Compressor system and method for updating program

Abstract

To provide a system for a compressor that cannot be paused for long durations, by which the air compressor can autonomously determine the update timing of software according to a load state of the air compressor.SOLUTION: A compressor system is used, which comprises a compressor body that generates compressed air, a motor that drives the compressor body, and a control unit that stores a program and controls the motor according to the program. The control unit calculates the time required for updating the program and then updates the program if it is determined that the time required for the update can be secured during no-load operation of the compressor body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compressor system and a program update method for a compressor that compresses and delivers gas. [Background technology]

[0002] Air compressors are used to supply compressed air to load equipment that uses compressed air. Compressors may operate 24 hours a day by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the pressure in the compressed air storage unit (air tank) to keep the pressure within a specified range.

[0003] Patent document 1 (JP 2022-106467 A) describes a method for shortening software update time in a control device for a water supply system by making the old control software available while the new control software is being received. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-106467 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the timing of updating the software in the pressure control unit is determined by the management server, or the system is stopped during a time period set in advance by the user, and the update is performed. In other words, the configuration requires that the time periods when the device is not operating be known. However, this configuration cannot be used for industrial equipment that requires constant operation.

[0006] For example, if a software update is urgently needed due to a software defect, the software update can only be performed during specific time periods and when the equipment is stopped, so human intervention is required to update the software in an emergency.

[0007] In view of the above-described circumstances, the present disclosure aims to realize a system in which an air compressor that cannot be stopped for long periods of time can determine the timing of a software update by itself depending on the load situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A brief summary of a representative embodiment of the present invention will be given below.

[0009] A compressor system according to one embodiment includes a compressor main body that generates compressed air, a motor that drives the compressor main body, and a control unit that stores a program and controls the motor in accordance with the program. Here, the control unit calculates a required time for updating the program, and then updates the program when it determines that the required time can be secured during no-load operation of the compressor main body.

[0010] One embodiment of the program update method is a method for updating a program used to control a compressor that includes a compressor main body that generates compressed air, a control unit, and a motor that drives the compressor main body, in which the control unit calculates the time required to update the program, and then updates the program if it determines that the required time can be secured during no-load operation of the compressor main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The effects obtained by the representative inventions disclosed in this application will be briefly explained as follows.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a system can be realized in which an air compressor that cannot be stopped for long periods of time can determine the timing of a software update by itself depending on the load situation of the air compressor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a compressor system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an air compressor and a pressure control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a flow chart showing a method for saving update software and determining whether to update the software in the compressor system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a method for determining a low load state of an air compressor according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for updating a stop phase in a compressor system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a graph and a time chart showing pressure value transitions in an update process in the compressor system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for implementing program update control in the compressor system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for determining a low load state of an air compressor according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are graphs and time charts showing pressure value transitions in an update process in a compressor system according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all drawings for explaining the embodiments, components having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, explanations of identical or similar parts will not be repeated unless specifically required. Furthermore, in the drawings for explaining the embodiments, hatching may be used even in plan views or perspective views to make the configuration easier to understand. Furthermore, in the drawings for explaining the embodiments, hatching may be omitted in cross-sectional views to make the configuration easier to understand.

[0015] (Embodiment) <Configuration of compressed air supply system> 1 shows an example of a compressed air supply system (compressor system) 1 according to this embodiment. The compressed air supply system 1 includes a management server 2 that manages the operation information and software versions of the equipment, and a plurality of compressed air supply units 3 for supplying compressed air. The management server 2 is connected to each of the plurality of compressed air supply units 3.

[0016] 2 shows an example of the configuration of the compressed air supply unit 3 according to the embodiment. The compressed air supply unit 3 is composed of at least an air compressor 5 and a compressed air storage unit 6. However, multiple air compressors 5 can be connected to one compressed air storage unit 6. Furthermore, the communication device 4 is not limited to being external to the air compressor 5, and may also be installed inside the air compressor 5.

[0017] The management server 2 periodically acquires operational information of the air compressor 5 via the communication device 4 and remotely monitors the operational status. The management server 2 also has a function for transmitting and receiving data to and from the air compressor 5.

[0018] The management server 2 manages new firmware (hereinafter sometimes referred to as update software) for updating the pressure control unit 7 of the air compressor 5. At the same time, it has the function of encrypting the update software and sending it to the pressure control unit 7 via the communication device 4. The management server 2 sends an update command to the air compressor, but the air compressor 5 decides when to implement the update.

[0019] The communication device 4 is a relay device for establishing two-way communication between the management server 2 and the air compressors 5. The communication device 4 is capable of communicating with the management server 2 either wirelessly or via a wired connection, and is connected to the air compressors 5 via a wired or wireless connection. The communication device 4 has the function of communicating with at least one air compressor 5.

[0020] The communication device 4 also includes a control unit 10 for controlling communication, a communication unit 11 for external connection, and a communication storage unit 12. The communication device 4 transmits and receives data between the management server 2 and the air compressor under the control of the control unit 10, and has a write and read function for the communication storage unit 12. The communication storage unit 12 has a function for storing parameters used for communication control, update software, etc. The communication storage unit 12 is a memory provided within the communication device 4, or an external memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0021] The air compressor 5 generates compressed air according to a pressure value set by the user and stores it in a compressed air storage unit 6. Furthermore, the air compressor 5 does not operate all the time, but automatically switches between loaded operation and unloaded operation according to the transition of the pressure value or the method of controlling the pressure value. The air compressor 5 is composed of at least a pressure control unit 7 and a compressed air generation unit 8.

[0022] The compressed air storage unit (air tank) 6 is a device that accumulates compressed air generated by the air compressor 5. One compressed air storage unit 6 can be connected to multiple air compressors 5, and the compressed air storage unit 6 can also be integrated with the air compressor 5. The air compressor 5 is also equipped with a pressure sensor Ps. The pressure sensor Ps is an instrument that measures the compressed air before it is discharged from the air compressor 5 to external piping. The pressure value detected by the pressure sensor Ps is transmitted to the pressure control unit 7 via wire or wirelessly.

[0023] The pressure control unit 7 controls and communicates with the air compressor 5. For example, the pressure control unit 7 controls the compressed air generation unit 8 based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor Ps in accordance with the pressure setting value set in the user interface 13 so that the air pressure falls within a set range. In addition, the pressure control unit 7 communicates with the management server 2 via the communication device 4 while performing pressure control.

[0024] The compressed air generating unit 8 is comprised of dynamic parts for generating compressed air, including a compressor main body AE that generates compressed air, a motor M that drives the compressor main body AE, and a switch such as an inverter or magnetic switch that supplies power to the motor M. The compressed air generating unit 8 drives the motor M, which is the power source, in accordance with an operation command from the pressure control unit 7, and generates compressed air in the compressor main body AE that is connected to the motor M. The compressed air compressed by the compressed air generating unit 8 is discharged to the compressed air storage unit 6 through piping.

[0025] <Outline of pressure control unit> The pressure control unit 7 is a unit that monitors the state of the air compressor and controls the motor M, relays, etc. in order to generate compressed air. The pressure control unit 7 is composed of a user interface 13, a communication interface 14 that connects to the communication device 4, a compressor information storage unit 15, and a microcomputer 16 that operates by firmware.

[0026] The communication interface 14 is a component that enables mutual communication between the communication device 4 and the microcomputer 16. Here, the communication interface 14 and the communication device 4 are connected via a communication line, but they may also be connected wirelessly. The communication interface 14 also has the function of directly communicating with the management server 2.

[0027] The user interface 13 is composed of an input device operated by the user and a display device. In accordance with the user's input operation, the user interface 13 supplies signals and communication contents indicating the input operation to the microcomputer 16. The microcomputer 16 displays the signals received from the user interface 13 and information indicating the control status on the display device.

[0028] The compressor information storage unit 15 stores various programs and data necessary for executing the programs, including user settings related to compressor control. This storage unit is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. The compressor information storage unit 15 also stores update software received from the management server and backup control software that restores the system in the event of an update failure. In this application, software such as update software and control software is referred to as a program.

[0029] The microcomputer 16 has a function for communicating with the communication device 4, an input / output processing function necessary for controlling the air compressor 5, and a function for writing and reading data to and from the compressor information storage unit 15. The microcomputer 16 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 17, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 18, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 19. The ROM 19 stores a software storage unit 21 that stores software for controlling the compressed air generating unit 8 (hereinafter referred to as control software), and an update unit 20 that executes update control. The microcomputer 16 operates the CPU 17 and controls the compressed air generating unit 8 in accordance with the software storage unit 21 stored in the ROM 19. The CPU 17 is connected to both the RAM 18 and the ROM 19.

