JP6710523B2 - Dust collector - Google Patents

Description

The embodiment of the present invention relates to a dust collecting device including a suction unit that sucks dust from either the first suction port or the second suction port.

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, as a dust collecting device, there has been a two-way switching dust collecting device which is separately provided with a function of sucking dust collected by a dust control product such as a dust mop and a function of sucking dust such as a floor surface. is there.

On the other hand, as an electric vacuum cleaner, a so-called robot cleaner is known which cleans a floor surface while autonomously traveling. When such a self-propelled electric vacuum cleaner finishes cleaning, it returns to the dust station, transfers and collects the collected dust to the dust station, and controls the built-in secondary battery to be charged. There is something. Therefore, it is conceivable to apply the above dust collecting device as a dust station of such an electric vacuum cleaner.

In the case of the configuration in which the air passage is switched by the switching valve so that any of the plurality of suction ports is connected to the common suction means, it is possible to prevent the operation of the switching valve from being hindered by the action of the negative pressure of the suction means. Will be needed.

JP, 2005-39382, A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dust collector that can suppress switching failure of the switching valve due to negative pressure generated by driving of the suction means.

The dust collector of the embodiment has a first suction port, a second suction port, a suction unit, a switching valve, a connection detection unit, and a control unit . The first suction port communicates with the dust collecting portion of the electric vacuum cleaner and sucks dust from the dust collecting portion. The second suction port is provided at a position different from that of the first suction port, opens to the outside air, and sucks dust together with the outside air. The switching valve switches so as to connect the suction means to either the first suction port or the second suction port. The connection detection means detects which of the first suction port and the second suction port the suction means is connected to by the switching valve. The control means controls the drive of the suction means. The connection detection means detects the switching valve from the second suction port to the suction means from the second suction port immediately before the switching valve starts switching the connection from the first suction port to the second suction port. The state immediately after switching to the mouth is detected as the state in which the second suction port is connected to the suction means, and at other times as the state in which the first suction port is connected to the suction means. The control means starts driving the suction means at least a predetermined time after the connection detection means detects that the second suction opening is connected to the suction means, so that the suction means causes the first suction opening with respect to the suction means. The start of the drive is delayed with respect to the start of switching the connection by the switching valve from the to the second suction port.

It is a block diagram which shows typically the internal structure of the electric cleaning apparatus provided with the dust collector of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the electric cleaning apparatus same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows control of a dust collector same as the above. 7 is a timing chart showing the switching operation of the switching valve of the dust collector, the detection timing by the connection detection means, and the operation timing of the suction means. It is a flowchart which shows control of the dust collector of 2nd Embodiment. 7 is a timing chart showing the switching operation of the switching valve of the dust collector, the detection timing by the connection detection means, and the operation timing of the suction means. It is a flow chart which shows control of a dust collector of a 3rd embodiment. 7 is a timing chart showing the switching operation of the switching valve of the dust collector, the detection timing by the connection detection means, and the operation timing of the suction means. It is a block diagram which shows typically the internal structure of the electric cleaning apparatus provided with the dust collector of 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows control of a dust collector same as the above. 7 is a timing chart showing the switching operation of the switching valve of the dust collector, the detection timing by the connection detection means, and the operation timing of the suction means.

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

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes an electric cleaning device. The electric cleaning device 10 includes an autonomous traveling type electric vacuum cleaner 11 and a dust station 12 as a dust collecting device which is a base portion 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-propelling) on the floor surface F that is an installation surface (surface to be cleaned). That is, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 automatically cleans the entire floor surface F. The electric vacuum cleaner 11 includes a hollow main body case 20, a traveling portion 21 for traveling the main body case 20 on a floor surface F, a cleaning portion 22 for cleaning dust on the floor surface F, and a dust station 12. A communication unit 23 that communicates with an external device including a sensor unit 24, a traveling unit 21, a cleaning unit 22, and a main body control unit 26 as an electric vacuum cleaner control unit (electric vacuum cleaner control unit) that controls the communication unit 23, It is provided with a secondary battery 27 for supplying power to the traveling unit 21, the cleaning unit 22, the communication unit 23, the main body control unit 26 and the like. The electric vacuum cleaner 11 is controlled to move to the position of the dust station 12 and connected to the dust station 12 at least at the end of cleaning. In the present embodiment, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is controlled to travel, for example, starting cleaning from the dust station 12 as a starting point and returning to the dust station 12 to be connected when cleaning is completed.

The main body case 20 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin into a flat columnar shape (disc shape), and a suction port 31 which is a dust collecting port is opened on the lower surface facing the floor surface F. Further, the main body case 20 is provided with a dust collecting portion 32 for collecting the dust sucked from the suction port 31. Further, 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 discharge port 33 may be separate from the suction port 31, or the suction port 31 may be used as the dust discharge port 33.

