitted from the air cleaner 3 or the information IF3 transmitted from the air conditioner 5. Then, the server 1 communicates with the communication terminal 7 based on the information IF2 or the information IF 3. Therefore, the user can operate the communication terminal 7 and acquire information of the air cleaner 3 and the air conditioner 5 via the server 1.

Further, the server 1 communicates with the air conditioner 5 based on the information IF2 of the air cleaner 3. Therefore, the server 1 can control the air conditioner 5 based on the information IF2 of the air cleaner 3. In addition, the server 1 communicates with the air cleaner 3 based on the information IF3 of the air conditioner 5. Therefore, the server 1 can control the air cleaner 3 based on the information IF3 of the air conditioner 5.

As shown in fig. 1 (a) and (b), the air cleaner 3 is connected to a network NW. The air cleaner 3 is disposed in a room RM of a building. Hereinafter, the inside of the room RM is referred to as "indoor". The air cleaner 3 collects dust in the indoor air.

The air conditioner 5 is connected to a network NW. The air conditioner 5 is installed in a room RM of a building. The room RM in which the air conditioner 5 is provided is the same as the room RM in which the air cleaner 3 is provided. The air conditioner 5 performs air conditioning. The air conditioner 5 is an indoor unit. The air conditioner 5 is connected to the outdoor unit by a pipe. The refrigerant is circulated between the air conditioner 5 and the outdoor unit through a pipe. The outdoor unit is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit is provided with various components such as a fan, a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a four-way valve.

The communication terminal 7 is connected to a network NW. The communication terminal 7 includes a display unit 7 a. The display unit 7a displays various information. The communication terminal 7 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. The communication terminal 7 includes a storage device storing a processor such as a CPU, data, and a computer program. The storage device has the same configuration as that of the server 1. The processor of the communication terminal 7 executes a computer program stored in the storage device to perform various processes.

Next, the air cleaner 3 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the air cleaner 3. As shown in fig. 2, the air cleaner 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, a filter 33, a fan 34, and a dust detection unit 35. The control section 30 controls the storage section 31, the communication section 32, the fan 34, and the dust detection section 35. The control section 30 includes a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 31 is a storage device, and stores data and computer programs. The storage device has the same configuration as that of the server 1. The processor of the control unit 30 executes a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 31 to execute various controls.

The communication unit 32 is connected to the network NW. The communication unit 32 communicates with the server 1 via the network NW. Therefore, the control unit 30 communicates with the server 1 via the communication unit 32. The communication unit 32 is, for example, a network interface controller.

The dust detection unit 35 detects the amount of dust in the air (hereinafter referred to as "dust amount"). In embodiment 1, the dust detection unit 35 detects the concentration of dust in the air (hereinafter referred to as "dust concentration"). Specifically, the dust detection unit 35 includes an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the concentration of dust in the air (hereinafter referred to as "dust concentration") based on the output pulse width output from the light receiving element. The dust concentration detected by the dust detection unit 35 is normalized, and the case where the dust concentration is the lowest is set to "1" and the case where the dust concentration is the highest is set to "0" within the detection range of the dust detection unit 35. The degree of pollution of the air (hereinafter referred to as "degree of pollution DL") is classified into three classes of "small", "medium", and "large" according to the dust concentration. The air pollution level DL indicates a level of pollution of the air in the room by dust. The dust detection unit 35 is, for example, a dust sensor.

The fan 34 draws indoor air into the air cleaner 3 and passes the air through the filter 33. As a result, the filter 33 collects dust in the air. The filter 33 is, for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate air) filter, and the control unit 30 increases the rotation speed of the fan 34 and increases the air volume of the fan 34 as the degree of air pollution DL increases.

Next, the air conditioner 5 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 3 to 6. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner 5. Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the air conditioner 5. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a filter cleaning device 60 including a filter 51 and a dust storage portion 54c of the air conditioner 5. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the air conditioner 5.

As shown in fig. 3, the air conditioner 5 includes a cabinet 50, a filter 51, and a notification unit 55. The housing 50 has a suction port P1. The suction port P1 is formed in the upper surface of the casing 50. Filter 51 is disposed at suction port P1. The filter 51 collects dust in the indoor air. Specifically, the filter 51 collects dust from the indoor air sucked in from the suction port P1. The notification unit 55 notifies the person by emitting light. The notification unit 55 includes, for example, a single or a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes). The notification portion 55 is disposed at a corner portion of the front surface of the housing 50.

