Air conditioning systems, inspection methods, computer programs, and storage media

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that can more accurately predict the remaining lifespan of an air conditioner. [Solution] The system comprises an air conditioner and an inspection terminal (21) for inspecting the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. The air conditioner has a control unit (15) that controls the operation by switching the air conditioner between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and a storage unit (18) that stores the first operating time when the air conditioner is operated in the first operating mode and the second operating time when the air conditioner is operated in the second operating mode. The inspection terminal (21) has a calculation unit (26) that calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner from the first consumption lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the first operating time and the second consumption lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the second operating time, and an output unit (24) that outputs information regarding the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, an inspection method, a computer program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a business of repeatedly lending air conditioners to different users through leasing or subscription has been proposed. In such a business, it is desirable to lend only air conditioners with sufficient remaining life to the next user so that the life of the air conditioner does not end while being lent to the next user. For this purpose, it is necessary to inspect the air conditioner at the timing of its return from lending and predict the remaining life of the air conditioner. Therefore, in the air conditioning system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the remaining life of the air conditioner is predicted based on the installation environment of the air conditioner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the setting environment and usage frequency of the air conditioner differ for each user to whom it is lent. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately predict the remaining life of the air conditioner returned from lending. In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system, an inspection method, a computer program, and a storage medium that can more accurately predict the remaining life of an air conditioner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The air conditioning system according to this disclosure comprises an air conditioner and an inspection terminal for inspecting the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. The air conditioner has a control unit that controls the operation by switching the air conditioner between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and a storage unit that stores the first operating time when the air conditioner is operated in the first operating mode and the second operating time when the air conditioner is operated in the second operating mode. The inspection terminal has a calculation unit that calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner from the first consumption lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the first operating time and the second consumption lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the second operating time, and an output unit that outputs information regarding the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In the air conditioning system described in this disclosure, the inspection terminal outputs information regarding the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner, calculated from the first lifespan calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan calculated based on the second operating time. Therefore, the air conditioning system described in this disclosure can more accurately predict the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the P board and inspection terminal according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Table showing driving time information [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the operation of the inspection terminal according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Table showing information on lifespan [Figure 6] Table showing information on the lifespan of air conditioners [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation of the inspection terminal according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 8] Table showing the mode-specific coefficients for each component. [Figure 9A] Table diagram showing the lifespan information of the first component. [Figure 9B]Table showing the lifespan information of the nth component. [Figure 10] Table diagram showing component lifespan information [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of the air conditioning system described herein will be explained below with reference to the drawings. Note that all embodiments disclosed below are illustrative and not intended to limit the air conditioning system described herein.

[0009] Furthermore, in the embodiments disclosed below, unnecessary detailed explanations 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 facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art by avoiding unnecessarily verbose explanations.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) The air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 will now be described. The air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 is used, for example, in a business that repeatedly leases air conditioners to different users through leases or subscriptions. In such a business, the installation environment, frequency of use, and usage time of the air conditioner vary depending on the user to whom it is leased, and the rate of wear and tear on the air conditioner varies. When leasing an air conditioner that has been leased to a previous user to a next user through a lease or subscription, it is necessary to more accurately predict the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner in order to guarantee normal operation during the next lease period.

[0011] In the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1, the inspection terminal calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner from the first lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the second operating time. Furthermore, the inspection terminal outputs information regarding the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 can more accurately predict the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. The overall configuration of the air conditioning system will be described using FIG. 1.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes an air conditioner 2 including an outdoor unit 3 installed outdoors and an indoor unit 11 installed indoors, and an inspection terminal 21 that calculates the remaining life of the air conditioner 2 and outputs information regarding the remaining life.

[0014] The outdoor unit 3 in Embodiment 1 includes at least a compressor 4 that compresses refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 5 that exchanges heat between outside air and refrigerant, an outdoor blower 6 that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 5 to promote heat exchange between refrigerant and air, and a P board 10 that controls the outdoor unit 3, inside a housing (not shown).