The traveling unit 21 includes drive wheels 34 as a plurality (a pair) of drive units, a motor 35 that is a drive unit as an operation unit that drives the drive wheels 34, a swing wheel for turning (not shown), and the like.

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

The communication unit 23 includes a transmission/reception unit that transmits/receives a wireless signal to/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 main body. A step detecting unit (step detecting unit) 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 is, for example, a CPU which is a main body of an electric vacuum cleaner control unit (a main body of an electric vacuum cleaner control unit), a ROM which is a storage unit which stores fixed data such as a program read by the CPU, and data processing by the program. The microcomputer includes a RAM that is an area storage unit that dynamically forms various memory areas such as a work area that is a work area of, a timer that counts calendar information such as the current date and time (each not shown). 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 it autonomously travels 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 on standby.

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

On the other hand, the dust station 12 generally has a function of collecting the dust collected in the dust collecting portion 32 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 with respect to the electric vacuum cleaner 11. Further, the dust station 12 is a dust control product, which is separate from the electric vacuum cleaner 11, and which is suitable for locally cleaning a part of the floor surface F, such as a mop or broom (not shown), or a floor cleaning tool. On the other hand, it has a function of sucking dust collected by them or dust adhering to them. The dust station 12 is arranged at any place on the floor F. The dust station 12 may have a function of charging the secondary battery 27.

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 collecting container 44 as a dust collecting unit, and a case body. Suction means 45 housed 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. A control unit 49 and 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 are provided. When the dust station 12 has a function of charging the secondary battery 27 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11, a charging terminal 51 may be provided.

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

The first suction port 42 is also called an automatic suction port, and is connected to the electric vacuum cleaner 11 connected to the dust station 12. The first suction port 42 is located on the front side of the case body 41, for example. The first suction port 42 may be configured to be connected to, for example, the dust discharge port 33 of the electric 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 portion 32 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11. Therefore, hereinafter, that the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 means that the first suction port 42 and the dust collecting portion 32 of the electric 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 electric vacuum cleaner 11, when the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12, the charging terminal 39 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 and the dust station 12 It is assumed that the charging terminal 51 is connected.

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

The first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 are respectively communicated with the suction air passage 46, and are connected to the suction side (upstream side) of the suction means 45 through the dust collecting container 44. One is configured to be selectively connected.

The dust collecting container 44 is a portion for collecting the 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 container 44, a suitable one such as a paper pack, a filter, or a centrifugal separator can be used. The dust container 44 is preferably provided with a lid that opens when the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 so that the dust container 44 communicates with the suction air passage 46.

The suction means 45 is, for example, an electric blower, and the negative pressure generated by being operated by the power supply from the power source section 50 is passed through the dust container 44 and the suction air passage 46 to the first suction port 42 or the second suction port 42. Is configured to act on the suction port 43 of the.

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 to select one of the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43. This switching means 47, which selectively connects to the suction means 45, includes a switching valve 53 as a switching means main body and a button 54 as an operated part. Further, 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 has a function of an on/off switch for allowing the user to manually turn on/off the suction means 45.

The switching valve 53 is arranged at the branch portion of the suction air passage 46, and by operating in conjunction with the operation of the button 54 to close one of the branch portions of the suction air passage 46 and open the other, The first position where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction side of the suction means 45 and the second position where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction side of the suction means 45 are switched alternately. It is configured.

The button 54 is provided so as to be exposed at a place where the user can easily operate it, such as the upper portion of the case body 41. When the button 54 is pressed, the switching valve 53 is configured to switch between the first position and the second position. The operation of the button 54 and the switching valve 53 may be mechanically linked or may be electrically linked.

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 in the first position or the second position. In the present embodiment, the connection detecting means 55 is configured such that the switching valve 53 starts switching the connection of the suction means 45 from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 (the first suction port 42 is the suction means). From immediately after the operation of the button 54 from the state of being connected to 45) to immediately after the switching valve 53 switches from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 with respect to the suction means 45. The suction port 43 is detected as being connected to the suction means 45, and the other times are detected as the first suction port 42 being connected to the suction means 45. FIG. 4 shows the timing of the detection by the connection detection means 55 and the switching of the connection of the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 to the suction means 45 by the switching valve 53. In FIG. 4, P1 indicates the first period in which the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, and P2 indicates the connection to the suction means 45 from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43. A second period in which switching is performed, P3 indicates a third period in which the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, and P4 indicates connection to the suction means 45 from the second suction port 43 to the first. A fourth period in which the suction port 42 is switched to is shown. For such detection, for example, by adjusting the position of the pusher for switching on/off of the connection detecting means 55 with respect to the operating position of the switching valve 53, the timing of switching on/off of the connection detecting means 55 is adjusted. It can be easily realized by doing.

