Dust collector

Abstract

The dust collector of the present application includes: a dust collector main body that generates suction power for suctioning dust; a suction device that has a suction housing installed to the dust collector main body and forming a suction space for suctioning dust, and a pair of cleaning rollers arranged side by side left and right in the suction space and rotatably held by the suction housing; a pair of motors that generate driving force for rotating the pair of cleaning rollers; and a power control section configured to individually control the pair of motors in a manner that the circumferential speed difference of the pair of cleaning rollers can be increased or decreased.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a dust collector that sucks dust while sweeping the dust. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various dust collectors that suck dust while sweeping the dust have been developed (see Patent Literature 1). The dust collector of Patent Literature 1 has a dust collector main body that generates a suction force that sucks dust. The dust collector main body includes a pipe member that forms a dust suction path, and a suction tool is installed at a distal end of the pipe member. The suction tool forms a suction space that is wider than the suction path formed by the pipe member. The suction tool has a sweeping roller that is driven by a motor and sweeps dust while rolling on the ground.

[0003] The sweeping roller described above, since it rolls on the ground, not only sweeps dust on the ground, but also assists the straight movement of the suction tool. On the other hand, the sweeping roller does not assist the turning of the suction tool to the right or left.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-188951 SUMMARY

[0007] An object of the present application is to provide a dust collector that can assist the turning of a suction tool.

[0008] A dust collector according to an aspect of the present application includes: a dust collector main body that generates a suction force that sucks dust; a suction tool that has a suction housing and a pair of sweeping rollers, the suction housing being installed to the dust collector main body and forming a suction space that sucks dust, the pair of sweeping rollers being arranged side by side left and right in the suction space and being rotatably held by the suction housing respectively; a pair of motors that generate driving forces that rotate the pair of sweeping rollers respectively; and a power control section that is configured to individually control the pair of motors in a manner that can increase or decrease a difference in peripheral speed of the pair of sweeping rollers.

[0009] The dust collector described above can assist the turning of the suction tool.

[0010] The objects, features, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a dust collector of Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 2is a brief exploded perspective view of a suction device configured to be mountable to a vacuum cleaner.

[0013] Figure 3 is a brief plan view of a cleaning roller of the suction device.

[0014] Figure 4 is a brief plan view of the interior of the suction device.

[0015] Figure 5 is a brief circuit diagram of a control section that controls the suction device.

[0016] Figure 6 is a brief flowchart of the operation of the control section.

[0017] Figure 7 is a brief time chart showing the relationship between a control target current (alternating current) to the control section, a timing signal within the control section, and a drive current to the motor.

[0018] Figure 8 is a brief time chart showing the relationship between a control target current (alternating current) to the control section, a timing signal within the control section, and a drive current to the motor.

[0019] Figure 9 is a brief time chart showing the relationship between a control target current (alternating current) to the control section, a timing signal within the control section, and a drive current to the motor.

[0020] Figure 10 is a brief flowchart of the operation of the control section.

[0021] Figure 11 is a brief circuit diagram of a control section for a vacuum cleaner of the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 is a brief flowchart of the operation of the control section.

[0023] Figure 13 is a brief perspective view of a vacuum cleaner of the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 is a brief circuit diagram of a control section for a vacuum cleaner of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] <First Embodiment>

[0026] Figure 1 is a brief side view of a vacuum cleaner 101 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a brief exploded perspective view of a suction device 100 that constitutes a distal end portion of the vacuum cleaner 101. The vacuum cleaner 101 is explained with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0027] The dust collector 101 includes a dust collector main body 102 that generates suction power, and a suction tool 100 that forms a suction space 110 (see Figure 2 ) that suctions dust and is configured to be attachable to the dust collector main body 102.

[0028] The dust collector main body 102 has a main body portion 201 that includes a suction source 103 for generating suction power that suctions dust, and a hose 104 that is disposed extending from the suction source 103. The dust collector main body 102 also has a connection pipe 202 that is provided at a distal end of the hose 104, and a tilt connecting portion 107 that is connected to the hose 104 via the connection pipe 202. A holding portion 105 that is held by a user is provided on the connection pipe 202. The holding portion 105 is a portion that protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 202 and has a shape that is suitable for being gripped by the user. An operation portion 108 (for example, a button or the like for starting or stopping the dust collector main body 102 and the suction tool 100) that is operated by the user is provided on the holding portion 105.

[0029] The tilt connecting portion 107 is a tubular member that is more rigid than the hose 104, and forms a dust suction path together with the hose 104 and the connection pipe 202. A distal end of the tilt connecting portion 107 is connected to the suction tool 100 in a manner that allows the tilt connecting portion 107 to tilt in left and right directions (directions that are perpendicular to the plane of the paper with respect to Figure 1 ) based on the user moving the holding portion 105 to the left or right.

[0030] A tilt detection portion 180 is provided in order to detect a tilt direction of the tilt connecting portion 107 (i.e., the left or right direction). The tilt detection portion 180 detects the tilt direction of the tilt connecting portion 107 and outputs a tilt signal that indicates the tilt direction. In the present embodiment, the tilt detection portion 180 is constituted by a gyro sensor. The tilt detection portion 180 may, for example, be installed inside the connection pipe 202 as shown in Figure 1 . Alternatively, the tilt detection portion 180 can be another sensor element that is configured to detect the tilt direction of the tilt connecting portion 107. Information about the tilt direction of the tilt connecting portion 107 is used for control of the suction tool 100. The control based on the tilt signal of the tilt detection portion 180 is described separately.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2 , the suction tool 100 has a suction housing 120, and a pair of cleaning rollers 131, 132 that are rotatably held based on the suction housing 120.

[0032] In order to obtain the suction space 110 wider than the flow passage formed by the tilt coupling portion 107, the connection pipe 202, and the hose 104 in the left-right direction, the suction housing 120 has a shape wider in the width direction than in the front-rear direction. The suction housing 120 includes a housing main body 121 having a substantially C-shaped form opening to the front in plan view, and a cover member 122 mounted to the housing main body 121.

[0033] The housing main body 121 includes side portions 123, 124 disposed at positions apart from each other in the left-right direction, and a rear portion 125 located at the rear side of the side portions 123, 124 (i.e., the cleaner main body 102 side) and connecting the side portions 123, 124. The side portions 123, 124 and the rear portion 125 have a hollow structure as a whole. In the side portions 123, 124 and the rear portion 125, a drive mechanism 150 for driving the cleaning rollers 131, 132 (see Fig. 2) is housed. The drive mechanism 150 is described separately. Figure 4

[0034] The suction space 110 for sucking dust on the floor is formed based on the rear portion 125 and the side portions 123, 124. That is, the suction space 110 is divided based on the front end of the rear portion 125, the right end of the left side portion 123, and the left end of the right side portion 124. The cleaning rollers 131, 132 are arranged side by side in the suction space 110, and the side portions 123, 124 support the cleaning rollers 131, 132, respectively. In detail, a bearing (not shown) holding the cleaning rollers 131, 132 is provided in the inner wall portion (i.e., the wall portion facing the suction space 110) of the side portions 123, 124.

[0035] The rear portion 125 is configured to be connectable to the distal end of the tilt coupling portion 107. In the rear portion 125, a flow passage (not shown) connecting the flow passage formed by the tilt coupling portion 107, the connection pipe 202, and the hose 104 to the suction space 110 is formed.

[0036] The cover member 122 is configured to cover the suction space 110 from the upper side. The left and right end portions of the cover member 122 are configured to be fixed to the side portions 123, 124 in a state of being placed on the side portions 123, 124.

[0037] ​Sweeping rollers 131 and 132 are rotatably held side-by-side within the suction space 110. Driven by a drive mechanism 150, the sweeping rollers 131 and 132 are configured to sweep dust from the ground while rolling. The left sweeping roller 131 is supported on one side based on its left side portion 123 and extends to the right from its side portion 123 within the suction space 110. The right sweeping roller 132 is supported on one side based on its right side portion 124 and extends to the left from its side portion 124 within the suction space 110. The distal ends of the sweeping rollers 131 and 132 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the suction device 100.

[0038] The cleaning roller 132 on the right side has a structure that is symmetrical to the cleaning roller 131 on both sides. Therefore, the structure of the cleaning roller 131 on the left side will be described below.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning roller 131 includes a connecting shaft 250, a roller portion 311 that is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 250 in a substantially coaxial manner, and a plurality of brush rows 312 that extend spirally on the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion 311.

[0040] The connecting shaft 250 is for housing the drive mechanism 150 (see reference 121) within the housing body 121. Figure 4 The driving force of the drive mechanism 150 is transmitted to the roller section 311. A bearing is embedded in the inner wall of the side section 123 of the connecting shaft 250, and the base end of the connecting shaft 250 is disposed within the side section 123 of the housing body 121. To receive the driving force of the drive mechanism 150, a pulley 251 (see reference 123) is mounted on the base end of the connecting shaft 250. Figure 4 ).

[0041] In order to transmit the driving force of the drive mechanism 150 to the roller section 311, the distal end of the connecting shaft 250 is inserted into the roller section 311 and connected to the interior of the roller section 311.

[0042] The roller portion 311 has an outer peripheral surface that tapers towards the distal end. That is, the roller portion 311 has a frustum-shaped profile.

[0043] The brush array 312 extends spirally on the outer circumferential surface of the roller portion 311 from its base end to its distal end. The spiral direction of the brush array 312 is set in such a way that, as the cleaning roller 131... Figure 2 When rotated in the indicated direction, the dust that comes into contact with the brush 312 is sent to the far end of the roller section 311.

[0044] like Figure 4As shown, the drive mechanism 150 includes a pair of motors 151 and 152, a pair of drive belts 153 and 154, and a control unit 160. Motors 151 and drive belts 153 are provided for driving the sweeping roller 131. Motors 152 and drive belts 154 are provided for driving the sweeping roller 132. The control unit 160 is provided for individually controlling motors 151 and 152.

[0045] Since the motor 152 and drive belt 154 have a structure that is symmetrical to the motor 151 and drive belt 153, only the motor 151 and drive belt 153 will be described below.

[0046] Motor 151 is configured to operate from a household power source ( Figure 5 The power supply 170 shown accepts alternating current to generate a driving force that rotates the cleaning roller 131, and is located on the left side of the interior space of the rear 125 of the housing body 121. The motor 151 has a motor body 155 and a motor shaft 156 protruding to the left from the motor body 155.

[0047] The motor body 155 is configured such that the rotational speed of the motor shaft 156 increases with the increase of the power supply to the motor body 155. Furthermore, the motor body 155 is configured such that its impedance decreases and a large alternating current flows as the rotational load on the motor shaft 156 increases.

[0048] A pulley 252 is mounted on the motor shaft 156. A drive belt 153 is wound around the pulley 252 mounted on the motor shaft 156 and the pulley 251 mounted on the connecting shaft 250 of the cleaning roller 131.

[0049] Figure 5 The power supply circuit for motors 151 and 152 is shown. The power supply circuit is configured to supply power from power source 170 to motors 151 and 152 via control unit 160. Specifically, power source 170 and control unit 160 are connected via power line 173, and control unit 160 and motors 151 and 152 are connected via power lines 176 and 175. Power line 173 extends from control unit 160 within inhalation device 100 along tilting connection 107, connecting pipe 202, and hose 104, and is electrically connected to power source 170. Power lines 176 and 175 are located within inhalation device 100. The alternating current flowing in power line 173 is controlled by control unit 160 and is therefore referred to as "controlled current" in the following description. The alternating current flowing in power lines 176 and 175 drives motors 151 and 152 and is therefore referred to as "drive current".

[0050] In addition to these power lines 173, 175, 176, a signal line 174 is provided for transmitting the tilt signal of the tilt detection section 180 to the control section 160. The signal line 174 is provided so as to extend from the tilt detection section 180 along the tilt connection section 107 and be connected to the control section 160.

[0051] The control section 160 is configured to individually adjust the amount of power supplied to the motors 151, 152 in accordance with the tilt signal, thereby individually controlling the motors 151, 152. In addition, the control section 160 is configured to stop the supply of power to the motors 151, 152 in the case where the control target current becomes excessively large.

[0052] In detail, the control section 160 has a current detection section 162 (current meter), a determination section 166, and a power control section 167.

[0053] The current detection section 162 is provided in order to monitor the magnitude of the control target current. The current detection section 162 is configured to output information on the magnitude of the detected control target current to the determination section 166.

[0054] The determination section 166 is provided in order to prevent overcurrent to the motors 151, 152. In detail, the determination section 166 is configured to compare the magnitude of the control target current detected by the current detection section 162 with a specified first current threshold value, and output information (determination result) on the magnitude relationship between the magnitude of the control target current and the first current threshold value to the power control section 167. The determination section 166 can be constituted by a microcomputer that performs the above-mentioned comparison process.

[0055] The power control section 167 has an instruction section 161, a triac (triode for alternating current) 163, a first half-wave rectifier 164, a second half-wave rectifier 165, a supply path 171 connected to the power line 176 for the motor 151, and a supply path 172 connected to the power line 175 for the motor 152.

[0056] The triac 163 is arranged on the current detection section 162 side with respect to the first half-wave rectifier 164 and the second half-wave rectifier 165. The control target current flows between the triac 163 and the current detection section 162. Further, the triac 163 is configured to cause the drive current to flow between the triac 163 and the motors 151, 152 under the instruction from the instruction section 161, so as to cause the drive current to flow between the triac 163 and the first half-wave rectifier 164 and the second half-wave rectifier 165. In detail, the triac 163 is configured to apply a gate voltage in accordance with the instruction from the instruction section 161, which is an element that allows the alternating current to flow during a period from the time of application of the gate voltage to the time when the control target current (alternating current) takes substantially zero value. That is, if the triac 163 applies the gate voltage when the positive component of the alternating current flows, the triac 163 allows the alternating current of the positive component to flow as the drive current between the triac 163 and the motors 151, 152 during the above period. On the contrary, if the triac 163 applies the gate voltage when the negative component of the alternating current flows, the triac 163 allows the alternating current of the negative component to flow as the drive current between the triac 163 and the motors 151, 152 during the above period.

[0057] The instruction section 161 is configured to decide whether or not to cause the triac 163 to apply the gate voltage in accordance with the determination result of the determination section 166. In detail, when the determination result that the magnitude of the control target current exceeds the first current threshold value is obtained, the instruction section 161 decides not to instruct the triac 163 to apply the gate voltage. On the contrary, when the determination result that the magnitude of the control target current is equal to or less than the first current threshold value is obtained, the instruction section 161 decides the period to instruct the triac 163 to apply the gate voltage in accordance with the tilt signal from the tilt detection section 180. The instruction section 161 can be configured by, for example, a microcomputer that performs the above determination processing.

[0058] The supply paths 171, 172 are provided in order to supply electric power to the motors 151, 152 individually, and the drive current flows in the supply paths 171, 172. The first half-wave rectifier 164 is provided on the supply path 171, and the second half-wave rectifier 165 is provided on the supply path 172. The first half-wave rectifier 164 and the second half-wave rectifier 165 are configured to perform half-wave rectification on the drive current (alternating current).

[0059] In detail, if the drive current is a positive component of the alternating current, the 1st half-wave rectifier 164 allows the drive current to flow between the triac 163 and the motor 152. On the contrary, if the drive current is a negative component of the alternating current, the 1st half-wave rectifier 164 cuts off the flow of the drive current between the triac 163 and the motor 152.

[0060] If the drive current is a negative component of the alternating current, the 2nd half-wave rectifier 165 allows the drive current to flow between the triac 163 and the motor 151. On the contrary, if the drive current is a positive component of the alternating current, the 2nd half-wave rectifier 165 cuts off the flow of the drive current between the triac 163 and the motor 151.

[0061] The operation of the dust collector 101 will be described below.

[0062] When the operation section 108 provided in the holding section 105 is operated, the dust collector main body 102 and the suction appliance 100 are operated, and suction force is applied to the suction space 110 of the suction appliance 100 through the hose 104, the connection pipe 202, and the tilt connecting section 107. As a result, dust on the floor is collected in the suction source 103 through the suction space 110, the tilt connecting section 107, the connection pipe 202, and the hose 104.

[0063] During this period, the motors 151, 152 built in the suction appliance 100 are operated, and the driving force of the motors 151, 152 is transmitted to the cleaning rollers 131, 132 through the drive belts 153, 154. As a result, the cleaning rollers 131, 132 rotate while being in contact with the floor, and dust on the floor is cleaned.

[0064] The peripheral speeds of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 are individually changed based on the control section 160 as follows. Figure 6 A brief flowchart of the control performed by the control section 160 is shown. The control performed by the control section 160 will be described with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6

[0065] When the suction appliance 100 is operated based on the operation of the operation section 108, the instruction section 161 instructs the triac 163 to apply a gate voltage. Thus, an alternating current flows in the control section 160. At this time, the current detection section 162 detects the magnitude of the control object current, and outputs the detection result to the determination section 166. The determination section 166 determines whether the magnitude of the control object current detected by the current detection section 162 exceeds the 1st current threshold (step S110).

[0066] ​If the determination result that the control target current exceeds the first current threshold value is obtained (step S110: "Yes"), the instruction section 161 stops the instruction of applying the gate voltage in the triac 163. In this case, after the value of the control target current (the alternating current) becomes substantially zero, the power supply to the motors 151, 152 is stopped. As a result, the motors 151, 152 are stopped (step S120).

[0067] If the alternating current is equal to or less than the first current threshold value (step S110: "No"), the instruction section 161 determines the application period of the gate voltage of the triac 163 based on the detection signal from the tilt detection section 180 (step S130). As shown in FIG. 6, the determined application period is notified to the triac 163 by outputting the period signals S1 to S8 from the instruction section 161 to the triac 163. In other words, the period of the power supply to the motors 151, 152 is determined based on the period signals S1 to S8. Figures 7 to 9

[0068] If the tilt connection section 107 is located at the neutral position (i.e., in a state where the tilt to the left and right is not performed), the instruction section 161 determines the application period of the gate voltage in such a manner that the circumferential speed difference of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 becomes substantially zero (step S140).

[0069] In detail, if the tilt connection section 107 is at the neutral position, as shown in FIG. 7, the instruction section 161 sequentially outputs the period signals S1 to S4 at constant time intervals that are substantially equal to the half period of the alternating current. In this case, for example, the period signals S1, S3 are output when the positive component of the alternating current flows in the control section 160. On the other hand, the period signals S2, S4 are output when the negative component of the alternating current flows in the control section 160. Figure 7

[0070] When the period signals S1, S3 are output from the instruction section 161, the triac 163 allows the flow of the alternating current during a period (indicated by "ON" in FIG. 8) from the time of the output of the period signals S1, S3 to the time when the alternating current becomes substantially zero. Further, the flow of the alternating current is cut off during a period (indicated by "OFF" in FIG. 8) from the time when the alternating current becomes substantially zero to the time of the output of the next period signals S2, S4. The triac 163 allows the flow of the alternating current again according to the period signals S2, S4. During the period in which the flow of the alternating current is allowed, the alternating current continues until it becomes substantially zero. Figure 7 Figure 7

[0071] ​​​​If the triac 163 applies a gate voltage according to the output of timing signals S1 and S3, the positive component of the alternating current becomes the drive current. In this case, the positive component of the alternating current (drive current) flows in the first half-wave rectifier 164, but is cut off in the second half-wave rectifier 165. Therefore, the positive component of the alternating current (drive current) is only used to drive the motor 152 corresponding to the first half-wave rectifier 164.

[0072] If the triac 163 applies a gate voltage according to the output of timing signals S2 and S4, the negative component of the alternating current becomes the drive current. In this case, the negative component of the alternating current (drive current) flows in the second half-wave rectifier 165, but is cut off in the first half-wave rectifier 164. Therefore, the negative component of the alternating current is only used to drive the motor 151 corresponding to the second half-wave rectifier 165.

[0073] The time interval between period signals S1 and S4 is approximately equal to half a cycle of the alternating current. Therefore, the length of the period during which the three-terminal bidirectional thyristor 163 allows the alternating current to pass is approximately equal between the positive and negative components of the alternating current. Thus, the power supply to motors 151 and 152 is approximately equal to each other within one cycle of the alternating current. As a result, the rotational speeds of motor shaft 156 are approximately equal between motors 151 and 152, and the difference in circumferential speed between the sweeping rollers 131 and 132 driven by motors 151 and 152 is approximately zero. If the sweeping rollers 131 and 132 roll on the ground with this approximately zero difference in circumferential speed, the sweeping rollers 131 and 132 assist the suction device 100 in moving straight.

[0074] When the tilting connection 107 is in a tilting position to the left, the control unit 160 controls the motors 151 and 152 to rotate the right-side cleaning roller 132 at a higher circumferential speed than the left-side cleaning roller 131 (step S150). More specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, during the period when the positive component of the alternating current flows in the control unit 160, the indicator unit 161 outputs period signals S5 and S7 at a time earlier than the period signals S1 and S3, replacing the period signals S1 and S3. The output periods of the period signals S2 and S4 corresponding to the negative component of the alternating current are the same as when the tilting connection unit 107 is in the neutral position.

[0075] In this case, the period during which the triac 163 allows the positive component of the alternating current to flow is longer than the period during which the triac 163 allows the negative component of the alternating current to flow. As a result, the amount of power supplied to the motor 152 is greater than the amount of power supplied to the motor 151 in one cycle of the alternating current, and the motor shaft 156 of the motor 152 rotates at a higher speed than the motor shaft 156 of the motor 151. Therefore, the circumferential speed of the squeegee 132 driven by the motor 152 is higher than the circumferential speed of the squeegee 131 driven by the motor 151. If the squeegees 131, 132 roll on the ground in a state where the circumferential speed of the squeegee 132 is higher than the circumferential speed of the squeegee 131, the squeegees 131, 132 assist the direction change of the suction appliance 100 to the left.

[0076] When the tilting connection 107 is in the posture tilted to the right, the control section 160 controls the motors 151, 152 in such a manner that the squeegee 131 on the left rotates at a higher circumferential speed than the squeegee 132 on the right (step S160). In detail, as shown in FIG. 6, the instruction section 161 outputs the phase signals S6, S8 in place of the phase signals S2, S4 at a timing earlier than the timing of the phase signals S2, S4 during the period in which the control section 160 allows the negative component of the alternating current to flow. The output timing of the phase signals S1, S3 corresponding to the positive component of the alternating current is the same as when the tilting connection 107 is in the neutral position. Figure 9

[0077] In this case, the period during which the triac 163 allows the negative component of the alternating current to flow is longer than the period during which the triac 163 allows the positive component of the alternating current to flow. As a result, the amount of power supplied to the motor 151 is greater than the amount of power supplied to the motor 152 in one cycle of the alternating current, and the motor shaft 156 of the motor 151 rotates at a higher speed than the motor shaft 156 of the motor 152. Therefore, the circumferential speed of the squeegee 131 driven by the motor 151 is higher than the circumferential speed of the squeegee 132 driven by the motor 152. If the squeegees 131, 132 roll on the ground in a state where the circumferential speed of the squeegee 131 is higher than the circumferential speed of the squeegee 132, the squeegees 131, 132 assist the direction change of the suction appliance 100 to the right.

[0078] After the output of the phase signals S1 to S8, in the case where the stop button in the operation section 108 of the holding section 105 is not operated and the alternating current continues to flow in the control section 160 (step S170: "Yes"), the above-described control is continued (steps S110 to S160). If the stop button in the operation section 108 of the holding section 105 is operated, the power supply to the motors 151, 152 via the control section 160 is stopped (step S170: "No").

[0079] ​In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning rollers 131, 132 are arranged side by side in the left and right directions in the suction space 110 and are individually driven based on the motors 151, 152. The motors 151, 152 are individually controlled based on the control section 160, and the peripheral speeds of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 can be individually changed. If the difference in the peripheral speeds between the cleaning rollers 131, 132 is substantially zero, the cleaning rollers 131, 132 assist the straight movement of the suction appliance 100 while rolling on the floor.

[0080] If the user moves the holding section 105 to the left, the tilting connection section 107 tilts to the left with respect to the suction appliance 100. At this time, the tilting detection section 180 detects the tilting of the tilting connection section 107 to the left and outputs a tilting signal indicating that the tilting connection section 107 tilts to the left. Based on the tilting signal, the control section 160 controls the motors 151, 152 in such a manner that the peripheral speed of the right-side cleaning roller 132 is higher than the peripheral speed of the left-side cleaning roller 131. As a result, the cleaning rollers 131, 132 generate a force to the left of the suction appliance 100. In contrast, if the tilting connection section 107 tilts to the right, the peripheral speed of the left-side cleaning roller 131 becomes higher than the peripheral speed of the right-side cleaning roller 132, and the cleaning rollers 131, 132 generate a force to the right of the suction appliance 100. The suction appliance 100 is assisted in changing the direction based on the force generated due to the difference in the peripheral speeds of the cleaning rollers 131, 132. That is, the user can move the suction appliance 100 in the desired direction with a force that is reduced by the force generated due to the difference in the peripheral speeds.

[0081] The direction in which the cleaning rollers 131, 132 assist is in accordance with the direction in which the holding section 105 is moved. Therefore, the user can assist the suction appliance 100 in changing the direction by the difference in the peripheral speeds of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 by moving the holding section 105 in the direction in which the user desires to move the suction appliance 100.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the motor 152 is driven by the positive component of the alternating current and the motor 151 is driven by the negative component of the alternating current by using the triac 163, the first half-wave rectifier 164, and the second half-wave rectifier 165. In this case, the cleaning rollers 131, 132 can be rotated at substantially equal peripheral speeds as long as the output interval of the timing signal is substantially equal to the half period of the alternating current. Further, the difference in the peripheral speeds between the cleaning rollers 131, 132 can be generated as long as the output interval of the timing signal is set to a value different from the half period of the alternating current.

[0083] Further, by adopting a configuration in which the alternating current is divided into positive and negative components to drive the motors 152, 151, it is possible to supply power to these motors 152, 151 using two power lines 175, 176. Normally, four power lines are necessary to drive two motors, but in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to supply driving power to the motors 152, 151 using only two power lines 175, 176. Therefore, the wiring within the suction appliance 100 is simplified.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the tilt detection portion 180 supplies information on the direction of tilt of the tilt connection portion 107 with respect to the suction appliance 100 to the control portion 160. Also, the tilt detection portion 180 can supply information on the amount of tilt of the tilt connection portion 107 with respect to the suction appliance 100 to the control portion 160. In this case, the control portion 160 can control the motors 151, 152 in such a way that the magnitude of the difference in circumferential speed of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 varies in accordance with the magnitude of the amount of tilt. For example, the control portion 160 can control the motors 151, 152 in such a way that the greater the amount of tilt, the greater the difference in circumferential speed of the cleaning rollers 131, 132.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the control portion 160 generates the difference in circumferential speed of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 by increasing the speed of one of these cleaning rollers 131, 132. Alternatively, the control portion 160 can generate the difference in circumferential speed by decreasing the speed of one of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 or by stopping one of the cleaning rollers 131, 132. Alternatively, the control portion 160 can generate the difference in circumferential speed by increasing the speed of one of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 and, at the same time, decreasing the speed of the other cleaning roller 131, 132 or stopping the other cleaning roller 131, 132.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, in the case where a control target current of a magnitude exceeding the first current threshold value is flowing, the instruction portion 161 does not output the period signals S1 to S8 and maintains the state in which the flow of alternating current is cut off by the triac 163. Thereby, the motors 151, 152 are protected from being subjected to an excessive driving current. In addition to this protection control, the control portion 160 can also perform control for protecting the motors 151, 152 from being subjected to an alternating current of a magnitude that is not exceeding the first current threshold value but is not desired to flow to the motors 151, 152 for a long period of time.

[0087] In this case, as described above, the control portion 160 can control the motors 151, 152 in such a way that the difference in circumferential speed of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 varies in accordance with the magnitude of the amount of tilt of the tilt connection portion 107 with respect to the suction appliance 100. Figure 10As shown, the determination section 166 performs determination processing for the control object current detected by the current detection section 162 using the second current threshold value and the period threshold value (steps S112, S114). The second current threshold value is set to a value smaller than the first current threshold value, but the value is able to determine whether or not an alternating current (control object current) of a size that is not desired to flow to the motors 151, 152 for a long period is flowing. The period threshold value is set to a value that is able to determine whether or not an alternating current (control object current) of a size that is not desired to be between the first current threshold value and the second current threshold value is continuously flowing for a length of time.

[0088] The determination section 166 performs determination processing using the first current threshold value (step S110), and if the control object current is of a size equal to or smaller than the first current threshold value (step S110: "No"), determination processing using the second current threshold value is performed (step S112). If the control object current is of a size equal to or smaller than the second current threshold value (step S112: "No"), the power control section 167 performs circumferential speed control of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 based on the tilting direction of the tilting connection section 107 (steps S130 to S160).

[0089] If the size of the control object current exceeds the second current threshold value (step S112: "Yes"), the determination section 166 determines whether or not a control object current of a size between the first current threshold value and the second current threshold value is detected for a length of time that exceeds the period threshold value (step S114). If the detection period of this control object current exceeds the period threshold value (step S114: "Yes"), the instruction section 161 stops output of the period signals S1 to S8 to the triac 163 (step S120). If the detection period of the control object current is equal to or smaller than the period threshold value (step S114: "No"), the power control section 167 performs circumferential speed control of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 based on the tilting direction of the tilting connection section 107 (steps S130 to S160).

[0090] By the determination processing using the second current threshold value and the period threshold value (steps S112, S114), a large driving current is prevented from flowing in the motors 151, 152 for a long period.

[0091] The second current threshold value is set targeting a control object current of a size that is not desired to be supplied for a long period, although it is not necessary to immediately stop power supply to the motors 151, 152. Therefore, the first current threshold value can be set not targeting a control object current of such a size. That is, the first current threshold value can be set targeting a control object current of a size that should immediately stop power supply to the motors 151, 152.

[0092] <Second Embodiment>

[0093] In the suction appliance 100, a case where the load acting on either of the left-side cleaning roller 131 and the right-side cleaning roller 132 increases is possible. For example, a case where the rotational resistance of the left-side cleaning roller 131 becomes higher than that of the right-side cleaning roller 132 due to hair entangled in the left-side cleaning roller 131 is possible. In this case, if an error message indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the left-side cleaning roller 131 is displayed to the user, it becomes easy for the user to perform failure diagnosis. For this reason, the suction cleaner 101 of the second embodiment is configured to have a display function of displaying an error message to the user.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 10, in order to obtain the display function of displaying an error message to the user, the suction cleaner 101 has a display portion 190. The display portion 190 can be provided, for example, to the operation portion 108. The display portion 190 is configured to display an error message in accordance with an instruction from the control portion 160. Figure 11

[0095] The control portion 160 includes a current detection portion 162, a determination portion 166, a display control portion 191, and a power control portion 167. Further, the power control portion 167 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

[0096] The current detection portion 162 is configured to individually detect the magnitude of the drive current of the driving motors 151, 152. In detail, the current detection portion 162 includes a current meter 263 provided to the supply path 171 for the motor 151 and a current meter 264 provided to the supply path 172 for the motor 152. The current meter 263 detects the magnitude of the drive current flowing in the supply path 171. The current meter 264 detects the magnitude of the drive current flowing in the supply path 172.

[0097] The determination portion 166 receives information on the magnitude of the drive current detected by the current meters 263, 264, and compares the magnitude of the drive current detected by the current meters 263, 264 with the first current threshold value individually.

[0098] The display control portion 191 is configured to output an instruction for displaying an error message to the display portion 190 in accordance with the comparison result of the determination portion 166. The display control portion 191 can be configured, for example, by a microcomputer that performs the above-described display control.

[0099] The operation of the control portion 160 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11. Figure 12

[0100] ​​The determination section 166 compares the magnitude of the drive current detected by the current meters 263, 264 with the first current threshold value individually (step S110). If the drive current detected by both of the current meters 263, 264 is below the first current threshold value (step S110: "No"), the control based on the tilting posture of the tilting connection section 107 is executed (steps S130 to S160). On the other hand, if at least one of the current meters 263, 264 detects a drive current greater than the first current threshold value (step S110: "Yes"), the instruction section 161 stops the instruction regarding the application of the gate voltage, and stops the motors 151, 152 (step S125). At this time, the display control section 191 outputs an instruction for displaying an error message. According to the instruction, the display section 190 displays the error message. The error message can be displayed in any form as long as it enables the user to determine which of the motors 151, 152 has a problem of overcurrent (i.e., the supply of an alternating current greater than the first current threshold value).

[0101] For example, in the case where the determination result that the magnitude of the alternating current for the motor 151 exceeds the first current threshold value is obtained, an error message indicating that the load of the motor 151 and / or the cleaning roller 131 is high can be displayed on the display section 190. In the case where the determination result that the magnitude of the alternating current for the motor 152 exceeds the first current threshold value is obtained, an error message indicating that the load of the motor 152 and / or the cleaning roller 132 is high can be displayed on the display section 190.

[0102] By displaying the error message on the display section 190, the user can determine which of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 has a problem.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the determination processing is performed using the first current threshold value. In addition to this, determination processing using a second current threshold value and a period threshold value can be performed. In this case, even if an alternating current of a magnitude between the first current threshold value and the second current threshold value flows for a period specified by the period threshold value, an error message can be displayed on the display section 190.

[0104] <3rd Embodiment>

[0105] The above-described control of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 can also be applied to the stick-type cleaner 101 (refer to Figure 13 ).

[0106] Figure 13 The cleaner 101 according to the above-described embodiment is provided with a cleaner main body 102, a suction device 100, and a display section 190. The cleaner main body 102 includes a tilting connection section 107 and a main body section 201. The tilting connection section 107 forms a flow passage connected to the suction space 110 of the suction device 100.

[0107] The main body 201 includes the suction source 103, a secondary battery 203 mounted on the upper side of the suction source 103, and a support rod 204 in a rod shape configured to support the suction source 103 and the secondary battery 203 on the outer peripheral surface. The suction source 103 and the secondary battery 203 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the support rod 204.

[0108] The lower end of the support rod 204 is configured to be connectable to the tilt connecting portion 107, and the support rod 204 and the tilt connecting portion 107 are arranged linearly and side by side. In detail, the lower portion of the support rod 204 is configured to form an internal space connected to a flow passage formed by the tilt connecting portion 107. The internal space is used for allowing dust suctioned based on the suction force generated by the suction source 103 to flow into the suction source 103.

[0109] A holding portion 105 is provided at the upper end portion of the support rod 204. The holding portion 105 is an L-shaped member bent from the upper end portion of the support rod 204.

[0110] If the user moves the holding portion 105 to the left, the support rod 204 and the tilt connecting portion 107 are tilted integrally to the left. If the user moves the holding portion 105 to the right, the support rod 204 and the tilt connecting portion 107 are tilted integrally to the right.

[0111] A tilt detection portion 180 that detects the tilt direction of the tilt connecting portion 107 can be provided to the support rod 204. Figure 14 A simplified block diagram of a control portion 160 that controls the motors 151, 152 in accordance with a tilt signal from the tilt detection portion 180 is shown. The control portion 160 is described with reference to Figure 14 The control portion 160.

[0112] The control portion 160 is configured to individually control the motors 151, 152 by performing PMW control. In detail, the control portion 160 has a power control portion 167, a current detection portion 162, a determination portion 166, and a display control portion 191. In addition, the motors 151, 152 are configured to operate under the supply of direct current (DC motor). In addition, the display control portion 191 has the same configuration as the second embodiment.

