JP2021168826A - Cleaner system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cleaner system capable of prompting a user to replace a consumable replacement part at an appropriate replacement timing, and capable of improving a degree of satisfaction of the user to cleaning by suppressing deterioration in performance of a vacuum cleaner due to insufficient maintenance.SOLUTION: A cleaner system includes: a use state data acquisition unit 421 for acquiring use state data on a use state of a vacuum cleaner 100; a storage unit 422 for storing the use state data acquired by the use state data acquisition unit 421; a replacement timing calculation unit 423 for calculating a replacement timing of a consumable replacement part of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the use state data stored in the storage unit 422; and a notification unit 430 for notifying of the replacement timing of the consumable replacement part calculated by the replacement timing calculation unit 423.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner system.

In the vacuum cleaner system, it operates based on the instruction to start cleaning received by the operation unit, detects the cleaning operation unit including the electric blower and the operation state including the operation of the cleaning operation unit, and operates the vacuum cleaner. It is known that the history is analyzed and the user is notified about the timing of dumping the dust of the vacuum cleaner (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2019-000442

However, in a vacuum cleaner system as shown in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for the user to notice when to replace consumable replacement parts such as a paper pack, a filter, and a battery. For this reason, even after the replacement period, the consumable replacement parts continue to be used without being replaced, which may reduce the performance of the vacuum cleaner and reduce the user's satisfaction with cleaning.

This disclosure is made to solve such a problem. The purpose is to encourage the user to replace consumable replacement parts at an appropriate replacement time, suppress the deterioration of the performance of the vacuum cleaner due to insufficient maintenance, and improve the user's satisfaction with cleaning. It is to provide a vacuum cleaner system that is possible.

The vacuum cleaner system according to the present disclosure includes a usage status data acquisition unit that acquires usage status data related to the usage status of an electric vacuum cleaner, a storage unit that stores usage status data acquired by the usage status data acquisition unit, and the storage unit. A replacement time calculation unit that calculates the replacement time of the consumable replacement part of the vacuum cleaner from the usage status data stored in the unit, and a notification unit that notifies the replacement time of the consumable replacement part calculated by the replacement time calculation unit. And.

According to the vacuum cleaner system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to encourage the user to replace consumable replacement parts at an appropriate replacement time, suppress deterioration of the performance of the vacuum cleaner due to insufficient maintenance, and use the user for cleaning. It has the effect of improving satisfaction.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the vacuum cleaner system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electric vacuum cleaner provided in the vacuum cleaner system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a suction tool included in the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment as viewed from below. It is a perspective view of the rotary brush included in the suction tool which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the vacuum cleaner system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the operation example of the vacuum cleaner system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the operation example of the vacuum cleaner system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the operation example of the vacuum cleaner system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG.

A mode for implementing the vacuum cleaner system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed with reference to the illustrated state. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and is free combination of each embodiment, modification of any component of each embodiment, or each of them, as long as the purpose of the present disclosure is not deviated. Any component of the embodiment can be omitted.

Embodiment 1.
The first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric vacuum cleaner included in the vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the suction tool included in the vacuum cleaner as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotating brush included in the suction tool. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the vacuum cleaner system. 6 to 8 are flow charts showing an operation example of the vacuum cleaner system.

In the following description, dust and other dust may be collectively referred to simply as "dust". In addition, air mixed with dust may be referred to as "dust-containing air". The air from which dust has been removed may be referred to as "clean air". Basically, the side closer to the surface to be cleaned is defined as "lower" and the opposite is defined as "upper". In addition, the main cleaning direction, that is, the direction in which the arm is pushed out during cleaning is defined as "front", and the opposite direction in which the arm is pulled is defined as "rear". The left-right direction is a direction orthogonal to both the front-back direction and the up-down direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner system according to this embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner 100, a charging stand 200, and a terminal device 300. The charging stand 200 and the terminal device 300 are examples of devices that transmit and receive information by communicating with the vacuum cleaner 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner 100 described here is a cordless type vertical vacuum cleaner. As shown in these figures, the vacuum cleaner 100 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 110, an extension pipe 120, and a suction tool 130 as main components.

The vacuum cleaner main body 110 includes a handle 114, a suction pipe 116, and a dust collector 111. The handle 114 is a portion that the user holds by hand while using the vacuum cleaner 100. The user can grasp the vacuum cleaner main body 110 of the vacuum cleaner 100 by grasping the handle 114. An operation unit 115 is provided in the vicinity of the handle 114 of the vacuum cleaner main body 110.

The suction pipe 116 is a hollow cylindrical member to which the extension pipe 120 is detachably connected. The suction pipe 116 has a connection port for sucking dust. The connection port is an opening formed at one end of the suction pipe 116. Inside the suction pipe 116, an air passage is formed to guide the airflow of dust-containing air that has passed through the connection port to the dust collecting portion 111. The vacuum cleaner main body 110 contains an electric blower 117 and a battery 113. The electric blower 117 is for generating the suction air of the vacuum cleaner 100. The battery 113 is a secondary battery for supplying electric power for driving the electric blower 117.

The dust collecting unit 111 is for collecting dust in the dust-containing air sucked into the vacuum cleaner main body 110 by the suction air generated by the electric blower 117. In the configuration example described here, the dust collecting unit 111 is a so-called paper pack type. That is, a bag-shaped filter (paper pack) mainly made of paper is housed in the dust collecting unit 111. The dust-containing air that has flowed into the dust collecting unit 111 passes through the paper pack. When passing through the paper pack, dust is filtered out from the dust-containing air by the paper pack, and the separated dust is accumulated in the paper pack. Further, on the downstream side of the paper pack, a filter 112 for catching dust that could not be completely removed by the paper pack is provided. An exhaust port is formed in the vacuum cleaner main body 110. The airflow from which the dust has been removed by the dust collecting unit 111 is discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner main body 110 from the exhaust port.

The electric blower 117 is driven in response to an operation on the operation unit 115 provided on the handle 114. When the electric blower 117 is driven, a suction force acts inside the dust collecting portion 111 and the suction pipe 116, and dust-containing air is sucked from the connection port of the suction pipe 116. The dust-containing air sucked into the connection port passes through the suction pipe 116 and is taken into the inside of the dust collecting unit 111. In the dust collecting unit 111, dust is separated from the dust-containing air. The clean air discharged from the dust collecting unit 111 passes through the electric blower 117. The clean air that has passed through the electric blower 117 is discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner main body 110 from the exhaust port.

The extension tube 120 is a hollow tubular member having a linear outer shape. One end side of the extension pipe 120 is detachably connected to the suction pipe 116 of the vacuum cleaner main body 110. The other end side of the extension pipe 120 is detachably connected to the suction tool 130.

Next, the configuration of the suction tool 130 will be described. The suction tool 130 is for cleaning the surface to be cleaned. The surface to be cleaned is, for example, a flat surface such as a floor surface. The suction tool 130 is provided with a dust sensor 131 that detects the amount of sucked dust. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction tool 130 includes a suction port body 132 and a connecting pipe 133. The suction tool 130 is connected to the other end side of the extension pipe 120 via the connecting pipe 133. In a plan view, the shape of the suction port 132 is rectangular. One end of the connecting pipe 133 is attached to the middle portion of the suction port 132 in the longitudinal direction and to one side in the lateral direction via the joint structure. The other end side of the connecting pipe 133 is detachably connected to the other end side of the extension pipe 120 described above.

A suction opening 135 is formed on the bottom surface of the suction port body 132. The suction opening 135 is an opening facing downward. A brush chamber 134 is formed inside the suction port body 132. The brush chamber 134 communicates with the suction opening 135 and the connecting pipe 133. The suction port 132 includes a rotary brush 140 and a brush motor 136. The rotary brush 140 is arranged inside the brush chamber 134 so as to face the suction opening 135 from above the suction opening 135. The brush motor 136 is rotated by the electric power supplied from the vacuum cleaner main body 110 via the extension pipe 120, and the rotation is transmitted by the power transmission mechanism to rotate the rotating brush 140. By rotating the rotating brush 140, dust on the surface to be cleaned is scraped up.

