Vacuum cleaner comprising soft soil detection means

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner includes a suction head (5) comprising a rotating brush (18); a brush drive motor (21) configured to rotate the rotating brush (18); a suction motor configured to generate an airflow through the suction head (5); and an electronic control unit configured to calculate a current variation parameter from current values ​​measured by a current measuring device associated with the brush drive motor (21), and to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner according to the result of a comparison of the calculated current variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value and adjust the rotational speed of the brush drive motor (21) according to the result of a comparison of the current intensity applied to the brush drive motor (21) with a current threshold value.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head, also called a vacuum cleaner nozzle, allowing the suction of dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned. State of the art

[0002] Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well-known on the market; they allow for the cleaning of surfaces by suction, removing dust and debris. The surface to be vacuumed can be, for example, a hard floor, such as tile, parquet, or laminate flooring, or a soft floor, such as carpet or rugs.

[0003] A suction head includes, as is known: a head body comprising a sole having an underside and a suction mouth opening into the underside of the sole, the underside of the sole being intended to be positioned adjacent to the surface to be vacuumed during the use of the vacuum cleaner, a rotating brush which is housed in a receiving compartment delimited by the head body and which is mobile in rotation about an axis of rotation, and a rotational drive mechanism configured to drive the rotating brush in rotation about the axis of rotation, the rotational drive mechanism comprising a brush drive motor coupled in rotation to the rotating brush.

[0004] In order to improve the cleaning performance of a vacuum cleaner of the aforementioned type, it is known to equip it with a measuring device configured to measure the intensity of the electrical current applied to the brush drive motor, to detect the type of floor encountered by the suction head according to the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device, and to adapt the suction power generated by the vacuum cleaner's suction motor according to the type of floor detected.

[0005] In particular, document FR3137557 discloses a vacuum cleaner comprising an electronic control unit configured to: calculate a dispersion indicator, such as the variance or standard deviation, of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device, each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device, and detect that the suction head is moved on soft ground, and for example from hard ground to soft ground, when the dispersion indicator exceeds the detection threshold value.

[0006] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible to detect a movement of the suction head on a soft floor without requiring the presence of a specific floor detection device, which reduces the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0007] However, this type of vacuum cleaner configuration does not allow for differentiation between the types of soft flooring encountered by the suction head, specifically whether the soft flooring is thin (e.g., carpet), thick (e.g., a rug with long pile), high-energy-consuming (e.g., a rug with long pile that could generate significant friction with the rotating brush), or impermeable or poorly permeable (i.e., a soft floor that could create a suction effect, causing the suction head to stick to the floor). Therefore, this type of vacuum cleaner cannot automatically adjust at least one operating parameter based on the type of soft flooring encountered by the suction head.

[0008] In particular, prolonged cleaning of a carpet with long pile (i.e., a soft floor that consumes electricity) is likely to cause premature wear of the bearings of the rotating brush and also overheating of the brush drive motor, if the rotation speed of the latter, selected for cleaning a soft floor, is too high.

[0009] To overcome this drawback, it might be possible to reduce the rotation speed of the brush drive motor, which is preset for cleaning soft floors. However, such a speed reduction could impair cleaning performance on carpets or thin rugs. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0011] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a vacuum cleaner with a simple and ergonomic structure, while offering increased cleaning performance.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction head comprising a soleplate having an underside configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet opening into the underside of the soleplate and through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner, the suction head further comprising a rotating brush movable around an axis of rotation, a rotating drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating brush around the axis of rotation, the rotating drive mechanism comprising a brush drive motor rotationally coupled to the rotating brush, a suction motor configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet and into the suction head, a current measuring device configured to measure the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor, and an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner,The electronic control unit is further configured to: ∘ calculate a current variation parameter from current values ​​measured by the current measuring device, ∘ compare the calculated current variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, and ∘ compare the current applied to the brush drive motor with a current threshold value.

[0013] The electronic control unit is further configured to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner according to the result of comparing the calculated intensity variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, and to adjust the rotation speed of the brush drive motor according to the result of comparing the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor with the intensity threshold value.

[0014] As previously mentioned, comparing a current variation parameter with a detection threshold value allows for the automatic detection of movement of the vacuum head on a soft floor. Furthermore, comparing the current applied to the brush drive motor with a threshold value allows for the automatic detection of when the current applied to the brush drive motor is relatively high. Such a high current value, when the vacuum head is moving on a soft floor, is highly likely to result either from the vacuum head pressing against a soft floor that is impermeable or has low air permeability (such pressing inducing significant friction between the rotating brush and the soft floor), or from significant friction between the rotating brush and the long bristles of the soft floor on which the vacuum head is moving.

[0015] Thus, the specific configuration of the vacuum cleaner according to the present allows the operation of the vacuum cleaner to be adapted automatically during a phase of cleaning a soft floor, and in particular to adjust the rotation speed of the brush drive motor in order to limit the risks of overheating of the latter and to extend the life of said brush drive motor.