[0113] The power control portion 167 includes a switch 266, an instruction portion 261 for the motor 151, and an instruction portion 262 for the motor 152. The instruction portion 261 is configured to instruct the motor 151 of the rotational speed of the motor shaft 156 in accordance with the tilt signal from the tilt detection portion 180. The instruction portion 261 is configured to instruct the motor 151 of the rotational speed of the motor shaft 156 in accordance with the tilt signal from the tilt detection portion 180. The switch 266 is configured to be opened and closed in accordance with the determination result of the determination portion 166.

[0114] To cause the direct currents to flow to the motors 151, 152 respectively, supply paths 171 for the motor 151 and supply paths 172 for the motor 152 are provided on the downstream side of the switch 266 in the flow direction of the direct currents.

[0115] A current meter 263 is provided on the supply paths 171, and a current meter 264 is provided on the supply paths 172. These current meters 263, 264 constitute a current detection section 162.

[0116] The determination section 166 is configured to control the switch 266 in accordance with the magnitude of the driving current detected by the current meters 263, 264.

[0117] The operation of the control section 160 is the same as the control in the second embodiment (refer to Figure 12 ).

[0118] In the above-described embodiments, the determination processing is performed using the first current threshold value. In addition to this, determination processing using the second current threshold value and the period threshold value can be performed. In this case, even if the alternating current of the magnitude between the first current threshold value and the second current threshold value is supplied beyond the period defined by the period threshold value, an error message can be displayed on the display section 190.

[0119] In the above-described embodiments, the peripheral speeds of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 are controlled in accordance with the tilting direction of the tilting connection section 107. Alternatively, a switch for controlling the peripheral speeds of the cleaning rollers 131, 132 can be provided to the cleaner 101. In this case, the cleaning rollers 131, 132 can be caused to rotate at different peripheral speeds from each other by the user operating the switch.

[0120] The above-described embodiments mainly have the following configurations.

[0121] The cleaner according to one aspect of the above-described embodiments includes: a cleaner main body that generates a suction force that sucks dust; a suction device that has a suction housing mounted to the cleaner main body and that forms a suction space that sucks dust, and a pair of cleaning rollers that are arranged side by side to the left and right in the suction space and that are rotatably held by the suction housing respectively; a pair of motors that generate driving forces that cause the pair of cleaning rollers to rotate respectively; and a power control section that is configured to individually control the pair of motors in a manner that can increase and decrease a difference in the peripheral speeds of the pair of cleaning rollers.

[0122] According to the above-described configuration, if the power control section controls the pair of motors in a manner such that the circumferential speed difference of the pair of cleaning rollers arranged side by side in the left and right directions in the suction space becomes substantially zero, the cleaning rollers can assist the straight movement of the suction appliance while cleaning dust. On the other hand, if the pair of motors is controlled in a manner such that the circumferential speed difference of the pair of cleaning rollers becomes large, the cleaning rollers can assist the turning of the suction appliance to the left or to the right.

[0123] In the above-described configuration, the suction cleaner main body can include a holding section held by the user, and a tilting connection section connected to the suction housing in a manner such that it can tilt in the left and right directions in accordance with the movement of the holding section in the left and right directions. The suction cleaner can further include a tilting detection section that detects the tilting direction of the tilting connection section. The power control section can be configured to control the motor of at least one of the pair of motors in a manner such that the circumferential speed of the right-side cleaning roller is higher than the circumferential speed of the left-side cleaning roller when the tilting detection section detects tilting to the left, and to control the motor of at least one of the pair of motors in a manner such that the circumferential speed of the left-side cleaning roller is higher than the circumferential speed of the right-side cleaning roller when the tilting detection section detects tilting to the right.

[0124] According to the above-described configuration, if the user moves the holding section to the left, the tilting connection section tilts to the left, and if the user moves the holding section to the right, the tilting connection section tilts to the right. The tilting of the tilting connection section is detected by the tilting detection section. When the tilting detection section detects tilting to the left, the circumferential speed of the right-side cleaning roller becomes higher than the circumferential speed of the left-side cleaning roller, and thus the suction appliance turns to the left. Conversely, when the tilting detection section detects tilting to the right, the circumferential speed of the left-side cleaning roller becomes higher than the circumferential speed of the right-side cleaning roller, and thus the suction appliance turns to the right. In this way, by moving the holding section to the left or to the right, the pair of cleaning rollers can assist the turning of the suction appliance to the left or to the right.

[0125] As described above, the assisting direction with respect to the turning of the suction appliance coincides with the moving direction of the holding section. Therefore, by moving the holding section in the direction in which the user wishes to move the suction appliance, the user can cause the pair of cleaning rollers to assist the turning of the suction appliance in the desired direction.

[0126] In the above configuration, the dust collector can further include a current detection section configured to detect a magnitude of the current flowing in the current control section, and a determination section configured to determine whether the magnitude of the current detected by the current detection section exceeds a first current threshold. The power control section can be configured to control the supply of power to the pair of motors in accordance with a determination result of the determination section. When the determination section determines that the current detected by the current detection section exceeds the first current threshold, the power control section can stop the supply of power to the pair of motors. When the determination section determines that the current detected by the current detection section is of a magnitude between the first current threshold and a second current threshold smaller than the first current threshold, the power control section can allow the supply of power to the pair of motors to continue until a length of a detection period of the current of the magnitude between the first current threshold and the second current threshold exceeds a specified period threshold, and stop the supply of power to the pair of motors when the length of the detection period exceeds the period threshold.

[0127] According to the above configuration, the first current threshold can be set for a current of a magnitude for which the supply of power to the pair of motors needs to be stopped immediately. In this case, if the current detection section detects a current of a magnitude exceeding the first current threshold, the power control section stops the supply of power to the pair of motors. Thus, excessive power is not supplied to the motors.