As shown in fig. 4, the air conditioner 5 further includes a heat exchanger 52, a fan 53, and a cleaning unit 54. The cleaning portion 54 constitutes a part of the filter cleaning device 60. The heat exchanger 52, the fan 53, and the cleaning unit 54 (filter cleaning device 60) are housed in the casing 50. The casing 50 has a blow-out port P2. The air outlet P2 is formed at the lower portion of the front face of the casing 50. In addition, the air conditioner 5 has a guide passage G.

The heat exchanger 52 performs heat exchange. Specifically, the heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat energy between the air and the refrigerant. An air passage from the intake port P1 to the discharge port P2 is formed inside the casing 50, and the heat exchanger 52 and the fan 53 are arranged in the air passage. The fan 53 sucks in air through the suction port P1, and sends out the sucked air to the outside through the discharge port P2. The fan 53 is, for example, a cross flow fan.

Next, the guide passage G, the filter 51, and the cleaning unit 54 will be described with reference to fig. 4 and 5. As shown in fig. 4, the guide passage G includes a first guide passage G1, a second guide passage G2, and a third guide passage G3. The first guide passage G1 extends from the rear side of the housing 50 to an intermediate position between the front side and the rear side of the housing 50. The second guide passage G2 is connected to the first guide passage G1 at a position intermediate between the front surface side and the back surface side of the housing 50, and extends toward the front surface side of the housing 50. The third guide passage G3 is connected to the second guide passage G2 on the front surface side of the housing 50, and is folded back from the front surface side of the housing 50 and extends toward the back surface side of the housing 50. The third guide passage G3 is connected to the first guide passage G1 at an intermediate position between the front surface side and the back surface side of the housing 50.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the filter 51 is bent and disposed over the first guide passage G1 to the second guide passage G2, and the filter 51 collects dust. In fig. 4, the filter 51 is shown in bold lines. When the filter 51 is disposed throughout the first guide passage G1 to the second guide passage G2, the position of the filter 51 is defined as a "main position".

The cleaning portion 54 is in contact with the filter 51 to clean the filter 51. The cleaning portion 54 is disposed on the front surface side of the housing 50. Specifically, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the cleaning unit 54 includes a moving unit 54a, a brush 54b, and a dust storage unit 54 c.

The moving portion 54a moves the guide passage G while bending the filter 51 when cleaning the filter 51.

Specifically, the strainer 51 is moved from the main position (the first guide passage G1 and the second guide passage G2) to the third guide passage G3, and the strainer 51 is further moved from the third guide passage G3 to the first guide passage G1. As a result, the filter 51 is disposed over the third guide passage G3 to the first guide passage G1. When the filter 51 is disposed throughout the third guide passage G3 to the first guide passage G1, the position of the filter 51 is defined as a "return position". Further, in the guide passage G, a path from the main position to the return position forms an outward path when the filter 51 is cleaned.

Further, the moving unit 54a moves the filter 51 from the return position (the first guide passage G1 and the third guide passage G3) to the second guide passage G2, and further moves the filter 51 from the second guide passage G2 to the first guide passage G1. As a result, the filter 51 returns to the home position. Further, in the guide passage G, a path from the return position to the main position forms a return path when the filter 51 is cleaned.

The moving unit 54a includes, for example, a pinion gear that meshes with the rack of the filter 51 and a moving motor that rotationally drives the pinion gear.

The brush 54b is rotated by being driven by a motor for rotation. The brush 54b contacts the filter 51 while the filter 51 moves in the guide passage G, thereby sweeping dust attached to the filter 51. That is, the brush 54b removes dust attached to the filter 51 from the filter 51. As a result, the filter 51 is cleaned. The brush 54b corresponds to an example of the "dust removing portion".

The dust storage portion 54c is disposed below the brush 54 b. The upper surface of the dust storage portion 54c has an opening. The dust storage portion 54c stores dust swept by the brush 54b from the filter 51. That is, the dust containing portion 54c contains the dust removed from the filter 51 by the brush 54 b. The dust storage portion 54c is detachable from the housing 50. Therefore, the user can detach the dust storage portion 54c from the housing 50, thereby discarding the dust stored in the dust storage portion 54 c. Then, the user remounts the dust container 54c on the housing 50. Alternatively, the user may detach the dust storage portion 54c from the housing 50 to replace the dust storage portion 54 c. The dust storage portion 54c is, for example, a dust box.

As shown in fig. 6, the air conditioner 5 further includes a control unit 56, a storage unit 57, and a communication unit 58. The control unit 56 controls the storage unit 57, the communication unit 58, the heat exchanger 52, the fan 53, the cleaning unit 54, and the notification unit 55. The control section 56 includes a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 57 is a storage device, and stores data and computer programs. The storage device has the same configuration as that of the server 1. The processor of the control unit 56 executes a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 57 to execute various controls.

The communication unit 58 is connected to the network NW. The communication unit 58 communicates with the server 1 via the network NW. Therefore, the control unit 56 communicates with the server 1 via the communication unit 58. The communication unit 58 is, for example, a network interface controller.

The air conditioner 5 is engaged with the air cleaner 3 via the communication unit 58. That is, the communication unit 58 receives control information (hereinafter referred to as "control information CN") based on the amount of dust detected by the air cleaner 3 that collects dust in the air. Then, the control section 56 executes control relating to the cleaning section 54 based on the control information CN. Therefore, the control portion 56 can perform control related to the cleaning portion 54 according to the amount of dust in the room. As a result, according to the first embodiment, the control of the cleaning unit 54 for cleaning the filter 51 can be performed more efficiently than in the case where the air conditioner 5 is not associated with the air cleaner 3 and the control of the cleaning unit 54 is performed alone.

In the first embodiment, the control information CN is based on the amount of dust detected by the dust detection unit 35 (fig. 2) of the air cleaner 3. That is, the air conditioner 5 executes control relating to the cleaning unit 54 by the dust detection unit 35 of the air cleaner 3. Therefore, the air conditioner 5 can efficiently perform the control related to the cleaning portion 54 without mounting a dust detection portion. As a result, the cost of the air conditioner 5 can be reduced as compared with a case where the air conditioner 5 is equipped with a dust detection unit.

In particular, in the first embodiment, the "control related to the cleaning unit 54" is "control of the operation of the cleaning unit 54". Here, the control unit 56 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 54 based on the control information CN based on the amount of dust. Therefore, the control unit 56 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 54 according to the amount of dust in the room. As a result, according to the first embodiment, the operation of the cleaning unit 54 can be performed efficiently according to the amount of dust in the room, as compared with the case where the air conditioner 5 is not associated with the air cleaner 3 and the operation of the cleaning unit 54 is controlled independently.

Next, the operation of the server between the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 will be described with reference to fig. 1 (a), 2, and 6. As shown in fig. 1 (a) and 2, the dust detection unit 35 of the air cleaner 3 detects the amount of dust in the air. Then, the communication section 32 transmits dust information (hereinafter referred to as "dust information DT") indicating the amount of dust detected by the dust detection section 35 to the server 1. In the first embodiment, the dust information DT includes information indicating the degree of pollution DL of the air in the room.

The server 1 generates control information CN for controlling the air conditioner 5 based on the dust information DT. In the first embodiment, the control information CN is information in which the dust information DT is copied (i.e., the dust information DT itself), and contains information indicating the degree of contamination DL. The server 1 transmits the control information CN to the air conditioner 5.

Then, as shown in fig. 1 and 6, the communication unit 58 of the air conditioner 5 receives the control information CN from the server 1. Then, the control section 56 executes control relating to the cleaning section 54 based on the control information CN. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the air conditioner 5 can efficiently perform the control relating to the cleaning portion 54 according to the amount of dust in the room, using the dust detection portion 35 of the air cleaner 3. That is, the air conditioner 5 can efficiently perform the control relating to the cleaning portion 54 based on the degree of contamination DL of the air detected by the dust detection portion 35 of the air cleaner 3.

Next, with reference to fig. 6 and 7, a process performed when the air conditioner 5 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 54 based on the control information CN will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the cleaning action of the air conditioner 5. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 controls the number of times the cleaning unit 54 cleans the filter 51. Specifically, the processing of the control unit 56 includes steps S1 to S6.

In step S1, the control unit 56 determines whether or not to stop the operation for air conditioning (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioning operation") of the air conditioner 5. The operation may be stopped by a user operation or by an operation off timer. The air conditioning operation is, for example, a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidifying operation, or a blowing operation.

When the determination in step S1 is negative (no in step S1), the process is ended.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S1 is affirmative (yes in step S1), the process advances to step S2.

In step S2, the control unit 56 determines whether the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination DL is "large" from the server 1 before the air-conditioning operation is stopped.

When the determination in step S2 is affirmative (yes in step S2), the process advances to step S3.

In step S3, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 to clean the filter 51 so that the number of times of cleaning is greater than the standard number of times of cleaning Ns. As a result, the cleaning portion 54 cleans the filter 51 by the number of cleaning times N1 that is greater than the standard number of cleaning times Ns. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is relatively large, the filter 51 can be cleaned effectively.

For example, the standard number of cleanings Ns is "2", which "2" indicates that the filter 51 is caused to make two passes back and forth along the guide passage G (fig. 4). For example, the number of cleaning times N1 is "4", which means that the filter 51 is made to go back and forth four times along the guide passage G.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S2 is negative (no in step S2), the process advances to step S4.

In step S4, the control unit 56 determines whether the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination DL is "small" from the server 1 before the air-conditioning operation is stopped.

When the determination in step S4 is affirmative (yes in step S4), the process advances to step S5.

In step S5, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 to clean the filter 51 so that the number of times of cleaning is less than the standard number of times of cleaning Ns. As a result, the cleaning portion 54 cleans the filter 51 by the number of cleaning times N2 that is less than the standard number of cleaning times Ns. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is relatively small, it is possible to appropriately clean the filter 51 in accordance with the amount of dust while suppressing power consumption in cleaning the filter 51.

For example, the number of cleaning times N2 is "1", which means that the filter 51 is made to go back and forth once along the guide passage G (fig. 4).

On the other hand, when the determination in step S4 is negative (no in step S4), the process advances to step S6. The negative determination (no at step S4) indicates that the control unit 56 determines that the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination is "medium" from the server 1 before the air-conditioning operation is stopped.

In step S6, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 so that the standard number of cleanings Ns cleans the filter 51. As a result, the cleaning unit 54 cleans the filter 51 by the standard cleaning times Ns. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is moderate, the filter 51 can be cleaned as many times as necessary. As a result, the power consumption when cleaning the filter 51 can be optimized.

As described above with reference to fig. 7, according to the first embodiment, the control unit 56 controls the number of times the cleaning unit 54 cleans the filter 51 based on the control information CN based on the amount of dust. Therefore, the filter 51 can be cleaned at an appropriate number of times of cleaning according to the amount of dust in the room. As a result, the power consumption when cleaning the filter 51 can be optimized. Further, the order of step S2 and step S4 may be reversed. The phrase "the control unit 56 performs control of the cleaning unit 54 based on the control information CN" corresponds to, for example, step S3, step S5, and step S6.

(second embodiment)

Next, an air conditioning system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 8. The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the second embodiment controls the cleaning time of the filter 51 by the cleaning unit 54. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the "control related to the cleaning unit 54" is "control of the operation of the cleaning unit 54". Hereinafter, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

With reference to fig. 6 and 8, a process performed when the air-conditioning apparatus 5 of the air-conditioning system 100 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 54 based on the control information CN will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation of the air conditioner 5 according to the second embodiment. As shown in fig. 6 and 8, the control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 controls the cleaning time of the filter 51 by the cleaning unit 54. Specifically, the processing of the control unit 56 includes steps S11 to S16.

In step S11, the control unit 56 determines whether or not to stop the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 5.

When the determination in step S11 is negative (no in step S11), the process is ended.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S11 is affirmative (yes in step S11), the process advances to step S12.

In step S12, the control unit 56 determines whether the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination DL is "large" from the server 1 before the air-conditioning operation is stopped.

When the determination in step S12 is affirmative (yes in step S12), the process advances to step S13.

In step S13, the control portion 56 controls the cleaning portion 54 to clean the filter 51 so that the cleaning time is longer than the standard cleaning time Ts. As a result, the cleaning portion 54 cleans the filter 51 for a cleaning time T1 longer than the standard cleaning time Ts. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is relatively large, the filter 51 can be cleaned effectively. For example, the standard cleaning time Ts is "5 minutes". For example, the cleaning time T1 is "10 minutes".

On the other hand, when the determination in step S12 is negative (no in step S12), the process advances to step S14.

In step S14, the control unit 56 determines whether the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination DL is "small" from the server 1 before the air-conditioning operation is stopped.

When the determination in step S14 is affirmative (yes in step S14), the process advances to step S15.

