Air conditioning system, air conditioning apparatus, and control method

Abstract

This air conditioning system comprises: a data collection unit that collects data relating to the state of an air conditioner in which a flammable refrigerant is used; and a transmission control unit that switches between a first mode in which the data collected by the data collection unit in a normal state is transmitted to a management server, and a second mode in which the transmission frequency is higher than that in the first mode and in which the data having many transmission items is transmitted to the management server, the transmission control unit switching to the second mode when there is a possibility that an abnormality relating to the flammable refrigerant occurs in the air conditioner.

Description

Air conditioning system, air conditioner, and control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, an air conditioner, and a control method.

[0002] In recent years, a system has been known in which air conditioning units are connected to a server device via the Internet and their operation data is transmitted to the server device periodically, for example, monthly, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Meanwhile, in recent years, in consideration of environmental issues such as global warming, air conditioning units filled with flammable refrigerants with low GWP (greenhouse effect index) have become increasingly popular.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-215125

[0004] However, in the conventional technology described above, operating data is transmitted periodically (for example, once a month), and there are cases where the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak cannot be detected promptly and appropriately.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and its purpose is to provide an air conditioning system, an air conditioner, and a control method that can appropriately detect the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system comprising: a data collection unit that collects data regarding the state of an air conditioner that uses a flammable refrigerant; and a transmission control unit that switches between a first mode in which the data collected by the data collection unit is sent to a management server under normal conditions, and a second mode in which the data is sent to the management server more frequently and with more items than in the first mode, and the transmission control unit switches to the second mode when there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring in the air conditioner related to the flammable refrigerant.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioner comprising: a data collection unit that collects data regarding the state of an air conditioner that uses a flammable refrigerant; and a transmission control unit that switches between a first mode in which the data collected by the data collection unit is sent to a management server under normal conditions, and a second mode in which the data is sent to the management server more frequently and with more items than in the first mode, and the transmission control unit switches to the second mode when there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring in the air conditioner related to the flammable refrigerant.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method in which a transmission control unit switches between a first mode in which a data collection unit collects data regarding the state of an air conditioner that uses a flammable refrigerant and transmits the data collected by the data collection unit to a management server under normal conditions, and a second mode in which the data is transmitted to the management server more frequently and with more transmission items than in the first mode, and switches to the second mode when there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring in the air conditioner related to the flammable refrigerant.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately detect the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak and improve safety when using a flammable refrigerant.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display in detail mode of a mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display in normal mode of a mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for changing to detail mode of a mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an abnormality sign detection process of a management server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining an example of the hardware configuration of each device of the air conditioning system of the present disclosure.

[0011] An air conditioning system, an air conditioner, and a control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 10, a management server 20, and a mobile terminal device 30. The air conditioning system 1 is an example of an air conditioning system.

[0013] The air conditioner 10, the management server 20, and the mobile terminal device 30 can be connected to a network NW1, and the air conditioner 10, the management server 20, and the mobile terminal device 30 can communicate with each other via the network NW1.

[0014] The mobile terminal device 30 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet terminal, and is a terminal device carried by a maintenance worker or a user (end user) of the air conditioner 10. The mobile terminal device 30 has, for example, an operation application installed, and is used by a maintenance worker to perform maintenance or by a user to operate the air conditioner 10. The mobile terminal device 30 includes an NW communication unit (network communication unit) 31, an input unit 32, a display unit 33, a terminal storage unit 34, and a terminal control unit 35.

[0015] The NW communication unit 31 is, for example, a communication device such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, and can connect to the network NW1 using a wireless LAN, etc. The NW communication unit 31 communicates with, for example, the air conditioners 10 and the management server 20 via the network NW1.

[0016] The input unit 32 is an input device such as a touch sensor or a keyboard, and receives various input information in response to operations by a maintenance worker or a user. The input unit 32 is used to input, for example, operation settings and set temperatures.

[0017] The display unit 33 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various information, such as operation settings, temperature settings, menu images or operation images for various operations, and mode information for data transmission (described later).

[0018] The terminal storage unit 34 stores various types of information used by the mobile terminal device 30. The terminal control unit 35 is a processor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs overall control of the mobile terminal device 30. The terminal control unit 35 is a functional unit realized by, for example, causing the processor to execute a program stored in the terminal storage unit 34.

[0019] The air conditioner 10 (an example of an air conditioner) is an air conditioner that uses, for example, a flammable refrigerant (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a flammable refrigerant) and has a refrigerant circuit (not shown) that circulates the flammable refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit is a circuit that circulates the refrigerant by connecting an indoor unit (not shown) and an outdoor unit (not shown) equipped in the air conditioner 10 with refrigerant piping. The refrigerant circuit includes, for example, a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a four-way valve that changes the direction of circulation of the refrigerant, an expansion valve, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0020] The air conditioner 10 also includes a NW communication unit 11 , an RC communication unit (remote controller communication unit) 12 , a sensor unit 13 , an air conditioning storage unit 14 , and an air conditioning control unit 15 .

[0021] The NW communication unit 11 is, for example, a communication device such as a wireless LAN adapter, and can connect to the network NW1 using a wireless LAN or the like. The NW communication unit 11 communicates with, for example, the management server 20 and the mobile terminal device 30 via the network NW1. The NW communication unit 11 may also communicate with the mobile terminal device 30 via the management server 20.

[0022] The RC communication unit 12 communicates with a remote controller (not shown) using, for example, infrared communication, etc. The RC communication unit 12 receives, for example, a control command for operating the air conditioner 10 from the remote controller.

[0023] The sensor unit 13 is a variety of sensors included in the air conditioner 10, such as a refrigerant sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a pressure sensor. The refrigerant sensor detects leakage of flammable refrigerant. The sensor unit 13 also includes multiple temperature sensors that detect the pipe temperatures (or refrigerant temperatures) of various parts of the refrigerant circuit, the indoor temperature, and the outdoor air temperature. The temperature sensors can detect, for example, the pipe temperatures (refrigerant temperatures) before and after the compressor, the pipe temperatures (refrigerant temperatures) before and after the heat exchanger, and the temperature inside the indoor unit housing.

