JP7773391B2 - Air conditioning management device, air conditioner, air conditioning system, and air conditioner management method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an air conditioning management device, an air conditioner, an air conditioning system, and a method for managing an air conditioner.

Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system. In this air conditioning system, a camera is installed in the air conditioning indoor unit to capture images of the interior of the room. The captured image data is compared with registered information, and if an unregistered person is present in the room, the behavioral patterns of the unregistered person are analyzed. If the unregistered person is determined to be a suspicious person, a message indicating that a suspicious person has entered the room is sent to the operating terminal via a router, the Internet, and a server (paragraphs 0012, 0022, and 0023).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-154085

Obtaining images of the interior of a room using a camera requires careful consideration from the perspective of privacy.

The present disclosure has been made in light of this problem. One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide, for example, an air conditioning management device, an air conditioner, an air conditioning system, and an air conditioner management method that can detect abnormalities that occur in a room in which an air conditioner is installed while protecting privacy.

An air conditioning management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that receives odor detection results from an air conditioner, and an anomaly detection unit that detects anomalies based on the detection results.

An air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an odor sensor that detects odors and obtains odor detection results, and a communication unit that transmits the detection results to an air conditioning management device that detects abnormalities based on the detection results.

An air conditioning system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an air conditioning management device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure and an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Another embodiment of the air conditioner management method disclosed herein includes the steps of obtaining odor detection results and detecting an abnormality based on the detection results.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. 3 is a sequence diagram showing communications carried out among the air conditioner, server, user terminal, administrator terminal, and emergency contact terminal provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner provided in an air conditioning system of a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. 3 is a side view schematically illustrating the state of an indoor unit when the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment does not send air. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating the state of an indoor unit when the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment blows air upward. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating the state of an indoor unit when the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment blows air downward. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a server provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a terminal that can be used as a user terminal, a manager terminal, or an emergency contact terminal provided in the air conditioning management system of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by a server provided in the air conditioning management system of the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning management system of the first embodiment. 3 is a diagram showing a contact table stored in a server provided in the air conditioning management system of the first embodiment. FIG.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, identical or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

1 First Embodiment 1.1 Air Conditioning System FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment includes multiple air conditioners 11, a server 12, multiple user terminals 13, an administrator terminal 14, and multiple emergency contact terminals 15. The air conditioning system 1 may include only one air conditioner 11. The air conditioning system 1 may include only one user terminal 13. The air conditioning system 1 may include only one emergency contact terminal 15.

The air conditioner 11, server 12, user terminal 13, administrator terminal 14, and emergency contact terminal 15 are communicatively connected to network 16 and communicate with each other via network 16.

The multiple air conditioners 11 are installed in multiple rooms 17, respectively. The multiple rooms 17 are, for example, multiple rooms provided in a single apartment building.

Multiple user terminals 13 are associated with multiple air conditioners 11, respectively. Multiple emergency contact terminals 15 are associated with multiple air conditioners 11, respectively.

The user terminal 13 is used by the user of the air conditioner 11 associated with the user terminal 13. For example, the user terminal 13 is used by the resident of the room 17 in which the air conditioner 11 associated with the user terminal 13 is installed. The manager terminal 14 is used by the manager of multiple air conditioners 11. The emergency contact terminal 15 is used by the emergency contact of the user of the air conditioner 11 associated with the emergency contact terminal 15. For example, the emergency contact terminal 15 is used by the user's family.

The administrator terminal 14 can instruct the air conditioner 11 to perform a test run to check whether an abnormality has occurred in the room 17 in which the air conditioner 11 is installed. The administrator terminal 14, as well as the user terminal 13 and emergency contact terminal 15 associated with the air conditioner 11, can be notified that an abnormality has occurred in the room 17 in which the air conditioner 11 is installed.

1.2 Communications among air conditioners, servers, user terminals, administrator terminals, and emergency contact terminals FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing communications among air conditioners, servers, user terminals, administrator terminals, and emergency contact terminals provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

In the air conditioning system 1, each of the multiple air conditioners 11 is the air conditioner 11 shown in Figure 2, and communication as shown in Figure 2 is performed.

The air conditioner 11 performs air conditioning operations to condition the air in the room 17 in which the air conditioner 11 is installed. Air conditioning includes cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, ventilation, air purification, etc. The air conditioner 11 transmits the results 21 of the air conditioning operations it has performed to the server 12. The transmitted air conditioning operation results 21 include information indicating whether the air conditioner 11 was performing air conditioning operation at each time.

The server 12 operates as an air conditioning management device that manages the air conditioning operations performed by multiple air conditioners 11. The server 12 receives air conditioning operation results 21 from the air conditioners 11. Based on the received air conditioning operation results 21, the server 12 determines whether the time during which the air conditioners 11 have not performed air conditioning operation is equal to or longer than a set time. If the server 12 determines that the time is equal to or longer than the set time, it sends a second notification 22 to the administrator terminal 14. The sent second notification 22 is a notification indicating that the time during which the air conditioners 11 have not performed air conditioning operation is equal to or longer than the set time, and is a notification suggesting that the air conditioners 11 be subjected to a test run. However, the second notification 22 does not include information that can identify the air conditioners 11. Therefore, the second notification 22 is an anonymous proposal that does not reveal the air conditioners 11 and does not violate the privacy of users of the air conditioners 11.

When the administrator terminal 14 receives the second notification 22 from the server 12, it notifies the server 12 that an air conditioner 11 exists that has not been operating for a set period of time or longer. After notifying the server 12 of the existence of the air conditioner 11, if the administrator terminal 14 receives an operation to instruct the air conditioner 11 to perform a test run, it sends a specific response 23 to the server 12. The specific response 23 sent is a response indicating that the operation to instruct the air conditioner 11 to perform a test run has been received.

When the server 12 receives the specific response 23 from the administrator terminal 14, it sends a third instruction 24 to the air conditioner 11. The sent third instruction 24 is an instruction to have the air conditioner 11 perform a test run.

When the air conditioner 11 receives the third instruction 24 from the server 12, it performs a trial run and obtains an odor detection result 25. The air conditioner 11 transmits the obtained odor detection result 25 to the server 12. This allows the server 12 to obtain the odor detection result 25 that serves as the basis for detecting an abnormality when air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set period of time or longer and there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the room 17. The server 12 can obtain the odor detection result 25 that serves as the basis for detecting an abnormality even when the resident has been absent from the room 17 for an extended period of time or when the resident is living alone, such as a person working away from home. Furthermore, the air conditioner 11 blows air before or simultaneously with odor detection. This allows the air in the room 17 to be agitated before or simultaneously with odor detection. This allows the air conditioner 11 to accurately detect odors in the room 17. The air conditioner 11 notifies the user that air blowing will be performed. This prevents the user from being confused by the air blowing. The air conditioner 11 also transmits an air blow notification instruction 26 to the user terminal 13 associated with the air conditioner 11. The transmitted air blow notification instruction 26 is an instruction to notify the user that air will be blown.

When the user terminal 13 receives the air blowing notification instruction 26, it notifies the user that air blowing will be performed. This prevents the air blowing from causing confusion to the user.

It is also possible for the air conditioner 11 to either notify the user that it will blow air or have the air conditioner 11 notify the user terminal 13 that it will blow air.

When the server 12 receives the odor detection result 25 from the air conditioner 11, it detects an abnormality based on the received odor detection result 25. This makes it possible to detect abnormalities without relying on information that requires caution from the standpoint of privacy protection, such as the results of a camera capturing the state inside the room 17. The detected abnormality is an abnormality accompanied by the emission of an odor. Examples of abnormalities accompanied by the emission of an odor include the decay of an object and a person dying alone. When the server 12 detects an abnormality, it sends a first notification 27 to the administrator terminal 14, as well as the user terminal 13 and emergency contact terminal 15 associated with the air conditioner 11. The first notification 27 is a notification indicating that an abnormality has been detected. When the server 12 detects an abnormality, it sends a first instruction 28 and a second instruction 29 to the air conditioner 11. The first instruction 28 is an instruction to notify the air conditioner 11 that an abnormality has been detected. The second instruction 29 is an instruction to perform cooling operation.

When the administrator terminal 14 and the user terminal 13 and emergency contact terminal 15 associated with the air conditioner 11 receive the first notification 27 from the server 12, they notify that an abnormality has been detected. The first notification 27 includes information that allows the administrator using the administrator terminal 14 to identify the room 17 in which the abnormality has occurred. This allows the administrator to deal with the abnormality that has occurred. Furthermore, the user using the user terminal 13 and the emergency contact using the emergency contact terminal 15 can also understand that an abnormality has occurred in the room 17. This allows the user and the emergency contact to deal with the abnormality that has occurred.

When the air conditioner 11 receives the first instruction 28 from the server 12, it notifies the user of the air conditioner 11 that an abnormality has been detected. This allows the user of the air conditioner 11 to understand that an abnormality has occurred in the room 17. This allows the user to deal with the abnormality that has occurred.

When the air conditioner 11 receives the second instruction 29 from the server 12, it performs cooling operation. This makes it possible to suppress the progression of putrefaction within the room 17.

When the server 12 detects that air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set period of time or longer, it causes the air conditioner 11 to perform a test run. However, the server 12 may also cause the air conditioner 11 to perform a test run periodically according to a timer.

1.3 Air Conditioner FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 11 includes an air conditioning unit 31, an air conditioning control unit 32, an odor sensor 33, an alarm unit 34, an alarm control unit 35, a communication unit 36, and a communication control unit 37.

The air conditioning unit 31 performs air conditioning operations to condition the air in the room 17 in which the air conditioner 11 is installed. Air conditioning operations include cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, dehumidification operation, humidification operation, and air purification operation.

As shown in Figure 3, the air conditioning unit 31 includes a blower unit 41, a wind direction adjustment unit 42, and a refrigeration cycle 43.

The blower unit 41 blows air into the room 17 in which the air conditioner 11 is installed and adjusts the volume of the air being blown. The blower unit 41 includes a fan, a fan motor, etc. The fan rotates to generate the air being blown. The fan motor rotates the fan. The blower unit 41 adjusts the volume of the air being blown by having the fan motor adjust the rotation speed of the fan.

The airflow direction adjustment unit 42 adjusts the direction of the airflow sent into the room 17 in which the air conditioner 11 is installed. The airflow direction adjustment unit 42 includes louvers, a louver motor, etc. The louvers adjust the direction of the airflow sent according to the position of the louvers. The louver motor adjusts the position of the louvers. The airflow direction adjustment unit 42 adjusts the direction of the airflow sent by having the louver motor adjust the position of the louvers.

The refrigeration cycle 43 adjusts the temperature of the air blown into the room 17 in which the air conditioner 11 is installed. The refrigeration cycle 43 adjusts the temperature of the air by adjusting the amount of heat exchanged between the air and the refrigerant.

The air conditioning control unit 32 controls the air conditioning unit 31, causing the air conditioning unit 31 to condition the air according to the operating pattern.

As shown in Figure 3, the air conditioning control unit 32 includes an airflow control unit 51, an airflow direction control unit 52, and a temperature control unit 53.

The air blowing control unit 51 controls the air blowing unit 41 to blow air according to the operating pattern and adjust the air volume.

The wind direction control unit 52 controls the wind direction adjustment unit 42, causing the wind direction adjustment unit 42 to adjust the wind direction according to the operating pattern.

The temperature control unit 53 controls the refrigeration cycle 43, causing the refrigeration cycle 43 to adjust the temperature according to the operating pattern.

The odor sensor 33 detects the odor and obtains the odor detection result 25. The odor sensor 33 may, for example, detect the odor using a sensor that detects a change in the resistance value of a semiconductor due to the adsorption of odor components to the semiconductor, or may detect the odor using a sensor that detects a change in the resonant frequency of an oscillator due to the adsorption of odor components to the oscillator, or may detect the odor using some other sensor.

The notification unit 34 issues notifications. The notification unit 34 may be a display, lamp, speaker, buzzer, etc.

The notification control unit 35 controls the notification unit 34 to cause the notification unit 34 to issue a notification.

The communication unit 36 is connected to the network 16 and communicates with the server 12 and the user terminal 13 via the network 16. The communication unit 36 includes a wireless adapter or the like that connects to the network 16 via wireless communication. The wireless communication may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

The communication control unit 37 controls the communication unit 36 to cause the communication unit 36 to communicate. The communication control unit 37 obtains the air conditioning operation results 21 from the air conditioning control unit 32 and causes the communication unit 36 to transmit the obtained air conditioning operation results 21 to the server 12. The communication control unit 37 obtains the odor detection results 25 from the odor sensor 33 and causes the communication unit 36 to transmit the obtained odor detection results 25 to the server 12.

The air conditioning control unit 32 and the communication control unit 37 are configured using a microcontroller equipped with a processor, memory, and interface. The microcontroller executes a control program to operate as the air conditioning control unit 32 and the communication control unit 37. All or part of the air conditioning control unit 32 and the communication control unit 37 may be configured using dedicated circuits.

1.4 Example of odor sensor arrangement Fig. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the indoor unit 61 of the air conditioner 11 includes an indoor unit main body 71 and an air guide plate 72. The indoor unit main body 71 includes a cabinet cover 81, a blower 82, a heat exchanger 83, and an odor sensor 33. The blower 82 constitutes the air blowing section 41. The air guide plate 72 constitutes the air direction adjustment section 42. The heat exchanger 83 constitutes the refrigeration cycle 43.

A first air inlet 71A for drawing in air is formed on the top surface of the indoor unit body 71. An air outlet 71C for blowing out air is formed on the front surface of the indoor unit body 71. This prevents a short circuit, which occurs when a large air inlet is formed on the underside of the indoor unit body 71, in which the air blown out by the air inlet is directly drawn into the air inlet. A second air inlet 71B for drawing in air is formed on the underside of the indoor unit body 71.

An upper air passage is formed inside the indoor unit body 71, extending from the first air inlet 71A to the air outlet 71C. A lower air passage is formed inside the indoor unit body 71, extending from the second air inlet 71B to the air outlet 71C.

The blower 82 and heat exchanger 83 are located in the upper air passage. The air guide plate 72 is located on the front side of the indoor unit body 71, in front of the air outlet 71C. Air drawn in through the first air intake port 71A passes through the blower 82 and heat exchanger 83 and is blown out from the air outlet 71C. The direction of the blown air can be changed by operating the air guide plate 72.

The odor sensor 33 is located in the lower air passage. Air drawn in through the second intake port 71B passes through the odor sensor 33 and is blown out from the outlet port 71C. The odor sensor 33 detects odors by detecting odor components contained in the air.

The indoor unit 61 is generally installed in the upper part of the room. Therefore, the air drawn in through the first air inlet 71A formed on the top surface of the indoor unit body 71 is mainly air from the upper part of the room. However, the space where people live is generally located in the lower part of the room. Therefore, if the odor sensor 33 detects odor components contained in the air drawn in through the first air inlet 71A, it will not be able to accurately detect the odor in the space where people live. In contrast, the air drawn in through the second air inlet 71B formed on the bottom surface of the indoor unit body 71 is mainly air from the lower part of the room. Therefore, if the odor sensor 33 detects odor components contained in the air drawn in through the second air inlet 71B, it will be able to accurately detect the odor in the space where people live.

Figure 6 is a side view that schematically illustrates the state of the indoor unit when the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment does not blow air. Figure 7 is a side view that schematically illustrates the state of the indoor unit when the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment blows air upward. Figure 8 is a side view that schematically illustrates the state of the indoor unit when the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment blows air downward.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the air conditioner 11 is not blowing air, the air guide plate 72 closes the outlet 71C. As shown in FIG. 7, when the air conditioner 11 blows air upward, the air guide plate 72 rotates around the lower shaft 81 to an upward-open state with the upper side open, opening the outlet 71C. Air is blown in this state when the odor sensor 33 detects an odor. This allows the air in the room 17 to be effectively stirred. This allows odors to be accurately detected. As shown in FIG. 8, when the air conditioner 11 blows air downward, the air guide plate 72 rotates around the upper shaft 82 to an downward-open state with the lower side open, opening the outlet 71C.

1.5 Server FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a server provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

The server 12 is a computer or the like.

As shown in FIG. 9, the server 12 includes a processor 91, a memory 92, a storage 93, and a communication unit 94. The storage 93 stores a program 101.

The processor 91 is a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The memory 92 is a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage 93 is a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like. The processor 91 executes the program 101 loaded into the memory 92, operates as a control unit including the non-operation detection unit 111 and the abnormality detection unit 112 shown in FIG. 9, and causes the computer, etc., to operate as the server 12, i.e., the air conditioning management device, that constitutes the air conditioning system 1.

The communication unit 94 communicates with the air conditioner 11, user terminal 13, administrator terminal 14, and emergency contact terminal 15.

The non-operation detection unit 111 obtains the air conditioning operation result 21 received by the communication unit 94, and detects that air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set time or longer based on the obtained air conditioning operation result 21.

The anomaly detection unit 112 obtains the odor detection result 25 received by the communication unit 94 and detects an anomaly based on the obtained odor detection result 25.

1.6 User Terminal, Administrator Terminal, and Contact Terminal FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a terminal that can be used as a user terminal, administrator terminal, or emergency contact terminal provided in the air conditioning management system of the first embodiment.

The terminal 121 shown in FIG. 10 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, feature phone, etc. The terminal 121 can be used as a user terminal 13, administrator terminal 14, or emergency contact terminal 15.

As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal 121 includes a processor 131, memory 132, storage 133, communication unit 134, notification unit 135, and operation unit 136. The storage 133 stores a program 141. The stored program 141 is a program for the user terminal 13 when the terminal 121 is used as a user terminal 13, a program for the administrator terminal 14 when the terminal 121 is used as an administrator terminal 14, and a program for the emergency contact terminal 15 when the terminal 121 is used as an emergency contact terminal 15.

The processor 131 is a CPU, GPU, etc. The memory 132 is a RAM, ROM, etc. The storage 133 is an SSD, HDD, etc. The processor 131 executes the program 141 loaded into the memory 132 to operate a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, feature phone, etc. as a user terminal 13, administrator terminal 14, or emergency contact terminal 15 that constitutes the air conditioning system 1.

The communication unit 134 communicates with the air conditioner 11 and the server 12.

The notification unit 135 issues notifications. The notification unit 135 may be a display, lamp, speaker, buzzer, vibrator, etc.

The operation unit 136 accepts operations. The operation unit 136 may be a touch panel, button, dial, slider, keyboard, mouse, trackpad, etc.

1.7 Processing Executed by the Server FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the server provided in the air conditioning management system of the first embodiment.

The server 12 executes steps S101 to S108 shown in FIG. 11.

In step S101, the non-operation detection unit 111 determines whether the time during which air conditioning operation is not being performed is equal to or longer than a set time, based on the air conditioning operation result 21 received from the air conditioner 11 by the communication unit 94. If it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the set time, step 102 is executed. If it is determined that the time is not equal to or longer than the set time, step S101 is executed again.

In step S102, the non-operation detection unit 111 causes the communication unit 94 to send a second notification 22 to the administrator terminal 14, indicating that the time during which the air conditioning operation has not been performed is equal to or longer than the set time.

In steps S101 and S102, if the communication unit 94 detects that air conditioning operation has not been performed for the set time or longer, it sends a second notification 22 to the administrator terminal 14.

In step S103, the abnormality detection unit 112 determines whether a specific response 23 indicating that an operation to instruct the air conditioner 11 to perform a test run has been received from the administrator terminal 14 via the communication unit 94 in response to the transmitted second notification 22 has been accepted. If it is determined that the specific response 23 has been received, step S104 is executed. If it is determined that the specific response 23 has not been received, step S103 is executed again.

In step S104, the abnormality detection unit 112 causes the communication unit 94 to transmit a third instruction 24 to the air conditioner 11, causing the air conditioner 11 to perform a test run and transmit the odor detection results 25.

Through steps S101 to S104, the communication unit 94 detects that air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set time or longer, and when it receives a specific response 23 to the second notification 22, it sends a third instruction 24 to the air conditioner 11.

In the following step S105, the communication unit 94 receives the odor detection result 25 from the air conditioner 11.

In the following step S106, the anomaly detection unit 112 detects an anomaly based on the received odor detection result 25. If an anomaly is detected, step S107 is executed. If no anomaly is detected, step S106 is executed again. For example, the anomaly detection unit 112 detects an anomaly if the amount of odor components indicated by the odor detection result 25 is greater than the standard, and does not detect an anomaly if this is not the case.

In step S107, the abnormality detection unit 112 causes the communication unit 94 to send a first notification 27 indicating that an abnormality has been detected to the user terminal 13, the administrator terminal 14, and the emergency contact terminal 15.

In the following step S108, the abnormality detection unit 112 causes the communication unit 94 to send to the air conditioner 11 a first instruction 28 to notify that an abnormality has been detected and a second instruction 29 to perform cooling operation.

By steps S106 to S107, if an abnormality is detected, the communication unit 36 sends a first notification 27 to the user terminal 13, the administrator terminal 14, and the emergency contact terminal 15, and sends a first instruction 28 and a second instruction 29 to the air conditioner 11.

1.8 Processing Executed by Air Conditioner FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning management system of the first embodiment.

The air conditioner 11 executes steps S111 to S118 shown in Figure 12.

In step S111, the communication control unit 37 determines whether the communication unit 36 has received from the server 12 a third instruction 24, which is transmitted when air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set time or longer. If it is determined that the third instruction 24 has been received, step S112 is executed. If it is determined that the third instruction 24 has not been received, step S111 is executed again.

In step S112, the notification control unit 35 causes the notification unit 34 to notify that air will be blown. Furthermore, the communication control unit 37 causes the communication unit 36 to send an air blow notification instruction 26 to the user terminal 13 to notify that air will be blown. It is also possible to perform only one of causing the notification unit 34 to notify that air will be blown and having the communication unit 36 send the air blow notification instruction 26 to the user terminal 13. The notification is performed by displaying a message, icon, etc. on the display, causing a lamp to emit light, causing a speaker or buzzer to emit a sound, causing a vibrator to vibrate, etc.

In the following step S113, the air blowing control unit 51 causes the air blowing unit 41 to blow air. The air blowing control unit 51 causes the air blowing unit 41 to blow air before the odor sensor 33 detects an odor or at the same time as the odor sensor 33 detects an odor. This agitates the air in the room 17 before or while the odor is detected, allowing the odor to be accurately detected.

In the following step S114, the odor sensor 33 detects the odor and obtains the odor detection result 25. The communication control unit 37 also obtains the obtained odor detection result 25 from the odor sensor 33 and causes the communication unit 36 to transmit the obtained odor detection result 25 to the server 12.

Through steps S111 to S114, when the communication unit 36 receives the third instruction 24 from the server 12, it transmits the odor detection result 25 to the server 12. Furthermore, when the air blowing control unit 51 causes the air blowing unit 41 to blow air, the notification control unit 35 causes the notification unit 34 to notify the user that air blowing will be performed, and the communication unit 36 transmits an air blowing notification instruction 26 to the user terminal 13 to notify the user that air blowing will be performed. This makes it possible to prevent the user from being confused by the air blowing.

In the following step S115, the communication control unit 37 determines whether the first instruction 28, which is transmitted when an abnormality is detected by the communication unit 36, has been received from the server 12. If it is determined that the first instruction 28 has been received, step S116 is executed. If it is determined that the first instruction 28 has not been received, step S115 is executed again.

In step S116, the notification control unit 35 causes the notification unit 34 to notify that an abnormality has been detected. The notification is performed by displaying a message, icon, etc. on the display, by causing a lamp to emit light, or by causing a speaker, buzzer, etc. to emit a sound.

In steps S115 and S116, when the communication unit 36 receives the first instruction 28 from the server 12, the notification control unit 35 causes the notification unit 34 to notify that an abnormality has been detected. This allows the user to deal with the detected abnormality.

In the following step S117, the communication control unit 37 determines whether the second instruction 29, which is transmitted when an abnormality is detected by the communication unit 36, has been received from the server 12. If it is determined that the second instruction 29 has been received, step S118 is executed. If it is determined that the second instruction 29 has not been received, step S117 is executed again.

In step S118, the air conditioning control unit 32 causes the air conditioning unit 31 to perform cooling operation.

In steps S117 and S118, when the communication unit 36 receives the second instruction 29 from the server 12, the air conditioning control unit 32 causes the air conditioning unit 31 to perform cooling operation. This makes it possible to suppress the progression of putrefaction within the room 17.

1.9 Contact Table FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a contact table stored in the server provided in the air conditioning management system of the first embodiment.

The storage 93 stores the contact table 151 shown in FIG. 13. The processor 91 references the stored contact table 151 to identify the user terminal 13, administrator terminal 14, and emergency contact terminal 15 associated with the air conditioner 11.

The "Building," "Room," and "Installation Location" included in each row of the contact table 151 are information that identify the air conditioner 11. The "Manager," "Resident," and "Emergency Contact" included in each row of the contact table 151 are information that identify the manager terminal 14, user terminal 13, and emergency contact terminal 15, respectively, that are associated with the air conditioner 11.

The "resident" and "emergency contact" included in one row may be the same. In this case, the user terminal 13 and emergency contact terminal 15 associated with one air conditioner 11 are the same terminal. An "emergency contact" does not have to be registered. Multiple "installation locations" belonging to the same "building" and "room" may be registered in the contact table 151.

As mentioned above, the first notification 27 indicating that an abnormality has been detected is sent to the user terminal 13, the administrator terminal 14, and the emergency contact terminal 15. However, if an "emergency contact" identifying the emergency contact terminal 15 is not registered, the first notification 27 will not be sent to the emergency contact terminal 15.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that provides the same effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

1 Air conditioning system, 11 Air conditioner, 12 Server, 13 User terminal, 14 Administrator terminal, 15 Emergency contact terminal, 16 Network, 21 Air conditioning operation result, 22 Second notification, 23 Specific response, 24 Third instruction, 25 Odor detection result, 26 Air blowing notification instruction, 27 First notification, 28 First instruction, 29 Second instruction, 31 Air conditioning unit, 32 Air conditioning control unit, 33 Odor sensor, 34 Notification unit, 35 Notification control unit, 36 Communication unit, 37 Communication control unit, 41 Air blowing unit, 42 Air direction adjustment unit, 43 Refrigeration cycle, 51 Air blowing control unit, 52 Air direction control unit, 53 Temperature control unit, 61 Indoor unit, 71 Indoor unit body, 72 Air guide plate, 81 Cabinet cover, 82 Air blower, 83 Heat exchanger, 33 Odor sensor, 71A First intake port, 71B second intake port, 71C outlet port, 81 lower shaft, 82 upper shaft, 91 processor, 92 memory, 93 storage, 94 communication unit, 101 program, 111 non-operation detection unit, 112 abnormality detection unit, 121 terminal, 131 processor, 132 memory, 133 storage, 134 communication unit, 135 alarm unit, 136 operation unit, 141 program, 151 communication table

Claims (20)

a communication unit that receives odor detection results from the air conditioner;
an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality based on the detection result ,
The air conditioning management device , wherein the communication unit transmits an instruction to the air conditioner to perform cooling operation when the abnormality is detected . The air conditioning management device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit transmits a first notification to a terminal when the abnormality is detected. The air conditioning management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the abnormality is detected, the communication unit transmits a first instruction to the air conditioner to notify the air conditioner that the abnormality has been detected. a communication unit that receives odor detection results from the air conditioner;
an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality based on the detection result,
the communication unit receives a result of the air conditioning operation from the air conditioner,
a non-operation detection unit that detects that the air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set time or longer based on the result;
The air conditioning management device, wherein the communication unit transmits a second notification to a terminal when it detects that the air conditioning operation has not been performed for the set time or longer. The air conditioning management device according to claim 4 , wherein the communication unit transmits a third instruction to the air conditioner to cause the air conditioner to transmit the detection result when a specific response to the second notification is received from the terminal. a communication unit that receives odor detection results from the air conditioner;
an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality based on the detection result,
the communication unit receives a result of the air conditioning operation from the air conditioner,
a non-operation detection unit that detects that the air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set time or longer based on the result;
The air conditioning management device, wherein the communication unit sends a third instruction to the air conditioner to send the detection result when it detects that the air conditioning operation has not been performed for more than the set time. The air conditioning management device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the third instruction causes air to be blown before or simultaneously with the odor detection. The air conditioning management device according to claim 7 , wherein the third instruction notifies the user that the air will be blown. The air conditioning management apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the third instruction is to transmit an instruction to a user terminal to notify that the air blowing will be performed. The air conditioning management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the communication unit receives the odor detection results from each of the air conditioners installed in a plurality of rooms as the air conditioner. an odor sensor that detects an odor and obtains a detection result of the odor;
a communication unit that transmits the detection result to an air conditioning management device that detects an abnormality based on the detection result;
an air conditioning unit that performs cooling operation;
an air conditioning control unit that causes the air conditioning unit to perform the cooling operation when the communication unit receives from the air conditioning management device an instruction to be transmitted when the abnormality is detected;
An air conditioner equipped with: The notification department,
a notification control unit that notifies the notification unit that the abnormality has been detected when the communication unit receives a first instruction from the air conditioning management device that is transmitted when the abnormality has been detected;
The air conditioner according to claim 11 , comprising: an odor sensor that detects an odor and obtains a detection result of the odor;
a communication unit that transmits the detection result to an air conditioning management device that detects an abnormality based on the detection result;
an air conditioning unit that performs air conditioning operation,
The communication unit transmits the results of the air conditioning operation to the air conditioning management device, and when it receives a third instruction from the air conditioning management device to be transmitted when the air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set time or longer, it transmits the detection result to the air conditioning management device. an odor sensor that detects an odor and obtains a detection result of the odor;
a communication unit that transmits the detection result to an air conditioning management device that detects an abnormality based on the detection result;
a blowing unit that blows air;
an air blowing control unit that causes the blowing unit to blow air before the odor sensor detects the odor or at the same time as the odor sensor detects the odor. The notification department,
a notification control unit that, when the air blowing control unit causes the blower unit to blow air, causes the notification unit to notify that the air blowing will be performed;
The air conditioner according to claim 14 , comprising: The air conditioner according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein when the air blowing control unit causes the air blowing unit to blow air, the communication unit transmits, to a user terminal, an instruction to notify the user that air blowing will be performed. An air conditioning control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ;
An air conditioner according to any one of claims 11 to 16 ;
An air conditioning system comprising: obtaining an odor detection result from the air conditioner ;
detecting an abnormality based on the detection result;
transmitting an instruction to perform cooling operation to the air conditioner when the abnormality is detected;
A management method for an air conditioner comprising: receiving a result of the air conditioning operation from the air conditioner;
a step of detecting, based on the result, that the air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set time or longer;
sending a second notification to a terminal when it is detected that the air conditioning operation has not been performed for the set time or longer;
Obtaining an odor detection result;
detecting an abnormality based on the detection result;
A management method for an air conditioner comprising: receiving a result of the air conditioning operation from the air conditioner;
a step of detecting, based on the result, that the air conditioning operation has not been performed for a set time or longer;
transmitting a third instruction to the air conditioner to transmit an odor detection result when it is detected that the air conditioning operation has not been performed for the set time or longer;
obtaining a detection result of the odor;
detecting an abnormality based on the detection result;
A management method for an air conditioner comprising: