Management system of air conditioning device

Abstract

To ensure that when installing an air conditioning device, the installation work is performed by a worker having previously confirmed suitability.SOLUTION: A management system of an air conditioning device includes: a terminal device which is operated by a worker of an air conditioning device being an object of the work; a first acquisition unit which acquires product information of the air conditioning device; a second acquisition unit which acquires worker registration information containing registration information of the worker; a database storing suitable worker registration information; a work propriety determination unit which determines, by comparing the worker registration information acquired by the second acquisition unit and the suitable worker registration information stored in the database, whether it satisfies a prescribed work condition containing a condition that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information is suitable; and an approval code issuance unit which, when the work propriety determination unit determines that the work condition is satisfied, issues an approval code which, when being input to the air conditioning device whose product information is acquired by the first acquisition unit, brings the air conditioning device into an operable state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system for air conditioning devices, and more particularly to a management system for air conditioning device operators. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a server device that includes a first receiving unit that receives first information including information about the user or installer of the air conditioning device, or information about the air conditioning device, and a first transmitting unit that transmits second information required to start operation of the air conditioning device when it is determined that operation of the air conditioning device is permitted based on the first information.

[0003] Patent document 2 also describes a management system that includes a server that receives product information and location information about air conditioners sent from a mobile terminal, stores this information, issues a cryptographic code based on the product information, and allows the air conditioner to operate by entering the cryptographic code into the air conditioner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-7492 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4957404 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, air conditioning units are installed regardless of the aptitude of the worker who will install the air conditioning unit. Here, if it were possible to allow installation work to be carried out by a worker who has been determined in advance to have the aptitude when installing an air conditioning unit, this would be desirable because it would allow the air conditioning unit to be installed appropriately by a worker with precise skills, improve the reliability of the installed air conditioning unit, and allow the unit to be used with peace of mind.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable installation work of an air conditioning apparatus to be carried out by a worker who has the aptitude in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioning device management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a terminal device operated by an operator of the air conditioning device that is the target of work, a first acquisition unit that acquires product information for the air conditioning device, a second acquisition unit that acquires worker registration information including registration information for the worker, a database in which suitable worker registration information is stored, a work feasibility determination unit that compares the worker registration information acquired by the second acquisition unit with the suitable worker registration information stored in the database to determine whether predetermined work conditions are met, including conditions that state that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information is suitable, and an approval code issuance unit that, when the work feasibility determination unit determines that the work conditions are met, issues an approval code that is input into the air conditioning device from which the first acquisition unit acquired the product information, thereby enabling the air conditioning device to be operated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when installing an air conditioning apparatus, the installation work can be performed by a worker who has the aptitude in advance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning apparatus provided in the management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a terminal included in the management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a server included in the management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how the server according to the first embodiment is connected to a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses via a network. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial flowchart showing the operation of the server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a terminal according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that "installation" as used in this document includes cases where a brand new air conditioner 2 is installed for the first time, as well as cases where an air conditioner 2 is relocated. (First embodiment) [Management system configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner 2 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 2 includes an indoor unit 6, an outdoor unit 7, a plurality of refrigerant pipes 8 connecting the indoor unit 6 and the outdoor unit 7, and a remote control 9 that serves as an input unit 20 for the air conditioner 2 operated by a user or the like. The air conditioner 2 is, for example, a room air conditioner (RAC) that is driven (operated) in one of a plurality of modes including a cooling mode, a heating mode, a dehumidification mode, etc. The air conditioner 2 may be for commercial use. The indoor unit 6 includes an apparatus-side communication unit 21 that receives signals transmitted from the remote control 9, and an apparatus control unit 22 that controls the operation of the air conditioner 2.

[0011] As an example, the air conditioning apparatus 2 uses a flammable refrigerant as a refrigerant. An example of the type of flammable refrigerant is propane, but the type of flammable refrigerant is not limited to this. As will be described in detail later, when installing the air conditioning apparatus 2, a work feasibility determination unit 400 (described later) determines that predetermined work conditions, including the condition that the worker is qualified, are met, and the air conditioning apparatus 2 is then installed by the worker. Therefore, the air conditioning apparatus 2 is properly installed by a worker with precise skills, and the reliability of its operation is improved.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning device 2 provided in a management system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device 3 provided in a management system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of a server 4 provided in a management system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the management system 1 of this embodiment is a management system for air conditioning devices 2, and includes the air conditioning devices 2, the terminal device 3 that is operated by workers when installing the air conditioning devices 2, and a server 4 that is located separately from the terminal device 3. As an example, the air conditioning devices 2, the terminal device 3, and the server 4 are able to communicate with each other via wireless communication.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, the device control unit 22 of the air conditioning device 2 has a device determination unit 220 and a release unit 221. The air conditioning device 2 also has a device storage unit 23. As an example, the device determination unit 220 and the release unit 221 are realized by a processor such as a CPU. As another example, the device storage unit 23 is realized by a memory such as a ROM or RAM. The device storage unit 23 stores a device control program that enables the device control unit 22 to perform predetermined control.

