阅读说明：本技术 清洁系统 (Cleaning system ) 是由 井上颂太 于 2018-08-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：清洁系统(100)包括空气调节机(5)和空气净化器(3)。空气调节机(5)包括风向变更部(51)和控制部(56)。风向变更部(51)将从吹出口(P2)送出的空气的风向以三个阶段在上下方向上进行变更。控制部(56)响应于规定触发将空气调节机(5)的工作模式设置为除尘模式。除尘模式表示将室内的灰尘掉落在地板(FL)上的工作模式。在三个阶段的风向中,第一阶段的风向(A1)相较于第二阶段的风向(A2)更朝向上方,第二阶段的风向(A2)相较于第三阶段的风向(A3)更朝向向上,第三阶段的风向(A3)朝向地板(FL)的方向。在除尘模式中,风向变更部(51)在第一规定时段内,以第一阶段的风向(A1)向室内送出空气的同时,在第一规定时段经过后的第二规定时段中,以第二阶段的风向(A2)向室内送出空气。(The cleaning system (100) includes an air conditioner (5) and an air cleaner (3). The air conditioner (5) includes an air direction changing unit (51) and a control unit (56). The airflow direction changing unit (51) changes the airflow direction of the air sent out from the air outlet (P2) in three stages in the vertical direction. The control unit (56) sets the operation mode of the air conditioner (5) to the dust removal mode in response to a predetermined trigger. The dust removal mode indicates an operation mode in which dust in a room is dropped on a Floor (FL). Among the three phases of wind directions, the first phase wind direction (a1) is directed upward compared to the second phase wind direction (a2), the second phase wind direction (a2) is directed upward compared to the third phase wind direction (A3), and the third phase wind direction (A3) is directed toward the Floor (FL). In the dust removal mode, the airflow direction changing unit (51) sends air into the room in a first stage airflow direction (A1) during a first predetermined period, and sends air into the room in a second stage airflow direction (A2) during a second predetermined period after the first predetermined period has elapsed.)

1. A cleaning system comprising an air conditioner for sending air from an outlet to a room, and a first cleaning device for cleaning the room, wherein the air conditioner comprises

A wind direction changing unit that changes a wind direction of the air sent out from the outlet in at least three stages in an up-down direction;

a control unit that sets an operation mode of the air conditioner to a dust removal mode in response to a predetermined trigger;

the dust removal mode represents an operation mode in which dust in the room is dropped to the floor;

in the wind directions of the at least three stages, the wind direction of the first stage is more upward than the wind direction of the second stage, the wind direction of the second stage is more upward than the wind direction of the third stage, and the wind direction of the third stage is toward the direction of the floor;

in the dust removal mode, the airflow direction changing unit sends the air into the room in the first-stage airflow direction for a first predetermined period of time, and sends the air into the room in the second-stage airflow direction for a second predetermined period of time after the first predetermined period of time has elapsed.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning device includes a dust detection portion that detects an amount of dust in air,

the air conditioner further includes a communication part receiving control information based on the amount of dust detected by the dust detection part,

the prescribed trigger is based on the control information.

3. The cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the air conditioner and the first cleaning device includes a person detecting portion that detects movement of a person,

the predetermined trigger determines that no person is present in the room based on a detection result of the person detecting unit.

4. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the prescribed trigger is the air conditioner receiving an instruction signal from a remote controller instructing to set the operation mode of the air conditioner to the dust removal mode, or the air conditioner stopping an operation for air conditioning.

5. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the dust removal mode, the air direction changing portion sends the air to the first cleaning device for a third predetermined period after the second predetermined period has elapsed,

the first cleaning device is an air purifier for removing dust in the air,

the first cleaning device operates for the third prescribed period of time.

6. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second cleaning device for sweeping the floor by walking on the floor,

the first cleaning device is an air purifier for removing dust in air.

7. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a server connected to the air conditioner and the first cleaning device via a network,

the server receives state information of at least one of state information indicating a state of the air conditioner and state information indicating a state of the first cleaning device,

and controlling equipment of at least one of the air conditioner and the first cleaning device according to the state information of at least one of the air conditioner and the first cleaning device so that the air conditioner and the first cleaning device work cooperatively.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cleaning system.

Background

In the air conditioner described in patent document 1, the air sucked from the suction port is blown out from the outlet by driving the fan. The air conditioner includes a filter and a control unit. The filter is disposed between the suction port and the fan. The control unit controls the driving of the fan. The control unit has, in addition to a normal operation mode in which conditioned air is blown out from the outlet, an indoor dust removal mode in which the drive of the fan is controlled, strong wind is blown out from the outlet, dust present in the room is rolled up, and the dust is collected by the filter.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

However, the air conditioner described in patent document 1 blows strong wind to wind up dust and scatter the dust into the air, thereby removing dust alone. On the other hand, in recent years, it has been desired to collect indoor dust more efficiently.

The invention aims to provide a cleaning system which can effectively remove dust in a room.

Means for solving the problems

According to one aspect of the invention, a cleaning system is provided with an air conditioner and a first cleaning device. The air conditioning sends air from the outlet to the room. A first cleaning device cleans the chamber. The air conditioner includes an air direction changing unit and a control unit. The wind direction changing unit changes the wind direction of the air discharged from the outlet in at least three stages. The control section sets an operation mode of the air conditioning to a dust removal mode in response to a prescribed trigger. The dust removal mode represents an operation mode in which dust in the room is dropped onto the floor. In the wind directions of the at least three stages, the wind direction of the first stage is more upward than the wind direction of the second stage, the wind direction of the second stage is more upward than the wind direction of the third stage, and the wind direction of the third stage is toward the direction of the floor. In the dust removal mode, the airflow direction changing unit sends the air into the room in the first-stage airflow direction for a first predetermined period of time, and sends the air into the room in the second-stage airflow direction for a second predetermined period of time after the first predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Effects of the invention

According to the invention, the dust in the room can be effectively removed.

Drawings

Fig. 1(a) is a diagram showing a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (b) A perspective view of an air conditioner and an air cleaner of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment is shown.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing communication procedures among the server, the air conditioner, and the air cleaner of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an air cleaner of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of an air conditioner showing the cleaning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an air conditioner of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the wind direction of the air conditioner of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in the dust removal mode of the air conditioner of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a previous stage of an operation in the dust removal mode of the air conditioner of the cleaning system according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the subsequent stage of the operation in the dust removal mode of the air conditioner of the cleaning system according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing a cleaning system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. (b) The present invention is a perspective view showing an air conditioner, an air cleaner, and an autonomous vacuum cleaner of a cleaning system according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a procedure of communication among the server, the air conditioner, the air cleaner, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner in the cleaning system according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an autonomous vacuum cleaner of a cleaning system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

(first embodiment)

Referring to fig. 1 to 8, a cleaning system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described. First, the cleaning system 100 is explained with reference to fig. 1. Fig. 1(a) is a diagram showing a cleaning system 100. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view showing the air cleaner 3 and the air conditioner 5 of the cleaning system 100.

As shown in fig. 1(a), the cleaning system 100 includes a server 1, an air cleaner 3, an air conditioner 5, and a communication terminal 7. The air cleaner 3 corresponds to an example of "first cleaning means".

The server 1 is connected to a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the internet, a lan (local Area network), and a public telephone network. Then, the server 1 is connected to the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the communication terminal 7 via the network NW. The server 1 is a computer including a processor such as a cpu (central Processing unit) and a storage device that stores data and computer programs. The storage device includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory and a secondary storage device such as a semiconductor memory and/or a hard disk drive. The processor of the server 1 executes a computer program stored in the storage device to perform various processes.

Specifically, the server 1 receives the information IF1 transmitted from the communication terminal 7. Then, the server 1 communicates with the air cleaner 3 or the air conditioner 5 based on the information IF 1. Therefore, the user can operate the communication terminal 7, the air cleaner 3, and the air conditioner 5 via the server 1.

In addition, the server 1 receives the information IF2 transmitted from the air cleaner 3 or the information IF3 transmitted from the air conditioner 5. Then, the server 1 communicates with the communication terminal 7 based on the information IF2 or the information IF 3. Therefore, the user can operate the communication terminal 7 to obtain information of the air cleaner 3 and the air conditioner 5 via the server 1.

As shown in fig. 1(a) and 1(b), the air purifier 3 is connected to a network NW. The air cleaner 3 is disposed on a room RM (specifically, a floor FL) of a building. Hereinafter, the inside of the room RM is referred to as "indoor". The air cleaner 3 cleans the room. Specifically, the air cleaner 3 removes dust in the air in the room.

The air conditioner 5 is connected to a network NW. The air conditioner 5 is provided on a room RM (specifically, a wall WL) of a building. The room RM in which the air conditioner 5 is provided and the room RM in which the air cleaner 3 is provided are the same. The air conditioner 5 performs air conditioning.

The air conditioner 5 is an indoor unit. The air conditioner 5 is connected to an outdoor unit via a duct. Then, the refrigerant circulates between the air conditioner 5 and the outdoor unit through the pipe. The outdoor unit is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit includes various components such as a fan, a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a four-way valve.

The communication terminal 7 is connected to a network NW. The communication terminal 7 includes a display portion 7 a. The display unit 7a displays various information. The communication terminal 7 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. The communication terminal 7 includes a processor such as a CPU and a storage device that stores data and computer programs. The storage device has the same configuration as that of the server 1. The processor of the communication terminal 7 executes the computer program stored in the storage device to perform various processes.

Next, an example of a communication procedure of the server 1, the air conditioner 5, and the air cleaner 3 will be described with reference to fig. 1(a) and 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing communication procedures of the server 1, the air conditioner 5, and the air cleaner 3. As shown in fig. 1a and 2, the air conditioner 5 transmits status information indicating the status of the air conditioner 5 (hereinafter, referred to as "status information ST 1") to the server 1. Then, the server 1 receives the status information ST1 from the air conditioner 5. Further, the server 1 generates control information (hereinafter, referred to as "control information CN 1") for controlling the air purifier 3 based on the state information ST1, and transmits the control information CN1 to the air purifier 3. The air cleaner 3 receives the control information CN1 from the server 1, and operates based on the control information CN 1. Thus, the air cleaner 3 works in cooperation with the air conditioner 5.

The air cleaner 3 transmits status information indicating the status of the air cleaner 3 (hereinafter, referred to as "status information ST 2") to the server 1. Then, the server 1 receives the status information ST2 from the air purifier 3. The server 1 generates control information (hereinafter, referred to as "control information CN 2") for controlling the air-conditioning apparatus 5 based on the state information ST2, and transmits the control information CN2 to the air-conditioning apparatus 5. The air conditioner 5 receives the control information CN2 from the server 1 and operates based on the control information CN 1. Thus, the air conditioner 5 works in cooperation with the air cleaner 3.

After that, communication is performed between the server 1 and the air conditioner 5 and the air purifier 3.

As described above with reference to fig. 1(a) and 2, the server 1 receives the status information of at least one of the status information ST1 of the air conditioner 5 and the status information ST2 of the air purifier 3. The server 1 controls at least one device of the air conditioner 5 and the air purifier 3 based on the state information of at least one device, so that the air conditioner 5 and the air purifier 3 work in cooperation. Therefore, compared to the case where the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 each separately remove dust in the room, dust in the room can be effectively removed.

The state information ST1 may include the detection result of a detection unit (e.g., the human detection unit 55 described later) included in the air conditioner 5. The state information ST2 may include the detection result of the detection unit (e.g., the person detection unit 36 and the dust detection unit 35 described later) included in the air cleaner 3.

Next, the air cleaner 3 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the air purifier 3. As shown in fig. 3, the air cleaner 3 includes a control section 30, a storage section 31, a communication section 32, a filter 33, a fan 34, a dust detection section 35, and a person detection section 36. The control section 30 controls the storage section 31, the communication section 32, the fan 34, and the dust detection section 35. The control section 30 includes a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 31 is a storage device and stores data and computer programs. The storage device has the same configuration as that of the server 1. The processor of the control unit 30 executes a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 31 to execute various kinds of control.

The communication unit 32 is connected to the network NW. The communication unit 32 communicates with the server 1 via the network NW. Therefore, the control unit 30 communicates with the server 1 via the communication unit 32. The communication unit 32 is, for example, a network interface controller.

The fan 34 introduces indoor air into the air cleaner 3, and passes the air through the filter 33. As a result, the filter 33 removes dust in the air. The filter 33 is, for example, a HEPA (high Efficiency Particulate air) filter.

The dust detection unit 35 detects the amount of dust in the air (hereinafter referred to as "dust amount"). In the first embodiment, the dust detection portion 35 detects the concentration of dust in the air (hereinafter referred to as "dust concentration"). Specifically, the dust detection unit 35 includes an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the concentration of dust in the air (hereinafter, referred to as "dust concentration") based on the output pulse width output from the light receiving element. The dust concentration detected by the dust detection unit 35 is normalized, and the lowest dust concentration in the detection range of the dust detection unit 35 is regarded as "1" and the highest dust concentration is regarded as "0". The degree of pollution of air (hereinafter, referred to as "degree of pollution DL") is classified into 3 grades of "small", "medium", and "large" according to the dust concentration. The air pollution level DL indicates a level of pollution of the air in the room by dust. The dust detection unit 35 is, for example, a dust sensor. The control unit 30 increases the number of rotations of the fan 34 and increases the air volume of the fan 34 as the air pollution level DL increases.

The person detection unit 36 detects movement of a person in the room. Specifically, the human detection portion 36 includes a pyroelectric sensor. The human detector 36 captures a change in heat (amount of infrared rays) generated by the motion of the human body, and outputs a signal indicating a detection result of the human detector 36 to the controller 30. The control unit 30 determines whether or not a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the person detection unit 36. The human detection unit 36 is, for example, a human detection sensor. The control unit 30 controls the operation of the air cleaner 3 according to the presence or absence of a person in the room. The human detector 36 may be a camera.

Next, the air conditioner 5 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner 5. Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the air conditioner 5. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the air conditioner 5.

As shown in fig. 4, the air conditioner 5 includes a cabinet 50, an airflow direction changing unit 51, a filter 54, and a human detector 55. The cabinet 50 has a suction port P1. The suction opening P1 is formed in the upper surface of the cabinet 50. Filter 54 is disposed at suction port P1. The filter 54 removes dust from the air in the room. Specifically, the filter 54 removes dust from the indoor air sucked through the suction port P1. In other words, the air conditioner 5 cleans the room.

The human detection unit 55 detects the motion of a human in the room. The human detection unit 55 is disposed at a front corner of the cabinet 50.

Next, the cabinet 50 and the wind direction changing unit 51 will be described with reference to fig. 4 and 5. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the cabinet 50 has an air outlet P2. The outlet P2 is formed at the lower front portion of the cabinet 50. The airflow direction changing unit 51 is disposed at the outlet P2. That is, the airflow direction changing unit 51 is disposed at the lower front portion of the cabinet 50. The wind direction changing unit 51 changes the wind direction of the air discharged from the outlet P2.

Specifically, the wind direction changing portion 51 includes a flap 510 and a louver 511. The flap 510 extends in a horizontal direction and is substantially plate-shaped. In the first embodiment, the flap 510 is in a curved state in side view. The flap 510 swings in the up-down direction. Therefore, the flap 510 changes the wind direction of the air blown out from the outlet P2 in the vertical direction.

Louver 511 changes the direction of the air blown out from outlet P2 to the horizontal direction (specifically, the left-right direction). Specifically, the louver 511 includes a plurality of blades 511a aligned in the horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of blades 511a stands in the vertical direction, and is substantially plate-shaped. Each of the plurality of blades 511a swings in the horizontal direction (specifically, the left-right direction). Therefore, the plurality of blades 511a change the wind direction of the air blown out from the outlet P2 to the horizontal direction (specifically, the left-right direction). In addition, "left" and "right" indicate "left" and "right" when the front surface is viewed from the air conditioner 5.

Next, the air conditioner 5 will be described with reference to fig. 5. As shown in fig. 5, the air conditioner 5 further includes a heat exchanger 52 and a fan 53. A heat exchanger 52 and a fan 53 are accommodated in the cabinet 50.

The heat exchanger 52 performs heat exchange. An air passage is formed from the suction port P1 to the outlet P2 in the cabinet 50, and the heat exchanger 52 and the fan 53 are disposed in the air passage. The fan 53 sucks air through the suction port P1, and delivers the sucked air to the outside through the outlet port P2. In other words, air conditioner 5 sends air from outlet P2 to the room by fan 53. The fan 53 is, for example, a cross-flow fan.

Next, the air conditioner 5 will be further described with reference to fig. 6. As shown in fig. 6, the air conditioner 5 further includes a control unit 56, a storage unit 57, a communication unit 58, a remote controller 59, and an infrared receiving unit 60. The controller 56 controls the storage 57, the communication unit 58, the wind direction changing unit 51, the heat exchanger 52, the fan 53, the human detector 55, and the infrared receiver 60. The control section 56 includes a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 57 is a storage device and stores data and computer programs. The storage device has the same configuration as that of the server 1. The processor of the control unit 56 executes a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 57 to execute various kinds of control.

The controller 56 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the air conditioning mode or the dust removal mode, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 5. The air conditioning mode indicates an operation mode in which air conditioning operation is performed. The air conditioning operation is an operation for performing air conditioning. The air conditioning operation is, for example, a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidifying operation, or an air blowing operation. The dust removal mode indicates an operation mode in which dust in a room is dropped on the floor FL. In the first embodiment, the control unit 56 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode in response to a predetermined trigger (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined trigger TG").

The communication unit 58 is connected to the network NW. The communication unit 58 communicates with the server 1 via the network NW. Therefore, the control unit 56 communicates with the server 1 via the communication unit 58. The communication unit 58 is, for example, a network interface controller.

The remote controller 59 transmits an infrared signal to the infrared receiving unit 60. The infrared receiving unit 60 receives an infrared signal from a remote controller. The infrared ray signal includes a signal for operating the air conditioner 5. For example, the infrared receiving unit 60 includes an infrared light receiving element.

The person detection unit 55 detects movement of a person in the room. The human detection unit 55 has the same configuration as the human detection unit 36 of fig. 3. And the control section 56 determines whether or not there is a person in the room based on the detection result of the person detecting section 55. The control unit 56 controls the operation of the air conditioner 5 based on the presence or absence of a person in the room.

Next, the airflow direction changing unit 51 and the dust removal mode will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the wind direction of the air conditioner 5. As shown in fig. 7, the wind direction changing portion 51 (specifically, the flap 510) changes the wind direction of the air sent out from the outlet P2 in the vertical direction in at least 3 stages. Among the wind directions of the at least three stages, the wind direction a1 of the first stage is more upward than the wind direction a2 of the second stage. For example, the wind direction a1 in the first stage indicates the wind direction that is directed uppermost among the wind directions that can be obtained by the wind direction changing unit 51. For example, the first stage wind direction a1 is towards the ceiling RF, or towards the corner NU where the ceiling RF and the wall WL are connected, or towards the upper part UA of the wall WL. For example, the wind direction a1 of the first stage is oriented in the horizontal direction HD. For example, the wind direction a1 of the first stage has an angle within 20 degrees upward with respect to the horizontal direction HD. For example, the wind direction a1 in the first stage has an angle within 20 degrees downward with respect to the horizontal direction HD.

The wind direction a2 of the second stage is more upward than the wind direction A3 of the third stage. For example, the wind direction a2 of the second stage is directed towards the upper part UA of the wall WL and the middle part MA of the lower part LA. For example, the wind direction a2 in the second stage has an angle within 40 degrees downward with respect to the horizontal direction HD. For example, the wind direction A2 in the second stage is more upward than the corner NL where the wall WL and the floor FL are connected. For example, the wind direction a2 of the second stage is more upward than the lower portion LA of the wall WL.

The wind direction a3 of the third stage is directed toward the floor FL. For example, the wind direction a3 may be directed toward the floor FL or toward the vicinity of the corner NL. For example, the wind direction a3 in the third stage represents the lowest wind direction among the wind directions obtainable by the wind direction changing unit 51.

In the first embodiment, the upper part UA, the intermediate part MA, and the lower part LA of the wall WL denote regions obtained by dividing the entire wall WL equally 3 times in the vertical direction. However, the upper part UA, the intermediate part MA, and the lower part LA of the wall WL may be divided into 3 times in the vertical direction unequally.

In the dust removal mode, the airflow direction changer 51 conveys air into the room in the first airflow direction a1 in the first stage for a first predetermined period T1, and conveys air into the room in the second airflow direction a2 in the second predetermined period T2 after the first predetermined period T1 has elapsed. And, the air conditioner 5 stops sending the air after the second prescribed period T2 has elapsed.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, dust above the room (for example, dust attached to the ceiling RF, dust attached to or accumulated in the lighting of the ceiling RF, dust attached to the upper part UA of the wall WL, and the like) is pushed by the air having the wind direction a1 and falls toward the floor FL. Dust in the middle of the room (for example, dust attached to a desk lamp, dust accumulated on a shelf of a bookshelf, and the like) is driven by air having a wind direction a2 and falls toward the floor FL. On the other hand, an air cleaner 3 is provided on the indoor floor FL. Therefore, the air cleaner 3 removes dust existing in the dust-removable range of the air cleaner 3 and dust falling by the air conditioner 5 from before the dust falls. As a result, the air cleaner 3 can effectively remove dust in the room. In other words, the cleaning system 100 can effectively remove dust in a room. Further, since the air conditioner 5 collects dust, the cleaning system 100 can more effectively remove dust in the room.

Specifically, in the first embodiment, in the dust removal mode, dust in the upper area in the room falls toward the floor FL in accordance with the air having the wind direction a 1. Further, according to the air having the wind direction a2, the dust falling from the upper area in the room further falls toward the floor FL. Further, according to the air having the wind direction a2, dust located in the middle area between the upper area and the lower area in the room falls toward the floor FL. Therefore, dust of the upper and middle areas in the room is collected to the lower area in the room. For example, dust in the upper area and the middle area in the room falls on the floor FL or floats in the vicinity of the floor FL.

On the other hand, an air cleaner 3 is provided on the indoor floor FL. Therefore, the air cleaner 3 removes dust from the dust falling range of the air cleaner 3 and dust from the upper area and the middle area of the room where the air conditioner 5 falls, from before the dust falls. As a result, the dust in the room can be effectively removed.

Here, the wind direction changer 51 preferably changes the wind direction in the horizontal direction (specifically, the left-right direction) while maintaining the wind direction a1 in the first stage for the first predetermined period T1. Further, the airflow direction changer 51 preferably changes the airflow direction in the horizontal direction (specifically, the left-right direction) while maintaining the airflow direction a2 in the second stage for the second predetermined period T2.

This is because the dust in the room can be dropped in a wide range in the horizontal direction. As a result, the air cleaner 3 can collect dust more effectively. For example, wind direction changing unit 51 (specifically, louver 511) switches wind direction B1, wind direction B2, and wind direction B3. The wind direction B1 represents a wind direction toward the left, and the wind direction B3 represents a wind direction toward the right. Wind direction B2 represents the wind direction between wind direction B1 and wind direction B3. For example, the wind direction B2 represents a wind direction directly blowing from the air conditioner 5 (front direction).

In addition, in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the controller 56 controls the fan 53 so that the fan 53 generates the maximum amount of air of the producible air volume in the dust removal mode (the first prescribed period T1 and the second prescribed period T2). This is because the dust can be more effectively dropped.

Hereinafter, in the first predetermined period T1 and the second predetermined period T2, the process of dropping dust by changing the wind direction by the wind direction changing unit 51 may be referred to as "dust dropping process".

The air cleaner 3 may perform a dust removal operation of dust (hereinafter, referred to as "air cleaning operation") before the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 is set to the dust removal mode. Further, the air cleaner 3 may start the air cleaning operation when the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 is set to the dust removal mode. The air cleaner 3 may start the air cleaning operation after a predetermined time has elapsed from the completion of the dust dropping process.

Next, the operation of the air conditioner 5 in the dust removal mode will be described in detail with reference to fig. 6 to 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation in the dust removal mode of the air conditioner 5. As shown in fig. 8, the processing of the control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 includes steps S1 to S9.

As shown in fig. 6 and 8, in step S1, the control unit 56 determines whether or not a predetermined trigger TG has occurred.

As long as the determination in step S1 is negative (no), the process repeats step S1.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S1 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the control unit 56 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode. As a result, the air conditioner 5 starts the operation of the dust removal mode.

In step S3, the control unit 56 transmits the status information TS1 of the air conditioner 5 to the server 1 (fig. 1 (a)). The state information TS1 indicates that the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 is set to the dust removal mode. Then, the server 1 receives the status information TS1, and controls the air purifier 3 based on the status information TS 1. Specifically, the server 1 generates the control information NT1 based on the state information TS1, and transmits the control information NT1 to the air purifier 3.

For example, the control information NT1 includes information instructing the air cleaner 3 to start an air cleaning action. Therefore, when the air purifier 3 does not perform the air purifying action, the air purifier 3 performs the air purifying action according to the control information NT 1. As a result, the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 can remove dust in the room in cooperation.

For example, the control information NT1 includes information indicating to increase the air volume of the fan 34 of the air cleaner 3. Therefore, the air cleaner 3 increases the air volume of the fan 34 based on the control information NT 1. As a result, the air cleaner 3 can more effectively remove dust falling from the air conditioner 5.

In step S4, the controller 56 controls the airflow direction changer 51 such that the airflow direction changer 51 changes the airflow direction in the horizontal direction while sending air in the first-stage airflow direction a 1.

In step S5, the control unit 56 determines whether a first predetermined period T1 has elapsed since the air was started to be blown out in the first-stage wind direction a 1.

If the determination at step S5 is negative (no), the process returns to step S4.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S5 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the controller 56 controls the airflow direction changer 51 such that the airflow direction changer 51 changes the airflow direction in the horizontal direction while sending air in the second-stage airflow direction a 2.

In step S7, the control unit 56 determines whether or not a second predetermined period T2 has elapsed since the air discharge was started in the second-stage wind direction a 2.

If the determination at step S7 is negative (no), the process returns to step S6.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S7 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the control unit 56 stops the fan 53 and stops sending out the air. Then, the control section 56 ends the dust removal mode.

In step S9, the control unit 56 transmits the status information TS2 of the air conditioner 5 to the server 1 (fig. 1 (a)). The status information TS2 indicates that the dust removal mode of the air conditioner 5 is ended. Also, the server 1 receives the status information TS2, and controls the air purifier 3 based on the status information TS 2. Specifically, the server 1 generates the control information NT2 based on the state information TS2, and transmits the control information NT2 to the air purifier 3.

For example, the control information NT2 instructs the air cleaner 3 to stop the air cleaning action. Therefore, when the air cleaning action is not performed before the dust removal mode, the air cleaner 3 stops the air cleaning action according to the control information NT 2. When the air cleaning operation is performed before the dust removal mode, the air cleaner 3 returns to the air cleaning operation performed before the dust removal mode.

For example, the control information NT2 instructs to decrease the air volume of the fan 34 of the air cleaner 3 when the air volume of the fan 34 increases due to the control information NT 1. Therefore, the air cleaner 3 reduces the air volume of the fan 34 based on the control information NT 2.

In addition, the state information TS1 and the state information TS2 are one example of the state information ST1 described with reference to fig. 2. The control information NT1 and the control information NT2 are one example of the control information CN1 described with reference to fig. 2.

As described above with reference to fig. 8, according to the first embodiment, dust in the room falls down by the air conditioner 5 (step S4, step S6). As a result, the dust in the room can be effectively removed by the air cleaner 3.

(second embodiment)

Referring to fig. 1(a), 3, 6, 9, and 10, a cleaning system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the second embodiment starts the dust removal mode by any one of a plurality of triggers. Hereinafter, the second embodiment is mainly described as different from the first embodiment.

First, referring to fig. 1(a), 3, and 6, a case where the predetermined trigger TG for starting the dust removal mode is based on the dust detection section 35 of the air purifier 3 will be described.

As shown in fig. 1(a) and 3, the dust detection portion 35 of the air cleaner 3 detects the amount of dust in the air. Then, the communication unit 32 transmits dust information (hereinafter, referred to as "dust information DT 1") indicating the amount of dust detected by the dust detection unit 35 to the server 1. In the second embodiment, the dust information DT1 includes information indicating the degree of air pollution DL in the room. Further, the communication unit 32 transmits the dust information DT1 to the server 1 at predetermined time intervals, for example. Further, the dust information DT1 is an example of the state information ST2 described with reference to fig. 2.

The server 1 receives the dust information DT1, and generates control information (hereinafter, referred to as "control information NT 3") for controlling the air conditioner 5 based on the dust information DT 1. In the second embodiment, the control information NT3 is information in which the dust information DT1 is copied (i.e., the dust information DT1 itself), including information indicating the degree of contamination DL. The server 1 transmits control information NT3 to the air conditioner 5. The server 1 transmits the control information NT3 to the air-conditioning apparatus 5 at predetermined time intervals, for example.

As shown in fig. 6, the communication unit 58 of the air conditioner 5 receives control information NT3 based on the amount of dust detected by the dust detection unit 35. Further, the control portion 56 of the air conditioner 5 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode in response to a prescribed trigger TG. In this case, the provision of the trigger TG is based on the control information NT 3. That is, the prescribed trigger TG is based on the amount of dust in the room.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the control section 56 can set the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode using "the control information NT3 indicates that the amount of dust in the room is large" as the prescribed trigger TG. For example, the control unit 56 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode using, as the predetermined trigger TG, the reception of the control information NT3 indicating that the degree of contamination DL is "high". As a result, when the amount of dust removal in the room is large, dust removal based on the dust removal mode can be performed.

In the second embodiment, the control information NT3 is based on the amount of dust detected by the dust detection unit 35 of the air cleaner 3. That is, the air conditioner 5 detects the predetermined trigger TG by the dust detection unit 35 of the air cleaner 3. As a result, the cost of the air conditioner 5 can be reduced as compared with a case where the air conditioner 5 is equipped with a dust detection unit.

With continued reference to fig. 1(a), 3, and 6, a case where the predetermined trigger TG is based on the human detection unit 36 of the air purifier 3 will be described. The control unit 56 of the air cleaner 3 transmits person information (hereinafter referred to as "person information HM 1") indicating whether or not a person is present in the room based on the detection result of the person detection unit 36 to the server 1. The control unit 56 transmits the personal information HM1 to the server 1 at predetermined time intervals, for example. Further, the human information HM1 is an example of the state information ST2 described with reference to fig. 2.

The server 1 receives the personal information HM1, and generates control information (hereinafter referred to as "control information NT 4") for controlling the air-conditioning apparatus 5 based on the personal information HM 1. In the second embodiment, the control information NT4 is information in which the human information HM1 is copied (i.e., the human information HM1 itself). The server 1 transmits control information NT4 to the air conditioner 5. The server 1 transmits the control information NT4 to the air-conditioning apparatus 5 at predetermined time intervals, for example.

As shown in fig. 6, the communication unit 58 of the air-conditioning apparatus 5 receives the control information NT4 based on the human information HM1 detected by the human detection unit 36. Further, the control portion 56 of the air conditioner 5 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode in response to a prescribed trigger TG. In this case, the trigger TG is defined as "no person is present in the room by the control information NT 4". That is, the predetermined trigger TG is "to determine that there is no person in the room based on the detection result of the person detecting unit 36".

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, when there is no person in the room, the control portion 56 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode. When no person is present in the room, the air conditioner 5 drops the dust in the room, and the air cleaner 3 removes the dust in the room. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the user from feeling unpleasant to the falling of the indoor dust and the sound of the air conditioner 5 in the dust removal mode.

The case where the prescribed trigger TG is based on the communication terminal 7 will be described with continued reference to fig. 1(a) and 6. The communication terminal 7 transmits instruction information (hereinafter referred to as "instruction information RC 1") to the server 1, the instruction information instructing to set the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode.

The server 1 receives the instruction information RC1, generates control information (hereinafter referred to as "control information NT 5") indicating the same content as the instruction information RC1, and transmits the control information NT5 to the air-conditioning apparatus 5.

As shown in fig. 6, the communication unit 58 of the air-conditioning apparatus 5 receives the control information NT5 based on the instruction information RC1 transmitted from the communication terminal 7. Further, the control portion 56 of the air conditioner 5 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode in response to a prescribed trigger TG. In this case, the prescribed trigger TG is "receive control information NT5 indicating that the operation mode is set to the dust removal mode".

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the user can easily cause the air conditioner 5 to perform the operation based on the dust removal mode at a desired time by operating the communication terminal 7.

In addition, when the air purifier 3 does not always perform the air purifying operation, the communication terminal 7 transmits instruction information RC2 instructing the air purifier 3 to start the air purifying operation to the server 1. The server 1 receives the instruction information RC2, generates control information representing the same content as the instruction information RC2, and transmits the control information to the air purifier 3.

The case where the predetermined trigger TG is based on the human detection unit 55 of the air conditioner 5 will be described with reference to fig. 6. The control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode, with the determination that no person is present in the room being set as a predetermined trigger TG based on the detection result of the person detection unit 55. That is, the predetermined trigger TG is "determined to be no person in the room based on the detection result of the person detecting unit 55".

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, when there is no person in the room, the control portion 56 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode. Also, when no person is present in the room, the dust in the room is dropped by the air conditioner 5, and the dust in the room can be removed by the air cleaner 3. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the user from feeling unpleasant to the falling of the indoor dust and the sound of the air conditioner 5 in the dust removal mode.

The case where the provision trigger TG is based on the remote controller 59 of the air conditioner 5 will be described with continued reference to fig. 6. The remote controller 59 of the air conditioner 5 transmits an instruction signal (hereinafter, referred to as "instruction signal SG") instructing to set the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode, to the infrared ray receiving unit 60.

The control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode by using the case where the infrared ray receiving unit 60 receives the instruction signal SG from the remote controller 59 as a predetermined trigger TG. That is, the predetermined trigger TG is "the air conditioner 5 receives the instruction signal SG from the remote controller".

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the user can easily cause the air conditioner 5 to perform the operation based on the dust removal mode at a desired time by operating the remote controller 59.

When the air cleaner 3 does not always perform the air cleaning operation, the user operates the air cleaner 3 to start the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 3.

The case where the predetermined trigger TG is based on the stop of the air-conditioning operation of the air-conditioner 5 will be described with reference to fig. 6.

The control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode using the stop of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 5 as a predetermined trigger TG. That is, the prescribed trigger TG is "the air conditioner 5 stops the air conditioning operation".

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, after the air conditioning operation is stopped, the dust in the room is dropped by the air conditioner 5, and the dust in the room can be removed by the air cleaner 3. The advantage of performing the dust removal mode after the air conditioning operation is stopped is as follows. That is, after the air conditioning operation is stopped, there is a high possibility that no person is present in the room. Therefore, after the air conditioning operation is stopped, the air conditioner 5 drops the dust in the room, and the air cleaner 3 removes the dust in the room. As a result, it is possible to avoid the user from feeling unpleasant with respect to the falling of the indoor dust and the sound of the air conditioner 5 in the dust removal mode.

Next, the operation of the air conditioner 5 in the dust removal mode will be described in detail with reference to fig. 6, 9, and 10. Fig. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of the air conditioner 5 in the dust removal mode. As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the processing of the control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 includes steps S21 to S40.

As shown in fig. 6 and 9, in step S21, the controller 56 determines whether or not the degree of indoor pollution DL is "large" based on the control information NT 3.

If the determination in step S21 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S26.

On the other hand, if the determination at step S21 is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the control unit 56 determines whether or not a person is present indoors. Specifically, the control unit 56 determines whether or not a person is present indoors based on the detection result of the person detection unit 55. Further, the control portion 56 determines whether or not a person is present indoors based on the control information NT 4.

If the determination at step S22 is negative (no), that is, if it is determined that there is no person in the room, the process proceeds to step S26.

On the other hand, in the case where the determination in step S22 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the control section 56 determines whether control information NT5 (the same contents as the instruction information RC1 transmitted by the communication terminal 7) instructing to set the operation mode to the dust removal mode is received from the server 1.

If the determination at step S23 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S26.

On the other hand, if the determination at step S23 is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, control unit 56 determines whether or not infrared ray receiving unit 60 has received instruction signal SG instructing to set the operation mode to the dust removal mode from remote controller 59.

If the determination at step S24 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S26.

On the other hand, if the determination at step S24 is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S25, the control unit 56 determines whether the air-conditioning operation of the air-conditioner 5 is stopped.

If the determination at step S25 is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S21.

On the other hand, in the case where the determination in step S25 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S28.

After the affirmative determination at step S21, after the negative determination at step S22, after the affirmative determination at step S23, or after the affirmative determination at step S24, the control unit 56 determines whether or not the air-conditioning apparatus 5 is in the air-conditioning operation at step S26.

If the determination at step S26 is negative (no), the process proceeds to step S28.

On the other hand, in the case where the determination in step S26 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the control unit 56 interrupts the air conditioning operation of the air cleaner 3.

After step S27 or after an affirmative determination at step S25, the control portion 56 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode at step S28. As a result, the air conditioner 5 starts the operation of the dust removal mode.

In step S29, the control unit 56 transmits the status information TS1 of the air conditioner 5 to the server 1 (fig. 1 (a)). And, the process advances to step S30 of fig. 10. In addition, the process of step S29 is the same as the process of step S3 of fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 6 and 10, in step S30, the controller 56 controls the airflow direction changer 51 such that the airflow direction changer 51 sends air in the first-stage airflow direction a1 and changes the airflow direction in the horizontal direction.

In step S32, the control portion 56 determines whether a first prescribed period T1 has elapsed since the air was started to be sent out in the first-stage wind direction a 1.

In the case where the determination in step S32 is negative (no), the process returns to step S30.

On the other hand, in the case where the determination in step S32 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, the controller 56 controls the airflow direction changer 51 such that the airflow direction changer 51 changes the airflow direction in the horizontal direction while sending air in the second-stage airflow direction a 2.

In step S33, the control unit 56 determines whether or not a second predetermined period T2 has elapsed since the air discharge was started in the second-stage wind direction a 2.

In the case where the determination in step S33 is negative (no), the process returns to step S32.

On the other hand, in the case where the determination in step S33 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, the control unit 56 transmits the status information TS3 of the air conditioner 5 to the server 1 (fig. 1 (a)). The status information TS3 indicates that the dust drop processing of the air conditioner 5 has been completed.

In step S35, the control unit 56 controls the airflow direction changing unit 51 to send air to the air cleaner 3. Therefore, the airflow direction changer 51 determines the airflow direction as the air cleaner 3. For example, the flap 510 of the airflow direction changing unit 51 sends air in the airflow direction a3 in the third stage, and the louver 511 of the airflow direction changing unit 51 directs the airflow direction toward the air cleaner 3.

The position of the air cleaner 3 in the room RM is transmitted from the communication terminal 7 to the server 1, for example, in accordance with the operation of the user, and is stored in the server 1 in advance. The control unit 56 of the air conditioner 5 acquires information indicating the position of the air cleaner 3 from the server 1.

In step S36, the control unit 56 determines whether a third predetermined period T3 has elapsed since the start of air delivery to the air cleaner 3.

In the case where the determination in step S36 is negative (no), the process returns to step S35.

On the other hand, in the case where the determination in step S36 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, the control unit 56 stops the fan 53 and stops sending air. Then, the control unit 56 ends the dust removal mode.

In step S38, the control unit 56 transmits the status information TS2 of the air conditioner 5 to the server 1 (fig. 1 (a)). In addition, the process of step S38 is the same as the process of step S9 of fig. 8.

In step S39, the control portion 56 determines whether the dust removal mode is started after the air conditioning operation is interrupted. That is, the control section 56 determines whether or not step S28 is executed after step S27 of fig. 9.

If the determination at step S39 is negative (no), the process ends.

On the other hand, in the case where the determination of step S39 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S40.

In step S40, the control unit 56 resumes the air conditioning operation interrupted in step S27 of fig. 9.

In addition, the state information TS1 through TS3 are one example of the state information ST1 described with reference to fig. 2. The control information NT3 and the control information NT4 are one example of the control information CN2 described with reference to fig. 2. At least one of the air cleaner 3 and the air conditioner 5 may have a human detection unit (the human detection unit 36 or the human detection unit 55).

As described above with reference to fig. 10, according to the second embodiment, dust in the room falls down due to the air conditioner 5 (step S30, step S32). As a result, the dust in the room can be effectively removed by the air cleaner 3.

In addition, according to the second embodiment, in the dust removal mode, the airflow direction changer 51 sends air to the air cleaner 3 in the third predetermined period T3 after the second predetermined period T2 has elapsed (step S35). In this case, the air purifier 3 is operating for the third prescribed period T3. That is, in the third prescribed period T3, the air purifier 3 is performing the air purifying action. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the air cleaner 3 can more effectively remove dust falling in step S30 and step S32. In fig. 9, the dust removal mode is performed after the air conditioning operation is stopped every time, but the dust removal mode may be performed after the operation is stopped a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) instead of every time. Thus, the dust removal mode is not performed every time the air conditioning operation is stopped, and therefore, the power consumption can be reduced. Alternatively, the dust removal mode may be configured to be performed when the air conditioning operation is stopped after a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours or 240 hours) has elapsed since the previous dust removal mode was performed. Thus, the dust removal mode is not performed every time the air conditioning operation is stopped, and therefore, the power consumption can be reduced. Further, the user may set whether or not to perform the dust removal mode when the air conditioning operation is stopped. Alternatively, whether or not the dust removal mode is performed may be set by the user. The setting may be performed by the remote controller 59 or the communication terminal 7, for example.

(third embodiment)

A cleaning system 100A according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 8 and 11 to 13. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the third embodiment further includes an autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. Hereinafter, the third embodiment is mainly described as different from the first embodiment.

First, the cleaning system 100A is explained with reference to fig. 11(a) and 11 (b). Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing the cleaning system 100A. Fig. 11(b) is a perspective view showing the air cleaner 3, the air conditioner 5, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 of the cleaning system 100A.

As shown in fig. 11(a), the cleaning system 100A includes a server 1, an air cleaner 3, an air conditioner 5, a communication terminal 7, and an autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. The air cleaner 3 corresponds to an example of "first cleaning means". The autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 corresponds to an example of the "second cleaning device".

The server 1 is connected to the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 via a network NW. The processing when the server 1 is connected to the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 1 (a).

The server 1 receives the information IF1 transmitted by the communication terminal 7. Then, the server 1 communicates with the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 based on the information IF 1. Therefore, the user can operate the self-propelled cleaner 9 via the server 1 by operating the communication terminal 7. The server 1 receives the information IF4 transmitted from the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. The server 1 communicates with the communication terminal 7 based on the information IF 4. Therefore, the user can obtain information of the self-propelled cleaner 9 via the server 1 by operating the communication terminal 7.

As shown in fig. 11(b), the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 is disposed in a room RM (specifically, a floor FL). The autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 cleans the room. Specifically, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 autonomously moves on the floor FL and cleans the floor FL. The room RM in which the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 is installed, the room RM in which the air conditioner 5 is installed, and the room RM in which the air cleaner 3 is installed are the same.

Next, an example of a communication procedure of the server 1, the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 will be described with reference to fig. 11(a) and 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a communication procedure among the server 1, the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. As shown in fig. 1(a) and 12, the communication steps between the server 1 and the air conditioners 5 and 3 are the same as those between the server 1 and the air conditioners 5 and 3 described with reference to fig. 2. Hereinafter, a communication procedure between the server 1 and the air conditioner 5 and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 will be mainly described.

The air conditioner 5 transmits status information ST1 indicating the status of the air conditioner 5 to the server 1. The server 1 also receives the status information ST1 from the air conditioner 5. The server 1 generates control information (hereinafter, referred to as "control information CN 3") for controlling the self-propelled cleaner 9 based on the state information ST1, and transmits the control information CN3 to the self-propelled cleaner 9. The autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 receives the control information CN3 from the server 1, and operates based on the control information CN 3. Therefore, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 cooperates with the air conditioner 5.

The autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 transmits status information indicating the status of the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 (hereinafter, referred to as "status information ST 3") to the server 1. Then, the server 1 receives the state information ST3 from the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. The server 1 generates control information (hereinafter, referred to as "control information CN 4") for controlling the air-conditioning apparatus 5 based on the state information ST3, and transmits the control information CN4 to the air-conditioning apparatus 5. The air conditioner 5 receives the control information CN4 from the server 1 and operates based on the control information CN 4. Therefore, the air conditioner 5 cooperates with the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. The state information ST3 may include the detection result of a detection unit (e.g., dust detection unit 93 described later) included in the self-propelled cleaner 9.

Further, the server 1 causes the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 to cooperate with each other via the control information CN1 and the control information CN 3. The server 1 cooperates the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 with the control information CN2 and the control information CN 4.

After that, communication is performed between the server 1 and the air conditioner 5 and the robot cleaner 9.

As described above with reference to fig. 11(a) and 12, the server 1 receives at least one of the state information ST1 of the air conditioner 5, the state information ST2 of the air cleaner 3, and the state information ST3 of the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. The server 1 controls at least two devices among the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 based on the at least one piece of status information, so that the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 cooperate with each other. Therefore, compared to the case where the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 each independently remove dust in the room, dust in the room can be effectively removed.

In particular, regarding the dust removal mode of the air conditioner 5, the server 1 can remove dust in the room more effectively by combining the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. Specifically, the server 1 controls the operation sequence and/or operation timing of the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 with respect to the dust removal mode of the air conditioner 5.

Next, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 will be described with reference to fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. As shown in fig. 13, the self-propelled cleaner 9 includes a control unit 90, a storage unit 91, a communication unit 92, a dust detection unit 93, an obstacle detection unit 94, a cleaning unit 95, and a traveling unit 96.

The control unit 90 controls the storage unit 91, the communication unit 92, the dust detection unit 93, the obstacle detection unit 94, the cleaning unit 95, and the traveling unit 96. The control section 90 includes a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 91 is a storage device and stores data and computer programs. The storage device has the same configuration as that of the server 1. The processor of the control unit 90 executes a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 91 to execute various kinds of control.

The storage unit 91 stores a walking map 91 a. The walking map 91a includes information on walking of the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 such as walking strength and walking speed. The travel map 91a is stored in the storage unit 91 by the user in advance, or is automatically stored in the storage unit 91 by the self-propelled cleaner 9 itself during the cleaning operation.

The communication unit 92 is connected to the network NW. That is, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 is connected to the network NW. The communication unit 92 communicates with the server 1 via the network NW. Therefore, the control unit 90 communicates with the server 1 via the communication unit 92. The communication unit 92 is, for example, a network interface controller.

The dust detection unit 93 detects the amount of dust in the air. The dust detection unit 93 has the same configuration as the dust detection unit 35 (fig. 3) of the air cleaner 3.

The obstacle detection unit 94 detects the presence or absence of an obstacle, and outputs a signal indicating the distance to the obstacle to the control unit 90. The obstacle detecting unit 94 includes, for example, a plurality of obstacle detecting sensors.

The cleaning portion 95 cleans the floor FL. For example, the sweeping part 95 includes a brush, a brush motor, and a suction device. The brush is rotated by the driving force transmitted from the brush motor, thereby removing dust from the floor FL. And, the suction device sucks the dust removed by the brush.

The traveling unit 96 causes the self-propelled cleaner 9 to travel. For example, the traveling section 96 includes a plurality of wheels and wheel drive motors. Then, the driving wheel of the plurality of wheels is rotated by transmitting a driving force from the wheel driving motor. Therefore, the driven wheel among the plurality of wheels also rotates. As a result, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 travels on the floor FL.

The control unit 90 controls the traveling unit 96 to cause the self-propelled cleaner 9 to travel on the basis of the travel map 91 a. Further, the control section 90 controls the traveling section 96 so as to avoid an obstacle based on the detection result of the obstacle detecting section 94. As a result, the self-propelled cleaner 9 travels by itself while avoiding obstacles. Further, the control portion 90 increases the suction force of the sweeping portion 95 as the air pollution degree DL based on the detection result of the dust detecting portion 93 is larger.

Next, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 relating to the dust removal mode of the air conditioner 5 will be described with reference to fig. 8. As shown in fig. 8, in the third embodiment, the air conditioner 5 executes the dust removal mode in response to a prescribed trigger TG, as in the first embodiment.

In particular, in the third embodiment, the server 1 (fig. 11(a)) receives the status information TS1 transmitted in step S3, and controls the air cleaner 3 and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 based on the status information TS 1. The state information TS1 indicates that the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 is set to the dust removal mode.

Specifically, the server 1 generates the control information NT1 based on the state information TS1, and transmits the control information NT1 to the air purifier 3. The content of the control information NT1 is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 8.

The server 1 generates control information NT6 based on the state information TS1, and transmits the control information NT6 to the self-propelled cleaner 9.

For example, the control information NT6 includes information instructing the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 to stop autonomous operation and cleaning. Therefore, when the self-propelled cleaner 9 performs self-propelling and cleaning, the self-propelling and cleaning operation is stopped based on the control information NT 6. As a result, the dust falling in the dust removal and falling process (step S4, step S6) can be prevented from being caught up by the self-propelled cleaner 9, and the dust can be effectively dropped.

Further, as shown in fig. 8, in the third embodiment, the server 1 receives the status information TS2 transmitted in step S9, and controls the air cleaner 3 and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 based on the status information TS 2. The status information TS2 indicates that the dust removal mode of the air conditioner 5 is ended.

Specifically, the server 1 generates the control information NT2 based on the state information TS2, and transmits the control information NT2 to the air purifier 3. The content of the control information NT2 is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 8.

The server 1 generates control information NT7 based on the state information TS2, and transmits the control information NT7 to the self-propelled cleaner 9.

For example, the control information NT7 includes information instructing the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 to start autonomous operation and cleaning. Therefore, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 starts autonomous cleaning and cleaning based on the control information NT 7. As a result, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 can effectively remove dust falling in the dust removal and falling process (step S4, step S6).

For example, the control information NT7 includes information instructing the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 to start autonomous operation and cleaning when a predetermined time PT (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the reception of the control information NT 7. Therefore, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 starts autonomous operation and cleaning when a predetermined time PT has elapsed from the time of receiving the control information NT 7. As a result, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 can start cleaning after dust is sufficiently accumulated in the lower area of the room, and dust can be removed more efficiently. In addition, the reception time of the control information NT7 substantially represents the end time of the dust removal mode (that is, the end time of the dust drop processing). Further, the control information NT7 includes information instructing the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 to stop autonomous cleaning after a fourth predetermined period T4 elapses from the start of autonomous cleaning. As a result, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 stops the autonomous operation and the cleaning operation after the fourth predetermined period T4 has elapsed.

Further, for example, the control information NT2 that controls the air cleaner 3 includes information instructing the air cleaner 3 to start the air cleaning operation when a predetermined time PT (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the control information NT2 was received. Therefore, the air cleaner 3 starts the air cleaning operation when the predetermined time PT has elapsed since the control information NT2 was received. That is, the air cleaner 3 and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 operate in parallel. As a result, the air cleaner 3 and the self-propelled cleaner 9 can remove dust falling down more effectively. The reception time of the control information NT2 substantially indicates the end time of the dust removal mode (that is, the end time of the dust falling process). In addition, the control information NT2 includes information indicating that the air purifier 3 stops the air purifying action after the fifth prescribed period T5 has elapsed from the start of the air purifying action. As a result, the air purifier 3 stops the air purifying action after the fifth prescribed period T5 elapses. The fifth prescribed period T5 is longer than the fourth prescribed period T4 during which the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 is operated.

Further, for example, the server 1 generates control information NT8 for controlling the air conditioner 5 and transmits the control information NT8 to the air conditioner 5. The control information NT8 includes information indicating that the air conditioner 5 starts an air conditioning operation (e.g., a blowing operation) from the end of the self-running and cleaning of the self-propelled cleaner 9 after the fourth predetermined period T4 has elapsed. Thus, the air conditioner 5 starts the air conditioning operation. On the other hand, the air purifier 3 continues the air purifying operation in the fifth prescribed period T5. Therefore, the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 operate in parallel. Therefore, dust removal by the filter 54 of the air conditioner 5 and dust removal by the filter 33 of the air cleaner 3 are performed simultaneously. As a result, the dust in the room can be more effectively removed. In addition, the control information NT8 includes information indicating that the air conditioner 5 stops the air conditioning operation after the sixth prescribed period T6 has elapsed from the start of the air conditioning operation. As a result, the air conditioner 5 stops the air cleaning operation after the sixth predetermined period T6 has elapsed.

As described above with reference to fig. 8, according to the third embodiment, the air conditioner 5 in the dust removal mode drops dust in the room, and the air cleaner 3 and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 can remove the dust in the room. As a result, the falling dust can be more effectively removed than in the case where the air cleaner 3 alone or the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 alone removes dust.

In addition, the control information NT6 and the control information NT7 are one example of the control information CN3 described with reference to fig. 12. In addition, the control information NT8 is an example of the control information CN4 described with reference to fig. 12.

(fourth embodiment)

A cleaning system 100A according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 9, 10, and 11 to 13. The fourth embodiment is mainly different from the third embodiment in that: the fourth embodiment starts the dust removal mode by any one of a plurality of triggers. The fourth embodiment is the same as the second embodiment in that the dust removal mode is started by any one of a plurality of triggers. Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment is mainly described as being different from the third and second embodiments.

First, with reference to fig. 6, 11(a), and 13, a case where the predetermined trigger TG for starting the dust removal mode is based on the dust detection unit 93 of the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 will be described.

As shown in fig. 11(a) and 13, the dust detection unit 93 of the self-propelled cleaner 9 detects the amount of dust in the air. The communication unit 92 transmits dust information indicating the amount of dust detected by the dust detection unit 93 (hereinafter, referred to as "dust information DT 2") to the server 1. In the fourth embodiment, the dust information DT2 includes information indicating the degree of pollution DL of the indoor air. The communication unit 92 transmits the dust information DT2 to the server 1 at predetermined time intervals, for example.

The server 1 receives the dust information DT2, and generates control information (hereinafter, referred to as "control information NT 9") for controlling the air-conditioning machine 5 based on the dust information DT 2. In the fourth embodiment, the control information NT9 is information in which the dust information DT2 is copied (i.e., the dust information DT2 itself), and includes information indicating the degree of contamination DL. The server 1 transmits control information NT9 to the air conditioner 5. The server 1 transmits the control information NT9 to the air-conditioning apparatus 5 at predetermined time intervals, for example. The control information NT9 is an example of the state information ST3 described with reference to fig. 12.

As shown in fig. 6, the communication unit 58 of the air conditioner 5 receives the control information NT9 based on the amount of dust detected by the dust detection unit 93. Further, the control section 56 of the air conditioner 5 sets the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode in response to a prescribed trigger TG. In this case, provision is made for the trigger TG to be based on the control information NT 9.

Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, the control section 56 can set the operation mode of the air conditioner 5 to the dust removal mode using "the control information NT9 indicates that the amount of dust in the room is large" as the prescribed trigger TG. As a result, when the amount of dust removal in the room is large, dust removal based on the dust removal mode can be performed.

In the fourth embodiment, the control information NT9 is based on the amount of dust detected by the dust detection unit 93 of the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. That is, the air conditioner 5 detects the predetermined trigger TG by the dust detection unit 93 of the self-propelled cleaner 9. As a result, the cost of the air conditioner 5 can be reduced as compared with a case where the air conditioner 5 is equipped with a dust detection unit.

Next, the operation of the air conditioner 5 in the dust removal mode will be described with reference to fig. 9 and 10. As shown in fig. 9 and 10, in the fourth embodiment, the controller 56 of the air conditioner 5 executes steps S21 to S40 and executes the dust removal mode, as in the second embodiment.

In particular, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in fig. 9, the control section 56 of the air-conditioner 5 determines whether the degree of contamination DL in the room is "large" based on the control information NT9 in step S21. If the determination at step S21 is affirmative (yes), the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, in the case where the determination in step S21 is negative ("no"), the process proceeds to step S22. In the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the control unit 56 determines whether or not the indoor pollution level DL is "high" based on the control information NT 3. Therefore, if it is judged that the degree of contamination DL is "large" based on any one of the control information NT9 and the control information NT3, the process proceeds to step S26.

In addition, in step S29, the server 1 receives the status information ST 1. The server 1 controls the air cleaner 3 and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 based on the control information NT1 and NT6 based on the state information ST1, in the same manner as in step S3 (fig. 8) of the third embodiment.

In addition, steps S34 to S36 may be omitted. Also, in step S38, the server 1 receives the status information ST 2. Further, the server 1 controls the air cleaner 3 and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 based on the control information NT2 and NT7 based on the state information ST2, in the same manner as in the case of step S9 (fig. 8) in the third embodiment. In addition, the server 1 controls the air-conditioning apparatus 5 based on the control information NT8, as in the third embodiment. At least one of the air cleaner 3 and the self-propelled cleaner 9 may have a dust detection unit (the dust detection unit 35 or the dust detection unit 93).

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various ways (for example, the following (1) to (5)) without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, several components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Further, the constituent elements according to the different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are schematically illustrated mainly for the sake of easy understanding, and the thickness, length, number, interval, and the like of each constituent element illustrated in the drawings may be different from those in reality in some cases, which are created from design drawings. The materials, shapes, dimensions, and the like of the respective constituent elements shown in the above embodiments are examples, and are not particularly limited, and various modifications can be made within a range that does not substantially depart from the effects of the present invention.

(1) As described with reference to fig. 2, the air conditioner 5 and the air purifier 3 communicate via the server 1. However, the air conditioner 5 and the air cleaner 3 may communicate without the server 1. For example, the air conditioner 5 may send the status information ST1 directly to the air purifier 3. For example, the air conditioner 5 may generate the control information CN1 based on the state information ST1 and directly send the control information CN1 to the air purifier 3. For example, the air cleaner 3 may send the status information ST2 directly to the air conditioner 5. For example, the air purifier 3 may generate the control information CN2 based on the status information ST2 and directly transmit the control information CN2 to the air conditioner 5.

As described with reference to fig. 12, the air conditioner 5 communicates with the air cleaner 3 and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 via the server 1. However, the air conditioner 5, the air cleaner 3, and the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 may communicate with each other without passing through the server 1. For example, the air conditioner 5 may directly transmit the state information ST1 to the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. For example, the air conditioner 5 may generate the control information CN3 based on the state information ST1 and directly transmit the control information CN3 to the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9. For example, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 may directly transmit the state information ST3 to the air conditioner 5. For example, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 may generate the control information CN4 based on the state information ST3 and directly transmit the control information CN4 to the air conditioner 5.

(2) In the flowchart shown in fig. 9, the processing may not include all of steps S21 to S25. For example, the processing may include only any one of steps S21 to S25. For example, the processing may include any two or more steps of step S21 to step S25. The sequence of step S21 to step S25 is not particularly limited, and may be any sequence.

In the flowchart shown in fig. 10, the processing may not include step S34 to step S36.

(3) As described with reference to fig. 7, the wind direction changing unit 51 of the air conditioner 5 changes the wind direction in three stages. However, the wind direction changing unit 51 may change the wind direction in four or more stages. Therefore, the air direction may be changed in three or more stages in the dust removal mode as long as the dust in the room can be dropped. In this case, the wind direction changing unit 51 also changes the wind direction stepwise from the upper side to the lower side.

(4) In the first and second embodiments described with reference to fig. 1 to 10, the cleaning system 100 may include the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 described with reference to fig. 13 instead of the air cleaner 3. In this case, the autonomous vacuum cleaner 9 corresponds to an example of the "first cleaning device".

(5) Two or more features of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment may be combined.

The invention provides a cleaning system having industrial applicability.

Description of the reference numerals

1 Server

3 air purifier (first cleaning device)

5 air conditioner

7 communication terminal

9 self-propelled cleaner (first cleaning device, second cleaning device)

11 wind direction changing part

35. 93 dust detection part

36. 55 person detecting part

56 control part

58 communication part

100. 100A cleaning system