WO2014208062A1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Air conditioner Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014208062A1
WO2014208062A1 PCT/JP2014/003295 JP2014003295W WO2014208062A1 WO 2014208062 A1 WO2014208062 A1 WO 2014208062A1 JP 2014003295 W JP2014003295 W JP 2014003295W WO 2014208062 A1 WO2014208062 A1 WO 2014208062A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air conditioner
time
unit
user
calculation unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2014/003295
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
井上　雄二
博基 長谷川
宜正 石川
悠介 松田
Original Assignee
パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 filed Critical パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority to CN201480036496.6A priority Critical patent/CN105339741B/en
Publication of WO2014208062A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014208062A1/en

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/46—Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
    • F24F11/47—Responding to energy costs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/52—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D2204/00—Indexing scheme relating to details of tariff-metering apparatus
    • G01D2204/10—Analysing; Displaying
    • G01D2204/12—Determination or prediction of behaviour, e.g. likely power consumption or unusual usage patterns
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D2204/00—Indexing scheme relating to details of tariff-metering apparatus
    • G01D2204/20—Monitoring; Controlling
    • G01D2204/28—Processes or tasks scheduled according to the power required, the power available or the power price

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an air conditioner in which operating conditions can be set by a user.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that allows the air conditioner to perform energy saving operation and allows the user to realize energy saving.
  • the air conditioner of the present invention is input by the user with an operation unit for the user to set operating conditions and an upper limit electricity cost or electric energy used for the operation of the air conditioner. Based on the input unit, the upper limit electric charge or electric energy input to the input unit, and the electric energy consumed by the operating air conditioner.
  • the drivable time calculation unit that calculates the drivable time that can be operated using the remaining available electricity cost or power amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit, and the drivable time calculation unit And a display unit that displays the calculated operable time at the start or during operation of the air conditioner.
  • the air conditioner of the present invention is a communication unit that receives information on the upper limit electricity cost or electric energy used for the operation of the air conditioner input to the portable information terminal by the user via an external network;
  • a remaining amount calculation unit that calculates the remaining electricity cost or power amount that can be used based on the information on the upper limit electricity cost or power amount received by the communication unit and the power amount consumed by the operating air conditioner;
  • a drivable time calculation unit that calculates a drivable time that can be operated using the remaining available electricity cost or electric energy calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit, and is calculated by the drivable time calculation unit.
  • the available driving time is transmitted from the communication unit to the portable information terminal via the external network.
  • the air conditioner can execute the energy saving operation, and the user can realize energy saving.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the air conditioner and the remote controller in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of the display unit of the remote controller that displays the upper limit electricity cost in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating a drivable time in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of the display unit of the remote controller that displays the operable time in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen of the display unit of the remote controller that displays the time until the air conditioner stops operating in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner, a remote controller, and a portable information terminal according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the air conditioner 10 includes a remote controller 30 as an operation unit for the user to set operating conditions of the air conditioner 10.
  • the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 are configured to be capable of bidirectional communication.
  • a signal for setting the operating condition of the air conditioner 10 (for example, a signal for starting or stopping the operation, a signal for changing the set temperature, a signal for changing the operation mode such as cooling or heating) are output from the remote controller 30 to the air conditioner 10.
  • information on the current operating state (for example, set temperature, wind direction, air volume, etc.) of the air conditioner 10 is output from the air conditioner 10 to the remote controller 30.
  • the air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment is configured such that the user can operate the air conditioner 10 with low power consumption. That is, the air conditioner 10 supports the user so that the user can perform energy-saving operation.
  • the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the user can determine the upper limit of electricity bill until the operation stops at the start of the operation or during the operation.
  • the air conditioner 10 calculates the remaining electricity bill that can be used based on the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner 10 (power consumption amount) after the user determines the upper limit electricity bill. It is configured to present to the user a time during which operation can be performed using the remaining electricity bill (operable time).
  • the configuration of the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 for that purpose is shown in FIG.
  • the air conditioner 10 includes a communication unit 12 for two-way communication with the remote controller 30, a power consumption detection unit 14 that detects the power consumption of the air conditioner 10, and a remaining amount calculation unit 16 that calculates the remaining electricity cost. And a drivable time calculation unit 18 that calculates a drivable time, and a storage unit 20.
  • the remote controller 30 includes a communication unit 32 for two-way communication with the air conditioner 10, an input unit 34 to which an upper limit electric charge desired by the user is input, and an operating time for presenting to the user. And a display unit 36.
  • the input unit 34 of the remote controller 30 to which the upper limit electricity bill is input by the user has an input button 40 provided on the main body 38 of the remote controller 30, for example, as shown in FIG.
  • the display unit 36 includes a display screen 42 provided on the front surface of the main body 38 of the remote controller 30, for example.
  • the upper limit electricity bill 42a is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30.
  • “100 yen” is displayed on the display screen 42 as the upper limit electricity bill 42 a.
  • the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 increases or decreases.
  • the enter button 40c of the input button 40 in a state where the desired upper limit electricity bill 42a is displayed on the display screen 42
  • the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 is input to the remote controller 30. Input to the unit 34.
  • the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 is an approximate electricity bill for one operation.
  • the remote controller 30 transmits to the air conditioner 10 via the communication unit 32 a signal corresponding to the upper limit electricity bill desired by the user, which is input to the input unit 34.
  • the power consumption detection unit 14 of the air conditioner 10 starts detecting the power consumption. That is, the power consumption detection unit 14 starts detecting the power consumption amount of the air conditioner 10 after the user determines the upper limit electricity bill.
  • the remaining amount calculation unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 uses the remaining power charges that can be used based on the power consumption detected by the power consumption detection unit 14. Is calculated.
  • the remaining amount calculation unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 is a signal that the air conditioner 10 corresponds to the upper limit electricity bill from the remote controller 30 based on the power consumption detected by the power consumption detection unit 14.
  • the electricity bill used after receiving is calculated.
  • the air conditioner 10 holds information on the electricity cost per unit power in the storage unit 20 and calculates an electricity cost corresponding to the power consumption based on the information.
  • the remaining amount calculation unit 16 is configured to calculate the remaining usable electricity bill by subtracting the electricity bill corresponding to the power consumption from the upper limit electricity bill desired by the user.
  • the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates an operable time during which the air conditioner 10 can be operated using the remaining usable electricity cost calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 16. It is configured.
  • the drivable time calculation unit 18 calculates the drivable time for each timing T (n) (n is an integer) that repeats after a certain period (for example, 1 hour). To do.
  • the driving time is calculated at timing T (n)
  • the electric charge in the period P (n) between the timing T (n) and the immediately preceding timing T (n ⁇ 1), that is, the period P (n) immediately after the end is expressed as C ( n)
  • the electricity bill per unit time in the period P (n) is Cs (n)
  • the remaining usable electricity bill at timing T (n) is Cr (n).
  • the electricity bill C (n) in the period P (n) is the remaining amount calculated at the timing T (n) from the remaining electricity bill Cr (n ⁇ 1) calculated by the remaining amount calculator 16 at the timing T (n ⁇ 1). It can be calculated by subtracting the electricity bill Cr (n).
  • the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time in the period P (n) can be calculated by dividing the electricity bill C (n) in the period P (n) by the time in the period P (n).
  • the driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time calculated by smoothing the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time in the period P (n) immediately after the end at the timing T (n). ) Is calculated by dividing the remaining available electricity bill Cr (n) by the smooth value Cs (n) ′.
  • Equation 1 is an equation for calculating a smooth value Cs (n) ′ of the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time in the period P (n).
  • Equation 1 ⁇ ⁇ Cs (n) + ⁇ ⁇ Cs (n ⁇ 1) ′ (Formula 1)
  • ⁇ and ⁇ in Equation 1 is a weighting factor (first and second weighting factors) and is a number such that the sum thereof is 1. For example, ⁇ and ⁇ are each 0.5.
  • the smooth value Cs (n) ′ of the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time in the period P (n) is calculated as follows. First, a first integrated value (first term on the right side) is calculated by integrating the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time and the weighting coefficient ⁇ in the period P (n). Then, the second integrated value is obtained by integrating the smoothing value Cs (n ⁇ 1) ′ of the electricity bill Cs (n ⁇ 1) per unit time and the weighting coefficient ⁇ in the immediately preceding period P (n ⁇ 1). (Second term on the right side) is calculated. Further, Cs (n) ′ is calculated by summing the first and second integrated values.
  • the operable time t (n) at the timing T (n) is calculated by taking the remaining electricity bill Cr (n) at the timing T (n) per unit time in the period P (n) immediately after the end. It is calculated by dividing by the smooth value Cs (n) ′ of the electricity bill.
  • the electricity bill Cr (n) in the period P (n) corresponds to the operating state of the air conditioner 10 in the period P (n). That is, it corresponds to the operating condition of the air conditioner 10 in the period P (n). Therefore, the operable time t (n) at the timing T (n) is calculated taking into account the recent operating conditions. In addition, the operable time t (n) is calculated in consideration of the operating conditions of the air conditioner 10 in the past period from the period P (n). Therefore, for example, even if the operating condition of the air conditioner 10 is changed by the user operating the remote controller 30 (for example, the set temperature is increased or decreased by the user), the operation possible time t (n) with high accuracy. Can be calculated.
  • the electricity bill C (s), the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time, and the smooth value Cs (n) ′ in each period P (n) are stored in the storage unit 20 of the air conditioner 10. .
  • the air conditioner 10 transmits a signal corresponding to the driveable time to the remote controller 30 via the communication unit 12.
  • the remote controller 30 When the remote controller 30 receives a signal corresponding to the driveable time via the communication unit 32, the driveable time 42b is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, “about 8 hours” is displayed as the operable time 42b. Thereby, the user can know the operation possible time of the air conditioner 10 which can be drive
  • the operable time 42b on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 is updated. That is, every time the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates a new operable time (every timing T (n)), the operable time 42b on the display screen 42 of the remote controller 30 is updated. . Thereby, the user can know the highly accurate operation possible time of the air conditioner 10 currently being performed.
  • operable time 42b may be displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 only when the user requests it.
  • the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates the operable time
  • the calculated operable time is stored in the storage unit 20.
  • the remote controller 30 transmits a request signal for requesting the provision of the operable time to the air conditioner 10.
  • the air conditioner 10 transmits a response signal corresponding to the operable time stored in the storage unit 20 to the remote controller 30.
  • the remote controller 30 displays the operable time 42 b on the display screen 42 based on the response signal received from the air conditioner 10.
  • the power consumption of the remote controller 30 can be suppressed.
  • the remote controller 30 is driven by a battery (not shown) that is detachably incorporated, it is possible to suppress consumption of the battery.
  • the remaining amount calculator 16 that calculates the remaining electricity cost and the operable time calculator 18 that calculates the operable time of the air conditioner 10 are provided to the remote controller 30. Although it is possible to provide, it is preferable to provide in the air conditioner 10, as shown in FIG. As a result, the remote controller 30 does not consume power to calculate the remaining electricity cost and the operable time. As a result, power consumption of the remote controller 30 is suppressed.
  • the remote controller 30 may display on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 that the driveable time is zero. Thereby, the user can know that the electricity bill of the air conditioner 10 in operation has reached the upper limit electricity bill determined by the user.
  • the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the operable time calculation unit 18 sets the operable time to zero. And the operation may be stopped. Thereby, it is suppressed that the electricity bill of the air conditioner 10 exceeds the upper limit electricity bill determined by the user. Further, when the driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the driveable time as zero, the display of the upper limit electricity bill on the display unit 36 is turned off to notify the user that the electricity bill has reached the upper limit. You can also.
  • the display unit 36 displays that the drivable time is zero, and the display of the upper limit electricity bill on the display unit 36 is turned off.
  • the air conditioner 10 By configuring the air conditioner 10 to perform at least one of an operation or an operation in which the operation of the air conditioner 10 is stopped, the user can be notified that the upper limit of the electricity bill has been reached.
  • the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the user can select whether or not the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops when the operable time calculation unit 18 calculates the operable time as zero. Also good.
  • the user operates the input button 40 of the remote controller 30 to determine whether the operation of the air conditioner 10 is stopped as the operation of the air conditioner 10 after the operable time is calculated as zero. Selected by. Thereby, according to a user preference, the operation
  • the user may be notified before the operation is stopped.