The detection unit 48 shown in FIG. 1 periodically detects whether or not the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12. Specifically, the detection unit 48 receives the wireless signal output when the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12, from the communication unit 23 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11, for example. 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 a storage unit that stores fixed data such as a CPU that is a control unit main body (control unit main body) and a program read by the CPU. A ROM, a RAM that is an area storage unit that dynamically forms various memory areas such as a work area that serves as a work area for data processing by a program, a timer that counts calendar information such as the current date and time (each not shown) It is a microcomputer equipped. The dust collecting control unit 49 is electrically connected to the connection detecting unit 55 and the detecting unit 48, respectively, and detects the switching position of the switching valve 53 by the connection detecting unit 55, in other words, the first suction port 42. The detection of which of the second suction ports 43 is connected to the suction means 45 and the detection of the connection of the vacuum cleaner 11 to the dust station 12 by the detection unit 48 are monitored. Further, the dust collection control unit 49 has a current state identifier S for identifying which of the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 is currently connected to the suction means 45, and the dust station 12 And a connection identifier D for identifying whether or not the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected. In the present embodiment, the current state identifier S is 1 when the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, and 2 when the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45. It becomes 0 in the state. The connection identifier D is 0 when the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is not connected to the dust station 12, and is 1 when the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12. Further, the dust collection control section 49 connects the first suction port 42 to the suction means 45 and connects the first counter C1 for counting the suction time and the second suction port 43 to the suction means 45. And a second counter C2 for counting the suctioned time.

Then, in the present embodiment, the dust collection control unit 49 starts driving the suction unit 45 after a predetermined period of time after the connection detection unit 55 detects that the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction unit 45. This predetermined time is set longer than this time in correspondence with the time required for switching the connection from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 by the switching valve 53 (FIG. 3). 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. When the dust collection control unit 49 has a function of charging the secondary battery 27 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 of the dust station 12, when the dust collection control unit 49 has a constant current circuit electrically connected to the charging terminal 51. A charging circuit can also 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 including 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 can also be used.

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

In the dust station 12, as a general rule, the first process from the start to the automatic stop in the state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45. The second process when the first suction port 42 is switched to the state in which the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the third process in the state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, And the 4th process of the automatic stop of the suction means 45 in the state which the 2nd suction port 43 was connected to the suction means 45 is each performed.

More specifically, when the power supply unit 50 is connected to an external power supply, that is, in a normal start-up state, in the dust station 12, the switching valve 53 of the switching means 47 is at the first position, that is, the first suction port 42 sucks. 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 means 45 to collect the vacuum cleaner 11. The dust collected in the dust section 32 is sucked from the first suction port 42 through the suction air passage 46 into the dust collecting container 44 to be collected. The dust collecting control unit 49 automatically stops the suction means 45 when the suction means 45 operates for a first predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds).

Further, when the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 and the main body control unit 26 is in the charging mode or the standby mode, that is, from the dust collecting unit 32 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 to the dust station 12. When dust is not being transferred to the dust container 44, or when the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from the dust station 12 for cleaning (the detection unit 48 connects the electric vacuum cleaner 11 to the dust station 12). When the user operates the button 54 (for example, when it is not detected), the switching valve 53 operates to change the state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 to the second suction port 43. Is 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. It is sucked into the container 44 and collected. Then, if the user operates the button 54 again, the dust collecting control section 49 stops the suction means 45, and the switching valve 53 operates to connect the second suction port 43 to the suction means 45. From the first suction port 42 to a state in which the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, for example, if the user has a second predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds longer than the first predetermined time, which is different from the first predetermined time). ) If the button 54 is not operated, the dust collecting control section 49 automatically stops the suction means 45 to save energy.

These operations will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the processes of steps 1 to 15 described later correspond to the first process, and the processes of steps 1 to 4 and steps 16 to 18 correspond to the second process. , Steps 1 to 3 and Steps 19 to 23 correspond to the third processing, and Steps 1 to 3, Step 19, and Steps 24 to 27 correspond to the fourth processing. There is.

That is, the dust station 12 initializes the counters C1 and C2, the connection identifier D, and the current state identifier S of the dust collection control unit 49 when the power is turned on (step 1).

Next, the dust collection control unit 49 detects which of the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction unit 45 by checking the detection of the connection detection unit 55 ( Based on this detection, it is determined whether or not the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 (step 3) (step 3).

In this step 3, when it is determined that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the dust collection control unit 49 is continuously connected to the suction means 45 until then. It is determined whether or not the suction port 42 is, that is, the current state identifier S is 1 (step 4). Therefore, by the blocks of step 3 and step 4, the dust collection control unit 49 determines whether or not the state in which the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 continues.

Then, in step 4, when it is determined that the current state identifier S is 1, it is determined that the state in which the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 continues, and the dust collection control is performed. The unit 49 determines whether the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is not connected to the dust station 12, that is, whether the connection identifier D is 0 (step 5).

When it is determined in step 5 that the connection identifier D is 0, that is, the vacuum cleaner 11 is not connected to the dust station 12, the dust collection control unit 49 checks the detection of the detection unit 48 (step 6). Then, it is judged whether or not the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 (step 7).

