WO2024134752A1 - Diagnostic system of air conditioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

A diagnostic system (1000) diagnoses an air conditioning device (40) in accordance with a command from a user terminal (160) operated by a user. The diagnostic system (1000) comprises a data monitoring device (30) that monitors data of the air conditioning device (40), and a diagnostic server (1) that makes a diagnosis using the data of the air conditioning device (40). The data monitoring device (30) executes a first diagnosis that detects an abnormality of the air conditioning device (40), regardless of instructions from the user terminal (160). The diagnostic server (1) executes, in accordance with a request from the user terminal (160), a second diagnosis, not included in the first diagnosis, using data collected by the data monitoring device (30).

Description

Air conditioner diagnostic system

This disclosure relates to a diagnostic system for an air conditioning device.

For commercial air conditioning systems, monitoring for abnormalities from remote locations using an internet connection is being considered.

For example, JP 2019-120433 A discloses an air conditioning system that includes an air conditioning device, a local controller that is communicatively connected to the air conditioning device and has a function of monitoring the air conditioning device for abnormal states, and a monitoring center that is communicatively connected to the local controller via a network line.

JP 2019-120433 A

　When a user feels that the air conditioner is not working properly (insufficient state), such as not cooling or heating, even though no error code is displayed, the user does not know the cause. In such cases, a service technician would normally inspect the unit, but if a service technician is dispatched in response to a user's contact, this requires time and service fees. In some cases, a call center can be contacted, but since there is little that the user can check, a thorough inspection cannot be performed and the cause often remains unidentified. On the other hand, as in JP 2019-120433 A (Patent Document 1), introducing a mechanism to constantly monitor the operating status (data) and detect malfunctions incurs installation and maintenance costs for the system itself. In addition, such systems often only monitor for abnormalities, and may not detect malfunctions that do not become abnormal.

This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to disclose a diagnostic system for air conditioners that allows users to know the cause of a malfunction that does not amount to an abnormality when they feel it.

The present disclosure relates to a diagnostic system that diagnoses an air conditioning device in response to commands from a user terminal operated by a user. The diagnostic system includes a data monitoring device that monitors data from the air conditioning device, and a diagnostic server that performs diagnosis using the data from the air conditioning device. The data monitoring device executes a first diagnosis that detects an abnormality in the air conditioning device, regardless of commands from the user terminal. In response to a request from the user terminal, the diagnostic server executes a second diagnosis not included in the first diagnosis, using data collected by the data monitoring device.

The diagnostic system disclosed herein can perform a detailed diagnosis when the user feels unwell, making it possible to obtain diagnostic results that are easy for the user to accept while keeping operating costs down.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of operational data obtained from an air conditioning apparatus. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first diagnosis executed in the air conditioning apparatus. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a second diagnosis executed by the diagnosis server.

Below, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the embodiments and several application examples will be described, but it is planned from the beginning of the application that the configurations described in each application example will be appropriately combined. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the figures will be given the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. Note that the size relationships of the components in the following figures may differ from the actual ones.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device diagnostic system according to this embodiment. The diagnostic system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a diagnostic server 1 and an air conditioning device 40 whose condition is diagnosed by the diagnostic server 1. The diagnostic system 1000 further comprises a user terminal 160. As shown in FIG. 1, the diagnostic server 1 can be connected to the air conditioning device 40 via the network 900 and the user terminal 160. The user terminal 160 may be, for example, a smartphone or the like that is used by installing application software.

The diagnostic server 1 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, memory 3 (ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory)), a communication unit 4, a database 5, an input/output buffer (not shown), etc. The CPU 2 deploys the program stored in the ROM to the RAM, etc. and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program in which the processing procedures of the diagnostic server 1 are written. The diagnostic server 1 performs diagnosis of the air conditioning device 40 according to these programs. This control is not limited to processing by software, and can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry). The communication unit 4 is an interface for connecting to the network 900. The database 5 stores data related to the air conditioning device 40. The diagnostic server 1 may be constructed in a distributed manner across multiple servers connected to the network 900.