[0015] Further, the outdoor unit 3 includes a four-way valve 8 that switches the refrigerant flow path and an electronic expansion valve 9 that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0016] The indoor unit 11 in Embodiment 1 includes an indoor heat exchanger 13 that exchanges heat between indoor air and refrigerant, an indoor blower 12 that blows air to the indoor heat exchanger 13 to promote heat exchange between refrigerant and indoor air, and a P board 14 that controls the indoor unit 11, inside a housing (not shown). The P board 14 is connected to the inspection terminal 21 by a wired cable 29.

[0017] The compressor 4, four-way valve 8, outdoor heat exchanger 5, electronic expansion valve 9 of the outdoor unit 3, and the indoor heat exchanger 13 of the indoor unit 11 are sequentially connected via a refrigerant pipe 7 to form a refrigeration cycle.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the P board and inspection terminal according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] The operations of the P board 14 and the inspection terminal 21 will be described using FIG. 2.

[0020] The P board 14 is an electronic board that controls the operation of the air conditioner 2 and manages, calculates, and stores information regarding the remaining life.

[0021] The P-board 14 includes an operating mode setting unit 16, a timing unit 17, a storage unit 18, a calculation unit 19, a transmission unit 20, and a control unit 15 that controls them.

[0022] The operating mode setting unit 16 can set the air conditioner 2 to one operating mode selected from among multiple operating modes. Specifically, the multiple operating modes include a 6-tatami mat space mode corresponding to the first operating mode of this disclosure, an 8-tatami mat space mode corresponding to the second operating mode of this disclosure, and a 10-tatami mat space mode corresponding to the third operating mode of this disclosure. The air conditioner can then be set to one of these three modes.

[0023] Normally, if an indoor unit set to operate in a 6-tatami mat space is installed and operated in an 8-tatami mat space (larger than a 6-tatami mat space), efficient air conditioning will be difficult due to insufficient capacity. However, air conditioner 2 can be changed from 6-tatami mat space mode to 8-tatami mat space mode according to the user's preference. Therefore, even when installed and operated in an 8-tatami mat space, efficient air conditioning is possible by changing the settings to operate in a way that is suitable for an 8-tatami mat space. Of course, air conditioner 2 can also be changed from 8-tatami mat space mode to 6-tatami mat space mode, and from 6-tatami mat space mode or 8-tatami mat space mode to 10-tatami mat space mode.

[0024] The timing unit 17 measures the time the air conditioner 2 is operating. Specifically, it measures the time when the user instructs the air conditioner 2 to start operation and the air conditioner 2 starts up (the "start time" in Figure 3) and the time when the user instructs the air conditioner 2 to stop operation and the air conditioner 2 stops operating (the "end time" in Figure 3).

[0025] The memory unit 18 stores information regarding the time the air conditioner 2 has been operating. The memory unit 18 stores the operating time measured by the timing unit 17 as time information. The calculation unit 19 calculates the operating time for each use of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 2 based on the time information stored in the memory unit 18. The operating time is calculated for each operating mode. The calculated operating time for each use of the indoor unit is stored in the memory unit 18.

[0026] The memory unit 18 may be, for example, a temporary storage area such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a non-volatile storage area such as a large-capacity memory or a hard disk, or an external storage device connected to the server.

[0027] Referring to Figure 3, the operating time information stored in the memory unit 18 will be explained. The operating time information consists of the number of operations, the start date and time of operation, the end date and time of operation, the operating time for each indoor unit use, and the operating mode. The calculation unit 19 calculates the operating time for each indoor unit use from the start date and time and the end date and time of operation measured by the timing unit 17. For each operation, the operating mode used is stored in the memory unit 18. The operating time information is transmitted from the transmission unit 20 to the inspection terminal 21.

[0028] The inspection terminal 21 is a terminal that calculates and manages the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2, and comprises a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, an output unit 24, a determination unit 25, a calculation unit 26, a receiving unit 27, and a detection unit 28.

[0029] The testing terminal 21 may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, laptop PC, or desktop PC. The testing terminal 21 may be implemented as a single device, as multiple devices, or as a virtual device such as a cloud computer. The testing terminal 21 shall also be equipped with the functions necessary for the user to operate it. The testing terminal 21 may consist of, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse.

[0030] The inspection terminal 21 may be configured to be wirelessly connected to other terminals or devices via a communication adapter or the like. Alternatively, it may be configured to be wired via a communication cable such as a USB cable.

