TW202008881A - （無） - Google Patents

Abstract

（無）

Description

Animal containment unit and animal management system

The present invention relates to an animal housing unit that houses animals such as dogs and cats. In addition, the present invention relates to an animal management system including the animal storage unit.

In recent years, the number of families raising small animals such as cats and dogs as pets indoors has increased. Since small animals such as cats raised as pets will be excreted in designated places after toilet training, various types of animal toilets for indoor use are developed and sold.

However, due to the strong odor of animal excrement, there are cases where the malodor generated from the animal toilet fills the room, giving occupants and visitors unpleasant feelings. Therefore, there have been attempts to suppress the odor of feces in animal toilets from spreading indoors.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet unit for small animals including a deodorizing device. In the toilet unit for small animals, when a small animal rides on the excrement receiving part 2 for excretion, the deodorizing switch 58 is turned on to start deodorizing. That is, the deodorizing fan 51 is operated.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-93037.

However, if the fan of the deodorizing device is rotated while the animal is in the toilet unit, the animal may be disturbed and the animal may be stressed.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an animal storage unit that can reduce the burden on animals and improve the indoor environment when feeding animals indoors.

The animal housing unit of the present invention includes: a housing unit that houses animals; an air cleaning unit that purifies the air in the housing unit; an animal detection unit that detects the presence of animals in the housing unit; and a control unit based on The operation of the air cleaning unit is controlled by the animal detection information of the animal detection section. The control part detects that the animal comes out of the storage part by the animal detection part, starts the operation of the blower of the air cleaning unit, or increases the rotation speed of the blower of the air cleaning unit.

According to the animal accommodation unit of the present invention, it is possible to provide an animal accommodation unit that improves the indoor environment when feeding animals such as pets indoors while reducing the burden on animals.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are marked with the same symbols. The names and functions of these are the same. Therefore, the detailed description about these is not repeated.

<First embodiment> (Overview of the overall structure and actions of the pet feeding system) In the first embodiment, the pet feeding system 1 as an example of the animal management system will be described. The pet feeding system 1 is a system that can be used when feeding pets such as dogs and cats in the house.

First, the overall configuration of the pet feeding system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of the pet feeding system 1 of the present embodiment. As a main constituent element, the pet feeding system 1 includes an animal storage unit 10, a server 70, and a smartphone (terminal) 80.

The animal accommodation unit 10 is placed in the room R. The animal accommodation unit 10 is used as a living space for animals A, such as dogs, cats, and the like, a sleeping space, and the like. The animal housing unit 10 is configured to be wirelessly connected to the server 70 via the Internet, a router, etc., and is capable of information communication with the server 70.

The smartphone 80 is held by a person living in the room R, for example. Therefore, when the person living in the room R is out, the smartphone 80 also exists in a position away from the room R. The smartphone 80 is configured to be wirelessly connected to the server 70 via the Internet, a router, etc., and can communicate with the server 70 through information.

The pet feeding system 1 of the present embodiment can send information (animal detection information) about whether or not the animal A exists in the animal storage unit 10 to an external device such as the server 70. In addition, the memory 72 (memory section) in the server 70 can memorize the animal detection information transmitted from the animal storage unit 10. Furthermore, the animal detection information stored in the memory 72 (memory unit) in the server 70 can be viewed by a terminal such as a smartphone 80.

(Composition of animal shelter) Next, the configuration of the animal storage unit 10 constituting the pet feeding system 1 will be described using FIGS. 2 to 4. 2 and 3 show the internal structure of the animal housing unit 10. FIG. 2 shows the state of the animal A in the animal housing unit 10. FIG. 3 shows a state where animal A does not exist in animal storage unit 10. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the animal storage unit 10.

The animal storage unit 10 has a storage room (housing section) 11 for storing animals. The housing section 11 has an entrance 11a (see FIG. 1 ). For example, animals A such as pet cats and pet dogs enter and exit the storage room 11 through the entrance 11a.

In the housing section 11, it includes an air cleaner (air cleaning unit) 20, an animal detection sensor (animal detection section) 12, a deodorizing sprayer (spray, sprayer) 13, a control section 41, and a communication interface 31 Wait.

The air cleaner 20 includes a blower 21, an air cleaner filter 22, and the like inside the casing.

The blower 21 forms a flow of air (wind) that takes in the air in the storage chamber 11 where the air cleaner 20 is installed, passes it through the air cleaning filter 22 to purify the air, and then sends the air to the storage chamber 11 Sent out. As a result, the indoor air enters the storage chamber 11 from the entrance 11a, passes through the air cleaner 20, and then circulates from the storage chamber 11 to the outside. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow of air passing through the storage chamber 11 is indicated by arrows. The blower 21 controls the start/stop of the operation and the air volume by the control unit 41.

The air cleaning filter 22 has a fine mesh-like structure, and captures allergens such as dust and pollen contained in the air taken into the air cleaning machine 20, and fine particulate substances that cause air pollution Wait. In addition, the air cleaning filter 22 may be formed of a material having a deodorizing function. The air taken into the casing of the air cleaner 20 passes through the air purification filter 22 and is sent out of the casing. As a result, the air taken into the air cleaner 20 can be cleaned and released to the outside.

In this embodiment, the configuration in which the air cleaner 20 is disposed in the storage chamber 11 is taken as an example. However, in another configuration, the air purification unit may be stored in the storage section. In the case of such a configuration, for example, an air cleaning filter and a blower are attached to the wall portion of the storage chamber 11.

The animal detection sensor 12 is arranged above the storage chamber 11. The animal detection sensor 12 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the animal A in the receiving room 11. The animal detection sensor 12 is composed of, for example, a heat sensor, a motion sensor, an infrared sensor, a camera, and the like.

The deodorizing sprayer 13 sprays the medicine containing the deodorizing component into the storage chamber 11. The operation of the deodorizing sprayer 13 is controlled by the control unit 41. That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 41 sprays the medicine from the deodorizing sprayer 13. In addition, the medicine sprayed from the deodorizing sprayer 13 may contain other effective components such as an aromatic component and a sterilizing component in addition to the deodorizing component.

The control unit 41 is connected to each device in the animal storage unit 10 and performs these controls. The control unit 41 is arranged, for example, in an electrical equipment unit arranged in the storage room 11. The control unit 41 includes a memory 42 and a timer 43.

For example, the control unit 41 controls the operation of the air cleaner 20 based on the animal detection result (animal detection information) of the animal detection sensor 12. Specifically, when the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal A comes out of the storage chamber 11, the rotation speed of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20 is increased. In addition, when the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal A comes out of the storage chamber 11, the control unit 41 sprays the medicine containing the deodorizing component into the storage chamber 11 from the deodorizing sprayer 13.

The memory 42 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 42 memorizes the operation program and setting data of each device in the animal housing unit 10 such as the air cleaner 20 and the deodorizing sprinkler 13, and temporarily stores the calculation result of the control unit 41. The timer 43 measures the time of the process performed in the control part 41, the operation time of each device in the animal storage unit 10, etc., as needed.

The communication interface 31 is realized by an antenna and a connector. The communication interface 31 exchanges data with other devices by wired communication or wireless communication. Specifically, the communication interface 31 receives the infrared signal transmitted when the remote controller 30 is operated.

In addition, the communication interface 31 receives various signals, various data, various commands, etc. transmitted from the server 70. In addition, the communication interface 31 can transmit information on the animal housing unit 10 side to the server 70. Specifically, the communication interface 31 can send the animal detection information stored in the memory 42 to the server 70.

The remote controller 30 functions as a user's operation unit for operating the animal storage unit 10. The user can, for example, operate the remote controller 30 to select the operation mode of the air cleaner 20 in the animal storage unit 10 and the like.

(Composition of server) Next, the configuration of the server 70 constituting the pet feeding system 1 will be described. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the server 70. As the main components, the server 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a memory 72, a display 73, an operation unit 74, and a communication interface 75. As the server 70, a cloud server is specifically used. In addition, other servers such as VPS, shared server, dedicated server, etc. can also be used as appropriate.

The CPU 71 controls each part of the server 70 by executing the program stored in the memory 72. For example, the CPU 71 executes various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 72 and referring to various data.

The memory 72 is realized by RAM (Random Access Memory), various ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The memory 72 stores a program executed by the CPU 71, data generated by the execution of the program of the CPU 71, input data, various data transmitted from the animal storage unit 10, and the like. For example, the memory 72 memorizes the animal detection information transmitted from the animal accommodation unit 10.

In addition, the display 73 displays text and images based on the signal from the CPU 71. The operation unit 74 receives a command from a service manager or the like, and inputs the command to the CPU 71.

The communication interface 75 transmits data from the CPU 71 to other devices such as the animal storage unit 10 via the Internet, a carrier network (Carrier Network), a router, and the like. Conversely, the communication interface 75 receives data from other devices such as the animal storage unit 10 via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc., and transmits it to the CPU 71.

(Composition of smartphone) FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the smartphone 80 constituting the pet feeding system 1. As a main component, the smartphone 80 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a memory 82, a display 83, an operation unit 84, and a communication interface 85. The smartphone 80 can be applied to the same configuration as a conventionally well-known smartphone, so a detailed description is omitted.

(Control method in animal housing unit) Next, a method of controlling the equipment such as the air cleaner 20 in the animal storage unit 10 by the control unit 41 will be described.

The control section 41 controls the operation of the air cleaner 20 based on the presence or absence of the animal A in the storage chamber 11 (ie, animal detection information) detected by the animal detection sensor 12. Specifically, when the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal comes out of the storage chamber 11, the control unit 41 increases the rotation speed of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20. As a result, the air purification operation of the air cleaner 20 is enhanced.

In this way, after the animal A stays in the storage room 11, the intensity of the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 20 is increased at the timing when the animal A comes out of the storage room 11, so that the animal A can be accommodated without disturbing the animal The air in the chamber 11 is cleaned. By controlling the air cleaner 20 in this way, it is possible to capture harmful substances such as allergens released from the animal A through the air purification filter 22 and suppress the diffusion of the harmful substances into the room R.

In addition, in the present embodiment, although the rotation speed of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20 is increased substantially simultaneously with the timing when the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal comes out of the storage chamber 11, it may be an animal detection sense The detector 12 detects that a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less) has elapsed after the animal came out of the storage room 11, and then the rotation speed of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20 is increased. That is, the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal comes out of the storage chamber 11 as an opportunity, and the control unit 41 increases the rotation speed of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20 immediately or after a fixed time elapses.

In addition, after the animal A stays in the storage room 11, the control unit 41 may spray the medicine containing the deodorizing component from the deodorization sprayer 13 when the animal A comes out of the storage room 11. Thereby, it is possible to avoid direct spraying of the medicine on the animal A.

In addition, if a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes to 1 hour) elapses after the animal A comes out of the storage room 11, the control unit 41 may control the rotation speed of the blower 21 to decrease (return to the original rotation speed). In addition, before the animal A comes out of the storage room 11, the timer 43 may measure the time that the animal A stays in the storage room 11, and may change the operation time of the blower 21 in a state where the rotation speed is increased based on the measured residence time.

After that, when the animal A enters the storage room 11 again, the control unit 41 operates the air cleaner 20 in the operation mode in which the animal A is in the staying state. Here, the animal A is an operation mode in the case of staying, and is stored in the memory 42 as preset information. As the operation mode when the animal A is staying, for example, an air cleaning operation in which the operation intensity is “weak” (a state where the rotation speed of the blower 21 is low) can be cited. As a result, in a state where the animal A is in the storage chamber 11, weak wind (wind with a small air volume) flows through the storage chamber 11 (see FIG. 2 ).

FIG. 7 shows an example of a method of controlling the operation of the air cleaner 20 based on the animal detection information detected by the animal detection sensor 12. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows processing from the state where the animal A is in the storage room 11. This state becomes step S11.

In the state where the animal A is in the storage room 11, the air cleaner 20 performs the air cleaning operation in the operation mode previously set as the operation mode when the animal A is staying (step S12 ). While the animal A is in the storage room 11 (NO in step S13), the air cleaner 20 performs the air purification operation in this setting mode (return to step S12).

Thereafter, if the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal A comes out of the storage chamber 11 (YES in step S13), the control unit 41 changes the operation mode of the air cleaner 20 to "strong" (step S14 ). That is, the rotation speed of the blower 21 is increased. As a result, in a state where the animal A is not in the storage chamber 11, strong wind (wind with a large air volume) flows through the storage chamber 11 (see FIG. 3 ).

Furthermore, the control unit 41 operates the deodorizing sprayer 13 to spray the medicine containing the deodorizing component into the storage chamber 11 (step S15).

Thereafter, the control unit 41 continues the air cleaning operation in the “strong” mode until a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes to 1 hour) elapses (step S16). If a predetermined time has passed in step S16 (YES in step S16), the air cleaner 20 shifts to the standby state (step S17). Thereafter, the animal detection sensor 12 continuously monitors whether the animal A enters the storage chamber 11 again (step S18). Then, when the detected animal A enters the storage chamber 11 (YES in step S18), the air cleaner 20 starts the air purification operation in the setting mode when the animal stays (step S12).

In addition, if a predetermined time elapses in step S16 (NO in step S16), the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal A enters the storage chamber 11 (YES in step S18), the air cleaner 20 is transferred again The air cleaning operation in the setting mode until the animal stays (step S12).

In addition, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the air purifier 20 performs the air purifying operation in a predetermined operation mode while the animal A is in the storage chamber 11. However, in another aspect, the air cleaner 20 may be set to stop operation while the animal A is in the storage chamber 11. In this case, after the animal A stays in the storage room 11, the control unit 41 starts the operation of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20 when the animal A comes out of the storage room 11.

(Method of sending animal detection information) Next, a method of transmitting the animal detection information obtained by the animal detection sensor 12 in the animal housing unit 10 to each device of the pet feeding system 1 will be described.

Information on whether the animal A detected by the animal detection sensor 12 is in the storage room 11 is stored in the memory 42 in the animal storage unit 10. Furthermore, information on whether the animal A detected by the animal detection sensor 12 is in the storage room 11 is also sent to the server 70 via the communication interface 31.

The transmission of animal detection information to the server 70 can be performed at a timing when the presence of animals in the storage room 11 changes (ie, when the animal A enters the storage room 11 or when the animal A comes out of the storage room 11 )get on. In another method, the control unit 41 of the animal storage unit 10 may send the animal detection information stored in the memory 42 to the server 70 at a predetermined time interval.

The animal detection information sent from the animal accommodation unit 10 is received by the communication interface 75 in the server 70 and stored in the memory 72. The animal detection information that has been stored in the memory 72 can be viewed by the smartphone 80 that can communicate with the server 70 information.

In addition, the CPU 71 of the server 70 can also periodically send animal detection information to the smartphone 80. Alternatively, the CPU 71 of the server 70 may notify the smartphone 80 of the gist of the timing when there is a change in the presence of animals in the storage room 11.

In addition, the animal detection information detected by the animal detection sensor 12 is preferably stored in the memory 42 and the memory 72 in a state of being associated with time. Thus, even when the owner of the animal A is not at home, it is possible to grasp the movement of the animal A for one day.

(Summary of the first embodiment) As described above, the animal storage unit 10 of the present embodiment includes the storage room 11 for storing animals, and the air cleaner 20 disposed in the storage room 11.

By including the air cleaner 20 in the storage room 11, the air in the storage room 11 that is used as the living space of animal A, the sleeping space, and the like can be purified and the odor in the storage room 11 can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the odor from spreading to the room R where the storage room 11 is provided, and to provide a comfortable space for both the owner and the pet.

In addition, the animal accommodation unit 10 of this embodiment includes: an animal detection sensor 12 that detects the presence or absence of the animal A in the storage chamber 11; and a control unit 41 that detects animals based on the animal detection sensor 12 Information to control the operation of the air cleaner 20. In addition, the control unit 41 performs control so that the rotation speed of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20 is increased when the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal A comes out of the storage chamber 11.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the rotation speed of the blower 21 at the timing after the animal A stays in the storage chamber 11, thereby enhancing the air cleaning operation. Therefore, the odor, allergens, etc. remaining in the storage chamber 11 can be efficiently removed. In addition, in a state where the animal A is in the storage chamber 11, by operating the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20 at a low rotation speed, the air volume and sound of the blower 21 can be suppressed to be small. Thereby, the pressure given to the animal A in the storage chamber 11 can be reduced.

In addition, the pet feeding system 1 of this embodiment includes an animal storage unit 10, a server 70, and a smartphone 80. The server 70 has a memory 72 that stores animal detection information of the animal detection sensor 12. In addition, the smartphone 80 can browse the animal detection information stored in the memory 72. Thus, for example, even if the owner is not at home, the movement of the animal A for one day can be grasped.

<Second embodiment> Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, a configuration of an animal toilet unit as an example of an animal storage unit will be described. In addition, in the second embodiment, a pet feeding system including an animal toilet unit will be described.

First, the overall configuration of the pet feeding system 101 of this embodiment will be described. 8 and 9 show the configuration of the pet feeding system 101 of the second embodiment. As main constituent elements, the pet feeding system 101 includes an animal toilet unit (animal storage unit) 110, a server 70, a smartphone (terminal) 80, and an air conditioner 190.

The pet feeding system 101 of this embodiment includes the animal toilet unit 100 and the air conditioner 190 in the room R. The toilet unit 110 for animals and the air conditioner 190 are wirelessly connected to the server 70 via the Internet, a router, and the like, and are configured to communicate with the server 70 through information.

The pet feeding system 101 of this embodiment can transmit information (animal detection information) about whether or not the animal A is in the animal toilet unit 110 to an external device such as the server 70. In addition, the memory 72 (memory section) in the server 70 can memorize the animal detection information transmitted from the animal toilet unit 110. Furthermore, the animal detection information that has been stored in the memory 72 (memory section) of the server 70 can be viewed on a terminal such as a smartphone 80.

In addition, the air conditioner 190 that can communicate with the server 70 can control the operation of the air conditioner based on the animal detection information that has been stored in the memory 72 (memory unit) in the server 70.

In the pet feeding system 101 of the present embodiment, the server 70 and the smartphone 80 can be applied to the same configuration as the first embodiment.

(Composition of animal toilet unit) Next, the configuration of the animal toilet unit 110 constituting the pet feeding system 101 will be described using FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows the internal structure of the animal toilet unit 110. FIG. 9 shows the state of the animal A in the animal toilet unit 110. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of the animal toilet unit 110.

The animal toilet unit 110 is an appliance for pets such as dogs and cats to perform excretion indoors. The farmer trains in such a way that the pet performs excretion behavior in the animal toilet unit 110, so that it is possible to improve the comfort and convenience of keeping the pet in the house.

The animal toilet unit 110 has a toilet space (housing section) 111. The toilet space 111 is formed with a side wall surrounding the toilet 160. The upper portion of the toilet space 111 may be in an open state, or a ceiling surface may be provided in the same manner as the storage room 11 of the first embodiment. When the toilet space 111 is provided with a top surface, an entrance (not shown) may be provided on the side wall of the toilet space 111 as in the first embodiment.

The toilet space 111 includes an air cleaner 20, an animal detection sensor (animal detection unit) 12, a deodorizing sprayer (sprayer) 13, an ion supply unit (discharge device) 151, an odor sensor 152, Toilet (toilet for animals) 160, control unit 41, communication interface 31, etc. Regarding the air cleaner 20, the animal detection sensor 12, the deodorizing sprayer 13, and the communication interface 31, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment can be applied.

In addition, the animal toilet unit 110 has a remote controller 30. The remote controller 30 functions as an operation unit for the user to operate the animal toilet unit 110.

The ion supply unit 151 emits ions (discharge products) having a deodorizing effect by discharge. Examples of ions having a deodorizing effect include silver ions (Ag ⁺ ), OH radicals, H ⁺ , and O ₂ ^- . The timing of releasing ions from the ion supply unit 151 is controlled by the control unit 41.

The odor sensor 152 is arranged near the air cleaner 20. For example, the odor sensor 152 is arranged around the air suction port of the air cleaner 20. The odor sensor 152 detects the odor in the toilet space 111. The odor sensor 152 can detect the odor of the excrement of the animal A, for example. In addition, the odor sensor 152 can detect the degree of odor in the toilet space 111 in stages. The odor detection result of the odor sensor 152 is sent to the control unit 41 and stored in the memory 42.

The toilet 160 includes a toilet floor 161 and a feces receiving part 162. The toilet floor 161 includes gravel, deodorant, and the like. The toilet floor 161 may also be a gravel-laid tray. The excrement receiving portion 162 is a tray-shaped member that receives sewage and dirt such as feces and urine of the animal A. The excrement receiving part 162 may be a structure that can be pulled out from the toilet space 111.

The control unit 41 is connected to each device in the animal toilet unit 110 and performs these controls. The control unit 41 is arranged, for example, in an electrical equipment unit arranged in the toilet space 111. The control unit 41 may include a memory 42, a timer 43, and the like.

As in the first embodiment, the control unit 41 controls the operation of the air cleaner 20 based on the animal detection result (animal detection information) of the animal detection sensor 12. Specifically, when the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal A comes out of the toilet space 111, the rotation speed of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20 is increased. In addition, when the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal A comes out of the toilet space 111, the control unit 41 sprays the medicine containing the deodorizing component from the deodorizing sprayer 13 into the storage chamber 11. In addition, when the odor sensor 152 detects an odor, the control unit 41 emits ions having a deodorizing effect from the ion supply unit 151.

Regarding the memory 42 and the timer 43, the same configuration as the first embodiment can be applied.

(Composition of air conditioner) Next, the configuration of the air conditioner 190 constituting the pet system 101 will be described using FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows the structure of the air conditioner 190. The air conditioner 190 is composed of an indoor unit 190a, an outdoor unit 190b, and a remote controller 190c.

The indoor unit 190a mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 191, an indoor fan 192, a communication interface 196, a control unit 197, and the like. The outdoor unit 190b may include a compressor 193, an outdoor blower 194, an outdoor heat exchanger 195, and the like. The air conditioner 190 can apply the same structure as the conventionally well-known air conditioner.

In addition, the communication interface 196 can perform infrared communication with the remote controller 190c. In addition, the communication interface 196 receives various signals, various data, various commands, etc. transmitted from the server 70. In addition, the communication interface 196 can also send information to the server 70 on the air conditioner 190 side (for example, the current operation mode, room temperature, outdoor temperature, etc.). For example, the air conditioner 190 can start the air conditioning operation or change the operation mode following the instruction from the server 70.

(Control method in animal housing unit) Next, a method of controlling the equipment such as the air cleaner 20 in the toilet unit 110 for animals will be described.

The control section 41 controls the operation of the air cleaner 20 based on the presence or absence of the animal A in the toilet space 111 detected by the animal detection sensor 12 (ie, animal detection information). Specifically, when the animal detection sensor 12 detects that the animal comes out of the toilet space 111, the control unit 41 increases the rotation speed of the blower 21 of the air cleaner 20. As a result, the air purification operation of the air cleaner 20 is enhanced.

In addition, the control unit 41 may spray the medicine containing the deodorizing component from the deodorizing sprayer 13 when the animal A stays in the toilet space 111 and when the animal A comes out of the toilet space 111. Thereby, it is possible to avoid direct spraying of the medicine on the animal A.

For these control methods, the same method as the first embodiment can be applied.

Furthermore, in the animal toilet unit 110 of the present embodiment, when the odor sensor 152 detects an odor, the ion supply unit 151 can emit ions having a deodorizing effect. In addition, the odor sensor 152 may detect the degree of odor. As a result, when the degree of odor detected by the odor sensor 152 is high, compared with when the degree of odor is low, the amount of ions emitted from the ion supply unit 151 can be increased.

In addition, when the released ions have, for example, an effect other than deodorizing effects such as a sterilizing effect, a pressure suppressing effect, etc., the control unit 41 preferably removes the ions when the animal A exists in the toilet space 111. The supply unit 151 controls how the ions are released. This can contribute to the improvement of the health state of the animal A.

As described above, the animal toilet unit 110 of this embodiment includes the ion supply unit 151 and the odor sensor 152. With this configuration, when an odor is detected in the toilet space 111, the ion supply unit 151 can generate ions having a deodorizing effect. Thereby, the odor generated from the excrement etc. of the animal A can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to suppress the odor in the toilet space 111 from spreading into the room R.

In addition, in the pet feeding system 101 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the animal detection information obtained by the animal detection sensor 12 in the animal toilet unit 110 can be sent to the server 70 And stored in the memory 72 in the server 70. The animal detection information can also be sent to the air conditioner 190. The air conditioner 190 can control the operation of the air conditioner based on the received animal detection information. For example, when animal A is detected in the toilet space 111, the animal A can be identified in the room R, and the operation of the air conditioner 190 can be started.

According to the pet feeding system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, it is possible to monitor the usage status of the animal toilet unit 110 when the owner is absent, and to reduce the odor in the toilet space 111. This can provide a comfortable living environment for both pets and owners.

According to the pet feeding system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to grasp the usage status of the toilet of the animal A. By recording the use status of the toilet of animal A over a long period of time, the health status of animal A can be grasped. In addition, the owner can use the terminal such as the smartphone 80 to check the usage status of the toilet of the animal A from outside. Thus, the owner can be given a sense of peace.

<Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, a pet feeding system 101 capable of changing the operation method of the air conditioner 190 according to the degree of odor in the toilet space 111 detected by the odor sensor 152 will be described. Regarding the configuration of the pet feeding system 101, the same configuration as that of the second embodiment can be applied.

A method of controlling the operation of the air conditioner 190 using the odor data obtained by the odor sensor 152 will be described. FIG. 12 shows an example of a method of controlling the operation of the air conditioner 190.

The information (odor data) about the odor in the toilet space 111 detected by the odor sensor 152 of the animal toilet unit 110 is sent to the server 70 at a predetermined time interval, for example. When the server 70 receives the odor data (step S21), the CPU 71 determines whether the received odor data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S22). That is, the CPU 71 grasps the degree of the current odor in the toilet space 111.

When the odor data is less than the predetermined value (NO in step S22), the CPU 71 determines that ventilation in the room R is unnecessary, and ends the process. On the other hand, when the received odor data is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES in step S22), the CPU 71 confirms the current operating state of the air conditioner 190 (step S23).

In addition, when the air conditioner 190 is in the air-conditioning operation (for example, heating operation, air-conditioning operation, etc.) (YES in step S23), the CPU 71 shifts the air-conditioning operation of the air-conditioning machine 190 to the ventilation enhancement mode (step S24). That is, the CPU 71 in the server 70 transmits the control signal for changing the operation mode of the air conditioner 190 to the ventilation enhancement mode via the communication interfaces 75 and 196 to the air conditioner 190. Here, the ventilation enhancement mode refers to an operation mode that promotes ventilation in the room R.

In addition, when the air conditioner 190 is in the operation stop state (NO in step S23), the CPU 71 transmits a control signal for starting the ventilation operation for the air conditioner 190 (step S25).

With the above processing, the air conditioner 190 performs the air conditioning operation in the ventilation enhancement mode, or the ventilation operation. Thereby, ventilation in the room R can be promoted, and the odor generated from the toilet space 111 can be reduced.

After that, when a predetermined time has passed (YES in step S26), the air conditioner 190 ends the air-conditioning operation in the ventilation enhancement mode or the ventilation operation (step S27). In addition, when the air conditioning operation in the ventilation enhancement mode is performed, the operation mode before the transition to the ventilation enhancement mode is restored.

As described above, according to the pet feeding system 1 of the present embodiment, if the malodor sensor 152 detects malodor in the toilet space 111, the air conditioner 190 can be used to promote ventilation in the room R. Thus, when it is difficult to suppress the odor in the toilet space 111 using only the deodorizing sprayer 13 and the ion supply unit 151 of the animal toilet unit 110, the air conditioner 190 can be used to ventilate the room R, so that The odor of room R and toilet space 111 is reduced.

In addition, even if the ion supply unit 151 and the deodorizing sprayer 13 are operated or the ventilation operation of the air conditioner 190 is enhanced, the detected odor is not lower than the predetermined value, and the toilet space 111 can be urged The sweeping notification sound or display is generated.

(to sum up) The present invention relates to an animal storage unit (for example, an animal storage unit 10 and an animal toilet unit 110). The animal storage unit includes: a storage unit (for example, a storage room 11 and a toilet space 111) for storing animals; an air cleaning unit (for example, an air cleaning machine 20) for cleaning the air in the storage unit; an animal detection unit ( For example, the animal detection sensor 12), detects the presence or absence of animals in the receiving section; and the control section (for example, the control section 41) controls the operation of the air cleaner based on the animal detection information of the animal detection section . The control part detects that the animal comes out of the storage part by the animal detection part, so that the rotation speed of the blower of the air cleaning unit is increased, or the operation of the blower is started.

The animal storage unit of the present invention described above may further include a sprayer (for example, a deodorization sprayer) that sprays a drug containing an active ingredient (specifically, a deodorant component, a fragrance component, a sterilization component, etc.) into the storage unit 13). Furthermore, the control unit of the animal storage unit may detect that the animal comes out of the storage unit by the animal detection unit and spray the medicine from the sprayer.

In the animal storage unit of the present invention described above, an animal toilet (for example, toilet 160) may be included in the storage unit (for example, toilet space 111).

The animal storage unit of the present invention described above may further include an odor sensor (for example, the odor sensor 152) that detects odor in the storage unit, and a discharge device that generates a discharge product by discharge. In addition, the control unit of the animal storage unit may discharge the discharge product from the discharge device when the odor sensor detects the odor. As the discharge device, for example, an ion supply unit 151 that emits ions having a deodorizing effect can be mentioned.

The above-mentioned animal housing unit of the present invention may further include: a communication interface (for example, the communication interface 31), which can communicate with external machine information; and send animal detection information of the animal detection section to the outside through the communication interface .

In addition, the present invention relates to an animal management system (for example, pet feeding systems 1, 101). This animal management system includes: the above-mentioned animal housing unit (for example, animal housing unit 10, animal toilet unit 110); a server (for example, server 70) that can communicate with the animal housing unit information; and can communicate with the server Information communication terminal (for example, smart phone 80). In the animal management system, the server has a memory section (for example, the memory 72) that memorizes the animal detection information of the animal detection section. In addition, the terminal is configured to browse animal detection information that has been stored in the memory of the server.

The animal management system of the present invention described above may further include an air conditioner (eg, air conditioner 190) that can communicate with the server information. In addition, the animal storage unit may also include an odor sensor (for example, odor sensor 152) that detects odor in the storage section; the odor detected in the odor sensor is a predetermined value In the above cases, the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner is implemented. Here, the control system of the air conditioner can be performed by the CPU in the server, for example.

According to the animal management system of the present invention, animals can be fed in a comfortable environment for both animals and humans.

All the points of the embodiment disclosed this time are examples, and it should not be considered limiting. The technical scope of the present invention is expressed not by the above description but by the patent application scope, and is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the patent application scope and all changes within the scope. In addition, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of different embodiments described in this specification with each other are also included in the scope of the present invention.

1‧‧‧ Pet feeding system (animal management system) 10‧‧‧ Animal containment unit 11‧‧‧ Reception Room (Reception Department) 12‧‧‧ Animal detection sensor (Animal Detection Department) 20‧‧‧Air Purifier (Air Purifier Unit) 21‧‧‧Blower 31‧‧‧Communication interface 41‧‧‧Control Department 70‧‧‧Server 71‧‧‧CPU 72‧‧‧Memory (of the server) (memory department) 80‧‧‧Smart phone (terminal) 101‧‧‧ Pet feeding system (animal management system) 110‧‧‧Animal toilet unit (animal housing unit) 111‧‧‧Toilet Space (Reception Department) 151‧‧‧Ion supply unit (discharge device) 152‧‧‧odor sensor 160‧‧‧Toilet (animal toilet) 190‧‧‧Air conditioner A‧‧‧Animal R‧‧‧Room

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a pet feeding system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an internal structure of an animal storage unit constituting the pet feeding system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the state of the animal in the animal housing unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of an animal storage unit constituting the pet feeding system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a state where the animal is not in the animal accommodation unit. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the animal storage unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a server constituting the pet feeding system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a smartphone constituting the pet feeding system shown in FIG. 1. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation control method of an air cleaner or the like of the animal storage unit of the first embodiment. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a pet feeding system according to a second embodiment. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of an animal toilet unit constituting the pet feeding system shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows the state of the animal in the animal toilet unit. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the animal toilet unit shown in FIG. 9. 11 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the air conditioner constituting the pet feeding system shown in FIG. 8. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation control method of the air conditioner of the pet feeding system of the third embodiment.

1‧‧‧ Pet feeding system (animal management system)

10‧‧‧ Animal containment unit

11‧‧‧ Reception Room (Reception Department)

12‧‧‧Animal detection sensor (Animal Detection Department)

13‧‧‧Deodorant sprayer (sprayer)

20‧‧‧Air Purifier (Air Purifier Unit)

21‧‧‧Blower

31‧‧‧Communication interface

70‧‧‧Server

80‧‧‧smartphone (terminal)

A‧‧‧Animal

Claims (7)

An animal containment unit, including: Containment Department, Contain Animals; An air purification unit to purify the air in the storage section; Animal Detection Department, to detect the presence of animals in the containment department; and The control part controls the operation of the air cleaning unit based on the animal detection information of the animal detection part; wherein The control unit detects that the animal comes out of the storage unit by the animal detection unit, and starts the operation of the blower of the air cleaning unit, or increases the rotation speed of the blower of the air cleaning unit. For example, the animal housing unit of the first item in the scope of patent application includes: The sprayer sprays the medicament containing the active ingredient into the containing part; The control part detects that the animal comes out of the containing part by the animal detection part, and sprays the medicine from the nebulizer. For example, the animal storage unit according to item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope includes an animal toilet in the storage unit. If the animal housing unit of any one of the patent application scopes 1 to 3, it also includes: Odor sensor to detect the odor in the containment department; and The discharge device generates discharge products by discharge; When the odor sensor detects an odor, the control unit emits the discharge product from the discharge device. For example, the animal housing unit according to any one of patent application scopes 1 to 4 includes: Communication interface, can communicate with external equipment information; The animal detection information of the animal detection section is sent to the outside through the communication interface. An animal management system, including: Animal housing unit as described in item 5 of the scope of patent application The server can communicate with the animal holding unit; and The terminal can communicate with the server information; The server has a memory section that stores animal detection information of the animal detection section; The terminal is configured to be able to browse the animal detection information that has been stored in the memory section. For example, the animal management system in the sixth scope of the patent application, it also includes: Air conditioner that can communicate with the server information; The animal housing unit includes an odor sensor that detects odor in the housing section; When the odor detected by the odor sensor is above a predetermined value, the air conditioner of the air conditioner is operated.

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