[0014] 3, the terminal 3 has an output unit 30 that outputs an authorization code issued by an authorization code issuing unit 401 (described later) for putting the air conditioning device 2 into an operable state, a terminal control unit 31 that controls the output unit 30, and the like, and a terminal-side communication unit 32 that communicates with the server 4. The output unit 30 is, for example, a display, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a speaker or a lamp.

[0015] The terminal control unit 31 has a first acquisition unit 310, a second acquisition unit 311, and a third acquisition unit 312 that acquire various information required to obtain the approval code issued by the approval code issuing unit 401. The first acquisition unit 310 acquires product information I1 of the air conditioning unit 2 that is the target of the work. The second acquisition unit 311 acquires worker registration information I2, which includes the registration information of the worker, from a database 410 of the server 4, which will be described later. The worker registration information I2 includes information on workers who have been determined in advance to have a predetermined aptitude for installing the air conditioning unit 2.

[0016] The third acquisition unit 312 acquires additional information I3 including at least one of installation environment information for the air conditioning apparatus 2, installation location information for the air conditioning apparatus 2, and user information for the air conditioning apparatus 2. The "installation environment" referred to here refers to, for example, the floor area of ​​the indoor unit installation space, the installation height of the indoor unit 6 or outdoor unit 7, the presence of refrigerant intrusion paths such as windows and doors, the presence of objects where refrigerant may accumulate (such as gutters, depressions, and balconies), and the presence of ignition sources. Furthermore, the "installation location" refers to, for example, the address where the air conditioning apparatus 2 is installed and the installation location of the indoor unit 6 or outdoor unit 7 of the air conditioning apparatus 2. This additional information I3 is input, for example, by an operator operating the terminal device 3.

[0017] Additionally, the additional information I3 of this embodiment includes, as an example, a consent form from the user of the air conditioning apparatus 2. The "user consent form" referred to here refers to, for example, a document indicating the user's consent regarding the safety of the installed air conditioning apparatus 2, how to use it safely, how to respond in the event of a malfunction, the need for regular inspections, etc., and the user's consent to the fact that the user's personal information (name, phone number, etc.) and IoT log data may be acquired and used by the worker or manufacturer. Furthermore, for example, if the air conditioning apparatus 2 is installed under conditions that are slightly different from the specified working conditions that are truly considered appropriate due to certain circumstances, this refers to a document indicating that the user has agreed to this.

[0018] Specifically, the terminal 3 further includes a terminal storage unit 33. The first to third acquisition units 310 to 312 are configured by a terminal control unit 31. As an example, the terminal control unit 31 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU, and the terminal storage unit 33 is implemented by a memory such as a ROM or RAM. The terminal storage unit 33 stores a terminal control program that enables the terminal control unit 31 to perform predetermined control. As the terminal 3, for example, a well-known device such as a smartphone, tablet PC, or laptop PC can be applied.

[0019] The server 4 is located, for example, at an information management base such as a certification center belonging to the manufacturer of the air conditioning apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 4 has a work feasibility determination unit 400, an approval code issuance unit 401, and a database 410. The database 410 stores appropriate worker registration information I4. The work feasibility determination unit 400 compares the worker registration information I2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 311 with the appropriate worker registration information I4 stored in the database 410 to determine whether predetermined work conditions are met, including a condition that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information I2 is appropriate. When the work feasibility determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are met, the approval code issuance unit 401 issues an approval code that, when input into the air conditioning apparatus 2 that is the work target and whose product information I1 was acquired by the first acquisition unit 310, puts the air conditioning apparatus 2 into an operable state.

[0020] Specifically, the server 4 has a server computing unit 40, a server storage unit 41, and a server-side communication unit 42 that communicates with the terminal device 3. The work feasibility determination unit 400 and the approval code issuing unit 401 are configured by the server computing unit 40. A database 410 is stored in the server storage unit 41. Specifically, the server computing unit 40 is realized by a processor such as a CPU. The server storage unit 41 is realized by memory such as a ROM or RAM. The server storage unit 41 also stores a server control program that enables the server computing unit 40 to perform predetermined control. An example of the server 4 is a general-purpose personal computer (PC).

[0021] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how the server 4 according to the first embodiment is network-connected to a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the server 4 is connected to a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses 2, for example, via a wireless communication network 100. As a result, the server 4 manages a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses 2, for example.

[0022] [Basic operation of the management system] The operation of the management system 1 when installing an air conditioning device 2 will be described below. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the terminal device 3 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the server 4 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning device 2 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, "S" indicates a step, and "Yes" or "No" following ":" indicates the judgment result at the step described immediately before ":".

[0023] First, the worker inputs product information I1 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be installed into the terminal device 3. There are no limitations on the method for inputting product information I1, and for example, it may be input directly as text information, or it may be input via communication using a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID. If a two-dimensional code or RFID is used, the two-dimensional code or RFID tag will be placed on the air conditioning apparatus 2 in advance.

[0024] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, during operation of the management system 1, the terminal control unit 31 determines whether or not product information I1 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be installed has been acquired (S1). In S1, the terminal control unit 31 repeats this determination until it determines that product information I1 has been acquired. If the terminal control unit 31 determines that product information I1 has been acquired in S1 (S1: Yes), it then determines whether or not worker registration information I2 has been acquired (S2). In S2, the terminal control unit 31 repeats this determination until it determines that worker registration information I2 has been acquired. If the terminal control unit 31 determines that worker registration information I2 has been acquired in S2 (S2: Yes), it then controls the terminal communication unit 32 to transmit the worker registration information I2 to the server 4 (S3).

[0025] 7, the server computing unit 40 determines whether or not worker registration information I2 has been received (S11). In S11, the server computing unit 40 repeats this determination until it determines that worker registration information I2 has been received. If the server computing unit 40 determines in S11 that worker registration information I2 has been received (S11: Yes), the work feasibility determination unit 400 then performs a determination process (S12) to determine whether predetermined work conditions are met, including a condition that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information I2 is suitable, by comparing the worker registration information I2 with the appropriate worker registration information I4 stored in the database 410.

[0026] Next, the server computing unit 40 checks whether it has been determined in the determination process (S12) that the work conditions are met (S13). If the server computing unit 40 checks in S13 that it has been determined in the determination process (S12) that the work conditions are met, it then controls the authorization code issuing unit 401 to issue an authorization code that puts the air conditioning device 2 into an operable state (S14).

[0027] Alternatively, if the server computing unit 40 confirms in S13 that it has been determined in the determination process (S12) that the work conditions have not been met (S13: No), it then determines whether or not predetermined additional information I3 has been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 (S15). Here, the additional information I3 includes at least any of the installation environment information of the air conditioning device 2, installation location information of the air conditioning device 2, user information of the air conditioning device 2, and information on a consent form from the user of the air conditioning device 2. The additional information I3 including this information is, for example, input in advance by the worker into the terminal device 3 and transmitted to the server 4.

[0028] If the server computing unit 40 determines in S15 that the predetermined additional information I3 has been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 (S15: Yes), the process proceeds to S14. Alternatively, if the server computing unit 40 determines in S15 that the predetermined additional information I3 has not been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 (S15: No), the server computing unit 40 next transmits information to the terminal 3 that an authorization code cannot be issued via the server-side communication unit 42, and causes the terminal control unit 31 to control the output unit 30 to output a message that authorization is not possible (S16). This concludes the flow on the server 4 side.

[0029] 6, after executing S3, the terminal control unit 31 determines whether the terminal communication unit 32 has received the authorization code transmitted from the server 4 (S4). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S4 that the terminal communication unit 32 has received the authorization code (S4: Yes), it then controls the output unit 30 to output the received authorization code (S5).

[0030] Alternatively, if the terminal control unit 31 determines in S4 that it has not received an approval code (S4: No), it then determines whether it has received a message from the server 4 stating that approval is not permitted (S6). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S6 that it has not received a message from the server 4 stating that approval is not permitted (S6: No), it controls the output unit 30 to output a message indicating that the determination is in progress (S7), and then returns to step S4. Alternatively, if the terminal control unit 31 determines in S6 that it has received a message from the server 4 stating that approval is not permitted (S6: Yes), it controls the output unit 30 to output a message indicating that an approval code cannot be issued, thereby informing the operator (S8). This completes the flow on the terminal 3 side. If the approval code is output to the output unit 30 by the processing of S5, the operator inputs the approval code into the input unit 20 of the air conditioning apparatus 2.

[0031] Here, the method for issuing the authorization code is not limited, and may be, for example, a passcode authentication method using a one-time password. When using a one-time password, various types of one-time passwords, such as a time-synchronized type or a mathematical algorithm type, may be used. Furthermore, when the installation of the air conditioning device 2 involves relocating the air conditioning device 2, it is preferable, for example, to issue a different authorization code each time the installation is performed.

[0032] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, the device control unit 22 of the air conditioning device 2 determines whether or not an approval code has been input into the input unit 20 (S21). In S21, the device control unit 22 repeats this determination until it determines that an approval code has been input into the input unit 20. If the device control unit 22 determines in S21 that an approval code has been input into the input unit 20 (S21: Yes), then the device determination unit 220 determines whether or not the input approval code is an approval code corresponding to its own product information I1 (S22). If the device determination unit 220 determines in S22 that the input approval code is an approval code corresponding to its own product information I1 (S22: Yes), then the device control unit 22 controls the release unit 221 to release the predetermined operation restriction on the air conditioning device 2 (S23). The "predetermined operating restrictions" referred to here include, for example, operating restrictions during installation, relocation, pump-down (the operation of concentrating the refrigerant in the air conditioning device 2 in the outdoor unit 7), repair, and inspection.