[0031] The control unit 22 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit).

[0032] The memory unit 23 may be, for example, a temporary storage area such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a non-volatile storage area such as a large-capacity memory or a hard disk, or an external storage device connected to the server.

[0033] The output unit 24 shall, for example, be equipped with functions necessary for operating the inspection terminal. Examples of ways to achieve output include display on a liquid crystal display, a PC display, projection to a projector, and output of sound, signals, or light. This disclosure does not particularly limit the functions based on the output method.

[0034] The inspection terminal 21 receives operating time information transmitted from the transmitting unit 20 of the P board 14 with the receiving unit 27, calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 based on the operating time information, and notifies the user.

[0035] The control unit 22 controls the operation of the storage unit 23, output unit 24, determination unit 25, calculation unit 26, receiving unit 27, and detection unit 28, respectively.

[0036] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the inspection terminal according to Embodiment 1.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4, the operation of the inspection terminal 21 for managing the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 will be explained. In particular, the inspection terminal 21, which calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 and notifies whether it can be used continuously, is used, for example, to predict the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 after the rental period for the air conditioner 2, which was leased to a user under a subscription, has ended, and before leasing it to the next user.

[0038] When the inspection terminal 21 is put into use, the detection unit 28 of the inspection terminal 21 starts detecting the connection with the air conditioner 2 (step S1).

[0039] If the detection unit 28 detects a connection to the air conditioner 2 ("Yes" in step S1), the receiving unit 27 receives the operating time information transmitted from the transmitting unit 20 (step S2). If the detection unit 28 does not detect a connection to the air conditioner 2 ("No" in step S1), the detection unit 28 continues to detect a connection to the air conditioner 2.

[0040] When the receiving unit 27 receives operating time information from the transmitting unit 20 (step S2), the storage unit 23 stores the operating time information received by the receiving unit 27 (step S3).

[0041] Figure 5 is a table diagram showing the lifespan information stored in the memory unit 23. The lifespan information calculated by the inspection terminal 21 based on the operating time information received from the air conditioner 2 consists of cumulative operating time by mode, coefficients by mode, and lifespan by mode.

[0042] When the memory unit 23 stores the operating time information (step S3), the calculation unit 26 calculates the mode-specific cumulative operating time based on the operating time information stored in the memory unit 23 (step S4). Specifically, the mode-specific cumulative operating time is calculated based on the operating time information for each use of the indoor unit and the operating mode. More specifically, the mode-specific cumulative operating time is calculated by adding up all the operating times for each use of the indoor unit in the same operating mode. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the mode-specific cumulative operating time for the 6-tatami room mode is 24,352 hours and 32 minutes, the mode-specific cumulative operating time for the 8-tatami room mode is 25,647 hours and 28 minutes, and the mode-specific cumulative operating time for the 10-tatami room mode is 5,261 hours and 9 minutes. In Embodiment 1, the mode-specific cumulative operating time for the 6-tatami room mode corresponds to the first operating time, and the mode-specific cumulative operating time for the 8-tatami room mode corresponds to the second operating time.

[0043] Furthermore, the calculation unit 26 calculates the mode-specific lifespan based on the mode-specific cumulative operating time and mode-specific coefficient (step S5). Specifically, the mode-specific lifespan is calculated by multiplying the mode-specific cumulative operating time by the corresponding mode-specific coefficient. When using the 6-tatami room mode as a reference, it is conceivable that operating the air conditioner 2 in the 8-tatami room mode or 10-tatami room mode has a greater impact on the lifespan of the air conditioner 2 than operating it in the 6-tatami room mode. By multiplying the mode-specific cumulative operating time by the coefficient, the time that affects the lifespan of the air conditioner 2 is accurately calculated. For example, using the mode-specific coefficient of 1.0 for the 6-tatami room mode as a reference, the mode-specific coefficient for the 8-tatami room mode is set to 1.1, and the mode-specific coefficient for the 10-tatami room mode is set to 1.2 to calculate the mode-specific lifespan. In Embodiment 1, the mode-specific lifespan for the 6-tatami room mode corresponds to the first lifespan of the air conditioner 2, and the mode-specific lifespan for the 8-tatami room mode corresponds to the second lifespan of the air conditioner 2.