When it is determined in step 7 that the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is not connected to the dust station 12, the process returns to step 2 after waiting for a predetermined unit time (step 8). By adjusting the time from the input of step 2 to the output of step 8 to be the predetermined time, step 8 waiting for this unit time makes the time unit counted by the counters C1 and C2 the predetermined time. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 7 that the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12, the dust collection control unit 49 sets the connection identifier D to 1 (step 9), and the suction means 45 is set. It is driven (step 10), the first counter C1 is incremented (1 is added to the first counter C1) (step 11), and the process proceeds to step 8. Note that, hereinafter, the step of driving the suction means 45 is a step of continuing the driving of the suction means 45 when the suction means 45 has already been driven.

When it is determined in step 5 that the connection identifier D is not 0, that is, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 of the dust station 12 is connected, the dust collection control unit 49 connects the first suction port 42 to the suction means 45. Whether or not the first counter C1 is continuously operated for a longer time than the first predetermined time in the above-described state, that is, whether the first counter C1 is larger than the first time threshold value ST1 stored in advance corresponding to the first predetermined time. Judge (C1>ST1) (step 12).

When it is determined in this step 12 that the first counter C1 is not larger than the first time threshold value ST1 (is equal to or less than the first time threshold value ST1), the suction means 45 may be continuously operated. If so, go to Step 11.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 12 that the first counter C1 is larger than the first time threshold value ST1, the dust in the dust collecting portion 32 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is sufficiently removed from the first suction port 42 by the dust station. Judging that the dust has been transferred to the 12 dust collecting containers 44, the dust collecting control unit 49 initializes the connection identifier D to 0 (step 13), and stops the suction means 45 (step 14), and the first counter. Initialize C1 to 0 (step 15) and proceed to step 8. Note that hereinafter, the step of stopping the suction means 45 is a step of continuing the stop of the suction means 45 if the suction means 45 has already stopped.

In the following, the processes of steps 5 to 7 and steps 9 to 15 will be defined as the first suction process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 4 that the current state identifier S is not 1 (0), the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, and the first button 54 is operated. It is determined that the switching valve 53 has been operated so that the suction port 42 is switched to the state in which the suction port 45 is connected, and the user is using the second suction port 43, that is, the second suction port. Since it is assumed that dust such as dust control products is sucked into the dust collecting container 44 by driving the suction means 45 from 43, the dust collecting control unit 49 sets the current state identifier S to 1 (step 16 ), the suction means 45 is stopped (step 17), the second counter C2 is initialized to 0 (step 18), and then the process proceeds to step 8. That is, when the user operates the button 54 while sucking dust from the second suction port 43, the dust collection control unit 49 stops the suction unit 45 and the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction unit 45. It will switch to the state that was set. In other words, when the use of the second suction port 43 is finished, the user operates the button 54 to stop the suction means 45 and finish sucking dust from the second suction port 43. The first suction port 42 is in a standby state in which it is connected to the suction means 45.

When it is determined in step 3 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 unit 49 Determines whether the second suction port 43 has been connected to the suction means 45 so far, that is, the current state identifier S is 2 (step 19). Therefore, according to the blocks of step 3 and step 19, the dust collection control unit 49 determines whether or not the state in which the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45 continues.

Then, when it is determined in step 19 that the current state identifier S is not 2, the second suction port 43 is changed to the suction means from the state in which the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 by the operation of the button 54. Judging that the switching valve 53 has been operated so as to switch to the state connected to 45, the dust collection control unit 49 sets the current state identifier S to 2 (step 20) and sets the connection identifier D to 0. After initializing (step 21) and initializing the first counter C1 to 0 (step 22), the second counter C2 is incremented (1 is added to the second counter C2) (step 23), and step 8 Proceed to. At this time, it is assumed that the first suction port 42 is in use, that is, it is assumed that the dust of the dust collecting portion 32 of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is sucked from the first suction port 42, so the connection identifier D Also, by initializing the first counter C1 to 0, the first time threshold value ST1 and the first counter C1 are set when the first suction port 42 is switched to the state of being connected to the suction means 45 next time. It is possible to prevent suction from the first suction port 42 for the time difference (ST1-C1).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 19 that the current state identifier S is 2, the state in which the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45 continues, and the user is in the second suction state. Since it is assumed that the mouth 43 is being used, the dust collection control unit 49 determines whether or not the second counter C2 has reached a preset delay time TD (C2=TD). (Step 24).

When it is determined in step 24 that the second counter C2 has reached the delay time TD, the dust collection control unit 49 drives the suction means 45 (step 25), and proceeds to step 27.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 24 that the second counter C2 has not reached the delay time TD, the second suction port 43 is continuously connected to the suction means 45 for longer than the second predetermined time. Whether or not the second counter C2 is larger than a prestored second time threshold value ST2 corresponding to the second predetermined time (C2>ST2) (step 2) 26).

