JP6959412B2 - Air conditioner, air conditioner control system and control method of air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, an air conditioner control system, and an air conditioner control method having additional functions different from those of air conditioning operation.

Conventionally, in an air conditioner, which is a type of electronic device, dust adhering to the filter of an indoor unit is sucked by the power of a fan or scraped off with a brush, etc., in order to reduce the time and effort required for maintenance of the air filter. A filter having an automatic cleaning function has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

In addition, in order to prevent the growth of fungi such as mold caused by condensed water generated after the cooling operation or dehumidifying operation (hereinafter referred to as cooling / dehumidifying operation), the cooling / dehumidifying operation is automatically performed. An air conditioner having an automatic drying function, which dries the inside of the indoor unit (specifically, a heat exchanger) by performing a blowing operation or a heating operation, has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Hereinafter, the blowing operation or the heating operation performed to dry the inside of the indoor unit is referred to as a drying operation.

Then, in order to automatically perform the operation of the additional function different from the normal operation without giving noise or discomfort to the user, a person is present in the room by the human body detection sensor mounted on the indoor unit. An air conditioner that detects whether or not the air conditioner is present and controls the operation has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 4). In this case, when the absence of a person is confirmed, at least one of filter cleaning and indoor unit drying operation is performed.

In addition, the absentee time zone data is stored, and the room temperature at the end of the absentee time falls within a predetermined range, and the energy consumption in the absentee time zone is minimized. A control device for an air conditioner that performs automatic operation has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

Further, today, a humidity control device (electronic device) having a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 6). In this case, three operations can be performed: an air cleaning operation in which only air cleaning is performed, a dehumidifying air cleaning operation in which air cleaning and dehumidification are performed at the same time, and a humidification air cleaning operation in which air cleaning and humidification are performed at the same time.

JP-A-2002-340395 JP-A-2007-192532 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-62000 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-224133 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-14119 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-68802

By the way, in the air conditioner, there is no particular problem even if the filter cleaning is not performed immediately after the normal operation is stopped, but the drying operation performed after the cooling / dehumidifying operation may be performed immediately after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped. desirable. This is because if there is a time between stopping the cooling / dehumidifying operation and performing the drying operation, the growth of fungi such as mold due to the condensed water is promoted.

However, since Patent Document 4 emphasizes not giving noise or discomfort to the user, the filter cleaning is also performed indoors until it is confirmed that no one is present from the installation space of the air conditioner. The drying operation of the machine is not carried out either. Therefore, if the situation where a person stays after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped frequently occurs, it becomes impossible to effectively prevent the growth of fungi such as mold.

On the other hand, Patent Document 5 stores the absence time zone data, but there is no link between the absence time zone and the filter cleaning or the drying operation of the indoor unit. Further, even if the absence time zone is linked to the filter cleaning and the indoor unit drying operation to perform the filter cleaning and the indoor unit drying operation during the absence time zone, the cooling / dehumidifying operation is performed as in Patent Document 4. If people continue to stay after the operation is stopped, it is not possible to effectively prevent the growth of fungi such as mold.

And, such a problem is not only a problem of an air conditioner, but also a problem that can occur in an electronic device such as an air purifier having a humidity control function.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is an air conditioner, an air conditioner control system, and an air conditioner capable of effectively performing an additional function operation different from the air conditioning operation without causing discomfort to the user as much as possible. The purpose is to provide a control method for the aircraft.

In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention can perform an additional function operation with an additional function different from the air conditioning operation, and a specific addition is added to the air conditioning operation after the stop. An air conditioner that includes a specific air conditioning operation for which functional operation should be performed, and the additional function operation is an operation for cleaning a filter or preventing the growth of bacteria, and is an operation for preventing the growth of bacteria, and is an operation for air conditioning of the air conditioner. Based on the log and the log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner, there is a tendency for the installation space to be empty within the first hour after the air conditioning operation is stopped. With respect to the tendency determination unit for finding a specific absence time zone and the specific absence time zone found by the tendency determination unit, the specific air conditioning within the second hour before the specific absence time zone. It is characterized by including a sequence changing unit that changes the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering the specific absent time zone when the operation is stopped.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an air conditioner capable of effectively performing an additional function operation different from the air conditioning operation and without causing discomfort to the user as much as possible.

It is external perspective view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic sectional drawing of the said indoor unit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the said indoor unit. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the control system including the said air conditioner. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server included in the said control system. It is a time chart showing the average usage state of the air conditioner and the absence state in the installation space for a certain week from spring to autumn. It is a flowchart of the tendency determination processing by the server included in the said control system. It is a flowchart of the process which instructs the air conditioner to carry out the additional function operation by the server included in the said control system. It is a flowchart of the automatic operation of the additional function operation of the said air conditioner. It is a flowchart of the process which instructs the air conditioner to carry out the additional function operation by the server included in the control system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the automatic operation of the additional function operation of the air conditioner included in the control system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the automatic operation of the additional function operation of the air conditioner included in the control system which concerns on still another embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server included in the control system which concerns on still another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the estimation determination processing by the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the process which instructs the air conditioner to carry out the additional function operation by the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the automatic operation of the additional function operation of the air conditioner included in the control system including the server shown in FIG.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In the present embodiment, in addition to the four air conditioning operations of cooling operation, dehumidifying operation, heating operation, and blowing operation as normal operation, filter cleaning operation and the inside of the indoor unit 1 (specifically, indoors) are performed as additional function operations. An air conditioner (electronic device) that performs a drying operation for drying a heat exchanger) will be illustrated.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner A according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 1 is configured as a separate type air conditioner A together with an outdoor unit (not shown). The indoor unit 1 has a horizontally long shape extending in the horizontal direction, and houses the blower 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 4 shown in FIG. 2 inside the synthetic resin housing 2.

The blower 3 includes a cross-flow fan (not shown) extending horizontally and horizontally along the shape of the housing 2 and an electric motor (not shown) for rotating the cross-flow fan (not shown). The indoor heat exchanger 4 extends in the horizontal direction like the cross flow fan, and is configured by combining three of them. The three indoor heat exchangers 4 are arranged so as to cover above and in front of the cross flow fan of the blower 3. Refrigerant is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 4 from a compressor (not shown) housed in the outdoor unit. The blower 3 circulates the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat with the air circulated by the blower 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, a suction port 5 is formed on the top surface of the housing 2. The suction port 5 is composed of a large number of slits. An air outlet 6 forming a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front is formed in the lower part of the front surface of the housing 2. A ventilation path 7 through which the air sent from the blower 3 passes is formed between the blower 3 and the outlet 6. When the blower 3 is driven, the indoor air sucked into the housing 2 from the suction port 5 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 4, passes through the ventilation passage 7, and is blown out from the air outlet 6 toward the room.

