JP2023012637A - hand dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a hand dryer capable of performing cleaning in proper timing.SOLUTION: A hand dryer comprises a body part, and a control part that acquires information on contamination of the body part and that determines a contamination condition of the body part on the basis of the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to hand dryers.

2. Description of the Related Art There are hand dryers that are attached to the walls of toilet rooms and washrooms and used to dry the hands of users after washing their hands. Such hand dryers are required to be cleaned at appropriate timings, for example, from the viewpoint of preventing infectious diseases. However, since the degree of contamination of the hand dryer varies depending on the usage environment, there is a problem that it is difficult to clean the hand dryer at an appropriate timing.

JP 2014-226297 A WO2015/128987

Aspects of the present invention have been made based on recognition of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hand dryer that can perform cleaning at an appropriate timing.

A first aspect of the present invention is a hand drying apparatus comprising: a main body; and a control section that acquires information about contamination of the main body and determines the contamination state of the main body based on the information. It is a device.

According to this hand dryer, by determining the dirtiness of the main body based on the information about the dirt on the main body, it is possible to accurately determine the degree of dirtiness of the main body in the usage environment. Thus, even if the degree of contamination changes depending on the usage environment, it is possible to grasp the appropriate cleaning timing according to the usage environment, and the cleaning person can clean the hand dryer at the appropriate timing.

According to a second invention, in the first invention, the control unit acquires operation information of the hand dryer, and determines the dirty state of the main body based on the operation information. It is a device.

According to this hand dryer, by judging the dirt condition of the main body based on the operation information of the hand dryer, the main body can be manufactured with a simple structure without significantly changing the structure of the conventional hand dryer. can accurately determine the degree of contamination. As a result, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer at an appropriate timing.

A third invention is the second invention, further comprising a blower section for blowing air, wherein the operation information includes at least an energization time to the control section, the number of times the blower section is operated, and an operating time period of the blower section. A hand dryer comprising any one of:

According to this hand dryer, the operation information includes at least one of the power supply time to the control unit, the number of operations of the air blower, and the operation time of the air blower, so that the information that can be collected even with a conventional hand dryer , the degree of contamination of the main body can be accurately determined. As a result, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer at an appropriate timing.

In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the control unit acquires two or more of the power supply time to the control unit, the number of times the air blow unit is operated, and the operation time of the air blow unit; The hand dryer is characterized in that the dirt condition of the main body is determined based on one or more.

According to this hand dryer, the soiling state of the main body is determined based on two or more of the power supply time to the control unit, the number of times the air blower is operated, and the operation time of the air blower. The degree of contamination can be determined more accurately. As a result, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer at a more appropriate timing.

In a fifth aspect based on any one of the second to fourth aspects, the main body has a plurality of cleaning locations, and the control unit selects the plurality of cleaning locations based on the operation information. and determining the dirt state of each of the plurality of locations to be cleaned, wherein the determination condition for one of the plurality of locations to be cleaned is different from the determination condition for the other one of the plurality of locations to be cleaned. drying equipment.

According to this hand dryer, when the main body has a plurality of cleaning locations, the condition for determining the soiling state of one of the plurality of cleaning locations is the determination of the soiling state of another one of the plurality of cleaning locations. By differing from the conditions, it is possible to accurately determine the degree of contamination at each of the plurality of cleaning locations. As a result, the cleaner can clean each of the plurality of cleaning locations at appropriate timing.

In a sixth invention, in any one of the second to fifth inventions, a storage unit for storing past operation information, which is past operation information of the hand dryer, is provided, and the control unit stores the operation information and , and the past operation information stored in the storage unit, the dirt condition of the main body is determined based on the hand dryer.

According to this hand dryer, noise such as tampering and erroneous detection can be eliminated by judging the dirtiness of the main body based on the driving information and the past driving information, and the degree of dirt on the main body can be judged more accurately. can do. As a result, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer at a more appropriate timing.

In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, the control unit further includes an environment information acquisition unit that acquires environment information around the main unit, and the control unit acquires the environment information from the environment information acquisition unit. The hand dryer is characterized in that the dirt condition of the main body is determined based on environmental information.

According to this hand dryer, it is possible to accurately determine the degree of contamination of the main body by determining the contamination state of the main body based on the environmental information around the main body. As a result, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer at an appropriate timing.

In an eighth invention, in any one of the second to sixth inventions, it further comprises an environment information acquisition unit that acquires environment information around the main body, wherein the control unit receives the driving information and the environment information. The hand dryer is characterized in that the environment information is acquired from an acquisition unit, and the dirty state of the main body is determined based on the operating information and the environment information.

According to this hand dryer, the degree of contamination of the main body can be determined more accurately by determining the contamination state of the main body based on the operating information and the environmental information around the main body. As a result, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer at an appropriate timing.

In a ninth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects of the invention, an optical sensor is further provided for detecting optical information relating to dirt on the main body, and the control unit receives the optical information from the optical sensor. is obtained, and the dirt condition of the main body is determined based on the optical information.

According to this hand dryer, it is possible to accurately determine the degree of contamination of the main body by determining the contamination state of the main body based on the optical information regarding the contamination of the main body. Further, by judging optical information in combination with other information such as driving information, the degree of contamination of the main body can be judged more accurately. As a result, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer at an appropriate timing.

In a tenth aspect based on any one of the first to ninth aspects, the control unit determines whether the main body is in a cleaning-unnecessary state in which cleaning is not required, based on information regarding dirt on the main body. The hand dryer is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the main body is in a cleaning-required state requiring cleaning, and the determination condition is changeable.

According to this hand drying apparatus, by making it possible to change the determination conditions for determining the cleaning-unnecessary state and the cleaning-required state, the cleaner can arbitrarily set parameters and threshold values for the determination conditions. As a result, an appropriate determination can be made according to the use environment, and the cleaning person can clean the hand dryer at a more appropriate timing.

An eleventh invention is the hand dryer according to any one of the first to tenth inventions, wherein the control unit resets the information regarding dirt on the main body when a reset signal is input. be.

According to this hand drying device, by resetting the information about dirt on the main body when the reset signal is input, for example, the main body can continue to be cleaned until the cleaner inputs the reset signal after cleaning is completed. The determination that it is in a necessary state can be maintained. As a result, the determination that the main body needs cleaning is continued even after cleaning is completed, or the determination that the main body needs cleaning is automatically canceled even though cleaning has not been completed. can be suppressed.

Aspects of the present invention provide a hand dryer that allows for timely cleaning.

It is a perspective view showing a hand dryer concerning a 1st embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a hand dryer according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a hand drying device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a hand drying device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a hand drying device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a hand drying device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a hand drying device concerning a 1st embodiment. 8(a) and 8(b) are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a hand dryer according to a second embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a hand drier concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a hand dryer according to a third embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a hand drying device concerning a 3rd embodiment.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment includes a main body 10. As shown in FIG. The main body 10 has a concave drying chamber 13 into which a user's hand can be inserted. The hand dryer 100 is used, for example, attached to a wall surface of a toilet room. The hand dryer 100 detects a hand inserted into the drying chamber 13 and blows air to the hand in the drying chamber 13. - 特許庁As a result, the hand drying device 100 dries hands that are wet from washing hands after using the toilet, for example.

