Vehicle Cleaning System

Abstract

To provide a vehicle cleaning system capable of cleaning a vehicle at an appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A cleaning system 1 includes a vehicle 10 and a cleaning robot 20 that cleans the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 and the cleaning robot 20 communicate information required for cleaning with each other and perform cleaning at an appropriate timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle cleaning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a technology in which, when factors that cause dirt inside the vehicle cabin are recognized, a vehicle cleaning response unit sends vehicle cleaning information to at least one of the user terminal and the maintenance management server, thereby encouraging vehicle cleaning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-101272 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration a specific cleaning method after the vehicle cleaning information is sent, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a vehicle cleaning system that can clean a vehicle at an appropriate timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the vehicle cleaning system of the present disclosure is a cleaning system comprising a vehicle and a cleaning robot that cleans the vehicle, wherein the vehicle and the cleaning robot communicate with each other about information necessary for cleaning and perform cleaning at an appropriate time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an effect that the vehicle can be cleaned at an appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle cleaning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle cleaning system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process executed by the cleaning system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a vehicle cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment. In addition, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the following description.

[0010] [Overview of the vehicle cleaning system] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle cleaning system according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the vehicle cleaning system according to an embodiment.

[0011] The cleaning system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a vehicle 10 and a cleaning robot 20. The vehicle 10 may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The cleaning robot 20 can communicate with the vehicle 10 via a network N100 and cleans the vehicle 10 at a predetermined timing. The network N100 may be configured, for example, from an internet network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), a mobile phone network, or the like.

[0012] [Vehicle functional configuration] First, the functional configuration of the vehicle 10 will be described. The vehicle 10 includes a sensor group 11, a drive unit 12, a memory unit 13, a transmitter / receiver unit 14, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 15.

[0013] The sensor group 11 is configured using a wiper operation detection sensor, a door opening / closing sensor, a seat sensor, an imaging device, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. The sensor group 11 detects the operation of wipers (not shown) and outputs the detection result to the ECU 15. The sensor group 11 also detects the opening / closing of the doors of the vehicle 10 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 15. The sensor group 11 also detects the position of a passenger seated in a seat within the vehicle 10 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 15. The sensor group 11 also captures images of the interior of the vehicle 10 to generate image data and outputs the image data to the ECU 15. The sensor group 11 also detects the state of the drive unit 12 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 15.

[0014] The drive unit 12 is realized using an engine, a motor, etc. The drive unit 12 accelerates the vehicle 10 by driving under the control of the ECU 15.

[0015] The storage unit 13 is realized using a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The storage unit 13 stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, various databases, etc. The storage unit 13 also stores a vehicle ID for identifying the vehicle 10, vehicle model information of the vehicle 10, the model year, wiper operation history, the number of days since the last cleaning that the vehicle 10 has been used, the seating positions of passengers, and door opening and closing history, etc.

[0016] The transceiver 14 communicates bidirectionally with the cleaning robot 20 via the network N100 under the control of the ECU 15. For example, the transceiver 14 communicates with the cleaning robot 20 via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. The transceiver 14 is configured using, for example, a communication module having an antenna.

[0017] The ECU 15 is implemented using a processor having hardware. The hard disk includes, for example, a memory, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The ECU 15 controls each component of the vehicle 10. The ECU 15 loads a program stored in the storage unit 13 into a working area of ​​the memory, executes the program, and controls each component through the execution of the program to realize a function that meets a predetermined purpose. Specifically, the ECU 15 transmits vehicle information to the cleaning robot 20 when a predetermined condition is met for the vehicle 10. Here, the predetermined condition is a state in which the vehicle 10 enters a return location and stops, and the sensor group 11 installed in the vehicle 10 detects that no occupants are present inside the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the ECU 15 functions as a first processor.

[0018] [Functional configuration of cleaning robot] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the cleaning robot 20. The cleaning robot 20 includes a transmitter / receiver 21, a sensor group 22, a memory unit 23, a drive unit 24, a robot arm unit 25, a gripper unit 26, a cleaner 27, and a cleaning control unit .

[0019] The transmitter / receiver 21 communicates bidirectionally with the vehicle 10 via the network N100 under the control of the cleaning control unit 28. For example, the transmitter / receiver 21 communicates with the vehicle 10 via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. The transmitter / receiver 21 is configured using, for example, a communication module having an antenna.

[0020] The sensor group 22 is configured using a GPS sensor, a dirt detection sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. For example, the sensor group 22 detects dirt on the vehicle 10 and outputs the detection result to the cleaning control unit 28. The sensor group 22 also detects the position of the cleaning robot 20 and outputs the detection result to the cleaning control unit 28. The sensor group 22 also detects the speed of the cleaning robot 20 and outputs the detection result to the cleaning control unit 28.

[0021] The storage unit 23 is realized using a ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD, etc. The storage unit 23 stores an operating system, various programs, various tables, various databases, etc. The storage unit 23 also has a vehicle model information storage unit 231. The vehicle model information storage unit 231 stores a vehicle ID and vehicle model information linked to the vehicle ID. Here, the vehicle model information includes the interior shape of the vehicle 10, the model year, the material and color of the seats, etc.

[0022] The driving unit 24 is realized using tires, caterpillars, an engine, a motor, etc. The driving unit 24 moves the cleaning robot 20 to a predetermined position by driving under the control of the cleaning control unit 28.

[0023] Robot arm unit 25 rotatably supports gripper 26, which rotatably grips vacuum cleaner 27. Robot arm unit 25 is configured using a support unit that can rotate around at least mutually perpendicular axes, a motor provided on each axis, etc. Robot arm unit 25 moves gripper 26 to a predetermined position within a space under the control of cleaning control unit 28.

[0024] The gripper 26 is provided at the tip of the robot arm 25 so as to be rotatable relative to the robot arm 25. The gripper 26 grips a vacuum cleaner 27 or the like. The gripper 26 grips a predetermined device under the control of a cleaning control unit 28.

[0025] Under the control of cleaning control unit 28, vacuum cleaner 27 cleans dust and dirt from the passenger compartment, seats, and the like inside vehicle 10. Note that, although vacuum cleaner 27 is used as an example of an object held by gripping unit 26 in the embodiment, the object is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation device capable of sterilization.

[0026] The cleaning control unit 28 is implemented using a processor having hardware. The hard disk is, for example, a memory, a CPU, a DSP, and an FPGA. The cleaning control unit 28 controls each component of the vehicle 10. The ECU 15 loads a program stored in the storage unit 23 into a working area of ​​the memory and executes it. The ECU 15 controls each component through the execution of the program, thereby achieving a function that meets a predetermined purpose. Specifically, the cleaning control unit 28 determines the cleaning area and cleaning method of the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle 10, and cleans the vehicle 10 using the cleaning robot 20 based on the cleaning area and cleaning method of the vehicle 10. After that, when the cleaning robot 20 has completed cleaning of the vehicle 10, the cleaning control unit 28 transmits cleaning completion information to the vehicle 10. The cleaning control unit 28 also determines the cleaning area and cleaning method of the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle usage history and occupant seating history information of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the cleaning control unit 28 determines the cleaning area and cleaning method based on the interior shape and seat material of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle model information linked to the vehicle ID included in the vehicle information. In one embodiment, the cleaning control unit 28 functions as the second processor.

[0027] [Cleaning system processing] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the cleaning system 1. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the cleaning system 1.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, first, the vehicle 10 enters a predetermined return location (step S1), and the ECU 15 determines whether or not a request for vehicle cleaning has been made (step S2). Specifically, the ECU 15 determines whether or not the vehicle 10 is stopped and no occupants are present in the vehicle 10 based on various detection results input from the sensor group 11. In this case, the ECU 15 determines that a request for vehicle cleaning has been made when the vehicle 10 is stopped and no occupants are present in the vehicle 10. If the ECU 15 determines that a request for vehicle cleaning has been made (step S2: Yes), the vehicle 10 proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the ECU 15 determines that a request for vehicle cleaning has not been made (step S2: No), the vehicle 10 performs the process of step S2 at predetermined intervals.

[0029] In step S3, the ECU 15 transmits vehicle information to the cleaning robot 20 via the transmitter / receiver 14. Here, the vehicle information includes a vehicle ID, location information of the vehicle 10, the number of days since the vehicle 10 was last cleaned, wiper operation history, seating position information, door opening / closing history, etc.

[0030] Next, the cleaning control unit 28 determines whether or not vehicle information has been received from the vehicle 10 (step S4). If it is determined that vehicle information has been received from the vehicle 10 (step S4: Yes), the cleaning control unit 28 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that vehicle information has not been received from the vehicle 10 (step S4: No), the cleaning control unit 28 waits until vehicle information is received from the vehicle 10.

[0031] In step S5, the cleaning control unit 28 determines the cleaning locations and cleaning method of the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle 10. For example, the cleaning control unit 28 determines the cleaning locations and cleaning method of the vehicle 10 based on the shape of the vehicle 10, the material and color of the seats, the number of days since the last cleaning that the vehicle 10 has been used, and seating position information included in the vehicle information linked to the vehicle ID included in the vehicle information. Specifically, the cleaning control unit 28 determines the cleaning locations and cleaning method for intensive cleaning and sterilization for seats that have a history of being occupied by an occupant.

[0032] Next, the cleaning control unit 28 cleans the vehicle based on the cleaning area and cleaning method of the vehicle 10 (step S6). Specifically, the cleaning control unit 28 drives the drive unit 24 to move the cleaning robot 20 toward the vehicle 10 that has entered the return location. After arriving at the vehicle 10, the cleaning control unit 28 cleans the vehicle by driving the robot arm unit 25, the gripper unit 26, and the vacuum cleaner 27 based on the cleaning area and cleaning method of the vehicle 10.

