Electric vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric cleaner in which a user can easily notice the end of a second operation mode. A control unit (8) performs the following control: in a first operation mode in which an electric blower (2) is caused to operate at a prescribed drive current, switching is performed to a second operation mode in which the electric blower (2) is caused to operate at a drive current smaller than the drive current, triggered by a prescribed operation of an operation switch (6), and after the second operation mode has continued for a prescribed time, returning to the first operation mode, the control unit (8) performs, during the period from the end of the second operation mode to the return to the first operation mode, a reduction control in which the electric blower (2) is caused to operate at the drive current smaller than the drive current for a prescribed operation reduction time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vacuum cleaner having a control unit that controls the operation of an electric blower. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, it was known that electric vacuum cleaners had multiple operating modes for setting the suction power of the electric blower, and by selectively switching these modes, they could effectively vacuum the surface according to the type and amount of dust being vacuumed. In the case of such electric vacuum cleaners, there were also known models that, for more efficient vacuuming, included a high-output operating mode or a high-power mode to increase the suction power of the electric blower. For example, the high-output operating mode was switched on when a specified operation, such as pressing and holding the operating switch during operation, was performed. When the long press of the operating switch was released and a specified time elapsed, the high-output operating mode ended, and the system returned to its previous operating mode.

[0003] In the case where the preceding operating mode of the high-output mode uses a relatively large drive current to operate the electric blower, the change in operating noise when returning to the preceding operating mode after the high-output mode ends is relatively small. There is a concern that the user might not notice the high-output mode has ended and continue vacuuming. In this situation, the user's vacuuming intention deviates significantly from the actual vacuuming result, leading to user dissatisfaction and a sense of incongruity.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6442306 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electric vacuum cleaner in which the user can easily notice the end of the second action mode.

[0006] The electric vacuum cleaner of the embodiment includes: an electric blower; an operation switch for setting the operation of the electric blower; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the electric blower. The control unit performs the following control: in a first operation mode in which the electric blower operates with a predetermined drive current, it switches to a second operation mode in which the electric blower operates with a drive current greater than the drive current, triggered by operation of the operation switch; after the second operation mode lasts for a predetermined time, it returns to the first operation mode; during the period from the end of the second operation mode to the return to the first operation mode, the control unit performs a reduction control to reduce the predetermined operation time of the electric blower operating with a drive current less than the drive current.

[0007] Technical effect

[0008] By making a significant change in the operating sound of an electric blower or electric vacuum cleaner, the user can easily notice the end of the second action mode. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the electric vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the usage state of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a graph representing a control example of the control unit of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a graph representing another control example of the control unit of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a graph representing another example of the control of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a graph representing another control example of the control unit of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating the electric vacuum cleaner according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a graph representing the control example of the control unit of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a graph representing a control example of the control unit of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a graph representing another control example of the control unit of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a graph representing another control example of the control unit of the aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner.

[0021] Explanation of symbols

[0022] CL: Electric vacuum cleaner; 2: Electric blower; 6: Operating switch; 8: Control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0023] (First Embodiment)

[0024] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] exist Figure 1 as well as Figure 2In this embodiment, CL represents an electric vacuum cleaner. The electric vacuum cleaner CL has an electric blower 2 mounted on the vacuum cleaner body 1. In this embodiment, as an example of an electric vacuum cleaner CL, a suction-type electric vacuum cleaner is described, which uses negative pressure generated by the electric blower 2 to suck dust and air together into a dust collection unit 3. The dust collection unit 3 preferably uses a dust cup or dust collection device that can be detached from the vacuum cleaner body 1, but it can also be a dust bag such as a paper bag or cloth bag, or a dust collection chamber. The electric vacuum cleaner CL can be any type of vacuum cleaner, such as a floor-mounted, canister, stick, upright, or handheld vacuum cleaner. In this embodiment, an example of an electric vacuum cleaner CL being a stick vacuum cleaner will be described. In the illustrated example, an auxiliary device 5 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 1 via an air passage 4 or directly. In this embodiment, an example of an air passage 4 being a straight tube such as an extension tube is shown, but depending on the form of the electric vacuum cleaner CL, the air passage 4 may also have at least a flexible hose. The auxiliary device 5 is fluidly connected to the suction side of the electric blower 2 via the dust collection unit 3. In the illustrated example, the auxiliary device 5 is a suction inlet or a floor brush, but it is not limited to these. Appropriate vacuum nozzles or the like can also be used. Depending on the object being vacuumed, the auxiliary device 5 and the air passage 4 can sometimes be removed for use.

[0026] Furthermore, the electric vacuum cleaner CL is equipped with an operation switch 6 for switching the operation of the electric blower 2 on and off. The operation switch 6 can be single or multiple. In the illustrated example, the operation switch 6 is located in the hand-held operating section 7 of the electric vacuum cleaner CL. In this embodiment, an example is shown where the hand-held operating section 7 is located on the vacuum cleaner body 1, but this is not a limitation; depending on the form of the electric vacuum cleaner CL, the hand-held operating section 7 can also be located in the air passage body 4, etc. Alternatively, the operation switch 6 can be located in a different position than the hand-held operating section 7.

[0027] Furthermore, the electric vacuum cleaner CL includes a main control unit, namely a control unit 8, which controls the operation of the electric blower 2. In the illustrated example, the control unit 8 is located in the vacuum cleaner body 1. A microcomputer or similar device is preferably used as the control unit 8.

[0028] The power supply unit 9, which generates the drive current for the electric vacuum cleaner CL, is disposed, for example, in the vacuum cleaner body 1. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 9 is a rechargeable battery or a secondary battery, i.e., a DC power supply unit, but it is not limited to this; it may also be a winding device or the like that obtains power from an external power source such as a commercial power supply.

[0029] Furthermore, a signal indicating an action switching request based on the user's operation of the operating switch 6 is input to the control unit 8. In addition, the control unit 8 receives power from the power supply unit 9 and detects the remaining power supply by obtaining information from the power supply unit 9. Furthermore, the control unit 8 controls the drive current and / or speed of the electric blower 2, for example, based on the control of the energizing time, duty cycle, phase conduction angle, etc., of the drive circuit of the electric blower 2.

[0030] Next, the control unit 8 will explain the control of the operation of the electric blower 2.

[0031] The electric vacuum cleaner CL has a first operating mode that causes the electric blower 2 to operate with a specified drive current, and a second operating mode that causes the electric blower 2 to operate with a drive current that is larger than that in the first operating mode, i.e., a high output drive current.

[0032] The first operating mode is also referred to as the normal operating mode, etc. The first operating mode can be single or multiple. In this embodiment, an example is shown where the first operating mode is configured with two modes: a normal operating current (i.e., a weak mode) where the driving current is relatively small, and another normal operating current (i.e., a strong mode) where the driving current is relatively large.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 8 has an automatic mode that automatically switches between multiple first operating modes. The conditions for switching the first operating mode in automatic mode can be arbitrarily set, but in this embodiment, for example, the first operating mode is automatically switched based on the type of surface being vacuumed. Therefore, in automatic mode, the control unit 8 of this embodiment controls the operation of the electric blower 2 based on the type of surface being vacuumed.

[0034] Therefore, in the illustrated example, the electric vacuum cleaner CL is equipped with a surface sensor S1 that acquires information about the surface being vacuumed, i.e., information used to determine the type of surface being vacuumed. The surface sensor S1 can be configured arbitrarily, for example, using a current sensor that acquires the current value of the actuator (motor) used to drive the rotating body or other grounded body disposed in the accessory device 5, such as the rotating cleaning body, or a current sensor with a load current value or its associated value. For example, when the flatness of the surface being vacuumed, such as a floor or wooden floor, is relatively high and the moving load or frictional resistance is relatively low, the load current value of the motor is relatively low; when the flatness of the surface being vacuumed, such as a carpet, is relatively low and the moving load or frictional resistance is relatively high, the load current value of the motor is relatively high. Therefore, by detecting the information acquired by the surface sensor S1 and its changes, the type of surface being vacuumed can be determined in the control unit 8. In this embodiment, in automatic mode, if the control unit 8 determines that the surface to be vacuumed is a low-load surface such as a floor or wooden floor based on the information obtained by the surface to be vacuumed sensor S1, it corresponds to a first operating mode; if it determines that the surface to be vacuumed is a high-load surface such as a carpet, it corresponds to another first operating mode.

[0035] In this embodiment, the information obtained by the surface being vacuumed sensor S1 is input to the control unit 8, and the control unit 8 determines the type of surface being vacuumed. However, it is not limited to this. It can also be configured such that, based on the information obtained by the surface being vacuumed sensor S1, the type of surface being vacuumed is determined in the surface being vacuumed sensor S1, and the determination result is input to the control unit 8.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 8 operates the operation switch 6 from the state where the electric blower 2 is stopped, i.e., the operation of the electric vacuum cleaner CL is turned off, thereby activating the automatic mode in any of the first operating modes. In the automatic mode, the control unit 8 switches the first operating mode based on information obtained from the vacuuming surface sensor S1. Furthermore, if an operation on the operation switch 6 is input in the first operating mode, the control unit 8 switches to the second operating mode at least as a trigger of that operation. Additionally, the control unit 8 terminates the automatic mode by stopping the operation of the electric blower 2, i.e., the operation of the electric vacuum cleaner CL, as a trigger of an operation different from the aforementioned operation on the operation switch 6 in the first operating mode. That is, in the automatic mode, the control unit 8 can, at least, switch the electric blower 2 on / off and switch to the second operating mode based on the user's operation on the operation switch 6. It is not limited to this; it may also include an operation switch 6 for activating or switching the first operating mode in the first operating mode, and an operation switch 6 for switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0037] The operation for switching to the first operating mode (hereinafter referred to as the "prescribed operation") can be arbitrarily set, but for example, it is preferable to use a so-called long press operation in which the user presses the operation switch 6 for a predetermined operation duration of more than one second. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example is shown where, in automatic mode, the control unit 8 switches from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when the user performs a long press operation on the operation switch 6. Furthermore, the operation for stopping the operation of the electric blower 2 can be arbitrarily set, but for example, it is preferable to use a so-called short press operation in which the user presses the operation switch 6 for a duration shorter than the predetermined operation duration.

