System

Abstract

The invention provides a system which can stably operate. The system (100) includes a plurality of motors (24), a detection unit (235) corresponding to each of the plurality of motors (24), a communication unit (233), and a drive unit (234). Each detection unit (235) detects the state of the motor (24). The motor (24) is a motor (24) corresponding to each of the detection units. Each communication unit (233) transmits the state of the motor (24) to the other communication unit (233) and receives the state of the other motor (24) from the other communication unit (233). The other motor (24) is a motor (24) corresponding to the other communication unit (233). Each drive unit (234) rotates the motor (24) at a rotational speed based on the state of the other motor (24) received by the communication unit (233) corresponding to the drive unit (234).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system having a plurality of motors. Background Art

[0002] A system as background art includes a plurality of fan motors. Each of the plurality of fan motors incorporates a first microcomputer having a communication function. The system also includes a second microcomputer having a communication function. Each first microcomputer receives instructions such as rotational speed, forward / reverse rotation, on / off, etc. from the second microcomputer. Each first microcomputer controls the operation of the corresponding fan motor in response to the instruction. In addition, each first microcomputer can detect the state of the fan motor incorporating itself and notify the second microcomputer (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-322644 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the background art, only the state of each fan motor is notified to the second microcomputer. Therefore, if the performance of the fan motors in the system deteriorates, the performance of the entire system decreases. That is, there is a problem that it is difficult to operate stably in the system of the background art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a system that can operate stably.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] A system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of motors, detection units, communication units, and drive units respectively corresponding to the plurality of motors. Each of the detection units detects the state of its own motor. The own motor is the motor corresponding to each of the detection units. Each of the communication units transmits the state of the own motor to other communication units and receives the states of other motors from other communication units. The other motors are the motors corresponding to other communication units. Each of the drive units rotates the own motor at a rotational speed based on the states of the other motors received by the communication unit corresponding to each of the drive units.

[0011] Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a system that can operate stably can be provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the structure of an information processing apparatus of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing Figure 1 the detailed structure of each of the fans shown.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing Figure 1 an exemplary operation of the control unit shown.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing Figure 2 an exemplary operation of the processing unit shown.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an example of Figure 4 a flowchart showing the detailed processing of step S211 shown.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing Figure 4 a modified example of the detailed processing of step S211 shown.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing Figure 1 a first structural example of a series circuit, a first ADC, and a second ADC in the system shown.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing Figure 7 a flowchart showing the setting process of individual addresses in system 100 shown.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing Figure 1 a second structural example of a series circuit, a first ADC, and a second ADC in the system shown. Detailed Embodiments

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of an information processing apparatus 200 of a system 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing apparatus 200 is, for example, a blade server apparatus. As Figure 1 shown, the information processing apparatus 200 includes a housing 201, a plurality of devices 202, and a system 100.

[0024] The housing 201 has an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and has openings 2011 and 2012. The openings 2011 and 2012 are formed at different positions in the housing 201. The opening 2011 functions as an air inlet, and the opening 2012 functions as an air outlet. The housing 201 further includes a frame 2013.

[0025] Each device 202 is, for example, a so-called blade, and functions as a single computer device. Specifically, each device 202 has a microprocessor (not shown), a main memory (not shown), and a storage device (not shown). The storage device is typically a hard disk drive. Each device 202 is mounted on the frame 2013. Specifically, each device 202 is located in the housing 201 at a position farther from the opening 2012 than the plurality of fans 2 (described later).

[0026] In the embodiment, the information processing device 200 is a blade server device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the information processing device 200 may be, for example, a server device or a RAID device. RAID is an acronym for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. In the case of a server device or a RAID device, each device 202 is a storage device.

[0027] The system 100 is an air cooling system in the housing 201. The system 100 includes a circuit board 1 and a plurality of fans 2. The number of fans 2 is 4.

[0028] The circuit board 1 has a board 11, a control unit 12, a power supply unit 13, and a temperature sensor 14. The control unit 12, the power supply unit 13, and the temperature sensor 14 are mounted on the board 11.

[0029] The control unit 12 typically has a microprocessor (not shown) and a main memory (not shown). The microprocessor executes programs stored in the main memory. The control unit 12 is network-connected to each fan 2, for example, via a data line 121. In the embodiment, the control unit 12 and each fan 2 are connected in a bus-type network topology. Additionally, the network topology may be star-shaped or ring-shaped. Further, the control unit 12 and each fan 2 may also be connected via a wireless network.

[0030] The power supply unit 13 is electrically connected to each fan 2 via power lines 131 and 132. The power supply unit 13 receives a supply of an AC voltage from, for example, a commercial power supply or an uninterruptible power supply device (not shown) under the control of the control unit 12. The power supply unit 13 generates DC voltages V1 and V2 for operating each fan 2 from the supplied AC power. The DC voltage V2 is greater than the DC voltage V1. Specifically, the DC voltage V1 is for operating the processing unit 232 and the communication unit 233 of each fan 2 (refer to Figure 2is supplied to each fan 2 through the power supply line 131 by the operation. The DC voltage V2 is supplied to the drive unit 234 of each fan 2 through the power supply line 132 in order to rotate the motor 24 (refer to Figure 2 ) of each fan 2.

[0031] In addition to the DC voltages V1 and V2, the power supply unit 13 can also generate a voltage (not shown) for operating each device 202. That is, multiple devices 202 share the power supply unit 13.

[0032] In addition, a terminator 3 is provided at one end of the data line 121, the power supply lines 131 and 132. The terminator 3 includes a terminal resistor of the data line 121 and the like.

[0033] The temperature sensor 14 is located near the opening 2012 in the housing 201. In addition, the position of the temperature sensor 14 can be inside or outside the housing 201. The temperature sensor 14 outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as "temperature signal") indicating the ambient temperature around the temperature sensor 14 to the control unit 12.

[0034] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface conforming to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is not particularly limited, and in the embodiment, it is I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit: internal integrated circuit). Although not shown in the figure, the communication unit 15 operates with the DC voltage V1. The communication unit 15 receives the data packet transmitted through the data line 121 and transmits it to the main memory of the control unit 12. In addition, the communication unit 15 forms the data transmitted by the control unit 12 into a data packet and sends it out to the data line 121.

[0035] The multiple fans 2 are linearly arranged in the housing 201. Each fan 2 has an intake port 21 and an exhaust port 22. The multiple fans 2 are configured to allow air to flow between each exhaust port 22 and the opening 2012. Specifically, each exhaust port 22 faces the opening 2012.

[0036] Figure 2 is a diagram showing Figure 1 the detailed structure of each fan 2 shown. In addition, since each fan 2 has substantially the same shape and specifications, the detailed structure of one fan 2 is shown in Figure 2 . In addition, the term "substantially the same" not only means completely the same, but also includes cases that are substantially the same within a range with tolerances or minor differences.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2As shown, each fan 2 includes a circuit board 23, a motor 24, and an impeller 25. That is, the system 100 includes a plurality of motors 24. The circuit board 23 has a processing unit 232, a communication unit 233, a driving unit 234, and a detection unit 235 on the substrate. The processing unit 232, the communication unit 233, the driving unit 234, and the detection unit 235 are mounted on the substrate 231. The substrate 231 is an example of the "second substrate" in the present invention. Therefore, the system 100 includes a processing unit 232, a communication unit 233, a driving unit 234, and a detection unit 235 corresponding to each of the plurality of motors 24. The system 100 also includes an impeller 25 corresponding to each of the plurality of motors 24.

[0038] The processing unit 232 typically has a microprocessor (not shown) and a main memory (not shown). The processing unit 232 operates by a DC voltage V1 supplied via the power line 131. The microprocessor operates according to a program stored in the main memory.

[0039] The communication unit 233 may be the same as the communication unit 15. Therefore, the description of the communication unit 233 is simplified. The communication unit 233 receives a data packet transmitted through the data line 121 and transmits it to the main memory of the processing unit 232. In addition, the communication unit 233 sends the data transmitted from the processing unit 232 provided in the same fan 2 as a data packet to the data line 121.

[0040] Hereinafter, sometimes the phrase "provided in the same fan 2" is described as "corresponding". Therefore, for example, sometimes the processing unit 232 provided in the same fan 2 is described as the "corresponding processing unit 232", and the motor 24 provided in the same fan 2 is described as the "corresponding motor 24".

[0041] In addition, when the control unit 12 and each fan 2 are connected by a wireless network, a predetermined communication protocol is a wireless communication standard such as IEEE802.11. In this case, the communication unit 15 and the communication unit 233 operate by the DC voltage V1, receive a data packet transmitted through a wireless transmission path (not shown), and transmit it to the main memory of the control unit 12 and the processing unit 232, respectively. In addition, the communication unit 15 and the communication unit 233 send the data transmitted from the control unit 12 and the processing unit 232 as data packets to the wireless transmission path (not shown), respectively. Thus, since the data line 121 is not required inside the housing 201, the space inside the housing 201 is effectively utilized.

[0042] The drive unit 234 is typically an H-bridge circuit. The drive unit 234 is connected to the corresponding motor 24. In order to rotate the corresponding motor 24, the drive unit 234 has four switching elements, a power supply terminal, and a ground terminal. Each switching element is, for example, a semiconductor power transistor such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor. A signal (hereinafter referred to as a "PWM signal") that has been pulse-width modulated is input to the gates of the respective switching elements from the processing unit 232. Thereby, the on / off of each switching element is controlled, and the DC voltage V2 is chopped according to the duty ratio of the PWM signal. As a result, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the motor 24 are controlled.

[0043] The plurality of motors 24 each have a motor body and an output shaft. Each motor body generates a rotating magnetic field under the control of the corresponding drive unit 234. The output shaft rotates by the rotating magnetic field generated by the corresponding motor body.

[0044] The plurality of impellers 25 are respectively mounted on the output shafts of the corresponding motors 24. Therefore, each impeller 25 rotates together with the output shaft of the corresponding motor 24. As a result, the air around the suction port 21 is sucked into the fan 2 from the suction port 21. In addition, the air inside the fan 2 is discharged to the outside of the fan 2 from the discharge port 22. Therefore, an air flow from the opening 2011 to the opening 2012 is generated inside the housing 201. As a result, the heat inside the housing 201 is discharged to the outside of the housing 201.

[0045] The plurality of detection units 235 respectively detect the states of the corresponding motors 24. Here, the corresponding motor 24 is an example of the "own motor" in the present invention. In addition, hereinafter, the corresponding motor 24 may sometimes be referred to as the "own motor 24". In the embodiment, each detection unit 235 is, for example, a rotary encoder. In this case, each detection unit 235 detects the rotation speed of the output shaft of the own motor 24 as the state of the own motor 24. Each detection unit 235 outputs a state value indicating the state of the own motor 24 to the corresponding processing unit 232. Thereby, the processing unit 232 can determine whether there is an abnormality in the rotation speed of each motor 24.

[0046] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, it is preferable that the detection unit 235, the communication unit 233, the drive unit 234, and the processing unit 232 included in the same fan 2 are assembled in the same integrated circuit 26. Thereby, the detection unit 235, the communication unit 233, the drive unit 234, and the processing unit 232 can be easily mounted on the substrate 231. In addition, the fan 2 and the system 100 can be miniaturized.

[0047] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 5 description will be made of the control unit 12 and the communication unit 15 (refer to Figure 1 ) in the system 100, each processing unit 232 and the corresponding communication unit 233 (refer toFigure 2 the action of

[0048] In the operation of the system 100, the control unit 12 (see Figure 1 ) functions as a master in I2C. Each fan 2, that is, each processing unit 232 (see Figure 2 ) functions as a slave in I2C. In addition, the control unit 12 stores the individual addresses and broadcast address of each fan 2 in its own memory. The individual address is address information uniquely assigned to each fan 2, that is, the corresponding processing unit 232. The broadcast address is address information used to simultaneously distribute data to all network-connected fans 2. Each processing unit 232 stores the individual address of the fan 2 having itself in its own register.

[0049] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the actions of the control unit 12 and the communication unit 15 shown in Figure 1 As shown in Figure 3 , after the information processing apparatus 200 is started, in step S101, the control unit 12 receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 14 in order to bring the temperature inside the housing 201 close to the set temperature. The control unit 12 determines the duty ratio (hereinafter referred to as "reference duty ratio") for compensating the deviation through PID control of the deviation (temperature difference) between the temperature indicated by the received temperature signal and the target temperature inside the housing 201.

[0050] Next, in step S102, the control unit 12 transmits the broadcast address, the reference duty ratio, and the read / write information as a "first notification" to the communication unit 15. The read / write information is information indicating either "read" or "write". When indicating "read", the master device becomes the recipient of the data. When indicating "write", the master device becomes the sender of the data. In step S102, "write" as the read / write information is transmitted to the communication unit 15. The communication unit 15 sequentially transmits the broadcast address, the read / write information, and the reference duty ratio (that is, the first notification) bit by bit to the data line 121.

[0051] Next, in step S103, the control unit 12 stands by for a predetermined time. During the standby period, in each of all the fans 2, the impeller 25 starts to rotate and soon rotates stably. The detailed actions of each fan 2 will be described later.

[0052] Next, in step S104, the control unit 12 selects one unselected individual address from all the individual addresses stored in the memory. The control unit 12 sets the individual address selected in step S104 as "selected".

[0053] Next, in step S105, the control unit 12 transfers the individual address selected in step S104 and the read / write information indicating "read" as a "transmission request" to the fan 2 determined by the individual address to the communication unit 15. The communication unit 15 sends the transmission request out to the data line 121.

[0054] Next, in step S106, the control unit 12 receives a response to the transmission request output in step S105. The response includes a value indicating the state of the motor 24 (hereinafter, referred to as "state value"). The motor 24 is the motor 24 included in the fan 2 determined by the individual address selected in step S104. The control unit 12 stores the state value included in the received response in the memory.

[0055] The control unit 12 repeats the series of processes of steps S104 to S106 until all individual addresses are selected in step S104. As a result, the state values of all the fans 2 are stored in the memory of the control unit 12.

[0056] Next, in step S107, the control unit 12 transfers the broadcast address, the state values of all the fans 2, and the read / write information indicating "write" as a "second notification" to the communication unit 15. The communication unit 15 sends the second notification out to the data line 121.

[0057] Next, after step S107 ends, the control unit 12 waits for the execution timing of the next step S101.

[0058] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing Figure 2 exemplary operations of the processing unit 232 and the communication unit 233 shown. After the information processing apparatus 200 is started, as Figure 4 shown, in step S201, the communication unit 233 waits to receive data from the data line 121. The communication unit 233 transfers the received data to the memory of the processing unit 232 according to the received data situation. The processing unit 232 uses the data in the memory as the processing object and executes the processes after step S202.

[0059] In step S202, the processing unit 232 determines whether the address information included in the processing object is a broadcast address. If it is determined to be a broadcast address (Yes in step S202), step S203 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be a broadcast address (No in step S202), step S207 is executed.

[0060] In step S203, the processing unit 232 determines whether the read / write information of the processing target is "write". If it is determined that it is not "write" (No in step S203), step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is "write" (Yes in step S203), step S205 is executed.

[0061] In step S205, the processing unit 232 determines whether the data after the read / write information is the reference duty ratio. If it is determined that it is the reference duty ratio (Yes in step S205), as receiving the first notification, step S206 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the reference duty ratio (No in step S206), step S210 is executed.

[0062] In step S206, the processing unit 232 generates a first PWM signal and a second PWM signal as PWM signals. The first PWM signal has the reference duty ratio. On the other hand, the duty ratio of the second PWM signal is zero. The processing unit 232 supplies the first PWM signal to the gates of two predetermined switching elements in the drive unit 234, and supplies the second PWM signal to the gates of the remaining switching elements. Therefore, the DC voltage V2 is chopped by the duty ratio of the first PWM signal, thereby controlling the rotation direction and speed of the impeller 25. As a result, the temperature inside the housing 201 can be made close to the set temperature. After executing step S206, step S201 is executed again.

[0063] In addition, the series of processes from step S201 to S206 are executed within the standby time of step S103 (refer to Figure 3 ) of the control unit 12.

[0064] In step S207, the processing unit 232 determines whether the address information included in the processing target is its own individual address. If it is determined that it is not its own individual address (No in step S207), step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is its own individual address (Yes in step S207), step S208 is executed.

[0065] In step S208, the processing unit 232 determines whether the read / write information of the processing target is "read". If it is determined that it is not "read" (No in step S208), step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is "read" (Yes in step S208), step S209 is executed.

[0066] In step S209, the processing unit 232 uses the object to be processed as a transmission request and obtains the status value detected by the corresponding detection unit 235 (i.e., the rotational speed of the present motor 24). The processing unit 232 passes the obtained status value to the communication unit 233 as a response to the transmission request. The communication unit 233 sends the received response to the data line 121. In step S106 (refer to Figure 3 ), the control unit 12 receives the response. As described above, the control unit 12 sends the status values of all the fans 2 to the processing units 232 of all the fans 2 through the second notification. In other words, through step S209, the communication unit 233 sends the status value of the present motor 24 to other communication units 233 through the control unit 12 and the communication unit 15. After step S209 is executed, step S201 is executed again.

[0067] In step S210, the processing unit 232 determines whether the data after the read / write information is the status values of all the fans 2. If it is determined that the data is not the status values of all the fans 2 (No in step S210), step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the data is the status values of all the fans 2 (Yes in step S210), step S211 is executed as the second notification is received. That is, when it is Yes in step S210, the communication unit 233 receives the status values of other motors 24 from other communication units 233 through the control unit 12 and the communication unit 15. The other motors 24 are the motors 24 corresponding to other communication units 233 and are motors 24 other than the present motor 24.

[0068] In step S211, the processing unit 232 performs processing for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the corresponding motor 24 (illustrated as "increase / decrease processing") based on the status values of the other motors 24 and the status value of the present motor 24 included in the second notification. Thereby, the system 100 can be stably operated.

[0069] Figure 5 is an example Figure 4 The flowchart of the detailed processing of step S211 shown. As Figure 5 shown, in step S301, the processing unit 232 obtains the status reference value. The status reference value is determined based on the statistical processing of the status values of the other motors 24 included in the second notification. The statistical processing is typically the averaging process of the status values of the other motors 24. In this case, the status reference value is the average value. In addition to the average value, the status reference value may also be the median of the status values of the other motors 24.

[0070] Next, in step S302, the processing unit 232 compares the state value of the motor 24 with the state reference value. As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the state value is greater than the state reference value (Yes in step S302), step S303 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the state value is less than the state reference value (No in step S303), step S304 is executed.

[0071] In step S303, the processing unit 232 executes a first process for reducing the rotational speed of the motor 24. In this case, the motor 24 rotates at a relatively high rotational speed. When this condition persists for a long time, the deterioration of the motor 24 progresses faster. Therefore, by reducing the rotational speed of the motor 24 through the first process, the system 100 can operate stably for a long time.

[0072] In the first process, more specifically, the processing unit 232 generates a third PWM signal and the above-described second PWM signal as PWM signals. The third PWM signal has a third duty ratio that is smaller than the reference duty ratio by a predetermined value. The processing unit 232 supplies the third PWM signal to the gates of two predetermined switching elements (the above) in the corresponding drive unit 234, and supplies the second PWM signal to the gates of the remaining switching elements. Therefore, the corresponding drive unit 234 rotates the corresponding motor 24 (i.e., the motor 24) at a rotational speed based on the state value of the other motor 24 received by the corresponding communication unit 233. By reducing the rotational speed of the motor 24 through the first process, the system 100 can operate stably for a long time.

[0073] In step S304, the processing unit 232 executes a second process for increasing the rotational speed of the motor 24. In this case, the motor 24 rotates at a relatively low rotational speed. Through the first process and the second process, the deviation in the rotational speeds of the multiple motors 24 is suppressed. As a result, the system 100 can operate stably.

[0074] In the second process, more specifically, the processing unit 232 generates a fourth PWM signal and the above-described second PWM signal as PWM signals. The fourth PWM signal has a fourth duty ratio that is larger than the reference duty ratio by a predetermined value. The processing unit 232 supplies the fourth PWM signal to the gates of two predetermined switching elements (the above), and supplies the second PWM signal to the gates of the remaining switching elements. Therefore, the corresponding drive unit 234 also rotates the corresponding motor 24 (i.e., the motor 24) at a rotational speed based on the state value of the other motor 24 received by the corresponding communication unit 233 in step S304. As a result, the system 100 can operate stably.

[0075] After executing one of steps S303 and S304, the processing unit 232 exits Figure 5 the process (i.e., Figure 4In step S211), step S201 is executed again.

[0076] In addition, in the embodiment, an impeller 25 is mounted on the output shaft of each motor 24. In this case, the cooling performance of the system 100 can be maintained by the first process and the second process.

[0077] In addition, at least one of the plurality of processing units 232 is sometimes referred to as the "first processing unit 232". In addition, among the plurality of processing units 232, at least one other than the first processing unit 232 is sometimes referred to as the "second processing unit 232".

[0078] The first processing unit 232 executes a first process for reducing the rotational speed of the motor 24 ( Figure 5 step S303). The third PWM signal output in the first process has a third duty ratio smaller than the reference duty ratio by a predetermined value. In this case, the second processing unit 232 executes a second process for increasing the rotational speed of the motor 24 ( Figure 5 step S304). The fourth PWM signal output in the second process has a fourth duty ratio larger than the reference duty ratio by a predetermined value. Therefore, the rotational speed of the motor 24 increased by the second processing unit 232 is determined based on the rotational speed of the motor 24 reduced by the first processing unit 232. As a result, the total rotational speed of the plurality of fans 2 does not change significantly before and after the execution of step S211. That is, the temperature inside the housing 201 does not rise excessively. Thus, the system 100 can operate stably.

[0079] In the embodiment, the state value is the rotational speed. However, it is not limited thereto, and the state value may also be any one of the current flowing through the motor 24, the vibration of the motor 24, and the temperature of the motor 24. That is, each of the detection units 235 can detect any one of the current flowing through the motor 24, the vibration of the motor 24, and the temperature of the motor 24.

[0080] Specifically, when the state value (i.e., the current value) is larger than the state reference value (current reference value), the corresponding motor 24 is in an overloaded state. Therefore, the processing unit 232 executes the first process ( Figure 5 step S303). On the other hand, when the current value is less than the current reference value, the processing unit 232 executes the second process ( Figure 5 step S304).

[0081] In addition, when the state value (i.e., the temperature) is larger than the state reference value (temperature reference value), the corresponding motor 24 may progress faster. Therefore, the processing unit 232 executes the first process ( Figure 5 step S303). On the other hand, when the temperature is less than the temperature reference value, the processing unit 232 executes the second process (Figure 5 Step S304).

[0082] In addition, when the state value (i.e., vibration value) is larger than the state reference value (vibration reference value), the progress of deterioration of the corresponding motor 24 becomes faster. Therefore, the processing unit 232 executes the first process ( Figure 5 Step S303). On the other hand, when the vibration value is less than the vibration reference value, the processing unit 232 executes the second process ( Figure 5 Step S304).

[0083] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the detailed process of Figure 4 Step S211 shown. Figure 6 Compared with Figure 5 , the difference is that steps S401 to S403 are executed after step S304.

[0084] As Figure 6 shown, after executing the second process in step S304, the processing unit 232 obtains the vibration frequency of the present motor 24 after executing the second process as the state value from the corresponding detection unit 235 in step S401.

[0085] Next, in step S402, the processing unit 232 determines whether the obtained state value is less than the state reference value. As a result, the system 100 can operate stably. When it is determined that the value is less than the state reference value (Yes in step S402), the processing unit 232 exits Figure 6 the process (i.e., Figure 4 Step S211), and executes step S201 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value is not less than the state reference value (No in step S402), step S403 is executed.

[0086] In step S403, the processing unit 232 finely adjusts the rotational speed of the present motor 24 according to a PWM signal having a duty ratio based on the state value and the deviation from the state reference value. After that, the processing unit 232 exits Figure 6 the process (i.e., Figure 4 Step S211), and executes step S201 again.

[0087] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a first structural example of the series circuit 4, the first ADC 5, and the second ADC 6 in the Figure 1 system 100 shown. As Figure 7 shown, in addition to the Figure 1 and Figure 2 components shown, in order to set individual addresses, the system 100 further includes a series circuit 4, a plurality of first ADCs 5, and a plurality of second ADCs 6. In addition, in Figure 7is not shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 the data line 121, the power line 132, the communication unit 233, the drive unit 234, the detection unit 235, the motor 24, and the impeller 25 among the components shown in

[0088] The series circuit 4 is mounted on the substrate 11 together with the power supply unit 13 (see Figure 1 ). The substrate 11 is an example of the "first substrate" in the present invention. In the embodiment, the series circuit 4 and the power supply unit 13 are mounted on the substrate 11, and the processing unit 232, the communication unit 233, the drive unit 234, and the detection unit 235 are mounted on the substrate 231. That is, the plurality of resistance elements 41 are mounted on the same substrate 11. As a result, in the manufacturing process of the system 100, the man-hours for mounting the plurality of resistance elements 41 are reduced.

[0089] The series circuit 4 includes a plurality of resistance elements 41. The resistance element 41 is an example of the "resistance" in the present invention. All the resistance elements 41 are connected in series. The number of the resistance elements 41 is preferably the same as the number of the motors 24 or the number of the processing units 232. Therefore, the plurality of resistance elements 41 are mounted on the substrate 11 with less man-hours.

[0090] The resistance values of the respective resistance elements 41 are the same as each other. By making the resistance values the same, the arithmetic processing of individual addresses in the plurality of processing units 232 is simplified.

[0091] The plurality of processing units 232 are respectively electrically connected to both ends of different resistance elements 41 through wirings. That is, the system 100 includes a resistance element 41 corresponding to each of the plurality of motors 24.

[0092] The power supply unit 13 applies a DC voltage V1 between both ends of the series circuit 4. As a result, information for determining an individual address is provided to each of the corresponding processing units 232. The DC voltage V1 is an example of the "constant voltage" in the present invention.

[0093] Each of the first ADC 5 and the second ADC 6 is an analog-to-digital converter, and is mounted on the substrate 231 together with the processing unit 232, for example. The number of the first ADC 5 and the number of the second ADC 6 are respectively the same as the number of the motors 24. Therefore, the system 100 includes the first ADC 5 and the second ADC 6 corresponding to each of the plurality of resistance elements 41.

[0094] One first ADC5 is disposed on each of the wirings between the corresponding resistor element 41 and one end (specifically, the upstream end) and the corresponding processing unit 232. One second ADC6 is disposed on each of the wirings between the corresponding resistor element 41 and the other end (specifically, the downstream end) and the corresponding processing unit 232. Therefore, when the power supply unit 13 applies a DC voltage V1 across both ends of the series circuit 4, each of the first ADC5 binarizes the potential difference between one end of the corresponding resistor element 41 and the ground (hereinafter referred to as "voltage V3"), and each of the second ADC6 binarizes the potential difference between the other end of the corresponding resistor element 41 and the ground (hereinafter referred to as "voltage V4"). Hereinafter, the binarized voltages V3 and V4 are examples of the "voltage values" in the present invention.

[0095] To make the description of the following individual address setting process easier to understand, suffixes are attached to the resistor elements 41 of the series circuit 4 respectively. Specifically, the uppermost upstream resistor element 41 in the series circuit 4 is denoted as "resistor element 411". The second, third, and fourth resistor elements 41 counted from the uppermost upstream resistor element 411 are denoted as "resistor element 412", "resistor element 413", and "resistor element 414" respectively. In addition, the corresponding processing units 232 to the "resistor element 411", "resistor element 412", "resistor element 413", and "resistor element 414" are denoted as "processing unit 2321", "processing unit 2322", "processing unit 2323", and "processing unit 2324" respectively. The same suffixes are also attached to the fan 2, the circuit board 23, the board 231, the first ADC5, the second ADC6, the voltage V3, and the voltage V4.

[0096] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing Figure 7 the individual address setting process in the system 100 shown. For example, when the information processing device 200 is started for the first time after leaving the factory, the process of Figure 8 is executed. As shown in step S501, the power supply unit 13 applies the DC voltage V1 across both ends of the series circuit 4. As a result, the processing unit 232 i acquires the voltage V3 from the first ADC5 i , and acquires the voltage V4 from the second ADC6 i . i is any one of 1, 2, 3, and 4. i acquires the voltage V4 i . i is any one of 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0097] Next, in step S502, the processing unit 232 i calculates based on the DC voltage V1, the voltage V3 i , V4 i , and the voltage across both ends of the resistor element 41i (V3 i-V4 i ), a unique individual address is determined in the processing units 2321 to 2324. By determining the individual address in this way, in the manufacturing process of the system 100, there is no need to set individual addresses for each fan 2. In addition, in the system 100, the fans 2 are identical to each other. Therefore, the system 100 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0098] In step S502, more specifically, the processing unit 232 i determines the value derived by the following formula (1) as its own individual address.

[0099] Processing unit 232 i 's individual address = (V1 - V4 i ) / (V3 i - V4 i ) … (1)

[0100] In step S503, the processing unit 232 i sets the individual address obtained in step S502 in its own register.

[0101] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the series circuit 4 in the system 100 shown in Figure 1 . As shown in Figure 9 , in the series circuit 4, each resistor element 41 is mounted on the corresponding substrate 231 together with the corresponding processing unit 232, communication unit 233, drive unit 234, and detection unit 235. As a result, compared with the structure of Figure 7 , since the enlargement of the substrate 11 is suppressed, the degree of freedom in arranging the respective components in the housing 201 (see Figure 1 ) is increased.

[0102] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately changed. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in a certain embodiment can be added to the components of other embodiments, or several components among all the components shown in a certain embodiment can be deleted from the embodiment.

[0103] In addition, for the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, the drawings schematically show each component as the main body. For the convenience of making the drawings, sometimes the thickness, length, number, interval, etc. of each component of the icon are different from the actual ones. In addition, the structure of each component shown in the above embodiments is an example and is not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

[0104] In the embodiment, it is described that the system 100 is applied to the information processing apparatus 200. However, this is not restrictive, and the system 100 can be applied to a roller conveyor. A roller conveyor is a device in which a plurality of rotating bodies (rollers) are arranged at right angles between a pair of frames and fixed, and an object to be conveyed is placed on the plurality of rotating bodies and moved. In this case, rollers are mounted on the output shafts of the respective motors 24 instead of the impellers 25.

[0105] In the embodiment, the system 100 performs data communication based on I2C. However, the data communication can be performed by a communication protocol other than I2C.

[0106] In the embodiment, in the system 100, the communication unit 233 sends data to another communication unit 233 through the control unit 12 acting as a master device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in a case where slave device-to-slave device communication can be performed, the communication unit 233 can directly send data to another communication unit 233.

[0107] In the embodiment, the state reference value based on statistical processing is obtained in step S211. However, it is not limited to this, and the state reference value can also be one selected from the state values of other motors 24 included in the second notification.

[0108] In the embodiment, in order to set individual addresses, the system 100 includes a series circuit 4, a first ADC 5, and a second ADC 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the system 100 can use the MAC address pre-assigned to the communication unit 233 as the individual address.

[0109] In the embodiment, as Figure 7 shown, the series circuit 4 and the power supply unit 13 are mounted on the substrate 11, and the processing unit 232, the communication unit 233, the drive unit 234, and the detection unit 235 are mounted on the substrate 231. However, it is not limited to this, and at least one of the series circuit 4 and the power supply unit 13 may be mounted on the substrate 11.

[0110] In the embodiment, as Figure 9 shown, the resistance elements 41 in the series circuit 4 are respectively mounted on the corresponding substrates 231. However, it is not limited to this, and at least one of the resistance elements 41 in the series circuit 4 and the power supply unit 13 may also be mounted on the substrate 231.

[0111] Alternatively, the data line 121, power lines 131, 132 can also be housed within the housing. In this case, the circuit board 1 and each fan 2 are connected to the data line 121 and power lines 131, 132 via connectors (not shown) provided in the housing. Alternatively, the data line 121, power lines 131, 132 can also be housed within a plurality of housings. In this case, the circuit board 1 and each fan 2 are connected to the data line 121 and power lines 131, 132 via connectors (not shown) provided in the housing, and the plurality of housings are connected to each other via connectors (not shown) provided in the housing.

[0112] In addition, the present technology can also adopt the following configuration.

[0113] (1) A system comprising:

[0114] a plurality of motors; and

[0115] detection units, communication units, and drive units respectively corresponding to the plurality of motors,

[0116] each of the detection units detects the state of its own motor, where the own motor is the motor corresponding to each of the detection units,

[0117] each of the communication units transmits the state of its own motor to other communication units and receives the states of other motors, where the other motors are the motors corresponding to the other communication units,

[0118] each of the drive units rotates its own motor at a rotational speed based on the states of the other motors received by the communication unit corresponding to each of the drive units.

[0119] (2) The system according to (1), wherein the system further comprises impellers mounted on the respective output shafts of the plurality of motors.

[0120] (3) The system according to (1) or (2), wherein each of the detection units detects at least one of rotational speed, current, vibration, and temperature as the state of its own motor.

[0121] (4) The system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0122] the system further comprises processing units respectively corresponding to the plurality of motors,

[0123] each of the processing units performs processing for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the motor corresponding to each of the processing units based on the states of the other motors and the state of its own motor.

[0124] (5) The system according to (4), wherein

[0125] Each of the detection units outputs a state value, which represents the state of the motor, to the processing unit corresponding to each detection unit.

[0126] Each of the processing units compares the state value with a state reference value, and determines the state reference value based on statistical processing of the state values of the plurality of other motors.

[0127] (6) The system according to (5), wherein

[0128] Each of the processing units performs the following processing:

[0129] When the state value is greater than the state reference value, a first process for reducing the rotational speed of the motor is executed; and

[0130] When the state value is less than the state reference value, a second process for increasing the rotational speed of the motor is executed.

[0131] (7) The system according to (6), wherein

[0132] The state value includes the vibration frequency of the motor.

[0133] After each of the processing units executes the second process, it determines whether the vibration frequency is less than a vibration reference value.

[0134] (8) The system according to (6), wherein

[0135] At least one of the plurality of processing units, i.e., a first processing unit, executes the first process for reducing the rotational speed of the motor.

[0136] At least one second processing unit among the plurality of processing units other than the first processing unit executes the second process for increasing the rotational speed of the motor according to the situation where the first processing unit has executed the first process.

[0137] Based on the rotational speed of the motor reduced by the first processing unit, the rotational speed of the motor increased by the second processing unit is determined.

[0138] (9) The system according to any one of (4) to (8), wherein the detection unit, the communication unit, the drive unit, and the processing unit are integrated into the same integrated circuit.

[0139] (10) The system according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the state of the motor is transmitted through a wireless transmission path, and the state of the other motors is received through the wireless transmission path.

[0140] (11)The system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein,

[0141] The system further includes:

[0142] A processing unit corresponding to each of the plurality of motors;

[0143] A series circuit formed by connecting a plurality of resistors in series; and

[0144] A power supply unit that applies a constant voltage between both ends of the series circuit,

[0145] The number of the resistors is the same as the number of the motors,

[0146] Each of the plurality of processing units is electrically connected to both ends of a different one of the resistors.

[0147] (12)The system according to (11), wherein each of the plurality of processing units determines unique identification information among the plurality of processing units based on the constant voltage and the voltage between both ends of the resistor connected to each of the plurality of processing units.

[0148] (13)The system according to (11) or (12), wherein,

[0149] The system further includes a first ADC and a second ADC corresponding to each of the plurality of resistors,

[0150] Each of the first ADCs binary-codes the voltage value at one end of the resistor corresponding to each of the first ADCs,

[0151] Each of the second ADCs binary-codes the voltage value at the other end of the resistor corresponding to each of the second ADCs,

[0152] Each of the plurality of processing units determines the identification information based on the constant voltage and the voltage between both ends of the resistor corresponding to each of the plurality of processing units and the binary-coded voltage between both ends.

