Air conditioning system

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioner provided with an outdoor unit (10) having a power supply unit (12) and an indoor unit (20) that controls the outdoor unit; and remote operation equipment that remotely operates the air conditioner and collects data from the air conditioner. The indoor unit notifies the remote operation equipment of a power supply state or an interruption state of the power supply unit. When the remote operation equipment transmits, to the indoor unit, an power supply setting specifying that the power supply unit is set to the power supply state in a case where the air conditioner is in an non-operation state and the power supply unit is in the interruption state, the indoor unit controls the power supply unit so as to be brought into the power supply state. When the remote operation equipment transmits, to the indoor unit, an interruption setting specifying that the power supply unit is set to the interruption state in a case where the air conditioner is in the non-operation state and the power supply unit is in the power supply state, the indoor unit controls the power supply unit so as to be brought into the interruption state. When there is a collection request for outdoor unit information including information relating to the environment of the outdoor unit is made from the remote operation equipment for diagnosing the outdoor unit when the power supply unit is in the power supply state, the indoor unit transmits the outdoor unit information to the remote operation equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system that remotely operates an air conditioner using a remote control device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of communication technology, the development of an air conditioning system that remotely operates an air conditioner using a remote control device has been underway. In this air conditioning system, the remote control device executes air conditioning control based on the operating information of the outdoor unit included in the air conditioner.

[0003] For example, in the air conditioning control system described in Patent Document 1, a power measurement monitor collects the power consumption of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and when the power consumption exceeds a threshold value, a base terminal, which is a remote terminal, controls the operation of the air conditioner to be turned off, thereby realizing a demand control system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1 described above, when the power supply of the outdoor unit is cut off to suppress power consumption, the remote terminal cannot obtain the latest information of the outdoor unit even if it accesses the outdoor unit, and there is a problem that the accuracy of diagnosis using the information of the outdoor unit decreases.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to obtain an air conditioning system that can prevent the accuracy of diagnosis using the information of the outdoor unit from decreasing while suppressing power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the air conditioning system of this disclosure comprises an air conditioner having an outdoor unit having a power supply unit that outputs power, an indoor unit that controls the outdoor unit, and a remote control device that remotely operates the air conditioner and collects data from the air conditioner. The indoor unit notifies the remote control device of the power supply unit's energized or disconnected state. When the air conditioner is not operating and the power supply unit is disconnected, if the remote control device transmits an energized setting to the indoor unit specifying that the power supply unit be energized, the indoor unit controls the power supply unit to be energized. When the air conditioner is not operating and the power supply unit is energized, if the remote control device transmits a disconnection setting to the indoor unit specifying that the power supply unit be disconnected, the indoor unit controls the power supply unit to be disconnected. When the power supply unit is energized, if the indoor unit receives a request from the remote control device to collect outdoor unit information for diagnosing the outdoor unit, including information about the outdoor unit's environment, it transmits the outdoor unit information to the remote control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The air conditioning system described herein has the effect of suppressing power consumption while preventing a decrease in the accuracy of diagnostics using information from the outdoor unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the air conditioner included in the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of a portable terminal included in the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Diagram showing the configuration of the cloud server included in the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows a first example of the screen displayed by a portable terminal of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6]This figure shows a second example of the screen displayed by a portable terminal of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for the indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 to set the outdoor unit to either a powered-on or powered-off state. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the configuration of the air conditioner included in the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the processing procedure for determining whether or not the indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 transmits a power supply command. [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the processing procedure for determining whether or not the shut-off control unit of the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2 sends a shut-off command to the determination control unit. [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the processing procedure for the determination control unit of the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2 to determine whether to perform power supply control or power cut-off control. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1 is implemented using a processor and memory. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1 is implemented using dedicated hardware. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The air conditioning system according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioning system 1 is a system that suppresses standby power consumption while ensuring the freedom of access to the outdoor unit 10 from remote control equipment.

[0012] The air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a wireless module 30, a router 40, a mobile terminal 50, and a cloud server 60. In the air conditioning system 1, the mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 are remote control devices. In the following description, at least one of the mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 may be referred to as a remote control device.

[0013] The outdoor unit 10 is connected to the indoor unit 20 via a communication line 71. The indoor unit 20 is connected to the wireless module 30 via a communication line 72. The outdoor unit 10 executes data transmission and reception with the indoor unit 20 by means of wired communication using the communication line 71. The indoor unit 20 executes data transmission and reception with the wireless module 30 by means of wired communication using the communication line 72.

[0014] The wireless module 30, the router 40, and the mobile terminal 50 can transmit and receive data with each other by wireless communication. The wireless module 30 and the mobile terminal 50 may execute data transmission and reception via the router 40, or may execute data transmission and reception directly without passing through the router 40.

[0015] The router 40, the mobile terminal 50, and the cloud server 60 are connected via an Internet line 76. The router 40, the mobile terminal 50, and the cloud server 60 execute data transmission and reception by means of wired communication using the Internet line 76.

[0016] Among the air conditioning system 1, the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, and the wireless module 30 are air conditioners. Note that the wireless module 30 may be arranged outside the air conditioner. In this case, among the air conditioning system 1, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are air conditioners.

[0017] The indoor unit 20 receives instructions from the user to configure the outdoor unit 10 and sends commands to the outdoor unit 10 corresponding to the received instructions. For example, the indoor unit 20 sends commands to the outdoor unit 10 to turn on the operation of the outdoor unit 10, to turn off the operation of the outdoor unit 10, to control the power supply of the outdoor unit 10 (power supply unit 12 described later) to an energized state, and to control the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 to an unplugged state.

[0018] Furthermore, the indoor unit 20 sends environmental information, such as the room temperature of the location where the indoor unit 20 is located, to the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit 10 sends environmental information, such as the outside temperature of the location where the outdoor unit 10 is located, to the indoor unit 20. In this way, data such as environmental information is transmitted and received between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20, and commands for controlling the outdoor unit 10 are sent from the indoor unit 20 to the outdoor unit 10.

[0019] Between the cloud server 60 and the indoor unit 20, data such as information on user-performed settings on the indoor unit 20 and environmental information of the air conditioner are transmitted and received via the router 40 and the wireless module 30.

[0020] Furthermore, data is transmitted and received between the mobile terminal 50 and the indoor unit 20 via the cloud server 60, the router 40, and the wireless module 30. Alternatively, data may be transmitted and received between the mobile terminal 50 and the indoor unit 20 via the router 40 and the wireless module 30, or via the wireless module 30 alone.

[0021] The mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 access the outdoor unit 10 via the indoor unit 20 and perform actions such as setting control constants for the outdoor unit 10 and changing the settings for the outdoor unit 10 corresponding to the setting operation. The control constants used by the outdoor unit 10 are the control constants used when the outdoor unit 10 controls the motor, etc. Settings for the outdoor unit 10 include, for example, settings to turn off the power supply unit 12 (described later) and settings to turn on the power supply unit 12.

[0022] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 acquire air conditioning information, which is information about the air conditioner, via the indoor unit 20. The air conditioning information includes, for example, operating information of the air conditioner, environmental information of the outdoor unit 10 and indoor unit 20, performance information of the outdoor unit 10, power status information of the outdoor unit 10, operation information of the outdoor unit 10 (outdoor unit operation information), and control information of the outdoor unit 10 by the indoor unit 20. An example of the performance information of the outdoor unit 10 is the operation information of the actuator of the outdoor unit 10, and an example of the control information is the execution history of functions such as defrost control.

[0023] The air conditioner operation information includes information such as the air conditioner's operating status (on or off) and operating history. The operation information includes the date and time when the operation information was acquired. The environmental information also includes the date and time when the environmental information was acquired. The power status information indicates whether the power supply unit 12 is powered on or off. The outdoor unit operation information indicates the operating status of the outdoor unit 10 (motor rotation speed, etc.). The outdoor unit operation information includes the date and time when the outdoor unit operation information was acquired. Performance information will be described later.

[0024] The mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 can read from the indoor unit 20, even if the power supply unit 12 is shut off, the air conditioning information, including the operation information of the air conditioner stored in the indoor unit 20, the environmental information of the indoor unit 20, and the power status information of the outdoor unit 10.

[0025] On the other hand, the mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 cannot read from the outdoor unit 10 the air conditioning information, such as the environmental information of the outdoor unit 10, the performance information of the outdoor unit 10, and the operation information of the outdoor unit 10, which are stored in the outdoor unit 10, when the power supply unit 12 is shut off, and can only read from the outdoor unit 10 when the power supply unit 12 is powered on.

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner in the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 shows the power control configuration of an indoor-powered air conditioner. The following describes the case in which the air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20. The indoor unit 20 has a determination unit 25 and an outdoor unit power control unit 23. The outdoor unit 10 has a power supply unit 12 and a storage unit 14.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the outdoor unit power control unit 23 of the indoor unit 20 is connected to the power supply unit (outdoor unit power supply unit) 12 and the storage unit 14 of the outdoor unit 10. The indoor unit 20 performs power supply control and power cut-off control of the power supply unit 12 via the outdoor unit power control unit 23.

[0028] The indoor unit 20 transmits air conditioning information to the mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 via the wireless module 30. The mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 then receive the air conditioning information.

[0029] The power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 supplies power to the components of the outdoor unit 10 to drive the outdoor unit 10. In other words, the power supply unit 12 outputs power necessary for the outdoor unit 10 to operate. The power supply unit 12 outputs power when power is supplied and does not output power when power is cut off.

[0030] The outdoor unit 10 can operate when the power supply unit 12 is energized, and cannot operate when the power supply unit 12 is shut off. Even when the outdoor unit 10 is not operating (when the air conditioning control is in standby mode with the unit turned off), the indoor unit 20 can send and receive information about the outdoor unit 10, such as environmental information, performance information, and outdoor unit operation information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as outdoor unit information), to and from the outdoor unit 10, as long as the power supply unit 12 is energized. In addition, even when the outdoor unit 10 is not operating, the indoor unit 20 can change the setting data set on the outdoor unit 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as outdoor unit setting data), as long as the power supply unit 12 is energized. The outdoor unit setting data is the setting data set on the outdoor unit 10, such as the contents set on the outdoor unit 10 (operation settings) and control constants used when the outdoor unit 10 performs control (such as the defrosting constant described later).

[0031] When the power supply unit 12 is shut off, the indoor unit 20 cannot obtain the latest outdoor unit information from the outdoor unit 10, nor can it change the outdoor unit setting data.

[0032] The storage unit 14 of the outdoor unit 10 stores outdoor unit information. The storage unit 14 also stores setting data (outdoor unit setting data) set on the outdoor unit 10, such as the settings configured on the outdoor unit 10 (operation settings) and control constants used when the outdoor unit 10 performs control (such as the defrosting constant described later).

[0033] The outdoor unit information stored in the memory unit 14 can be read by the indoor unit 20 when the power supply unit 12 is powered on. Therefore, the outdoor unit information of the outdoor unit 10 can be read by the remote control device when the power supply unit 12 is powered on.

[0034] Furthermore, the outdoor unit setting data, such as operation settings and control constants, stored in the memory unit 14 can be modified by the indoor unit 20 as long as the power supply unit 12 is energized. When the power supply unit 12 is energized, the power supply state of the outdoor unit 10 is changed by the indoor unit 20. The actual usage information may also be stored in the indoor unit 20. In this case, the remote control device can read the actual usage information from the indoor unit 20 even when the power supply unit 12 is disconnected.

[0035] When the power supply unit 12 is energized, the indoor unit 20 changes the operation settings and control constants stored in the memory unit 14 according to instructions from the remote control device. When the determination unit 25 of the indoor unit 20 receives a command from the remote control device to control the power supply unit 12 to be energized or to be shut off, it determines whether to perform power-on control or shut-off control based on the type of command received and the air conditioning control status of the power supply unit 12. Specifically, the determination unit 25 determines that the outdoor unit 10 should be energized if the air conditioner is turned on or if a command to control power is received (when power is set to be energized in the power-on / shut-off setting described later). On the other hand, the determination unit 25 determines that the outdoor unit 10 should be shut off if the air conditioner is turned off and a command to control shut-off is received (when shut-off is set in the power-on / shut-off setting described later).

[0036] When the determination unit 25 determines that the outdoor unit 10 should be powered on, the outdoor unit power control unit 23 of the indoor unit 20 controls the outdoor unit 10 so that the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 is powered on. On the other hand, when the determination unit 25 determines that the outdoor unit 10 should be shut off, the outdoor unit power control unit 23 controls the outdoor unit 10 so that the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 is shut off.

[0037] Figure 3 shows the configuration of a portable terminal provided in the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. The portable terminal 50 includes a communication unit 51, a display unit 52, a power supply control unit 53, a storage unit 54, a power supply trend calculation unit 55, and a diagnostic unit 56.

[0038] The communication unit 51 communicates with the wireless module 30, the router 40, and the cloud server 60. The communication unit 51 receives air conditioning information from the indoor unit 20 via the wireless module 30. The communication unit 51 sends the received air conditioning information to the power supply control unit 53.

[0039] Furthermore, when the communication unit 51 receives a command (operation command) corresponding to user operation from the power supply control unit 53, it transmits this operation command to the indoor unit 20 via the wireless module 30.

[0040] The operation commands that the communication unit 51 receives from the power supply control unit 53 include commands for controlling the power supply unit 12, commands for controlling the power supply, commands for making various settings for the outdoor unit 10, and commands for requesting outdoor unit information.

[0041] Commands for configuring the outdoor unit 10 include, for example, commands to change constants (defrost constants) used to control the defrosting process, and commands to change the defrosting timing. Furthermore, the operation commands that the communication unit 51 receives from the power supply control unit 53 include, for example, commands to request defrosting performance information, which is information about the processing results of the defrosting process performed by the outdoor unit 10. The defrosting performance information includes the time when defrosting was performed and information about how the operation of the air conditioner changed due to defrosting.

[0042] The power supply control unit 53 stores the received air conditioning information in the storage unit 54. The power supply control unit 53 also displays the received air conditioning information on the display unit 52. The power supply control unit 53 displays, for example, outdoor unit information (outdoor unit operation information, environmental information, etc.) from the received air conditioning information on the display unit 52.

[0043] The power supply control unit 53 determines whether or not to display outdoor unit information on the display unit 52 based on the power status information of the outdoor unit 10. The power supply control unit 53 displays outdoor unit information on the display unit 52 if the power status of the power supply unit 12 is in a powered state. The power supply control unit 53 does not display outdoor unit information on the display unit 52 if the power status of the power supply unit 12 is in a shut-off state.

[0044] The power supply control unit 53 does not display outdoor unit information on the display unit 52 when the power supply unit 12 is shut off, so the user can recognize that the outdoor unit 10 is inaccessible when the power supply unit 12 is shut off.

[0045] Furthermore, when a button corresponding to an operation command displayed on the display unit 52 is pressed, the power supply control unit 53 sends the operation command corresponding to the pressed button to the communication unit 51. For example, when a button corresponding to an operation command for controlling the power supply unit 12 is pressed, the power supply control unit 53 sends a command for power control to the indoor unit 20 via the communication unit 51. For example, when a button corresponding to an operation command for shutting off the power supply unit 12 is pressed, the power supply control unit 53 sends a command for shutting off the power to the indoor unit 20 via the communication unit 51.

[0046] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 53 generates commands for the air conditioner and sends them to the communication unit 51 based on the power status information of the outdoor unit 10 and the access settings for the outdoor unit 10. The access settings are used when accessing the outdoor unit 10 and executing various requests and settings on the outdoor unit 10. The access settings include the frequency at which the outdoor unit 10 is required to defrost and the frequency at which constants used to control the defrosting process are changed.

[0047] Even when the power supply unit 12 is powered off and the display unit 52 is not displaying outdoor unit information, the mobile terminal 50 transmits an operation command to the indoor unit 20 to control the power supply to the power supply unit 12 when a button for an operation command to control the power supply to the power supply unit 12 is pressed by the user. As a result, the power supply unit 12 is controlled to receive power, and the mobile terminal 50 can access the outdoor unit 10.

[0048] Furthermore, when a button for an operation command to shut off the power supply unit 12 is pressed by the user, the mobile terminal 50 transmits an operation command to shut off the power supply unit 12 to the indoor unit 20. As a result, the power supply unit 12 is controlled to a shut-off state. However, if the air conditioner is in operation, the indoor unit 20 does not need to control the power supply unit 12 to a shut-off state even if it receives an operation command to shut off the power supply unit 12 from the mobile terminal 50.

[0049] The display unit 52 displays outdoor unit information according to instructions from the power control unit 53. That is, the display unit 52 displays or hides outdoor unit information depending on the power status of the outdoor unit 10. The display unit 52 also displays information corresponding to user operations. For example, if the display unit 52 receives a request from the user to display performance information, it displays the performance information.

[0050] Furthermore, the display unit 52 displays either a button for sending a command to control the power supply unit 12 to be powered on, or a button for sending a command to control the power supply unit 12 to be shut off. When the power supply unit 12 is shut off, the display unit 52 displays an operation button to change the power supply unit 12 to a powered-on state, and when the power supply unit 12 is powered on, it displays an operation button to set the power supply unit 12 to a shut-off state. The storage unit 54 is a memory for storing air conditioning information, etc.

[0051] The power supply trend calculation unit 55 reads the history of power supply status information from the storage unit 54 and calculates the power supply unit 12's interruption tendency per unit time based on the history of power supply status information. Specifically, the power supply trend calculation unit 55 calculates the time periods with the most interruptions per day, week, or month based on the power supply status information as the interruption time periods. For example, the power supply trend calculation unit 55 calculates the time periods where the interruption time per hour is longer than a specific time as the interruption time periods.

[0052] The power supply trend calculation unit 55 sends the calculated power interruption time periods to the power supply control unit 53. Based on this, the power supply control unit 53 determines the time periods when the indoor unit 20 can be accessed. The power supply control unit 53 determines the time periods with frequent power interruptions, as indicated by the power interruption time periods, as the time periods when the indoor unit 20 can be accessed.

[0053] The power supply trend calculation unit 55 accesses the outdoor unit 10 when, for example, the time period indicated by the power cut-off time period is reached. That is, when the time period indicated by the power supply trend calculation unit 55 reaches the time period indicated by the power cut-off time period, it sends operation commands to the indoor unit 20 to perform various requests and settings on the outdoor unit 10. The diagnostic unit 56 performs a diagnosis of the air conditioner based on the outdoor unit information for diagnosing the outdoor unit 10.

[0054] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the cloud server provided in the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. The cloud server 60 includes a communication unit 61, a power supply control unit 63, a storage unit 64, a power supply trend calculation unit 65, and a diagnostic unit 66.

[0055] The communication unit 61 communicates with the wireless module 30, the router 40, and the mobile terminal 50. The communication unit 61 receives air conditioning information from the indoor unit 20 via the wireless module 30. The communication unit 61 sends the received air conditioning information to the power control unit 63. When the communication unit 61 receives an operation command for the outdoor unit 10 from the power control unit 63, it transmits this operation command to the indoor unit 20 via the wireless module 30.

[0056] The operation commands that the communication unit 61 receives from the power supply control unit 63 include commands to control the power supply unit 12, commands to control the power supply unit 12, commands to make various settings for the outdoor unit 10, and commands to request outdoor unit information.

[0057] The power supply control unit 63 stores the received air conditioning information in the storage unit 64. The power supply control unit 63 also generates an operation command for the air conditioner based on the power status information of the outdoor unit 10 and the access settings for the outdoor unit 10, and sends it to the communication unit 61.

[0058] The power control unit 63 allows access to the indoor unit 20 if the power status information indicates that the power supply unit 12 is powered on, and does not allow access to the indoor unit 20 if the power status information indicates that the power supply unit 12 is shut off. When the power control unit 63 accesses the outdoor unit 10 while the power supply unit 12 is shut off, it powers the power supply unit 12 before accessing the outdoor unit 10. In other words, when the power supply unit 12 is shut off, the power control unit 63 does not allow access to the indoor unit 20, the communication unit 61 transmits a power-on / off setting to the indoor unit 20, the indoor unit 20 controls the power supply unit 12 to power on, and then allows access to the indoor unit 20. The storage unit 64 is a memory for storing air conditioning information.

[0059] The power supply trend calculation unit 65 calculates the power interruption period in the same manner as the power supply trend calculation unit 55. That is, the power supply trend calculation unit 65 reads power supply status information from the storage unit 64 and calculates the power interruption trend of the power supply unit 12 per unit time as the power interruption period based on the power supply status information.