In step S15, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 to clean the filter 51 so that the cleaning time is shorter than the standard cleaning time Ts. As a result, the cleaning unit 54 cleans the filter 51 for a cleaning time T2 shorter than the standard cleaning time Ts. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is relatively small, it is possible to appropriately clean the filter 51 in accordance with the amount of dust while suppressing power consumption in cleaning the filter 51. For example, the cleaning time T2 is "2 minutes 30 seconds".

On the other hand, when the determination in step S14 is negative (no in step S14), the process advances to step S16. The negative determination (no at step S14) indicates that the control unit 56 determines that the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination is "medium" from the server 1 before the air-conditioning operation is stopped.

In step S16, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 so that the standard cleaning time Ts cleans the filter 51. As a result, the cleaning unit 54 cleans the filter 51 for the standard cleaning time Ts. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is moderate, the filter 51 can be cleaned for a necessary and sufficient time. As a result, the power consumption when cleaning the filter 51 can be optimized.

As described above with reference to fig. 8, according to the second embodiment, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning time of the filter 51 by the cleaning unit 54 based on the control information CN based on the amount of dust. Therefore, the filter 51 can be cleaned at an appropriate cleaning time according to the amount of dust in the room. As a result, the power consumption when cleaning the filter 51 can be optimized. Further, the order of step S12 and step S14 may be reversed. The phrase "the control unit 56 performs control of the cleaning unit 54 based on the control information CN" corresponds to, for example, step S13, step S15, and step S16.

(third embodiment)

Next, an air conditioning system 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 9. The third embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the third embodiment notifies information on the cleaning portion 54. That is, in the third embodiment, "control related to the cleaning portion 54" is "control of notification of information related to the cleaning portion 54". Hereinafter, differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

First, the notification of information on the cleaning unit 54 of the air conditioner 5 will be described with reference to fig. 1 (a) and 6.

As shown in fig. 6, the communication section 58 of the air conditioner 5 receives the control information CN based on the amount of dust detected by the air cleaner 3. Then, the control section 56 controls the notification of the information about the cleaning section 54 based on the control information CN. Therefore, the control portion 56 can notify the information about the cleaning portion 54 according to the amount of dust in the room. As a result, according to the third embodiment, compared with the case where the air conditioner 5 is not associated with the air cleaner 3 and the information on the cleaning portion 54 is notified alone, the information on the cleaning portion 54 can be appropriately notified according to the amount of dust in the room.

In the third embodiment, the information on the cleaning unit 54 is information indicating the state of the cleaning unit 54. Specifically, the information on the cleaning portion 54 indicates whether the dust storage portion 54c (fig. 5) is to be cleaned or the dust storage portion 54c is to be replaced. Therefore, the user can be notified of cleaning the dust storage portion 54c or replacing the dust storage portion 54c at an appropriate timing according to the amount of dust in the room.

That is, when the amount of dust in the room is large, it can be predicted that the dust containing part 54c is filled with dust relatively early, and when the amount of dust in the room is small, it can be predicted that the dust containing part 54c is filled with dust relatively late. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is large, the user can be notified of cleaning the dust containing portion 54c or replacing the dust containing portion 54c at a relatively early timing. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is small, the user can be notified of cleaning the dust storage portion 54c or replacement of the dust storage portion 54c at a relatively late timing. As a result, the user can clean or replace the dust storage portion 54c at an appropriate timing.

Specifically, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 55 to emit light from the notification unit 55 according to the control information CN based on the amount of dust in the room. As a result, the notification unit 55 emits light to notify the user indoors of information about the cleaning unit 54. Note that the control unit 56 may perform notification by voice.

As shown in fig. 1 (a) and 6, the control unit 56 controls the communication unit 58 so that information on the cleaning unit 54 is transmitted to the server 1. As a result, the communication unit 58 transmits information about the cleaning unit 54 to the server 1. That is, the control unit 56 notifies the server 1 of information about the cleaning unit 54. Then, the server 1 transmits information about the cleaning portion 54 to the communication terminal 7. That is, the server 1 notifies the communication terminal 7 of information about the cleaning unit 54. Then, the communication terminal 7 receives information about the cleaning portion 54. Further, the display unit 7a displays information on the cleaning unit 54, thereby notifying the user of the communication terminal 7 of the information on the cleaning unit 54. In other words, the control section 56 of the air conditioner 5 notifies information about the cleaning section 54 via the server 1 and the communication terminal 7.

Next, a process of controlling notification of information on the cleaning unit 54 by the air conditioner 5 will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the notification operation of the air conditioner 5. As shown in fig. 6 and 9, the control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 notifies information about the cleaning unit 54. Specifically, the processing of the control unit 56 includes steps S21 to S30.