[0016] In addition, the fact that the electronic control unit is configured to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner based on the result of comparing the calculated intensity variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, allows, for example, the automatic reduction of the vacuum cleaner's suction power, and for example, the reduction of the rotation speed of the vacuum motor, when the suction head is moved on a soft, impermeable or poorly permeable floor, which prevents the suction head from sticking to said soft floor, and thus facilitates the cleaning operations of a soft, impermeable or poorly permeable floor.

[0017] In addition, the specific configuration of the electronic control unit allows, according to the factory settings or the user's choice, either to decrease the rotation speed of the suction motor when the suction head is moved on a thin soft floor in order to limit the electrical consumption of the vacuum cleaner during a phase of cleaning a thin soft floor, or to increase the rotation speed of the suction motor in order to increase the cleaning performance of the vacuum cleaner during a phase of cleaning a thin soft floor.

[0018] The vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intensity threshold value is between 1 and 3.5 A, advantageously between 1.5 and 3.2 A, and is for example equal to 3 A.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect the type of soft flooring on which the suction head is moving based on the result of comparing the calculated intensity variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, and, for example, based on the result of comparing the calculated intensity variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value and the result of comparing the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor with the intensity threshold value. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner thus allows for the automatic modification of at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner based on the type of soft flooring detected, thereby optimizing the vacuum cleaner's performance and resulting in increased cleaning performance and a longer lifespan for the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a soft floor, when the calculated intensity variation parameter reaches or exceeds a first detection threshold value and to adjust, and for example to decrease or increase, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner to a first predetermined soft floor suction power, which has a non-zero value, when the electronic control unit has detected that the suction head is moved on a soft floor.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moved on soft ground if several successive values ​​of the intensity variation parameter, for example between 2 and 6 values, are greater than or equal to the first detection threshold value.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to adjust, for example to decrease or increase, the rotation speed of the suction motor to a first predetermined soft floor suction speed when the electronic control unit has detected that the suction head is being moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a soft floor.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moved on a thick soft floor (i.e., having a thickness greater than a predetermined thickness value, said predetermined thickness value being advantageously between 0.8 and 1.5 cm, and is for example equal to 1 cm), and for example from a hard floor to a thick soft floor, when the calculated intensity variation parameter reaches or exceeds a second detection threshold value which is greater than the first detection threshold value and to adjust, and for example to decrease or increase, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner to a second predetermined soft floor suction power, which has a non-zero value and which is different from the first predetermined soft floor suction power, when the electronic control unit has detected that the suction head is moved on a thick soft floor.

[0025] Thus, the electronic control unit is specifically configured to detect when the suction head is moved across a thin soft floor (i.e., one with a thickness less than the predetermined value), for example, from a hard floor to a thin soft floor, when the calculated intensity variation parameter reaches or exceeds the first detection threshold value and is less than the second detection threshold value. It is also configured to detect when the suction head is moved across a thick soft floor (i.e., one with a thickness greater than the predetermined value), for example, from a hard floor to a thick soft floor, when the calculated intensity variation parameter reaches or exceeds the second detection threshold value. An example of a thin soft floor could be carpet, and an example of a thick soft floor could be a rug with long pile.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to adjust the rotation speed of the suction motor to a second predetermined soft floor suction speed when the electronic control unit has detected that the suction head is being moved on thick soft flooring.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor, when it is determined that the calculated intensity variation parameter is less than the first detection threshold value and then it is determined that the intensity (this intensity can be a single measurement or several intensity measurements or an average of several intensity measurements which must be less than the intensity threshold value) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is less than a predetermined threshold value which is less than the intensity threshold value.

[0028] Such a vacuum cleaner configuration allows for the detection of movement of the suction head on a hard floor without requiring a specific floor detection device, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. Furthermore, such a vacuum cleaner configuration allows, for example, the operation of the vacuum cleaner to be adapted during a hard floor cleaning phase.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined threshold value is greater than an average value of the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor during a previous movement phase of the suction head on a hard floor.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner to a predetermined hard floor suction power, which has a non-zero value, when the electronic control unit has detected that the suction head is being moved on a hard floor.

[0031] Thus, the electronic control unit can be configured to reduce the vacuum cleaner's suction power to a predetermined hard floor suction power, and for example, to reduce the rotation speed of the vacuum motor to a predetermined hard floor suction speed, when the electronic control unit detects that the vacuum head is being moved onto a hard floor, for example, from a soft floor to a hard floor. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner helps to limit its power consumption during hard floor cleaning.

[0032] Conversely, the electronic control unit can be configured to increase the vacuum cleaner's suction power to a predetermined hard floor suction power, and for example, increase the suction motor's rotation speed to a predetermined hard floor suction speed, when the electronic control unit detects that the suction head is being moved onto a hard floor, such as from a soft floor to a hard floor. This configuration of the vacuum cleaner allows for increased cleaning performance during the hard floor cleaning phase.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined hard floor suction power is different from each of the first and second predetermined soft floor suction powers.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined hard floor suction power is greater than the first predetermined soft floor suction power, and the first predetermined soft floor suction power is greater than the second predetermined soft floor suction power.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined hard floor suction power is less than the first predetermined soft floor suction power, and the first predetermined soft floor suction power is greater than the second predetermined soft floor suction power. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the second predetermined soft floor suction power may be less than or greater than the predetermined hard floor suction power.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moved on a hard floor if one or more successive values ​​of the intensity variation parameter, for example between 2 and 6 values, are less than the first detection threshold value and if it is subsequently determined that the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is less than the predetermined threshold value.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to calculate an average value of the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor during a phase of movement of the suction head on a soft floor, for example during a previous phase of movement of the suction head on a soft floor or during the most recent phase of movement of the suction head on a soft floor, and to define the predetermined threshold value as a function of said calculated average value.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined threshold value corresponds to the calculated average value of the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor during the movement phase of the suction head on a soft floor, subtracted by a percentage, for example between 3 and 10%, of said calculated average value.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to calculate an average value of the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor during a phase of movement of the suction head on a hard floor, for example during a previous phase of movement of the suction head on a hard floor or during the most recent phase of movement of the suction head on a hard floor, and to define the predetermined threshold value as a function of said calculated average value.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined threshold value corresponds to the calculated average value of the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor during the movement phase of the suction head on a hard floor, to which is added a percentage, for example between 3 and 10%, of said calculated average value.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the brush drive motor to a predetermined motor protection speed when the electronic control unit has previously detected that the suction head is being moved on a soft floor and that the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value, i.e., that at least one of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to decrease the rotational speed of the brush drive motor to a predetermined motor protection speed when the electronic control unit has previously detected that the suction head is being moved on a soft floor and that, after an adjustment of the suction power of the vacuum cleaner following the detection of a movement of the suction head on a soft floor, the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than or equal to, and for example remains greater than or equal to, the threshold intensity value.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moved on a soft floor that consumes (i.e., a soft floor with hairs that can generate significant friction with the rotating brush) or on a soft floor that is impermeable or slightly permeable to air (i.e., a soft floor that can cause a suction effect, pressing the suction head to the soft floor), when the electronic control unit has previously detected that the suction head is moved on a soft floor (for example, a thin soft floor or a thick soft floor) and that the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value, i.e., at least one of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moved on a soft floor that consumes (i.e., a soft floor with hairs that can generate significant friction with the rotating brush) or on a soft floor that is impermeable or not very permeable to air (i.e., a soft floor that can cause a suction effect that presses the suction head to the soft floor), when the electronic control unit has previously detected that the suction head is moved on a soft floor (for example, a thin soft floor or a thick soft floor) and that, after an adjustment of the suction power of the vacuum cleaner following the detection of a movement of the suction head on a soft floor, the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than or equal to, and for example remains greater than or equal to, the intensity threshold value.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the brush drive motor to a predetermined motor protection speed when the electronic control unit has previously detected that the suction head is being moved on a soft floor and that, during a predetermined period of time (for example, elapsed from the moment the suction power of the vacuum cleaner was adjusted following the detection of movement of the suction head on a soft floor), each of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value or an average of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined time period is greater than or equal to 1 second, and is for example between 1 and 5 seconds, and advantageously equal to 2 seconds.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the calculated intensity variation parameter is an indicator of the dispersion of the intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measurement device, or the amplitude of variation of the intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measurement device.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispersion indicator is representative of the dispersion of the deviations of the intensity values ​​from a reference value.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispersion indicator is the variance or standard deviation of the intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measurement device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to calculate a sliding dispersion indicator, such as the sliding variance or the sliding standard deviation, of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, each value of the intensity variation parameter, and for example each value of the dispersion indicator, is calculated from a limited series of successive intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measurement device.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, each limited series of successive measured intensity values ​​comprises between 5 and 20, advantageously between 5 and 15, and for example 10, successive measured intensity values.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the time interval between two successive measured intensity values ​​is between 15 and 30 ms, and is for example about 25 ms.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reference value is an average intensity value defined for each limited series, and more particularly an average of the successive intensity values ​​measured for the respective limited series.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner. However, according to another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner could be a canister vacuum cleaner equipped with an active head.

