JP6715543B2 - Air compressor control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air compressor configured to be connected to another air compressor for compression operation, and a method for controlling each air compressor when a plurality of air compressors are connected to perform compression operation.

An air compressor is generally known as a device that supplies compressed air to an air tool such as a nailer or a screwdriver, and is widely used in various construction sites such as a construction site.

For example, at a construction site, an air driven nail driving machine, a screw driving machine and the like are generally used, and an air compressor is used as a power supply device thereof. The air compressor stores the generated compressed air in a tank and reduces the pressure to a predetermined pressure via a pressure reducing valve for output. The compressed air having a predetermined pressure output through the pressure reducing valve is supplied to the air tool through the air hose.

An air tool such as a nail driver can be used for the first time by receiving the supply of compressed air from an air compressor. However, when using the air compressor alone (that is, with one unit), depending on the usage situation of the air tool and the compressed air consumption situation, the pressure of the air tank quickly became insufficient, and the air tool was used. There was a problem that work continuity was impaired.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, a method has been proposed in which another air compressor is prepared and the air tanks of the two air compressors are connected to each other through a connecting hose. ing. By connecting two air compressors to each other, the capacity of the air tank will increase, and it will be possible to handle work that consumes a large amount of compressed air, resulting in a significant increase in work volume.

When performing a linked operation using a plurality of air compressors, ideally, for example, it is desirable to synchronize the stop and restart timings of the motors in each air compressor (an ideal form). Actually, there were the following problems.

Each of the air compressors has a motor, which is a power source for generating compressed air, a sensor for measuring the pressure value of the air tank, and controls the motor based on the measurement result of the sensor. A processor and the like are provided. When a plurality of air compressors are used for connection operation, each air compressor individually controls the motor. That is, the motor control in the coupled operation using a plurality of air compressors is separately and independently performed by using the sensor or the like included in each air compressor.
However, the accuracy of the sensor used for motor control has an unavoidable error (variation in measurement accuracy) for each air compressor. Therefore, the upper limit value (pressure value when the motor stops) and the lower limit value (pressure value when the motor restarts) of the set pressure range of the multiple air compressors that are connected are set to the same value. However, the timing of stopping/restarting the motor is not synchronized due to variations in sensor accuracy. That is, in a plurality of air compressors that are connected and operated, the timing of stopping and restarting the motor deviates slightly from the ideal.
Therefore, for example, in the air compressor in which the motor stops earlier, the pressure value reaches the upper limit and the motor is already stopped. Therefore, there is a problem that the safety valve and the like may be destroyed in the air compressor that is stopped earlier.
Also, because the timing of restarting the motor differs among multiple air compressors, the load on multiple air compressors will not be equal, and some of the air compressors will always be unevenly loaded, resulting in more fatigue. Will be accumulated. Therefore, in the case where multiple air compressors are used to perform the linked operation by the conventional method, the life of some of the air compressors (air compressors with a long operating time) becomes shorter, and the frequency of failures and malfunctions increases. There is a bias issue.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is an air compressor that can be used as a single unit of an air compressor and can also be used in combination with another air compressor. It is to provide a new air compressor configured to appropriately control the air conditioner, and a control method that makes it possible to appropriately control a plurality of air compressors in the case of a linked operation.

The above-mentioned object is an air compressor configured to be connected to another air compressor to perform a compression operation,
An air tank for storing compressed air,
A connection part for connecting a compressed air flow path connected to another air compressor,
A wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving device information about the air compressor to and from other air compressors by wireless communication and sharing the device information,
Control means for controlling its own air compressor and/or other air compressors based on shared device information;
Is achieved by an air compressor having
Note that, in the above-mentioned "controlling an own air compressor and/or another air compressor based on shared device information", for example,
A mode in which the air compressor controls only itself based on shared device information,
A mode in which the air compressor controls not only itself but also other air compressors based on the shared device information,
A mode in which the air compressor controls other air compressors based on shared device information,
Etc. are included.
The control is specifically performed by a processor included in the air compressor.

Further, the above-mentioned object is a control method when a plurality of air compressors are connected to perform a compression operation,
(a) a step of wirelessly connecting a plurality of air compressors each having a wireless communication unit to each other,
(b) a step of transmitting and receiving device information regarding the air compressor by wireless communication between a plurality of air compressors and sharing the device information,
(c) controlling a plurality of air compressors based on shared device information,
It is achieved by the control method of the air compressor including.
In the control of step (c), a master-slave system is adopted, and one of the air compressors becomes a so-called master machine, and the processor centrally controls one or more air compressors. You may control to. In this case, the air compressors other than the master machine function as so-called slave machines.
Alternatively, each of the plurality of air compressors may be a so-called master machine, and the processor of each machine may control itself. In this case, each air compressor merely controls itself and not any one air compressor controls the other air compressor.

In the control of the step (c), for example,
When the motor for generating compressed air included in a plurality of air compressors is stopped, it is determined whether or not the motor needs to be started based on the shared device information,
When it is determined that the motor needs to be started, the motors included in the plurality of air compressors are started according to predetermined start timings.
It should be noted that the term “start” here also includes restart.

Also, in the control of the above step (c),
When the motor for compressed air generation included in a plurality of air compressors is activated, based on the shared device information, it is determined whether or not the motor needs to be stopped,
When it is determined that the motor needs to be stopped, the motors included in the plurality of air compressors are stopped.

In the control of the step (c), for example,
The pressure value of compressed air generated by each air compressor is monitored based on the shared device information,
When the difference between the pressure value of one of the air compressors and the pressure value of the other air compressor exceeds a predetermined value, the wireless connection with the one air compressor is released.

In the control of the step (c), for example,
Based on the shared device information, it is determined whether or not any air compressor has an abnormality,
When it is judged that an abnormality has occurred in any of the air compressors,
(1) Ignore the device information about the air compressor,
(2) Cancel the wireless connection with the air compressor,
(3) Stop the air compressor,
(4) Stop all air compressors,
Either of the processes is executed.

In the control of the step (c), for example,
Based on the shared device information, it is determined whether a warning or notification to the user of the air compressor is necessary,
When it is determined whether or not a warning or notification to the user is necessary, the warning or notification is wirelessly transmitted to the portable communication terminal owned by the user of the air compressor based on the shared device information.

The air compressor of the present invention controls a wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving device information among a plurality of air compressors and sharing the same, and controlling its own air compressor and/or other air compressors based on the shared device information. And a control unit for controlling.
In this way, by sharing the device information of each air compressor among a plurality of air compressors, when performing a linked operation, regardless of variations in sensor accuracy for motor control, etc. It is possible to operate or stop the air compressor. That is, when performing the linked operation, it becomes possible to accurately control the operation and stop timing of each air compressor without delay. Further, this makes it possible to solve the problem that "a large amount of fatigue accumulates in some air compressors" that was a problem when performing the linked operation.
Further, in the present invention, each air compressor shares the device information by using wireless communication. Although it is possible to share device information by wire communication using a communication cable or the like, in the case of wire communication, parts such as the communication cable need to be attached and detached almost every time. There is a problem that the failure rate becomes high. In addition, the use environment of the air compressor inevitably causes dust such as gypsum and wood waste, which increases the possibility of contact failure with hardware such as connectors, and also increases the probability of malfunction. There is a problem. Further, although it is assumed that two units are connected as a normal use mode, if three or more units are connected, there is a problem that wiring costs increase in the case of wired communication. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the device information is transmitted and received wirelessly rather than by wire, a particular effect that these problems do not occur is achieved.

In the control method of the present invention, a plurality of air compressors each having a wireless communication unit are wirelessly connected to each other, and device information of each air compressor is shared by a plurality of air compressors by wireless communication, and the sharing is performed. A plurality of air compressors are controlled based on the device information to be controlled.
As a result, similar to the effects described above, when performing the linked operation, it becomes possible to accurately control the operation or stop timing of each air compressor without delay.
In addition, it is possible to solve the problem that "a large amount of fatigue accumulates in some air compressors" that was a problem when performing the linked operation.
In addition, since shared device information is transmitted and received wirelessly instead of by wire, problems such as "device failure", "contact failure", "malfunction", and "wiring cost increase" that may occur in wired communication occur. There is nothing.

Further, in the control method of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the motor needs to be started based on the shared device information, and when it is determined that the motor needs to be started, the motors included in the plurality of air compressors are set to a predetermined value. Start each according to the start timing of.
In this way, by controlling the start timing of the motor of each air compressor based on the shared device information, each motor can be started at an ideal timing regardless of variations in sensor accuracy.
The predetermined start timing (ideal start timing) is not necessarily limited to a fixed timing, and specific examples thereof include start timings as exemplified in (1) to (4) below. Are listed.
(1) Start the motors simultaneously in all air compressors.
(2) In a plurality of air compressors, the motors are sequentially activated in a delay system at regular intervals.
(3) In some (one or more) air compressors, the motor is started in advance, and in other compressors, the motor is started when a certain increase in pressure is confirmed.
(4) In some (one or two or more) air compressors, the motor is started in advance, and in the other compressor, when a certain increase in pressure is confirmed, the motors are sequentially started in a delay system at certain intervals. Let
According to the activation timing of (1) above, the motors of all the air compressors are activated simultaneously, so that the desired set pressure can be reached quickly.
According to the start timing of (2), it becomes possible to avoid the power shortage that may occur when all the motors are started at the same time.
According to the activation timing of the above (3), it becomes possible to prevent the connection failure such as the connection hose. (If there is a connection failure, the pressure will not rise due to air leakage.)
According to the start timing of (4) above, it is possible to avoid a power shortage that may occur when all the motors are started at the same time, and it is also possible to prevent connection failure.

