JP6636320B2 - Dust collector - Google Patents

Description

  The embodiment of the present invention relates to a dust collector including a suction unit that sucks dust from one of a first suction port and a second suction port.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a dust collecting device, a device that performs two types of switching dust collection, which is separately provided so as to be able to switch between a function of sucking dust collected by a dust control product such as a dust mop and a function of sucking dust on a floor surface, for example, is separately provided. is there.

  On the other hand, a so-called robot cleaner that performs cleaning while autonomously traveling on a floor surface is known as an electric vacuum cleaner. When the cleaning is completed, such an autonomous traveling vacuum cleaner is controlled to return to the dust station, transfer and collect the collected dust to the dust station, and charge the built-in secondary battery. There is something. Therefore, it is conceivable to apply the above-mentioned dust collecting device as a dust station of such a vacuum cleaner.

  However, an autonomous traveling type vacuum cleaner automatically starts cleaning according to a preset cleaning schedule, etc., and also autonomously determines the end timing of cleaning. It is assumed that the vacuum cleaner returns to the dust collector while the collected dust is sucked into the dust collector. Therefore, when the above-described dust collecting device is used as a dust station of an autonomous traveling vacuum cleaner, it is necessary to appropriately switch between suction of dust from a dust control product and suction of dust from the vacuum cleaner. Become.

JP-A-2013-39382

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dust collector with improved usability.

  The dust collector of the embodiment has a first suction port, a second suction port, and suction means. The first suction port is connected to a dust collecting part of the vacuum cleaner. The second suction port is different from the first suction port. The suction means is selectively connected to one of the first suction port and the second suction port. The suction means sucks dust from one of the first suction port and the second suction port by driving. In a state where the first suction port is connected to the suction means, when the dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner is connected to the first suction port, the suction means uses the vacuum cleaner through the first suction port. Dust is sucked in from the dust collecting section. Further, in a state where the second suction port is connected to the suction means, even if the dust collecting portion of the electric vacuum cleaner is connected to the first suction port, the suction means performs electric cleaning through the first suction port. Do not inhale dust from the dust collector of the machine.

It is a block diagram showing typically the internal structure of the electric cleaning device provided with the dust collection device of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an electric cleaning device same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows control of a dust collector same as the above. It is a flow chart which shows control of the dust collection device of a 2nd embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows control of the dust collection device of a 3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram showing typically the internal structure of the electric cleaning device provided with the dust collection device of a 4th embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an electric cleaning device same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows control of a dust collector same as the above. It is a flow chart which shows control of the dust collection device of a 5th embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows control of the dust collection device of a 6th embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows control of the dust collection device of a 7th embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes an electric vacuum cleaner, and the electric vacuum cleaner 10 includes an autonomous traveling type electric vacuum cleaner 11 and a dust station 12 serving as a dust collecting device serving as a base of the electric vacuum cleaner 11. ing.

  The electric vacuum cleaner 11 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called robot cleaner (cleaning robot) that cleans the floor surface F while autonomously traveling (self-propelled) on the floor surface F, which is an installation surface (cleaning surface). That is, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 automatically cleans the entire floor F. The vacuum cleaner 11 includes a hollow main body case 20, a traveling unit 21 for traveling the main body case 20 on the floor F, a cleaning unit 22 for cleaning dust such as the floor F, and a dust station 12. A communication unit 23 that communicates with an external device including, a sensor unit 24, a main unit control unit 26 as a vacuum cleaner control unit (a vacuum cleaner control unit) that controls the traveling unit 21, the cleaning unit 22, and the communication unit 23, A secondary battery 27 that supplies power to the traveling unit 21, the cleaning unit 22, the communication unit 23, the main body control unit 26, and the like is provided. The travel of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is controlled at least at the end of cleaning so as to move to the position of the dust station 12 and be connected to the dust station 12. In this embodiment, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is controlled to start cleaning, for example, starting from the dust station 12, and to return to and connect to the dust station 12 when the cleaning is completed.

