Fee calculation system and fee calculation method

Abstract

This fee calculation system comprises a calculation device that calculates the usage fee for an air compressor, in which the calculation device acquires environmental information that is information about the installation environment of the air compressor, calculates the replacement cycle of the parts that make up the air compressor on the basis of the acquired environmental information, calculates the usage fee of the air compressor on the basis of the calculated replacement cycle, and outputs the calculated usage fee of the air compressor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fee calculation system and a fee calculation method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, air compressors that generate compressed air are known. Patent Document 1 describes a compressed air supply system in which a sensor is provided in a flow path of the air compressor to detect the pressure in the flow path, and the usage fee for the compressed air is calculated based on the detected pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-84540 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When leasing or renting an air compressor using a conventional compressed air supply system, the replacement interval for parts is suggested based on the assumed conditions of use in which the parts are most heavily used and worn out. As a result, early replacement of parts that could last longer is recommended depending on the usage environment, resulting in a large amount of waste.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a fee calculation system and a fee calculation method that can reduce waste generation by avoiding unnecessary part replacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A fee calculation system according to one aspect of the present invention is a fee calculation system including a calculation device that calculates a usage fee for an air compressor, the calculation device acquiring environmental information that is information about the installation environment of the air compressor, calculating the replacement period of parts that make up the air compressor based on the acquired environmental information, and calculating the calculated replacement period. The longer the replacement period compared to the standard period, the higher the , the air compressor Fixed rate Usage fees Discounted rates for Calculate A discounted usage fee is calculated by subtracting the discounted fee from the fixed usage fee, and the part to be replaced, the calculated replacement period of the part, the standard replacement period, the discounted usage fee, and the fixed usage fee are output to a display device, thereby displaying the part to be replaced, the calculated replacement period of the part, the standard replacement period, the discounted usage fee, and the fixed usage fee on the display device. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, unnecessary part replacement can be avoided, thereby reducing waste generation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method of using a fee calculation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air compressor. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the relationship between the amount of dust in the surrounding environment and the clogging state of the suction filter. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a typical relationship between the daily operating state of the air compressor and the amount of dust accumulated on the suction filter. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the usage fee for the previous day on the display unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control process executed by the control unit of the air compressor. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a control process executed by the server computing device. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of using the fee calculation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between filter pressure loss and filter clogging. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] First Embodiment A fee calculation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method of using a fee calculation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A compressor supplier 1 provides an air compressor 10 to a compressed air user 2, and receives a compressor usage fee for a predetermined period (for example, per day) in return. The compressed air user 2 obtains compressed air by operating the air compressor 10 provided by the compressor supplier 1 using electricity supplied by an electricity supplier 3. The electricity supplier 3 provides the compressed air user 2 with the electricity required to operate the air compressor 10, and receives an electricity fee according to the amount of electricity used in return.

[0011] The compressor supplier 1 owns a server 20 that functions as a fee calculation system. The air compressor 10 and the server 20 are connected to each other via a network 30. As will be described later, the air compressor 10 is provided with a sensor that determines whether the installation environment is good. The air compressor 10 transmits information about the installation environment detected by the sensor to the server 20 via the network 30. The server 20 calculates a discounted fee for the usage fee of the air compressor 10 based on the information about the installation environment received from the air compressor 10. The compressor supplier 1 bills the compressed air user 2 for the usage fee calculated by the server 20, minus the discounted fee. The server 20 transmits information about the usage fee with the discounted fee applied to the air compressor 10 via the network 30. The air compressor 10 displays the usage fee on a display mounted on the air compressor 10.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the server 20. The server 20 includes a computing device 21. The computing device 21 is configured as a computer including a processing device 22 such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP), a non-volatile memory 23 such as a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, or a hard disk drive, a volatile memory 24 called a random access memory (RAM), an input / output interface 25, and other peripheral circuits. These hardware components work together to run software and realize multiple functions. The computing device 21 may be configured as a single computer or multiple computers. The processing device 22 may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.

[0013] The nonvolatile memory 23 stores programs capable of executing various calculations. In other words, the nonvolatile memory 23 is a storage medium (storage device) from which programs for realizing the functions of this embodiment can be read. The volatile memory 24 is a storage medium (storage device) that temporarily stores the results of calculations performed by the processing device 22 and signals input from the input / output interface 25. The processing device 22 is a device that loads the programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 into the volatile memory 24 and executes the calculations, and performs predetermined calculations on data taken in from the input / output interface 25, the nonvolatile memory 23, and the volatile memory 24 in accordance with the programs.

[0014] The input section of the input / output interface 25 converts the signal input from the network 30 into data that can be calculated by the processing device 22. The output section of the input / output interface 25 generates an output signal according to the calculation result in the processing device 22 and outputs the signal to the network 30.

[0015] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server 20. The server 20 includes an information acquisition unit 26, a replacement period calculation unit 27, a usage fee calculation unit 28, and a usage fee output unit 29. The information acquisition unit 26 acquires environmental information, which is information about the installation environment of the air compressor 10, from the air compressor 10. The replacement period calculation unit 27 calculates the replacement period of the components that make up the air compressor 10 based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 26. The usage fee calculation unit 28 calculates the usage fee for the air compressor 10 based on the replacement period calculated by the replacement period calculation unit 27. The usage fee output unit 29 outputs the usage fee for the air compressor 10 calculated by the usage fee calculation unit 28 to the air compressor 10.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of air compressor 10. Air compressor 10 is a so-called liquid-cooled air compressor. Air compressor 10 includes an intake filter 41, an intake throttle valve 42, a compressor body 43, an oil case 44, a pressure-regulating check valve 45, a temperature control valve 46, a coolant cooler 47, an aftercooler 48, a cooling fan 49, a coolant filter 50, a dust sensor 51, a temperature sensor 52, a humidity sensor 53, a discharge pressure sensor 54, a control unit 55, a communication unit 56, and a display unit 57. An intake port 58, an exhaust port 59, and a discharge port 61 are provided in the housing 40 of air compressor 10. Like server 20, control unit 55 is configured by a computer including a processing device, a storage device, and the like.

[0017] Suction filter 41 is a filter for preventing dust from flowing into compressor body 43. Suction filter 41 is provided upstream of intake port 43a of compressor body 43. Suction throttle valve 42 is a throttle valve for adjusting the flow rate of air that flows in through suction filter 41 and heads toward compressor body 43. Compressor body 43 is a compressor (compression unit) that is driven, for example, electrically to compress air, and is the heart of air compressor 10.

[0018] The compressor body 43 cools the compressed air by transferring the heat generated when compressing the air to a coolant (for example, oil). The compressed air and the coolant are sent from the compressor body 43 to an oil case 44.

[0019] The oil case 44 separates the compressed air from the coolant and accumulates the coolant. The separated coolant is cooled by the coolant cooler 47. The temperature of the coolant is adjusted by the temperature control valve 46 so that it does not become too cooled. The cooled coolant passes through the coolant filter 50 and is supplied again to the compressor body 43. The coolant filter 50 is a filter for removing sludge and the like contained in the coolant that cools the compressed air.

[0020] The compressed air separated from the coolant in the oil case 44 passes through a pressure regulating check valve 45 and is guided to an aftercooler 48. The aftercooler 48 further cools the compressed air as much as necessary. The compressed air cooled by the aftercooler 48 is discharged from a discharge port 61 provided in the housing 40 of the air compressor 10 toward a consumer.

[0021] Cooling fan 49 is an air-cooled fan for cooling coolant cooler 47 and aftercooler 48. Cooling fan 49 cools coolant cooler 47 and aftercooler 48 by drawing in air from air intake port 58 and blowing it toward coolant cooler 47 and aftercooler 48. Cooling fan 49 discharges air containing waste heat from coolant cooler 47 and aftercooler 48 from exhaust port 59 to the outside of housing 40.

[0022] Discharge pressure sensor 54 measures the pressure of compressed air discharged toward a demand destination. Discharge pressure sensor 54 is installed near discharge port 61. Based on the pressure value measured by discharge pressure sensor 54, control unit 55 controls the start and stop of compressor main body 43 and controls the load on compressor main body 43. Dust sensor 51, temperature sensor 52, and humidity sensor 53 are installed near intake port 58 and suction filter 41, and measure the amount of dust (dust concentration), temperature, and humidity, respectively, in the installation environment of air compressor 10.

[0023] The suction filter 41 and the coolant filter 50 deteriorate as the air compressor 10 operates. These parts are typically replaced at a replacement interval that takes into account the most severe conditions expected for the installation environment and operating state of the air compressor 10. However, not all air compressors 10 are used under such severe conditions. Therefore, the server 20 of this embodiment considers the part replacement interval for each air compressor 10 while determining whether the installation environment is good and the operating load.

