Cleaning equipment and management system for cleaning equipment

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that the operation of cleaning equipment stops due to the occurrence of abnormality.SOLUTION: Cleaning equipment (100) comprises: an acquisition portion 111 which collects state data of the cleaning equipment; a calculation portion 112 which calculates a calculated value related to a component of the cleaning equipment on the basis of the state data; and a notification portion 140. When the calculated value reaches a maintenance value which is set for a first element being one of the components and at which maintenance is recommended, the notification portion 140 performs a first notification that notifies of recommendation of maintenance of the first element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning device management system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known ways in which a notification is issued when an abnormality occurs in a washing device such as a car wash. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a car wash system in which the car wash device and a management center are connected via a known communication network, and when an abnormality occurs in the car wash device, a notification is automatically sent by email to a preset notification destination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-234424 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, when an abnormality occurs in a washing device such as a car wash machine, the occurrence of the abnormality and the details of the abnormality are notified, but the operation of the washing device is usually stopped until the abnormality is resolved.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning device or a cleaning device management system that reduces the possibility of the cleaning device stopping operation due to the occurrence of an abnormality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a cleaning device that cleans an object to be cleaned, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that collects status data indicating the operating status of the cleaning device, a calculation unit that calculates a calculated value related to a component of the cleaning device based on the status data, and an alarm unit, and when the calculated value reaches a maintenance value for which maintenance is recommended that is set for a first element, which is one of the components, the alarm unit executes a first alarm to notify that maintenance of the first element is recommended.

[0007] A cleaning device management system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a cleaning device having a communication unit that periodically transmits status data indicating the operating status of the cleaning device to a server, and a server that receives and manages the operating data from the cleaning device, wherein the server calculates a calculated value related to components of the cleaning device based on the operating data, and when the calculated value reaches a maintenance value for which maintenance is recommended set for a first element, which is one of the components, it transmits a first notification to a specified destination notifying that maintenance of the first element is recommended. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the operation of the cleaning device will be stopped due to the occurrence of an abnormality. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration of a car wash machine management system and a car wash machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control when the car wash issues a notification regarding maintenance of a component according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a car wash machine management system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control when the car wash machine management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention issues a notification regarding maintenance of a component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] A car wash machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention and a car wash machine management system 1 including the car wash machine 100 will be described in detail below. The car wash machine 100 is an apparatus for washing vehicles. The car wash machine 100 is an example of a washing device according to the present disclosure, and a vehicle is an example of an object to be washed according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the car wash machine management system 1 is an example of a washing device management system according to the present disclosure.

[0011] When the car wash machine 100 is continuously used, the components of the car wash machine 100 may wear out, become insufficient, or deteriorate. In addition, various malfunctions may occur depending on the time (years) that has passed since the car wash machine 100 was first used. If an abnormality such as breakage, damage, or malfunction occurs in these components, the operation of the car wash machine 100 may stop, and it may be costly and time-consuming to restore the operation.

[0012] The car wash machine management system 1 and the car wash machine 100 reduce the possibility of the washing device stopping operation due to an abnormality by issuing notifications recommending maintenance at appropriate times for components equipped in the car wash machine 100.

[0013] In this embodiment, the components of the car wash machine 100 may be, for example, cleaning-related components such as brushes, cleaning liquid, and various components constituting a spray mechanism that sprays the liquid or sprays drying air (duct hoses, water hoses, nozzles, etc.). The components may also be parts or devices of the car wash machine 100, such as rails, wheels, cameras, sensors, an operation panel, or safety devices.

[0014] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of a car wash machine management system 1 and a car wash machine 100 according to embodiment 1. The car wash machine management system 1 includes the car wash machine 100 and an administrator terminal 300, which is an example of a terminal device of the present disclosure.

[0015] The car wash machine 100 includes a control unit 110, an input unit 120, a main body memory 130, and an alarm unit 140. The control unit 110 can comprehensively control each unit of the car wash machine 100. The control unit 110 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and each control is realized by executing a control program stored in the memory on the processor.

[0016] The control unit 110 includes an acquisition unit 111 and a calculation unit 112. The control unit 110 may further include a maintenance value determination unit 113 and a counting unit 114.

[0017] The acquisition unit 111 collects status data indicating the operating status of the car wash machine 100. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the status data from, for example, sensors, cameras, and the like provided in various parts of the car wash machine. The status data may be information indicating the status of the car wash machine 100, such as abnormally stopped, starting up, entering, washing, undergoing maintenance, or standby. The status data may also include remaining amount information regarding the remaining amount of car wash liquid, information regarding the current and voltage values of the drive unit, image data regarding the components acquired from the camera, and the like. The status data may be stored as car wash history data 131 in the main body memory 130, which will be described later.

[0018] The calculation unit 112 calculates a calculated value related to the components of the car wash machine 100 based on the status data acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The calculated value may be a value calculated for an item of interest related to wear or deterioration of the components of the car wash machine 100. For simplicity, an item of interest related to wear or deterioration of the components may be simply referred to as an item of interest hereinafter.

[0019] For example, if the first element, which is one of the components, is a brush, a duct hose, a water hose, a nozzle, a rail, a wheel, or a liquid agent, the item of interest related to the first element may be the cumulative number of cars washed. The cumulative number of cars washed may be the cumulative number of cars washed by the car wash machine 100 from a reference time until status data is acquired under the control of the acquisition unit 111. The reference time at which the accumulation begins may be, for example, the time when the car wash machine 100 is initialized after installation, or the time when the first element is subjected to maintenance such as replacement or refilling. The calculation unit 112 may calculate the cumulative number of cars washed by the car wash machine 100 during a predetermined period based on the car wash history data 131 stored in the main body memory 130. The calculated cumulative number of cars washed may be reset when the first element is subjected to maintenance.

[0020] When the car wash machine 100 is a car wash machine that washes a vehicle while moving back and forth in the front-to-back direction relative to the vehicle, and the first element is a brush, a duct hose, a water hose, a nozzle, a rail, a wheel, or a liquid agent, the item of interest related to the first element may be the cumulative number of times the car wash machine has made a reciprocating movement. The cumulative number of times the car wash machine has made a reciprocating movement from a reference time to the time when the acquisition unit 111 acquires the status data. The calculation unit 112 may calculate the cumulative number of times the car wash machine has made a reciprocating movement based on the car wash history data 131 stored in the main body memory 130. The calculated value of the cumulative number of times the car wash machine has made a reciprocating movement may be reset when the first element is subjected to maintenance.

[0021] In the case of a car wash machine that washes a vehicle by moving back and forth in the front and rear directions, the number of times the car wash machine moves back and forth in one wash session varies depending on the course selected, etc. By taking into account the cumulative number of times the car wash machine moves back and forth, it is possible to notify the user of a maintenance recommendation at a more appropriate time.

[0022] When the first element is a driving part such as a brush, or a safety device, the item of interest regarding the first element may be a current value or a voltage value. The calculation unit 112 may calculate the amount of change in the current value or the voltage value regarding the first element based on the status data acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0023] The maintenance value determination unit 113 determines or updates the maintenance value for each of the components included in the car wash machine 100.

[0024] The maintenance value is a value for which maintenance is recommended, which is defined for a focus item related to each component of the car wash machine 100. For example, if a first element, which is one of the components, is a brush, a duct hose, a water hose, a nozzle, a rail, a wheel, or a liquid agent, as described above, the focus item for the first element may be the cumulative number of car washes. The value defined as the maintenance value for the first element may be the cumulative number of car washes for which maintenance of the first element is recommended.

[0025] When the first element is a drive unit such as a brush, or a safety device, the maintenance value may be a current or voltage value, or the amount of change in the current or voltage value at which maintenance is recommended for each element. For one element, a maintenance value may be defined for the same item related to wear or deterioration of the element, and a corresponding calculated value may be calculated.

[0026] The initial values of the maintenance values may be stored as maintenance value data 132 in the main body memory 130, which will be described later, for example. The maintenance value determination unit 113 may determine or update the maintenance values for the components based on the maintenance value data 132 stored in the main body memory 130. Alternatively, the maintenance value determination unit 113 may determine or update the maintenance values to values accepted by the input unit 120. The maintenance value determination unit 113 may determine or update the maintenance values based on information input by the worker via the input unit 120 or information received by the input unit 120. By updating the maintenance values to more appropriate maintenance values set by the worker's judgment, it is possible to notify a maintenance recommendation at a more appropriate time.

[0027] The maintenance value determination unit 113 may determine or update the maintenance value depending on the environment of the location where the car wash machine 100 is installed.

[0028] The degree of wear of the components of the car wash machine 100 may vary depending on the environment of the installation location, such as temperature, humidity, whether it is snowing, whether it is indoors or outdoors, whether there is strong wind, whether there is dust, etc. If the environmental conditions of the installation location are conditions that may adversely affect the components, the maintenance value determination unit 113 may determine the maintenance value to be a value smaller than the maintenance value that would be set for an installation location under standard conditions.

[0029] Alternatively, the car wash machine 100 may be equipped with an environmental detection device to measure the environmental conditions of the car wash machine 100. The environmental detection device may be a thermometer, a hygrometer, an anemometer, or the like. The environmental detection device may acquire environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or wind speed as environmental data. The environmental data may be, for example, numerical data that numerically indicates environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or wind speed. The maintenance value determination unit 113 may acquire the environmental data acquired by the environmental detection device and determine or update the maintenance value based on the environmental data. Specifically, when the environmental data acquired from the environmental detection device satisfies a predetermined condition, the maintenance value determination unit 113 may determine or update the maintenance value to a maintenance value appropriate to the environment.

[0030] For example, if the temperature data as environmental data acquired during the day by a thermometer as an environmental detection device is below freezing, the maintenance value determination unit 113 that acquired the temperature data may determine or update the maintenance value to a maintenance value suitable for cold regions.

[0031] By changing the maintenance value in accordance with the environmental conditions, it is possible to notify the maintenance recommendation at a more appropriate time.

[0032] The maintenance value determination unit 113 may determine or update the maintenance value based on information about the car wash course included in the car wash history data 131, which will be described later. In the car wash machine 100, the degree of wear of components may differ depending on the car wash menu (car wash course) selected. By determining or updating the maintenance value according to the number of each car wash menu selected, it is possible to notify the maintenance recommendation at a more appropriate time.

[0033] The counting unit 114 counts the number of abnormalities that occur in the car wash machine 100. The counting unit 114 may count the number of abnormalities based on signals that notify of the occurrence of an abnormality from various sensors and cameras provided in the car wash machine 100. An abnormality may be, for example, a brush stopping, an emergency stop button being activated, an abnormality in fluid pressure, or an abnormal value being detected in a sensor. The counting unit 114 may count the number of abnormalities that occur for each component provided in the car wash machine 100, or may count the total number of abnormalities that have occurred in the car wash machine 100.

[0034] The input unit 120 accepts input related to the maintenance values. The input unit 120 may be, for example, an input device such as a touch panel that accepts input from a worker. Alternatively, the input unit 120 may be a receiver that receives information related to the maintenance values transmitted from an external device via wireless communication.

[0035] The main body memory 130 stores various data used in the car wash machine 100. The main body memory 130 may also store various information for identifying the car wash machine 100.

[0036] The main body memory 130 may store car wash history data 131 that indicates the history of car washes performed in the car wash machine 100. The car wash history data 131 may include information regarding the date and time of the car wash and the car wash course selected by the user at the time of the car wash. The car wash history data 131 may include status data acquired by the acquisition unit 111, or may include data that accumulates the status data. The car wash history data 131 may also include information regarding car wash options added to the car wash course, equipment information, or other car wash settings selected at the time of the car wash.

[0037] The notification unit 140 issues a notification that maintenance of a component of the car wash machine 100 is recommended. For example, the notification unit 140 executes a first notification that notifies of the recommendation of maintenance of a first element, which is one of the components of the car wash machine 100. The notification unit 140 may also execute a second notification that requests maintenance of the first element. The notification unit 140 may also execute a third notification that notifies that an abnormality has occurred multiple times in the car wash machine 100.

[0038] More specifically, when the calculated value reaches a maintenance value set for a first element, which is one of the components of car wash machine 100, notification unit 140 executes a first notification to notify the recommendation of maintenance of the first element. For example, if the first element is a brush, notification unit 140 executes a first notification to notify the recommendation of brush maintenance when the cumulative number of car washes as the calculated value reaches the cumulative number of car washes as the maintenance value set for the brush. Notification unit 140 may be, for example, a display device such as an LCD screen that notifies the recommendation of maintenance by displaying information, a speaker that notifies by voice, a lamp that notifies by light, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, if maintenance of the first element is not performed after the first notification and a maintenance request value set for the first element is reached, at which maintenance is requested, the notification unit 140 may issue a second notification requesting maintenance of the first element. The second notification requesting maintenance may be a notification notifying the necessity of maintenance. The maintenance request value is a value greater than the maintenance value. The maintenance request value may be set arbitrarily depending on the type of the focused item and may be stored in the main unit memory 130 as maintenance request value data 133.

[0040] The second notification may be a notification that indicates a higher level of urgency than the first notification, for example, a message indicating that the second notification is a final notice regarding maintenance may be displayed on the display screen.

[0041] Furthermore, the notification unit 140 may issue a third notification regarding the occurrence of an abnormality when the number of abnormality occurrences counted by the counting unit 114 exceeds a preset threshold. When an abnormality occurs in the car wash machine 100, an on-site worker may respond and resolve the abnormality. If a new worker is assigned, the worker may not notice that an abnormality is occurring frequently. However, by issuing a notification when the counted number of abnormality occurrences exceeds a threshold, the worker can notice that an abnormality has occurred multiple times. Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs repeatedly, it is possible to indicate that there may be a cause other than the resolved abnormal part.

[0042] (Notification via network) The car wash machine 100 may include a communication unit 150 as shown in Fig. 1. The communication unit 150 may be connected to an administrator terminal 300 by wireless communication via a network NT. The administrator terminal 300 may be a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like.

[0043] The control unit 110 of the car wash machine 100 may execute a first notification, via the communication unit 150, to notify the recommendation of maintenance of a first element, which is one of the components. The communication unit 150 is connected to the network NT via wireless communication. The network NT may be a secure network, for example, a virtual private network (VPN). The administrator terminal 300 can obtain the first notification via wireless communication via the network NT. Specifically, for example, the control unit 110 may execute the first notification by causing the administrator terminal 300 via the communication unit 150 to display a message recommending maintenance of the first element. Similarly, the control unit 110 may execute the second and / or third notification described above via the communication unit 150.

[0044] Since various notifications can be obtained at the manager's terminal 300 that is wirelessly connected, notifications recommending maintenance can be sent to a manager who is located away from the car wash machine 100.

[0045] (Control example) Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of control when the car wash machine 100 issues a notification regarding maintenance of a component. Fig. 2 illustrates a case where, for example, the first element, which is one of the components, is a brush, and the item of interest is the cumulative number of cars washed. Note that Fig. 2 shows an example of control performed by the control unit 110 of the car wash machine 100, and is not limited to this.

[0046] The calculation unit 112 calculates the cumulative number of washed cars as a calculated value every time the car wash machine 100 washes a car through the series of controls shown in FIG.

[0047] In step S11, the maintenance value determination unit 113 refers to the maintenance value data 132 in the main body memory 130, for example, to determine the maintenance value of the brush (the cumulative number of cars washed).

[0048] In step S12, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the calculated value (cumulative number of cars washed) calculated by the calculation unit 112 exceeds the maintenance value determined by the maintenance value determination unit 113 in step S11.

[0049] In step S12, if the control unit 110 determines that the calculated value exceeds the maintenance value (S12: YES), the control unit 110 executes a first notification via the notification unit 140 (S13). By receiving a notification recommending maintenance at an appropriate time, the user can perform maintenance or appropriately plan for maintenance. This reduces the possibility of the cleaning device stopping operation due to an abnormality caused by a failure of a maintenance part or the like.

[0050] If the control unit 110 determines that the worker performed brush maintenance after the first notification (S14: YES), it resets the cumulative number of cars washed as a calculated value (S19) and returns to step S11. In this case, the maintenance value determination unit 113 may update the maintenance value to a value smaller than the previous maintenance value. When part replacement or repair is performed as a result of maintenance, due to defective parts or human error associated with the part replacement, the failure rate may not immediately decrease, and the risk of failure may remain high. By setting the second maintenance value after part replacement smaller than the normal period (maintenance value), it is possible to reduce the possibility of an abnormality occurring after part replacement and causing the washing device to stop operating.

[0051] Alternatively, the maintenance value determination unit 113 may update the maintenance value as follows. When the first element is maintained after the first notification, the maintenance value determination unit 113 may store the calculated value and an evaluation value indicating the actual degree of wear or deterioration of the first element as determined by the worker in the main body memory 130. The evaluation value may be input by the worker via the input unit 120. The maintenance value determination unit 113 may then determine and update the maintenance value based on the recorded calculated value and the evaluation value.

[0052] A specific example will be described below. For example, assume that the cumulative number of cars washed (calculated value) has reached the maintenance value, a first notification has been issued, and brush replacement maintenance has been performed. Normally, brush replacement is required when the degree of wear of the brush is about 10%, but the actual degree of wear of the brush at the time of replacement was about 5% (evaluated value) according to the worker's judgment. When the worker inputs this evaluated value, the maintenance value determination unit 113 accumulates the relationship between the calculated value and the evaluated value as data. Then, the maintenance value can be updated based on statistics of the accumulated data. The evaluated value may be a value based on data acquired from a sensor or a camera provided in the car wash machine 100. By determining a new maintenance value based on the recorded calculated value and evaluated value, a maintenance notification can be issued at a more appropriate time.

[0053] If the control unit 110 determines in step S14 that the worker has not performed brush maintenance after the first notification (S14: NO), it refers to the maintenance requirement value data 133 stored in the main body memory 130 and determines whether the calculated value (cumulative number of cars washed) exceeds the maintenance requirement value (S15).

[0054] In step S15, when the control unit 110 determines that the calculated value exceeds the maintenance request value (S15: YES), the control unit 110 executes a second notification via the notification unit 140 (S16). The second notification, which notifies the user of the need for maintenance as a message with a higher urgency than the first notification, allows the user to recognize that maintenance is required.

[0055] If the control unit 110 determines that the brush maintenance has been performed by the worker after the second notification (S17: YES), it resets the cumulative number of cars washed as a calculated value (S19) and returns to step S11. In this case, the maintenance value determination unit 113 may update the maintenance value in the same way as when the calculated value was reset after step S14.

[0056] If the control unit 110 determines in step S17 that the worker has not performed brush maintenance after the first notification (S17: NO), it forcibly stops the car wash machine 100 in step S18. If maintenance is still not performed even after the second notification is issued, stopping the washing operation can reduce the possibility of a breakdown or the like occurring in the car wash machine 100 that requires time or money to repair.

[0057] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0058] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the notification unit 140 provided in the car wash machine 100 issues a notification recommending maintenance. In the second embodiment, a car wash machine management system will be described as an example in which a notification recommending maintenance is issued via a network.

[0059] (Overview of car wash management system) The configuration of a car wash machine management system 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a main part of the car wash machine management system 1.

[0060] The car wash machine management system 1A includes a car wash machine 100A, a server 200, and an administrator terminal 300A. The car wash machine management system 1 issues notifications recommending maintenance at appropriate times for the components of the car wash machine 100A. The car wash machine management system 1 can also monitor the status of car washes under the management of the administrator in real time. Multiple car wash machines 100A may be included.

[0061] The car wash machine 100A includes a control unit 110A, a main body memory 130A, and a communication unit 150A.

[0062] The control unit 110A includes an acquisition unit 111 and a communication control unit 115. The acquisition unit 111 is as described in the first embodiment. The communication control unit 115 controls communication via the communication unit 150A. For example, the communication control unit 115 transmits the status data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 to the server 200 via the communication unit 150A. The communication unit 150A is connected to the network NT by wireless communication. The network NT may be a secure network, for example, a virtual private network (VPN).

[0063] In response to a request from the administrator terminal 300, the communication control unit 115 may transmit the car wash history data 131 stored in the main body memory 130 to the server 200 via the communication unit 150A.

[0064] The communication control unit 115 may transmit the status data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 to the server 200, for example, every 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes. By transmitting the data at these time intervals, the status data received by the server 200 reflects the real-time status of each part of the car wash machine.

[0065] The main body memory 130 may be as described in the first embodiment.

[0066] The server 200 includes a server control unit 210 and a server storage unit 230. The server control unit 210 controls each unit of the server 200. The server control unit 210 includes a calculation unit 212, a maintenance value determination unit 213, and a counting unit 214. The server control unit 210 also includes a data collection unit 215 and a transmission management unit 216.

[0067] The server storage unit 220 stores various data handled by the server 200. The server storage unit 220 may store connection information for connecting to the car wash machine 100 and the administrator terminal 300. The server storage unit 220 may also store template information for various display screens displayed on the administrator terminal 300, which will be described later.

[0068] The server 200 includes a data collection unit 215 and a transmission management unit 216, and can receive and manage the status data transmitted from the car wash 100.

[0069] The data collection unit 215 acquires status data from multiple car wash machines 100 managed by the administrator via the network NT, and stores the data in the server storage unit 220 as collected data 231. In other words, the data collection unit 215 can acquire status data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 of each car wash machine 100 from each of the multiple car wash machines 100, and manage the data as collected data 231.

[0070] The transmission management unit 216 may transmit the collected data acquired by the data collection unit 215 to the administrator terminal 300 in real time via the network NT. Note that transmitting the status data in real time may mean transmitting the status data continuously at a predetermined time interval. The predetermined time interval may be, for example, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes.

[0071] The server 200 includes a calculation unit 212, a maintenance value determination unit 213, and a counting unit 214. The calculation unit 212, the maintenance value determination unit 213, and the counting unit 214 have the same functions as the calculation unit 112, the maintenance value determination unit 113, and the counting unit 114 described in the first embodiment, respectively. The calculation unit 212 calculates a calculated value based on the status data acquired by the data collection unit 215 and managed as collected data 231.

[0072] The server 200 also includes a notification DB 232, a determination unit 217, and a transmission management unit 216, and can send a message to a specified address if the data acquired by the server 200 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0073] The notification DB 232 is a database that stores templates of messages to be sent from the server 200 to a specified address. The notification DB 232 stores a template for a first notification that includes a message notifying the recommendation of maintenance for a first element, which is one of the components. The notification DB 232 may also store a template for a second notification that includes a message requesting maintenance for the first element. The notification DB 232 may also store a template for a third notification that includes a message notifying that an abnormality has occurred multiple times in the car wash machine 100.

[0074] The server 200 may be a virtual server (cloud) or may be constructed by a physical device.

[0075] The administrator terminal 300 is a terminal equipped with a display unit 310. The administrator terminal 300 may be a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The administrator terminal 300 receives the collected data transmitted by the server 200. The administrator can check the status data of each car wash machine 100 included in the collected data by accessing the server 200 using the administrator terminal 300. Note that display of various data including the status data may be performed by creating a display screen for displaying the data in the server 200 and displaying the screen on the administrator terminal. Alternatively, a predetermined application installed on the administrator terminal 300 may acquire various data from the server 200, and create and display a display screen on the administrator terminal 300 based on the data.

[0076] The manager terminal 300 includes an input unit 320 that receives input related to maintenance values. The input unit 320 may be, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a touch panel that receives input from a worker.

[0077] (Control example) Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control when the car wash machine management system 1A issues a notification regarding maintenance of a component. In the following, for example, a case where the first element, which is one of the components, is a brush and the target item is the cumulative number of cars washed will be described. Note that Fig. 4 shows an example of control performed by the server control unit 210 of the car wash machine management system 1A, and is not limited to this.

[0078] The calculation unit 212 calculates the cumulative number of car washes as a calculated value every time the data collection unit 215 acquires status data through the series of controls shown in FIG.

[0079] In step S21, the maintenance value determination unit 213 determines the maintenance value of the brush (the cumulative number of cars washed) by, for example, referring to the maintenance value data 233 stored in the server storage unit 230. The maintenance value data 233 may be the same data as the maintenance value data 132 described in the first embodiment.

[0080] In step S22, the server control unit 210 determines whether or not the calculated value (cumulative number of car washes) calculated by the calculation unit 212 exceeds the maintenance value determined by the maintenance value determination unit 213 in step S21.

[0081] In step S22, if the server control unit 210 determines that the calculated value exceeds the maintenance value (S22: YES), the transmission management unit 216 executes the first notification by sending a message to a specified address via the communication unit 250 (S23). The message to be sent may be a message created using a template for the first notification stored in the notification DB 232. The sent message may include cumulative car wash count information indicating the cumulative number of car washes at the time of sending. The sent message may also include information regarding maintenance values for components other than the brushes provided in the car wash machine 100A. By including the current cumulative car wash count and information regarding the maintenance values of the other components in the message, it is possible to obtain information regarding the maintenance timing for the other components.

[0082] When the server control unit 210 determines that the brush maintenance has been performed by the worker after the first notification (S24: YES), it resets the cumulative number of cars washed as a calculated value (S29) and returns to step S21.

[0083] If the server control unit 210 determines in step S24 that the worker has not performed brush maintenance after the first notification (S24: NO), it refers to the maintenance request value data 234 stored in the server storage unit 230 and determines whether the calculated value (cumulative number of cars washed) exceeds the maintenance request value (S25). The maintenance request value data 234 may be the same data as the maintenance request value data 133 described in the first embodiment.

[0084] In step S25, if the server control unit 210 determines that the calculated value exceeds the maintenance request value (S25: YES), the transmission management unit 216 executes the second notification by sending a message to a specified address via the communication unit 250 (S26). The message to be sent may be a message created using a template for the second notification stored in the notification DB 232.

[0085] When the server control unit 210 determines that the brush maintenance has been performed by the worker after the second notification (S27: YES), it resets the cumulative number of cars washed as a calculated value (S29) and returns to step S21.

[0086] If server control unit 210 determines in step S27 that the worker has not performed brush maintenance after the first notification (S27: NO), server control unit 210 transmits in step S28 a stop instruction to forcibly stop car wash machine 100A via communication unit 250. When control unit 110A of car wash machine 100A receives the stop instruction via communication unit 150A, it forcibly stops car wash machine 100A.

[0087] (Summary of Embodiment 2) The car wash machine management system 1A includes a car wash machine 100A having a communication unit 150A that periodically transmits status data indicating the operating status of the car wash machine to a server, and a server 200 that receives and manages the status data from the car wash machine 100A. The server 200 calculates the cumulative number of cars washed based on the status data, and when the cumulative number of cars washed reaches a maintenance value set for a first element, which is one of the components of the car wash machine 100A, the server 200 transmits a first notification to a specified destination notifying that maintenance of the first element is recommended.

[0088] This configuration allows the system to promptly recognize when the cumulative number of car washes for components such as brushes has reached the recommended maintenance number, encouraging timely maintenance and reducing the possibility of the car wash machine being shut down due to an abnormality caused by a component failure or other problem.

[0089] Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, a car wash machine has been used as a specific example of a washing device, but the washing device according to the present disclosure is not limited to a car wash machine. The washing device according to the present disclosure may be, for example, a machine washing device for washing machines, a container washing device for washing containers, or a dishwasher for washing dishes. Alternatively, the washing device may be a washing device for washing air vehicles such as drones or airplanes, or a washing device for washing various vehicles such as large vehicles or specialized vehicles. Furthermore, the washing device may be a type that is installed on the ground, or a type that performs washing operations while floating in the air.

[0090] The components included in the cleaning device according to the present disclosure may be components related to cleaning, such as brushes, cleaning liquid, and spray mechanisms, or various parts that make up the cleaning device, such as hoses, piping, valves, liquid tanks, fluid compressors, electrical wiring, motors, and reducers.

[0091] 〔summary〕 (1) A cleaning device according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure is a cleaning device for cleaning an object to be cleaned, and includes an acquisition unit that collects status data indicating the operating status of the cleaning device, a calculation unit that calculates a calculated value related to components of the cleaning device based on the status data, and an alarm unit, and when the calculated value reaches a maintenance value for which maintenance is recommended that is set for a first element, which is one of the components, the alarm unit executes a first alarm to notify the recommendation of maintenance for the first element.

[0092] (2) A cleaning device according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure is the cleaning device of aspect 1, further comprising a maintenance value determination unit that determines the maintenance value, and when the first element is maintained after the first notification, the maintenance value determination unit updates the maintenance value to a value smaller than the previous value.

[0093] (3) A cleaning device according to aspect 3 of the present disclosure is the cleaning device of aspect 1, further comprising an input unit that accepts the maintenance value, and the maintenance value determination unit updates the maintenance value to the value accepted by the input unit.

[0094] (4) A cleaning device according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure is the cleaning device of aspect 1, wherein when the first element is maintained after the first notification, the maintenance value determination unit records the calculated value and an evaluation value of the first element determined by an operator, and the maintenance value determination unit updates the maintenance value to a value determined based on the recorded calculated value and the evaluation value.

[0095] (5) A cleaning device according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure is a cleaning device according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising a maintenance value determination unit that determines the maintenance value, and the maintenance value determination unit determines the maintenance value according to the environment of the installation location of the cleaning device.

[0096] (6) A cleaning device according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure is a cleaning device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the notification unit executes a second notification requesting maintenance of the first element when maintenance of the first element is not performed after the first notification and a maintenance requirement value set for the first element at which maintenance is required is reached.

[0097] (7) A cleaning device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the cleaning device of the sixth aspect, in which the cleaning operation is stopped when the second notification is executed.

[0098] (8) A cleaning device according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure is a cleaning device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, further comprising a counting unit that counts the number of abnormalities that occur in the cleaning device, and the alarm unit executes a third alarm regarding the occurrence of an abnormality when the number of abnormalities that occur exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0099] (9) A cleaning device management system according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure includes a cleaning device described in any one of aspects 1 to 8 connected to a network, and at least one terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first notification via the network.

[0100] (10) A cleaning device management system according to aspect 10 of the present disclosure includes a cleaning device having a communication unit that periodically transmits status data indicating the operating status of the cleaning device to a server, and a server that receives and manages the operating data from the cleaning device. The server calculates values related to components of the cleaning device based on the operating data, and when the calculated values reach a maintenance value for a first element, which is one of the components, the server transmits a first notification to a specified destination notifying that maintenance of the first element is recommended.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. 1A... Car wash machine management system (washing equipment management system) 100, 100A... Car wash machine (cleaning device) 110, 110A... Control unit 111...Acquisition part 112, 212... Calculation section 113, 213... Maintenance value determination unit 114, 214...Counting unit 115 Communication control unit 120, 320... Input section 130, 130A... Main unit memory 131···Car wash history data 132, 233 Maintenance value data 133, 234 Maintenance requirement data 140···Information Department 150, 150A, 250...Communication unit 200 Server 210 Server control unit 215···Data Collection Section 216 Transmission Management Unit 217...Judgment section 220, 230 Server storage unit 231...Collected data 300, 300A Administrator terminal 310...Display section

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning an object to be cleaned, an acquisition unit that collects status data indicating an operating status of the cleaning device; a calculation unit that calculates a calculated value related to a component included in the cleaning device based on the status data; a notification unit, The notification unit executes a first notification to notify the recommendation of maintenance of a first element, which is one of the components, when the calculated value reaches a maintenance value for which maintenance is recommended, which is set for the first element.

2. a maintenance value determination unit that determines the maintenance value, The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance value determination unit updates the maintenance value to a value smaller than the previous value when maintenance is performed on the first element after the first notification.

3. an input unit that receives the maintenance value; a maintenance value determination unit that determines the maintenance value, The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance value determination unit updates the maintenance value to the value received by the input unit.

4. a maintenance value determination unit that determines the maintenance value, the maintenance value determination unit records the calculated value and the evaluation value of the first element when maintenance is performed on the first element after the first notification; The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance value determination unit updates the maintenance value to a value determined based on the recorded calculated value and the evaluation value.

5. a maintenance value determination unit that determines the maintenance value, The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance value determination unit determines the maintenance value depending on an environment of an installation location of the cleaning device.

6. 2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit executes a second notification requesting maintenance of the first element when maintenance of the first element is not performed after the first notification and a maintenance requirement value set for the first element requiring maintenance is reached.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 6 , wherein the cleaning operation is stopped when the second notification is executed.

8. a counting unit that counts the number of times an abnormality occurs in the cleaning device; The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit issues a third notification regarding the occurrence of an abnormality when the number of times the abnormality has occurred exceeds a preset threshold value.

9. connected to the network, A cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; At least one terminal device; The terminal device receives the first notification through the network.

10. a cleaning device having a communication unit that periodically transmits status data indicating the operating status of the cleaning device to a server; a server that receives and manages the status data from the cleaning device; The server calculates values related to components of the cleaning device based on the status data; A cleaning device management system that, when a maintenance value set for a first element, which is one of the components, for which maintenance is recommended, is reached, sends a first notification to a specified destination notifying that maintenance of the first element is recommended.

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