[0024] The humidity sensor detects indoor humidity, outdoor humidity, etc. The air conditioner 10 is also provided with a plurality of pressure sensors that detect the refrigerant pressure in each section. The pressure sensors can detect the refrigerant pressure before and after the compressor, for example. The sensor unit 13 also includes a current detection unit that detects the current consumption of the compressor, the overall current consumption of the air conditioner 10, etc.

[0025] The air conditioning storage unit 14 stores various types of information used by the air conditioner 10. The air conditioning storage unit 14 includes a model information storage unit 141, a collection result storage unit 142, a mode storage unit 143, and an integrated information storage unit 144.

[0026] The model information storage unit 141 stores model information of the air conditioner 10. The model information of the air conditioner 10 includes, for example, the model code of the air conditioner 10, the type of refrigerant, sensor placement information, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit, the type of installed sensor, and collectable data items.

[0027] The collection result storage unit 142 stores the collection results collected by the air conditioner 10. The collection result storage unit 142 stores, as collection results, for example, various data detected by the sensor unit 13, the operation history of the air conditioner 10, and the history of abnormality occurrence. The information stored in the collection result storage unit 142 is used for data transmission to the management server 20 by the transmission control unit 153, which will be described later.

[0028] The mode storage unit 143 stores information about the mode of data transmission to the management server 20 (described later). The mode storage unit 143 stores setting information for each transmission mode in association with information about the currently set mode. Here, the setting information for each transmission mode includes, for example, the transmission interval, the data items to be transmitted in that mode, etc.

[0029] In this embodiment, there are two data transmission modes: a normal mode and a detailed mode, and the mode storage unit 143 stores the transmission interval (transmission frequency), data items (transmission items), etc. for each of the normal mode and the detailed mode. Details of the normal mode and the detailed mode will be described later.

[0030] The integrated information storage unit 144 stores information related to integrated values. Here, the integrated value is, for example, the integrated operating time or the integrated power consumption of the air conditioner 10, and is used as a condition for switching from the detailed mode to the normal mode. Furthermore, the integrated information storage unit 144 stores, for example, the integrated value and a threshold value for the integrated value in association with each other.

[0031] The air conditioning control unit 15 is, for example, a processor including a CPU, and performs overall control of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioning control unit 15 is, for example, a functional unit realized by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the air conditioning storage unit 14. The air conditioning control unit 15 includes an operation control unit 151, a data collection unit 152, and a transmission control unit 153.

[0032] The operation control unit 151 controls the air conditioning operation based on a control command received from, for example, a remote controller (not shown) or a mobile terminal device 30 equipped with a driving operation application. The operation control unit 151 receives a control command from the remote controller via the RC communication unit 12, and receives a control command from the mobile terminal device 30 via the NW communication unit 11.

[0033] The control command also includes operation settings (heating operation, cooling operation, etc.), set temperature, and air flow settings, etc., and the operation control unit 151 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 including the refrigerant circuit based on the received operation settings (heating operation, cooling operation, etc.), set temperature, and air flow settings, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, when an abnormality is detected in the air conditioner 10 based on the detection data of the sensor unit 13, or when a notification that an abnormality has occurred in the air conditioner 10 is received from the management server 20, the operation control unit 151 executes abnormality response processing to deal with the abnormality. As the abnormality response processing, the operation control unit 151 outputs an alarm to the user of the air conditioner 10, for example. For example, the operation control unit 151 displays information indicating the abnormality (for example, an error code or message) on the remote controller or the user's mobile terminal device 30.

[0035] The data collection unit 152 collects data related to the state of the air conditioner 10 that uses a flammable refrigerant. The data collection unit 152 collects, for example, various types of data detected by the sensor unit 13 and stores the collected data in the collection result storage unit 142. The data collection unit 152 also collects the operating state controlled by the operation control unit 151, abnormality occurrence history, protective stop history, etc., and stores the collected operating state history information, abnormality occurrence history, protective stop history, etc. in the collection result storage unit 142.

[0036] The transmission control unit 153 controls data transmission of the data collected by the data collection unit 152 to the management server 20. The transmission control unit 153 switches the mode of data transmission to the management server 20 between a normal mode (first mode) and a detailed mode (second mode).

[0037] Here, the normal mode is a transmission mode in which data collected by the data collection unit 152 when the air conditioner 10 is in a normal state is transmitted to the management server 20. In the normal mode, the transmission control unit 153 transmits data of predetermined transmission items (e.g., indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, etc.), which are part of the data items collected by the data collection unit 152, to the management server 20 at specific intervals (specific transmission frequency) via the NW communication unit.

[0038] Specifically, when the mode information stored in the mode memory unit 143 indicates the normal mode, the transmission control unit 153 transmits the data stored in the collection result memory unit 142 to the management server 20 based on the transmission interval (transmission frequency) and data items (transmission items) corresponding to the normal mode stored in the mode memory unit 143.

[0039] The detailed mode is a transmission mode in which data is transmitted more frequently and with more transmission items to the management server 20 than in the normal mode. In addition to the transmission items in the normal mode, the transmission items in the detailed mode include items for detecting abnormalities such as flammable refrigerant leaks, such as the detection value of the refrigerant sensor, the refrigerant temperature immediately after being discharged from the compressor, the refrigerant temperature (fluctuations) before and after passing through the heat exchanger, the amount of power required to operate the compressor (fluctuations), the operating frequency of the compressor, and the LEV opening (opening of the expansion valve). The transmission items may also include operation history information of the air conditioner 10, an abnormality occurrence history, and a protective stop history.

[0040] In the detailed mode, the transmission control unit 153 transmits the data of the above-mentioned transmission items to the management server 20 via the NW communication unit at a transmission frequency higher than that in the normal mode. Specifically, when the mode information stored in the mode storage unit 143 indicates the detailed mode, the transmission control unit 153 transmits the data stored in the collection result storage unit 142 to the management server 20 based on the transmission interval (transmission frequency) and data items (transmission items) corresponding to the detailed mode stored in the mode storage unit 143.

