Air conditioner monitoring device, air conditioner monitoring method, and program

Abstract

To provide a monitoring device of an air conditioner capable of detecting that an outdoor unit is illegally removed by using an existing configuration.SOLUTION: The monitoring device for an air conditioner includes a switching unit that switches a crime prevention mode on or off, a power supply control unit that shuts off power supply to the outdoor unit when the crime prevention mode is off and does not shut off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the crime prevention mode is on, and a detection unit that detects disconnection of the power line based on a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit or detects disconnection of the refrigerant pipe based on a temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or a pressure of the refrigerant when the crime prevention mode is on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner monitoring device, an air conditioner monitoring method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A typical air conditioner is divided into an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, with the outdoor unit usually installed outdoors. This outdoor unit is often installed in a location where it can be accessed by others. In recent years, the prices of materials such as copper and aluminum have risen sharply, and outdoor units that incorporate many of these materials to improve performance are at risk of being stolen. It is particularly difficult to prevent theft of outdoor units when they are installed in locations where it is not possible to restrict access by others, such as in places where they cannot be locked.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a fault diagnosis device that operates each part of an air conditioner to diagnose faults. However, Patent Document 1 does not anticipate the outdoor unit being removed, and is therefore unable to detect theft. Patent Document 2 describes an air conditioning system that is provided with a separation detection cable, and that notifies the user that the outdoor unit has been separated (removed) when a break in this separation detection cable is detected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-92976 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5996951 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, in conventional technology such as that disclosed in Patent Document 2, a separate detection cable must be added to detect theft of the outdoor unit, making it difficult to prevent an increase in the number of parts in the air conditioner and an increase in costs.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner monitoring device, an air conditioner monitoring method, and a program that can detect unauthorized removal of an outdoor unit using an existing configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner monitoring device includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant piping that circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and is capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit while the air conditioner is not in operation. The air conditioner monitoring device includes a switching unit that switches a security mode on or off, a power supply control unit that cuts off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is off while the air conditioner is not in operation, and a detection unit that detects the disconnection of the power line based on a signal sent by the outdoor unit to the indoor unit when the security mode is on, or detects the disconnection of the refrigerant piping based on the temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or the pressure of the refrigerant while the security mode is on.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner monitoring device is an air conditioner monitoring device comprising an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line for transmitting power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant piping for circulating refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and comprising a switching unit for switching a security mode on or off, and a detection unit for detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal sent from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit when the security mode is on, or for detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant piping based on the temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring an air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, power lines that transmit power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and refrigerant piping that circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and is capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit while the air conditioner is not in operation, the method comprising the steps of switching a security mode on or off, cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is off while the air conditioner is not in operation, and not cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is on, and detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal sent by the outdoor unit to the indoor unit when the security mode is on, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant piping based on the temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or the pressure of the refrigerant while the security mode is on.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring an air conditioner is a method for monitoring an air conditioner having an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant piping that circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and includes the steps of switching a security mode on or off, and, when the security mode is on, detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal sent from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant piping based on the temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a program causes a monitoring device of an air conditioner that includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant piping that circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and that is capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit while the air conditioner is not in operation, to execute the following steps: switching a security mode on or off; cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is off while the air conditioner is not in operation, and not cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is on; and detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal sent by the outdoor unit to the indoor unit when the security mode is on, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant piping based on the temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or the pressure of the refrigerant when the security mode is on.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a program causes a monitoring device for an air conditioner having an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe that circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit to perform the steps of switching a security mode on or off, and, when the security mode is on, detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal sent from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe based on the temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or the pressure of the refrigerant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the above aspect, it is possible to detect unauthorized removal of the outdoor unit by utilizing an existing configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a monitoring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a first flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a monitoring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]10 is a second flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the monitoring device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] <Embodiment> An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0016] (Overall configuration of air conditioner) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, and a monitoring device 10. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected by a power line 4 for transmitting power and signals and a refrigerant piping 5 through which refrigerant R flows. The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor unit heat exchanger 22. The outdoor unit 3 includes a compressor 31, an outdoor unit heat exchanger 32, a four-way valve 33, and an expansion valve 34. The refrigerant piping 5 connects the indoor unit heat exchanger 22, the compressor 31, the outdoor unit heat exchanger 32, the four-way valve 33, and the expansion valve 34 to form a refrigerant circuit 6. The indoor unit heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat between the refrigerant R flowing therethrough and the indoor air. The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant R. The outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat between the refrigerant R flowing therethrough and the outdoor air. The four-way valve 33 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant R between cooling operation and heating operation. The expansion valve 34 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant R. Note that Fig. 1 shows an example of the flow direction of the refrigerant R during cooling operation.