Further, in the control method of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the motor needs to be stopped based on the shared device information, and when it is determined that the motor needs to be stopped, the motors included in the plurality of air compressors are respectively Stop.
In this way, by controlling the stop timing of the motor of each air compressor based on the shared device information, each motor can be stopped at an ideal timing regardless of variations in sensor accuracy.
It should be noted that the predetermined stop timing (ideal stop timing) is not necessarily limited to a fixed timing, and preferably, for example, the motors of a plurality of air compressors are stopped at the same time.

Further, in the control method of the present invention, based on the shared device information, the pressure value of the compressed air generated in each air compressor is monitored, and the pressure value in any one air compressor and the other air compressor are monitored. When the difference from the pressure value of 1 exceeds a predetermined value, the wireless connection with the one air compressor is released.
As a result, it is possible to quickly discriminate the air compressors that cannot perform the linked operation due to incomplete connection, and from the group of air compressors (compressors capable of linked operation) that share device information, It is possible to functionally eliminate the compressor that cannot be connected.

Further, in the control method of the present invention, based on the shared device information, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in any of the air compressors,
When it is judged that an abnormality has occurred in any of the air compressors,
(1) Ignore the device information about the air compressor,
(2) Cancel the wireless connection with the air compressor,
(3) Stop the air compressor,
(4) Stop all air compressors,
Either of the processes is executed.
As a result, it is possible to quickly identify an air compressor that cannot perform linked operation due to a device abnormality (defective), and from the group of air compressors that can share device information (compressor capable of linked operation), It becomes possible to functionally eliminate such an abnormal compressor.

Further, in the control method of the present invention, based on the shared device information, it is determined whether or not a warning or notification to the user is necessary, and when it is determined whether or not a warning or notification to the user is necessary, the shared device Based on the information, a warning or notification is wirelessly transmitted to a portable communication terminal owned by a user of the air compressor.
This enables not only wireless communication between the air compressors but also wireless communication with, for example, a general portable communication terminal (smartphone owned by the user). In addition, for example, by sending a warning to the user's portable communication terminal when driving in a state where the air tanks are not completely connected, to support the connected operation using wireless communication with the portable communication terminal. Is possible.

It is a block diagram which shows roughly the functional structure of the air compressor (one air compressor) which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of the connection operation which makes two air compressors A and B cooperate as an example of a plurality of air compressors. FIG. 3 is a block diagram corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and schematically shows a functional configuration when two air compressors A and B are connected and operated. It is a figure which shows the outline|summary of the connection operation using three air compressors A, B, and C as an example of a plurality of air compressors. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the pairing process performed when performing a connection operation using a plurality of air compressors. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the update process of the device information shared among a plurality of air compressors. It is a flow chart which shows an example of motor starting processing at the time of connection operation of a plurality of air compressors. It is a flow chart which shows an example of motor stop processing at the time of connection operation of a plurality of air compressors. It is a flow chart which shows an example of processing when connection of a plurality of air compressors is incomplete. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process when some abnormalities generate|occur|produce in one of the air compressors which are carrying out connection operation. As an example of a plurality of air compressors, it is a diagram showing an outline of a connection operation in which three air compressors A, B, and C are made to cooperate with each other, and a portable communication terminal is made to cooperate with these air compressors.

(Structure of air compressor)
The configuration of the air compressor according to the present invention will be described based on FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of an air compressor (one air compressor) according to the present invention.

The air compressor of the present embodiment can of course perform a compression operation (operation for generating compressed air) independently as in the conventional device, and as will be described later, a connecting hose (compression hose) It is also possible to perform a compression operation by connecting them via an air flow path). In this application, the air compressor is abbreviated as “compressor” or “apparatus” as necessary.

This compressor, as shown in FIG.
A compression device 1 for generating compressed air,
An air tank 3 for storing the generated compressed air,
A security device 8 for electronically locking and unlocking the compression device,
have.

The security device 8 is electrically connected to the processor 29 of the compression device 1. When the security function of the security device 8 is set, the compression device 1 is electronically locked, and the compression device cannot be freely operated. Further, when the security function of the security device 8 is released, the compression device 1 can be freely operated.

The air tank 3 is provided with a connection port 41, a pressure reducing valve 43, and a coupler 45.
A connection hose (compressed air flow path) can be connected to the connection port 41, and can be connected to an air tank of another compressor via the connection hose. When connected to another compressor via the connecting hose, the connecting operation can be performed as described later. The connected operation refers to generating compressed air by connecting a plurality of compressors in a connected state and cooperating/cooperating with each other (that is, functionally integrated).

