JP6478472B2 - Cooperation system of air conditioner and self-propelled vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cooperation system of an air conditioner and a self-propelled cleaner.

  In recent years, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that performs self-propelled cleaning on an indoor floor surface has been provided. When this self-propelled vacuum cleaner is self-propelled and starts a cleaning operation, there is a problem that fine dirt particles such as dust and pollen soar and indoor air gets dirty.

JP 2008-232452 A JP 2008-286439 A

  Therefore, when a self-propelled vacuum cleaner starts cleaning operation and the indoor air gets dirty, the air conditioner and self-propelled vacuum cleaner linkage system can automatically clean the indoor air. provide.

The cooperation system of the air conditioner and the self-propelled cleaner of the present embodiment has an air conditioning means, an air cleaning means, and a dirt detection sensor for detecting dirt on the air, air conditioning operation using the air conditioning means, and air cleaning. An air conditioner that performs an air cleaning operation using a liquefying means, and a self-propelled cleaner that automatically cleans the floor by traveling. The self-propelled cleaner transmits a start signal to the air conditioner at the start of the cleaning operation, and transmits an end signal to the air conditioner at the end of the cleaning operation. In response to receiving the start signal from the self-propelled cleaner, the air conditioner starts an air cleaning operation based on the detection result of the dirt detection sensor, and the end signal from the self-propelled cleaner. In response to receiving the air purification operation, and until the end signal is received from the self-propelled cleaner, the air purification is performed regardless of the degree of air contamination. When the operation is continued and the end signal is received from the self-propelled cleaner, the air cleaning operation is continued until the degree of air contamination detected by the contamination detection sensor becomes less than a predetermined value .

Schematic functional block diagram of an air conditioner and a self-propelled cleaner according to the first embodiment The flowchart which shows roughly the flow of a process of an air conditioner and a self-propelled cleaner when the air conditioner is not in an air conditioning operation The flowchart which shows roughly the flow of a process of an air conditioner and a self-propelled cleaner when the air conditioner is performing air conditioning operation. FIG. 1 equivalent diagram according to the second embodiment

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the substantially same component and description is abbreviate | omitted.
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In FIG. 1, the schematic structure of the air conditioner 1 and the self-propelled cleaner 2 is shown by functional blocks. Although not shown, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is installed on the upper part of the indoor wall, and the outdoor unit is installed outdoors. The air conditioner 1 includes a control unit 3, an air conditioning unit 4, an indoor fan 5, an air cleaning unit 6, a dirt detection sensor 7, a communication unit 8, and the like.

  The control means 3 is composed mainly of a microcomputer, and is installed in the indoor unit and has a function of controlling the overall operation of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioning means 4 includes a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion mechanism. The compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the expansion mechanism are installed in the outdoor unit, and the indoor heat exchanger is installed in the indoor unit. The indoor blower 5 is installed in the indoor unit, and blows wind from the indoor unit to circulate indoor air.

  The air cleaning means 6 is comprised, for example with the electric dust collector, and is installed in the indoor unit. Although not shown, the electrostatic precipitator includes, for example, a charging unit composed of an ionization line and a counter electrode plate, and a dust collecting unit composed of a dust collecting side electrode and a non-dust collecting side electrode facing the same. In the charging unit, dust is charged by corona discharge, and the dust is collected in the dust collecting side electrode by using Coulomb force in the dust collecting unit. In addition, the electrostatic precipitator is composed of a needle-like discharge electrode charged with a negative negative high voltage, and a ground potential indoor heat exchanger that acts as a counter electrode disposed downstream of the discharge electrode in the indoor unit ventilation path. The negative ions generated at the discharge electrode are discharged to the air passage, the dust contained in the passing air is charged to a negative potential, and adheres to the fin of the indoor heat exchanger that acts as a counter electrode on the downstream side It may be configured to collect dust. In this configuration, the dust collected by the fins of the indoor heat exchanger flows down to the drain pan together with the condensed water on the surface and is discharged to the outside, so that it is not accumulated in the indoor unit.

  The dirt detection sensor 7 is, for example, an oxide semiconductor gas sensor, is installed in the indoor unit, detects the degree of dirt in the air, and outputs the detection result to the control means 3. The communication means 8 is installed in the indoor unit and can communicate with the remote controller 9 that operates the air conditioner 1. The communication method between the communication means 8 and the remote controller 9 is, for example, wireless communication using infrared rays. When an input operation is performed on the remote controller 9 and a signal is transmitted from the remote controller 9 toward the indoor unit, the control unit 3 of the indoor unit receives the signal via the communication unit 8.