In this step 26, when it is determined that the second counter C2 is not larger than the second time threshold value ST2 (the second time threshold value ST2 or less), the suction means 45 may still be operated. If so, go to Step 23.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 26 that the second counter C2 is larger than the second time threshold value ST2, the dust collecting control unit 49 takes into consideration the overheating due to the continuous operation of the suction means 45 for a long time. The means 45 is stopped (step 27) and the process proceeds to step 8.

As described above, in the state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the suction means 45 is driven and automatically stopped after the first predetermined time, and the second suction port 43 becomes the suction means 45. In the connected state, the suction means 45 can be driven and stopped by a predetermined operation, for example, the operation of the button 54, and a second predetermined time different from the first predetermined time while the suction means 45 is driven. Since the suction means 45 is automatically stopped when not stopped, the operating time of the suction means 45 can be set depending on whether the first suction port 42 is used or the second suction port 43 is used. ..

For example, in the case of the first suction port 42 that sucks dust from the dust collecting portion 32 of the autonomous traveling type vacuum cleaner 11 and transfers it to the dust collecting container 44, the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the dust station 12 (return). The vacuum cleaner 11 may be cleaned when the user is absent.Therefore, the suction means 45 is not activated manually by the user, but the vacuum cleaner 11 is used. By automatically activating the suction means 45 at the timing when 11 is connected to the dust station 12, suction from the first suction port 42 is started, the burden on the user can be reduced, and usability can be improved. Further, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is not only connected to the dust station 12 (first suction port 42) in substantially the same state each time, but also the transfer of dust from the dust collecting portion 32 to the dust collecting container 44 is compared. Since it is completed in a relatively short time, it is not necessary to operate the suction means 45 for a long time when sucking dust from the first suction port 42, and the suction means 45 is automatically stopped at a fixed suction time to allow the user to use the suction means 45. However, there is no burden of stopping by manual operation, etc., and usability can be improved.

On the other hand, in the case of the second suction port 43 that sucks the dust adhering to the dust control product such as the mop or scraped by the dust control product into the dust collecting container 44, at any timing after the user uses the dust control product. It is assumed that the suction means 45 must be started at the same time, and that the required suction time is different each time depending on the amount of dust and the degree of adhesion, so the user can set the start and stop timing of the suction means 45 according to a predetermined operation. In the present embodiment, by voluntarily making a decision by operating the button 54, the suction time is unlikely to be insufficient or excessive, and usability can be improved. Further, when the suction means 45 is continuously operated for a long time, that is, when the suction means 45 is continuously operated for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time, the suction means 45 is automatically stopped to thereby suck the suction means 45. It is possible to protect the suction means 45 against overheating without continuing the operating state for a long time.

Then, in the present embodiment, the connection detecting means 55 causes the switching valve 53 to start switching the connection of the switching valve 53 to the suction means 45 from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43. The state immediately after switching from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 with respect to 45 is detected as the state in which the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, and the dust collection control unit 49 The drive of the suction means 45 is started at least a predetermined time after the connection detection means 55 detects that the second suction opening 43 is connected to the suction means 45, that is, from the actual first suction opening 42 by the switching valve 53. By delaying the drive timing of the suction means 45 with respect to the timing of switching the connection of the suction means 45 to the second suction opening 43, the suction means 45 is transferred from the first suction opening 42 to the second suction opening 43. The suction means 45 starts driving after the connection with the suction means 45 is switched, and the switching valve 53 due to the negative pressure of the suction means 45 when switching the connection from the first suction opening 42 to the second suction opening 43 Can be suppressed.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The same components and operations as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In addition to the first embodiment, the second embodiment has a step 29 in which the dust collection control section 49 stops the suction means 45 after step 22.

That is, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5, in the step 20, the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45 from the state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 by the operation of the button 54. It is determined that the switching valve 53 is operated so as to switch to the closed state, and the first suction port 42 is in use, that is, the dust collection of the vacuum cleaner 11 is performed from the first suction port 42. It is assumed that the dust of the part 32 is inhaled. At this time, the connection detecting means 55 starts switching the switching valve 53 from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 with respect to the suction means 45 (immediately after the button 54 is started to operate). Since the suction port 43 is detected as being connected to the suction means 45, the process of step 2, step 3, step 19, step 20 to step 22 and step 29 allows the first suction port 42 to be in use. Immediately after the user starts operating the button 54, the suction means 45 is stopped (FIG. 6). Then, by the processing of step 2, step 3, step 19, step 24, and step 25, the dust collection control is performed a predetermined time after the connection detecting means 55 detects that the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45. The section 49 starts driving the suction means 45 (FIG. 6).