[0056] The present invention further relates to a method for controlling a vacuum cleaner, comprising the following steps: to provide a vacuum cleaner comprising: ∘ a suction head including a rotating brush that rotates about an axis of rotation and a soleplate having an underside configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet opening into the underside of the soleplate through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner, ∘ a rotary drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating brush about the axis of rotation, the rotary drive mechanism including a brush drive motor rotationally coupled to the rotating brush, ∘ a suction motor configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet and into the suction head, ∘ a current measuring device configured to measure the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor,and ∘ an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner, measure the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor, calculate a current variation parameter from measured current values, compare the calculated current variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, compare the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor with a current threshold value, adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner according to the result of comparing the calculated current variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, and adjust the rotational speed of the brush drive motor according to the result of comparing the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor with the current threshold value.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the following steps: detect that the suction head is moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a soft floor, when the calculated intensity variation parameter reaches or exceeds a first detection threshold value, and adjust, and for example decrease or increase, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner to a first predetermined soft floor suction power, which has a non-zero value, when it has been detected that the suction head is moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a soft floor.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the following steps: detect that the suction head is moved on a thick soft floor (i.e., one with a thickness greater than a predetermined thickness value), and for example from a hard floor to a thick soft floor, when the calculated intensity variation parameter reaches or exceeds a second detection threshold value that is greater than the first detection threshold value, and adjust, and for example decrease or increase, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner to a second predetermined soft floor suction power, which has a non-zero value and is different from the first predetermined soft floor suction power, when it has been detected that the suction head is moved on a thick soft floor.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a step of detecting that the suction head is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor, when the intensity variation parameter is less than the first detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is less than a predetermined threshold value which is less than the intensity threshold value.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a step of adjusting, and for example decreasing or increasing, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner to a predetermined hard floor suction power when it is detected that the suction head is being moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a step of reducing the rotational speed of the brush drive motor to a predetermined motor protection speed when it has been previously detected that the suction head is being moved on a soft floor and that the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value, i.e. that at least one of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a step of reducing the rotational speed of the brush drive motor to a predetermined motor protection speed when it has been previously detected that the suction head is being moved on a soft floor and that, during a predetermined period of time (for example, elapsed from the moment when the suction power of the vacuum cleaner was adjusted following the detection of movement of the suction head on a soft floor), each of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value or an average of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value. Brief description of the figures

[0063] In any case, the invention will be well understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this vacuum cleaner. There figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner figure 1 . There figure 3 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner figure 1 . There figure 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner suction head figure 1 . There figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the suction head figure 4 . There figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction head of the figure 4 . There figure 7 is a diagram representing the time evolution of the intensity of the electric current applied to a vacuum cleaner brush drive motor figure 1 and the temporal evolution of a dispersion indicator of the values ​​of the intensity of the electric current applied to a brush drive motor, during different cleaning phases. Detailed description

[0064] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0065] There figure 1 represents a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a stick vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body 3, a handle 4 mechanically connected to the main body 3, and a suction head 5 configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned. However, the vacuum cleaner 2 according to the present invention could also be a canister vacuum cleaner without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0066] The main body 3 includes in particular a vacuum housing 6 and a suction nozzle 7 which is advantageously arranged at a lower end of the vacuum housing 6 and to which the suction head 5 is attached directly or via a suction tube 8. The main body 3 further includes a suction conduit 9 arranged in the vacuum housing 6 and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 7.

[0067] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a waste separation and collection device 11 which is removably mounted on the main body 3, so that it can be cleaned. Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 11 is of the cyclonic type.

[0068] The waste separation and collection device 11 includes in particular an air inlet opening (not visible in the figures) which is fluidly connected to the suction duct 9. Thus, the suction duct 9 is configured to fluidly connect the suction head 5 to the air inlet opening of the waste separation and collection device 11.

[0069] As shown on the figure 3 The vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a suction motor 12, also called a motor-fan, configured to generate an airflow through the suction head 5, the suction duct 9 and the waste separation and collection device 11. The suction motor 12 is more particularly arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing 6. As is known, the suction motor 12 includes a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0070] As shown on the figures 4 to 6The suction head 5 comprises a head body 13 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the head body 13 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0071] The head body 13 includes a sole 14, for example made of plastic, having an underside 15 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned.

[0072] The head body 13 further includes a suction mouth 16 opening into the lower face 15 of the sole 14 and through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction mouth 16 has an elongated shape and extends along an extension direction D1 which extends perpendicularly to a direction of movement D2 of the suction head 5.

[0073] The head body 13 further includes a receiving housing 17 which opens into the lower face 15 of the sole 14 via the suction mouth 16. Thus, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving housing 17 forms a suction chamber.

[0074] The suction head 5 also includes a rotating brush 18 which is mounted movably in rotation in the receiving housing 17 along an axis of rotation A which is substantially coincident with the central axis of the rotating brush 18. Advantageously, the rotating brush 18 is mounted removably in the receiving housing 17, and is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing 17 in a mounting direction which can, for example, extend transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of movement D2 of the suction head 5.

[0075] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotary brush 18 comprises a brush body 18.1 which is, for example, tubular, and bristles (not visible in the figures) provided on the external surface of the brush body 18.1. Advantageously, the brush body 18.1 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section, and the rotary brush 18 comprises one or more rows of bristles extending, for example, helically around the central axis of the rotary brush 18. According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the rows of bristles could be replaced by elastically deformable strips or by a foam cleaning sleeve.

[0076] The suction head 5 further comprises a rotation drive mechanism 19 configured to rotate the rotating brush 18 around the axis of rotation A. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotation drive mechanism 19 is housed in the head body 13, and comprises a brush drive motor 21 provided with an output shaft mechanically coupled to the rotating brush 18.