In step S21, the control unit 56 determines whether or not to cause the air conditioner 5 to start the air conditioning operation.

When the determination in step S21 is negative (no in step S21), the process returns to step S21.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S21 is affirmative (yes in step S21), the process advances to step S22.

In step S22, the control unit 56 determines whether the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the contamination level DL is "large" from the server 1. The communication unit 32 (fig. 2) of the air cleaner 3 transmits the control information CN to the server 1 at predetermined time intervals.

When the determination in step S22 is affirmative (yes in step S22), the process advances to step S23.

In step S23, control unit 56 adds the value "2T" to count value C. The value "T" represents a prescribed value. In the third embodiment, the value "T" represents a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second). Therefore, in the case where the degree of contamination DL in the room is "large" in step S23, the count value is incremented at twice as fast as in the case where the value "T" is added to the count value C. That is, when the indoor pollution level DL is "large", the time indicated by the count value C is rapidly performed.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S22 is negative (no in step S22), the process advances to step S24.

In step S24, the control unit 56 determines whether the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the contamination level DL is "small" from the server 1.

When the determination in step S24 is affirmative (yes in step S24), the process advances to step S25.

In step S25, the control section 56 adds the value "(1/2) T" to the count value C. Therefore, in the case where the degree of contamination DL in the room is "small" in step S25, the count value is incremented at a rate 1/2 times as compared with the case where the value "T" is added to the count value C. That is, when the indoor pollution level DL is "small", the time indicated by the count value C is slowly performed.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S24 is negative (no in step S24), the process advances to step S26. The negative determination (no at step S24) indicates that the control unit 56 determines that the communication unit 58 has received the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination is "medium" from the server 1.

In step S26, control unit 56 adds value "T" to count value C. Therefore, in the case where the degree of contamination DL in the room is "medium" in step S26, the count value C is incremented at a normal speed. That is, when the indoor pollution level DL is "medium", the time indicated by the count value C is normally performed.

In step S27 after step S23, after step S25, or after step S26, the control section 56 determines whether the count value C is equal to or greater than the threshold TH. For example, the threshold TH is "1000 hours".

When the determination in step S27 is affirmative (yes in step S27), the process advances to step S29.

In step S29, the control unit 56 notifies information about the cleaning unit 54. Therefore, the user can know that the timing to clean the dust containing part 54c or the timing to replace the dust containing part 54c has come, by the notification part 55 of the air conditioner 5 or the display part 7a of the communication terminal 7.

Here, since the count value C is rapidly counted during the period in which the contamination level DL is "large", when the amount of dust in the room is large, information on the cleaning portion 54 is relatively early notified. On the other hand, since the count value C is slowly counted while the contamination level DL is "small", when the amount of dust in the room is small, the information on the cleaning unit 54 is relatively late notified. Therefore, the user can know the timing when the dust storage part 54c is cleaned or the timing when the dust storage part 54c is replaced at an appropriate timing according to the amount of dust in the room.

In step S30, control unit 56 substitutes zero for count value C to reset count value C.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S27 is negative (no in step S27), the process advances to step S28. A negative determination (no in step S27) indicates that the cleaning timing and the replacement timing of the dust storage portion 54c have not come.

In step S28, the control unit 56 determines whether or not to stop the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 5.

When the determination in step S28 is negative (no in step S28), the process advances to step S22.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S28 is affirmative (yes in step S28), the processing is ended. Therefore, if the degree of contamination is always "medium" during the operation of the air conditioner, the count value C represents the cumulative execution time of the operation of the air conditioner.

As described above with reference to fig. 9, according to the third embodiment, the control unit 56 notifies the information on the cleaning unit 54 based on the control information CN based on the amount of dust. Therefore, the user can be notified of cleaning the dust storage portion 54c or replacement of the dust storage portion 54c at an appropriate timing as the dust stored in the dust storage portion 54c becomes full. Further, the order of step S22 and step S24 may be reversed. Further, "the control unit 56 performs control related to the cleaning unit 54 based on the control information CN" corresponds to, for example, step S23, step S25, step S6, step S27, and step S29.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various embodiments (for example, the following (1) to (8)) may be implemented as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some of the constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments. Further, the constituent elements of the different embodiments may be appropriately combined. In the drawings, each constituent element is schematically illustrated as a main body for easy understanding, and for convenience of drawing, the thickness, length, number, interval, and the like of each constituent element illustrated in the drawings may be different from actual ones. The materials, shapes, dimensions, and the like of the respective constituent elements shown in the above embodiments are only examples, and are not particularly limited, and various modifications can be made within a range that does not substantially depart from the effects of the present invention.

(1) In the first to third embodiments described with reference to fig. 1, 2, and 6, the control information CN is information in which the dust information DT is copied. However, the control information CN is not limited to the information in which the dust information DT is copied, as long as it is based on the dust information DT.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, the control information CN may be information for controlling the operation of the cleaning portion 54. For example, in the first embodiment, the control information CN may be information for controlling the cleaning unit 54 to perform cleaning by the number of times of cleaning according to the contamination level DL. For example, in the second embodiment, the control information CN may be information for controlling the cleaning unit 54 to perform cleaning for a cleaning time according to the contamination level DL (see fig. 8).

For example, in the third embodiment, the control information CN may be information that controls notification of information related to the cleaning portion 54. For example, the control information CN may be information indicating a value to which the count value C is added (see fig. 7).

The dust information DT transmitted from the air cleaner 3 is not limited to information indicating the degree of pollution DL, and may be information indicating the dust concentration, for example, as long as it can directly or indirectly indicate the amount of dust in the room.

(2) In the first to third embodiments described with reference to fig. 1, 2, and 6, the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 communicate with each other via the server 1. However, as long as the control information CN is transmitted to the air conditioner 5, the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 may communicate with each other without going through the server 1. That is, the air cleaner 3 may transmit the control information CN based on the dust information DT to the air conditioner 5 via the network NW. In this case, for example, the control information CN may be information in which the dust information DT is copied, information in which the operation of the cleaning unit 54 is controlled, or information indicating a value to which the count value C is added.

Further, the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 can communicate directly without going through the network NW.

In the third embodiment, the air conditioner 5 may transmit information on the cleaning unit 54 to the communication terminal 7 without passing through the server 1. That is, the air conditioner 5 may notify the communication terminal 7 of the information on the cleaning unit 54 without passing through the server 1.

(3) In the first to third embodiments described with reference to fig. 4, the filter 51 is cleaned by moving the filter 51 while the cleaning unit 54 of the air conditioner 5 is at a fixed position. However, the cleaning method and the structure of the cleaning portion are not particularly limited as long as the filter 51 can be cleaned. Further, the filter 51 is not particularly limited as long as the filter 51 collects dust.

For example, the filter 51 may be stationary, and the cleaning portion may clean the filter 51 by contacting the filter 51 and moving in the horizontal direction. For example, the filter 51 may be stationary, and the cleaning portion may also clean the filter 51 by contacting the filter 51 and moving in the bending direction of the filter 51. The cleaning unit may divide the filter 51 into a plurality of regions and clean each region. For example, the cleaning section cleans one area of the filter 51 by cleaning once, and completes the cleaning of the entire filter 51 by cleaning a plurality of times. In this case, for example, the cleaning is performed once so that the degree of contamination DL is "small", twice so that the degree of contamination DL is "medium", and three times so that the degree of contamination DL is "large" (see fig. 7).

(4) In the first to third embodiments explained with reference to fig. 7 to 9, the contamination level DL is divided into three levels, but may be divided into a plurality of levels other than three levels. Then, for example, the number of times of cleaning, the cleaning time, or a value added with a count value may also be set for each of the plurality of levels.

(5) In the third embodiment described with reference to fig. 9, the value to which the count value C is added is changed in accordance with the contamination level DL. However, as long as the degree of contamination DL is larger, the notification is performed earlier, and the value added with the count value C may be constant. In this case, the threshold TH is changed according to the contamination level DL. For example, when the contamination level DL is "large", the threshold TH is set to the lowest value, and when the contamination level DL is "small", the threshold TH is set to the highest value.

(6) In the first and second embodiments described with reference to fig. 7 and 8, the following modifications may be made.