[0038] The second operating mode is also known as the high-output operating mode. The second operating mode is a high-power mode designed to concentrate vacuuming by increasing the output of the electric blower 2. Because the second operating mode consumes more power, it only lasts for a predetermined short period of time. This "predetermined time" is longer than the scheduled operating time, for example, set to 5 seconds.

[0039] The high output drive current of the electric blower 2 in the second operating mode can be the same or different when the control unit 8 switches from different first operating modes to the second operating mode. In this embodiment, an example where the high output drive current of the electric blower 2 is the same when switching from these different first operating modes to the second operating mode will be described below. For example, assuming that dust is less likely to accumulate on floors or wooden floors compared to carpets, the driving force of the electric blower 2 can be reduced accordingly. Therefore, a high output drive current when switching from a first operating mode with a relatively small drive current to the second operating mode can also be less than another high output drive current when switching from another first operating mode with a relatively large drive current to the second operating mode. In this case, it is preferable that the difference between a normal driving current and a high output drive current is greater than or equal to the difference between another normal driving current and another high output drive current.

[0040] After the second operating mode ends, the control unit 8 returns to the first operating mode immediately preceding the second operating mode. For example, if the operation switch 6 was operated during another operation in the first operating mode, the control unit returns to the other first operating mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since switching to the second operating mode. However, if the difference between the normal drive current in the restored first operating mode and the high output drive current in the immediately preceding second operating mode does not increase by a certain value, such as in the case of an electric vacuum cleaner CL that uses a secondary battery or rechargeable battery as the power source 9, or an electric vacuum cleaner CL whose electric blower 2 has a relatively low rating, the change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL when returning from the second operating mode to the first operating mode is small. Therefore, sometimes the user may not notice the return to the first operating mode after the second operating mode ends.

[0041] Therefore, in this embodiment, during the period from the end of the second operating mode to the return to the first operating mode, the control unit 8 can implement a reduction control that causes the electric blower 2 to operate with a drive current smaller than the normal drive current of the first operating mode for a predetermined prescribed operating time. This reduction control is achieved by creating a contrast between the drive current of the electric blower 2 and that of the second operating mode, resulting in a significant change in the operating sound, operating sound, or suction force of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL, thus notifying the user that the second operating mode has ended.

[0042] The timing for implementing the reduction control is preferably immediately after the end of the second action mode and immediately before the resumption to the first action mode, but it is not limited to this. It may also include a single or multiple controls of a short duration different from the reduction control after the end of the second action mode and / or before the resumption to the first action mode.

[0043] Preferably, the control unit 8 performs reduction control when recovering from a second operating mode to a first operating mode with a relatively large drive current, and does not perform reduction control when recovering from a second operating mode to a first operating mode with a relatively small drive current. In this embodiment, reduction control is performed only when recovering from a second operating mode to another first operating mode, that is, when the drive current difference accompanying the mode change is below a predetermined value. When recovering from a second operating mode to a first operating mode, since the drive current difference accompanying the mode change is large, reduction control is not performed. Furthermore, for example, when there are three or more first operating modes, the following can be set: reduction control is performed only when the first operating mode recovered from the second operating mode is a first operating mode with a normal drive current greater than a predetermined threshold drive current, and reduction control is not performed when the first operating mode has a normal drive current below the predetermined threshold drive current. In addition, "not performing reduction control" does not mean excluding the implementation of controls other than reduction control.

[0044] In this embodiment, since the reduction control is only implemented when switching from another first operating mode to a second operating mode and from the second operating mode to another first operating mode, the drive current during the reduction control only needs to be a drive current smaller than the drive current in another first operating mode, i.e., the drive current in another normal operating mode. For example, it can be set to a drive current in another normal operating mode.

[0045] Furthermore, the "operation time" is set to be longer than the specified operation time for detecting the specified operation of the operating switch 6 and shorter than the specified duration of the second operation mode, for example, set to 2 seconds. Additionally, the "operation time" can be a pre-fixed time or a time that varies in relation to the input of the electric blower 2, such as using a function or table.

[0046] exist Figure 3 The diagram shows an example of the control performed by the control unit 8. This example shows an operation when the switch 6 is pressed and held while operating in another first operating mode, based on the determination of the surface being vacuumed, and another operation when the switch 6 is pressed and held while operating in one first operating mode. Furthermore, in the following diagrams, the state where the switch 6 is pressed is represented as a Hi signal, and the state where it is not operated is represented as a Lo signal. Based on the determination of the type of surface being vacuumed based on information obtained from the surface being vacuumed sensor S1, a Hi signal is represented for a high-load surface such as a carpet, and a Lo signal is represented for a low-load surface such as a wooden floor or a hardwood floor.

[0047] Based on the determination result of the type of dust-collected surface obtained by the dust-collected surface sensor S1, when the control unit 8 is operating in another first operation mode, and the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operation time T1 or more, the control unit 8 switches to the second operation mode and sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current.