[0153] (14)The system according to any one of (11) to (13), wherein the plurality of resistors have different resistance values.

[0154] (15)The system according to any one of (11) to (14), wherein,

[0155] The system further includes:

[0156] A first substrate on which at least one of the power supply unit and the series circuit is mounted; and

[0157] A second substrate on which the processing unit, the detection unit, the communication unit, and the drive unit are mounted.

[0158] (16)The system according to any one of (11) to (14), wherein the system further includes: a substrate on which at least one of the power supply unit and the series circuit, the processing unit, the detection unit, the communication unit, and the drive unit are mounted.

[0159] Industrial availability

[0160] The system of the present disclosure has industrial applicability.

[0161] Symbol description

[0162] 200: Information processing device

[0163] 201: Housing

[0164] 2011: Opening

[0165] 2012: Opening

[0166] 2013: Frame

[0167] 202: Device

[0168] 100: System

[0169] 1: Circuit board

[0170] 11: Substrate

[0171] 12: Control unit

[0172] 13: Power supply unit

[0173] 14: Temperature sensor

[0174] 15: Communication unit

[0175] 2: Fan

[0176] 23: Circuit board

[0177] 231: Substrate

[0178] 232: Processing unit, first processing unit, second processing unit

[0179] 233: Communication unit

[0180] 234: Drive unit

[0181] 235: Detection unit

[0182] 24: Motor

[0183] 25: Impeller

[0184] 26: Integrated circuit

[0185] 4: Series circuit

[0186] 41: Resistance element

[0187] 121: Data line

[0188] 131, 132: Power supply line

[0189] 5: First ADC5

[0190] 6: Second ADC6.

[0191] The system of the present disclosure has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A system, characterized in that, Comprising: A plurality of motors; and Detection units, communication units, and drive units respectively corresponding to the plurality of motors, Each of the detection units detects the state of its own motor, and the own motor is the motor corresponding to each of the detection units, Each of the communication units sends the state of its own motor to other communication units and receives the states of other motors from other communication units, and the other motors are the motors corresponding to other communication units, Each of the drive units rotates its own motor at a rotational speed based on the states of the other motors received by the communication unit corresponding to each of the drive units.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system further comprises impellers installed on the respective output shafts of the plurality of motors.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Each of the detection units detects at least one of rotational speed, current, vibration, and temperature as the state of its own motor.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The system further comprises processing units respectively corresponding to the plurality of motors, Each of the processing units performs processing for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the motor corresponding to each of the processing units based on the states of the other motors and the state of its own motor.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that Each of the detection units outputs a value representing the state of its own motor, i.e., a state value, to the processing unit corresponding to each of the detection units, Each of the processing units compares the state value with a state reference value and determines the state reference value based on statistical processing of the state values of the plurality of other motors.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that Each of the processing units performs the following processing: In the case where the state value is greater than the state reference value, perform a first process for reducing the rotational speed of its own motor; and In the case where the state value is less than the state reference value, perform a second process for increasing the rotational speed of its own motor.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The state value includes the vibration frequency of its own motor, After each of the processing units performs the second process, it determines whether the vibration frequency is less than a vibration reference value.

8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that At least one of the plurality of processing units, i.e., a first processing unit, performs the first process for reducing the rotational speed of its own motor, At least one second processing unit other than the first processing unit among the plurality of processing units performs the second process for increasing the rotational speed of its own motor according to the situation where the first processing unit has performed the first process, Based on the rotational speed of its own motor reduced by the first processing unit, determine the rotational speed of its own motor increased by the second processing unit.

9. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that The detection unit, the communication unit, the drive unit, and the processing unit are combined into the same integrated circuit.

10. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Send the status of the present motor through the wireless transmission path, and receive the status of the other motors through the wireless transmission path.

11. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system further comprises: a processing unit corresponding to each of the plurality of motors; a series circuit formed by connecting a plurality of resistors in series; and a power supply unit that applies a constant voltage across both ends of the series circuit, the number of the resistors is the same as the number of the motors, each of the plurality of processing units is electrically connected to both ends of a different one of the resistors.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of processing units determines unique identification information among the plurality of processing units based on the constant voltage and the voltage across both ends of the resistor connected to each of the plurality of processing units.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the system further comprises a first ADC and a second ADC corresponding to each of the plurality of resistors, each of the first ADCs binaryizes the voltage value at one end of the resistor corresponding to each of the first ADCs, each of the second ADCs binaryizes the voltage value at the other end of the resistor corresponding to each of the second ADCs, each of the plurality of processing units determines the identification information based on the constant voltage and the binaryized voltage across both ends of the resistor corresponding to each of the plurality of processing units.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of resistors have different resistance values.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the system further comprises: a first substrate on which at least one of the power supply unit and the series circuit is mounted; and a second substrate on which the processing unit, the detection unit, the communication unit, and the drive unit are mounted.

16. The system according to claim 11, wherein the system further comprises: a substrate on which at least one of the power supply unit and the series circuit, the processing unit, the detection unit, the communication unit, and the drive unit are mounted.

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