[0060] The power supply trend calculation unit 65 sends the calculated power interruption time period to the power supply control unit 63. Based on this, the power supply control unit 63 determines the time period for accessing the indoor unit 20. The power supply control unit 63 determines the time period indicated by the power interruption time period as the time period during which access to the indoor unit 20 is possible.

[0061] The power supply trend calculation unit 65 accesses the outdoor unit 10 when, for example, the time period indicated by the power cut-off time period is reached. That is, when the time period indicated by the power supply trend calculation unit 65 reaches the time period indicated by the power cut-off time period, it sends operation commands to the indoor unit 20 to perform various requests and settings on the outdoor unit 10. The diagnostic unit 66 performs a diagnosis of the air conditioner based on the outdoor unit information for diagnosing the outdoor unit 10.

[0062] Even when the power supply unit 12 is shut off, the cloud server 60 sends an operation command to the outdoor unit 10 at the date and time specified in the access settings for the outdoor unit 10. When the power supply unit 12 is shut off and the date and time specified in the access settings for the outdoor unit 10 arrives, the cloud server 60 sends an operation command to the indoor unit 20 to control the power supply. As a result, the power supply unit 12 is controlled, and the cloud server 60 can access the outdoor unit 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the cloud server 60 sends an operation command specified in the access settings for the outdoor unit 10. Once the processing corresponding to the operation command is completed, it sends an operation command to the indoor unit 20 to perform shut-off control. As a result, the outdoor unit 10 returns to the shut-off state.

[0064] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 50, like the cloud server 60, may send an operation command to the outdoor unit 10 at the date and time specified in the access settings for the outdoor unit 10, even if the power supply unit 12 is in a shut-off state. In this case, the mobile terminal 50 sends the operation command specified in the access settings for the outdoor unit 10, and once the processing corresponding to the operation command is completed, it sends an operation command to the indoor unit 20 to control the shut-off. As a result, the outdoor unit 10 returns to the shut-off state.

[0065] In this way, the remote control device can access the outdoor unit 10 at any time and obtain air conditioning information from the outdoor unit 10, perform various settings and changes on the outdoor unit, and so on.

[0066] At least one of the remote control devices, the mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60, acquires defrosting performance information of the outdoor unit 10 at a frequency of, for example, once a day, and reviews the defrosting control at a frequency of once a week based on the defrosting performance information. The remote control device reviews, for example, the date and time to perform defrosting, the threshold for performing defrosting, the operating frequency of the motor when performing defrosting, etc. The threshold for performing defrosting is the value of the defrosting start condition. The threshold for performing defrosting is the threshold for outside temperature, the threshold for the duration of outside temperature, etc. The remote control device reviews the defrosting control when, for example, the outside temperature remains below x°C for y hours.

[0067] The air conditioning system 1 improves comfort when using the air conditioner by changing the defrost constant of the outdoor unit 10. In this case, the remote control device can power on the outdoor unit 10 and perform defrosting while keeping the air conditioner turned off (while continuing to remain in standby mode for air conditioning control) at the desired time. Furthermore, the remote control device can power on the outdoor unit 10 to acquire air conditioning information and set the outdoor unit 10 at a desired time while keeping the air conditioner turned off.

[0068] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 can improve the comfort of using the air conditioner without causing the user any discomfort or unpleasant sensations.

[0069] Here, we will describe an example of the information displayed by the mobile terminal 50. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a first example of the screen displayed by the mobile terminal of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a second example of the screen displayed by the mobile terminal of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1.

[0070] Figure 5 shows the display screen of the display unit 52 when the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 is energized, and Figure 6 shows the display screen of the display unit 52 when the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 is shut off.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5, the mobile terminal 50 displays "Outdoor unit: Powered on" if the power supply unit 12 is powered on, and displays the latest values ​​for the outdoor environment, such as the outside temperature. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the mobile terminal 50 displays "Outdoor unit: Off" if the power supply unit 12 is shut off, and does not display outdoor environment information such as the outside temperature.

[0072] When the user changes the display screen of the mobile terminal 50 from "Outdoor unit always powered: Disabled" to "Outdoor unit always powered: Enabled" in Figures 5 and 6, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a power cut-off setting, which sets the outdoor unit 10 to be powered, to the indoor unit 20 via the cloud server 60, router 40, and wireless module 30. In other words, the power cut-off setting generated by the power control unit 53 is sent from the communication unit 51 to the indoor unit 20 via the cloud server 60, router 40, and wireless module 30. The power cut-off setting for the outdoor unit 10 is information that the indoor unit 20 uses to set the outdoor unit 10 to either a powered state or a cut-off state.

[0073] When the user sets the outdoor unit power supply setting from "Outdoor unit always powered on: Enabled" to "Outdoor unit always powered on: Disabled" on the display screen of the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the power cut-off setting, which is configured to cut off the power to the outdoor unit 10, to the indoor unit 20 via the cloud server 60, router 40, and wireless module 30.

[0074] When the indoor unit 20 receives a power cut-off setting (power setting) that configures the outdoor unit 10 to be powered, it controls the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 to a constantly powered state. In this case, the indoor unit 20 continues to control the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 to be powered until it receives a power cut-off setting (cut-off setting) that configures the outdoor unit 10 to be shut off. When the indoor unit 20 receives a power cut-off setting that configures the outdoor unit 10 to be shut off, it controls the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 to a shut-off state.

[0075] The mobile terminal 50 may transmit the power cut-off setting for the outdoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 20 via the router 40 and the wireless module 30, or it may transmit the power cut-off setting for the outdoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 20 via the wireless module 30.

[0076] Alternatively, the cloud server 60 may also send a power cut-off setting to the indoor unit 20, similar to the mobile terminal 50. For example, the cloud server 60 sends a power cut-off setting to the indoor unit 20 that sets the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 to power when the time set for the power cut-off period calculated by the power supply trend calculation unit 65 is reached. The cloud server 60 then accesses the outdoor unit 10 and executes the processing corresponding to the access setting. For example, once the processing corresponding to the access setting is completed, the cloud server 60 sends a power cut-off setting to the indoor unit 20 that sets the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 to shut off. Regardless of whether the indoor unit 20 receives a power cut-off setting from the mobile terminal 50 or the cloud server 60, it controls the power supply or shut-off of the power supply unit 12 based on the power cut-off setting.

[0077] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for setting the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 to either a powered-on or powered-off state. The indoor unit 20 receives a power-on / power-off setting from the mobile terminal 50. The determination unit 25 of the indoor unit 20 determines whether to power on or cut off the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10.

[0078] Specifically, the determination unit 25 determines whether the air conditioner is on or off (air conditioning control state) (step S10). If the air conditioner is on (step S10, on), the determination unit 25 determines that power should be supplied to the outdoor unit 10. In this case, the determination unit 25 causes the outdoor unit power control unit 23 to perform power supply control (step S20). As a result, the outdoor unit power control unit 23 maintains the power supply state of the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10.

