JP2019069133A - Information processing method, information processing device, washing system and washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for accelerating washing of a detergent housing part and reducing the risk of breakdown.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes determining, on the basis of information on residual quantity of detergent in a detergent storage part provided in a washing device and a first input amount set for each washing event that the washing device washes objects to be washed, whether a second input amount of detergent scheduled to be input to the washing device in a scheduled first washing event is below a predetermined threshold, using a processor. If it is determined that the second input amount is below the predetermined threshold, a third input amount decided based on the first input amount scheduled to be input by the washing device in a second washing event scheduled prior to the first washing event is changed to a fourth input amount which is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, and information indicating the fourth input amount is output to the washing device to cause the washing device to input the fourth input amount of detergent in the second washing event.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, a cleaning system, and a cleaning apparatus related to the cleaning of a cleaning target.

  Various cleaning devices have been developed, such as washing machines or dishwashers. Some of these cleaning devices have a mechanism for automatically injecting a detergent for cleaning an object to be cleaned such as clothes or dishes (see Patent Documents 1 to 4).

  Unlike traditional washing devices where the user puts the detergent every time the washing is performed, the washing devices disclosed in these documents automatically put the detergent, thus reducing the work burden on the user to put the detergent can do. That is, when the user stores the detergent in the detergent storage portion of the cleaning apparatus, the detergent is automatically introduced into the cleaning space where the object to be cleaned is cleaned. Therefore, the user himself or herself does not have to measure the amount of detergent every washing, and does not have to put the measured amount of detergent into the washing space.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2002-224489 JP, 2016-67810, A Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2002-153697 JP, 2010-136794, A

  The detergent contained in the detergent container may solidify over time. Alternatively, the viscosity of the detergent contained in the detergent container may increase with time. The solidified or thickened detergent may cause clogging of the flow path leading to the cleaning space. That is, detergents stored for a long time in the detergent container increase the risk of breakdown of the cleaning device. Therefore, it is desirable that the detergent container be cleaned.

  Cleaning of the detergent container is preferably performed when the detergent container is empty (or determined to be empty). If the detergent is present in the detergent container, the detergent in the detergent container will be discarded by the cleaning of the detergent container.

  When the amount of detergent in the detergent container decreases, the user may add detergent. As a result, the timing for cleaning the detergent container is lost.

  The washing device disclosed in the above-mentioned document refers to the amount of the washing object or the remaining amount of the detergent to determine the appropriate dosage of the detergent. However, the techniques disclosed in these documents do not necessarily empty the detergent container and can not promote cleaning of the detergent container. Without cleaning the detergent container, the risk of solidification or thickening of the detergent in the detergent container is increased. Solidified or thickened detergents increase the risk of cleaning equipment failure, as described above.

  The present disclosure aims to create an opportunity to clean the detergent receptacle and to provide a technique to reduce the risk of cleaning device failure.

  An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure uses a processor to acquire, from the cleaning device, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the detergent in a detergent storage unit provided in the cleaning device and containing the detergent, using the processor; Input to the cleaning device in the scheduled first cleaning event based on the remaining amount information and the first input amount set for one cleaning event in which the cleaning device cleans the object to be cleaned If it is determined that the second input amount of the detergent scheduled to be reduced is below a predetermined threshold value, and if it is determined that the second input amount is below the predetermined threshold value, the first cleaning event is A third input amount determined based on the first input amount scheduled to be input by the cleaning device in at least one second cleaning event scheduled before is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value Change to 4th input amount , And outputs information indicating the fourth input amount to said cleaning apparatus, is charged with the detergent of the fourth input amount to said cleaning device at the at least one second cleaning event.

  An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the cleaning device, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit provided in the cleaning device and containing the detergent; Is input to the cleaning device at a scheduled first cleaning event based on the volume information and the first input amount set for one cleaning event in which the cleaning device cleans the object to be cleaned A determination unit that determines whether the second input amount of the detergent scheduled to be less than a predetermined threshold, and the first cleaning event when it is determined that the second input amount falls below a predetermined threshold A third input amount determined based on the first input amount scheduled to be input by the cleaning device in at least one second cleaning event scheduled before Change to a certain fourth input amount An information generation unit for outputting information indicating the fourth input amount to the cleaning device, and causing the cleaning device to input the fourth input amount of the detergent in the at least one second cleaning event; And.

  A cleaning system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described information processing device and the cleaning device into which the object to be cleaned is inserted. The washing apparatus includes (i) the detergent storage unit, (ii) a detergent input unit for charging the detergent from the detergent storage unit to a cleaning space in which the object to be cleaned is cleaned, and (iii) the detergent A remaining amount detecting unit for detecting the remaining amount of the detergent in the storage unit and generating the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount; (iv) transmitting the remaining amount information to the information processing apparatus; And a communication unit that receives information indicating a fourth input amount. The detergent input unit inserts the detergent of the fourth input amount into the cleaning space in the at least one second cleaning event according to the information indicating the fourth input amount.

  A cleaning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a cleaning device including the above-described information processing device, wherein the detergent storage unit, the detergent, and the cleaning target are cleaned from the detergent storage unit. And a remaining amount detecting unit configured to detect the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit and generate the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount. The detergent input unit inserts the detergent of the fourth input amount into the cleaning space in the at least one second cleaning event according to the information indicating the fourth input amount.

  The techniques described above create the opportunity to clean the detergent container and can reduce the risk of cleaning device failure.

It is a schematic block diagram showing the exemplary functional composition of the washing system of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram outlining an exemplary operation of the cleaning system shown in FIG. 1; It is a schematic flowchart showing an exemplary operation of the remaining amount detection unit of the cleaning system shown in FIG. It is a schematic flowchart showing the exemplary operation | movement of the determination part of the washing | cleaning system shown by FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of the determination processing of a determination part. FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart representing an exemplary operation of the input control unit and the cleaning control unit of the cleaning system shown in FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for setting a first input amount. 5 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of a determination unit. FIG. 9 is a conceptual view of request information generated by the process of step S 351 of the operation shown in FIG. 8; It is a schematic block diagram showing the exemplary functional composition of the washing system of a 2nd embodiment. 11 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an exemplary operation of the determination unit of the cleaning system shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of the determination processing of the determination part in the washing | cleaning system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the injection | throwing-in mechanism of the washing | cleaning system shown by FIG. 1 (3rd Embodiment). It is a conceptual diagram of the determination processing of a determination part. It is a schematic flowchart showing an exemplary operation of the input control unit and the cleaning control unit. It is a schematic block diagram showing the exemplary functional composition of the washing device of a 4th embodiment.

First Embodiment
When the user supplies the detergent container, the detergent container is filled with a large amount of detergent container. As the cleaning device is subsequently used repeatedly, the detergent in the detergent container gradually decreases. When the detergent container is finally emptied and washed, solidification or thickening of the detergent does not easily occur. That is, the risk of the solidified or thickened detergent causing clogging in the cleaning device is reduced. The cleaning device can operate reliably when the user subsequently supplies fresh detergent to the detergent container. If the detergent container is emptied from the time the detergent is supplied to the detergent container to the next detergent supply, the detergent container can be washed preferably with little waste of detergent. Different cleaning timings will be created. In a first embodiment, an exemplary cleaning system for emptying the detergent container is described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the cleaning system 100 according to the first embodiment. The cleaning system 100 is described with reference to FIG.

  The cleaning system 100 includes a cleaning device 200 and an information processing device 300. The cleaning device 200 may be a washing machine that cleans clothes introduced as an object to be cleaned, or a dish washer that cleans dishes placed as an object to be cleaned. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific function of the cleaning apparatus 200.