[0048] The control unit 8 terminates the second operation mode after a predetermined time T2 elapsed since switching to the second operation mode. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by not performing switching to other operation modes such as the first operation mode and / or reducing control based on the input operation of the operation switch 6 in the second operation mode, the control performed by the control unit 8 can be prevented from becoming complicated due to combining multiple judgment conditions used to determine control. However, for safety reasons, the operation of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL, which performs the input operation based on the operation switch 6 in the second operation mode, is stopped.

[0049] The control unit 8 reduces the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current by lowering the control when the second operating mode ends. After a predetermined operating time T3, it returns to the first operating mode, so that the drive current of the electric blower 2 becomes another normal drive current.

[0050] Thus, the control unit 8 controls the switching to the second operation mode triggered by the operation of the operation switch 6 during the operation of the first operation mode, and the return to the first operation mode after the second operation mode has lasted for a predetermined time. During the period from the end of the second operation mode to the return to the first operation mode, a reduction control is implemented to make the electric blower 2 operate with a drive current smaller than the normal drive current for a predetermined operation time. As a result, even when the difference between the normal drive current and the high output drive current is small, the user can easily notice the end of the second operation mode due to the large change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL caused by the reduction control.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 8, when switching from another first operating mode to a first operating mode based on the type of surface being vacuumed and setting the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current, switches to a second operating mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more, thereby increasing the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current.

[0052] Then, when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since switching to the second operating mode, the control unit 8 ends the second operating mode, restores to the first operating mode without implementing reduction control, and sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current.

[0053] Thus, the control unit 8 implements a reduction control when resuming from the second operating mode to another first operating mode where the normal drive current is relatively large, and does not implement a reduction control when resuming from the second operating mode to another first operating mode where the normal drive current is relatively small. During the transition from the second operating mode to a first operating mode, the change in the drive current of the electric blower 2, i.e., the change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL, is significant. Therefore, the user can easily notice the end of the second operating mode based on this change in operating sound. Thus, even if the user resumes to a first operating mode without a reduction control, the undesirable situation of the user not noticing the end of the second operating mode will not occur.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 8 automatically switches the first operating mode according to the type of surface being vacuumed, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually switch the first operating mode based on the type of surface being vacuumed, making vacuuming operations easier.

[0055] Furthermore, after switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, if the user performs a prescribed operation on the operation switch 6 during the process of reducing the drive current of the electric blower 2 through the aforementioned reduction control, the control unit 8 can also end the reduction control and switch to the second operating mode before the prescribed operation time T3 has elapsed.

[0056] exist Figure 4 An example of the control performed by the control unit 8 is shown in the figure.

[0057] The control unit 8, while operating in another first operating mode, switches to a second operating mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more. This increases the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current. After a predetermined time T2, the second operating mode ends, and the drive current of the electric blower 2 is reduced to a normal drive current through a reduction control. Before a predetermined operating time T3 has elapsed since the start of the reduction control, if the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more, the control unit 8 ends the reduction control and switches back to the second operating mode, increasing the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current. Afterwards, after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the high output drive current was achieved, the control unit 8 ends the second operating mode and reduces the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current through a reduction control. Then, after the prescribed operation time T3 has elapsed, the control unit 8 returns to another first operation mode, sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to another normal drive current, and if the user performs a prescribed operation on the operation switch 6 during the period before the prescribed operation time T3 has elapsed, that is, during the reduction control process, the reduction control ends before the prescribed operation time T3 has elapsed and switches back to the second operation mode.

[0058] Therefore, after the second operating mode ends, the user who notices the end of the second operating mode based on the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL generated by implementing the reduction control can immediately perform the prescribed operation on the operating switch 6 for transferring to the second operating mode as needed.

[0059] Furthermore, the reduction control performed by the control unit 8 is set to the first operating mode, which is normally a relatively small drive current, i.e., a first operating mode control. Therefore, there is no need to set a dedicated drive current for reduction control separately, and the user can be notified of the end of the second operating mode using a first operating mode, making control simpler.

[0060] Furthermore, the drive current during control reduction is not limited to a normal drive current. It can be a drive current different from the normal drive current of the first operating mode (i.e., a normal drive current of the first operating mode), which is relatively small. For example, it can be a specified drive current that is larger than one normal drive current and smaller than another, or a specified drive current that is smaller than one normal drive current. In this case, the drive current during control reduction can also be a drive current that the control unit 8 does not automatically switch based on the type of dust-collected surface determined by the information obtained from the dust-collected surface sensor S1, or a drive current that the control unit 8 does not switch based on the operation of the operation switch 6.

[0061] exist Figure 5The diagram illustrates an example where the reduced drive current during control is larger than one normal drive current and smaller than another normal drive current. Figure 6 The example shown is a reduced drive current that is smaller than a normal drive current when the control is reduced.