[0044] Figure 6 is a table diagram showing the air conditioner lifespan information stored in the memory unit 23. The air conditioner lifespan information used by the inspection terminal 21 to calculate the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 consists of the rated lifespan of the air conditioner 2, cumulative consumption lifespan before inspection, cumulative consumption lifespan, cumulative consumption lifespan after inspection, remaining lifespan, and whether or not it can be used continuously. The rated lifespan is the time required from the start of use of the air conditioner 2 until it becomes unusable. For example, let's say 150,000 hours. The cumulative consumption lifespan before inspection is the time that the air conditioner 2 was used by the previous user before it was lent to the user. The cumulative consumption lifespan is the time that shows how much the user's use affects the lifespan of the air conditioner 2. The cumulative consumption lifespan after inspection is the time that the air conditioner 2 was used after the loan period of the air conditioner 2 lent to the user ended. The remaining lifespan is the time that shows how long the air conditioner 2 can be used in the future. Whether or not it can be used continuously is information that shows whether or not the air conditioner 2 can be used continuously.

[0045] The calculation unit 26 calculates the cumulative lifespan based on the mode-specific lifespan for each operating mode (step S6). Specifically, the cumulative lifespan is calculated by adding up all the mode-specific lifespans for each operating mode.

[0046] Furthermore, the calculation unit 26 calculates the cumulative lifespan after inspection based on the cumulative lifespan before inspection and the cumulative lifespan (step S7). Specifically, the cumulative lifespan after inspection is calculated by adding the cumulative lifespan before inspection to the cumulative lifespan before inspection.

[0047] When the calculation unit 26 calculates the cumulative lifespan after inspection (step S7), the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining lifespan based on the rated lifespan and the cumulative lifespan after inspection (step S8). Specifically, the remaining lifespan is calculated by subtracting the cumulative lifespan after inspection from the rated lifespan.

[0048] When the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 (step S8), the determination unit 25 determines whether or not the remaining lifespan calculated by the calculation unit 26 is still available (step S9).

[0049] If there is remaining lifespan (No in step S9), the control unit 22 maintains the status of whether the air conditioner 2 can be used continuously, as stored in the memory unit 23, as "Yes" (step S10). If there is no remaining lifespan (Yes in step S9), the control unit 22 changes the status of whether the air conditioner 2 can be used continuously, as stored in the memory unit 23, to "No" (step S11).

[0050] When the control unit 22 maintains the status of whether the air conditioner 2 can be used continuously, as stored in the memory unit 23, as "yes" or changes it to "no" (step S10 or step S11), the output unit 24 displays the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 (step S12).

[0051] When the output unit 24 displays the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 (step S12), the output unit 24 notifies whether the air conditioner 2 can be used again (step S13). The content of the notification varies depending on the status of whether the air conditioner 2 can be used again. Specifically, if the status of whether it can be used again is "yes," it is notified that it can be used again and will be leased to any user again through a lease or subscription. If the status of whether it can be used again is "no," it is notified that it cannot be used again and it is recommended that it be disposed of or repaired.

[0052] When the output unit 24 notifies whether the air conditioner 2 can be used continuously (step S13), the inspection is terminated.

[0053] Although the inspection terminal 21 calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2, the air conditioner 2 may also perform the calculation. In that case, the inspection terminal 21 only needs to have an output unit 24 and a function to notify the remaining lifespan calculated by the air conditioner 2.

[0054] Alternatively, the air conditioning system may not include an inspection terminal 21, and the air conditioner 2, which has a function to calculate remaining lifespan, may be configured to communicate with a terminal that notifies the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2. The terminal that notifies the remaining lifespan includes, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a personal computer.

[0055] (Embodiment 2) The air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 will now be described.

[0056] Since the air conditioner in this second embodiment has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment will be described using the drawings of the first embodiment (Figures 1 and 2).

[0057] The difference between the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 and the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 is that the air conditioning system manages the remaining lifespan of each of the first and second components that make up the air conditioner. By knowing the remaining lifespan of each component, the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner can be determined more accurately. In addition, it is possible to accurately determine which components need to be replaced.

