WO2022059376A1

WO2022059376A1 - Air conditioning system, server and coordinated operation method for coordinating operation between air conditioner and humidifying air cleaner

Info

Publication number: WO2022059376A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/029086
Authority: WO
Inventors: 郁也赤池; 祐坂田; 慎介川口
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2020-09-18
Filing date: 2021-08-05
Publication date: 2022-03-24
Also published as: JP2022051286A

Abstract

Provided are an air conditioning system, a server, and a coordinated operation method for coordinating operation between an air conditioner and a humidifying air cleaner, in which: standby is started upon receipt of a first signal indicating that the air conditioner has been set to an automatic mode; the air conditioner is queried regarding the operation mode after a prescribed standby time has elapsed; the operation mode of the air conditioner is determined on the basis of the result of the query, and, if the operation mode is determined to be a heating mode, the humidifying function of the humidifying air cleaner is started, and operation between the air conditioner and the humidifying air cleaner is coordinated.

Description

Air conditioning system, server, and interlocking method that interlocks an air conditioner with a humidified air purifier

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a server, and an interlocking method for interlocking a plurality of household electric products, and particularly to an air conditioning system, a server, and an interlocking method for interlocking an air conditioner and a humidified air purifier.

In its heating mode, the air conditioner raises the room temperature based on the set temperature and strives to provide a comfortable environment for the user. Further, since the comfort felt by the user is affected not only by the temperature but also by the humidity, further higher comfort can be provided by increasing the indoor humidity as well as the indoor temperature. However, since an air conditioner generally does not have a humidifying function, it needs to be linked with a humidifier as a separate device. For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a technique for linking an air conditioner with other home electric appliances.

Japanese Patent No. 6461713 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-60318

As mentioned above, temperature and humidity affect comfort. Therefore, for example, if the cooling function of the air conditioner and the humidifying function of the humidifier are erroneously linked, the comfort is impaired. Especially when the air conditioner operates in automatic mode, it may take some time to determine the operation mode as to whether it actually operates in heating mode, cooling mode, or other mode. ..

For example, in the automatic mode, if the operation mode is linked with the humidifier at a stage where the operation mode has not been determined yet, the linking may fail because the actual operation mode is not known. In addition, comfort may be impaired by determining the wrong operation mode and interlocking or not interlocking.

The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a server, and an interlocking method capable of accurately determining the operation mode of the air conditioner and correctly interlocking the humidification function.

One aspect of the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning machine configured to determine at least one of a heating mode and a cooling mode as an operating mode in an automatic mode, and a humidified air purifier having a humidifying function. The standby is started when the machine and the first signal indicating that the air conditioner is set to the automatic mode are received, and after the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the air conditioner is inquired about the operation mode and inquired. If the operation mode of the air conditioner is determined based on the result and the operation mode is determined to be the heating mode, the humidification function of the humidified air purifier is activated and the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier are linked. It is equipped with a server configured in.

The server of another aspect according to the present disclosure is a server that links the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier, and waits from the time when the first signal indicating that the air conditioner is set to the automatic mode is received. After the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the air conditioner is inquired about the operation mode of the air conditioner, the operation mode of the air conditioner is determined based on the result of the inquiry, and the operation mode is the heating mode. If it is determined, the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier is activated, and the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier are interlocked with each other.

Further, the interlocking method of another aspect according to the present disclosure is the interlocking method of the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier, and when the first signal indicating that the air conditioner is set to the automatic mode is received. Start standby from, wait for a predetermined standby time, inquire the air conditioner about the operation mode of the air conditioner, determine the operation mode of the air conditioner based on the inquiry result, and operate. When it is determined that the mode is the heating mode, the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier is activated, and the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier are interlocked with each other.

According to the air conditioning system, server, and interlocking method of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine the operation mode of the air conditioner and correctly activate the humidification function.

A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Flow chart of an example of the interlocking method in the first embodiment Schematic diagram showing the processing of the interlocking method in the first embodiment Flow chart of an example of the interlocking method in the second embodiment Flow chart of an example of the interlocking method in the third embodiment A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to a fourth embodiment. Schematic diagram showing the processing of the interlocking method in the fourth embodiment Flow chart of an example of the interlocking method in the fifth embodiment Schematic diagram of an example of the display screen of the terminal device according to the fifth embodiment.

First, various aspects of the air conditioning system, the server, and the interlocking method for interlocking the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier will be described.

The air conditioning system of the first aspect according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning machine configured to determine at least one of a heating mode and a cooling mode as an operating mode in an automatic mode, and a humidification having a humidifying function. The standby is started when the air purifier and the first signal indicating that the air conditioner is set to the automatic mode are received, and after the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the air conditioner is inquired about the operation mode. If the operation mode of the air conditioner is determined based on the inquiry result and the operation mode is determined to be the heating mode, the humidification function of the humidified air purifier is activated and the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier are linked. It comprises a server configured to allow it to operate.

In the second aspect of the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure, in the first aspect, when the server determines that the operation mode is the heating mode, the server determines whether or not the humidified air purifier is in operation. It may be further configured to activate the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier when the humidified air purifier is in operation.

