Management system, management method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

This disclosure provides a management system that supports inspection of infrared refrigerant leak sensors installed in refrigeration cycle systems, depending on whether or not they have a self-diagnostic function. [Solution] The management system in this disclosure comprises a refrigeration cycle device equipped with an infrared refrigerant leak sensor and an information processing device. The refrigeration cycle device transmits self-diagnosis function information to the information processing device indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function. The information processing device determines whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function based on the self-diagnosis function information. If the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function, it receives self-diagnosis result information from the refrigeration cycle device indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function and notifies the self-diagnosis result information. If the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with a self-diagnosis function, it notifies the time for inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system, a management method, an information processing apparatus, a program, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus for a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration using an infrared refrigerant leakage sensor as a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioner which is an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a slightly flammable refrigerant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a management system that supports inspections according to the presence or absence of a self-diagnosis function for an infrared refrigerant leakage sensor provided in a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The management system in this disclosure comprises a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage, and an information processing device, and is a management system that communicates between the refrigeration cycle device and the information processing device, wherein the refrigeration cycle device transmits self-diagnosis function information to the information processing device indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor, the information processing device determines whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function based on the self-diagnosis function information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, it receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device and notifies the self-diagnosis result information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with the self-diagnosis function, it notifies the maintenance time for the refrigerant leak sensor.

[0006] The management method in this disclosure is a management method performed by a management system that communicates between a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage and an information processing device, and the management method includes the steps of: the refrigeration cycle device transmitting self-diagnosis function information to the information processing device indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor; the information processing device determining, based on the self-diagnosis function information, whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function; if the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, receiving self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device and reporting the self-diagnosis result information; and if the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with the self-diagnosis function, reporting the maintenance time for the refrigerant leak sensor.

[0007] The information processing device in this disclosure includes: a communication control unit that communicates with a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage; a self-diagnosis function information acquisition unit that receives and acquires self-diagnosis function information transmitted from the refrigeration cycle device, indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor; and a sensor information notification unit that determines whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function based on the self-diagnosis function information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device and notifies the self-diagnosis result information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with the self-diagnosis function, notifies the maintenance time for the refrigerant leak sensor.

[0008] The program in this disclosure provides a computer that functions as a communication control unit that communicates with a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor for detecting refrigerant leaks; a self-diagnosis function information acquisition unit that receives and acquires self-diagnosis function information transmitted from the refrigeration cycle device, indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor; and a sensor information notification unit that determines whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function based on the self-diagnosis function information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device via the communication control unit and notifies the self-diagnosis result information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with the self-diagnosis function, notifies the maintenance time for the refrigerant leak sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The management system described in this disclosure can manage infrared refrigerant leak sensors installed in refrigeration cycle equipment, distinguishing between sensors that have a self-diagnostic function and those that do not. Therefore, the frequency of inspections can be reduced for refrigerant leak sensors that have a self-diagnostic function, while periodic inspections can be encouraged for refrigerant leak sensors that do not have a self-diagnostic function, thereby managing the proper use of refrigerant leak sensors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of the management system in the embodiment [Figure 2] Configuration diagram of the refrigerant leak sensor in the embodiment [Figure 3] Configuration diagram of the air conditioning system in the embodiment [Figure 4] Configuration diagram of the information processing device in the embodiment [Figure 5] First flowchart of the information processing device in the embodiment [Figure 6] Second flowchart of the information processing device in the embodiment [Figure 7] Flowchart of an air conditioning system in an embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived this disclosure, semiconductor-type refrigerant leak sensors and infrared-type refrigerant leak sensors were known as refrigerant leak sensors to be installed in refrigeration cycle devices to detect refrigerant leakage. Semiconductor-type refrigerant leak sensors are susceptible to deterioration over time because their sensor elements react easily with outside air, requiring periodic replacement, whereas infrared-type refrigerant leak sensors have the advantage of being less affected by deterioration over time.

[0012] Therefore, by adopting an infrared-type refrigerant leak sensor as the refrigerant leak sensor, the advantage of easier maintenance of the refrigerant leak sensor can be obtained compared to adopting a semiconductor-type refrigerant leak sensor. However, the inventors discovered a problem in that, due to the characteristic of infrared-type refrigerant leak sensors that they are less susceptible to deterioration over time, maintenance of infrared-type refrigerant leak sensors may be neglected, potentially leading to delays in responding to malfunctions of the refrigerant leak sensor. To solve this problem, the subject matter of this disclosure was established. Therefore, this disclosure provides a management system that can reduce the frequency of inspections for refrigerant leak sensors that have a self-diagnostic function, while encouraging periodic inspections for refrigerant leak sensors that do not have a self-diagnostic function, thereby supporting the proper use of refrigerant leak sensors.

