JP7400190B2 - air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems.

BACKGROUND ART In air conditioning systems, there is a technology that predicts the time when at least one of the temperature and humidity of an air conditioning space will fall within a predetermined range based on weather information in a weather forecast, and notifies a user of the predicted time.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-014411

In the above technology, the user is only notified of the predicted time based on weather information, and information regarding the operation of the air conditioner is not notified based on the weather information.

The present disclosure provides a technology that allows a user to make a proposal for realizing an air-conditioned space in which the user can spend time comfortably.

In the disclosed aspect, an air conditioning system includes an adapter and an air conditioner having an indoor unit. The adapter acquires outside temperature forecast information from outside the air conditioning system. The indoor unit extracts a forecast value of outside temperature from the forecast information. Then, the indoor unit notifies of a proposal to make a reservation for starting operation of the air conditioner based on a comparison result between the forecast value and a reference value calculated based on a preset temperature setting.

According to the disclosed aspect, it is possible to make a proposal to the user for realizing an air-conditioned space in which the user can spend time comfortably.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the adapter of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of driving information data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of driving information data used to generate or update the sensible temperature setting prediction model of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of outside temperature forecast information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of outside temperature forecast information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment.

The technology of the present disclosure will be explained below based on the drawings. In the following, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[Example 1]
<Configuration of air conditioning system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 1 includes an indoor unit 2, an adapter 3, routers 4A and 4B, a server device 5, a relay device 6, a communication terminal 7, and a communication network 8. The adapter 3 and the relay device 6 can communicate with each other via the router 4A and the communication network 8. Further, the communication terminal 7 and the relay device 6 can communicate with each other via the router 4B and the communication network 8.

The indoor unit 2 is part of an air conditioner that is placed indoors and heats or cools indoor air. The air conditioner mainly includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit (not shown) placed outdoors. A user of the air conditioner can remotely control the indoor unit 2 by operating the remote control 9. An example of the remote controller 9 is an infrared remote controller or a radio remote controller. The indoor unit 2 includes a main body 2A and a control section 2B that controls the main body 2A. The control unit 2B is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The main body 2A is equipped with an indoor fan, an indoor heat exchanger, etc., and indoor air that has undergone heat exchange with a refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger is blown out from the main body 2A, thereby heating, cooling, and dehumidifying the room. . Further, the main body 2A is provided with an operation button that can directly operate the indoor unit 2. Further, the outdoor unit, which is another part of the air conditioner, includes an outdoor fan, an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, an expansion valve, and the like.

The adapter 3 has a communication function that connects the indoor unit 2 and the router 4A by wireless communication, and a control function that controls the indoor unit 2 using AI (Artificial Intelligence). The adapter 3 is installed for each indoor unit 2. The router 4A connects to the adapter 3 by wireless communication using, for example, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and connects the adapter 3 to the communication network 8. An example of the communication network 8 is the Internet.

Examples of the communication terminal 7 include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and the like used by a user. The router 4B connects to the communication terminal 7 by wireless communication using, for example, WLAN, and connects the communication terminal 7 and the communication network 8. A user can operate the indoor unit 2 by operating the communication terminal 7.

The server device 5 has a function of generating an AI learning model that controls the indoor unit 2, a database that stores operational information data of the air conditioner, and the like. The server device 5 is installed in a data center, for example. Relay device 6 is connected to communication network 8 and has a function of communicating with server device 5 . The relay device 6 receives driving information data used for generating or updating a learning model applied to the adapter 3 from the adapter 3, and transmits the received driving information data to the server device 5. Further, the relay device 6 receives the learning model generated or updated by the server device 5 from the server device 5, and transmits the received learning model to the adapter 3.

The relay device 6 includes a first relay section 6A, a second relay section 6B, and a third relay section 6C. The first relay unit 6A transmits various data related to AI control between the adapter 3 and the server device 5. For example, the first relay unit 6A transmits the driving information data received from the adapter 3 to the server device 5, and also transmits to the adapter 3 a learning model generated or updated by the server device 5 using the driving information data. The second relay unit 6B obtains the operating conditions of the indoor unit 2 (operating modes such as cooling/heating, set temperature, etc.) set by the user using the communication terminal 7, and transmits the obtained operating conditions via the adapter 3. Send to indoor unit 2. The third relay unit 6C acquires external data such as weather forecasts through the communication network 8, and transmits the acquired external data to the server device 5 and the adapter 3.

<Adapter configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the adapter of the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the adapter 3 includes a first communication section 11, a second communication section 12, a storage section 13, and a processor 14.

The first communication unit 11 communicates with the control unit 2B of the indoor unit 2, and is realized by a communication IF (Interface) such as a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter). The second communication unit 12 communicates with the router 4A, and is realized by, for example, a communication IF for WLAN. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various information such as data and programs. The processor 14 is realized by, for example, a CPU, MPU, MCU, or the like.

The storage unit 13 includes a driving information memory 13A, a model memory 13B, and an external memory 13C. The driving information memory 13A temporarily stores driving information data acquired from the indoor unit 2. The model memory 13B stores the learning model acquired from the server device 5. External memory 13C stores external data.

The processor 14 includes an acquisition section 14A, a transmission section 14B, a reception section 14C, a setting section 14D, and a prediction section 14E as functional blocks in the processor 14.