The user terminal 160 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by a user. The user terminal 160 is configured to include a CPU 162, a memory 163 (ROM and RAM), an input unit 164, a display unit 165, wireless communication units 166, 167, etc. The CPU 162 deploys a program stored in the ROM to the RAM, etc. and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program in which the processing procedure of the user terminal 160 is written. The user terminal 160 issues a command to diagnose the air conditioning device 40 and relays data that is the basis for diagnosing the air conditioning device 40 according to these programs. This control is not limited to processing by software, and can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry). The wireless communication unit 167 is a wireless interface for connecting to the network 900. For example, the wireless communication unit 167 can use a mobile phone network such as 5G or 4G. The wireless communication unit 166 is a wireless interface for communicating with the air conditioning device 40 via a route other than the network 900. For example, the wireless communication unit 166 can use Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

The air conditioning device 40 comprises an outdoor unit 7, an indoor unit 20, and a remote control 150. The outdoor unit 7 comprises an outdoor unit 10 and a control device 30. The control device 30 controls the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. The remote control 150 is configured to send commands from a user to the control device 30 and to show the user various information received from the control device 30. The control device 30 may be located in a different location from the outdoor unit 7. The control device 30 may also be located separately in the outdoor unit 7 and the indoor unit 20.

The remote control 150 is arranged, for example, on a wall of a room, and is configured so that the user can set the temperature, air volume, etc. The remote control 150 is configured to include a CPU 152, memory 153 (ROM and RAM), input unit 154, display unit 155, wireless communication unit 156, etc. The CPU 152 expands a program stored in the ROM into the RAM, etc., and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program in which the processing procedures of the remote control 150 are written. In accordance with these programs, the remote control 150 transmits commands such as the set temperature and air volume to the control device 30 of the air conditioner 40, and relays data that is the basis for diagnosing the air conditioner 40. This control is not limited to processing by software, and can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry). The wireless communication unit 156 is a wireless interface (Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.) for communicating with the user terminal 160 via a route separate from the network 900.

For example, when a user feels that the air conditioning device 40 (space environment) is not working properly (not cooling or heating properly, making an abnormal sound), the user would like to know the cause of the malfunction and how to deal with it. The user would then use the user terminal 160 they own to communicate with the remote control 150. To carry out this communication, it is conceivable that dedicated application software could be installed in advance on a general-purpose smartphone and used as the user terminal 160.

The control device 30 transmits the operating data (including model name information and manufacturing serial number) of the air conditioner 40 when the user feels unwell via the remote control 150, and the operating data is stored on the user terminal 160 (this data itself can be stored temporarily without any problem).

Then, the user terminal 160 transmits the stored driving data, etc. from the user terminal 160 to the diagnostic server 1 on the manufacturer side. The transmission can be performed using the public line used by the user (for example, 5G communication or LTE (registered trademark) communication).

The diagnostic server 1 analyzes the received operating data, etc., and investigates whether there is a malfunction in the air conditioning device 40 and the cause of the malfunction that the user feels. If there is a cause for the malfunction, the diagnostic server 1 considers countermeasures. The diagnostic server 1 classifies the countermeasures as either ones that the user can handle by themselves or not. The diagnostic server 1 then transmits the analysis results and the countermeasures to the user terminal 160.

If there is no malfunction, the user terminal 160 will present to the user the reason why the user felt that something was wrong. For example, the cause may be "the outside temperature is too high (too low)" or "the energy saving mode is set," and the user may be informed that "there is nothing wrong with the air conditioning device itself."

If there is a malfunction and there is a solution that the user can take themselves, the user terminal 160 will present the user with the estimated cause and the solution. (A typical example of a solution would be cleaning the indoor filter.) On the other hand, if there is a malfunction and there is no solution that the user can take themselves, the user terminal 160 will present only the cause to the user.

If the user is not satisfied with the presented content and requests a detailed inspection, the user terminal 160 will ask the user to "dispatch a service technician." In this case, since no abnormality has been found and the air conditioning device itself may be operating normally, the user is responsible for deciding whether or not to actually dispatch a service technician.

Normal diagnostic systems only have a mechanism for detecting the air conditioning device itself, and therefore only judge abnormalities. Malfunctions are not breakdowns, so they are difficult to detect because the air conditioning device is operating and it is judged that at least the air conditioning system is operating normally. The diagnostic system 1000 of this embodiment is able to detect malfunctions based on the user's senses.

For example, when a user has questions (dissatisfaction) about an appliance that is not working properly (=malfunctioning) but has not yet stopped, such as "there is a strange noise" or "it is not cooling or heating properly," the diagnostic system 1000 can answer the question (dissatisfaction) by finding the cause and offering a solution.

The configuration of the air conditioner and the control of the diagnostic system will be explained in more detail below.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner. The air conditioner 40 shown in Fig. 2 includes a plurality of indoor units 20, an outdoor unit 10, and a control device 30. Each of the plurality of indoor units 20 is disposed in an indoor space, and is connected to the outdoor unit 10 by liquid piping and gas piping through which a refrigerant passes. The outdoor unit 10 is disposed in a space outside the indoor space (outdoor space). The number of indoor units 20 included in the air conditioner 40 may be one or three or more.

The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, and a fan 14. Each of the indoor units 20 includes an expansion valve 21 and an indoor heat exchanger 22. A refrigerant is supplied to each of the indoor units 20 from the compressor 11 included in the outdoor unit 10. The refrigerant circulates between each of the indoor units 20 and the outdoor unit 10.

The control device 30 performs integrated control of the air conditioning device 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 30 can be connected to the diagnostic server 1 via a remote control 150, a user terminal 160, and a network 900. The network 900 includes the Internet and a cloud system. The network 900 may be a LAN (Local Area Network).

The control device 30 is composed of a CPU 32, memory 33 (ROM and RAM), an input/output buffer (not shown), etc. The CPU 32 deploys a program stored in the ROM into the RAM etc. and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program in which the processing procedures of the control device 30 are written. The control device 30 controls each device in the air conditioning device 40 in accordance with these programs. This control is not limited to processing by software, but can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, a four-way valve 13, a fan 14, an accumulator 15, temperature sensors 54-56, pressure sensors 61 and 63, and a humidity sensor 57.

Each of the multiple indoor units 20 includes an expansion valve 21, an indoor heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, and temperature sensors 51 to 53. The expansion valve 21 includes, for example, a LEV (Linear Expansion Valve).

The operating modes of the air conditioner 40 include a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a defrost mode. In the heating mode, the four-way valve 13 connects the discharge port of the compressor 11 to the indoor heat exchanger 22, and also connects the outdoor heat exchanger 12 to the refrigerant inlet of the accumulator 15. In the heating mode, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the four-way valve 13, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 21, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 in that order. In the cooling mode and the defrost mode, the four-way valve 13 connects the discharge port of the compressor 11 to the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and also connects the indoor heat exchanger 22 to the refrigerant inlet of the accumulator 15. In the cooling mode and the defrost mode, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the four-way valve 13, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the expansion valve 21, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 in that order.

The temperature sensor 51 measures the temperature of the air drawn into the indoor heat exchanger 22 (room temperature TH1ic) and outputs this temperature to the control device 30. The temperature sensors 52 and 53 measure the temperatures of the refrigerant before and after passing through the indoor heat exchanger 22 (indoor liquid temperature TH2ic, indoor gas temperature TH3ic), respectively, and output these temperatures to the control device 30.

The temperature sensor 54 measures the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 (discharge temperature TH4) and outputs the discharge temperature to the control device 30. The temperature sensor 55 measures the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 via the accumulator 15 (suction temperature TH5) and outputs the suction temperature to the control device 30. The temperature sensor 56 measures the temperature TH3 of the liquid refrigerant in the piping connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the liquid pipe 41 and outputs this temperature to the control device 30.

The pressure sensor 61 measures the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 (discharge pressure HS1) and outputs the discharge pressure HS1 to the control device 30. The pressure sensor 63 measures the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 (suction pressure LS) and outputs the suction pressure LS to the control device 30.

Below, control during cooling will be described as a representative example. The control device 30 controls the operating frequency fCOMP of the compressor 11 so that the intake saturated gas temperature becomes the target temperature, thereby controlling the amount of refrigerant discharged by the compressor 11 per unit time. The control device 30 controls the opening degree Li of the expansion valve 21 so that the degree of superheat SH (=TH3ic-TH2ic) of the refrigerant at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 22 becomes the target value. The control device 30 controls the four-way valve 13 to form a flow path as shown by the solid line, thereby switching the refrigerant circulation direction. The control device 30 controls the rotation frequency fFANo of the fan 14 so that the discharge saturated gas temperature becomes the target value, thereby controlling the amount of air blown by the fan per unit time. The control device 30 controls the rotation frequency fFANi of the fan 23 so as to achieve the air volume set by the user.

The control device 30 monitors whether some of the detection values of the above sensors are within the normal range, and if the detection value is outside the normal range, stops the compressor 11 and fans 14, 23 to protect the air conditioning device 40, and stops operation of the air conditioning device 40. This type of monitoring and diagnosis process will be referred to as the "first diagnosis."

On the other hand, when there is a request from the user terminal 160 shown in FIG. 1, the control device 30 associates the operating data reflecting the state of the air conditioning system with the measurement time and transmits it to the diagnostic server 1 via the remote control 150, the user terminal 160, and the network 900. The diagnostic server 1 performs a "second diagnosis" that is more advanced than the "first diagnosis." The "second diagnosis" diagnoses malfunctions based on a combination of detection values from multiple sensors, changes over time in the detection value of a single sensor, etc.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of operating data obtained from an air conditioning system. As shown in Figure 3, the operating data includes various parameters. The various parameters include, for example, the outdoor air temperature, discharge temperature (TH4), evaporation temperature (TH2ic), condensation temperature, suction temperature (TH1ic), blowing temperature, high pressure (HS1), low pressure (LS), operating frequency (fCOMP) of compressor 11, opening of expansion valve 21, operating mode, operating state (operating, stopped, or standby), rotation speeds of fans 14 and 23 (fFANo, fFANi), the temperature of the indoor space set by the user (set temperature), the current value of the inverter of compressor 11, the voltage value of the inverter, the temperature of the heat sink included in outdoor unit 10, and the temperature (liquid pipe temperature TH3) of the liquid pipe (piping through which liquid refrigerant flows) connecting outdoor unit 10 and indoor unit 20. The operating frequency of the compressor 11, the opening of the expansion valve 21, and the rotation speed of the fan 14 are basic control variables in VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) control. These are analytical data necessary to analyze the operating conditions.

Furthermore, the serial number of the air conditioning device 40, "AB12345", may be read from the memory of the air conditioning device 40 and transmitted along with the detection values of the various sensors described above.

When the first diagnosis is performed, the control device 30 performs the first diagnosis based on these data.
On the other hand, when the second diagnosis is performed, these data are transmitted from the user terminal 160 to the diagnostic server 1. Upon receiving these data, the diagnostic server 1 performs a diagnosis based on the contents of the analysis data and returns analysis result data.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the first diagnosis executed in the air conditioning device. For example, an example of the first diagnosis is to determine whether the discharge temperature (TH4) of the compressor 11 exceeds a threshold value, and if it does, to stop the compressor. Such a state can occur due to an overload, etc.

First, in step S1, the control device 30 determines whether the current time has reached the diagnosis time. If it is not the diagnosis time (NO in S1), the process returns to the main routine in step S6, and then the process of step S1 is executed again.

When the diagnosis time arrives (YES in S1), in step S2, the control device 30 acquires the sensor value. For example, in the case of the discharge temperature (TH4), the control device 30 acquires the temperature TH4 detected by the temperature sensor 54.

Next, in step S3, the control device 30 determines whether the acquired sensor value is within the normal range. For example, in the case of the discharge temperature (TH4), the control device 30 determines whether the acquired discharge temperature exceeds a threshold value. This threshold value is determined, for example, based on the heat resistance temperature of the components of the compressor 11. If the sensor value is within the normal range (YES in S3), processing returns to the main routine in step S6, and then processing in step S1 is executed again.

On the other hand, if the sensor value is not within the normal range (NO in S3), the control device 30 stores an error code indicating that the sensor value is abnormal in the memory 33 in step S4, and executes a stop process such as stopping the compressor 11 in step S5. The stored error code can be used later by a service technician who comes to repair the malfunction, etc., to identify the cause of the malfunction.

In the above explanation, an example was given in which the first diagnosis is performed by the control device 30, but the first diagnosis may also be performed by the remote control 150 or another device connected to the air conditioning device 40. Also, an example was given in which the first diagnosis is a diagnosis of whether the discharge temperature has exceeded the upper limit, but it may also be a diagnosis of other sensor values. For example, the pressure HS1 of the high pressure section shown in Figure 3, the inverter current value, the voltage value, etc. may be diagnosed as the first diagnosis.

The first diagnosis is a relatively simple diagnosis, such as determining whether a sensor value is within a range between upper and lower limits set for that sensor value. In contrast, the second diagnosis, which will be described below, requires more advanced judgments or calculations than the first diagnosis. For this reason, the second diagnosis is executed by the diagnostic server 1, which has a higher data processing capacity than the control device 30 of the air conditioning device 40.

For example, the second diagnosis is executed in response to a command from the user when the discharge temperature has not reached the threshold and operation is possible and continues, but the user feels that the unit is not cooling, in other words, when there is a malfunction, but not an abnormality. Specifically, the second diagnosis is executed in a situation where, for example, when multiple indoor units are operating at the same time, the intake filter is clogged and cooling is difficult.

There are several possible examples of the second diagnosis being more advanced than the first diagnosis. For example, in the first diagnosis, the control device 30 judges whether the instantaneous value of one sensor exceeds a threshold value. It may also be possible for the control device 30 to count the number of times the sensor value exceeds the threshold value within a certain period of time, and to judge an abnormality when the number of times exceeds a judgment value. If an abnormality is judged in the first diagnosis, the control device 30 stops the air conditioning device 40. In contrast, the second diagnosis is executed at the user's request in a state in which the first diagnosis does not result in stopping, that is, when the sensor value does not exceed the threshold value for the first diagnosis. In the second diagnosis, the diagnostic server 1 executes a judgment on a combination of multiple sensors, or uses a value calculated based on more data than the first diagnosis, such as an average value, rather than the instantaneous value of the sensor value. In the latter example, for example, the first diagnosis may be executed based on the output of the sensors 51 to 57 in a first period (instantaneous value, short-term average value, etc.), and the second diagnosis may be executed based on the output of the sensors 51 to 57 in a second period (long-term average value, etc.) longer than the first period. However, the second diagnosis does not necessarily have to be more advanced than the first diagnosis. For example, the first diagnosis may be performed on a limited number of important diagnoses due to time or other constraints, and the second diagnosis may be performed on only the details that you would like to check.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the second diagnosis executed by the diagnostic server. In this flowchart, data is sent and received between the control device 30 of the air conditioning device 40, the user terminal 160, and the diagnostic server 1.

The second diagnosis is triggered by a command from the user via the user terminal 160. When the user feels something is wrong, even if the control device 30 of the air conditioning device 40 has not diagnosed an abnormality, the user can send data from the remote control 150 of the air conditioning device 40 to the diagnostic server 1 via the user terminal 160 (such as a smartphone), and receive a detailed diagnosis from the diagnostic server 1.

First, in step S21, when the user terminal 160 receives a request for a second diagnosis from the user, in step S21 it requests data to be used in the second diagnosis from the control device 30 of the air conditioning device 40. In the example of FIG. 1, such communication between the control device 30 and the user terminal 160 is conveniently performed via a remote control 150 capable of wireless communication. Specifically, the user connects to the remote control 150 using a user terminal such as a smartphone. The connection method can use wireless communication, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

In the air conditioning device 40, if there is no request for the second diagnosis (NO in S11), in step S14, the first diagnosis shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is periodically executed. The air conditioning device 40 may be prepared to transmit operating data for a certain period of time to a device such as a remote control 150 that can be accessed by the user. The operating data for the certain period of time is stored in the memory of the control device 30 or the remote control 150.

On the other hand, if there is a request for a second diagnosis (YES in S11), the control device 30 collects data for the second diagnosis in step S12 and transmits the data to the user terminal 160 in step S13.

The data for the second diagnosis may be the same as the data for the first diagnosis. In that case, a map of normal ranges when multiple sensor values are input may be used as a criterion for determining whether a malfunction is occurring in the second diagnosis.

The data for the second diagnosis may be more than the data for the first diagnosis. For example, when there is a request for the second diagnosis, the control device 30 may measure data at regular intervals for a certain period of time, and transmit data showing changes in the sensor values to the user terminal 160. For diagnosis, the compressor frequency, expansion valve opening, etc. may be changed, and data on the sensor values before and after the changes may be transmitted to the user terminal 160.

The second diagnostic data may also include information on the outdoor unit's serial number (production model number) and various operating data, as shown in Figure 3.

In step S22, the user terminal 160 receives data from the control device 30 via the remote control 150. Then, in step S23, the user terminal 160 requests a second diagnosis from the diagnostic server 1, and in step S24 transfers the data acquired from the air conditioning device 40 to the diagnostic server 1. The diagnostic server 1 may be the manufacturer's server where information on the "outdoor unit manufacturing number" (manufacturing model number) is managed.

The diagnostic server 1 determines in step S31 whether or not there is a request for a second diagnosis. If there is no request for a second diagnosis (NO in S31), it exits the processing of this flowchart and waits again for a request for a second diagnosis in step S31. When the diagnostic server 1 receives a request for a second diagnosis in step S31 (YES in S31), it receives data for the second diagnosis from the user terminal 160 in step S32. Then, it executes diagnostic processing for the second diagnosis in step S33. Then, it transmits the diagnosis results to the user terminal 160 in step S34.

If the operating data is not stored on the air conditioning device 40 side, the air conditioning device 40 may communicate with the remote control 150 while operating, and operating data for a certain period of time, for example, about 30 minutes, may be stored in the user terminal 160 and then transmitted to the diagnostic server 1. In this case, the longer the operating data, the higher the accuracy of the diagnosis.

When the diagnostic server 1 receives the data for the second diagnosis, it performs an analysis based on the data sent and transmits the results to the user terminal 160. There are two main types of information that can be transmitted. The first type is the "probable cause," and the second type is the "proposed countermeasures."

The "probable cause" that is sent explains the cause of the malfunction, and includes, for example, "whether there is anything abnormal in the air conditioning system" and "probable cause of the malfunction (probable location of anomaly)." Specific examples include unit-related causes such as worn parts and a decrease in refrigerant, as well as external factors such as high outside temperatures.

The "proposed countermeasures" sent will contain the details of measures that the user can take and that are expected to improve the condition of the air conditioning device 40, if any. For example, cleaning the filters is an example. On the other hand, if there are no measures that the user can take, or if the measures do not improve the condition, a maintenance request will be suggested.

When the user terminal 160 receives the diagnosis result in step S25, it displays the diagnosis result on the display unit 165 in step S26. The user can learn the cause of the malfunction by being presented with the "probable cause."

Furthermore, if possible "measures" that the user can take have been sent along with the diagnosis results (YES in S27), the user terminal 160 presents the measures to the user in step S28. For example, measures such as "Please clean the air intake filter" and "Please limit the simultaneous use of indoor units" are presented.

On the other hand, if the user terminal 160 does not receive any possible solutions along with the diagnosis results (NO in S27), in step S29 it will present solutions such as requesting the dispatch of a service technician.

As described above, according to the diagnostic system of this embodiment, if a user feels a malfunction, the cause is displayed, allowing the user to check for themselves whether or not there is a breakdown. Although it takes time for a user to request an inspection after feeling a malfunction, as in the past, the cost of the inspection itself and the time costs are reduced. It costs less than introducing a system that constantly monitors malfunctions.

In addition, because the diagnosis is based on the user's operating data, it is possible to make suggestions that are tailored to each user's usage. For example, it is user-friendly because it does not give a standard answer such as "You need to replace it because it has been operating for a long time."

(Various application examples)
(Application Example 1)
The environment in which the air conditioning apparatus 40 operates may have characteristics specific to that environment (for example, the length of the refrigerant piping, the type of indoor unit 20, the number of indoor units 20, and the elevation difference between the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10). Therefore, the judgment criteria (for example, threshold values) for detecting an abnormality in the air conditioning apparatus 40 may differ depending on the environment in which the air conditioning apparatus 40 operates. Therefore, if a common judgment criterion is used regardless of the environment in which the air conditioning apparatus 40 operates, the accuracy of abnormality detection in the air conditioning apparatus 40 may decrease.

In the diagnostic server 1, if a normal state is confirmed during a trial run after the air conditioning system is installed, it is assumed that the state will remain normal for a certain period of time thereafter. Then, a judgment reference value determined based on the operating data of the air conditioning unit 40 during that certain period of time is uploaded together with the serial number and registered in the database 5. By using an individual judgment reference value for this serial number, it becomes possible to detect malfunctions and abnormalities in the air conditioning unit 40 using judgment criteria that are suited to the environment in which the individual air conditioning unit 40 operates. As a result, the accuracy of abnormality detection in the air conditioning system can be improved.

In such a case, the initial data at the time of installation is uploaded to the database 5 of the diagnostic server 1 in association with the serial number, and is compared with the operating data during the second diagnosis. This makes it possible to display on the user terminal 160 the percentage of decline in air conditioning capacity, the percentage of deterioration of parts, etc.

In the case of the degree of deterioration of parts, etc., the inspection data at the time of manufacture, rather than after installation, may be associated with the serial number and stored in the database 5 of the diagnostic server 1, and this inspection data may be used for the second diagnosis.

(Application Example 2)
The diagnostic server 1 stores the serial number of the air conditioner 40 and the lot history of the parts used in the database 5 at the manufacturing stage.

The second diagnosis involves checking the lot history of the parts used from the serial number, and recommending part replacement if the lot has a high number of malfunctions.

(Application Example 3)
The serial number and repair history of the air conditioning device 40 are uploaded to the diagnostic server 1 every time a repair occurs and are stored in the database 5.

In the second diagnosis, the repair history is checked from the serial number, and measures to address malfunctions that have a repair history are presented. For example, if there is a history of refrigerant leak repairs, guidance on refrigerant leak repairs (refrigerant refilling) is provided.

(summary)
Finally, the present embodiment will be summarized with reference to the drawings again.

(Section 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the diagnostic system 1000 shown in this disclosure diagnoses the air conditioning device 40 in response to commands from a user terminal 160 operated by a user. The diagnostic system 1000 includes a data monitoring device (control device 30) that monitors data from the air conditioning device 40, and a diagnostic server 1 that performs diagnosis using the data from the air conditioning device 40. The data monitoring device (control device 30) executes a first diagnosis to detect abnormalities in the air conditioning device 40, regardless of commands from the user terminal 160. The diagnostic server 1 executes a second diagnosis, not included in the first diagnosis, using data collected by the data monitoring device (control device 30) in response to a request from the user terminal 160.

(Section 2) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in Section 1 is configured so that communication between the user terminal 160 and the data monitoring device (control device 30) takes place over a first communication network (Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.), and communication between the user terminal 160 and the diagnostic server 1 takes place over a second communication network (network 900, the Internet, 5G, LTE (registered trademark), etc.) that is different from the first communication network. When requesting execution of a second diagnosis, the user terminal 160 is configured to acquire data necessary for the second diagnosis from the data monitoring device (control device 30) and transmit the acquired data to the diagnostic server 1.

(Clause 3) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in clause 2 further includes at least one sensor 51-57 that is installed in the air conditioning device 40 and measures a parameter that is used as a basis for abnormality diagnosis. When the user terminal 160 requests execution of a second diagnosis, it causes the data monitoring device (control device 30) to measure a parameter corresponding to data required for the second diagnosis using the sensors 51-57.

(4) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in 1 further includes at least one sensor 51-57 that is installed in the air conditioning device 40 and measures a parameter that is used as a basis for abnormality diagnosis. The first diagnosis is performed based on the output of the sensors 51-57 during a first period, and the second diagnosis is performed based on the output of the sensors 51-57 during a second period that is longer than the first period.

(5) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in 1 further includes a plurality of sensors 51-57 that are installed in the air conditioning device 40 and measure a plurality of parameters that serve as criteria for diagnosing an abnormality. The first diagnosis is performed based on the output of a first number of the plurality of sensors 51-57, and the second diagnosis is performed based on the output of a second number of the plurality of sensors 51-57 that is greater than the first number.

(Clause 6) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in Clause 1 further includes a first storage device (memory 33) that stores the serial number of the air conditioning device 40. The data required for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device (memory 33). The diagnostic server 1 includes a second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5) that stores information on parts used that correspond to the serial number, and a processing device (CPU 2) that checks whether the part used that corresponds to the serial number is a part from a specified production lot based on the information stored in the second storage device (memory 3 or DB 5), and provides guidance on part replacement if the part used is a part from the specified production lot.

(Clause 7) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in Clause 1 further includes a first storage device (memory 33) that stores the serial number of the air conditioning device 40. Data required for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device (memory 33). The diagnostic server 1 includes a second storage device (memory 3 or DB5) that stores repair history information corresponding to the serial number, and a processing device (CPU2) that provides repair guidance based on the history information stored in the second storage device (memory 3 or DB5).

(Clause 8) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in Clause 1 further includes a first storage device (memory 33) that stores the serial number of the air conditioning device 40. Data required for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device (memory 33). The diagnostic server 1 includes a second storage device (memory 3 or DB5) that stores inspection data at the time of manufacture corresponding to the serial number, and a processing device (CPU2) that compares the inspection data stored in the second storage device (memory 3 or DB5) with current data to determine the degree of deterioration.

(Clause 9) The air conditioning device diagnostic system 1000 described in Clause 1 further includes a first storage device (memory 33) that stores the serial number of the air conditioning device 40. The data required for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device (memory 33). The diagnostic server 1 includes a second storage device (memory 3 or DB5) that stores initial data at the time of installation corresponding to the serial number, and a processing device (CPU2) that compares the initial data stored in the second storage device (memory 3 or DB5) with current data to determine the degree of deterioration.

According to the diagnostic system of the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
In a stand-alone system, the processing capacity of the control device is limited and advanced diagnosis is not possible, but in this embodiment, by using a diagnostic server, advanced diagnostic processing becomes possible.

The installation and maintenance costs of the system itself are cheaper than introducing a mechanism that uses a diagnostic server for constant monitoring to detect the cause of malfunctions. In other words, because the diagnostic server is used only when necessary, detailed diagnostic results can be obtained from operating data without incurring operational costs.

No special equipment is required to collect data; it can be done using commercially available products (smartphones, application software, etc.).

Since simple diagnosis is possible without the need to dispatch a service technician, there is a higher chance that the user will be able to resolve the problem themselves.

Since diagnosis does not require difficult operations or tasks, no specialized knowledge or qualifications are required.
Since the user can choose the appropriate response based on the information sent from the server, the user is more likely to be satisfied.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 diagnostic server, 2, 32, 152, 162 CPU, 3, 33, 153, 163 memory, 4 communication unit, 5 database, 7 outdoor unit, 10 outdoor unit, 11 compressor, 12, 22 heat exchanger, 13 four-way valve, 14, 23 fan, 15 accumulator, 20 indoor unit, 21 expansion valve, 30 control device, 40 air conditioning device, 41 liquid pipe, 51 to 56 temperature sensor, 57 humidity sensor, 61, 63 pressure sensor, 150 remote control, 154, 164 input unit, 155, 165 display unit, 156, 166, 167 wireless communication unit, 160 user terminal, 900 network, 1000 diagnostic system.

Claims (9)

A diagnostic system that diagnoses an air conditioning device in response to a command from a user terminal operated by a user,
A data monitoring device that monitors data of the air conditioning device;
a diagnostic server that performs a diagnosis using data on the air conditioning device,
the data monitoring device executes a first diagnosis to detect an abnormality in the air conditioning device regardless of an instruction from the user terminal;
An air conditioning device diagnostic system in which the diagnostic server performs a second diagnosis not included in the first diagnosis using data collected by the data monitoring device in response to a request from the user terminal. the diagnostic system is configured to perform communication between the user terminal and the data monitoring device through a first communication network, and to perform communication between the user terminal and the diagnostic server through a second communication network different from the first communication network;
The air conditioning device diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the user terminal is configured to obtain data necessary for the second diagnosis from the data monitoring device when requesting execution of the second diagnosis, and to transmit the obtained data to the diagnostic server. Further, at least one sensor is provided in the air conditioning apparatus to measure a parameter serving as a basis for determining an abnormality diagnosis,
The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 2 , wherein, when the user terminal requests execution of the second diagnosis, the user terminal causes the data monitoring device to use the sensor to measure a parameter corresponding to data necessary for the second diagnosis. Further, at least one sensor is provided in the air conditioning apparatus to measure a parameter serving as a basis for determining an abnormality diagnosis,
The first diagnosis is performed based on an output of the sensor during a first time period;
The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , wherein the second diagnosis is performed based on an output of the sensor for a second period longer than the first period. Further comprising a plurality of sensors installed in the air conditioning apparatus and measuring a plurality of parameters that are used to determine an abnormality diagnosis,
the first diagnosis is performed based on outputs of a first number of the plurality of sensors;
The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , wherein the second diagnosis is performed based on outputs from a second number of the plurality of sensors, the second number being greater than the first number. A first storage device that stores a serial number of the air conditioning device,
the data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device,
The diagnostic server includes:
a second storage device that stores information on parts used corresponding to the serial numbers;
The air conditioning device diagnostic system of claim 1, further comprising a processing device that checks whether the part used corresponding to the serial number is a part from a specified manufacturing lot based on the information stored in the second storage device, and if the part used is a part from the specified manufacturing lot, provides guidance on part replacement. A first storage device that stores a serial number of the air conditioning device,
the data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device,
The diagnostic server includes:
a second storage device that stores repair history information corresponding to the serial number;
The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a processing device that provides repair guidance based on the history information stored in the second storage device. A first storage device that stores a serial number of the air conditioning device,
the data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device,
The diagnostic server includes:
a second storage device that stores inspection data at the time of manufacture corresponding to the serial number;
The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , further comprising a processing device that compares the inspection data stored in the second storage device with current data to determine a degree of deterioration. A first storage device that stores a serial number of the air conditioning device,
the data necessary for the second diagnosis includes data indicating the serial number stored in the first storage device,
The diagnostic server includes:
A second storage device that stores initial data at the time of installation corresponding to the serial number;
The air-conditioning apparatus diagnostic system according to claim 1 , further comprising a processing device that compares the initial data stored in the second storage device with current data to determine a degree of deterioration.

Images