[0033] Alternatively, if the device determination unit 220 determines in S22 that the input approval code is not the approval code corresponding to its own product information I1 (S22: No), then the device control unit 22 outputs a message that the predetermined operational restrictions on the air conditioning device 2 cannot be lifted (S24). The method for outputting this information in S24 is not limited. For example, it may be that a warning sound is emitted from a speaker provided in the air conditioning device 2, or that information that the predetermined operational restrictions on the air conditioning device 2 cannot be lifted is transmitted from the air conditioning device 2 to the terminal device 3, and the terminal device 3 outputs this message from the output unit 30. This concludes the flow for the air conditioning device 2.

[0034] As described above, the management system 1 of this embodiment includes a terminal device 3, a first acquisition unit 310, a second acquisition unit 311, a database 410, a work feasibility determination unit 400, and an approval code issuance unit 401, and the terminal device 3 has an output unit 30 that outputs the approval code issued by the approval code issuance unit 401.

[0035] According to this configuration, by comparing the worker registration information I2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 311 with the appropriate worker registration information I4 stored in the database 410, only when the work feasibility determination unit 400 determines that predetermined work conditions are met, including the condition that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information I2 is appropriate, the approval code issuing unit 401 issues an approval code that puts the air conditioning unit 2 into an operable state, and the approval code can be input into the air conditioning unit 2. As a result, when installing the air conditioning unit 2, only workers who have the predetermined aptitude to meet the work conditions can perform the installation work and set the air conditioning unit 2 to an operable state. Therefore, the air conditioning unit 2 can be installed appropriately by workers with precise skills, the reliability of the air conditioning unit 2 can be improved, and users can use the air conditioning unit 2 with peace of mind.

[0036] In the management system 1 of this embodiment, the server 4, which is located separately from the terminal device 3, has a database 410, a server-side communication unit 42, a work feasibility determination unit 400, and an approval code issuance unit 401. The terminal device 3 also has first and second acquisition units 310 and 311, a terminal-side communication unit 32, and an output unit 30. The work feasibility determination unit 400 determines whether the work conditions are met based on the worker registration information I2 transmitted from the terminal-side communication unit 32 and received by the server-side communication unit 42. The server-side communication unit 42 transmits the approval code issued by the approval code issuance unit 401 to the terminal device 3, and the terminal-side communication unit 32 receives the approval code transmitted from the server-side communication unit 42.

[0037] According to the above configuration, after the approval code transmitted from the server-side communication unit 42 is received by the terminal device 3 operated by the worker, the worker can enter the approval code into the air conditioning device 2. This makes it easy for the worker to check the results of the work condition determination and the receipt of the approval code, enabling appropriate installation work to be carried out.

[0038] In addition, the air conditioning device 2 of this embodiment has a release unit 221 that releases the specified operating restrictions on the air conditioning device 2 when the device determination unit 220 determines that the approval code input from the input unit 20 corresponds to its own product information I1.

[0039] According to the above configuration, when the device determination unit 220 determines that the approval code input from the input unit 20 corresponds to the device's own product information I1, the release unit 221 possessed by the air conditioning device 2 releases the specified operating restrictions on the device 2, thereby allowing the air conditioning device 2 to smoothly transition to an operating state without using, for example, a separately prepared device.

[0040] Furthermore, the additional information I3 in this embodiment includes, as an example, information about the installation environment of the air conditioning apparatus 2, and the working conditions also include the condition that the installation environment of the air conditioning apparatus 2 is appropriate in light of the installation environment information included in the additional information I3. Therefore, the air conditioning apparatus 2 can be installed under appropriate conditions while also taking into consideration the installation environment of the air conditioning apparatus 2. This allows the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be used with even greater reliability.

[0041] In addition, when the additional information I3 includes information on the installation environment of the air conditioning device 2 and the work conditions also include the condition that the installation environment of the air conditioning device 2 is appropriate in light of the installation environment information included in the additional information I3, the additional information I3 of this embodiment further includes a consent form from the user of the air conditioning device 2. If the work feasibility determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are not met, the approval code issuance unit 401 issues an approval code if the additional information I3 including at least any of the installation location information of the air conditioning device 2, user information of the air conditioning device 2, and information on the consent form from the user of the air conditioning device 2 has been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 (S15, S16).

[0042] According to the above configuration, for example, even if there is a circumstance in which the performance of the air conditioner 2 is slightly excessive compared to the "floor area of ​​the indoor unit installation space," which is an item about the installation environment of the air conditioner 2 included in the additional information I3, it can be said that the existence of this circumstance is recognized in advance by the user, as long as the additional information I3, which includes information about the user's consent form, has also been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312. Therefore, in this case, even if the authorization code issuing unit 401 issues an authorization code and the air conditioner 2 is transitioned to an operable state, the air conditioner 2 can be used stably.