In this way, the connection detecting means 55 sucks the second suction port 43 while the suction means 45 is driven in a state where the connection detecting means 55 detects that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45. By stopping the driving of the suction means 45 when it is detected that the suction means 45 is connected to the means 45, the suction means 45 is started when the switching valve 53 starts switching from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43. It is possible to suppress the switching failure of the switching valve 53 due to the negative pressure generated by the driving of the suction means 45 by not operating. Further, since the driving of the suction means 45 is started after a predetermined time from this stop, the suction means 45 starts driving after switching from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43, and the first suction port 45 starts driving. It is possible to suppress switching failure of the switching valve 53 due to the negative pressure of the suction means 45 when switching from the suction port 42 to the second suction port 43.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the suction means 45 is driven after the switching of the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 by the switching valve 53 for a predetermined time delaying the start of driving the suction means 45. However, it takes a predetermined time to start the drive of the suction means 45, and the negative pressure generated when the suction means 45 rises is small, and has little influence on the switching operation of the switching valve 53. Therefore, the predetermined time for delaying the drive start of the suction means 45 is such that the drive of the suction means 45 is started immediately before the switching valve 53 completes the switching from the first suction opening 42 to the second suction opening 43. You may set it.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The same configurations and operations as those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the dust collection control unit 49 adjusts the detection timing by the connection detection unit 55 instead of setting the predetermined time for delaying the drive start of the suction unit 45 as in the above embodiments. Thus, the start of driving the suction means 45 is delayed with respect to the start of switching by the switching valve 53.

Specifically, the connection detecting means 55 detects that the switching valve 53 is connected to the suction means 45 immediately after the switching valve 53 switches the connection of the suction means 45 from the first suction opening 42 to the second suction opening 43. Until just before switching from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 (immediately after starting the operation of the button 54 from the state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45). The state 43 is detected as being connected to the suction means 45, and the other times is detected as the state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 (FIG. 8).

In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, in place of the control of step 24 and step 25 of each of the above-described embodiments, after step 22, the dust collection control section 49 drives the suction means 45. Equipped with 31.

Therefore, based on the detection of the connection detection means 55, the switching valve 53 switches the connection of the suction means 45 from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 by the processing of step 2 and step 3. After that, the process proceeds to step 19, step 20 to step 22 and step 31, so that the switching valve 53 switches the connection from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 to the suction means 45 and collects after completion. The dust control unit 49 drives the suction means 45. In other words, while the switching valve 53 switches the connection of the suction means 45 from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43, the suction means 45 is in a stopped state. As a result, switching failure of the switching valve 53 due to the negative pressure of the suction means 45 when switching from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 can be suppressed.

Further, based on the detection of the connection detecting means 55, the switching valve 53 switches the connection of the suction means 45 from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 by the processing of step 2 and step 3. Immediately before starting the process, the process proceeds to step 4, step 16 and step 17, so that the user does not press the button 54 while the second suction port 43 is being used, that is, while the second suction port 43 is sucking dust. When the operation of (3) is started, the dust collection control section 49 immediately stops the suction means 45. In other words, the connection detecting means 55 sucks the first suction port 42 while the suction means 45 is driven in a state where the connection detecting means 55 detects that the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45. When it is detected that the suction means 45 is connected, the driving of the suction means 45 is stopped. As a result, switching failure of the switching valve 53 due to the negative pressure of the suction means 45 when switching from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 can be suppressed.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. The same configurations and operations as those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The fourth embodiment is provided with a first connection detecting means 57 and a second connection detecting means 58, as shown in FIG. 9, instead of the connection detecting means 55 of each of the above-described embodiments.

These connection detecting means 57, 58 detect which of the first suction opening 42 and the second suction opening 43 the suction means 45 is connected to.

The first connection detecting means 57 is arranged such that the switching valve 53 starts switching the connection of the suction means 45 from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 (the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45). From immediately after starting the operation of the button 54 from the connected state) to immediately after the switching valve 53 switches from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 with respect to the suction means 45, the second suction port. The state 43 is detected as being connected to the suction means 45, and the other times is detected as the state where the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 (FIG. 11). That is, the first connection detecting means 57 performs the same detection as the connection detecting means 55 of the first and second embodiments.

In the second connection detecting means 58, the switching valve 53 is connected to the suction means 45 immediately after the switching valve 53 switches the connection of the suction means 45 from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43. The second suction port 43 until just before switching from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 (immediately after starting the operation of the button 54 from the state where the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45). Is detected as being connected to the suction means 45, and at other times as being connected to the suction means 45 (FIG. 11). That is, the second connection detecting means 58 performs the same detection as the connection detecting means 55 of the third embodiment.

In summary, the first connection detecting means 57 detects the timing at which the switching valve 53 starts switching the connection from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 with respect to the suction means 45, and then the completion of the switching is detected. The timing is detected by the second connection detecting means 58. Further, the timing of starting switching of the connection from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 to the suction means 45 by the switching valve 53 is detected by the second connection detecting means 58, and the timing of ending the switching. Is detected by the first connection detecting means 57.

Then, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, after step 1, the dust collection control unit 49 determines whether or not the current state identifier S is 2, in other words, is connected to the suction means 45 up to now. It is determined whether or not it was the second suction port 43 (step 35).

