Vacuum cleaner including floor detection means

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner comprises a suction head (6) comprising a rotating brush (28) rotatable about an axis of rotation (A); a rotation drive mechanism (29) configured to rotate the rotating brush (28) about the axis of rotation (A), the rotation drive mechanism (29) comprising a brush drive motor (31) rotatably coupled to the rotating brush (28); a suction motor configured to generate an airflow through the suction mouth (26) and into the suction head (6); and an electronic control unit configured to calculate an intensity variation parameter from intensity values measured by an intensity measuring device and to detect a type of floor encountered by the suction head (6) based on a comparison of the calculated intensity variation parameter with a detection threshold value. Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner comprising floor detection means Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head, also called a vacuum cleaner nozzle, for sucking up 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, these allowing surfaces to be cleaned by suction for the removal of dust and waste resting on them. The surface to be vacuumed can for example be a hard floor, such as tiles, parquet or laminate, or a soft floor, such as carpet or a rug.

[0003] A suction head comprises in a known manner:

[0004] - a head body comprising a sole provided with a lower face and a suction inlet 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 use of the vacuum cleaner,

[0005] - a rotating brush which is housed in a receiving housing delimited by the head body and which is mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation, and

[0006] - a rotational drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating brush about the rotational axis, the rotational drive mechanism comprising a brush drive motor rotatably coupled to the rotating brush.

[0007] In order to improve the cleaning performance of a vacuum cleaner of the aforementioned type, it is known to equip the latter with a measuring device configured to measure the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor, to detect the type of floor encountered by the suction head as a function of the intensity values measured by the measuring device, and to adapt the suction power generated by the suction motor of the vacuum cleaner as a function of the type of floor detected.

[0008] In particular, such a vacuum cleaner comprises an electronic control unit configured to:

[0009] - if the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is below an intensity threshold value, detect that the suction head is moved on a hard floor and adjust the suction power to a predetermined hard floor suction power, and

[0010] - if the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than the intensity threshold value, detect that the suction head is moved on soft floor and adjust the suction power to a predetermined soft floor suction power which is greater than the hard floor suction power.

[0011] However, fouling of the rotating brush is likely to cause a significant increase in the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor, including during a cleaning phase of a hard floor. As a result, when the rotating brush is dirty, the electronic control unit is likely to erroneously detect movement of the suction head on a soft floor, while the latter is actually moving on a hard floor.

[0012] Similarly, fouling of a waste separation and collection device fitted to the vacuum cleaner is likely to limit the application of the rotating brush against the surface to be cleaned when the suction head is moved over a soft floor and therefore to reduce the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor, including during a phase of cleaning a soft floor. As a result, when the waste separation and collection device is dirty, the electronic control unit is likely to erroneously detect movement of the suction head over a hard floor when the latter is actually moving over a soft floor.

[0013] Similarly, when the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a rechargeable battery and the charge level of the latter is low, the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor may prove to be low, including during a cleaning phase of a soft floor. As a result, when the charge level of the rechargeable battery is low, the electronic control unit is likely to erroneously detect a movement of the suction head on a hard floor when the latter is actually moving on a soft floor. Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0015] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner of simple and economical structure, while guaranteeing reliable detection of the types of floor encountered by the vacuum cleaner so as to give increased cleaning performance to the vacuum cleaner.

[0016] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0017] - a suction head comprising a sole provided with a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction mouth opening into the underside of the sole and through which outside air can be sucked in by the vacuum cleaner, the suction head further comprising a rotating brush movable in rotation around an axis of rotation,

[0018] - a rotational drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating brush about the rotational axis, the rotational drive mechanism comprising a brush drive motor rotatably coupled to the rotating brush,

[0019] - a suction motor configured to generate an airflow through the mouth suction and in the suction head,

[0020] - an intensity measuring device configured to measure the intensity of the current electric applied to the brush drive motor, and

[0021] - an electronic control unit configured to control the func operation of the vacuum cleaner, the electronic control unit being further configured to calculate an intensity variation parameter from intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device, compare the calculated intensity variation parameter with a detection threshold value, and detect a type of floor encountered by the suction head based on the comparison of the calculated intensity variation parameter with the detection threshold value.

[0022] The electronic control unit is further configured to adjust, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value as a function of at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner, i.e. as a function of a parameter intrinsic to the vacuum cleaner.

[0023] Such a configuration of the electronic control unit makes it possible to adjust the detection threshold value as a function, for example, of operating parameters of the vacuum cleaner which depend on the maintenance level of the vacuum cleaner, such as the fouling rate of a waste separation and collection device fitted to the vacuum cleaner, the charge level of a rechargeable battery fitted to the vacuum cleaner and also the fouling rate of the rotating brush.

[0024] These provisions therefore make it possible to take into account parameters intrinsic to the vacuum cleaner to determine the type of floor encountered by the suction head.

[0025] Therefore, such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention allows for accurate and reliable detection of the type of floor encountered by the suction head, and thus provides the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention with increased cleaning performance.

[0026] The vacuum cleaner may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operating parameter comprises an obstruction parameter representative of the pressure losses generated in an air circuit of the vacuum cleaner on which the suction motor is arranged. More precisely, the obstruction parameter is representative of the pressure losses generated in an air circuit of the vacuum cleaner upstream of the suction motor.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the obstruction parameter is represented representative of the pressure losses generated in a waste separation and collection device located on the air circuit.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the obstruction parameter represents a fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device, such as a clogging rate of a filter fitted to the waste separation and collection device or a filling rate of a waste collection container fitted to the waste separation and collection device. Thus, with a detection threshold value adjustable as a function of a fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device, the electronic control unit is not likely to erroneously detect (due to a low value of the dispersion indicator due to low contact of the rotating brush with the surface to be cleaned) a movement of the suction head on a hard floor when the latter is actually moving on a soft floor.Therefore, such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention provides the latter with increased cleaning performance.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one exhaust orifice through which air cleaned by the vacuum cleaner can exit the vacuum cleaner, the air circuit extending between the suction mouth and the at least one exhaust orifice.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is arranged upstream of the suction motor and is configured to be crossed by the air flow generated by the suction motor.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sensor, such as a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, configured to determine the obstruction parameter representative of the pressure losses generated in the air circuit of the vacuum cleaner, and for example through the waste separation and collection device, the electronic control unit being configured to determine the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device as a function of the obstruction parameter.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the obstruction parameter may for example be a pressure difference between an upstream part and a downstream part of the waste separation and collection device, a pressure measured in the downstream part of the waste separation and collection device, or an air flow rate through the waste separation and collection device.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to decrease the detection threshold value, for example in stages or continuously, as a function of an increase in the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to adjust the detection threshold value to a first threshold value when the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device is lower than a fouling threshold value, and to adjust the detection threshold value to a second threshold value, lower than the first threshold value, when the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device is higher than the fouling threshold value.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operating parameter comprises a charge parameter representative of a charge level of a rechargeable battery equipping the vacuum cleaner. The charge parameter may for example be the battery voltage delivered by the rechargeable battery. Thus, with a detection threshold value adjustable as a function of the charge level of the rechargeable battery, the electronic control unit is not likely to erroneously detect (due to a low intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor due to a low charge level of the rechargeable battery) a movement of the suction head on a hard floor while the latter is actually moving on a soft floor. Consequently, such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention gives the latter increased cleaning performance.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a voltage measuring device configured to measure the battery voltage delivered by the rechargeable battery.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to decrease the detection threshold value, for example in stages or continuously, as a function of a decrease in the load parameter.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to adjust the detection threshold value to a first threshold value when the load parameter is greater than a load threshold value, and to adjust the detection threshold value to a second threshold value, lower than the first threshold value, when the load parameter is lower than the load threshold value.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intensity variation parameter is a dispersion indicator, also called a dispersion parameter, of the intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device or the amplitude of variation of the intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operating parameter comprises a brush fouling parameter representative of fouling of the rotating brush. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible to maintain account of possible fouling of the rotating brush, and in particular the presence of fibers or hair wrapped around the rotating brush, which are likely to induce a reduction in the value of the dispersion indicator of the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor, in particular during a cleaning phase of a soft floor. Thus, with a detection threshold value adjustable according to the fouling of the rotating brush, the electronic control unit is not likely to erroneously detect, for example, a movement of the suction head on a hard floor when the latter is dirty and is actually moving on a soft floor. Consequently, such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention gives the latter increased cleaning performance.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brush clogging parameter is an average value of the intensity variation parameter, and for example of the dispersion indicator, during a previous phase of movement of the suction head on a hard floor, or an average value of the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor during a previous phase of movement of the suction head on a hard floor.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to adjust, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value as a function of the rotation speed of the suction motor.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to adjust, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value as a function of several operating parameters of the vacuum cleaner.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispersion indicator is representative of the dispersion of the deviations of the intensity values relative to a reference value.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispersion indicator is the variance or standard deviation of the intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device.