[0077] Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 includes a current measuring device 22 configured to measure the current intensity I applied to the brush drive motor 21. The current measuring device 22 can, for example, be located in the suction head 5, in the main body 3, or in the handle 4.

[0078] The suction head 5 also includes a connecting sleeve 23 which is fluidly connected to the receiving housing 17, and therefore to the suction mouth 16, and to which the suction nozzle 7 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is intended to be connected, and more particularly to which a lower part of the suction tube 8 is intended to be attached. Advantageously, the suction head 5 includes an articulation device 24 mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve 23 to the head body 13, so as to allow the head body 13 to pivot forward and backward when the suction head 5 is moved along the direction of movement D2.

[0079] The vacuum cleaner 2 also includes an electronic control unit 25 configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular to adapt the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to the type of floor on which the suction head 5 is moved. The electronic control unit 25 can, for example, be located in the vacuum cleaner housing 6 or in the handle 4.

[0080] The electronic control unit 25 is configured in particular to calculate an intensity variation parameter from intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measuring device 22, compare the calculated intensity variation parameter with a first detection threshold value Vsd1 and a second detection threshold value Vsd2, and compare the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 with an intensity threshold value Vsi and a predetermined threshold value Vsp.

[0081] The predetermined threshold value Vsp is greater than an average value of the current intensity I applied to the brush drive motor 21 during a previous movement phase of the suction head 5 on a hard floor, and the threshold value of intensity Vsi is greater than the predetermined threshold value Vsp. Advantageously, the threshold value of intensity Vsi is between 1 and 3.5 A, advantageously between 2.8 and 3.2 A, and is, for example, equal to 3 A.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 is configured to calculate an average value of the current intensity I applied to the brush drive motor 21 during each phase of movement of the suction head 5 on a soft floor, and to define the predetermined threshold value Vsp based on the average value calculated for the most recent phase of movement of the suction head 5 on a soft floor. The predetermined threshold value Vsp may, for example, correspond to the calculated average value of the current intensity I applied to the brush drive motor 21 during the most recent phase of movement of the suction head 5 on a soft floor, subtracted by a percentage, for example, between 3 and 10%, of said calculated average value.

[0083] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 could be configured to calculate an average value of the current intensity I applied to the brush drive motor 21 during each phase of movement of the suction head 5 on a hard floor, and to define the predetermined threshold value Vsp based on the average value calculated for the most recent phase of movement of the suction head 5 on a hard floor. The predetermined threshold value Vsp could, for example, correspond to the calculated average value of the current intensity I applied to the brush drive motor 21 during the most recent phase of movement of the suction head 5 on a hard floor, plus a percentage, for example, between 3 and 10%, of said calculated average value.

[0084] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined threshold value Vsp could be predetermined, and be for example between 100 and 600 mA.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intensity variation parameter is a dispersion indicator ID, such as the variance or standard deviation, of the intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measuring device 22, and each dispersion indicator value is calculated from a limited series of successive intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measuring device 22. Each limited series of successive measured intensity values ​​may comprise between 5 and 20, advantageously between 5 and 15, and for example 10, successive measured intensity values, and the time interval between two successive measured intensity values ​​may be between 15 and 30 ms, and is for example about 25 ms.

[0086] When the calculated dispersion indicator ID is the standard deviation, the electronic control unit 25 is configured to: calculate, for each limited series, an average of the successive measured intensity values ​​belonging to said limited series, calculate, for each limited series, the deviations, with respect to the respective calculated average, of the successive measured intensity values ​​belonging to said limited series, and calculate, for each limited series, the root mean square of the deviations calculated for said limited series.

[0087] The root mean square calculated for each limited series corresponds to the standard deviation value calculated for said limited series.

[0088] When the calculated dispersion indicator (ID) is the variance, the calculated variance value for each limited series corresponds to the square of the root mean square calculated for that limited series. In other words, when the calculated dispersion indicator (ID) is the variance, the electronic control unit 25 is configured to calculate, for each limited series, the mean of the squared deviations from the mean for that limited series.

[0089] The electronic control unit 25 is more particularly configured to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to the result of comparing the calculated intensity variation parameter with the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and the second detection threshold value Vsd2, and to adjust the rotation speed of the brush drive motor 21 according to the result of comparing the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 with the intensity threshold value Vsi.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 is configured to detect that the suction head 5 is moved over a thin soft floor (i.e., having a thickness less than a predetermined thickness value, said predetermined thickness value being advantageously between 0.8 and 1.5 cm, and is, for example, equal to 1 cm), and, for example, from a hard floor to a thin soft floor, when the calculated intensity variation parameter, and, for example, the dispersion indicator ID, reaches or exceeds the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and is less than the second detection threshold value Vsd2, and to detect that the suction head 5 is moved over a thick soft floor (i.e., having a thickness greater than the predetermined thickness value), and, for example, from a hard floor to a thick soft floor, when the calculated intensity variation parameter, and, for example, the dispersion indicator ID,reaches or exceeds the second detection threshold value Vsd2.