When it is determined in step 35 that the current state identifier S is not 2, the dust collection control unit 49 checks the detection of the first connection detecting means 57 (step 36), and the first connection detecting means 57. Determines whether the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 (step 37).

In this step 37, when it is judged that the first connection detecting means 57 detects that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the first connection to the suction means 45 is determined. It is determined that the suction port 42 is still connected, and the process proceeds to the first suction process of steps 5 to 7 and steps 9 to 15.

On the other hand, in step 37, the first connection detecting means 57 does not detect that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45 (the first connection detecting means 57 detects the suction means 45). If it is determined that the second suction port 43 is connected), the switching valve 53 connects the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 to the suction means 45. The dust collection control unit 49 determines that the switching is started, stops the suction means 45 (step 38), initializes the first counter C1 to 0 (step 39), and initializes the connection identifier D to 0. (Step 40). Therefore, when the switching valve 53 starts switching the connection from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 to the suction means 45, the dust collection control section 49 stops the suction means 45 immediately before that. Will be made.

Next, the dust collection control unit 49 checks the detection of the second connection detection means 58 (step 41), and the second connection detection means 58 connects the suction means 45 to the second suction port 43. It is determined whether or not it is detected (step 42).

When it is determined in step 42 that the second connection detecting means 58 detects that the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the switching valve 53 causes the first suction to be performed. When it is determined that the connection of the suction means 45 from the port 42 to the second suction port 43 is completed, the dust collection control unit 49 sets the current state identifier S to 2 (step 43), and proceeds to step 8. .. Therefore, this current state identifier S maintains 1 until the switching valve 53 completes switching of the connection from the first suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 to the suction means 45. Until the completion, the step of starting the driving of the suction means 45 does not proceed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 42 that the second connection detecting means 58 does not detect that the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the switching valve 53 causes the first It is determined that the connection of the suction means 45 from the suction port 42 to the second suction port 43 has not been switched (it is in the process of switching), and the process directly proceeds to step 8.

When it is determined in step 35 that the current state identifier S is 2, the dust collection control unit 49 checks the detection of the second connection detecting means 58 (step 44), and the second connection detection is performed. It is judged whether the means 58 detects that the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45 (step 45).

In this step 45, when it is determined that the second connection detecting means 58 does not detect that the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the switching valve 53 causes the second suction Judging that the connection to the suction means 45 is switched from the mouth 43 to the first suction opening 42, the dust collection control unit 49 stops the suction means 45 (step 46), and the second counter C2. Is initialized to 0 (step 47). Therefore, when the switching valve 53 starts switching the connection from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 to the suction means 45, the dust collection control section 49 stops the suction means 45 immediately before that. Will be made.

Next, the dust collection control unit 49 checks the detection of the first connection detecting means 57 (step 48), and the first connection detecting means 57 detects that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45. It is determined whether or not it is detected (step 49).

In step 49, when it is determined that the first connection detecting means 57 detects that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the switching valve 53 causes the second suction Judging that the connection of the suction means 45 from the mouth 43 to the first suction mouth 42 has been switched, the dust collection control unit 49 sets the current state identifier S to 1 (step 50), and proceeds to step 8. .. Therefore, this current state identifier S maintains 2 until the switching of the connection from the second suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 to the suction means 45 is completed by the switching valve 53, so that this switching is performed. Until the completion, the step of starting the driving of the suction means 45 does not proceed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 49 that the first connection detecting means 57 does not detect that the first suction port 42 is connected to the suction means 45, the switching valve 53 causes the second connection It is determined that the connection of the suction means 45 from the suction port 43 to the first suction port 42 has not been switched (it is in the process of switching), and the process directly proceeds to step 8.

When it is determined in step 45 that the second connection detecting means 58 has detected that the second suction port 43 is connected to the suction means 45, the dust collection control section 49 determines that It is determined whether or not the counter C2 of 0 is 0 (step 51).

When it is determined in step 51 that the second counter C2 is 0, the dust collection control unit 49 drives the suction means 45 (step 52), and proceeds to step 23. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 51 that the second counter C2 is not 0, the process proceeds to step 26.

In this way, immediately before the connection between the first suction port 42 and the second suction port 43 and the suction means 45 is switched, and between the second suction port 43 and the first suction port 42 and the suction means 45. The drive of the suction means 45 is stopped immediately before the connection is switched, and the drive of the suction means 45 is not started until the switching is completed, so that the first suction port 42 is connected to the second suction port 43. It is possible to suppress the switching failure of the switching valve 53 due to the negative pressure of the respective suction means 45 when switching between the second suction port 43 and the first suction port 42.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 connected to the first suction port 42 does not have to be an autonomous traveling type. For example, a user may install the electric vacuum cleaner 11 in the dust station 12. It may also be possible to detect that the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the first suction port 42 by detecting or connecting the charging terminal of the rechargeable electric vacuum cleaner 11.