For example, the control unit 56 may increase the number of times of cleaning or increase the cleaning time of the filter 51 as the amount of dust is larger than the predetermined amount of dust. For example, when the communication unit 58 receives the control information CN indicating that the contamination level DL is "large" from the server 1 before the air conditioning operation is stopped, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 so that the filter 51 is cleaned by the number of times N10 of cleaning or the cleaning time T10. For example, when the communication unit 58 receives the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination DL is "medium" from the server 1 before the air conditioning operation is stopped, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 so that the filter 51 is cleaned by the number of times N11 of cleaning or the cleaning time T11. The number of cleanings N10 is more than the number of cleanings N11. The cleaning time T10 is longer than the cleaning time T11. In this example, the degree of contamination DL "small" corresponds to a predetermined amount of dust. And, when the contamination level DL is "small", the filter 51 is cleaned at the standard cleaning times Ns or the standard cleaning time Ts. N10> N11> Ns, T10> T11> Ts.

For example, the control unit 56 may reduce the number of times of cleaning or shorten the cleaning time of the filter 51 as the amount of dust is smaller than the predetermined amount of dust. For example, when the communication unit 58 receives the control information CN indicating that the degree of contamination DL is "medium" from the server 1 before the air conditioning operation is stopped, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 so that the filter 51 is cleaned by the number of times N12 of cleaning or the cleaning time T12. For example, when the communication unit 58 receives the control information CN indicating that the contamination level DL is "small" from the server 1 before the air conditioning operation is stopped, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 so that the filter 51 is cleaned by the number of times N13 of cleaning or the cleaning time T13. The number of cleanings N13 is less than the number of cleanings N12. The cleaning time T13 is shorter than the cleaning time T12. In this example, the degree of contamination DL "large" corresponds to a predetermined amount of dust. And, when the contamination degree DL is "large", the filter 51 is cleaned at the standard cleaning times Ns or the standard cleaning time Ts. Ns > N12> N13, Ts > T12> T13.

(7) In the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 4, the following modifications can be made.

For example, the control unit 56 controls the moving speed of the filter 51 when the cleaning unit 54 is cleaned by the filter 51, based on the control information CN based on the amount of dust. Therefore, the filter 51 can be effectively cleaned according to the amount of dust in the room. In this case, the rotation speed of the brush 54b is constant. The rotation speed indicates the rotation speed of the brush 54b per unit time.

Specifically, the control unit 56 controls the moving unit 54a to control the moving speed of the filter 51. For example, in step S3 of fig. 7, the control unit 56 controls the cleaning unit 54 to clean the filter 51 at a moving speed slower than the standard moving speed Vs. As a result, the cleaning unit 54 moves the filter 51 at the moving speed V1 slower than the standard moving speed Vs to clean the filter 51. Thereby, the filter 51 can be thoroughly cleaned. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is relatively large, the filter 51 can be cleaned effectively so that the dust does not remain in the filter 51.

Further, in step S5 of fig. 7, the control portion 56 controls the cleaning portion 54 so that the moving speed cleans the filter 51 faster than the standard moving speed Vs. As a result, the cleaning unit 54 moves the filter 51 at the moving speed V2 faster than the standard moving speed Vs to clean the filter 51. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is relatively small, the time for cleaning the filter 51 can be shortened, and the filter 51 can be cleaned appropriately according to the amount of dust.

Further, in step S6 of fig. 7, the control portion 56 controls the cleaning portion 54 to clean the filter 51 using the standard moving speed Vs. As a result, the cleaning unit 54 moves the filter 51 at the standard moving speed Vs to clean the filter 51. Therefore, when the amount of dust in the room is moderate, the filter 51 can be cleaned as many times as necessary. As a result, the power consumption when cleaning the filter 51 can be optimized.

Similarly to the above-described content (6), the controller 56 may slow the movement speed of the filter 51 as the dust amount becomes larger than the predetermined dust amount. Further, the control unit 56 may increase the moving speed of the filter 51 as the amount of dust is smaller than the predetermined amount of dust.

In the configuration of the cleaning unit shown in (3), the control unit 56 may control the moving speed of the cleaning unit based on the control information CN based on the amount of dust. For example, the more the amount of dust is greater than the predetermined amount of dust, the more the control unit 56 slows down the movement speed of the cleaning unit and thoroughly cleans the filter 51. Further, the control unit 56 increases the moving speed of the cleaning unit and shortens the cleaning time as the amount of dust is smaller than the predetermined amount of dust.

(8) Two or more features of the first, second, and third embodiments may also be combined.

The invention provides an air conditioner and an air conditioning system, and has industrial applicability.

Description of the reference numerals

1 Server

3 air purifier

5 air conditioner

32 communication unit

35 dust detecting part

51 Filter

54 cleaning part

54b Brush (dust removing part)

54c dust container

56 control part

58 communication part

100 air conditioning system