[0062] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, when operating in another first operating mode, after the operation switch 6 has been pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more, the control unit 8 switches to a second operating mode, increasing the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current. After a predetermined time T2, the second operating mode ends, and the drive current of the electric blower 2 is reduced to a reduced drive current that is greater than one normal drive current but less than another normal drive current by reducing control. Then, after a predetermined operating time T3 has elapsed since the reduced drive current was established, the control unit 8 returns to another first operating mode, setting the drive current of the electric blower 2 to another normal drive current. Furthermore, when the control unit 8 is operating in another first operating mode, it switches to a first operating mode based on the determination result of the type of dust-collected surface obtained from the dust-collected surface sensor S1, and sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current. When the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operation time T1 or more, it switches to a second operating mode, increases the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current, and when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the high output drive current was achieved, the control unit 8 ends the second operating mode, does not implement reduction control, and returns to a first operating mode, setting the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current.

[0063] In addition, Figure 6In the example shown, the control unit 8, while operating in another first operating mode, switches to a second operating mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more. This increases the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current. After a predetermined time T2, the second operating mode ends, and the drive current of the electric blower 2 is reduced to a lower drive current than a normal drive current by reducing control. Then, after a predetermined operating time T3 has elapsed since the drive current was reduced, the control unit 8 returns to another first operating mode and sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current. Furthermore, when the control unit 8 is operating in another first operating mode, it switches to a first operating mode based on the determination result of the type of dust-collected surface obtained from the dust-collected surface sensor S1, and sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current. When the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operation time T1 or more, it switches to a second operating mode, increases the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current, and when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the high output drive current was achieved, the control unit 8 ends the second operating mode, does not implement reduction control, and returns to a first operating mode, setting the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current.

[0064] Thus, by setting the reduction control performed by the control unit 8 to control the electric blower 2 to operate with a specified reduced drive current for a specified operating time T3, which is different from a first operating mode, the user can more easily notice the end of the second operating mode by appropriately setting the reduced drive current and by the larger change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL caused by the implementation of the reduction control.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode based on the determination result of the surface being vacuumed, obtained from the vacuumed surface sensor S1, the switching is performed, for example, after temporarily reverting from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the control performed by the control unit 8 from becoming complicated by combining multiple determination conditions for control decisions.

[0066] Furthermore, the vacuuming surface sensor S1, which is used to obtain information about the vacuumed surface, does not need to be a dedicated sensor. For example, a current sensor that detects the load current value of the drive unit, such as the motor configured in the accessory device 5, can also be used.

[0067] (Second Implementation)

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 7 as well as Figure 8The second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for components and functions identical to those in the first embodiment, the same symbols will be used, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0069] In this embodiment, the automatic mode automatically switches to the first operating mode based on the amount of dust drawn in by the electric blower 2. Therefore, in the automatic mode, the control unit 8 of this embodiment controls the operation of the electric blower 2 based on the amount of dust.

[0070] In the illustrated example, a dust sensor S2 is provided in the electric vacuum cleaner CL to obtain information about the dust drawn into the dust collection unit 3 by the electric blower 2, that is, to determine the amount of dust per unit time. The dust sensor S2 can be configured arbitrarily, for example, it can be used in the air passage upstream of the dust collection unit 3, with a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part arranged opposite each other in a direction intersecting the airflow direction of the air passage. For example, when a large amount of dust is drawn in, the dust will obstruct the light receiving part when passing through the air passage, so the amount of dust can be determined by detecting the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting part received by the light receiving part based on the current value, etc. In this embodiment, in automatic mode, the control unit 8, based on the information obtained by the dust sensor S2, corresponds to a first operating mode when the amount of dust is determined to be relatively small, and to another first operating mode when the amount of dust is determined to be relatively large.

[0071] In this embodiment, the information obtained by the dust sensor S2 is input to the control unit 8, and the control unit 8 determines the amount of dust. However, it is not limited to this. It can also be configured such that the amount of dust is determined in the dust sensor S2 based on the information obtained by the dust sensor S2, and the determination result is input to the control unit 8.

[0072] exist Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an example of control performed by the control unit 8. This example shows an operation where the switch 6 is pressed and held during operation in another first operation mode, based on the dust level determination, and an operation where the switch 6 is pressed and held during operation in one first operation mode. Furthermore, in the diagram, based on the dust level determination result obtained from the dust sensor S2, a case where the dust level is determined to be relatively high is represented by a Hi signal, and a case where the dust level is determined to be relatively low is represented by a Lo signal.

[0073] Based on the determination of the amount of dust obtained from the dust sensor S2, when the control unit 8 is operating in another first operating mode, and the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more, the control unit 8 switches to the second operating mode and sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current.

[0074] When a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since switching to the second operating mode, the control unit 8 ends the second operating mode and reduces the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal driving current by reducing the control. After a predetermined operating time T3 has elapsed, it returns to another first operating mode and sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to another normal driving current.

[0075] Thus, the control unit 8 has the same configuration as the first embodiment, such as: switching to the second operation mode during operation in the first operation mode triggered by a predetermined operation of the operation switch 6; and switching back to the first operation mode after the second operation mode has lasted for a predetermined time. During the period from the end of the second operation mode to the return to the first operation mode, a reduction control is implemented to make the electric blower 2 operate with a drive current smaller than the normal drive current for a predetermined operation time. This achieves the same effect as the first embodiment, such as: even when the difference between the normal drive current and the high output drive current is small, the user can easily notice the end of the second operation mode due to the significant change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL caused by the reduction control.