[0079] If the air conditioner is turned off (step S10, off), the determination unit 25 determines whether the power supply cutoff setting is set to power on or cut off (step S30). In other words, the determination unit 25 determines whether the power supply cutoff setting is set to power on or cut off.

[0080] The determination unit 25 determines that if power is set to be supplied by the power cut-off setting (step S30, power supplied), it will supply power to the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10. In this case, the determination unit 25 causes the outdoor unit power control unit 23 to perform power supply control (step S20). As a result, the outdoor unit power control unit 23 controls the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 to a powered state.

[0081] On the other hand, the determination unit 25 determines that if the power cut-off setting is set to cut off (step S30, cut-off), it will cut off the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10. In this case, the determination unit 25 causes the outdoor unit power control unit 23 to execute cut-off control (step S40). As a result, the outdoor unit power control unit 23 controls the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 to a cut-off state.

[0082] Thus, the indoor unit 20 controls the outdoor unit 10 to a powered state when it satisfies either the following power supply condition C1 or power supply condition C2. In other words, the indoor unit 20 controls the outdoor unit 10 to a powered state when it satisfies at least one of the power supply conditions C1 or C2. (Power supply condition C1) ... The air conditioner is turned on. (Power supply condition C2) ... Power supply is set to cut off.

[0083] Furthermore, the indoor unit 20 controls the outdoor unit 10 to a shut-off state if both of the following shut-off conditions C3 and C4 are met. (Shut-off condition C3) ... The air conditioner is turned off. (Torture Condition C4) ...The power supply cutoff setting is enabled.

[0084] When the user sets the mobile terminal 50 to "Outdoor unit always powered: Enabled," the power supply unit 12 becomes powered, and the mobile terminal 50 can acquire the latest outdoor unit information (latest conditions such as outside temperature). Also, when the mobile terminal 50 no longer needs the outdoor unit information and the user sets it to "Outdoor unit always powered: Disabled," the power supply unit 12 becomes shut off, and the standby power consumption of the air conditioner can be reduced.

[0085] In other words, since the user of the remote control device can freely control the power supply unit 12 to be powered on and off, the remote control device can access the outdoor unit 10 at any time desired by the user. Thus, even when the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 is in a powered-off state, the remote control device can access the outdoor unit 10 by changing the power supply unit 12 to a powered state.

[0086] Furthermore, even when the power supply unit 12 is shut off, the remote control device can transmit a command to the indoor unit 20 to power on the power supply unit 12, thereby powering on the power supply unit 12 and obtaining the latest outdoor unit information. This makes it possible to diagnose the latest outdoor unit information. As a result, the remote control device can improve the accuracy of its analysis of outdoor unit information.

[0087] Furthermore, since the outdoor unit 10 continues to receive power unless shut-off control is performed by the user via remote control equipment, the user can reliably obtain outdoor unit information if they wish to do so.

[0088] Furthermore, the indoor unit 20 will not shut off the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10 based on its own judgment without receiving instructions from the remote control device. Therefore, when the indoor unit 20 is accessing the outdoor unit 10 based on instructions from the remote control device, the indoor unit 20 will not shut off the power supply unit 12.

[0089] Furthermore, the administrator of the air conditioning system 1 can remotely control the air conditioning control parameters of the outdoor unit 10 and acquire outdoor unit information, regardless of the operation of the air conditioner, using a remote control device. This allows the administrator of the air conditioning system 1 to change air conditioning control parameters and acquire outdoor unit information without compromising the comfort of using the air conditioning system 1 or the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system 1. In addition, after the remote control device has finished changing the air conditioning control parameters and acquiring outdoor unit information, it can reduce the standby power consumption of the air conditioner by setting the power supply unit 12 to shut off.

[0090] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 50 does not display outdoor unit information on the display unit 52 when the power supply unit 12 is shut off. This allows the mobile terminal 50 to notify the user that it has not been able to obtain the latest outdoor unit information, thus preventing the user from receiving incorrect information. In addition, the remote control device can exclude outdoor unit information when the power supply unit 12 is shut off from the information used for diagnosis, analysis, or learning, thereby improving the accuracy of diagnosis, analysis, or learning.

[0091] Furthermore, since the remote control device does not repeatedly retry communication with the indoor unit 20 when the power supply unit 12 is shut off, high communication costs can be suppressed. In other words, when the power supply unit 12 is shut off, the remote control device does not perform unnecessary access such as repeatedly retrying communication with the indoor unit 20 until access to the outdoor unit 10 becomes possible.

[0092] Furthermore, the indoor unit 20 does not shut off the power supply unit 12 while the air conditioner is in operation, so it does not affect the operation of the air conditioner.

[0093] Furthermore, the remote control device determines the time periods when there are frequent power outages based on the power outage time of the power supply unit 12, and selects the time periods when it can access the indoor unit 20. This prevents the remote control device from accessing the indoor unit 20 when the air conditioner is performing air conditioning control. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 can prevent high communication traffic in the indoor unit 20 and reduce the possibility of affecting air conditioning control.

[0094] Furthermore, since the remote control device calculates an interruption period indicating the power supply unit 12's interruption time, when a request for high-capacity communication occurs, the high-capacity communication is performed during the interruption period set in the interruption period, eliminating the need to consider conflicts with air conditioning control, etc. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 can prevent the air conditioning system from affecting comfort, etc.

[0095] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, when the indoor unit 20 receives a power cut-off setting from the remote control device to cut off the outdoor unit 10, it cuts off the power supply unit 12 of the outdoor unit 10, thereby reducing the power consumption (standby power) of the air conditioner. Furthermore, when the power supply unit 12 is cut off, the remote control device sends a power cut-off setting to the indoor unit 20 to turn on the outdoor unit 10. The indoor unit 20 then controls the power supply unit 12 to turn on and provides the outdoor unit information to the remote control device. This allows the remote control device to improve the accuracy of diagnosis (analysis) using the outdoor unit information. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 can suppress power consumption while preventing a decrease in the accuracy of diagnosis using the outdoor unit information.

[0096] Embodiment 2. Next, Embodiment 2 will be described using Figures 8 to 10. In Embodiment 2, the network configuration of the air conditioning system 1 is the same as that of the air conditioning system 1 in Figure 1, but multiple indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit. That is, the air conditioner of the air conditioning system 1 comprises multiple indoor units and one outdoor unit.

[0097] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the air conditioner included in the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2. Among the components in Figure 8, components that achieve the same function as the air conditioner of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0098] Here, we will describe the case in which the air conditioner of Embodiment 2 comprises one outdoor unit 10A, a first indoor unit 20A, and a second indoor unit 20B. The first indoor unit 20A is connected to the outdoor unit 10A via a communication line 71A, and the second indoor unit 20B is connected to the outdoor unit 10A via a communication line 71B.

[0099] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 8, the first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B are connected to the wireless module 30 in the same way as the indoor unit 20. The first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B may be connected to a single common wireless module 30, or they may each be connected to separate wireless modules 30.

[0100] The first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B, like the indoor unit 20 in Embodiment 1, notify the remote control device of the power supply unit 12's power supply status (on or off). In addition, the first indoor unit 20A has an outdoor unit power supply control unit 22A, and the second indoor unit 20B has an outdoor unit power supply control unit 22B.

[0101] The outdoor unit 10A includes a power supply unit 12, a circuit breaker control unit 16, and a determination control unit 17. The outdoor unit power supply control unit 22A is connected to the circuit breaker control unit 16 and the determination control unit 17 via a communication line 71A, and the outdoor unit power supply control unit 22B is connected to the circuit breaker control unit 16 and the determination control unit 17 via a communication line 71B.

[0102] The outdoor unit power control units 22A and 22B each transmit a power command to the judgment control unit 17 when specific conditions are met. Specifically, the outdoor unit power control units 22A and 22B transmit a power command to the judgment control unit 17 (execute the power command) when the air conditioner is turned on or when they receive a command to control the power supply (when power is set to be supplied by the power cut-off setting). The power command is a command requesting that the power supply unit 12 be controlled to a powered state.

[0103] On the other hand, when the air conditioner is turned off and a command for shut-off control is received, the outdoor unit power supply control units 22A and 22B do not send a power supply command to the determination control unit 17 (they do not execute the power supply command).

[0104] Furthermore, when the outdoor unit power control units 22A and 22B receive a power cut-off setting, they send the power cut-off setting to the power cut-off control unit 16. In addition, the outdoor unit power control unit 22A sends information to the power cut-off control unit 16 indicating whether or not the operation of the first indoor unit 20A is turned on. In addition, the outdoor unit power control unit 22B sends information to the power cut-off control unit 16 indicating whether or not the operation of the second indoor unit 20B is turned on.

[0105] The shut-off control unit 16 transmits a shut-off command to the determination control unit 17 when certain conditions are met. Specifically, the shut-off control unit 16 does not transmit a shut-off command to the determination control unit 17 (does not execute the shut-off command) when at least one of the first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B is turned on, or when at least one of the first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B receives a command to control the power supply (when power supply is set in the power supply shut-off setting). The shut-off command is a command that requests the power supply unit 12 to be controlled to a shut-off state.

[0106] On the other hand, the shut-off control unit 16 sends a shut-off command to the determination control unit 17 (executes the shut-off command) when both the first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B are turned off and both the first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B receive a command to shut off (when the shut-off setting is configured to shut off).

[0107] The determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to either a powered state or a shut-off state based on whether or not a power supply command is sent from the outdoor unit power supply control units 22A and 22B, and whether or not a shut-off command is sent from the shut-off control unit 16.

[0108] The determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to an energized state when a specific condition is met, and controls the power supply unit 12 to an shut-off state when a specific condition is met. Specifically, the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to an energized state when it receives an energization command from at least one of the outdoor unit energization control units 22A and 22B, when it does not receive a shut-off command from the shut-off control unit 16, or when notification of operation performance information to the remote control device is not yet complete. Operation performance information is information on the results of processes performed by the outdoor unit 10A, such as defrosting performance information. Operation performance information is not limited to defrosting performance information, but may be any information on performance.

[0109] On the other hand, the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to a shut-off state when it has not received a power supply command from either the outdoor unit power supply control unit 22A or 22B, has received a shut-off command from the shut-off control unit 16, and has completed the notification of operating performance information to the remote control device.

[0110] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for determining whether or not an indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 transmits a power-on command. Since the first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B perform the same processing, the processing procedure for determining whether or not the first indoor unit 20A transmits a power-on command will be described here.

[0111] The first indoor unit 20A receives a power cut-off setting from the mobile terminal 50. The first indoor unit 20A receives the power cut-off setting from, for example, the mobile terminal 50 or the cloud server 60 via the wireless module 30. The outdoor unit power control unit 22A of the first indoor unit 20A determines whether or not to send a power command to the outdoor unit 10A.

[0112] Specifically, the outdoor unit power control unit 22A determines whether the air conditioner is on or off (air conditioning control state) (step S110). If the air conditioner is on (step S110, on), the outdoor unit power control unit 22A determines to send a power command to the outdoor unit 10A. In this case, the outdoor unit power control unit 22A sends a power command to the determination control unit 17 (step S120). As a result, the determination control unit 17 receives a power command from the first indoor unit 20A.

[0113] If the air conditioner is turned off (step S110, off), the outdoor unit power supply control unit 22A determines whether power is supplied or cut off in the power supply cutoff setting (step S130).

[0114] The outdoor unit power control unit 22A determines that if the power cut-off setting is set to power (step S130, power on), that is, if the power cut-off setting is set to power on, it will send a power command to the outdoor unit 10A. In this case, the outdoor unit power control unit 22A sends a power command to the determination control unit 17 (step S120). As a result, the determination control unit 17 receives a power command from the first indoor unit 20A.

[0115] On the other hand, the outdoor unit power supply control unit 22A determines that it will not send a power supply command to the outdoor unit 10A if the power supply cutoff setting is set to cutoff (step S130, cutoff), that is, if the power supply cutoff setting is set to cutoff. In this case, the outdoor unit power supply control unit 22A does not send a power supply command to the determination control unit 17 (step S140).

[0116] Thus, the first indoor unit 20A transmits a power-on command to the outdoor unit 10A if it satisfies either the power-on command implementation condition C11 or the power-on command implementation condition C12 described below. In other words, the first indoor unit 20A transmits a power-on command to the outdoor unit 10A if it satisfies at least one of the power-on command implementation conditions C11 or C12. (Power command implementation condition C11) ... The air conditioner is turned on. (Power supply command implementation condition C12) ... Power supply is set to cut off with power supply cutoff setting.

[0117] Furthermore, the first indoor unit 20A will not transmit a power-on command to the outdoor unit 10A if both of the following conditions C13 and C14 for non-implementation of the power-on command are met. (Condition C13 for non-implementation of power supply command) ... The air conditioner is turned off. (Condition C14 for non-implementation of power supply command) ...The power supply cutoff setting is configured to cut off power.

[0118] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for determining whether or not the shut-off control unit of the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 2 sends a shut-off command to the determination control unit. The first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B receive the power shut-off setting from the mobile terminal 50. The first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B receive the power shut-off setting from, for example, the mobile terminal 50 or the cloud server 60 via the wireless module 30. The first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B transmit the received power shut-off setting to the shut-off control unit 16 of the outdoor unit 10A.

[0119] Furthermore, the first indoor unit 20A sends information to the shut-off control unit 16 indicating whether or not the operation of the first indoor unit 20A is turned on. Also, the second indoor unit 20B sends information to the shut-off control unit 16 indicating whether or not the operation of the second indoor unit 20B is turned on.

[0120] The shut-off control unit 16 determines whether the operation of the first indoor unit 20A is turned on (step S210). If the operation of the first indoor unit 20A is turned on (step S210, on), the shut-off control unit 16 determines not to send a shut-off command to the outdoor unit 10A. In this case, the shut-off control unit 16 does not send a shut-off command to the determination control unit 17 (step S220).

[0121] On the other hand, if the operation of the first indoor unit 20A is turned off (step S210, off), the circuit breaker control unit 16 determines whether power is set to be supplied or cut off in the power supply cutoff setting from the first indoor unit 20A (step S230).

[0122] If power is supplied as per the power supply cutoff setting from the first indoor unit 20A (step S230, power supplied), the cutoff control unit 16 determines that it does not send a cutoff command to the outdoor unit 10A. In this case, the cutoff control unit 16 does not send a cutoff command to the determination control unit 17 (step S220).

[0123] On the other hand, if the power cut-off setting from the first indoor unit 20A is set to cut off (step S230, cut-off), the cut-off control unit 16 determines whether or not the operation of the second indoor unit 20B is turned on (step S240).

[0124] If the operation of the second indoor unit 20B is turned on (step S240, on), the shut-off control unit 16 determines that it does not send a shut-off command to the outdoor unit 10A. In this case, the shut-off control unit 16 does not send a shut-off command to the determination control unit 17 (step S220).

[0125] On the other hand, if the operation of the second indoor unit 20B is turned off (step S240, off), the circuit breaker control unit 16 determines whether power is set to be supplied or cut off in the power supply cutoff setting from the second indoor unit 20B (step S250).

[0126] If the second indoor unit 20B is set to receive power via the power cut-off setting (step S250, power on), the power cut-off control unit 16 determines that it will not send a power cut-off command to the outdoor unit 10A. In this case, the power cut-off control unit 16 does not send a power cut-off command to the determination control unit 17 (step S220).

[0127] On the other hand, if the second indoor unit 20B is set to shut off in the power cutoff setting (step S250, shutoff), the shutoff control unit 16 determines to send a shutoff command to the outdoor unit 10A. In this case, the shutoff control unit 16 sends a shutoff command to the determination control unit 17 (step S260). As a result, the determination control unit 17 receives the shutoff command from the shutoff control unit 16.

[0128] Thus, the shut-off control unit 16 does not send a shut-off command to the outdoor unit 10A if any of the following shut-off command non-implementation conditions C21 to C24 are met. (Condition C21 for non-implementation of shutoff command) ...The operation of the first indoor unit 20A is turned on. (Condition C22 for non-implementation of shutoff command) ... Power is supplied when the setting for shutoff from the first indoor unit 20A is enabled. (Condition C23 for non-implementation of shut-off command) ...The operation of the second indoor unit 20B is turned on. (Condition C24 for non-implementation of shutoff command) ... Power is supplied via the setting for shutoff from the second indoor unit 20B.

[0129] Furthermore, the shut-off control unit 16 transmits a shut-off command to the outdoor unit 10A if all of the following shut-off command implementation conditions C25 to C28 are met. (Conditions for implementing shutdown command C25) ...The operation of the first indoor unit 20A is turned off. (Conditions for implementing the shutdown command C26) ...The shutdown is set by the power supply shutdown setting from the first indoor unit 20A. (Shut-off command implementation condition C27) ...The operation of the second indoor unit 20B is turned off. (Conditions for implementing the shutdown command C28) ...The shutdown is set by the power supply shutdown setting from the second indoor unit 20B.

[0130] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for determining whether to perform power supply control or cut-off control in the outdoor unit determination control unit according to Embodiment 2. The determination control unit 17 receives a power supply command when a power supply command is sent from the outdoor unit power supply control units 22A and 22B, and receives a cut-off command when a cut-off command is sent from the cut-off control unit 16.

[0131] The determination control unit 17 determines whether or not it has received a power-on command from the first indoor unit 20A. That is, the determination control unit 17 determines whether or not the power-on command has been transmitted by the first indoor unit 20A (step S310).

[0132] When the first indoor unit 20A transmits a power-on command (step S310, execution), the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to a powered state (step S320).

[0133] On the other hand, if the first indoor unit 20A has not transmitted a power-on command (step S310, not performed), the determination control unit 17 determines whether or not it has received a power-on command from the second indoor unit 20B. That is, the determination control unit 17 determines whether or not the second indoor unit 20B has transmitted a power-on command (step S330).

[0134] When the second indoor unit 20B transmits a power-on command (step S330, execution), the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to a powered state (step S320).

[0135] On the other hand, if the second indoor unit 20B has not transmitted a power supply command (step S330, not performed), the determination control unit 17 determines whether or not it has received a shutdown command from the shutdown control unit 16. That is, the determination control unit 17 determines whether or not the shutdown control unit 16 has transmitted a shutdown command (step S340).

[0136] If the cutoff control unit 16 has not transmitted a cutoff command (step S340, not performed), the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to an energized state (step S320).

[0137] On the other hand, if the shut-off control unit 16 transmits a shut-off command (step S340, execution), the determination control unit 17 determines whether or not the notification of the operating performance information to the remote control device has been completed (step S350).

[0138] If the notification of the operating performance information to the remote control device is not yet complete (step S350, incomplete), the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to a powered state (step S320).

[0139] On the other hand, if the notification of the operating performance information to the remote control device has been completed (step S350, completed), the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to an off state (step S360).

[0140] Thus, the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to a powered state if any of the following power supply control conditions C31 to C34 are met. (Power control condition C31)...The first indoor unit 20A transmits a power command. (Power control condition C32)...The second indoor unit 20B transmits a power command. (Power supply control condition C33) ... The tripping control unit 16 does not send a tripping command. (Power-on control condition C34) ... Notification of operating performance information to remote control equipment is incomplete.

[0141] Furthermore, the determination control unit 17 controls the power supply unit 12 to an off state if all of the following shut-off control conditions C35 to C38 are met. (Shut-off control condition C35)...The first indoor unit 20A does not transmit a power-on command. (Shut-off control condition C36)...The second indoor unit 20B does not transmit a power-on command. (Torrent control condition C37) ...The torrent control unit 16 transmits a torrent command. (Shutdown control condition C38) ... Notification of operating performance information to remote control equipment is complete.

[0142] Thus, since the air conditioning system 1 of Embodiment 2 is equipped with outdoor unit power supply control units 22A and 22B, a cutoff control unit 16, and a determination control unit 17, even when multiple indoor units are connected, it is possible to suppress power consumption and prevent a decrease in the accuracy of diagnosis (analysis) using outdoor unit information, similar to the air conditioning system 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0143] Furthermore, as explained in step S350, the outdoor unit 10A notifies the mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 of the operating performance information of the outdoor unit 10A via the respective network devices (wireless modules 30) of the first indoor unit 20A and the second indoor unit 20B before shutting down. In other words, since the outdoor unit 10A notifies the remote control device of the operating performance information before shutting down, the periodic provision of operating performance information is carried out only by the outdoor unit 10A that is powered on. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 can reduce communication costs and extend the lifespan of the power relay.

[0144] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 50 and the cloud server 60 only need to power on the outdoor unit 10A when operational performance information is required, eliminating the need to constantly power on the outdoor unit 10A for periodic collection of operational performance information. This reduces communication costs and minimizes wear on the power relay in the outdoor unit 10A.

[0145] Thus, according to Embodiment 2, the outdoor unit 10A controls the power supply unit 12 to an off state only when all indoor units are turned off and all indoor units have received a power cut-off command that has set the power to be cut off. As a result, even when multiple indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit 10A, the air conditioning system 1 can suppress power consumption and prevent a decrease in the accuracy of diagnosis using outdoor unit information, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0146] Here, the hardware configuration of the outdoor units 10, 10A, indoor unit 20, first indoor unit 20A, second indoor unit 20B, wireless module 30, router 40, mobile terminal 50, and cloud server 60 will be described. Note that the outdoor units 10, 10A, indoor unit 20, first indoor unit 20A, second indoor unit 20B, wireless module 30, router 40, mobile terminal 50, and cloud server 60 have similar hardware configurations, so here only the hardware configuration of indoor unit 20 will be described. Indoor unit 20 is implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor and memory that executes a program stored in memory, or it may be dedicated hardware.

[0147] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1 is realized with a processor and memory. The processing circuit 90 shown in Figure 12 comprises a processor 91 and memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is composed of a processor 91 and memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a control program and stored in memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the control program stored in memory 92. In other words, the processing circuit 90 includes memory 92 for storing a control program that will ultimately be executed by the processing of the indoor unit 20. This control program can also be said to be a program that causes the indoor unit 20 to execute each function realized by the processing circuit 90. This control program may be provided by a storage medium on which the control program is stored, or by other means such as a communication medium.

[0148] The control program described above has a modular configuration that includes an outdoor unit power control unit 23 and a determination unit 25, which are loaded into the main memory and generated in the main memory.

[0149] Here, the processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Registered Trademark) (Electrically EPROM), magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

[0150] Figure 13 shows an example of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1 is implemented with dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 shown in Figure 13 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processing circuit 93 may be partially implemented with dedicated hardware and partially implemented with software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 93 can realize each of the above functions with dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Note that the outdoor unit power control unit 23 and the determination unit 25 may be configured with separate processing circuits.

[0151] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is possible to combine them with other known technologies, combine different embodiments, and omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 Air conditioning system, 10, 10A Outdoor unit, 12 Power supply unit, 14 Memory unit, 16 Shut-off control unit, 17 Judgment control unit, 20 Indoor unit, 20A First indoor unit, 20B Second indoor unit, 22A, 22B Outdoor unit power supply control unit, 23 Outdoor unit power supply control unit, 25 Judgment unit, 30 Wireless module, 40 Router, 50 Mobile terminal, 51 Communication unit, 52 Display unit, 53 Power supply control unit, 54 Memory unit, 55 Power supply trend calculation unit, 56 Diagnostic unit, 60 Cloud server, 61 Communication unit, 63 Power supply control unit, 64 Memory unit, 65 Power supply trend calculation unit, 66 Diagnostic unit, 71, 71A, 71B, 72 Communication line, 76 Internet line, 90, 93 Processing circuit, 91 Processor, 92 Memory.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit having a power supply unit that outputs electricity, and an indoor unit that controls the outdoor unit, A remote control device for remotely operating the air conditioner and collecting data from the air conditioner, Equipped with, The indoor unit notifies the remote control device of the power supply unit's powered-on or shut-off status. When the air conditioner is not operating and the power supply unit is in the shut-off state, if the remote control device transmits a power setting to the indoor unit specifying that the power supply unit be set to the powered state, the indoor unit controls the power supply unit to the powered state. When the air conditioner is not operating and the power supply unit is energized, if the remote control device transmits a shut-off setting to the indoor unit specifying that the power supply unit be set to the shut-off state, the indoor unit controls the power supply unit to the shut-off state. When the power supply unit is energized, the indoor unit transmits the outdoor unit information to the remote control device when the remote control device requests the collection of outdoor unit information, including information about the outdoor unit's environment, for the purpose of diagnosing the outdoor unit. Air conditioning system.

2. The remote control device is a portable terminal, and when the power supply unit is powered on, it displays the outdoor unit information, and when the power supply unit is shut off, it does not display the outdoor unit information. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The remote control device is a cloud server, which allows access to the indoor unit when the power supply unit is powered on, does not allow access to the indoor unit when the power supply unit is shut off, transmits the power setting to the indoor unit, and allows access to the indoor unit after the indoor unit controls the power supply unit to power on. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. The remote control device calculates a period of time during which the power supply unit is shut off for a unit of time longer than a specified time, based on a history of power supply status information indicating whether the power supply unit is in the shut-off state or the powered state, and transmits the power supply setting to the indoor unit when the shut-off period begins. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit having a power supply unit that outputs power, and a plurality of indoor units that transmit a power command to the outdoor unit requesting that the power supply unit be controlled to be energized, A remote control device for remotely operating the air conditioner and collecting data from the air conditioner, Equipped with, Each of the multiple indoor units notifies the remote control device of the power supply unit's powered-on or shut-off state. When the air conditioner is not operating and the power supply unit is in the shut-off state, if the remote control device transmits a power setting to any of the multiple indoor units specifying that the power supply unit should be set to the powered state, the indoor unit that receives the power setting transmits a power command to the outdoor unit. When the outdoor unit receives the power supply command from any of the multiple indoor units, it controls the power supply unit to the powered state. When the power supply unit of the multiple indoor units is energized, and the remote control device requests the collection of outdoor unit information, including information about the outdoor unit's environment, for the purpose of diagnosing the outdoor unit, the indoor units transmit the outdoor unit information to the remote control device. Air conditioning system.

6. The aforementioned outdoor unit is, A shut-off control unit that outputs a shut-off command requesting that the outdoor unit be controlled to the shut-off state, A determination control unit controls the power supply unit to the powered state or the shut-off state based on the power supply command and the shut-off command, It has, When the remote control device transmits a shutdown setting to any of the multiple indoor units, specifying that the power supply unit should be set to the shutdown state, the indoor unit that receives the shutdown setting transmits the shutdown command to the outdoor unit. The shut-off control unit receives the shut-off setting from all of the multiple indoor units and outputs the shut-off command when all of the multiple indoor units are not in operation. The determination control unit controls the power supply unit to the energized state if it has not received the shutoff command. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

7. The determination control unit controls the power supply unit to the shut-off state when it receives the shut-off command from all of the multiple indoor units and does not receive the power-on command from all of the multiple indoor units. The air conditioning system according to claim 6.

8. The determination control unit controls the power supply unit to the shut-off state after it has finished notifying the remote control device of the operating performance information, which is information on the processing performed by the outdoor unit. The air conditioning system according to claim 7.

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