[0030] <Updated section> The update unit 20 is a control unit capable of executing update control. Update control involves storing update software transmitted from the management server 2 to the air compressor 5 via the communication interface 14 in the compressor information storage unit 15, detecting the state of the air compressor 5, automatically checking when an update is possible, and executing the update process.

[0031] The update process is a control for rewriting the control software stored in the software storage unit 21 with update software received via the communication interface 14. The update software is received from the management server 2 and stored in advance in the compressor information storage unit 15. The update unit 20 also has an automatic recovery function for detecting and recovering from data corruption caused by a momentary power outage that occurs during the update.

[0032] The update unit 20 executes update control of the control software stored in the software storage unit 21 in response to an update command received via the communication interface 14. After receiving the update command, the update unit 20 executes authentication processing so that the management server 2 and the pressure control unit 7 can mutually confirm the reliability of the sender. The update unit 20 also stores the results of the previous update control, and if updating of similar software fails even after multiple retries, it will no longer accept update commands for that update software and will send information about the update failure to the management server 2.

[0033] The authentication process according to this embodiment is a function that determines whether the sender of the update software is a legitimate management server or the like managed by the management company of the air compressor 5. In the authentication process, the management server 2 sends an authentication password to the communication device 4. The communication device 4 then uses this password to determine the sender. If the sender is confirmed, the communication device 4 sends an authentication key for starting the update to the air compressor 5. If the communication device 4 does not connect and the management server 2 connects directly to the air compressor 5, the authentication function stored in the software storage unit 21 performs similar processing.

[0034] The automatic return function is a function that, if the software stored in the software storage unit 21 is inconsistent, continues to operate the air compressor 5 using the control software backed up in the compressor information storage unit 15. The automatic return function is stored in the update unit 20.

[0035] After the updated software is stored in the compressor information storage unit 15, the update unit 20 performs a consistency check on the software. Depending on the result of the consistency check, the update unit 20 stores or deletes the updated software in the software storage unit 21. In addition, because of the system recovery function, which is a countermeasure in the event of an update failure, the control software is also stored in the compressor information storage unit 15, and the same processing as above is performed.

[0036] In the integrity check, software stored in the compressor information storage unit 15 or the software storage unit 21 is verified using the digital certificate and public key sent via the management server 2. If the verification passes the hash value verification, the software is deemed to have integrity and the process proceeds to the next step.

[0037] After completing the consistency check, the update unit 20 determines the timing to perform the update process using information on whether the air compressor is in load operation or no-load operation. For example, in the case of load operation, the compressed air usage load is determined based on the pressure cycle. If it is determined to be in a low-load state, the update process is executed. No-load operation is an operating method in which, when the pressure value exceeds a user-set value (stop pressure), the motor M is temporarily stopped until the pressure drops to a pressure at which load operation is restored (return pressure), or the motor M continues to operate but does not generate compressed air. Load operation is a state in which the compressed air supply system 1 (compressor) generates compressed air until the air pressure in the compressed air storage unit reaches the stop pressure. If a load / unload mechanism is provided, this is the state during load operation.

[0038] A low-load state is a state in which, after the air compressor switches from load operation to no-load operation, the pressure value drop time continues at a constant cycle for a period sufficiently longer than the time required for updating (hereinafter referred to as the required update time). In this embodiment, the measured pressure drop time is referred to as the update margin time. The required update time includes the time required to start and stop the air compressor in addition to the time required to write the update software.

[0039] <Update control details> Regarding firmware update by update control according to this embodiment, the update software saving process and update determination procedure will be described with reference to Fig. 3, and the procedure for determining the timing of update control will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. The update process and the recovery procedure in the event of update failure will also be described with reference to Fig. 7. The update control is activated when power is supplied to pressure control unit 7, and each condition of the update control is checked while controlling the air compressor.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing an example of a procedure for saving updated software, which includes steps S300 to S311 relating to saving updated software and determining whether to update it.

[0041] 3, after the air compressor 5 is powered on, update control is initiated. The update unit 20 checks at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every hour) whether the management server 2 has issued an update command (S300). If the update unit 20 determines that an update command has been received (S300: Yes), the communication device 4 checks the sender and transmits an authentication key for starting the update to the pressure control unit 7 (S301). If the update unit 20 determines that an update command has not been received (S300: No), the update control is temporarily terminated and the process shifts to other control of the air compressor (Z shown in FIG. 3).