The drying chamber 13 is open upward, for example, and dries the inserted hand. The main body part 10 has, for example, an open box shape that opens upward. Therefore, the user can dry his/her hands by inserting them into the drying chamber 13 from above to below. The opening direction of the drying chamber 13 is not limited to the upper side, and may be, for example, the front side or diagonally upper side of the front side. The opening direction of the drying chamber 13 may be any direction in which the user can easily insert his or her hand.

Moreover, the opening shape of the drying chamber 13 is horizontally long. The length of the opening of the drying chamber 13 in the horizontal direction is longer than the length of the opening of the drying chamber 13 in the front-rear direction. As a result, in the hand dryer 100, the left and right hands can be inserted into the drying chamber 13 from above in a state of being horizontally arranged. That is, the user can dry his/her hands in a natural posture by inserting the hands into the drying chamber 13 with both hands hanging downward.

The body portion 10 has a front portion 10a, a rear portion 10b, and a pair of side portions 10c and 10d. In this example, the body portion 10 has a substantially rectangular box shape. The drying chamber 13 is, for example, a substantially rectangular concave portion surrounded in front, rear and both sides by a front portion 10a, a rear portion 10b, and side portions 10c and 10d.

The drying chamber 13 has a front inner surface formed by the front portion 10a, a rear inner surface formed by the rear portion 10b, and a bottom surface continuous to the lower end of each inner surface. Further, both side edges of each inner side surface and bottom surface are closed by side surface portions 10c and 10d. The drying chamber 13 receives water droplets blown from wet hands on each side.

The shape of the body part 10 and the drying chamber 13 is not limited to this, and may be any shape into which a hand can be inserted. Each side part 10c, 10d may be omitted, for example. That is, the drying chamber 13 may have a groove-like shape that is open upward and laterally. Thus, the shape of the drying chamber 13 may be a shape in which a part other than the opening for inserting the hand is open.

The main body 10 has a plurality of air outlets 15 for blowing air into the drying chamber 13 . Each outlet 15 is, for example, a substantially circular opening. Each outlet 15 is provided on the front inner surface of the front portion 10a and the rear inner surface of the rear portion 10b. The outlets 15 are arranged, for example, in a substantially straight line in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) on each inner surface.

Each air outlet 15 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the upper end (open end) of each inner surface, and blows air obliquely downward. That is, each outlet 15 blows water droplets toward the bottom surface of the drying chamber 13 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from being splashed by the blown water droplets.

The shape of the outlet 15 may be any shape. The number of outlets 15 may be any number. For example, one slit-shaped outlet extending in the horizontal direction may be provided in the main body 10 . The outlets can be of any shape and number that can adequately direct air to a hand inserted into the drying chamber 13 .

The body portion 10 has, for example, a pair of vent holes 17 provided in each side portion 10c, 10d. Each ventilation port 17 allows the air blown out from each blower port 15 to escape to the outside of the drying chamber 13 . As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the air containing water droplets from being turned back in the drying chamber 13 and directed toward the user. In other words, it is possible to prevent the blown water droplets from heading toward the user.

The body portion 10 further includes a water receiving tray 18 . The water receiving tray 18 is detachably attached to the bottom of the main body 10, for example. The body part 10 has a drainage groove (not shown). Water droplets received on each surface of the drying chamber 13 are sent to the water receiving tray 18 through the drain groove. Thereby, the water receiving tray 18 collects the water droplets blown off inside the drying chamber 13 .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment includes a suction port 14, an air passage 16, a blower section 20, a heating section 25, a hand detection section 30, and an operation section 40. , a control unit 50 , a storage unit 55 , a notification unit 60 , and a communication unit 70 .

The suction port 14 is provided at the bottom of the main body 10, for example. The suction port 14 is an opening for taking gas (air) into the main body 10 from the outside. The air passage 16 connects the inlet 14 and each outlet 15 . The air passage 16 is composed of, for example, a plurality of ducts, etc., and sends the gas taken in from the suction port 14 to each blowout port 15 .

The air blower 20 blows air to the drying chamber 13 . The blower unit 20 is, for example, an electric blower (fan motor). The air blower 20 is provided in the air passage 16 . The air blower 20 is provided at the downstream end of the air passage 16, for example, by sucking the air in the room where the hand dryer 100 is installed from the suction port 14 and supplying the air to the air passage 16. Air is blown out from each outlet 15 toward the drying chamber 13. - 特許庁Air blower 20 is electrically connected to controller 50 . The blower section 20 operates according to a signal from the control section 50 .

The heating unit 25 heats the air sent to the drying chamber 13 . The heating unit 25 is, for example, a fin heater. The heating unit 25 may be an arbitrary heater capable of heating the gas flowing from the air blowing unit 20 toward each outlet 15 . The heating unit 25 is provided, for example, between the blower unit 20 and each of the outlets 15 in the air passage 16 . The heating unit 25 heats the gas (wind) flowing from the blower unit 20 toward each blowout port 15 , thereby warming the gas blown out from each blowout port 15 . Thereby, in the hand dryer 100 , the hot air warmed by the heating unit 25 can be blown out from each outlet 15 . Thereby, for example, the drying performance of the user's hands can be improved. For example, the user's hands can be dried in a shorter period of time than when unheated air is blown. Heating unit 25 is electrically connected to control unit 50 . The heating section 25 operates according to a signal from the control section 50 . The heating unit 25 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

A hand detection unit 30 detects a hand inserted into the drying chamber 13 . The hand detection unit 30 is, for example, a transmissive optical sensor (photointerrupter). The hand detection unit 30 is not limited to this, and may be any sensor capable of detecting a user's hand. The hand detection unit 30 may be, for example, a reflective optical sensor, a distance measuring sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, a capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, or the like. Hand detection unit 30 is electrically connected to control unit 50 . Hand detection unit 30 outputs the detection result to control unit 50 .

The operation section 40 is electrically connected to the control section 50 . The operating unit 40 receives user's operation and inputs the user's operation instruction to the control unit 50 . The control unit 50 controls the operation of each unit of the hand dryer 100 according to the input operation instruction. The operation unit 40 is arranged at an inconspicuous position, such as the bottom of the main body 10, where it can be operated by the user. The operation unit 40 is used, for example, to switch the operating mode of the hand dryer 100 .

The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the blower unit 20 , the heating unit 25 , the hand detection unit 30 and the operation unit 40 . The control unit 50 controls the blower unit 20 and the heating unit 25 . For example, when the hand detection unit 30 detects the hand of the user, the control unit 50 outputs a signal for starting operation to the blower unit 20 and the heating unit 25 . Further, for example, when the user's hand is no longer detected by the hand detection unit 30 , the control unit 50 outputs a signal to stop the operation of the blower unit 20 and the heating unit 25 .

The control unit 50 acquires information regarding dirt on the main unit 10 . In this example, the controller 50 acquires operating information of the hand dryer 100 . The operation information includes, for example, at least one of the power supply time to the control unit 50, the number of times the blower unit 20 is operated, and the operation time of the blower unit 20. FIG.

The control unit 50 determines the dirty state of the main unit 10 based on the acquired information. More specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the main body 10 is in a cleaning-unnecessary state in which cleaning is not required or in a cleaning-required state in which cleaning is required. The conditions for determination can be set (that is, can be changed) to any conditions by the cleaning person, for example. More specifically, the cleaning person can set (that is, change) the parameters and thresholds of the determination conditions to arbitrary parameters and thresholds. The determination condition can be changed by, for example, an operation on the operation unit 40 or an operation on the external device 200 .

The storage unit 55 stores past operating information, which is past operating information of the hand dryer 100 . Storage unit 55 is electrically connected to control unit 50 . The control unit 50 determines the dirty state of the main unit 10 based on, for example, the operating information and the past operating information stored in the storage unit 55 .

The control unit 50 outputs the determination result. More specifically, when it is determined that the body portion 10 is in the cleaning required state, the control portion 50 outputs the first information indicating that the body portion 10 is in the cleaning required state. The control unit 50 outputs the first information to at least one of the notification unit 60 and the external device 200 . The control unit 50 may output the first information to both the notification unit 60 and the external device 200, for example.

Note that, in this example, the control unit 50 is a CPU, and acquires information related to contamination of the main body 10, determines the contamination state of the main body 10, and outputs determination results. The control unit 50 may be structurally divided into, for example, a part that acquires information about dirt on the main body 10, a part that determines the dirtiness of the main body 10, and a part that outputs the determination result.

The notification unit 60 notifies the determination result. More specifically, when the first information is input, the notification unit 60 notifies that the main body 10 is in a cleaning-required state. The notification unit 60 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 . The notification unit 60 notifies the determination result by, for example, at least one of light and sound. The notification unit 60 includes, for example, at least one of a light output unit and a sound output unit. The light output section is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the drying chamber 13 . The light output unit, for example, lights weakly when not in use (during standby), lights strongly when in use, and blinks when informing. The light output unit blinks in different blinking patterns, for example, depending on the content to be notified. The sound output section is provided inside the body section 10, for example. The sound output unit outputs, for example, a buzzer sound or voice at the time of notification. Further, when the notification unit 60 has a display unit capable of displaying characters and images, the notification unit 60 may notify the determination result by displaying characters and images.

The communication unit 70 is provided so as to be able to communicate with the external device 200 . Communication between the communication unit 70 and the external device 200 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The communication section 70 is electrically connected to the control section 50 . Control unit 50 outputs the first information to external device 200 via communication unit 70 .

The external device 200 notifies the determination result. More specifically, when the first information is input, the external device 200 notifies that the main body 10 is in the cleaning required state. The external device 200 is, for example, a monitor in the control room where the cleaner is, or a smart mirror provided around the hand dryer. The external device 200 may be, for example, an information display terminal carried by a cleaner. The external device 200 has, for example, a display section capable of displaying characters and images. The external device 200 notifies the determination result by displaying characters or images, for example. Also, the external device 200 may notify the determination result by at least one of light and sound, for example. In this case, the external device 200 includes at least one of an optical output section and an audio output section, for example.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 acquires the operating information of the hand dryer 100, and determines the dirty state of the main unit 10 based on the operating information. In this example, the control unit 50 acquires two or more of the power supply time to the control unit 50, the number of times the blower unit 20 is operated, and the operation time of the blower unit 20, and based on the two or more, the main unit 10 determine the dirtiness of the

More specifically, when the power of the hand dryer 100 is turned on (that is, when energization of the control unit 50 is started), the control unit 50 acquires operation information (step S101).

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the operating information satisfies the first operating condition (step S102). The first operating condition is, for example, whether or not the power supply time to the control unit 50 has exceeded a threshold value (for example, two days). The first operating condition may be, for example, whether or not the number of times the air blower 20 has been operated exceeds a threshold value (eg, 800 times). The first operating condition may be, for example, whether or not the operating time of the air blower 20 exceeds a threshold value (for example, two hours). The parameters and thresholds of the first operating condition can be arbitrarily set.

If the driving information satisfies the first driving condition (step S102: Yes), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the current driving information is similar to the past driving information stored in the storage unit 55 (step S103). ). Here, as an example, the case where the first operation condition is satisfied when the number of times the air blower 20 is operated exceeds 800 will be described. In the past operation information, it is assumed that the energization time to the control unit 50 was X hours when the number of operations of the blower unit 20 exceeded 800 times. In the current operation information, it is assumed that the energization time to the control unit 50 at the time when the number of operations of the blower unit 20 exceeds 800 times is Y hours. When Y is an approximate value of X, the control unit 50 determines that the current driving information is similar to the past driving information stored in the storage unit 55 . For example, the control unit 50 determines that Y is an approximate value of X when Y is within the range of X±20% (that is, when 0.8X≦Y≦1.2X is satisfied). Note that the past operation information may be the operation information at the time when the main unit 10 was determined to be in the cleaning required state last time, or the operation information when it was determined that the main unit 10 was in the cleaning required state a plurality of times in the past. It may be an average value of the driving information at the point in time.

When it is determined that the current operating information is similar to the past operating information stored in the storage unit 55 (step S103: Yes), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning required state ( step S104). Next, the control unit 50 stores the driving information in the storage unit 55 (step S105).

Next, the control unit 50 outputs the first information indicating that the main unit 10 needs cleaning to the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70) (step S106). The notification unit 60 and the external device 200 respectively notify that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning-required state when the first information is input.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the current operation information is not similar to the past operation information stored in the storage unit 55 (step S103: No), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state. (step S107). Next, the control unit 50 corrects the driving information (step S108). For example, the control unit 50 corrects the current driving information to the average value of past driving information stored in the storage unit 55 . The control unit 50 may reset the current driving information, for example. That is, the control unit 50 may set, for example, a count of at least one of the power supply time to the control unit 50, the number of times the blower unit 20 is operated, and the operation time of the blower unit 20 to zero. When it is determined that the body portion 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state, the control portion 50 does not output the first information.

If the operating information does not satisfy the first operating condition (step S102: No), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the operating information satisfies the second operating condition (step S109). The second operating condition is, for example, whether or not the number of times the air blower 20 has been operated exceeds a threshold value (for example, 1200 times). The second operating condition may be, for example, whether or not the power supply time to the control unit 50 has exceeded a threshold value (for example, three days). The second operating condition may be, for example, whether or not the operating time of the air blower 20 has exceeded a threshold value (eg, 3 hours). The parameters and thresholds of the second operating condition can be set arbitrarily. However, the parameters for the second operating condition are different from the parameters for the first operating condition.

If the operating information satisfies the second operating condition (step S109: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S103. If the operating information does not satisfy the second operating condition (step S109: No), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 does not need cleaning (step S110). When it is determined that the body portion 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state, the control portion 50 does not output the first information.

Note that step S103 is performed as necessary and can be omitted. When step S103 is omitted and the operating information satisfies the first operating condition (step S102: Yes), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning required state (step S104). Moreover, when step S103 is omitted, steps S105, S107, and S108 are also omitted.

Further, step S109 is performed as necessary and can be omitted. If step S109 is omitted and the operating information does not satisfy the first operating condition (step S102: No), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 does not need cleaning (step S110).

By determining the dirtiness of the main body 10 based on the information about the dirt on the main body 10 in this manner, it is possible to accurately determine the degree of dirtiness of the main body 10 in the usage environment. Thus, even if the degree of contamination changes depending on the usage environment, it is possible to grasp the appropriate timing for cleaning according to the usage environment, and the cleaner can clean the hand dryer 100 at the appropriate timing.

Further, by determining the contamination state of the main body 10 based on the operation information of the hand dryer 100, the contamination of the main body 10 can be removed with a simple configuration without significantly changing the configuration of the conventional hand dryer. The degree can be determined accurately. Thereby, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer 100 at an appropriate timing.

In addition, since the operation information includes at least one of the power supply time to the control unit 50, the number of operations of the blower unit 20, and the operation time of the blower unit 20, the main body unit 10 degree of soiling can be accurately determined. Thereby, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer 100 at an appropriate timing.

Further, the contamination state of the main body 10 is determined based on two or more of the power supply time to the control unit 50, the number of times the air blower 20 is operated, and the operation time of the air blower 20. can be determined more accurately. This allows the cleaner to clean the hand dryer 100 at a more appropriate timing.

Further, by determining the contamination state of the main body 10 based on the driving information and the past driving information, noise such as mischief and false detection can be eliminated, and the degree of contamination of the main body 10 can be determined more accurately. . This allows the cleaner to clean the hand dryer 100 at a more appropriate timing.

In addition, by making it possible to change the determination conditions for determining the cleaning-unnecessary state and the cleaning-required state, the cleaner can arbitrarily set parameters and threshold values for the determination conditions. As a result, an appropriate determination can be made according to the use environment, and the cleaner can clean the hand dryer 100 at a more appropriate timing.

Further, when it is determined that the body portion 10 is in a cleaning-required state, by outputting first information indicating that the body portion 10 is in a cleaning-required state, the cleaner notifies that the cleaning is required. can be informed with certainty. As a result, it is possible to prompt the cleaner to perform cleaning at an appropriate timing, and to prevent the hand dryer 100 from being used in a state that requires cleaning (that is, in a dirty state).

In addition, by outputting the first information to the notification unit 60 provided in the hand dryer 100 and notifying that the notification unit 60 is in the cleaning-required state, it is possible to notify the user that cleaning is required just by looking at the hand dryer 100. A cleaning person can grasp that it is in a state. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prompt the cleaner to clean.

In addition, by outputting the first information to the external device 200 via the communication unit 70 and notifying that the external device 200 is in a cleaning-required state, for example, a monitor or a hand dryer in the control room where the cleaner is The cleaning person can grasp that the external device 200 such as a smart mirror in the vicinity of the cleaning device 100 is in a state requiring cleaning. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prompt the cleaner to clean.

Moreover, the main-body part 10 has several cleaning locations, for example. The plurality of cleaning locations include, for example, at least one of the drying chamber 13, the water receiving tray 18, the filter provided at the suction port 14, and the outer surface. The control unit 50 determines the contamination state of each of the cleaning locations based on the operation information. The condition for determining the dirty state of one of the plurality of cleaning locations (for example, the drying chamber 13) is the same as the condition for determining the dirty state of another one of the plurality of cleaning locations (for example, the water receiving tray 18). different.

More specifically, assuming that one of the plurality of cleaning locations is the first portion and the other one of the plurality of cleaning locations is the second portion, the first operation in determining the dirty state of the first portion The conditions are, for example, different from the first operating conditions in determining the contamination status of the second part. In addition, the second operating condition for determining the contamination state of the first portion is different from the second operating condition for determining the contamination state of the second portion, for example. Note that "the first operating condition (the second operating condition) is different" means that at least one of the parameter and the threshold value is different. That is, it can be considered that "the first operating conditions (second operating conditions) are different" not only when the parameters are different, but also when the parameters are the same and the thresholds are different.

In this way, when the main body 10 has a plurality of cleaning locations, the dirt condition determination condition for one of the multiple cleaning locations is different from the dirt condition determination condition for the other one of the multiple cleaning locations. Thus, the degree of contamination can be accurately determined at each of the plurality of cleaning locations. As a result, the cleaner can clean each of the plurality of cleaning locations at appropriate timing.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4 , when the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the notification unit 60, the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 needs cleaning, and after the blower unit 20 stops , the first information is output to the notification unit 60 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

More specifically, when it is determined that the main unit 10 needs cleaning (step S201), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the blower unit 20 is stopped (step S202). The control unit 50 repeats step S202 until the blower unit 20 stops (step S202: No).

If the blower unit 20 stops, or if the blower unit 20 is already stopped (step S202: Yes), the control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the blower unit 20 stopped (step S203). The control unit 50 repeats step S203 until a predetermined time has passed since the blower unit 20 stopped (step S203: No). The predetermined time is, for example, about 2 to 5 seconds.

When a predetermined time has passed since the blower unit 20 stopped (step S203: Yes), the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the notification unit 60 (step S204). When the first information is input, the notification unit 60 notifies that the main body 10 is in a cleaning-required state.

In this way, when it is determined that the body portion 10 needs cleaning, the first information is output to the notification portion 60 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the blower portion 20 has stopped, so that the user can dry his/her hands. Notification can occur after the device 100 has been used. This makes it easier for the cleaner to be notified that cleaning is required without the user noticing.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 50 resets the information regarding dirt on the main unit 10 when the reset signal is input.

More specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a reset signal has been input (step S301). When the reset signal is input (step S301: Yes), the controller 50 resets the count of the driving information (step S302). The control unit 50 sets, for example, the count of at least one of the power supply time to the control unit 50, the number of times the blower unit 20 is operated, and the operation time of the blower unit 20 to zero.

When the reset signal is not input (step S301: No), the control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the last output of the first information (step S303). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S303: No), the control unit 50 returns to step S301.

After the predetermined time has passed (step S303: Yes), the control unit 50 reacquires the driving information (step S304). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the driving information satisfies the reminder condition (step S305). The reminder condition is, for example, whether or not the power-on time to the control unit 50 exceeds a threshold value (for example, four days). The reminder condition may be, for example, whether or not the number of times the air blower 20 has been operated exceeds a threshold value (for example, 1600 times). The reminder condition may be, for example, whether or not the operation time of the air blower 20 exceeds a threshold value (for example, 4 hours). Parameters and thresholds of reminder conditions can be set arbitrarily. If the driving information does not satisfy the reminder condition (step S305: No), the control unit 50 returns to step S301.

If the driving information satisfies the reminder condition (step S305: Yes), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the driving information satisfies the operation prohibition condition (step S306). The operation prohibition condition is, for example, whether or not the power supply time to the control unit 50 exceeds a threshold value (for example, 5 days). The operation prohibition condition may be, for example, whether or not the number of operations of the air blower 20 has exceeded a threshold value (for example, 2000 times). The operation prohibition condition may be, for example, whether or not the operating time of the air blower 20 exceeds a threshold value (for example, 5 hours). Parameters and thresholds for operation prohibition conditions can be set arbitrarily.

If the operation information satisfies the operation prohibition condition (step S306: Yes), the control unit 50 prohibits operation of the hand dryer 100 (step S307). More specifically, the controller 50 prohibits the operation of the blower 20, for example. Next, the control unit 50 outputs operation prohibition information indicating that the operation of the hand dryer 100 is prohibited to the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70) (step S308). The notification unit 60 and the external device 200 respectively notify that the hand dryer 100 is in the operation prohibited state when the operation prohibition information is input.

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a reset signal has been input (step S309). The control unit 50 repeats step S309 until the reset signal is input (step S309: No). When the reset signal is input (step S309: Yes), the control unit 50 resets the count of the driving information (step S302).

On the other hand, if the operation information does not satisfy the operation prohibition condition (step S306: No), the control unit 50 outputs reminder information indicating that the hand dryer 100 needs cleaning to the external device 200 (communication unit 70). (step S310). When the reminder information is input, the external device 200 notifies that the hand dryer 100 needs to be cleaned.

In this way, by resetting the information about dirt on the main body when the reset signal is input, the main body remains in the cleaning-required state until, for example, the cleaning person inputs the reset signal after cleaning is completed. judgment can be maintained. As a result, the determination that the main body needs cleaning is continued even after cleaning is completed, or the determination that the main body needs cleaning is automatically canceled even though cleaning has not been completed. can be suppressed.

In addition, by outputting the reminder information when the operation information satisfies the reminder condition, it is possible to more reliably notify the cleaner that cleaning is required. As a result, it is possible to prevent the hand dryer 100 from being used in a state that requires cleaning (that is, in a dirty state).

In addition, by prohibiting the operation of the hand dryer 100 when the operation information satisfies the operation prohibition condition, it is possible to prevent the hand dryer 100 from being used in a state that requires cleaning (that is, in a dirty state).

In addition, by outputting the operation prohibition information when the operation of the hand dryer 100 is prohibited, the user can be notified that the hand dryer 100 is in the operation prohibited state, and the cleaner can be urged to clean.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cleaning required state is near when the main body 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state. It outputs the second information (announcement information) indicating that it is close.

More specifically, when it is determined that the main unit 10 does not need cleaning (step S401), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the operating information satisfies the first notice condition (step S402). The first advance notice condition is, for example, whether or not the power-on time to the control unit 50 has exceeded a threshold value (for example, one day). The first advance notice condition may be, for example, whether or not the number of times the air blower 20 has been operated exceeds a threshold value (for example, 400 times). For example, the first notice condition may be whether or not the operating time of the blower 20 has exceeded a threshold value (for example, one hour). The parameter and threshold of the first advance notice condition can be set arbitrarily.

When the operating information satisfies the first notice condition (step S402: Yes), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is nearing a state requiring cleaning (step S403). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the driving information satisfies the second notice condition (step S404). The second advance notice condition is, for example, whether or not the number of times the air blower 20 has been operated exceeds a threshold value (for example, 600 times). The second advance notice condition may be, for example, whether or not the power-on time to the control unit 50 has exceeded a threshold value (for example, 1.5 days). The second advance notice condition may be, for example, whether or not the operation time of the air blower 20 has exceeded a threshold value (for example, 1.5 hours). The parameter and threshold of the second advance notice condition can be set arbitrarily. However, the parameters of the second advance notice condition are different from the parameters of the first advance notice condition.

If the operating information satisfies the second notice condition (step S404: Yes), the control unit 50 outputs the second information indicating that the cleaning required state is near to the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70) ( step S405). The notification unit 60 and the external device 200 respectively notify that the cleaning required state is near when the second information is input. The second information may be, for example, information simply indicating that the cleaning-required state is near, or information indicating the predicted time until the cleaning-required state or the predicted number of times of use until the cleaning-required state is reached. may

On the other hand, if the operating information does not satisfy the second notice condition (step S404: No), the control unit 50 outputs the second information indicating that the cleaning required state is near to the external device 200 (the communication unit 70) (step S406). When the second information is input, the notification unit 60 notifies that the cleaning required state is near.

Further, when the operating information does not satisfy the first notice condition (step S402: No), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is not close to needing cleaning (step S407). When it is determined that the cleaning required state is not near, the control unit 50 does not output the second information.

Note that step S404 is performed as necessary and can be omitted. When step S404 is omitted, if it is determined that the cleaning required state of the main body 10 is near (step S403), the control unit 50 causes the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70) to notify the cleaning required state. The second information indicating the proximity is output (step S405). Moreover, when step S404 is omitted, step S406 is also omitted.

In this way, when it is determined that the cleaning-required state is near, by outputting the second information indicating that the cleaning-required state is near, the cleaner is informed that the cleaning-required state is near before the cleaning-required state is reached. be able to. This makes it easier for the cleaner to make an efficient cleaning plan.

Note that this flowchart may be repeatedly executed until it is determined that the cleaning is required. In this case, the predicted time until the cleaning-required state and the predicted number of times of use until the cleaning-required state are reached are updated as needed and output as the second information. That is, the control unit 50 outputs the second information that is updated as needed, so that the notification unit 60 and the external device 200 can calculate the estimated time until the cleaning required state and the estimated number of times of use until the cleaning required state are reached. may be counted down and notified.

In addition, when the notification unit 60 notifies that the cleaning required state is reached when the first information is input, and notifies that the cleaning required state is approaching when the second information is input, the notification unit 60 is in the cleaning required state. and that the cleaning required state is approaching are notified in a distinguishable state. In other words, the notification pattern in which the notification unit 60 notifies that the cleaning required state is near differs from the notification pattern in which the notification unit 60 notifies that the cleaning required state is approaching. For example, when the notification unit 60 notifies by light, the blinking pattern of the notification unit 60 when notifying that the cleaning required state is near is different from the blinking pattern of the notification unit 60 when notifying that the cleaning required state is near. different. For example, when the notification unit 60 notifies by sound, the sound of the notification unit 60 when notifying that the cleaning required state is near differs from the sound of the notification unit 60 when notifying that the cleaning required state is near.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the output command signal is input, the control unit 50 outputs information about the current contamination state.

More specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not an output command signal has been input (step S501). The control unit 50 repeats step S501 until an output command signal is input (step S501: No).

When the output command signal is input (step S501: Yes), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cleaning is required (step S502). If the cleaning is required (step S502: Yes), the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70) (step S503). The notification unit 60 and the external device 200 respectively notify that the cleaning is required when the first information is input.

If the cleaning required state is not reached (step S502: No), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cleaning required state is approaching (step S504). When the cleaning required state is near (step S504: Yes), the control unit 50 outputs second information to the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70) (step S505). The notification unit 60 and the external device 200 respectively notify that the cleaning required state is near when the second information is input.

If the cleaning-required state is not near (step S504: No), the control unit 50 sends third information indicating that the cleaning-required state is not near to the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70). is output (step S506). When the third information is input, the notification unit 60 and the external device 200 respectively notify that the cleaning-necessary state is not nearing the cleaning-necessary state.

The output command signal is input by a predetermined operation on the operation unit 40, for example. More specifically, for example, when the cleaning person performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 40, the control unit 50 outputs information regarding the current staining state to the notification unit 60, indicating whether the cleaning is required or not. You can check whether the status is close or not. Also, the output command signal is input by a predetermined operation in the external device 200, for example. More specifically, for example, when the cleaning person performs a predetermined operation on the external device 200, the control unit 50 outputs information about the current dirt state to the external device 200, indicating whether the cleaning is required or not. You can check whether the status is close or not.

In this way, when the output command signal is input, by outputting information about the current dirt condition, the cleaning person can easily check the current dirt condition, such as whether the cleaning is required or whether the cleaning required condition is near. can grasp. For example, when an output command signal is input via the operation unit 40 provided in the hand dryer 100, the information regarding the current dirt state is output to the notification unit 60, thereby indicating the dirt state. Even if the notification is overlooked, the cleaning person can easily grasp the current dirt condition. In addition, for example, it is possible to make a decision on the spot to clean the hand dryer 100 together with the cleaning timing of other equipment, and it is possible to reduce the cleaning load. Further, for example, even if there are hand dryers with different usage conditions, it is possible to grasp the hand dryers that need to be cleaned. Further, for example, when an output command signal is input via the external device 200, by outputting information about the current dirt state to the external device 200, the current dirt state can be detected via the external device 200. can be easily grasped by the cleaner. This makes it easier for the cleaner to make an efficient cleaning plan.

8(a) and 8(b) are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8A, when the control unit 50 outputs the first information to both the notification unit 60 and the external device 200, the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the external device 200, for example. After that, the first information is output to the notification unit 60 .

More specifically, when it is determined that the main unit 10 is in a state requiring cleaning (step S601), the control unit 50 first outputs the first information to the external device 200 via the communication unit 70 (step S602). ). When the first information is input, the external device 200 notifies that the main body 10 is in a cleaning-required state.

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed (step S603). The control unit 50 repeats step S603 until a predetermined time elapses (step S603: No). After the predetermined time has passed (step S603: Yes), the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the notification unit 60 (step S604). When the first information is input, the notification unit 60 notifies that the main body 10 is in a cleaning-required state.
The predetermined time is, for example, 24 hours. This allows you to schedule a cleaning appointment the day before cleaning. If the timing is right, it can be cleaned in advance.

By outputting the first information to the notification unit 60 after outputting the first information to the external device 200 via the communication unit 70 in this way, the user is notified that cleaning is required. It can go unnoticed and only let the cleaner know first. Thereby, cleaning can be completed before the user notices.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the control unit 50 outputs the first information to both the notification unit 60 and the external device 200, the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the notification unit 60, for example. After that, the first information may be output to the external device 200 .

More specifically, when it is determined that the main unit 10 needs cleaning (step S701), the control unit 50 first outputs the first information to the notification unit 60 (step S702). When the first information is input, the notification unit 60 notifies that the main body 10 is in a cleaning-required state.

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed (step S703). The control unit 50 repeats step S703 until a predetermined time elapses (step S703: No). After the predetermined time has passed (step S703: Yes), the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the external device 200 via the communication unit 70 (step S704). When the first information is input, the external device 200 notifies that the main body 10 is in a cleaning-required state. The predetermined time is, for example, 12 hours. As a result, if the cleaning could not be completed in the morning, the cleaning can be carried out during the day of the cleaning timing by notifying the cleaning again when leaving.

By outputting the first information to the external device 200 via the communication unit 70 after outputting the first information to the notification unit 60 in this way, the notification by the external device 200 can be transmitted to the hand dryer 100 without being cleaned. It can be used as a reminder notification function that notifies the cleaning person only when the has been used continuously.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hand dryer according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, the hand dryer 100A according to the second embodiment further includes an environment information acquisition section 80. As shown in FIG. Configurations other than the environment information acquisition unit 80 are the same as those of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

The environment information acquisition unit 80 acquires environment information around the main unit 10 . The environment information acquisition unit 80 includes, for example, at least one of a dust sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. The environmental information acquisition unit 80 may be, for example, a communication unit that acquires information about the number of times the water faucet device provided around the main unit 10 has been used. The environment information acquisition section 80 is electrically connected to the control section 50 . The environment information acquisition unit 80 outputs the acquired environment information to the control unit 50 .

As described above, the hand dryer sucks air around the body 10 and blows it into the drying chamber 13 . Therefore, the degree of contamination of the filters provided in the drying chamber 13 and the suction port 14 is related to the state of dust in the surrounding environment of the main body 10 . By using a dust sensor as the environment information acquisition unit 80, it is possible to acquire information about the state of dust in the surrounding environment. By determining the contamination state of the main body 10 based on the information about the state of dust in the surrounding environment, the contamination state of the main body 10 can be determined.

Many bacteria prefer hot and humid conditions. Therefore, the degree of contamination of the main body 10 is related to the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment of the main body 10 . By using a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor as the environment information acquisition unit 80, information about the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment can be acquired. By determining the contamination state of the main body 10 based on information about the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment, the contamination state of the main body 10 can be determined.

The hand dryer is often used after the faucet device provided around the main body 10 is used. Therefore, how dirty the main body 10 is is related to the number of times the faucet device provided around the main body 10 has been used. The environmental information acquisition unit 80 acquires information about the number of times the water faucet device provided around the main body 10 has been used, and determines the dirtiness of the main body 10 based on this information. status can be determined.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 50 acquires the environmental information from the environmental information acquisition unit 80, and determines the dirty state of the main unit 10 based on the environmental information.

More specifically, when the power of the hand dryer 100 is turned on (that is, when power supply to the control unit 50 is started), the control unit 50 acquires environmental information from the environmental information acquisition unit 80 (step S801). ).

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition (step S802). The first environmental conditions are, for example, a temperature of 25° C. or higher and 30° C. or lower and a humidity of 50% or higher and 60% or lower. The first environmental condition may, for example, be whether the amount of dust exceeds a threshold value (eg, 0.15 mg/m ³ ). The first environmental condition may be, for example, whether or not the number of times the faucet device provided around the main body 10 has been used has exceeded a threshold value (eg, 400 times). The parameters and thresholds of the first environmental condition can be set arbitrarily.

If the environmental information does not satisfy the first environmental condition (step S802: No), the control unit 50 maintains the threshold of the first operating condition (step S803). The first operating conditions are the same as those described in the first embodiment. If the environmental information does not satisfy the first environmental condition, the first operating condition is, for example, whether or not the power-on time to the control unit 50 exceeds a threshold value (for example, two days). If the environmental information does not satisfy the first environmental condition, the first operating condition may be, for example, whether or not the number of times the air blower 20 has been operated exceeds a threshold value (eg, 800 times). If the environmental information does not satisfy the first environmental condition, the first operating condition may be, for example, whether or not the operating time of the air blower 20 has exceeded a threshold value (for example, two hours).

If the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition (step S802: Yes), the control unit 50 changes the threshold of the first operating condition (step S804). The control unit 50 changes the threshold value of the first operating condition, for example, according to the surrounding environment. For example, if the control unit 50 determines that the environmental condition is likely to cause dirt, the control unit 50 lowers the threshold value of the first operating condition. For example, if the controller 50 determines that the environment is in an environment in which dirt is unlikely to occur, the controller 50 may increase the threshold value of the first operating condition. More specifically, when the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition, the first operating condition is, for example, whether or not the power-on time to the control unit 50 exceeds a threshold value (for example, one day). If the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition, the first operating condition may be, for example, whether or not the number of operations of the air blower 20 has exceeded a threshold value (eg, 400 times). If the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition, the first operating condition may be, for example, whether or not the operating time of the air blower 20 exceeds a threshold value (for example, one hour).

Next, the control unit 50 acquires driving information (step S805), and determines whether or not the driving information satisfies the first driving condition (step S806).

When the driving information satisfies the first driving condition (step S806: Yes), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the current driving information is similar to the past driving information stored in the storage unit 55 (step S807). ). Step S807 is performed in the same manner as step S103 in the first embodiment.

If it is determined that the current operating information is similar to the past operating information stored in the storage unit 55 (step S807: Yes), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning required state ( Step S808), the operation information is stored in the storage unit 55 (step S809), and the first information indicating that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning-required state is output to the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70) ( step S810). Steps S808 to S810 are performed in the same manner as steps S104 to S106 in the first embodiment. The notification unit 60 and the external device 200 respectively notify that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning-required state when the first information is input.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the current operation information is not similar to the past operation information stored in the storage unit 55 (step S807: No), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state. (step S811), and corrects the operation information (step S812). Steps S811 and S812 are performed in the same manner as steps S107 and S108 in the first embodiment. When it is determined that the body portion 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state, the control portion 50 does not output the first information.

If the operating information does not satisfy the first operating condition (step S806: No), the controller 50 determines that the main body 10 does not need cleaning (step S813). When it is determined that the body portion 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state, the control portion 50 does not output the first information.

Note that step S807 is performed as necessary and can be omitted. When step S807 is omitted and the operating information satisfies the first operating condition (step S806: Yes), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning required state (step S808). Moreover, when step S807 is omitted, steps S809, S811, and S812 are also omitted.

Moreover, similarly to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, when the operating information does not satisfy the first operating condition (step S806: No), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the operating information satisfies the second operating condition. may If the operating information satisfies the second operating condition, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S807. If the operating information does not satisfy the second operating condition, the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 does not need cleaning (step S811). When the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition, the control unit 50 may change the threshold of the second operating condition according to the surrounding environment.

By determining the dirtiness of the main body 10 based on the environmental information around the main body 10 in this manner, the degree of dirt on the main body can be accurately determined. Further, by determining the contamination state of the main body 10 based on the driving information and the environmental information, the degree of contamination of the main body 10 can be determined more accurately. Thereby, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer 100 at an appropriate timing.

In this example, the control unit 50 determines the contamination state of the main unit 10 by combining the environmental information and the driving information. status may be determined. For example, the control unit 50 may determine that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning-required state when the number of times the water faucet device provided around the main unit 10 has been used exceeds a threshold value.

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 described above may be applied to the hand dryer 100A according to the second embodiment. That is, when the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the notification unit 60, if the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is in the cleaning-required state, the control unit 50 waits for a predetermined period of time after the blower unit 20 stops. may output the first information from to the notification unit 60 .

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 described above may be applied to the hand dryer 100A according to the second embodiment. That is, the control section 50 may reset the information regarding the contamination of the main body section 10 when the reset signal is input. Moreover, the control unit 50 may output the reminder information when the driving information satisfies the reminder condition. When the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition, the control unit 50 may change the threshold of the reminder condition according to the surrounding environment. Moreover, the control unit 50 may prohibit the operation of the hand dryer 100 when the operation information satisfies the operation prohibition condition. When the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition, the control unit 50 may change the threshold value of the operation prohibition condition according to the surrounding environment.

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 described above may be applied to the hand dryer 100A according to the second embodiment. That is, when the main body 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cleaning required state is near. Information (notice information) may be output. When the environmental information satisfies the first environmental condition, the control unit 50 may change the threshold of the first advance notice condition and the threshold of the second advance notice condition according to the surrounding environment.

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 may be applied to the hand dryer 100A according to the second embodiment. In other words, the control section 50 may output information about the current contamination state when the output command signal is input.

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be applied to the hand dryer 100A according to the second embodiment. That is, when the control unit 50 outputs the first information to both the notification unit 60 and the external device 200, the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the external device 200 and then outputs the first information to the notification unit 60. Alternatively, the first information may be output to the external device 200 after the first information is output to the notification unit 60 .

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hand dryer according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the hand dryer 100B according to the third embodiment further includes an optical sensor 85. As shown in FIG. Configurations other than the optical sensor 85 are the same as those of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

The optical sensor 85 detects optical information regarding dirt on the main body 10 . The optical sensor 85 includes, for example, at least one of an imaging sensor and a photoelectric sensor. The optical sensor 85 is electrically connected to the controller 50 . The optical sensor 85 outputs the detection result to the control section 50 .

By using an imaging sensor as the optical sensor 85, it is possible to acquire an image showing the extent of dirt on a predetermined portion of the main body 10, and to determine the dirtiness of the main body 10 based on this image. The imaging sensor includes, for example, at least one of a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.

By using a photoelectric sensor as the optical sensor 85, it is possible to obtain the reflectance of a predetermined portion of the main body 10 and determine the dirtiness of the main body 10 based on this reflectance. The photoelectric sensor has a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion, and the light receiving portion detects the light emitted from the light projecting portion and reflected at a predetermined portion of the main body portion 10 , thereby detecting the light reflected at the predetermined portion of the main body portion 10 . measure the rate.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the hand dryer according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 50 acquires optical information from the optical sensor 85 and determines the contamination state of the main body 10 based on the optical information.

More specifically, when the power of the hand dryer 100 is turned on (that is, when energization of the controller 50 is started), the controller 50 acquires optical information from the optical sensor 85 (step S901). .

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the optical information satisfies the first optical condition (step S902). The first optical condition is, for example, whether or not the dirt value calculated by image analysis from the image captured by the imaging sensor exceeds a threshold (for example, 200% of the dirt value of the reference image). The reference image is, for example, an image of the same location without dirt. The first optical condition may be, for example, whether the reflectance measured by the photoelectric sensor is less than a threshold (eg, 60% of the reference reflectance). The reference reflectance is, for example, the reflectance of the same spot in a clean state. The parameters and thresholds of the first optical condition can be set arbitrarily.

When the optical information satisfies the first optical condition (step S902: Yes), the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 needs cleaning (step S903), and the notification unit 60 or the external device 200 (communication unit 70), the first information indicating that the main unit 10 is in the cleaning required state is output (step S904). Steps S903 and S904 are performed in the same manner as steps S104 and S106 in the first embodiment. The notification unit 60 and the external device 200 respectively notify that the main unit 10 is in a cleaning-required state when the first information is input.

On the other hand, if the optical information does not satisfy the first optical condition (step S902: No), the controller 50 determines that the main body 10 does not require cleaning (step S905). When it is determined that the body portion 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state, the control portion 50 does not output the first information.

In this way, by determining the contamination state of the main body 10 based on the optical information regarding the contamination of the main body 10, the degree of contamination of the main body 10 can be accurately determined. Thereby, the cleaner can clean the hand dryer 100 at an appropriate timing.

In this example, the controller 50 determines the contamination state of the main body 10 based only on the optical information. status may be determined. Further, the control section 50 may determine the dirt condition of the main body section 10 by combining the optical information and the environmental information. Further, the control unit 50 may determine the contamination state of the main unit 10 by combining optical information, driving information, and environmental information. By judging the optical information in combination with other information such as driving information, the degree of contamination of the main body 10 can be judged more accurately.

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 described above may be applied to the hand dryer 100B according to the third embodiment. That is, when the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the notification unit 60, if the control unit 50 determines that the main unit 10 is in the cleaning-required state, the control unit 50 waits for a predetermined period of time after the blower unit 20 stops. may output the first information from to the notification unit 60 .

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 described above may be applied to the hand dryer 100B according to the third embodiment. That is, the control section 50 may reset the information regarding the contamination of the main body section 10 when the reset signal is input. Further, the control unit 50 may output reminder information when the optical information satisfies the reminder condition. The reminder condition is, for example, whether or not the stain value exceeds a threshold (for example, 250% of the stain value of the reference image). For example, the reminder condition may be whether or not the reflectance is less than a threshold (eg, 50% of the reference reflectance). Moreover, the control unit 50 may prohibit the operation of the hand dryer 100 when the optical information satisfies the operation prohibition condition. The operation prohibition condition is, for example, whether or not the stain value exceeds a threshold value (for example, 300% of the stain value of the reference image). The operation prohibition condition may be, for example, whether or not the above reflectance is less than a threshold (for example, 40% of the reference reflectance).

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 described above may be applied to the hand dryer 100B according to the third embodiment. That is, when the main body 10 is in the cleaning unnecessary state, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the cleaning required state is near. Information (notice information) may be output. The first notice condition is whether or not the stain value exceeds a threshold value (for example, 150% of the stain value of the reference image). The first optical condition may be, for example, whether or not the above reflectance is less than a threshold value (eg, 80% of the reference reflectance). The second notice condition is whether or not the stain value exceeds a threshold value (for example, 180% of the stain value of the reference image). The first optical condition may be, for example, whether or not the above reflectance is less than a threshold (for example, 70% of the reference reflectance).

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 may be applied to the hand dryer 100B according to the third embodiment. In other words, the control section 50 may output information about the current contamination state when the output command signal is input.

Also, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be applied to the hand dryer 100B according to the third embodiment. That is, when the control unit 50 outputs the first information to both the notification unit 60 and the external device 200, the control unit 50 outputs the first information to the external device 200 and then outputs the first information to the notification unit 60. Alternatively, the first information may be output to the external device 200 after the first information is output to the notification unit 60 .

As described above, according to the embodiments, a hand dryer that can perform cleaning at appropriate timing is provided.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the hand dryer are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and a combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

10 Main body 10a Front part 10b Rear part 10c, 10d Side part 13 Drying chamber 14 Suction port 15 Blower port 16 Air passage 17 Vent 18 Water receiving tray 20 Blower unit 25 Heating unit , 30 hand detection unit, 40 operation unit, 50 control unit, 55 storage unit, 60 notification unit, 70 communication unit, 80 environment information acquisition unit,
85 optical sensor, 100, 100A, 100B hand dryer, 200 external device

Claims (11)

a main body;
a control unit that acquires information about contamination of the main body and determines the contamination state of the main body based on the information;
A hand drying device comprising: 2. The hand dryer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires operation information of the hand dryer, and determines the dirty state of the main body based on the operation information. Further equipped with a blower that blows air,
3. The hand dryer according to claim 2, wherein the operation information includes at least one of the power supply time to the control unit, the number of times the air blower is operated, and the operation time of the air blower. The control unit obtains two or more of an energization time to the control unit, the number of times the air blow unit is operated, and the operation time of the air blow unit, and determines the dirt condition of the main body based on the two or more. 4. The hand dryer according to claim 3, wherein the determination is made as follows. The main body has a plurality of cleaning locations,
The control unit determines a dirty state of each of the plurality of cleaning locations based on the operation information,
5. Any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a condition for judging a dirty state of one of said plurality of cleaning locations is different from a condition for judging a dirty state of another one of said plurality of cleaning locations. 1. Hand drying device. Further comprising a storage unit for storing past operation information, which is past operation information of the hand dryer,
6. The controller according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control unit determines the dirty state of the main unit based on the operation information and the past operation information stored in the storage unit. 1 hand dryer. further comprising an environment information acquisition unit that acquires environment information around the main unit;
2. The hand dryer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires the environment information from the environment information acquisition unit, and determines the dirt condition of the main unit based on the environment information. further comprising an environment information acquisition unit that acquires environment information around the main unit;
The control unit acquires the operating information and the environment information from the environment information acquisition unit, and determines the dirty state of the main unit based on the operating information and the environment information. Item 7. The hand dryer according to any one of Items 2-6. further comprising an optical sensor that detects optical information regarding dirt on the main body,
9. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit acquires the optical information from the optical sensor, and determines a dirty state of the main unit based on the optical information. Hand dryer as described. the control unit determines whether the main body is in a cleaning-unnecessary state in which cleaning is not required or whether the main body is in a cleaning-required state in which cleaning is required, based on information regarding dirt on the main body;
The hand dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the conditions for the judgment are changeable. The hand dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control section resets the information regarding dirt on the body section when a reset signal is input.

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