[0017] Note that some models of air conditioners 1 have a standby power reduction function that can cut off the power supply from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3 while the unit is not operating. A control device (not shown) of an air conditioner 1 that has a standby power reduction function can, while the unit is not operating, cut off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 by, for example, operating a switch (not shown) on the power line 4. Furthermore, in air conditioners 1 that do not have a standby power reduction function, the minimum necessary power is supplied to the outdoor unit 3 even while the unit is not operating.

[0018] The outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 is provided with a first temperature sensor 301 and a second temperature sensor 302. The first temperature sensor 301 measures the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 32. The second temperature sensor 302 is provided at a predetermined position, such as inside the housing of the outdoor unit 3, and measures the outside air temperature. The compressor 31 may also be provided with a pressure sensor 303 that measures the pressure of the refrigerant R discharged from the compressor 31. Note that these sensors 301, 302, 303 are existing components provided in the outdoor unit 3 for the purpose of controlling each part (compressor 31, etc.) of the air conditioner 1, and are not newly added components for the purpose of monitoring for unauthorized removal of the outdoor unit 3.

[0019] The monitoring device 10 is provided in, for example, the indoor unit 2. The monitoring device 10 may also be built into a control device (not shown) of the air conditioner 1. The monitoring device 10 monitors whether the outdoor unit 3 has been unauthorizedly removed. If the monitoring device 10 detects that the outdoor unit 3 has been unauthorizedly removed, it notifies the user by outputting an alarm sound, for example, from a speaker 23 provided in the indoor unit 2. The monitoring device 10 may also notify the terminal device 101 of the detection result via wireless communication. The terminal device 101 is, for example, a remote controller for the air conditioner 1, or a smartphone or tablet owned by the user of the air conditioner 1. The monitoring device 10 may also notify the security device 102 of the detection result via wired or wireless communication, and cause the security device 102 to perform crime prevention processing. The security device 102 is, for example, a surveillance camera. As a crime prevention process, the security device 102 performs a process of, for example, taking an image of the area around the outdoor unit 3 and transmitting the taken image to the terminal device 101 or a server (not shown) of a security company.

[0020] (Functional configuration of monitoring device) 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the functional configuration of the monitoring device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, and a communication interface 14.

[0021] The processor 11 operates in accordance with a predetermined program to function as a switching unit 110, a power supply control unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a detection unit 113, and a notification unit 114.

[0022] The switching unit 110 switches the security mode of the air conditioner 1 on or off. The monitoring device 10 monitors whether the outdoor unit 3 has been removed when the security mode is on, and does not monitor when the security mode is off. Therefore, when the outdoor unit 3 is to be removed for repair, replacement, etc., the security mode must be switched off beforehand. The security mode can be manually switched on or off by the user via the terminal device 101. The switching unit 110 switches the security mode on or off in response to a user operation. The switching unit 110 may also automatically switch the security mode on or off at a time preset by the user.

[0023] The power supply control unit 111 is a functional unit for models that have the standby power reduction function described above (cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when operation is stopped). When operation is stopped and the security mode is off, the power supply control unit 111 cuts off the power supply from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, thereby reducing the standby power consumption of the air conditioner 1. When operation is stopped and the security mode is on, the power supply control unit 111 supplies the minimum amount of power necessary from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3 for monitoring the outdoor unit 3. Note that the power supply control unit 111 may be omitted for models that do not have the standby power reduction function, i.e., models that supply a minimum amount of power to the outdoor unit 3 even when operation is stopped.

