Cleaning systems and cleaning management methods

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of detecting an appropriate execution period of cleaning work for a floor surface.SOLUTION: A cleaning system 100 for managing cleaning work for a floor surface 20 includes: a dust detector 30 installed on the floor surface 20 and constituted to collect dust floating in air and dust accumulated on the floor surface and measure an amount of dust collected at a predetermined cycle; and an information processor 50 communicatively connected to the dust detector 30. The information processor 50 receives a signal indicating a measurement value of the amount of dust from the dust detector 30 at a predetermined cycle. The information processor 50 determines based on a received measurement value whether it is time to execute cleaning work for the floor surface 20 or not.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cleaning system, a dust detector, and a cleaning management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-148960 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system for coordinating an autonomous mobile cleaning robot with peripheral equipment. In Patent Document 1, the air purifier is configured to detect the amount of dust using a sensor during air purification, and when the amount of dust exceeds a predetermined value, it determines that cleaning is necessary and generates a cleaning necessary event to the control computer. The control computer is configured to receive this event and generate a cleaning start event to the cleaning robot. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-148960 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Autonomous mobile cleaning robots are configured to move autonomously across building floors and collect accumulated dust. Therefore, cleaning operations by these robots are typically scheduled for times when there are few people walking around the building, such as at night, or when no other work is being done inside the building. However, scheduling cleaning operations at such times means that cleaning may be performed even when there is no dust accumulated on the floor, potentially leading to wasted electricity. Alternatively, cleaning may not be performed even when a large amount of dust has accumulated on the floor, resulting in unsanitary conditions.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the need for cleaning is determined based on the amount of dust detected during air purification, raising concerns that the timing of this determination is limited to the time the air purifier is operating. Furthermore, there are concerns that cleaning work performed in response to an event may obstruct pedestrian traffic or interfere with other work. In addition, since the amount of airborne dust detected by the air purifier does not necessarily correspond to the amount of dust accumulated on the floor, there are concerns that the timing for floor cleaning may not be properly determined.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can detect the appropriate timing for floor cleaning work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A cleaning system according to a certain aspect of this disclosure manages floor cleaning operations. The cleaning system comprises a dust detector installed on the floor and configured to collect airborne dust and dust accumulated on the floor, and to measure the amount of dust collected at predetermined intervals, and an information processing device connected to the dust detector in communication. The information processing device receives a signal from the dust detector at predetermined intervals indicating the measured amount of dust. Based on the received measurement, the information processing device determines whether or not it is time to perform floor cleaning operations.

[0008] A dust detector according to other aspects of this disclosure measures the amount of dust accumulating on a floor surface. The dust detector comprises a housing installed on the floor surface with an opening formed on its side, a lid member attached to the opening so as to be openable and closable, a dust concentration meter and a fan housed within the housing, and a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device. The lid member is configured to close the opening for a first time at predetermined intervals. In response to the closing of the opening, the fan operates for a second time shorter than the first time. The dust concentration meter measures the concentration of dust inside the housing within the first time, after the fan has stopped. The communication unit transmits a signal indicating the measurement value of the dust concentration meter to the information processing device.

[0009] A cleaning management method according to another aspect of the present disclosure manages the cleaning operation of the floor surface. The cleaning management method includes the steps of collecting dust floating in the air and dust deposited on the floor surface by a dust detector, measuring the amount of dust collected by the dust detector at a predetermined cycle, storing the measured value of the dust amount, obtaining, by a computer, the deviation between the measured value of the dust amount at the time when the previous cleaning operation was performed and the measured value of the current dust amount, and determining, by a computer, whether it is time to perform the cleaning operation of the floor surface by comparing the deviation with a threshold value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique capable of detecting an appropriate timing for performing the cleaning operation of the floor surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram of a cleaning system to which a dust detector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a cleaning robot, a dust detector, and a server. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the dust detection unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the operation of measuring the amount of dust by the dust detection unit. [Figure 6] It is a diagram explaining each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a dust detector table. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a dust amount DB. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a cleaning execution determination table. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a cleaning robot table. [Figure 11]It is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by a dust detector, a server, and a cleaning robot.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0013] <Configuration Example of Cleaning System> FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a cleaning system to which a dust detector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning system 100 includes a cleaning robot 10, a dust detector 30, a plurality of wireless communication devices 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 ···, and a server 50. In the example shown in FIG. 1, one cleaning robot 10 and one dust detector 30 are shown, but the number of these is not limited.

[0014] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of cleaning areas are set in the building, and one dust detector 30 is installed for each cleaning area. Also, it is assumed that a cleaning area is assigned to each cleaning robot 10 so that the plurality of cleaning robots 10 share and clean the plurality of cleaning areas.

[0015] The cleaning robot 10 is an autonomous mobile vacuum cleaner. The cleaning robot 10 is equipped with a battery and can travel on the floor (floor surface) 20 to be cleaned using the power stored in the battery. A cleaning member for sucking the dust deposited on the floor 20 is provided on the bottom surface or the lower part of the side surface of the cleaning robot 10. The cleaning robot 10 can clean the floor 20 using the cleaning member while moving autonomously.

[0016] The cleaning robot 10 is equipped with a wireless communication device 11. The wireless communication device 11 transmits a signal to detect the location of the cleaning robot 10 using a communication method that conforms to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark) communication standard, for example. Instead of the BLE communication standard, a communication method that conforms to the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication standard, etc., may be used. The wireless communication device 11 also transmits an ID for identifying the cleaning robot 10, signals indicating the start / end of cleaning by the cleaning robot 10, etc., to the server 50 using a communication method that conforms to the wireless communication standard, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0017] The dust detector 30 is a component used to evaluate the amount of dust accumulated on the floor 20. The dust detector 30 is mounted on the floor 20 and is configured to collect dust suspended in the air and dust accumulated on the floor 20. The dust detector 30 measures the amount of collected dust at predetermined measurement intervals. The dust detector 30 is equipped with a wireless communication device 31. The wireless communication device 31 transmits an ID for identifying the dust detector 30 and signals indicating the measured amount of dust to the server 50 using a communication method that conforms to wireless communication standards such as LTE. The configuration of the dust detector 30 will be explained in detail later.

[0018] It is preferable to place the dust detector 30 in a location on the floor 20 where dust tends to accumulate. This allows for a correlation between the amount of dust accumulated on the floor 20 and the measurement value of the dust detector 30. Note that the locations where dust tends to accumulate may differ depending on the flooring material of the floor 20. For example, if the floor 20 is made of a smooth flooring material such as tiles or cushion flooring, dust tends to accumulate in areas away from walkways because it is moved by the airflow generated when people walk on the floor 20. Conversely, if the flooring material is a napped material such as carpet, dust attached to the soles of people's shoes is trapped by the fibers, so dust tends to accumulate in walkways. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the placement of the dust detector 30 considering the walkways on the floor 20 and the flooring material of the floor 20.

[0019] The wireless communication devices 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "wireless communication devices 40") are installed, for example, on the ceiling 45 at an appropriate distance and use a communication method that conforms to the same communication standard as the wireless communication device 11 of the cleaning robot 10 to receive signals transmitted from the cleaning robot 10 and detect the received signal strength. The position of the cleaning robot 10 on the floor 20 can be measured from the received signal strength at each wireless communication device 40. The wireless communication devices 40 output the received signal strength received from the cleaning robot 10 to the server 50. The wireless communication devices 40 may also be installed on a wall.

[0020] Server 50 manages the cleaning work performed by the cleaning robot 10. In this embodiment, Server 50 is configured to detect when cleaning work on the floor 20 should be performed using signals transmitted from the dust detector 30. Server 50 then generates a cleaning execution signal instructing the cleaning robot 10 to perform the cleaning work so that it is carried out at the detected time, and transmits it to the cleaning robot 10. Server 50 corresponds to one embodiment of the "information processing device". Server 50 will be described in detail later.

[0021] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of server 50. As shown in Figure 2, server 50 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, ROM (Read Only Memory) 53, I / F (Interface) device 54, and storage device 55. The CPU 51, RAM 52, ROM 53, I / F device 54, and storage device 55 exchange various data via a communication bus 56.

[0022] The CPU 51 loads the program stored in the ROM 53 into the RAM 52 and executes it. The program stored in the ROM 53 describes the processes to be executed by the server 50.

[0023] The I / F device 54 is an input / output device for exchanging signals and data with the wireless communication device 40, the cleaning robot 10, and the dust detector 30. The I / F device 54 receives the received signal strength from each wireless communication device 40. The I / F device 54 also uses a communication method conforming to wireless communication standards such as LTE to receive an ID for identifying the cleaning robot 10, signals indicating the start / end of cleaning by the cleaning robot 10, and transmits a cleaning execution signal to the cleaning robot 10. Furthermore, the I / F device 54 uses a communication method conforming to wireless communication standards such as LTE to receive an ID for identifying the dust detector 30, signals indicating the measured amount of dust by the dust detector 30, and other data from the dust detector 30.

[0024] The storage device 55 is a storage device that stores various types of information, including information about the cleaning robot 10, information about the dust detector 30, information about the floor 20, and location information of the cleaning robot 10 and the dust detector 30. The storage device 55 also stores various tables and databases (DBs) for managing the dust measurement operation of the dust detector 30 and the cleaning work performed by the cleaning robot 10. The various tables and DBs stored in the storage device 55 will be explained in detail later. The storage device 55 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0025] Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example configuration of the cleaning robot 10, dust detector 30, and server 50 will be described.

[0026] (Example configuration of cleaning robot 10) As shown in Figure 3, the cleaning robot 10 includes a wireless communication device 11, a camera 12, a control unit 13, a cleaning member 14, a drive unit 15, and a battery 16.