  The cleaning device 200 is formed to be communicable with the information processing device 300. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific communication format between the cleaning apparatus 200 and the information processing apparatus 300. For example, Wi-Fi communication may be used for communication between the cleaning device 200 and the information processing device 300.

  The information processing device 300 processes information on the amount of detergent used to wash the cleaning target. The information processing apparatus 300 may be a communication terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. Alternatively, the information processing device 300 may be a cloud server. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific communication device used as the information processing apparatus 300.

  Cleaning device 200 includes a main cleaning unit 210, a detergent storage unit 220, a detergent input unit 230, a remaining amount detection unit 240, a communication unit 250, and a storage unit 260. A washing space 211 in which a washing object such as clothes or dishes is stored is formed in the main washing unit 210. The object to be cleaned is cleaned in the cleaning space 211.

  The main cleaning unit 210 includes an object detection unit 212, a cleaning control unit 213, and a cleaning mechanism 214. The object detection unit 212 detects the weight of the cleaning object stored in the cleaning space 211, and generates weight information representing the detected weight. The weight information is output from the object detection unit 212 to the washing control unit 213 and the detergent input unit 230. The washing control unit 213 refers to the weight information to determine the washing content (for example, the length of the washing period). The detergent input unit 230 refers to the weight information to determine the amount of detergent input to the cleaning space 211. Therefore, the object to be cleaned is cleaned by an amount of detergent suitable for the amount of the object to be cleaned in the cleaning space 211.

  The cleaning mechanism 214 cleans the object to be cleaned in the cleaning space 211 under the control of the cleaning control unit 213. Cleaning arrangements used in known washing machines or known dishwashing machines are applicable to the cleaning mechanism 214. The cleaning mechanism 214 may include a water supply path to the cleaning space 211 and a valve body for opening and closing a drainage path from the cleaning space 211. If the washing apparatus 200 is a washing machine, the washing apparatus may include a motor that rotates a washing tub forming the washing space 211 in which the clothes are accommodated. If the washing apparatus 200 is a dishwasher, it may include a motor for moving a nozzle for jetting water. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to the specific structure of the cleaning mechanism 214.

  Control information required for control of the cleaning mechanism 214 (for example, the amount of water supplied or the cleaning period length corresponding to the weight of the object to be cleaned detected by the object detection unit 212) is stored in the storage unit 260. The cleaning control unit 213 reads control information from the storage unit 260, and controls the cleaning mechanism 214 based on the weight information and the control information. As a result, the cleaning mechanism 214 can appropriately clean the object to be cleaned in the cleaning space 211 under the control of the cleaning control unit 213.

  The detergent is accommodated in the detergent accommodation unit 220. The detergent may be a liquid (a mass of liquid covered with a membrane), a solid such as a powder, or a gel. The principles of this embodiment are not limited to the particular type of detergent used to wash the objects to be cleaned.

  The detergent input unit 230 includes an input control unit 231 and an input mechanism 232. The weight information described above is output from the object detection unit 212 to the input control unit 231. Not only the control information described above, but also detergent amount information representing the relationship between the weight of the object to be cleaned in the cleaning space 211 and the amount of detergent input to the cleaning space 211 is stored in the storage unit 260. The input control unit 231 receives the weight information from the target detection unit 212, reads the detergent amount information from the storage unit 260, and finds the detergent input amount corresponding to the weight of the object to be cleaned represented by the weight information. The feeding control unit 231 controls the feeding mechanism 232 such that the feeding mechanism 232 feeds the detergent into the washing space 211 from the detergent storage portion 220 by the found detergent loading amount. As a result, the loading mechanism 232 can load the detergent in an amount suitable for the amount of the cleaning target in the cleaning space 211 from the detergent storage unit 220 into the cleaning space 211 under the control of the input control unit 231. The feeding mechanism 232 may be a valve that opens and closes the supply path of the liquid detergent. Alternatively, the feeding mechanism 232 may be a combination of a screw feeder for conveying the powdery detergent and a motor for driving the screw feeder. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to the specific structure of the feeding mechanism 232.

  The remaining amount detection unit 240 detects the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent storage unit 220. The remaining amount detection unit 240 generates remaining amount information indicating the detected remaining amount. The remaining amount information is output from the remaining amount detection unit 240 to the communication unit 250. The remaining amount detection unit 240 may be a general optical sensor that optically detects the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit 220, or may generally detect the weight of the detergent in the detergent storage unit 220. It may be a weight sensor. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific sensor device used as the remaining amount detection unit 240.

  Communication unit 250 includes a transmission unit 251 and a reception unit 252. The transmitting unit 251 receives the above-described remaining amount information from the remaining amount detecting unit 240. The transmission unit 251 transmits the remaining amount information to the information processing device 300. The information processing device 300 refers to the remaining amount information and determines whether or not the shortage of the detergent to be introduced into the cleaning space 211 occurs in the subsequent cleaning event. The term “cleaning event” refers to a period from when the user puts an object to be cleaned into the cleaning space 211 to when the cleaning of the object to be cleaned is completed, or the cleaning device 200 and / or the information processing device 300 in this period. Means the operation of

  The information processing device 300 generates request information for requesting the cleaning device 200 to empty the detergent storage unit 220 before or after the cleaning event predicted to cause a shortage of detergent. The receiving unit 252 receives the request information from the information processing device 300. The request information is then output from the receiving unit 252 to the cleaning control unit 213 and the closing control unit 231. The input control unit 231 adjusts the amount of detergent input to the cleaning space 211 according to the request information. The cleaning control unit 213 controls the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 214 so as to be suitable for the adjusted detergent input amount.

  The information processing apparatus 300 includes an acquisition unit 310, a determination unit 320, an information generation unit 330, and an information output unit 340. The acquisition unit 310 receives the remaining amount information transmitted from the communication unit 250. Thereafter, the acquisition unit 310 outputs the remaining amount information to the determination unit 320. The determination unit 320 refers to the remaining amount information and determines whether or not the shortage of the detergent input to the cleaning space 211 occurs in the subsequent cleaning event. When the determination unit 320 determines that the detergent input amount is insufficient, the determination unit 320 outputs the determination result indicating the shortage of the detergent input amount to the information generation unit 330. The information generation unit 330 generates request information that requests an operation for emptying the detergent storage unit 220 with reference to the determination result. The request information is transmitted from the information generation unit 330 to the information output unit 340. The information output unit 340 transmits the request information to the communication unit 250.

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of processing of the cleaning system 100. As shown in FIG. An overview of the process of the cleaning system 100 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

(Step S110)
The cleaning device 200 measures the remaining amount of detergent. Specifically, the remaining amount detection unit 240 detects the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent storage unit 220, and generates remaining amount information. Thereafter, step S120 is performed.

(Step S120)
The cleaning device 200 outputs the remaining amount information to the information processing device 300. Specifically, the remaining amount information is output from the remaining amount detection unit 240 to the transmission unit 251. The transmission unit 251 generates a wireless signal representing the remaining amount information. The wireless signal is output from the transmission unit 251 to the acquisition unit 310. Thereafter, step S130 is performed.

(Step S130)
The information processing apparatus 300 determines the planned input amount. Specifically, the acquisition unit 310 replaces the wireless signal with an electrical signal and outputs the remaining amount information as an electrical signal to the determination unit 320. The determination unit 320 determines, based on the remaining amount information, the amount (that is, the planned amount) of the detergent to be introduced in the next cleaning event. Thereafter, step S140 is performed.