[0043] Alternatively, even in cases where the above circumstances exist, if additional information I3, either installation location information or user information for the air conditioning apparatus 2, has been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312, a worker or the like can refer to this additional information I3 to inspect the air conditioning apparatus 2 at a later date. Therefore, in this case as well, even if the authorization code issuing unit 401 issues an authorization code and the air conditioning apparatus 2 transitions to an operable state, the air conditioning apparatus 2 can be used stably.

[0044] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram of the server 104 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a partial flow diagram showing the operation of the server 104 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the server 104 of the second embodiment includes a connection determination unit 402 that determines whether a network connection with the air conditioning apparatus 2 is possible. The connection determination unit 402 may be configured by the server calculation unit 40, for example.

[0045] Depending on the installation location or installation environment of the air conditioning apparatus 2, it is conceivable that the air conditioning apparatus 2 may not be able to connect to the server 104 via a network. In anticipation of such cases, the server 104 of this embodiment is equipped with a connection determination unit 402 that determines whether a network connection with the air conditioning apparatus 2 is possible, so that the work feasibility determination unit 400 can determine whether a work condition is met under certain conditions. The determination by this connection determination unit 402 of whether a network connection with the air conditioning apparatus 2 is possible is made, for example, between S11 and S12 shown in FIG. 7.

[0046] 10, in the operation of the management system of this embodiment, in S11, the terminal control unit 31 repeats this determination until it determines that worker registration information I2 has been received. If in S11 the terminal control unit 31 determines that worker registration information I2 has been received (S11: Yes), then the connection determination unit 402 determines whether or not a network connection with the air conditioning apparatus 2 is possible (S17). If in S17 the connection determination unit 402 determines that a network connection is possible (S17: Yes), then the work feasibility determination unit 400 executes S12.

[0047] Alternatively, if the connection determination unit 402 determines in S17 that a network connection is not possible (S17: No), then the work feasibility determination unit 400 performs a supplementary determination process to determine whether the work conditions are met based on the additional information I3 acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 (including at least one of the installation environment information of the air conditioning device 2, the installation location information of the air conditioning device 2, the user information of the air conditioning device 2, and the consent form of the user of the air conditioning device 2 (consent form regarding network connection)) (S18).

[0048] Thereafter, the terminal control unit 31 executes S13. In S13, the terminal control unit 31 checks the result of the supplementary determination process (S13) to see whether it has been determined that the work conditions are met, similar to the result of the determination process (S12) (S13).

[0049] Here, examples of the "air conditioning apparatus 2 user consent form (agreement regarding network connection)" include at least one of a consent form F1 indicating the user's consent to the need to undergo regular inspections when network connection is not possible, or a consent form F2 indicating the user's consent to the provision of a list containing information about the air conditioning apparatus 2 as a regular inspection destination to a service center when network connection is not possible. In S18 of this embodiment, if this "air conditioning apparatus 2 user consent form (agreement regarding network connection)" is acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 and the work feasibility determination unit 400 determines that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information I2 is appropriate, the work feasibility determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are met (S18).

[0050] Thus, in this embodiment, if the connection determination unit 402 determines that a network connection with the air conditioning device 2 is not possible (S17: No), the work feasibility determination unit 400 further determines whether the work conditions are met based on the additional information I3 acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 (S18).

[0051] According to this embodiment, for example, if a determination result is issued that a network connection between the server 4 and the air conditioning device 2 is not possible, the worker can inform the user of this and discuss the determination result with the user. Even if such a determination result is issued, the work feasibility determination unit 400 determines the work conditions based on additional information I3, which includes at least one of the installation environment information of the air conditioning device 2, installation location information of the air conditioning device 2, user information of the air conditioning device 2, and information on the consent form of the user of the air conditioning device 2. If the work conditions are met, the worker can install the air conditioning device 2 so that it is in an operable state. In this case, the user and worker of the air conditioning device 2 can consider methods for performing maintenance and inspection of the air conditioning device 2 without connecting it to the server 4 via a network, while maintaining the air conditioning device 2 in an operational state.

[0052] As a modification of the second embodiment, the work feasibility determination unit 400 may perform a determination process in S12 to determine whether the work conditions are met based on additional information I3 acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 (a consent form (agreement regarding network connection) of the user of the air conditioning device 2, exemplified by consent form F3 indicating the user's consent to the use of IoT log data to perform simple inspections via a network when network connection is possible) (S18). In this case, simple inspections of the air conditioning device 2 after installation can be performed using a network connection, and the air conditioning device 2 can be operated with even higher reliability.

[0053] (Third embodiment) This embodiment is based on the assumption that the additional information I3 includes a consent form from the user of the air conditioning device 2, and in the judgment process (S12), the work feasibility judgment unit 400 judges that the work conditions are not met because the worker registration information I2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 311 does not correspond to the appropriate worker registration information I4 stored in the database 410.