  The control means 3 is based on an input signal from the communication means 8, a detection signal from the dirt detection sensor 7, a detection signal from a temperature sensor (not shown), and a control program prepared in advance, and the air conditioning means 4, the indoor blower 5, and the air purifier. A function for controlling the means 6 and the communication means 8 is provided. The control means 3 controls the air-conditioning means 4 and the indoor blower 5 so that hot air or cold air is blown from the air discharge port of the indoor unit to control the indoor temperature to the set temperature, and the air cleaning means. By driving and controlling the electric dust collector 6 and the indoor blower 5, an air cleaning operation for cleaning indoor air can be performed. The air cleaning operation can be performed independently of the air conditioning operation and the air conditioning operation.

  On the other hand, the self-propelled cleaner 2 performs cleaning by automatically running on the floor surface, and in the cleaner body, a control means 11, a running means 12, a cleaning means 13, an area detecting means 14, The communication means 15 etc. are provided. The control means 11 is composed mainly of a microcomputer, and has a function of controlling the overall operation of the self-propelled cleaner 2. The traveling means 12 includes a drive motor for traveling on the floor surface. The cleaning means 13 includes a suction motor for cleaning. The area detection unit 14 detects the current running area based on information acquired from a position detection sensor such as a running sensor or a gyro sensor.

  The communication means 15 can communicate with the remote controller 16 that operates the self-propelled cleaner 2. The communication method between the communication unit 15 and the remote controller 16 is, for example, wireless communication using infrared rays, similar to the communication method between the communication unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 and the remote controller 9. When the remote controller 16 is input and a signal is transmitted from the remote controller 16 toward the self-propelled cleaner 2, the control means 11 of the self-propelled cleaner 2 receives the signal via the communication means 15.

  And in this embodiment, mutual communication is also possible between the communication means 8 in the air conditioner 1 and the communication means 15 in the self-propelled cleaner 2. The communication method between the communication unit 8 and the communication unit 15 is also the communication method between the communication unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 and the remote controller 9, and the communication unit 15 and the remote controller 16 in the self-propelled cleaner 2. Similar to the communication method between the two, wireless communication using infrared rays.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
<When the air conditioner 1 is in a stopped (standby) state>
First, the case where the air conditioner 1 is in the operation stop (standby) state will be described with reference to FIG. The air conditioner 1 is neither in an air conditioning operation nor in an air cleaning operation, but is in a standby state for accepting an external signal (step B1), and waits for an operation start signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2. (Step B2).

  In the self-propelled cleaner 2, the user sets the operation start time for cleaning by the self-propelled cleaner 2 by the remote controller 16 (step A1). The control means 11 of the self-propelled cleaner 2 stands by until the operation start time set by the remote controller 16 is reached (step A2). Then, when the set operation start time is reached, the control means 11 proceeds to step A3 according to “YES” in step A2, starts cleaning by the self-propelled cleaner 2, and further proceeds to step A4. A cleaning start signal is transmitted by the communication means 15 to the air conditioner 1 side. Cleaning by the self-propelled cleaner 2 drives the cleaning means 13 to clean the floor surface while driving the traveling means 12 to automatically travel the floor surface. Along with the cleaning by the self-propelled cleaner 2, dust such as dust and pollen soars into the room.

  When the control means 3 on the air conditioner 1 side receives the operation start signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2 in step B2, the control means 3 proceeds to step B3 according to “YES”, and the communication means 8 performs self-propelled cleaning. A reception confirmation signal is transmitted to the machine 2 side.

  The control means 11 on the self-propelled cleaner 2 side transmits a cleaning start signal to the air conditioner 1 side in step A4, and then proceeds to step A5 to receive a reception confirmation signal from the air conditioner 1 side. If not received, the process returns to step A4 according to “NO”, and the cleaning start signal is transmitted again to the air conditioner 1 side. This is because even if a cleaning start signal is transmitted to the air conditioner 1 side, the signal cannot be received by the communication means 8 of the air conditioner 1 due to an obstacle such as a desk or chair, and communication may fail. Because there is. The start signal is transmitted until communication is successful. Since the self-propelled cleaner 2 is automatically running and its position changes, even if transmission fails once, it is likely to succeed next time. Thereby, the failure of communication can be covered. When receiving the reception confirmation signal from the air conditioner 1 side, the control means 11 proceeds to step A6 according to “YES” in step A5 and cleans until it is determined that the cleaning by the self-propelled cleaner 2 is finished. Continue.