In the air conditioning system of the third aspect according to the present disclosure, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the server inquires the air conditioner of the operation mode at regular time intervals in the automatic mode, and based on the result of the inquiry. When the operation mode of the air conditioner is determined and the operation mode is determined to be the heating mode, the humidification function of the humidified air purifier is activated, and the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier are further configured to work together. obtain.

In the third aspect of the air conditioning system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the air conditioner is set to the automatic mode via the controller of the air conditioner or an information terminal incorporating a dedicated related application. Further configured to be, the server may be configured to receive a first signal from a controller, a dedicated related application, or an air conditioner.

In the air conditioning system of the fifth aspect according to the present disclosure, in any one of the first to the fourth aspects, the server receives the second signal indicating that the operation of the air conditioner has been stopped. It may be further configured not to stop the humidification function when it receives a third signal indicating that the operation mode has been switched to the cooling mode.

In the air conditioning system of the sixth aspect according to the present disclosure, in any one of the first to the fourth aspects, the server receives the second signal indicating that the operation of the air conditioner has been stopped. Or upon receiving a third signal indicating that the operating mode has been switched to cooling mode, it may be further configured to stop the humidification function.

In the air conditioning system of the seventh aspect according to the present disclosure, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operation mode includes the dehumidification mode, and the server is switched from the operation mode to the dehumidification mode. It may be further configured to stop the humidification function upon receiving a fourth signal indicating that.

In the air conditioning system of the eighth aspect according to the present disclosure, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the server activates the humidification function, and then the humidification function is activated. It may be further configured to be displayed on the controller of the air conditioner, or a dedicated related application built into the information terminal.

In the air conditioning system of the ninth aspect according to the present disclosure, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the humidified air purifier sets the humidification control parameter after the humidification function is activated by the server. It may be further configured to determine and perform a humidifying function.

The server of the tenth aspect according to the present disclosure is a server that links the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier, and has been received from the time when the first signal indicating that the air conditioner has been set to the automatic mode is received. After starting standby and the specified standby time has elapsed, the air conditioner is inquired about the operation mode of the air conditioner, the operation mode of the air conditioner is determined based on the result of the inquiry, and the operation mode is the heating mode. If it is determined that there is, the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier is activated, and the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier are interlocked with each other.

The interlocking method according to the eleventh aspect according to the present disclosure is the interlocking method between the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier, from the time when the first signal indicating that the air conditioner is set to the automatic mode is received. Starting standby, waiting for a predetermined standby time, inquiring the air conditioner about the operation mode of the air conditioner, determining the operation mode of the air conditioner based on the inquiry result, and operating mode When it is determined that is in the heating mode, the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier is activated, and the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier are interlocked with each other.

<< Embodiment 1 >>
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the air conditioning system, the server, and the interlocking method for interlocking the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

Embodiment 1 described below is an example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, configurations, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the first embodiment below are examples, and do not limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiment 1, the components not described in the independent claim indicating the highest level concept are described as arbitrary components.

In the first embodiment described below, a modification may be shown for a specific element, and the other elements include appropriately combining arbitrary configurations, and each effect is exhibited in the combined configuration. It plays. In the first embodiment, by combining the configurations of the respective modified examples, the effect in each modified example can be obtained.

In the following detailed description, terms such as "first" and "second" are used for illustration purposes only and express or imply the order of relative importance or technical features. Should not be understood. The features limited to "first" and "second" are explicit or implied to include one or more such features.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the outline of the air conditioning system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the server 10, the air conditioner 20, the humidified air purifier 40, and the like constituting the system 1 will be described. The air conditioner system 1 and the server 10 of the first embodiment accurately determine the operation mode of the air conditioner, and then link the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier. The interlocked air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 are further operated to fulfill their respective functions.

<Air conditioning system 1>
The air conditioning system 1 includes a server 10, at least one air conditioner 20, and at least one humidified air purifier 40. The server 10, the air conditioner 20, and the humidified air purifier 40 may all be placed under the control of the same company or the same group company, or may be managed and operated by a plurality of companies or group companies. Further, the air conditioning system 1 may include a terminal device 30 capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20. As will be described later, the terminal device 30 may be, for example, a controller of the air conditioner 20, a smartphone of a user of the air conditioner 20, or the like. When the terminal device 30 is a controller, it may be a product of the same company as the air conditioner 20. When the terminal device 30 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, the terminal device 30 may be manufactured, sold or managed by a company different from the server 10, the air conditioner 20 or the humidified air purifier 40, and is included in the air conditioning system 1. It does not have to be.

<Air conditioner 20>
In the air conditioner 20, the internal space (that is, the control space) of the room in the home or office is set as the target space for air conditioning control, and the indoor unit of the air conditioner 20 is provided on the wall surface, ceiling, or the like of the control space, and is used as the indoor unit. The connected outdoor unit is installed outdoors. The air conditioner 20 has at least two actually operable operating modes, a heating mode and a cooling mode. Further, the air conditioner 20 has an automatic mode. In the automatic mode, the user does not have to determine the operation mode by himself, and the air conditioner 20 automatically determines the actual operation mode. For example, in the automatic mode, the air conditioner 20 determines and operates at least one of the heating mode and the cooling mode as the actual operation mode. The present disclosure is not limited to the configuration described in the following embodiments, and has, for example, other functions such as a dehumidifying function and an air cleaning function in addition to the cooling and heating functions, or a cooling mode. -It includes an air conditioner having a combination of a heating mode and other functions (for example, a cooling / dehumidifying function).