[0048] 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.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, each value of the intensity variation parameter, and for example each dispersion indicator value, is calculated from a limited series of successive intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, each limited series of successive measured intensity values comprises between 10 and 30, advantageously between 15 and 25, and for example 20, successive measured intensity values.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the time interval between two successive measured intensity values is between 15 and 25 ms, and is for example approximately 20 ms.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 intensity variation parameter exceeds the detection threshold value. 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. Furthermore, such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible, for example, to adapt the operation of the vacuum cleaner during a cleaning phase of a soft floor.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moved on soft ground when several successive dispersion indicator values, for example between 3 and 30 values, are greater than the detection threshold value.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to increase the rotational speed of the suction motor to a predetermined soft floor suction speed when the electronic control unit detects that the suction head is moved over soft floor, and for example from hard floor to soft floor.

[0056] 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 the intensity variation parameter is lower than the detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is lower than an intensity threshold value. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible to detect a movement of the suction head on a hard 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. Furthermore, such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible, for example, to adapt the operation of the vacuum cleaner during a cleaning phase of a hard floor.

[0057] 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 suction head movement phase on soft ground, for example during a previous suction head movement phase on soft ground or during the most recent suction head movement phase on soft ground, and to set the intensity threshold value based on the calculated average value.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intensity threshold value corresponds to the calculated average value of the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor during the phase of movement of the suction head on a soft floor subtracted from a percentage, for example between 3 and 10%, of said calculated average value.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the percentage is predetermined.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention, the percentage varies depending on the type of soft ground on which the suction head moves.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to modify the intensity threshold value, and for example modify the percentage, depending on the type of soft ground detected by the electronic control unit.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intensity 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.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to decrease the suction speed of the suction motor to a predetermined hard floor suction speed when the electronic control unit detects that the suction head is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible to adapt the operation of the vacuum cleaner according to the type of floor detected, and therefore to limit the electrical consumption of the vacuum cleaner during a cleaning phase of a hard floor.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined hard floor suction speed is lower than the predetermined soft floor suction speed.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to:

[0066] - detect that the suction head is stationary on soft ground when the parameter the intensity variation is less than the detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than the intensity threshold value, and

[0067] - modify at least one cleaning parameter of the vacuum cleaner when the electric unit control electronics detects that the suction head is stationary on soft ground.

[0068] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention makes it possible, for example, to automatically reduce the suction power of the vacuum cleaner and / or the rotation speed of the rotating brush, and therefore to reduce the friction forces applied by the rotating brush on a soft floor, when the suction head is stationary on this soft floor while the vacuum cleaner is in operation. The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention therefore makes it possible to guarantee protection of the surfaces to be cleaned, and in particular soft floors, and also to optimize the electrical consumption of the vacuum cleaner, which is advantageous if the latter is equipped with a rechargeable battery.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is stationary on soft ground if several successive dispersion indicator values, for example between 3 and 30 values, are lower than the detection threshold value and if the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is also higher than the intensity threshold value.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to decrease the rotational speed of the suction motor to a predetermined protection speed and / or to decrease the rotational speed of the brush drive motor to a predetermined brush speed when the electronic control unit detects that the suction head is stationary on soft ground.

[0071] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit could be configured to stop the vacuum cleaner, i.e. to cut off the power supply to the vacuum cleaner, when the electronic control unit detects that the suction head is stationary on a soft floor.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a main body in which the suction motor is housed.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head is mechanically connected to the main body.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a head body comprising the sole and provided with a receiving housing opening into the lower face of the sole via the suction mouth, the rotating brush being housed in the receiving housing.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0076] The present invention further relates to a method of controlling a vacuum cleaner, comprising the following steps:

[0077] - provide a vacuum cleaner comprising: • a suction head comprising a rotating brush which can rotate about an axis of rotation and a sole provided with a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet opening in the underside of the sole and through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner, • a rotational drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating brush about the rotational axis, the rotational drive mechanism comprising a brush drive motor rotationally coupled to the rotating brush, • a suction motor configured to generate an airflow through the suction mouth and into the suction head, and • an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner,

[0078] - measure the intensity of the electric current applied to the drive motor of brush,

[0079] - calculate an intensity variation parameter from intensity values measured,

[0080] - compare the calculated intensity variation parameter with a threshold value of detection, and

[0081] - detect a type of soil encountered by the suction head based on the com comparison of the calculated intensity variation parameter with the detection threshold value,

[0082] characterized in that the method further comprises a step consisting of adjusting, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value as a function of at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step consisting of detecting that the suction head is moved on soft ground, and for example from hard ground to soft ground, when the intensity variation parameter exceeds the detection threshold value.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step of increasing the rotation speed of the suction motor to a predetermined soft ground suction speed when it is detected that the suction head is moved on soft ground, and for example from hard ground to soft ground.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step consisting 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 detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is less than an intensity threshold value.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step of reducing the suction speed of the suction motor to a predetermined hard floor suction speed when it is detected that the suction head is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps consisting of:

[0088] - detect that the suction head is stationary on soft ground when the parameter the intensity variation is less than the detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than the intensity threshold value, and

[0089] - modify at least one cleaning parameter of the vacuum cleaner when the electric unit control electronics detects that the suction head is stationary on soft ground.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step of decreasing the rotational speed of the suction motor to a predetermined protection speed and / or decreasing the rotational speed of the brush drive motor to a predetermined brush speed when it is detected that the suction head is stationary on soft ground. Brief description of the figures

[0091] In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this vacuum cleaner.

[0092] [Fig. 1] is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0093] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l].

[0094] [Fig.3] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l].

[0095] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a suction head of the vacuum cleaner of the [Fig.l].

[0096] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the suction head [Fig.4].

[0097] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction head of [Fig.4].

[0098] [Fig.7] is a diagram showing the steps of a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l].

[0099] [Fig.8] is a diagram representing the time evolution of the intensity of the electric current applied to a brush drive motor of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l] and the time evolution of a dispersion indicator of the intensity values of the electric current applied to a brush drive motor, during different cleaning phases.

[0100] [Fig.9] is a diagram showing the time evolution of the intensity of the electric current applied to a brush drive motor and the time evolution of the dispersion indicator during different cleaning phases. Detailed description

[0101] [Fig.l] represents a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a broom vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body 3, a handle 5 mechanically connected to the main body 3, and a suction head 6 which is 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 cylinder vacuum cleaner without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0102] The main body 3 comprises in particular a vacuum cleaner housing 7 and a suction nozzle 8 which is advantageously arranged at a lower end of the vacuum cleaner housing 7 and to which the suction head 6 is fixed directly or via a suction tube 10. The main body 3 further comprises a suction duct 9 arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing 7 and fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 8.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 11 is of the cyclonic type, and comprises a waste collection container 12 and a tubular filtration member 13, such as a tubular grid, which is arranged in the waste collection container 12 coaxially with a central axis of the waste collection container 12. The waste collection container 12 and the tubular filtration member 13 advantageously delimit a cyclonic separation chamber 14.

[0105] The waste separation and collection device 11 further comprises an air intake opening (not visible in the figures) which is fluidically connected to the suction duct 9 and which opens into the cyclonic separation chamber 14. Thus, the suction duct 9 is configured to fluidically connect the suction head 6 to the air intake opening of the waste separation and collection device 11.

[0106] As shown in [Fig.3], the vacuum cleaner 2 also comprises a suction motor 16, also called a motor-fan, configured to generate an air flow through the suction head 6, the suction duct 9 and the waste separation and collection device 11. The suction motor 16 is more particularly arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing 7. In a known manner, the suction motor 16 comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0107] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the suction head 6 comprises a head body 23 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the head body 23 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0108] The head body 23 comprises a sole 24, for example made of plastic, provided with a lower face 25 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned.

[0109] The head body 23 further comprises a suction mouth 26 opening into the lower face 25 of the sole 24 and through which outside air can be sucked in by the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction mouth 26 has an elongated shape and extends in a direction of extension DI which extends perpendicular to a direction of movement D2 of the suction head 6.

