Diagnostic system of air conditioning device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024565431
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-27
Abstract
Description
Air conditioning unit diagnostic system
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a diagnostic system for an air conditioning device.
[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In commercial air conditioners, monitoring for abnormalities from a remote location using an internet line is being considered.
[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-120433 discloses an air conditioning system including an air conditioning device, a local controller communicatively connected to the air conditioning device and having the function of monitoring abnormal states of the air conditioning device, and a monitoring center communicatively connected to the local controller via a network line.
[0004] JP 2019-120433 A
[0005] Even if no error code is displayed, a user may experience an insufficient air conditioning system, such as insufficient cooling or heating, and the user is unable to determine the cause. In such cases, a service technician is typically called in to inspect the system, but dispatching a technician in response to a user's contact requires time and service fees. While a call center may be contacted, the user often has limited visibility, resulting in insufficient inspection and the cause often remaining unidentified. On the other hand, introducing a system that constantly monitors operational status (data) to detect malfunctions, as in JP 2019-120433 (Patent Document 1), incurs installation and maintenance costs for the system itself. Furthermore, such systems often only monitor for abnormalities and may fail to detect malfunctions that do not result in abnormalities.
[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to disclose a diagnostic system for an air conditioning device that allows a user to know the cause of a malfunction that does not amount to an abnormality when the user feels it.
[0007] The present disclosure relates to a diagnostic system that diagnoses an air conditioning device in response to commands from a user terminal operated by a user. The diagnostic system includes a data monitoring device that monitors data on the air conditioning device and a diagnostic server that performs a diagnosis using the data on the air conditioning device. The data monitoring device executes a first diagnosis to detect an abnormality in the air conditioning device regardless of commands from the user terminal. In response to a request from the user terminal, the diagnostic server executes a second diagnosis not included in the first diagnosis using data collected by the data monitoring device.
[0008] According to the diagnostic system of the present disclosure, a detailed diagnosis can be performed when a user feels unwell, thereby reducing operational costs and obtaining diagnostic results that are easy for the user to accept.
[0009] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning apparatus diagnostic system related to embodiment 1. It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning apparatus. It is a diagram showing an example of operating data obtained from the air conditioning apparatus. It is a flowchart for explaining a first diagnosis performed by the air conditioning apparatus. It is a flowchart for explaining a second diagnosis performed by the diagnostic server.
[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, embodiments and several application examples will be described, but it was originally planned to appropriately combine the configurations described in each application example. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Note that the size relationships between the components in the following drawings may differ from those in reality.
[0011] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to the present embodiment. The diagnostic system 1000 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a diagnostic server 1 and an air conditioning apparatus 40 whose condition is diagnosed by the diagnostic server 1. The diagnostic system 1000 also comprises a user terminal 160. As shown in Fig. 1, the diagnostic server 1 is connectable to the air conditioning apparatus 40 via a network 900 and the user terminal 160. The user terminal 160 may be, for example, a smartphone or the like that is used by installing application software.
[0012] The diagnostic server 1 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, memory 3 (ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory)), a communication unit 4, a database 5, an input / output buffer (not shown), etc. The CPU 2 deploys programs stored in the ROM into RAM, etc. and executes them. The programs stored in ROM are programs that describe the processing procedures of the diagnostic server 1. The diagnostic server 1 diagnoses the air conditioning device 40 in accordance with these programs. This control is not limited to software processing, and can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). The communication unit 4 is an interface for connecting to the network 900. The database 5 stores data related to the air conditioning device 40. The diagnostic server 1 may be constructed in a distributed manner across multiple servers connected to the network 900.
[0013] The user terminal 160 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by a user. The user terminal 160 includes a CPU 162, a memory 163 (ROM and RAM), an input unit 164, a display unit 165, wireless communication units 166 and 167, and the like. The CPU 162 loads and executes programs stored in the ROM into the RAM, etc. The programs stored in the ROM are programs that describe the processing procedures of the user terminal 160. In accordance with these programs, the user terminal 160 issues diagnostic commands for the air conditioning device 40 and relays data that serves as the basis for diagnosing the air conditioning device 40. This control is not limited to software processing, but can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). The wireless communication unit 167 is a wireless interface for connecting to the network 900. For example, the wireless communication unit 167 can use a mobile phone network such as 5G or 4G. The wireless communication unit 166 is a wireless interface for communicating with the air conditioning device 40 via a route separate from the network 900. For example, the wireless communication unit 166 can use Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like.
