TIME DISPLAY DEVICE, AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH SAME, TIME DISPLAY METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

 The objective of the present invention is to assist in alerting a user of the need for maintenance, and to assist in determining the order of priority for maintenance work. The present invention is equipped with: a detection unit (11) that detects a compressor (4) is inoperable; a time measuring unit (12) that measures a backup operation time corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of a backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using a compressor (4) other than the compressor (4) detected to be inoperable; and a display unit (13) that, if at least one of the compressors (4) has been detected to be inoperable and the backup operation has been started, displays a remaining backup operation time calculated by subtracting the backup operation time from the allowable time for which air conditioning by the backup operation can continue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a time display device, an air-conditioning system equipped with the same, a time display method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, air conditioning systems in which a plurality of compressors are connected to a refrigerating cycle and a refrigerant is supplied to a plurality of inside units have been widely used, and backup operation functions have been disclosed in which, even if some compressors malfunction, the air conditioning system is operated using other compressors besides the malfunctioning compressors.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique by which a backup operation is performed in refrigerating equipment provided with two compressors, in which, if a certain anomaly is detected in the currently operating compressor during low power operation involving only one compressor, the operating compressor is stopped, and another compressor not in operation is started up.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H02-248674A

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0005] Air conditioning by backup operation is managed by an outside unit of an air conditioning system, and a maintenance worker or the like who is a service provider responsible for the installation of the air conditioning system checks the state of backup operation by connecting a maintenance device to the outside unit. The inside units are configured to be notified of the fact that air conditioning by backup operation is ongoing, allowing a user of the air conditioning system to confirm that backup operation is ongoing.

[0006] However, the backup operation is a function whereby the number of compressors to be used is reduced and the air conditioning system is operated for as long as possible using only operational compressors, and there are limits to how long the backup operation can continue. If the allowable time for backup operation is exceeded, the air conditioning system is stopped and the user cannot operate the air conditioning system until maintenance work is performed, resulting in a problem in that even though it is preferable that the user contact a maintenance worker as soon as possible after the air conditioning system has shifted to backup operation, the user fails to realize the urgency of the situation due to the fact that the air conditioning is ongoing and delays contacting the maintenance worker. Even if the user notices that the air conditioning system has shifted to the backup operation and contacts the maintenance worker, it is unclear at that time whether the air conditioning system has just shifted to the backup operation or whether the allowable time for the backup operation is approaching its limit. Thus, the maintenance worker, who has received contact from multiple customers regarding backup operations, cannot determine the order of priority for maintenance.

[0007] In light of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a time display device that assists in alerting a user of the need for maintenance work and to assist in determining the order of priority for maintenance work, an air conditioning system provided with the time display device, a time display method, and a program.

Solution to Problem

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides the following means.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is a time display device for use in an air conditioning system that includes an outside unit with a plurality of compressors. The time display device includes a detection means that detects that at least one of the compressors is inoperable; a time measuring means that measures a backup operation time corresponding to an elapsed time from the start of a backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using at least one of the compressors other than at least one of the compressors detected to be inoperable; and a display means that, if at least one of the compressors has been detected to be inoperable and the backup operation has been started, displays a remaining backup operation time calculated by subtracting the backup operation time from an allowable time for which air conditioning by the backup operation can continue.

[0010] According to the above-described aspect, if it is detected that at least one compressor is inoperable among the plurality of compressors provided in the outside unit of the air conditioning system, the backup operation is started in which air conditioning continues, using the other compressor(s) besides the compressor(s) that has been detected to be inoperable. The remaining backup operation time, which is the remaining time for which air conditioning by backup operation can continue, is calculated by subtracting the backup operation time, which is the elapsed time from the start of the backup operation, from the allowable backup operation time, which is the period of time for which air conditioning can continue using the other compressor(s) besides the inoperable compressor(s), and this remaining backup operation time is displayed.

[0011] If the allowable time for which air conditioning by backup operation can continue is exceeded, the compressor cannot be operated and the outside unit is stopped until maintenance work is performed thereon by a service provider, preventing the user from controlling the air conditioning system. In the above-described aspect, the remaining time for which air conditioning by backup operation can continue (remaining backup operation time) is displayed to the user of the air conditioning system such that the allowable time for the backup operation is not exceeded. As a result, the user can be alerted that urgent action (such as maintenance by a service provider) is required when the remaining time is short. As a result of the user notifying the service provider of the remaining backup operation time, the service provider can determine an order of priority among customers who have the air conditioning systems.

[0012] In the above-described time display device, a remote control associated with an inside unit of the air conditioning system may include the display means.

[0013] In this manner, the user of the air conditioning system can see the remaining backup operation time with ease by viewing the remote control of the inside unit.

[0014] In the above-described time display device, the outside unit may include the display means.

[0015] The outside unit provided with the display means is capable of displaying the remaining backup operation time in a simple manner. It is preferable that the display means provided on the outside unit be a device that displays an error code identifying the type of error in the operation state of the outside unit, or a device that displays the outside air temperature around the outside unit, for example. By using a device that displays an error code or an outside air temperature to display the remaining backup operation time, an existing device can be used, simply by modifying the software. Examples of the device that displays an error code or an outside air temperature include a seven-segment display.

[0016] During the backup operation, it is preferable that the display means of the time display device prioritize the display of the remaining backup operation time and display the remaining backup operation time according to a display mode that indicates that the backup operation is ongoing.

[0017] The use of the display mode indicating that the backup operation is ongoing allows the user of the air conditioning system to be reliably notified of the fact that the backup operation is ongoing. Examples of the display mode indicating that the backup operation is ongoing include a mode in which the display means maintains solid illumination when displaying the operation state under normal operation, but blinks when indicating the backup operation.

[0018] The display means of the time display device may display the backup operation time.

[0019] Displaying the backup operation time makes it possible to present the elapsed time from the start of the backup operation, and to alert the user of the air conditioning system.

[0020] The display means of the time display device may be provided with a plurality of illumination devices that display a predetermined time within the remaining backup operation time by being turned on/off, the remaining backup operation time being indicated by incrementally turning off each of the plurality of illumination devices.

[0021] In this manner, the remaining backup operation time can easily be issued as a notification.

[0022] A second aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning system that includes any one of the above-mentioned time display devices.

[0023] A third aspect of the present invention is a time display method for use in an air conditioning system that includes an outside unit with a plurality of compressors. The method includes a first step of detecting that at least one of the compressors is inoperable; a second step of measuring a backup operation time corresponding to an elapsed time from the start of a backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using at least one of the compressors other than at least one of the compressors detected to be inoperable; and a third step of displaying, if at least one of the compressors has been detected to be inoperable and the backup operation has been started, a remaining backup operation time calculated by subtracting the backup operation time from an allowable time for which air conditioning by the backup operation can continue.

[0024] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a time display program for use in an air conditioning system that includes an outside unit with a plurality of compressors. The program allows a computer to execute a first process of detecting that at least one of the compressors is inoperable; a second process of measuring a backup operation time corresponding to an elapsed time from the start of a backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using at least one of the compressors other than at least one of the compressors detected to be inoperable; and a third process of displaying, if at least one of the compressors has been detected to be inoperable and the backup operation has been started, a remaining backup operation time calculated by subtracting the backup operation time from an allowable time for which air conditioning by the backup operation can continue.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0025] The present invention exhibits the advantageous effect of assisting in alerting a user of the need for maintenance, and assisting in determination of the order of priority for maintenance work.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] 

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an air conditioning system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a seven-segment display provided in an outside unit of the air conditioning system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a remote control associated with an inside unit of the air conditioning system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the operation of a time display device according to the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0027] Below, an embodiment of a time display device, an air-conditioning system equipped with the same, a time display method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.

[0028] An air conditioning system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an outside unit 2 including a plurality of compressors 4a and 4b, inside units 3, and a time display device 10. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the outside unit 2 is provided with two compressors, but there is no special limitation on the number of compressors.

[0029] The time display device 10 includes a detection unit (detection means) 11, a time measuring unit (time measuring means) 12, display units (display means) 13a and 13b, and a control unit 14. An example will be described in which, in the time display device 10 according to the present embodiment, the detection unit 11, the time measuring unit 12, the display unit 13a, and the control unit 14 are provided in the outside unit 2, and the display unit 13b is provided in the inside unit 3. Unless otherwise noted below, the display unit is indicated as "display unit 13" and the compressor is indicated as "compressor 4."

[0030] The detection unit 11 detects malfunctions or the like in the compressors 4, detects that a compressor 4 is inoperable, and issues a notification to the control unit 14 indicating that the inoperable state of the compressor 4 has been detected.

[0031] The time measuring unit 12 measures the backup operation time corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using a compressor 4 other than the compressor 4 that has been detected to be inoperable, and outputs the measurement results to the control unit 14.

[0032] The control unit 14 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and a computer-readable recording medium, which are not illustrated, for example. A processing sequence for implementing various functions to be described below is stored on a recording medium or the like in the form of a program, and the various functions described below are implemented by the CPU loading this program to the RAM or the like and executing information/calculation processing.

[0033] Specifically, the control unit 14 controls whether to start, stop, etc. the operation of the outside unit 2, and stops the outside unit 2 if it is determined that the remaining backup operation time is zero.

[0034] The control unit 14 stores information indicating the allowable time that air conditioning operation by backup operation can continue, calculates the remaining backup operation time by subtracting the backup operation time from the allowable time, and outputs the calculation results to the display units 13. The allowable time is set to approximately 80 hours, for example, allowing the air conditioning system 1 to continue air conditioning for a few days after the air conditioning system 1 has shifted to backup operation. The control unit 14 determines whether or not the remaining backup operation time is zero, continuing backup operation if the remaining time is not zero, and issuing a control instruction to stop the outside unit 2 if the remaining time is zero.

[0035] If it is detected that at least one of the compressors 4 is inoperable and the air conditioning system 1 subsequently shifts to backup operation, the display unit 13 displays the remaining backup operation time. The display unit 13 may display the backup operation time measured in the time measuring unit 12.

[0036] The display unit 13a provided in the outside unit 2 is configured to display an error code for identifying the type of error in operation of the outside unit 2 as well as the outside air temperature, and a seven-segment display is used for the display unit 13a, for example. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a case where the display unit 13a provided in the outside unit 2 is a seven-segment display.

[0037] The display unit 13b may be provided in the remote control associated with the inside unit 3 of the air conditioning system 1. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the screen shown in the display including the display unit 13b provided in the remote control of the inside unit 3.

[0038] As illustrated in the display unit 13b of FIG. 3, the display of the remote control shows a screen that says "Allowable Backup Operation Time: XX Hours Remaining," and indicates that the air conditioning system 1 is currently in backup operation, and that the remaining hours for which backup operation can continue is XX. In this manner, it is possible for a user to understand with ease that the air conditioning system 1 is in backup operation, and if the air conditioning system 1 is configured to stop when the remaining number of hours reaches zero, the remaining number of hours can convey the degree of urgency of the situation, encouraging the user to pay attention. Additionally, when the user contacts a maintenance worker, the user can communicate the remaining number of hours of backup operation, allowing the maintenance worker as a service provider to determine the order of priority for maintenance work based on the remaining number of hours even if the worker has received maintenance requests from multiple customers (users).

[0039] During backup operation, the display unit 13 prioritizes the display of the remaining backup operation time and displays the remaining backup operation time according to a display mode that indicates that the backup operation is ongoing. During normal operation, the display unit 13 switches, by the press of a button or the like (not illustrated), between the display by solid illumination of an error code (a number set for each error type) and an outside air temperature in the seven-segment display. However, after the start of the backup operation, the remaining hours of the backup operation are displayed by blinking (with priority) even when the button has not been pressed, for example. In this manner, by adopting differing display modes between normal operation and backup operation, it is possible to display information with emphasis on the fact that backup operation is ongoing.

[0040] Below, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0041] In the description below, an example will be described in which the compressor 4a malfunctions during operation of the compressors 4a and 4b, and backup operation is performed thereafter using only the compressor 4b. However, needless to say, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0042] The compressors 4a and 4b are in operation, and the air conditioning system 1 including the outside unit 2 and the inside unit 3 is in air conditioning operation. It is detected that the compressor 4a has malfunctioned and that the compressor 4a is inoperable (step SA1 in FIG. 4). If it is detected that the compressor 4a is inoperable, the outside unit 2 continues air conditioning operation using only the other compressor 4b besides the compressor 4a in which a malfunction has been detected, and the air conditioning system 1 automatically shifts to backup operation.

[0043] The elapsed time from the start of backup operation using the compressor 4b is measured (step SA2 in FIG. 4). When the inside unit 3 receives notification that the air conditioning system 1 is in backup operation, information including that the air conditioning system 1 is in backup operation, and the remaining backup operation time, which is the remaining time for which backup operation can continue, is displayed on the remote control associated with the inside unit 3. Additionally, the remaining hours of backup operation are displayed in the seven-segment display of the outside unit 2 by blinking, which is the display mode indicating that the air conditioning system 1 is in backup operation (step SA3 in FIG. 4). It is determined whether or not the remaining backup operation time is zero (step SA4 in FIG. 4), and if the remaining time is not zero, the backup operation continues, and thus, the process flow returns to step SA2 in FIG. 4. If the remaining backup operation time is zero, the outside unit 2 is stopped, and the air conditioning system 1 is stopped.

[0044] Then, a maintenance worker performs maintenance work on the outside unit 2 such that the air conditioning system 1 can be operated, and resets the counter measuring the backup operation time in the time measuring unit 12. Thus, when air conditioning is started after maintenance work is performed on the outside unit 2, even if backup operation is started thereafter, the backup operation counter can be started again.

[0045] Although, in the above description, the counter, which measures the backup operation time, of the time measuring unit 12 is reset every time maintenance work is performed, the configuration is not limited thereto, and a configuration may be adopted in which the counter is not reset and continues to increment its count even after maintenance work has been performed on the malfunctioning compressor 4a, for example. The use of the incremented count without being reset makes it possible to use different settings depending on the number of times backup operation has been performed.

[0046] As described above, according to the time display device 10, the air conditioning system 1 equipped with the time display device 10, the time display method, and the program of the present embodiment, if it is detected that at least one of the compressors 4 is inoperable, the air conditioning system 1 shifts to backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using the other compressor besides the compressor 4 that has been detected to be inoperable. The remaining backup operation time, which is the remaining time for which air conditioning by backup operation can continue, is calculated by subtracting the backup operation time, which is the elapsed time from the start of backup operation, from the allowable backup operation time, which is the period of time for which air conditioning can continue using the other compressor 4 besides the inoperable compressor 4, and this remaining backup operation time is displayed.

[0047] If the allowable time for which air conditioning by backup operation can continue is exceeded, the compressor 4 cannot be operated and the outside unit is stopped until maintenance work is performed by a service provider, preventing the user from controlling the air conditioning system 1. However, according to the present embodiment, the remaining time for which air conditioning by backup operation can continue (remaining backup time) is displayed in a simple manner to the user of the air conditioning system 1 such that the allowable backup operation time is not exceeded. In this manner, if the remaining time is short, the user can be alerted that urgent action is required (such as maintenance by a service provider).

[0048] Also, as a result of the user notifying the service provider of the remaining backup operation time, the service provider can determine an order of priority among customers who have the air conditioning systems.

[Modification]

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the display unit 13a provided in the outside unit 2 uses the seven-segment display, which displays an error code of the outside unit 2 as well as the outside air temperature, to display the remaining backup operation time, but the method for displaying the remaining backup operation time is not limited thereto.

[0050] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the display unit includes a plurality of illumination devices (such as light emitting diodes (LEDs)) that display a predetermined time within the remaining backup operation time by being turned on/off, and the remaining backup operation time is indicated by incrementally turning off each of the plurality of illumination devices. Not only may each of the plurality of illumination devices be turned off incrementally, but the remaining time may be indicated by the positions where the lights are on/off.

[0051] In this manner, by the plurality of illumination devices being on/off, it is possible to indicate the remaining backup operation time with ease.

[0052] This modification may be appropriately combined with the embodiment.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and changes can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Reference Signs List

[0054] 

1 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

2 OUTSIDE UNIT

3 INSIDE UNIT

4a, 4b COMPRESSOR

10 TIME DISPLAY DEVICE

11 DETECTION UNIT

12 TIME MEASURING UNIT

13a, 13b DISPLAY UNIT

Claims

1. A time display device for use in an air conditioning system that includes an outside unit with a plurality of compressors, the device comprising:

a detection means that detects that at least one of the compressors is inoperable;

a time measuring means that measures a backup operation time, the backup operation time corresponding to an elapsed time from a start of a backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using at least one of the compressors other than at least one of the compressors detected to be inoperable; and

a display means that, if at least one of the compressors has been detected to be inoperable and the backup operation has been started, displays a remaining backup operation time calculated by subtracting the backup operation time from an allowable time for which air conditioning by the backup operation can continue.

2. The time display device according to claim 1, wherein
a remote control associated with an inside unit of the air conditioning system includes the display means.

3. The time display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the outside unit includes the display means.

4. The time display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
during the backup operation, the display means prioritizes a display of the remaining backup operation time and displays the remaining backup operation time according to a display mode that indicates that the backup operation is ongoing.

5. The time display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the display means displays the backup operation time.

6.  The time display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the display means includes a plurality of illumination devices that display a predetermined time within the remaining backup operation time by being turned on or off, the remaining backup operation time being indicated by incrementally turning off each of the plurality of illumination devices.

7. An air conditioning system comprising the time display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A time display method for use in an air conditioning system that includes an outside unit with a plurality of compressors, the method comprising:

a first step of detecting that at least one of the compressors is inoperable;

a second step of measuring a backup operation time, the backup operation time corresponding to an elapsed time from a start of a backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using at least one of the compressors other than at least one of the compressors detected to be inoperable; and

a third step of displaying, if at least one of the compressors has been detected to be inoperable and the backup operation has been started, a remaining backup operation time calculated by subtracting the backup operation time from an allowable time for which air conditioning by the backup operation can continue.

9. A time display program for use in an air conditioning system that includes an outside unit with a plurality of compressors, the program to allow a computer to execute:

a first process of detecting that at least one of the compressors is inoperable;

a second process of measuring a backup operation time, the backup operation time corresponding to an elapsed time from a start of a backup operation in which air conditioning continues, using at least one of the compressors other than at least one of the compressors detected to be inoperable; and

a third process of displaying, if at least one of the compressors has been detected to be inoperable and the backup operation has been started, a remaining backup operation time calculated by subtracting the backup operation time from an allowable time for which air conditioning by the backup operation can continue.

Drawing