[0024] In this embodiment, the environmental information is calculated at regular intervals. The environmental information includes values ​​representing the amount of dust in each filter and the operating time used to calculate the amount of dust. The environmental information also includes measurement values ​​from the dust sensor 51, the temperature sensor 52, and the humidity sensor 53, which are acquired at regular intervals. The control unit 55 transmits (outputs) the environmental information from the communication unit 56 to the server 20. The server 20 receives the environmental information from the air compressor 10 and calculates the part replacement cycle for each part based on the received environmental information. Based on the calculated replacement cycle for each part, the server 20 calculates the fee to be discounted from the flat rate and the usage fee after applying the discount (the fee actually charged to the user).

[0025] The environmental information will now be described. The control unit 55 calculates the load factor of the compressor main body 43. The load factor can be calculated from the value measured by the discharge pressure sensor 54 and the operating conditions of start and stop using the following formula (1). Here, Lr is the load factor of the compressor main body 43, T1 is the time of loaded operation during which air is compressed and discharged, and T2 is the time of unloaded operation during which compressed air is not discharged.

[0026]

number

[0027] The control unit 55 compares the pressure measured by the discharge pressure sensor 54 with a control pressure threshold preset by the compressed air user 2 to determine whether the compressor is currently in loaded or unloaded operation. For example, if the rotation speed of the compressor main body 43 is variable and is controlled by the control unit 55, the control unit 55 controls the rotation speed so that the pressure measured by the discharge pressure sensor 54 remains constant. In this case, the control unit 55 calculates the load factor based on information about the controlled rotation speed.

[0028] 5 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the relationship between the amount of dust in the surrounding environment and the clogging state of suction filter 41. The following description will be given taking suction filter 41 as an example.

[0029] Generally, a dust amount is set for a filter at which replacement is recommended. If the dust amount exceeds the specified value, the filter becomes clogged, causing a problem such as being unable to draw in the specified amount of air. In the air compressor 10, the amount of dust accumulated in the filter is calculated using the following formula (2): where E is the accumulated dust amount [g], and Q is the amount of air [m] that is drawn in when the compressor main body 43 is operating at a load factor of 100%. 3 / min], Lr is the load factor of the compressor body 43 calculated by the formula (1), F is the dust concentration [g / m 3 ], t is the driving time [min].

[0030]

number

[0031] The more dust there is in the installation environment, the shorter the time it takes to reach the specified dust level. Similarly, the more dust there is in the installation environment, the faster the rate at which the intake air volume decreases. Therefore, with information on the load factor calculated by the control unit 55 and the dust level measured by the dust sensor 51, it is possible to predict the time it takes to reach the specified dust level, i.e., the replacement cycle.

[0032] The server 20 receives from the air compressor 10 the cumulative value E of the dust amount (dust amount) calculated by equation (2) and the operating time t used in the calculation of equation (2) as information relating to the installation environment of the air compressor 10. The server 20 calculates the time change rate (slope in FIG. 5) of the cumulative value of the dust amount (dust amount) (the amount of dust captured by the suction filter 41), and predicts the operating time at which the cumulative value of the dust amount will reach a threshold value, i.e., the replacement cycle, if the cumulative value of the dust amount increases at the calculated time change rate.

[0033] The above has been explained about the intake filter 41, but if a similar study is carried out for other filters, it is possible to predict the replacement cycle. Note that although the explanation here has focused only on dust, the ambient temperature and humidity also affect the deterioration of parts, so it is desirable to predict the replacement cycle taking these information into account. For example, the specified amount of dust is a function of the ambient temperature and humidity as shown in the following equation (3). Here, E * is the specified value of the dust amount used in predicting the replacement period, En is the dust amount recommended for replacement when the ambient environment is in a standard state, T is the temperature of the installation environment measured by the temperature sensor 52, H is the humidity of the installation environment measured by the humidity sensor 53, and l and m are predetermined multipliers. The server 20 calculates the specified value E of the dust amount using the following formula (3): * is calculated, and the replacement period is predicted using this and the dust amount E calculated by equation (2).

[0034]

number

[0035] Based on the environmental information received from the air compressor 10, the server 20 predicts the replacement cycle for each part of the air compressor 10. The server 20 calculates the usage fee from the predicted replacement cycle using the following formula (4): where Y is the daily usage fee [yen / day], A is the flat rate per day [yen / day], Bi is the maintenance cost [yen] when each replacement part is replaced at the recommended replacement cycle, Ci is the number of days [days] recommended for each replacement part, Di is the number of days [days] for each replacement part predicted by calculation by the server 20, and N is the number of replacement parts in the air compressor 10. The usage fee Y calculated here is an amount after discounting the cost of maintenance that is no longer necessary.

[0036]

number

[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the relationship between the operating state of the air compressor 10 in one day and the amount of dust that accumulates on the suction filter 41. Time period 71 is a time period during which the air compressor 10 operates frequently, and the rate at which the amount of dust increases is relatively fast. During this time period 71, the suction filter 41 is worn out quickly, so there is no discount on the usage fee, or the discount amount is relatively small. On the other hand, time period 72 is a time period during which the air compressor 10 operates less, and the rate at which the amount of dust increases is relatively slow. During this time period 72, the suction filter 41 is worn out relatively little, so the discount on the usage fee is relatively large.

[0038] For simplicity of explanation, Figure 6 simply illustrates the dust amount using a combination of two slopes: a high-operation time period 71 and a low-operation time period 72. In reality, the slope of the dust amount is constantly changing, so a more accurate method is to accumulate information measured over a certain period of time and predict the replacement cycle from the average value.

[0039] For example, at the end of a day's operation, the control unit 55 averages the data accumulated that day using the following equation (5): where x is the average value of the data accumulated in a day, xi is a value acquired at a certain timing, and Nc is the number of pieces of data acquired in a day.

[0040]

number

[0041] The control unit 55 transmits (outputs) the averaged value from the communication unit 56 to the server 20. Based on the received value, the server 20 predicts the replacement cycle of the part using equations (2) and (3). The server 20 calculates the usage fee using equation (4) using the predicted replacement cycle. At the start of operation on the next day, the server 20 transmits (outputs) the usage fee calculated for the previous day to the air compressor 10. The control unit 55 of the air compressor 10 displays the received usage fee on the display unit 57 as the usage fee for the previous day and presents it to the compressed air user 2.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the previous day's usage charges on display unit 57. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the previous day's usage charges 80, the flat rate 81 without discount, parts to be replaced 82, replacement cycles 83 for each part predicted from the current installation environment and operating conditions, and standard replacement cycles 84 for each part are displayed on display unit 57.

[0043] In this way, by displaying the undiscounted flat rate 81 together with the discounted usage fee 80, it is possible to inform the compressed air user 2 about the quality of the installation environment. If the usage fee is received on a monthly basis, it is also possible to calculate the average value per month from the data accumulated daily in the server 20 and present this as the usage fee for the previous month.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control process executed by the control unit 55 of the air compressor 10. In step S100, the control unit 55 calculates an average value of data related to the daily operating load using equation (5), and also calculates an average value of data related to the installation environment using equation (5). In step S110, the control unit 55 transmits (outputs) the values ​​calculated in step S100, i.e., the environmental information and the operating load information, to the server 20. In step S120, the control unit 55 receives from the server 20 information necessary to display the screen shown in FIG. 7, i.e., the previous day's usage fee 80, the flat rate 81 without discount, the parts to be replaced 82, the replacement cycles for each part predicted from the current installation environment and operating conditions 83, and the standard replacement cycles for each part 84. In step S130, the control unit 55 displays the information received in step S120 on the display unit 57 as shown in FIG. 7 and presents it to the compressed air user 2.

[0045] 9 is a flowchart of the control process executed by the computing device 21 of the server 20. In step S200, the information acquisition unit 26 receives environmental information from the air compressor 10. In step S210, the replacement period calculation unit 27 calculates the replacement period for each part based on the information received in step S200. In step S220, the usage fee calculation unit 28 calculates the discounted usage fee based on the replacement period calculated in step S210 and equation (4). In step S230, the usage fee output unit 29 transmits (outputs) to the air compressor 10 the flat rate before discount, the discounted usage fee calculated in step S220, the replacement period for each part calculated in step S210, and the standard replacement period for each part.

[0046] According to the above-described embodiment, the following advantageous effects are achieved.

[0047] (1) The calculation device 21 of the server 20 (fee calculation system) acquires environmental information, which is information about the installation environment of the air compressor 10, calculates the replacement period of the components that make up the air compressor 10 based on the acquired environmental information, calculates the usage fee for the air compressor 10 based on the calculated replacement period, and outputs the calculated usage fee for the air compressor 10. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary component replacement of the air compressor 10 and curb excessive waste generation. Furthermore, if the usage environment is good and the component replacement period can be expected to be extended, the corresponding maintenance costs are deducted, making it possible to provide a lease or rental service for the air compressor 10 at a reasonable price for customers. Furthermore, since the usage fee is reduced if the installation environment is good, an increase in compressed air users 2 who try to improve the installation environment can be expected, and the lifespan of more components can be expected to be extended.

[0048] (2) The computing device 21 acquires information representing the temperature, humidity, and amount of dust in the installation environment as environmental information, thereby making it possible to appropriately calculate the replacement cycle of components such as the suction filter 41.

[0049] (3) The computing device 21 obtains the environmental information by averaging the temperature, humidity, and dust amount of the installation environment measured at predetermined intervals. Because these values ​​are constantly fluctuating, predicting the replacement period from these averaged values ​​improves the accuracy of the replacement period prediction.

[0050] (4) The calculation device 21 calculates the replacement period of the suction filter (component) 41 provided upstream of the intake port 43a of the compressor body 43 of the air compressor 10, and acquires, as environmental information, information indicating the amount of dust captured by the suction filter 41. This allows the calculation of the replacement period of the suction filter 41 to be performed appropriately.

[0051] (5) The calculation device 21 acquires environmental information from the air compressor 10 and outputs the calculated usage fee for the air compressor 10 to the air compressor 10, thereby displaying the usage fee on the display unit 57 (display device) of the air compressor 10. This allows the compressed air user 2 to always check the most recent usage fee. In addition, by displaying the flat rate before discounts along with the usage fee, the compressed air user 2 can determine whether the installation environment of the air compressor 10 is appropriate.

[0052] Second Embodiment A fee calculation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the first embodiment will be given the same reference symbols, and differences will be mainly described.

[0053] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of using a fee calculation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a compressor supplier 1 supplies compressed air, rather than an air compressor 10, to a compressed air user 2. In exchange for the compressed air, the compressor supplier 1 receives a usage fee according to the amount of compressed air used.

[0054] In this embodiment, the usage fee for the air compressor 10 is linked to the amount of air used. Therefore, it is possible to predict the replacement cycle in real time from information about the installation environment of the air compressor 10, calculate a discount within the air compressor 10, and deduct the maintenance cost from the usage fee for compressed air. However, the usage fee is often paid after a certain period of use, such as monthly. For this reason, it is better to determine the degree of wear each month from information about the operating state and installation environment accumulated over a certain period of time, as explained in the first embodiment, and deduct the amount from the usage fee.

[0055] The following modified examples are also within the scope of the present invention, and it is possible to combine the configuration shown in the modified example with the configuration described in the above embodiment, to combine the configurations described in the different embodiments above, or to combine the configurations described in the different modified examples below.

[0056] <Variation 1> The filter replacement period may be determined without directly measuring the amount of dust with the dust sensor 51. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

[0057] Figure 11 is a diagram that shows the relationship between filter pressure loss and filter clogging. Generally, as the filter becomes more clogged, the filter pressure loss increases even if the amount of intake air remains the same. Therefore, it is possible to determine the replacement period by measuring the filter pressure loss using pressure sensors installed before and after the filter, for example.

[0058] <Variation 2> The dust sensor 51, the temperature sensor 52, and the humidity sensor 53 may be installed in locations different from those in the above-described embodiment. For example, these sensors may be installed around the air compressor 10, or may be installed near the air intake 58 and outside the housing 40. Furthermore, when the sensors are installed around the air compressor 10, the measurement results of the sensors may be transmitted to the server 20 via the network 30.

[0059] <Variation 3> The parts to be replaced are not limited to the suction filter 41 and the coolant filter 50 described in the above embodiment. For example, the bearings or coolant (oil) of the compressor body 43 may be included as parts to be replaced, and the replacement period may be calculated, and the maintenance costs may be discounted from the usage fee. For the bearings of the compressor body 43, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 52 is appropriate as the environmental information required to calculate the replacement period. This is because the degree of deterioration of the bearings depends on the environmental temperature. For the coolant, the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 53 is appropriate as the environmental information required to calculate the replacement period. This is because the degree of deterioration (volatilization) of the coolant depends on the environmental humidity. In other words, the computing device 21 acquires information representing at least one of the temperature, humidity, and dust amount of the installation environment as environmental information, and calculates the replacement period of the part corresponding to that environmental information based on the acquired environmental information. In addition to these, the present invention can be applied to any part by using information that affects the replacement period (degree of deterioration) of each part to be replaced as environmental information.

[0060] <Variation 4> 7 may be displayed in a location other than the display unit 57 provided on the air compressor 10. For example, it may be displayed on a computer or tablet terminal owned by the compressed air user 2.

[0061] <Variation 5> In each of the above-described embodiments, the server 20 is used as the fee calculation system, but the air compressor 10 may be used as the fee calculation system instead of the server 20. In other words, the various processes that were previously executed by the calculation device 21 of the server 20 may be executed by the control unit 55 of the air compressor 10 instead, so that the air compressor 10 itself functions as the fee calculation system.

[0062] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, it is also possible to have the control unit 55 of the air compressor 10 execute part of the processing that has been described as being executed by the computing device 21 of the server 20. Conversely, it is also possible to have the computing device 21 of the server 20 execute part of the processing that has been described as being executed by the control unit 55 of the air compressor 10. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the server 20 to be divided into multiple devices, and to have the processing that has been described as being executed by the computing device 21 of the server 20 in each of the above-described embodiments be shared and executed by these multiple devices.

[0063] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10...air compressor, 14...volatile memory, 20...server, 21...computing device, 22...processing device, 23...non-volatile memory, 24...volatile memory, 25...input / output interface, 26...information acquisition unit, 27...replacement period calculation unit, 28...usage fee calculation unit, 29...usage fee output unit, 30...network, 40...casing, 41...filter, 42...suction throttle valve, 43...compressor body, 43a...intake port, 44...oil case, 45...pressure regulating check valve, 46...temperature control valve, 47...coolant cooler, 48...aftercooler, 49...cooling fan, 50...coolant filter, 51...dust sensor, 52...temperature sensor, 53...humidity sensor, 54...pressure sensor, 55...control unit, 56...communication unit, 57...display unit, 58...intake port, 59...exhaust port, 61...discharge port

Claims

1. A fee calculation system including a calculation device for calculating a usage fee for an air compressor, The computing device acquiring environmental information that is information about an installation environment of the air compressor; calculating a replacement period for components of the air compressor based on the acquired environmental information; calculating a discount rate for a fixed usage fee of the air compressor so that the discount rate increases as the calculated replacement period becomes longer than a standard replacement period; calculating a discounted usage fee by subtracting the discounted fee from the fixed usage fee; outputting the part to be replaced, the calculated replacement period of the part, the standard replacement period, the discounted usage fee, and the fixed usage fee to a display device, thereby displaying the part to be replaced, the calculated replacement period of the part, the standard replacement period, the discounted usage fee, and the fixed usage fee on the display device; Fee calculation system.

2. The fee calculation system according to claim 1, A fee calculation system in which the calculation device acquires, as the environmental information, information representing at least one of the temperature, humidity, and amount of dust in the installation environment.

3. 3. The fee calculation system according to claim 2, The calculation device acquires, as the environmental information, an average value of at least one of the temperature, humidity, and amount of dust in the installation environment measured at predetermined time intervals.

4. The fee calculation system according to claim 1, The calculation device calculates the replacement period of a filter installed upstream of the intake port of the compressor body of the air compressor as the component, and obtains information representing the amount of dust captured by the filter as the environmental information.

5. The fee calculation system according to claim 1, the display device is provided in the air compressor, The computing device acquiring the environmental information from the air compressor; A fee calculation system that outputs the part to be replaced, the calculated replacement period for the part, the standard replacement period, the discounted usage fee, and the flat-rate usage fee to the air compressor, thereby displaying the part to be replaced, the calculated replacement period for the part, the standard replacement period, the discounted usage fee, and the flat-rate usage fee on the display device of the air compressor.

6. A computer comprising: Obtaining environmental information, which is information about the installation environment of the air compressor; calculating a replacement period for components of the air compressor based on the acquired environmental information; calculating a discount rate for a fixed usage fee of the air compressor so that the discount rate increases as the calculated replacement period becomes longer than a standard replacement period; calculating a discounted usage fee by subtracting the discounted fee from the fixed usage fee; outputting the part to be replaced, the calculated replacement period of the part, the standard replacement period, the discounted usage fee, and the fixed usage fee to a display device, thereby displaying the part to be replaced, the calculated replacement period of the part, the standard replacement period, the discounted usage fee, and the fixed usage fee on the display device; Fee calculation method.

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