[0042] After receiving the authentication key for starting the update in step S301, the update unit 20 starts receiving the update software (S302). At this time, the update unit 20 executes control of the air compressor 5 while sequentially writing the update software received from the management server 2 to the compressor information storage unit 15 (S303). When all the update software has been stored in the compressor information storage unit 15 (S304: Yes), the update unit 20 performs a consistency check on the update software (S305). When it is determined that the consistency check is successful (S305: Yes), the update unit 20 stores the control software stored in the software storage unit 21 in the compressor information storage unit 15 as a backup in case the update fails (S306). However, if it is determined that the consistency check has failed (S305: No), the update unit 20 deletes the update software (S310), puts the update control into standby mode until the next update command is received, and checks at predetermined time intervals whether the management server 2 has issued an update command (S300).

[0043] Next, after step S306, the update unit 20 calculates the update required time (t m_min ) (S307). Thereafter, the update unit 20 determines whether the operating state of the air compressor 5 is under load operation (S308). If the air compressor 5 is under load operation (S308: Yes), the update unit 20 performs two cycles of load and no-load operation as preparation for determining the load state of the operation (S309: Yes), and then starts the flow for determining whether the air compressor 5 is under low-load operation. That is, the flow proceeds to A shown in FIG. 3 (flow in FIG. 4). On the other hand, if the air compressor 5 is not under load operation (S308: No), the update unit 20 determines whether or not a stop command for pressure control has been issued (S311). If a stop command has been issued (S311: Yes), the air compressor 5 is stopped, or the stop process for the air compressor 5 is being executed (B shown in FIG. 3). Thereafter, the flow proceeds to the update flow for the stop stage shown in FIG. 5. On the other hand, if a stop command has not been issued (S311: No), the update unit 20 determines that the air compressor 5 is under no-load operation, and the update control waits until the air compressor 5 is under load operation.

[0044] Next, the procedure for determining whether the air compressor 5 is in a low load state, which is necessary for performing the update process, will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 6. Figure 4 shows steps S400 to S412 related to determining whether the air compressor 5 is in a low load state.

[0045] The upper part of Fig. 6 shows a graph representing the relationship between pressure and time, and the lower part of Fig. 6 shows a time chart representing the operating state of the air compressor 5 corresponding to that time. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time, and the vertical axis represents the pressure value. As shown in the time chart of Fig. 6, the air compressor 5 repeatedly performs load operation and no-load operation. As shown in the graph of Fig. 6, the pressure rises when the air compressor 5 performs load operation, and drops when the air compressor 5 performs no-load operation. The portion of the graph indicated by the dashed line (graph 602) shows the transition of estimated pressure that has not yet been measured, and will be referred to below as the update required time (t m_min ) is the estimated pressure transition time (t pm ) to determine whether it fits within the

[0046] First, as explained with reference to FIG. 3, after two cycles of load operation and no-load operation have elapsed (S309: Yes), as shown in FIG. 4, the load operation is switched to no-load operation and then judgment of the low-load state is started (S400). Immediately after the operation state is switched to no-load operation (S400: Yes), in order to avoid judgment abnormalities due to transient changes in pressure, the update unit 20 calculates the pressure stabilization time (t0) and the sampling time (t s ) has elapsed (S401), the update margin time (t m_n ) is measured (S402).

[0047] After that, the update margin time (t m_n ) is the update time (t m_min If the update margin time (t) is longer than the predetermined value (S403: Yes), the update unit 20 adds 1 to the stable variable, which is a variable for determining the low load state (S404). After that, the update unit 20 determines whether the stable variable has reached the set value (n) (S405). m_n ) is the update time (t m_min) (S403: No), the update unit 20 resets the stable variable (S411) and proceeds to step S400. The stable variable is repeatedly detected until it reaches a set value (n) (S405), where n is a positive natural number. If the stable variable reaches the set value (S405: Yes), the process moves to detection before executing the update process. In other words, the process proceeds to step S406 in Figure 4. If the set value of the stable variable is set to 0, the stable variable is always greater than or equal to 0, so the process immediately proceeds to the following process (step S406 in Figure 4).

[0048] If the stable variable reaches the set value (S405: Yes), the update unit 20 then determines whether or not the air compressor 5 has been switched to no-load operation (S406). If the switch to no-load operation has not been completed (S406: No), the determination (S406) is repeated. If the switch to no-load operation has been completed (S406: Yes), the pressure stabilization time (t0) is allowed to elapse before the update process is executed (S407). Thereafter, the estimated margin time for update (t pm ), the update unit 20 calculates the sampling time (t s ) and the pressure transition (P k -P k-1 ) is recorded (S408). Next, the update unit 20 uses the results of sampling in step S408 to calculate the estimated time to update (t pm ) is calculated (S409). k-1 ) is the sampling time (t s ) is the pressure at the start of blockage, and pressure (P k ) is the sampling time (t s ) shown in Figure 6. CO ) is the pressure when the air compressor 5 switches from load operation to no-load operation, and the pressure (P Ci ) is the pressure (return pressure) at which the air compressor 5 returns to load operation. pm ) is the time during no-load operation, and the sampling time (t s The estimated margin time (t) is the time until the operation state switches to the load operation after the elapse of ... pm ) can be calculated using the following formula (1):

number

[0049] Estimated time to update (t pm ) is the update time (t m_min ) (S410: Yes), the update process (C) is executed. m_min ) can be secured, and the process moves to C (flow in Fig. 7) shown in Fig. 4. pm ) is the update time (t m_min ) (S410: No), the update unit 20 resets the stable variables (S412) and proceeds to step S400.

[0050] 5 shows the update flow for the stop stage when a stop command is input to the air compressor 5. First, it is determined whether the motor M is operating (S500). If it is operating (S500: Yes), the process goes through all the stop processes of the air compressor 5 (S501) before proceeding to update process (C). On the other hand, if the motor M is stopped (S500: No), the process immediately proceeds to update process (C).

[0051] The execution of the update process and automatic recovery in the event that the air compressor falls into a state where it cannot be started after the update will be described with reference to Fig. 7. First, the air compressor 5 is stopped (S700), and the update unit 20 updates the software by rewriting the update software from the compressor information storage unit 15 to the software storage unit 21 (S701). After the software rewriting is complete, the air compressor 5 is restarted (S702).

[0052] Next, the update unit 20 performs a consistency check on the data in the software storage unit 21 (S703). If the consistency check is determined to be successful (S703: Yes), the update unit 20 reads the operating state of the air compressor 5 before the update process was performed (S704) and resumes operation (S705). On the other hand, if the consistency check is determined to be unsuccessful (S703: No), the update unit 20 initializes the software storage unit 21 (S708) and stores the control software in the software storage unit 21 again (S709). Thereafter, the operating state before the update is restored, as described above. That is, the process proceeds to step S702. After resuming operation in step S705, the update unit 20 transmits the update result to the management server 2 (S706) and transitions to a state waiting for an update command (step S300 in FIG. 3) (S707).

[0053] <Effects of the embodiment> In a system that includes an air compressor, for example, the air compressor that outputs compressed air to be used as energy may operate 24 hours a day. However, since the air pressure is kept almost constant by repeatedly operating the air compressor under load and no load, there are times when the pressure can be updated, such as during no load operation.

[0054] In this embodiment, the control unit compares the time required to update the software that controls the operation of the air compressor with the time required for no-load operation to reduce pressure, determines when an update is possible, and automatically updates the software. This allows the software of the air compressor system to be updated without affecting the usage status of the air compressor. In other words, for compressors that cannot be stopped for long periods of time, a system can be realized in which the air compressor itself can determine the timing for updating its software (program) depending on the load status.

[0055] <Variation 1> In the flow of determining the low load state according to the embodiment described above, the update margin time is set to the update required time (t m_min ) and measure the stability variable, and then estimate the estimated time to update (t pm) and the timing for updating is determined based on the result of the determination. In contrast, in this modified example, the required time is not estimated, but the timing when updating is possible is determined using the gradient of the pressure transition. The procedure for determining whether the air compressor is in a low load state according to this modified example will be described below with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. The flow shown in Fig. 8 is a modified example of the flow shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 9 shows a time chart and a pressure graph of the air compressor, similar to Fig. 6.