[0024] The acquisition unit 112 acquires signals including the measured values ​​of the first temperature sensor 301, the second temperature sensor 302, and the pressure sensor 303. The acquisition unit 112 also acquires signals transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2.

[0025] When the security mode is on, the detection unit 113 detects the disconnection of the power line 4 based on a signal sent from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2. Alternatively, the detection unit 113 detects the disconnection of the refrigerant pipe 5 based on the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 or the pressure of the refrigerant R.

[0026] The notification unit 114 notifies that a break in the power line 4 or the refrigerant pipe 5 has been detected.

[0027] The memory 12 has a memory area necessary for the operation of the processor 11 .

[0028] The storage 13 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage 13 stores data that each part of the processor 11 acquires, generates, and refers to during processing.

[0029] The communication interface 14 is an interface for transmitting and receiving signals including measurement values, commands, etc. to and from each unit.

[0030] (Monitoring device processing example 1) Fig. 3 is a first flowchart showing an example of processing by a monitoring device according to an embodiment. With reference to Fig. 3, an example of processing in which the monitoring device 10 monitors the outdoor unit 3 when operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped will be described. In the example of Fig. 3, it is assumed that the user manually switches the security mode on or off before operation is stopped. The switching unit 110 switches the security mode on or off in accordance with the user's operation.

[0031] When an operational instruction to stop operation of the air conditioner 1 is received from the user (step S101), the power supply control unit 111 determines whether the security mode is set to ON (step S102).

[0032] First, a case where the user has set the security mode to ON will be described. If the security mode is ON (step S102; YES), the power supply control unit 111 supplies the minimum amount of power for the security mode to the outdoor unit 3 (step S103). The minimum amount of power required is, for example, the power required for measurements by the first temperature sensor 301, the second temperature sensor 302, and the pressure sensor 303, and for sending and receiving signals (such as a status notification signal including measurement values ​​and a start-up signal) between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3.

[0033] Next, the acquisition unit 112 acquires the measurement values ​​of each sensor (first temperature sensor 301, second temperature sensor 302, pressure sensor 303) and a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 (step S104). Note that this signal may be a signal including the measurement values ​​of the sensors 301, 302, 303, or may be another signal.

[0034] The detection unit 113 determines whether or not the power line 4 or the refrigerant pipe 5 is disconnected based on the measurement values ​​of each sensor (step S105). Specifically, the detection unit 113 detects the disconnection of the power line 4 or the refrigerant pipe 5 as follows.

[0035] (1) Power line 4 disconnection detection If the indoor unit 2 does not receive a signal from the outdoor unit 3 for a predetermined time or longer, the detection unit 113 determines that the power line 4 has been disconnected (step S105; YES).

[0036] (2) Refrigerant pipe 5 disconnection detection 1 The detection unit 113 presets a temperature change pattern of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 when the refrigerant pipe 5 is cut and the refrigerant R leaks. This temperature change pattern is created in advance through experiments, simulations, and the like. Temperature change patterns may also be set according to conditions such as the type of refrigerant R and the outdoor air temperature. When the time series of measurement values ​​of the first temperature sensor 301 matches the preset temperature change pattern, the detection unit 113 determines that the refrigerant R has leaked, i.e., that the refrigerant pipe 5 has been cut (step S105; YES). For example, when refrigerant R leaks while the system is not operating, a temperature change pattern is observed in which the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 (measurement value of the first temperature sensor 301) drops sharply. Based on this temperature change pattern, the detection unit 113 determines that the temperature change pattern matches the temperature change pattern of refrigerant leakage when, for example, the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 drops by a predetermined threshold or more per unit time. Furthermore, if refrigerant R leaks while the operation is stopped, a temperature pattern may be observed in which the temperature of outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 drops rapidly and then rapidly changes to the outside air temperature. Based on this temperature change pattern, detection unit 113 determines that the temperature change pattern due to refrigerant leakage has been met, for example, when the temperature of outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 drops by more than a threshold value in a unit time and then, within a predetermined time, the temperature of outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 roughly matches the outside air temperature (reaches outside air temperature ±α degrees).