[0054] In this case, the server computing unit 40 next determines whether the work conditions are met (S13) and determines that the work conditions are not met (S13: No). Next, the server computing unit 40 determines whether predetermined additional information I3 has been acquired (S15). In S15, the server computing unit 40 determines whether additional information I3 including information on the consent form F4 of the user of the air conditioning device 2 has been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312. In S15, if the server computing unit 40 determines that additional information I3 including information on the consent form F4 of the user of the air conditioning device 2 has been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312 (S15: Yes), then the server computing unit 40 controls the authorization code issuing unit 401 to issue an authorization code that puts the air conditioning device 2 into an operable state (S14).

[0055] In this embodiment, if the work feasibility determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are not met because the worker registration information I2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 311 does not correspond to the appropriate worker registration information I4 stored in the database 410, the approval code issuance unit 401 issues the approval code if additional information I3 including information on the air conditioning device 2 user consent form F4 has been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312.

[0056] According to the above configuration, even if the worker registration information I2 does not correspond to the appropriate worker registration information I4, if the additional information I3 including information on the consent form F4 of the user of the air conditioning apparatus 2 has been acquired by the third acquisition unit 312, the approval code issuing unit 401 will issue an approval code. Therefore, even if, for example, the worker registration information I2 does not correspond to (does not match) the appropriate worker registration information I4 for some reason, the air conditioning apparatus 2 can be quickly transitioned to an operable state based on the user's consent indicated in the user consent form F4.

[0057] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram of a terminal 103 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the terminal 103 has a work feasibility determination unit 400, a database 410, and an approval code issuing unit 401. In this case, for example, the work feasibility determination unit 400 and the approval code issuing unit 401 are configured by the terminal control unit 31. The database 410 is stored in the terminal storage unit 33. The terminal storage unit 33 stores a terminal control program that is used by the work feasibility determination unit 400 to perform the determination process.

[0058] The fourth embodiment having the above configuration also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, compared to using a server 4 that performs predetermined processing when installing an air conditioning device 2, the control burden on the server 4 can be reduced. Furthermore, because the terminal device 3 has the work feasibility determination unit 400, database 410, and approval code issuing unit 401, at least part of the predetermined processing can also be implemented by the terminal device 3. Therefore, the server 4 can be omitted in some cases.

[0059] (Addendum) The above description of each embodiment discloses the following techniques. [Technology 1] a terminal device operated by an operator of the air conditioning apparatus to be worked on; a first acquisition unit that acquires product information of the air conditioning device; a second acquisition unit that acquires worker registration information including the registration information of the worker; a database storing appropriate worker registration information; a work feasibility determination unit that compares the worker registration information acquired by the second acquisition unit with the appropriate worker registration information stored in the database to determine whether predetermined work conditions are met, including a condition that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information is appropriate; and an approval code issuing unit that, when the work feasibility determination unit determines that the work conditions are met, issues an approval code that is input into the air conditioning device from which the first acquisition unit acquired the product information, thereby enabling the air conditioning device to be operated.

[0060] According to the above configuration, by comparing the worker registration information acquired by the second acquisition unit with the appropriate worker registration information stored in the database, the approval code issuing unit issues an approval code that enables the air conditioning unit to be in an operable state only when the work feasibility determination unit determines that predetermined work conditions, including the condition that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information is appropriate, are met, and the approval code can be input into the air conditioning unit. This ensures that when installing an air conditioning unit, only workers with the predetermined aptitude to meet the work conditions can perform the installation work and set the air conditioning unit to an operable state. Therefore, the air conditioning unit can be installed properly by workers with precise skills, the reliability of the air conditioning unit can be improved, and users can use the air conditioning unit with peace of mind.

[0061] [Technology 2] The system further includes a server located separately from the terminal device, the server has the database, a server-side communication unit that communicates with the terminal device, the work possibility determination unit, and the approval code issuing unit; the terminal device includes the first acquisition unit, the second acquisition unit, a terminal device-side communication unit that communicates with the server, and an output unit that outputs the authorization code received by the terminal device-side communication unit; the work possibility determination unit determines whether the work conditions are met based on the worker registration information transmitted from the terminal-side communication unit and received by the server-side communication unit; the server-side communication unit transmits the authorization code issued by the authorization code issuing unit to the terminal; The management system according to technology 1, wherein the terminal-side communication unit receives the authorization code transmitted from the server-side communication unit.

[0062] With the above configuration, the approval code transmitted from the server-side communication unit can be received by the terminal operated by the worker, and then the approval code can be entered into the air conditioning unit. This makes it easy for the worker to check the results of the work condition determination and the receipt of the approval code, enabling appropriate installation work to be carried out.

[0063] [Technology 3] The server further includes a connection determination unit that determines whether a network connection with the air conditioning apparatus is possible, the terminal device further comprises a third acquisition unit that acquires additional information including at least one of installation environment information of the air conditioning device, installation location information of the air conditioning device, user information of the air conditioning device, and information on a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device; In the management system described in Technology 1 or 2, when the connection determination unit determines that a network connection with the air conditioning device is not possible, the work feasibility determination unit further determines whether the work conditions are met based on the additional information acquired by the third acquisition unit.

[0064] According to the above configuration, for example, if a determination result is issued indicating that a network connection between the server and the air conditioning device is not possible, the worker can inform the user of this and discuss the determination result with the user. Even if such a determination result is issued, the work feasibility determination unit determines the work conditions based on additional information including at least one of the air conditioning device installation environment information, the air conditioning device installation location information, the air conditioning device user information, and the air conditioning device user's consent form information. If the work conditions are met, the worker can install the air conditioning device so that it is operable. In this case, the user and worker of the air conditioning device can consider methods for performing maintenance and inspection of the air conditioning device without connecting it to the server via a network while maintaining the air conditioning device in an operational state.

[0065] [Technology 4] The management system according to Technology 1, wherein the terminal device has the work feasibility determination unit, the database, the approval code issuing unit, and an output unit that outputs the approval code.

[0066] With the above configuration, the control burden on the server can be reduced compared to when a server that performs predetermined processing is used to install an air conditioning unit. Furthermore, because the terminal device has a work feasibility determination unit, a database, and an approval code issuing unit, at least part of the predetermined processing can be performed by the terminal device. Therefore, in some cases, the server can be omitted.

[0067] [Technology 5] The air conditioning device further includes: The air conditioning device is an input unit into which the authorization code is input; a device determination unit that determines whether the approval code input from the input unit corresponds to its own product information; The management system according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, further comprising: a release unit that releases a predetermined operating restriction on the air conditioning device when the device determination unit determines that the approval code input from the input unit corresponds to the product information of the device.

[0068] According to the above configuration, when the device determination unit determines that the approval code input from the input unit corresponds to the product information of the air conditioning device, the release unit possessed by the air conditioning device releases the specified operating restrictions of the device, thereby allowing the air conditioning device to smoothly transition to an operating state without, for example, using a separately prepared device.

[0069] [Technology 6] The management system according to Technology 5, wherein the predetermined operating restrictions include operating restrictions during installation, relocation, pump-down, repair, and inspection.

[0070] [Technology 7] The management system described in any one of techniques 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device further has a third acquisition unit that acquires additional information including at least one of installation environment information of the air conditioning device, installation location information of the air conditioning device, user information of the air conditioning device, and information on a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device.

[0071] [Technology 8] the additional information includes the installation environment information of the air conditioning device, The management system according to technology 7, wherein the working conditions also include a condition that the installation environment of the air conditioning device is appropriate in light of the installation environment information included in the additional information.

[0072] According to the above configuration, the air conditioner can be installed under appropriate conditions while also taking into consideration the installation environment of the air conditioner, thereby allowing the air conditioner to be used with even higher reliability.

[0073] [Technology 9] The additional information further includes a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device, In the case where the work feasibility determination unit determines that the work conditions are not met, the approval code issuance unit issues the approval code if the additional information including at least one of the installation location information of the air conditioning device, the user information of the air conditioning device, and information on a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device has been acquired by the third acquisition unit.

[0074] According to the above configuration, even if, for example, the performance of the air conditioning device is slightly excessive for the installation environment of the air conditioning device as described in the additional information, if the third acquisition unit has also acquired additional information containing information about the user's consent form, it can be said that the user is aware of the existence of this circumstance in advance. Therefore, in this case, even if the authorization code issuing unit issues an authorization code and transitions the air conditioning device to an operable state, the air conditioning device can be used stably.

[0075] Alternatively, even if the above circumstances exist, if additional information, such as installation location information or air conditioning device user information, has been acquired by the third acquisition unit, the air conditioning device can be inspected at a later date by a worker or the like by referring to the additional information. Therefore, even in this case, the air conditioning device can be used stably even if the authorization code issuing unit issues an authorization code and the air conditioning device is transitioned to an operable state.

[0076] [Technology 10] The additional information further includes a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device, A management system described in any one of techniques 7 to 9, wherein, when the work feasibility determination unit determines that the work conditions are not met because the worker registration information acquired by the second acquisition unit does not correspond to the appropriate worker registration information stored in the database, the approval code issuance unit issues the approval code if the additional information including information on the consent form of the user of the air conditioning device has been acquired by the third acquisition unit.

[0077] According to the above configuration, even if the worker registration information acquired by the second acquisition unit does not correspond to the appropriate worker registration information stored in the database, if the additional information including information on the consent form of the user of the air conditioning apparatus has been acquired by the third acquisition unit, the approval code issuing unit will issue an approval code. Therefore, even if the worker registration information does not correspond to the appropriate worker registration information for some reason, the air conditioning apparatus can be quickly transitioned to an operable state based on the user's consent.

[0078] [Technology 11] 11. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the air conditioner contains a flammable refrigerant.

[0079] According to the above configuration, when installing an air conditioning unit containing a flammable refrigerant, the installation work can be performed by a worker with the specified aptitude to meet the above working conditions, and the air conditioning unit can be set to an operable state in an installation location and environment suitable for the use of the flammable refrigerant.

[0080] As described above, each embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0081] In the above embodiment, a configuration was shown in which the remote control 9 was used as the input unit 20 of the air conditioner 2, but the air conditioner 2 may have an input unit 20 configured as something other than the remote control 9. Furthermore, while a character code can be exemplified as the authorization code, the form of the code is not limited to this. Furthermore, the method of inputting the authentication code into the input unit 20 is not limited to manual input by an operator, and may be, for example, input from the terminal device 3 to the input unit 20 via wireless or wired connection. Furthermore, for example, the authorization code may be input from the server 4 to the input unit 20 via wireless or wired connection.

[0082] Additionally, the functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuitry because it includes transistors and other circuitry. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the recited functions or hardware that is programmed to perform the recited functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. Where the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] F1~F4 User Agreement I1 Product Information I2 Worker registration information I3 Additional Information 1 Management System 2. Air conditioning equipment 3. 103 terminal 4, 104 servers 32 Terminal communication unit 42 Server-side communication unit 100 Network 220 Device determination section 221 Release section 310 First acquisition part 311 Second Acquisition Department 312 Third Acquisition Department 400 Work availability determination section 401 Authorization Code Issuance Department 402 Connection Determination Unit 410 Database

Claims

1. a terminal device operated by an operator of the air conditioning apparatus to be worked on; a first acquisition unit that acquires product information of the air conditioning device; a second acquisition unit that acquires worker registration information including the registration information of the worker; a database storing appropriate worker registration information; a work feasibility determination unit that compares the worker registration information acquired by the second acquisition unit with the appropriate worker registration information stored in the database to determine whether predetermined work conditions are met, including a condition that the worker corresponding to the worker registration information is appropriate; and an approval code issuing unit that, when the work feasibility determination unit determines that the work conditions are met, issues an approval code that is input into the air conditioning device from which the first acquisition unit acquired the product information, thereby enabling the air conditioning device to be operated.

2. The system further includes a server located separately from the terminal device, the server has the database, a server-side communication unit that communicates with the terminal device, the work possibility determination unit, and the approval code issuing unit; the terminal device includes the first acquisition unit, the second acquisition unit, a terminal device-side communication unit that communicates with the server, and an output unit that outputs the authorization code received by the terminal device-side communication unit; the work possibility determination unit determines whether the work conditions are met based on the worker registration information transmitted from the terminal-side communication unit and received by the server-side communication unit; the server-side communication unit transmits the authorization code issued by the authorization code issuing unit to the terminal; The management system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal-side communication unit receives the authorization code transmitted from the server-side communication unit.

3. The server further includes a connection determination unit that determines whether a network connection with the air conditioning apparatus is possible, The terminal device further includes a third acquisition unit that acquires additional information including at least one of installation environment information of the air conditioning device, installation location information of the air conditioning device, user information of the air conditioning device, and information on a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device; The management system described in claim 2, wherein, when the connection determination unit determines that a network connection with the air conditioning device is not possible, the work feasibility determination unit further determines whether the work conditions are met based on the additional information acquired by the third acquisition unit.

4. The management system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal device comprises the work possibility determination unit, the database, the approval code issuing unit, and an output unit that outputs the approval code.

5. The air conditioning device further includes: The air conditioning device is an input unit into which the authorization code is input; a device determination unit that determines whether the approval code input from the input unit corresponds to its own product information; The management system of claim 1, further comprising: a release unit that releases a specified operating restriction on the air conditioning device when the device determination unit determines that the approval code input from the input unit corresponds to the product information of the device.

6. The management system according to claim 5 , wherein the predetermined operation restriction includes any of operation restrictions during installation, relocation, pump-down, repair, and inspection.

7. The management system of claim 1, wherein the terminal device further has a third acquisition unit that acquires additional information including at least one of installation environment information of the air conditioning device, installation location information of the air conditioning device, user information of the air conditioning device, and information on a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device.

8. the additional information includes the installation environment information of the air conditioning device, The management system according to claim 7 , wherein the work conditions also include a condition that the installation environment of the air conditioning apparatus is appropriate in light of the installation environment information included in the additional information.

9. The additional information further includes a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device, 9. The management system of claim 8, wherein, when the work feasibility determination unit determines that the work conditions are not met, the approval code issuance unit issues the approval code if the additional information including at least one of the installation location information of the air conditioning device, the user information of the air conditioning device, and information on a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device has been acquired by the third acquisition unit.

10. The additional information further includes a consent form of the user of the air conditioning device, 8. The management system of claim 7, wherein when the work feasibility determination unit determines that the work conditions are not met because the worker registration information acquired by the second acquisition unit does not correspond to the appropriate worker registration information stored in the database, the approval code issuance unit issues the approval code if the additional information including information on the consent form of the user of the air conditioning device has been acquired by the third acquisition unit.

11. The management system according to claim 1 , wherein the air conditioning device contains a flammable refrigerant.

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