[0056] First, the update unit 20 calculates the update time (t m_min ) to update the maximum gradient (S max ) is calculated (S800). max ) is the slope of the dashed line graph 901 in FIG. 9 during no-load operation. max ) can be calculated using the following formula (2).

number

[0057] Next, the update unit 20 switches the air compressor 5 from load operation to no-load operation (S801: Yes), and after the pressure stabilization time (t0) has elapsed (S802), the update unit 20 updates the actual gradient (S n ) is measured (S803). If the changeover to no-load operation has not been performed in step S801 (S801: No), the changeover decision in step S801 is performed again. n ) is the slope of the graph 902 shown by the solid line in FIG. 9 during no-load operation. n ) can be calculated using the following formula (3).

number

[0058] After step S803, the update unit 20 updates the maximum gradient (S max ) and the measured gradient (S n ) (S804). As a result of the comparison, the actual gradient (S n ) is the updated maximum gradient (S max) (S804: Yes), the update unit 20 increases the stability variable by 1 (S805). n ) is the updated maximum gradient (S max ) or more (S804: No), the update unit 20 resets the stable variable (S808). After that, the process proceeds to step S801.

[0059] When the stable variable reaches a certain number (here, n) (S806: Yes), the update unit 20 determines that the air compressor 5 is in a low load state, and after the pressure stabilization time (t0) has elapsed (S807), the update unit 20 executes the update process (C). m_min ) can be secured, and update processing (C) is executed. The subsequent processing procedure is the same as that explained using FIG. 7. If the number of stable variables has not reached the fixed number in step S806, the process proceeds to step S801.

[0060] In this modified example, compared to the embodiment described using FIGS. 1 to 7, the time required for estimation calculation is not required, and therefore the update time can be shortened.

[0061] The invention made by the present inventors has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0062] For example, although an air compressor has been described as an example in this embodiment, the working fluid is not limited to air, but may be a different gas such as nitrogen or hydrogen. The type of compressor is also not limited to a specific compressor, but may be any compressor such as a screw compressor, scroll compressor, reciprocating compressor, or turbo compressor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Compressed air supply system 2 Management Server 3 Compressed Air Supply Unit 4. Communication equipment 5. Air compressor 6 Compressed air storage unit 7 Pressure control section 8 Compressed air generating section 10 Control Unit 11 Communications Department 12 Communication memory unit 13 User Interface 14 Communication Interface 15 Compressor information storage unit 16 Microcomputer 20 Update section 21 Software storage unit AE compressor body Medium motor Ps pressure sensor

Claims

1. a compressor body that generates compressed air; a motor that drives the compressor body; a control unit that stores a program and controls the motor in accordance with the program; Equipped with The control unit calculates the time required to update the program, and then updates the program if it determines that the required time can be secured during no-load operation of the compressor body.

2. 2. The compressor system of claim 1, the control unit calculates the required update time, and then calculates an estimated margin of time for updating during no-load operation of the compressor body, and when the estimated margin of time for updating is greater than the required update time, determines that the required update time can be secured, and updates the program.

3. 2. The compressor system of claim 1, the control unit calculates the required update time, then calculates a maximum update gradient, and calculates an actual measured gradient during no-load operation of the compressor body; and when the actual measured gradient is smaller than the maximum update gradient, determines that the required update time can be ensured and updates the program.

4. 4. The compressor system according to claim 2 or 3, Load operation is a state in which the compressor system generates compressed air until the air pressure in the compressed air storage section reaches a stop pressure, and is a state in which the compressor system is in load operation if the compressor system is equipped with a load / unload mechanism.

5. A method for updating a program used to control a compressor including a compressor body that generates compressed air, a control unit, and a motor that drives the compressor body, comprising: a program update method in which the control unit calculates a required time for updating the program, and then updates the program if it determines that the required time for updating can be secured during no-load operation of the compressor body.

6. 6. The program updating method according to claim 5, the control unit calculates the required update time, and then calculates an estimated margin for updating during no-load operation of the compressor body, and determines that the required update time can be secured if the estimated margin for updating is greater than the required update time, and updates the program.

7. 6. The program updating method according to claim 5, a program updating method in which the control unit calculates the required update time, then calculates a maximum update gradient, calculates an actual measured gradient during no-load operation of the compressor body, and determines that the required update time can be ensured if the actual measured gradient is smaller than the maximum update gradient;

8. 8. The program updating method according to claim 6, further comprising: A program updating method, wherein load operation is a state in which the compressor generates compressed air until the air pressure in the compressed air storage section reaches a stop pressure, and is a state in which the compressor is in load operation if the compressor is equipped with a load / unload mechanism.

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