[0058] The first and second components specifically include the compressor 4 and the outdoor heat exchanger 5 shown in Figure 1.

[0059] In the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2, the remaining lifespan of the first component is calculated from the first lifespan of the first component calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the first component calculated based on the second operating time. The remaining lifespan of the second component is calculated from the first lifespan of the second component calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the second component calculated based on the second operating time. The remaining lifespan of the air conditioner is then determined from the remaining lifespan of the first component and the remaining lifespan of the second component.

[0060] Therefore, the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 can calculate the remaining lifespan of each component and manage the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner with high accuracy.

[0061] The operation of the inspection terminal 21 will be explained.

[0062] Similar to Embodiment 1, operating time information is transmitted from the transmitting unit 20 of the P board 14 to the receiving unit 27 of the inspection terminal 21.

[0063] Figure 8 is a table diagram showing the mode-specific coefficients for each component, which are stored in the memory unit 23. For example, the mode-specific coefficient for the 6-tatami mat space mode in the first component is 1.0, the mode-specific coefficient for the 8-tatami mat space mode is 1.1, and the mode-specific coefficient for the 10-tatami mat space mode is 1.2.

[0064] Figure 9(A) is a table diagram showing the first component lifespan information calculated by the inspection terminal 21 based on the operating time information received from the air conditioner 2, and Figure 9(B) is a table diagram showing the nth component lifespan information calculated by the inspection terminal 21 based on the operating time information received from the air conditioner 2. The first component lifespan information and the nth component lifespan information are stored in the storage unit 23. The first component lifespan and the nth component lifespan information consist of the cumulative operating time by mode, the coefficient by mode, and the lifespan by mode. Furthermore, the nth component lifespan information starts from n=1, when the number of components constituting the air conditioner 2 is the maximum value, and continues until n reaches the maximum value. The table diagram showing the nth component lifespan information for n=1 is Figure 9(A), which is the table diagram showing the first component lifespan information.

[0065] Referring to Figure 7, the operation of the inspection terminal 21 for managing the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 will be explained. The inspection terminal 21 is used, for example, when the rental period for the air conditioner 2, which was leased to a user under a subscription, has ended and the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 needs to be measured.

[0066] Steps S1 to S4 in Figure 7 are the same as steps S1 to S4 in Figure 4.

[0067] The inspection terminal 21 manages the parts to be inspected by number. Specifically, it recognizes part number 1 as n=1, part number 2 as n=2, and so on. In the flowchart in Figure 7, the inspection starts from n=1 (step S14). Subsequently, the nth part is inspected as part 1. The calculation unit 26 calculates the mode-specific lifespan of part 1 based on the mode-specific cumulative operating time and mode-specific coefficient (step S15). Specifically, it calculates the mode-specific lifespan by finding the product of the mode-specific cumulative operating time and the corresponding mode-specific coefficient. For example, using the mode-specific coefficient of 1.0 for the 6-tatami room mode as a base, the mode-specific coefficient for the 8-tatami room mode is set to 1.1, and the mode-specific coefficient for the 10-tatami room mode is set to 1.2 to calculate the mode-specific lifespan. In Embodiment 2, the mode-specific lifespan for the 6-tatami room mode corresponds to the first lifespan of part 1, and the mode-specific lifespan for the 8-tatami room mode corresponds to the second lifespan of part 1. Figure 10 is a table diagram showing component life information used by the inspection terminal 21 to manage the lifespan of each component of the air conditioner 2. The component life information is stored in the storage unit 23. The component life information consists of rated lifespan, cumulative consumption life before inspection, cumulative consumption life, cumulative consumption life after inspection, remaining life, whether it can be used continuously, number of replacements, and last replacement date. Rated lifespan is the time required from the start of use of each component until it becomes unusable. For example, it may be 100,000 hours for the first component and 150,000 hours for the second component. Cumulative consumption life before inspection is the time that each component was used by the previous user before the air conditioner 2 was lent to the user. Cumulative consumption life is the time that shows how much the user's use affects the lifespan of each component. Cumulative consumption life after inspection is the time that each component was used after the loan period of the air conditioner 2 lent to the user ended. Remaining life is the time that each component can be used. "Usability" indicates whether each part can be used for continued purposes. "Number of Replacements" indicates how many times each part has been replaced. "Last Replacement Date" indicates the date each part was last replaced.