The user can set the air conditioner 20 to an operation mode such as an automatic mode via a controller of the air conditioner 20 or a terminal device 30 such as an information terminal incorporating a dedicated related application 32 described later. .. The air conditioner 20 has an air conditioning storage unit 21, an air conditioning control unit 22, and an air conditioning communication unit 23. Further, the air conditioner 20 may have a sensor such as an indoor temperature sensor 24 or an outside air temperature sensor 25.

The air conditioning storage unit 21 is a recording medium for recording various information and control programs, and may be a memory that functions as a work area of the air conditioning control unit 22. The air-conditioning storage unit 21 is realized, for example, by flash memory, RAM, other storage devices, or a combination thereof as appropriate.

The air conditioning control unit 22 is a controller that controls the entire air conditioner 20. The air conditioning control unit 22 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, DSP, and ASIC that realizes a predetermined function by executing a program. The air conditioning control unit 22 can realize various controls in the air conditioner 20 by calling and executing the control program stored in the air conditioning storage unit 21. Further, the air conditioning control unit 22 can read / write the data stored in the air conditioning storage unit 21 in cooperation with the air conditioning storage unit 21. The air-conditioning control unit 22 is not limited to the one that realizes a predetermined function by the cooperation of hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit specially designed to realize a predetermined function.

The air conditioning control unit 22 controls the temperature of the control space based on the set temperature, the operation mode, the detection values received from various sensors, and the like. The air conditioning control unit 22 may control the wind speed and the wind direction of the airflow blown from the air conditioner 20. The air conditioning control unit 22 may control the humidity of the control space. The set temperature in the present disclosure may be a user-set temperature input by the user via the controller of the air conditioner 20, a smartphone associated with the air conditioner 20, or the like, and the air conditioner 20 actually operates. It may be an internal set temperature for operation.

The air-conditioning communication unit 23 can also communicate with the server 10, the user's terminal device 30, and the like, and can, for example, send and receive Internet packets. In one embodiment, the air conditioning communication unit 23 can communicate with the air purifying communication unit 43 of the humidified air purifier 40. When the air conditioning control unit 22 cooperates with the server 10 via the air conditioning communication unit 23, the air conditioning control unit 22 can receive a parameter value or a command related to control from the server 10 via the Internet.

In one embodiment, the server 10 is connected to a plurality of air conditioners 20 via the Internet, and can control the plurality of air conditioners 20. The plurality of air conditioners 20 referred to here may be air conditioners provided all over Japan or in each region of the world. Each air conditioner 20 is provided in each control space. The air conditioner 20 can detect the indoor temperature or the outside air temperature of the control space at regular intervals by using, for example, the built-in indoor temperature sensor 24, the outside air temperature sensor 25, and the like. In this disclosure, the illustrated air conditioner 20 will be described, but other air conditioners 20 may have the same configuration.

<Terminal device 30>
The terminal device 30 may be a controller of the air conditioner 20, or may be a controller capable of simultaneously managing and controlling a plurality of types of home appliances. Further, the terminal device 30 is an information terminal capable of performing data communication with the air conditioner 20, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a wearable device, a computer or the like in which a dedicated related application 32 is incorporated. You may. The server control unit 14 or the air conditioning control unit 22 can acquire the user-set temperature input by the user via the terminal device 30. In this embodiment, the user-set temperature, the operation mode specified by the user, and the like are set by the user input via the terminal device 30, but these settings are made via a device different from the terminal device 30. Can also be done.

<Humidified air purifier 40>
The humidified air purifier 40 has the functions of air purification and air humidification, and has the same control space as the control space of the air conditioner 20, or a control space in which only a part of the control space of the air conditioner 20 overlaps. The target space for air purification and air humidification. When operating the air purifying function, the humidified air purifier 40 detects the concentration and type of odor, PM2.5 particles, dirt, pollen, virus, etc. in the air in the control space, and these impurities are detected based on the detection result. Clean the air to remove. When operating the air humidification function (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as the humidification function), the humidifying air purifier 40 humidifies the air so as to maintain the humidity of the air in the control space at the set humidity. .. The removal target and the set humidity in the air purifying function may be set by the user, but may be automatically set by the humidified air purifier 40. The functions of air purification and air humidification may be operated separately or at the same time.

The humidified air purifier 40 is provided in the control space. In the first embodiment, the humidified air purifier 40 having the functions of air purification and air humidification will be described, but this configuration is an example. The present disclosure is not limited to the configuration described in the following embodiments, and includes an air conditioner having other functions or having a combination of air purification / air humidification and other functions. .. The humidified air purifier 40 has an air purifier storage unit 41, an air purifier control unit 42, and an air purifier communication unit 43. Further, the humidified air purifier 40 may have a sensor such as an indoor humidity sensor 44.

The air-cleaning storage unit 41 is a recording medium for recording various information and control programs, and may be a memory that functions as a work area of the air-clearing control unit 42. The air-clearing storage unit 41 is realized, for example, by flash memory, RAM, other storage devices, or a combination thereof as appropriate.

The air purifier control unit 42 is a controller that controls the entire humidified air purifier 40. The air clearance control unit 42 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, DSP, and ASIC that realizes a predetermined function by executing a program. The air purifier control unit 42 can realize various controls in the humidified air purifier 40 by calling and executing the control program stored in the air purifier storage unit 41. Further, the air-clearing control unit 42 can read / write the data stored in the air-clearing storage unit 41 in cooperation with the air-clearing storage unit 41. The air cleaning control unit 42 is not limited to the one that realizes a predetermined function by the cooperation of hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit specially designed to realize a predetermined function.

The air cleaning control unit 42 can control the humidity of the control space based on the set humidity, the operation mode, the detection values received from various sensors, and the like, and can purify the air in the control space. The air purifier control unit 42 may control the wind speed and the wind direction of the air flow that has been cleaned and blown out from the humidified air purifier 40.

The Kusei communication unit 43 can also communicate with the server 10, the user's terminal device 30, and the like, and can, for example, send and receive Internet packets. In one embodiment, the air conditioning communication unit 43 can communicate with the air conditioning communication unit 23. When the air-clearing control unit 42 cooperates with the server 10 via the air-clearing communication unit 43, the air-clearing control unit 42 can receive a parameter value or a command related to control from the server 10 via the Internet.

In one embodiment, the server 10 can be connected to and controlled by a plurality of humidified air purifiers 40 via the Internet. As these plurality of humidified air purifiers 40, it is assumed that they are installed all over Japan or in each region of the world. Each humidified air purifier 40 is provided in each control space. The humidified air purifier 40 uses, for example, a sensor such as a built-in indoor humidity sensor 44 to determine the indoor humidity, odor, PM2.5 particles, dirt, pollen, virus, etc. in the control space at regular intervals, and the concentration. , Has a configuration capable of detecting the type. In this disclosure, the humidified air purifier 40 of this example will be described, but other humidified air purifiers 40 may have the same configuration.

<Server 10>
As the server 10, in the first embodiment, for example, the air conditioner 20 and / or the humidified air for managing at least one air conditioner 20 and at least one humidified air purifier 40 or for collecting data. It may be the management server of the manufacturing company of the purifier 40. Alternatively, the server 10 may be an application server. When the server 10 manages a specific air conditioner 20 and a humidified air purifier 40, the server 10 can accurately determine the operation mode of the air conditioner and interlock the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40. In the first embodiment, the server 10 includes a server storage unit 12 and a server control unit 14. The server 10 may further include a server communication unit 16 for communicating with the air conditioner 20, the terminal device 30, and the humidified air purifier 40.

<Server storage unit 12>
The server storage unit 12 is a recording medium for recording various information and control programs, and may be a memory that functions as a work area of the server control unit 14. The server storage unit 12 is realized, for example, by a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Device), a hard disk, a RAM, another storage device, or a combination thereof as appropriate. The server storage unit 12 may be a memory inside the server 10, or may be a storage device connected to the server 10 by wireless communication or wired communication.

The server storage unit 12 may store detection values, operation records, control histories, etc. received from the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40. Further, the server storage unit 12 may store the received detection value, operation record, and control history as a part of the database or as an individual electronic file.

<Server control unit 14>
The server control unit 14 of the server 10 is a controller that controls the entire server 10. The server control unit 14 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, FPGA, DSP, and ASIC that realizes a predetermined function by executing a program. The server control unit 14 can realize various controls on the server 10 by calling and executing the control program stored in the server storage unit 12. Further, the server control unit 14 can read / write the data stored in the server storage unit 12 in cooperation with the server storage unit 12. The server control unit 14 is not limited to the one that realizes a predetermined function by the cooperation of hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit specially designed to realize a predetermined function.

<Server communication unit 16>
The server communication unit 16 can also cooperate with the server control unit 14 to send and receive Internet packets to and from the air conditioner 20, the humidified air purifier 40, the terminal device 30, and the like, that is, to communicate with each other. The server 10 may receive its operation record and control history from the air conditioner 20 or the humidified air purifier 40 via the server communication unit 16. The server communication unit 16, the air conditioning communication unit 23, or the air purification communication unit 43 is used to transmit and receive data between the server 10, the air conditioner 20, the terminal device 30, and the humidified air purifier 40. As the communication means, communication may be performed according to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, LTE, etc. In addition to the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, an ISDN, and a VAN may be performed. , CATV communication network, virtual dedicated network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication network, etc. may communicate with infrared rays and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

<Interlocking method for linking an air conditioner and a humidified air purifier>
The server 10 uses the server storage unit 12 and the server control unit 14 to execute an interlocking method in which the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 are interlocked with each other. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example of the interlocking method according to the first embodiment, and the interlocking method includes the following steps S100 to S500. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the processing of the interlocking method in the first embodiment, and shows the main body and the target of each step / operation.

First, the server control unit 14 determines whether or not the first signal indicating that the air conditioner 20 has been set to the automatic mode has been received via the server communication unit 16 (step S100). As described above, the air conditioner 20 to be interlocked is set to the automatic mode by the user via the controller of the air conditioner 20 or the terminal device 30 such as the information terminal in which the dedicated related application 32 is incorporated. Can be done. When the operating mode is set to the automatic mode, the air conditioner 20, the controller of the air conditioner 20, or the dedicated related application 32 transmits a first signal indicating that the automatic mode is set. Further, when the operation of the air conditioner 20 is stopped in the state of being set to the automatic mode and restarted, the mode is automatically set to the automatic mode, and the air conditioner 20 or the like transmits the first signal at the time of starting. It is also good. The server 10 receives the first signal directly or indirectly from the controller of the air conditioner 20, the dedicated related application 32, or the air conditioner 20 via the server communication unit 16. As described above, the server 10 can receive signals indicating various detection values or setting values from the air conditioner 20, the controller of the air conditioner 20, or the dedicated related application 32. In step S100, the server 10 determines whether or not the received signal is the first signal.

The device that receives the operation mode setting from the user and the device that transmits the first signal may be different. For example, when the user sets the operation mode to the automatic mode via the controller of the air conditioner 20, the air conditioner 20 may transmit the first signal to the server 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first signal is transmitted from the terminal device 30 (for example, the controller of the air conditioner 20) to the server 10, but is not limited to this in the other embodiments. When transmitting and receiving a signal from the controller of the air conditioner 20 to the server 10, the controller may transmit and receive the signal via the air conditioner 20.

In one embodiment, the air conditioner 20, the controller of the air conditioner 20, or the dedicated related application 32 transmits the actual operation mode of the air conditioner 20 to the server 10 as the first signal. In this case, the server 10 receives the first signal. Since the first signal is a signal indicating that the automatic mode is set, when the first signal is received, the server 10 determines that the operation mode is the automatic mode.

In the interlocking method, the standby is started from the time when the server 10 receives the first signal, and the standby time is waited for a predetermined standby time (step S200). That is, the server 10 starts standby from the time when it is found that the operation mode of the air conditioner 20 is the automatic mode by determining the first signal. In the present disclosure, "starting the standby from the time when the automatic mode is found" does not only start the standby from the time when the server control unit 14 determines the automatic mode (execution cycle), but actually. It also includes starting the standby after the processing time (cycle) required for the server control unit 14 to execute the standby command next has elapsed.

The predetermined waiting time is, for example, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or the like. The predetermined waiting time may be a constant or a variable. In one embodiment, the server 10 sets a predetermined standby time based on the communication environment between the server 10 and the air conditioner 20. For example, if the server 10 has taken a long time for past communication with the air conditioner 20, the predetermined standby time may be set longer, while if the time required for communication is short, the predetermined standby time may be set. May be set short. In another embodiment, the server 10 sets a predetermined standby time based on the performance of parts of the air conditioner 20 such as the air conditioning control unit 22. For example, the lower the computing power of the air conditioning control unit 22, the longer it takes to process the inquiry from the server 10, so that the predetermined standby time may be set longer. The server 10 may set a predetermined standby time in consideration of other factors or a plurality of factors (and the communication environment with the air conditioner 20 and the computing power of the air conditioning control unit 22).

After the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the server 10 inquires of the air conditioner 20 about its actual operation mode (step S300). That is, after the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the server 10 transmits a signal requesting an answer to the air conditioner 20 as to which mode the actual operation mode of the air conditioner 20 is. In order to properly link the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40, the server 10 needs to know the actual operation mode of the air conditioner 20. In one embodiment, when the operation mode is determined, the air conditioning control unit 22 acquires the detected values from the indoor temperature sensor 24 and the outside air temperature sensor 25, reads out the determination criteria stored in the air conditioning storage unit 21, and these The operation mode is determined to be executed based on the detected value and the determination criterion. As described above, in the automatic mode, it takes some time to determine whether to determine the heating mode, the cooling mode, or another operation mode as the actual operation mode immediately after the automatic mode is set. Therefore, in order to surely obtain an accurate determination result, the server 10 inquires of the air conditioner 20 about the determined operation mode after a predetermined standby time has elapsed so as to wait for the determination of the operation mode. The content of the inquiry may be "Which mode is the operation mode?" Or "Which mode is the operation mode?".

The server 10 determines the operation mode of the air conditioner 20 based on the result of the inquiry (step S400). For example, if an inquiry is made as to "which mode is the operation mode" and the result of the inquiry is the name or identifier of the operation mode, the server 10 acquires the actual operation mode from the inquiry result, and the acquired operation. Further determine if the mode is heating mode. Inquired as "Is the operation mode the heating mode?", And the result of the inquiry indicates "yes" (for example, "TRUE" or "1") or "no" (for example, "FALSE" or "FALSE". If it is a numerical value other than "1"), the server 10 may determine "yes" or "no" as the result of the inquiry as to whether or not the operation mode is the heating mode.

As a result of the determination, when the operation mode is the heating mode, the server 10 activates the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier 40 so as to provide a more comfortable environment, and the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 (Step S500). It should be noted that since the operation mode of the air conditioner 20 is inquired to the air conditioner 20 in step S300 after waiting in step S200, in step S500, the humidification function can be reliably activated in conjunction with the heating mode. After the humidifying air purifier 40 activates the humidifying function, the confirmation response may be transmitted to the server 10 as shown in FIG.