[0076] Furthermore, when the control unit 8 is in a state where it is operating from another first operating mode and the drive current of the electric blower 2 is set to a normal drive current based on the determination result of the amount of dust obtained from the dust sensor S2, it switches to the second operating mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operation time T1 or more, and the drive current of the electric blower 2 is increased, for example, the drive current is set to a high output drive current.

[0077] Furthermore, when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since switching to the second operating mode, the control unit 8 ends the second operating mode, does not implement reduction control, and returns to the first operating mode, setting the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current.

[0078] Thus, the control unit 8 has the same configuration as the first embodiment, such as performing a reduction control when returning from the second operating mode to another first operating mode with a relatively large normal drive current, and not performing a reduction control when returning from the second operating mode to a first operating mode with a relatively small normal drive current. This achieves the same effect as the first embodiment, such as the following: during the transition from the second operating mode to a first operating mode, the change in the drive current of the electric blower 2, i.e., the change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL, is relatively large. Based on this change in operating sound, the user can easily notice the end of the second operating mode. Therefore, even if the user does not return to a first operating mode through the reduction control, the undesirable situation of not noticing the end of the second operating mode will not occur.

[0079] Furthermore, although not illustrated, in the second embodiment, it is possible to switch to the second operation mode in the same way as in the first embodiment. After switching from another first operation mode to the second operation mode, if the user performs a specified operation on the operation switch 6 during the process of reducing the electric blower 2 to a drive current smaller than the normal drive current through the above-mentioned reduction control, the reduction control ends and the second operation mode is switched before the specified operation time T3 has elapsed. The drive current during the reduction control is not limited to a normal drive current. It can be set to a specified drive current that is larger than a normal drive current and smaller than another normal drive current, a specified drive current that is smaller than a normal drive current, or a drive current that is different from one and another normal drive current.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 8 automatically switches to the first operating mode based on the amount of dust sucked into the electric blower 2, thereby eliminating the need for the user to manually switch the first operating mode based on the amount of dust, making vacuuming operations easier.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode based on the dust level determination result obtained from the dust sensor S2, the switching is performed, for example, after temporarily reverting from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the control performed by the control unit 8 from becoming complicated by combining multiple determination conditions used for control decisions.

[0082] Furthermore, the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be combined. In this case, the control unit 8 can switch the first operating mode of the electric blower 2 in automatic mode, for example, based on the result of AND or OR processing of the determination of the type of the dust-collected surface based on the information obtained by the dust-collected surface sensor S1 and the determination of the amount of dust based on the information obtained by the dust sensor S2.

[0083] (Third Implementation)

[0084] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 12 The third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, components and functions identical to those in the other embodiments will be labeled with the same symbols, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0085] In the electric vacuum cleaner CL of this embodiment, the control unit 8 has a manual mode in addition to the automatic mode, or in addition to the automatic mode, a manual mode in which the user can manually switch the first operating mode of the electric blower 2.

[0086] In manual mode, the control unit 8 switches the electric blower 2 to its first operating mode by triggering a switching operation on the operation switch 6 that differs from the prescribed operation. That is, in manual mode, the control unit 8 controls the operation of the electric blower 2 based on the user's operation on the operation switch 6.

[0087] The "switching operation" can be arbitrarily set, for example, it can be set as a so-called short press operation, where the operation switch 6 is pressed for a shorter time than a predetermined operation time. That is, when there is one operation mode and another first operation mode as the first operation mode, when the operation switch 6 is short-pressed, the control unit 8 alternately switches from one first operation mode to another, or from another first operation mode to one first operation mode. Furthermore, for example, when there are three or more first operation modes, the control unit 8 only needs to cycle through the first operation modes whenever the operation switch 6 is short-pressed. When the control unit 8 has an automatic mode and a manual mode, it is preferable to separate the operation switch 6 for the manual mode from the operation switch 6 for the automatic mode.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 8 activates the manual mode in any of the first operating modes by operating the operation switch 6 from the stopped state of the electric blower 2, i.e., the off state of the electric vacuum cleaner CL. In manual mode, the control unit 8 switches the first operating mode according to the switching operation of the operation switch 6. Furthermore, the control unit 8 switches from one first operating mode to another, and then to a second operating mode, triggered by the operation of the operation switch 6 in the first operating mode. Additionally, the control unit 8 terminates the manual mode by stopping the operation of the electric blower 2, i.e., the operation of the electric vacuum cleaner CL, by an operation different from the prescribed operation of the operation switch 6 in the first operating mode, such as the operation of the operation switch 6 for automatic mode.

[0089] exist Figure 10The diagram shows an example of the control performed by the control unit 8. In this example, it shows an operation when the switch 6 is briefly pressed while operating in one first operation mode or another first operation mode, an operation when the switch 6 is pressed for a long time while operating in another first operation mode, and an operation when the switch 6 is pressed for a long time while operating in one first operation mode.

[0090] The control unit 8 is configured to switch to another first operation mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for less than the predetermined operation time T4 of the predetermined operation time T1 while the operation is in a first operation mode.

[0091] The control unit 8 switches to the second operation mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for a specified operation time T1 or more while operating in another first operation mode, thereby increasing the drive current of the electric blower 2 and setting it to a high output drive current.

[0092] The control unit 8 terminates the second operation mode after a predetermined time T2 elapses since switching to the second operation mode. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by not performing input operations based on the operation switch 6 in the second operation mode to other operation modes and / or reducing control, the control unit 8 is prevented from becoming overly complex due to the combination of multiple decision conditions for determining control. However, for safety reasons, the operation of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL, which performs input operations based on the operation switch 6, is stopped in the second operation mode.

[0093] The control unit 8, when the second operating mode ends, reduces the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal driving current by reducing the control. After a predetermined operating time T3, it returns to another first operating mode and sets the drive current of the electric blower 2 to another normal driving current.

[0094] Furthermore, the control unit 8 is configured to switch to a first operation mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for an operation time T4 that is less than the predetermined operation time T1, while the operation is in another first operation mode.

[0095] The control unit 8 is configured to switch to the second operation mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for a specified operation time T1 or more while operating in the first operation mode, thereby increasing the drive current of the electric blower 2 and setting it to a high output drive current.

[0096] Furthermore, the control unit 8, when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since switching to the second operating mode, ends the second operating mode, does not implement reduction control, and returns to the first operating mode, setting the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a normal drive current.

[0097] Thus, the control unit 8 has the same configuration as in each embodiment, such as: when switching to the second operation mode in the first operation mode by triggering a predetermined operation on the operation switch 6, and when controlling the return to the first operation mode after the second operation mode has been maintained for a predetermined time, during the period from the end of the second operation mode to the return to the first operation mode, a reduction control is implemented to make the electric blower 2 operate with a drive current smaller than the normal drive current for a predetermined operation time. This can achieve the same effect as in each embodiment, such as: even when the difference between the normal drive current and the high output drive current is small, the user can easily notice the end of the second operation mode due to the large change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL caused by the reduction control.

[0098] Furthermore, the control unit 8 has the same configuration as in each embodiment, such as performing a reduction control when returning from the second operating mode to another first operating mode with a relatively large normal drive current, and not performing a reduction control when returning from the second operating mode to a first operating mode with a relatively small normal drive current. This achieves the same effect as in each embodiment, such as the following: during the transition from the second operating mode to a first operating mode, the change in the drive current of the electric blower 2, i.e., the change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL, is significant. Based on this change in operating sound, the user can easily notice the end of the second operating mode. Therefore, even if the user does not return to a first operating mode through the reduction control, the undesirable situation of the user not noticing the end of the second operating mode will not occur.

[0099] Furthermore, the control unit 8 sequentially switches the first operation mode based on a switching operation that differs from the prescribed operation for the operation switch 6, so that the user can use the operation switch 6 at the desired time to appropriately switch the first operation mode.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, similar to other embodiments, if the user performs a specified operation on the operation switch 6 during the process of reducing the electric blower 2 to a drive current smaller than the normal drive current through the aforementioned reduction control after switching from another first operation mode to a second operation mode, the control unit 8 may end the reduction control and switch to the second operation mode even before the specified operation time T3 has elapsed.

[0101] exist Figure 11 An example of the control performed by the control unit 8 is shown in the figure.

[0102] The control unit 8, while operating in another first operating mode, switches to a second operating mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more. This increases the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current. After a predetermined time T2, the second operating mode ends, and the drive current of the electric blower 2 is reduced to a normal drive current via a reduction control. If, before a predetermined operating time T3 has elapsed since the start of the reduction control, the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more, the control unit 8 ends the reduction control and switches back to the second operating mode, increasing the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current.

[0103] Thus, the control unit 8, having the same configuration as in each embodiment, switches to the second operation mode by triggering a predetermined operation of the operation switch 6 before the predetermined operation time T3 has elapsed in the reduction control. This achieves the same effect as in each embodiment, such as: after the second operation mode ends, the user who notices the end of the second operation mode based on the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL generated by implementing the reduction control can immediately perform the predetermined operation of the operation switch 6 for transferring to the second operation mode as needed.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 8 may also terminate the reduction control and return to the first operation mode by triggering a recovery operation that differs from the predetermined operation performed on the operation switch 6 before a predetermined operation time T3 has elapsed during the reduction control. Additionally, the "recovery operation" can be arbitrarily set, but in this embodiment, an example is shown where it is set to a short press of the operation switch 6, i.e., the same operation as the switching operation used to switch to the first operation mode. However, this is not a limitation; the "recovery operation" and the "switching operation" can also be different operations.

[0105] exist Figure 12 An example of the control performed by the control unit 8 is shown in the figure.

[0106] The control unit 8, while operating in another first operating mode, switches to a second operating mode when the operation switch 6 is pressed for a predetermined operating time T1 or more. This increases the drive current of the electric blower 2 to a high output drive current. After a predetermined time T2, the second operating mode ends, and the drive current of the electric blower 2 is reduced to a normal operating current through a reduction control. Before a predetermined operating time T3 has elapsed since the start of the reduction control, if the operation switch 6 is pressed for an operating time T5 less than the predetermined operating time T1, the control unit 8 ends the reduction control and returns to another first operating mode, setting the drive current of the electric blower 2 to another normal operating current. Furthermore, the operating time T5 may be the same as or different from the operating time T4.