An air hose connected to an air tool is connected to the coupler 45 of the compressor. The compressed air in the air tank 3 is depressurized to a predetermined pressure via the pressure reducing valve 43 and output, and is supplied to the air tool via the coupler 45 and the air hose.

In addition, the air tank 3 is provided with a pressure sensor 5 that measures the pressure of the stored compressed air. The pressure sensor 5 included in the air tank 3 is electrically connected to the processor 29 of the compression device described later. The measurement result (measurement value) by the pressure sensor 5 is transmitted to the processor 29 and used for various controls such as stopping and restarting the motor 13.

The compressor 1 is mounted and fixed on the air tank 3 in a state of being covered with a cover. The air tank 3 supporting the compression device 1 is generally composed of two cylinders and arranged in parallel.

The compression device 1 for generating compressed air is mainly composed of
A motor 13 which is a power source for generating compressed air,
An air compression unit 15 including a piston or the like driven by the motor 13,
A drive circuit 19 for driving the motor 13 under the control of the processor 29,
A detection circuit 21 for detecting the output or load of the motor 13,
A power supply circuit 23 for generating required output power from input power,
A communication unit 25 that performs wireless communication for sharing device information with other compressors,
An operation unit 27 used for power ON/OFF operation and switching of various modes,
-It has a processor 29 which is responsible for electronic control of each part of the compression device.

The motor 13 is driven by a general AC power source (that is, an external power source) such as a household power source or a temporary commercial power source as a main power source. The piston of the air compression unit 15 reciprocates by driving the motor 13 and rotating the motor shaft.

The air compression unit 15 mainly has a cylinder and a piston that reciprocates with respect to the cylinder. When the piston of the air compression unit 15 reciprocates during the pressurizing operation, the air is compressed in the cylinder and compressed air is generated. The generated compressed air is sent to and stored in the air tank 3 via the flow path 31.

The drive circuit 19 is electrically connected to each of the processor 29, the power supply circuit 23, and the motor 13. The drive circuit 19 receives a control signal (motor start instruction signal, motor stop instruction signal, etc.) from the processor 29, and drives the motor 13 based on this control signal. Electric power for driving the motor is supplied from an external AC power source via the power supply circuit 23 and the drive circuit 19, for example.

The detection circuit 21 is electrically connected to the processor 29 and the motor 13, and has a role of detecting the output of the motor, the load on the motor, the current value of the motor, and the like. The detection result (detection value) by the detection circuit 21 is transmitted to the processor 29 and used for controlling the motor 13 and the like.

The power supply circuit 23 is electrically connected to the processor 29, and also electrically connected to the motor 13 via the drive circuit 19. A power cord (not shown) is connected to the power supply circuit 23, and the AC power supply is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 23 by connecting a power plug at the tip of the power supply cord to an external AC power supply. The power supply circuit 23 generates output power required to drive the motor 13 from input power from the AC power supply 12.

The operation unit 27 is electrically connected to the processor 29. The operation unit 27 is used to turn on/off the power supply, switch various modes, and the like. The operation unit 27 includes, in addition to an ON/OFF switch for a power source, a motor switch for instructing start and stop of the motor, and a changeover switch (power source for manually switching between a linked operation mode and an independent operation mode described later). Mode switching means) and the like are provided. In the connection operation mode, compressed air is generated by cooperating/cooperating with one or more other compressors connected via a connection hose. In standalone operation mode, the compressor alone (without cooperation with other compressors) produces compressed air.

The communication unit 25 (wireless communication unit) includes an antenna for wireless communication, and is electrically connected to the processor 29. The communication unit 25 is a unit that functions when performing a compression operation in cooperation with one or more other compressors, and the device information is transmitted in order to share the device information with the other compressors. It plays the role of wireless transmission and reception. The device information transmitted/received via the communication unit 25 is information shared with other compressors, and is information of the self and/or other compressors (that is, all or a part of the plurality of compressors performing the linked operation). Used for various controls.

As shown in FIG. 1, the processor 29 is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the power supply circuit 23, the drive circuit 19, and other parts.

In the present embodiment, the combination of the processor 29, the power supply circuit 23, and the drive circuit 19 constitutes the controller 7 (control means). The controller 7 has a role of controlling the compressor as a whole, and in the case of the linked operation, controls the start/stop of the motor and the wireless communication with other compressors based on the shared device information. Has become.

As a specific example of the control of the compressor based on the shared device information (using the shared device information),
・Motor start processing (including restart processing) and motor stop processing during linked operation using multiple compressors
-Processing when the connection of multiple compressors is incomplete,
・Processing when an abnormality (defect) occurs in any of the compressors operating in a linked manner,
And so on.