According to at least one embodiment described above, switching failure of the switching valve 53 due to the negative pressure generated by the driving of the suction means 45 can be suppressed, and the reliability of the dust station 12 can be improved.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other 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 the scope equivalent thereto.

11 vacuum cleaner
12 Dust station as a dust collector
32 Dust collector
42 First suction port
43 Second suction port
45 Suction means
49 Dust collection controller as control means
53 Switching valve
55 Connection detection means
57 First connection detecting means
58 Second connection detecting means

Claims (4)

A first suction port which communicates with a dust collecting portion of the electric vacuum cleaner and sucks dust from the dust collecting portion;
A second suction port which is provided at a position different from the first suction port, opens to the outside air, and sucks dust together with the outside air;
Suction means,
A switching valve that switches so as to connect the suction means to any one of the first suction port and the second suction port;
A connection detection means for the suction means to any of said first inlet and said second inlet port to detect whether it is connected by the switching valve,
Control means for controlling the drive of the suction means,
In the connection detecting means, immediately before the switching valve starts switching the connection from the first suction port to the second suction port with respect to the suction means, the switching valve has the second state with respect to the suction means. From immediately after switching to the first suction port from the second suction port is detected as a state in which the second suction port is connected to the suction means, and at other times, the first suction port is the suction means. Detected as connected to
Said control means, by starting the drive of the suction means from the detection of said second inlet is connected to said suction means at least said connection detecting means after a predetermined time, the suction means, the suction A dust collecting apparatus characterized in that the start of driving is delayed with respect to the start of switching of the connection by the switching valve from the first suction port to the second suction port for the means. The control means connects the second suction port to the suction means by the connection detection means when the suction means is driven in a state where the connection detection means detects that the first suction port is connected to the suction means. Upon detecting that the said driving of the suction means is stopped, the dust collecting device according to claim 1, wherein characterized in that to start driving of said suction means from the stop after a predetermined time. A first suction port which communicates with a dust collecting portion of the electric vacuum cleaner and sucks dust from the dust collecting portion;
A second suction port which is provided at a position different from the first suction port, opens to the outside air, and sucks dust together with the outside air;
Suction means,
A switching valve that switches so as to connect the suction means to any one of the first suction port and the second suction port;
A connection detection means for the suction means to any of said first inlet and said second inlet port to detect whether it is connected by the switching valve,
Control means for controlling the drive of the suction means,
In the connection detecting means, immediately after the switching valve switches the connection from the first suction port to the second suction port with respect to the suction means, the switching valve has the second state with respect to the suction means. From immediately before switching to the first suction port as a state in which the second suction port is connected to the suction means, and at other times the first suction port to the suction means. Detected as connected,
Said control means, said connection by said connection detecting means when the second suction port by the detection means is the said suction means detected state and connected to the suction means is driven first suction port said When it is detected that the suction means is connected, by stopping the driving of the suction means, the suction means connects the suction means with the switching valve from the first suction opening to the second suction opening. dust collector the start of the driving is characterized by delayed with respect to the start of switching. A first suction port which communicates with a dust collecting portion of the electric vacuum cleaner and sucks dust from the dust collecting portion;
A second suction port which is provided at a position different from the first suction port, opens to the outside air, and sucks dust together with the outside air;
Suction means,
A switching valve that switches so as to connect the suction means to any one of the first suction port and the second suction port;
A first connection detecting means and the second connection detecting means for detecting whether said suction means is connected to one of said first inlet and said second inlet port by the switching valve,
Control means for controlling the drive of the suction means,
In the first connection detecting means, immediately before the switching valve starts switching the connection from the first suction port to the second suction port with respect to the suction means, the switching valve is connected to the suction means. The state immediately after switching from the second suction port to the first suction port is detected as the state in which the second suction port is connected to the suction means, and at other times, the first suction port is detected. Detected as being connected to the suction means,
In the second connection detecting means, immediately after the switching valve switches the connection of the suction means from the first suction port to the second suction port, the switching valve detects the suction means with respect to the suction means. The state immediately before switching from the second suction port to the first suction port is detected as the state in which the second suction port is connected to the suction means, and at other times, the first suction port is Detected as being connected to the suction means,
Wherein said control means, by the first connection detecting means when said first of said suction means in a state where the first suction port is detected and connected to said suction means by the connection detecting means is driven When it is detected that the second suction port is connected to the suction unit, the driving of the suction unit is stopped and the second connection unit detects that the second suction port is connected to the suction unit. When the suction means is driven while the drive of the suction means is started, and the second connection detecting means detects that the second suction port is connected to the suction means. When the connection detecting means detects that the first suction port is connected to the suction means, the suction means stops driving the suction means so that the suction means moves from the first suction port to the suction means. the dust collecting device is characterized in that the start of driving is delayed with respect to the start of the switching of the connection by the switching valve to the second suction port.

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