(Step S140)
The information processing device 300 outputs a request for insertion to the cleaning device 200. Specifically, the determination unit 320 outputs the determination result representing the determined planned input amount to the information generation unit 330. The information generation unit 330 generates, as request information, an input request that requests that the determined amount of input detergent be input in the next cleaning event. The input request is output from the information generation unit 330 to the information output unit 340. The information output unit 340 transmits the closing request to the cleaning device 200 as a wireless signal. Thereafter, step S150 is performed.

(Step S150)
When the user puts the object to be cleaned into the cleaning space 211, the cleaning apparatus 200 measures the weight of the object to be cleaned. Specifically, the target detection unit 212 measures the weight of the cleaning target 212 and generates weight information. The weight information is output from the object detection unit 212 to the input control unit 231. Thereafter, step S160 is performed.

(Step S160)
The cleaning device 200 determines the amount of detergent input. Specifically, the input control unit 231 receives weight information from the target detection unit 212, and receives an input request from the information output unit 340 through the receiving unit 252. The input control unit 231 determines the amount of detergent to be actually supplied to the cleaning space 211 based on the weight information and the input request. Thereafter, step S170 is performed.

(Step S170)
The cleaning apparatus 200 supplies the determined amount of detergent to the cleaning space 211. Specifically, under the control of the feeding control unit 231, the feeding mechanism 232 feeds the detergent of the determined loading amount from the detergent storage unit 220 into the cleaning space 211. The cleaning mechanism 214 cleans the object to be cleaned in the cleaning space 211 under the control of the cleaning control unit 213. Thereafter, step S110 is performed again.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the remaining amount detection unit 240. The operation of the remaining amount detection unit 240 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

(Step S210)
The remaining amount detection unit 240 waits for the completion of the cleaning event. The remaining amount detection unit 240 may be notified of the completion of the cleaning event from the cleaning control unit 213, or may find out the completion of the cleaning event from other conditions. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited at all depending on how the remaining amount detection unit 240 detects the completion of the cleaning event. When the cleaning event is complete, step S220 is performed.

(Step S220)
The remaining amount detection unit 240 detects the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent storage unit 220. Thereafter, step S230 is executed.

(Step S230)
The remaining amount detection unit 240 generates remaining amount information indicating the detected remaining amount. The remaining amount information is then delivered to the determination unit 320 through the transmission unit 251 and the acquisition unit 310. After the generation of the remaining amount information, the process returns to step S210.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the determination unit 320. The operation of the determination unit 320 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

(Step S310)
The determination unit 320 waits for remaining amount information. When step S230 described with reference to FIG. 3 is performed, the determination unit 320 may acquire remaining amount information through the transmission unit 251 and the acquisition unit 310. When determination unit 320 acquires remaining amount information, step S320 is executed.

(Step S320)
The determination unit 320 determines the charging amount based on the remaining amount information and the preset charging amount set in advance (the preset charging amount set for one cleaning event: hereinafter referred to as the first charging amount). Determine if you want to change. Specifically, the determination unit 320 calculates the number N of cleaning events that can be cleaned by the set amount and the remaining amount α of the detergent in the (N + 1) th cleaning event from the remaining amount represented by the remaining amount information and the set amount. And determine whether the calculated value falls below a threshold. In other words, the remaining amount represented by the remaining amount information can be expressed by the equation described in the block of step S320. The first input amount may be a value suitable for cleaning the average amount of the cleaning object input to the cleaning space 211. Alternatively, the first dose may be determined based on the usage history information of the detergent. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited at all depending on how the first input amount is set.

  Determination unit 320 calculates a natural number “N” and a residual value “α” from the remaining amount represented by the remaining amount information and the first input amount. The natural number "N" is used as an indicator of how many cleaning events can be performed under the current remaining amount. The residual value “α” is a value greater than or equal to “0” and less than the first input amount. The residual value “α” represents a second input scheduled for the last cleaning event performed under the current remaining amount. When determination unit 320 calculates the natural number “N” and the residual value “α”, step S330 is performed. For the present embodiment, the predetermined threshold is exemplified by the first input amount. However, the predetermined threshold may be a value less than the first input amount. In the present embodiment, the amount of detergent (third amount) to be introduced in each cleaning event up to the N-th cleaning is the first amount, but the total amount up to the N-th The input amount at each cleaning event up to the N-th time may be increased or decreased, respectively, as long as

(Step S330)
If the natural number "N" is "1", step S340 is executed. Otherwise, step S310 is performed.

(Step S340)
The determination unit 320 determines whether the residual value “α” is equal to “0”. If the residual value “α” is equal to “0”, the process ends. Otherwise, step S350 is performed.

(Step S350)
The determination unit 320 generates a determination result indicating the planned input amount of detergent (hereinafter, referred to as “fourth input amount”) to be input in the next cleaning event. The determination result may include information indicating that the fourth input amount is the sum of the third input amount and the remaining value “α”. The determination result is output from the determination unit 320 to the information generation unit 330. The information generation unit 330 generates, as request information, an input request that requests input of a detergent of an amount corresponding to the sum of the third input amount and the residual value “α”. The request information is delivered to the information output unit 340 and then transmitted from the information output unit 340 to the receiving unit 252. The input control unit 231 can receive request information through the receiving unit 252. When the input control unit 231 receives the request information, the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent storage unit 220 is approximately equal to the sum of the third input amount and the remaining value “α”. Therefore, the input control unit 231 instructs the input mechanism 232 to input the amount of detergent corresponding to the sum of the third input amount and the remaining value “α” according to the request information, and the input mechanism 232 inserts the detergent. Under control of the control unit 231, when the detergent storage unit 220 is inserted into the cleaning space 211, the detergent storage unit 220 becomes substantially empty. When the determination unit 320 generates a determination result, the determination unit 320 ends the determination process.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the determination process of the determination unit 320. The determination process is further described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

  The determination process (1) in FIG. 5 represents the process of the determination unit 320 that has acquired the first remaining amount information (that is, the remaining amount information generated in step S230 in FIG. 3). Judgment unit 320 has a third input amount, that is, a first input amount “DDA”, and the detergent of an amount capable of performing a maximum of “M (M> 1)” cleaning events remains in detergent container 220 It is determined that Since “N = M (> 1)”, the determination unit 320 does not generate the determination result of changing the planned insertion amount (step S330: NO). That is, the planned input amount (second input amount) of the first cleaning event remains the first input amount "DDA".

  In the determination process (M) of FIG. 5, the process loop consisting of steps S310 to S330 of FIG. 4 is repeated, and when the natural number "N" becomes "1" (ie, when the M-th cleaning event occurs) Represents the process of the determination unit 320 in FIG. The determination unit 320 determines that the detergent containing an amount capable of performing a maximum of one cleaning event remains in the detergent storage unit 220 at the third input amount, that is, the first input amount “DDA”. . Here, since “N = (M− (M−1)) = 1”, the determination unit 320 compares the residual value “α” with the threshold “RTH” (step S230: YES).

  In step S340, the determination unit 320 determines whether the residual value “α” is equal to “0”. If the residual value “α” is equal to “0”, the detergent storage unit 220 becomes substantially empty even without adjusting the input amount in step S350. If the residual value “α” is not “0”, a cleaning event (first cleaning event) occurs in which the planned amount of detergent input in the second cleaning event is insufficient. In this case, as shown in the determination process (M) of FIG. 5, the determination unit 320 performs the second cleaning event (the second cleaning event) before the second cleaning event which is the first cleaning event. 3) The amount corresponding to the sum of the first input amount “DDA” and the remaining value “α” is determined as the fourth input amount.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart showing exemplary operations of the input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213. The operations of the input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6.

(Step S405)
The input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213 wait for weight information. When the input control unit 231 receives weight information from the target detection unit 212, step S410 is executed.

(Step S410)
The washing control unit 213 reads the detergent amount information (see “Table 1” below) from the storage unit 260. Thereafter, step S415 is performed.

(Step S415)
The input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213 check whether or not request information is received. If the input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213 receive the request information through the receiving unit 252 (that is, if step S350 in FIG. 4 is performed), step S420 is performed. Otherwise, step S435 is performed.

(Step S420)
The input control unit 231 determines all the detergent remaining in the detergent storage unit 220 as the input amount “RQD”. Thereafter, step S425 is performed.

(Step S425)
The input control unit 231 subtracts the recommended input amount “RMD” determined in step S410 from the input amount “RQD” determined in step S420 to calculate a difference value “ΔDD”. The absolute value of the difference value “ΔDD” is compared with a predetermined threshold value “DTH”. If the absolute value of the difference value “ΔDD” is larger than the threshold “DTH”, step S430 is performed. Otherwise, step S440 is performed.

(Step S430)
The washing control unit 213 refers to the program list stored in the storage unit 260 and finds a washing program corresponding to the weight represented by the weight information. The following table conceptually represents the program list. If the weight represented by the weight information belongs to the range of “TW ₁ or more and less than TW ₂ ”, the cleaning control unit 213 selects “program 2” as the cleaning program to be adjusted.

  The washing control unit 213 changes the selected washing program according to the difference value “ΔDD”. If the difference value “ΔDD” is a positive value, it means that the detergent input amount is larger than the recommended input amount “RMD”. Therefore, the washing control unit 213 may change the set value in the selected washing program so that the rinsing time becomes long. If the difference value “ΔDD” is a negative value, it means that the detergent input amount is smaller than the recommended input amount “RMD”. Therefore, the washing control unit 213 may change the set value in the selected washing program so that the rinsing time becomes short. In addition to or instead of adjusting the rinsing time, the washing control unit 213 changes the set value in the selected washing program, the amount of water supplied to the washing space 211, the washing time or the number of times of rinsing May be adjusted according to the difference value “ΔDD”. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to the specific control parameters adjusted by the cleaning control unit 213. When the selected cleaning program is adjusted, step S445 is executed.

(Step S435)
The washing control unit 213 refers to the detergent amount information and determines the recommended input amount “RMD” corresponding to the weight represented by the weight information. If the weight represented by the weight information falls within the range of “TW ₁ or more and less than TW ₂ ”, the cleaning control unit 213 recognizes the value “DD ₂ ” as the recommended input amount “RMD”. When the cleaning control unit 213 determines the recommended input amount "RMD", step S440 is executed.

(Step S440)
The washing control unit 213 refers to the program list stored in the storage unit 260 and finds a washing program corresponding to the weight represented by the weight information. If the weight represented by the weight information belongs to the range of “TW ₁ or more and less than TW ₂ ”, the cleaning control unit 213 selects “program 2” as the cleaning program to be adjusted. After the selection of the cleaning program, step S445 is performed.

(Step S445)
The input control unit 231 generates an input control signal instructing to input the detergent of the input amount “RQD” determined in step S420 or step S435. The closing control signal is output from the closing control unit 231 to the closing mechanism 232. The loading mechanism 232 loads the detergent of the loading amount “RQD” determined in step S420 or step S435 into the cleaning space 211. The feeding mechanism 232 may grasp the loading amount "RQD" of the detergent loaded into the washing space 211 under feedback control with the remaining amount detection unit 240, and the sensor device (the feeding mechanism 232 itself (FIG. It is also possible to grasp the input amount "RQD" of the detergent input to the cleaning space 211 with reference to FIG.

(Step S450)
The cleaning control unit 213 executes a cleaning program and controls the cleaning mechanism 214. Therefore, the object to be cleaned in the cleaning space 211 will be properly cleaned.

<Other features>
The designer can provide various features to the control techniques described above. The features described below in no way limit the control principle described above.

(Method of determining the first input based on the usage history of the user)
The first input amount “DDA” described with reference to FIG. 4 may be determined based on the usage history of the user. A method of determining the first input amount "DDA" based on the usage history of the user will be described below. Note that the third input amount may be determined based on the preset first input amount and the use history of the user.

  Step S320 described with reference to FIG. 4 is repeated until the natural number "N" becomes "1". During this repetitive processing, the first input amount "DDA" may be set.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing an exemplary process for setting the first input amount "DDA". The process for setting the first input amount "DDA" will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 4 and 7.

(Step S321)
The determination unit 320 determines whether the remaining amount information received from the obtaining unit 310 is the first remaining amount information. The determination unit 320 may refer to the processing flag in this determination. A process flag may be set when the cleaning system 100 is first used, or when step S 350 of FIG. 4 is performed. If the processing flag is set, the determination unit 320 can determine that the remaining amount information received from the acquisition unit 310 is the first remaining amount information. The determination unit 320 that determines that the remaining amount information received from the acquisition unit 310 is the first remaining amount information turns off the processing flag. Thereafter, step S322 is performed. If the processing flag is not set at the start of step S321, step S323 is executed.

(Step S322)
Determination unit 320 stores the remaining amount represented by the first remaining amount information. Thereafter, the process is terminated.

(Step S323)
Determination unit 320 stores the remaining amount represented by the remaining amount information received from acquisition unit 310. Thereafter, step S324 is performed.

(Step S324)
The determination unit 320 subtracts the current remaining amount from the previous remaining amount, calculates the detergent input amount in the current cleaning event, and stores the calculated detergent input amount. Thereafter, step S325 is performed.

(Step S325)
The determination unit 320 averages the detergent input amounts stored so far, and updates the first input amount “DDA”. Thereafter, step S326 is performed.

(Step S326)
The determination unit 320 determines the natural number “N” and the residual value “α” using the updated first input amount “DDA”. Thereafter, step S330 is performed.

(Other methods to determine the fourth input amount)
According to the method described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the third input amount in the second cleaning event is adjusted, and the detergent container 220 is emptied after the end of the second cleaning event. However, the second input amount in the first cleaning event and the third input amount in the second cleaning event may be adjusted such that the detergent container 220 becomes empty after the end of the first cleaning event. Another method for determining the adjusted second input amount (hereinafter also referred to as the fifth input amount) and the adjusted third input amount, that is, the fourth input amount will be described below.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the determination unit 320. The operation of the determination unit 320 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 7 and 8.

  Steps S310 to S330 described with reference to FIG. 4 are repeated until the natural number "N" becomes "1". The description of FIG. 4 is incorporated into steps S310 to S330. The process described with reference to FIG. 7 may be performed in step S320.

  In step S330, when the natural number "N" becomes "1", step S340 described with reference to FIG. 4 is executed. The description of FIG. 4 is incorporated in step S340. If the residual value “α” is not “0” in step S340, step S351 is executed. Otherwise, the process ends. Step S351 is a process that replaces step S350 described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual view of request information generated by the process of step S351. The determination unit 320 and the information generation unit 330 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

  In step S330, when the natural number "N" becomes "1", the second cleaning event from the reception time of the last remaining amount information becomes the first cleaning event. In addition, the determination unit 320 determines that the first cleaning event is the second cleaning event from the reception time of the last remaining amount information. The determination unit 320 determines the planned input amount of detergent in these cleaning events.