[0128] Further, the period threshold and the second current threshold smaller than the first current threshold can be set for a current of a magnitude for which the supply of power to the pair of motors does not need to be stopped immediately but is not desired to flow for a long period. In a case where a current of a magnitude between the first current threshold and the second current threshold is detected, a period within the period threshold is allowed for driving the motors. Also, if a length of a detection period of the current of the magnitude between the first current threshold and the second current threshold exceeds the period threshold, the power control section stops the supply of power to the pair of motors. Thus, a large current is prevented from flowing in the motors for an undesired long period.

[0129] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner can further include a current detection section that individually detects a magnitude of a drive current for each of the pair of motors, a determination section that determines whether the magnitude of the drive current exceeds a first current threshold, a display section configured to display an error message in a manner that makes it possible to determine which of the pair of motors has an overcurrent, and a display control section that controls the display section in accordance with a determination result of the determination section. The power control section can be configured to control the supply of power to the pair of motors in accordance with the determination result of the determination section. When the current detection section detects the drive current of one of the pair of motors that exceeds the magnitude of the current threshold, the power control section can stop the supply of power to the pair of motors, and the display control section controls the display section to display the error message.

[0130] According to the above configuration, the current detection section individually detects the magnitude of the drive current for each of the pair of motors, so it is possible to know whether the drive current of each of the pair of motors exceeds the current threshold. When the drive current of one of the pair of motors exceeds the current threshold, the power control section stops the supply of power to the motors, so the motors are protected from the large drive current. At this time, the display control section causes the display section to display the error message in a manner that makes it possible to determine which of the pair of motors has the overcurrent, so it is easy to determine the motor that has the overcurrent problem.

[0131] In the above configuration, the drive current that drives the pair of motors can be an alternating current. The pair of motors can be configured such that the greater the amount of the drive current, the higher the peripheral speed at which the corresponding cleaning roller rotates. The power control section can be configured to control the supply of power to the pair of motors in accordance with the tilt direction detected by the tilt detection section. The power control section can be configured to cause a positive component of the alternating current to flow as the drive current for one of the pair of motors while adjusting the amount of the positive component of the alternating current, and to cause a negative component of the alternating current to flow as the drive current for the other motor while adjusting the amount of the negative component of the alternating current.

[0132] According to the above-described configuration, the electric power control section divides one alternating current into a positive component and a negative component, and drives the motor on one side with the positive component and the motor on the other side with the negative component. At this time, if the electric power control section performs adjustment such that the amount of the positive component of the alternating current is more than the amount of the negative component, the cleaning roller corresponding to the motor on one side rotates at a higher circumferential speed than the cleaning roller corresponding to the motor on the other side. Conversely, if the electric power control section performs adjustment such that the amount of the negative component of the alternating current is more than the amount of the positive component, the cleaning roller corresponding to the motor on the other side rotates at a higher circumferential speed than the cleaning roller corresponding to the motor on one side. As a result, the pair of cleaning rollers can assist the suction device in changing direction.

[0133] Industrial applicability

[0134] The principle of the present embodiment is applicable to a device for cleaning work.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner characterised in that Comprising: a cleaner main body that generates suction power for suctioning dust; a suction device having a suction housing installed to the cleaner main body and forming a suction space for suctioning dust, and a pair of cleaning rollers arranged side by side in the suction space and rotatably held by the suction housing; a pair of motors that generate driving force for rotating the pair of cleaning rollers; and, a power control section configured to individually control the pair of motors in a manner that the circumferential speed difference of the pair of cleaning rollers can be increased or decreased, wherein the cleaner main body includes a holding section held by a user, and a tilt connecting section connected to the suction housing in a manner that tilting in left and right directions corresponding to the holding section is possible, the cleaner further includes a tilt detection section that detects the tilting direction of the tilt connecting section, and the power control section is configured to control at least one of the pair of motors in a manner that the circumferential speed of the right cleaning roller is higher than that of the left cleaning roller when the tilt detection section detects tilting to the left, and in a manner that the circumferential speed of the left cleaning roller is higher than that of the right cleaning roller when the tilt detection section detects tilting to the right, the driving current that drives the pair of motors is an alternating current, the pair of motors are configured to rotate the corresponding cleaning rollers at higher circumferential speeds as the amount of the driving current increases, the power control section is configured to control the power supply to the pair of motors in accordance with the tilting direction detected by the tilt detection section, the power control section is configured to flow the positive component of the alternating current as the driving current for driving one of the pair of motors while adjusting the amount of the positive component of the alternating current, and flow the negative component of the alternating current as the driving current for the other motor while adjusting the amount of the negative component of the alternating current.

2. The dustsucker according to claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising: a current detection section configured to detect the magnitude of the current flowing in the power control section; and a determination section that determines whether the magnitude of the current detected by the current detection section exceeds a first current threshold; wherein the power control section is configured to control the power supply to the pair of motors in accordance with the determination result of the determination section, the power control section stops the power supply to the pair of motors when the determination section determines that the current detected by the current detection section exceeds the first current threshold, the determination section is configured to determine whether the magnitude of the current detected by the current detection section exceeds a second current threshold that is lower than the first current threshold, and the power control section is configured to control the power supply to the pair of motors in accordance with the determination result of the determination section. In a case where the determination unit determines that the current detected by the current detection unit is a current of a magnitude between the first current threshold value and a second current threshold value smaller than the first current threshold value, the power control unit continues the supply of power to the pair of motors until the length of a detection period during which the current of a magnitude between the first current threshold value and the second current threshold value is detected exceeds a specified period threshold value; and in a case where the length of the detection period exceeds the period threshold value, the supply of power to the pair of motors is stopped.

3. The dust cup according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising: a current detection unit that individually detects a magnitude of a drive current for the pair of motors; a determination unit that determines whether the magnitude of the drive current exceeds a first current threshold value; a display unit configured to display an error message in a manner that makes it possible to determine which of the pair of motors has experienced overcurrent; and a display control unit that controls the display unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit; wherein the power control unit is configured to control the supply of power to the pair of motors in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit, in a case where the current detection unit detects a drive current of a magnitude that exceeds a current threshold value for one of the pair of motors, the power control unit stops the supply of power to the pair of motors, and the display control unit controls the display unit to display the error message.

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