  When the control means 3 on the air conditioner 1 side transmits the reception confirmation signal in Step B3, the control means 3 moves to Step B4 and starts operation in the air purification operation mode. In this air cleaning operation mode, the degree of dirt in the room air is detected by the dirt detection sensor 7, and when the degree of dirt exceeds a preset value, the air conditioner 1 performs the air cleaning operation. Is what you do. In the air cleaning operation mode, first, in step B5, the monitoring operation by the dirt detection sensor 7 is performed. In this monitoring operation, the indoor air blower 5 in the air conditioner 1 is operated at a low speed to move the indoor air, and the contamination level of the indoor air is detected by the contamination detection sensor 7. Then, the control means 3 compares the contamination level detected by the contamination detection sensor 7 with a preset value in step B6, and returns to step B5 if the detected contamination level is less than the set value. If it is determined that the detected degree of contamination is equal to or greater than the set value, the process proceeds to step B7 according to “YES”.

  In step B7, the air cleaning operation by the air conditioner 1 is started. In this air cleaning operation, the air cleaning means 6 (electric dust collector) is energized (ON) and the indoor blower 5 is operated. By this air cleaning operation, while the room air is circulated, dust contained in the room air is removed and cleaned. The control means 3 waits for the transmission of the cleaning end signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2 while performing the air cleaning operation (step B8).

  On the other hand, if the control means 11 of the self-propelled cleaner 2 determines that the cleaning by the self-propelled cleaner 2 has been completed in step A6, the process proceeds to step A7 according to “YES” and the air cleaner 1 is cleaned. An end signal is transmitted, and then the process proceeds to step A8 to determine whether or not a reception confirmation signal from the air conditioner 1 side has been received. When the reception confirmation signal is not received, the process returns to step A7, and the cleaning end signal is transmitted again to the air conditioner 1 side. This is the same reason as in step A5.

  When the control means 3 on the air conditioner 1 side receives the cleaning end signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2 in step B8, the control means 3 proceeds to step B9 according to “YES” and is received by the self-propelled cleaner 2 side. Send a confirmation signal.

  When receiving the reception confirmation signal from the air conditioner 1 side, the control means 11 on the side of the self-propelled cleaner 2 moves to step A9 according to “YES” in step A8, and operates the self-propelled cleaner 2 Is stopped and the process is terminated.

  When the control means 3 on the air conditioner 1 side transmits the reception confirmation signal in step B9, the control means 3 proceeds to step B10 and continues the air cleaning operation until the degree of contamination by the contamination detection sensor 7 becomes less than the set value. Do. When the control means 3 determines that the degree of contamination by the contamination detection sensor 7 has become less than the set value, the control means 3 proceeds to step B11 according to “YES”, stops the air cleaning operation, and ends the processing.

<When the air conditioner 1 is performing an air conditioning operation>
Next, the case where the air conditioner 1 is performing an air conditioning operation (cooling operation or heating operation) will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, since the process on the self-propelled cleaner 2 side is basically the same as that in FIG. 2, the process on the air conditioner 1 side will be mainly described. The air conditioner 1 waits for an operation start signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2 (step B2) while performing an air conditioning operation (cooling operation or heating operation) (step B21). In the air conditioning operation, the cooling operation or the heating operation is performed by controlling the air conditioning means 4 and the indoor blower 5.

  As described above, the control means 11 of the self-propelled cleaner 2 transmits a cleaning start signal to the air conditioner 1 side when cleaning is started (step A4). When the control means 3 of the air conditioner 1 receives the cleaning start signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2, the control means 3 proceeds to step B3 according to “YES” in step B2, and receives the reception confirmation signal to the self-propelled cleaner 2 side. Send.

  And the control means 3 of the air conditioner 1 transfers to step B22, and judges whether the air purification operation mode is ON now. When it is determined that the air purification operation mode is ON, the control means 3 proceeds to step B23 according to “YES”, continues the air conditioning operation (cooling / heating), and also performs the air purification operation. Will continue. Specifically, the operation of the air conditioning unit 4 (refrigeration cycle), the air cleaning operation based on the monitoring of the dirt detection sensor 7, and the operation of the indoor blower 5 are continued. Thereafter, the control means 3 proceeds to step B24.