  When step S351 is executed, the determination unit 320 equally divides the remaining amount represented by the remaining amount information into the first cleaning event and the second cleaning event. The determination unit 320 transmits, to the information generation unit 330, an instruction to generate an input request for requesting that the evenly divided detergent amount is input in each of the first cleaning event and the second cleaning event. The information generation unit 330 generates the input request as request information. The request information is delivered to the input control unit 231 through the information output unit 340 and the receiving unit 252. The injection control unit 231 injects the evenly divided amount of detergent according to the request information in each of the first cleaning event and the second cleaning event. As a result, after the first cleaning event, the detergent container 220 becomes empty. The distribution of the remaining amount of detergent is not limited equally.

  In the determination process described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, one cleaning event immediately before the first cleaning event is processed as a second cleaning event. However, multiple wash events immediately prior to the first wash event are being treated as the second wash event. In the determination processing described with reference to FIG. 8, if step S340 is executed when the natural number “N” becomes “2”, two cleaning events immediately before the first cleaning event are It is treated as a second cleaning event. In this case, the remaining amount represented by the remaining amount information is divided into three equal parts. The three divided values are respectively set as the fourth input amount in two second cleaning events and the fifth input amount in the first cleaning event.

Second Embodiment
For the embodiment described above, how many cleaning events are subject to adjustment of the detergent input, i.e. the number of cleaning events before the detergent is used up, depends exclusively on the information processor. However, the user may set the number of cleaning events before using up the detergent. Thus, the cleaning system according to the second embodiment allows the user to set the number of cleaning events before the detergent is used up. In the following, an exemplary cleaning system according to the second embodiment is described.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the cleaning system 100A of the second embodiment. The cleaning system 100A is described with reference to FIG.

  As in the first embodiment, the cleaning system 100A includes the cleaning device 200. The description of the first embodiment is incorporated in the cleaning apparatus 200.

  Cleaning system 100A further includes an information processing device 300A. As in the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 300A includes an acquisition unit 310, an information generation unit 330, and an information output unit 340. The description of the first embodiment is incorporated into these elements.

  Cleaning system 100A includes a determination unit 320A and a user interface 350. The determination unit 320A finds a first cleaning event in which the amount of detergent input is insufficient, and determines the amount of detergent input in the target cleaning event to which the amount of detergent input is adjusted. The user interface 350 is used by the user to set the number of cleaning events before using up the detergent. For the present embodiment, the user interface 350 is a general touch panel. However, user interface 350 may be another device capable of presenting information to the user and receiving input from the user. The principles of the present embodiment are not limited to the particular device used as the user interface 350.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the determination unit 320A. The operation of the determination unit 320A will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11. The detailed description of the processing already described is omitted.

(Step S310)
The determination unit 320A waits for remaining amount information.

(Step S320)
Determination unit 320A calculates a natural number "N" and a residual value "α" from the remaining amount represented by the remaining amount information and the first input amount.

(Step S360)
If the natural number "N" is the threshold "X", step S365 is executed. Otherwise, the process returns to step S310. The threshold "X" is preset.

(Step S365)
The determination unit 320A requests the user interface 350 to display the input image. The input image has an input window for requesting the user to input the number of cleaning events before the detergent is used up and to input the number of cleaning events. In addition, it also has an input window for allowing the user to determine the number of cleaning events before the information processing device 300A automatically uses up the detergent.

(Step S370)
Determination unit 320A checks whether there is an input from the user. When the user operates the user interface 350 according to the request displayed in the input image, the input from the user is transmitted from the user interface 350 to the determination unit 320A. If the determination unit 320A receives an input from the user, step S375 is performed. Otherwise, step S380 is performed.

(Step S375)
Determination unit 320A sets the number of cleaning events (hereinafter referred to as “the number of set events”) “Y” until the detergent is used up to a value input by the user.

(Step S380)
Determination unit 320A sets the number of event settings "Y" to a predetermined default value.

(Step S385)
Determination unit 320A generates a determination result indicating the planned loading amount of the detergent to be loaded at each remaining cleaning event, that is, the “fourth loading amount”. Specifically, determination unit 320A generates a determination result including a value obtained by dividing the remaining amount of detergent by the number of set events. Then, the information generation unit 330 generates, as the request information, an input request that requests the input of the amount of detergent included in the determination result.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of the determination process of the determination unit 320A. The determination process of the determination unit 320A will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12.

  The determination process (M) in FIG. 12 represents the process of the determination unit 320A when the M-th cleaning event occurs. The determination unit 320A determines that the amount of detergent capable of performing the maximum number of threshold “X” cleaning events remains in the detergent storage unit 220 at the third input amount, ie, the first input amount “DDA”. doing. Since “N = X”, the determination unit 320A requests the user to input the number of event settings (step S360: YES). When there is an input from the user, determination unit 320A sets the input value to the number of event settings “Y”. Then, determination unit 320A divides the remaining amount of detergent by the number of event settings “Y” (in other words, the amount obtained by evenly distributing the remaining amount by the number of event settings “Y”) as the fourth input amount Set as. As a result, the detergent can be used up at "Y" times, which is the number of times requested by the user.

  The amount of detergent input per washing event may be input instead of the number of set events in the user input, and the number of set events may be determined from the amount of input.

Third Embodiment
The control principle described in connection with the above-described embodiments is that the first cleaning event predicted to be under-washed and the detergent input injected in at least one second cleaning event set immediately before the first cleaning event Adjust and empty the detergent compartment. On the other hand, alternatively, even if a small amount of detergent remaining in the detergent container is evacuated to the predetermined reserve space, the detergent container becomes empty. Therefore, the cleaning system according to the third embodiment evacuates a small amount of detergent remaining in the detergent storage unit into a predetermined spare storage space, and empties the detergent storage unit. Hereinafter, an exemplary control technique in the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration related to the loading mechanism 232 and the loading mechanism 232. As shown in FIG. The feeding mechanism 232 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 13.

  The feeding mechanism 232 includes a first loading portion 233, a second loading portion 234, a spare housing portion 235, and a return portion 236. When a sufficient amount of detergent remains in the detergent storage unit 220, the first loading unit 233 loads the detergent from the detergent storage unit 220 into the cleaning space 211 under the control of the loading control unit 231. On the other hand, when an insufficient amount of detergent remains in the detergent container 220, the detergent supply path through the first inlet 233 is blocked. Instead, the second loading unit 234 operates under the control of the loading control unit 231, and all the detergent remaining in the detergent storage unit 220 is loaded into the spare storage unit 235. If the detergent is a liquid or gel, the first input part 233 and the second input part 234 may be valves operated under the control of the input control part 231. If the detergent is a solid (powder), the first input portion 233 and the second input portion 234 may be screw feeders operating under the control of the input control portion 231. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to the specific structure of the first input portion 233 and the second input portion 234.

  The preliminary storage portion 235 is a container forming a preliminary storage space 237 in which the detergent is temporarily stored. The second loading unit 234 loads the detergent from the detergent storage unit 220 into the spare storage space 237. The return unit 236 returns the detergent from the reserve storage space 237 to the detergent storage unit 220. If the detergent is a liquid or gel, the return part 236 may be a pump. If the detergent is solid (powder), the return part 236 may be a screw feeder. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to the specific structure of the return portion 236.

  The cleaning apparatus 200 further includes a secondary cleaning unit 270 that cleans the detergent storage unit 220. The cleaning control unit 213 controls not only the cleaning mechanism 214 but also the return unit 236 and the secondary cleaning unit 270. In addition, the cleaning control unit 213 notifies the input control unit 231 of the timing of supplying the detergent or the completion of the cleaning event.

  The determination unit 320 (see FIG. 1) performs the process described with reference to FIG. However, in step S350, the determination unit 320 generates a determination result that is different from the first embodiment in content.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of the determination process of the determination unit 320. The determination unit 320 is described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 14.

  FIG. 14 shows that the natural number "N" is equal to "1" as a result of execution of M cleaning events. When the natural number “N” becomes “1”, the second cleaning event from the last remaining amount information becomes the first cleaning event. From the last remaining amount information, the first cleaning event becomes the second cleaning event. FIG. 14 shows that in the second cleaning event, the third dose of detergent can be added, and after the second cleaning event, only the remaining amount ".alpha." Of detergent remains in the detergent container. Represent. In step S340 described with reference to FIG. 4, the determination unit 320 determines whether the residual value “α” is equal to “0”. The determination result as to whether the residual value “α” is equal to “0” is transmitted from the determination unit 320 to the information generation unit 330. If the determination result indicates that the residual value “α” is not “0”, the information generation unit 330 sets the detergent in the detergent container 220 (ie, the detergent of the residual value α) to the second cleaning event. After completion, a save request is generated as request information, which requests that the spare accommodation space 237 be temporarily saved. The request information is output to the input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213 through the information output unit 340 and the receiving unit 252.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic flowchart showing exemplary operations of the input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213. The operation of the closing control unit 231 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 13 and 15.

(Step S505)
The input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213 wait for weight information. When the input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213 receive from the object detection unit 212 (see FIG. 1), step S510 is executed.

(Step S510)
The input control unit 231 determines the recommended input “RMD” corresponding to the weight represented by the weight information acquired in step S505. Thereafter, step S515 is executed.

(Step S515)
The input control unit 231 determines the recommended input amount “RMD” determined in step S510 as the input amount “RQD”. Thereafter, step S520 is performed.

(Step S520)
The cleaning control unit 213 refers to the program list (Table 2) stored in the storage unit 260, and determines a cleaning program corresponding to the weight represented by the weight information acquired in step S505. If the weight represented by the weight information belongs to the range of “TW ₁ or more and less than TW ₂ ”, the cleaning control unit 213 determines “program 2” as the cleaning program to be adjusted. After the determination of the cleaning program, step S525 is performed.

(Step S525)
The input control unit 231 generates an input control signal such that the input amount “RQD” determined in step S515 is input to the cleaning space 211. The closing control signal is output from the closing control unit 231 to the first closing unit 233. The first loading section 233 loads the detergent of the loading amount “RQD” from the detergent storage section 220 into the cleaning space 211 according to the loading control signal. When the detergent is introduced from the detergent storage unit 220 into the cleaning space 211, step S530 is performed.

(Step S530)
The cleaning control unit 213 executes the cleaning program determined in step S520. Thereafter, step S535 is executed.

(Step S535)
The input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213 check whether or not the save request is received as the request information. If a save request has been output to these, step S540 is executed. Otherwise, the process is terminated and the next flush event is awaited.

(Step S540)
The closing control unit 231 generates a closing control signal for operating the second closing unit 234. The closing control signal is output from the closing control unit 231 to the second closing unit 234. The second loading unit 234 loads the detergent from the detergent storage unit 220 into the spare storage space 237 according to the loading control signal. As a result, the detergent containing portion 220 becomes empty. After the generation of the closing control signal, step S545 is executed.

(Step S545)
The washing control unit 213 controls the sub-washing unit 270 to wash the detergent storage unit 220. As a result, the risk of breakdown of the cleaning device 200 due to solidification or thickening of the detergent in the detergent container 220 is reduced. When the cleaning of the detergent container 220 is completed, step S550 is performed.

(Step S550)
The cleaning control unit 213 controls the return unit 236 to return the detergent in the preliminary accommodation space 237 to the detergent accommodation unit 220.

  In this embodiment, since the detergent temporarily evacuated to the preliminary accommodation space 237 is returned to the detergent accommodation unit 220 (step S660), it can be reused in the subsequent cleaning event. It is preferable that the detergent newly introduced into the detergent storage unit 220 cleaned by the user is the same as the detergent returned to the detergent storage unit 220. Therefore, the information indicating the type of detergent being used may be notified to the user through the cleaning device 200 and / or the information processing device 300. In this case, management techniques for managing the type of detergent being used or notification techniques for notification are incorporated in the cleaning device 200 and / or the information processing device 300.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the request information is output from the information processing device 300 (see FIG. 1), the cleaning of the detergent container 220 is performed. Therefore, the output of the request information to the cleaning control unit 213 means a request for cleaning the detergent storage unit 220.

  For the present embodiment, the detergent container 220 is cleaned automatically by the secondary cleaning unit 270. However, the cleaning system is a notification device (an image display device (for example, a touch panel) capable of displaying character information and / or image information) for notifying the user that it is time to clean the detergent container 220. Alternatively, it may have an audio device that outputs a beep sound or voice guidance. When the detergent storage unit 220 becomes empty, the notification device may notify the user that it is time to clean the detergent storage unit 220 under the control of the cleaning control unit.

Fourth Embodiment
For the embodiments described above, the information processing device is located remotely from the cleaning device and in communication with the cleaning device. However, the information processing device may be incorporated into the cleaning device and function as part of the cleaning device. In a fourth embodiment, an exemplary cleaning device incorporating an information processing device is described.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the cleaning device 200B of the fourth embodiment. The cleaning device 200B is described with reference to FIG.

  As in the first embodiment, the cleaning device 200B includes a main cleaning unit 210, a detergent storage unit 220, a detergent input unit 230, a remaining amount detection unit 240, and a storage unit 260. The description of the first embodiment is incorporated into these elements.

  The information processing apparatus 300 described in the context of the first embodiment is incorporated into the cleaning apparatus 200B. The description of the first embodiment is incorporated in the information processing apparatus 300.

  The information processing device 300 may be designed as a control circuit that controls the cleaning device 200B. In this case, the control circuit may have the function of the information processing device 300, the function of the cleaning control unit 213, and the function of the input control unit 231.

  The acquisition unit 310 receives the remaining amount information directly from the remaining amount detection unit 240. The determination unit 320 and the information generation unit 330 execute the information processing described in the context of the first embodiment, and generate request information. The request information is passed from the information generation unit 330 to the information output unit 340. The information output unit 340 directly passes the request information to the input control unit 231 and the cleaning control unit 213.

  With respect to the above-described embodiment, the detergent input amount is determined based on the weight of the object to be cleaned that has been input to the cleaning space 211 (see “Table 1”) before the request information is generated. However, the detergent input may be determined based on the amount of water supplied determined according to the weight of the object to be cleaned. In this case, the detergent input is related to the weight of the object to be cleaned, via the amount of feed water.

  As described above, according to each embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor is used to acquire, from the cleaning device, remaining amount information representing the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit provided in the cleaning device and containing the detergent, Input to the cleaning device in the scheduled first cleaning event based on the remaining amount information and the first input amount set for one cleaning event in which the cleaning device cleans the object to be cleaned If it is determined that the second input amount of the detergent scheduled to be reduced is below a predetermined threshold value, and if it is determined that the second input amount is below the predetermined threshold value, the first cleaning event is A third input amount determined based on the first input amount scheduled to be input by the cleaning device in at least one second cleaning event scheduled before is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value Change to the 4th input amount Outputs information indicating the fourth input amount to the cleaning device, an information processing method for introducing the detergent of the fourth input amount to said cleaning device at the at least one second cleaning event is provided.

  Conventionally, there has been a case where a cleaning event occurs in which the remaining amount of detergent falls below a predetermined threshold. According to the above configuration, since the dosage of the detergent in at least one second cleaning event to be executed before the first cleaning event is changed, the detergent is used up before the first cleaning event, or (1) The amount of detergent introduced in the cleaning event will exceed the predetermined threshold. Therefore, the detergent container can be emptied while charging the amount of detergent desired for washing. That is, it is possible to create a timing suitable for cleaning the detergent container. As a result, cleaning of the detergent container is promoted and the risk of breakdown of the cleaning device is reduced.

  Further, changing the third input amount may include determining the fourth input amount so that the detergent storage unit becomes empty after the at least one second cleaning event ends.

  According to the above configuration, after the end of the second cleaning event, i.e., before the scheduled first cleaning event, the detergent is used up and the detergent container becomes empty. Therefore, the cleaning timing of the detergent container can be advanced, and the risk of breakdown of the cleaning device can be further reduced.

  The fourth input amount may be larger than the first input amount.

  According to the above configuration, the detergent which should have been introduced in the scheduled first cleaning event can be injected in the second cleaning event before the first cleaning event.

  Further, changing the third input amount means that the amount of the detergent input in the first cleaning event is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and the detergent storage portion becomes empty after the end of the first cleaning event. The method further comprises determining, respectively, the fourth dosage of the detergent introduced in the at least one second cleaning event.

  According to the above configuration, after the scheduled first cleaning event is over, the detergent is used up and the detergent container becomes empty. The scheduled number of cleaning events can be performed while creating the opportunity to clean the detergent container.

  In addition, changing the third input amount is a predetermined amount that the remaining amount of the detergent represented by the remaining amount information is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value for the first cleaning event and the at least one second cleaning event. It may include allocating to the amount of

  According to the above configuration, since the amount of detergent introduced in the first cleaning event and the at least one second cleaning event is distributed to a predetermined amount equal to or greater than the threshold value, the amount of the detergent in excess The shortage can be suppressed. Therefore, the object to be cleaned can be properly cleaned while changing the amount of detergent input. The third input amount may be equally distributed for each event.

  In addition, changing the third input amount includes (i) inquiring of the user the number of cleaning events set as the at least one second cleaning event, and (ii) the number of cleaning events. Based on receiving from the user, (iii) the remaining amount information before the start of the at least one second cleaning event, and the number of times received from the user, the charging is performed in the at least one second cleaning event Calculating the fourth dose of the detergent to be treated.

  According to the above configuration, the user can be inquired about the number of cleaning events set as at least one second cleaning event. Therefore, the third input amount can be determined to an amount suitable for the user's request or habit.

  The fourth input amount may be smaller than the first input amount.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to compensate for the amount of detergent lacking in the first cleaning event with the detergent scheduled to be introduced in the second cleaning event.

  Furthermore, the cleaning device determines a retraction operation for retracting the detergent remaining in the detergent storage portion to a predetermined spare storage space after the end of the at least one second cleaning event, and the cleaning device After the end of the at least one second cleaning event, it may be required to perform the retraction operation.

  According to the above configuration, the amount of detergent less than the predetermined threshold value is evacuated, thereby creating an opportunity to clean the detergent container without changing the amount of detergent introduced in the second cleaning event. it can.

  In the information processing method, the cleaning apparatus further includes a third cleaning event without an object to be cleaned using the detergent remaining in the detergent storage unit after the end of the at least one second cleaning event. Execution may be determined and the cleaning device may execute the third cleaning event after the end of the at least one second cleaning event.

  According to the above configuration, the amount of the detergent less than the predetermined threshold value is consumed separately from the cleaning event, so that the amount of the detergent introduced in the second cleaning event is not changed. You can create opportunities.

  In addition, the information processing method may further output a cleaning request that requires cleaning of the detergent storage unit after the end of the first cleaning event or the at least one second cleaning event.

  According to the above configuration, the cleaning request that requires cleaning of the detergent storage unit is output to the cleaning device, so that the detergent storage unit can be cleaned more reliably. As a result, the risk of solidification or excessive thickening of the detergent can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the failure risk that the solidified or thickened detergent clogs the flow path in the cleaning device.

  Further, an information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the cleaning device, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit provided in the cleaning device and storing the detergent; To the cleaning device in the scheduled first cleaning event based on the remaining amount information and the first input amount set for one cleaning event in which the cleaning device cleans the object to be cleaned A determination unit that determines whether a second input amount of the detergent scheduled to be input falls below a predetermined threshold value; and if it is determined that the second input amount falls below a predetermined threshold value; The predetermined threshold value is a third input amount determined based on the first input amount scheduled to be input by the cleaning device in at least one second cleaning event scheduled before the cleaning event. More than the fourth input amount An information generating unit to be changed, and an information output unit that outputs information indicating the fourth input amount to the cleaning device and causes the detergent of the fourth input amount to be input to the cleaning device in the at least one second cleaning event And.

  Further, a cleaning system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described information processing apparatus, and the cleaning apparatus into which the object to be cleaned is inserted, and the cleaning apparatus includes: (i) the detergent storage unit (Ii) a detergent input unit for introducing the detergent from the detergent storage unit into a cleaning space where the cleaning object is cleaned; and (iii) detecting the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit. A remaining amount detection unit that generates the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount; (iv) a communication unit that transmits the remaining amount information to the information processing apparatus and receives information indicating the fourth input amount; And the detergent loading unit loads the fourth loading detergent into the cleaning space in the at least one second cleaning event according to the information indicating the fourth loading.

  Further, a cleaning device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: the detergent storage unit; a detergent input unit that supplies the detergent from the detergent storage unit to a cleaning space in which the object to be cleaned is cleaned; And a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the detergent in the storage unit and generates the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount, and the detergent input unit responds to the information indicating the fourth input amount. The fourth dose of detergent is loaded into the wash space in the at least one second wash event.

  According to the information processing apparatus, the washing system or the washing apparatus described above, since the amount of detergent input in at least one second washing event performed before the first washing event is changed, it is possible to perform the first washing event Either the detergent is used up, or the amount of detergent introduced in the first cleaning event will exceed a predetermined threshold. Therefore, the detergent container can be emptied while charging the amount of detergent desired for washing. That is, it is possible to create a timing suitable for cleaning the detergent container. As a result, cleaning of the detergent container is promoted and the risk of breakdown of the cleaning device is reduced.

  Further, the cleaning apparatus includes an object detection unit that detects an amount of the cleaning object, and the first input amount and the third input amount are set according to the amount of the cleaning object, and the at least one Before the start of two second cleaning events, the detergent input unit is configured to receive the first amount or the third amount of the detergent corresponding to the amount of the cleaning object, or the fourth amount of the detergent. It may be introduced into the cleaning space.

  According to said structure, the excess and deficiency of the quantity of the detergent with respect to the quantity of a wash subject can be suppressed. Therefore, the object to be cleaned can be properly cleaned.

  Further, the cleaning device controls the cleaning of the object to be cleaned based on at least one of an amount of water set corresponding to the amount of the object to be cleaned detected by the target detection unit and a cleaning operation. A control unit may be included, and the washing control unit may change at least one of the water amount and the washing operation according to the information indicating the fourth input amount.

  According to the above configuration, at least one of the amount of water used for washing and the washing operation (for example, rinsing or dewatering) can be changed according to the change of the amount of the detergent to be introduced. Therefore, the object to be cleaned can be properly cleaned even if the amount of detergent added changes.

  With regard to the above configuration, the detergent input unit is (i) a spare storage unit forming a spare storage space for temporarily storing the detergent, and (ii) before the at least one second cleaning event is started. A first charging unit for charging the detergent in the amount corresponding to the amount of the object to be washed into the washing space; and (iii) a second charging unit for charging the detergent into the spare housing space from the detergent storage unit. And (iv) a return unit for returning the detergent in the spare storage space from the spare storage unit to the detergent storage unit, the information generation unit including the at least one second cleaning event. After the termination, a withdrawal request for withdrawing the detergent remaining in the detergent accommodation unit to the spare accommodation unit is generated, and the second input unit responds to the evacuation request to perform the at least one second cleaning event. Said end After it may retract the detergent into the preliminary accommodating portion from the detergent containing portion.

  According to the above configuration, the amount of detergent less than the predetermined threshold value is evacuated, thereby creating an opportunity to clean the detergent container without changing the amount of detergent introduced in the second cleaning event. it can. In addition, since the detergent evacuated to the spare housing portion is returned to the detergent housing portion, the detergent can be effectively used.

  The principle of the present embodiment is suitably used for an apparatus for cleaning various objects to be cleaned.

100, 100A .......... cleaning system 200,200B .......... cleaning device 211 ............... washing space 212, ······································································································ ... detergent containing portion 230 ............... detergent supply part 233 ............... first introduction part 234 ..... ·········································································································· Section 237 ..... ..... preliminary accommodation space 240 ........... remaining amount detection unit 250 ..... ······ Communication unit 300, 300A ········ ... Information processing device 310.... ..... Information generation unit 340 ................. Information output unit

Claims (16)

Using a processor
Acquiring, from the cleaning device, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the detergent in a detergent storage unit provided in the cleaning device and containing the detergent;
To the cleaning device in the scheduled first cleaning event based on the remaining amount information and the first input amount set for one cleaning event in which the cleaning device cleans the object to be cleaned Determining whether the second dosage of the detergent scheduled to be dispensed falls below a predetermined threshold;
When it is determined that the second input amount falls below a predetermined threshold, the cleaning device is scheduled to be inserted in at least one second cleaning event scheduled before the first cleaning event. Changing a third input amount determined based on the first input amount to a fourth input amount equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value;
An information processing method, comprising: outputting information indicating the fourth input amount to the cleaning device; and injecting the detergent of the fourth input amount into the cleaning device at the at least one second cleaning event. The method according to claim 1, wherein changing the third input amount includes determining the fourth input amount so that the detergent container becomes empty after the end of the at least one second cleaning event. Information processing method. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the fourth input amount is larger than the first input amount. Changing the third input amount is such that the input amount of the detergent in the first cleaning event is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value, and the detergent storage unit becomes empty after the end of the first cleaning event. The information processing method according to claim 1, comprising determining each of the fourth input amount of the detergent input in the at least one second cleaning event. Changing the third input amount is a predetermined amount that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value for the first cleaning event and the at least one second cleaning event, the remaining amount of the detergent represented by the remaining amount information. The information processing method according to claim 4, comprising allocating to each other. Changing the third input amount is
(I) inquiring a user of the number of cleaning events set as the at least one second cleaning event;
(Ii) receiving from the user the number of cleaning events;
(Iii) the amount of the detergent introduced in the at least one second cleaning event based on the remaining amount information before the start of the at least one second cleaning event and the number of times received from the user The information processing method according to claim 5, comprising: calculating a fourth input amount. The information processing method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the fourth input amount is smaller than the first input amount. Furthermore,
The cleaning device determines a retraction operation for retracting the detergent remaining in the detergent storage portion to a predetermined spare storage space after the end of the at least one second cleaning event,
The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device requests that the evacuation operation be performed after the end of the at least one second cleaning event. Furthermore,
The cleaning device determines, after the end of the at least one second cleaning event, the execution of a third cleaning event without an object to be cleaned, using the detergent remaining in the detergent container;
The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device executes the third cleaning event after the end of the at least one second cleaning event. The information according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising outputting a cleaning request requiring cleaning of the detergent container after the end of the first cleaning event or the at least one second cleaning event. Processing method. An acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the cleaning device, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit provided in the cleaning device and containing the detergent;
To the cleaning device in the scheduled first cleaning event based on the remaining amount information and the first input amount set for one cleaning event in which the cleaning device cleans the object to be cleaned A determination unit that determines whether the second input amount of the detergent scheduled to be input falls below a predetermined threshold;
When it is determined that the second input amount falls below a predetermined threshold, the cleaning device is scheduled to be inserted in at least one second cleaning event scheduled before the first cleaning event. An information generation unit configured to change a third input amount determined based on the first input amount to a fourth input amount equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value;
An information output unit that outputs information indicating the fourth input amount to the cleaning device, and causes the cleaning device to input the detergent of the fourth input amount in the at least one second cleaning event; . An information processing apparatus according to claim 11;
And the cleaning device into which the object to be cleaned is charged.
The cleaning device is
(I) the detergent storage unit;
(Ii) a detergent input unit for introducing the detergent from the detergent storage unit into a cleaning space where the object to be cleaned is cleaned;
(Iii) A remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit and generates the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount;
(Iv) a communication unit that transmits the remaining amount information to the information processing apparatus and receives information indicating the fourth input amount;
The detergent loading unit is configured to load the fourth loading amount of detergent into the cleaning space in the at least one second cleaning event according to the information indicating the fourth loading amount. It is a washing | cleaning apparatus which has an information processing apparatus of Claim 11, Comprising:
The detergent storage unit;
A detergent input unit for introducing the detergent from the detergent storage unit into a cleaning space where the object to be cleaned is cleaned;
And a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent storage unit and generates the remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount.
The detergent input unit inserts the detergent of the fourth input amount into the cleaning space in the at least one second cleaning event according to the information indicating the fourth input amount. The cleaning apparatus includes an object detection unit that detects an amount of the cleaning object.
The first input amount and the third input amount are set according to the amount of the object to be cleaned,
Before the at least one second cleaning event is started, the detergent input unit is configured to receive the first input amount or the third input amount corresponding to the amount of the cleaning object, or the fourth input amount. The cleaning system according to claim 12, or the cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein the detergent is introduced into the cleaning space. The cleaning device controls the cleaning of the object to be cleaned based on at least one of the amount of water and the cleaning operation set according to the amount of the object to be cleaned detected by the target detection unit. Including
The cleaning system or the cleaning device according to claim 14, wherein the cleaning control unit changes at least one of the amount of water and the cleaning operation according to the information indicating the fourth input amount. The detergent input unit is
(I) a preliminary accommodating portion forming a preliminary accommodating space in which the detergent is temporarily accommodated;
(Ii) a first loading unit for loading the amount of the detergent corresponding to the amount of the object to be washed into the washing space before the at least one second washing event is started;
(Iii) a second loading unit for loading the detergent from the detergent storage unit into the spare storage space;
(Iv) returning the detergent in the spare storage space from the spare storage portion to the detergent storage portion;
The information generation unit generates a withdrawal request for retracting the detergent remaining in the detergent storage unit to the spare storage unit after the end of the at least one second cleaning event,
The second feeding unit retracts the detergent from the detergent storage unit to the spare storage unit after the end of the at least one second cleaning event in response to the retraction request. Cleaning system or cleaning equipment.

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