[0013] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment) The embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. [1. Management System Configuration] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the management system 1 in the present disclosure will be described. The management system 1 includes an air conditioner 10 and an information processing device 100. The air conditioner 10 and the information processing device 100 communicate with each other via a communication network 300. Further, the information processing device 100 communicates with a terminal device 200 used by an administrator P who manages the operation of the air conditioner 10 via the communication network 300. The air conditioner 10 is an example of the refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure. The refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure may be a refrigerator, a showcase, etc. equipped with an infrared refrigerant leakage sensor.

[0015] The air conditioner 10 includes one outdoor unit 20 and three indoor units 50 (50a, 50b, 50c) connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 20 by refrigerant pipes 11. In the air conditioner 10, a refrigeration cycle 30 is constituted by the outdoor unit 20, the indoor units 50, and the refrigerant pipes 11. The air conditioner 10 circulates the refrigerant compressed by the outdoor unit 20 between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor units 50 via the refrigerant pipes 11 to perform air conditioning of the room where the indoor units 50 are installed. In the present embodiment, the case where a flammable refrigerant is used as the refrigerant is exemplified. The flammable refrigerant is R32 or a mixed refrigerant containing 70% by weight or more of R32, or propane or a mixed refrigerant containing propane. Note that the refrigerant used in the air conditioner 10 is not limited to a flammable refrigerant and may be a non-flammable refrigerant.

[0016] The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 31, a gas-liquid separator 32, an oil separator 33, a four-way valve 34, an outdoor heat exchanger 36 having an outdoor blower fan 35, and an outdoor expansion valve 37. A gas-liquid separator 32 that supplies gas refrigerant to the compressor 31 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 31, and a four-way valve 34 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 31 via an oil separator 33. The outdoor heat exchanger 36 is connected to the four-way valve 34. In the outdoor heat exchanger 36, heat exchange is performed between the air sent by the outdoor blower fan 35 and the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 36. The outdoor expansion valve 37 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 36.

[0017] The outdoor unit 20 includes an outdoor unit control unit 22 that controls the operation of the outdoor unit 20. The operation of the compressor 31, the four-way valve 34, the outdoor blower fan 35, the outdoor expansion valve 37, etc. is controlled by a control signal output from the outdoor unit control unit 22. Further, the outdoor unit control unit 22 is connected to an indoor unit control unit 52 provided in each indoor unit 50 and controlling the operation of the indoor unit 50 via a communication line 12, and communicates with the indoor unit control unit 52 mutually. A plurality of indoor units 50 are connected to the outdoor expansion valve 37 and the four-way valve 34 via a refrigerant pipe 11.

[0018] Each indoor unit 50 includes an indoor heat exchanger 81 provided with an indoor blower fan 80, an indoor expansion valve 82, a temperature sensor 83 that detects the temperature of the room where the indoor unit 50 is installed, a humidity sensor 84 that detects the humidity of the room where the indoor unit 50 is installed, and a refrigerant leakage sensor 85 that detects refrigerant leakage.

[0019] One end of the indoor expansion valve 82 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 81, and the other end is connected to the refrigerant pipe 11. On both sides of the indoor heat exchanger 81, a first on-off valve 13 and a second on-off valve 15 for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant pipe 11 to the indoor unit 50 are provided. The first on-off valve 13 is provided in a liquid-side pipe 14 connected to the indoor heat exchanger 81. The first on-off valve 13 can be switched between an open state in which the refrigerant flows and a closed state in which the flow of the refrigerant is blocked. Note that the first on-off valve 13 may be an opening degree adjustment valve capable of setting a state between the open state and the closed state. The second on-off valve 15 is provided in a gas-side pipe 16 connected to the indoor heat exchanger 81. The configuration of the second on-off valve 15 is the same as that of the first on-off valve 13.

[0020] The operation of the first on-off valve 13, the second on-off valve 15, the indoor blower fan 80, etc. is controlled by a control signal output from the indoor unit control unit 52. Detection signals of the temperature sensor 83, the humidity sensor 84, and the refrigerant leakage sensor 85 are input to the indoor unit control unit 52. The indoor unit control unit 52 recognizes the temperature, humidity, and presence or absence of refrigerant leakage in the room where the indoor unit 50 is installed based on the detection signals of the temperature sensor 83, the humidity sensor 84, and the refrigerant leakage sensor 85.