[0091] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 could be configured to detect that the suction head 5 is moved on a thin soft floor only if several successive values ​​of the intensity variation parameter, for example between 2 and 6 values, are greater than or equal to the first detection threshold value Vsd1 but less than the second detection threshold value Vsd2, and to detect that the suction head 5 is moved on a thick soft floor only if several successive values ​​of the intensity variation parameter, for example between 2 and 6 values, are greater than or equal to the second detection threshold value Vsd2.

[0092] The electronic control unit 25 is further configured to adjust, for example to decrease or increase, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 to a first predetermined soft floor suction power, which has a non-zero value, when the electronic control unit 25 has detected that the suction head 5 is moved on a thin soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a thin soft floor, and to adjust, for example to decrease or increase, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 to a second predetermined soft floor suction power, which has a non-zero value, when the electronic control unit 25 has detected that the suction head 5 is moved on a thick soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a thick soft floor.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 is configured to adjust, for example to decrease or increase, the rotation speed of the suction motor 12 to a first predetermined soft floor suction speed when the electronic control unit 25 has detected that the suction head 5 is being moved on a thin soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a thin soft floor.

[0094] The electronic control unit 25 can, for example, be configured to reduce the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 to the first predetermined soft floor suction power, and, for example, reduce the rotation speed of the vacuum motor 12 to a first predetermined soft floor suction speed, when the electronic control unit 25 detects that the suction head 5 is being moved across a thin, soft floor. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner 2 makes it possible to limit the vacuum cleaner's power consumption during the cleaning phase of a thin, soft floor.

[0095] The electronic control unit 25 could, for example, be configured to increase the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 to the first predetermined soft floor suction power, and, for example, increase the rotation speed of the suction motor 12 to the first predetermined soft floor suction speed, when the electronic control unit 25 detects that the suction head 5 is being moved across a thin, soft floor. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner 2 makes it possible to increase the cleaning performance of the vacuum cleaner 2 during the cleaning phase of a thin, soft floor.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 is configured to reduce the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 to the second predetermined soft floor suction power, and for example, to reduce the rotational speed of the vacuum motor 12 to a second predetermined soft floor suction speed, when the electronic control unit 25 detects that the suction head 5 is being moved on a thick soft floor. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner 2 facilitates the movement of the suction head 5 on thick soft floors.

[0097] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 25 is also configured to: detect that the suction head 5 is being moved on a soft, impermeable or slightly permeable floor (i.e., a soft floor likely to cause a suction effect, pressing the suction head 5 to the soft floor), when the electronic control unit 25 has previously detected that the suction head 5 is being moved on a thin floor and that, during a predetermined period of time (e.g., elapsed from the moment the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 was adjusted following the detection of movement of the suction head 5 on a soft floor), each of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value Vsi or an average of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value Vsi, and detect that the suction head 5 is being moved on a soft, absorbent floor (i.e., a soft floor with hairs likely to generate significant friction with the rotating brush 18),when the electronic control unit 25 has previously detected that the suction head 5 is moving on a thick soft floor and that, during a predetermined period of time (for example, elapsed from the moment when the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 was adjusted following the detection of movement of the suction head 5 on a soft floor), each of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value Vsi or an average of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value Vsi. ,

[0098] The aforementioned predetermined period of time may be greater than or equal to 1 second, and may for example be between 1 and 5 seconds, and advantageously equal to 2 seconds.

[0099] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 25 is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the brush drive motor 21 to a predetermined motor protection speed when the electronic control unit 25 detects that the suction head 5 is being moved on a soft, impermeable or slightly air-permeable floor, and also when the electronic control unit 25 detects that the suction head 5 is being moved on a soft, absorbent floor. This configuration of the electronic control unit 25 prevents overheating of the brush drive motor 21, or even a safety shutdown of the brush drive motor 21.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 is further configured to detect that the suction head 5 is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor, when it is determined that the calculated intensity variation parameter, and for example the dispersion indicator ID, is less than the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and it is subsequently determined that the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is less than the predetermined threshold value Vsp.

[0101] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 could be configured to detect that the suction head 5 is moved on a hard floor if several successive values ​​of the intensity variation parameter, for example between 2 and 6 values, are less than the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and if it is subsequently determined that the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is less than the predetermined threshold value Vsp.

[0102] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 25 is configured to adjust, for example to decrease or increase, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 2 to a predetermined hard floor suction power, which has a non-zero value and is advantageously different from each of the first and second predetermined soft floor suction powers, when the electronic control unit 25 detects that the suction head 5 is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined hard floor suction power is greater than the first predetermined soft floor suction power, and the first predetermined soft floor suction power is greater than or equal to the second predetermined soft floor suction power. This configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible to limit its power consumption on soft floors.

[0104] According to another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined hard floor suction power is lower than the first predetermined soft floor suction power, and the first predetermined soft floor suction power is greater than the second predetermined soft floor suction power. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the second predetermined soft floor suction power may be lower or greater than the predetermined hard floor suction power. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner increases its cleaning performance on thin soft floors; however, on thick soft floors, it is preferable to reduce the suction power compared to thin soft floors to avoid excessive resistance to the movement of the suction head 5.

[0105] The electronic control unit 25 could also be configured to: detect that the suction head 5 is stationary on a soft floor when the intensity variation parameter, and for example the dispersion indicator ID, is less than the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is greater than the predetermined threshold value Vsp, and modify at least one cleaning parameter of the vacuum cleaner 2, and for example reduce the rotation speed of the suction motor 12 to a predetermined floor protection speed, which is for example between the first soft floor suction speed and the hard floor suction speed, when the electronic control unit 25 detects that the suction head 5 is stationary on a soft floor.

[0106] Thus, the electronic control unit 25 can, for example, be configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a first operating mode, called the hard floor operating mode, when the intensity variation parameter, and for example the dispersion indicator ID, is less than the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is less than the predetermined threshold value Vsp; to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a second operating mode, called the thin soft floor operating mode, when the intensity variation parameter, and for example the dispersion indicator ID, is greater than or equal to the first detection threshold value Vsd1 but less than the second detection threshold value Vsd2; to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a third operating mode, called the thick soft floor operating mode.when the intensity variation parameter, and for example the dispersion indicator ID, is greater than or equal to the second detection threshold value Vsd2, to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a fourth operating mode, called the impermeable soft floor operating mode, when the intensity variation parameter, and for example the dispersion indicator ID, is greater than or equal to the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and less than the second detection threshold value Vsd2 and that, after adjusting the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 remains greater than the intensity threshold value Vsi, to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a fifth operating mode, called the power-consuming soft floor operating mode, when the intensity variation parameter, and for example the dispersion indicator ID,is greater than or equal to the second detection threshold value Vsd2 and that, after adjusting the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 remains greater than the intensity threshold value Vsi, and finally to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a sixth operating mode, called soft floor protection mode, when the intensity variation parameter, and for example the dispersion indicator ID, is less than the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is greater than the predetermined threshold value Vsp.,

[0107] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 25 is configured such that the rotational speed of the brush drive motor 21 is at its maximum when the vacuum cleaner 2 is operating in the first, second, and third modes, and such that the rotational speed of the brush drive motor 21 is at its minimum when the vacuum cleaner 2 is operating in the fourth and fifth modes. The rotational speed of the suction motor 12 can, for example, be between the minimum and maximum speeds or be equal to the minimum speed when the vacuum cleaner 2 is operating in the sixth mode.

[0108] A method for controlling the vacuum cleaner 2 according to the present invention may, for example, include in particular: a measurement step consisting of measuring the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21, a calculation step consisting of calculating a dispersion indicator ID, such as the variance or standard deviation, of the measured intensity values, each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive measured intensity values, if the dispersion indicator ID reaches or exceeds the first detection threshold value Vsd1 but is less than the second detection threshold value Vsd2, a control step consisting of detecting that the suction head 5 is moving over a fine soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a fine soft floor, and adjusting, for example decrease or increase, the rotational speed of the suction motor 12 to the first predetermined soft floor suction speed, if the dispersion indicator ID reaches or exceeds the second detection threshold value Vsd2,a control step consisting of detecting that the suction head 5 is moved on a thick soft floor, for example from a hard floor to a thick soft floor, and adjusting, for example decreasing, the rotational speed of the suction motor 12 to the second predetermined soft floor suction speed, if it is determined that the dispersion indicator ID is greater than or equal to the first detection threshold value Vsd1 but less than the second detection threshold value Vsd2 and if it is then determined that the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is greater than the intensity threshold value Vsi, a control step consisting of detecting that the suction head 5 is moved on a soft floor that is impermeable or slightly permeable to air and decreasing the rotational speed of the brush drive motor 21 to the predetermined motor protection speed,If it is determined that the dispersion indicator ID is greater than or equal to the second detection threshold value Vsd2 and if it is subsequently determined that the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is greater than the intensity threshold value Vsi, a control step consisting of detecting that the suction head 5 is moving on a soft floor and reducing the rotational speed of the brush drive motor 21 to the predetermined motor protection speed; if it is determined that the dispersion indicator ID is less than the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and if it is subsequently determined that the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is greater than the predetermined threshold value Vsp, a control step consisting of detecting that the suction head 5 is stationary on a soft floor and modifying at least one cleaning parameter of the vacuum cleaner 2,and for example decrease the rotational speed of the suction motor 12 to the predetermined floor protection speed, and if it is then determined that the dispersion indicator ID is less than the first detection threshold value Vsd1 and if it is then determined that the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 21 is less than the predetermined threshold value Vsp, a control step consisting of detecting that the suction head 5 is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor, and adjusting, for example decrease or increase, the rotational speed of the suction motor 12 to the predetermined hard floor suction speed.

[0109] According to another embodiment of the invention, the intensity variation parameter could be the amplitude of variation of the intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measuring device 22 (and not an indicator of dispersion of the intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measuring device 22), and for example deviations of the maximum and minimum values, belonging to a limited series of measured intensity values, from a reference value, such as an average of the measured intensity values ​​belonging to said limited series.

[0110] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 25 could be configured to stop the vacuum cleaner 2, i.e. to cut off the power supply to the vacuum cleaner 2, when the electronic control unit 25 detects that the suction head 5 is stationary on a soft floor.

[0111] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a suction head (5) including a soleplate (14) having an underside (15) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet (16) opening into the underside (15) of the soleplate (14) and through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner (2), the suction head (5) further comprising a rotating brush (18) movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (A), - a rotational drive mechanism (19) configured to drive the rotating brush (18) in rotation about the axis of rotation (A), the rotational drive mechanism (19) including a brush drive motor (21) rotationally coupled to the rotating brush (18), - a suction motor (12) configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet (16) and into the suction head (5),- a current measurement device (22) configured to measure the current (I) applied to the brush drive motor (21), and - an electronic control unit (25) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner (2), the electronic control unit (25) being further configured to: ∘ calculate a current variation parameter from current values ​​measured by the current measurement device (22), ∘ compare the calculated current variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, and ∘ compare the current (I) applied to the brush drive motor (21) with a current threshold value (Vsi), , characterized in thatThe electronic control unit (25) is configured to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner (2) according to the result of comparing the calculated intensity variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, and to adjust the rotation speed of the brush drive motor (21) according to the result of comparing the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (21) with the intensity threshold value (Vsi).

2. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to detect the type of soft floor on which the suction head (5) is moved as a function of the result of comparing the calculated intensity variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value and the result of comparing the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (21) with the intensity threshold value (Vsi).

3. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to detect that the suction head (5) is moved on a soft floor when the calculated intensity variation parameter reaches or exceeds a first detection threshold value (Vsd1) and to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner (2) to a first predetermined soft floor suction power, which has a non-zero value, when the electronic control unit (25) has detected that the suction head (5) is moved on a soft floor.

4. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to adjust the rotational speed of the suction motor (12) to a predetermined first soft floor suction speed when the electronic control unit (25) has detected that the suction head (5) is being moved on a soft floor.

5. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to detect that the suction head (5) is moved on a thick soft floor when the calculated intensity variation parameter reaches or exceeds a second detection threshold value (Vsd2) which is greater than the first detection threshold value (Vsd1) and to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner (2) to a second predetermined soft floor suction power, which has a non-zero value and which is different from the first predetermined soft floor suction power, when the electronic control unit (25) has detected that the suction head (5) is moved on a thick soft floor.

6. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to adjust the rotational speed of the suction motor (12) to a second predetermined soft floor suction speed when the electronic control unit (25) has detected that the suction head (5) is being moved over a thick soft floor.

7. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to detect that the suction head (5) is moved on a hard floor when the calculated intensity variation parameter is less than the first detection threshold value (Vsd1) and that the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (21) is less than a predetermined threshold value (Vsp) which is less than the intensity threshold value (Vsi).

8. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 7, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner (2) to a predetermined hard floor suction power, which has a non-zero value, when the electronic control unit (25) has detected that the suction head (5) is moved on a hard floor.

9. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the brush drive motor (21) to a predetermined motor protection speed when the electronic control unit (25) has previously detected that the suction head (5) is being moved on a soft floor and that the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (21) is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value (Vsi).

10. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electronic control unit (25) is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the brush drive motor (21) to a predetermined motor protection speed when the electronic control unit (25) has previously detected that the suction head (5) is being moved on a soft floor and that, during a predetermined period of time, each of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value (Vsi) or an average of the measured intensity values ​​is greater than or equal to the intensity threshold value (Vsi).

11. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined time period is greater than or equal to 1 second.

12. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the calculated intensity variation parameter is a dispersion indicator (DI) of the intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measuring device (22), or the amplitude of variation of the intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measuring device (22).

13. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each value of the intensity variation parameter is calculated from a limited series of successive intensity values ​​measured by the intensity measuring device (22).

14. Method for controlling a vacuum cleaner (2), comprising the following steps: - providing a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: ∘ a suction head (5) including a rotating brush (18) movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (A) and a soleplate (14) having an underside (15) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet (16) opening into the underside (15) of the soleplate (14) and through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner (2), ∘ a rotary drive mechanism (19) configured to rotate the rotary brush (18) about the axis of rotation (A), the rotary drive mechanism (19) including a brush drive motor (21) rotationally coupled to the rotary brush (18), ∘ a suction motor (12) configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet (16) and in the suction head (5),• a current measurement device (22) configured to measure the current (I) applied to the brush drive motor (21), and • an electronic control unit (25) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner (2), - measure the current (I) applied to the brush drive motor (21), - calculate a current variation parameter from measured current values, - compare the calculated current variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, and - compare the current (I) applied to the brush drive motor (21) with a current threshold value (Vsi), , characterized in thatThe method further includes: - adjusting the suction power of the vacuum cleaner (2) according to the result of comparing the calculated intensity variation parameter with at least one detection threshold value, and - adjusting the rotation speed of the brush drive motor (21) according to the result of comparing the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (21) with the intensity threshold value (Vsi).

Images