(Outline of linked operation using multiple air compressors)
Next, based on FIGS. 2 and 3, an outline of a combined operation (operation in which air compression functions are linked) using a plurality of compressors will be described.
FIG. 2 shows an outline of a combined operation using two compressors A and B as an example of a plurality of compressors. In the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the compressors A and B each have the functional configuration shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and schematically shows the functional configuration of the two compressors A and B at the time of connection operation.

When the illustrated compressors A and B are used for connection operation, the air tanks of the compressors A and B are connected by using connection hoses. By connecting the air tanks of the compressors A and B in this manner, the air tanks of the compressors A and B are functionally integrated. That is, a plurality of air tanks (a tank on the compressor A side and a tank on the B side) that are external in appearance are connected by the connecting hose to functionally constitute one air tank.

When performing the compression operation in a state where the compressors A and B are connected in this manner, a wireless connection (wireless connection) is established between the compressors A and B using the communication unit, and a wireless connection is established between them. Communicate and share device information.

When the compressors A and B perform the linked operation, wireless communication is performed between the compressors A and B to share the above device information, and the respective shared device information is used to control each compressor.

The "device information" referred to in this application is
For example, the pressure value of the air tank in each compressor that performs the linked operation,
・Motor operating state (conditions such as motor stop, motor start, motor output, etc.),
・Abnormality occurrence and its abnormality content (occurrence of trouble and its content),
・Security status (electronically locked or unlocked by the security device 8),
For example, information about
That is, the device information is information about the behavior and state of each compressor, the detection result by the sensor, and the like.

Further, “sharing device information” means that each compressor grasps the device information of all the compressors (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the compressors A and B) performing the linked operation.
That is, sharing of device information means that each compressor performing the linked operation equally understands the device information regarding itself and other compressors (has the same information without difference).
Therefore, there is no difference in the device information (shared device information) possessed by all the compressors performing the linked operation, and the information is updated in real time so that no difference occurs.

When performing various controls using the shared device information in the linked operation mode, for example, a so-called master-slave system is adopted, and one of the compressors functions as a “master” and the other compressors as “slaves”. You may make it function and perform the various controls mentioned later. That is, it is possible for any one of the compressors to centrally control all of the plurality of compressors that perform the linked operation.
Moreover, when adopting this master-slave system and executing various controls, the controller of the compressor of the master machine directly controls each part of its own machine, and wireless communication directly controls each part of each slave machine. It may be controlled to.
Alternatively, the controller of the master compressor may control each part of the master machine and indirectly control each part of each slave machine by transmitting a control signal to the controller of the slave machine by wireless communication.
Further, the control method in the combined operation mode is not necessarily limited to the master-slave system as described above, and each compressor performing the combined operation may substantially function as the “master”. In that case, each compressor controls each part of its own device at a predetermined timing based on the shared device information (device information shared by each compressor) updated in real time. That is, each compressor may use its shared device information to control its own motor or the like (without depending on other compressors).

A wireless communication method executed between a plurality of air compressors, that is, a wireless communication method for sharing device information is not particularly limited. Specific examples thereof include short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Examples include communication standards and wireless LANs such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

Note that, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, as an example of a plurality of compressors, device information is shared between two compressors A and B by wireless communication to perform linked operation, but three or more compressors are used. It is also possible to share device information by wireless communication between the two and perform connected operation. For example, when equipment information is shared by wireless communication among the three compressors A, B, and C and connected operation is performed, equipment information is shared by wireless communication with a functional configuration as illustrated in FIG. In addition, it is possible to perform linked operation.

Hereinafter, the two compressors A and B shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be taken as specific examples of the plurality of compressors, and various processes when performing the combined operation using these compressors will be described.

(Pairing process)
When the present invention is used to perform a linked operation with a plurality of compressors, it is premised that a wireless connection (wireless connection), that is, pairing is established between the plurality of compressors.
Hereinafter, a pairing process for wirelessly connecting a plurality of compressors that perform a linked operation will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a pairing process executed when performing a linked operation using a plurality of compressors.
In the following description, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is assumed that the air tanks of a plurality of compressors are connected by the connecting hose.

In executing the pairing process, the user of the compressor first turns on the power of each compressor. When the power is turned on, each compressor stands by in an independent operation mode (a mode in which one compressor alone performs compression operation) <step S101 in FIG. 5>.

Next, when the user of the compressor operates, for example, a pairing start switch (a switch for switching from the independent operation mode to the linked operation mode) provided in the operation unit, the controller of each compressor responds to the operation, It is determined whether there is a pairable compressor in the communication area (area where wireless communication is possible) by the communication unit <S101>. That is, a pairable device within the communication range is searched.

As a result of the search in step S101, when a pairable compressor is detected <Yes in S101>, the device information of the own device is transmitted to the compressor (the partner device) via the communication unit 25, and The device information is received from the partner device <S103>.

Next, each compressor determines whether or not a predetermined condition for pairing is satisfied, based on the device information of its own device (the compressor of its own side) and the device information obtained from the other device (the compressor of the other side). It is determined whether or not <S105>. As a specific example of the “predetermined condition” here, for example, any one or a combination of two or more of the conditions listed in the following Table 1 can be mentioned.

The controller 7 of each compressor determines whether or not one or a combination of two or more of these conditions is satisfied based on the shared device information <S105>.

Then, for example, when it is determined that “a predetermined condition is satisfied” within a certain time from the processing of step S101, <Yes in S105>, each compressor requests pairing with the partner device and Accept the pairing request from <S107>.

Through the above processing, pairing is established between the plurality of compressors connected by the connection hose <S109>, and preparations for sharing device information with each other are completed. That is, the wireless connection (wireless connection) is established, and the operation mode of each compressor is switched from the isolated operation mode to the linked operation mode.

After that, each compressor performs compression operation while executing various controls described below in the linked operation mode <S111>, and if pairing is released <Yes in S113>, the compressor is switched to the original independent operation mode again. ..

As a modified example of the above-described pairing method, for example, when the device ID of the partner device is registered in the device itself by performing pairing in the past and sharing device information, The pairing may be automatically established at the same time as the other device enters the communication range (in the subsequent pairing process).

It is also possible to automatically reset the pairing (that is, automatically disconnect the wireless connection) when a condition such as a certain time elapses after the power of the compressor is cut off is satisfied.

(Update processing of device information shared between multiple air compressors)
Next, a process of updating device information shared among a plurality of compressors will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of updating device information shared by a plurality of compressors.

When the compression operation is performed in the connected operation mode (as in the compression operation in the single mode), various device information (individual device information) such as the pressure value in each compressor changes with the passage of time.
On the other hand, in the connected operation mode after the pairing is established, each compressor is controlled based on the shared device information (shared device information), so that each shared device information needs to be updated in real time.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 as an example, during the connected operation mode, the individual device information is repeatedly transmitted and received between the own device and the other device (until the pairing is released) <step S201 in FIG. , S203>, keep updating the shared device information <No in S205, S207>. As a result, multiple compressors operating in a linked manner share the device information of their own and other devices equally and can always control the compressors based on the latest device information (that is, the current status is reflected in real time). It will be possible.

(Motor start-up process when multiple air compressors are connected)
Next, based on FIG. 7, a motor starting process at the time of a combined operation of a plurality of air compressors will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a motor starting process at the time of a combined operation of a plurality of air compressors.
It should be noted that "starting" described here also includes restarting.

When the motor of each compressor is stopped during the compression operation in the combined operation mode, the controller 7 of the compressor uses the shared device information that is updated in real time, and the motors of the compressors that are paired with each other. It is determined whether it is necessary to start (including restart) <step S301 in FIG. 7>.

For example, when a "motor start instruction signal" is detected in any one of a plurality of compressors that share device information (compressors that are paired), they are connected (performing pairing). Judge that it is necessary to start the motors of all compressors.

The "motor start instruction signal" here is, for example,
(1) When the compressor motor is stopped and the value detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or lower than the motor stop pressure value, a start operation such as pressing a motor start switch provided in the operation unit is performed. (However, in the case of a compressor that has security enabled and is electronically locked, conditions such as security being unlocked are taken into consideration)
(2) When the motor has already stopped due to the pressure inside the air tank reaching the motor stop pressure value, and the pressure inside the air tank drops below the motor restart pressure value,
The “signal for instructing the start of the motor” transmitted by the controller of the compressor is shown in FIG.
This motor start instruction signal is transmitted by any of the compressors.
When a "motor start instruction signal" is detected in any one of the compressors, it is wirelessly transmitted to other compressors as a part of the device information, and the other compressors also grasp it at the same time. can do.

In the above description, the “motor stop pressure value” is a pressure value that serves as a reference for stopping the operating motor. When the value detected by the pressure sensor 5 becomes equal to or lower than the motor stop pressure value, the motor stops in response to an instruction from the controller 7 that monitors the pressure.
Further, in the above description, the “motor restart pressure value” is a pressure value that serves as a reference for restarting the stopped motor. When the value detected by the pressure sensor 5 becomes equal to or higher than the motor restart pressure value, the motor is restarted in response to an instruction from the controller 7 that monitors it.

If it is determined in step S301 that the motors of the compressors to be connected are required to be started <Yes at S301>, each compressor to be connected to be operated is to start the motors of a plurality of air compressors in a predetermined manner. Start each according to the timing <S303>.

The "predetermined activation timing" here is not necessarily limited to a fixed timing, and specific examples thereof include activation timings exemplified in the following (1) to (4).
(1) Start the motors simultaneously in all compressors.
(2) In a plurality of compressors, the motors are sequentially activated in a delay system at regular intervals.
(3) In some (one or more) compressors, the motor is started in advance, and in other compressors, the motor is started when a certain increase in pressure is confirmed.
(4) In some (one or more) compressors, the motor is started in advance, and in the other compressor, when a constant increase in pressure is confirmed, the motors are sequentially started in a delay system with constant intervals. ..

According to the activation timing of (1) above, the motors of all the air compressors are activated simultaneously, so that the desired set pressure can be reached quickly.
According to the start timing of (2), it becomes possible to avoid the power shortage that may occur when all the motors are started at the same time.
According to the activation timing of the above (3), it becomes possible to prevent the connection failure of the connection hose or the like.
According to the start timing of (4) above, it is possible to avoid a power shortage that may occur when all the motors are started at the same time, and it is also possible to prevent connection failure.

After the motors of the respective compressors have been started through the above processing, the motor stop processing described later is executed unless the pairing is canceled <No in S305>. That is, until the pairing is released, the stop and restart of the motor are repeated based on the shared device information between the compressors that are connected and operated.

(Motor stop processing during combined operation of multiple air compressors)
Next, based on FIG. 8, a motor stop process during a combined operation of a plurality of compressors will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a motor stop process during a combined operation of a plurality of compressors.

When the motor of each compressor is operating while performing the compression operation in the combined operation mode, the controller of the compressor operates the motor of each compressor with which it is paired based on the shared device information updated in real time. It is determined whether it is necessary to stop <step S401 in FIG. 8>.

For example, when a "motor stop instruction signal" is detected in any one of a plurality of compressors (compressors that are paired) that share device information, they are connected (paired). Judge that it is necessary to stop the motors of all compressors <Yes in S401>.

The "motor stop instruction signal" here is, for example,
(1) When a stop operation such as pressing a motor stop switch provided on the operation unit 27 is performed,
(2) When the pressure sensor 5 detects that the air tank pressure has reached the motor stop pressure value,
The “signal for instructing to stop the motor” transmitted from the controller 7 of the compressor is shown in FIG. This motor stop instruction signal is transmitted by either compressor.
When a "motor stop instruction signal" is detected in any one of the compressors, it is wirelessly transmitted to another compressor as a part of the device information, so that the other compressor also grasps it at the same time. can do.

Then, in step S401, when it is determined that the motor of the compressor to be connected is required to be stopped <Yes in S401>, each compressor to be connected to operate the motors included in the plurality of air compressors in association with each other. Stop <S403>. That is, the motors of all the compressors are stopped all at once without delay.

After the motors of the respective compressors are stopped through the above processing, the motor start-up processing to be described later is executed unless the pairing is canceled <No in S405>. That is, until the pairing is released, restarting and stopping of the motor are repeated based on the shared device information between the compressors operating in a linked manner.

(Process when the connection of multiple air compressors is incomplete)
Next, based on FIG. 9, a process when the connection of a plurality of compressors is incomplete will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the connection of a plurality of compressors is incomplete.
When the connection of the compressor is incomplete, for example, the connection of the connection hose to the connection part of the compressor is incomplete, and the air tanks of the compressor are not functionally connected (not functionally integrated). When you say something.

While performing the compression operation in the connection mode, the controller of the compressor monitors (compares) the pressure value of the air tank of its own machine with the pressure value of the air tank of the other machine based on the shared device information< Step S501> in FIG.

When it is determined that the pressure difference between the compressors exceeds the reference value ΔP <Yes in S503>, the pairing with the compressor is canceled <S505>.

Specifically, for example, in the case where two compressors are performing the linked operation, when it is determined that the pressure value difference between the two machines exceeds a predetermined reference value ΔP, the pairing of the two machines is released. After that, each compressor is switched to the independent operation mode.

Further, for example, when three or more compressors are connected and operated, the difference between the pressure value of one of the air compressors and the pressure value of the other air compressor is a predetermined reference value ΔP. When it is judged that it has exceeded the limit, the pairing with the "one air compressor" is released. In other words, the "one air compressor" is excluded from the pairing target for performing the linked operation, and the linked operation by pairing is continued among the remaining "plurality of other air compressors".

(Processing when an abnormality occurs in any of the air compressors that are connected to each other)
Next, based on FIG. 10, a process in the case where any abnormality occurs in any of the air compressors that are in the connected operation will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when some abnormality occurs in any of the air compressors that are in the connected operation.

While performing the compression operation in the connected mode, the controller 7 of the compressor monitors the shared device information and determines whether or not any compressor has an abnormality based on the device information. Step S601 of 10>.