[0041] Furthermore, the transmission control unit 153 switches to the detailed mode when there is a possibility that an abnormality related to a flammable refrigerant may occur in the air conditioner 10. Here, "when there is a possibility that an abnormality related to a flammable refrigerant may occur in the air conditioner 10" includes, for example, the following cases (1) and (2).

[0042] (1) When the air conditioner 10 is installed (set up), or when parts of the air conditioner 10 are replaced or reinstalled during maintenance. (2) When a maintenance worker or a user (end user) determines that there is a possibility that an abnormality may occur in the air conditioner 10.

[0043] In the case of (2) above, in order to further enhance safety, it may also include use in an environment where caution is particularly and always required when using a flammable refrigerant, such as a kitchen where fire is used.

[0044] When the air conditioner 10 is installed as in (1) above, the transmission control unit 153 switches to the detailed mode and maintains the detailed mode until the set conditions are met.

[0045] The period that satisfies the condition is a period during which the accumulated value, which is the accumulated operating time or accumulated power consumption of the air conditioner 10, is equal to or less than a threshold value. The transmission control unit 153 periodically calculates the accumulated operating time or accumulated power consumption, and updates information related to the accumulated value stored in the accumulated information storage unit 144. The transmission control unit 153 refers to the accumulated information storage unit 144, and switches from the detailed mode to the normal mode when the accumulated value exceeds the threshold value.

[0046] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 10 is in the detailed mode, the transmission control unit 153 outputs information indicating that the air conditioner 10 is in the detailed mode to the mobile terminal device 30 that can communicate with the air conditioner 10 or the management server 20. That is, when the air conditioner 10 is in the detailed mode, the transmission control unit 153 displays a message indicating that the air conditioner 10 is in the detailed mode on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal device 30, as shown in FIG.

[0047] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display in the detail mode of the mobile terminal device 30 in this embodiment. The display screen G1 shown in Fig. 2 shows an example of a display in the detail mode of the mobile terminal device 30, and the mobile terminal device 30 displays a message on the display unit 33 as information indicating the detail mode, saying, "[Data communication: detail mode] Analyzing whether there are any abnormalities in the installation work."

[0048] In addition, the transmission control unit 153 may output a message indicating that the mobile terminal device 30 is in detailed mode directly to the mobile terminal device 30 via the network communication unit 11, or may output a message indicating that the mobile terminal device 30 is in detailed mode via the management server 20.

[0049] When switching from the detailed mode to the normal mode, the transmission control unit 153 also displays a message on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal device 30 indicating that the mode has been switched to the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

[0050] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display in the normal mode of the mobile terminal device 30 in this embodiment. The display screen G2 shown in Fig. 3 shows an example of a display in the normal mode of the mobile terminal device 30, and the mobile terminal device 30 displays a message on the display unit 33 indicating that it has transitioned to the normal mode, saying, "(Data communication: normal mode) There were no abnormalities in the installation work."

[0051] 1 , when a maintenance worker or a user (end user) determines that an abnormality may occur as in (2) above, the maintenance worker or the user (end user) switches the air conditioner 10 to the detailed mode, for example, by operating the mobile terminal device 30. When a request to switch to the detailed mode is received from the mobile terminal device 30 via the NW communication unit 11, the transmission control unit 153 switches from the normal mode to the detailed mode.

[0052] When a maintenance worker or a user (end user) operates a button on the operation application as shown in FIG. 4 , the mobile terminal device 30 transmits a request to switch to the detailed mode to the air conditioner 10 via the NW communication unit 31.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for changing to the detailed mode of the mobile terminal device 30 in this embodiment. The display screen G3 shown in Fig. 4 shows an example of the screen for changing to the detailed mode, and by performing an operation to move the "fault analysis mode" button to the right using the input unit 32, for example, the mobile terminal device 30 transmits a request to switch to the detailed mode to the air conditioner 10.

[0054] 1 , the transmission control unit 153 resets the integrated value in response to a reset request. Here, the reset request is sent to the air conditioner 10 by operating a reset button (not shown) provided on the air conditioner 10, operating a remote controller, or operating the mobile terminal device 30. In response to the reset request, the transmission control unit 153 resets the integrated value stored in the integrated information storage unit 144, and enables the detailed mode to be executed for a period until the integrated value reaches a threshold value.

[0055] The management server 20 is a server device that manages the air conditioners 10, and executes management processing for the registered air conditioners 10. The management server 20 includes a NW communication unit 21, a server storage unit 22, and a server control unit 23.

[0056] The NW communication unit 21 is a communication device such as a wired LAN adapter or a wireless LAN adapter, and is connectable to the network NW1. The NW communication unit 21 communicates with, for example, the air conditioner 10 and the mobile terminal device 30 via the network NW1.

[0057] The server storage unit 22 stores various types of information used by the management server 20. The server storage unit 22 includes a registration information storage unit 221 and a collection information storage unit 222.

[0058] The registration information storage unit 221 stores the registration information of each air conditioner 10 registered in the air conditioning system 1. Here, the registration information includes, for example, the model code of the air conditioner 10, the type of refrigerant, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit, the type of sensor installed, sensor placement information, collectable data items, user identification information that identifies the user, terminal identification information that identifies the user's mobile terminal device 30, etc. The registration information may also include setting information for data items and transmission frequencies in each of the normal mode and detailed mode.

[0059] The registration information storage unit 221 stores the registration information in association with air conditioner identification information that identifies the air conditioner 10. The registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 221 is information acquired from the air conditioner 10 or the mobile terminal device 30 when the air conditioner 10 is registered in the air conditioning system 1.

[0060] The collected information storage unit 222 stores transmission data (collected data) received from each air conditioner 10 registered in the air conditioning system 1. The collected information storage unit 222 stores, for example, air conditioner identification information, date and time information of the collected data, and collected data in association with each other. The collected data stored in the collected information storage unit 222 is used to detect abnormalities (e.g., refrigerant leaks) in each air conditioner 10.