[0107] Thus, triggered by a recovery operation on the operating switch 6 that differs from the prescribed operation before the specified operation time T3 has elapsed in the reduction control, the control unit 8 ends the reduction control and returns to the first operation mode. Therefore, the electric blower 2 shows a response corresponding to the user's operation on the operating switch 6, and the user can confirm that the electric vacuum cleaner CL is operating normally, thus improving reliability.

[0108] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, an example was described in which the switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode and the switching from the first operation mode were performed according to the different operation methods of the user on the common operation switch 6. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode and the switching from the first operation mode may be performed according to the user's operation on different operation switches 6.

[0109] Furthermore, the third embodiment can also be combined with the first embodiment and / or the second embodiment.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first and third embodiments, the electric vacuum cleaner CL can also be a blower-type electric vacuum cleaner that blows air out by the operation of the electric blower 2 to perform vacuuming, or a suction-type electric vacuum cleaner that has the function of a blower-type electric vacuum cleaner.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, examples are shown where the normal driving current and the high output driving current are constant, but this is not a limitation. When the power supply unit 9 is a storage battery or a secondary battery, the values ​​of the normal driving current and the high output driving current can be varied according to the remaining amount or voltage value of the power supply unit 9.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, since the relatively small drive current, i.e., the normal drive current, is small enough compared to the high output drive current, the change in the operating sound of the electric blower 2 or the electric vacuum cleaner CL is significant when returning from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. The user can notice the end of the second operating mode and the return to the first operating mode. Therefore, it is assumed that the control does not implement the reduction control. However, it is also possible to assume that the difference between the normal drive current and the high output drive current is not too large. Therefore, the reduction control can be implemented for all first operating modes when returning from the second operating mode.

[0113] Furthermore, the control of the control unit 8 can be achieved by replacing "drive current" with "speed" in each of the above embodiments, and the same effect can be achieved.

[0114] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described. These embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An electric vacuum cleaner, characterized in that, have: Electric blower; The operation switch is used to set the operation of the aforementioned electric blower; and The control unit controls the operation of the aforementioned electric blower. The control unit performs the following control: in the first operating mode in which the electric blower operates with a predetermined drive current, the operation of the operation switch is used as a trigger to switch to the second operating mode in which the electric blower operates with a drive current greater than the drive current. After the second operating mode lasts for a predetermined time, the control unit returns to the first operating mode. During the period from the end of the second operating mode to the return to the first operating mode, the control unit performs a reduction control to make the electric blower operate with a drive current less than the drive current for a predetermined predetermined time.

2. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned control unit switches to the second operation mode by triggering the operation of the aforementioned operation switch before the specified operation time in the aforementioned reduction control.

3. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner has multiple first operating modes, each with a different drive current for the aforementioned electric blower. The control unit implements the reduction control when the operation returns from the second operating mode to the first operating mode where the drive current of the electric blower is relatively high, and does not implement the reduction control when the operation returns from the second operating mode to the first operating mode where the drive current of the electric blower is relatively low.

4. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned reduction control is a control that causes the electric blower to operate with a drive current different from that of the first operating mode, which has a relatively small drive current, for the specified operating time.

5. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned reduction control is a control that switches to the first operating mode of the electric blower, where the drive current is relatively small, and causes the electric blower to operate for the specified operating time.

6. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner has multiple first operating modes, each with a different drive current for the aforementioned electric blower. The control unit switches the first operating mode according to the type of surface being vacuumed.

7. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner has multiple first operating modes, each with a different drive current for the aforementioned electric blower. The control unit switches the first operating mode based on the amount of dust drawn in by the electric blower during operation.

8. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner has multiple first operating modes, each with a different drive current for the aforementioned electric blower. The control unit is triggered by a switching operation that is different from the operation described above for the operation switch, and sequentially switches the first operation mode described above.

9. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned electric vacuum cleaner has multiple first operating modes, each with a different drive current for the aforementioned electric blower. The control unit is triggered by a recovery operation on the operation switch that is different from the operation described above before the specified time of the operation in the reduction control, and ends the reduction control and returns to the first operation mode.

10. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured such that when the operation switch is operated in the second operation mode, it does not switch back to the first operation mode or perform the reduction control based on the operation.

11. An electric vacuum cleaner, characterized in that, have: Electric blower; The operation switch is used to set the operation of the aforementioned electric blower; and The control unit controls the operation of the aforementioned electric blower. The control unit performs the following control: in the first operating mode where the electric blower operates at a predetermined speed, the operation of the operation switch is used as a trigger to switch to the second operating mode where the electric blower operates at a speed greater than the predetermined speed. After the second operating mode lasts for a predetermined time, the control unit returns to the first operating mode. During the period from the end of the second operating mode to the return to the first operating mode, the control unit performs a reduction control to make the electric blower operate at a speed less than the predetermined speed for a predetermined time.

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