[0021] The outdoor unit control unit 22 communicates with the indoor unit control unit 52 to recognize the temperature, humidity, presence or absence of refrigerant leakage, and operating status of the indoor unit 50 in the room where the indoor unit 50 is installed. The outdoor unit control unit 22 transmits operating status information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning system 10, and sensor information indicating the specifications and operating status of the refrigerant leakage sensor 85, to the information processing device 100 via the communication network 300.

[0022] The information processing device 100 records the operating status information received from the outdoor unit control unit 22 in the operating status DB (database) 123, and records the sensor information received from the outdoor unit control unit 22 in the sensor information DB 122. The information processing device 100 transmits the operating status information, sensor information, sensor inspection information prompting inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, etc., to the terminal device 200, and displays this information on the display unit of the terminal device 200. By displaying this information on the display unit of the air conditioning system 10 in this way, maintenance of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 provided in the air conditioning system 10 by the administrator P is supported.

[0023] The process by which the information processing device 100 transmits information to the terminal device 200 and displays the information on the display unit of the terminal 200 corresponds to the notification of information in this disclosure. The notification of information in this disclosure also includes transmitting information to the terminal 200 or a mobile terminal (smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, etc.) used by administrator P, such as by sending the information via email from the information processing device 100.

[0024] [2. Configuration of the refrigerant leak sensor] Referring to Figure 2, the configuration of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 provided in the indoor unit 50 will be described. Figure 2 shows the configuration of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 having a self-diagnostic function. The refrigerant leak sensor 85 is of the infrared type and includes a light-emitting unit 90 that emits infrared rays, and a first light-receiving unit 91 and a second light-receiving unit 92 that receive the infrared rays emitted from the light-emitting unit 90. The light-emitting unit 90 and the first and second light-receiving units 91 and 92 are arranged facing each other, and an optical filter 93 is provided in the first light-receiving unit 91.

[0025] The optical filter 93 has light-shielding properties outside the infrared absorption wavelength range of the refrigerant and has the characteristic of blocking a portion of the infrared radiation (light of the wavelength to be shielded) emitted from the light-emitting unit 90. The refrigerant leak sensor 85 includes a leak detection unit 94 that detects refrigerant leakage based on the output of the first light-receiving unit 91, and a self-diagnosis unit 95 that detects malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 due to disturbances based on the outputs of the first light-receiving unit 91 and the second light-receiving unit 92. Disturbances include condensation and dust accumulation between the light-emitting unit 90 and the first and second light-receiving units 91 and 92, and a decrease in the power supplied for the operation of the refrigerant leak sensor 85.

[0026] If condensation or dust accumulation occurs between the light-emitting unit 90 and the first and second light-receiving units 91 and 92, the infrared radiation emitted from the light-emitting unit 90 is obstructed by the condensation or dust, reducing the amount of light received by the first and second light-receiving units 91 and 92, and causing a decrease in the output of the first and second light-receiving units 92. Therefore, when the output of both the first and second light-receiving units 91 and 92 falls below a certain threshold, the self-diagnosis unit 95 outputs a sensor error signal SEr indicating that the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is malfunctioning.

[0027] When the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is functioning correctly, if refrigerant leaks, the output of the first light receiving unit 91 drops significantly due to the action of the optical filter 93. On the other hand, the second light receiving unit 92 does not have an optical filter 93, so the output drop is minimal. Therefore, when the output of the first light receiving unit 91 falls below a predetermined leak detection level, the leak detection unit 94 outputs a leak detection signal Lk_ON indicating that refrigerant leakage is occurring.

[0028] In a refrigerant leak sensor that does not have a self-diagnostic function, the second light receiving unit 92 and the self-diagnostic unit 95 are omitted from the configuration shown in Figure 2, and the sensor error signal SEr is not output.

[0029] [3. Configuration of the air conditioning system] Referring to Figure 3, the configuration of the control system of the air conditioning system 10 will be explained. For the sake of explanation, Figure 3 shows only one of the three indoor units 50 (50a, 50b, 50c) shown in Figure 1. The configuration and operation of each indoor unit 50 are the same. The outdoor unit 20 is equipped with the outdoor unit control unit 22 described above and the outdoor unit communication circuit 21. The outdoor unit communication circuit 21 communicates with the information processing device 100 via the communication network 300 and also communicates with the indoor units 50 via the communication line 12.

[0030] The outdoor unit control unit 22 includes an outdoor unit processor 40, an outdoor unit memory 45, etc., and the outdoor unit memory 45 stores an outdoor unit program 46 for controlling the outdoor unit 20. The outdoor unit processor 40 reads and executes the outdoor unit program 46 and functions as an outdoor unit communication control unit 41, a self-diagnosis function information provision unit 42, a self-diagnosis result information provision unit 43, and an operation information provision unit 44.

[0031] The outdoor unit communication control unit 41 controls communication between the information processing device 100 and the indoor unit 50 via the outdoor unit communication circuit 21. In this case, the information processing device 100 corresponds to the external device in this disclosure. The self-diagnosis function information providing unit 42 transmits self-diagnosis function information to the information processing device 100 indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor 85 provided in the indoor unit 50 has a self-diagnosis function. Based on the specification information of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 transmitted from the indoor unit 50, the self-diagnosis function information providing unit 42 recognizes whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has a self-diagnosis function.

[0032] The self-diagnosis result information provision unit 43 transmits self-diagnosis function result information indicating the diagnostic status of the refrigerant leak sensor 85's self-diagnosis function to the information processing device 100. The self-diagnosis result information provision unit 43 recognizes the diagnostic status of the refrigerant leak sensor 85's self-diagnosis function based on the output information of the sensor error signal SEr of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 transmitted from the indoor unit 50.

[0033] The operation information provision unit 44 transmits operation status information indicating the operating status of the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 50, and refrigerant detection information indicating the status of refrigerant leakage detection by the refrigerant leakage sensor 85, to the information processing device 100. Based on the operation status information of the indoor unit 50 transmitted from the indoor unit 50 and the output information of the leakage detection signal Lk_ON from the refrigerant leakage sensor 85, the operation information provision unit 44 recognizes the operating status of the indoor unit 50 and the status of refrigerant leakage detection by the refrigerant leakage sensor 85.

[0034] The indoor unit 50 includes the indoor unit control unit 52 and the indoor unit communication circuit 51 described above. The indoor unit communication circuit 51 communicates with the outdoor unit 20 via the communication line 12. The indoor unit control unit 52 includes an indoor unit processor 60, an indoor unit memory 65, etc., and the indoor unit memory 65 stores an indoor unit program 66 for controlling the indoor unit 50. The indoor unit processor 60 reads and executes the indoor unit program 66, and the indoor unit communication control unit 61 controls the communication between the indoor unit communication circuit 51 and the outdoor unit 20.

[0035] The indoor unit communication control unit 61 transmits the following information to the outdoor unit 20: the operating status information of the indoor unit 50, the specifications of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, the output information of the sensor error signal SEr of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, the leak detection signal Lk_ON of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, and so on.

[0036] [4. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Referring to Figure 4, the configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described. The information processing device 100 is a computer system equipped with an information processing device communication circuit 101, an information processing device processor 110, an information processing device memory 120, and the like.

[0037] The information processing device communication circuit 101 communicates with the air conditioning unit 10 and the terminal device 200 used by the administrator P of the air conditioning unit 10 via the communication network 300. Alternatively, the information processing device communication circuit 101 may be configured to communicate directly with the air conditioning unit 10 and the terminal device 200 without going through the communication network 300. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 may be included within the information processing device 100.

[0038] The information processing device memory 120 stores an information processing device program 121 for controlling the information processing device 100, a sensor information DB 122 that records information about the refrigerant leak sensor 85, and an operating status DB 123 that records information about the operating status of the air conditioning system 10. The information processing device processor 110 reads and executes the information processing device program 121 and functions as an information processing device communication control unit 111, a self-diagnostic function information acquisition unit 112, a sensor information notification unit 113, and an operating environment information notification unit 114.

[0039] The information processing device communication control unit 111 controls communication between the air conditioner 10 and the terminal device 200 via the communication network 300 provided by the information processing device communication circuit 101. The self-diagnosis function information acquisition unit 112 receives and acquires the self-diagnosis function information transmitted from the air conditioner 10 via the information processing device communication control unit 111. The sensor information notification unit 113 recognizes whether the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has a self-diagnosis function based on the self-diagnosis function information. The sensor information notification unit 113 then distinguishes between cases where the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has a self-diagnosis function and cases where the refrigerant leak sensor 85 does not have a self-diagnosis function, as will be described in detail later, and transmits information regarding the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 to the terminal device 200.

[0040] The operating environment information notification unit 114 receives and acquires operating status information transmitted from the air conditioner 10 and records the operating status information in the operating status DB 123. Based on the operating status information, the operating environment information notification unit 114 recognizes the operating environment of the air conditioner 10. The operating environment of the air conditioner 10 includes the operating time of the indoor unit 50, the temperature and humidity of the room in which the indoor unit 50 is installed, etc. The operating environment information notification unit 114 transmits the operating environment information indicating the operating environment of the air conditioner 10 to the terminal device 200.