The rotating brush 140 of the suction tool 130 is rotatably provided inside the brush chamber 134 of the suction port body 132 around a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the rotation brush 140 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the suction port body. The rotary brush 140 is removable from the suction port 132. An opening is formed on the side surface of the suction port body 132. The opening communicates with the inside of the brush chamber 134. By pulling out the rotary brush 140 from this opening to the outside of the brush chamber 134, the rotary brush 140 can be removed from the suction port 132. On the contrary, by inserting the rotary brush 140 into the brush chamber 134 through this opening, the rotary brush 140 can be attached to the suction port 132. In such attachment / detachment of the rotating brush 140, the rotating brush 140 moves in parallel with the above-mentioned rotation axis.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating brush 140 includes a brush shaft portion 141, a cleaning body 142, and a cleaning body holding portion 143. The cleaning body 142 is for scraping dust on the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning body 142 is, for example, a blade made of an elastic material such as rubber, a fibrous brush bristles, or the like. The cleaning body holding portion 143 is a cylindrical member. A plurality of cleaning bodies 142 are spirally projected and attached to the outer peripheral portion of the cleaning body holding portion 143. The cylindrical central axis of the cleaning body holding portion 143 is along the above-mentioned rotating axis of the rotating brush 140.

The brush shaft portion 141 is a member that rotatably supports the cleaning body holding portion 143 with respect to the suction port body 132 about the above-mentioned rotation shaft. The brush shaft portion 141 is an elongated rod-shaped member. The brush shaft portion 141 is provided along the cylindrical central axis of the cleaning body holding portion 143. A grip portion 144 is provided at one end of the brush shaft portion 141. The grip portion 144 is a portion for the operator to hold when attaching / detaching the rotary brush 140 to / from the suction port body 132.

The configuration of the vacuum cleaner system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. The charging stand 200 is placed on the floor of the living room, for example. By placing the vacuum cleaner 100 on the charging stand 200 when not in use, the battery 113 of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be charged. The vacuum cleaner 100 is removed from the charging stand 200 at the time of use. The charging stand 200 of this embodiment is provided with a display unit 201. The display unit 201 is a liquid crystal display that displays various types of information. The display unit 201 may be a touch panel that accepts user's operation input.

The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a personal computer (personal computer) installed in the user's house, or the like. The terminal device 300 includes an operation unit that receives an operation input of a user and a display unit that displays various information. The terminal device 300 may include a touch panel that also serves as an operation unit and a display unit.

The vacuum cleaner 100 and the charging stand 200 can communicate with each other. Further, the vacuum cleaner 100 and the terminal device 300 can communicate with each other. It is desirable that the communication method between these devices is a wireless method.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the vacuum cleaner system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Each block described below shows a block for each function, not a configuration for each hardware. As described above, the vacuum cleaner 100 of this embodiment includes an electric blower 117, a brush motor 136, and a dust sensor 131. Further, the vacuum cleaner 100 includes a charging unit 401. The charging unit 401 charges the battery 113 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Specifically, the charging unit 401 charges the battery 113 with the electric power supplied from the charging stand 200 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the charging stand 200.

The vacuum cleaner 100 further includes a control unit 410 and a storage unit 422. The control unit 410 controls the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner 100. The storage unit 422 stores control data such as control parameters of the vacuum cleaner 100. For example, the control unit 410 controls the operations of the electric blower 117 and the brush motor 136 in response to the operation of the operation unit 115 with reference to the control data stored in the storage unit 422.

The vacuum cleaner 100 further includes a usage status data acquisition unit 421 and a replacement time calculation unit 423. The usage status data acquisition unit 421 acquires usage status data regarding the usage status of the vacuum cleaner 100. The usage status data acquired by the usage status data acquisition unit 421 includes, for example, the operation time, the operation time, the suction amount of dust detected by the dust sensor 131, the current value of the electric blower 117, and the current of the brush motor 136. The value, the charging time of the battery 113 by the charging unit 401, the number of times of charging, and the like are included. The storage unit 422 stores the usage status data acquired by the usage status data acquisition unit 421.

The replacement time calculation unit 423 calculates the replacement time of the consumable replacement parts of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the usage status data stored in the storage unit 422. Specific examples of the consumable replacement parts of the vacuum cleaner 100 are a paper pack, a filter 112, a battery 113, a rotating brush 140, and the like. The information regarding the replacement time of the consumable replacement parts calculated by the replacement time calculation unit 423 is transmitted from the vacuum cleaner 100 to one or both of the charging stand 200 and the terminal device 300.

The charging stand 200 and the terminal device 300 include a notification unit 430. The notification unit 430 notifies the user of the information regarding the replacement time of the consumable replacement parts transmitted from the vacuum cleaner 100. For example, the notification unit 430 causes the display unit 201 of the charging stand 200 to display a message regarding the replacement time of the consumable replacement parts. Alternatively, for example, the notification unit 430 causes the display unit of the terminal device 300 to display a message regarding the replacement time of the consumable replacement parts.

According to the vacuum cleaner system configured as described above, it is possible to clearly convey the replacement time (maintenance information) of consumable replacement parts that are difficult for the user to notice. Therefore, it is possible to promote the replacement of consumable replacement parts, suppress the deterioration of performance due to insufficient maintenance, and improve the user's satisfaction with cleaning.

The vacuum cleaner system of this embodiment further includes a purchase time calculation unit 424, an order information creation unit 425, an ordering unit 426, an order information presentation unit 431, and a confirmation input unit 432. The purchase time calculation unit 424, the order information creation unit 425, and the ordering unit 426 are provided in, for example, the vacuum cleaner 100. The ordering information presentation unit 431 and the confirmation input unit 432 are provided on one or both of the charging stand 200 and the terminal device 300.

The purchase time calculation unit 424 calculates the purchase time of the consumable replacement part based on the replacement time calculated by the replacement time calculation unit 423. For example, the purchase time calculation unit 424 is consumed so that the consumable replacement part has arrived at the user by the replacement time calculated by the replacement time calculation unit 423 in consideration of the time required for delivery of the consumable replacement part. Calculate when to purchase replacement parts.

Further, as a modification, the purchase time calculation unit 424 may calculate the purchase time of the consumable replacement part in consideration of the stock information of the unused consumable replacement part. In this case, for example, the storage unit 422 further stores stock information of unused consumable replacement parts. Then, the purchase time calculation unit 424 calculates the purchase time of the consumable replacement part based on the replacement time calculated by the replacement time calculation unit 423 and the stock information stored in the storage unit 422. In this case, regarding the consumable replacement parts calculated by the replacement time calculation unit 423 that are approaching the replacement time, if there is still unused stock, it is assumed that the purchase of the consumable replacement parts is not yet necessary, and the purchase time calculation unit 424 does not calculate the purchase time of the consumable replacement part. On the other hand, regarding the consumable replacement parts whose replacement time is approaching, if there is no more unused stock, it is necessary to purchase the consumable replacement parts, and the purchase time calculation unit 424 determines the purchase time of the consumable replacement parts. Is calculated.

The ordering information creation unit 425 creates ordering information for ordering the purchase of consumable replacement parts according to the purchase time calculated by the purchase time calculation unit 424. The ordering information created by the ordering information creating unit 425 includes, for example, information such as the type and number of consumable replacement parts to be ordered. The ordering information created by the ordering information creating unit 425 is transmitted from the vacuum cleaner 100 to one or both of the charging stand 200 and the terminal device 300.

The ordering information presenting unit 431 presents the ordering information of the consumable replacement parts transmitted from the vacuum cleaner 100 to the user. The ordering information presentation unit 431 causes, for example, display unit 201 of the charging stand 200 to display ordering information for consumable replacement parts. Alternatively, for example, the notification unit 430 causes the display unit of the terminal device 300 to display the order information.

The confirmation input unit 432 accepts the input of the confirmation operation of the order information presented by the order information presentation unit 431. For example, when the display unit 201 of the charging stand 200 is a touch panel, the confirmation input unit 432 displays an order confirmation button for confirming whether or not an order may be placed on the display unit 201. Then, when the user presses the order confirmation button, the confirmation operation is input to the confirmation input unit 432. In addition, for example, the confirmation input unit 432 displays an order confirmation button on the display unit of the terminal device 300 to confirm whether or not an order may be placed. Then, when the user presses the order confirmation button, the confirmation operation is input to the confirmation input unit 432. When the confirmation operation of the order information is input to the confirmation input unit 432, the operation signal is transmitted from the charging stand 200 or the terminal device 300 to which the confirmation operation is input to the confirmation input unit 432 to the vacuum cleaner 100.

When the operation signal of the ordering information transmitted from the charging stand 200 or the terminal device 300 is input, the ordering unit 426 transmits the ordering information to the outside of the vacuum cleaner system. The vacuum cleaner 100 of this embodiment can communicate with a service operator 500 outside the vacuum cleaner system via a communication network such as the Internet 501. The service operator 500 is a service operator that sells, provides, and delivers a consumable replacement part, an additional function, an additional part, and the like of the vacuum cleaner 100. The ordering unit 426 transmits the ordering information to the external service operator 500 when the confirmation operation is input to the confirmation input unit 432. It should be noted that the user may be able to set in advance so that the order is automatically placed without confirming the order information.

According to the vacuum cleaner system configured as described above, when it is necessary to purchase consumable replacement parts, it is possible to clearly inform the user that the purchase of consumable replacement parts is necessary. Therefore, it is possible to promote the replacement of consumable replacement parts, suppress the deterioration of performance due to insufficient maintenance, and improve the user's satisfaction with cleaning. In addition, when it is necessary to purchase consumable replacement parts, the ordering information can be automatically created by collecting the information necessary for the purchase, so that the user's labor required for purchasing the consumable replacement parts can be reduced.

The vacuum cleaner system of this embodiment further includes a usage method proposal unit 427, an additional function proposal unit 428, and a control data acquisition unit 429. The usage method proposal unit 427 proposes a recommended usage method of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the usage status data stored in the storage unit 422. The usage method proposal unit 427 predicts the dust type and floor material in the room from the operation time, the detection result of the dust sensor 131, the current value of the brush motor 136, etc., among the usage status data stored in the storage unit 422. , Dust type, operation method for efficient cleaning suitable for floor material (air volume, rotation speed of rotating brush 140, etc.) is calculated and proposed as a recommended usage method.

For example, when the brush is used frequently at night, the usage method proposal unit 427 recommends operation in a silent mode in which the air volume and the rotation speed of the rotating brush 140 are smaller than usual. Further, when it is presumed that the brush motor 136 is often used for flooring from the current value and the like, it is recommended that the air volume suitable for cleaning on the flooring and the rotation speed of the rotating brush 140. On the other hand, when it is presumed that the brush motor 136 is often used on a carpet from the current value and the like, the air volume suitable for cleaning on the carpet and the rotation speed of the rotating brush 140 are recommended.

Information about the recommended usage method proposed by the usage method proposal unit 427 is transmitted from the vacuum cleaner 100 to one or both of the charging stand 200 and the terminal device 300. The information regarding the recommended usage method transmitted from the vacuum cleaner 100 is displayed on one or both of the display unit 201 of the charging stand 200 and the display unit of the terminal device 300. Alternatively, control parameters such as the air volume of the recommended usage method proposed by the usage method proposal unit 427 and the rotation speed of the rotation brush 140 are stored in the storage unit 422 as control data. Then, the control unit 410 controls the operation of the vacuum cleaner 100 with reference to the control data related to the recommended usage method stored in the storage unit 422.

By doing so, it is possible to clearly inform the user of a more appropriate usage method according to the usage status of the vacuum cleaner 100. Therefore, the cleaning efficiency can be improved by the usage method according to the usage condition of the vacuum cleaner 100, and the user's satisfaction with cleaning can be improved.

The additional function proposal unit 428 proposes a recommended additional function of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the usage status data stored in the storage unit 422. The additional function proposal unit 428 predicts the dust type and floor material in the room from the operation time, the detection result of the dust sensor 131, the current value of the brush motor 136, etc., among the usage status data stored in the storage unit 422. We propose recommended additional functions for efficient cleaning, suitable for dust types and flooring materials.

The recommended additional functions proposed by the additional function proposal unit 428 are roughly classified into those that can be added by updating the software of the vacuum cleaner 100 and those that require additional parts. From another point of view, the recommended additional functions are roughly divided into paid ones and free ones.

When the recommended additional function can be added by updating the software of the vacuum cleaner 100, the control data acquisition unit 429 acquires the control data for adding the recommended additional function proposed by the additional function proposal unit 428 from the outside. do. For example, the control data acquisition unit 429 downloads the control data from the server of the service operator 500 outside the vacuum cleaner system via the Internet 501. The control data of the recommended additional function acquired by the control data acquisition unit 429 is stored in, for example, the storage unit 422. Then, the control unit 410 controls the operation of the vacuum cleaner 100 by using the control data related to the recommended additional function stored in the storage unit 422. That is, the control unit 410 controls the operation of the vacuum cleaner 100 by using the control data acquired by the control data acquisition unit 429.

When the recommended additional function proposed by the additional function proposal unit 428 is paid and a purchase order is required, the order information creation unit 425 receives data and parts related to the recommended additional function proposed by the additional function proposal unit 428. Create ordering information to order one or both purchases. Further, information on the recommended additional function proposed by the additional function proposal unit 428 is transmitted from the vacuum cleaner 100 to one or both of the charging stand 200 and the terminal device 300. Then, information on the recommended additional function is displayed on one or both of the display unit 201 of the charging stand 200 and the display unit of the terminal device 300.

By doing so, it is possible to clearly inform the user that more appropriate functions, parts, etc. can be added according to the usage status of the vacuum cleaner 100. Therefore, the cleaning efficiency can be improved by adding functions, parts, and the like according to the usage status of the vacuum cleaner 100, and the user's satisfaction with cleaning can be improved. In addition, since the ordering information required for purchasing the additional function can be automatically created, the user's labor required for introducing the additional function can be reduced.

Next, an operation example of the vacuum cleaner system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 6 to 8. In these flow charts, the step with a solid frame indicates the operation of the vacuum cleaner system, the step with a broken frame indicates the operation performed by the user, and the step with a thick frame indicates the operation performed by the service operator 500. First, FIG. 6 shows an operation example when the dust box (paper pack) of the vacuum cleaner 100 is full. When it is detected in step S100 that the dust box (paper pack) is full, the replacement time calculation unit 423 calculates that it is time to replace the paper pack, which is a consumable replacement part. Then, in the following step S101, the notification unit 430 notifies the user that it is time to replace the paper pack. After step S101, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the user replaces the paper pack of the vacuum cleaner 100 in response to the notification in step S101. In the following step S103, the purchase time calculation unit 424 counts the number of times the paper pack is replaced. In addition, the latest number of paper carton stocks is calculated in consideration of the decrease in paper carton stock due to replacement. Then, in step S104, the purchase time calculation unit 424 determines whether or not the number of stocks of the paper carton is sufficient. If the number of paper packs in stock is sufficient, the series of operations ends. On the other hand, if the number of paper packs in stock is insufficient, the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the notification unit 430 notifies the user that the stock of the paper carton is low. In addition, the ordering information creation unit 425 creates ordering information for ordering the purchase of a paper carton. After step S105, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the ordering unit 426 determines whether or not the automatic ordering setting has been made for the paper pack. When the automatic ordering setting for the paper carton is set, the process proceeds to step S107, and the ordering unit 426 sends the ordering information created in step S105 to the external service operator 500 to place an order for purchasing (delivering) the paper carton. I do.

On the other hand, if the automatic ordering setting for the paper carton is not made, the process proceeds to step S108, and the ordering information presenting unit 431 presents the ordering information created in step S105 to the user. Then, when the confirmation operation of the ordering information is input to the confirmation input unit 432, the ordering unit 426 transmits the ordering information created in step S105 to the external service operator 500 to place a purchase (delivery) order for the paper pack. ..

When the purchase (delivery) order for the paper carton is placed in step S107 or S108, the service operator 500 receives the order and ships the paper carton to the user's home in step S109. Then, in step S110, the user receives the shipped paper pack, and a series of processes is completed.

Next, FIG. 7 shows an operation example when the filter 112 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is clogged. When it is detected in step S200 that the filter 112 is clogged, the notification unit 430 notifies the user to that effect. After step S201, the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, the user cleans the filter 112 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in response to the notification in step S201.

In the following step S203, the replacement time calculation unit 423 counts the number of times the filter 112 is washed and calculates the degree of deterioration of the filter 112. Then, the replacement time calculation unit 423 calculates the replacement time according to the degree of deterioration of the filter 112. In the following step S204, the notification unit 430 notifies the user that the replacement time of the filter 112, which is a consumable replacement part, is approaching. In addition, the ordering information creation unit 425 creates ordering information for ordering the purchase of the filter 112. After step S204, the process proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, the ordering unit 426 determines whether or not the automatic ordering setting has been made for the filter 112. When the automatic ordering setting of the filter 112 is made, the process proceeds to step S206, and the ordering unit 426 sends the ordering information created in step S204 to the external service operator 500 to place an order for purchase (delivery) of the filter 112. I do. On the other hand, if the automatic ordering setting of the filter 112 is not made, the process proceeds to step S207, and the ordering information presenting unit 431 presents the ordering information created in step S204 to the user. Then, when the confirmation operation of the ordering information is input to the confirmation input unit 432, the ordering unit 426 transmits the ordering information created in step S204 to the external service operator 500 to place a purchase (delivery) order for the filter 112. ..

When the purchase (delivery) order for the filter 112 is placed in step S206 or S207, the service operator 500 receives the order and ships the filter 112 to the user's home in step S208. Then, in step S209, the user receives the shipped filter 112, and a series of processes is completed.

FIG. 8 shows an operation example in which the functions or parts of the vacuum cleaner 100 are added. First, in step S300, the usage status data acquisition unit 421 estimates the floor to be cleaned from the usage status data, for example, the operation content to the operation unit 115, the current value of the electric blower 117, and the current value of the brush motor 136. When the material, the suction amount of dust detected by the dust sensor 131, and the like are acquired, in the subsequent step S301, these usage status data are stored and accumulated in the storage unit 422. After step S301, the process proceeds to step S302.

In step S302, the additional function proposal unit 428 proposes the recommended additional function of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the usage status data stored and accumulated in the storage unit 422 in step S301. The recommended additional function proposed by the additional function proposal unit 428 is displayed on, for example, the display unit 201 of the charging stand 200 and the terminal device 300. Then, in step S303, the user selects any of the displayed recommended additional functions if desired. After step S303, the process proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, when the recommended additional function is paid, the ordering information creation unit 425 creates data related to the recommended additional function proposed by the additional function proposal unit 428 or order information for ordering the purchase of parts. At this time, the purchase price may be discounted. That is, for example, when a consumable replacement part is purchased, points are given according to the purchase price or the like, and by using the given points, a discount can be received when purchasing an additional function. In step S304, the ordering information creation unit 425 determines whether or not there is a discount using this point. Then, if there is a discount, the user charges the amount after the discount is applied in step S305 to purchase the recommended additional function. In this case, the ordering unit 426 transmits the ordering information based on the amount after the discount is applied to the service operator 500. On the other hand, if there is no discount, in step S306, the user charges an amount to which the discount is not applied and purchases the recommended additional function. In this case, the ordering unit 426 transmits the ordering information in the amount to which the discount is not applied to the service operator 500. After step S305 or S306, the process proceeds to step S307.

In step S307, the control data acquisition unit 429 determines whether the additional function ordered in step S305 or S306 is software, a component, or an attachment. When the additional function is software, in step S308, the control data acquisition unit 429 downloads the control data from the server of the service operator 500 outside the vacuum cleaner system via the Internet 501. Then, the data in the storage unit 422 is rewritten with the acquired control data of the recommended additional function. On the other hand, when the additional function is a part or attachment, in step S309, the service operator 500 ships the ordered part or attachment to the user's home. After step S308 or S309, the process proceeds to step S310. Then, in step S310, the additional function can be used in the vacuum cleaner 100 by the control data of the recommended additional function rewritten in step S308, or by the user receiving the part or attachment delivered in step S309. become. When step S310 is completed, a series of processes is completed.

In the configuration example described above, the replacement time calculation unit 423, the purchase time calculation unit 424, the order information creation unit 425, the ordering unit 426, the usage method proposal unit 427, the additional function proposal unit 428, and the control data acquisition unit Although each part such as 429 was provided in the vacuum cleaner 100, a part or all of them may be provided in other than the vacuum cleaner 100. The term "other than the vacuum cleaner 100" as used herein means, for example, a server device provided so as to be able to communicate with the vacuum cleaner 100 via a communication network such as a charging stand 200, a terminal device 300, and the Internet 501.

100 Vacuum cleaner 110 Vacuum cleaner body 111 Dust collection unit 112 Filter 113 Battery 114 Handle 115 Operation unit 116 Suction pipe 117 Electric blower 120 Extension pipe 130 Suction tool 131 Dust sensor 132 Suction port 133 Connecting pipe 134 Brush chamber 135 Suction opening 136 Brush motor 140 Rotating brush 141 Brush shaft 142 Cleaning body 143 Cleaning body holding unit 144 Gripping unit 200 Charging stand 201 Display unit 300 Terminal device 401 Charging unit 410 Control unit 421 Usage status data acquisition unit 422 Storage unit 423 Replacement time calculation unit 424 Purchase time calculation unit 425 Ordering information creation unit 426 Ordering unit 427 Usage method proposal unit 428 Additional function proposal unit 429 Control data acquisition unit 430 Notification unit 431 Ordering information presentation unit 432 Confirmation input unit 500 Service operator 501 Internet

Claims (7)

The usage data acquisition unit that acquires usage data related to the usage status of the vacuum cleaner,
A storage unit that stores the usage status data acquired by the usage status data acquisition unit, and a storage unit that stores the usage status data.
A replacement time calculation unit that calculates the replacement time of consumable replacement parts of the vacuum cleaner from the usage status data stored in the storage unit, and a replacement time calculation unit.
A vacuum cleaner system including a notification unit that notifies the replacement time of the consumable replacement part calculated by the replacement time calculation unit. A purchase time calculation unit that calculates the purchase time of the consumable replacement part based on the replacement time calculated by the replacement time calculation unit.
An order information creation unit that creates order information for ordering the purchase of the consumable replacement parts according to the purchase time calculated by the purchase time calculation unit.
An ordering information presenting unit that presents the ordering information created by the ordering information creating unit, and an ordering information presenting unit.
A confirmation input unit that accepts an input for a confirmation operation of the order information presented by the order information presentation unit, and a confirmation input unit.
The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1, further comprising an ordering unit that transmits the ordering information to the outside when a confirmation operation is input to the confirmation input unit. The storage unit further stores stock information of the unused consumable replacement parts, and stores the stock information.
The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the purchase time calculation unit calculates the purchase time of the consumable replacement part based on the replacement time calculated by the replacement time calculation unit and the stock information stored in the storage unit. system. The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a usage method suggestion unit that proposes a recommended usage method of the vacuum cleaner from the usage status data stored in the storage unit. The vacuum cleaner system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising an additional function proposal unit that proposes a recommended additional function of the vacuum cleaner from the usage status data stored in the storage unit. A control data acquisition unit that acquires control data from the outside to add a recommended additional function proposed by the additional function proposal unit, and a control data acquisition unit.
The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the vacuum cleaner using the control data acquired by the control data acquisition unit. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the ordering information creation unit can create ordering information for ordering the purchase of one or both of the data and parts related to the recommended additional function proposed by the additional function proposal unit. system.

Images