[0037] (3) Refrigerant pipe 5 disconnection detection 2 Furthermore, when a pressure sensor 303 is provided, the detection unit 113 may detect the disconnection of the refrigerant pipe 5 based on the pressure of the refrigerant R. For example, when the pressure of the refrigerant R in the refrigerant pipe 5 measured by the pressure sensor 303 drops by a predetermined threshold or more per unit time, the detection unit 113 determines that the refrigerant R has leaked, i.e., that the refrigerant pipe 5 has been disconnected (step S105; YES).

[0038] When the detection unit 113 detects a disconnection of the power line 4 or the refrigerant pipe 5 (step S105; YES), the notification unit 114 notifies the user of this (step S106). For example, the notification unit 114 notifies the user by outputting an alarm sound (buzzer, voice, etc.) from the speaker 23 of the indoor unit 2. The notification unit 114 may also notify the terminal device 101, which has been set in advance as a notification target, of disconnection detection information including the date and time when the disconnection was detected, the identification information and installation location of the outdoor unit 3, etc. This allows the user to immediately know that the outdoor unit 3 has been illegally removed. The notification unit 114 may also notify the security device 102, which has been set in advance as a notification target, of the disconnection detection information. For example, a surveillance camera installed near the outdoor unit 3 or in a passageway accessing the outdoor unit 3 and capable of capturing images of the outdoor unit 3 or its surroundings is set as the security device 102 to be notified. Upon receiving the notification, the security device 102 captures and records images of the outdoor unit 3 or its surroundings. The security device 102 may also transmit the captured images to a terminal device 101 or a security company server that has been set as a destination in advance. The security device 102, which is constantly capturing images, may also transmit images captured before the date and time when the disconnection was detected to the set destination. This makes it possible to identify people who approached the outdoor unit 3 around the date and time when the disconnection was detected.

[0039] If no disconnection of the power line 4 or the refrigerant pipe 5 is detected (step S105; NO), the process returns to step S104 and monitoring of the outdoor unit 3 continues.

[0040] Furthermore, if the user has set the security mode to OFF (step S102; NO), the power supply control unit 111 cuts off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 (step S107). For example, when the outdoor unit 3 is temporarily removed for maintenance or the like, turning the security mode OFF in this way can prevent the removal of the outdoor unit 3 from being notified.

[0041] 3 shows an example in which the air conditioner 1 has a standby power reduction function. In an air conditioner 1 that does not have the standby power reduction function, steps S103 and S107 may be omitted. Therefore, in an air conditioner 1 that does not have the standby power reduction function, when the security mode is off, power is supplied to the outdoor unit 3, but the processing of steps S104 to S106 is not executed. In this way, even in an air conditioner 1 that does not have the standby power reduction function, turning off the security mode can prevent the removal of the outdoor unit 3 from being notified.

[0042] (Monitoring device processing example 2) FIG. 4 is a second flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a monitoring device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, an example will be described in which a user sets a time (monitoring time) for turning on the security mode in advance, and the monitoring device 10 automatically turns the security mode on or off according to the setting. For example, assume that the user sets the monitoring time from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. In this case, the switching unit 110 automatically switches the security mode on if the current time is between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Furthermore, the switching unit 110 automatically switches the security mode off if the current time is not between 6:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Furthermore, the user may set the monitoring time to be five minutes every hour (e.g., from 0 minutes past the hour to 5 minutes past the hour). In this case, the switching unit 110 also compares the current time with the monitoring time and automatically switches the security mode on or off.

[0043] When an instruction to stop operation of the air conditioner 1 is received from the user (step S201), the power supply control unit 111 determines whether the security mode is set to ON (step S202). If it is outside the monitoring time set by the user and the security mode is set to OFF (step S202; NO), the power supply control unit 111 cuts off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 (step S207). Thereafter, if the current time is before the monitoring time (step S208), the switching unit 110 leaves the security mode OFF. On the other hand, if the current time is the start time of the monitoring time (step S208; YES), the switching unit 110 switches the security mode ON and returns to step S202. As a result, when the monitoring time set by the user arrives, the security mode can be automatically turned ON and monitoring of the outdoor unit 3 can begin.

[0044] If the security mode is set to ON (step S202), the power supply control unit 111 supplies power to the outdoor unit 3 (step S203). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 112 acquires the measurement values ​​of the sensors and the signals from the outdoor unit 3, and the detection unit 113 detects a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe 5 or the power line 4 based on the acquired measurement values ​​and signals (step S205). If a disconnection is detected (step S205; YES), the notification unit 114 notifies that a disconnection has been detected (step S206). The processing of steps S203 to S206 is the same as the processing of steps S103 to S106 in FIG. 3.

[0045] If the detection unit 113 does not detect a disconnection (step S205; NO) and the current time is included in the monitoring time (step S210; NO), the process returns to step S204 and monitoring of the outdoor unit 3 continues.

[0046] On the other hand, if the current time has passed the monitoring time (step S210; YES), the switching unit 110 switches the security mode off and returns to step S202. As a result, when the monitoring time set by the user has passed, the security mode can be automatically turned off and monitoring of the outdoor unit 3 can be terminated. In addition, by cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3, unnecessary standby power consumption can be suppressed.

[0047] 4 shows an example in which the air conditioner 1 has a standby power reduction function, similar to FIG. 3. In an air conditioner 1 that does not have the standby power reduction function, steps S203 and S207 may be omitted. Therefore, in an air conditioner 1 that does not have the standby power reduction function, when the security mode is off, power is supplied to the outdoor unit 3, but the processing of steps S204 to S206 is not executed. In this way, even in an air conditioner 1 that does not have the standby power reduction function, turning off the security mode can prevent the removal of the outdoor unit 3 from being notified.

[0048] (Action and effect) As described above, the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment includes the indoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 3, the power line 4 that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, and the refrigerant piping 5 that circulates the refrigerant R between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, and is capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3 when the air conditioner 1 is not in operation. The monitoring device 10 for this air conditioner 1 includes a switching unit 110 that switches the security mode on or off, a power supply control unit 111 that, when the air conditioner 1 is not in operation, cuts off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 when the security mode is off and does not cut off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 when the security mode is on, and a detection unit 113 that, when the security mode is on, detects the disconnection of the power line 4 based on a signal sent from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2, or detects the disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 based on the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 or the pressure of the refrigerant R.

[0049] In this way, when the security mode is set to on, the monitoring device 10 can detect unauthorized removal of the outdoor unit 3 by using signals conventionally transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 and measurement values ​​of existing sensors in the outdoor unit 3. In other words, the outdoor unit 3 can be monitored without adding new signal lines, sensors, or other components. Furthermore, by turning off the security mode, false detections can be suppressed, for example, when the outdoor unit 3 is removed for maintenance. Furthermore, even in models with a standby power reduction function that cuts off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 while the outdoor unit 3 is not in operation, power can be supplied to the outdoor unit 3 while the security mode is on, enabling monitoring. Meanwhile, by turning off the security mode, unnecessary power supply to the outdoor unit 3 can be cut off while the outdoor unit 3 is not in operation, thereby reducing standby power consumption.

[0050] The air conditioner 1 may be a model that does not cut off the power supply from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3 when the air conditioner 1 is not operating. In this case, the power supply control unit 111 may be omitted. In this way, the monitoring device 10 can also be applied to models that do not have a standby power reduction function.

[0051] Furthermore, the detection unit 113 detects that the power line 4 has been disconnected when the indoor unit 2 does not receive a signal from the outdoor unit 3 for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0052] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can easily detect, based on the signal transmitted through the existing power line 4, that the outdoor unit 3 has been illegally removed.

[0053] Furthermore, the detection unit 113 detects that the refrigerant pipe 5 has been broken when the time series of the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 matches a preset temperature change pattern in the event of a refrigerant leak.

[0054] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can use the measured values ​​of the temperatures used to control each part (such as the compressor 31) of the outdoor unit 3 to detect leakage of the refrigerant R, i.e., disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5. Furthermore, by comparing the measured values ​​with a preset temperature change pattern at the time of refrigerant leakage, disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 can be detected easily and accurately.

[0055] Furthermore, the detection unit 113 detects that the refrigerant pipe 5 has been disconnected when the pressure of the refrigerant R in the refrigerant pipe 5 drops by a predetermined threshold or more in a unit time.

[0056] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can detect leakage of the refrigerant R, i.e., breakage of the refrigerant pipe 5, by utilizing the measured values ​​of the pressure used to control each part of the outdoor unit 3 (compressor 31, etc.).

[0057] The monitoring device 10 further includes a notification unit 114 that notifies that a break in the power line 4 or the refrigerant pipe 5 has been detected.

[0058] This allows the monitoring device 10 to immediately notify the user of the air conditioner 1 that the outdoor unit 3 has been illegally removed.

[0059] The notification unit 114 also performs at least one of the following: notification by outputting a warning sound; notification to the terminal device 101; and notification to the security device .

[0060] For example, the monitoring device 10 can immediately notify a user in a room where the air conditioner 1 (indoor unit 2) is installed of the unauthorized removal of the outdoor unit 3 by outputting an alarm sound. Moreover, the monitoring device 10 can immediately notify users who are not in the room of the unauthorized removal of the outdoor unit 3 by notifying the terminal device 101. Furthermore, by notifying the security device 102, the monitoring device 10 can cause the security device 102 to perform processing such as activating the security device 102 or transmitting data acquired by the security device 102 to the terminal device 101 or a security company server, etc.

[0061] Furthermore, the switching unit 110 switches the crime prevention mode on when a preset monitoring time comes.

[0062] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can automatically turn on the security mode at the monitoring time preset by the user and monitor the outdoor unit 3, without the user having to perform an operation to turn on the security mode each time.

[0063] <Other embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design modifications are possible. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, some processes may be executed in parallel.

[0064] <Additional Notes> The above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0065] (1) According to a first aspect, the monitoring device 10 is a monitoring device 10 for an air conditioner 1 that includes an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, a power line 4 that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, and a refrigerant piping 5 that circulates refrigerant R between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, and that is capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3 while the air conditioner is not in operation. The monitoring device 10 is also equipped with a switching unit 110 that switches a security mode on or off, a power supply control unit 111 that, while the air conditioner is not in operation, cuts off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 when the security mode is off, and does not cut off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 when the security mode is on, and a detection unit 113 that, when the security mode is on, detects the disconnection of the power line 4 based on a signal sent from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2, or detects the disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 based on the temperature of the heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 or the pressure of the refrigerant R.

[0066] In this way, when the security mode is set to on, the monitoring device 10 can detect unauthorized removal of the outdoor unit 3 by using signals conventionally transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 and measurement values ​​of existing sensors in the outdoor unit 3. In other words, the outdoor unit 3 can be monitored without adding new signal lines, sensors, or other components. Furthermore, by turning off the security mode, false detections can be suppressed, for example, when the outdoor unit 3 is removed for maintenance. Furthermore, even in models with a standby power reduction function that cuts off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 while the outdoor unit 3 is not in operation, power can be supplied to the outdoor unit 3 while the security mode is on, enabling monitoring. Meanwhile, by turning off the security mode, unnecessary power supply to the outdoor unit 3 can be cut off while the outdoor unit 3 is not in operation, thereby reducing standby power consumption.

[0067] (2) According to a second aspect, the monitoring device 10 is a monitoring device 10 for an air conditioner 1 having an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, a power line 4 that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, and a refrigerant piping 5 that circulates refrigerant R between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, and is equipped with a switching unit 110 that switches the security mode on or off, and a detection unit 113 that, when the security mode is on, detects a disconnection of the power line 4 based on a signal sent from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2, or detects a disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 based on the temperature of the heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 or the pressure of the refrigerant R.

[0068] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can be applied to an air conditioner 1 that does not have a standby power reduction function, and the same effects as in the first aspect can be obtained.

[0069] (3) According to the third aspect, in the monitoring device 10 according to the first or second aspect, the detection unit 113 detects that the power line 4 has been disconnected when the indoor unit 2 does not receive a signal from the outdoor unit 3 for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0070] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can easily detect, based on the signal transmitted through the existing power line 4, that the outdoor unit 3 has been illegally removed.

[0071] (4) According to a fourth aspect, in the monitoring device 10 according to any one of the first to third aspects, the detection unit 113 detects a break in the refrigerant piping 5 when the time series of the temperature of the heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 matches a preset temperature change pattern in the event of a refrigerant leak.

[0072] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can use the measured values ​​of the temperatures used to control each part (such as the compressor 31) of the outdoor unit 3 to detect leakage of the refrigerant R, i.e., disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5. Furthermore, by comparing the measured values ​​with a preset temperature change pattern at the time of refrigerant leakage, disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 can be detected easily and accurately.

[0073] (5) According to the fifth aspect, in the monitoring device 10 relating to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the detection unit 113 detects the disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 when the pressure of the refrigerant R in the refrigerant piping 5 drops by more than a predetermined threshold value in a unit time.

[0074] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can detect leakage of the refrigerant R, i.e., breakage of the refrigerant pipe 5, by utilizing the measured values ​​of the pressure used to control each part of the outdoor unit 3 (compressor 31, etc.).

[0075] (6) According to a sixth aspect, the monitoring device 10 according to any one of the first to fifth aspects further includes a notification unit 114 that notifies that a break in the power line 4 or the refrigerant pipe 5 has been detected.

[0076] This allows the monitoring device 10 to immediately notify the user of the air conditioner 1 that the outdoor unit 3 has been illegally removed.

[0077] (7) According to the seventh aspect, in the monitoring device 10 according to the sixth aspect, the notification unit 114 performs at least one of the following: notification by outputting an alarm sound; notification to the terminal device 101; and notification to the security device 102.

[0078] For example, the monitoring device 10 can immediately notify a user in a room where the air conditioner 1 (indoor unit 2) is installed of the unauthorized removal of the outdoor unit 3 by outputting an alarm sound. Moreover, the monitoring device 10 can immediately notify users who are not in the room of the unauthorized removal of the outdoor unit 3 by notifying the terminal device 101. Furthermore, by notifying the security device 102, the monitoring device 10 can cause the security device 102 to perform processing such as activating the security device 102 or transmitting data acquired by the security device 102 to the terminal device 101 or a security company server, etc.

[0079] (8) According to an eighth aspect, in the monitoring device 10 according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the switching unit 110 switches the crime prevention mode on when a preset monitoring time has elapsed.

[0080] In this way, the monitoring device 10 can automatically turn on the security mode at the monitoring time preset by the user and monitor the outdoor unit 3, without the user having to perform an operation to turn on the security mode each time.

[0081] (9) According to a ninth aspect, a method for monitoring an air conditioner 1 is a method for monitoring an air conditioner 1 that comprises an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, a power line 4 that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, and a refrigerant piping 5 that circulates refrigerant R between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, and that is capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3 while the air conditioner 1 is not in operation, the method comprising the steps of switching a security mode on or off, cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 when the security mode is off while the air conditioner 1 is not in operation, and not cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 when the security mode is on, and detecting, when the security mode is on, a disconnection of the power line 4 based on a signal sent by the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 based on the temperature of the heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 or the pressure of the refrigerant R.

[0082] (10) According to a tenth aspect, a monitoring method for an air conditioner 1 is a monitoring method for an air conditioner 1 that includes an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, a power line 4 that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, and a refrigerant piping 5 that circulates refrigerant R between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, and includes the steps of switching a security mode on or off, and, when the security mode is on, detecting a disconnection of the power line 4 based on a signal sent by the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 based on the temperature of the heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 or the pressure of the refrigerant R.

[0083] (11) According to an eleventh aspect, the program causes a monitoring device 10 of an air conditioner 1 that is equipped with an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, a power line 4 that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, and a refrigerant piping 5 that circulates refrigerant R between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, and that is capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3 while the air conditioner is not in operation, to execute the following steps: switching a security mode on or off; cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 when the security mode is off while the air conditioner is not in operation, and not cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit 3 when the security mode is on; and detecting, when the security mode is on, the disconnection of the power line 4 based on a signal sent by the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2, or detecting the disconnection of the refrigerant piping 5 based on the temperature of a heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 or the pressure of the refrigerant R.

[0084] (12) According to the first aspect, the monitoring device 10 of the air conditioner 1, which includes an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, a power line 4 that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, and a refrigerant pipe 5 that circulates refrigerant R between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, executes the steps of switching the security mode on or off, and, when the security mode is on, detecting a disconnection of the power line 4 based on a signal sent from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe 5 based on the temperature of the heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 3 or the pressure of the refrigerant R. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Air conditioner 2 Indoor unit 22 Indoor unit heat exchanger 23 Speaker 3 Outdoor unit 31 Compressor 32 Outdoor unit heat exchanger 33 Four-way valve 34 Expansion valve 301 First temperature sensor 302 Second temperature sensor 303 Pressure Sensor 4. Power Lines 5 Refrigerant piping 6 Refrigerant circuit 10 Monitoring equipment 11 processors 110 Switching section 111 Power supply control unit 112 Acquisition Department 113 Detection unit 114 Information Department 12 Memory 13. Storage 14 Communication Interface 101 Terminal equipment 102 Security Equipment R refrigerant

Claims

1. An air conditioner monitoring device that is capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit while the air conditioner is not operating, the monitoring device comprising: an indoor unit; an outdoor unit; a power line that transmits power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit; and a refrigerant pipe that circulates a refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. A switching unit for switching the security mode on or off; a power supply control unit that cuts off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is off during operation stoppage, and does not cut off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is on; a detection unit that detects, when the security mode is on, a disconnection of the power line based on a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, or detects a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe based on a temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or a pressure of the refrigerant; An air conditioner monitoring device comprising:

2. A monitoring device for an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line for transmitting power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, A switching unit for switching the security mode on or off; a detection unit that detects, when the security mode is on, a disconnection of the power line based on a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, or detects a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe based on a temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or a pressure of the refrigerant; An air conditioner monitoring device comprising:

3. The detection unit detects the disconnection of the power line when the indoor unit does not receive the signal from the outdoor unit for a predetermined time or longer. The air conditioner monitoring device according to claim 1.

4. The detection unit detects the disconnection of the refrigerant pipe when a time series of temperatures of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit matches a preset temperature change pattern at the time of refrigerant leakage. The air conditioner monitoring device according to claim 1.

5. The detection unit detects the disconnection of the refrigerant pipe when the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe drops by a predetermined threshold value or more per unit time. The air conditioner monitoring device according to claim 1.

6. The system further includes a notification unit that notifies that a break in the power line or the refrigerant pipe has been detected. The air conditioner monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the notification unit performs at least one of notification by outputting an alarm sound, notification to a terminal device, and notification to a security device. The air conditioner monitoring device according to claim 6.

8. The switching unit switches the security mode on when a preset monitoring time has come. The air conditioner monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A monitoring method for an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line for transmitting power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, wherein the power supply from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit can be cut off while the air conditioner is not operating, switching the security mode on or off; a step of cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is off during operation stop, and not cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is on; When the security mode is on, detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe based on a temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or a pressure of the refrigerant; A monitoring method for an air conditioner having the above-mentioned features.

10. A monitoring method for an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line for transmitting power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, switching the security mode on or off; When the security mode is on, detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe based on a temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or a pressure of the refrigerant; A monitoring method for an air conditioner having the above-mentioned features.

11. A monitoring device for an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line for transmitting power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and capable of cutting off the power supply from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit when operation is stopped, switching the security mode on or off; a step of cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is off during operation stop, and not cutting off the power supply to the outdoor unit when the security mode is on; When the security mode is on, detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe based on a temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or a pressure of the refrigerant; A program that executes the following.

12. A monitoring device for an air conditioner including an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a power line for transmitting power and signals from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, switching the security mode on or off; When the security mode is on, detecting a disconnection of the power line based on a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, or detecting a disconnection of the refrigerant pipe based on a temperature of a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit or a pressure of the refrigerant; A program that executes the following.

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