[0068] When the calculation unit 26 calculates the mode-specific lifespan of the first component (step S15), the calculation unit 26 calculates the cumulative lifespan based on the mode-specific lifespan of the first component in each operating mode (step S16). Specifically, the cumulative lifespan is calculated by adding up all the mode-specific lifespans for each operating mode.

[0069] Furthermore, the calculation unit 26 calculates the cumulative lifespan after inspection based on the cumulative lifespan before inspection and the cumulative lifespan (step S17). Specifically, the cumulative lifespan after inspection is calculated by adding the cumulative lifespan to the cumulative lifespan before inspection.

[0070] When the calculation unit 26 calculates the cumulative post-inspection lifespan of the first component (step S17), the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining lifespan based on the rated lifespan and the cumulative post-inspection lifespan (step S18). Specifically, the remaining lifespan is calculated by subtracting the cumulative post-inspection lifespan from the rated lifespan.

[0071] When the calculation unit 26 calculates the remaining lifespan of the first component (step S18), the determination unit 25 determines whether or not the remaining lifespan calculated by the calculation unit 26 is still available (step S19).

[0072] If there is remaining lifespan (No in step S19), the control unit 22 maintains the status of whether the first component stored in the memory unit 23 can be used for continued operation as "Yes" (step S20). If there is no remaining lifespan (Yes in step S19), the control unit 22 changes the status of whether the first component stored in the memory unit 23 can be used for continued operation as "No".

[0073] When the control unit 22 maintains the status of whether the first component stored in the memory unit 23 can be used for continued use as "yes" or changes it to "no" (step S20 or step S21), the inspection terminal 21 determines whether the number of the nth component to be inspected is the maximum value when the total number of components constituting the air conditioner 2 is set to the maximum value (step S22).

[0074] If the number n of the nth part is not the maximum value (indicated as "No" in step S22), add 1 to n (step S25). Specifically, if n=1, then n=2.

[0075] Subsequently, the calculation unit 26 calculates the mode-specific consumption life based on the mode-specific cumulative operating time and mode-specific coefficient (step S15). At this time, since n=2, the nth component is inspected as the second component.

[0076] If n is at its maximum value (Yes in step S22), the output unit 24 displays the remaining lifespan of each component that makes up the air conditioner 2 (step S23).

[0077] When the output unit 24 displays the remaining lifespan of each component (step S23), the output unit 24 notifies whether each component constituting the air conditioner 2 needs to be replaced (step S24). The notification content differs depending on the status of whether each component can be used continuously. Specifically, for components where the status of whether they can be used continuously is "yes," it is notified that they can be used continuously. For components where the status of whether they can be used continuously is "no," it is notified that they cannot be used continuously, and replacement or repair is recommended.

[0078] When the output unit 24 notifies whether each component can be replaced (step S24), the inspection is terminated.

[0079] After the inspection is complete, the component life information will be updated for components that were reported as "not usable" for continued use. More precisely, the component life information will be updated for components that were reported as "not usable" for continued use and that were replaced. Specifically, the cumulative lifespan before inspection, cumulative lifespan, and cumulative lifespan after inspection will be updated to 0 hours, and the remaining lifespan will be updated to the rated lifespan value. In addition, the status of whether the component is usable for continued use will be updated to "yes," the number of replacements will be increased by 1, and the date of the last replacement will be updated to the date of the inspection. For components that were reported as "not usable" for continued use but were not replaced, the information will not be updated.

[0080] The air conditioning systems shown in Embodiments 1 and 2 make it possible to accurately predict the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2 and the remaining lifespan of its components, which vary depending on the operating mode.

[0081] After the remaining lifespan management of the air conditioner 2 is completed by the inspection terminal 21, it is leased again to any user through a subscription. Alternatively, it is leased to any user after any necessary parts have been replaced.

[0082] Since the inspection terminal 21 allows for precise management of the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner 2, setting a loan period according to the remaining lifespan reduces the likelihood of the air conditioner 2 malfunctioning during the user's loan period.