In step S500, when the server 10 determines that the operation mode is the heating mode, the server 10 may further determine whether or not the humidified air purifier 40 is in operation. In one embodiment, when the humidified air purifier 40 is already in operation, for example, when the air purifying function is operating, the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier 40 is activated. That is, in this embodiment, the interlocking method is terminated only when the humidified air purifier 40 is in operation, and when the operation is stopped, the server 10 ends the interlocking method without turning on the power of the humidified air purifier 40. In another embodiment, when the humidified air purifier 40 is stopped, the server 10 displays a message or a prompt to turn on the humidified air purifier 40 in the related application 32, and causes the user to display the humidified air purifier 40. You may be prompted to turn on the power of 40 or even activate the humidification function.

In one embodiment, the humidifying air purifier 40 determines the humidification control parameter and performs the humidifying function after the humidifying function is activated by the server 10. In this embodiment, once the humidification function is activated, the humidifying air purifier 40 performs the actual humidification control (for example, control regarding the degree of humidification such as high, standard, and modest). In another embodiment, the server 10 activates the humidification function and then cooperates with the humidifying air purifier 40 to perform humidification control at least partially.

As a result of the determination in step S400, when the operation mode is not the heating mode, for example, when the operation mode is the cooling mode or the dehumidification mode, the server 10 may end the interlocking method.

According to the air conditioning system, server, and interlocking method for interlocking the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier described above, a predetermined standby is intentionally performed without inquiring about the actual operation mode immediately after the automatic mode is set. Wait for the time before making an inquiry. Therefore, the operation mode of the air conditioner can be accurately determined, and the humidification function can be linked correctly. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the cooling function of the air conditioner and the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier are erroneously interlocked to impair comfort.

<< Embodiment 2 >>
In the second embodiment, the server 10 also corresponds to a case where the operation mode of the air conditioner 20 is changed from the heating mode to another mode after the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 are interlocked with each other. ..

In one embodiment, when the operation of the air conditioner 20 is stopped, the air conditioner 20, the controller of the air conditioner 20, or the dedicated related application 32 transmits a second signal. In another embodiment, when the operating mode is switched from automatic mode or heating mode to cooling mode, the air conditioner 20, the controller of the air conditioner 20, or the dedicated related application 32 transmits a third signal. In yet another embodiment, the air conditioner 20, the controller of the air conditioner 20, or the dedicated related application 32 transmits a fourth signal when the operating mode is switched from automatic mode or heating mode to dehumidification mode. .. The second signal indicates that the operation of the air conditioner 20 has been stopped, the third signal indicates that the operation mode has been switched from the automatic mode or the heating mode to the cooling mode, and the fourth signal indicates that the operation mode is the automatic mode. Or it indicates that the heating mode has been switched to the dehumidification mode. The server 10 directly or indirectly from the controller of the air conditioner 20, the dedicated related application 32, or the air conditioner via the server communication unit 16 has a second signal, a third signal, and / or a fourth signal. To receive.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of the interlocking method in the second embodiment. The server 10 determines whether or not the second signal, the third signal, or the fourth signal has been received (step S600). When any of these signals is received, that is, when the operation of the air conditioner 20 is stopped or the operation mode is set to the cooling mode or the dehumidifying mode, the interlocking is maintained to humidify the room humidity. No need. Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, when the server 10 receives the second signal, the third signal, or the fourth signal, the humidifying function of the humidifying air purifier 40 is stopped (step S700). As a result, the interlocking of the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 is stopped, and the processing for the second signal, the third signal, or the fourth signal is completed.

However, when the operation of the air conditioner 20 is stopped or the operation mode is set to the cooling mode or the like, the humidifying function activated in conjunction with the air conditioner 20 may be maintained and continued. In such an embodiment, the server 10 does not stop the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier 40 when it receives the second signal or the third signal.

The server 10 can more completely execute the processing related to interlocking by the processing corresponding to the second signal, the third signal, and / or the fourth signal. Further, when the operation in the heating mode is stopped or switched to another mode, the humidification function is stopped in conjunction with the operation, so that the user's comfort can be ensured.

<< Embodiment 3 >>
In the third embodiment, the interlocking method can be executed even when the air conditioner 20 has already been operated in the automatic mode for a certain period of time. Since the indoor temperature and outdoor temperature can change over time, the air conditioner 20 acquires the detected value again at regular intervals in the automatic mode in order to correctly determine the operation mode and provide the user with a comfortable environment. The operation mode may be determined again. For example, when the automatic mode is set (for example, early in the morning), the heating mode is determined as the operation mode and the heating mode is operated, but the outside air temperature rises sharply after that (for example, at noon). , The air conditioner 20 may determine the cooling mode as the operation mode and operate in the cooling mode. The server 10 may inquire about the operation mode at regular intervals so as to correspond to the change in the actual operation mode in the automatic mode.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of the interlocking method in the third embodiment. The interlocking method in the third embodiment is executed in the automatic mode. First, the server 10 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed in the automatic mode (step S110). The fixed time may be, for example, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes. When it is determined that a certain time has elapsed in the automatic mode, the server 10 executes the above-mentioned steps S300 to S500. That is, the server inquires of the air conditioner 20 about its operation mode at regular intervals in the automatic mode. When the operation mode of the air conditioner 20 is determined based on the inquiry result and it is determined that the operation mode is still maintained in the heating mode, the interlocking between the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 is maintained. If the fixed time has not elapsed (in the case of "No" in step S110), the user may wait until the fixed time has elapsed.