  The main body case 20 is formed in a flat cylindrical shape (disk shape), for example, from a synthetic resin or the like, and has a suction port 31 serving as a dust collection port opened on a lower surface facing the floor surface F. Further, the main body case 20 is provided with a dust collecting portion 32 for storing dust sucked from the suction port 31. Furthermore, the main body case 20 may be provided with a dust discharge port 33 for discharging the dust in the dust collecting portion 32. The dust outlet 33 may be separate from the suction port 31, or the suction port 31 may be used as the dust outlet 33.

  The traveling unit 21 includes a plurality of (one pair) of driving wheels 34 as driving units, a motor 35 as a driving unit as an operating unit for driving the driving wheels 34, a turning wheel (not shown) for turning, and the like.

  The cleaning unit 22 includes, for example, an electric blower 38 that is located in the main body case 20 and sucks dust. The cleaning unit 22 is, for example, a rotatable brush that is rotatably attached to the suction port 31 and scrapes up dust, and a swivel that is rotatably mounted on both sides such as the front side of the main body case 20 to collect dust. A side brush or the like which is an auxiliary cleaning means as a cleaning unit may be further provided, or a rotary brush or a side brush may be provided instead of the electric blower 38.

  The communication unit 23 includes a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives wireless signals to and from an external device such as the dust station 12.

  The sensor unit 24 is, for example, a non-contact object detection unit or a contact detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a physical object (obstacle) such as a wall or furniture within a predetermined distance such as in front of or around the main body case 20, and A step detecting means (step detecting section) such as an infrared sensor for detecting a step on the floor F below the case 20 is provided.

  The main body control unit 26 includes, for example, a CPU that is a vacuum cleaner control unit main body (a vacuum cleaner control unit main body), a ROM that is a storage unit that stores fixed data such as a program read by the CPU, and data processing by the program. The microcomputer is provided with a RAM, which is an area storage unit for dynamically forming various memory areas such as a work area serving as a work area, and a timer (not shown) for measuring calendar information such as the current date and time. Further, the main body control unit 26 is electrically connected to each motor 35 of the traveling unit 21, the electric blower 38 of the cleaning unit 22, the communication unit 23, the sensor unit 24, and the like. The main body control unit 26 has a traveling mode in which the vehicle travels autonomously based on the detection result of the sensor unit 24, a charging mode in which the secondary battery 27 is charged, and a standby mode in which the operation is in standby.

  Further, the secondary battery 27 may be electrically connected to a charging terminal 39 serving as a connection portion exposed on the outer surface of the main body case 20, for example.

  On the other hand, the dust station 12 has a function of collecting the dust collected in the dust collecting section 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 with respect to the vacuum cleaner 11. In addition, the dust station 12 is a dust control product suitable for locally cleaning a part of the floor F, such as a mop or broom (not shown) or a floor cleaning tool, which is separate from the vacuum cleaner 11. On the other hand, it has a function of sucking dust collected by these or dust adhering to them. The dust station 12 is arranged at an arbitrary position on the floor F. Note that a function of charging the secondary battery 27 of the dust station 12 may be provided.

  Specifically, the dust station 12 includes a case body 41, a first suction port 42 and a second suction port 43 provided in the case body 41, a dust collection container 44 serving as a dust collection unit, and a case body 41. Suction means 45 accommodated in 41, suction air passage 46 located inside case body 41, switching means 47, detection unit 48 for detecting connection of vacuum cleaner 11, and dust collection as control means The control unit 49 includes a power supply unit 50 serving as a power supply for the suction unit 45, the detection unit 48, the dust collection control unit 49, and the like. When the dust station 12 has a function of charging the secondary battery 27 of the vacuum cleaner 11, a charging terminal 51 may be provided.

  The case body 41 is formed in a box shape using, for example, a synthetic resin. The case body 41 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  The first suction port 42 can be called an automatic suction port, and is connected to the vacuum cleaner 11 connected to the dust station 12. The first suction port 42 is located, for example, on the front side of the case body 41. The first suction port 42 may be configured to be connected to, for example, the dust discharge port 33 of the vacuum cleaner 11 or may be configured to be connected to the suction port 31. That is, the first suction port 42 is connected so as to communicate with the dust collecting section 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11. Therefore, hereinafter, the connection of the vacuum cleaner 11 to the dust station 12 means that the first suction port 42 and the dust collecting portion 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 are in communication with each other. When the dust station 12 has a function of charging the secondary battery 27 of the vacuum cleaner 11, when the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12, the charging terminal 39 of the vacuum cleaner 11 and the dust station 12 are connected. It is assumed that the charging terminal 51 is connected.

  The second suction port 43 can be called a manual suction port, and sucks dust collected by a dust control product separate from the vacuum cleaner 11 and dust attached to the dust control product. The second suction port 43 is opened, for example, at a lower portion on the side surface side of the case body 41, that is, adjacent to the floor surface F. In other words, the second suction port 43 is formed by cutting out the lower part of the case body 41.

  Each of the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 is connected to a suction air passage 46, and is connected to a suction side (upstream side) of a suction unit 45 via a dust collection container 44. One is configured to be selectively connected.

  The dust collection container 44 is a part that collects dust sucked from the first suction port 42 or the second suction port 43 through the suction air passage 46 by the operation of the suction means 45. As the dust collecting container 44, an appropriate one such as a paper pack, a filter, or a centrifugal separator can be used. It is preferable that the dust collecting container 44 be provided with a lid that is opened when the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 to allow the dust collecting container 44 to communicate with the suction air passage 46.

  The suction means 45 is, for example, an electric blower, and generates a negative pressure generated by operating by supplying power from the power supply unit 50 to the first suction port 42 or the second suction port 42 via the dust collection container 44 and the suction air passage 46. Is configured to act on the suction port 43.

  The suction air passage 46 is a duct portion branched so as to communicate with the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43, respectively.

  The switching means 47 selectively switches the communication between the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 with respect to the suction air passage 46 so that any one of the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 is provided. Is selectively connected to the suction means 45. The switching means 47 includes a switching valve 53 as a switching means main body, and a button 54 as an operated part. The switching means 47 may be provided with a connection detecting means (connection detecting section) 55 such as a micro switch for detecting the switching. Further, the switching means 47 also functions as an on / off switch for manually turning on / off the suction means 45 by a user.

  The switching valve 53 is disposed at a branch of the suction air passage 46, and operates so as to close one of the branches of the suction air passage 46 and open the other in conjunction with the operation of the button 54, A first position where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction side of the suction means 45 and a second position where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction side of the suction means 45 are alternately switched. It is configured.

  The button 54 is provided to be exposed at a location where the user can easily operate it, such as the upper part of the case body 41. By pressing this button 54, the switching valve 53 is configured to perform a switching operation between the first position and the second position. The operation of the button 54 and the switching valve 53 may be linked mechanically or electrically.

  The connection detecting means 55 detects which of the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45 by the switching valve 53. In other words, the connection detecting means 55 detects whether the switching valve 53 is at the first position or the second position.

  The detection unit 48 periodically detects whether or not the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12. Specifically, for example, the detection unit 48 receives a wireless signal output when the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 from the communication unit 23 of the vacuum cleaner 11 so that the vacuum cleaner 11 It detects that it is connected to the dust station 12.

  The dust collection control unit 49 controls the operation of the suction unit 45, and is, for example, a storage unit that stores fixed data such as a CPU serving as a control unit main body (control unit main body) and a program read by the CPU. ROM, a RAM that is an area storage unit that dynamically forms various memory areas such as a work area serving as a work area for data processing by a program, and a timer (not shown) that measures calendar information such as the current date and time. It is a microcomputer equipped. The dust collection control unit 49 is electrically connected to the connection detection unit 55 and the detection unit 48, respectively, and detects the switching position of the switching valve 53 by the connection detection unit 55, in other words, connects the first suction port 42 to the first suction port 42. It monitors which of the second suction ports 43 is connected to the suction means 45, and monitors whether the detection unit 48 detects connection of the vacuum cleaner 11 to the dust station 12. When the switching valve 53 is electrically operated, the operation of the switching valve 53 may be controlled by the dust collection control unit 49. Further, when the dust collection control unit 49 has a function of charging the secondary battery 27 of the vacuum cleaner 11 of the dust station 12, a constant current circuit or the like electrically connected to the charging terminal 51 is provided. A charging circuit may be provided. This charging circuit may be provided integrally with the dust collection control unit 49, or may be provided separately from the dust collection control unit 49.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 50 is a cord reel device provided with a power cord for supplying power from an external power supply (not shown) such as a commercial AC power supply, but a battery or the like may be used, for example.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  The dust station 12 has a first process from start-up to automatic stop in a state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, and a second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45. A second process when the first suction port 42 is switched from the state to the state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, a third processing when the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, In addition, a fourth process of automatically stopping the suction means 45 in a state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45 is performed.

  More specifically, in a state where the power supply unit 50 is connected to an external power supply, that is, in a normal startup state, the dust station 12 is configured such that the switching valve 53 of the switching unit 47 is in the first position, that is, the first suction port 42 is in the suction state. It is in a state of being connected to the means 45. In this state, for example, when the vacuum cleaner 11 that has finished cleaning returns to the dust station 12 and is connected to the dust station 12, the dust collection control unit 49 activates the suction unit 45 to collect the vacuum cleaner 11. The dust collected by the dust part 32 is sucked from the first suction port 42 to the dust collection container 44 via the suction air passage 46 and collected. When the suction unit 45 operates for a first predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), the dust collection control unit 49 automatically stops the suction unit 45.

  When the main body controller 26 is in the charging mode or the standby mode in a state where the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12, that is, when the dust collector 12 of the vacuum cleaner 11 When dust is not transferred to the dust container 44, or when the vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from the dust station 12 and performing cleaning (the detecting unit 48 connects the vacuum cleaner 11 to the dust station 12). When the user operates the button 54 (e.g., when it is not detected that the first suction port 42 is operated), the switching valve 53 is operated to change the state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 to the second suction port 43. Is switched to a state of being connected to the suction means 45, and the dust collection control unit 49 activates the suction means 45 to collect dust such as dust control products from the second suction port 43 through the suction air passage 46. Suck into container 44 and collect . Thereafter, when the user operates the button 54 again, the dust collection control unit 49 stops the suction means 45, and the switching valve 53 operates to connect the second suction port 43 to the suction means 45. The first suction port 42 is switched to a state in which the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45. For example, if the user temporarily stops for a second predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds longer than the first predetermined time, unlike the first predetermined time), If the button 54 has not been operated, the dust collection control unit 49 automatically stops the suction unit 45 for energy saving or the like.

  When the dust is sucked from the dust collecting portion 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 by the first suction port 42, the button 54 is operated to switch the second suction port 43 to be connected to the suction means 45. Then, the suction from the first suction port 42 is interrupted, and the suction from the second suction port 43 is started.

  Here, when the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, such as when the user is using the suction of dust from the second suction port 43, the vacuum cleaner 11 When the connection is made by returning to 12, the control is performed so that dust is not sucked from the first suction port 42.

  More specifically, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the dust collection control unit 49 detects whether the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 by checking the detection of the detection unit 48 (step 1).

  Next, the dust collection control unit 49 determines whether or not the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 (Step 2).

  If it is determined in step 2 that the connection is not established, the process returns to step 1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2 that the connection has been made, the dust collection control unit 49 checks the detection of the connection detection unit 55 to determine which of the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 Is connected to the suction means 45 (step 3).