[0014] The air conditioning apparatus 40 includes an outdoor unit 7, an indoor unit 20, and a remote control 150. The outdoor unit 7 includes an outdoor unit 10 and a control device 30. The control device 30 controls the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. The remote control 150 is configured to send commands from a user to the control device 30 and to display various information received from the control device 30 to the user. The control device 30 may be located in a different location from the outdoor unit 7. The control device 30 may also be located separately in the outdoor unit 7 and the indoor unit 20.
[0015] The remote control 150 is placed on, for example, a wall of a room and is configured to allow the user to set the temperature, airflow, and other settings. The remote control 150 includes a CPU 152, memory 153 (ROM and RAM), an input unit 154, a display unit 155, a wireless communication unit 156, and other components. The CPU 152 loads and executes programs stored in the ROM into the RAM, etc. The programs stored in the ROM are programs that describe the processing procedures of the remote control 150. In accordance with these programs, the remote control 150 transmits commands such as the temperature setting and airflow to the control device 30 of the air conditioning device 40 and relays data that serves as the basis for diagnosing the air conditioning device 40. This control is not limited to software processing, but can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). The wireless communication unit 156 is a wireless interface (Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.) for communicating with the user terminal 160 via a route separate from the network 900.
[0016] For example, when a user notices a malfunction in the air conditioning device 40 (space environment) (not cooling or heating, or making an abnormal noise), the user wants to know the cause of the malfunction and how to deal with it. The user then uses the user terminal 160 they own to communicate with the remote control 150. To perform this communication, it is conceivable that dedicated application software is installed in advance on a general-purpose smartphone and used as the user terminal 160.
[0017] The control device 30 transmits the operating data of the air conditioning device 40 (including model name information and manufacturing serial number) when the user feels unwell via the remote control 150, and the operating data is saved on the user terminal 160 (it is not a problem if this data itself is saved temporarily).
[0018] Next, the user terminal 160 transmits the saved driving data and the like to the diagnostic server 1 on the manufacturer side. The transmission can be performed using a public line (for example, 5G communication or LTE (registered trademark) communication) used by the user.
[0019] The diagnostic server 1 analyzes the received operating data, etc., and investigates whether or not the air conditioning device 40 is malfunctioning and the cause of the malfunction that the user feels. If a cause of the malfunction is found, the diagnostic server 1 considers countermeasures. The diagnostic server 1 classifies the countermeasures as either ones that the user can handle themselves or not. The diagnostic server 1 then transmits the analysis results and countermeasures to the user terminal 160.
[0020] If there is no malfunction, the user terminal 160 will present to the user the cause of the malfunction that the user felt. For example, the user terminal 160 may present to the user that the cause is "the outside temperature is too high (too low)" or "the energy saving mode is set" and that "there is nothing wrong with the air conditioning device itself."
[0021] If there is a malfunction and there is a solution that the user can take themselves, the user terminal 160 will present the user with the estimated cause and a solution (a typical example of a solution would be cleaning the indoor filter). On the other hand, if there is a malfunction and there is no solution that the user can take themselves, the user terminal 160 will present only the cause to the user.
[0022] If the user is not satisfied with the presented content and requests a detailed inspection, the user terminal 160 will ask the user to "dispatch a service technician." In this case, since no abnormality may be found and the air conditioning device itself may be operating normally, it is up to the user to decide whether to actually dispatch a service technician.
[0023] A typical diagnostic system only detects abnormalities within the air conditioning device itself, and therefore only determines abnormalities. Malfunctions are not malfunctions, and are difficult to detect because the air conditioning device is operating and it is assumed that at least the air conditioning system is operating normally. The diagnostic system 1000 of this embodiment can detect malfunctions based on the user's senses.
[0024] For example, when a user has questions (complaints) such as "there is a strange noise" or "it's not cooling or heating properly" and is not sure whether the appliance is working properly (=malfunction), the diagnostic system 1000 can answer the question (complaint) by identifying the cause and offering a solution.
[0025] The configuration of the air conditioning apparatus and the control of the diagnostic system will be described in more detail below. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning apparatus. The air conditioning apparatus 40 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a plurality of indoor units 20, an outdoor unit 10, and a control device 30. Each of the plurality of indoor units 20 is disposed in the indoor space and connected to the outdoor unit 10 by liquid piping and gas piping through which a refrigerant passes. The outdoor unit 10 is disposed in a space outside the indoor space (outdoor space). The number of indoor units 20 included in the air conditioning apparatus 40 may be one or three or more.
[0026] The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, and a fan 14. Each of the indoor units 20 includes an expansion valve 21 and an indoor heat exchanger 22. A refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 11 included in the outdoor unit 10 to each of the indoor units 20. The refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 10 and each of the indoor units 20.
[0027] The control device 30 comprehensively controls the air conditioning device 40. As shown in Fig. 1, the control device 30 is connectable to a diagnostic server 1 via a remote control 150, a user terminal 160, and a network 900. The network 900 includes the Internet and a cloud system. The network 900 may also be a LAN (Local Area Network).
[0028] The control device 30 is configured to include a CPU 32, memory 33 (ROM and RAM), an input / output buffer (not shown), etc. The CPU 32 loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM, etc., and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program in which the processing procedures of the control device 30 are written. The control device 30 controls each device in the air conditioning device 40 in accordance with these programs. This control is not limited to processing by software, but can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).
[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, a four-way valve 13, a fan 14, an accumulator 15, temperature sensors 54 to 56, pressure sensors 61 and 63, and a humidity sensor 57.
[0030] Each of the indoor units 20 includes an expansion valve 21, an indoor heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, and temperature sensors 51 to 53. The expansion valve 21 includes, for example, an LEV (Linear Expansion Valve).
[0031] The operating modes of the air conditioner 40 include a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a defrost mode. In the heating mode, the four-way valve 13 connects the discharge port of the compressor 11 to the indoor heat exchanger 22, and also connects the outdoor heat exchanger 12 to a refrigerant inlet of the accumulator 15. In the heating mode, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the four-way valve 13, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 21, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12, in that order. In the cooling mode and the defrost mode, the four-way valve 13 connects the discharge port of the compressor 11 to the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and also connects the indoor heat exchanger 22 to a refrigerant inlet of the accumulator 15. In the cooling mode and the defrost mode, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the four-way valve 13, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the expansion valve 21, and the indoor heat exchanger 22, in that order.
[0032] The temperature sensor 51 measures the temperature of the air drawn into the indoor heat exchanger 22 (room temperature TH1ic) and outputs the measured temperature to the control device 30. The temperature sensors 52 and 53 measure the temperatures of the refrigerant before and after passing through the indoor heat exchanger 22 (indoor liquid temperature TH2ic, indoor gas temperature TH3ic), respectively, and output the measured temperatures to the control device 30.
[0033] The temperature sensor 54 measures the temperature (discharge temperature TH4) of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and outputs the discharge temperature to the control device 30. The temperature sensor 55 measures the temperature (suction temperature TH5) of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 via the accumulator 15 and outputs the suction temperature to the control device 30. The temperature sensor 56 measures the temperature TH3 of the liquid refrigerant in the pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the liquid pipe 41 and outputs the temperature to the control device 30.
[0034] The pressure sensor 61 measures the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 (discharge pressure HS1) and outputs the discharge pressure HS1 to the control device 30. The pressure sensor 63 measures the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 (suction pressure LS) and outputs the suction pressure LS to the control device 30.
[0035] Below, control during cooling will be described as a representative example. The control device 30 controls the operating frequency fCOMP of the compressor 11 so that the intake saturated gas temperature reaches a target temperature, thereby controlling the amount of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 per unit time. The control device 30 controls the opening degree Li of the expansion valve 21 so that the degree of superheat SH (= TH3ic - TH2ic) of the refrigerant at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 22 reaches a target value. The control device 30 controls the four-way valve 13 to follow the flow path indicated by the solid line, thereby switching the refrigerant circulation direction. The control device 30 controls the rotational frequency fFANo of the fan 14 to control the airflow rate per unit time of the fan so that the discharge saturated gas temperature reaches a target value. The control device 30 controls the rotational frequency fFANi of the fan 23 to achieve the airflow rate set by the user.
[0036] The control device 30 monitors whether or not some of the detected values of the above sensors are within a normal range, and if a detected value is outside the normal range, stops the compressor 11 and fans 14, 23 to protect the air conditioning device 40, and stops operation of the air conditioning device 40. This type of monitoring and diagnostic process will be referred to as the "first diagnosis."
[0037] On the other hand, when there is a request from the user terminal 160 shown in Fig. 1, the control device 30 associates operating data reflecting the state of the air conditioning system with the measurement time and transmits the data to the diagnostic server 1 via the remote controller 150, the user terminal 160, and the network 900. The diagnostic server 1 performs a "second diagnosis" that is more advanced than the "first diagnosis." The "second diagnosis" diagnoses malfunctions based on a combination of detection values from multiple sensors, changes over time in the detection value of a single sensor, etc.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of operating data obtained from the air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 3, the operating data includes various parameters. The various parameters include, for example, the outdoor air temperature, the discharge temperature (TH4), the evaporation temperature (TH2ic), the condensation temperature, the suction temperature (TH1ic), the discharge temperature, the high pressure (HS1), the low pressure (LS), the operating frequency (fCOMP) of the compressor 11, the opening of the expansion valve 21, the operating mode, the operating state (operating, stopped, or standby), the rotation speeds (fFANo, fFANi) of the fans 14 and 23, the indoor space temperature (set temperature) set by the user, the current value of the inverter of the compressor 11, the voltage value of the inverter, the temperature of the heat sink included in the outdoor unit 10, and the temperature (liquid pipe temperature TH3) of the liquid pipe (piping through which liquid refrigerant flows) connecting the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. The operating frequency of the compressor 11, the opening of the expansion valve 21, and the rotation speed of the fan 14 are basic manipulated variables in VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) control. These are analytical data required to analyze the operating conditions.
[0039] Furthermore, the serial number "AB12345" of the air conditioning apparatus 40 may be read from the memory of the air conditioning apparatus 40 and transmitted together with the detection values of the various sensors described above.
[0040] When the first diagnosis is performed, the control device 30 performs the first diagnosis based on these data. On the other hand, when the second diagnosis is performed, these data are transmitted from the user terminal 160 to the diagnostic server 1. Upon receiving these data, the diagnostic server 1 performs a diagnosis based on the contents of the analysis data and returns analysis result data.
[0041] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first diagnosis executed by the air conditioning apparatus. For example, the first diagnosis determines whether the discharge temperature (TH4) of the compressor 11 exceeds a threshold value, and if the threshold value is exceeded, the compressor is stopped. Such a state may occur due to an overload or the like.
[0042] First, in step S1, the control device 30 determines whether the current time has reached the diagnosis time. If it is not the diagnosis time (NO in S1), the process returns to the main routine in step S6, and then the process of step S1 is executed again.
[0043] If the diagnosis time has come (YES in S1), the control device 30 acquires a sensor value in step S2. For example, in the case of the discharge temperature (TH4), the control device 30 acquires the temperature TH4 detected by the temperature sensor 54.
[0044] Next, in step S3, the control device 30 determines whether the acquired sensor value is within a normal range. For example, in the case of the discharge temperature (TH4), the control device 30 determines whether the acquired discharge temperature exceeds a threshold value. This threshold value is determined, for example, based on the heat resistance temperature of the components of the compressor 11. If the sensor value is within the normal range (YES in S3), the process returns to the main routine in step S6, and then the process of step S1 is executed again.
[0045] On the other hand, if the sensor value is not within the normal range (NO in S3), the control device 30 stores an error code indicating that the sensor value is an abnormal value in the memory 33 in step S4, and then performs a stop process such as stopping the compressor 11 in step S5. The stored error code can be used later by a service technician who comes to repair the malfunction, for example, to identify the cause of the malfunction.
[0046] In the above description, an example has been shown in which the first diagnosis is performed by the control device 30, but the first diagnosis may also be performed by the remote control 150 or another device connected to the air conditioning device 40. Also, while an example has been shown in which the first diagnosis is a diagnosis of whether the discharge temperature has exceeded the upper limit, it may also be a diagnosis of other sensor values. For example, the pressure HS1 of the high-pressure section, the current value, the voltage value of the inverter, etc., shown in FIG. 3 may be diagnosed as the first diagnosis.
[0047] The first diagnosis is a relatively simple diagnosis, such as determining whether a sensor value is within a range of upper and lower limits established for that sensor value. In contrast, the second diagnosis, which will be described below, requires more advanced judgments or calculations than the first diagnosis. For this reason, the second diagnosis is executed by the diagnostic server 1, which has a higher data processing capacity than the control device 30 of the air conditioning device 40.
[0048] For example, the second diagnosis is executed in response to a command from the user when the discharge temperature has not reached the threshold and operation is possible and continues, but the user feels that the unit is not cooling, that is, when there is a malfunction but not an abnormality. Specifically, the second diagnosis is executed in a situation where, for example, when multiple indoor units are operating at the same time, the intake filter is clogged and cooling is difficult.
[0049] Several perspectives can be considered as examples in which the second diagnosis is more advanced than the first diagnosis. For example, in the first diagnosis, the control device 30 determines whether the instantaneous value of one sensor exceeds a threshold value. It is also possible for the control device 30 to count the number of times the sensor value exceeds a threshold within a certain period of time and determine an abnormality when the number exceeds a determination value. If an abnormality is determined in the first diagnosis, the control device 30 shuts down the air conditioning device 40. In contrast, the second diagnosis is performed in response to a user request when the first diagnosis would not require shutdown, i.e., when the sensor value does not exceed the threshold value for the first diagnosis. In the second diagnosis, the diagnostic server 1 may perform a judgment on a combination of multiple sensors, or may use values calculated based on more data than the first diagnosis, such as average values, rather than instantaneous sensor values. In the latter example, for example, the first diagnosis may be performed based on the outputs of the sensors 51 to 57 over a first period (e.g., instantaneous values, short-term average values, etc.), and the second diagnosis may be performed based on the outputs of the sensors 51 to 57 over a second period longer than the first period (e.g., long-term average values, etc.). However, the second diagnosis does not necessarily have to be more advanced than the first diagnosis. For example, a limited number of important diagnoses may be performed in the first diagnosis due to time or other constraints, and only minor details that need to be investigated may be performed in the second diagnosis.
[0050] 5 is a flowchart for explaining the second diagnosis executed by the diagnostic server 1. In this flowchart, data is sent and received between the control device 30 of the air conditioning device 40, the user terminal 160, and the diagnostic server 1.
[0051] The second diagnosis is triggered by a command from the user via the user terminal 160. If the user feels that something is wrong, even if the control device 30 of the air conditioning device 40 has not diagnosed an abnormality, the user can send data from the remote control 150 of the air conditioning device 40 to the diagnostic server 1 via the user terminal 160 (such as a smartphone), and receive a detailed diagnosis from the diagnostic server 1.
[0052] First, in step S21, when the user terminal 160 receives a request for a second diagnosis from the user, the user terminal 160 requests data to be used in the second diagnosis from the control device 30 of the air conditioning apparatus 40. In the example of FIG. 1 , such communication between the control device 30 and the user terminal 160 is conveniently performed via a wirelessly capable remote control 150. Specifically, the user connects to the remote control 150 using a user terminal such as a smartphone. The connection method can use wireless communication, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.
[0053] In the air conditioning apparatus 40, if there is no request for the second diagnosis (NO in S11), the first diagnosis shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 is periodically executed in step S14. The air conditioning apparatus 40 may be prepared to transmit operating data for a certain period to a device such as a remote control 150 that can be accessed by the user. The operating data for the certain period is stored in the memory of the control device 30 or the remote control 150.
[0054] On the other hand, if there is a request for a second diagnosis (YES in S11), the control device 30 collects data for the second diagnosis in step S12, and transmits the data to the user terminal 160 in step S13.
[0055] The data for the second diagnosis may be the same as the data for the first diagnosis. In this case, a map of normal ranges when multiple sensor values are input may be used as a criterion for determining malfunction in the second diagnosis.
[0056] The data for the second diagnosis may be more data than the data for the first diagnosis. For example, when a second diagnosis is requested, the control device 30 may measure data at regular intervals for a certain period of time and transmit data showing changes in the sensor values to the user terminal 160. For diagnosis, the compressor frequency, expansion valve opening, etc. may be changed, and data on the sensor values before and after the change may be transmitted to the user terminal 160.
[0057] Furthermore, the second diagnostic data may include information on the outdoor unit's serial number (production model number) and various operational data, as shown in FIG.
[0058] In step S22, the user terminal 160 receives data from the control device 30 via the remote control 150. Then, in step S23, the user terminal 160 requests a second diagnosis from the diagnostic server 1, and in step S24 transfers the data acquired from the air conditioning device 40 to the diagnostic server 1. The diagnostic server 1 may be a server of the manufacturer that manages information on the "outdoor unit manufacturing number" (manufacturing model number).
[0059] The diagnostic server 1 determines whether or not there is a request for a second diagnosis in step S31. If there is no request for a second diagnosis (NO in S31), the diagnostic server 1 temporarily exits the processing of this flowchart and waits again for a request for a second diagnosis in step S31. When the diagnostic server 1 receives a request for a second diagnosis in step S31 (YES in S31), it receives data for the second diagnosis from the user terminal 160 in step S32. Then, it executes diagnostic processing for the second diagnosis in step S33. Then, it transmits the diagnostic results to the user terminal 160 in step S34.
[0060] If the operating data is not stored on the air conditioning device 40 side, the air conditioning device 40 may communicate with the remote control 150 while operating, and operating data for a certain period of time, for example, about 30 minutes, may be saved in the user terminal 160 and then transmitted to the diagnostic server 1. In this case, the longer the operating data, the more accurate the diagnosis.
[0061] When the diagnostic server 1 receives the data for the second diagnosis, it performs an analysis based on the data and transmits the results to the user terminal 160. There are two main types of information to be transmitted. The first type is a "probable cause," and the second type is a "measure proposal."
[0062] The "estimated cause" sent explains the cause of the malfunction, and includes, for example, "whether there is anything abnormal in the air conditioning system" and "estimated cause of the malfunction (estimated location of the abnormality)." Specifically, these include unit-related causes such as worn parts or a decrease in refrigerant, as well as external factors such as high outside temperatures.
[0063] Furthermore, the "proposed countermeasures" to be sent include the details of countermeasures that the user can take and that are expected to improve the condition of the air conditioning device 40, if any. For example, cleaning the filter is an example. On the other hand, if there are no countermeasures that the user can take, or if the countermeasures do not improve the condition, a maintenance request is proposed.
[0064] When the user terminal 160 receives the diagnosis result in step S25, in step S26, the user terminal 160 displays the diagnosis result on the display unit 165. The user can know the cause of the malfunction by being presented with the "probable cause."
[0065] Furthermore, if possible countermeasures for the user are transmitted to the user terminal 160 along with the diagnosis results (YES in S27), the user terminal 160 presents the countermeasures to the user in step S28. For example, the countermeasures presented may be "please clean the air intake filter" or "please limit the simultaneous use of indoor units."
[0066] On the other hand, if the user terminal 160 does not receive any measures that the user can take along with the diagnosis results (NO in S27), in step S29 it presents measures such as requesting the dispatch of a service technician.
[0067] As described above, according to the diagnostic system of this embodiment, if a user feels a malfunction, the cause is displayed, allowing the user to check for themselves whether or not there is a malfunction. While it takes time to request an inspection after a user feels a malfunction, as in the past, the cost of the inspection itself and the time involved are reduced. This is less expensive than introducing a system that constantly monitors malfunctions.
[0068] In addition, because the diagnosis is based on the user's driving data, it is possible to make suggestions that are tailored to each user's usage situation. For example, it is user-friendly because it does not give a standard answer such as "It needs to be replaced because it has been driving for a long time."
[0069] (Various Application Examples) (Application Example 1) The environment in which the air conditioning apparatus 40 operates may have characteristics specific to that environment (for example, the length of the refrigerant piping, the type of indoor units 20, the number of indoor units 20, and the difference in elevation between the indoor units 20 and the outdoor unit 10). As such, the criteria (for example, threshold values) for detecting an abnormality in the air conditioning apparatus 40 may differ depending on the environment in which the air conditioning apparatus 40 operates. Therefore, if a common criteria is used regardless of the environment in which the air conditioning apparatus 40 operates, the accuracy of detecting an abnormality in the air conditioning apparatus 40 may decrease.
[0070] Therefore, in the diagnostic server 1, if a normal state is confirmed during a trial run after installation of the air conditioning system, the system is considered to be in a normal state for a certain period thereafter. Then, judgment criteria determined based on the operating data of the air conditioning device 40 for that certain period are uploaded along with the serial number and registered in the database 5. By using individual judgment criteria values for this serial number, it becomes possible to detect malfunctions and abnormalities in the air conditioning device 40 using judgment criteria suited to the environment in which the individual air conditioning device 40 operates. As a result, the accuracy of abnormality detection in the air conditioning system can be improved.
[0071] In such a case, the initial data at the time of installation is linked to the serial number and uploaded to the database 5 of the diagnostic server 1, and is compared with the operating data during the second diagnosis. This makes it possible to display on the user terminal 160 the percentage of decline in air conditioning capacity, the percentage of deterioration of parts, etc.
[0072] In addition, in the case of the degree of deterioration of parts, etc., the inspection data at the time of manufacture, rather than after installation, can be associated with the manufacturing number and stored in the database 5 of the diagnostic server 1, and this inspection data can be used for the second diagnosis.
[0073] (Application Example 2) The diagnostic server 1 stores the serial number of the air conditioner 40 and the lot history of the parts used in the database 5 at the manufacturing stage.
[0074] In the second diagnosis, the lot history of the parts used is checked from the serial number, and if the lot has a high number of failures, the system will advise you to replace the part.
[0075] (Application Example 3) The serial number and repair history of the air conditioner 40 are uploaded to the diagnostic server 1 every time a repair occurs and stored in the database 5 .
[0076] In the second diagnosis, the repair history is checked from the serial number, and measures to address any malfunctions that have a repair history are presented. For example, if there is a history of refrigerant leak repair, guidance is provided on refrigerant leak repair (refrigerant refill).
[0077] (Summary) Finally, the present embodiment will be summarized with reference to the drawings again.
[0078] (Section 1) As shown in Fig. 1 , the diagnostic system 1000 shown in the present disclosure diagnoses an air conditioning device 40 in response to commands from a user terminal 160 operated by a user. The diagnostic system 1000 includes a data monitoring device (control device 30) that monitors data from the air conditioning device 40, and a diagnostic server 1 that performs a diagnosis using the data from the air conditioning device 40. The data monitoring device (control device 30) performs a first diagnosis that detects abnormalities in the air conditioning device 40, regardless of commands from the user terminal 160. In response to a request from the user terminal 160, the diagnostic server 1 performs a second diagnosis that is not included in the first diagnosis, using data collected by the data monitoring device (control device 30).
[0079] (Clause 2) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in clause 1 is configured so that communication between the user terminal 160 and the data monitoring device (control device 30) occurs over a first communication network (Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.), and communication between the user terminal 160 and the diagnostic server 1 occurs over a second communication network (network 900, the Internet, 5G, LTE (registered trademark), etc.) that is different from the first communication network. When requesting execution of a second diagnosis, the user terminal 160 is configured to acquire data necessary for the second diagnosis from the data monitoring device (control device 30) and transmit the acquired data to the diagnostic server 1.
[0080] (Clause 3) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in clause 2 further includes at least one sensor 51-57 that is installed in the air conditioning device 40 and measures a parameter that serves as information for determining abnormality diagnosis. When the user terminal 160 requests execution of a second diagnosis, it causes the data monitoring device (control device 30) to measure a parameter corresponding to data required for the second diagnosis using the sensors 51-57.
[0081] (Clause 4) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in clause 1 further includes at least one sensor 51-57 that is installed in the air conditioning device 40 and measures a parameter that serves as information for diagnosing an abnormality. A first diagnosis is performed based on the output of the sensors 51-57 over a first period, and a second diagnosis is performed based on the output of the sensors 51-57 over a second period that is longer than the first period.
[0082] (Item 5) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in item 1 further includes a plurality of sensors 51-57 that are installed in the air conditioning device 40 and measure a plurality of parameters that serve as criteria for diagnosing an abnormality. A first diagnosis is performed based on the output of a first number of sensors out of the plurality of sensors 51-57, and a second diagnosis is performed based on the output of a second number of sensors out of the plurality of sensors 51-57 that is greater than the first number.
[0083] (Clause 6) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in Clause 1 further includes a first storage device (memory 33) that stores the serial number of the air conditioning device 40. The data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device (memory 33). The diagnostic server 1 includes a second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5) that stores information on parts used corresponding to the serial number, and a processing device (CPU 2) that checks, based on the information stored in the second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5), whether the part used corresponding to the serial number is a part from a specified production lot, and if the part used is a part from the specified production lot, provides guidance on part replacement.
[0084] (Clause 7) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in clause 1 further includes a first storage device (memory 33) that stores the serial number of the air conditioning device 40. The data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device (memory 33). The diagnostic server 1 includes a second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5) that stores repair history information corresponding to the serial number, and a processing device (CPU 2) that provides repair guidance based on the history information stored in the second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5).
[0085] (Clause 8) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in clause 1 further includes a first storage device (memory 33) that stores the serial number of the air conditioning device 40. The data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device (memory 33). The diagnostic server 1 includes a second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5) that stores inspection data at the time of manufacture that corresponds to the serial number, and a processing device (CPU 2) that compares the inspection data stored in the second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5) with current data to determine the degree of deterioration.
[0086] (Clause 9) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in Clause 1 further includes a first storage device (memory 33) that stores the serial number of the air conditioning device 40. The data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device (memory 33). The diagnostic server 1 includes a second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5) that stores initial data at the time of installation that corresponds to the serial number, and a processing device (CPU 2) that compares the initial data stored in the second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5) with current data to determine the degree of deterioration.
[0087] The diagnostic system of this embodiment described above provides the following advantages. In a standalone system, the processing capacity of the control device is limited, making it impossible to perform advanced diagnostics. In this embodiment, however, the use of a diagnostic server makes advanced diagnostic processing possible.
[0088] The installation and maintenance costs of the system itself are lower than those of introducing a mechanism that uses a diagnostic server for constant monitoring to detect the cause of malfunctions.In other words, because the diagnostic server is used only when necessary, detailed diagnostic results can be obtained from operating data without incurring operational costs.
[0089] No special equipment is required to collect data; it can be done using commercially available products (smartphones, application software, etc.).
[0090] Since simple diagnosis is possible without the need to dispatch a serviceman, the possibility of the user being able to solve the malfunction on their own increases.
[0091] Diagnosis does not require complicated operations or tasks, so no specialized knowledge or qualifications are required. Users can choose their own response based on the information sent from the server, making it easy for them to understand.
[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.
[0093] 1 diagnostic server, 2, 32, 152, 162 CPU, 3, 33, 153, 163 memory, 4 communication unit, 5 database, 7 outdoor unit, 10 outdoor unit, 11 compressor, 12, 22 heat exchanger, 13 four-way valve, 14, 23 fan, 15 accumulator, 20 indoor unit, 21 expansion valve, 30 control device, 40 air conditioning device, 41 liquid pipe, 51 to 56 temperature sensor, 57 humidity sensor, 61, 63 pressure sensor, 150 remote control, 154, 164 input unit, 155, 165 display unit, 156, 166, 167 wireless communication unit, 160 user terminal, 900 network, 1000 diagnostic system.
Claims
1. A diagnostic system that diagnoses an air conditioning device in response to a command from a user terminal operated by a user, A data monitoring device that monitors data of the air conditioning device; a diagnostic server that performs a diagnosis using data on the air conditioning device, the data monitoring device executes a first diagnosis to detect an abnormality in the air conditioning device regardless of an instruction from the user terminal; the diagnostic server executes a second diagnosis not included in the first diagnosis in response to a request from the user terminal; the data monitoring device, when a request to execute the second diagnosis is received, provides data to be used in the second diagnosis to the diagnosis server; An air-conditioning device diagnostic system, wherein the data used in the second diagnosis includes at least information not used in the first diagnosis.
2. the diagnostic system is configured to perform communication between the user terminal and the data monitoring device through a first communication network, and to perform communication between the user terminal and the diagnostic server through a second communication network different from the first communication network; The air conditioning device diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the user terminal is configured to obtain data necessary for the second diagnosis from the data monitoring device when requesting execution of the second diagnosis, and to transmit the obtained data to the diagnostic server.
3. Further, at least one sensor is provided in the air conditioning apparatus to measure a parameter serving as a basis for determining an abnormality diagnosis, The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 2 , wherein, when the user terminal requests execution of the second diagnosis, the user terminal causes the data monitoring device to use the sensor to measure a parameter corresponding to data necessary for the second diagnosis.
4. Further, at least one sensor is provided in the air conditioning apparatus to measure a parameter serving as a basis for determining an abnormality diagnosis, The first diagnosis is performed based on an output of the sensor during a first time period; The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , wherein the second diagnosis is performed based on an output of the sensor for a second period longer than the first period.
5. Further comprising a plurality of sensors installed in the air conditioning apparatus and measuring a plurality of parameters that are used to determine an abnormality diagnosis, the first diagnosis is performed based on outputs of a first number of the plurality of sensors; The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , wherein the second diagnosis is performed based on outputs from a second number of the plurality of sensors, the second number being greater than the first number.
6. A first storage device that stores a serial number of the air conditioning device, the data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device, The diagnostic server includes: a second storage device that stores information on parts used corresponding to the serial numbers; The air conditioning device diagnostic system of claim 1, further comprising a processing device that checks whether the part used corresponding to the serial number is a part from a specified manufacturing lot based on the information stored in the second storage device, and if the part used is a part from the specified manufacturing lot, provides guidance on part replacement.
7. A first storage device that stores a serial number of the air conditioning device, the data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device, The diagnostic server includes: a second storage device that stores repair history information corresponding to the serial number; The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a processing device that provides repair guidance based on the history information stored in the second storage device.
8. A first storage device that stores a serial number of the air conditioning device, the data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device, The diagnostic server includes: a second storage device that stores inspection data at the time of manufacture corresponding to the serial number; The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , further comprising a processing device that compares the inspection data stored in the second storage device with current data to determine a degree of deterioration.
9. A first storage device that stores a serial number of the air conditioning device, the data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device, The diagnostic server includes: A second storage device that stores initial data at the time of installation corresponding to the serial number; The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , further comprising a processing device that compares the initial data stored in the second storage device with current data to determine a degree of deterioration.