In one embodiment, the server 10 stores in the server storage unit 12 whether or not the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier 40 to be interlocked is activated. The server 10 may update the stored contents when the humidifying function is started or stopped by itself, and inquires of the humidifying air purifier 40 at regular intervals as to whether or not the humidifying function is started. The stored contents may be updated based on the result. When the activation state of the humidification function is stored in the server storage unit 12, the server 10 reads the activation state in step S500 and does not send a command to activate the humidification function again when the humidification function is already activated.

Further, when the server 10 learns that the operation of the air conditioner 20 has been stopped or the setting has been changed to another operation mode by the execution of step S110 to step S400 or step S600, the second operation is performed. As in the embodiment, the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier 40 may or may not be stopped.

By inquiring about the actual operation mode at regular intervals in the automatic mode, even if the actual operation mode changes due to changes in the indoor temperature or outdoor temperature, the operation mode of the air conditioner can be accurately determined and the humidification function can be used. It can be linked correctly. For example, when the automatic mode is set, even if the heating mode is not operated in the heating mode and the heating mode is entered later, the humidification function can be activated correctly and the interlocking can be performed. Further, for example, when the automatic mode is set, the operation is performed in the heating mode, but even if another operation mode such as the cooling mode is entered later, the humidification function can be stopped and the interlocking can be performed correctly.

<< Embodiment 4 >>
In the fourth embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 may include a plurality of servers having different uses. For example, since the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 are different types of home appliances, they may be managed by different servers. Communication may be performed directly between different servers, or indirectly via a relay server.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air conditioning system according to the fourth embodiment.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the server 10 includes an air conditioner server 17, a relay server 18, and a humidified air purifier server 19. The air conditioner server 17 may be a management server of the manufacturer of the air conditioner 20 for managing at least one air conditioner 20 or for collecting data. The humidified air purifier server 19 may be a management server of a manufacturer of the humidified air purifier 40 for managing at least one humidified air purifier 40 or for collecting data. The air conditioner server 17 and the humidified air purifier server 19 are mainly used for managing the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40, respectively. The air conditioner server 17 and the humidified air purifier server 19 can communicate with each other via the relay server 18 when interlocking different types of home appliances, that is, when executing the interlocking method.

The relay server 18 can communicate with the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40, respectively. As a communication means used for transmitting and receiving data between servers, communication may be performed according to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, and LTE, and the Internet. In addition, it may communicate with infrared rays, Bluetooth (registered trademark) such as intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual dedicated network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication network and the like.

The relay server 18 relays and transmits information, inquiries, commands, etc. from one of the air conditioner server 17 and the humidified air purifier server 19. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, in the relay server 18, when one of the air conditioner server 17 and the humidified air purifier server 19 cannot or cannot directly communicate with the other, and communication between the servers is required, all of them are used. , Communicates via the relay server 18. In one embodiment, the relay server 18 not only relays communication between the air conditioner server 17 and the humidified air purifier server 19, but also manages the air conditioner server 17 and the humidified air purifier server 19. It is a server. The air conditioner server 17, the relay server 18, and the humidified air purifier server 19 may all be placed under the control of the same company or the same group company, or may be managed and operated by a plurality of companies or group companies.

Although not shown, the air conditioner server 17, the relay server 18, and the humidified air purifier server 19 each include a server storage unit 12 as described above, a server control unit 14, and a server communication unit 16. But it may be.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the processing of the interlocking method in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the operation that the server 10 should originally perform in steps S100 to S800 is mainly executed by the air conditioner server 17. Specifically, it will be described as follows.

In step S100, the air conditioner server 17 receives the first signal from the air conditioner 20, the controller of the air conditioner 20, or the dedicated related application 32. Upon receiving the first signal, the air conditioner server 17 waits for a predetermined standby time (step S200), and then inquires of the air conditioner 20 about its operation mode (step S300). The air conditioner server 17 determines the operation mode of the air conditioner 20 based on the inquiry result (step S400). Since the air conditioner server 17 directly manages the air conditioner 20, it is possible to directly communicate with the air conditioner 20 to make an inquiry or receive the result of an inquiry directly from the air conditioner 20. You can also.

Then, when it is determined that the operation mode is the heating mode, the air conditioner server 17 activates the humidification function of the humidified air purifier 40 via the relay server 18 and the humidified air purifier server 19, and the air conditioner server 17 is used. The 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 are interlocked (step S500). After the humidifying air purifier 40 activates the humidifying function, the confirmation response may be transmitted to the server 10 as shown in FIG. 7. The command for activating the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier 40 and the confirmation response to the command are transmitted and received between the air conditioner server 17 and the humidified air purifier server 19 via the relay server 18.

Further, step S110, step S600 and / or step S700 are also executed by the air conditioner server 17.

