CN112639367B

CN112639367B - Air conditioner control device and air conditioner control system

Info

Publication number: CN112639367B
Application number: CN201980056870.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吉田充邦; 水野琢马
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2018-08-29
Filing date: 2019-08-22
Publication date: 2022-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-22
Also published as: CN112639367A; JPWO2020045249A1; JP7431736B2; WO2020045249A1

Abstract

An air conditioning control device and an air conditioning control system capable of realizing further energy saving are provided. An air conditioner control unit (10) that controls the operation of an air conditioner (1) is provided with a fade control unit (12), and the fade control unit (12) controls the operation of the air conditioner (1) in a direction in which the power consumption of the air conditioner (1) decreases before a first time at which the operation of the air conditioner (1) is stopped.

Description

Air conditioner control device and air conditioner control system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air conditioning control device and an air conditioning control system that control operation of an air conditioner.

Technical Field

In recent years, air conditioners are sold which can be operated remotely, for example, by starting or stopping an operation using a communication terminal such as a smartphone. In addition, the following models are also sold: and a human body induction sensor is installed to judge whether a human body is in the air-conditioning space or not and to perform energy-saving operation when the human body is not in the air-conditioning space.

For example, patent documents 1 and 2 disclose air conditioners equipped with a human body sensor and performing an energy-saving operation for reducing a set temperature when it is determined that no human is present. In the air conditioner of patent document 1, the reduced set temperature is changed in accordance with information such as outside air temperature in order to achieve both energy saving and user comfort. In the air conditioner of patent document 2, the reduced set temperature is changed according to the outgoing time and the outgoing distance for the same purpose.

Prior Art

Patent document

Patent document 1 specification of Japanese patent No. 6250076

Patent document 2 specification of Japanese patent No. 6052451

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problems to be solved by the invention

The techniques of patent documents 1 and 2 are techniques for weakening the set temperature for the first time when no person is present, and energy saving is not achieved when a person is indoors. That is, this means that the opportunity for a person to achieve energy savings while indoors is missed. Further, the present invention is based on the provision of a human body sensor.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to realize an air conditioning control device and an air conditioning control system that can achieve further energy saving.

Means for solving the technical problem

In order to solve the above problem, an air conditioning control device according to an aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning control device that controls an operation of an air conditioner, and the air conditioning control device includes a fade control unit that controls the air conditioner in a direction in which power consumption of the air conditioner decreases before a first time at a time when the operation of the air conditioner is stopped.

An air conditioning control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an air conditioner, a server, and a communication terminal connected via a communication network, and is characterized in that the air conditioner or the server includes an air conditioning control device according to an aspect of the present invention.

Technical effects

According to one aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning control device and an air conditioning control system that can achieve further energy saving can be realized.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the air conditioner.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between time and set temperature in the case where the fade control is executed during the cooling operation in the air conditioner of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between time and set temperature in a case where the air conditioner of fig. 1 returns to the set temperature after the damping control is executed in the cooling operation.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 8 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating a method of determining room performance.

Fig. 9 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating a method of determining room performance.

Fig. 10 (a) and (b) are diagrams each illustrating a method of determining room performance.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning control system according to a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the air conditioning control system of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of the configuration of an air conditioning control system according to the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen for fade control displayed on the communication terminal in the air-conditioning control system of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen for presenting settings for fade control displayed on the communication terminal in the air-conditioning control system of fig. 13.

Detailed Description

Among users of air conditioners, if there is an opportunity to save energy that can reduce power consumption, there are not a few users who select an energy saving opportunity even if there is a slight impairment of comfort. In one aspect of the present invention, in order to increase such an energy saving opportunity as much as possible, the time immediately before the operation is stopped is focused as a timing that can allow some deterioration of the comfort, and the operation for reducing the power consumption (the operation in the direction in which the power consumption becomes smaller) is performed with the time as the energy saving opportunity. Even if the power consumption that can be reduced at one opportunity is small, it is accumulated every day and becomes a certain reduction amount. However, since there are users who do not want such energy saving opportunities, it is preferable that the users can set the activation and deactivation of the energy saving function in such energy saving opportunities.

The operation for reducing power consumption performed at such an energy saving opportunity includes an operation for reducing a set temperature, a so-called hot shut-down operation for stopping the flow of the refrigerant, and an advance in timing of stopping the operation. In each of the embodiments described below, the operation of reducing the set temperature is exemplified.

[ first embodiment ]

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment. The air conditioner 1 is a device that performs an air conditioning operation (air conditioning operation), and as shown in fig. 1, includes an air conditioner control unit (air conditioning control device) 10, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an air conditioning operation unit 23, an outdoor temperature sensor 24, an indoor temperature sensor 25, a remote controller 26, and the like.