[0041] The terminal device 200 displays information regarding the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 transmitted from the air conditioning system 10, as well as information regarding the operating environment of the air conditioning system 10, on its display unit. The administrator P of the air conditioning system 10 checks this information displayed on the terminal device 200's display unit and performs an inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85.

[0042] [5. Inspection support process for refrigerant leak sensors] The support process for inspecting the refrigerant leak sensor 85, which is performed by the configuration of the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 4, will be explained according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6. The information processing device 100 performs the process according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6 when the air conditioning system 10 is installed and put into use, when the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is replaced due to repair or inspection of the air conditioning system 10, etc.

[0043] The process shown in the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6 corresponds to the steps in the management method of this disclosure in which the information processing device determines whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function based on self-diagnosis function information, receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device and notifies the self-diagnosis result information, and notifies the time for inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor when the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with a self-diagnosis function.

[0044] In step S1 of Figure 5, the self-diagnostic function information acquisition unit 112 sends a command to the air conditioning system 10 requesting the transmission of self-diagnostic function information. In the following step S2, when the self-diagnostic function information acquisition unit 112 receives the self-diagnostic function information transmitted from the air conditioning system 10, it proceeds to step S3.

[0045] In step S3, the sensor information notification unit 113 recognizes whether the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is equipped with a self-diagnosis function based on the self-diagnosis function information. In the following step S4, if the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is equipped with a self-diagnosis function, the sensor information notification unit 113 proceeds to step S5; if the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is not equipped with a self-diagnosis function, the process proceeds to step S10 in Figure 6.

[0046] Steps S5 and S6 are processes performed when the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is equipped with a self-diagnosis function. In step S5, when the sensor information notification unit 113 receives self-diagnosis result information of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 from the air conditioning system 10, it proceeds to step S6. In the next step S6, the sensor information notification unit 113 transmits the self-diagnosis result information of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 to the terminal device 200 used by the administrator P. The self-diagnosis result information indicates that the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is malfunctioning (sensor error signal SEr is output) or that the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is operating normally (sensor error signal SEr is not output).

[0047] The terminal device 200 displays the contents of the self-diagnosis result information transmitted from the information processing device 100 on its display unit. When the display unit of the terminal device 200 shows a scene indicating that the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is malfunctioning, administrator P goes to the building or other location where the air conditioning system 10 is installed and performs maintenance such as inspection, repair, or replacement of the refrigerant leak sensor 85.

[0048] Steps S10 to S13 in Figure 6 represent the process for when the refrigerant leak sensor 85 does not have a self-diagnostic function. In step S10, the sensor information notification unit 113 sets the next inspection date for the refrigerant leak sensor 85. The next inspection date for the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is set, for example, to one year after the time the inspection is completed.

[0049] In the following step S11, the sensor information notification unit 113 proceeds to step S12 when the inspection time for the refrigerant sensor approaches (for example, two weeks before the inspection time). In step S12, the sensor information notification unit 113 transmits inspection time information to the terminal device 200 used by the administrator P of the air conditioning system 10, informing them of the inspection time for the refrigerant leak sensor 85.

[0050] When the terminal device 200 receives inspection timing information from the information processing device 100, it displays a notification screen on its display unit indicating the inspection timing for the refrigerant leak sensor 85, prompting administrator P to perform the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85. When administrator P has completed the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, it operates the terminal device 200 to transmit inspection completion information to the information processing device 100, indicating that the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has been completed.

[0051] In the next step S13, when the sensor information notification unit 113 receives information from the terminal device 200 that the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has been completed, it proceeds to step S10, thereby setting the next inspection time for the refrigerant leak sensor 85.

[0052] [6. Information processing for air conditioning systems] The information provision process to the information processing device 100, which is performed according to the configuration of the air conditioning system 10 shown in Figure 3, will be explained in accordance with the flowchart shown in Figure 7. The air conditioning system 10 repeatedly performs the process according to the flowchart shown in Figure 7.

[0053] In step S50 of Figure 7, the self-diagnostic function information providing unit 42 proceeds to step S51 when it receives a command from the information processing device 100 requesting the transmission of self-diagnostic function information, and proceeds to step S60 when it does not receive a command from the information processing device 100 requesting the transmission of self-diagnostic function information. In step S51, the self-diagnostic function information providing unit 42 transmits self-diagnostic function information to the information processing device 100 indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is equipped with a self-diagnostic function.

[0054] In step S51, the process by which the self-diagnostic function information provision unit 42 transmits self-diagnostic function information to the information processing device 100 corresponds to the step in the management method of the present disclosure in which the refrigeration cycle device transmits self-diagnostic function information to the information processing device indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnostic function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor.

[0055] In step S60, the self-diagnosis result information provision unit 43 determines whether it is time to send the self-diagnosis result information. The timing for sending the self-diagnosis result information is when the refrigerant leak sensor 85 outputs a sensor error signal SEr indicating that the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is malfunctioning, or when a predetermined time for confirming the operation of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is reached.

[0056] Then, when it is time to send the self-diagnosis result information, the self-diagnosis result information provision unit 43 proceeds to step S61, and when it is not time to send the self-diagnosis result information, it proceeds to step S70. In step S61, the self-diagnosis result information provision unit 43 sends self-diagnosis result information to the information processing device 100, which indicates the result of the self-diagnosis function of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 determining whether or not there is a malfunction in the refrigerant leak sensor 85 (whether or not a sensor error signal SEr is output). Upon receiving the self-diagnosis result information, the information processing device 100 records the self-diagnosis result information in the sensor information DB 122.

[0057] In step S70, the operation information provision unit 44 checks whether a leak detection signal Lk_ON is input from the refrigerant leak sensor 85. If the leak detection signal Lk_ON is input, the operation information provision unit 44 proceeds to step S71; otherwise, it proceeds to step S80. In step S71, the operation information provision unit 44 transmits refrigerant leak detection information, indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected, to the information processing device 100.

[0058] Upon receiving refrigerant leak detection information, the information processing device 100 records the refrigerant leak detection information in the sensor information DB 122. The information processing device 100 transmits refrigerant leak occurrence information to the terminal device 200, and upon receiving the refrigerant leak occurrence information, the terminal device 200 displays a notification screen prompting action regarding the refrigerant leak on its display unit. This supports administrator P in taking prompt action regarding the refrigerant leak.

[0059] In step S80, the operation information provision unit 44 determines whether it is time to send operation status information for the air conditioner 10. The timing for sending operation status information is set to, for example, a predetermined time, or the time when the air conditioner 10 has finished operating. If it is time to send operation status information, the operation information provision unit 44 proceeds to step S81; otherwise, it proceeds to step S50.

[0060] In step S81, the operation information provision unit 44 transmits the operating status information of the air conditioner 10 to the information processing device 100. Upon receiving the operating status information, the information processing device 100 records the operating status information of the air conditioner 10 in the operation status DB 123.

[0061] [7. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the management system 1 comprises an air conditioning unit 10 and an information processing device 100. Self-diagnosis function information indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor 85 provided on the indoor unit 50 has a self-diagnosis function is transmitted from the air conditioning unit 10 to the information processing device 100. Based on the self-diagnosis function information, the information processing device 100 determines whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has a self-diagnosis function. If the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has a self-diagnosis function, the information processing device 100 receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the air conditioning unit 10 and transmits the self-diagnosis result information to the terminal device 200 to notify the administrator P. If the refrigerant leak sensor 85 does not have a self-diagnosis function, the information processing device 100 transmits information indicating the inspection time for the refrigerant leak sensor to the terminal device 200 to notify the administrator P. In this way, by differentiating the management of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 according to whether or not it has a self-diagnostic function, the frequency of inspections can be reduced for refrigerant leak sensors that have a self-diagnostic function, while regular inspections can be encouraged for refrigerant leak sensors that do not have a self-diagnostic function, thereby supporting the proper use of the refrigerant leak sensor.

[0062] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0063] In the above embodiment, if the information processing device 100 recognizes a malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 from the self-diagnosis result information transmitted from the air conditioning system 10, it may transmit information indicating the cause of the malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, estimated from the operating status information transmitted from the air conditioning system 10, to the terminal device 200, and display the cause on the display unit of the terminal device 200. For example, the following factors are assumed to be the cause of the malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor 85. First factor: The temperature of the room where the indoor unit 50 is installed, as detected by the temperature sensor 83, is below a predetermined temperature → condensation is adhering to the refrigerant leak sensor 85. Second factor: The humidity in the room where the indoor unit 50 is installed, as detected by the humidity sensor 84, is above a predetermined humidity level → condensation is adhering to the refrigerant leak sensor 85. Third factor: The indoor unit 50 has not been operated for a specified period of time → Dust has accumulated on the refrigerant leak sensor 85. Fourth factor: The cumulative operating time of the indoor unit 50 exceeds a specified period → Dust has accumulated on the refrigerant leak sensor 85. Administrator P can take appropriate action regarding the malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 by confirming the factors that are presumed to be causing the malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor 85.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 may transmit history information of the diagnostic results, based on the self-diagnosis result information transmitted from the air conditioning system 10, to the terminal device 200, and the terminal device 200 may display the history information on its display unit. The history information includes the number and frequency of times that the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has been diagnosed as malfunctioning due to disturbances such as condensation or dust accumulation in the past. By checking the history information, the administrator P can understand whether the environment in which the indoor unit 50 is used is an environment in which the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is susceptible to disturbances.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 manages the inspection status of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, which does not have a self-diagnostic function. If the period during which the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has not been inspected exceeds a first predetermined period, it notifies the terminal device 200 that the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has not been inspected for a long period of time and sends first inspection timing information prompting the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85. The display unit of the terminal device 200 may then display a notification screen prompting the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85. This helps to prevent omissions in inspections of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, which does not have a self-diagnostic function.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 100 manages the inspection status of the refrigerant leak sensor 85, which is equipped with a self-diagnostic function. If the period during which the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has not been inspected exceeds a second predetermined period, the device may notify the terminal device 200 that the refrigerant leak sensor 85 has not been inspected for a long period of time and prompt the terminal device 200 to inspect the refrigerant leak sensor 85. The terminal device 200 may then display a notification screen prompting the inspection of the refrigerant leak sensor 85. While it is conceivable to operate the refrigerant leak sensor 85, which is equipped with a self-diagnostic function, without requiring periodic inspections, prompting inspection when it has not been inspected for a long period of time can improve the reliability of refrigerant leak detection by the refrigerant leak sensor 85.

[0067] In the above embodiment, based on the operating status information of the air conditioner 10 transmitted from the air conditioner 10, the information processing device 100 may determine whether the indoor unit 50 is being used in an environment where malfunctions due to disturbances are likely to occur in the refrigerant leak sensor. When it determines that the indoor unit 50 is being used in the above environment, it may transmit usage environment information indicating that the indoor unit 50 is being used in the above environment to the terminal device 200, and display a notification screen on the display unit of the terminal device 200 indicating that the indoor unit 50 is being used in the above environment. This allows the administrator P to be prompted, for example, to also inspect the refrigerant leak sensor 85 when performing a periodic inspection of the indoor unit 50. The determination of whether the indoor unit 50 is being used in the above environment can be made, for example, in the same way as the first to fourth factors described above.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the leak detection record information, which shows the result of the self-diagnosis of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 based on the self-diagnosis result information transmitted from the air conditioner 10 and the detection result of the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage by the refrigerant leak sensor 85 transmitted from the air conditioner 10, may be recorded in the sensor information DB 122 and stored for a third predetermined period. When the air conditioner 10 is operating normally, the leak detection record information will indicate that the self-diagnosis function of the refrigerant leak sensor 85 is functioning normally and that no refrigerant leakage was detected. If the leak detection record information is not stored until the third predetermined period has elapsed (for example, if the leak detection record information is discarded due to a malfunction of the information processing device 100), the information processing device 100 transmits information to the terminal device 200 notifying it that the leak detection record information has been lost, and causes the terminal device 200 to display a notification screen indicating the loss of the leak detection record information.

[0069] The controller constituting the management system in this disclosure only needs to be capable of controlling the operation of the management system in this disclosure. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, the controller may be described as a control means, a control unit, or similar terminology in addition to "controller." The controller can be implemented in various forms. For example, a processor may be used as the controller. If a processor is used as the controller, it is possible to perform various processes by having the processor read a program from a storage medium containing the program and executing the program using the processor. Therefore, since the processing content can be changed by changing the program stored in the storage medium, the degree of freedom in changing the control content can be increased. Examples of processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units) and MPUs (Micro-Processing Units). Examples of storage mediums include hard disks, flash memory, and optical discs. Alternatively, a wired logic controller that cannot be rewritten may be used. Using a wired logic controller is effective in improving processing speed. Examples of wired logic include ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Alternatively, a controller may be implemented by combining a processor and wired logic. By implementing the controller using a combination of a processor and wired logic, processing speed can be improved while increasing the flexibility of software design. Furthermore, the controller and a circuit with a different function may be constructed from a single semiconductor element. An example of such a circuit is an A / D-D / A conversion circuit. The controller may also be constructed from a single semiconductor element or from multiple semiconductor elements. When constructed from multiple semiconductor elements, each control described in the claims may be implemented using different semiconductor elements. Additionally, the controller may be configured with a configuration including semiconductor elements and passive components such as resistors or capacitors.

[0070] The communicator provided in the management system in this disclosure only needs to enable communication between the management system and external devices, and communication between the components of the management system. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, in addition to the communicator, the communication means or communication unit or transmitting / receiving means or transmitting / receiving unit or similar terminology may be used to describe the means that enable communication between the management system and external devices, and communication between the components of the management system. The communicator can be implemented in various forms. Examples of a communicator include wireless connection to external devices via a base station, or direct wireless connection to external devices. Examples of wireless connection to external devices via a base station include IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless LAN that wirelessly communicates with a WiFi® router, third-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 3G), fourth-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 4G), IEEE 802.16 compliant WiMax (registered trademark), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Using a communicator that directly wirelessly connects the device disclosed herein with external devices is effective in improving the security of communications, and the device disclosed herein can communicate with external devices even in locations where relay devices such as Wi-Fi routers are not present. Examples of communicators that directly wirelessly connect the device disclosed herein with external devices include Bluetooth communication, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication via a loop antenna, or infrared communication.

[0071] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] This disclosure is applicable to applications supporting the maintenance of infrared refrigerant leak sensors installed in refrigeration cycle systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1 Management System 10. Air conditioning system (refrigeration cycle system) 11 Refrigerant Piping 12 Communication lines 13. First shut-off valve 14. Liquid side piping 15. Second shut-off valve 16. Gas side piping 20 Outdoor unit 21 Outdoor unit communication circuit 22 Outdoor unit control unit 30 Refrigeration Cycles 31 Compressor 32 Gas-liquid separator 33 Oil Separator 34 Four-way valve 35 Outdoor ventilation fan 36 Outdoor heat exchanger 37 Outdoor expansion valve 40 Outdoor Unit Processor 41 Outdoor unit communication control unit 42 Self-Diagnosis Function Information Provision Department 43 Self-Diagnosis Result Information Provision Department 44. Operation Information Provision Department 45 Outdoor unit memory 46 Outdoor Unit Program 50 Indoor unit 51 Indoor unit communication circuit 52 Indoor Unit Control Unit 60 Indoor Unit Processor 61 Indoor Unit Communication Control Unit 65 Outdoor unit memory 66 Indoor Unit Program 80 Indoor ventilation fan 81 Indoor heat exchanger 82 Indoor expansion valve 83 Temperature Sensor 84 Humidity Sensor 85 Refrigerant leak sensor 100 Information Processing Devices 101 Information Processing Equipment Communication Circuit 110 Information Processing Unit Processor 111 Information Processing Equipment Communication Control Unit 112 Self-diagnostic function information acquisition unit 113 Sensor Information Notification Unit 114 Operating Environment Information Dissemination Department 120 Information Processing Device Memory 121 Information Processing Device Program 122 Sensor Information Database 123 Operating Status Database 200 terminal devices 300 Communication Networks P Air Conditioning System Manager

Claims

1. A management system comprising a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage, and an information processing device, wherein communication is performed between the refrigeration cycle device and the information processing device, The refrigeration cycle device transmits self-diagnostic function information to the information processing device indicating whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnostic function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor. The information processing device determines, based on the self-diagnosis function information, whether the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, it receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device and notifies the self-diagnosis result information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with the self-diagnosis function, it notifies the maintenance time for the refrigerant leak sensor. Management system.

2. A management method performed by a management system comprising a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage, and an information processing device, wherein communication is performed between the refrigeration cycle device and the information processing device, The refrigeration cycle device transmits self-diagnostic function information to the information processing device indicating whether the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnostic function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor. The information processing device determines, based on the self-diagnosis function information, whether the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function; if the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, it receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device and notifies the self-diagnosis result information; and if the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with the self-diagnosis function, it notifies the maintenance time for the refrigerant leak sensor. Management methods including those mentioned.

3. A communication control unit that communicates with a refrigeration cycle system equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor for detecting refrigerant leaks, A self-diagnosis function information acquisition unit receives and acquires self-diagnosis function information transmitted from the refrigeration cycle device, which indicates whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor, via the communication control unit. Based on the self-diagnosis function information, the sensor information notification unit determines whether the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, the communication control unit receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device and notifies the self-diagnosis result information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with the self-diagnosis function, the sensor information notification unit notifies the maintenance time for the refrigerant leak sensor. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

4. Computers, A communication control unit that communicates with a refrigeration cycle system equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor for detecting refrigerant leaks, A self-diagnosis function information acquisition unit receives and acquires self-diagnosis function information transmitted from the refrigeration cycle device, which indicates whether or not the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with a self-diagnosis function for diagnosing the operating status of the refrigerant leak sensor, via the communication control unit. Based on the self-diagnosis function information, the sensor information notification unit determines whether the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is equipped with the self-diagnosis function, the communication control unit receives self-diagnosis result information indicating the diagnosis result by the self-diagnosis function from the refrigeration cycle device and notifies the self-diagnosis result information, and if the refrigerant leak sensor is not equipped with the self-diagnosis function, the sensor information notification unit notifies the maintenance time for the refrigerant leak sensor. A program that makes something work.

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