[0061] The server control unit 23 is, for example, a processor including a CPU, and performs overall control of the management server 20. The server control unit 23 is, for example, a functional unit realized by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the server storage unit 22.

[0062] The server control unit 23 manages each air conditioner 10 , and receives transmission data transmitted by each air conditioner 10 via the NW communication unit 21 and stores the data in the collected information storage unit 222 .

[0063] In addition, the server control unit 23 detects abnormalities (e.g., refrigerant leaks) in each air conditioner 10 based on the information stored in the collected information storage unit 222, and if an abnormality is detected, outputs an alert to the user of the air conditioner 10.

[0064] The server control unit 23 detects a flammable refrigerant leak, for example, in detailed mode based on data transmitted from the air conditioner 10. For example, when a flammable refrigerant leak occurs, it is detected by a refrigerant sensor and the temperature inside the indoor unit housing changes. In this case, the server control unit 23 detects a flammable refrigerant leak based on the value detected by the refrigerant sensor or the temperature change inside the indoor unit housing.

[0065] Furthermore, if a flammable refrigerant leaks, the refrigerant temperature immediately after being discharged from the compressor and the refrigerant temperature before and after passing through the heat exchanger fluctuate. In this case, the server control unit 23 detects the flammable refrigerant leak based on the change in the refrigerant temperature immediately after being discharged from the compressor or the change in the refrigerant temperature before and after passing through the heat exchanger.

[0066] Furthermore, if a flammable refrigerant leaks, the amount of power required to operate the compressor fluctuates (decreases). In this case, the server control unit 23 detects a flammable refrigerant leak based on a change in the current consumed by the compressor. Note that if the current value cannot be measured, the server control unit 23 may determine whether the current value is appropriate based on the frequency (rotation speed) of the compressor and the LEV opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0067] In addition, the server control unit 23 may detect a leak of flammable refrigerant from the judgment status (protection stop status) of various protective controls detected by the air conditioning control unit 15 of the air conditioner 10 and the history of abnormality occurrences.

[0068] When the server control unit 23 detects an abnormality in the air conditioner 10, such as a leak of flammable refrigerant, the server control unit 23 outputs an alarm to the air conditioner 10 and the user's mobile terminal device 30, for example, via the NW communication unit 21.

[0069] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 describes the data transmission operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0070] 5, when the air conditioner 10 is started after installation (setting up), it first determines whether a flammable refrigerant is enclosed (step S101). The transmission control unit 153 of the air conditioner 10 references the model information storage unit 141 and determines whether a flammable refrigerant is enclosed based on, for example, model information (e.g., model code, refrigerant type). If a flammable refrigerant is enclosed (step S101: YES), the transmission control unit 153 proceeds to step S102. If a flammable refrigerant is not enclosed (step S101: NO), the transmission control unit 153 proceeds to step S104.

[0071] In step S102, the transmission control unit 153 determines whether the integrated value is equal to or less than the threshold value Th. The transmission control unit 153 determines whether the integrated value stored in the integrated information storage unit 144 is equal to or less than the set threshold value Th. Here, the integrated value is the integrated operating time, the integrated power consumption, etc. If the integrated value is equal to or less than the threshold value Th (step S102: YES), the transmission control unit 153 proceeds to step S103. If the integrated value exceeds the threshold value Th (step S102: NO), the transmission control unit 153 proceeds to step S104.

[0072] In step S103, the transmission control unit 153 sets data transmission to detailed mode. The transmission control unit 153 changes the mode information stored in the mode storage unit 143 to information indicating detailed mode. As a result, the transmission control unit 153 transmits the data stored in the collection result storage unit 142 to the management server 20 based on the detailed mode setting information (transmission interval (transmission frequency) and data items (transmission items)) stored in the mode storage unit 143. After processing of step S103, the transmission control unit 153 returns the processing to step S102.

[0073] In step S104, the transmission control unit 153 sets data transmission to the normal mode. The transmission control unit 153 changes the mode information stored in the mode storage unit 143 to information indicating the normal mode. As a result, the transmission control unit 153 transmits the data stored in the collection result storage unit 142 to the management server 20 based on the normal mode setting information (transmission interval (transmission frequency) and data items (transmission items)) stored in the mode storage unit 143.

[0074] Next, the transmission control unit 153 determines whether or not there is a request to reset the integrated value (step S105). The transmission control unit 153 determines whether or not a reset request has been received, for example, by operating a reset button (not shown) provided on the air conditioner 10, operating a remote controller, or operating the mobile terminal device 30. If there is a request to reset the integrated value (step S105: YES), the transmission control unit 153 proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if there is no request to reset the integrated value (step S105: NO), the transmission control unit 153 returns the process to step S104.

[0075] In step S106, the transmission control unit 153 resets the integrated value. The transmission control unit 153 changes the integrated value stored in the integrated information storage unit 144 to an initial value (e.g., "0"), thereby resetting (initializing) the integrated value. After processing in step S106, the transmission control unit 153 returns the process to step S101.

[0076] As described above, the air conditioning system 1 (air conditioning system) according to this embodiment includes a data collection unit 152 and a transmission control unit 153. The data collection unit 152 collects data related to the status of the air conditioner 10 (air conditioner) that uses a flammable refrigerant. The transmission control unit 153 switches between a normal mode (first mode) and a detailed mode (second mode). The normal mode (first mode) is a mode in which data collected by the data collection unit 152 in a normal state is transmitted to the management server 20, and the detailed mode (second mode) is a mode in which data is transmitted more frequently and with more transmission items than in the normal mode is transmitted to the management server 20. The transmission control unit 153 switches to the detailed mode when there is a possibility that an abnormality related to the flammable refrigerant may occur in the air conditioner 10 (for example, immediately after the air conditioner 10 is installed).

[0077] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 (air conditioning system) according to this embodiment transmits detailed data to the management server 20 in detailed mode, which has a higher transmission frequency and transmits more items than normal mode, and therefore, for example, the management server 20 can quickly and appropriately detect the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak based on the detailed mode data. Thus, the air conditioning system 1 (air conditioning system) according to this embodiment can appropriately detect the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak and increase safety when using a flammable refrigerant.

[0078] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment switches from normal mode to detailed mode when there is a possibility of an abnormality related to flammable refrigerant occurring in the air conditioner 10, thereby reducing communication volume and consumption of resources on the management server 20 and reducing the load on the entire system caused by detecting the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak.

[0079] In this embodiment, the transmission control unit 153 maintains the detailed mode for a period of time until the set conditions are met. As a result, when there is a possibility that an abnormality related to the flammable refrigerant will occur in the air conditioner 10, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can monitor for the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak for a certain period of time until the set conditions are met, thereby further improving safety when using a flammable refrigerant.

[0080] In this embodiment, the period that satisfies the condition is a period during which the integrated value, which is the integrated operating time or integrated power consumption of the air conditioner 10, is equal to or less than a threshold. When the integrated value exceeds the threshold, the transmission control unit 153 switches from the detailed mode to the normal mode.

[0081] The cumulative operating time or cumulative power consumption is an indicator of the actual use of the air conditioner 10 for a certain period of time. Therefore, by using these cumulative values, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately determine whether it is safe from the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately confirm whether it is safe from the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak and quickly switch to the normal mode.

[0082] In this embodiment, the transmission control unit 153 resets the integrated value in response to a reset request. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can switch back to the detailed mode when, for example, the air conditioner 10 is reinstalled after moving, parts are replaced, piping is adjusted, etc., and safety can be appropriately confirmed.

[0083] In this embodiment, the above-described abnormalities may occur when the air conditioner 10 is installed (placed). When the air conditioner 10 is installed, the transmission control unit 153 switches to the detailed mode and maintains the detailed mode for a period of time that satisfies the conditions.

[0084] When the air conditioner 10 is installed, there is a particularly high possibility that an abnormality will occur due to poor pipe connections, initial malfunctions, etc. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can increase safety when the air conditioner 10 is installed.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the air conditioner 10 is in the detailed mode, the transmission control unit 153 outputs information indicating that the air conditioner 10 is in the detailed mode to a mobile terminal device 30 that can communicate with the air conditioner 10 or the management server 20.

[0086] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can determine at a glance whether there is a risk of a refrigerant leak by knowing the current data transmission status of the air conditioner 10. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment allows maintenance personnel to obtain additional information (analysis results based on detailed data) useful for the service based on the output (e.g., display) of the mobile terminal device 30. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment allows users to determine whether an unnecessary increase in communication is increasing communication and consuming communication resources.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, in the detailed mode, the data transmitted from the air conditioner 10 includes at least any of the detection data of the refrigerant sensor, temperature data of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, pressure data of the refrigerant, and the current consumption of the compressor of the refrigerant circuit.

[0088] The data detected by the refrigerant sensor, the temperature data of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, the pressure data of the refrigerant, and the current consumption data of the compressor of the refrigerant circuit are all data that change before and after a refrigerant leak. In the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, in the detailed mode, these data are transmitted to the management server 20, so that the management server 20 can indirectly detect or estimate a flammable refrigerant leak based on the data transmitted from the air conditioner 10.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, when the management server 20 detects a leak of flammable refrigerant based on data transmitted from the air conditioner 10 in detailed mode, it outputs an alert to the user of the air conditioner 10.

[0090] As a result, when the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment detects a flammable refrigerant leak, it is possible to reduce the impact of the refrigerant leak on users and ensure their safety.

[0091] The air conditioner 10 (air conditioner) according to this embodiment also includes a data collection unit 152 and a transmission control unit 153. The data collection unit 152 collects data related to the state of the air conditioner 10 (air conditioner) that uses a flammable refrigerant. The transmission control unit 153 switches between a normal mode (first mode) and a detailed mode (second mode). The normal mode (first mode) is a mode in which data collected by the data collection unit 152 in a normal state is transmitted to the management server 20, and the detailed mode (second mode) is a mode in which data is transmitted more frequently and with more transmission items than in the normal mode is transmitted to the management server 20. The transmission control unit 153 switches to the detailed mode when there is a possibility of an abnormality related to the flammable refrigerant occurring in the air conditioner 10.

[0092] As a result, the air conditioner 10 (air conditioner) according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system 1 described above, and can appropriately detect the occurrence of a leak of flammable refrigerant, thereby increasing safety when using flammable refrigerant.

[0093] Furthermore, the control method according to this embodiment is a control method for the air conditioning system 1 described above, and includes a data collection step and a transmission control step. In the data collection step, the data collection unit 152 collects data related to the state of the air conditioner 10 that uses a flammable refrigerant. The transmission control unit 153 switches between a normal mode in which data collected by the data collection unit 152 in a normal state is sent to the management server 20, and a detailed mode in which data with a higher transmission frequency and more transmission items is sent to the management server 20 than in the normal mode. In the transmission control step, the transmission control unit 153 switches to the detailed mode if there is a possibility of an abnormality related to the flammable refrigerant occurring in the air conditioner 10.

[0094] As a result, the control method according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system 1 described above, and can properly detect the occurrence of a flammable refrigerant leak, thereby increasing safety when using a flammable refrigerant.

[0095] Second Embodiment Next, an air conditioning system 1a according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, a modified example will be described in which the normal mode is switched to the detailed mode when there is a sign of an abnormality in the air conditioner 10.

[0096] Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system 1a according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the air conditioning system 1a includes an air conditioner 10a, a management server 20a, and a mobile terminal device 30. The air conditioning system 1a is an example of an air conditioning system.

[0097] 6, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a leakage sign determination unit 231 is added to the management server 20a, and that processing related to the leakage sign determination unit 231 is added to the transmission control unit 153a of the air conditioner 10a.

[0098] The management server 20a includes a network communication unit 21, a server storage unit 22, and a server control unit 23a.

[0099] The server control unit 23a is, for example, a processor including a CPU, and performs overall control of the management server 20a. The server control unit 23a is, for example, a functional unit realized by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the server storage unit 22. The server control unit 23a can also execute the same processes as the server control unit 23 of the first embodiment described above. The server control unit 23a also includes a leakage sign determination unit 231.

[0100] The leakage sign determination unit 231 determines a sign of a flammable refrigerant leak based on data stored in the collected information storage unit 222 (collected data transmitted from the air conditioner 10a in detailed mode). Similar to detecting a flammable refrigerant leak, the leakage sign determination unit 231 determines a sign of a flammable refrigerant leak based on, for example, a change in the detection value of the refrigerant sensor, a change in the temperature inside the housing of the indoor unit, a change in the refrigerant temperature immediately after being discharged from the compressor, a change in the refrigerant temperature before and after passing through the heat exchanger, a change in the current consumption of the compressor, a control determination state (protective stop state), or a history of abnormality occurrences.

[0101] When the leakage sign determination unit 231 determines (detects) a sign of a flammable refrigerant leakage, it notifies the corresponding air conditioner 10a that a sign of a flammable refrigerant leakage has been detected. The leakage sign determination unit 231 notifies the air conditioner 10a that a sign of a flammable refrigerant leakage has been detected via the NW communication unit 21.

[0102] The air conditioner 10a (an example of an air conditioner) includes a NW communication unit 11, an RC communication unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an air conditioning storage unit 14, and an air conditioning control unit 15a.

[0103] The air conditioning control unit 15a is, for example, a processor including a CPU, and performs overall control of the air conditioner 10a. The air conditioning control unit 15a is, for example, a functional unit realized by having the processor execute a program stored in the air conditioning storage unit 14. The air conditioning control unit 15a includes an operation control unit 151, a data collection unit 152, and a transmission control unit 153a.

[0104] As in the first embodiment, the transmission control unit 153a switches to the detailed mode when there is a possibility that an abnormality related to a flammable refrigerant will occur in the air conditioner 10. Note that "when there is a possibility that an abnormality related to a flammable refrigerant will occur in the air conditioner 10" includes the following case (3) in addition to the above-mentioned cases (1) and (2).

[0105] (3) If there are signs of a flammable refrigerant leak

[0106] That is, cases where there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring include when the leakage sign determination unit 231 determines that there is a sign of a flammable refrigerant leak in the air conditioner 10a. The above-mentioned (3) is a case where the transmission control unit 153a is notified by, for example, the management server 20a that a sign of a flammable refrigerant leak has been detected. In this case, the transmission control unit 153a switches from the normal mode to the detailed mode and maintains the detailed mode for a period of time during which a condition (for example, the integrated value is equal to or less than a threshold) is satisfied.

[0107] In addition, when switching to detailed mode in the above-mentioned case (3), the transmission control unit 153a may, for example, set an integrated value threshold Th2 (second threshold) different from the integrated value threshold Th1 (first threshold) in case (1).

[0108] Furthermore, the transmission control unit 153a may reset the integrated value in case (3). In this case, when the integrated value is reset, the transmission control unit 153a may set a different value for the threshold value Th2 depending on the possibility of an abnormality occurring (for example, the likelihood or urgency of the indication of a flammable refrigerant leak).

[0109] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an abnormality sign detection process performed by the management server 20a according to this embodiment.

[0110] 7, the leakage indication determination unit 231 of the management server 20a first analyzes the collected data (step S201). The leakage indication determination unit 231 analyzes the collected data stored in the collected information storage unit 222 and detects an indication of a flammable refrigerant leakage as an indication of an abnormality.

[0111] Next, the leakage sign determination unit 231 determines whether or not a sign of abnormality has been detected (step S202). The leakage sign determination unit 231 determines whether or not a sign of abnormality, such as a sign of a flammable refrigerant leak, has been detected. If the leakage sign determination unit 231 detects a sign of abnormality (step S202: YES), the process proceeds to step S203. If the leakage sign determination unit 231 does not detect a sign of abnormality (step S202: NO), the process returns to step S201.

[0112] In step S203, the leakage sign determination unit 231 notifies the air conditioner 10a that a sign of abnormality has been detected. The leakage sign determination unit 231 transmits a notification indicating that a sign of abnormality has been detected (for example, a notification indicating that a sign of a flammable refrigerant leak has been detected) to the corresponding air conditioner 10a via the NW communication unit 21. After processing in step S203, the leakage sign determination unit 231 returns the processing to step S201.

[0113] Next, an example of the operation of the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 describes the data transmission operation of the air conditioner 10a.

[0114] 8, when the air conditioner 10a is started after installation, it first determines whether a flammable refrigerant is contained (step S301). If a flammable refrigerant is contained (step S301: YES), the transmission control unit 153a of the air conditioner 10a proceeds to step S302. If a flammable refrigerant is not contained (step S301: NO), the transmission control unit 153a proceeds to step S304.

[0115] In step S302, the transmission control unit 153a determines whether the integrated value is equal to or less than the threshold value Th1. The transmission control unit 153a determines whether the integrated value stored in the integrated information storage unit 144 is equal to or less than the set threshold value Th1. If the integrated value is equal to or less than the threshold value Th1 (step S302: YES), the transmission control unit 153a proceeds to step S303. If the integrated value exceeds the threshold value Th1 (step S302: NO), the transmission control unit 153a proceeds to step S304.

[0116] In step S303, the transmission control unit 153a sets data transmission to detailed mode. The transmission control unit 153a changes the mode information stored in the mode storage unit 143 to information indicating detailed mode. As a result, the transmission control unit 153a transmits the data stored in the collection result storage unit 142 to the management server 20a based on the detailed mode setting information (transmission interval (transmission frequency) and data items (transmission items)) stored in the mode storage unit 143. After processing in step S303, the transmission control unit 153a returns the processing to step S302.

[0117] In step S304, the transmission control unit 153a determines whether a sign of abnormality has been detected. The transmission control unit 153a determines whether a normal sign has been detected based on whether a notification indicating that a sign of abnormality has been detected (e.g., a notification indicating that a sign of a flammable refrigerant leak has been detected) has been received from the leakage sign determination unit 231 of the management server 20a. If a sign of abnormality has been detected (step S304: YES), the transmission control unit 153a proceeds to step S305. If a sign of abnormality has not been detected (step S304: NO), the transmission control unit 153a proceeds to step S308.

[0118] In step S305, the transmission control unit 153a sets the threshold value Th2 as the threshold value of the integrated value stored in the integrated information storage unit 144.

[0119] Next, the transmission control unit 153a determines whether the integrated value is equal to or less than the threshold value Th1 (step S306). The transmission control unit 153a determines whether the integrated value stored in the integrated information storage unit 144 is equal to or less than the set threshold value Th2. If the integrated value is equal to or less than the threshold value Th2 (step S306: YES), the transmission control unit 153a proceeds to step S307. If the integrated value exceeds the threshold value Th2 (step S306: NO), the transmission control unit 153a proceeds to step S308.

[0120] In step S307, the transmission control unit 153a sets data transmission to detailed mode. The transmission control unit 153a changes the mode information stored in the mode storage unit 143 to information indicating detailed mode. As a result, the transmission control unit 153a again transmits the data stored in the collection result storage unit 142 to the management server 20a based on the detailed mode setting information (transmission interval (transmission frequency) and data items (transmission items)) stored in the mode storage unit 143. After processing of step S307, the transmission control unit 153a returns the processing to step S306.

[0121] In step S308, the transmission control unit 153a sets data transmission to normal mode. The transmission control unit 153a changes the mode information stored in the mode storage unit 143 to information indicating normal mode. As a result, the transmission control unit 153a transmits the data stored in the collection result storage unit 142 to the management server 20a based on the normal mode setting information (transmission interval (transmission frequency) and data items (transmission items)) stored in the mode storage unit 143.

[0122] Next, the transmission control unit 153a determines whether or not there is a request to reset the integrated value (step S309). The transmission control unit 153a determines whether or not a reset request has been received, for example, by operating a reset button (not shown) provided on the air conditioner 10, operating a remote controller, or operating the mobile terminal device 30. If there is a request to reset the integrated value (step S309: YES), the transmission control unit 153a proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if there is no request to reset the integrated value (step S309: NO), the transmission control unit 153a returns the process to step S304.

[0123] In step S310, the transmission control unit 153a resets the integrated value. The transmission control unit 153a changes the integrated value stored in the integrated information storage unit 144 to an initial value (for example, "0"), thereby resetting (initializing) the integrated value. Note that the transmission control unit 153a may change the setting of the threshold value (threshold value Th1) in addition to resetting the integrated value. After processing step S310, the transmission control unit 153a returns the processing to step S301.

[0124] As described above, the air conditioning system 1a (air conditioning system) according to this embodiment includes the data collection unit 152, the transmission control unit 153a, and the leakage sign determination unit 231. The leakage sign determination unit 231 determines signs of leakage of flammable refrigerant based on data. Cases where an abnormality may occur include when the leakage sign determination unit 231 determines that there are signs of leakage in the air conditioner 10. When the leakage sign determination unit 231 determines that there are signs of leakage in the air conditioner 10, the transmission control unit 153a switches to the detailed mode and maintains the detailed mode for a period of time that satisfies preset conditions.

[0125] As a result, the air conditioning system 1a of this embodiment switches to detailed mode when there are signs of a leak in the air conditioner 10, thereby properly detecting the occurrence of a leak of flammable refrigerant and further increasing safety when using flammable refrigerant.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the transmission control unit 153a resets the integrated value, the transmission control unit 153a may set different threshold values ​​depending on the likelihood of an abnormality occurring. As a result, the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment can, for example, set a small threshold value and perform short-term monitoring for air conditioners 10a with a low likelihood of an abnormality occurring, and set a large threshold value and perform short-term monitoring for air conditioners 10a with a high likelihood of an abnormality occurring. This allows the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment to reduce unnecessary communication and resource consumption and efficiently improve safety when using a flammable refrigerant.

[0127] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of each device in the air conditioning system 1 (1a). The devices shown in Fig. 9 illustrate the main hardware configuration of each device (air conditioner 10 (10a), management server 20 (20a), and mobile terminal device 30) in the air conditioning system 1 (1a).

[0128] As shown in FIG. 9, each device of the air conditioning system 1 (1a) (air conditioner 10 (10a), management server 20 (20a), mobile terminal device 30) includes a communication device H11, a memory H12, and a processor H13.

[0129] The communication device H11 is a communication device that can be connected to the network NW1, such as a LAN card, a wireless LAN, etc. The memory H12 is a storage device, such as a RAM, a flash memory, or an HDD, and stores various information and programs used by the control devices (the air conditioners 10 (10a), the management servers 20 (20a), and the mobile terminal devices 30).

[0130] The processor H13 is a processing circuit including, for example, a CPU, etc. The processor H13 executes various processes of the control devices (the air conditioner 10 (10a), the management server 20 (20a), and the mobile terminal device 30) by executing programs stored in the memory H12.

[0131] The mobile terminal device 30 further includes an input device corresponding to the input unit 32 and a display device (display device) corresponding to the display unit 33 in addition to the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

[0132] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the air conditioner 10 (10a) is provided with the transmission control unit 153 (153a), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, part or all of the transmission control unit 153 (153a) may be provided in the management server 20 (20a).

[0133] 1 and 6, the management server 20 (20a) may be provided with a transmission control unit 153 (153a). In this case, the transmission control unit provided in the management server 20 (20a) switches the mode of the air conditioner 10 (10a), transmits a transmission request for collected data to the air conditioner 10 (10a), and causes the air conditioner 10 (10a) to transmit the collected data to the management server 20 (20a).

[0134] Furthermore, in the above second embodiment, an example was described in which the management server 20a is equipped with the leakage symptom determination unit 231, but this is not limited to this, and the air conditioner 10a may also be equipped with the leakage symptom determination unit 231.

[0135] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, examples have been described in which the accumulated operating time and accumulated power consumption of the air conditioner 10 (10a) are used as the accumulated values, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the accumulated operating time of the compressor, the accumulated number of times the compressor has been turned on / off, the accumulated number of times the air conditioner 10 (10a) has been turned on / off, etc. may also be used.

[0136] The integrated value may also be calculated for each operation mode, such as heating operation, cooling operation, etc. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 (1 a) checks for each operation mode, so it can detect flammable refrigerant leakage with greater accuracy, further improving safety when using a flammable refrigerant.

[0137] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the period for maintaining the detailed mode is determined based on an integrated value, but this is not limited to this, and a set period such as one month or one week may also be used.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, examples have been described in which the threshold value of the integrated value used to determine the period for maintaining the detailed mode is set to a different value depending on the possibility of an abnormality occurring. However, this is not limited to this, and the threshold may be changed depending on the region in which the air conditioner 10 (10a) is installed, the season, etc. For example, the transmission control unit 153 (153a) may change the threshold depending on the outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor unit for each season. Furthermore, the transmission control unit 153 (153a) may change the threshold depending on the model of the air conditioner 10 (10a). For example, the transmission control unit 153 (153a) may increase the threshold (lengthen the period for the detailed mode) for models with many malfunctions or for regions with many malfunctions.

[0139] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the transmission control unit 153 (153a) sets different values ​​for the threshold depending on the possibility of an abnormality occurring, but the threshold may also be changed depending on the degree of concern indicating the degree of deviation from the ideal state, such as a rise in temperature or a change in current value.

[0140] In each of the above embodiments, the air conditioning system 1 (1a) may be a system in which air conditioners 10 (10a) using a flammable refrigerant and air conditioners using a non-flammable refrigerant are mixed. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 (1a) switches to the detailed mode only for the air conditioners 10 (10a) using a flammable refrigerant.

[0141] Each component of the air conditioning system 1 (1a) described above has an internal computer system. A program for implementing the functions of each component of the air conditioning system 1 (1a) described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the air conditioning system 1 (1a) described above. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0142] Furthermore, a "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Furthermore, a "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0143] The recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined into each component of the air conditioning system 1 (1a), or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that retains a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0144] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a...Air conditioning system, 10, 10a...Air conditioner, 11, 21, 31...NW communication unit, 12...RC communication unit, 13...Sensor unit, 14...Air conditioning memory unit, 15, 15a...Air conditioning control unit, 20, 20a...Management server, 22...Server memory unit, 23, 23a...Server control unit, 30...Mobile terminal device, 32...Input unit, 33...Display unit, 34...Terminal memory unit, 35...Terminal control unit, 141...Model information memory unit, 142...Collection result memory unit, 143...Mode memory unit, 144...Integrated information memory unit, 151...Operation control unit, 152...Data collection unit, 153, 153a...Transmission control unit, 221...Registered information memory unit, 222...Collected information memory unit, 231...Leakage sign determination unit, NW1...Network

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: a data collection unit that collects data regarding the status of an air conditioner that uses a flammable refrigerant; and a transmission control unit that switches between a first mode in which the data collected by the data collection unit is sent to a management server under normal conditions, and a second mode in which the data is sent to the management server more frequently and with more items than in the first mode, and which switches to the second mode when there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring in the air conditioner related to the flammable refrigerant.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission control unit maintains the second mode for a period of time until a set condition is met.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 2, wherein the period during which the condition is satisfied is a period during which an accumulated value, which is the accumulated operating time or accumulated power consumption of the air conditioner, is equal to or less than a threshold value, and the transmission control unit switches from the second mode to the first mode when the accumulated value exceeds the threshold value.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the transmission control unit resets the integrated value in response to a reset request.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the transmission control unit sets a different value for the threshold value depending on the possibility of the abnormality occurring when the integrated value is reset.

6. The air conditioning system of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the cases where the abnormality may occur include when the air conditioner is installed, and the transmission control unit switches to the second mode when the air conditioner is installed and maintains the second mode for a period during which the condition is satisfied.

7. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a leakage sign determination unit that determines signs of leakage of the flammable refrigerant based on the data, wherein the cases where there is a possibility of the abnormality occurring include when the leakage sign determination unit determines that there are signs of leakage in the air conditioner, and wherein the transmission control unit switches to the second mode when the leakage sign determination unit determines that there are signs of leakage in the air conditioner, and maintains the second mode for a period during which the condition is satisfied.

8. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmission control unit, when the air conditioner is in the second mode, outputs information indicating that the air conditioner is in the second mode to the air conditioner or a mobile terminal device capable of communicating with the management server.

9. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the data transmitted from the air conditioner in the second mode includes at least any of detection data of a refrigerant sensor, temperature data of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, pressure data of the refrigerant, and current consumption of a compressor in the refrigerant circuit.

10. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the management server outputs an alarm to a user of the air conditioner when it detects a leak of the flammable refrigerant based on the data transmitted from the air conditioner in the second mode.

11. An air conditioner comprising: a data collection unit that collects data relating to the state of an air conditioner that uses a flammable refrigerant; and a transmission control unit that switches between a first mode in which the data collected by the data collection unit is normally transmitted to a management server, and a second mode in which the data is transmitted to the management server more frequently and with more items than in the first mode, and which switches to the second mode when there is a possibility that an abnormality related to the flammable refrigerant will occur in the air conditioner.

12. A control method in which a data collection unit collects data regarding the status of an air conditioner that uses a flammable refrigerant, and a transmission control unit that switches between a first mode in which the data collected by the data collection unit is normally transmitted to a management server, and a second mode in which the data is transmitted to the management server more frequently and with more transmission items than in the first mode, switches to the second mode when there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring in the air conditioner regarding the flammable refrigerant.

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