  If the control means 3 determines in step B22 that the air cleaning operation mode is not ON, the control means 3 proceeds to step B25 according to “NO” and continues the air conditioning operation (cooling / heating). At the same time, the air cleaning operation is started. Specifically, the operation of the air-conditioning means 4 (refrigeration cycle) and the operation of the indoor blower 5 are continued, and the air cleaning operation mode based on the monitoring of the dirt detection sensor 7 is started. Thereafter, the control means 3 proceeds to step B24.

  In step B24, the control means 3 compares the degree of dirt detected by the dirt detection sensor 7 with a preset value, and if the detected degree of dirt is less than the set value, it waits and detects it. If it is determined that the degree of contamination is equal to or greater than the set value, the process proceeds to step B26 according to “YES”. In step B26, the air cleaning means 6 is energized to perform the air cleaning operation. Thereby, the dust contained in room air is removed and room air comes to be cleaned. And the control means 3 waits for the transmission of the cleaning completion signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2 while performing the air cleaning operation similarly to the above-described step B8.

  And if the control means 3 receives the cleaning completion signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2, it will transfer to step B9 according to "YES", and will transmit a reception confirmation signal to the self-propelled cleaner 2 side. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step B10, and the air cleaning operation is continuously performed until the contamination level by the contamination detection sensor 7 becomes less than the set value. When it is determined that the contamination level by the contamination detection sensor 7 is less than the set value, In accordance with “YES”, the process proceeds to step B11 to stop the air cleaning operation. Then, the control means 3 transfers to step B27, returns to the original air-conditioning operation mode, and complete | finishes a process.

According to the above-described embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.
The self-propelled cleaner 2 transmits a start signal to the air conditioner 1 side at the start of the cleaning operation, and the air conditioner 1 becomes dirty in response to receiving the start signal from the self-propelled cleaner 2. A mode for executing an air cleaning operation based on the detection result of the detection sensor 7 is provided. According to this, even when the self-propelled cleaner 2 starts the cleaning operation, even if dust such as dust or pollen soars and the indoor air is contaminated, the air conditioner 1 automatically cleans the indoor air. Therefore, it is possible to provide a comfortable living environment for the user. Further, it is not necessary to always keep the air conditioner 1 in an operating state for detecting dirt in the room, and when the operation of the self-propelled cleaner 2 in which dust or the like easily rises is started, the dirt detection of the air conditioner 1 By starting detection by the sensor 7, the operating power of the air conditioner 1 can be suppressed.

  The air purifying means 6 in the air conditioner 1 is an electric dust collecting type, and the air purifying operation using the air purifying means 6 is independent from the air conditioning operation and the air conditioning operation. It is the structure which can be operated. According to this configuration, whether or not the air conditioner 1 is performing the air conditioning operation, the air cleaning operation can be performed for a necessary time, and the operating power of the air conditioner 1 is suppressed. Is possible.

  The communication method between the self-propelled cleaner 2 and the air conditioner 1 is the same method as the communication method between the air conditioner 1 and the remote controller 9 for operating the air conditioner 1. The communication method between the air conditioner 1 and the remote controller 9 is generally infrared wireless communication, and the communication method between the self-propelled cleaner 2 and the air conditioner 1 is also the same infrared wireless communication. In this case, it is possible to cope with the air conditioner 1 and the self-propelled cleaner 2 without adding new communication means and communication control, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost.

  When the self-propelled cleaner 2 transmits a start signal to the air conditioner 1 side at the start of the cleaning operation and fails in the transmission, the self-propelled cleaner 2 moves and changes the position and transmits the start signal again (FIGS. 2 and 2). 3 steps A4 and A5). Thereby, it can prevent that the communication from the self-propelled cleaner 2 to the air conditioner 1 side remains unsuccessful.