[0083] It is also possible to set the loan period based on the remaining lifespan of the parts. For example, if all the parts that make up air conditioner 2 do not need to be replaced, the loan period can be set according to the remaining lifespan of the part with the shortest remaining lifespan, thereby reducing the likelihood of air conditioner 2 malfunctioning during the user's loan period.

[0084] Furthermore, since it is possible to accurately identify which parts need replacing, the possibility of air conditioner 2 malfunctioning due to forgetting to replace parts is reduced.

[0085] In the air conditioning system 1 described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, each of the blocks—the control unit 15, the operating mode setting unit 16, the timing unit 17, the storage unit 18, the calculation unit 19, the transmission unit 20, the control unit 22, the storage unit 23, the output unit 24, the determination unit 25, the calculation unit 26, the receiving unit 27, and the detection unit 28—may be individually integrated into a single chip using semiconductor devices such as LSIs, or they may be integrated into a single chip that includes some or all of them.

[0086] Some or all of the processing of each functional block in Embodiments 1 to 2 may be implemented by a computer program. Furthermore, each of the processes in the above embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or by software (including cases where it is implemented together with an OS (operating system), middleware, or a predetermined library). Moreover, it may be implemented by a mixed process of software and hardware.

[0087] Furthermore, the execution order of the processing methods in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 is not necessarily limited to the description of the embodiments above, and the execution order can be changed without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0088] The processing method performed by the air conditioning system 1, the computer program that causes a computer to execute the processing method, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded are included in the scope of this disclosure. Examples of computer-readable recording media include flexible disks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, MOs, DVDs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-RAMs, BDs (Blu-ray® Discs), and semiconductor memory. The computer program is not limited to those recorded on the above recording medium, and may be transmitted via telecommunication lines, wireless or wired communication lines, networks such as the Internet, etc.

[0089] (Operating mode) In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, a first operating mode is shown as a 6-tatami mat space mode, a second operating mode is shown as an 8-tatami mat space mode, and a third operating mode is shown as a 10-tatami mat space mode.

[0090] The first, second, and third operating modes are not limited to the 6-tatami mat, 8-tatami mat, and 10-tatami mat room modes, but may also include other tatami mat room modes or modes suitable for other room sizes. Furthermore, the operating modes are not limited to those suitable for room size, but may also include user-selectable operating modes such as cooling, heating, and dehumidification.

[0091] The first, second, and third operating modes may be operating modes corresponding to the rated capacity of the air conditioner 2. Rated capacities include, for example, 2.2kW, 2.4kW, and 2.6kW. By changing the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 according to the rated capacity, it becomes possible to adjust the strength of the air conditioning even for the same size space.

[0092] Although the operating modes are shown as the first operating mode, second operating mode, and third operating mode, it is sufficient for the operating mode setting unit 16 to be able to set the air conditioner 2 to any of two or more operating modes. Specifically, it is also acceptable for the settable operating modes to be only the first operating mode and the second operating mode. Furthermore, it is also acceptable for it to be able to set the air conditioner 2 to any of four or more operating modes.

[0093] (modified version) The configuration of this disclosure has been described above based on embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​and other details described in the above embodiments are merely examples of suitable values ​​and are not limiting. Moreover, it is possible to make appropriate changes to the configuration of the air conditioning system without departing from the scope of the technical idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0094] (Modifications common to each embodiment) The air conditioning system 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the inspection terminal 21 performs calculations, storage, notification, etc., based on operating time information transmitted from the transmission unit 20 of the P-board 14 to the receiving unit 27 of the inspection terminal 21. For example, the P-board 14 may perform calculations, storage, notification, etc., based on the operating time information. The P-board 14 may also have configurations corresponding to the control unit 22, storage unit 23, output unit 24, determination unit 25, calculation unit 26, and detection unit 28 of the inspection terminal 21.

[0095] The P-board 14 is not limited to a configuration that controls the operating mode of the air conditioner 2, or that measures, stores, and calculates operating time information. For example, the inspection terminal 21 may be configured to control the operating mode of the air conditioner 2, or that that measures, stores, and calculates operating time information. The inspection terminal 21 may also have configurations corresponding to the control unit 15, operating mode setting unit 16, timing unit 17, storage unit 18, calculation unit 19, and transmission unit 20 of the P-board 14. [Industrial applicability]

[0096] This disclosure is applicable to an air conditioning system that includes an air conditioner for providing air conditioning. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Air conditioning system 2. Air conditioner 3 Outdoor unit 4. Compressor 5 Outdoor heat exchanger 6 Outdoor blower 7 Refrigerant piping 8. Four-way valve 9. Electronic expansion valve 10 P board 11 Indoor unit 12 Indoor fan 13 Indoor heat exchanger 14 P board 15 Control Unit 16. Operating mode setting section 17 Timing section 18 Memory section 19 Calculation Section 20 Transmitter 21 Inspection terminals 22 Control Unit 23 Memory section 24 Output section 25 Judgment section 26 Calculation Section 27 Receiving section 28 Detection unit 29 Wired Cable

Claims

1. The system comprises an air conditioner and an inspection terminal for inspecting the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner by switching between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and a storage unit that stores the first operating time when the air conditioner was operated in the first operating mode and the second operating time when the air conditioner was operated in the second operating mode. The inspection terminal includes a calculation unit that calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner from the first lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the second operating time, and an output unit that outputs information regarding the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. An air conditioning system characterized by the following:

2. The first and second operating modes are operating modes with different output ranges, set according to the size of the space in which the air conditioner is installed. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that...

3. The aforementioned air conditioner further comprises a first component and a second component, The calculation unit described above, The remaining lifespan of the first component is calculated from the first lifespan of the first component calculated based on the first operating time, and the second lifespan of the first component calculated based on the second operating time. The remaining lifespan of the second component is calculated from the first lifespan of the second component calculated based on the first operating time, and the second lifespan of the second component calculated based on the second operating time. The remaining lifespan of the air conditioner is determined from the remaining lifespan of the first component and the remaining lifespan of the second component. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that...

4. The calculation unit, in calculating the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner, The remaining lifespan of the first component and the remaining lifespan of the second component are compared, and the smaller value is determined as the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that...

5. The system comprises an air conditioner and an inspection terminal for inspecting the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises a control unit that switches the air conditioner between a first operating mode and a second operating mode for operation control, a storage unit that stores a first operating time in the first operating mode and a second operating time in the second operating mode, a first component, and a second component. The inspection terminal includes a calculation unit that calculates the remaining lifespan of the first component from the first lifespan of the first component calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the first component calculated based on the second operating time, and calculates the remaining lifespan of the second component from the first lifespan of the second component calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the second component calculated based on the second operating time, and an output unit that outputs information regarding the remaining lifespan of the first component and information regarding the remaining lifespan of the second component. An air conditioning system characterized by the following:

6. An inspection method performed in an air conditioning system equipped with an air conditioner capable of switching between a first operating mode and a second operating mode for operation control, A storage step that stores the first operating time during operation in the first operating mode and the second operating time during operation in the second operating mode, A calculation step for calculating the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner from the first lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the second operating time, The step includes an output step of outputting information regarding the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. A testing method characterized by the following:

7. A computer program for causing the air conditioning system to perform the inspection method described in claim 6.

8. A non-temporary, computer-readable storage medium on which computer programs are stored, The inspection method described in claim 6 is realized when the computer program is executed by the processor. storage medium.

9. An air conditioner that can be controlled by switching between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, A storage unit that stores the first operating time when operating in the first operating mode and the second operating time when operating in the second operating mode, A calculation unit that calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner from the first lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the second operating time, It has an output unit that outputs information regarding the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. An air conditioner characterized by the following.

10. An inspection terminal for inspecting the remaining lifespan of an air conditioner that can be controlled by switching between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, A storage unit that stores the first operating time when the air conditioner was operated in the first operating mode and the second operating time when it was operated in the second operating mode, A calculation unit that calculates the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner from the first lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the first operating time and the second lifespan of the air conditioner calculated based on the second operating time, It has an output unit that outputs information regarding the remaining lifespan of the air conditioner. A testing terminal characterized by the following:

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