The communication unit 21 enables the air conditioner 1 to communicate with an external device. The storage unit 22 stores various information and programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 1. The air-conditioning operation unit 23 has various functions such as cooling, heating, air blowing, dehumidification, deodorization, ventilation, and the like, and these operations are appropriately performed under the control of the air-conditioning operation control unit 11 of the air-conditioning control unit 10.

The outdoor temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature of the outside air, and the indoor temperature sensor 25 detects the temperature of the room as the air-conditioned space. Although not shown, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit that is installed indoors and blows out conditioned air, and an outdoor unit that is installed outdoors and exchanges heat with outside air. Normally, the indoor temperature sensor 25 is mounted on the indoor unit, and the outdoor temperature sensor 24 is mounted on the outdoor unit.

The remote controller 26 receives user instructions such as start of operation (operation ON), stop of operation (operation OFF), operation types (cooling, heating, dehumidification, air blowing, and the like), operation modes (automatic mode, wind power setting mode, and the like), and change of set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The received user instruction is transmitted from the remote controller 26 to the air conditioner 1.

The air conditioner control unit 10 controls the operations of the respective units of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner control unit 10 is constituted by, for example, a computer device including an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or a dedicated processor, and controls the operation of each unit of the air conditioner 1 based on information and a program stored in the storage unit 22.

The air conditioner control unit 10 is provided with an air conditioning operation control unit 11 and an operation scheduled stop time acquisition unit (stop time estimation unit) 13. The air-conditioning operation control unit 11 controls the air-conditioning operation unit 23 to perform air-conditioning operations such as cooling, heating, air blowing, dehumidification, and air purification. The air-conditioning operation control unit 11 is provided with a damping control unit 12 that executes damping control described later.

The scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13 derives and acquires scheduled operation stop time that can be estimated as an operation stop from the operation data of the air-conditioning operation unit 23. On the premise that energy saving is achieved by changing the set temperature, the target of the operation (air-conditioning operation) at which the scheduled operation stop time is derived is the cooling operation and the heating operation.

The operation data includes various information such as the time at which the air-conditioning operation unit 23 starts operation, the time at which the operation is stopped, the operation type, the operation mode, the set temperature, the change time when the set temperature is changed, and the set temperature after the change. Therefore, by learning and finding a pattern of the time (time) for stopping the cooling operation or the heating operation based on such operation data, it is possible to obtain the scheduled operation stop time.

For example, as a general use method of an air conditioner, there are the following use methods: a method of using the air conditioner, which starts heating in winter when getting up in the morning, starts cooling in summer, and stops the operation when going out for work, school, and the like. The operation mode shown in fig. 2 can be obtained from the operation data of a certain week of the user using the above-described operation method. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the air conditioner.

In the example of fig. 2, the operation is started approximately at about 15 minutes at 6 am from monday to friday, and stopped at about 45 minutes at 8 am. Saturday and Sunday deviate from this pattern. In the case where the operation mode shown in fig. 2 is confirmed in other weeks, the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13 determines 45 am as "scheduled operation stop time" on weekdays, and acquires the scheduled operation stop time.

The operation mode is associated with a life mode, and the life mode is often different between a holiday and a holiday. Therefore, the scheduled operation stop time is preferably acquired by learning divided into days of the week (on monday to sunday) or weekdays and holidays.

The fade control unit 12 performs fade control for fading the set temperature in the cooling operation or the heating operation before the first time of the scheduled operation stop time acquired by the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13. Whether or not to perform the damping control can be set, and when the damping control is set, the damping control unit 12 damps the set temperature before the first time of the scheduled operation stop time. The set temperature is a target temperature at the time when the air-conditioning operation control unit 11 operates the air-conditioning operation unit 23 to perform the heating operation or the cooling operation. The decrease in the set temperature means that the temperature is changed in a direction approaching the outside air temperature, and the set temperature is increased in the case of cooling operation and decreased in the case of heating operation.

The temperature at which the first time and the set temperature are reduced may be fixed values stored in the storage unit 22, but may be set by the user using an instruction input unit such as the remote controller 26, a communication terminal, and an input receiving unit of the main body (typically, an indoor unit) of the air conditioner 1. The communication terminal that can be used for setting is, for example, a communication terminal related to the air conditioner 1 that can remotely operate the air conditioner 1. The remote operation of the air conditioner 1 will be described later in embodiment 5. The communication terminal and the air conditioner 1 may be connected via a server, or may be connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like without via a server.

In addition, in the case where the temperature to be weakened is, for example, 1 ℃, it is preferable to weaken the temperature in stages so as to weaken 0.5 ℃ at a time. By the stepwise decrease, it is difficult for the user to notice the decrease in the set temperature, and energy saving and user comfort assurance can be achieved more effectively and at the same time. The number of stages, the temperature to be decreased in each stage, and the like may be fixed values or may be set by the user using the instruction input unit.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the time and the set temperature when the fade control is executed during the cooling operation in the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the example of fig. 3, the scheduled operation stop time is set to 45 minutes at 8 am, the first time is set to 60 minutes, and the set temperature is reduced by 1 ℃ in two stages each time the temperature is reduced by 0.5 ℃.

As shown in fig. 3, when 45 am 60 minutes before 60 minutes, i.e., 45 am 8 hours before the scheduled operation stop time, the fade control unit 12 increases the set temperature 26.0 ℃ of the air-conditioning operation control unit 11 by 0.5 ℃ and sets it to 26.5 ℃. When the time was 8 am and 15 minutes passed, the temperature was further raised by 0.5 ℃ to 27.0 ℃. Thus, the set temperature is raised by 1 ℃ at 45 am 8 hours at the scheduled operation stop time, and power consumption in the hatched portion in the figure can be suppressed to achieve energy saving.

The example of the fade control shown in fig. 3 is merely an example, and the fade may be performed every 20 minutes from 40 minutes before the scheduled stop time, at 0.5 ℃, or may be performed once at 1 ℃. In addition, the temperature ranges of the decrease in the cooling operation and the heating operation do not need to be the same.

In the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the operation is not stopped even when the operation stop scheduled time has been reached, the fade control unit 12 maintains the corrected set temperature for the second time period from the operation stop scheduled time. Then, if the second time has elapsed, the fade control is stopped, and the set temperature is returned to the original (pre-correction) set temperature set by the user. In the example of fig. 3, the set temperature set by the user is 26.0 ℃, which is increased to 27.0 ℃, but after a second time, it is returned to the original 26.0 ℃.

If the operation is not stopped even after a certain time has elapsed from the scheduled operation stop time, it is conceivable that the user continues to operate the air conditioner 1, and therefore it is preferable to return the set temperature to the original temperature. When the set temperature is returned to the original temperature, the return may be performed at once or in stages.

For example, in the fade control shown in fig. 3, when the operation is not stopped even after 45 minutes past 8 am, the second time is set to, for example, 30 minutes as shown in fig. 4, and the operation is continued at the set temperature of 27.0 ℃ for 30 minutes after 45 minutes past 8 am. When the operation was not stopped at 9 o' clock and 15 min after 30 min, the set temperature was returned to 26.0 c at this point. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the time and the set temperature when the damping control is executed during the cooling operation and then the temperature is returned to the set temperature in the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

Further, similarly to the case of weakening the set temperature, the case of returning to the set temperature may be returned in stages. That is, when the operation was not stopped even when the operation stop scheduled time was reached, the set temperature was returned to 26.5 ℃ 15 minutes at 9 am at the time point when 30 minutes elapsed. Thereafter, at a time point of 45 minutes at 9 am after a further 30 minutes had elapsed, the temperature was returned to 0.5 ℃ and became 26.0 ℃.

Similarly to the case of weakening the set temperature, when the set temperature is returned to the original temperature, the setting of the second time as the timing of the return, the number of stages thereof in the case of returning in stages, the temperature of the return in each stage, and the like may be fixed values, or the user may use the instruction input unit to perform the setting. Further, the operation stop scheduled time may be set as an axis, and the set temperature may be returned to the set temperature in line symmetry with the case where the set temperature is reduced in the reduction control. In addition, when the operation is not stopped even when the operation stop scheduled time is exceeded, the user may set whether or not to return the reduced set temperature to the temperature before correction using the instruction input unit.

As described above, according to the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, the setting of the fade control can reduce the amount of power consumption from a predetermined time before the scheduled time at which the cooling operation or the heating operation is stopped. Thus, the user can be provided with a new option of energy saving opportunity in the state of the person, regardless of the presence or absence of the person, that is, without mounting a human body sensor, thereby achieving further energy saving. Further, by setting the time (first time) for starting the fade control and the temperature for the fade to such a degree that the user does not feel uncomfortable, the energy saving effect can be obtained with little impairment of the comfort.

[ second embodiment ]

The second embodiment of the present invention is explained below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

In the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment, the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13 of the air conditioner control unit 10 determines and acquires the scheduled operation stop time by learning based on the operation data of the air conditioner 1.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 1A according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 5, the air conditioner 1A of the present embodiment includes an air conditioner control unit 10A instead of the air conditioner control unit 10. This point is different from the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment.

The air conditioner control unit 10A includes an operation scheduled stop time setting unit (stop time setting unit) 15 in place of the operation scheduled stop time acquisition unit 13. The scheduled operation stop time setting unit 15 receives a setting input of the scheduled operation stop time by the user using the instruction input unit. As described above, since the time of operation stop differs between weekdays having different life patterns, it is preferable that the time be set for each day of the week (for each monday to sunday), or for each weekday and weekday.

With this configuration, the scheduled operation stop time needs to be set using the instruction input unit, but the air conditioner control unit 10 does not need to have a learning function and can be configured at low cost.

Further, although the air conditioner control unit 10A is configured to include the scheduled operation stop time setting unit 15 instead of the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13, both the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13 and the scheduled operation stop time setting unit 15 may be provided and used selectively by the user.

[ third embodiment ]

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 1B according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 6, the air conditioner 1B of the present embodiment includes an air conditioner control unit 10B instead of the air conditioner control unit 10. This point is different from the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment.

The air conditioner control unit 10B includes a timer closing unit (reservation stopping unit) 16 instead of the operation stop scheduled time acquisition unit 13. The timer closing unit 16 receives the setting of the operation stop time by the user using the instruction input unit.

The operation is continued beyond the scheduled operation stop time unless an instruction to actually stop the operation is given. In contrast, the operation stop time received by the timer closing unit 16 is the time at which the air-conditioning operation control unit 11 actually stops the operation. Therefore, if the operation is not continued beyond the operation stop time, if the fade control is executed from the first time before the operation stop time set by the timer closing unit 16, the step of returning to the set temperature is not necessary.

As a method of setting the operation stop time in the timer shutdown unit 16, there is a method of instructing the time point to stop after a set time, specifically, a method of designating a day, weekday, holiday, or day of the week and stopping the operation at a designated time, and the like, and any method is possible.

With such a configuration, even in the operation stop instruction by the timer shutdown unit 16 conventionally used, it is possible to select an energy saving opportunity of reducing the set temperature from the first time before the operation stop time.

Here, the air conditioner control unit 10B includes the timer closing unit 16 instead of the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13, but the timer closing unit 16 functions as a unit mounted in a conventional air conditioner. Therefore, the timer closing unit 16 may be provided together with the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13, the scheduled operation stop time setting unit 15, or both of them.

[ fourth embodiment ]

The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 1C according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 7, the air conditioner 1C of the present embodiment includes an air conditioner control unit 10C instead of the air conditioner control unit 10. This point is different from the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment.

The air conditioner control unit 10C includes an air conditioning operation control unit 11C instead of the air conditioning operation control unit 11, and a room performance determination unit 17. The air-conditioning operation control unit 11C includes a timing adjustment unit (adjustment unit) 18 in addition to the fade control unit 12.

The room performance determination unit 17 determines the performance of a room (air-conditioned space) in which the air conditioner 1C is installed. The performance of the room is room temperature maintenance performance (hereinafter, temperature maintenance performance). Herein, use is made of

A method of judging the performance of a room will be described.

The terms (a) and (b) are used to explain the method of determining the performance of a room.

As shown in fig. 8 (a), when the heating operation is stopped, the room temperature takes time to decrease (at a low speed) in the room a with high temperature maintenance performance (high performance). On the other hand, in the room (performance low) C in which the temperature maintenance performance is low, the room temperature is decreased (high speed) in a short time. In the room (in performance) B in which the temperature maintenance performance is medium, the speed between the room a and the room C is decreased. Although not shown, the temperature changes in the direction of temperature increase similarly when the cooling operation is stopped, but the speed of temperature change is slow in the room a with high temperature maintenance performance (high performance) and fast in the room C with low temperature maintenance performance (low performance).

Therefore, the performance of the room can be determined from the room temperature (average) after a predetermined time when the operation is stopped. As shown in fig. 8 (b), the average room temperature T after T hours after the heating operation was stopped was within T1, and was judged to be high, while if it was higher than T1 ℃ but not higher than T2 ℃, it was judged to be middle, and if it was higher than T2 ℃, it was judged to be low. Here, T1 < T2. T1 and T2 which are the determination thresholds are set according to the difference between the outside air temperature and the room temperature. In the example of fig. 8 (B), the room a having an average room falling temperature T of T1 is judged to be high in performance, and the room B having a temperature greater than T1 ℃ and equal to or less than T2 ℃ is judged to be medium in performance, and the room C having a temperature greater than T2 ℃ is judged to be low in performance.

As shown in fig. 9 (a), when the heating operation is started, the room temperature reaches the set temperature in a short time and stabilizes in the room a with high temperature maintenance performance (high performance). On the other hand, in the room (low performance) C with low temperature maintenance performance, it takes time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature and stabilize. In the room B in which the temperature maintenance performance is medium (in performance), it takes time between the rooms a and C to stabilize. Although not shown, the time until stabilization becomes short in the room a with high temperature maintenance performance (high performance) and long in the room C with low temperature maintenance performance (low performance) although the temperature is changed in the direction of temperature decrease similarly in the case of starting the cooling operation.

Therefore, the performance of the room can be determined from the time (average) required until the room temperature stabilizes at the start of operation. As shown in fig. 9 (b), if the average required time M until the room temperature after the heating operation starts becomes stable is within M1, it is determined that the performance is high, if it is greater than M1 but not greater than M2, it is determined that the performance is middle, and if it is greater than M2, it is determined that the performance is low. Here, M1 < M2. M1 and M2 serving as such determination thresholds are set according to the difference between the outside air temperature and the room temperature. In the example of fig. 9 (B), room a whose average required time M is within M1 is judged to be high in performance, and room B which is larger than M1 but is equal to or smaller than M2 is judged to be low in performance, and room C which is larger than M2 is judged to be low in performance.

As shown in fig. 10 (a), in the room a with high temperature maintenance performance (high performance), the average operating capacity (watts) is small when the room temperature is stable after the heating operation is started. On the other hand, in the room (low performance) C with low temperature maintenance performance, the average operation performance when the room temperature is stable becomes large. In room B, which has a medium temperature maintaining performance (performance), the average operating capacity between room a and room C is defined. Although not shown, the average operating capacity when the room temperature is stable is high in a room a with high temperature maintenance performance and a room C with low temperature maintenance performance, although the average operating capacity is a change in the direction of temperature decrease in the same manner when the cooling operation is started.

Therefore, the performance of the room can be determined from the average operating capacity when the room temperature is stable. As shown in fig. 10 (b), the average drivability W is determined to be high if it is within W1, low if it is larger than W1 but not larger than W2, and low if it is larger than W2. Here, W1 < W2. W1 and W2 serving as such determination thresholds are set according to the difference between the outside air temperature and the room temperature. In the example of fig. 10 (B), room a having an average drivability W within W1 is determined to have high performance, and room B having an average drivability W greater than W1 but not greater than W2 is determined to have low performance, whereas room C having an average drivability W greater than W2 is determined to have low performance.

Although the determination methods 1 to 3 are shown here, the room performance determination unit 17 may determine the room performance using at least one of them.

Returning to fig. 7, the timing adjustment unit 18 adjusts the first time to start the fade control based on the result of the judgment of the room performance by the room performance judgment unit 17. It is also considered that the first time is uniformly set regardless of the room performance. However, in this case, in a room with low room performance, the temperature quickly reaches the reduced set temperature, and therefore the user may feel uncomfortable after spending a long time in the room with the reduced set temperature. On the contrary, in a room with high room performance, there is no discomfort if the set temperature is weakened at an earlier timing, but the timing of weakening is slow, and the energy saving effect may be reduced.

Therefore, the timing adjustment unit 18 adjusts the first time period based on the determination of the room performance determination unit 17 so that the room with low room performance (temperature maintenance performance) is relatively short and the room with high room performance (temperature maintenance performance) is relatively long. For example, when the default value of the first time as the timing for decreasing the set temperature is 30 minutes, it is 10 minutes in the room C with low performance, and it is 50 minutes, for example, in the room a with high performance. Thereby, the fade control conforming to the room performance can be performed. For the same reason, the timing adjustment unit 18 performs adjustment so that the second time becomes longer in a room with high room performance and conversely becomes shorter in a room with low room performance.

In the present embodiment, the room performance determination unit 17 and the timing adjustment unit 18 are mounted in the air conditioner control unit 10, but may be mounted in the air conditioner control units 10A and 10B.

In addition, the first

Air conditioner of embodiment 4

The communication unit 21 may be connected to a server (not shown) as an external device via a communication network, and may be configured to remotely control a communication terminal of a user.

[ fifth embodiment ]

The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air conditioning control system 30 according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 11, the air conditioning control system 30 includes an air conditioner 1D installed in a user house 31, a server 40, and a communication terminal 50 for a user of the air conditioner 1D, which are connected via a communication network 32.

The air conditioner ID is connected to the communication network 32 using the communication unit 21 (see fig. 1) and communicates with the server 40. The user house 31 is equipped with a wireless LAN (wireless local Area Network) constituting a part of the communication Network 32. The relay station of the wireless LAN is connected to a communication network 32 including the internet. The relay station is, for example, a communication device such as a WiFi (registered trademark) router, a WiFi (registered trademark) access point, or the like. Although the configuration including the internet as the communication network 32 is exemplified here, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a catv (ca bletelevision) communication network, a satellite communication network, or the like may be used. The communication terminal 50 is connected to the internet in the communication network 32 by using a 4G (4th Generation: fourth Generation partnership), a L TE (Long Term Evolution), a WiFi (registered trademark) access point in the house or the public, or the like.

The server 40 registers a combination of the air conditioner 1D and the communication terminal 50. The server 40 can perform remote operation of the air conditioner 1D by the communication terminal 50 in which the combination is registered.

The communication terminal 50 is a communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer for the user of the air conditioner 1D, and downloads an application program for remotely operating the air conditioner 1D. Fig. 11 shows a part of the air conditioning control system 30 related to a certain user house 31, and actually, a plurality of air conditioners of a plurality of user houses are connected to the server 40.

When receiving an instruction from the communication terminal 50 via the server 40, the air conditioner 1D performs air conditioning operations such as cooling, heating, air blowing, dehumidification, and air purification based on the instruction. The air conditioner 1D periodically communicates with the server 40, and transmits operation data indicating the operation content of the air conditioner 1D and information detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 24, the indoor temperature sensor 25, and the like to the server 40.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning control system 30 according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 12, the air conditioner 1D includes an air conditioner control unit 10D instead of the air conditioner control unit 10. This point is different from the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment.

The air conditioner control unit 10D does not include the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13, and includes an air conditioning operation control unit 11D instead of the air conditioning operation control unit 11. When receiving an instruction from server 40, air-conditioning operation control unit 11D controls air-conditioning operation unit 23 based on the instruction to perform air-conditioning operation. When receiving the instruction from the server 40, the air-conditioning operation control units 11 to 11C also perform the same operation of controlling the air-conditioning operation unit 23 to perform the air-conditioning operation based on the instruction.

The server 40 includes a server control unit 41 and a communication unit 42 that control operations of the respective units of the server 40. In the present embodiment, the server control unit 41 includes the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13 and the fade control unit 12 described above.

As described above, since the operation data is transmitted from the air-conditioning apparatus 1D to the server 40, the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13 and the fade control unit 12 can be provided as functions of the server 40.

The communication terminal 50 includes a terminal control unit 51 that controls operations of each unit of the communication terminal 50, a communication unit 52, a display unit 53, an input unit 54, and the like.

The terminal control unit 51 is provided with a remote control unit 55 for remotely controlling the air conditioner 1D. The remote operation unit 55 is constructed by a dedicated application program or the like downloaded to the communication terminal 50. The remote operation unit 55 displays an operation screen such as that shown on the left side of fig. 14 on the display unit 53. Then, the operation performed on the operation screen is received by the input unit 54, and the received instruction is transmitted to the server 40.

In this way, in the configuration in which the air conditioner 1D is remotely operated and the operation data is transmitted to the server 40, by providing the server 40 with the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13 and the fade control unit 12, it is possible to reduce the functions of the air conditioner 1D and to reduce the cost of the air conditioner 1D.

The air conditioners according to the second to fourth embodiments

In the case of combining the server 40, the server 40 may be provided with the scheduled operation stop time setting unit 15, the room performance determination unit 17, and the timing adjustment unit 18.

[ sixth embodiment ]

The sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning control system 30E according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 13, a server 40E is provided in place of the server 40, and a communication terminal 50E is provided in place of the communication terminal 50. This point is different from the air conditioning control system 30 of the fifth embodiment. The server 40E includes a server control unit 41E instead of the server control unit 41, and the communication terminal 50E includes a terminal control unit 51E instead of the terminal control unit 51.

The server control unit 41E includes a feedback unit 43 in addition to the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13 and the fade control unit 12 described above. The feedback unit 43 inquires of the user about the previous feeling of the fade control, and adjusts the content of the fade control based on the response to the inquiry. The feedback unit 43 inquires of the user about the fade control to be executed at a predetermined timing after performing the fade control.

The terminal control unit 51E includes an inquiry/response unit 56 in addition to the remote operation unit 55 described above. Upon receiving the inquiry from the feedback unit 43, the inquiry answering unit 56 displays an inquiry screen for the fade control shown in fig. 14, and receives the answer through the input unit 54. The inquiry screen is displayed, for example, in a pop-up manner at a predetermined timing. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen for fade control displayed on the communication terminal.

In the example shown in fig. 14, the temperature is decreased by "40 minutes from the learned retirement time" to save power. Do you think? If [ YES ] is pressed, the next time is shortened by 10 minutes and the set temperature is decreased. "is displayed. Here, if the user presses [ no ], it means that the fade control is not being intended, and therefore the feedback unit 43 continues the setting of the current fade control. On the other hand, when the user presses [ yes ], this means that the control is intentionally reduced, and therefore the feedback unit 43 instructs the reduction control unit 12 to change the setting of reducing the first time to, for example, 10 minutes, to 30 minutes or less from the scheduled operation stop time, which is the retirement time.

Further, such an inquiry may be repeated, and the first time may be shortened to about 10 minutes, while the fade control is intentionally performed, and the fade control may be set to off for the user who answers [ yes ].

The timing of the display of such an inquiry screen may be determined on the server control unit 41E side or on the terminal control unit 51E side. For example, when an inquiry request is requested from the server control unit 41E, the display may be performed at a timing when the terminal control unit 51E starts an application program for remote operation and enters a state of accepting an instruction input, or at a timing when the user requests the display. The server control unit 41E may request an inquiry every time the fade control is executed, or may request the remote controller 26 when the fade control is operated based on the operation data, for example. This is because the remote controller 26 is operated during the fade control, and the user may feel uncomfortable by performing the fade control and change the set temperature, the air volume, the wind direction, and the like.

Further, the feedback unit 43 may display a guidance screen for prompting a user not setting the fade control to set the fade control as shown in fig. 15, and receive an answer through the input unit 54. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen for setting the cue reduction control displayed on the communication terminal.

In the example shown in fig. 15, the following messages are displayed: "do you want to save electricity charge? The time of the room leaving is learned and the set temperature of the air conditioner is automatically reduced before leaving the room. If set, the temperature will be slightly reduced before 40 minutes of the learned retirement time. When control is exercised, we will again inform their content so that the function can be evaluated there. ". Here, when the user presses [ yes ] (save), the fade control is set. On the other hand, when the user presses [ no ], the state in which the fade control of the fade control portion 12 is not set is maintained.

The message of such function guidance is displayed at any time of 3 to 5 days (e.g., 6/7/8/9/12/1/2 months) and 18:00 to 21:00 of a designated month in which the air conditioner may be used.

Further, although fig. 14 and 15 show examples of displaying when the dedicated application for operating the air conditioner 1D is started, notification may be made as notification items. Thus, even when the dedicated application is not started (the operation screen is not opened), the screen is locked, or an image of another application is displayed on the screen, the user can recognize that the inquiry about the fade control or the guidance of the fade control is notified. In this case, it is more preferable to use a sound output unit (incoming call sound), an oscillation unit (vibration), and a light emitting unit (light emitting) such as an LED provided in the communication terminal 50E, together with the display.

Here, the feedback unit 43 is provided in the server 40E, but as in the first embodiment

Air conditioner of fourth embodiment

So as to be in the air conditioner control part 1

The damping control device comprises an operation stop scheduled time acquisition unit 13 and a damping control unit 12, the air conditioner control unit may be

The feedback unit 43 is provided.

In this case, a message may be displayed on the screen of the remote controller 26 and the reply may be made using the remote controller 26. In addition, in the air conditioner

When the mobile terminal has a voice output function and a voice recognition function, it is sufficient to transmit a message and acquire a reply using these functions.

[ software-based implementation example ]

The control blocks (particularly, the damping control unit 12, the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13, the scheduled operation stop time setting unit 15, the room performance determination unit 17, and the timing adjustment unit 18) of the air conditioners 1 to 1D, the control blocks (particularly, the damping control unit 12, the scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13, the scheduled operation stop time setting unit 15, and the feedback unit 43) of the

servers

40 and 40E, and the control block (particularly, the query response unit 56) of the communication terminal 50E may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

In the latter case, the air conditioner

The

servers

40, 40E and the communication terminal 50E are provided with computers that execute instructions of programs as software for realizing the respective functions. The computer includes, for example, at least one processor (control device) and at least one computer-readable storage medium for storing the program. In the computer, the object of the present invention is achieved by the processor reading the program from the storage medium and executing the program. As the processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used. As the storage medium, a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) may be used, and a storage medium may be usedMagnetic tape, magnetic disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc. Further, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like may be provided to expand the program. Further, the above-described program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (a communication network, a broadcast wave, or the like) capable of transmitting the program. One aspect of the present invention can also be implemented in the form of a data signal in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission and embedded in a carrier wave.

[ conclusion ]

An air conditioning control device (air conditioner control unit 10) according to a first aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning control device that controls an operation of an air conditioner, and is characterized by including a fade control unit 12 that controls the air conditioner in a direction in which power consumption of the air conditioner decreases before a first time at a time when the air conditioner stops operating.

The air conditioning control device according to the second aspect of the present invention may be configured such that the first aspect is provided with a stop time estimation unit (scheduled operation stop time acquisition unit 13) that estimates the time at which the operation used by the fade control unit is stopped, based on the operation data of the air conditioner.

The air conditioning control device according to the third aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in addition to the first or second aspect, a stop time setting unit (scheduled operation stop time setting unit 15) that receives a setting input of a time at which the operation used by the fade control unit is stopped is provided.

An air conditioning control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in addition to any one of the first to third aspects, a reservation stop unit (timer closing unit 16) is provided, the reservation stop unit being stopped at a time when the operation of the air conditioner is designated or after a designated time, and the fade control unit is configured to stop the operation of the air conditioner using the reservation stop unit.

An air conditioning control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the temperature-lowering control unit lowers the set temperature in the cooling operation or the heating operation, or both, as the control in the direction in which the power consumption of the air conditioner decreases.

In the air conditioning control device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the reduction control unit may reduce the set temperature in a stepwise manner from a time before the first time of the stop of the operation.

An air conditioning control device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention may be configured as follows: any one of the first to sixth aspects includes a room performance determination unit 17 configured to determine a temperature maintenance performance of a room to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner; and an adjusting unit (timing adjusting unit 18) that adjusts the first time period so that the room with low temperature maintenance performance is relatively short and the room with high temperature maintenance performance is relatively long, based on the determination by the room performance determining unit.

An air conditioning control device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the air conditioning control device includes a feedback unit 43, and the feedback unit 43 inquires a user of the air conditioner about a feeling of operation based on control by the fade control unit and adjusts operation contents of the fade control unit in accordance with a response to the inquiry.

An air conditioning control system 30 according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning control system including an air conditioner 1D and a server 40 connected via a communication network 32, wherein the air conditioner or the server includes the air conditioning control device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

An air conditioning control system 30E according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning control system including an air conditioner 1D, a server 40, and a communication terminal 50 connected via a communication network 32, wherein the air conditioner or the server includes the air conditioning control device according to the eighth aspect, and the communication terminal includes an inquiry response unit that displays an inquiry screen to a user of the air conditioner, receives a response to the inquiry, and transmits the received response to the air conditioning control device.

In this case, a control program for realizing the air conditioning control device by a computer by operating the computer as each unit (software element) provided in the air conditioning control device, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program are also included in the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical methods disclosed in the respective embodiments.

Description of the reference numerals

1. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D air conditioner

10. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D air conditioner control part (air conditioner control device)

11. 11C, 11D air conditioner operation control part

12 damping control part

13 scheduled stop time acquisition unit (stop time estimation unit)

15 scheduled stop time setting part (stop time setting part)

16 timing closing part (reservation stop part)

17 Room Performance determination section

18 timing adjustment part (adjustment part)

21. 42, 52 communication unit

22 storage section

23 air-conditioning operation part

24 outdoor temperature sensor

25 indoor temperature sensor

26 remote controller

30. 30E air conditioner control system

31 user house

32 communication network

40. 40E server

41. 41E server control unit

43 feedback part

50. 50E communication terminal

51. 51E terminal control part

53 display unit

54 input unit

55 remote control unit

56 inquiry answering unit

Claims

1. An air conditioning control device that controls operation of an air conditioner, characterized in that,

the disclosed device is provided with: a fade control unit that controls an operation of the air conditioner in a direction in which power consumption of the air conditioner decreases before a first time at an operation stop scheduled time at which the operation of the air conditioner is estimated to be stopped; and

and a stop time estimating unit that determines the scheduled operation stop time based on an operation pattern obtained by learning operation data of the air conditioner.

2. The air conditioning control apparatus according to claim 1,

when the operation of the air conditioner does not stop even when the operation stop scheduled time is reached, the operation of the air conditioner is continued.

3. The air conditioning control apparatus according to claim 2,

the fade control unit changes the control in a direction in which the power consumption of the air conditioner becomes larger than the control executed at the scheduled operation stop time after the scheduled operation stop time.

4. The air conditioning control apparatus according to claim 3,

the fade control unit returns to the control executed before the first time of the scheduled operation stop time after continuing the control executed at the scheduled operation stop time within a certain time after the scheduled operation stop time.

5. The air conditioning control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the temperature decrease control unit decreases the set temperature of the cooling operation or the heating operation, or both of them, as control in a direction in which power consumption of the air conditioner decreases.

6. The air conditioning control apparatus according to claim 5,

the fade control unit fades the set temperature in a stepwise manner from a time before the first time before the scheduled stop time.

7. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising:

a room performance determination unit that determines a temperature maintenance performance of a room to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner;

and an adjusting unit that adjusts the first time period so that a room with low temperature maintenance performance is relatively short and a room with high temperature maintenance performance is relatively long, based on the determination by the room performance determining unit.

8. The air conditioning control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the air conditioner further includes a feedback unit configured to inquire of a user of the air conditioner about a feeling of operation based on control by the fade control unit, and adjust operation contents of the fade control unit based on a response to the inquiry.

9. An air conditioning control system including an air conditioner and a server connected via a communication network, the air conditioning control system being characterized in that,

the air conditioner control device according to claim 1 or 2 is provided in the air conditioner or the server.

10. An air conditioning control system having an air conditioner, a server, and a communication terminal connected via a communication network,

the air conditioner or the server is provided with the air conditioning control device according to claim 8,

the communication terminal includes an inquiry response unit that displays an inquiry screen to a user of the air conditioner, receives a response to the inquiry, and transmits the received response to the air conditioning control device.