The filter 8 is arranged immediately inside the suction port 5. The filter 8 covers the upper part of the indoor heat exchanger 4 and collects dust contained in the indoor air sucked into the housing 2 through the suction port 5. The filter 8 is mounted on a guide rail (not shown) provided at both ends in the lateral direction, and can be moved up and down along the guide rail by a filter drive motor (not shown). In FIG. 2, the movement path is drawn by a two-dot chain line.

An opening / closing panel 11 is provided on the upper portion of the housing 2 on the front surface side so as to be openable / closable. By opening the opening / closing panel 11, the filter 8 can be taken out from the inside of the housing 2.

A cleaning device 20 for the filter 8 is arranged on the front upper portion and the side surface portion (left end portion in FIG. 1) inside the housing 2. The cleaning device 20 includes an intake duct 21, a rotating brush 22, a fan unit 23, and an exhaust duct 24.

The intake duct 21 has a substantially circular cross section, is an upper portion on the front surface side of the indoor unit 1, is arranged in front of the filter 8, and extends in the lateral direction. The intake duct 21 is formed with a suction port (not shown) facing the filter 8, and houses a rotating brush 22 extending in the lateral direction inside. The rotary brush 22 is connected to a brush motor (not shown) provided on a side surface portion (right end portion in FIG. 1) facing the side surface portion of the housing 2 provided with the fan unit 23. The rotary brush 22 rotates by driving the brush motor, and knocks out the dust collected and adhered to the filter 8.

The fan unit 23 is provided on a side surface portion inside the housing 2, and includes a fan and a fan motor (not shown) housed in the housing 23a. An intake port (not shown) arranged on the intake side of the fan of the housing 23a is connected to an intake duct 21 and communicates with the inside. An exhaust port (not shown) arranged on the exhaust side of the fan of the housing 23a is connected to the exhaust duct 24 and communicates with the inside. The fan rotates by driving the fan motor to generate an air flow flowing from the intake duct 21 toward the exhaust duct 24. The exhaust duct 24 has a substantially circular cross section and extends from the exhaust port of the housing 23a of the fan unit 23 toward the outside.

A louver 9 is arranged at the air outlet 6. The louver 9 also serves as an exterior member that closes and closes the air outlet 6 when the operation of the indoor unit 1 is stopped, and has a horizontally long rectangle when viewed from the front like the air outlet 6. The louver 9 is supported by the housing 2 with a shaft portion 9a provided on the upper side portion extending in the horizontal direction as a rotation center and swingable on the lower side side. When the indoor unit 1 is operated, the louver 9 can open the air outlet 6 to change the blowing direction of the air sent out by the blower 3. The louver 9 is an electric type, and its orientation can be adjusted by a remote controller (not shown).

An ion generator 10 is arranged immediately inside the air outlet 6 of the ventilation passage 7. The ion generator 10 is packaged with electrodes and other electronic components used for discharging for emitting ions housed in a housing. The ion generator 10 is detachably stored in a storage portion (not shown) formed adjacent to the ventilation passage 7.

The ion generator 10 has, for example, a plurality of electrodes facing the ventilation passage 7, and discharges the air flowing through the ventilation passage 7 so as to include ions generated by electric discharge at the electrodes. The ion generator 10 discharges in the atmosphere to generate ions. The ion generator 10 preferably has, for example, a configuration in which positive ions H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m and negative ions O ^2- (H ₂ O) n are generated, in which m and n are arbitrary natural numbers, respectively. In this case, positive and negative ions adhere to the surface of airborne bacteria and viruses and react _{to generate active species OH radicals (・ OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2} O ₂ ) on the surface for sterilization and the like. It can be effective.

Further, an electrostatic atomizer may be arranged instead of the ion generator 10. In this case, the electrostatic atomizer produces charged fine particle water containing a radical component. That is, by cooling the discharge electrode provided in the electrostatic atomizer with a Perche element, dew condensation water is generated on the surface of the discharge electrode. Next, when a negative high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode, charged fine particle water is generated from the condensed water. In addition, negative ions released into the air together with the charged fine particle water are also generated from the discharge electrode.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the indoor unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 1 accommodates the control unit 12, the storage unit 13, and the communication unit 17 shown in FIG. 3 in the housing 2 for controlling the operation of the entire air conditioner A including the outdoor unit. doing. The control unit 12 includes a calculation unit (not shown), and is a component such as a blower 3 and a louver 9, an ion generator 10, and a compressor housed in an outdoor unit based on programs and data stored and input to a storage unit 13 and the like. To realize a series of air-conditioning operations. Under the control of the control unit 12, the communication unit 17 communicates with the server 31 and the communication terminal device 34 owned by the user of the air conditioner A via the communication network 32 as shown in FIG.

Further, the indoor unit 1 includes a radio clock 14, a human body detection sensor 15, a temperature / humidity sensor 16, a communication unit 17, and the like. The radio-controlled clock 14 is a clock having a function of receiving standard radio waves including month / day and time information and automatically adjusting the time. The air conditioner A can know the exact date and time by the radio clock 14, and can grasp various times such as the operating time.

The human body detection sensor 15 is composed of, for example, a pyroelectric sensor, and when it detects a human body in the field of view, it outputs a signal in response to a change in heat (infrared ray amount). The presence or absence of a person in the room (air-conditioned space) in which the air conditioner A is installed can be detected by the signal output from the human body detection sensor 15. The temperature / humidity sensor 16 detects the humidity (humidity of the air conditioning target space) and the temperature (temperature of the air conditioning target space) around the air conditioner A.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system (electronic device control system) 30 including an air conditioner A. As shown in FIG. 4, in the control system 30, the air conditioner A installed in the user's house 33, the server 31, and the user's communication terminal device 34 of the air conditioner A are connected via the communication network 32. There is.

The user's home 33 is provided with a wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network) that forms part of the communication network 32. The wireless LAN relay station is connected to a communication network 32 including the Internet. The relay station is a communication device such as a WiFi (registered trademark) router or a WiFi (registered trademark) access point. Although the configuration including the Internet is illustrated here as the communication network 32, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a CATV (CAble TeleVision) communication network, a satellite communication network, or the like can also be used. The communication terminal device 34 and the Internet in the communication network 32 are connected by using 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), a home or public WiFi (registered trademark) access point, or the like.

A combination of the air conditioner A and the communication terminal device 34 is registered in the server 31. The communication terminal device 34 whose combination is registered in the server 31 can remotely control the air conditioner A via the server 31. The communication terminal device 34 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like to which an application for remote control has been downloaded. Note that FIG. 4 shows a part related to a certain user's house 33 in the control system 30.

The air conditioner A included in such a control system 30 is a network home appliance having a wireless communication function for connecting to the communication network 32 and communicating with the server 31. The wireless communication function may be built in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner A, or may be provided in the communication adapter externally attached to the indoor unit 1.

The air conditioner A receives instructions from the server 31 as well as instructions from the communication terminal device 34. The air conditioner A periodically communicates with the server 31, and sends operation information indicating the operation content of the air conditioner A, detection information detected by the human body detection sensor 15, temperature / humidity sensor 16, etc. to the server 31. Send as appropriate to. The operation information includes information on the operation mode (heating operation, cooling operation, dehumidification operation, blower operation, etc.) and air volume (strong operation, weak operation, etc.) if it is in operation or stopped, and if it is in operation. In the case of timer operation, various predetermined information such as information on the time when the operation expires and the time when the operation starts is included.

Further, the server 31 is a user registered in the communication terminal device 34 or another server by a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal indicating the current position of the communication terminal device 34, a schedule function of the communication terminal device 34, or the like. You can also get schedule information.

Based on various information acquired from the air conditioner A and the communication terminal device 34, the server 31 starts from the installation space of the air conditioner A within the first hour after the normal air conditioning operation is stopped, as will be described later. Find specific periods of absence that tend to leave people. Then, for the specific absent time zone found out, the server 31 performs a drying operation that should be carried out promptly if the air conditioning operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absent time zone. , Change the control sequence so that it is implemented after entering a specific absence time zone.

In the air conditioner A having the above configuration, when a cooling operation, a dehumidifying operation, or a heating operation is instructed by using a remote controller (not shown), indoor air is sucked into the housing 2 through the suction port 5 and a filter is used. Dust is collected by passing through 8. After exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger 4, the air from which the dust has been removed is blown out from the air outlet 6 toward the room through the ventilation passage 7. When the ventilation operation is instructed, the heat is blown into the room through the same route as described above without exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger 4.

Further, the air conditioner A can carry out the filter cleaning operation and the drying operation as the additional function operation by the additional function. In the filter cleaning operation, dust adhering to the filter 8 is automatically removed. When the filter cleaning operation is instructed, the filter drive motor, brush motor, and fan motor of the cleaning device 20 are driven. The filter 8 moves up and down on the guide rail by driving the filter drive motor. The rotating brush 22 is rotated by the drive of the brush motor, and the dust adhering to the filter 8 that moves up and down is knocked out by the rotating brush 22. The fan rotates by driving the fan motor, and an air flow is generated in the intake duct 21.

The dust adhering to the filter 8 is sucked in from the suction port of the intake duct 21 together with the air flow and circulates toward the fan unit 23. The dust flowing through the intake duct 21 flows into the housing 23a of the fan unit 23 together with the air flow from the intake port, and further flows out from the exhaust port. The airflow containing dust flowing out of the fan unit 23 passes through the exhaust duct 24 and is discharged to the outside. The filter 8 can also be taken out and cleaned by the user himself by opening the opening / closing panel 11 provided on the front surface of the indoor unit 1.

In the drying operation, the indoor heat exchanger 4 is dried by automatically performing a ventilation operation or a heating operation. When the drying operation is instructed, the blowing operation or the heating operation is performed for a predetermined time, and dry air is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 4 to dry it.

Such filter cleaning operation and drying operation are performed when the user receives an instruction issued by himself / herself using a remote controller (not shown), or when automatic operation of additional function operation is selected, according to a control sequence. Will be implemented.

In the air conditioner A, when the automatic operation of the additional function operation is selected, the filter cleaning operation is performed every time the air conditioning operation is stopped, and the drying operation is the cooling / dehumidifying operation that requires the drying operation among the air conditioning operations. It is carried out every time the operation is stopped. The filter cleaning operation does not necessarily have to be performed every time the air conditioning operation is stopped. On the other hand, in order to prevent the growth of fungi such as mold caused by dew condensation water, it is preferable to carry out the drying operation immediately after each stop of the air conditioning operation (cooling / dehumidifying operation).

The term “immediately implemented after the air-conditioning operation is stopped” as used herein means that the air-conditioning operation is stopped and then the air-conditioning operation is continuously carried out without any time lag. However, when other additional function operations such as filter cleaning operation are also performed at the same timing, this includes the case where the air conditioning operation is stopped, the other additional function operations are performed, and then the drying operation is continuously performed. ..

Further, by adding a condition to the air-conditioning operation in which the filter cleaning operation is performed after the stop, for example, only when the operation is continuously performed for 2 hours or more, it is possible to avoid that the filter cleaning operation is frequently performed. Similarly, with regard to the drying operation, it is possible to avoid frequent drying operation by adding conditions such as excluding the case where the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped within 30 minutes after the start of the cooling / dehumidifying operation.

Then, in the air conditioner A, as described above, within the framework of the control system 30, the server 31 after the air conditioning operation is stopped based on various information acquired from the air conditioner A and the communication terminal device 34. Within the first hour, a specific absentee time zone in which people tend to disappear is found from the installation space of the air conditioner A, and for the specific absentee time zone, the second hour before the specific absentee time zone. If the air conditioning operation is stopped within the period, the control sequence is changed so that the drying operation, which should normally be performed promptly, is performed after entering a specific absence time zone together with the filter cleaning operation. There is.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 31. As shown in FIG. 5, the server 31 has a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, and the like. Under the control of the control unit 41, the communication unit 43 communicates with the air conditioner A and the communication terminal device 34 owned by the user of the air conditioner A via the communication network 32. The control unit 41 includes a calculation unit (not shown), and orders the air conditioner A to change the control sequence of the cleaning operation and the drying operation based on the programs and data stored and input to the storage unit 42 and the like.

The control unit 41 is constructed with a history collection unit 44, a trend determination unit 45, and a sequence change unit 46. The history collecting unit 44 uses various information received from the air conditioner A via the communication unit 43 to obtain a usage history of the air conditioner A, various types of the air conditioner A including the human body detection sensor 15 and the temperature / humidity sensor 16. Collect and record (log) the detection history of the sensor. Further, the history collecting unit 44 receives information received from the communication terminal device 34 via the communication unit 43, such as a GPS signal indicating the current position of the communication terminal device 34, a user's schedule information input from the communication terminal device 34, and the like. Collects and records (logs) various types of information that can grasp the user's schedule. Various types of information collected by the history collection unit 44 are stored in the storage unit 42.

For example, the absence of the user in the installation space can be estimated based on the detection result of the presence / absence of the human body of the human body detection sensor 15. Further, the temperature change in the installation space can be obtained from the detection result of the temperature / humidity sensor 16, and the absence of the user in the installation space can be estimated based on the temperature change. In addition to the detection results of the human body detection sensor 15 and the temperature / humidity sensor 16, the absence of the user in the installation space is estimated based on various information that can be acquired from the air conditioner A. In addition, the absence of the user in the installation space can be estimated from the GPS signal indicating the current position of the user's communication terminal device 34. In addition, when the user's communication terminal device 34 is used as a payment tool for transportation, the absence of the user can be estimated from the boarding history and the like. That is, the information collected by the history collecting unit 44 and stored in the storage unit 42 is the log of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner A (the log of the normal operation) and the estimation of the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner A. It is a log of estimation information that can be used for.

The tendency determination unit 45 is based on a log of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner A stored in the storage unit 42 and a log of estimation information that can be used for estimating the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner A. Within the first hour after the air conditioning operation is stopped, a specific absence time zone in which people tend to disappear from the installation space is found. Here, the first time can be, for example, 30 minutes. This first hour is a time to delay the execution of the drying operation, which should be performed promptly every time the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped, in order to prevent the growth of fungi such as mold caused by condensed water. It is a permissible time that is equivalent and does not hinder even if it is delayed, and is preferably about 30 minutes.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an average usage state of the air conditioner A for a week with a user U1 from spring to autumn and a state of absence in the installation space. In the example of FIG. 6, Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:30 is the absent time zone when no one is present from the installation space of the air conditioner A, and this Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18: During the absence time of 30, no one is present from the installation space within the first hour (for example, 30 minutes) after the operation of the air conditioner A [cooling / dehumidifying operation] is stopped. When such a tendency is found, the tendency determination unit 45 determines the air conditioner A used by the user U1 from 8:00 to 18:30 from Monday to Friday as a specific absence time zone.

For the specific absent time zone found by the trend determination unit 45, the sequence changing unit 46 promptly after the stop when the air conditioning operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absent time zone. The control sequence is modified so that the additional function operation is performed after entering a specific absence time zone, including the drying operation, which is preferably performed in.

In the second hour as well as in the first hour, in order to prevent the growth of fungi such as mold caused by condensed water, the drying operation should be carried out promptly every time the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped. It corresponds to the time to delay, and it is an allowable time with little hindrance even if it is delayed. Therefore, the first time and the second time may be the same.

The sequence changing unit 46 transmits the found information on the specific absence time zone to the air conditioner A, and sends the information to the control unit 12 of the air conditioner A within the second hour before the specific absence time zone. Is instructed not to carry out the additional function operation even if the air conditioning operation is stopped.

Then, as a method for executing the additional function operation after entering the specific absence time zone, in the present embodiment, when the server 31 enters the specific absence time zone, the server 31 is remotely controlled by the user's communication terminal device 34. Notify the air conditioner A to instruct the execution of the additional function operation by using the operation tool.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the trend determination process (trend determination step) by the server 31. As shown in FIG. 7, the history collecting unit 44 receives various information from the air conditioner A (use history of air conditioning operation, various sensors of the air conditioner A including the human body detection sensor 15 and the temperature / humidity sensor 16). Various information (GPS signal indicating the current position of the communication terminal device 34, user's schedule information, etc.) that can be acquired via the communication network 32 by collecting and recording the detection history of the user. Information) is collected and recorded (S1).

The tendency determination unit 45 contains various types of information collected by the history collection unit 44 (logs of normal operation of the air conditioner A and estimation information that can be used for estimating the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner A. Based on the log), a specific absentee time zone in which people tend to disappear from the installation space within the first hour after the air conditioning operation is stopped is searched for (S2).

As a result of the search in S2, a specific absent time zone is found, and if YES is determined in S3, the information is stored in the storage unit 42 and the information of the found specific absent time zone is notified to the air conditioner A. (S4). Then return to S1. The air conditioner A notified of the information of the specific absence time zone stores this in the storage unit 13. On the other hand, if a specific absence time zone cannot be found as a result of the search in S2, NO is determined in S3 and the process returns to S1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process (sequence change step) instructing the air conditioner A to execute the additional function operation by the server 31. As shown in FIG. 8, the sequence changing unit 46 constantly determines whether or not the air conditioning operation has been stopped from the operation information received from the air conditioner A (S11). When the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner A is stopped and it is determined to be YES in S11, the stop time is the second time before the specific absence time zone found by the trend determination unit 45 with reference to the storage unit 42. It is determined whether or not it corresponds within the time (S12). If it corresponds to within the second hour before the specific absence time zone and is determined to be YES in S12, the communication terminal device 34 of the user of the air conditioner A is remotely controlled to operate the air conditioner A with additional functions. Notify the implementation (S13). Then return to S11. On the other hand, if it does not correspond to the second time before the specific absence time zone and is judged as NO in S12, the process returns to S11.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of automatic operation of the additional function operation of the air conditioner A. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 12 of the air conditioner A constantly determines whether or not the stop of the air conditioning operation is instructed by the remote controller or the like (S21). When it is determined in S21 that the stop of the air conditioning operation is instructed, it is determined whether or not the time instructed to stop corresponds to the second time before the specific absence time zone with reference to the storage unit 13. (S22).

If it does not correspond to the second time before the specific absence time zone and is judged as NO in S22, the process proceeds to S23. In S23, it is determined whether or not the air conditioning operation instructed to stop in S21 is a cooling / dehumidifying operation that requires a drying operation. If the stopped air conditioning operation is a cooling / dehumidifying operation, the process proceeds to S24, a drying operation and a filter cleaning operation are performed, and then the process returns to S21. On the other hand, when the stopped air conditioning operation is not the cooling / dehumidifying operation, the drying operation is unnecessary, so the process proceeds to S25 to independently perform the filter cleaning operation, and then returns to S21.

On the other hand, if it corresponds to within the second time before the specific absence time zone and is determined to be YES in S22, the process proceeds to S26 and it is determined whether or not the user has instructed the execution of the additional function operation. When the user instructs the execution of the additional function operation by remote control using the communication terminal device 34 and determines YES in S26, the process proceeds to S23, and depending on the content of the air conditioning operation, the drying operation and the filter cleaning operation or the filter cleaning are performed. Carry out only driving.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S26, it is continuously determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed (S27), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to S26 and the user instructs the user to perform the additional function operation. Wait for. If the time to wait for an instruction from the user exceeds a predetermined time and it is determined to be YES in S27, the process returns to S21.

As described above, in the present embodiment, within the framework of the control system 30, the server 31 tends to be empty from the installation space of the air conditioner A within the first hour after the air conditioning operation is stopped. Find a specific time of absence. Then, for the specific absent time zone, if the air conditioning operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absent time zone, the drying operation that should normally be performed promptly is performed together with the filter cleaning operation. The control sequence is changed so that it is executed after entering a specific absence time zone, and when the specific absence time zone is reached, the user's communication terminal device 34 is instructed to execute the additional function operation by remote control. Notice.

As a result, as a way of using the air conditioner A, when the user tends to go out or move the room within a certain time (first hour) after the air conditioning operation is stopped and the user tends to disappear from the installation space. , It is possible to delay the implementation of the additional function operation within a range that does not hinder (small). As a result, it is possible to suppress the discomfort given to the user as much as possible while maintaining the effect of the additional function operation by performing the air conditioning operation immediately after the stop.

In the present embodiment, when the air conditioning operation is stopped, the filter cleaning operation is performed together with the drying operation. However, as described above, the filter cleaning operation is effective even if the air conditioning operation is stopped immediately after the air conditioning operation is stopped. Does not decrease. Therefore, the forta cleaning operation may be performed not only in a specific absent time zone but also in an absent time zone where there is no user in the installation space.

[Second Embodiment]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be added to the members having the same functions as the members described in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the control system 30 according to the first embodiment described above, as a method for executing the additional function operation after entering the specific absence time zone, when the specific absence time zone is entered, the server 31 is the communication terminal of the user. The device 34 was notified to instruct the air conditioner A to carry out the additional function operation. On the other hand, in the control system 30 according to the present embodiment, when the specific absence time zone is entered, the server 31 instructs the air conditioner A to perform the additional function operation. This point is different.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for instructing the air conditioner A to execute the additional function operation by the server 31. As shown in FIG. 10, the sequence changing unit 46 constantly determines whether or not the air conditioning operation has been stopped, as in S11 and S12 of FIG. Determine if it corresponds within the second hour before. Then, here, it corresponds to within the second time before the specific absence time zone, and if YES is determined in S12, the current position of the communication terminal device 34 of the user of the air conditioner A is confirmed by a GPS signal or the like. It is determined whether or not the person is out (S31). If the current position of the user's communication terminal device 34 is outside the installation space and it is determined to be YES, the air conditioner A is instructed to perform the additional function operation (S32). After that, it returns to S11.

On the other hand, in S31, if the current position of the user's communication terminal device 34 is the installation space and it is determined as NO, it is continuously determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed (S33), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is determined. Return to S31 and wait for the user to be determined to be out. If the time to wait for the user to go out becomes longer than a predetermined time and YES is determined in S33, the process returns to S11.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of automatic operation of the additional function operation of the air conditioner A. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 12 of the air conditioner A always determines whether or not the stop of the air conditioning operation is instructed, as in S21 and S22 of FIG. Determine if the time corresponds to within the second hour prior to a particular absence time zone. Then, here, if it is determined that it corresponds to within the second time before the specific absence time zone, the process proceeds to S41, and it is determined whether or not the server 31 has instructed the execution of the additional function operation. The server 31 instructs the execution of the additional function operation, determines YES in S41, proceeds to S23, and performs only the drying operation and the filter cleaning operation or the filter cleaning operation according to the content of the air conditioning operation. On the other hand, if NO is determined in S41, it is continuously determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed (S42), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to S26 and the server 31 instructs the execution of the additional function operation. Wait for If the time for waiting for an instruction from the server 31 exceeds a predetermined time and the result is determined to be YES in S42, the process returns to S21.

[Third Embodiment]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be added to the members having the same functions as the members described in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the control system 30 according to the present embodiment, when the specific absence time zone is entered, the air conditioner A determines by itself and performs the additional function operation. This point is different from that of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of automatic operation of the additional function operation of the air conditioner A. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 12 of the air conditioner A always determines whether or not the stop of the air conditioning operation is instructed, as in S21 and S22 of FIG. Determine if the time corresponds to within the second hour prior to a particular absence time zone. Then, here, when it is determined that it corresponds to within the second time before the specific absence time zone, the process proceeds to S51 and it is determined whether or not the person has entered the specific absence time zone. S51 is repeated until it is determined to be YES.

When entering a specific absence time zone and determining YES in S51, it is determined whether or not the human body is detected based on the detection result of the human body detection sensor 15 (S52). If the human body detection sensor 15 does not detect the human body and determines YES in S52, the control unit 12 proceeds to S23 and performs only the drying operation, the filter cleaning operation, or the filter cleaning operation according to the content of the air conditioning operation. do. On the other hand, when the human body detection sensor 15 detects the human body and determines NO in S52, the process proceeds to S53, and it is subsequently determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S53). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to S52 and waits for confirmation of no human body detection. If the time to wait for the user to go out becomes longer than a predetermined time and YES is determined in S53, the process returns to S21.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first to third embodiments described above, the server 31 finds a specific absence time zone and changes the control sequence within the framework of the control system 30, but the air does not go through the server 31. The control unit 12 of the harmonizer A is configured to find out a specific absent time zone from the detection result of the human body detection sensor 15. In this case, the air conditioner A and the user's communication terminal device 34 may be configured to perform local communication using a communication means such as a wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Alternatively, instead of the server 31, information that can be acquired by a home controller installed in the user's house that controls electronic devices in the house via various electronic devices under control including the air conditioner A, or It is also possible to find out a specific absentee time zone from the information of various sensors installed in the user's home.

Further, as the additional function operation, the filter cleaning operation and the drying operation are exemplified, but the operation is not limited to this, and the internal cleaning operation can be added. In the internal cleaning operation, ions are automatically filled in the housing 2 of the indoor unit 1 to deodorize and sterilize. When the internal cleaning operation is instructed, the louver 9 is driven and the air outlet 6 is closed. Subsequently, the ion generator 10 is operated to release ions into the air in the ventilation passage 7. Since the air outlet 6 is closed, the released ions fill the inside of the housing 2 of the indoor unit 1. As a result, the inside of the indoor unit 1 can be deodorized and sterilized.

Further, although the air conditioner A has been exemplified as an electronic device, the above configuration can be adopted in a humidity control device including a heat exchanger and preferably drying the heat exchanger and the humidifying filter. In addition, it is an electronic device that has an additional function operation different from the normal operation, and although there is a risk of causing discomfort to the user if the additional function operation is performed while in the room, it should be performed immediately after the normal operation is stopped. Is effective, it is effective to adopt the above configuration.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 13-16. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be added to the members having the same functions as the members described in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the control system 30 according to the above-described first to third embodiments and the air conditioner A of the fourth embodiment, the control unit 41 of the server 31 or the control unit 12 of the air conditioner A is the air conditioner A and the communication terminal. Based on various information acquired from the device 34, within the first hour after the normal air conditioning operation is stopped, a specific absentee time zone in which people tend to disappear from the installation space of the air conditioner A is found and found out. For a specific absentee time zone, if the air conditioning operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absentee time zone, the dry operation that should normally be performed promptly is changed to the specific absentee time zone. The control sequence was changed so that it would be implemented after entering.

On the other hand, in the control system 50 of the present embodiment (see FIG. 4), the control unit 52 of the server 51 shown in FIG. 13 is based on various information acquired from the air conditioner A and the communication terminal device 34. When the absent time zone estimated to be empty in the installation space of the air conditioner A is found, and the specific normal operation is stopped within a predetermined time before the found absent time zone, for example, within 30 minutes. , The control sequence is changed so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering the absence time zone.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 51. As shown in FIG. 13, the server 51 includes a control unit 52, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, and the like. The control unit 52 includes a calculation unit (not shown), and orders the air conditioner A to change the control sequence of the cleaning operation and the drying operation based on the programs and data stored and input to the storage unit 42 and the like.

The control unit 52 is constructed with a history collection unit 53, an estimation determination unit 54, and a sequence change unit 55. The history collecting unit 53 collects the detection history of various sensors of the air conditioner A including the human body detection sensor 15 and the temperature / humidity sensor 16 from various information received from the air conditioner A via the communication unit 43. Record (log). Further, the history collecting unit 53 receives information received from the communication terminal device 34 via the communication unit 43, such as a GPS signal indicating the current position of the communication terminal device 34, a user's schedule information input from the communication terminal device 34, and the like. Collects and records (logs) various types of information that can grasp the user's schedule. Various types of information collected by the history collecting unit 53 are stored in the storage unit 42.

The estimation determination unit 54 has a person in the installation space of the air conditioner A based on a log of estimation information stored in the storage unit 42 that can be used for estimating the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner A. Find out the absentee time zone that is estimated to be nonexistent.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the estimation determination process (estimation determination step) by the server 51. As shown in FIG. 14, the history collecting unit 53 collects various information received from the air conditioner A (detection history of various sensors of the air conditioner A including the human body detection sensor 15 and the temperature / humidity sensor 16). And records, and also collects various information (various information that can grasp the user's schedule such as GPS signal indicating the current position of the communication terminal device 34 and the user's schedule information) that can be acquired via the communication network 32. And record (S61).

The estimation determination unit 54 is based on various information collected by the history collection unit 53 (a log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner A), and is an installation space for air conditioning operation. Search for an absentee time zone where it is estimated that there are no people in the area (S62).

As a result of the search in S62, when the absence time zone is found and YES is determined in S63, the information is stored in the storage unit 42 and the information of the found absence time zone is notified to the air conditioner A (S64). Then return to S61. The air conditioner A notified of the information on the absence time zone stores this in the storage unit 13. On the other hand, if the absence time zone cannot be found as a result of the search in S2, NO is determined in S63 and the process returns to S61.

Returning to FIG. 13, when the specific normal operation is stopped within a predetermined time before the absence time zone found by the estimation determination unit 54, the sequence changing unit 55 shall be executed immediately after the stop. The control sequence is changed so that the additional function operation is performed after the absence time zone, including the drying operation, which is preferable.

Similar to the first time and the second time described above, the above-mentioned predetermined time is normally promptly set every time the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped in order to prevent the growth of fungi such as mold caused by condensed water. It corresponds to the time for delaying the execution of the drying operation to be carried out, and is a permissible time with little hindrance even if it is delayed, and is preferably about 30 minutes.

The sequence changing unit 46 transmits the found information on the absence time zone to the air conditioner A, and the air conditioning operation is stopped for the control unit 12 of the air conditioner A within a predetermined time before the absence time zone. Even if it is done, instruct not to carry out the additional function operation.

As a method for carrying out the additional function operation whose start has been delayed after entering the absence time zone, the same method as in the above-described first to third embodiments can be used. That is, when the server 51 enters the absence time zone, the server 51 notifies the user's communication terminal device 34 to instruct the air conditioner A to perform the additional function operation by using the remote control tool. Alternatively, in the absence time zone, the server 31 instructs the air conditioner A to perform the additional function operation. Alternatively, when entering the absent time zone, the air conditioner A determines by itself and carries out the additional function operation.

15 and 16 show a case where the server 51 notifies the user's communication terminal device 34 to instruct the air conditioner A to perform the additional function operation by using a remote control tool when the user enters the absence time zone. The processing of each part is shown.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process (sequence change step) instructing the air conditioner A to execute the additional function operation by the server 51. Basically, it is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 8, except that S71 is performed instead of S12. In S71, the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner A is stopped, and if YES is determined in S11, the stop time is before the absent time zone found by the estimation determination unit 54 with reference to the storage unit 42. It is judged whether or not it corresponds within 30 minutes (one example).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of automatic operation of the additional function operation of the air conditioner A. Basically, it is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 9, except that S72 is performed instead of S22. In S72, when it is determined in S21 that the stop of the air conditioning operation is instructed, does the time instructed to stop correspond to, for example, within 30 minutes (one example) before the absence time zone with reference to the storage unit 13. Judge whether or not.

Further, here, within the framework of the control system 50, the server 51 finds out the absence time zone and changes the control sequence. However, as in the fourth embodiment, the control unit 12 of the air conditioner A may be configured to find out the absent time zone from the detection result of the human body detection sensor 15 or the like without going through the server 51.

[Sixth Embodiment]
The control unit 12 of the air conditioner A, the control unit 41 of the server 31, and the control unit 52 of the server 51 described in the first to fourth embodiments are logic circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip). It may be realized in terms of hardware, or it may be realized in terms of software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

In the latter case, the air conditioner A, the server 31, and the server 51 each record a CPU that executes an instruction of a program that is software that realizes each function, the above program, and various data so that they can be read by a computer (or CPU). It is equipped with a CPU (Read Only Memory) or a storage device (these are referred to as "recording media"), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for developing the above program, and the like. Then, the object of the present invention is achieved by the computer (or CPU) reading the program from the recording medium and executing the program. As the recording medium, a "non-temporary tangible medium", for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. Further, the program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the above program is embodied by electronic transmission.

〔summary〕
The electronic device (air conditioner A) according to the first aspect of the present invention can perform an additional function operation (drying operation, filter cleaning operation, etc.) by an additional function different from the normal operation (air conditioning operation). The operation is an electronic device including a specific normal operation (cooling / dehumidifying operation) in which a specific additional function operation (drying operation) should be performed immediately after stopping, and includes a log of the normal operation of the electronic device and a log of the normal operation. Based on a log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the electronic device, a specific specific that tends to leave the installation space within the first hour after the normal operation is stopped. With respect to the tendency determination unit 45 for finding the absent time zone and the specific absent time zone found by the tendency determination unit 45, the specific normal operation is performed within the second hour before the specific absent time zone. It is characterized by including a sequence changing unit 46 that changes the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is executed after entering the specific absent time zone when stopped.

For example, when the electronic device is an air conditioner, it is preferable to carry out the drying operation immediately after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped in order to prevent the growth of fungi such as mold due to the condensed water. However, the drying operation raises the room temperature, which may cause discomfort to the user.

According to the above configuration, the tendency determination unit 45 finds an absent time zone showing a tendency to disappear from the installation space by going out or moving a room within a certain time (first hour) after the air conditioning operation is stopped. The sequence changing unit 46 identifies the specific absent time zone found by the tendency determination unit 45 when the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absent time zone. The control sequence is changed so that the drying operation is performed after entering the absence time zone, and the drying operation is performed after the user leaves the installation space. This allows the user to feel uncomfortable while maintaining a mechanism that effectively prevents the growth of fungi such as mold by performing the drying operation immediately after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped. Can be reduced the number of times the user is in the room.

The control method of the electronic device (air conditioner A) according to the second aspect of the present invention can carry out an additional function operation (drying operation, filter cleaning operation, etc.) by an additional function different from the normal operation (air conditioning operation). The normal operation is a control method for an electronic device including a specific normal operation (cooling / dehumidifying operation) in which a specific additional function operation (drying operation) should be performed immediately after stopping. Based on the log of normal operation and the log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the electronic device, a person is present from the installation space within the first hour after the stop of normal operation. With respect to the tendency determination step of finding a specific absence time zone that tends to disappear and the specific absence time zone found in the tendency determination step, the specific absence time zone is within the second hour before the specific absence time zone. It includes a sequence change step of changing the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering the specific absence time zone when the normal operation is stopped.

By applying the above control method for electronic devices to electronic devices such as air conditioners, the drying operation can be performed immediately after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped, effectively preventing the growth of fungi such as mold. While maintaining the mechanism of doing so, it is possible to reduce the number of times the user performs the drying operation while the user is in the room, which may be unpleasant for the user.

The electronic device control system according to the third aspect of the present invention can perform an additional function operation (drying operation, filter cleaning operation, etc.) by an additional function different from the normal operation (air conditioning operation). An electronic device (air conditioner A) including a specific normal operation (cooling / dehumidifying operation) for which a specific additional function operation (drying operation) should be performed immediately after stopping, a server 31, and a communication terminal device 34. An electronic device control system (control system 30) including a log of normal operation of the electronic device and a log of estimation information that can be used for estimating the absence of a person in the installation space of the electronic device on the server 31. Based on the above, a tendency determination unit 45 for finding a specific absence time zone in which people tend to disappear from the installation space within the first hour after the stop of the normal operation is provided, and the server 31 or the electronic device is provided with the tendency determination unit 45. With respect to the specific absent time zone found by the tendency determination unit 45, the specific absenteeism occurs when the specific normal operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absentee time zone. A sequence changing unit 46 for changing the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering the time zone is provided.

By applying the above electronic device control system to a system including, for example, an air conditioner as an electronic device, the drying operation is immediately performed after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped, so that fungi such as mold can be effectively propagated. While maintaining the mechanism of prevention, it is possible to reduce the number of times the user performs the drying operation that may be unpleasant to the user while the user is in the room.

In the electronic device control system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the sequence changing unit 46 further performs an additional function operation different from the specific additional function operation within the second time before the specific absence time zone. When the timing to execute the above is reached, the control sequence may be changed so that the other additional function operation is also executed after entering the specific absence time zone.

In the case of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the additional function operation includes a filter cleaning operation in addition to the drying operation after the cooling / dehumidifying operation. do. Therefore, the number of times the user feels uncomfortable due to the additional function operation can be reduced as much as possible by performing the additional function operation other than the specific additional function operation after the user leaves the installation space.

Further, the electronic device control system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention further uses the detection result of the human body detection sensor 15 mounted on the electronic device (air conditioner A) or the position of the communication terminal device 34 as the estimation information. It can also be configured to use information or both.

According to this, it is possible to accurately estimate the absence of the user in the installation space of the electronic device.

In the electronic device control system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the electronic device is an air conditioner A, the specific normal operation is a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation, and the specific additional function operation is a drying operation. There is a certain configuration.

As described above, this makes the user feel uncomfortable while maintaining a mechanism that effectively prevents the growth of fungi such as mold by performing the drying operation immediately after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped. It is possible to reduce the number of times the user may perform the drying operation while the user is in the room.

The electronic device (air conditioner A) according to the seventh aspect of the present invention can perform additional function operation (drying operation, filter cleaning operation, etc.) by an additional function different from the normal operation (air conditioning operation). The operation is an electronic device that includes a specific normal operation (cooling / dehumidifying operation) in which a specific additional function operation (drying operation) should be performed immediately after stopping, and the absence of a person in the installation space of the electronic device. Based on the log of the estimation information that can be used for the estimation of, the estimation determination unit that finds the absent time zone that is estimated that there is no person in the installation space, and the absent time zone that is found by the estimation determination unit. A sequence changing unit that changes the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering the absence time zone when the specific normal operation is stopped within the previous predetermined time is provided. It is a composition.

As described above, for example, when the electronic device is an air conditioner, it is preferable to carry out the drying operation immediately after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped in order to prevent the growth of fungi such as mold due to the condensed water. .. However, the drying operation raises the room temperature, which may cause discomfort to the user.

According to the above configuration, the estimation determination unit finds the absence time zone estimated to be empty from the installation space of the air conditioner, and the user stops the cooling / dehumidifying operation within a predetermined time before the absence time zone. If this is the case, the sequence changing unit changes the control sequence to delay the start of the drying operation, and performs the drying operation after entering the absent time zone. This allows the user to feel uncomfortable while maintaining a mechanism that effectively prevents the growth of fungi such as mold by performing the drying operation immediately after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped. Can be reduced the number of times the user is in the room.

The electronic device control method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention can perform an additional function operation (drying operation, filter cleaning operation, etc.) by an additional function different from the normal operation (air conditioning operation), and the normal operation can be performed. , A method of controlling an electronic device including a specific normal operation (cooling / dehumidifying operation) in which a specific additional function operation (drying operation) should be performed immediately after stopping, and the absence of a person in the installation space of the electronic device. Based on the log of the estimation information that can be used for the estimation of, the estimation determination step of finding the absent time zone where it is estimated that there is no person in the installation space, and the absent time zone found in the estimation determination step. A sequence change step of changing the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering the absence time zone when the specific normal operation is stopped within the previous predetermined time. It is a configuration that includes.

By applying the above control method for electronic devices to electronic devices such as air conditioners, the drying operation can be performed immediately after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped, effectively preventing the growth of fungi such as mold. While maintaining the mechanism of doing so, it is possible to reduce the number of times the user performs the drying operation while the user is in the room, which may be unpleasant for the user.

The electronic device control system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention can perform an additional function operation (drying operation, filter cleaning operation, etc.) by an additional function different from the normal operation (air conditioning operation). An electronic device control system including an electronic device including a specific normal operation (cooling / dehumidifying operation) for which a specific additional function operation (drying operation) should be performed immediately after a stop, a server, and a communication terminal device. , The server has an estimation determination unit that finds an absentee time zone in which it is estimated that there are no people in the installation space based on a log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the electronic device. The server or the electronic device is provided, and when the specific normal operation is stopped within a predetermined time before the absence time zone found by the estimation determination unit, the absence time zone is entered. After that, the configuration is provided with a sequence changing unit that changes the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is performed.

By applying the above electronic device control system to a system including, for example, an air conditioner as an electronic device, the drying operation is immediately performed after the cooling / dehumidifying operation is stopped, so that fungi such as mold can be effectively propagated. While maintaining the mechanism of prevention, it is possible to reduce the number of times the user performs the drying operation that may be unpleasant to the user while the user is in the room.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

1 Indoor unit 2 Housing 3 Blower 4 Indoor heat exchanger 5 Suction port 6 Air outlet 7 Ventilation path 8 Filter 10 Ion generator 12, 41, 52 Control unit 13, 42 Storage unit 15 Human body detection sensor 16 Temperature / humidity sensor 17, 43 Communication unit 20 Cleaning device 30, 50 Control system (electronic device control system)
31, 51 Server 32 Communication network 33 User's home 34 Communication terminal device 44 History collection unit 45 Tendency judgment unit 46 Sequence change unit 53 History collection unit 54 Estimation judgment unit 55 Sequence change unit A Air conditioner (electronic device)

Claims (6)

An air conditioner capable of performing an additional function operation with an additional function different from the air conditioning operation, and the air conditioner operation includes a specific air conditioner operation for which a specific additional function operation should be performed after a stop.
The additional function operation is a filter cleaning operation or an operation for preventing the growth of fungi.
Based on the log of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner and the log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner, the said within the first hour after the stop of the air conditioner operation. A tendency judgment unit that finds out a specific absentee time zone when people tend to disappear from the installation space,
Regarding the specific absent time zone found by the tendency determination unit, when the specific air conditioning operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absent time zone, the specific absent time zone A sequence change unit that changes the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering.
An air conditioner characterized by being equipped with. It is a control method for an air conditioner that can carry out additional function operation with additional functions different from the air conditioning operation, and the air conditioning operation includes a specific air conditioner operation for which a specific additional function operation should be performed after stopping. hand,
The additional function operation is a filter cleaning operation or an operation for preventing the growth of fungi.
Based on the log of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner and the log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner, the said within the first hour after the stop of the air conditioner operation. A tendency determination step to find a specific absentee time zone in which people tend to disappear from the installation space,
Regarding the specific absence time zone found in the tendency determination step, when the specific air conditioning operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absence time zone, the specific absence time zone A sequence change step that changes the control sequence so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering
A method of controlling an air conditioner, which comprises. An air conditioner, a server, and an air conditioner that can perform an additional function operation with an additional function different from the air conditioning operation, and the air conditioner operation includes a specific air conditioner operation for which a specific additional function operation should be performed after a stop. An air conditioner control system that includes a communication terminal device.
The additional function operation is a filter cleaning operation or an operation for preventing the growth of fungi.
To the server
Based on the log of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner and the log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner, the said within the first hour after the stop of the air conditioner operation. A tendency judgment unit is provided to find out a specific time zone when people tend to disappear from the installation space.
To the server or the air conditioner
Regarding the specific absent time zone found by the tendency determination unit, when the specific air conditioning operation is stopped within the second hour before the specific absent time zone, the specific absent time zone An air conditioner control system characterized in that a sequence changing unit for changing the control sequence is provided so that the specific additional function operation is performed after entering the system. The air conditioner control according to claim 3, wherein the detection result of the human body detection sensor mounted on the air conditioner, the position information of the communication terminal device, or both are used as the estimation information. system. The air conditioner control system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the specific air conditioning operation is a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation, and the specific additional function operation is a drying operation. An air conditioner, a server, and an air conditioner that can perform an additional function operation with an additional function different from the air conditioning operation, and the air conditioner operation includes a specific air conditioner operation for which a specific additional function operation should be performed after a stop. An air conditioner control system that includes a communication terminal device.
The additional function operation is a filter cleaning operation or an operation for preventing the growth of fungi.
To the server
Based on the log of estimation information that can be used to estimate the absence of a person in the installation space of the air conditioner, an estimation determination unit for finding an absent time zone in which no person is estimated to be present in the installation space is provided.
To the server or the air conditioner
When the specific air conditioning operation is stopped within a predetermined time before the absence time zone found by the estimation determination unit, the specific additional function operation is executed after entering the absence time zone. An air conditioner control system characterized in that a sequence changing unit for changing the control sequence is provided.

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