JP2023079838A - Air conditioner and air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner, etc. capable of attaining a power-saving operation enabling both of improvement of a power-saving effect and comfort of a user.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes a control section for switching from an air-conditioning operation to a power-saving operation which requires small power consumption compared to the air-conditioning operation by using presence/absence information indicating presence/absence of a user in an air-conditioned space. The control section enables switching from the air-conditioning operation to as the power-saving operation, one of a first power-saving operation giving a priority to comfort of the user and a second power-saving operation giving a priority to a power-saving effect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to air conditioners and air conditioning systems.

For example, a power-saving operation of an air conditioner has been proposed in which a human detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of people in an air-conditioned space is provided, and the operation of the air conditioner is stopped using the detection result of the human detection sensor (for example, Patent Document 1. ). In the air conditioner of Patent Literature 1, for example, when the human detection sensor does not detect a person in the air-conditioned space for a certain period of time, the power saving operation is executed to save the power consumption of the air conditioning operation.

JP 2016-17663 A

However, in conventional air conditioners, for example, if the air conditioning operation is stopped to save power every time a person is absent for a short period of time, when the person returns to the air-conditioned space, the room temperature of the air-conditioned space is set to the set temperature. It takes time to return to normal, and the user's comfort is impaired. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve both an improvement in power saving effect and user comfort.

In view of such problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner and an air conditioning system that can achieve power saving operation that achieves both improved power saving effect and user comfort.

An air conditioner of one aspect has a control unit that uses presence/absence information indicating the presence/absence of a user in an air-conditioned space to switch from an air-conditioning operation to a power saving operation that consumes less power than the air-conditioning operation. The control unit switches the air-conditioning operation to any one of a first power-saving operation that prioritizes user comfort and a second power-saving operation that prioritizes power-saving effects as the power-saving operation.

As one aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, it is possible to achieve power-saving operation that achieves both improved power-saving effects and comfort for the user.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the temperature shift method of the first power saving operation in the cooling mode. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the temperature shift method of the first power saving operation in the dehumidification mode. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the temperature shift method for the first power saving operation in the heating mode. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication adapter. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a prediction result of presence/absence. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data used to generate presence/absence patterns. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of patterns of users predicted using presence/absence patterns. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing operation of the CPU of the server device involved in the generation processing of generating the presence/absence pattern. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing operation of the CPU of the server device involved in the updating process of updating the presence/absence pattern. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the controller of the indoor unit involved in the first power saving process. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner of Example 3. FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the controller of the indoor unit relating to the second power saving process. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner of Example 4. FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the controller of the indoor unit relating to the third power saving process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an air conditioner and an air conditioning system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the disclosed technology is not limited by the present embodiment. Further, each embodiment shown below may be modified as appropriate within a range that does not cause contradiction.

<Configuration of air conditioning system>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. An air conditioning system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an air conditioner 2 , a communication adapter 3 , a router 4 , a server device 5 , a relay device 6 , a terminal device 7 and a communication network 8 .

<Configuration of air conditioner>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 2. As shown in FIG. The air conditioner 2 shown in FIG. 2 has an indoor unit 21, an outdoor unit 22, and a remote control 23. The indoor unit 21 is, for example, a part of the air conditioner 2 that is placed indoors and heats or cools the indoor air that is the air-conditioned space. It is assumed that the indoor unit 21 is provided for each air-conditioned space such as a living room and a bedroom, for example. The indoor unit 21 has a main body 21A, a human detection sensor 21B, a light receiving section 21C, a control section 21D, and a memory 21E. The main body 21A is provided with an indoor fan and an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), and the indoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 22 in the indoor heat exchanger is blown out by the indoor fan. Indoor heating, cooling, dehumidification, etc. are performed. The human detection sensor 21B detects the presence or absence of people in the air-conditioned space. The human detection sensor 21B is, for example, a pyroelectric sensor using infrared rays. When the air conditioner 2 is connected to a commercial power source and power is supplied after the air conditioner 2 is installed, the human detection sensor 21B is not limited to a specific person, and can detect a sensor in the air-conditioned space. Start detecting the presence/absence of people within the range. After that, unless the power supply to the air conditioner 2 is stopped, the presence/absence of people in the air-conditioned space is continuously detected regardless of whether the air conditioner 2 is on or off. The light receiving section 21C receives a command signal from the remote controller 23 and transmits the received command signal to the control section 21D. The memory 21E is, for example, a storage unit that stores various information. The controller 21D controls the indoor unit 21 as a whole. The controller 21D executes various commands based on the command signal. The outdoor unit 22 includes, for example, an outdoor fan, a compressor, and the like. The remote controller 23 is a remote control unit that remotely controls the indoor unit 21 according to user's operation.

The control unit 21D uses the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E, which will be described later, to switch from the air conditioning operation to the power saving operation that consumes less power than the air conditioning operation. The prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E is obtained from the presence/absence prediction unit 34E in the communication adapter 3, which will be described later, and is information obtained by accumulating the prediction results of the presence/absence of a specific user in the air-conditioned space every 10 minutes for 24 hours. is. On the other hand, the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B is the detection result of presence/absence of a person present within the sensor range in the air-conditioned space. The air-conditioning operation is a normal air-conditioning operation such as a cooling mode, a heating mode, or a dehumidifying mode, for example, in which the room temperature in the air-conditioned space is changed to the set temperature.

When the human detection sensor 21B detects the presence of a person during power saving operation, the control unit 21D determines that a person exists in the air-conditioned space, and restarts the air-conditioning operation. Although the details will be described later, the control unit 21D stores a prediction result of the presence/absence of a user predicted at a predetermined time. The prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E is referred to, and if the prediction result indicates the presence of a person, it is determined that the user is present in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is continued. Specifically, the control unit 21D refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a predetermined period of time, for example, 60 minutes from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during air conditioning operation. . Based on the referred prediction result, if the prediction result indicates the presence of a person, the control unit 21D determines that the user is present in the air-conditioned space, and continues the air-conditioning operation.

The control unit 21D refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and if the prediction result indicates the absence of a person, the air-conditioned space It determines that there is no user inside, and switches from the air conditioning operation to the power saving operation. Specifically, the control unit 21D refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a predetermined period of time, for example, 60 minutes from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during air conditioning operation. . Based on the referenced prediction results, if the prediction results include the absence of people, the control unit 21D determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space, and switches from air-conditioned operation to power saving operation.

The power saving operation includes a first power saving operation that prioritizes user comfort and a second power saving operation that prioritizes power saving effects. The first power-saving operation is a power-saving operation that is selected when the prediction results for a predetermined period of time include both the absence and presence of people. This is a power saving operation in which the set temperature is changed step by step, and the power consumption is smaller than that in the air conditioning operation before switching to the power saving operation. The second power-saving operation is a power-saving operation that is selected when all prediction results for a predetermined period of time indicate that no one is present. Power-saving operation. The first power-saving operation is a power-saving operation that prioritizes comfort over power-saving effects compared to the second power-saving operation.

The first power-saving operation is a power-saving operation in which the set temperature is shifted step by step every 10 minutes from the set temperature of the air conditioning operation before switching to the power saving operation according to each operation mode of the normal air conditioning operation. The operation modes include, for example, a cooling mode, a dehumidifying mode, and a heating mode. Therefore, the temperature shift method for the first power saving operation differs for each operation mode.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the temperature shift method of the first power saving operation in the cooling mode. When the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person at time point A in the cooling mode, the control unit 21D changes the set temperature to Ts+T1. +T2, the set temperature is changed to (Ts+T1+T2)+T3 at time C when time t2 has passed from time B, and the set temperature is changed to (Ts+T1+T2+T3)+T4 at time D when time t3 has passed from time C. That is, in the cooling mode, the control unit 21D increases the set temperature step by step at regular time intervals, for example, with Ts+T1+T2+T3+T4 as the maximum shift temperature of the set temperature. Each time t1, t2, t3 is, for example, 10 minutes, and each shift temperature of T1, T2, T3, T4 is, for example, 0.5 degrees. From the time point A to the time point D, the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B remains absent. In other words, the temperature shift continues while the presence of a person is not detected by the human detection sensor 21B.

That is, when the set temperature in the cooling mode is Ts in the first power saving operation, the control unit 21D, for example, increases the temperature from the set temperature Ts to the maximum shift temperature of +2 degrees every 10 minutes by +0.5 degrees. to increase the set temperature step by step. When the set temperature reaches the maximum cooling temperature that can be set in the cooling mode, for example, 30 degrees while increasing the set temperature in stages, the control unit 21D reaches the maximum shift temperature of +2 degrees. Stops increasing the set temperature even if the

In the first power-saving operation in the cooling mode, the set temperature is increased stepwise, but the cooling operation is not stopped, so the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be reduced stepwise without impairing the user's comfort.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the temperature shift method of the first power saving operation in the dehumidification mode. When the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person at time E in the dehumidifying mode, the control unit 21D changes the set temperature to Ts+T1, and at time F when time t1 has passed from time E, the set temperature is changed to (Ts+T1). Change to +T2. That is, in the dehumidification mode, the control unit 21D increases the set temperature by setting Ts+T1+T2 as the maximum shift temperature of the set temperature, for example. The time t1 is, for example, 10 minutes, and the shift temperatures of T1 and T2 are, for example, 0.5 degrees. From time E to time F, the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B remains absent. In other words, the temperature shift continues while the presence of a person is not detected by the human detection sensor 21B.

That is, when the set temperature in the dehumidification mode is Ts in the first power saving operation, the control unit 21D, for example, increases the temperature from the set temperature to the maximum shift temperature of +1 degree every 10 minutes in units of +0.5 degrees. Increase the temperature step by step. When the set temperature reaches the maximum possible dehumidification temperature in the dehumidification mode, for example, 30 degrees while the set temperature is being increased step by step, the control unit 21D does not reach the maximum shift temperature of +1 degree. stop increasing the set temperature.

In the first power saving operation in the dehumidification mode, the set temperature is raised stepwise but the dehumidification operation is not stopped, so the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be reduced stepwise without impairing the user's comfort.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the temperature shift method for the first power saving operation in the heating mode. When the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person at time G in the heating mode, the control unit 21D changes the set temperature to Ts-T1, and at time H when time t1 has passed from time G, the set temperature is changed to ( Ts-T1)-T2, and at time I when time t2 has passed since time H, the set temperature is changed to (Ts-T1-T2)-T3, and at time J when time t3 has passed since time I, the set temperature is changed to (Ts-T1-T2-T3)-T4, and at time K when time t4 has passed from time J, the set temperature is changed to (Ts-T1-T2-T3-T4)-T5, and from time K At time L after time t5 has passed, the set temperature is changed to (Ts-T1-T2-T3-T4-T5)-T6. That is, in the heating mode, the control unit 21D reduces the set temperature stepwise at regular time intervals, for example, with Ts-T1-T2-T3-T4-T5-T6 as the maximum shift temperature of the set temperature. Each period t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, . From the time point G to the time point L, the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B remains absent. In other words, the temperature shift continues while the presence of a person is not detected by the human detection sensor 21B.

That is, when the set temperature in the heating mode is Ts in the first power-saving operation, the control unit 21D, for example, sets the temperature to −0.5 degrees every 10 minutes until the temperature drops from the set temperature to the maximum shift temperature of −4 degrees. Decrease the temperature step by step. When the set temperature reaches the lowest possible heating temperature in the heating mode, for example, 16 degrees while the set temperature is being lowered in stages, the control unit 21D reaches the maximum shift temperature of -4 degrees. Stops lowering the set temperature even without

In the first power-saving operation in the heating mode, the set temperature is lowered in stages, but the heating operation is not stopped, so the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be reduced in stages without impairing the user's comfort.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 21D has a power saving operation executing unit 21D1. The power-saving operation executing unit 21D1 selects one of the first power-saving operation and the second power-saving operation from the air conditioning operation based on the length of time during which the person is absent obtained from the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E. switch to one. The length of time during which the person is absent obtained from the prediction result is, for example, the first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, or the third predetermined time. The first predetermined period of time is a period of time, for example, 60 minutes, for referring to the prediction result of presence/absence from the time when the presence/absence of a person is detected by the human detection sensor 21B. For the second predetermined time, when all prediction results for the first predetermined time are "presence" and normal operation is continued, the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B continues to be "absence", and the second power saving operation is performed. This is the time until switching, for example, 60 minutes from the first (most recent) time when the absence of a person is detected. For the third predetermined time, when the prediction result of the first predetermined time is mixed presence/absence and the first power saving operation is performed, the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B continues to be "absence", and the second power saving operation is performed. , for example, 180 minutes from the first (most recent) time when the absence of a person is detected.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during air conditioning operation. . The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined period of time based on the referenced prediction results when all the prediction results indicate the absence of people, The air conditioning operation is switched to the second power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during the execution of the air-conditioning operation, and determines whether the prediction result is When all the people are present, it is determined that there are users in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and the air-conditioning operation is continued without switching to the power saving operation.

When the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 detects the absence of the person when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of the person when the air-conditioning operation is continued. When the user's absence is detected, it is determined that the user is absent in the air-conditioned space when the user's absence is continuously detected for a second predetermined time from the time when the absence is detected. Then, the power saving operation execution unit 21D1 switches from the air conditioning operation to the second power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during the execution of the air-conditioning operation, and determines whether the prediction result is When the presence and absence of people are mixed, it is determined that there is a possibility that a user may be present in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power saving operation.

Alternatively, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during the execution of the air conditioning operation. Even when the presence/absence pattern is being generated and the presence/absence prediction unit 34E does not have a prediction result, it is determined that there is a possibility that a user is present in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 receives a prediction result after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person that indicates the presence and absence of a person, or the presence/absence prediction unit 34E does not have a prediction result. When the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during execution of the first power saving operation, the absence of the person is detected for a third predetermined time period, for example, 180 minutes from the time of detection of the absence. If the detection continues, it is determined that the user is absent in the air-conditioned space. Then, the power saving operation execution unit 21D1 switches from the first power saving operation to the second power saving operation.

Returning to FIG. 1, the communication adapter 3 has a communication function of connecting the indoor unit 21 in the air conditioner 2 and the router 4 by wireless communication, and a control function of controlling the indoor unit 21 by AI (Artificial Intelligence). have. The communication adapter 3 is arranged for each indoor unit 21 . The router 4 is, for example, an access point that connects the communication adapter 3 and the communication network 8 by wireless communication using WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or the like, and also connects the terminal device 7 and the communication network 8 by wireless communication. device. The terminal device 7 is, for example, a communication terminal such as a smartphone of a user who is an administrator among a plurality of users who use the air conditioning system 1 . The communication network 8 is, for example, a communication network such as the Internet. The server device 5 has a function of generating an presence/absence pattern applied to the indoor unit 21, a database that stores operation history data, and the like. The server device 5 is arranged in, for example, a data center. The relay device 6 has a function of communicating with the communication network 8 and communicating with the server device 5 . The relay device 6 transmits the driving history data and the like used for generating or updating the presence/absence pattern applied to the indoor unit 21 from the communication adapter 3 to the server device 5 via the communication network 8 . The relay device 6 also transmits the presence/absence pattern generated or updated by the server device 5 to the communication adapter 3 via the communication network 8 . Incidentally, the relay device 6 is arranged, for example, in a data center or the like.

The relay device 6 has a first relay section 6A, a second relay section 6B, and a third relay section 6C. The first relay unit 6A transmits various data (hereinafter referred to as driving history data) related to presence/absence patterns from the communication adapter 3 to the server device 5 via the communication network 8, and the server device 5 generates or updates The presence/absence pattern is transmitted to the communication adapter 3 via the communication network 8. - 特許庁The second relay unit 6B acquires the operating conditions of the indoor unit 21 (operating mode such as cooling/heating, set temperature, etc.) set by the user using the terminal device 7 from outside, and transmits the operating conditions to the indoor unit 21. Send to The third relay unit 6</b>C acquires external data such as weather forecasts and calendar information (mainly holiday information) from a communication network 8 such as the Internet, and transmits the acquired external data to the server device 5 . Further, the third relay unit 6C transmits external data to the communication adapter 3 via the communication network 8. FIG.

<Communication adapter configuration>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication adapter 3. As shown in FIG. The communication adapter 3 shown in FIG. 6 has a first communication section 31, a second communication section 32, a storage section 33, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) . The first communication unit 31 is a communication IF (Interface) such as a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) that connects the control unit 21D in the indoor unit 21 and the CPU 34 for communication. The second communication unit 32 is a communication unit such as a communication IF such as WLAN that connects the router 4 and the CPU 34 for communication. The storage unit 33 has, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores various information such as data and programs. The CPU 34 controls the communication adapter 3 as a whole.

Storage unit 33 in communication adapter 3 shown in FIG. 6 has history memory 33A, presence/absence pattern memory 33B, prediction result memory 33C, and external memory 33D. The history memory 33A temporarily stores operation history data acquired from the indoor unit 21 . The driving history data is, for example, the detection result of the presence/absence of people in the indoor space detected by the human detection sensor 21B every 10 minutes. The presence/absence pattern memory 33B stores the presence/absence pattern acquired from the server device 5 .

For example, the presence/absence pattern is obtained by using the past detection results of the human detection sensor 21B, for example, the presence/absence detection results for the past 30 days, day information, and holiday information. It is a pattern generated for each day of the week showing the trend of presence/absence. In this embodiment, a maximum of five types of presence/absence patterns are generated, and the presence/absence patterns are associated with each day of the week so that it can be determined which presence/absence pattern the user tends to behave in each day of the week. . For example, on Mondays and Tuesdays there is a tendency to behave in presence/absence pattern 1, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays there is a tendency to behave in presence/absence pattern 2. There is a tendency to behave according to absence/absence pattern 3 on Thursday and Friday, a tendency to behave according to absence/absence pattern 4 on Saturday, and a tendency to behave according to absence/absence pattern 5 on Sunday. Here, the reason why the detection results of the human detection sensor 21B for the past 30 days are used when generating the presence/absence pattern is as follows. When generating the presence/absence pattern, the more detection results of the human detection sensor 21B, the more accurate the prediction using the presence/absence pattern. On the other hand, it is assumed that a presence/absence pattern is generated using, for example, detection results for the past 90 days so as to obtain many detection results of the human detection sensor 21B. When the installation time of the air conditioner 2 is the beginning of summer when cooling operation is frequently performed, or the beginning of winter when heating operation is frequently performed, during the presence/absence pattern is generated, Winter has passed, and user behavior prediction and air-conditioning operation recommendation based on the user presence/absence prediction result, which will be described later, cannot be performed in summer or winter. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to ensure the accuracy of the presence/absence pattern, and to provide the user's behavior prediction and air conditioning operation recommendation based on the user's presence/absence prediction result at an appropriate time. Considering this, presence/absence detection results for the past 30 days from the human detection sensor 21B are used to generate the presence/absence pattern. The presence/absence detection results for the past 30 days are information obtained by accumulating the presence/absence detection results every 10 minutes for 30 days. Further, in this embodiment, the case where the detection results of the human detection sensor 21B for the past 30 days are used when generating the presence/absence pattern is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it change suitably according to the period from the time of installation of the air conditioner 2 to the time of frequent use.

The day of the week information is information on the day of the week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and is obtained by calculation by the CPU 34 . The holiday information is information identifying a holiday among the days of the week of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and is acquired from the outside via the second communication unit 32 . The reason for obtaining the holiday information from the outside is that the holiday may change from year to year. The prediction result memory 33C stores the presence/absence prediction result for 24 hours, which is the prediction result of the presence/absence of a person every 10 minutes for 24 hours in the air-conditioned space predicted by the presence/absence pattern. The CPU 34 can refer to the prediction result memory 33C to recognize the presence/absence prediction results for 24 hours for each air-conditioned space. The external memory 33D stores external data obtained from the outside, such as the above-mentioned holiday information and weather forecast.

The CPU 34 has a collection unit 34A, a transmission unit 34B, a reception unit 34C, a setting unit 34D, and a presence/absence prediction unit 34E.

The collecting unit 34A acquires the presence/absence detection result of each air-conditioned space from the indoor unit 21 at predetermined intervals, for example, every 10 minutes. The air-conditioned space is, for example, an air-conditioned space such as a living room or a bedroom. The collection unit 34A collects the current detection results of the presence/absence of people in the air-conditioned space every 10 minutes by the human detection sensor 21B in the air-conditioned space. Presence/absence detection results include, for example, three types of variables: absence, presence, and indefinite. Among the presence/absence detection results, "absence" is a detection result when a person cannot be detected in the air-conditioned space. This "absence" detection result is the second detection value. Among the presence/absence detection results, "presence" is a detection result when a person is detected in an air-conditioned space. This "presence" detection result is the first detection value. Among the presence/absence detection results, "indefinite" is a third detection value that does not correspond to either presence or absence, that is, does not correspond to either the first detection value or the second detection value. , are detection results that are not used to generate presence/absence patterns. The collection unit 34A stores the presence/absence detection result of each air-conditioned space acquired every 10 minutes in the history memory 33A.

For example, when the presence/absence detection results for two days are stored in the history memory 33A, the transmission unit 34B sends the presence/absence detection results for two days stored in the history memory 33A to the server device 5 via the communication network 8. Send to It should be noted that the server device 5 uses the presence/absence detection results for the past 30 days sequentially received from the communication adapter 3 to generate up to five types of presence/absence patterns described above. The receiving unit 34C receives the presence/absence pattern for each air-conditioned space from the server device 5 via the communication network 8, and stores the received presence/absence pattern in the presence/absence pattern memory 33B. The setting unit 34D applies the stored presence/absence pattern to the presence/absence prediction unit 34E.

The presence/absence prediction unit 34E generates the current detection result of the human detection sensor 21B, that is, the detection result of the presence/absence of the human detection sensor 21B from the time when the presence/absence is predicted until a certain time ago, and the current day of the week information. and the current holiday information, the presence/absence pattern to be used for prediction is selected from the plurality of presence/absence patterns applied by the setting unit 34D. The presence/absence prediction unit 34E predicts the presence/absence of people in the air-conditioned space using the selected presence/absence pattern, and obtains the prediction result of presence/absence for 24 hours. The certain period of time is the time required to obtain the number of data that can guarantee the accuracy when selecting the optimum presence/absence pattern from among a plurality of presence/absence patterns by looking at the previous presence/absence detection results.

The selection of the presence/absence pattern used for prediction and the method of predicting the presence/absence of the user using the selected presence/absence pattern will be described in detail below. In the following description, the user's presence/absence is predicted at 8:00 every day, and the user's presence/absence is predicted for 24 hours from 8:00 on the day to 8:00 on the next day. do. In the present embodiment, the 24-hour prediction is divided into two periods, 1) from 8:00 on the day to 0:00 on the next day, and 2) from 0:00 on the next day to 8:00 on the next day. Together, they are the prediction results for 24 hours.

<1) Prediction of user presence/absence from 8:00 on the day to 0:00 on the next day>
First, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E predicts the user's presence/absence at a time, for example, 8:00 on the current day, a certain time before the predicted time, for example, at 21:00 on the day before the predicted day. to 8:00 on the day, the presence/absence detection result detected by the human detection sensor 21B is acquired. Next, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E compares the plurality of presence/absence patterns and determines whether there is a difference between the presence/absence patterns. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the difference between presence/absence patterns is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. More specifically, the presence/absence of the user every 10 minutes from 0:00 to 8:00 in each presence/absence pattern is compared. If the number of locations with different presence/absence (hereinafter referred to as “time period”) is less than a predetermined value, for example, 10, the difference between each presence/absence pattern is within an allowable range (0:00 to 8:00). There is no difference in the pattern). On the other hand, if there are 10 or more time slots in which the user's presence/absence differs every 10 minutes from 0:00 to 8:00, the difference in each presence/absence pattern exceeds the allowable range (0:00 There is a difference in the presence/absence pattern up to 8:00).

Next, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E selects a presence/absence pattern to be used for prediction based on the comparison result of each presence/absence pattern. If the difference between the presence/absence patterns is less than a predetermined value (there is no difference between the presence/absence patterns from 0:00 to 8:00), the presence/absence pattern associated with the predicted day of the week is selected. If the difference between each presence/absence pattern is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (when there is a difference in the presence/absence pattern from 0:00 to 8:00), the detection of the presence/absence of the person acquired from 0:00 to 8:00 Compare the results with the presence/absence from 0:00 to 8:00 in each presence/absence pattern. Then, the presence/absence pattern closest to the detection result is selected. Then, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E extracts the presence/absence from 8:00 to 0:00 in the selected presence/absence pattern as a prediction result of the user's presence/absence from 8:00 on the day to 0:00 on the next day. do. In this way, each presence/absence pattern is associated with the day of the week information, and the presence/absence of the user is predicted according to the comparison result of each presence/absence pattern. Presence/absence of the user can be accurately predicted while reducing the number of users.

Ideally, the presence/absence pattern should be generated for each day of the week, and the presence/absence pattern to be used should be selected according to the day of the week on which the user's presence/absence is actually predicted. This is because if the presence/absence pattern is generated for each day of the week, the prediction accuracy can be expected to be improved accordingly. However, as the number of presence/absence patterns increases, the amount of communication between the communication adapter 3 and the server device 5 increases, and the memory capacity required by the communication adapter increases. heavy load.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, up to five types of presence/absence patterns are used, and the same pattern is applied to the days of the week on which the predicted presence/absence patterns can be regarded as the same. For example, presence/absence pattern 1 applies to Monday and Tuesday, presence/absence pattern 2 applies to Wednesday and Thursday, presence/absence pattern 3 applies to Thursday and Friday, and presence/absence pattern 4 applies to Saturday. , the presence/absence pattern 5 is applied on Sunday. However, if the presence/absence pattern is generated so that it can be applied to a plurality of days of the week in this way, it is possible to predict the presence/absence of the user by using the presence/absence pattern generated for each day of the week. Accuracy may decrease.

Therefore, in order to deal with such a situation, in this embodiment, the selection method of the presence/absence pattern used for predicting the presence/absence of the user is changed according to the comparison result of each presence/absence pattern. If the difference between each presence/absence pattern is less than a predetermined value, it is not possible to determine which presence/absence pattern should be used using the user's presence/absence information acquired up to the predicted time (8:00). If the presence/absence pattern that matches the day of the week is selected, the prediction accuracy will not drop. If the difference between each presence/absence pattern is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, each presence/absence pattern can be distinguished. Prediction accuracy is ensured by selecting the closest presence/absence pattern.

<2) Prediction of presence/absence of users from 0:00 to 8:00 the next day>
First, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E reads the day of the week following the day on which the presence/absence of the user is predicted from the external memory 33D. Next, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E selects the presence/absence pattern corresponding to the read day of the week from the plurality of presence/absence patterns. Then, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E extracts the prediction result of the user's presence/absence from 0:00 the next day to 8:00 the next day from the selected presence/absence pattern.

At the stage of 8:00 on the day when the presence or absence of the user is predicted, 1) Unlike the case of predicting the presence or absence of the user from 8:00 on the day to 0:00 on the next day, human detection after 8:00 on the day It does not have the detection result of the presence/absence of the user detected by the sensor 21B. Therefore, in predicting the presence/absence of the user from 0:00 the next day to 8:00 the next day, the presence/absence pattern to be used for prediction is selected based on the day of the week of the next day, and the selected presence/absence pattern is used for the next day. Predict the presence or absence of the user from 0:00 to 8:00 the next day.

Then, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E predicts the user's presence/absence from 8:00 on the day to 0:00 on the next day obtained in 1) and Predicting the presence/absence of the user for 24 hours from 8:00 on the current day to 8:00 on the following day is combined with the predicted result of the presence/absence of the user. Then, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E outputs the result of prediction to the prediction result memory 33C as a prediction result of presence/absence for 24 hours. The prediction result memory 33C stores presence/absence prediction results for 24 hours. If the predicted time period includes a holiday, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E regards the time period as the same as a holiday and obtains a 24-hour presence/absence prediction result in the air-conditioned space. In addition, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E predicts the presence/absence detection result of "indefinite" among the presence/absence detection results, which are the detection results of the human detection sensor 21B used when predicting the presence/absence of the user in the air-conditioned space. (third detection value) is excluded. In other words, since the "indefinite" presence/absence detection result is excluded and not used for generating or updating the presence/absence pattern, it is possible to improve the accuracy of prediction based on the generated/updated presence/absence pattern.

The presence/absence prediction unit 34E predicts the presence/absence of the user in the air-conditioned space for 24 hours after the predetermined time, for example, at 8:00 and 20:00 every day, as predetermined times at which the presence/absence is predicted. You may Specifically, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E obtains the presence/absence prediction result for 24 hours, which is the prediction result of the user's presence/absence. In addition, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E obtains a prediction result of presence/absence for 24 hours from each predetermined time every half day, thereby improving the prediction accuracy. The 24-hour presence/absence prediction result is, for example, a prediction result of the presence/absence of the user in the air-conditioned space every 10 minutes. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a 24-hour presence/absence prediction result. Prediction results of presence/absence shown in FIG. 7 are prediction results of presence/absence for each 10 minutes from a predetermined time to 24 hours later for each air-conditioned space. The data indicating the presence/absence prediction result is "1" for presence and "0" for absence.

<Structure of server device>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 5. As shown in FIG. The server device 5 shown in FIG. 8 has a communication section 51 , a storage section 52 and a CPU 53 . The communication unit 51 is a communication IF that connects the relay device 6 and the CPU 53 for communication. The storage unit 52 has, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, etc., and stores various information such as data and programs. The CPU 53 controls the server device 5 as a whole.

The storage unit 52 in the server device 5 shown in FIG. 8 has a history data memory 52A and a pattern storage unit 52B. The history data memory 52A stores the operation history data received from the communication adapter 3, such as the detection result of presence/absence of the air-conditioned space for two days. The pattern storage unit 52B stores the presence/absence pattern generated by the server device 5, updates the generated presence/absence pattern using the acquired data, and stores the updated presence/absence pattern.

The CPU 53 in the server device 5 has a receiver 53A, an acquirer 53B, a generator 53C, and a transmitter 53D.

The receiving unit 53A is connected to the communication adapters 3 of the plurality of indoor units 21 and receives presence/absence detection results for two days for each air-conditioned space from the communication adapter 3 via the router 4, the communication network 8, and the relay device 6. is received, and the received presence/absence detection results for two days are stored in the history data memory 52A. The receiving unit 53A receives day-of-the-week information and holiday information from the communication adapter 3 . The day of the week information may be calculated by the CPU 53 of the server device 5, and the holiday information may be directly acquired by the server device 5 from the outside. Acquisition unit 53B acquires the day-of-the-week information and holiday information received by reception unit 53A. Acquisition unit 53B acquires the day-of-the-week information and holiday information received by reception unit 53A.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data used to generate presence/absence patterns. The data used to generate the presence/absence pattern includes presence/absence detection results as sensor data, day-of-the-week information as day-of-the-week data, and holiday information as holiday data. The presence/absence detection results are the presence/absence detection results of the human detection sensor 21B in the air-conditioned space every 10 minutes, as described above. Also, as described above, the presence/absence detection result of "indefinite" shall not be used for generating or updating the presence/absence pattern.

The generation unit 53C uses the presence/absence detection results, day information, and holiday information for a predetermined period of time stored in the history data memory 52A, for example, 30 days, which are past detection results, to determine the air-conditioned space of the indoor unit 21. Generate user presence/absence patterns. Generation unit 53C stores the generated presence/absence pattern in pattern storage unit 52B. When a holiday is included in the time zone of the presence/absence detection result, the generation unit 53C regards the time zone as being the same as a holiday. After storing the presence/absence pattern in the pattern storage unit 52B, the generation unit 53C uses the presence/absence detection results for, for example, six days unused for generation in the history data memory 52A and stores them in the pattern storage unit 52B. Update the presence/absence patterns in Then, the generation unit 53C stores the updated presence/absence pattern in the pattern storage unit 52B.

For example, when the air conditioner 2 is installed in the living room, the generation unit 53C determines the presence/absence of the living room from the living room presence/absence detection result stored in the history data memory 52A. Extract presence/absence detection results. Furthermore, the generation unit 53C extracts the presence/absence detection results other than “indefinite” from the above-extracted presence/absence detection results on Monday, and based on the extracted presence/absence detection results in the living room, Generating an presence/absence pattern that predicts the presence/absence of a person.

In addition, the generation unit 53C extracts the presence/absence detection results on holidays and Sundays from the living room presence/absence detection results stored in the history data memory 52A. Furthermore, the generation unit 53C extracts presence/absence detection results other than “indefinite” from the extracted presence/absence detection results on holidays and Sundays, and based on the extracted presence/absence detection results in the living room, Generate an presence/absence pattern that predicts the presence/absence of a person in

That is, the generator 53C generates presence/absence patterns for each day of the week in the air-conditioned space where the indoor unit 21 is installed. For convenience of explanation, the case of generating presence/absence patterns for each day of the week has been exemplified. and Sunday may be set as a holiday, and a presence/absence pattern for each air-conditioned space on a holiday may be generated. In addition, holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays have been exemplified as holidays, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, Tuesdays may be set as holidays regardless of holidays and holidays on the calendar, and can be changed as appropriate. .

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a generated user presence/absence pattern. Pattern 1 of the presence/absence patterns shown in FIG. 10 is an presence/absence pattern indicating the presence/absence of the user in the air-conditioned space on Monday and Tuesday. Although not shown, the presence/absence pattern of users in the air-conditioned space from Wednesday to Saturday other than holidays is also predicted. Pattern 2 is an presence/absence pattern indicating the presence/absence of users in the air-conditioned space on Sundays and holidays.

The generation unit 53C generates or updates the presence/absence pattern for each day of the week for each air-conditioned space based on the presence/absence detection result, the day of the week information, and the holiday information, and stores the generated/updated presence/absence pattern in the pattern storage unit 52B. do. The transmission unit 53D transmits the presence/absence pattern for each day of the week for each air-conditioned space stored in the pattern storage unit 52B to the communication adapter 3 via the relay device 6, the communication network 8, and the router 4. FIG.

<Generation of Presence/Absence Pattern in Air Conditioning System>
Next, generation of presence/absence patterns in the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing operation of the CPU 53 of the server device 5 involved in the generation processing of generating the presence/absence pattern. The generation process is a process of first generating the presence/absence pattern after the air conditioner 2 is later installed in the air-conditioned space. In FIG. 11, the receiving unit 53A in the CPU 53 of the server device 5 communicates with the communication adapter 3 periodically, for example, at 0:00 every day, and receives the presence/absence detection results for each air-conditioned space for two days from the communication adapter 3. It is determined whether or not it has been received (step S11). It is assumed that the communication adapter 3 stores the presence/absence detection results for two days in the history memory 33A until the results are obtained. If the receiving unit 53A receives two days' worth of presence/absence detection results (step 11: Yes), the receiving unit 53A stores the received two days' worth of presence/absence detection results in the history data memory 52A of the storage unit 52 (step S12). The generation unit 53C in the CPU 53 determines whether or not presence/absence detection results for 30 days have been stored in the history data memory 52A (step S13). If the presence/absence detection results for 30 days have already been stored (step S13: Yes), the generating unit 53C stores the presence/absence detection results for each day of the week for each air-conditioned space based on the stored presence/absence detection results, day information, and holiday information. A presence/absence pattern is generated (step S14). When acquiring the presence/absence detection results for two days, the acquisition unit 53B in the CPU 53 also acquires day-of-the-week information and holiday information on the detection dates of the presence/absence detection results for two days. Alternatively, the server apparatus 5 associates the weekday information and holiday information acquired by itself with the acquired presence/absence detection results for two days. In addition, the generation unit 53C exemplifies the case where the presence/absence pattern for each day of the week is generated, but two presence/absence patterns for holidays and weekdays may be generated, and can be changed as appropriate.

The generation unit 53C stores the generated presence/absence pattern in the pattern storage unit 52B (step S15). The transmission unit 53D in the CPU 53 transmits the presence/absence pattern being stored in the pattern storage unit 52B to the communication adapter 3 (step S16), and terminates the processing operation of FIG.

If the reception unit 53A does not receive the presence/absence detection result for each air-conditioned space for two days in the process of step S11 (step S11: No), the process returns to step S11. Further, when the presence/absence detection results for 30 days have not been stored in the processing of step S13 (step S13: No), the receiving unit 53A returns to the processing of step S11.

When the CPU 53 stores the presence/absence detection results for each air-conditioned space for 30 days from the communication adapter 3, the CPU 53 stores the presence/absence detection results for each air-conditioned space for 30 days, the day of the week information, and the holiday information in the air-conditioned space. To generate an presence/absence pattern for each day of the week for predicting the presence/absence of a user. The CPU 53 then transmits the generated presence/absence pattern to the communication adapter 3 . As a result, the server device 5 can provide the communication adapter 3 with presence/absence patterns for each day of the week used in the air-conditioned space.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing operation of the CPU 53 of the server device 5 involved in the updating process of updating the presence/absence pattern. The update process is a process of updating the contents of the presence/absence pattern being stored in the pattern storage unit 52B. In FIG. 12, the receiving unit 53A communicates with the communication adapter 3 periodically, for example, at 0:00 every day, and determines whether or not presence/absence detection results for each air-conditioned space for two days have been received from the communication adapter 3. (step S21). It is assumed that the communication adapter 3 stores the presence/absence detection results for two days in the history memory 33A until the results are obtained. When the reception unit 53A receives two days of presence/absence detection results for each air-conditioned space (step S21: Yes), the reception unit 53A stores the received two days of presence/absence detection results in the history data memory 52A of the storage unit 52. Store (step S22). The generation unit 53C determines whether or not the presence/absence detection results for six days that have not been used for generation have already been stored in the history data memory 52A (step S23).

If the presence/absence detection results for six days that have not been used for generation have already been stored (step S23: Yes), the generation unit 53C creates an air-conditioned space based on the stored presence/absence detection results, the day of the week information, and the holiday information. The presence/absence pattern for each day of the week is updated (step S24). The generation unit 53C stores the updated presence/absence pattern for each day of the week for each air-conditioned space in the pattern storage unit 52B (step S25). The transmission unit 53D transmits the presence/absence pattern for each day of the week for each air-conditioned space stored in the pattern storage unit 52B to the communication adapter 3 (step S26). Then, the receiving unit 53A returns to the process of step S21 in order to determine whether the presence/absence detection results for two days for each air-conditioned space have been received.

If the reception unit 53A does not receive the presence/absence detection results for two days in the process of step S21 (step S21: No), the process returns to step S21. Further, when the presence/absence detection results for six days that have not been used for generation have not been stored in the processing of step S23 (step S23: No), the receiving unit 53A returns to the processing of step S21.

After generating the presence/absence pattern, every time the CPU 53 obtains the presence/absence detection results for six days from the communication adapter 3, the CPU 53 adjusts the air conditioning based on the six days' presence/absence detection results, the day of the week information, and the holiday information. Update the presence/absence pattern for each day of the week in the space. The CPU 53 then transmits the updated presence/absence pattern to the communication adapter 3 . As a result, the server device 5 can provide the communication adapter 3 with the latest presence/absence pattern for each day of the week used in the air-conditioned space.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 relating to power saving processing. The power saving process uses the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E to either continue the air conditioning operation or switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power saving operation or the second power saving operation. This is the process of switching to power saving operation. In FIG. 13, the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 determines whether or not the air-conditioning operation in the cooling mode, the dehumidifying mode, or the heating mode is in progress (step S31). When the air conditioning is in operation (step S31: Yes), the control unit 21D determines whether or not the human detection sensor 21B has detected the absence of a person (step S32). Note that the control unit 21D fetches the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B, for example, every 10 milliseconds, and practically always fetches the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B.

When the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person (step S32: Yes), the control unit 21D determines the current time, that is, the human detection based on the presence/absence prediction result obtained from the presence/absence prediction unit 34E of the communication adapter 3. Prediction results of presence/absence of a person during a first predetermined period of time from the time sensor 21B detects the absence of a person are extracted (step S34). The prediction result of presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time from the current time is, for example, the prediction result of presence/absence of people in the air-conditioned space for 60 minutes ahead from the current time.

The control unit 21D determines whether or not all prediction results of the presence/absence of persons during the first predetermined time period are absent based on the extracted prediction results of the presence/absence of persons (step S35). When the predicted result of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time is all absent (step S35: Yes), the control unit 21D executes the second power saving operation (step S36), and performs the process shown in FIG. end the action. The control unit 21D determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space, and executes the second power saving operation. Power consumption can be suppressed even when compared with the power saving operation of 1. If the presence of a person is detected by the human detection sensor 21B while the air conditioning operation is stopped by the second power saving operation in the process of step S36, the second power saving operation is stopped and the second power saving operation is performed. You may make it restart the air-conditioning operation performed before operation.

If the predicted results of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time period are not all absent (step S35: No), the control unit 21D performs the first predetermined time period based on the extracted prediction results of the presence/absence of people. It is determined whether or not all of the predicted results of presence/absence of people between are present (step S37). When the prediction result of the presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined time is all present (step S37: Yes), the control unit 21D detects the absence of a person by the human detection sensor 21B in the process of step S32. It is determined whether or not the human detection sensor 21B continues to detect the absence of a person for a second predetermined period of time (step S38).

If the control unit 21D continues to detect the absence of a person for a second predetermined period of time after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person (step S38: Yes), the second power saving operation is executed. Therefore, the process returns to step S36. If the control unit 21D determines that there is no person in the air-conditioned space based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B, even if all the prediction results of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time are present. , the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be appropriately suppressed by executing the second power saving operation. Further, if the controller 21D does not continue to detect the absence of a person for a second predetermined period of time after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person (step S38: No), the current process is performed. The processing operation shown in FIG. 13 ends while continuing the air conditioning operation. In this case, the control unit 21D determines that a person exists in the air-conditioned space and continues the air-conditioning operation, thereby ensuring the comfort of the people in the air-conditioned space.

In addition, when the prediction result of the presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined time does not exist at all (step S37: No), the control unit 21D determines that the prediction result of the presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined time is It is recognized that there is no mixture of presence and absence or prediction results (step S39). Then, the control unit 21D executes the first power saving operation (step S40). The control unit 21D, if there is a mixture of presence and absence of the prediction result of the presence and absence of the person during the first predetermined time period or there is no prediction result, the control unit 21D determines that there is a possibility that the user is present in the air-conditioned space. By executing the first power saving operation in which the air conditioning operation is not stopped although the power saving effect is lower than that of the power saving operation of 2, the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be suppressed and the user's comfort can be ensured. Note that if the presence of a person is detected by the human detection sensor 21B while the first power saving operation is being performed in the process of step S40, the first power saving operation is stopped and You may make it restart the air-conditioning operation which was being performed.

After executing the first power-saving operation, the control unit 21D detects the absence of a person with the human detection sensor 21B for a third predetermined time after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of the person in the process of step S32. It is determined whether or not detection has continued (step S41).

If the control unit 21D continues to detect the absence of a user for a third predetermined time after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of the user in the process of step S32 (step S41: Yes), the control unit 21D 2, the process returns to step S36. Even if there is a possibility that a person is present in the process of step S39, the control unit 21D determines that there is no person in the air-conditioned space based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B. By executing the power saving operation, the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be appropriately suppressed.

Further, if the control unit 21D does not continuously detect the absence of a person for a third predetermined time after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of the person in the process of step S32 (step S41: No ), the process returns to step S40 to continue the first power saving operation. If the absence of a person is not continuously detected for the third predetermined time, the control unit 21D determines that there is a possibility that a person is present in the air-conditioned space, and continues the first power saving operation. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 and ensure the comfort of the user.

If the control unit 21D is not in air conditioning operation in the process of step 31 (step S31: No) or if the human detection sensor 21B does not detect the absence of a person (step S32: No), the control unit 21D Terminate the processing operation.

<Effect of Example 1>
The control unit 21D uses the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E to switch from the air conditioning operation to the power saving operation that consumes less power than the air conditioning operation. As a result, for example, when the absence of a person is detected during execution of the air-conditioning operation and the absence of a person is predicted from the result of prediction of presence/absence, it is determined that the user is absent in the air-conditioned space. Since the air-conditioning operation is switched to an appropriate power-saving operation, the power-saving effect of suppressing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be prioritized. That is, the air conditioner 2 performs air-conditioning operation to realize comfort when there is a user in the air-conditioned space, and performs power-saving operation to improve energy saving when there is no user in the air-conditioned space.

The control unit 21D restarts the air conditioning operation when the human detection sensor 21B detects the presence of a person during execution of the power saving operation. As a result, when the presence of a person is detected by the human detection sensor 21B, the air-conditioning operation is restarted even during power-saving operation, thereby ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The control unit 21D refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during the air conditioning operation, and if all the prediction results indicate the presence of a person, Continue air conditioning operation. As a result, even if the absence of a person is temporarily detected during execution of the air-conditioning operation, if the presence/absence prediction result indicates the presence of a person, it is determined that there is a user in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is performed. Since the operation is continued, the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space can be ensured.

The control unit 21D refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during air conditioning operation. The control unit 21D continues the air-conditioning operation based on the referred prediction result when the prediction result for the first predetermined time indicates presence of a person. As a result, even if the absence of a person is temporarily detected during execution of the air-conditioning operation, it is determined that the user is present in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and the air-conditioning operation is continued. It is possible to ensure the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The control unit 21D refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined period of time from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during air-conditioning operation. Based on the referred prediction results, the control unit 21D switches from the air-conditioning operation to the power-saving operation when all the prediction results during the first predetermined time indicate that no one is present. For example, the control unit 21D refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during air conditioning operation. . The control unit 21D switches from the air-conditioning operation to the power-saving operation based on the referred prediction results when all the prediction results indicate that no one is present. As a result, the absence of a person is detected during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and if the presence/absence prediction result shows that the person is absent, the air-conditioning operation is switched to the power saving operation, so power saving effect can be prioritized.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during air conditioning operation. . The power-saving operation executing unit 21D1 switches from the air-conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation based on the referenced prediction results when all the prediction results indicate that no one is present. As a result, it is determined that there is no user in the air-conditioned space for a first predetermined time after detecting the absence of a person during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and the air-conditioning operation is switched to the second power saving operation. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed not only when the air conditioner 2 is performing the air conditioning operation but also when compared to when the air conditioner is performing the first power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined period of time, for example, 60 minutes, during execution of the air conditioning operation. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 continues air-conditioning operation based on the referred prediction results when all of the prediction results indicate the presence of people. As a result, even if the absence of a person is temporarily detected during execution of the air-conditioning operation, it is determined that the user is present in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and the air-conditioning operation is continued. Therefore, the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space can be ensured.

The power saving operation execution unit 21D1 continues the absence of people for a second predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of people while continuing the air conditioning operation. When it is detected, the air conditioning operation is switched to the second power saving operation. As a result, even if all the predicted results of presence/absence during the first predetermined time indicate the presence of a person and the air-conditioning operation is continued, it is determined that the user is not present in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is stopped. Since the operation is switched to the second power saving operation, the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be suppressed appropriately.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined period of time, for example, 60 minutes, during execution of the air conditioning operation. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 switches from the air-conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation based on the referenced prediction results when the prediction results indicate that the user is present and absent. As a result, when the presence and absence of a person are mixed as a result of predicting presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined time period after detection of the absence of a person during execution of air-conditioning operation, it is determined that a user exists in the air-conditioned space. determine that there is a possibility of doing so. Since the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power-saving operation, power consumption can be suppressed while ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined period of time, for example, 60 minutes, during execution of the air conditioning operation. When there is no prediction result to refer to, the power saving operation execution unit 21D1 switches from the air conditioning operation to the first power saving operation. As a result, if there is no predicted result of the presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined period of time after the presence/absence of a person is detected during execution of the air-conditioning operation, it is determined that there is a possibility that the user is present in the air-conditioned space. do. Since the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power-saving operation, power consumption can be suppressed while ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 receives a prediction result of presence and absence for a first predetermined time from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person, or when there is no prediction result, performs the first power-saving operation. When the human detection sensor 21B continuously detects the absence of a person for a third predetermined time period, for example, 180 minutes from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of the person during driving, the first power saving is performed. The operation is switched to the second power saving operation. As a result, even when the first power-saving operation is being executed, that is, even when there is a possibility that a person is present, it is determined that there is no person in the air-conditioned space based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B. , the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 can be appropriately suppressed by executing the second power saving operation.

<Modification of Example 1>
In the communication adapter 3 of the first embodiment, the presence/absence pattern to be used for prediction is selected from among a plurality of presence/absence patterns by using the detection result of the presence/absence, the day of the week information, and the holiday information, and the selected presence/absence pattern is used to predict the presence or absence of a user in an air-conditioned space. However, the server device 5 may predict the presence/absence of the user of the air-conditioned space. In this case, the server device 5 detects presence/absence of a user from a plurality of presence/absence patterns from a predetermined time to a predetermined time before predicting the presence/absence of a user in an air-conditioned space, day of the week information, and holiday information. is used to select the presence/absence pattern to be used for prediction. Then, the server device 5 predicts the presence/absence of the user in the air-conditioned space using the selected presence/absence pattern. Then, the server device 5 transmits the presence/absence prediction result to the air conditioner 2 via the communication adapter 3 . As a result, the presence/absence pattern can be generated and the presence/absence prediction can be executed in the server device 5, so that the processing load on the communication adapter 3 side can be reduced.

The presence/absence prediction unit 34E selects an presence/absence pattern to be used for prediction from a plurality of presence/absence patterns, using the presence/absence detection result a predetermined time before a predetermined time, day information, and holiday information. Then, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E uses the selected presence/absence pattern to predict the presence/absence for 24 hours in the air-conditioned space. However, even if there is no holiday information, the presence/absence prediction unit 34E may select the presence/absence pattern to be used for prediction using the presence/absence detection result from a predetermined time to a predetermined time ago and day of the week information.

In the air conditioning system 1, the air conditioner 2, the communication adapter 3, and the server device 5 are used. The case where the indoor unit 21 of the unit 2 is made to share the processing is illustrated. However, the communication adapter 3 may be caused to execute the presence/absence prediction and the air conditioning operation start instruction, that is, the communication adapter 3 may execute all the processing in FIGS.

Further, the air conditioner 2 may be caused to generate presence/absence patterns, predict presence/absence, and instruct to start air conditioning operation. In addition, by attaching the same reference numerals to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, redundant descriptions of the configurations and operations will be omitted.

<Configuration of air conditioner>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner 2A according to the second embodiment. The indoor unit 210 in the air conditioner 2A shown in FIG. 14 includes a main unit 21A, a human detection sensor 21B, a light receiving unit 21C, and a control unit 21D, as well as an acquisition unit 21E1, an presence/absence pattern 21F, a generation unit 21G, Presence/absence prediction unit 21H. Acquisition unit 21E1 acquires day-of-the-week information. The presence/absence pattern 21F is a pattern in which an presence/absence pattern indicating the presence/absence of the user in the air-conditioned space is generated for each day of the week.

The generation unit 21G generates the presence/absence pattern 21F using the presence/absence detection result of the human detection sensor 21B, the day information, and the holiday information. When a holiday is included in the time zone of the presence/absence detection result of the human detection sensor 21B, the generation unit 21G considers the time zone to be the same as a holiday. Of the presence/absence detection results, the presence/absence detection results of "indefinite" are not used for the presence/absence pattern 21F. The presence/absence prediction unit 21H uses presence/absence detection results from a predetermined time to a predetermined time before the user's presence/absence is predicted from among the plurality of presence/absence patterns 21F to determine the presence/absence used for prediction. Select an absence pattern. Furthermore, the presence/absence prediction unit 21H predicts the presence/absence of the user in the air-conditioned space using the selected presence/absence pattern. The control unit 21D uses the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 21H, which will be described later, to switch from the air-conditioning operation to the power saving operation that consumes less power than the air-conditioning operation. A power-saving operation executing unit 21D1 in the control unit 21D performs first power-saving operation and second power-saving operation from the air conditioning operation based on the length of time during which the user is absent, which is obtained from the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 21H. Switch to one of the power saving modes.

The generation unit 21G generates the presence/absence pattern 21F using the presence/absence detection results detected by the human detection sensor 21B for a first predetermined period, for example, 30 days. The generating unit 21G stores the presence/absence detection result of the human detection sensor 21B in a storage unit (not shown) without going through the communication adapter 3, and generates the presence/absence pattern 21F using the stored presence/absence detection result. To generate or update, the generation process shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

The presence/absence prediction unit 21H uses the selected presence/absence pattern to predict the air-conditioned space at a predetermined time, such as 8:00 or 20:00 every day, for a second predetermined period, such as 24 hours after the predetermined time. Predict the presence or absence of users in The presence/absence prediction unit 21H predicts the presence/absence of the user in the air-conditioned space for a third predetermined period, for example, every 10 minutes. If the predicted time period includes a holiday, the presence/absence prediction unit 21H regards the time period as the same as a holiday and predicts the presence/absence for 24 hours in the air-conditioned space. In addition, the presence/absence prediction unit 21H excludes "indefinite" presence/absence detection results from the presence/absence detection results of the human detection sensor 21B used when predicting the presence/absence of users in the air-conditioned space.

Based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 21H, the power saving operation execution unit 21D1 continues the air conditioning operation, or switches from the air conditioning operation to the first power saving operation and the second power saving operation. switch to one of the

The power saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 21H for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during air conditioning operation. . The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined period of time based on the referenced prediction results when all the prediction results indicate the absence of people, The air conditioning operation is switched to the second power saving operation.

The power saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 21H for a first predetermined time period from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during the execution of the air conditioning operation, and calculates the prediction result. When all the people are present, it is determined that there is a user in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and the air-conditioning operation is continued without switching to the power saving operation.

When the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 detects the absence of the person when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of the person when the air-conditioning operation is continued. When the user's absence is detected, it is determined that the user is absent in the air-conditioned space when the user's absence is continuously detected for a second predetermined time from the time when the absence is detected. Then, the power saving operation execution unit 21D1 switches from the air conditioning operation to the second power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 21H for a first predetermined time period from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during the execution of the air conditioning operation, and determines whether the prediction result is When the presence and absence of people are mixed, it is determined that there is a possibility that a user may be present in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 21H for a first predetermined period of time from the time when the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during execution of the air-conditioning operation. Even when the presence/absence pattern is being generated and the presence/absence prediction unit 34E does not have a prediction result, it is determined that there is a possibility that a user is present in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 receives a prediction result after the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person that indicates the presence and absence of a person, or the presence/absence prediction unit 21H does not have a prediction result. When the human detection sensor 21B detects the absence of a person during execution of the first power saving operation, the absence of the person is detected for a third predetermined time period, for example, 180 minutes from the time of detection of the absence. If the detection continues, it is determined that the user is absent in the air-conditioned space. Then, the power saving operation execution unit 21D1 switches from the first power saving operation to the second power saving operation.

<Effect of Example 2>
The air conditioner 2A of the second embodiment uses the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 21H to continue the air conditioning operation or reduce the power consumption from the air conditioning operation to the air conditioning operation. switch to power-saving operation with a smaller As a result, for example, when the absence of a person is detected during air-conditioning operation, and the prediction result of the presence/absence of the person during the first predetermined time from the time when the absence of the person is detected includes the absence of the person, It is determined that there is no person in the air-conditioned space during the first predetermined time, or there is a time zone during which there is no person in the air-conditioned space during the first predetermined time. Since the air-conditioning operation is switched to an appropriate power-saving operation according to the predicted absence time of the person, the power consumption can be reduced while ensuring the comfort of the user.

The control unit 21D of the indoor unit 21 in the air conditioner 2 of the first embodiment switches from the air conditioning operation to the power saving operation based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E. bottom. However, even if there is no detection result of the human detection sensor 21B, the air conditioning operation may be switched to the power saving operation based on the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E. .

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner 2B according to the third embodiment. In addition, by attaching the same reference numerals to the same configurations as those of the air conditioner 2 of the first embodiment, the redundant description of the configurations and operations will be omitted. A power saving operation execution unit 21D2 in the control unit 21D of the indoor unit 21 shown in FIG. 15 switches from the air conditioning operation to the power saving operation using the presence/absence information indicating the presence/absence of the user in the air conditioned space. Specifically, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E periodically, for example, every 10 minutes, and switches from the air-conditioning operation to the power-saving operation based on the prediction result.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined period of time, for example, 60 minutes, during execution of the air conditioning operation. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined period of time based on the referenced prediction results when all of the prediction results indicate the absence of people, The air conditioning operation is switched to the second power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E during the first predetermined time period during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and if all of the prediction results indicate the presence of people, the first It is determined that a user exists in the air-conditioned space for a predetermined time, and the air-conditioned operation is continued without switching to the power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E during the first predetermined period of time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and if the prediction result includes both the presence and absence of people, It is determined that there is a possibility that a user may exist in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and the air-conditioned operation is switched to the first power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E during the first predetermined time period during execution of the air-conditioning operation. Even if there is no prediction result, it is determined that there is a possibility that a user may exist in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and the air-conditioned operation is switched to the first power saving operation.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 relating to the second power saving process. The second power saving process uses the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E to continue the air conditioning operation or to switch from the air conditioning operation to either the first power saving operation or the second power saving operation. is. It is assumed that the control unit 21D periodically executes the second power saving process shown in FIG. 16, for example, every 10 minutes. In FIG. 16, the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 determines whether or not the air-conditioning operation is in progress, for example, cooling mode, dehumidifying mode, or heating mode (step S51). If the control unit 21D is in air conditioning operation (step S51: Yes), the control unit 21D, based on the presence/absence prediction result obtained from the presence/absence prediction unit 34E of the communication adapter 3, determines whether the number of people during the first predetermined time period from the current time. The presence/absence prediction result of is extracted (step S53). The prediction result of presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time from the current time is, for example, the prediction result of presence/absence of people in the air-conditioned space for 60 minutes ahead from the current time.

The control unit 21D determines whether or not all prediction results of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time period are absent based on the extracted prediction results of the presence/absence of people (step S54). When the prediction result of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time is all absent (step S54: Yes), the control unit 21D executes the second power saving operation (step S55), and performs the process shown in FIG. end the action. The control unit 21D determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space and executes the second power saving operation. Power consumption can be suppressed even when compared with the power saving operation of 1. In the process of step S55, while the air conditioning operation is stopped by the second power saving operation, if the presence of people is predicted based on the prediction result of the presence or absence of people, the second power saving operation is stopped and the second power saving operation is stopped. The air conditioning operation that was performed before the power saving operation in 2 may be resumed.

If the predicted results of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time period are not all absent (step S54: No), the control unit 21D performs the first predetermined time period based on the extracted prediction results of the presence/absence of people. It is determined whether or not all the predicted results of presence/absence of people between are present (step S56). If there are all predicted results of presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time period (step S56: Yes), the control unit 21D continues the air conditioning operation that is currently being performed, and ends the processing operation shown in FIG. do. In this case, the control unit 21D determines that a person exists in the air-conditioned space and continues the air-conditioning operation, thereby ensuring the comfort of the people in the air-conditioned space.

In addition, if the prediction result of the presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined time does not exist at all (step S56: No), the control unit 21D determines that the prediction result of the presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined time is It is recognized that there is no mixture of presence and absence or prediction results (step S57). The control unit 21D executes the first power saving operation (step S58). The control unit 21D, if there is a mixture of presence and absence of the prediction result of the presence and absence of the person during the first predetermined time period or there is no prediction result, the control unit 21D determines that there is a possibility that the user is present in the air-conditioned space. By executing the first power-saving operation in which the air-conditioning operation is not stopped although the power-saving effect is lower than that of the power-saving operation of 2, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner 2B and ensure the user's comfort. Note that if the presence of a person is predicted based on the result of predicting the presence or absence of a person while the first power saving operation is being performed in the process of step S58, the first power saving operation is stopped and the first power saving operation is performed. You may make it restart the air-conditioning operation performed before operation.

After executing the first power saving operation, the control unit 21D determines whether or not the set temperature has reached the threshold temperature (step S59). Note that the threshold temperature is, for example, a maximum shift temperature that differs for each operation mode. When the set temperature reaches the threshold temperature (step S59: Yes), the control unit 21D returns to the process of step S55 to execute the second power saving operation to stop the air conditioning operation. As a result, the control unit 21D determines that no one is in the air-conditioned space, and executes the second power saving operation, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2.

If the set temperature has not reached the threshold temperature (step S59: No), the control unit 21D returns to step S58 to continue the first power saving operation in which the set temperature is shifted in stages. As a result, the control unit 21D determines that there is a possibility that a person may exist in the air-conditioned space, and by continuing the first power saving operation, while ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space, Power consumption of the harmony machine 2 can be suppressed.

Further, when the air conditioning operation is not being performed (step S51: No), the control unit 21D ends the processing operation shown in FIG.

<Effect of Example 3>
The control unit 21D uses the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E to switch from the air-conditioning operation to the power saving operation that consumes less power than the air-conditioning operation. As a result, for example, when the absence of people is predicted from the prediction result of presence/absence during execution of air-conditioning operation, it is determined that there are no users in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is switched from air-conditioning operation to appropriate power saving operation. Priority can be given to the power saving effect of suppressing the power consumption of the machine 2 . That is, the air conditioner 2B performs air-conditioning operation when there is a user in the air-conditioned space to achieve comfort, and when there is no user in the air-conditioned space, power-saving operation can be performed to improve energy saving.

The control unit 21D refers to the prediction results of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation, and if all of the prediction results indicate the presence of people, the air conditioning operation is performed. Continue driving. As a result, if the predicted result of presence/absence during the predetermined period of time during air-conditioning operation is the presence of a person, it is determined that the user is present in the air-conditioned space for the predetermined period of time, and the air-conditioning operation is continued. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The control unit 21D refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation, and all of the prediction results during the predetermined time period indicate that no person is present. In some cases, the air conditioning operation is switched to the power saving operation. As a result, if the predicted result of presence/absence during the predetermined time period from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation indicates that no one is present, the air-conditioning operation will be switched to the power saving operation, so the power saving effect can be prioritized.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation. , the air conditioning operation is switched to the second power saving operation. As a result, if the predicted result of presence/absence during the first predetermined time period from the current time during the execution of the air-conditioning operation indicates the absence of a person, it is determined that the user is absent in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is stopped. Since the operation is switched to the second power saving operation, the power saving effect can be prioritized.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation, and all of the prediction results indicate the presence of people. , the air conditioning operation is continued. As a result, if the predicted result of presence/absence from the current time to the first predetermined time during execution of the air-conditioning operation indicates the presence of a person, it is determined that the user is present in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and determines the presence and absence of people as the prediction result. are mixed, the air conditioning operation is switched to the first power saving operation. As a result, if there is a mixture of the presence and absence of a person as a result of predicting presence/absence from the current time to the first predetermined time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, it is possible that the user is present in the air-conditioned space. determine that there is also a gender. Since the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power-saving operation, power consumption can be suppressed while ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The power saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation. The operation is switched to the first power saving operation. As a result, if there is no predicted result of presence/absence during the first predetermined time from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that there is a possibility that the user is present in the air conditioned space. Since the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power-saving operation, power consumption can be suppressed while ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The control unit 21D of the indoor unit 21 in the air conditioner 2 of the first embodiment switches from the air conditioning operation to the power saving operation based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E. bottom. However, as in the first embodiment, although the generation unit 53C of the server device 5 generates or updates the presence/absence pattern for each day of the week for each air-conditioned space based on the presence/absence detection result, the day of the week information, and the holiday information, Instead, the past detection results of the human detection sensor 21B for each date and time are statistically processed, and, for example, the probability of the user's absence in an arbitrary time slot in a day is stored in association with that time slot. By doing so, a user presence/absence pattern for each day of the week (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a statistical pattern) may be obtained, and the determined presence/absence pattern for each day of the week may be used to switch from air conditioning operation to power saving operation. An embodiment will be described below as Example 4. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner 2C according to the fourth embodiment. In addition, by attaching the same reference numerals to the same configurations as those of the air conditioner 2 of the first embodiment, the redundant description of the configurations and operations will be omitted. A power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 in the control unit 21D of the indoor unit 21 shown in FIG. 17 switches from air-conditioning operation to power-saving operation using presence/absence information indicating the presence/absence of people in the air-conditioned space. Specifically, the power-saving operation executing unit 21D3 switches from the air-conditioning operation to the power-saving operation based on a statistical pattern indicating the presence or absence of people in the air-conditioned space. The statistical pattern is obtained for each day of the week by, for example, storing the user absence probability in an arbitrary time slot of the day in association with the time slot, as described above. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3, for example, periodically refers to the statistical pattern corresponding to the current day of the week every 10 minutes, and predicts the presence or absence of people in the air-conditioned space based on the referenced statistical pattern.

The power-saving operation execution part 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. The power saving operation execution unit 21D3 determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time period when all the prediction results indicate the absence of people, and shifts the air conditioning operation from the air conditioning operation to the second power saving operation. switch to

The power-saving operation execution part 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 determines that a user exists in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time period when all prediction results indicate the presence of people, and continues the air-conditioning operation without switching to power-saving operation. do.

The power-saving operation execution part 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. When the prediction results indicate that people are present and absent, the power saving operation execution unit 21D3 determines that there is a possibility that a user may be present in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time period, and performs air conditioning operation. to the first power saving operation.

The power-saving operation execution part 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. When there is no prediction result, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 determines that there is a possibility that a user may be present in the air-conditioned space for the first predetermined time, and switches from the air-conditioned operation to the first power-saving operation.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 relating to the third power saving process. The third power-saving processing continues the air-conditioning operation or shifts from the air-conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation and the second power-saving operation using the prediction result of the presence/absence of people in the air-conditioned space for the statistical pattern of the current day of the week. This is a process of switching to either power saving operation. It is assumed that the control unit 21D periodically executes the third power saving process shown in FIG. 18, for example, every 10 minutes. In FIG. 18, the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 determines whether or not the air-conditioning operation, for example, the cooling mode, the dehumidifying mode, or the heating mode, is in progress (step S61). When the air conditioning is in operation (step S61: Yes), the control unit 21D selects the presence/absence statistical pattern corresponding to the current day of the week (step S62). Based on the selected statistical pattern, the control unit 21D acquires the predicted result of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time from the current time (step S63). The prediction result of presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time from the current time is, for example, the prediction result of presence/absence of people in the air-conditioned space for 60 minutes ahead from the current time.

The control unit 21D determines whether or not all prediction results of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time period are absent based on the acquired prediction results of the presence/absence of people (step S64). When the prediction result of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time is all absent (step S64: Yes), the control unit 21D executes the second power saving operation (step S65), and performs the process shown in FIG. end the action. The control unit 21D determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space and executes the second power saving operation. Power consumption can be suppressed even when compared with the power saving operation of 1. In the process of step S65, while the air conditioning operation is stopped by the second power saving operation, if the presence of people is predicted based on the prediction result of the presence or absence of people, the second power saving operation is stopped and the second power saving operation is stopped. The air conditioning operation that was performed before the power saving operation in 2 may be resumed.

If the predicted results of the presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time period are not all absent (step S64: No), the control unit 21D performs the first predetermined time period based on the obtained prediction results of the presence/absence of people. It is determined whether or not all of the predicted results of presence/absence of people between are present (step S66). If there are all predicted results of presence/absence of people during the first predetermined time period (step S66: Yes), the control unit 21D continues the air conditioning operation that is currently being performed, and ends the processing operation shown in FIG. do. In this case, the control unit 21D determines that a person exists in the air-conditioned space and continues the air-conditioning operation, thereby ensuring the comfort of the people in the air-conditioned space.

In addition, if the prediction result of the presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined time does not exist at all (step S66: No), the control unit 21D determines that the prediction result of the presence/absence of a person during the first predetermined time is It is recognized that presence and absence are mixed or that there is no prediction result (step S67). The control unit 21D executes the first power saving operation (step S68). The control unit 21D, if there is a mixture of presence and absence of the prediction result of the presence and absence of the person during the first predetermined time period or there is no prediction result, the control unit 21D determines that there is a possibility that the user is present in the air-conditioned space. By executing the first power-saving operation in which the air-conditioning operation is not stopped although the power-saving effect is lower than that of the power-saving operation of 2, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the air conditioner 2B and ensure the user's comfort. It should be noted that if the presence of a person is predicted based on the prediction result of presence/absence of a person while the first power saving operation is being performed in the process of step S68, the first power saving operation is stopped and the first power saving operation is performed. You may make it restart the air-conditioning operation performed before operation.

After executing the first power saving operation, the control unit 21D determines whether or not the set temperature has reached the threshold temperature (step S69). Note that the threshold temperature is, for example, a maximum shift temperature that differs for each operation mode. When the set temperature reaches the threshold temperature (step S69: Yes), the control unit 21D returns to the process of step S65 to execute the second power saving operation to stop the air conditioning operation. As a result, the control unit 21D determines that there is no user in the air-conditioned space, and executes the second power saving operation, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. FIG.

If the set temperature has not reached the threshold temperature (step S69: No), the control unit 21D returns to step S68 to continue the first power saving operation in which the set temperature is shifted in stages. As a result, the control unit 21D determines that there is a possibility that a person may exist in the air-conditioned space, and by continuing the first power saving operation, while ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space, Power consumption of the harmony machine 2 can be suppressed.

Further, when the air conditioning operation is not being performed (step S61: No), the control unit 21D ends the processing operation shown in FIG.

<Effect of Example 4>
The control unit 21D switches from the air-conditioning operation to the power-saving operation that consumes less power than the air-conditioning operation using the presence/absence prediction result based on the presence/absence statistical pattern. As a result, for example, when the absence of people is predicted from the prediction result of presence/absence during execution of air-conditioning operation, it is determined that there are no users in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is switched to an appropriate power saving operation. , the power saving effect of suppressing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2C can be prioritized. That is, the air conditioner 2C performs air-conditioning operation when there is a user in the air-conditioned space to realize comfort, and when there is no user in the air-conditioned space, power-saving operation can be performed to improve energy saving.

The control unit 21D refers to the presence/absence statistical pattern for a predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. The control unit 21D continues the air-conditioning operation when all of the prediction results indicate the presence of people. As a result, if the predicted result of presence/absence during the predetermined period of time during air-conditioning operation is the presence of a person, it is determined that the user is present in the air-conditioned space for the predetermined period of time, and the air-conditioning operation is continued. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The control unit 21D refers to the presence/absence statistical pattern for a predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. The control unit 21D switches from the air conditioning operation to the power saving operation when all the prediction results during the predetermined time indicate that no one is present. As a result, if the predicted result of presence/absence during the predetermined time period from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation indicates that no one is present, the air-conditioning operation will be switched to the power saving operation, so the power saving effect can be prioritized.

The power-saving operation execution part 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 switches from the air-conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation when all the prediction results indicate that no one is present. As a result, if the predicted result of presence/absence during the first predetermined time period from the current time during the execution of the air-conditioning operation indicates the absence of a person, it is determined that the user is absent in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is stopped. Since the operation is switched to the second power saving operation, the power saving effect can be prioritized.

The power-saving operation execution part 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. The power saving operation execution unit 21D3 continues the air conditioning operation when all the prediction results indicate the presence of people. As a result, if the predicted result of presence/absence from the current time to the first predetermined time during execution of the air-conditioning operation indicates the presence of a person, it is determined that the user is present in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The power-saving operation execution part 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 switches from the air-conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation when the prediction results indicate that people are both present and absent. As a result, when the presence/absence of a person is mixed between the current time and the first predetermined time during the air-conditioning operation, there is a possibility that the user is present in the air-conditioned space. I judge. Since the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power-saving operation, power consumption can be suppressed while ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

The power-saving operation execution part 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern for a first predetermined time period, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and predicts the presence/absence of people from the statistical pattern. The power-saving operation executing unit 21D3 switches from the air-conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation when there is no prediction result. As a result, if there is no predicted result of presence/absence during the first predetermined time from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that there is a possibility that the user is present in the air conditioned space. Since the air-conditioning operation is switched to the first power-saving operation, power consumption can be suppressed while ensuring the comfort of the user in the air-conditioned space.

<Modified Example of Example>
The predetermined time, the first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, and the third predetermined time in Examples 1 to 4 can be changed as appropriate.

The controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 of the first embodiment switches from the air conditioning operation to the power saving operation based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 21B and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit 34E. However, the air conditioning operation may be switched to the power saving operation based on the date and time of the user's presence or absence in the air-conditioned space arbitrarily set by the user or the date and time of the user's presence or absence set by the web calendar. Can be changed.

Also, each constituent element of each part illustrated does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each part is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. can be configured as

Furthermore, the various processing functions performed by each device are implemented on a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (or a microcomputer such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or MCU (Micro Controller Unit)), in whole or in part. You can make it run. Also, various processing functions may be executed in whole or in part on a program analyzed and executed by a CPU (or a microcomputer such as an MPU or MCU) or on hardware based on wired logic. Needless to say.

1 air conditioning system 2, 2A air conditioner 3 communication adapter 5 server device 21, 210 indoor unit 21B human detection sensor 21D control unit 21D1, 21D2, 21D3 power saving operation execution unit 21F presence/absence pattern 21G generation unit 21H presence/absence prediction unit 34E Presence predictor

Claims (13)

a control unit that switches from an air conditioning operation to a power saving operation that consumes less power than the air conditioning operation, using presence/absence information indicating the presence/absence of a user in the air conditioned space;
The control unit
The air conditioning operation is switched to any one of a first power saving operation in which comfort of the user is prioritized and a second power saving operation in which power saving effect is prioritized as the power saving operation from the air conditioning operation. harmony machine. The power saving operation is
changing the set temperature of the air-conditioning operation before switching to the power-saving operation so as to change the power consumption of the air-conditioning operation before switching to the power-saving operation;
the second power saving operation for stopping the air conditioning operation;
The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized by comprising: further comprising a human detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in the air-conditioned space;
The control unit
Using the presence/absence information obtained from the detection result of the human detection sensor during execution of the air conditioning operation, the air conditioning operation is switched to one of the first power saving operation and the second power saving operation. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized by: The control unit
a presence/absence prediction unit that predicts the presence/absence of a person in the air-conditioned space using a plurality of presence/absence patterns indicating the tendency of the user's presence/absence in the air-conditioned space;
The length of time during which the person will be absent is referred to from the presence/absence information, which is the result of predicting the presence/absence of the person by the presence/absence prediction unit, a power-saving operation executing unit that switches from operation to one of the first power-saving operation and the second power-saving operation;
The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized by comprising: further comprising a human detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in the air-conditioned space;
The control unit
a presence/absence prediction unit that predicts the presence/absence of a person in the air-conditioned space using a plurality of presence/absence patterns indicating the tendency of the user's presence/absence in the air-conditioned space;
Refers to the length of time during which the person is absent from the presence/absence information including the detection result of the person detection sensor and the prediction result of the presence/absence of the person by the presence/absence prediction unit during execution of the air conditioning operation. a power-saving operation executing unit that switches from the air-conditioning operation to one of the first power-saving operation and the second power-saving operation based on the length of time that the person is absent;
The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized by comprising: The power saving operation execution unit
Referencing the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit for a first predetermined time from the time when the human detection sensor detects the absence of the person during the execution of the air conditioning operation, and the prediction result is the absence of the person. 6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein the air-conditioning operation is switched to the second power saving operation when the air conditioning operation is changed. The power saving operation execution unit
Referencing the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit during the first predetermined time period during execution of the air-conditioning operation, and continuing the air-conditioning operation when the prediction result indicates the presence of the person. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein The power saving operation execution unit
When the human detection sensor continues to detect the absence of the person for a second predetermined time after detecting the absence of the person while the air conditioning operation is continued, the air conditioning operation is stopped from the air conditioning operation. 8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the air conditioner is switched to the second power saving operation. The power saving operation execution unit
during the execution of the air-conditioning operation, referring to the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit for the first predetermined time period, and if the prediction result includes the presence and absence of the person, the air-conditioning operation is stopped. 7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the air conditioner is switched to the first power saving operation. The power saving operation execution unit
the first power saving operation when the human detection sensor continues to detect the absence of the person for a third predetermined time after detecting the absence of the person during execution of the first power saving operation; 10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the air conditioner is switched from the second power saving operation to the second power saving operation. An air conditioner provided with a human detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in an air-conditioned space; An air conditioning system comprising a server device that generates a presence/absence pattern and a communication adapter that communicates between the air conditioner and the server device,
The air conditioning system is
A presence/absence pattern is selected from the plurality of presence/absence patterns using the current detection result of the human detection sensor, and the presence/absence of the person in the air-conditioned space is predicted using the selected presence/absence pattern. an absence prediction unit;
A first power-saving operation that prioritizes the user's comfort among power-saving operations that consume less power than air-conditioning operation, using the detection result of the human detection sensor and the prediction result of the presence/absence prediction unit. and a second power-saving operation that prioritizes the power-saving effect;
An air conditioning system comprising: The presence/absence prediction unit
Provided in the server device,
The control unit
12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein the air conditioning system is provided within the air conditioner. The presence/absence prediction unit
Provided within the communication adapter,
The control unit
12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein the air conditioning system is provided within the air conditioner.

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