  In this case, it is preferable that the position where the self-propelled cleaner 2 successfully transmits the start signal is stored in the storage unit. In the case of such a configuration, when the self-propelled cleaner 2 finishes cleaning and transmits an end signal to the air conditioner 1 side, to the position where the transmission is stored, which is stored in the storage means. By moving and transmitting the end signal, it is possible to minimize communication failure as much as possible.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Either the air conditioner 1 or the self-propelled cleaner 2, in this case, the air conditioner 1 is provided with the external communication means 20. The control means 3 of the air conditioner 1 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with the mobile terminal 21 as an external device via the external communication means 20. Examples of the mobile terminal 21 include a mobile phone, a smart phone, and a tablet PC. The control means 3 of the air conditioner 1 can communicate with the self-propelled cleaner 2 via the communication means 8 and 15, and the operating state of the air conditioner 1 and the self-propelled cleaner 2. It has a function to memorize. And it is possible to confirm each driving | running state of the air conditioner 1 and the self-propelled cleaner 2 by communicating with the air conditioner 1 from the portable terminal 21.

According to this, it becomes possible to confirm the driving | running state of both the air conditioner 1 and the self-propelled cleaner 2 by communicating with the air conditioner 1 using the portable terminal 21 even if going out. .
Note that the external communication means 20 may be provided in both the air conditioner 1 and the self-propelled cleaner 2 so that the portable terminal 21 can communicate with both the air conditioner 1 and the self-propelled cleaner 2.

(Other embodiments)
The communication method between the communication means 8 of the air conditioner 1 and the communication means 15 of the self-propelled cleaner 2 is such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) instead of wireless communication using infrared rays. Wireless communication can be used. In such a configuration, communication failures can be reduced even if there are obstacles, and more stable communication can be ensured.
In addition, communication between the air conditioner 1 and the self-propelled cleaner 2 can be performed via the remote controller 9 and the remote controller 16.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the air conditioner can be used even if the indoor air becomes dirty due to the dust or pollen rising as the self-propelled cleaner starts the cleaning operation. Thus, the indoor air can be automatically cleaned, and a comfortable living environment can be provided to the user.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 1 is an air conditioner, 2 is a self-propelled cleaner, 3 is control means, 4 is air conditioning means, 5 is an indoor blower, 6 is air cleaning means (electric dust collector), 7 is a dirt detection sensor, 8 Is a communication means, 9 is a remote control, 11 is a control means, 12 is a traveling means, 13 is a cleaning means, 15 is a communication means, 16 is a remote control, 20 is an external communication means, and 21 is a portable terminal (external device).

Claims (6)

An air conditioner having an air conditioning means, an air cleaning means, and a dirt detection sensor for detecting dirt on the air, performing an air conditioning operation using the air conditioning means, and an air cleaning operation using the air cleaning means;
A self-propelled vacuum cleaner that automatically cleans the floor and cleans it,
The self-propelled cleaner transmits a start signal to the air conditioner at the start of a cleaning operation, and transmits an end signal to the air conditioner at the end of a cleaning operation.
The air conditioner
In response to receiving the start signal from the self-propelled cleaner, the air cleaning operation based on the detection result of the dirt detection sensor is started, and the end signal from the self-propelled cleaner is received. in response to, and a mode that terminates the air cleaning operation,
Until the end signal is received from the self-propelled cleaner, the air cleaning operation is continued regardless of the degree of air contamination,
When the end signal is received from the self-propelled cleaner, the air purifying operation is continued until the degree of air pollution detected by the dirt detection sensor becomes less than a predetermined value. And a self-propelled vacuum cleaner linkage system. The air cleaning means is an electric dust collection type,
The air cleaning operation using the air cleaning means is configured to be capable of operating independently of the air conditioning operation and the air conditioning operation in parallel with the air conditioning operation. System for air conditioners and self-propelled vacuum cleaners.   The communication method between the self-propelled cleaner and the air conditioner is the same as the communication method between the air conditioner and a remote controller for operating the air conditioner. The cooperation system of the air conditioner of Claim 1 or 2 and a self-propelled cleaner.   When the self-propelled cleaner transmits a start signal to the air conditioner side at the start of a cleaning operation, if the transmission fails, the self-propelled cleaner moves and changes the position to transmit a start signal again. The cooperation system of the air conditioner and self-propelled cleaner as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3.   The said self-propelled cleaner is provided with the memory | storage means which memorize | stores the position where transmission of the said start signal was successful, The cooperation system of the air conditioner and self-propelled cleaner of Claim 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Either one of the air conditioner and the self-propelled cleaner has a communication function capable of communicating with an external device, and the operation state of each of the air conditioner and the self-propelled cleaner is set to the external device. It is possible to notify, The cooperation system of the air conditioner and the self-propelled cleaner as described in any one of Claim 1 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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