[0033] Thereafter, the cleaning control unit 28 determines whether cleaning of the vehicle 10 is complete based on the detection results from the sensor group 22 (step S7). Specifically, the cleaning control unit 28 determines whether cleaning of the vehicle 10 is complete based on the degree of dirt on the seats of the vehicle 10 detected by the sensor group 22. For example, the cleaning control unit 28 determines that cleaning of the vehicle 10 is complete when the sensor group 22 no longer detects the degree of dirt on the seats of the vehicle 10. Of course, the cleaning control unit 28 may also determine that cleaning of the vehicle 10 is complete when the vacuum cleaner 27 has cleaned the cleaning area for a preset time. If the cleaning control unit 28 determines that cleaning of the vehicle 10 is complete (step S7: Yes), the cleaning robot 20 proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the cleaning control unit 28 determines that cleaning of the vehicle 10 is not complete (step S7: No), the cleaning robot 20 repeats the determination in step S7 until cleaning of the vehicle 10 is complete.

[0034] In step S8, the cleaning control unit 28 transmits a cleaning completion signal to the vehicle 10 indicating that cleaning of the vehicle 10 by the cleaning robot 20 has been completed.

[0035] Next, the ECU 15 receives a cleaning completion signal from the cleaning robot 20 (step S9). Here, the cleaning completion signal includes information indicating that cleaning of the vehicle 10 has been completed, information about the area of ​​the vehicle 10 that has been cleaned, and specific details of the dirt. After step S9, the cleaning system 1 ends this process.

[0036] According to the embodiment described above, the vehicle 10 and the cleaning robot 20 communicate with each other information necessary for cleaning, so that cleaning of the vehicle 10 can be performed at an appropriate timing.

[0037] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the cleaning control unit 28 determines the cleaning areas and cleaning method of the vehicle 10 based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle 10, causes the cleaning robot 20 to clean the vehicle 10 based on the cleaning areas and cleaning method of the vehicle 10, and transmits cleaning completion information to the vehicle 10 when the cleaning robot 20 has completed cleaning of the vehicle 10. This allows the cleaning robot 20 to perform cleaning according to the usage history of the vehicle 10 and to reliably transmit the timing of cleaning completion to the vehicle 10.

[0038] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the cleaning control unit 28 determines the areas and methods of cleaning of the vehicle 10 based on the usage history of the vehicle 10 and the seating history information of the occupants, so that cleaning can be performed according to the usage history of the vehicle 10.

[0039] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the cleaning control unit 28 determines the cleaning areas and cleaning methods based on the shape of the interior of the vehicle 10 and the material of the seats, so that cleaning can be performed according to the characteristics of the vehicle model 10.

[0040] (Other embodiments) Furthermore, in the cleaning system according to one embodiment, the cleaning control unit is provided in the cleaning robot, but the functions of the cleaning control unit may be realized by a single server.

[0041] In addition, in the cleaning system according to one embodiment, the above-mentioned "unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the memory unit can be read as memory means or memory circuit.

[0042] In addition, the program to be executed by the cleaning system of one embodiment is provided as file data in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), USB medium, or flash memory.

[0043] In the explanation of the flowcharts in this specification, the order of processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue," but the order of processing required to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed within a consistent range.

[0044] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0045] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that have undergone various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the disclosure of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1 Cleaning system; 10 Vehicle; 11, 22 Sensor group; 12, 24 Drive unit; 13, 23 Memory unit; 14, 21 Transmitter / receiver unit; 15 ECU; 20 Cleaning robot; 21 Transmitter / receiver unit; 25 Robot arm unit; 26 Gripper unit; 27 Vacuum cleaner; 28 Cleaning control unit; 231 Vehicle information memory unit; N100 Network

Claims

1. 1. A cleaning system comprising a vehicle and a cleaning robot for cleaning the vehicle, The vehicle and the cleaning robot are Communicate the information necessary for cleaning, Cleaning at the right time The vehicle is a first processor; The cleaning robot comprises: a second processor; The first processor When the vehicle meets a predetermined condition, vehicle information including at least a usage history of the vehicle, seating history information of the occupants, a shape of the interior of the vehicle, and a material of the seats is transmitted to the cleaning robot; The second processor determining a cleaning location and a cleaning method for the vehicle based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle; cleaning the vehicle with the cleaning robot based on the cleaning location and cleaning method; When the cleaning of the vehicle by the cleaning robot is completed, cleaning completion information is transmitted to the vehicle. Vehicle cleaning system.

2. 10. The cleaning system of claim 1, The first processor When the vehicle is stopped, a situation inside the vehicle is determined from a group of sensors provided in the vehicle as the predetermined condition; If there is no occupant in the vehicle, transmit the vehicle information. Vehicle cleaning system.

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