  • a second predetermined time (which is shorter than the first predetermined time) ( For example, 30 minutes) 42c is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops operating, as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the second predetermined time has elapsed since the second predetermined time was displayed, the air conditioner 10 stops its operation. Thereby, the user can know the time until the air conditioner 10 stops before the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops. For example, it is suppressed that the air conditioner 10 stops suddenly and the user is surprised.
  • the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit 18 since the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit 18 includes an error, the drivable time can be increased or decreased. Therefore, when the air conditioner 10 is configured to inform the user via the display unit 36 as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops as it is, the time until the air conditioner 10 stops. May increase or decrease. As a result, the user may be confused. Therefore, after notifying the user of the second predetermined time until the air conditioner 10 stops via the display unit 36, the second predetermined time from the point in time when the second predetermined time is notified. When the time has elapsed, the air conditioner 10 is stopped.
  • the remote controller 30 is configured to count down the second predetermined time after informing the user via the display unit 36 of the second predetermined time as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops. Is preferred. Thereby, after notifying the user of the second predetermined time, even if the communication connection between the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 cannot be established due to a change in the location of the remote controller 30 or the like, the air conditioner 10 stops and the display of the remote controller 30 can be synchronized.
  • the air conditioner 10 can execute the energy saving operation, and the user can realize energy saving.
  • the operating time is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30, so that the user determines the operating conditions of the air conditioner 10 and the user himself / herself.
  • the correlation between the upper limit electricity cost and the operable time of the air conditioner 10 can be known empirically.
  • the user can efficiently and empirically know under what operating conditions it can be operated for a long time with a small electricity bill (ie, a small amount of electricity). In other words, it is possible to know empirically the operation conditions that can realize the energy-saving operation.
  • the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 changes (that is, the remaining usable electricity calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 16).
  • the bill changes.
  • the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit 18 changes. Therefore, the user can know that the operating condition after the change by the user does not contribute to energy saving when the operable time is reduced.
  • the operable time increases, it can be known that the operating condition contributes to energy saving.
  • the air conditioner 10 can execute the energy saving operation.
  • the user can get a sense of satisfaction that he / she contributes to energy-saving operation, that is, can realize energy saving.
  • the air conditioner is configured so that the user can determine the upper limit of the electricity bill until the operation stops at the start of operation or during operation.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the air conditioner may be configured so that the user can determine the upper limit electricity bill in a plurality of consecutive operations.
  • the operation stop period between each of the plurality of operations becomes too long, it may be difficult for the user to know empirically the operation conditions that can realize the energy-saving operation.
  • the calculation method of the operable time by the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 is not limited to the above-described method, that is, the method using Formulas 1 and 2.
  • the operable time calculation unit of the air conditioner is configured to calculate the operable time at every timing repeated with a certain period.
  • the operable time is calculated based on the remaining electricity cost at the timing for calculating the operable time and the operating condition of the air conditioner at the same timing.
  • the correspondence between various operating conditions of the air conditioner and the electricity cost per unit time when the air conditioner is operated under each operating condition is obtained in advance experimentally or theoretically, and the correspondence data Is stored in the storage unit of the air conditioner.
  • the operable time calculation unit calculates the operable time by dividing the remaining electricity cost by the electricity cost per unit time corresponding to the operating conditions.
  • the calculation method is not limited as long as the operable time can be calculated using the remaining usable electricity cost calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit.
  • the calculation method of the above-described embodiment that is, the method using the mathematical formulas 1 and 2 is preferable because the drivable time can be calculated with high accuracy.
  • the electricity bill of the air conditioner uniquely corresponds to the amount of power used by the air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner may be configured to calculate the operable time using the electric energy instead of the electricity bill.
  • the input unit of the remote controller of the air conditioner is configured so that the upper limit electric energy uniquely corresponding to the upper limit electricity bill is inputted by the user. That is, the user inputs a desired upper limit amount of electricity to the input unit of the remote controller.
  • the remaining amount calculation unit of the air conditioner includes an upper limit power amount desired by the user (upper limit power amount input to the input unit) and an energy amount consumed by the operating air conditioner (power consumption amount). Based on the above, it is configured to calculate the remaining amount of power that can be used. That is, the remaining power amount that can be used is calculated by subtracting the power consumption amount from the upper limit power amount.
  • the drivable time calculation unit of the air conditioner is configured to calculate a drivable time during which the air conditioner can be operated using the remaining usable electric energy calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit.
  • the present invention provides an air conditioner in which an operation unit for operating the air conditioner is configured separately from the main body of the air conditioner, like the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 of the above-described embodiment.
  • an operation unit for operating the air conditioner is configured separately from the main body of the air conditioner, like the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 of the above-described embodiment.
  • it may be an air conditioner that can be placed on a floor surface in a room and can be moved, and further provided with an operation unit, an input unit, and a display unit integrally with the main body.
  • the air conditioner 10 calculates a communication unit 12 for two-way communication with the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50, a power consumption detection unit 14 for detecting power consumption of the air conditioner 10, and the remaining electricity cost. It has a remaining amount calculation unit 16, a drivable time calculation unit 18 that calculates drivable time, and a storage unit 20.
  • the remote controller 30 includes a communication unit 32 for two-way communication with the air conditioner 10, an input unit 34 to which an upper limit electric charge desired by the user is input, and an operating time for presenting to the user. And a display unit 36.
  • the air conditioner 10 is connected to an external Internet 63 via a wireless adapter 60, a wireless gateway 61, and a wireless LAN access point 62.
  • the air conditioner 10 exchanges information with the server 64 connected to the external Internet 63.
  • the portable information terminal 50 is connected to the external Internet 63 via the communication company 65 in order to exchange information with the server 64 connected to the external Internet 63. Further, the portable information terminal 50 is inputted with a communication unit 52 for bidirectional communication with the air conditioner 10 via a server 64 connected to the external Internet 63, and an upper limit electric charge desired by the user. And a display unit 56 for presenting the driveable time to the user.
  • the same operation and information exchange as the remote controller 30 can be performed with respect to the air conditioner 10.
  • the input unit 34 of the remote controller 30 to which the upper limit electricity bill is input by the user has an input button 40 provided on the main body 38 of the remote controller 30, for example, as shown in FIG.
  • the display unit 36 includes a display screen 42 provided on the front surface of the main body 38 of the remote controller 30, for example.
  • an input operation similar to that of the remote controller 30 can be performed with a screen touch type input button displayed on the screen, and necessary information can be displayed on the screen.
  • the upper limit electricity bill 42a is displayed on the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50. It is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 56. In FIG. 3, for example, “100 yen” is displayed on the display screen 42 as the upper limit electricity bill 42 a.
  • the user operates the up and down buttons 40a and 40b of the input button 40 the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 increases or decreases.
  • the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 is input to the remote controller 30. Input to the unit 34.
  • the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 is an approximate electricity bill for one operation.
  • the up and down buttons 40a and 40b of the input button 40 and the screen touch type input buttons corresponding to the determination button 40c are displayed on the screen of the portable information terminal 50, and the same input as the remote controller 30 is performed. Can be operated.
  • a signal corresponding to the upper limit electricity bill desired by the user input to the input unit 34 of the remote controller 30 or the input unit 54 of the portable information terminal 50 is sent to the communication unit 32 of the remote controller 30 or the communication unit 52 of the portable information terminal 50. It transmits to the air conditioner 10 via.
  • the power consumption detection unit 14 of the air conditioner 10 starts detecting the power consumption. That is, the power consumption detection unit 14 starts detecting the power consumption amount of the air conditioner 10 after the user determines the upper limit electricity bill.
  • the remaining amount calculation unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 uses the remaining power charges that can be used based on the power consumption detected by the power consumption detection unit 14. Is calculated.
  • the remaining amount calculation unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 determines whether the air conditioner 10 has an upper limit electric power from the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50 based on the power consumption detected by the power consumption detection unit 14.
  • the electricity bill used after receiving the signal corresponding to the bill is calculated.
  • the air conditioner 10 holds information on the electricity cost per unit power in the storage unit 20 and calculates an electricity cost corresponding to the power consumption based on the information.
  • the remaining amount calculation unit 16 is configured to calculate the remaining usable electricity bill by subtracting the electricity bill corresponding to the power consumption from the upper limit electricity bill desired by the user.
  • the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates an operable time during which the air conditioner 10 can be operated using the remaining usable electricity cost calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 16. It is configured.
  • the drivable time calculation unit 18 calculates the drivable time for each timing T (n) (n is an integer) that repeats after a certain period (for example, 1 hour). To do.
  • the air conditioner 10 transmits a signal corresponding to the driveable time to the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 via the communication unit 12.
  • the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 receive a signal corresponding to the operable time via the communication unit 32 of the remote controller 30 and the communication unit 52 of the portable information terminal 50, as shown in FIG.
  • the drivable time 42 b is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50.
  • “about 8 hours” is displayed as the operable time 42b.
  • the operable time 42b on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50 is updated. That is, every time the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates a new operable time (every timing T (n)), the operable time 42b on the display screen 42 of the remote controller 30 is updated. . Thereby, the user can know the highly accurate operation possible time of the air conditioner 10 currently being performed.
  • the drivable time 42 b may be displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50 only when requested by the user.
  • the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates the operable time
  • the calculated operable time is stored in the storage unit 20.
  • the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50 requests the provision of the driving time.
  • a request signal is transmitted to the air conditioner 10.
  • the air conditioner 10 transmits a response signal corresponding to the operable time stored in the storage unit 20 to the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50.
  • the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 display the operable time 42 b on the display screen 42 based on the response signal received from the air conditioner 10.
  • the power consumption of the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 can be suppressed.
  • the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 are driven by a battery (not shown) that is detachably built in, the consumption of the battery can be suppressed.
  • the remaining amount calculator 16 that calculates the remaining electricity cost and the operable time calculator 18 that calculates the operable time of the air conditioner 10 are: Although it is possible to provide the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50, it is preferable to provide the air conditioner 10 as shown in FIG. As a result, the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 do not consume power to calculate the remaining electricity cost and the operable time. As a result, power consumption of the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 is suppressed.
  • the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 display on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 and the display unit 56 that the drivable time is zero. You may make it do. Thereby, the user can know that the electricity bill of the air conditioner 10 in operation has reached the upper limit electricity bill determined by the user.
  • the air conditioner 10 may be stopped when the calculation unit 18 calculates the zero operable time. Thereby, it is suppressed that the electricity bill of the air conditioner 10 exceeds the upper limit electricity bill determined by the user. Further, when the driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the driveable time as zero, the display of the upper limit electricity charges on the display units 36 and 56 is turned off to notify the user that the electricity charge has reached the upper limit.
  • the air conditioner 10 By configuring the air conditioner 10 to perform at least one of the operation of turning off the display of the above, or the operation of stopping the operation of the air conditioner 10, the user can be notified that the upper limit of the electricity bill has been reached. it can.
  • the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the user can select whether or not the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops when the operable time calculation unit 18 calculates the operable time as zero. Also good. For example, when the user operates the input button 40 of the remote controller 30, whether the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops as the operation of the air conditioner 10 after the zero operable time is calculated is determined by the user. Selected by. Thereby, according to a user preference, the operation
  • the portable information terminal 50 can perform the same input operation as described above.
  • the operation possible time calculation unit 18 calculates the zero operation possible time
  • the user may be notified before the operation is stopped.
  • a second predetermined time (which is shorter than the first predetermined time) ( For example, 30 minutes) 42c is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50 as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops operation, as shown in FIG. .
  • the air conditioner 10 stops its operation. Thereby, the user can know the time until the air conditioner 10 stops before the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops. For example, it is suppressed that the air conditioner 10 stops suddenly and the user is surprised.
  • the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit 18 since the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit 18 includes an error, the drivable time can be increased or decreased. Therefore, when the air conditioner 10 is configured to inform the user via the display units 36 and 56 as the time until the air conditioner 10 is stopped as it is, the operation time until the air conditioner 10 is stopped. Time may increase or decrease. As a result, the user may be confused. Therefore, after notifying the user of the second predetermined time until the air conditioner 10 stops through the display units 36 and 56, the second predetermined time from the time when the second predetermined time is notified. The air conditioner 10 is stopped when time passes.
  • the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 indicate the second predetermined time. It is preferable to configure to count down. Thereby, after notifying the user of the second predetermined time, the communication connection between the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 is established by changing the place where the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 are placed. Even if it becomes impossible, the stop of the air conditioner 10 and the display of the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 can be synchronized.
  • the air conditioner 10 can perform energy saving operation anytime and anywhere, and the user can realize energy saving anywhere and anytime.
  • the user can select the air conditioner 10. It is possible to empirically know the correlation between the operating conditions, the upper limit electricity cost determined by the user, and the operable time of the air conditioner 10.
  • the user can efficiently and empirically know under what operating conditions it can be operated for a long time with a small electricity bill (ie, a small amount of electricity). In other words, it is possible to know empirically the operation conditions that can realize the energy-saving operation.
  • the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 changes (that is, the usage calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 16).
  • the operable electric time calculated by the operable time calculating unit 18 changes. Therefore, the user can know that the operating condition after the change by the user does not contribute to energy saving when the operating time is reduced, while the operating time after the change is increased, You can know that the conditions contribute to energy saving.
  • the user knows the operating conditions that contribute to energy saving empirically, and the user sets the operating conditions of the air conditioner 10, so that the air conditioner 10 can execute the energy saving operation anytime and anywhere. .
  • the user can obtain a satisfaction feeling that he / she contributes to energy-saving driving anytime and anywhere, that is, can realize energy saving.
  • the present invention is applicable to any air conditioner in which operating conditions can be set by the user.

Abstract

This air conditioner comprises: an operation unit for the user to set operation conditions of the air conditioner; an input unit by which the user can input a maximum electricity costs or electricity consumption for operating the air conditioner; a remainder calculation unit that calculates, on the basis of the maximum electricity cost or electricity consumption input into the input unit and the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner during operation, the remaining amount of electricity cost or electricity consumption that can be used; an operation time calculation unit that calculates the allowable operation time for which operation is possible by using the remaining electricity costs or the electricity consumption that can be used that was calculated by the remainder calculation unit; and a display unit that displays, when starting operation of the air conditioner or during operation of the same, the allowable operation time that was calculated by the operation time calculation unit. Thus, an air conditioner by which the user can achieve energy conservation can be provided.

Description

空気調和機Air conditioner
　本発明は、ユーザーによって運転条件が設定可能な空気調和機に関する。 The present invention relates to an air conditioner in which operating conditions can be set by a user.
　近年、空気調和機を省エネ運転することが望まれている。例えば、特許文献１に記載された空気調和機の場合、空気調和機を遠隔操作するためのリモートコントローラの表示画面に省エネ運転を実行するために必要な情報を表示する。この情報に基づいてリモートコントローラを介して運転条件を設定すれば、ユーザーは省エネ運転を実行することができる。 In recent years, it has been desired to operate air conditioners in an energy-saving manner. For example, in the case of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, information necessary for executing the energy saving operation is displayed on the display screen of a remote controller for remotely operating the air conditioner. If the operating condition is set via the remote controller based on this information, the user can execute the energy saving operation.
特開２０１１－３３２８５号公報JP 2011-33285 A
　しかしながら、特許文献１に記載された空気調和機の場合、空気調和機は省エネ運転を実行できるものの、空気調和機の指示にしたがって空気調和機が省エネ運転を実行するようにユーザーが運転条件の設定を行う。このため、ユーザーは省エネ運転に貢献したという満足感を得にくい、すなわち省エネを実感しにくい。 However, in the case of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, although the air conditioner can execute the energy saving operation, the user sets the operation condition so that the air conditioner executes the energy saving operation according to the instruction of the air conditioner. I do. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to obtain satisfaction that the user has contributed to energy-saving operation, that is, it is difficult to realize energy saving.
　そこで、本発明は、空気調和機が省エネ運転を実行できるとともに、ユーザーが省エネを実感できる空気調和機を提供することを課題とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that allows the air conditioner to perform energy saving operation and allows the user to realize energy saving.
　上述の課題を解決するために、本発明の空気調和機は、運転条件をユーザーが設定するための操作部と、空気調和機の運転に使用する上限の電気代または電力量がユーザーによって入力される入力部と、入力部に入力された上限の電気代または電力量と、運転中の空気調和機が消費する電力量とに基づいて、使用可能な残りの電気代または電力量を算出する残量算出部と、残量算出部によって算出された使用可能な残りの電気代または電力量を用いて運転することができる運転可能時間を算出する運転可能時間算出部と、運転可能時間算出部によって算出された運転可能時間を空気調和機の運転開始時または運転中に表示する表示部とを有する。 In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the air conditioner of the present invention is input by the user with an operation unit for the user to set operating conditions and an upper limit electricity cost or electric energy used for the operation of the air conditioner. Based on the input unit, the upper limit electric charge or electric energy input to the input unit, and the electric energy consumed by the operating air conditioner. By the amount calculation unit, the drivable time calculation unit that calculates the drivable time that can be operated using the remaining available electricity cost or power amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit, and the drivable time calculation unit And a display unit that displays the calculated operable time at the start or during operation of the air conditioner.
　また、本発明の空気調和機は、ユーザーにより携帯情報端末に入力された空気調和機の運転に使用する上限の電気代または電力量の情報を、外部ネットワークを経由して受信する通信部と、通信部が受信した上限の電気代または電力量の情報と、運転中の空気調和機が消費する電力量とに基づいて、使用可能な残りの電気代または電力量を算出する残量算出部と、残量算出部によって算出された使用可能な残りの電気代または電力量を用いて運転することができる運転可能時間を算出する運転可能時間算出部とを備え、運転可能時間算出部によって算出された運転可能時間を、外部ネットワークを経由して通信部から携帯情報端末に送信するものである。 In addition, the air conditioner of the present invention is a communication unit that receives information on the upper limit electricity cost or electric energy used for the operation of the air conditioner input to the portable information terminal by the user via an external network; A remaining amount calculation unit that calculates the remaining electricity cost or power amount that can be used based on the information on the upper limit electricity cost or power amount received by the communication unit and the power amount consumed by the operating air conditioner; A drivable time calculation unit that calculates a drivable time that can be operated using the remaining available electricity cost or electric energy calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit, and is calculated by the drivable time calculation unit. The available driving time is transmitted from the communication unit to the portable information terminal via the external network.
　本発明によれば、空気調和機が省エネ運転を実行できるとともに、ユーザーは省エネを実感することができる。 According to the present invention, the air conditioner can execute the energy saving operation, and the user can realize energy saving.
図１は、本発明の実施の形態１に係る空気調和機を概略的に示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 図２は、同実施の形態１における空気調和機とリモートコントローラの構成を示す図である。FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the air conditioner and the remote controller in the first embodiment. 図３は、同実施の形態１における上限の電気代を表示するリモートコントローラの表示部の表示画面を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of the display unit of the remote controller that displays the upper limit electricity cost in the first embodiment. 図４は、同実施の形態１における運転可能時間の算出方法を説明するための図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating a drivable time in the first embodiment. 図５は、同実施の形態１における運転可能時間を表示するリモートコントローラの表示部の表示画面を示す図である。FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of the display unit of the remote controller that displays the operable time in the first embodiment. 図６は、同実施の形態１における空気調和機が運転を停止するまでの時間を表示するリモートコントローラの表示部の表示画面を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen of the display unit of the remote controller that displays the time until the air conditioner stops operating in the first embodiment. 図７は、本発明の実施の形態２における空気調和機とリモートコントローラと携帯情報端末の構成を示す図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner, a remote controller, and a portable information terminal according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
　以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
　（実施の形態１）
　図１は、本発明の一実施の形態に係る空気調和機を概略的に示している。 (Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 schematically shows an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
　図１に示すように、本実施の形態の空気調和機１０は、空気調和機１０の運転条件をユーザーが設定するための操作部としてリモートコントローラ３０を有する。空気調和機１０とリモートコントローラ３０は、双方向通信が可能に構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment includes a remote controller 30 as an operation unit for the user to set operating conditions of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 are configured to be capable of bidirectional communication.
　例えば、空気調和機１０の運転条件を設定するための信号（例えば、運転を開始または停止するための信号、設定温度を変更するための信号、冷房や暖房などの運転モードを変更するための信号など）がリモートコントローラ３０から空気調和機１０に出力される。一方、例えば、空気調和機１０の現在の運転状態（例えば、設定温度、風向、風量など）の情報が空気調和機１０からリモートコントローラ３０に出力される。 For example, a signal for setting the operating condition of the air conditioner 10 (for example, a signal for starting or stopping the operation, a signal for changing the set temperature, a signal for changing the operation mode such as cooling or heating) Are output from the remote controller 30 to the air conditioner 10. On the other hand, for example, information on the current operating state (for example, set temperature, wind direction, air volume, etc.) of the air conditioner 10 is output from the air conditioner 10 to the remote controller 30.
　また、本実施の形態の空気調和機１０は、少ない消費電力で空気調和機１０をユーザーが運転できるように構成されている。すなわち、空気調和機１０は、ユーザーが省エネ運転できるようにサポートする。 Further, the air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment is configured such that the user can operate the air conditioner 10 with low power consumption. That is, the air conditioner 10 supports the user so that the user can perform energy-saving operation.
　具体的には、空気調和機１０は、まず、運転の開始時にまたは運転中に、その運転が停止するまでの上限の電気代をユーザーが決定できるように構成されている。 Specifically, the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the user can determine the upper limit of electricity bill until the operation stops at the start of the operation or during the operation.
　また、空気調和機１０は、ユーザーが上限の電気代を決定した後から空気調和機１０が消費した電力量（消費電力量）に基づいて使用可能な残りの電気代を算出し、算出された残りの電気代を用いて運転することができる時間（運転可能時間）をユーザーに提示するように構成されている。 In addition, the air conditioner 10 calculates the remaining electricity bill that can be used based on the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner 10 (power consumption amount) after the user determines the upper limit electricity bill. It is configured to present to the user a time during which operation can be performed using the remaining electricity bill (operable time).
　そのための空気調和機１０およびリモートコントローラ３０の構成が、図２に示されている。空気調和機１０は、リモートコントローラ３０と双方向通信するための通信部１２と、空気調和機１０の消費電力を検出する消費電力検出部１４と、残りの電気代を算出する残量算出部１６と、運転可能時間を算出する運転可能時間算出部１８と、記憶部２０とを有する。一方、リモートコントローラ３０は、空気調和機１０と双方向通信するための通信部３２と、ユーザーが所望する上限の電気代が入力される入力部３４と、運転可能時間をユーザーに提示するための表示部３６とを有する。 The configuration of the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 for that purpose is shown in FIG. The air conditioner 10 includes a communication unit 12 for two-way communication with the remote controller 30, a power consumption detection unit 14 that detects the power consumption of the air conditioner 10, and a remaining amount calculation unit 16 that calculates the remaining electricity cost. And a drivable time calculation unit 18 that calculates a drivable time, and a storage unit 20. On the other hand, the remote controller 30 includes a communication unit 32 for two-way communication with the air conditioner 10, an input unit 34 to which an upper limit electric charge desired by the user is input, and an operating time for presenting to the user. And a display unit 36.
　上限の電気代がユーザーによって入力されるリモートコントローラ３０の入力部３４は、例えば、図１に示すように、リモートコントローラ３０の本体３８に設けられた入力ボタン４０を有する。また、表示部３６は、例えば、リモートコントローラ３０の本体３８の正面に設けられた表示画面４２を有する。 The input unit 34 of the remote controller 30 to which the upper limit electricity bill is input by the user has an input button 40 provided on the main body 38 of the remote controller 30, for example, as shown in FIG. The display unit 36 includes a display screen 42 provided on the front surface of the main body 38 of the remote controller 30, for example.
　ユーザーが所望の上限の電気代をリモートコントローラ３０に入力するとき、例えば、図３に示すように、上限の電気代４２ａがリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６の表示画面４２に表示される。図３では、例えば、上限の電気代４２ａとして「１００円」が表示画面４２に表示されている。ユーザーが入力ボタン４０の上下ボタン４０ａ、４０ｂを操作すると、表示画面４２に表示される上限の電気代４２ａが増減する。所望の上限の電気代４２ａが表示画面４２に表示されている状態で入力ボタン４０の決定ボタン４０ｃをユーザーが押すと、表示画面４２に表示されている上限の電気代４２ａがリモートコントローラ３０の入力部３４に入力される。なお、表示画面４２に表示される上限の電気代４２ａは、一回の運転にかかるおおよその電気代である。 When the user inputs the desired upper limit electricity bill to the remote controller 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper limit electricity bill 42a is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30. In FIG. 3, for example, “100 yen” is displayed on the display screen 42 as the upper limit electricity bill 42 a. When the user operates the up and down buttons 40a and 40b of the input button 40, the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 increases or decreases. When the user presses the enter button 40c of the input button 40 in a state where the desired upper limit electricity bill 42a is displayed on the display screen 42, the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 is input to the remote controller 30. Input to the unit 34. In addition, the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 is an approximate electricity bill for one operation.
　リモートコントローラ３０は、入力部３４に入力されたユーザーが所望する上限の電気代に対応する信号を、通信部３２を介して空気調和機１０に送信する。 The remote controller 30 transmits to the air conditioner 10 via the communication unit 32 a signal corresponding to the upper limit electricity bill desired by the user, which is input to the input unit 34.
　空気調和機１０の通信部１２が上限の電気代に対応する信号をリモートコントローラ３０から受け取ると、空気調和機１０の消費電力検出部１４が消費電力量の検出を開始する。すなわち、ユーザーが上限の電気代を決定してからの空気調和機１０の消費電力量の検出を消費電力検出部１４は開始する。 When the communication unit 12 of the air conditioner 10 receives a signal corresponding to the upper limit electricity bill from the remote controller 30, the power consumption detection unit 14 of the air conditioner 10 starts detecting the power consumption. That is, the power consumption detection unit 14 starts detecting the power consumption amount of the air conditioner 10 after the user determines the upper limit electricity bill.
　消費電力検出部１４が消費電力量の検出を開始すると、空気調和機１０の残量算出部１６は、消費電力検出部１４によって検出された消費電力量に基づいて、使用可能な残りの電気代を算出するように構成されている。 When the power consumption detection unit 14 starts detecting the power consumption, the remaining amount calculation unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 uses the remaining power charges that can be used based on the power consumption detected by the power consumption detection unit 14. Is calculated.
　具体的には、空気調和機１０の残量算出部１６は、消費電力検出部１４によって検出された消費電力量に基づいて、空気調和機１０がリモートコントローラ３０から上限の電気代に対応する信号を受け取った後において使用された電気代を算出する。例えば、空気調和機１０は、単位電力あたりの電気代の情報を記憶部２０に保持し、その情報に基づいて消費電力量に対応する電気代を算出する。 Specifically, the remaining amount calculation unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 is a signal that the air conditioner 10 corresponds to the upper limit electricity bill from the remote controller 30 based on the power consumption detected by the power consumption detection unit 14. The electricity bill used after receiving is calculated. For example, the air conditioner 10 holds information on the electricity cost per unit power in the storage unit 20 and calculates an electricity cost corresponding to the power consumption based on the information.
　また、残量算出部１６は、ユーザーが所望する上限の電気代から消費電力量に対応する電気代を引き算することにより、使用可能な残りの電気代を算出するように構成されている。 Further, the remaining amount calculation unit 16 is configured to calculate the remaining usable electricity bill by subtracting the electricity bill corresponding to the power consumption from the upper limit electricity bill desired by the user.
　空気調和機１０の運転可能時間算出部１８は、残量算出部１６によって算出された使用可能な残りの電気代を用いて空気調和機１０を運転することができる運転可能時間を算出するように構成されている。 The operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates an operable time during which the air conditioner 10 can be operated using the remaining usable electricity cost calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 16. It is configured.
　具体的には、運転可能時間算出部１８は、図４に示すように、一定の期間（例えば１時間）をあけて繰り返すタイミングＴ（ｎ）（ｎは整数）毎に、運転可能時間を算出する。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the drivable time calculation unit 18 calculates the drivable time for each timing T (n) (n is an integer) that repeats after a certain period (for example, 1 hour). To do.
　タイミングＴ（ｎ）に運転可能時間を算出する場合を例に挙げて説明する。説明を容易にするために、タイミングＴ（ｎ）とその直前のタイミングＴ（ｎ－１）との間の期間Ｐ（ｎ）における、すなわち終了直後の期間Ｐ（ｎ）における電気代をＣ（ｎ）とし、その期間Ｐ（ｎ）における単位時間あたりの電気代をＣｓ（ｎ）とする。また、タイミングＴ（ｎ）における使用可能な残りの電気代をＣｒ（ｎ）とする。 The case where the driving time is calculated at timing T (n) will be described as an example. For ease of explanation, the electric charge in the period P (n) between the timing T (n) and the immediately preceding timing T (n−1), that is, the period P (n) immediately after the end is expressed as C ( n), and the electricity bill per unit time in the period P (n) is Cs (n). Further, the remaining usable electricity bill at timing T (n) is Cr (n).
　期間Ｐ（ｎ）における電気代Ｃ（ｎ）は、残量算出部１６がタイミングＴ（ｎ－１）で算出した残りの電気代Ｃｒ（ｎ－１）からタイミングＴ（ｎ）で算出した残りの電気代Ｃｒ（ｎ）を引き算することにより算出可能である。また、期間Ｐ（ｎ）における単位時間あたりの電気代Ｃｓ（ｎ）は、期間Ｐ（ｎ）における電気代Ｃ（ｎ）を期間Ｐ（ｎ）の時間で割り算することにより算出可能である。 The electricity bill C (n) in the period P (n) is the remaining amount calculated at the timing T (n) from the remaining electricity bill Cr (n−1) calculated by the remaining amount calculator 16 at the timing T (n−1). It can be calculated by subtracting the electricity bill Cr (n). The electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time in the period P (n) can be calculated by dividing the electricity bill C (n) in the period P (n) by the time in the period P (n).
　運転可能時間算出部１８は、タイミングＴ（ｎ）において、終了直後の期間Ｐ（ｎ）における単位時間あたりの電気代Ｃｓ（ｎ）を平滑化して算出された単位時間あたりの電気代Ｃｓ（ｎ）の平滑値Ｃｓ（ｎ）’によって使用可能な残りの電気代Ｃｒ（ｎ）を割り算することにより、運転可能時間ｔ（ｎ）を算出する。 The driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time calculated by smoothing the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time in the period P (n) immediately after the end at the timing T (n). ) Is calculated by dividing the remaining available electricity bill Cr (n) by the smooth value Cs (n) ′.
　数式１は、期間Ｐ（ｎ）における単位時間当たりの電気代Ｃｓ（ｎ）の平滑値Ｃｓ（ｎ）’を算出するための式である。 Equation 1 is an equation for calculating a smooth value Cs (n) ′ of the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time in the period P (n).
　Ｃｓ（ｎ）’＝α×Ｃｓ（ｎ）＋β×Ｃｓ（ｎ－１）’・・・（数式１）
　数式１におけるαとβそれぞれは、重み係数（第１および第２の重み係数）であって、その合計が１となるような数字である。例えば、α、βはそれぞれ、０．５である。 Cs (n) ′ = α × Cs (n) + β × Cs (n−1) ′ (Formula 1)
Each of α and β in Equation 1 is a weighting factor (first and second weighting factors) and is a number such that the sum thereof is 1. For example, α and β are each 0.5.
　数式１に示すように、期間Ｐ（ｎ）における単位時間当たりの電気代Ｃｓ（ｎ）の平滑値Ｃｓ（ｎ）’は、以下のように算出される。まず、期間Ｐ（ｎ）における単位時間あたりの電気代Ｃｓ（ｎ）と重み係数αとを積算して第１の積算値（右辺の第一項）を算出する。そして、１つ前の期間Ｐ（ｎ－１）における単位時間あたりの電気代Ｃｓ（ｎ－１）の平滑値Ｃｓ（ｎ－１）’と重み係数βとを積算して第２の積算値（右辺の第二項）を算出する。さらに、第１および第２の積算値を合計することによってＣｓ（ｎ）’は算出される。 As shown in Equation 1, the smooth value Cs (n) ′ of the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time in the period P (n) is calculated as follows. First, a first integrated value (first term on the right side) is calculated by integrating the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time and the weighting coefficient α in the period P (n). Then, the second integrated value is obtained by integrating the smoothing value Cs (n−1) ′ of the electricity bill Cs (n−1) per unit time and the weighting coefficient β in the immediately preceding period P (n−1). (Second term on the right side) is calculated. Further, Cs (n) ′ is calculated by summing the first and second integrated values.
　タイミングＴ（ｎ）における運転可能時間ｔ（ｎ）は、数式２に示すように、タイミングＴ（ｎ）における残りの電気代Ｃｒ（ｎ）を、終了直後の期間Ｐ（ｎ）における単位時間あたりの電気代の平滑値Ｃｓ（ｎ）’で割り算することによって算出される。 As shown in Formula 2, the operable time t (n) at the timing T (n) is calculated by taking the remaining electricity bill Cr (n) at the timing T (n) per unit time in the period P (n) immediately after the end. It is calculated by dividing by the smooth value Cs (n) ′ of the electricity bill.
　ｔ（ｎ）＝Ｃｒ（ｎ）／Ｃｓ（ｎ）’・・・（数式２）
　期間Ｐ（ｎ）における電気代Ｃｒ（ｎ）は、期間Ｐ（ｎ）における空気調和機１０の運転状態と対応する。すなわち期間Ｐ（ｎ）における空気調和機１０の運転条件と対応する。したがって、タイミングＴ（ｎ）における運転可能時間ｔ（ｎ）は、近々の運転条件を考慮にいれて算出される。また、期間Ｐ（ｎ）より過去の期間における空気調和機１０の運転条件も考慮にいれて運転可能時間ｔ（ｎ）は算出される。したがって、例えば、ユーザーがリモートコントローラ３０を操作することによって空気調和機１０の運転条件が変化しても（例えば、ユーザーによって設定温度が増減されても）、高精度に運転可能時間ｔ（ｎ）を算出することができる。 t (n) = Cr (n) / Cs (n) ′ (Expression 2)
The electricity bill Cr (n) in the period P (n) corresponds to the operating state of the air conditioner 10 in the period P (n). That is, it corresponds to the operating condition of the air conditioner 10 in the period P (n). Therefore, the operable time t (n) at the timing T (n) is calculated taking into account the recent operating conditions. In addition, the operable time t (n) is calculated in consideration of the operating conditions of the air conditioner 10 in the past period from the period P (n). Therefore, for example, even if the operating condition of the air conditioner 10 is changed by the user operating the remote controller 30 (for example, the set temperature is increased or decreased by the user), the operation possible time t (n) with high accuracy. Can be calculated.
　なお、各期間Ｐ（ｎ）における電気代Ｃ（ｓ）、単位時間あたりの電気代Ｃｓ（ｎ）、およびその平滑値Ｃｓ（ｎ）’は、空気調和機１０の記憶部２０に記憶される。 The electricity bill C (s), the electricity bill Cs (n) per unit time, and the smooth value Cs (n) ′ in each period P (n) are stored in the storage unit 20 of the air conditioner 10. .
　運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間を算出すると、空気調和機１０は、通信部１２を介して運転可能時間に対応する信号をリモートコントローラ３０に送信する。 When the driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the driveable time, the air conditioner 10 transmits a signal corresponding to the driveable time to the remote controller 30 via the communication unit 12.
　リモートコントローラ３０は、運転可能時間に対応する信号を通信部３２を介して受信すると、図５に示すように表示部３６の表示画面４２に運転可能時間４２ｂを表示する。図５では、運転可能時間４２ｂとして「約８時間」が表示されている。これにより、ユーザーは、自身が決定した上限の電気代を用いて運転することができる空気調和機１０の運転可能時間を知ることができる。 When the remote controller 30 receives a signal corresponding to the driveable time via the communication unit 32, the driveable time 42b is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, “about 8 hours” is displayed as the operable time 42b. Thereby, the user can know the operation possible time of the air conditioner 10 which can be drive | operated using the upper limit electricity bill which he determined.
　空気調和機１０の運転中、リモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６の表示画面４２上の運転可能時間４２ｂは更新される。すなわち、空気調和機１０の運転可能時間算出部１８が新しい運転可能時間を算出する度に（タイミングＴ（ｎ）毎に）、リモートコントローラ３０の表示画面４２上の運転可能時間４２ｂが更新される。これにより、ユーザーは、現在実行中の空気調和機１０の高精度な運転可能時間を知ることができる。 During the operation of the air conditioner 10, the operable time 42b on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 is updated. That is, every time the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates a new operable time (every timing T (n)), the operable time 42b on the display screen 42 of the remote controller 30 is updated. . Thereby, the user can know the highly accurate operation possible time of the air conditioner 10 currently being performed.
　なお、ユーザーが要求する場合にのみ、リモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６の表示画面４２上に運転可能時間４２ｂを表示するようにしてもよい。 Note that the operable time 42b may be displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 only when the user requests it.
　この場合、例えば、空気調和機１０の運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間を算出すると、その算出された運転可能時間が記憶部２０に記憶される。ユーザーがリモートコントローラ３０に対して、例えば入力ボタン４０を操作して運転可能時間の提供を要求すると、リモートコントローラ３０が運転可能時間の提供を要求するための要求信号を空気調和機１０に送信する。空気調和機１０は、要求信号を受信すると、記憶部２０に記憶されている運転可能時間に対応する応答信号をリモートコントローラ３０に送信する。そして、リモートコントローラ３０は、空気調和機１０から受け取った応答信号に基づいて、運転可能時間４２ｂを表示画面４２に表示する。これにより、常時、運転可能時間４２ｂを表示画面４２に表示する場合に比べて、リモートコントローラ３０の電力消費を抑制することができる。例えば、リモートコントローラ３０が着脱可能に内蔵するバッテリ（図示せず）によって駆動する場合、そのバッテリの消耗を抑制することができる。 In this case, for example, when the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates the operable time, the calculated operable time is stored in the storage unit 20. For example, when the user requests the remote controller 30 to provide the operable time by operating the input button 40, the remote controller 30 transmits a request signal for requesting the provision of the operable time to the air conditioner 10. . Upon receiving the request signal, the air conditioner 10 transmits a response signal corresponding to the operable time stored in the storage unit 20 to the remote controller 30. Then, the remote controller 30 displays the operable time 42 b on the display screen 42 based on the response signal received from the air conditioner 10. Thereby, compared with the case where the driving | operation possible time 42b is always displayed on the display screen 42, the power consumption of the remote controller 30 can be suppressed. For example, when the remote controller 30 is driven by a battery (not shown) that is detachably incorporated, it is possible to suppress consumption of the battery.
　リモートコントローラ３０の電力消費に関連して言えば、残りの電気代を算出する残量算出部１６と空気調和機１０の運転可能時間を算出する運転可能時間算出部１８とは、リモートコントローラ３０に設けることも可能であるが、図２に示すように、空気調和機１０に設けるのが好ましい。これにより、リモートコントローラ３０は、残りの電気代や運転可能時間を算出するために電力を消費することがなくなる。その結果、リモートコントローラ３０の電力消費が抑制される。 Regarding the power consumption of the remote controller 30, the remaining amount calculator 16 that calculates the remaining electricity cost and the operable time calculator 18 that calculates the operable time of the air conditioner 10 are provided to the remote controller 30. Although it is possible to provide, it is preferable to provide in the air conditioner 10, as shown in FIG. As a result, the remote controller 30 does not consume power to calculate the remaining electricity cost and the operable time. As a result, power consumption of the remote controller 30 is suppressed.
　また、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出すると、リモートコントローラ３０は、運転可能時間がゼロであることを表示部３６の表示画面４２に表示するようにしてもよい。これにより、ユーザーは、運転中の空気調和機１０の電気代がユーザーによって決定された上限の電気代に達したことを知ることができる。 Further, when the driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the driveable time as zero, the remote controller 30 may display on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 that the driveable time is zero. Thereby, the user can know that the electricity bill of the air conditioner 10 in operation has reached the upper limit electricity bill determined by the user.
　運転可能時間がゼロであることをリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６の表示画面４２に表示することに代わってあるいはそれに加えて、空気調和機１０は、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出すると、運転を停止してもよい。これにより、空気調和機１０の電気代が、ユーザーによって決定された上限の電気代を越えることが抑制される。さらに、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したときに、上限の電気代の表示部３６への表示を消すことにより、ユーザーに上限に電気代に達したことを通知することもできる。すなわち、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したときに、運転可能時間がゼロであることを表示部３６が表示する動作、上限の電気代の表示部３６への表示を消す動作、または空気調和機１０の運転が停止する動作の少なくとも１つを実行するように空気調和機１０を構成することにより、ユーザーに上限の電気代に達したことを知らせることができる。 Instead of or in addition to displaying that the operable time is zero on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30, the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the operable time calculation unit 18 sets the operable time to zero. And the operation may be stopped. Thereby, it is suppressed that the electricity bill of the air conditioner 10 exceeds the upper limit electricity bill determined by the user. Further, when the driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the driveable time as zero, the display of the upper limit electricity bill on the display unit 36 is turned off to notify the user that the electricity bill has reached the upper limit. You can also. That is, when the drivable time calculation unit 18 calculates the drivable time as zero, the display unit 36 displays that the drivable time is zero, and the display of the upper limit electricity bill on the display unit 36 is turned off. By configuring the air conditioner 10 to perform at least one of an operation or an operation in which the operation of the air conditioner 10 is stopped, the user can be notified that the upper limit of the electricity bill has been reached.
　これに関連して、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したときに、空気調和機１０の運転が停止するか否かをユーザーが選択可能に空気調和機１０を構成してもよい。例えば、リモートコントローラ３０の入力ボタン４０をユーザーが操作することにより、運転可能時間がゼロと算出された後の空気調和機１０の動作として、空気調和機１０の運転が停止するか否かがユーザーによって選択される。これにより、ユーザーの好みにあわせて、運転可能時間算出部１８がゼロの運転可能時間を算出した後の空気調和機１０の動作を決定することができる。 In this connection, the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the user can select whether or not the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops when the operable time calculation unit 18 calculates the operable time as zero. Also good. For example, the user operates the input button 40 of the remote controller 30 to determine whether the operation of the air conditioner 10 is stopped as the operation of the air conditioner 10 after the operable time is calculated as zero. Selected by. Thereby, according to a user preference, the operation | movement of the air conditioner 10 after the driving | operation possible time calculation part 18 calculates zero driving | operation possible time can be determined.
　また、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したときに空気調和機１０の運転を停止する場合、運転を停止する前にユーザーに通知するようにしてもよい。 Further, when the operation of the air conditioner 10 is stopped when the operable time calculation unit 18 calculates the operable time as zero, the user may be notified before the operation is stopped.
　例えば、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間として第１の所定の時間（ゼロと異なる、例えば４５分）を算出したとき、第１の所定の時間に比べて短い第２の所定の時間（例えば３０分）４２ｃを、図６に示すように、空気調和機１０が運転を停止するまでの時間としてリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６の表示画面４２に表示する。その後、第２の所定の時間を表示した時点から第２の所定の時間が経過したときに、空気調和機１０は運転を停止する。これにより、ユーザーは、空気調和機１０の運転が停止する前に、空気調和機１０が停止するまでの時間を知ることができる。例えば、唐突に空気調和機１０が停止してユーザーが驚くことが抑制される。 For example, when the drivable time calculation unit 18 calculates a first predetermined time (different from zero, for example, 45 minutes) as the drivable time, a second predetermined time (which is shorter than the first predetermined time) ( For example, 30 minutes) 42c is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops operating, as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the second predetermined time has elapsed since the second predetermined time was displayed, the air conditioner 10 stops its operation. Thereby, the user can know the time until the air conditioner 10 stops before the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops. For example, it is suppressed that the air conditioner 10 stops suddenly and the user is surprised.
　補足すると、運転可能時間算出部１８によって算出される運転可能時間には誤差が含まれるため、運転可能時間は増減しうる。したがって、運転可能時間をそのまま空気調和機１０が停止するまでの時間として表示部３６を介してユーザーに知らせるように空気調和機１０が構成される場合、空気調和機１０が停止するまでの時間が増減する可能性がある。その結果、ユーザーが混乱するおそれがある。そこで、空気調和機１０が停止するまでの第２の所定の時間を表示部３６を介してユーザーに知らせた後は、その第２の所定の時間を知らせた時点から第２の所定の時間が経過したときに空気調和機１０を停止させるようにしている。また、第２の所定の時間を空気調和機１０の停止までの時間として表示部３６を介してユーザーに知らせた後は、リモートコントローラ３０が第２の所定の時間をカウントダウンするように構成するのが好ましい。これにより、第２の所定の時間をユーザーに知らせた後に、リモートコントローラ３０の置き場所の変更等によって空気調和機１０とリモートコントローラ３０との通信接続が確立できない状態になっても、空気調和機１０の停止とリモートコントローラ３０の表示とを同期させることができる。 Supplementally, since the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit 18 includes an error, the drivable time can be increased or decreased. Therefore, when the air conditioner 10 is configured to inform the user via the display unit 36 as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops as it is, the time until the air conditioner 10 stops. May increase or decrease. As a result, the user may be confused. Therefore, after notifying the user of the second predetermined time until the air conditioner 10 stops via the display unit 36, the second predetermined time from the point in time when the second predetermined time is notified. When the time has elapsed, the air conditioner 10 is stopped. Further, the remote controller 30 is configured to count down the second predetermined time after informing the user via the display unit 36 of the second predetermined time as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops. Is preferred. Thereby, after notifying the user of the second predetermined time, even if the communication connection between the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 cannot be established due to a change in the location of the remote controller 30 or the like, the air conditioner 10 stops and the display of the remote controller 30 can be synchronized.
　本実施の形態によれば、空気調和機１０が省エネ運転を実行できるとともに、ユーザーは省エネを実感することができる。 According to the present embodiment, the air conditioner 10 can execute the energy saving operation, and the user can realize energy saving.
　具体的には、図５に示すようにリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６の表示画面４２に運転可能時間が表示されることにより、ユーザーは、空気調和機１０の運転条件と、ユーザー自身が決定した上限の電気代と、空気調和機１０の運転可能時間との相関関係を経験的に知ることができる。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the operating time is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30, so that the user determines the operating conditions of the air conditioner 10 and the user himself / herself. The correlation between the upper limit electricity cost and the operable time of the air conditioner 10 can be known empirically.
　すなわち、どのような運転条件であれば、少ない電気代（すなわち少ない電気量）で長時間運転可能であるのかをユーザーは効率的に且つ経験的に知ることができる。つまりは、省エネ運転が実現できる運転条件を経験的に知ることができる。 That is, the user can efficiently and empirically know under what operating conditions it can be operated for a long time with a small electricity bill (ie, a small amount of electricity). In other words, it is possible to know empirically the operation conditions that can realize the energy-saving operation.
　例えば、ユーザーがリモートコントローラ３０を操作して空気調和機１０の運転条件を変更すると、空気調和機１０の消費電力量が変化する（すなわち残量算出部１６によって算出される使用可能な残りの電気代が変化する）。その結果、運転可能時間算出部１８によって算出される運転可能時間が変化する。したがって、ユーザーは、運転可能時間が減少した場合には、ユーザーが変更した後の運転条件が省エネに貢献していないと知ることができる。一方、運転可能時間が増加した場合には、その運転条件が省エネに貢献していると知ることができる。 For example, when the user operates the remote controller 30 to change the operating condition of the air conditioner 10, the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 changes (that is, the remaining usable electricity calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 16). The bill changes.) As a result, the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit 18 changes. Therefore, the user can know that the operating condition after the change by the user does not contribute to energy saving when the operable time is reduced. On the other hand, when the operable time increases, it can be known that the operating condition contributes to energy saving.
　このようにユーザーが経験的に省エネに寄与する運転条件を知り、そのユーザーが空気調和機１０の運転条件を設定することにより、空気調和機１０は省エネ運転を実行することが可能になる。また、その結果、ユーザーは、省エネ運転に貢献しているという満足感を得ることができる、すなわち省エネを実感することができる。 Thus, when the user knows the operating conditions that contribute to energy saving empirically and the user sets the operating conditions of the air conditioner 10, the air conditioner 10 can execute the energy saving operation. As a result, the user can get a sense of satisfaction that he / she contributes to energy-saving operation, that is, can realize energy saving.
　以上、上述の実施の形態を挙げて本発明を説明したが、本発明は上述の実施の形態に限定されない。 As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
　例えば、上述の実施の形態の場合、運転の開始時にまたは運転中に、その運転が停止するまでの上限の電気代をユーザーが決定できるように空気調和機は構成されている。しかし、本発明は、これに限らない。すなわち、連続する複数の運転における上限の電気代をユーザーが決定できるように空気調和機を構成してもよい。ただし、この場合、複数の運転それぞれの間の運転停止期間が長くなりすぎると、ユーザーが省エネ運転を実現できる運転条件を経験的に知ることが困難になる可能性がある。 For example, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the air conditioner is configured so that the user can determine the upper limit of the electricity bill until the operation stops at the start of operation or during operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the air conditioner may be configured so that the user can determine the upper limit electricity bill in a plurality of consecutive operations. However, in this case, if the operation stop period between each of the plurality of operations becomes too long, it may be difficult for the user to know empirically the operation conditions that can realize the energy-saving operation.
　また例えば、空気調和機１０の運転可能時間算出部１８による運転可能時間の算出方法は、上述の方法、すなわち数式１および２を用いた方法に限定されない。 Further, for example, the calculation method of the operable time by the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 is not limited to the above-described method, that is, the method using Formulas 1 and 2.
　別の実施の形態の空気調和機の運転可能時間算出部は、一定の期間をあけて繰り返すタイミング毎に運転可能時間を算出するように構成される。その運転可能時間を、その運転可能時間を算出するタイミングにおける残りの電気代と、同タイミングにおける空気調和機の運転条件とに基づいて算出する。 The operable time calculation unit of the air conditioner according to another embodiment is configured to calculate the operable time at every timing repeated with a certain period. The operable time is calculated based on the remaining electricity cost at the timing for calculating the operable time and the operating condition of the air conditioner at the same timing.
　例えば、空気調和機の様々な運転条件と、各運転条件で空気調和機を運転したときの単位時間あたりの電気代との対応関係が予め実験的にまたは理論的に求められ、その対応関係データが空気調和機の記憶部に記憶されている。 For example, the correspondence between various operating conditions of the air conditioner and the electricity cost per unit time when the air conditioner is operated under each operating condition is obtained in advance experimentally or theoretically, and the correspondence data Is stored in the storage unit of the air conditioner.
　運転可能時間算出部は、残りの電気代を、運転条件に対応する単位時間あたりの電気代で割り算することにより、運転可能時間を算出する。 The operable time calculation unit calculates the operable time by dividing the remaining electricity cost by the electricity cost per unit time corresponding to the operating conditions.
　このように、本発明は、残量算出部によって算出された使用可能な残りの電気代を用いて運転可能時間を算出できるのでれば、その算出方法は問わない。ただし、上述の実施の形態の算出方法（すなわち数式１および２を用いる方法）が、高精度に運転可能時間を算出することができるので好ましい。 Thus, in the present invention, the calculation method is not limited as long as the operable time can be calculated using the remaining usable electricity cost calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit. However, the calculation method of the above-described embodiment (that is, the method using the mathematical formulas 1 and 2) is preferable because the drivable time can be calculated with high accuracy.
　さらに、空気調和機の電気代は、空気調和機が使用する電力量に一義的に対応することは明らかである。したがって、電気代に代わって電力量を用いて運転可能時間を算出するように空気調和機を構成してもよい。 Furthermore, it is clear that the electricity bill of the air conditioner uniquely corresponds to the amount of power used by the air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner may be configured to calculate the operable time using the electric energy instead of the electricity bill.
　この場合、電気代に代わって、上限の電気代と一義的に対応する上限の電力量がユーザーによって入力されるように空気調和機のリモートコントローラの入力部が構成される。すなわち、ユーザーは、所望する上限の電気量をリモートコントローラの入力部に入力する。 In this case, instead of the electricity bill, the input unit of the remote controller of the air conditioner is configured so that the upper limit electric energy uniquely corresponding to the upper limit electricity bill is inputted by the user. That is, the user inputs a desired upper limit amount of electricity to the input unit of the remote controller.
　また、空気調和機の残量算出部は、ユーザーが所望する上限の電力量（入力部に入力された上限の電力量）と、運転中の空気調和機が消費する電力量（消費電力量）とに基づいて、使用可能な残りの電力量を算出するように構成される。すなわち、上限の電力量から消費電力量が引き算されることにより、使用可能な残りの電力量が算出される。 In addition, the remaining amount calculation unit of the air conditioner includes an upper limit power amount desired by the user (upper limit power amount input to the input unit) and an energy amount consumed by the operating air conditioner (power consumption amount). Based on the above, it is configured to calculate the remaining amount of power that can be used. That is, the remaining power amount that can be used is calculated by subtracting the power consumption amount from the upper limit power amount.
　さらにまた、空気調和機の運転可能時間算出部は、残量算出部によって算出された使用可能な残りの電力量を用いて運転することができる運転可能時間を算出するように構成される。 Furthermore, the drivable time calculation unit of the air conditioner is configured to calculate a drivable time during which the air conditioner can be operated using the remaining usable electric energy calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit.
　さらに、本発明は、上述の実施の形態の空気調和機１０とリモートコントローラ３０のように、空気調和機を操作するための操作部が空気調和機の本体と別体に構成される空気調和機に限らない。例えば、室内の床面に載置可能に、また移動可能に、さらに本体と一体に操作部、入力部、および表示部が設けられている空気調和機であってもよい。 Furthermore, the present invention provides an air conditioner in which an operation unit for operating the air conditioner is configured separately from the main body of the air conditioner, like the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 of the above-described embodiment. Not limited to. For example, it may be an air conditioner that can be placed on a floor surface in a room and can be moved, and further provided with an operation unit, an input unit, and a display unit integrally with the main body.
　（実施の形態２）
　次に、本発明におけるもう一つの実施の形態について説明する。実施の形態２は図７に示すように、実施の形態１の空気調和機１０およびリモートコントローラ３０に、更に携帯情報端末５０を加えたものである。なお、実施の形態１と本質的に同じもの（若干の差異はあるものの基本的には同じもの）については同一符号を付記するとともに図２以外の各図はそのまま援用して説明する。 (Embodiment 2)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a portable information terminal 50 is further added to the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 of the first embodiment. Note that components that are essentially the same as those in the first embodiment (basically the same components with slight differences) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the drawings other than FIG.
　空気調和機１０は、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０と双方向通信するための通信部１２と、空気調和機１０の消費電力を検出する消費電力検出部１４と、残りの電気代を算出する残量算出部１６と、運転可能時間を算出する運転可能時間算出部１８と、記憶部２０とを有する。一方、リモートコントローラ３０は、空気調和機１０と双方向通信するための通信部３２と、ユーザーが所望する上限の電気代が入力される入力部３４と、運転可能時間をユーザーに提示するための表示部３６とを有する。 The air conditioner 10 calculates a communication unit 12 for two-way communication with the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50, a power consumption detection unit 14 for detecting power consumption of the air conditioner 10, and the remaining electricity cost. It has a remaining amount calculation unit 16, a drivable time calculation unit 18 that calculates drivable time, and a storage unit 20. On the other hand, the remote controller 30 includes a communication unit 32 for two-way communication with the air conditioner 10, an input unit 34 to which an upper limit electric charge desired by the user is input, and an operating time for presenting to the user. And a display unit 36.
　さらに、空気調和機１０は、無線アダプタ６０、無線ゲートウェイ６１、無線ＬＡＮのアクセスポイント６２を介して外部インターネット６３に接続される。そして、空気調和機１０は、外部インターネット６３に接続されたサーバー６４と情報のやり取りを行う。 Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 is connected to an external Internet 63 via a wireless adapter 60, a wireless gateway 61, and a wireless LAN access point 62. The air conditioner 10 exchanges information with the server 64 connected to the external Internet 63.
　一方、携帯情報端末５０は、外部インターネット６３に接続されたサーバー６４と情報のやり取りを行うために、通信会社６５を介して外部インターネット６３に接続される。また、携帯情報端末５０には、外部インターネット６３に接続されたサーバー６４を介して空気調和機１０と双方向通信するための通信部５２と、ユーザーが所望する上限の電気代が入力される入力部５４と、運転可能時間をユーザーに提示するための表示部５６とを有する。 On the other hand, the portable information terminal 50 is connected to the external Internet 63 via the communication company 65 in order to exchange information with the server 64 connected to the external Internet 63. Further, the portable information terminal 50 is inputted with a communication unit 52 for bidirectional communication with the air conditioner 10 via a server 64 connected to the external Internet 63, and an upper limit electric charge desired by the user. And a display unit 56 for presenting the driveable time to the user.
　これによって、携帯情報端末５０においても、空気調和機１０に対してリモートコントローラ３０と同様の操作および情報のやり取りが可能となる。 Thereby, also in the portable information terminal 50, the same operation and information exchange as the remote controller 30 can be performed with respect to the air conditioner 10.
　上限の電気代がユーザーによって入力されるリモートコントローラ３０の入力部３４は、例えば、図１に示すように、リモートコントローラ３０の本体３８に設けられた入力ボタン４０を有する。また、表示部３６は、例えば、リモートコントローラ３０の本体３８の正面に設けられた表示画面４２を有する。 The input unit 34 of the remote controller 30 to which the upper limit electricity bill is input by the user has an input button 40 provided on the main body 38 of the remote controller 30, for example, as shown in FIG. The display unit 36 includes a display screen 42 provided on the front surface of the main body 38 of the remote controller 30, for example.
　なお、携帯情報端末５０においても、例えば、画面上に表示された画面タッチ式の入力ボタンでリモートコントローラ３０と同様の入力操作ができるとともに、画面上に必要な情報を表示することができる。 In the portable information terminal 50, for example, an input operation similar to that of the remote controller 30 can be performed with a screen touch type input button displayed on the screen, and necessary information can be displayed on the screen.
　ユーザーが所望の上限の電気代をリモートコントローラ３０あるいは携帯情報端末５０に入力するとき、例えば、図３に示すように、上限の電気代４２ａがリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６あるいは携帯情報端末５０の表示部５６の表示画面４２に表示される。図３では、例えば、上限の電気代４２ａとして「１００円」が表示画面４２に表示されている。ユーザーが入力ボタン４０の上下ボタン４０ａ、４０ｂを操作すると、表示画面４２に表示される上限の電気代４２ａが増減する。所望の上限の電気代４２ａが表示画面４２に表示されている状態で入力ボタン４０の決定ボタン４０ｃをユーザーが押すと、表示画面４２に表示されている上限の電気代４２ａがリモートコントローラ３０の入力部３４に入力される。なお、表示画面４２に表示される上限の電気代４２ａは、一回の運転にかかるおおよその電気代である。 When the user inputs the desired upper limit electricity bill to the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper limit electricity bill 42a is displayed on the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50. It is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 56. In FIG. 3, for example, “100 yen” is displayed on the display screen 42 as the upper limit electricity bill 42 a. When the user operates the up and down buttons 40a and 40b of the input button 40, the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 increases or decreases. When the user presses the enter button 40c of the input button 40 in a state where the desired upper limit electricity bill 42a is displayed on the display screen 42, the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 is input to the remote controller 30. Input to the unit 34. In addition, the upper limit electricity bill 42a displayed on the display screen 42 is an approximate electricity bill for one operation.
　なお、携帯情報端末５０では、入力ボタン４０の上下ボタン４０ａ、４０ｂや、決定ボタン４０ｃに相当する画面タッチ式の入力ボタンが携帯情報端末５０の画面上に表示され、リモートコントローラ３０と同様の入力操作ができるようになっている。 In the portable information terminal 50, the up and down buttons 40a and 40b of the input button 40 and the screen touch type input buttons corresponding to the determination button 40c are displayed on the screen of the portable information terminal 50, and the same input as the remote controller 30 is performed. Can be operated.
　リモートコントローラ３０の入力部３４あるいは携帯情報端末５０の入力部５４に入力されたユーザーが所望する上限の電気代に対応する信号を、リモートコントローラ３０の通信部３２あるいは携帯情報端末５０の通信部５２を介して空気調和機１０に送信する。 A signal corresponding to the upper limit electricity bill desired by the user input to the input unit 34 of the remote controller 30 or the input unit 54 of the portable information terminal 50 is sent to the communication unit 32 of the remote controller 30 or the communication unit 52 of the portable information terminal 50. It transmits to the air conditioner 10 via.
　空気調和機１０の通信部１２が上限の電気代に対応する信号をリモートコントローラ３０あるいは携帯情報端末５０から受け取ると、空気調和機１０の消費電力検出部１４が消費電力量の検出を開始する。すなわち、ユーザーが上限の電気代を決定してからの空気調和機１０の消費電力量の検出を消費電力検出部１４は開始する。 When the communication unit 12 of the air conditioner 10 receives a signal corresponding to the upper limit electricity bill from the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50, the power consumption detection unit 14 of the air conditioner 10 starts detecting the power consumption. That is, the power consumption detection unit 14 starts detecting the power consumption amount of the air conditioner 10 after the user determines the upper limit electricity bill.
　消費電力検出部１４が消費電力量の検出を開始すると、空気調和機１０の残量算出部１６は、消費電力検出部１４によって検出された消費電力量に基づいて、使用可能な残りの電気代を算出するように構成されている。 When the power consumption detection unit 14 starts detecting the power consumption, the remaining amount calculation unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 uses the remaining power charges that can be used based on the power consumption detected by the power consumption detection unit 14. Is calculated.
　具体的には、空気調和機１０の残量算出部１６は、消費電力検出部１４によって検出された消費電力量に基づいて、空気調和機１０がリモートコントローラ３０あるいは携帯情報端末５０から上限の電気代に対応する信号を受け取った後において使用された電気代を算出する。例えば、空気調和機１０は、単位電力あたりの電気代の情報を記憶部２０に保持し、その情報に基づいて消費電力量に対応する電気代を算出する。 Specifically, the remaining amount calculation unit 16 of the air conditioner 10 determines whether the air conditioner 10 has an upper limit electric power from the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50 based on the power consumption detected by the power consumption detection unit 14. The electricity bill used after receiving the signal corresponding to the bill is calculated. For example, the air conditioner 10 holds information on the electricity cost per unit power in the storage unit 20 and calculates an electricity cost corresponding to the power consumption based on the information.
　また、残量算出部１６は、ユーザーが所望する上限の電気代から消費電力量に対応する電気代を引き算することにより、使用可能な残りの電気代を算出するように構成されている。 Further, the remaining amount calculation unit 16 is configured to calculate the remaining usable electricity bill by subtracting the electricity bill corresponding to the power consumption from the upper limit electricity bill desired by the user.
　空気調和機１０の運転可能時間算出部１８は、残量算出部１６によって算出された使用可能な残りの電気代を用いて空気調和機１０を運転することができる運転可能時間を算出するように構成されている。 The operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates an operable time during which the air conditioner 10 can be operated using the remaining usable electricity cost calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 16. It is configured.
　具体的には、運転可能時間算出部１８は、図４に示すように、一定の期間（例えば１時間）をあけて繰り返すタイミングＴ（ｎ）（ｎは整数）毎に、運転可能時間を算出する。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the drivable time calculation unit 18 calculates the drivable time for each timing T (n) (n is an integer) that repeats after a certain period (for example, 1 hour). To do.
　運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間を算出すると、空気調和機１０は、通信部１２を介して運転可能時間に対応する信号をリモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０に送信する。 When the driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the driveable time, the air conditioner 10 transmits a signal corresponding to the driveable time to the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 via the communication unit 12.
　リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０は、運転可能時間に対応する信号をリモートコントローラ３０の通信部３２および携帯情報端末５０の通信部５２を介して受信すると、図５に示すようにリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６および携帯情報端末５０の表示部５６の表示画面４２に運転可能時間４２ｂを表示する。図５では、運転可能時間４２ｂとして「約８時間」が表示されている。これにより、ユーザーは、自身が決定した上限の電気代を用いて運転することができる空気調和機１０の運転可能時間を知ることができる。 When the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 receive a signal corresponding to the operable time via the communication unit 32 of the remote controller 30 and the communication unit 52 of the portable information terminal 50, as shown in FIG. The drivable time 42 b is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50. In FIG. 5, “about 8 hours” is displayed as the operable time 42b. Thereby, the user can know the operation possible time of the air conditioner 10 which can be drive | operated using the upper limit electricity bill which he determined.
　空気調和機１０の運転中、リモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６および携帯情報端末５０の表示部５６の表示画面４２上の運転可能時間４２ｂは更新される。すなわち、空気調和機１０の運転可能時間算出部１８が新しい運転可能時間を算出する度に（タイミングＴ（ｎ）毎に）、リモートコントローラ３０の表示画面４２上の運転可能時間４２ｂが更新される。これにより、ユーザーは、現在実行中の空気調和機１０の高精度な運転可能時間を知ることができる。 During the operation of the air conditioner 10, the operable time 42b on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50 is updated. That is, every time the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates a new operable time (every timing T (n)), the operable time 42b on the display screen 42 of the remote controller 30 is updated. . Thereby, the user can know the highly accurate operation possible time of the air conditioner 10 currently being performed.
　なお、ユーザーが要求する場合にのみ、リモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６および携帯情報端末５０の表示部５６の表示画面４２上に運転可能時間４２ｂを表示するようにしてもよい。 Note that the drivable time 42 b may be displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50 only when requested by the user.
　この場合、例えば、空気調和機１０の運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間を算出すると、その算出された運転可能時間が記憶部２０に記憶される。ユーザーがリモートコントローラ３０あるいは携帯情報端末５０に対して、例えば入力ボタン４０を操作して運転可能時間の提供を要求すると、リモートコントローラ３０あるいは携帯情報端末５０が運転可能時間の提供を要求するための要求信号を空気調和機１０に送信する。空気調和機１０は、要求信号を受信すると、記憶部２０に記憶されている運転可能時間に対応する応答信号をリモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０に送信する。そして、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０は、空気調和機１０から受け取った応答信号に基づいて、運転可能時間４２ｂを表示画面４２に表示する。これにより、常時運転可能時間４２ｂを表示画面４２に表示する場合に比べて、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０の電力消費を抑制することができる。例えば、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０が着脱可能に内蔵するバッテリ（図示せず）によって駆動する場合、そのバッテリの消耗を抑制することができる。 In this case, for example, when the operable time calculation unit 18 of the air conditioner 10 calculates the operable time, the calculated operable time is stored in the storage unit 20. For example, when the user requests the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50 to provide the driving time by operating the input button 40, the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50 requests the provision of the driving time. A request signal is transmitted to the air conditioner 10. When receiving the request signal, the air conditioner 10 transmits a response signal corresponding to the operable time stored in the storage unit 20 to the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50. Then, the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 display the operable time 42 b on the display screen 42 based on the response signal received from the air conditioner 10. Thereby, compared with the case where normal operation possible time 42b is displayed on the display screen 42, the power consumption of the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 can be suppressed. For example, when the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 are driven by a battery (not shown) that is detachably built in, the consumption of the battery can be suppressed.
　リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０の電力消費に関連して言えば、残りの電気代を算出する残量算出部１６と空気調和機１０の運転可能時間を算出する運転可能時間算出部１８とは、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０に設けることも可能であるが、図２に示すように、空気調和機１０に設けるのが好ましい。これにより、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０は、残りの電気代や運転可能時間を算出するために電力を消費することがなくなる。その結果、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０の電力消費が抑制される。 In relation to the power consumption of the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50, the remaining amount calculator 16 that calculates the remaining electricity cost and the operable time calculator 18 that calculates the operable time of the air conditioner 10 are: Although it is possible to provide the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50, it is preferable to provide the air conditioner 10 as shown in FIG. As a result, the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 do not consume power to calculate the remaining electricity cost and the operable time. As a result, power consumption of the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 is suppressed.
　また、運転可能時間算出部１８がゼロの運転可能時間を算出すると、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０は、運転可能時間がゼロであることを表示部３６および表示部５６の表示画面４２に表示するようにしてもよい。これにより、ユーザーは、運転中の空気調和機１０の電気代がユーザーによって決定された上限の電気代に達したことを知ることができる。 Further, when the drivable time calculating unit 18 calculates zero drivable time, the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 display on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 and the display unit 56 that the drivable time is zero. You may make it do. Thereby, the user can know that the electricity bill of the air conditioner 10 in operation has reached the upper limit electricity bill determined by the user.
　運転可能時間がゼロであることをリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６および携帯情報端末５０の表示部５６の表示画面４２に表示することに代わってあるいはそれに加えて、空気調和機１０は、運転可能時間算出部１８がゼロの運転可能時間を算出すると、運転を停止してもよい。これにより、空気調和機１０の電気代が、ユーザーによって決定された上限の電気代を越えることが抑制される。さらに、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したときに、上限の電気代の表示部３６、５６への表示を消すことにより、ユーザーに上限に電気代に達したことを通知することもできる。すなわち、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したときに、運転可能時間がゼロであることを表示部３６、５６が表示する動作、上限の電気代の表示部３６、５６への表示を消す動作、または空気調和機１０の運転が停止する動作の少なくとも１つを実行するように空気調和機１０を構成することにより、ユーザーに上限の電気代に達したことを知らせることができる。 Instead of or in addition to displaying on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50 that the operable time is zero, the air conditioner 10 The operation may be stopped when the calculation unit 18 calculates the zero operable time. Thereby, it is suppressed that the electricity bill of the air conditioner 10 exceeds the upper limit electricity bill determined by the user. Further, when the driveable time calculation unit 18 calculates the driveable time as zero, the display of the upper limit electricity charges on the display units 36 and 56 is turned off to notify the user that the electricity charge has reached the upper limit. You can also That is, when the drivable time calculation unit 18 calculates the drivable time as zero, the display units 36 and 56 display that the drivable time is zero, and the upper limit electricity bill display units 36 and 56 are displayed. By configuring the air conditioner 10 to perform at least one of the operation of turning off the display of the above, or the operation of stopping the operation of the air conditioner 10, the user can be notified that the upper limit of the electricity bill has been reached. it can.
　これに関連して、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したときに、空気調和機１０の運転が停止するか否かをユーザーが選択可能に空気調和機１０を構成してもよい。例えば、リモートコントローラ３０の入力ボタン４０をユーザーが操作することにより、ゼロの運転可能時間が算出された後の空気調和機１０の動作として、空気調和機１０の運転が停止するか否かがユーザーによって選択される。これにより、ユーザーの好みにあわせて、運転可能時間算出部１８がゼロの運転可能時間を算出した後の空気調和機１０の動作を決定することができる。なお、携帯情報端末５０においても上記と同様の入力操作ができるようになっている。 In this connection, the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the user can select whether or not the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops when the operable time calculation unit 18 calculates the operable time as zero. Also good. For example, when the user operates the input button 40 of the remote controller 30, whether the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops as the operation of the air conditioner 10 after the zero operable time is calculated is determined by the user. Selected by. Thereby, according to a user preference, the operation | movement of the air conditioner 10 after the driving | operation possible time calculation part 18 calculates zero driving | operation possible time can be determined. The portable information terminal 50 can perform the same input operation as described above.
　また、運転可能時間算出部１８がゼロの運転可能時間を算出したときに空気調和機１０の運転を停止する場合、運転を停止する前にユーザーに通知するようにしてもよい。 Further, when the operation of the air conditioner 10 is stopped when the operation possible time calculation unit 18 calculates the zero operation possible time, the user may be notified before the operation is stopped.
　例えば、運転可能時間算出部１８が運転可能時間として第１の所定の時間（ゼロと異なる、例えば４５分）を算出したとき、第１の所定の時間に比べて短い第２の所定の時間（例えば３０分）４２ｃを、図６に示すように、空気調和機１０が運転を停止するまでの時間としリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６および携帯情報端末５０の表示部５６の表示画面４２に表示する。その後、第２の所定の時間を表示した時点から第２の所定の時間が経過したときに、空気調和機１０は運転を停止する。これにより、ユーザーは、空気調和機１０の運転が停止する前に、空気調和機１０が停止するまでの時間を知ることができる。例えば、唐突に空気調和機１０が停止してユーザーが驚くことが抑制される。 For example, when the drivable time calculation unit 18 calculates a first predetermined time (different from zero, for example, 45 minutes) as the drivable time, a second predetermined time (which is shorter than the first predetermined time) ( For example, 30 minutes) 42c is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50 as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops operation, as shown in FIG. . Thereafter, when the second predetermined time has elapsed since the second predetermined time was displayed, the air conditioner 10 stops its operation. Thereby, the user can know the time until the air conditioner 10 stops before the operation of the air conditioner 10 stops. For example, it is suppressed that the air conditioner 10 stops suddenly and the user is surprised.
　補足すると、運転可能時間算出部１８によって算出される運転可能時間には誤差が含まれるため、運転可能時間は増減しうる。したがって、運転可能時間をそのまま空気調和機１０が停止するまでの時間として表示部３６、５６を介してユーザーに知らせるように空気調和機１０が構成される場合、空気調和機１０が停止するまでの時間が増減する可能性がある。その結果、ユーザーが混乱するおそれがある。そこで、空気調和機１０が停止するまでの第２の所定の時間を表示部３６、５６を介してユーザーに知らせた後は、その第２の所定の時間を知らせた時点から第２の所定の時間が経過したときに空気調和機１０を停止させるようにしている。また、第２の所定の時間を空気調和機１０の停止までの時間として表示部３６、５６を介してユーザーに知らせた後は、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０が第２の所定の時間をカウントダウンするように構成するのが好ましい。これにより、第２の所定の時間をユーザーに知らせた後に、リモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０の置き場所の変更等によって空気調和機１０とリモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０との通信接続が確立できない状態になっても、空気調和機１０の停止とリモートコントローラ３０および携帯情報端末５０の表示とを同期させることができる。 Supplementally, since the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit 18 includes an error, the drivable time can be increased or decreased. Therefore, when the air conditioner 10 is configured to inform the user via the display units 36 and 56 as the time until the air conditioner 10 is stopped as it is, the operation time until the air conditioner 10 is stopped. Time may increase or decrease. As a result, the user may be confused. Therefore, after notifying the user of the second predetermined time until the air conditioner 10 stops through the display units 36 and 56, the second predetermined time from the time when the second predetermined time is notified. The air conditioner 10 is stopped when time passes. In addition, after informing the user via the display units 36 and 56 of the second predetermined time as the time until the air conditioner 10 stops, the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 indicate the second predetermined time. It is preferable to configure to count down. Thereby, after notifying the user of the second predetermined time, the communication connection between the air conditioner 10 and the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 is established by changing the place where the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 are placed. Even if it becomes impossible, the stop of the air conditioner 10 and the display of the remote controller 30 and the portable information terminal 50 can be synchronized.
　本実施の形態によれば、空気調和機１０がいつでもどこでも省エネ運転を実行できるとともに、ユーザーはいつでもどこでも省エネを実感することができる。 According to this embodiment, the air conditioner 10 can perform energy saving operation anytime and anywhere, and the user can realize energy saving anywhere and anytime.
　具体的には、図５に示すようにリモートコントローラ３０の表示部３６および携帯情報端末５０の表示部５６の表示画面４２に運転可能時間が表示されることにより、ユーザーは、空気調和機１０の運転条件と、ユーザー自身が決定した上限の電気代と、空気調和機１０の運転可能時間との相関関係を経験的に知ることができる。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the operable time is displayed on the display screen 42 of the display unit 36 of the remote controller 30 and the display unit 56 of the portable information terminal 50, the user can select the air conditioner 10. It is possible to empirically know the correlation between the operating conditions, the upper limit electricity cost determined by the user, and the operable time of the air conditioner 10.
　すなわち、どのような運転条件であれば、少ない電気代（すなわち少ない電気量）で長時間運転可能であるのかをユーザーは効率的に且つ経験的に知ることができる。つまりは、省エネ運転が実現できる運転条件を経験的に知ることができる。 That is, the user can efficiently and empirically know under what operating conditions it can be operated for a long time with a small electricity bill (ie, a small amount of electricity). In other words, it is possible to know empirically the operation conditions that can realize the energy-saving operation.
　例えば、ユーザーがリモートコントローラ３０または携帯情報端末５０を操作して空気調和機１０の運転条件を変更すると、空気調和機１０の消費電力量が変化し（すなわち残量算出部１６によって算出される使用可能な残りの電気代が変化し）、その結果、運転可能時間算出部１８によって算出される運転可能時間が変化する。したがって、ユーザーは、運転可能時間が減少した場合には、ユーザーが変更した後の運転条件が省エネに貢献していないと知ることができ、一方、運転可能時間が増加した場合には、その運転条件が省エネに貢献していると知ることができる。 For example, when the user operates the remote controller 30 or the portable information terminal 50 to change the operating condition of the air conditioner 10, the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 changes (that is, the usage calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit 16). As a result, the operable electric time calculated by the operable time calculating unit 18 changes. Therefore, the user can know that the operating condition after the change by the user does not contribute to energy saving when the operating time is reduced, while the operating time after the change is increased, You can know that the conditions contribute to energy saving.
　このようにユーザーが経験的に省エネに寄与する運転条件を知り、そのユーザーが空気調和機１０の運転条件を設定することにより、空気調和機１０はいつでもどこでも省エネ運転を実行することが可能になる。また、その結果、ユーザーは、省エネ運転に貢献しているという満足感をいつでもどこでも得ることができる、すなわち省エネを実感することができる。 Thus, the user knows the operating conditions that contribute to energy saving empirically, and the user sets the operating conditions of the air conditioner 10, so that the air conditioner 10 can execute the energy saving operation anytime and anywhere. . As a result, the user can obtain a satisfaction feeling that he / she contributes to energy-saving driving anytime and anywhere, that is, can realize energy saving.
　本発明は、ユーザーによって運転条件が設定可能な空気調和機であれば適用可能である。 The present invention is applicable to any air conditioner in which operating conditions can be set by the user.
　１０　空気調和機
　１２　通信部
　１４　消費電力検出部
　１６　残量算出部
　１８　運転可能時間算出部
　２０　記憶部
　３０　リモートコントローラ
　３２　通信部
　３４　入力部
　３６　表示部
　４２　表示画面
　４２ａ　上限の電気代
　４２ｂ　運転可能時間
　５０　携帯情報端末
　５２　通信部
　５４　入力部
　５６　表示部
　６０　無線アダプタ
　６１　無線ゲートウェイ
　６２　アクセスポイント
　６３　外部インターネット
　６４　サーバー
　６５　通信会社
　Ｐ（ｎ）　期間
　Ｔ（ｎ）　タイミング
　ｔ（ｎ）　運転可能時間
　Ｃｒ（ｎ）　残りの電気代
　Ｃｓ（ｎ）　単位時間あたりの電気代
　Ｃｓ（ｎ）’　単位時間あたりの電気代の平滑値 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air conditioner 12 Communication part 14 Power consumption detection part 16 Remaining amount calculation part 18 Operation possible time calculation part 20 Storage part 30 Remote controller 32 Communication part 34 Input part 36 Display part 42 Display screen 42a Upper limit electric bill 42b Operation possible time 50 Mobile Information Terminal 52 Communication Unit 54 Input Unit 56 Display Unit 60 Wireless Adapter 61 Wireless Gateway 62 Access Point 63 External Internet 64 Server 65 Communication Company P (n) Period T (n) Timing t (n) Driven Time Cr (n ) Remaining electricity bill Cs (n) Electricity bill per unit time Cs (n) 'Smooth value of electricity bill per unit time

Claims (9)

  1. 　空気調和機であって、
    　前記空気調和機の運転条件をユーザーが設定するための操作部と、
    　前記空気調和機の運転に使用する上限の電気代または電力量がユーザーによって入力される入力部と、
    　前記入力部に入力された前記上限の電気代または電力量と、運転中の前記空気調和機が消費する電力量とに基づいて、使用可能な残りの電気代または電力量を算出する残量算出部と、
    　前記残量算出部によって算出された前記使用可能な残りの電気代または電力量を用いて運転することができる運転可能時間を算出する運転可能時間算出部と、
    　前記運転可能時間算出部によって算出された前記運転可能時間を前記空気調和機の運転開始時または運転中に表示する表示部と、を有する空気調和機。     An air conditioner,
    An operation unit for a user to set operating conditions of the air conditioner;
    An input unit in which an upper limit electricity bill or electric energy used for operation of the air conditioner is input by a user;
    Remaining amount calculation for calculating the remaining electricity cost or electric energy that can be used based on the upper limit electric energy or electric energy input to the input unit and the electric energy consumed by the operating air conditioner And
    A drivable time calculating unit that calculates a drivable time that can be operated using the remaining available electricity cost or power amount calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit;
    An air conditioner, comprising: a display unit configured to display the operable time calculated by the operable time calculation unit at the start or during operation of the air conditioner.
  2. 　前記操作部が前記空気調和機と双方向通信が可能なリモートコントローラで構成され、
    　前記入力部と前記表示部とが前記リモートコントローラに設けられ、
    　前記残量算出部と前記運転可能時間算出部とが前記空気調和機に設けられている、請求項１に記載の空気調和機。     The operation unit is composed of a remote controller capable of bidirectional communication with the air conditioner,
    The input unit and the display unit are provided in the remote controller,
    The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount calculating unit and the operable time calculating unit are provided in the air conditioner.
  3. 　前記表示部は、前記ユーザーが前記操作部を介して要求したときに、前記運転可能時間を表示するように構成されている、請求項１に記載の空気調和機。 The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured to display the operable time when the user requests through the operation unit.
  4. 　前記空気調和機の運転開始時または運転中に、前記上限の電気代または電気量が入力されるように前記入力部が構成されている、請求項１に記載の空気調和機。 The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is configured so that the upper limit electricity cost or amount of electricity is input when the air conditioner starts operation or during operation.
  5. 　前記運転可能時間算出部が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したとき、
    　前記運転可能時間がゼロであることを前記表示部が表示する動作、前記上限の電気代または電力量の前記表示部での表示を消す動作、または前記空気調和機の運転が停止する動作の少なくとも１つを実行する、請求項１に記載の空気調和機。     When the driveable time calculation unit calculates the driveable time as zero,
    At least an operation of the display unit displaying that the operable time is zero, an operation of turning off the display on the display unit of the upper limit electricity cost or electric energy, or an operation of stopping the operation of the air conditioner The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein one is executed.
  6. 　前記運転可能時間算出部が運転可能時間をゼロと算出したときに、前記空気調和機の運転が停止するか否かを前記ユーザーが選択可能に構成されている、請求項５に記載の空気調和機。 The air conditioning according to claim 5, wherein the user can select whether or not the operation of the air conditioner stops when the operable time calculation unit calculates the operable time as zero. Machine.
  7. 　前記運転可能時間算出部がゼロと異なる第１の所定の時間以内の運転可能時間を算出したときに前記表示部が前記第１の所定の時間に比べて短い第２の所定の時間を表示し、
    　その後、前記第２の所定の時間を表示した時点から前記第２の所定の時間が経過したときに、前記空気調和機の運転が停止する、請求項１から４のいずれか一項に記載の空気調和機。     When the drivable time calculation unit calculates a drivable time within a first predetermined time different from zero, the display unit displays a second predetermined time that is shorter than the first predetermined time. ,
    Then, the operation of the air conditioner is stopped when the second predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the second predetermined time is displayed. Air conditioner.
  8. 　空気調和機であって、
    　ユーザーにより携帯情報端末に入力された前記空気調和機の運転に使用する上限の電気代または電力量の情報を、外部ネットワークを経由して受信する通信部と、
    　前記通信部が受信した前記上限の電気代または電力量の情報と、運転中の前記空気調和機が消費する電力量とに基づいて、使用可能な残りの電気代または電力量を算出する残量算出部と、
    　前記残量算出部によって算出された前記使用可能な残りの電気代または電力量を用いて運転することができる運転可能時間を算出する運転可能時間算出部と、を備え、
    　前記運転可能時間算出部によって算出された前記運転可能時間を、前記通信部から前記外部ネットワークを経由して前記携帯情報端末に送信する空気調和機。     An air conditioner,
    A communication unit that receives, via an external network, information on an upper limit electricity cost or electric energy used for operation of the air conditioner input to the portable information terminal by the user;
    The remaining amount for calculating the remaining available electricity bill or power amount based on the information on the upper limit electricity bill or power amount received by the communication unit and the power amount consumed by the operating air conditioner A calculation unit;
    A drivable time calculation unit that calculates a drivable time that can be operated using the remaining available electricity cost or power amount calculated by the remaining amount calculation unit,
    An air conditioner that transmits the drivable time calculated by the drivable time calculation unit to the portable information terminal from the communication unit via the external network.
  9. 　前記運転可能時間算出部がゼロと異なる第１の所定の時間以内の運転可能時間を算出したときに、前記携帯情報端末に備えられた表示部に前記第１の所定の時間に比べて短い第２の所定の時間を表示し、
    　その後、前記第２の所定の時間を表示した時点から前記第２の所定の時間が経過したときに、前記空気調和機の運転が停止する、請求項８に記載の空気調和機。     When the drivable time calculation unit calculates a drivable time within a first predetermined time that is different from zero, the display unit provided in the portable information terminal is shorter than the first predetermined time. 2 shows the predetermined time,
    9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein after the second predetermined time is displayed, the operation of the air conditioner is stopped when the second predetermined time has elapsed.
PCT/JP2014/003295 2013-06-27 2014-06-19 Air conditioner WO2014208062A1 (en)

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