  Next, the dust collection control unit 49 determines whether or not the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 (Step 4).

  If it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the dust collection control unit 49 operates the suction means 45 for a (first) predetermined time to perform electric cleaning. The dust in the dust collecting section 32 of the machine 11 is sucked and collected from the first suction port 42 into the dust collecting container 44 via the suction air passage 46 (Step 5), and the process returns to Step 1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is not connected to the suction means 45 (the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45), the process returns to step 1 as it is. Thus, the dust collection control unit 49 does not activate the suction unit 45 and does not suck dust from the first suction port 42.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the first suction port 42 of the dust station 12 is connected to the suction means 45, the collection of the vacuum cleaner 11 is performed at the first suction port 42. When the dust part 32 is connected, the suction means 45 sucks dust from the dust collecting part 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 through the first suction port 42, while the second suction port 43 of the dust station 12 is connected to the suction means. In the state where the dust collecting section 45 is connected to the dust collecting section 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 even if the dust collecting section 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the first suction port 42 of the dust station 12 by returning the vacuum cleaner 11 or the like. Dust is not sucked in from the dust collecting part 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 through the suction port 42. Therefore, even if the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 while sucking dust such as a dust control product using the second suction port 43, the suction from the second suction port 43 has priority. As a result, the user is not stressed and the usability is improved.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the same components and operations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  The second embodiment includes the following step 7 in addition to the first embodiment.

  That is, if it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is not connected to the suction means 45 (the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45), the process waits for a predetermined standby time. (Step 7) Return to step 3.

  With this configuration, when it is determined that the first suction port 42 is not connected to the suction means 45 (the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45), the first suction port 42 is not connected to the suction means 45. Until the suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the suction of dust from the first suction port 42 is not performed. For example, the user presses the button 54 to end the suction of dust from the second suction port 43. When the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, for example, when the switching valve 53 is switched to the first position by operation, the suction means 45 through the first suction port 42 The dust in the dust collecting section 32 is sucked. Therefore, it is not necessary to leave the dust in the dust collecting section 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11, and for example, in the next cleaning, the vacuum cleaner 11 performs the cleaning while leaving the dust in the dust collecting section 32. Never started.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to each said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the third embodiment, in addition to the above-described second embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 while the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45 in the dust collection control unit 49. It has a connection identifier (return identifier) for identifying whether or not a connection has been established, and has the following steps 10 to 14.

  The connection identifier is, for example, a flag that takes a value of either 0 or 1. For example, in a state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 (the first suction port). It is set to 1 when it is connected to 42), and to 0 otherwise.

  If it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the dust collection control unit 49 determines whether the connection identifier is 1 (second suction port). It is determined whether or not the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 in a state where 43 is connected to the suction means 45 (step 10).

  In this step 10, if the connection identifier is not 1 (the connection identifier is 0), that is, if the vacuum cleaner 11 is not connected to the dust station 12 while the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, If it is determined, proceed to Step 5.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 10 that the connection identifier is 1, that is, if it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 while the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, until immediately before It is determined that dust has been sucked in from the second suction port 43, the connection identifier is set to 0 (step 11), and after waiting for a second predetermined standby time (step 12), the process proceeds to step 5. Therefore, after the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 with the second suction port 43 connected to the suction means 45, the switching valve is connected so that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45. Even if 53 is switched, the suction from the first suction port 42 is not immediately started, and the suction from the first suction port 42 is started after the second predetermined standby time has elapsed. .

  If it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is not connected to the suction means 45 (the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45), the dust collection control section 49 Sets the connection identifier to 1 (step 13), waits for a first predetermined standby time (step 14), and returns to step 3.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the first suction port 42 in a state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the first suction port 42 is connected to the first suction port 42. A predetermined time (second predetermined standby time) has elapsed since the first suction port 42 was connected to the suction means 45 without sucking dust from the vacuum cleaner 11 until the suction port 42 was connected to the suction means 45. After that, the suction means 45 is driven to suck the dust in the dust collecting portion 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 from the first suction port 42.

  Therefore, for example, when it takes time to perform switching by the switching valve 53, it is possible to prevent the switching of the switching valve 53 from being hindered by the negative pressure due to the operation of the suction unit 45.

  Further, for example, when the suction means 45 is driven immediately after the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the suction means is required for the user to terminate the suction of dust from the second suction port 43. Despite the operation of the button 54 to stop the 45, the switching means 53 switches the first suction port 42 to be connected to the suction means 45, so that the suction means 45 continuously operates. Therefore, there is a concern that the user may erroneously recognize that the malfunction has occurred and operate the button 54 unnecessarily. Therefore, the above-described erroneous recognition can be suppressed by temporarily stopping the suction means 45 after the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 and leaving it for a predetermined time until driving.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to each said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the dust station 12 includes a lamp 57 as a display unit as a notification unit.

  The lamp 57 is arranged at a place that is easily visible by the user, such as the upper part of the case body 41. As the lamp 57, for example, an LED is used. The lighting state of the lamp 57 is controlled by, for example, a dust collection control unit 49.

  Then, as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, when it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the dust collection control unit 49 turns the lamp 57 off. After performing (Step 21), the process proceeds to Step 5.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is not connected to the suction means 45 (the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45), the dust collection control section 49 Turns on the lamp 57 (step 22) and returns to step 1.

Thus, when the dust collecting portion 32 of the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the first suction port 42 in a state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the first suction port 42 When the lamp 57 is turned on and the connection is notified by not lighting the dust, the user can visually check the lamp 57 so that the user can perform the electric cleaning through the first suction port 42 by the suction means 45. It can be identified that dust is not sucked in from the dust collecting section 32 of the machine 11.

  Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to each said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The fifth embodiment is a combination of the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

  That is, if it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the dust collection control unit 49 turns off the lamp 57 (step 25), and then proceeds to step 5 Proceed to.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 4 that the first suction port 42 is not connected to the suction means 45 (the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45), the dust collection control section 49 Turns on the lamp 57 (step 26) and proceeds to step 7.

As described above, when the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the first suction port 42 in a state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the suction of dust from the first suction port 42 is stopped. Since the lamp 57 is turned on and the connection is notified by turning on the lamp 57, the user can visually check the lamp 57 so that the user can use the suction means 45 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 11 through the first suction port 42. with the part 32 can identify that no inhale dust, lamp when the next operation of the dust station 12 (lamp 57 is in when lit, the first suction port 42 thereafter are connected to a suction means 45 The user can expect that 57 will be turned off and the suction means 45 will be driven to suck dust from the first suction port 42).

  Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to each said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The sixth embodiment is a combination of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

  That is, when it is determined in step 10 that the connection identifier is 1, that is, when it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 while the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, Further, after step 12, there is provided a step 28 in which the dust collection control section 49 turns off the lamp 57, and a step 29 in which the dust collection control section 49 turns on the lamp 57 after step 13.

As described above, when the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the first suction port 42 in a state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the suction of dust from the first suction port 42 is stopped. Since the lamp 57 is turned on and the connection is notified by turning on the lamp 57, the user can visually check the lamp 57 so that the user can use the suction means 45 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 11 through the first suction port 42. with the part 32 can identify that no inhale dust, predetermined time following operation of the dust station 12 (lamp 57 is in when lit, the first suction port 42 thereafter are connected to a suction means 45 After a certain time, the user can expect that the lamp 57 will be turned off and the suction means 45 will be driven to suck dust from the first suction port 42).

  Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to each said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the lamp 57 also functions as a power lamp.

  That is, the lamp 57 is configured to be turned on when the power of the dust station 12 is turned on (in a state where a power cord is connected to an outlet such as a wall and power is supplied from an external power supply). The lamp 57 is turned off when the power is not turned on, and the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the first suction port 42 while the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45. In this state, the lighting is controlled to blink, for example. Therefore, the lamp 57 is connected to the first suction port 42 while the power supply is turned on, the power supply is not turned on, and the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45. The displayed state is different from the displayed state.

  Specifically, after the start of the control (the power is turned on), before step 1, the dust collection control unit 49 turns on the lamp 57 in step 31 and instead of step 28, the dust collection control unit 49 And a step 33 in which the dust collection control unit 49 turns the lamp 57 on and off in place of the step 29. In the power-off state, since power is not supplied from the power supply unit 50 to the lamp 57, the lamp 57 is automatically turned off.

As described above, when the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the first suction port 42 while the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the suction of dust from the first suction port 42 is stopped. The connection is notified by blinking the lamp 57 without performing this operation. By visually checking the lamp 57, the user can use the suction means 45 to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner 11 through the first suction port 42. with the part 32 can identify that no inhale dust, predetermined time following operation of the dust station 12 (lamp 57 is in when the flashes, the first suction port 42 thereafter are connected to a suction means 45 After a time, the lamp 57 is turned off and the suction means 45 is driven to drive the first suction port 42 to suck dust). There is no need to provide a separate power lamp, which reduces component costs. Can be reduced.

  In the fourth to seventh embodiments, the change in the lighting state of the lamp 57 can be, for example, a change such as a different lighting color, in addition to lighting, blinking, and extinguishing.

  Further, the notification means is not limited to the lamp 57, and may be a notification using, for example, a sound.

  In each of the above embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 11 connected to the first suction port 42 may not be an autonomous traveling type. For example, it is assumed that the user has installed the vacuum cleaner 11 in the dust station 12. The connection of the vacuum cleaner 11 to the first suction port 42 may be detected by detecting the connection of the charging terminal of the rechargeable vacuum cleaner 11.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the use of the second suction port 43 for sucking dust of a dust control product such as a mop is prioritized over the use of the first suction port 42, and the usability can be improved.

  As a result, in addition to the automatic cleaning by the vacuum cleaner 11 that widely cleans the entire floor F, for example, when the dust is cleaned by a dust control product suitable for quickly cleaning a part of the floor F locally, the Can be intensively collected in the dust station 12, so that it is possible to cope with more appropriate cleaning by combining the cleaning by the vacuum cleaner 11 and the cleaning by the dust control product as needed.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

11 Vacuum cleaner
12 Dust station as dust collector
32 Dust collection unit
42 1st inlet
43 Second suction port
45 Suction means
57 Lamp as display means as notification means

Claims (5)

A first suction port connected to a dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner,
A second suction port different from the first suction port,
A suction unit selectively connected to one of the first suction port and the second suction port and sucking dust from one of the first suction port and the second suction port by driving; Have,
In a state where the first suction port is connected to the suction means, when the dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner is connected to the first suction port, the suction means causes the dust collection section to pass through the first suction port. When the dust is sucked from the dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner and the second suction port is connected to the suction means, the dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner is connected to the first suction port. However, the dust suction device prevents the dust from being sucked from the dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner through the first suction port by the suction means. When the dust collecting portion of the electric vacuum cleaner is connected to the first suction port in a state where the second suction port is connected to the suction means, the first suction port is connected to the suction means. The dust collecting device according to claim 1, wherein dust is prevented from being sucked from a dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner. When the dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner is connected to the first suction port in a state where the second suction port is connected to the suction means, the first suction port is connected to the suction means. The dust collecting device according to claim 2, wherein after a predetermined time has elapsed, dust is sucked in from a dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner. Claims: A notifying means for notifying, when the dust collecting portion of the vacuum cleaner is connected to the first suction port in a state where the second suction port is connected to the suction means, the connection. Item 4. The dust collector according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The notifying unit includes a power-on state, a power-off state, a state in which the second suction port is connected to the suction means, and a state in which the dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner is connected to the first suction port. 5. The dust collecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display means displays different display states.

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