[0027] As explained in Figure 1, the wireless communication device 11 transmits a signal to detect the position of the cleaning robot 10 using a communication method that conforms to the BLE communication standard, for example. The wireless communication device 11 also transmits various information to the server 50 using a communication method that conforms to a wireless communication standard such as LTE, for example, an ID to identify the cleaning robot 10, a cleaning start signal indicating the start of cleaning by the cleaning robot 10, and a cleaning end signal indicating the end of cleaning.

[0028] Camera 12 captures images of the area around the cleaning robot 10 and outputs the captured images to the control unit 13. Instead of camera 12, a laser rangefinder or the like may be provided to measure the distance between the cleaning robot 10 and objects in its vicinity.

[0029] The control unit 13 controls the start and end of cleaning by the cleaning robot 10. The control unit 13 also controls the drive unit 15 and the cleaning member 14 so that the cleaning robot 10 moves autonomously and performs cleaning based on the images captured by the camera 12.

[0030] The cleaning member 14 is provided on the bottom surface of the cleaning robot 10 and is a member for sucking up dust accumulated on the floor 20. The cleaning member 14 is composed of, for example, a suction port, a blower for sucking up dust from the suction port, a rotating brush provided at the suction port, and a motor for driving the rotating brush.

[0031] The drive unit 15 generates the driving force necessary for the cleaning robot 10 to move. The drive unit 15 includes, for example, wheels for the cleaning robot 10 to move and a motor for driving the wheels. The drive unit 15 (motor) can operate by receiving power from the battery 16. The battery 16 supplies power for the drive unit 15 and other components of the cleaning robot 10 to operate.

[0032] (Example configuration of dust detector 30) As shown in Figure 3, the dust detector 30 includes a wireless communication device 31, a dust detection unit 32, a battery 33, and a control unit 34.

[0033] As explained in Figure 1, the wireless communication device 31 transmits various information to the server 50, such as an ID for identifying the dust detector 30 and a signal indicating the measured amount of dust measured by the dust detector 30, using a communication method that conforms to a wireless communication standard such as LTE.

[0034] The dust detection unit 32 collects dust suspended in the air and dust accumulated on the floor 20, and measures the amount of collected dust at predetermined measurement intervals. The dust detection unit 32 can operate by receiving power from the battery 33. The battery 33 supplies power for the operation of the dust detection unit 32 and other components of the dust detector 30. The control unit 34 controls the dust quantity measurement operation of the dust detection unit 32.

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the dust detection unit 32 shown in Figure 3. Figure 4(A) is a plan perspective view of the dust detector 30 seen from above. Figure 4(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 4(A).

[0036] As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), the dust detector 30 comprises a housing 320, a lid member 321, a pair of rotating shafts 322, a flow straightening member 323, a dust concentration meter 324, a fan 325, a wireless communication device 31, a battery 33, and a control unit 34. The housing 320, the lid member 321, the pair of rotating shafts 322, the flow straightening member 323, the dust concentration meter 324, and the fan 325 constitute the dust detection unit 32. The wireless communication device 31, the battery 33, and the control unit 34 are housed within the housing 320, along with the dust concentration meter 324 and the fan 325.

[0037] The enclosure 320 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is placed on the floor 20. An opening 326 is formed on one of the four sides of the enclosure 320. The opening 326 has a rectangular shape.

[0038] The lid member 321 is the part that closes the opening 326 so that it can be opened and closed. The lid member 321 is made of a rectangular flat plate. This flat plate rotates around a pair of rotating shafts 322 as pivots, thereby enabling the opening 326 to be opened and closed.

[0039] A pair of rotating shafts 322 are attached to the upper end of the opening 326. The pair of rotating shafts 322 are, for example, servo motors. Power is supplied from the battery 33 to the servo motors, which in turn rotate the lid member 321. In Figure 4, the lid member 321 has been rotated to a position that is approximately parallel to the floor 20, and the opening 326 is in the open state. When the opening 326 is in the open state, as shown in Figure 4(B), airborne dust D and dust D accumulated on the floor 20 are drawn into the housing 320 through the opening 326 by the wind generated when people move across the floor 20. The dust D that enters the housing 320 accumulates on the inner bottom surface of the housing 320.

[0040] A flow straightening member 323 is provided at the lower end of the outer edge of the opening 326. The flow straightening member 323 is a part that prevents dust D accumulated on the inner bottom surface of the housing 320 from flowing out of the housing 320. The flow straightening member 323 has a rectangular shape in plan view and is placed on the floor 20 such that one side abuts against the outer edge of the opening 326. The upper surface of the flow straightening member 323 is an inclined surface 323A. This inclined surface 323A is sloped in such a way that the distance from the bottom surface of the flow straightening member 323 (corresponding to the distance from the floor 20) decreases as it moves away from the outer edge of the opening 326.

[0041] When the opening 326 is open, dust D accumulated on the floor 20 moves upward along the inclined surface 323A and enters the housing 320 through the opening 326. On the other hand, the rectifier member 323 acts as a barrier, preventing the dust D that has entered the housing 320 from moving to the outside of the housing 320. Then, when the lid member 321 is rotated approximately 90 degrees to close the opening 326, the dust D is trapped inside the housing 320. At this time, the inflow of new dust D from outside the housing 320 is also prevented.

[0042] The dust concentration meter 324 is housed within the housing 320. The dust concentration meter 324 is the component for measuring the amount of dust accumulated inside the housing 320. A known dust concentration meter, such as a light scattering type dust concentration meter, can be used for the dust concentration meter 324. The dust concentration meter 324 measures the dust concentration (mg / m³) inside the housing 320. 3 ) Measure.

[0043] The fan 325 is housed within the housing 320. The fan 325 operates by receiving power from the battery 33 when the opening 326 is closed, thereby generating airflow within the housing 320. The fan 325 is stopped when the opening 326 is open. As will be described later, when the dust detection unit 32 measures the amount of dust (dust concentration), the fan 325 operates for a predetermined time.

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for measuring the amount of dust by the dust detection unit 32. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating each step of the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The flowchart shown in Figure 5 is performed at a predetermined measurement cycle.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, the first step S10 is performed to close the lid member 321. In S10, as shown in Figure 6(A), the control unit 34 operates the rotating shaft 322 to rotate the lid member 321, thereby closing the opening 326 for a predetermined first time. Dust D that has flowed in through the opening 326 has accumulated on the inner bottom surface of the housing 320.

[0046] When the opening 326 is closed, step S20 is performed to activate the fan 325. In S20, the control unit 34 operates the fan 325 for a second time, which is shorter than the first time. As shown in Figure 6(B), activating the fan 325 generates an airflow inside the housing 320, as indicated by the arrow in the figure. This airflow lifts and suspends dust accumulated on the inner bottom surface of the housing 320. After the second time has elapsed, the control unit 34 stops the fan 325.

[0047] Next, step S30 is performed in which the amount of dust is measured by the dust concentration meter 324. In S30, as shown in Figure 6(C), the amount of dust D floating inside the housing 320 is measured by the dust concentration meter 324. The wireless communication device 31 transmits a signal to the server 50 indicating the measured amount of dust measured by the dust concentration meter 324. The measured value of the dust concentration meter 324 is the dust concentration (mg / m³). 3 It is expressed as (mg / m³). Dust concentration (mg / m³) 3 ) with a housing volume of 320 (m³ 3 By multiplying by ), the amount of dust (mg) can be calculated.

[0048] Finally, step S40 is performed to open the lid member 321. In S40, as shown in Figure 6(D), the control unit 34 opens the opening 326 by operating the rotating shaft 322 to rotate the lid member 321. Note that S40 is performed after waiting for the dust D floating inside the housing 320 to accumulate again on the inner bottom surface of the housing 320. This is to prevent the dust D from flowing out of the housing 320.

[0049] (Example configuration for Server 50) Returning to Figure 3, the server 50 is comprised of an input unit 63, a control unit 62, an output unit 61, and a storage device 55. Each of the functional configurations shown in Figure 3 is typically realized by the CPU 51 of the server 50 executing a program.

[0050] The input unit 63 receives an ID for identifying the dust detector 30 and a signal from the dust detector 30 indicating the measured amount of dust (dust concentration), and forwards the received signal to the control unit 62. If multiple dust detectors 30 are installed corresponding to multiple cleaning areas, the input unit 63 periodically receives signals from each dust detector 30. Note that the period at which each dust detector 30 transmits a signal may differ among the multiple dust detectors 30.

[0051] The control unit 62 refers to various tables and databases stored in the storage device 55 and determines, based on the measurements of the dust detector 30, whether or not it is time to perform cleaning work on the corresponding cleaning area. If it is determined that it is time to perform cleaning work on a certain cleaning area, the control unit 62 generates a cleaning execution signal instructing cleaning work to be performed on that cleaning area.

[0052] The output unit 61 transmits the generated cleaning execution signal to the cleaning robot 10 corresponding to the cleaning area.

[0053] The storage device 55 stores the dust detector table 551 (Figure 7), the dust amount DB 552 (Figure 8), the cleaning execution determination table 553 (Figure 9), and the cleaning robot table 554 (Figure 10).

[0054] Figure 7 shows an example of a dust detector table 551. As shown in Figure 7, the dust detector table 551 contains information about multiple dust detectors 30. This information includes data for each dust detector 30, such as the "dust detector number" which is the ID of the dust detector 30, the "measurement cycle" which is the period during which the dust amount measurement operation is performed, the "measurement time" which is the time when the measurement operation is performed, and the "measurement location" which is the place where the measurement operation is performed. For example, to give a representative explanation of the first row of the dust detector table 551, dust detector 30 with dust detector number DD1 is set to measure the amount of dust in the "3F South Area" at "0:00 AM" every "day". The "3F South Area", which is the measurement location, corresponds to the cleaning area of ​​the cleaning robot 10. In the example in Figure 7, the "3F South Area", "3F North Area", "2F West Area", and "2F East Area" correspond to four cleaning areas, respectively.

[0055] The measurement time for each dust detector 30 can be set according to the predetermined cleaning schedule for the corresponding cleaning area. The cleaning schedule may be included in the contract terms stipulated in the cleaning contract with the building manager or cleaning manager. In this case, by setting the measurement time to coincide with the cleaning start time in the cleaning schedule, it is possible to determine whether or not to start cleaning work at the cleaning start time based on the measurement value of the dust detector 30.

[0056] Figure 8 shows an example of the dust amount DB552. As shown in Figure 8, the dust amount DB552 includes information about the measurement results of each dust detector 30. This information includes the dust detector number, the time of measurement, the location of measurement, and the measured dust amount for each dust detector 30. For example, to explain the first row of the dust amount DB552 in a representative way, the dust detector 30 with dust detector number DD1 measured the dust amount in the "3F South Area" at "0:00 AM on January 5, 2023," and its measured value (dust concentration) was "0.32 mg / m³." 3This indicates that the amount of dust inside the housing 320 (dust concentration inside the housing 320) obtained during this measurement operation is shown. The information stored in the dust amount DB552 is updated each time the measurement operation is performed.

[0057] Figure 9 shows an example of a cleaning implementation decision table 553. As shown in Figure 9, the cleaning implementation decision table 553 includes information used to determine whether or not it is time to perform cleaning work at each measurement location. This information includes a threshold value and data on the amount of dust at the time of the previous cleaning (dust amount at the time of the previous cleaning) for each measurement location (corresponding to the cleaning area). The threshold value is used to determine whether or not dust has accumulated at the corresponding measurement location since the last cleaning work was performed. The dust amount at the time of the previous cleaning is used to evaluate the amount of dust that has accumulated at the corresponding measurement location since the last cleaning work was performed.

[0058] As described above, the dust detection unit 32 is configured to collect dust suspended in the air and dust accumulated on the floor 20, and to measure the amount of collected dust. As the dust detection unit 32 performs a series of processes at each measurement cycle, the amount of dust inside the housing 320 continues to increase. When the server 50 receives the measurement value from the dust concentration meter 324 at each measurement cycle, it calculates the deviation between the amount of dust at the current measurement time and the amount of dust at the time of the previous cleaning. Based on this deviation, the server 50 then evaluates the amount of dust that has accumulated on the floor 20 from the time the previous cleaning was performed until the time of the current measurement.

[0059] For example, to give a representative explanation of the first row of the cleaning implementation judgment table 553, the threshold for the "3F South Area" is "0.15 mg / m 3 The amount of dust during the previous cleaning was "0.16 mg / m³". 3 This indicates that the amount of dust during the previous cleaning is updated each time cleaning is performed. In other words, if it is determined that cleaning should be performed based on the current measurement, the server 50 overwrites the previous dust amount by storing the current measurement in the previous dust amount.

[0060] Figure 10 shows an example of a cleaning robot table 554. As shown in Figure 10, the cleaning robot table 554 contains data on the ID (cleaning robot number) of the cleaning robot 10 that has each measurement location as its cleaning area. For example, to give a representative explanation of the first row of the cleaning robot table 554, it is shown that the cleaning robot 10 that has the cleaning robot number CR1 has its cleaning area set to "3F South Area".

[0061] <Cleaning system operation> Next, the operation of the cleaning system 100 will be described.

[0062] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the procedures performed by the dust detector 30, server 50, and cleaning robot 10 of the cleaning system 100. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed for each dust detector 30 and each cleaning robot 10. In Figure 11, the series of processes performed by the dust detector 30 are shown on the left, the series of processes performed by the server 50 are shown in the center, and the series of processes performed by the cleaning robot 10 are shown on the right. Hereafter, steps will be abbreviated as S.

[0063] In S01, the dust detector 30 determines whether the time for measuring the amount of dust (measurement time) has arrived. In S01, the dust detector 30 sets the current measurement time based on a preset measurement cycle and measurement time, and determines YES when the current time matches the current measurement time. For example, if dust detector 30 with dust detector number DD1 is set to measure the amount of dust in the "3F South Area" at "0:00 AM" every "day", then the dust detector 30 will determine that the measurement time has arrived every day at 0:00 AM.

[0064] When it is determined that the measurement time has arrived (when S01 is judged as YES), the dust detector 30 performs a dust amount measurement operation for the corresponding measurement location in S02. In S02, the amount of dust (dust concentration) inside the housing 320 is measured by executing a series of processes described in Figures 5 and 6.

[0065] In S03, the dust detector 30 transmits a signal to the server 50 indicating the measurement result. This signal includes an ID (dust detector number) to identify the dust detector 30, the time of the measurement, and the measured amount of dust for the current measurement.

[0066] When server 50 receives a signal from dust detector 30 in S11, it proceeds to S12, where it identifies the measurement location of dust detector 30 based on the data contained in the signal. In S12, server 50 refers to the dust detector table 551 (Figure 7) to identify the measurement location of the source dust detector 30 from its dust detector number. For example, if the dust detector number of the source dust detector 30 is "DD1", the measurement location of the dust detector 30 is identified as "3F South Area".

[0067] In S13, the server 50 stores the measurement results received in S11 in the dust amount DB552 (Figure 8). In S13, the server 50 stores the measurement time, the measurement location identified in S12, and the measured dust amount in the measurement time, measurement location, and dust amount corresponding to the dust detector number of the transmitting dust detector 30, respectively. For example, if the transmitting dust detector 30 is dust detector number DD1, the measurement time will be "0:00 AM on January 5, 2023", the measurement location will be "3F South Area", and the measured dust amount (dust concentration) will be "0.32 mg / m³". 3 This is stored in the dust volume DB552.

[0068] Next, in S14, the server 50 uses the measurement results stored in the dust amount DB 552 and the cleaning implementation determination table 553 to determine whether or not it is time to carry out cleaning work at the measurement location identified in S12.

[0069] In S14, first, the server 50 calculates the deviation between the measured value of the current dust amount and the dust amount at the time of the previous cleaning. For example, at the measurement location of "3F South Area", the current dust amount stored in the dust amount DB552 is "0.32 mg / m 3 ", and the dust amount at the time of the previous cleaning stored in the cleaning execution determination table 553 is "0.16 mg / m 3 ". Therefore, the server 50 subtracts 0.16 mg / m 3 from 0.32 mg / m 3 to obtain a deviation of "0.16 mg / m 3 ". This deviation corresponds to the amount of dust accumulated on the floor 20 since the previous cleaning operation. That is, as the amount of dust accumulated on the floor 20 increases since the previous cleaning operation, the deviation also increases.

[0070] Next, the server 50 compares the obtained deviation with the threshold value stored in the cleaning execution determination table 553. When the deviation is greater than the threshold value (when the determination in S14 is YES), the server 50 determines that it is the time to perform the cleaning operation for the measurement location specified in S12. On the other hand, when the deviation is less than the threshold value (when the determination in S14 is NO), the server 50 determines that it is not the time to perform the cleaning operation for the said measurement location.

[0071] For example, since the threshold value at the measurement location of "3F South Area" is set to "0.15 mg / m 3 ", the server 50 compares the above deviation of "0.16 mg / m 3 " with the threshold value of "0.15 mg / m 3 ". Since the above deviation is greater than the threshold value, the server 50 determines that it is the time to perform the cleaning operation for the 3F South Area.

[0072] In addition, when it is determined that it is the time to perform the cleaning operation, the server 50 stores the measured value of the current dust amount in the dust amount at the time of the previous cleaning in the cleaning execution determination table 553. Therefore, the dust amount at the time of the previous cleaning at the measurement location of "3F South Area" is "0.16 mg / m3 " to "0.32 mg / m² 3 It will be rewritten to ''.

[0073] When it is determined that it is time to perform cleaning work (when the YES decision is made in S14), the server 50 identifies a cleaning robot 10 in S15 whose cleaning area is the measurement location identified in S12. In S15, the server 50 obtains the ID (cleaning robot number) of the cleaning robot 10 whose cleaning area is the measurement location identified in S12 by referring to the cleaning robot table 554 (Figure 10). For example, the cleaning robot 10 with cleaning robot number "CR1" is identified as the cleaning robot 10 whose cleaning area is the measurement location "3F South Area".

[0074] Next, in S16, the server 50 transmits a cleaning signal to the cleaning robot 10 identified in S15. For example, the server 50 transmits a cleaning signal to cleaning robot 10 with cleaning robot number "CR1" whose cleaning area is the measurement location "3F South Area".

[0075] In S21, the cleaning robot 10 determines whether or not it has received a cleaning start signal from the server 50. If it has received a cleaning start signal (YES determination in S21), the cleaning robot 10 proceeds to S22 and starts cleaning the corresponding cleaning area. The cleaning robot 10 transmits its ID and the cleaning start signal to the server 50. The cleaning robot 10 autonomously moves and cleans the corresponding cleaning area.

[0076] In S22, the cleaning robot 10 determines whether the cleaning work is complete. If it is determined that the cleaning of the corresponding cleaning area is complete (YES determination in S22), in S24, the cleaning robot 10 stops autonomous movement and sends a cleaning completion signal to the server 50.

[0077] As explained above, in this embodiment, the timing for cleaning is determined based on the amount of dust measured by the dust detector 30. More specifically, the dust detector 30 is placed on the floor 20 and is configured to collect dust suspended in the air and dust accumulated on the floor 20. The amount of dust (dust concentration) collected by this dust detector 30 is measured at predetermined measurement intervals, and the timing for cleaning is determined based on the measured value. According to this, when an amount of dust exceeding a threshold has accumulated on the floor 20, it is determined that it is time to perform cleaning, so that cleaning can be performed appropriately according to the amount of dust. As a result, the working time and power consumption required for cleaning can be kept to the minimum necessary. Therefore, it is possible to avoid cleaning interfering with other work or causing an increase in power consumption.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the dust detector 30 measures the concentration of dust collected by the dust detector 30 using a dust concentration meter 324 and a fan 325 mounted on the dust detector 30, and uses this measurement to evaluate the amount of dust accumulated on the floor 20. However, a dust weighing scale may be mounted inside the housing 320 of the dust detector 30, and the weight of the collected dust may be measured using the dust weighing scale. This measurement may then be used to evaluate the amount of dust accumulated on the floor 20. In this case, the dust detector 30 transmits a signal indicating the measurement value of the dust weighing scale to the server 50. The server 50 calculates the deviation between the weight of dust collected during the previous cleaning operation and the measured weight of dust collected this time, and compares this deviation with a threshold to determine whether or not it is time to perform cleaning work.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the server 50 transmits a cleaning execution signal to the cleaning robot 10 when it is determined that cleaning work should be performed. However, the server 50 may also be configured to notify the user of when cleaning work should be performed. In this case, for example, the server 50 can transmit a cleaning execution signal to a terminal owned by the user via a communication network, and a notification message based on the cleaning execution signal can be displayed on the terminal's display.

[0080] [Note] The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following appendix.

[0081] (Note 1) A cleaning system for managing floor cleaning operations, A dust detector is installed on the floor surface and is configured to collect airborne dust and dust accumulated on the floor surface, and to measure the amount of dust collected at predetermined intervals. The system comprises a dust detector and an information processing device that is connected to it via communication, The aforementioned information processing device is At the predetermined interval, a signal indicating the measured amount of dust is received from the dust detector. A cleaning system that determines whether or not it is time to perform cleaning work on the floor surface based on the received measurement values.

[0082] (Note 2) The aforementioned information processing device is Includes a storage device for storing measurement values ​​received from the dust detector, The cleaning system described in Appendix 1, which determines whether or not it is time to perform cleaning work on the floor surface by calculating the deviation between the measured amount of dust at the time of the previous cleaning work and the measured amount of dust at the time of the current cleaning work, and comparing the deviation with a threshold.

[0083] (Note 3) The dust detector is, A housing installed on the floor surface and having an opening formed on its side, A lid member is attached to the opening so as to be openable and closable, A dust concentration meter housed within the aforementioned enclosure, A fan housed within the aforementioned enclosure, It includes a communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned information processing device, The lid member is configured to close the opening for a first period of time at each predetermined cycle. In response to the closing of the opening, the fan operates for a second time that is shorter than the first time. The dust concentration meter measures the dust concentration inside the housing within the first time period after the fan has stopped. The cleaning system according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the communication unit transmits a signal indicating the measured value of the dust concentration meter to the information processing device.

[0084] (Note 4) The dust detector is, A housing installed on the floor surface and having an opening formed on its side, A lid member is attached to the opening so as to be openable and closable, A dust weighing meter housed within the aforementioned enclosure, It includes a communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned information processing device, The lid member is configured to close the opening for a first period of time at each predetermined cycle. The dust weighing device measures the weight of the dust inside the housing within the first time period. The cleaning system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the communication unit transmits a signal indicating the measurement value of the dust weight meter to the information processing device.

[0085] (Note 5) The cleaning system according to Appendix 3 or Appendix 4, wherein the dust detector further includes a flow straightening member configured to allow dust to flow from the floor into the housing while preventing dust from flowing out of the housing to the floor.

[0086] (Note 6) The system further comprises a cleaning robot that collects dust from the floor surface by traveling across the floor surface, The cleaning system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the information processing device is connected in communication with the cleaning robot, and when it is determined that it is time to perform cleaning work on the floor surface, it transmits a signal to the cleaning robot instructing it to perform cleaning work.

[0087] (Note 7) A dust detector for measuring the amount of dust accumulating on the floor surface, A housing installed on the floor surface and having an opening formed on its side, A lid member is attached to the opening so as to be openable and closable, A dust concentration meter housed within the aforementioned enclosure, A fan housed within the aforementioned enclosure, It comprises a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device, The lid member is configured to close the opening for a first period of time at predetermined intervals. In response to the closing of the opening, the fan operates for a second time that is shorter than the first time. The dust concentration meter measures the dust concentration inside the housing within the first time period after the fan has stopped. The communication unit is a dust detector that transmits a signal indicating the measured value of the dust concentration meter to the information processing device.

[0088] (Note 8) The dust detector according to Appendix 7, further comprising a flow straightening member configured to allow dust to flow from the floor into the housing while preventing dust from flowing out of the housing to the floor.

[0089] (Note 9) A cleaning management method for managing floor cleaning operations, A step of collecting airborne dust and dust accumulated on the floor surface using a dust detector, The steps include measuring the amount of dust collected by the dust detector at predetermined intervals, A step to store the measured amount of dust, The steps include: using a computer to determine the deviation between the dust level measurement at the time of the previous cleaning operation and the current dust level measurement; A cleaning management method comprising the step of using a computer to determine whether or not it is time to perform floor cleaning work by comparing the deviation with a threshold.

[0090] (Note 10) The cleaning management method according to Appendix 9, further comprising the step of transmitting a signal to an autonomous mobile cleaning robot instructing it to perform cleaning work when it is determined that it is time to perform cleaning work on the floor surface.

[0091] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The technical scope provided herein is defined by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 10 Cleaning robot, 11, 31, 40 Wireless communication device, 12 Camera, 13, 34, 62 Control unit, 14 Cleaning component, 15 Drive unit, 16, 33 Battery, 20 Floor, 30 Dust detector, 32 Dust detection unit, 45 Ceiling, 50 Server, 51 CPU, 52 RAM, 53 ROM, 54 I / F device, 55 Storage device, 56 Communication bus, 61 Output unit, 63 Input unit, 100 Cleaning system, 320 Enclosure, 321 Cover member, 322 Rotating shaft unit, 323 Rectifier member, 323A Inclined surface, 325 Fan, 326 Opening, 551 Dust detector table, 552 Dust amount DB, 553 Cleaning execution judgment table, 554 Cleaning robot table.

Claims

1. A cleaning system for managing floor cleaning operations, A dust detector is installed on the floor surface and is configured to collect airborne dust and dust accumulated on the floor surface, and to measure the amount of dust collected at predetermined intervals. The system comprises a dust detector and an information processing device that is connected to it via communication, The dust detector is, A housing installed on the floor surface and having an opening formed on its side, A lid member is attached to the opening so as to be openable and closable, A dust concentration meter housed within the aforementioned enclosure, A fan housed within the aforementioned enclosure, It includes a communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned information processing device, The lid member is configured to close the opening for a first period of time at each predetermined cycle. In response to the closing of the opening, the fan operates for a second time that is shorter than the first time. The dust concentration meter measures the dust concentration inside the housing within the first time period after the fan has stopped. The communication unit transmits a signal indicating the measured value of the dust concentration meter to the information processing device. The aforementioned information processing device is Includes a storage device for storing measurement values ​​received from the dust detector, At the predetermined interval, a signal indicating the measured amount of dust is received from the dust detector. A cleaning system that determines whether or not it is time to perform floor cleaning by calculating the deviation between the measured amount of dust at the time of the previous cleaning and the measured amount of dust at the time of the current cleaning, and comparing the deviation with a threshold.

2. A cleaning system for managing floor cleaning operations, A dust detector is installed on the floor surface and is configured to collect airborne dust and dust accumulated on the floor surface, and to measure the amount of dust collected at predetermined intervals. The system comprises a dust detector and an information processing device that is connected to it via communication, The dust detector is, A housing installed on the floor surface and having an opening formed on its side, A lid member is attached to the opening so as to be openable and closable, A dust weighing meter housed within the aforementioned enclosure, A fan housed within the aforementioned enclosure, It includes a communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned information processing device, The lid member is configured to close the opening for a first period of time at each predetermined cycle. The dust weighing device measures the weight of the dust inside the housing within the first time period. The communication unit transmits a signal indicating the measurement value of the dust weight meter to the information processing device. The aforementioned information processing device is Includes a storage device for storing measurement values ​​received from the dust detector, At the predetermined interval, a signal indicating the measured amount of dust is received from the dust detector. A cleaning system that determines whether or not it is time to perform floor cleaning by calculating the deviation between the measured amount of dust at the time of the previous cleaning and the measured amount of dust at the time of the current cleaning, and comparing the deviation with a threshold.

3. The cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dust detector further includes a flow straightening member configured to allow dust to flow from the floor into the housing while preventing dust from flowing out of the housing to the floor.

4. The system further comprises a cleaning robot that collects dust from the floor surface by traveling across the floor surface, The cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing device is in communication with the cleaning robot, and when it is determined that it is time to perform cleaning work on the floor surface, it transmits a signal to the cleaning robot instructing it to perform cleaning work.

5. A cleaning management method for managing floor cleaning operations, A step of collecting airborne dust and dust accumulated on the floor surface using a dust detector, The steps include measuring the amount of dust collected by the dust detector at predetermined intervals, A step to store the measured amount of dust, The steps include: using a computer to determine the deviation between the dust level measurement at the time of the previous cleaning operation and the current dust level measurement; The steps include: determining by comparing the deviation with a threshold value, using the computer, whether or not it is time to perform the floor cleaning work; The dust detector is, A housing installed on the floor surface and having an opening formed on its side, A lid member is attached to the opening so as to be openable and closable, A dust concentration meter housed within the aforementioned enclosure, A fan housed within the aforementioned enclosure, It includes a communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned computer, The collection step includes, at each predetermined period, the step of closing the opening with the lid member for a first period of time. The measurement step described above is: Each predetermined period, in response to the opening being closed, the fan is operated for a second time shorter than the first time; The first step is to measure the concentration of dust inside the housing using the dust concentration meter within the first time period after the fan has stopped, A cleaning management method comprising the step of transmitting a signal indicating a measurement value from the dust concentration meter from the communication unit to the computer.

6. The cleaning management method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of transmitting a signal to an autonomous mobile cleaning robot instructing it to perform cleaning work when it is determined that it is time to perform cleaning work on the floor surface.

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