By applying a server that mainly manages specific home appliances (eg, air conditioner server 17 and humidified air purifier server 19) and a relay server, these servers can be focused on their own responsibilities, and the server's The load and the demand for hardware can be reduced, and the load balance between the servers becomes suitable. Further, in one embodiment, communication cannot be performed between servers that manage different home appliances without going through a relay server. In this case, information such as traffic between servers can be managed more easily, and security can be improved.

<< Embodiment 5 >>
In the fifth embodiment, the server 10 can display the interlocking state to the user. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example of the interlocking method according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the server 10 activates the humidification function, that is, after the air conditioner 20 and the humidified air purifier 40 are interlocked (step S500), the controller of the air conditioner 20 or the controller of the air conditioner 20 or the server 10 is used. A dedicated related application 32 incorporated in the information terminal is displayed to that effect (step S800).

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an example of the display screen of the terminal device according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the server 10 displays the message "humidifying in conjunction with the humidifying air purifier" on the screen of the related application 32. In addition to the message, it may be displayed by using a sign indicating that humidification is in progress or an icon in conjunction with the humidifying air purifier. Further, the server 10 may further display a button or an icon that cancels the interlocking when pressed.

By displaying messages and icons related to interlocking, users can easily and intuitively understand whether or not interlocking is possible. Further, if the start button, stop button or setting item related to the interlocking is displayed, the usability and usability of the interlocking function can be improved.

The above is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the content described above in the drawings and the specific embodiments described above. Various embodiments or examples disclosed may be combined without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. Modifications that do not deviate from the functional and structural principles of the present disclosure are within the scope of the claims.

1 Air conditioning system 10 Server 12 Server storage unit 14 Server control unit 16 Server communication unit 17 Air conditioner server 18 Relay server 19 Humidified air purifier server 20 Air conditioner 21 Air conditioning storage unit 22 Air conditioning control unit 23 Air conditioning communication unit 24 Indoor Temperature sensor 25 Outside air temperature sensor 30 Terminal device 32 Related application 40 Humidified air purifier 41 Air conditioning storage unit 42 Air conditioning control unit 43 Air conditioning communication unit 44 Indoor humidity sensor

Claims

An air conditioner configured to determine at least one of a heating mode and a cooling mode as an operating mode in an automatic mode.
A humidified air purifier with a humidifying function,
The standby is started from the time when the first signal indicating that the air conditioner is set to the automatic mode is received, and after the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the air conditioner is inquired about the operation mode and inquired. When the operation mode of the air conditioner is determined based on the result and the operation mode is determined to be the heating mode, the humidification function of the humidified air purifier is activated to activate the air conditioner and the air conditioner. A server configured to work with a humidified air purifier,
With an air conditioning system.
When the server determines that the operation mode is the heating mode, the server determines whether or not the humidified air purifier is in operation, and when the humidified air purifier is in operation, the humidified air. It is configured to activate the humidifying function of the purifier,
The air conditioning system according to claim 1.
The server inquires the air conditioner about the operation mode at regular intervals in the automatic mode, determines the operation mode of the air conditioner based on the result of the inquiry, and the operation mode is the heating mode. If it is determined that the air conditioner is activated, the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier is activated so that the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier are interlocked with each other.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.
The air conditioner is further configured to be set to the automatic mode via the controller of the air conditioner or an information terminal incorporating a dedicated related application.
The server is configured to receive the first signal from the controller, the dedicated related application, or the air conditioner.
The air conditioning system according to claim 3.
The server receives a second signal indicating that the operation of the air conditioner has been stopped, or receives a third signal indicating that the operation mode has been switched to the cooling mode. Further configured to not stop the humidification function,
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The server receives a second signal indicating that the operation of the air conditioner has been stopped, or receives a third signal indicating that the operation mode has been switched to the cooling mode. Further configured to stop the humidification function,
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The operation mode includes a dehumidification mode.
The server is further configured to stop the humidification function when it receives a fourth signal indicating that the operation mode has been switched to the dehumidification mode.
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The server is further configured to activate the humidification function and then display the activation of the humidification function to the controller of the air conditioner or a dedicated related application incorporated in the information terminal. Yes,
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The humidified air purifier is further configured to determine a humidification control parameter and perform the humidifying function after the humidifying function is activated by the server, according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The described air conditioning system.
A server that links an air conditioner and a humidified air purifier, and starts standby when it receives the first signal indicating that the air conditioner has been set to automatic mode, and a predetermined standby time has elapsed. Then, when the operation mode of the air conditioner is inquired to the air conditioner, the operation mode of the air conditioner is determined based on the result of the inquiry, and the operation mode is determined to be the heating mode, the operation mode is determined. A server configured to activate the humidifying function of a humidified air purifier to link the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier.
It is a method of interlocking an air conditioner and a humidified air purifier.
The standby is started from the time when the first signal indicating that the air conditioner is set to the automatic mode is received, and the standby time is set to a predetermined standby time.
Inquiring the air conditioner about the operation mode of the air conditioner and
Judging the operation mode of the air conditioner based on the inquiry result, and
When it is determined that the operation mode is the heating mode, the humidifying function of the humidified air purifier is activated to link the air conditioner and the humidified air purifier.
An interlocking method that links an air conditioner and a humidified air purifier.