"Abnormality" as used herein means to include defects and the like. As a specific example, when the temperature of the motor or controller rises and exceeds the upper limit set value, the controller locks the motor, pressure sensor, communication Examples include a case where an abnormality is detected in a section or the like, and a case where the power supply voltage exceeds an upper limit or a lower limit set value. These abnormalities can be detected by the processor 29 based on signals from various sensors and various detection circuits such as the pressure sensor 5 and the detection circuit 21. Further, the signals from the various sensors and various detection circuits are not only detected by the processor 29 of each compressor, but also transmitted to other compressors as a part of shared device information. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in any one of the compressors, the abnormality can be recognized in the other compressor.

Then, when the processor 29 of the compressor determines that “an abnormality has occurred in one of the compressors performing the linked operation” <Yes in S601>, the controller 7 cancels the pairing with the abnormality generating compressor. Yes <S603>.

The process when an abnormality occurs in any of the compressors is not particularly limited, and for example, it is possible to execute any of the processes exemplified in (1) to (4) below. Is.
(1) Ignore the device information about the compressor in which the error occurred.
(2) Cancel the pairing (wireless connection) with the compressor where the error occurred.
(3) Stop the operation of the compressor in which the abnormality occurred.
(4) Stop all compressors, not just the one in which the error occurred.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned (1) “ignoring” specifically means that, when executing various controls of the compressor, the device information regarding the compressor in which the abnormality has occurred is not taken into consideration (not referred to).

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, each compressor performs wireless communication with other compressors to transmit and receive device information, but each compressor performs wireless communication with other devices. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the compressor, and may include, for example, a portable communication terminal owned by the user of the compressor.
That is, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of compressors sharing device information can perform wireless communication with a portable communication terminal owned by a user of the compressor. Specific examples of such portable communication terminals include smartphones, mobile phones, tablet terminals, smart watches, wearable computers, and the like.
Specifically, for example, the controller of each compressor determines whether or not a warning or notification to the user of the compressor is necessary based on the shared device information, and determines whether or not a warning or notification to the user is necessary. In this case, it is also possible to transmit a warning or notification to the portable communication terminal owned by the user by wireless communication based on the shared device information.

1 Compressor 3 Air Tank 5 Pressure Sensor 7 Controller (Control Means)
8 Security Device 13 Motor 15 Air Compressor 19 Drive Circuit 21 Detection Circuit 23 Power Supply Circuit 25 Operation Section 27 Display Section 29 Processor 31 Flow Path 41 Connection Port 43 Pressure Reduction Valve 45 Coupler

Claims (6)

A control method when performing a compression operation in a state in which air tanks provided in a plurality of air compressors are interconnected by a connecting hose, and these air tanks functionally constitute one air tank ,
(a) a step of wirelessly connecting a plurality of air compressors each having a wireless communication unit to each other,
(b) a step of transmitting and receiving device information regarding the air compressor by wireless communication between a plurality of air compressors and sharing the device information,
(c) controlling a plurality of air compressors based on shared device information,
Control method of air compressor including. In the control of step (c),
When the motor for generating compressed air included in a plurality of air compressors is stopped, it is determined whether or not the motor needs to be started based on the shared device information,
When it is determined that the motor needs to be started, each of the motors included in the plurality of air compressors is started in accordance with a predetermined start timing.
The method for controlling an air compressor according to claim 1 , wherein: In the control of step (c),
When the motor for compressed air generation included in a plurality of air compressors is activated, based on the shared device information, it is determined whether or not the motor needs to be stopped,
When it is determined that the motor needs to be stopped, each of the motors included in the plurality of air compressors is stopped.
The method for controlling an air compressor according to claim 1 , wherein: In the control of step (c),
The pressure value of compressed air generated by each air compressor is monitored based on the shared device information,
When the difference between the pressure value of one of the air compressors and the pressure value of the other air compressor exceeds a predetermined value, the wireless connection with the one air compressor is released,
The method of controlling an air compressor according to claim 2, wherein. In the control of step (c),
Based on the shared device information, it is determined whether or not any air compressor has an abnormality,
When it is judged that an abnormality has occurred in any of the air compressors,
(1) Ignore the device information about the air compressor,
(2) Cancel the wireless connection with the air compressor,
(3) Stop the air compressor,
(4) Stop all air compressors,
The method of controlling an air compressor according to claim 1 , wherein any one of the processes is executed. In the control of step (c),
Based on the shared device information, it is determined whether a warning or notification to the user of the air compressor is necessary,
When it is determined whether or not a warning or notification to the user is necessary, based on the shared device information, the warning or notification is transmitted to the portable communication terminal owned by the user of the air compressor by wireless communication,
The method for controlling an air compressor according to claim 1 , wherein: