Air conditioning control system, server device and air conditioning control method

Abstract

An air conditioning control system, a server device, and an air conditioning control method are provided to ensure the safety of operators when initiating emergency operation. The air conditioning control system includes an air conditioner and a server device that are communicatively connected. The control system includes a control unit that, upon receiving a notification indicating an anomaly from the air conditioner, instructs all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating and then sends emergency operation setting information to the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioner control system, a server device, and an air conditioner control method. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioning control system is known that connects the air conditioner and a server device via a public line such as the Internet, allowing remote control of the air conditioner. This control system enables remote emergency operation in case of an air conditioner malfunction.

[0003] <Prior art documents>

[0004] <Patent Documents>

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-125647

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-077078

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-069080 Summary of the Invention

[0008] <Problem to be solved by this invention>

[0009] On the other hand, in the case of the aforementioned air conditioning control system, when an operator is performing work on-site while an air conditioning malfunction occurs, emergency operation may be unintentionally started remotely.

[0010] This disclosure provides an air conditioner control system, a server device, and an air conditioner control method to ensure the safety of operators when starting emergency operation.

[0011] <Methods for solving problems>

[0012] The air conditioning control system of the first aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning control system including an air conditioner and a server device that are communicatively connected. The air conditioning control system has a control unit that, upon receiving a notification indicating an abnormality from the air conditioner, instructs all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating and sends emergency operation setting information to the air conditioner.

[0013] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, even when the emergency operation settings are enabled in the air conditioner, emergency operation will not start immediately; instead, it will only begin when operated via the remote control of the indoor unit. In other words, the situation where emergency operation is unintentionally started can be avoided. Thus, according to the first aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioner control system can be provided to ensure the safety of the operator when initiating emergency operation.

[0014] Furthermore, a second aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning control system according to the first aspect, wherein, upon receiving a notification from the air conditioning unit that the setting of the setting information has been completed, the control unit notifies that the setting of the setting information for emergency operation has been successfully completed.

[0015] Furthermore, a third aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning control system according to the first aspect, wherein, before the emergency operation duration based on the setting information is predetermined, the control unit, upon receiving maintenance information from the air conditioner, instructs all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating and instructs the air conditioner to stop the emergency operation.

[0016] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning control system according to the third aspect, wherein the air conditioning unit has at least a plurality of outdoor units, and the emergency operation is performed by the remaining outdoor units among the plurality of outdoor units, excluding the portion of outdoor units that have malfunctioned.

[0017] Furthermore, the server device in the fifth aspect of this disclosure is a server device that can be connected to an air conditioner in a communicative manner. The server device includes a control unit that, upon receiving a notification indicating an abnormality from the air conditioner, instructs all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating and sends emergency operation setting information to the air conditioner.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, even when the emergency operation settings are enabled in the air conditioner, emergency operation will not start immediately; instead, it will only begin when operated via the remote control of the indoor unit. In other words, the situation where emergency operation is unintentionally started can be avoided. Thus, according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, a server device can be provided to ensure the safety of the operator when initiating emergency operation.

[0019] Furthermore, the air conditioner control method in the sixth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioner control method performed in an air conditioner control system, the air conditioner control system including an air conditioner and a server device that are communicatively connected, the air conditioner control method comprising: a control step, wherein, upon receiving a notification indicating an abnormality from the air conditioner, after instructing all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, sending emergency operation setting information to the air conditioner.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, even when the emergency operation settings are enabled in the air conditioner, emergency operation will not start immediately; instead, it will only begin when operated via the remote control of the indoor unit. In other words, the situation where emergency operation is unintentionally started can be avoided. Thus, according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioner control method can be provided to ensure the safety of the operator when initiating emergency operation. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of an air conditioning control system.

[0022] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an edge device.

[0023] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a server device.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of air conditioner control processing performed by an air conditioner control system.

[0025] Figure 4 This is an example of a timing diagram illustrating the process of initiating an emergency operation.

[0026] Figure 5 This is an example of a timing diagram illustrating the process of handling the end of the first emergency operation.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an example of a sequence diagram showing the process of handling advance notification and the termination of the second emergency operation. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are marked with the same symbols to omit repeated descriptions.

[0029] [First Implementation]

[0030] <System Composition of Air Conditioning Control System>

[0031] First, the system composition of the air conditioning control system will be explained. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of an air conditioning control system.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning control system 100 includes an air conditioner 110, an edge device 120, a server device 130, and an administrator terminal 140. In the air conditioning control system 100, the air conditioner 110 and the edge device 120 are connected via a dedicated communication line. Furthermore, the edge device 120 and the server device 130, and the administrator terminal 140 and the server device 130, are connected via a public line such as the Internet 150.

[0033] Air conditioner 110 includes indoor units 111 and 112, and outdoor units 113, 114, and 115. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The number of indoor and outdoor units shown is an example. The air conditioner 110 in this embodiment has multiple indoor units and multiple outdoor units and is configured to operate in an emergency.

[0034] Figure 1 The example illustrates a situation where an malfunction occurs in outdoor unit 113, which is the mother unit, causing outdoor units 114 and 115, which are the remaining two daughter units, to cooperate in emergency operation.

[0035] Edge device 120 transmits air conditioner information output by air conditioner 110 to server device 130 via Internet 150. The air conditioner information output by air conditioner 110 includes, for example, exception information (notification) indicating an anomaly has occurred, and information indicating the status of air conditioner 110 during emergency operation. Furthermore, the air conditioner information output by air conditioner 110 includes information indicating that maintenance work has been performed by operator 161 who maintains air conditioner 110 (maintenance information), etc.

[0036] Additionally, the edge device 120 sends instruction information received from the server device 130 via the Internet 150 to the air conditioner 110. The instruction information sent from the server device 130 to the edge device 120 may include, for example, information instructing all indoor units to stop operating, information instructing emergency operation settings, and information instructing emergency operation to stop.

[0037] A control program is installed in the server device 130. By executing the program, the server device 130 functions as a control unit 131.

[0038] Control unit 131 remotely controls air conditioner 110 via Internet 150. Specifically, control unit 131 receives air conditioner information output by air conditioner 110 and transmitted by edge device 120 via Internet 150. Additionally, control unit 131 automatically or through device administrator 162 inputs instruction information corresponding to the received air conditioner information and transmits it to edge device 120 via Internet 150. Thus, server device 130, which functions as control unit 131, can remotely control air conditioner 110.

[0039] In addition, the control unit 131 sends notification information corresponding to the received air conditioner information to the administrator terminal 140 via the Internet 150. The notification information sent to the administrator terminal 140 may include, for example, information indicating the start of emergency operation guidance, information indicating successful setting of emergency operation settings, information indicating the imminent cessation of emergency operation, and information indicating the termination of emergency operation.

[0040] Furthermore, in response to sending a notification message to the administrator terminal 140, the control unit 131 receives permission information for emergency operation input by the air conditioning administrator 163. It should be noted that upon receiving this permission information, a portion of the aforementioned instruction information is sent to the edge device 120.

[0041] Administrator terminal 140 is operated by air conditioner administrator 163 (an example of a user, such as an administrator managing a building where air conditioner 110 is installed) who manages air conditioner 110. Administrator terminal 140 relays notification information received from server device 130 to air conditioner administrator 163.

[0042] It should be noted that, after the administrator terminal 140 notifies the start of emergency operation guidance, the air conditioner administrator 163 entrusts maintenance work to the operator 161 and enters the permission information for emergency operation. This permission information is then sent to the server device 130 via the Internet 150.

[0043] <Hardware Configuration of Edge Devices and Server Devices>

[0044] Next, the hardware configuration of the edge device 120 and the server device 130 will be described.