The acquisition unit 14A acquires operating information data such as set temperature and indoor temperature from the indoor unit 2 at a predetermined period (for example, every 5 minutes). The acquisition unit 14A stores the acquired driving information data in the driving information memory 13A. Note that, as will be explained later using FIG. 4, the driving information data includes a time stamp that is the date of acquisition of the driving information data.

The transmitter 14B acquires the driving information data stored in the driving information memory 13A from the driving information memory 13A, and transmits the acquired driving information data to the server device 5.

The receiving unit 14C receives the learning model from the server device 5, and stores the received learning model in the model memory 13B.

The setting unit 14D acquires the learning model stored in the model memory 13B from the model memory 13B, and sets the acquired learning model in the prediction unit 14E.

The prediction unit 14E controls the control unit 2B of the indoor unit 2 using the learning model set by the setting unit 14D. Note that the prediction unit 14E may directly control the main body 2A of the indoor unit 2 using the learning model. Further, the prediction unit 14E may indirectly control the main body 2A via the control unit 2B by transmitting a control mode based on the learning model to the control unit 2B.

<Configuration of server device>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the server device 5 includes a communication section 31, a storage section 32, and a processor 33. The communication unit 31 communicates with the relay device 6, and is realized by, for example, a communication IF. The storage unit 32 is realized by, for example, an HDD, ROM, RAM, etc., and stores various information such as data and programs. The processor 33 is realized by, for example, a CPU, MPU, MCU, or the like.

The storage unit 32 includes a data memory 32A and a model memory 32B. The data memory 32A stores the driving information data received from the adapter 3. The model memory 32B stores learning models generated or updated by the server device 5.

The processor 33 includes a receiving section 33A, a learning section 33B, and a transmitting section 33C as functional blocks in the processor 33.

The receiving unit 33A receives operating information data from each adapter 3 connected to each of the plurality of indoor units 2, and stores the received operating information data in the data memory 32A.

The learning unit 33B performs machine learning using the driving information data stored in the data memory 32A, and generates or updates a learning model based on the learning results. The learning unit 33B stores the generated or updated learning model in the model memory 32B. An example of a learning model is a "sensible temperature setting prediction model" that predicts the user's sensible temperature based on the operating status of the air conditioner in each home and controls the air conditioner according to the predicted sensible temperature.

The transmitter 33C acquires the learning model stored in the model memory 32B from the model memory 32B, and transmits the acquired learning model to the adapter 3 via the relay device 6.

<Example of driving information data>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of driving information data according to the first embodiment. The operating information data includes, for example, operating status, operating mode, set temperature, indoor temperature (room temperature), indoor humidity, air volume, wind direction, human sensor, radiation sensor, indoor heat exchanger temperature, outdoor temperature (outside air temperature), and compression. Machine rotation speed, outdoor air volume, operating current, outdoor heat exchanger temperature, discharge temperature, compressor temperature, expansion valve opening, radiator temperature, startup failure history, abnormal stop history, emergency operation history, time stamp, air conditioner ID , installation location, facility type, etc.

The operating state indicates the ON/OFF state of the operation of the indoor unit 2. The operation mode indicates an operation mode of the indoor unit 2 such as cooling or heating. The set temperature is a temperature set by the user, and indicates a target temperature in the room where the indoor unit 2 is used. The indoor temperature indicates the actual temperature in the room where the indoor unit 2 is used. The indoor humidity indicates the actual humidity in the room where the indoor unit 2 is used. The air volume indicates the volume of indoor air blown out from the indoor unit 2. The wind direction indicates the direction of indoor air blown out from the indoor unit 2. The human sensor indicates the presence or absence of people in the room and the amount of activity detected by the sensor. The radiation sensor indicates the detected temperature of the floor and walls in the room. The indoor heat exchanger temperature indicates the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger that forms a part of the main body 2A of the indoor unit 2. Outdoor temperature indicates the actual temperature outside. The compressor rotation speed indicates the operating rotation speed of a compressor provided in the outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit 2 through refrigerant piping. The outdoor air volume indicates the air volume generated by an outdoor fan provided in the outdoor unit. The operating current indicates, for example, the operating current of the entire air conditioner such as the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature indicates the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit. The discharge temperature indicates the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. Compressor temperature indicates the temperature at the bottom of the compressor. The expansion valve opening degree indicates the opening degree of an electronic expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit. The radiator temperature indicates the temperature of the power semiconductor that drives and controls the compressor. The startup failure history indicates a history of startup failures of the compressor. The abnormal stop history indicates the history of abnormal stop of the air conditioner. The emergency operation history indicates the history of implementation of emergency operations. The time stamp indicates the acquisition date and time of each driving information data in year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. The air conditioner ID indicates an ID given to the indoor unit 2 to identify the air conditioner. The installation location indicates the address of the location where the air conditioner is installed. The facility type indicates the type of facility (store, restaurant, factory, etc.) in which the air conditioner is installed.

Each of the operating information data shown in FIG. 4 is used depending on the purpose of the air conditioner, such as home use or business use. Examples of operating information data used for home air conditioners include operating status, operating mode, temperature setting, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, air volume, wind direction, human sensor, radiation sensor, time stamp, and air conditioner. There is an ID, installation location, etc. Air conditioners for home use use AI to operate and make suggestions in pursuit of comfort and energy savings, so for example, data necessary for home use such as set temperature, operating mode, room and surrounding environment, etc. becomes.

On the other hand, operating information data used for commercial air conditioners includes, for example, operating status, operating mode, set temperature, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, air volume, wind direction, human sensor, radiation sensor, indoor heat exchanger, etc. Temperature, outdoor temperature, compressor rotation speed, outdoor air volume, operating current, outdoor heat exchanger temperature, discharge temperature, compressor temperature, expansion valve opening, radiator temperature, startup failure history, abnormal stop history, emergency operation history, time There are stamps, air conditioner IDs, installation locations, facility types, etc. For commercial air conditioners, AI predicts failures and the need for maintenance of each device. For example, in a commercial air conditioner, the operating status and history of each component within the air conditioner is accumulated, and based on the accumulated operating status and history, AI predicts when each component will fail. Regarding the compressor and fan motor installed in the air conditioner, since no operating information data is generated while the air conditioner is stopped, for example, data on the compressor rotation speed, outdoor air volume, operating current, and outdoor heat exchanger temperature is not available. There is no need to obtain it while the air conditioner is stopped.

For example, when the learning model is a sensible temperature setting prediction model, time-series driving information data such as the set temperature, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, etc. is used to generate or update the sensible temperature setting prediction model. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of driving information data used to generate or update the sensible temperature setting prediction model of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the driving information data used in the sensible temperature setting prediction model differs depending on the season. For example, a winter sensible temperature setting prediction model uses set temperature, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, etc. On the other hand, in the summer sensible temperature setting prediction model, in addition to the driving information data used in the winter, for example, air volume and detection data from a human sensor (the presence or absence of a person and the amount of activity) are used.

<Processing and operation of air conditioning system>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. 7, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of the indoor unit of the first embodiment. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of outside temperature forecast information according to the first embodiment. In the following, times are expressed in 24-hour format.

In this embodiment, notification of a proposal (hereinafter referred to as "reservation proposal notification") to the user for a reservation to start operation of the air conditioner at a time later than the current time (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "operation start reservation") is provided. (hereinafter referred to as "summer prescribed period") and winter prescribed period (hereinafter referred to as "winter prescribed period") in one year. ). An example of the summer prescribed period is a four-month period from June 1 to September 30 of each year, and an example of the winter prescribed period is a four-month period from December 1 to March 31 of each year. It will be done.

Moreover, the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is started every year at the date and time when the summer predetermined period starts and the date and time when the winter predetermined period starts. For example, if the summer period is from June 1st to September 30th every year, the flowchart shown in FIG. Runs up to minutes. For example, if the predetermined winter period is from December 1st to March 31st every year, the flowchart shown in FIG. It runs until 59 minutes.

In addition, in this embodiment, the time at which the reservation proposal notification is made (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "reservation proposal notification time") and the recommended time at which the air conditioner starts operating based on the operation start reservation (hereinafter referred to as "reservation proposal notification time") are specified. The "recommended driving start time") is predetermined in the control unit 2B. For example, if the recommended driving start time is set at 17:00 in the evening, the reservation proposal notification will be sent at 12:00 during the lunch break, when the user can easily check the reservation proposal notification at noon on the day of the recommended driving start time. A reservation proposal notification time is determined. For example, if the recommended driving start time is set at 6:00 a.m., the user can easily check the reservation proposal notification in the evening of the day before the recommended driving start time at 6:00 p.m., which is the time after returning home. The reservation proposal notification time is set in minutes.

In FIG. 6, in step S101, the control unit 2B of the indoor unit 2 determines whether the current time is 12:00, which is the first reservation proposal notification time. Hereinafter, among the reservation proposal notifications that may be sent up to twice a day, the reservation proposal notification sent at 12:00 may be referred to as a "12 o'clock proposal notification." If the current time is 12:00 (step S101: Yes), the process proceeds to step S103, and if the current time is not 12:00 (step S101: No), the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S103, the control unit 2B sets the recommended driving start time to 17:00, which is the first recommended driving start time.

On the other hand, in step S105, the control unit 2B determines whether the current time is 18:00, which is the second reservation proposal notification time. Hereinafter, among the reservation proposal notifications that may be sent up to two times a day, the reservation proposal notification sent at 18:00 may be referred to as a "18:00 proposal notification." If the current time is 18:00 (step S105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S107, and if the current time is not 18:00 (step S105: No), the process returns to step S101.

In step S107, the control unit 2B sets the recommended driving start time to 6:00, which is the second recommended driving start time.

Next, in step S109, the control unit 2B determines whether or not the operation start reservation has been set for the indoor unit 2, and whether or not the operation of the air conditioner is started according to the operation start reservation, as described below using FIG. 7. It is determined whether the time (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "reserved operation start time") is within a predetermined time. The user can set an arbitrary reserved driving start time in the control unit 2B using, for example, the remote control 9. The control unit 2B makes the determination in step S109 using the logic schematically shown in FIG. 7, for example.

As shown in Figure 7, regardless of whether the recommended start time is set to the second recommended start time (6:00) or the first recommended start time (17:00), the If the start reservation has not been set (in FIG. 7, the item for operation start reservation is indicated as "no setting"), that is, if the user has not set any reserved operation start time, the control unit 2B performs step S109. It is determined as "OK" and the process proceeds to step S111.

In addition, the recommended operation start time is set to the second recommended operation start time (6:00) (in Fig. 7, the item for operation start reservation is indicated as "with setting". The same applies hereinafter), and the reserved operation If the start time is set to any time between 4:00 and 8:00, the control unit 2B determines "NG" in step S109, and the process returns to step S101. Here, as an example, the range of ±2 hours from 6:00, which is the second recommended start time, is set as the predetermined time range of 4:00 to 8:00 with respect to the second recommended start time. Established.

Also, if the recommended driving start time is set to the second recommended driving start time (6:00) and the reserved driving start time is set to any time other than 4:00 to 8:00. If there is, the control unit 2B determines "OK" in step S109105, and the process proceeds to step S111.

Further, the recommended driving start time is set to the first recommended driving start time (17:00), and the reserved driving start time is set to any time between 15:00 and 19:00. If so, the control unit 2B determines "NG" in step S109, and the process returns to step S101. Here, as an example, the range of ±2 hours from 17:00, which is the first recommended start time, is set as the predetermined time range from 15:00 to 19:00 with respect to the first recommended start time. Established.

In addition, if the recommended driving start time is set to the first recommended driving start time (17:00) and the reserved driving start time is set to any time other than 15:00 to 19:00. If there is, the control unit 2B determines "OK" in step S109, and the process proceeds to step S111.

The reason why the determination in step S109 is made in this way is as follows. That is, if it is determined as "NG" in step S109, there is already a reservation to start driving with a time before or after the recommended driving start time, so the processing from step S111 onward is not necessary. If it is determined to be "OK" in step S109, the operation start time has been reserved, but the reserved operation start time is far from the recommended operation start time, so the processing from step S111 onward is required. be.

Returning to FIG. 6, in step S111, the control unit 2B determines the recommended driving start time (17:00 or 6:00) based on the outside temperature forecast information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "outside temperature forecast information"). ) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "outside temperature forecast value") is extracted. The adapter 3 is connected to FIG. 8 or 9 from a server device installed outside the air conditioning system 1 (a server device that stores weather information including outside temperature forecast information) via a relay device 6 and a communication network 8. Obtain outside temperature forecast information. The adapter 3 acquires outside temperature forecast information every 5 minutes, for example, and outputs the acquired outside temperature forecast information to the control unit 2B. For example, when the current date and time is in the range of 12:00 to 12:59 on December 24, 2018, the adapter 3 acquires the outside temperature forecast information FIA shown in FIG. 8. Further, the adapter 3 acquires the outside temperature forecast information FIB shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the current date and time is in the range of 18:00 to 18:59 on December 24, 2018. Outside temperature forecast information FIA (Figure 8) includes outside temperature forecast values for 24 hours every hour from 12:00 on December 24, 2018, and outside temperature forecast information FIB (Figure 9) includes: The forecast includes outside temperature forecast values for 24 hours every hour starting from 18:00 on December 24, 2018. In FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, the outside temperature forecast value of 6° C. at 18:00 on December 24, 2018 indicates the outside temperature forecast value from 18:00 to 18:59 on December 24, 2018.

When the recommended driving start time is set to 17:00 in step S103, the control unit 2B calculates the outside temperature forecast value FV1 (7 Extract (℃). Further, when the recommended driving start time is set to 6:00 in step S107, the control unit 2B uses the outside temperature forecast value FV2 at the recommended driving start time of 6:00 from the outside temperature forecast information FIB (FIG. 9). (0°C).

Next, in step S113, the control unit 2B calculates a room temperature reference value.

Here, the control unit 2B determines whether or not the reservation proposal notification is accepted by the user each time the reservation proposal notification is sent to the user in step S119, which will be described later. Calculate the room temperature reference value based on The control unit 2B determines that the reservation proposal notification is not accepted by the user when the reservation proposal notification is ignored or rejected by the user. Furthermore, when the reservation proposal notification is accepted by the user, the control unit 2B determines that the reservation proposal notification has been accepted by the user. In the present embodiment, a case where a reservation proposal notification is ignored will be described below as an example of a case where the reservation proposal notification is not accepted.

Each time the control unit 2B issues a reservation proposal notification in step 119, which will be described later, it determines whether the reservation proposal notification has been accepted or ignored using the logic separately schematically shown in FIG. .

As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 2B performs the reserved operation during the period from when the 18:00 proposal notification is sent in step S119, which will be described later, until the current time reaches the second recommended operation start time (6:00). If a new operation start reservation with a start time in the range of 4:00 to 8:00 is set for indoor unit 2 (in Fig. 10, "set" is indicated in the operation start reservation item). (hereinafter the same), it is determined that the 18:00 proposal notification has been accepted.

In addition, the control unit 2B determines that the reserved driving start time is 4:00 am during the period from when the 18:00 proposal notification is sent in step S119 described later until the current time reaches the second recommended driving start time (6:00 am). If a new operation start reservation for a time other than 00:00 to 8:00 is set in the indoor unit 2, it is determined that the 18:00 proposal notification has been ignored.

In addition, the control unit 2B determines that the reserved driving start time is 15:00 between when the 12:00 proposal notification is sent in step S119 to be described later and when the current time reaches the first recommended driving start time (17:00). If a new operation start reservation for a time in the range of 00:00 to 19:00 is set in the indoor unit 2, it is determined that the 12:00 proposal notification has been accepted.

In addition, the control unit 2B determines that the reserved driving start time is 15:00 between when the 12:00 proposal notification is sent in step S119 to be described later and when the current time reaches the first recommended driving start time (17:00). If a new operation start reservation for a time other than 00:00 to 19:00 is set in the indoor unit 2, it is determined that the 12:00 proposal notification has been ignored.

In addition, the control unit 2B determines that a new operation start reservation is made for the indoor unit after the 18:00 proposal notification is sent in step S119, which will be described later, until the current time reaches the second recommended operation start time (6:00). If it is not set to 2 (in FIG. 10, "No setting" is written in the operation start reservation item. The same applies hereinafter), it is determined that the 18:00 proposal notification has been ignored.

In addition, the control unit 2B determines that a new operation start reservation is made for the indoor unit after the 12:00 proposal notification is sent in step S119, which will be described later, until the current time reaches the first recommended operation start time (17:00). If it is not set to 2, it is determined that the 12 o'clock proposal notification has been ignored.

When the control unit 2B determines that the reservation proposal notification has been ignored, if the current date and time are included in the summer predetermined period, the control unit 2B determines the number of times the reservation proposal notification has been ignored in the summer predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the "summer period ignored count"). If the current date and time are included in the predetermined winter period, the number of ignores during the predetermined winter period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "number of times ignored during the winter period") is counted. For example, if June 1st to September 30th is set in the control unit 2B as the summer period, the control unit 2B counts the number of times the summer period is ignored at 0:00 on June 1st every year. Starting from zero, at 23:59 on September 30th, the count of the number of times the summer period is ignored is finished, and the number of times the summer period is ignored is reset to zero. For example, if December 1st to March 31st is set in the control unit 2B as the predetermined winter period, the control unit 2B counts the number of times the winter period is ignored at 0:00 on December 1st every year. starts from zero, finishes counting the number of times the winter period is ignored at 23:59 on March 31, and resets the number of times the winter period is ignored to zero.

Then, the control unit 2B determines the operating mode and the set temperature of the room temperature preset in the control unit 2B by the user (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "user set temperature") in the method schematically shown in FIG. The room temperature reference value is calculated based on the number of times the summer period is ignored or the number of times the winter period is ignored. The user can set a user-set temperature in the control unit 2B using, for example, the remote control 9. The "operating mode" in FIG. 11 indicates the operating mode immediately before the air conditioner stops operating if the air conditioner is not operating, and indicates the operating mode immediately before the air conditioner stops operating if the air conditioner is currently operating. Indicates the current operating mode. In FIG. 11, the relationships among temperatures A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, and D3 are "A1<A2<A3", "B1<B2<B3", and "A3 <B1", "C1<C2<C3", "D1>D2>D3", and "C3>D1".

As shown in FIG. 11, when the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of ignored times during the summer period or the number of times ignored during the winter period is 0 to 1, the control unit 2B sets the room temperature reference value to "user set temperature + A1". ℃” is calculated. Further, the control unit 2B calculates the room temperature reference value as "user set temperature + A2° C." when the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of ignored times during the summer period or the number of times ignored during the winter period is 2 to 3 times. Further, the control unit 2B calculates the room temperature reference value as "user set temperature + A3° C." when the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of ignored times during the summer period or the number of times ignored during the winter period is 4 to 5 times.

Further, if the operation mode is "heating" and the number of ignored times during the summer period or the number of times ignored during the winter period is 0 to 1, the control unit 2B calculates the room temperature reference value as "user set temperature - C1°C". do. Furthermore, when the operation mode is "heating" and the number of ignored times during the summer period or the number of times ignored during the winter period is 2 to 3 times, the control unit 2B calculates the room temperature reference value as "user set temperature - C2°C". . Furthermore, when the operation mode is "heating" and the number of ignored times during the summer period or the number of times ignored during the winter period is 4 to 5 times, the control unit 2B calculates the room temperature reference value as "user set temperature - C3°C". .

As described below, if the number of times the summer period is ignored is 6 or more, the reservation proposal notification for the specified summer period will not be sent, and if the number of times the winter period is ignored is 6 or more, the reservation proposal notification for the specified summer period will not be sent. Reservation proposal notifications will not be sent during this period. This is because if the reservation proposal notification is ignored six or more times during the summer predetermined period or the winter predetermined period, it is determined that the user considers the reservation proposal notification itself to be unnecessary.

In this way, when the operation mode is "cooling" (that is, during cooling operation), the control unit 2B calculates a room temperature reference value that becomes larger as the number of times the summer period is ignored increases, and when the operation mode is "cooling". Heating" (that is, during heating operation), the more the number of times the winter period is ignored, the smaller the room temperature reference value is calculated. As a result, during the summer period, if the first reservation proposal notification is ignored, that is, if the user feels that cooling operation is unnecessary based on the initial room temperature reference value, the next reservation proposal notification will be This is done when the room temperature reference value becomes larger than the value at the time of the reservation proposal notification. In addition, during the winter period, if the first reservation proposal notification is ignored, that is, if the user feels that heating operation is unnecessary based on the initial room temperature reference value, the next reservation proposal notification will be This is done when the room temperature reference value becomes smaller than the value at the time of notification of the reservation proposal. That is, by taking into account the number of summer and winter periods ignored when calculating the room temperature reference value, it is possible to provide a reservation proposal notification that matches the user's experience.

Returning to FIG. 6, in step S115, the control unit 2B determines whether the number of summer period ignored or the winter period ignored is less than six times. If the number of ignored summer periods or the number of ignored winter periods is less than 6 times (step S115: Yes), the process proceeds to step S117, and if the number of ignored summer periods or the number of ignored winter periods is 6 times or more (step S115: Yes), the process proceeds to step S117. S115: No), the processing in the summer predetermined period or the winter predetermined period ends without performing the processing in steps S117 and S119. In other words, when the number of times the summer period is ignored or the number of times the winter period is ignored reaches 6, the reservation proposal notification for the summer predetermined period or the winter predetermined period is no longer performed.

Note that the process of step S115 may be performed between the process of step S111 and the process of step S113. That is, if the number of ignored summer periods or the number of ignored winter periods is less than 6 times (step S115: Yes), the process proceeds to step S113, and if the number of ignored summer periods or the number of ignored winter periods is 6 times or more, (Step S115: No), the process may return to step S101 without performing the processes of steps S113, S117, and S119.

Next, in step S117, the control unit 2B compares the outside temperature forecast value extracted in step S111 and the room temperature reference value calculated in step S113, and the relationship between the outside temperature forecast value and the room temperature reference value is shown in FIG. It is determined whether the condition (A) shown below is met.

In FIG. 11, for example, when the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of ignored times during the summer period is 0 to 1, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user-set If the temperature is higher than (temperature + A1°C), it is determined that the conditions are met. Further, for example, when the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of times ignored during the summer period is 2 to 3 times, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature + A2 degrees Celsius). ), it is determined that the condition is met. Further, for example, if the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of times ignored during the summer period is 4 to 5, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature + A3 degrees Celsius). ), it is determined that the condition is met. In this way, during the cooling operation, the control unit 2B determines that the condition is met when the outside temperature forecast value is higher than the room temperature reference value.

Further, for example, when the operation mode is "heating" and the number of ignored times during the winter period is 0 to 1, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature - C1 ℃), it is determined that the conditions are met. Further, for example, when the operation mode is "heating" and the number of times ignored during the winter period is 2 to 3, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature - C2 ℃), it is determined that the conditions are met. Further, for example, when the operation mode is "heating" and the number of times ignored during the winter period is 4 to 5, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature - C3 ℃), it is determined that the conditions are met. In this way, during the heating operation, the control unit 2B determines that the conditions are met when the outside temperature forecast value is lower than the room temperature reference value.

In FIG. 11, condition (A) is such that when the user can freely select the user-set temperature during cooling operation or heating operation, the user's intention (preference) is determined by using the number of times ignored during the summer period and the number of times ignored during the winter period. These conditions have been established to ensure that proposal notifications reflect the following to the maximum extent possible.

Returning to FIG. 6, if the relationship between the outside temperature forecast value and the room temperature reference value matches any of the conditions (A) shown in FIG. 11 (step S117: Yes), the process advances to step S119. On the other hand, if the relationship between the outside temperature forecast value and the room temperature reference value does not match any of the conditions (A) shown in FIG. 11 (step S117: No), the process of step S119 is not performed and the process returns to step S101.

In step S119, the control unit 2B outputs a 12:00 proposal notification to the adapter 3 if the recommended driving start time is set to 17:00 in step S103. Further, when the recommended driving start time is set to 6:00 in step S107, the control unit 2B outputs a 18:00 proposal notification to the adapter 3. The adapter 3 transmits the 12 o'clock proposal notification or the 18 o'clock proposal notification input from the control unit 2B to the communication terminal 7. On the touch panel (not shown) of the communication terminal 7 that received the 12:00 noon proposal notification, for example, the text "Would you like to make a reservation to start driving at 17:00 this evening?" is displayed, thereby prompting the user. Proposal notification will be made at 12:00. In addition, on the touch panel of the communication terminal 7 that has received the 18:00 proposal notification, for example, the text "Would you like to make a reservation to start driving at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow?" is displayed, and the user is prompted to Proposal notification will be given.

In addition, in step S117, the control unit 2B uses the condition (B) shown in FIG. 11 in addition to the condition (A) shown in FIG. It may be determined whether the temperature forecast value matches the condition (B) shown in FIG. 11.

That is, in FIG. 11, for example, when the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of ignored times during the summer period is 0 to 1, (A) the outside temperature forecast value is set to the room temperature reference value ( It is determined that the condition is met if the outside temperature forecast value (B) is higher than the predetermined outside temperature B1° C.). Further, for example, when the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of times ignored during the summer period is 2 to 3 times, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature + A2 degrees Celsius). ), or (B) when the outside temperature forecast value is higher than the predetermined outside temperature B2°C, it is determined that the conditions are met. Further, for example, if the operation mode is "cooling" and the number of times ignored during the summer period is 4 to 5, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature + A3 degrees Celsius). ), or (B) when the outside temperature forecast value is higher than the predetermined outside temperature B3° C., it is determined that the conditions are met.

Further, for example, when the operation mode is "heating" and the number of ignored times during the winter period is 0 to 1, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature - C1 ℃), or (B) when the outside temperature forecast value is lower than the predetermined outside temperature D1°C, it is determined that the conditions are met. Further, for example, when the operation mode is "heating" and the number of times ignored during the winter period is 2 to 3, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature - C2 It is determined that the conditions are met if the predicted outside temperature is lower than (B) the predetermined outside temperature D2°C. Further, for example, when the operation mode is "heating" and the number of times ignored during the winter period is 4 to 5, the control unit 2B determines that (A) the outside temperature forecast value is the room temperature reference value (user set temperature - C3 ℃), or (B) when the outside temperature forecast value is lower than the predetermined outside temperature D3°C, it is determined that the conditions are met.

Condition (B) shown in FIG. 11 is such that when the operation mode of the air conditioner is set to "auto", that is, when the user cannot select the user-set temperature, the outside temperature is predicted without using the user-set temperature. This is a condition established for issuing a proposal notification according to the comparison result between the value and a predetermined outside temperature. Note that when the operation mode is "auto", the air conditioner is operated by the control unit 2B automatically selecting the "cooling" or "heating" operation mode based on the room temperature and outside temperature. .

As described above, in the first embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 includes the adapter 3 and the indoor unit 2. The adapter 3 acquires outside temperature forecast information from outside the air conditioning system 1. The indoor unit 2 extracts an outside temperature forecast value from the outside temperature forecast information. Furthermore, the indoor unit 2 calculates a room temperature reference value based on the user-set temperature. The indoor unit 2 then issues a reservation proposal notification based on the comparison result between the extracted outside temperature forecast value and the calculated room temperature reference value.

By doing this, the user is notified of a reservation proposal based on the user's set temperature and the outside temperature forecast, so the user can receive a proposal to create an air-conditioned space where the user can spend comfortably. This can be done for

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the indoor unit 2 notifies the reservation proposal when the outside temperature forecast value is higher than the room temperature reference value during the cooling operation, but when the outside temperature forecast value is lower than the room temperature reference value during the heating operation. A reservation proposal notification will be sent to you.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the indoor unit 2 calculates a larger room temperature reference value as the number of times the summer period is ignored or the number of times the winter period is ignored increases during the cooling operation, and the indoor unit 2 calculates a larger value of the room temperature reference value when the number of times the summer period is ignored or the number of times the winter period is ignored during the heating operation. The greater the number of times, the smaller the room temperature reference value is calculated.

By doing so, it is possible to provide an optimal reservation proposal notification according to each of the predetermined summer period when cooling operation is performed and the winter predetermined period when heating operation is performed.

Further, in the first embodiment, the indoor unit 2 determines whether the reservation proposal notification has been accepted (for example, whether the reservation proposal notification has been accepted or ignored), and determines that the reservation proposal notification has not been accepted. The room temperature reference value is calculated based on the number of times.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the number of times of ignoring the summer period or the number of times of ignoring the winter period is a predetermined number or more (for example, six times or more), the indoor unit 2 sends a reservation proposal notification for the summer predetermined period or the winter predetermined period. No (see "Step S115: No" in FIG. 6).

By doing so, it is possible to provide appropriate reservation proposal notifications while suppressing the troublesomeness of reservation proposal notifications in that reservation proposal notifications are repeated for users who do not accept reservation proposal notifications.

Further, in the first embodiment, the indoor unit 2 further notifies the reservation proposal based on the comparison result between the outside temperature forecast value and the predetermined outside temperature.

By doing so, even when the operation mode of the air conditioner is "auto", it is possible to provide the user with a proposal for realizing an air-conditioned space in which the user can spend time comfortably.

The first embodiment has been described above.

[Example 2]
In the second embodiment, a variation different from the method for calculating the room temperature reference value in the first embodiment will be described with respect to the method for calculating the room temperature reference value. Below, the number of ignored times during the summer period and the number of times ignored during the winter period may be collectively referred to as the "number of ignored times."

<Variation 1>
The control unit 2B calculates the room temperature reference value according to equation (1) during cooling operation, and calculates the room temperature reference value according to equation (2) during heating operation.
Room temperature reference value = [user setting temperature + 5 + number of ignored times] °C…(1)
Room temperature reference value = [user set temperature - 5 - (ignored number + 1)] °C...(2)

<Variation 2>
The control unit 2B calculates the room temperature reference value according to equation (3) during cooling operation, and calculates the room temperature reference value according to equation (4) during heating operation. In formulas (3) and (4), the "initial room temperature reference value" refers to the room temperature reference first calculated in one summer period that includes the current date and time, or one winter period that includes the current date and time. It is a value.
Room temperature reference value = [initial room temperature reference value + ignored number of times] °C…(3)
Room temperature reference value = [initial room temperature reference value - number of ignored times x 2] °C...(4)

Even if the room temperature reference value is calculated according to the above variation 1 and variation 2, the reservation proposal notification is sent to the user based on the user setting temperature and the outside temperature forecast value, as in the first embodiment. Proposals for realizing an air-conditioned space in which the user can spend time comfortably can be made to the user.

The second embodiment has been described above.

[Example 3]
In the first embodiment, the case where the reservation proposal notification was ignored was described as an example of the case where the reservation proposal notification was not accepted by the user. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, a case where the reservation proposal notification is clearly rejected by the user will be described as an example of a case where the reservation proposal notification is not accepted by the user. Below, points different from Example 1 will be explained.

<Indoor unit processing/operation>
In addition to the text of the reservation proposal notification explained in the first embodiment, the touch panel of the communication terminal 7 that received the reservation proposal notification in step S119 of FIG. A "reject button" is displayed to enable this. When the rejection button displayed on the touch panel is touched, the communication terminal 7 transmits a rejection response to the adapter 3, and the adapter 3 outputs the received rejection response to the control unit 2B.

In addition to counting the number of ignores described in the first embodiment, the control unit 2B counts the number of rejection responses in the summer predetermined period, thereby determining the number of rejections in the summer predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the "summer period rejection number"). In addition to counting the number of rejection responses in the winter predetermined period, the number of rejections in the winter predetermined period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "winter period rejection number") is counted. For example, if June 1st to September 30th is set in the control unit 2B as the summer predetermined period, the control unit 2B counts the number of summer period rejections at 0:00 on June 1st every year. Starting from zero, the count of the number of summer period rejections ends at 23:59 on September 30th, and the number of summer period rejections is reset to zero. For example, if December 1st to March 31st is set in the control unit 2B as the predetermined winter period, the control unit 2B counts the number of winter period rejections at 0:00 on December 1st every year. starts from zero, finishes counting the number of winter period rejections at 23:59 on March 31st, and resets the number of winter period rejections to zero. Below, the number of times of rejection during the summer period and the number of times of rejection during the winter period may be collectively referred to as the "number of times of rejection."

The control unit 2B calculates the room temperature reference value according to equation (5) during cooling operation, and calculates the room temperature reference value according to equation (6) during heating operation. In formulas (5) and (6), the "initial room temperature reference value" refers to the room temperature reference first calculated in one summer period that includes the current date and time, or one winter period that includes the current date and time. It is a value.
Room temperature reference value = [initial room temperature reference value + number of rejections x 3] °C...(5)
Room temperature reference value = [Initial room temperature reference value - Number of rejections x 4] °C...(6)

In addition, during the cooling operation, the control unit 2B selects a room temperature reference value that has a larger value between the room temperature reference value calculated as in Example 1 or 2 and the room temperature reference value calculated according to equation (5). is adopted as a comparison target for the outside temperature forecast value. In addition, during the heating operation, the control unit 2B sets a room temperature reference value that is smaller between the room temperature reference value calculated as in Example 1 or Example 2 and the room temperature reference value calculated according to equation (6). is adopted as a comparison target for the outside temperature forecast value.

Further, if the total value of the number of ignored times and the number of rejected times is a predetermined number or more (for example, six times or more), the control unit 2B does not notify the reservation proposal for the summer predetermined period or the winter predetermined period.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the indoor unit 2 calculates different room temperature reference values when the reservation proposal notification is ignored and when the reservation proposal notification is rejected.

By doing so, compared to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to provide a reservation proposal notification that more reflects the user's intention.

The third embodiment has been described above.

[Example 4]
In the first embodiment, the case where the adapter 3 transmits the operating information data of the indoor unit 2 to the server device 5 via the relay device 6 was explained as an example, but the adapter 3 transmits the operating information data via the relay device 6. Alternatively, the information may be directly transmitted to the server device 5.

Further, each illustrated component does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. The specific form of distribution and integration of each component is not limited to what is shown in the diagram, and all or part of each component can be functionally or physically divided into arbitrary units depending on various loads and usage conditions, etc. It is possible to configure the system in a distributed and integrated manner.

Further, all or a part of each process in the above description in the control unit 2B or the adapter 3 may be realized by causing a processor included in the control unit 2B or the adapter 3 to execute a program corresponding to each process. For example, a program corresponding to each process in the above description may be stored in a memory, and the program may be read from the memory and executed by a processor. Further, the program may be stored in a program server connected to the control unit 2B or the adapter 3 via an arbitrary network, and may be downloaded from the program server to the control unit 2B or the adapter 3 and executed.

The fourth embodiment has been described above.

1 Air conditioning system 2 Indoor unit 2B Control unit 3 Adapter

Claims (7)

An air conditioning system comprising an adapter and an air conditioner having an indoor unit,
The adapter acquires outside temperature forecast information from outside the air conditioning system,
The indoor unit is
A forecast value of the outside temperature is extracted from the forecast information, and a reservation for starting operation of the air conditioner is made based on a comparison result between the forecast value and a reference value calculated based on a preset temperature setting. give notice of the proposal;
determining whether the notification has been accepted, and calculating the reference value based on the number of times it has been determined that the notification has not been accepted;
air conditioning system. The indoor unit performs the notification when the forecast value is higher than the reference value during cooling operation, and performs the notification when the forecast value is lower than the reference value during heating operation.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1. The indoor unit calculates a larger value of the reference value as the number of times increases during cooling operation.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 . The indoor unit calculates the reference value, which becomes smaller as the number of times increases during heating operation.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 . The indoor unit further performs the notification based on a comparison result between the forecast value and a predetermined outside temperature.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1. The indoor unit does not perform the notification when the number of times is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 . The indoor unit determines that the notification is not accepted when the notification is ignored or rejected, and determines whether the notification is ignored or rejected. and calculating the reference values that are different from each other,
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 .

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