[0045] (1) Hardware configuration of edge device 120

[0046] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an edge device. (As shown...) Figure 2AAs shown, the edge device 120 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, an I / F (Interface) device 204, a communication device 205, and a driver device 206. It should be noted that the various hardware components of the edge device 120 are interconnected via a bus 207.

[0047] The processor 201 has various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 201 reads various programs (programs for implementing the above-mentioned functions of the edge device 120) into the memory 202 and executes them.

[0048] The memory 202 includes main storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 201 and the memory 202 together form what is called a computer.

[0049] The auxiliary storage device 203 stores various programs and various data used by the processor 201 when the various programs are executed.

[0050] I / F device 204 is a device for enabling edge device 120 to communicate with air conditioner 110 via a dedicated communication line.

[0051] The communication device 205 is a device for enabling the edge device 120 to communicate with another device (server device 130) via the Internet 150.

[0052] The drive device 206 is a device for setting the recording medium 210. The recording medium 210, as described herein, includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as CD-ROMs, floppy disks, and optical discs. Alternatively, the recording medium 210 may also include semiconductor memories that record information electrically, such as ROMs and flash memory.

[0053] It should be noted that various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 203 can be installed, for example, by placing the distributed recording medium 210 in the drive device 206, and by the drive device 206 reading the various programs recorded on the recording medium 210. Alternatively, various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 203 can also be installed by downloading them from the Internet 150 via the communication device 205.

[0054] (2) Hardware configuration of server device 130

[0055] Figure 2BThis diagram illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of a server device. It should be noted that since the hardware configuration of server device 130 is largely the same as that of edge device 120, the explanation here will focus on the differences in hardware configuration between the two devices.

[0056] The processor 221 reads various programs (such as control programs) into the memory 222 and executes them.

[0057] The memory 222 includes main storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 221 and the memory 222 form a so-called computer, and the processor 221 enables the computer to implement the control unit 131 by executing various programs read from the memory 222.

[0058] The auxiliary storage device 223 stores various programs and various data (such as emergency operation history, which will be described later) used when the various programs are executed by the processor 221.

[0059] I / F device 224 is a connection device that connects an operating device 230 (an example of an external device), a display device 240, and a server device 130. I / F device 224 receives operations from the device administrator 162 on the server device 130 via the operating device 230. Furthermore, I / F device 224 displays the results of various processes performed by the server device 130 to the device administrator 162 via the display device 240.

[0060] The communication device 225 is a communication device used to communicate with another device (edge ​​device 120, administrator terminal 140, etc.) via the Internet 150.

[0061] <Air Conditioner Control Process>

[0062] Next, the process of air conditioner control processing performed by the air conditioner control system 100 will be explained. Figure 3 This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of air conditioner control processing performed by an air conditioner control system.

[0063] In step S301, the air conditioner 110 determines whether an abnormality has occurred. If no abnormality is determined in step S301 (if "No" is determined in step S301), it waits until an abnormality occurs.

[0064] On the other hand, if an abnormality is determined to have occurred in step S301 (if "yes" is indicated in step S301), proceed to step S302.

[0065] In step S302, the air conditioner 110, edge device 120, server device 130, and administrator terminal 140 initiate emergency operation procedures. It should be noted that detailed information regarding the emergency operation initiation procedures will be provided using... Figure 4 This will be explained later.

[0066] In step S303, the air conditioner 110 determines whether the operator 161 has performed maintenance. If maintenance is determined to have been performed in step S303 (if "yes" is indicated in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0067] In step S304, the air conditioner 110, edge device 120, server device 130, and administrator terminal 140 perform the first emergency operation termination process. Further details regarding the first emergency operation termination process will be provided later. Figure 5 This will be explained later.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that no maintenance has been performed (if it is "No" in step S303), proceed to step S305.

[0069] In step S305, the server device 130 determines whether the pre-announcement notification time has been reached. The pre-announcement notification refers to notifying the administrator terminal 140 that the emergency operation will automatically stop before it automatically terminates due to the predetermined duration of the emergency operation that began in step S302 (due to the elapsed predetermined emergency operation period). It should be noted that in this embodiment, the emergency operation period is 7 days, and the pre-announcement notification time is the day before the last day of the emergency operation period. In other words, in this embodiment, the pre-announcement notification is set to occur on the 6th day after the start of the emergency operation.

[0070] If, in step S305, it is determined that the time for the pre-announcement has been reached (if "Yes" is true in step S305), proceed to step S306. In step S306, the server device 130 and the administrator terminal 140 perform pre-announcement processing, and then proceed to step S307. It should be noted that detailed information regarding the pre-announcement processing will be provided using... Figure 6 This will be explained later.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that the timing of the advance notification has not been reached or the timing of the advance notification has passed (if "No" is determined in step S305), the process proceeds directly to step S307.

[0072] In step S307, the server device 130 determines whether the emergency operation has lasted for a predetermined period (whether the predetermined emergency operation period has elapsed). If it is determined in step S307 that the predetermined period has not been lasted (the predetermined emergency operation period has not elapsed) (if it is "No" in step S307), the process returns to step S303.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that the predetermined period has been sustained (the predetermined emergency operation period has elapsed) (if "yes" is set in step S307), then proceed to step S308.

[0074] In step S308, the air conditioner 110, edge device 120, server device 130, and administrator terminal 140 perform the second emergency operation termination process. It should be noted that details regarding the second emergency operation termination process will be provided using... Figure 6 This will be explained later.

[0075] In this way, in the air conditioning control system 100, when emergency operation is initiated, a timer for the emergency operation period begins, and the emergency operation automatically stops after the emergency operation period has elapsed (step S308, second emergency operation termination process). Therefore, according to the air conditioning control system 100, it is possible to prevent emergency operation from continuing for a predetermined period and to reduce the risk of air conditioning malfunction during emergency operation.

[0076] Furthermore, in the air conditioning control system 100, if the operator 161 performs maintenance during the emergency operation period, the emergency operation is stopped (steps S303 and S304, the first emergency operation termination process). Therefore, according to the air conditioning control system 100, the emergency operation can be terminated without waiting for the emergency operation period to pass, and the risk of air conditioning malfunction during emergency operation can be reduced.

[0077] <Emergency Operation Initiation Process>

[0078] Next, the emergency response was initiated. Figure 3 The details of step S302 will be explained. Figure 4 This is an example of a timing diagram illustrating the process of initiating emergency operation. As described above, in the event that an abnormality has occurred in air conditioner 110 (in... Figure 3 If "yes" is selected in step S301, proceed as follows: Figure 4 The emergency response has begun.

[0079] In step S401, the air conditioner 110 sends the abnormal information to the edge device 120.

[0080] In step S402, the edge device 120 sends the abnormal information sent from the air conditioner 110 to the server device 130 via the Internet 150.

[0081] In step S403, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 confirms the content of the abnormal information sent from the edge device 120 and determines whether emergency operation can be performed. Furthermore, if the control unit 131 of the server device 130 determines that emergency operation can be performed, it refers to past emergency operation history to determine whether predetermined conditions are met.

[0082] It should be noted that, in the control unit 131 of the server device 130, if, for example, emergency operation is performed within a predetermined period (e.g., 30 days) due to the same abnormal information (abnormal code) in the same air conditioner 110, it is determined that the predetermined conditions are met. On the other hand, in the control unit 131 of the server device 130, if, for example, emergency operation is not performed within a predetermined period (e.g., 30 days) due to the same abnormal information (abnormal code) in the same air conditioner 110, it is determined that the predetermined conditions are not met.

[0083] If the predetermined conditions are not met, in step S404, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends information to the administrator terminal 140 to notify the start of emergency operation. As a result, the administrator terminal 140 notifies the air conditioning administrator 163 of the start of emergency operation.

[0084] In step S405, in response to being notified of the start of emergency operation guidance, the air conditioning administrator 163 entrusts maintenance work to the operator 161 and inputs an instruction to allow or disallow emergency operation into the administrator terminal 140.

[0085] In step S406, the administrator terminal 140 sends the emergency operation permission information to the server device 130.

[0086] In step S407, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 confirms whether the content of the abnormal information has not changed, and confirms whether the air conditioner administrator 163 has permitted or not permitted emergency operation based on the emergency operation permission information.

[0087] If the content of the abnormal information remains unchanged and the air conditioner administrator 163 has approved emergency operation, in step S408, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends information indicating that all indoor units should stop operating to the edge device 120 via the Internet 150.

[0088] In step S409, the edge device 120 receives information from the server device 130 instructing all indoor units to stop operating and sends it to the air conditioner 110. It should be noted that when the information instructing all indoor units to stop operating is sent, the air conditioner 110 stops the operation of all indoor units (indoor units 111, 112). Thus, the operation of all indoor units stops (however, the settings for cooling / heating modes, temperature, etc., set in all indoor units are maintained).

[0089] In step S410, the air conditioner 110 sends information indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (the operation of all indoor units has stopped) to the edge device 120.

[0090] In step S411, the edge device 120 sends information indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (all indoor units have stopped operating) to the server device 130 via the Internet 150.

[0091] In step S412, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends the information indicating the emergency operation settings to the edge device 120 via the Internet 150.

[0092] It should be noted that the emergency operation setting information sent from the control unit 131 of the server device 130 to the edge device 120 includes emergency operation setting information (e.g., setting to disable the operation of the outdoor unit 113, or to shield abnormal information of the outdoor unit 113). In addition, the emergency operation setting information may also include information related to the emergency operation period (7 days in this embodiment).

[0093] In step S413, the edge device 120 sends information indicating the setting for emergency operation to the air conditioner 110.

[0094] In step S414, the air conditioner 110 enables the emergency operation setting information contained in the setting information indicating emergency operation received from the edge device 120.

[0095] When the setting information for emergency operation is enabled, in step S415, the air conditioner 110 sends information (setting completion notification) indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (emergency operation setting completed) to the edge device 120.

[0096] In step S416, the edge device 120 sends information indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (emergency operation settings have been completed) to the server device 130 via the Internet 150.

[0097] In step S417, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 confirms that the setting for emergency operation in the air conditioner 110 has been completed.

[0098] In step S418, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends a message to the administrator terminal 140 to notify that the setting information for emergency operation in the air conditioner 110 has been successfully set. As a result, the administrator terminal 140 notifies the air conditioner administrator 163 that the setting information for emergency operation has been set in the air conditioner 110.

[0099] In step S419, the operator 161 or the air conditioning administrator 163 operates the remote control of the indoor unit to instruct the start of emergency operation based on the setting information for emergency operation. As a result, the air conditioning unit 110 begins emergency operation.

[0100] When emergency operation begins, in step S420, the air conditioner 110 sends information indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (emergency operation has begun) to the edge device 120.

[0101] In step S421, the edge device 120 receives information from the air conditioner 110 indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (emergency operation has started), and sends it to the server device 130 via the Internet 150.

[0102] In step S422, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 starts timing during emergency operation.

[0103] In this way, after sending information instructing all indoor units (indoor units 111, 112) of the air conditioner 110 to stop operation, the air conditioner control system 100 sends information indicating the setting for emergency operation. Therefore, according to the air conditioner control system 100, even if the emergency operation setting is enabled in the air conditioner 110, emergency operation will not begin immediately. Furthermore, emergency operation will only begin when the operator 161 or the air conditioner administrator 163 operates the remote control of the indoor unit.

[0104] Therefore, according to the air conditioning control system 100, for example, when an operator 161 is on-site around the air conditioning unit 110 and is about to begin maintenance, the situation where emergency operation is unintentionally started can be avoided. In other words, according to the air conditioning control system 100, the safety of the operator 161 when starting emergency operation can be ensured.

[0105] It should be noted that, in Figure 4In the example, although it is set that the server device 130 starts timing during emergency operation after receiving information indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (emergency operation has started), the timing for starting timing during emergency operation is not limited to this.

[0106] For example, the timing of the emergency operation can be started at the time when the information for initiating the emergency operation is sent to the administrator terminal 140 (step S404) or when the information for whether the emergency operation is permitted is received from the administrator terminal 140 (step S406).

[0107] <Procedure for Handling the End of Emergency Operation 1>

[0108] Next, the first emergency operation was terminated. Figure 3 The details of step S304 will be explained. Figure 5 This is an example of a timing diagram illustrating the process for handling the termination of the first emergency operation. As described above, in air conditioner 110, in the case where it is determined that operator 161 performed maintenance (in... Figure 3 If "yes" is selected in step S303, proceed as follows: Figure 5 The first emergency operation shown has ended.

[0109] In step S501, the air conditioner 110 sends information indicating that maintenance work has been performed by the operator 161 to the edge device 120.

[0110] In step S502, the edge device 120 sends information indicating that maintenance work has been performed to the server device 130 via the Internet 150.

[0111] In step S503, the control unit 131 of the server device 130, in response to the information sent from the edge device 120 indicating that maintenance work has been performed, sends information instructing all indoor units to stop operating via the Internet 150 to the edge device 120.

[0112] In step S504, the edge device 120 sends a message instructing all indoor units to stop operating. It should be noted that when the message instructing all indoor units to stop operating is sent, the air conditioner 110 stops the operation of all indoor units (indoor units 111 and 112). Furthermore, along with the stopping of all indoor units, the operation of outdoor units 114 and 115 is also stopped.

[0113] In step S505, the air conditioner 110 sends information indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (the operation of all indoor units has stopped) to the edge device 120.

[0114] In step S506, the edge device 120 sends information indicating that all indoor units have stopped operating to the server device 130 via the Internet 150.

[0115] In step S507, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends information indicating the cessation of emergency operation (e.g., lifting the prohibition of operation of outdoor unit 113, lifting the shielding of abnormal information of outdoor unit 113) to the edge device 120 via the Internet 150.

[0116] In step S508, the edge device 120 sends information indicating the emergency operation to stop to the air conditioner 110. As a result, the emergency operation settings are deactivated in the air conditioner 110.

[0117] Furthermore, in step S509, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 stops the timer during the emergency operation period. Therefore, even after the emergency operation period has passed, the server device 130 will not send a message instructing the air conditioner 110 to stop the emergency operation again.

[0118] In this way, according to the air conditioner control system 100, the emergency operation can be terminated without waiting for the emergency operation period to pass, and the risk of air conditioner failure during emergency operation can be reduced.

[0119] <Procedures for handling advance notifications and the termination of the second emergency operation>

[0120] Next, the processing of forecast notifications ( Figure 3 Step S306) and the second emergency operation termination process ( Figure 3 The details of step S308 will be explained. Figure 6 This is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the procedures for handling advance notifications and the termination of the second emergency operation. Among them, Figure 6 Figure 6a is an example of a timing diagram illustrating the process of forecast notification processing.

[0121] As described above, in server device 130, when it is determined that the timing of the pre-announcement has been reached (in... Figure 3 If "yes" is selected in step S305, proceed as follows: Figure 6 The notification processing is shown in section 6a.

[0122] In step S601, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends information to the administrator terminal 140 to announce the cessation of emergency operation. Consequently, the administrator terminal 140 announces the cessation of emergency operation to the air conditioning administrator 163, who then assigns maintenance work to the operator 161.

[0123] on the other hand, Figure 6 6b is an example of a timing diagram representing the process of ending the second emergency operation. As described above, in server device 130, if it is determined that the emergency operation period has elapsed (in... Figure 3 If "yes" is selected in step S307, proceed. Figure 6 The second emergency operation is completed as shown in 6b.

[0124] In step S611, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 stops timing during emergency operation.

[0125] In step S612, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends information instructing all indoor units to stop operating via the Internet 150 to the edge device 120.

[0126] In step S613, the edge device 120 sends a message instructing all indoor units to stop operating. It should be noted that when the message instructing all indoor units to stop operating is sent, the air conditioner 110 stops the operation of all indoor units (indoor units 111 and 112). Furthermore, along with the stopping of all indoor units, the operation of outdoor units 114 and 115 is also stopped.

[0127] In step S614, the air conditioner 110 sends information indicating the status of the air conditioner 110 during emergency operation (the operation of all indoor units has stopped) to the edge device 120.

[0128] In step S615, the edge device 120 sends information indicating that all indoor units have stopped operating to the server device 130 via the Internet 150.

[0129] In step S616, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends information indicating the cessation of emergency operation (e.g., lifting the prohibition of operation of outdoor unit 113, lifting the shielding of abnormal information of outdoor unit 113) to the edge device 120 via the Internet 150.

[0130] In step S617, the edge device 120 sends information indicating the cessation of emergency operation to the air conditioner 110. Consequently, the emergency operation settings are deactivated in the air conditioner 110.

[0131] Additionally, in step S618, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends a notification to the administrator terminal 140 to indicate the cessation of emergency operation. Consequently, the administrator terminal 140 notifies the air conditioning administrator 163 of the cessation of emergency operation, and the air conditioning administrator 163 recognizes that the emergency operation has ceased after the emergency operation period has ended.

[0132] It should be noted that in the case of the second emergency operation ending process, in step S617, by enabling the setting information for emergency operation, the shielding of the abnormal information of the outdoor unit 113 is removed, and therefore, the abnormal information is sent to the server device 130 again.

[0133] However, the exception information sent at this time is the same as the exception information sent before the emergency operation began (same air conditioner, same exception code). Therefore, the server device 130 determines that the predetermined conditions are met and will not send the information used to notify the administrator terminal 140 of the start of the emergency operation again.

[0134] Summary

[0135] As can be seen from the above description, when the air conditioner control system 100 receives abnormal information from the air conditioner, it sends information indicating the setting for emergency operation to the air conditioner, and after the emergency operation period has elapsed, it sends information indicating the cessation of emergency operation. Furthermore, if the air conditioner control system 100 receives information from the air conditioner indicating that maintenance work has been performed during the emergency operation period, it sends information indicating the cessation of emergency operation.

[0136] In this way, the air conditioner control system 100 automatically stops emergency operation after the emergency operation period has elapsed. Therefore, the air conditioner control system 100 can prevent emergency operation from continuing for a predetermined period and reduces the risk of air conditioner malfunction during emergency operation.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the air conditioning control system 100, emergency operation can be terminated without waiting for the emergency operation period to pass, and the risk of air conditioning failure during emergency operation can be reduced.

[0138] In addition, when the air conditioner control system 100 receives abnormal information from the air conditioner, after sending information instructing all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, it sends information to the air conditioner to instruct emergency operation settings.

[0139] Therefore, according to the air conditioner control system 100, even if the emergency operation setting information is enabled in the air conditioner, emergency operation will not start immediately. Emergency operation will only start when the indoor unit is operated by the remote control.

[0140] Therefore, according to the air conditioning control system 100, for example, when an operator is located around the air conditioning unit and is about to begin maintenance, the situation where emergency operation is unintentionally started can be avoided. In other words, according to the air conditioning control system 100, the safety of the operator when starting emergency operation can be ensured.

[0141] [Second Implementation]

[0142] In the first embodiment described above, the control unit 131 of the server device 130 determines that the predetermined conditions are met when an emergency operation caused by the same air conditioner and the same abnormal code is performed, based on past emergency operation history.

[0143] However, the method for determining whether the predetermined conditions are met is not limited to this. For example, even if the exception codes are different, if an emergency operation of an air conditioner caused by the same reason is performed, it can be determined that the predetermined conditions are met.

[0144] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the example given is that the control unit 131 of the server device 130 sends information instructing all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, and then sends information indicating emergency operation settings to the air conditioner. However, the information instructing all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating can also be sent primarily by the edge device 120.

[0145] For example, the server device 130 may not send information instructing all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, but instead send information indicating emergency operation settings to the edge device 120. Furthermore, the edge device 120 may be configured such that, upon receiving the information indicating emergency operation settings, it sends information instructing all indoor units to stop operating, and then sends information indicating emergency operation settings.

[0146] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the edge device 120 was described as having the function of sending air conditioner information output by the air conditioner 110 to the server device 130 and sending instruction information sent from the server device 130 to the air conditioner 110. However, the functions of the edge device 120 are not limited to this, and for example, it may have some or all of the functions of the control unit 131 of the server device 130.

[0147] In other words, the function of the control unit 131 of the server device 130 can be implemented by the processor 221 of the server device 130 or by the processor 201 of the edge device 120. Alternatively, it can be implemented through the cooperation of the processor 221 of the server device 130 and the processor 201 of the edge device 120.

[0148] As an example of the edge device 120 implementing part of the functions of the control unit 131 of the server device 130, the edge device 120 may perform timing during the emergency operation if the information used to instruct the emergency operation settings includes information related to the emergency operation period.

[0149] Although the embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form or detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0150] This application takes priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-199820, filed on December 1, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0151] Symbol Explanation

[0152] 100: Air Conditioner Control System

[0153] 111, 112: Indoor unit

[0154] 113~115: Outdoor unit

[0155] 120: Edge device

[0156] 130: Server device

[0157] 131: Control Department

[0158] 140: Administrator terminal.

Claims

1. An air conditioning control system, comprising an air conditioner and a server device communicatively connected, the air conditioning control system having: Upon receiving a notification indicating an abnormality from the air conditioner, the control unit, after instructing all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, sends emergency operation setting information to the air conditioner. Before the predetermined duration of emergency operation based on the setting information, the control unit, upon receiving maintenance information from the air conditioner, instructs all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, and deactivates the emergency operation setting information by instructing the air conditioner to stop the emergency operation.

2. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein, When the control unit receives a notification from the air conditioner that the setting information has been set successfully, it notifies that the setting information for emergency operation has been set successfully.

3. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein, The air conditioner has at least multiple outdoor units. The emergency operation is performed by the remaining outdoor units among the plurality of outdoor units, excluding the ones that malfunctioned.

4. A server device for communicating with an air conditioner, the server device comprising: Upon receiving a notification indicating an abnormality from the air conditioner, the control unit, after instructing all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, sends emergency operation setting information to the air conditioner. Before the predetermined duration of emergency operation based on the setting information, the control unit, upon receiving maintenance information from the air conditioner, instructs all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, and deactivates the emergency operation setting information by instructing the air conditioner to stop the emergency operation.

5. An air conditioner control method, performed in an air conditioner control system, the air conditioner control system including an air conditioner and a server device communicatively connected, the air conditioner control method having a control step, wherein in the control step, Upon receiving a notification indicating an anomaly from the air conditioner, after instructing all indoor units of the air conditioner to stop operating, emergency operation setting information is sent to the air conditioner, and Before the emergency operation continues for a predetermined period based on the setting information, upon receiving maintenance information from the air conditioner, the operation of all indoor units of the air conditioner is instructed to stop, and the setting information for the emergency operation is deactivated by instructing the air conditioner to stop the emergency operation.

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