[0110] The head body 23 further comprises a receiving housing 27 which opens into the lower face 25 of the sole 24 via the suction mouth 26. Thus, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving housing 27 forms a suction chamber.

[0111] The suction head 6 also comprises a rotating brush 28 which is mounted to be able to rotate in the receiving housing 27 along an axis of rotation A which is substantially coincident with the central axis of the rotating brush 28. Advantageously, the rotating brush 28 is mounted removably in the receiving housing 27, and is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing 27 along a mounting direction which may, for example, extend transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of movement D2 of the suction head 6.

[0112] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotating brush 28 comprises a brush body 28.1 which is for example tubular, and bristles (not visible in the figures) provided on the external surface of the brush body 28.1. Advantageously, the brush body 28.1 is cylindrical with a circular section, and the rotating brush 28 comprises one or more rows of bristles extending for example helically around the central axis of the rotating brush 28. 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.

[0113] The suction head 6 further comprises a rotational drive mechanism 29 configured to rotate the rotating brush 28 about the rotational axis A. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotational drive mechanism 29 is housed in the head body 23, and comprises a brush drive motor 31 provided with an output shaft mechanically coupled to the rotating brush 28.

[0114] Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises an intensity measuring device 32 configured to measure the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31. The measuring device 32 can for example be arranged in the suction head 6, in the main body 3 or even in the handle 5.

[0115] The suction head 6 also comprises a connection sleeve 33 which is fluidically connected to the receiving housing 27, and therefore to the suction mouth 26, and to which the suction nozzle 8 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is intended to be connected, and more particularly to which a lower part of the suction tube 10 is intended to be fixed. Advantageously, the suction head 6 comprises an articulation device 34 mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve 33 to the head body 23, so as to allow pivoting of the head body 23 forwards and backwards during movement of the suction head 6 in the direction of movement D2.

[0116] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises an electronic control unit 35 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 6 is moved. The electronic control unit 35 can for example be arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing 7 or in the handle 5.

[0117] The electronic control unit 35 is notably configured to calculate an intensity variation parameter from intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device 32, compare the calculated intensity variation parameter with a detection threshold value Vsd, and detect a type of ground encountered by the suction head 6 as a function of the comparison of the calculated intensity variation parameter with the detection threshold value Vsd.

[0118] 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 32, and each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device 32. Each limited series of successive measured intensity values may comprise between 10 and 30, advantageously between 15 and 25, and for example 20, successive measured intensity values, and the time interval between two successive measured intensity values may be between 15 and 25 ms, and is for example approximately 20 ms.

[0119] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to:

[0120] - detect that the suction head 6 is moved on soft ground, and for example from a hard ground to soft ground, when the dispersion indicator ID exceeds the detection threshold value Vsd, and

[0121] - increasing the rotation speed of the suction motor 16 to a suction speed soft ground predetermined when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is moved on a soft ground, and for example from a hard ground to a soft ground.

[0122] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner 2 makes it possible to detect a movement of the suction head 6 on a soft floor without requiring the presence of a specific floor detection device, while increasing the suction performance of the vacuum cleaner 2 during a cleaning phase of a soft floor.

[0123] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to detect that the suction head 6 is moved on soft ground only when several successive dispersion indicator values, e.g. example between 3 and 30 values, are greater than the detection threshold value Vsd.

[0124] The electronic control unit 35 is further configured to:

[0125] - detect that the suction head 6 is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft ground to hard ground, when the dispersion indicator ID is less than the detection threshold value Vsd and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is less than an intensity threshold value Vsi, and

[0126] - decrease the suction speed of the suction motor 16 to a suction speed predetermined hard floor, which is lower than the predetermined soft floor suction speed, when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor.

[0127] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner 2 makes it possible to detect a movement of the suction head 6 on a hard floor without requiring the presence of a specific floor detection device, while limiting the electrical consumption of the vacuum cleaner 2 during a cleaning phase of a hard floor.

[0128] Advantageously, the intensity threshold value Vsi is greater than an average value of the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 during a previous phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a hard floor.

[0129] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to detect that the suction head 6 is moved on a hard floor only if several successive dispersion indicator values, for example between 3 and 30 values, are lower than the detection threshold value Vsd and if the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is also lower than the intensity threshold value Vsi.

[0130] When the calculated dispersion indicator ID is the standard deviation, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to:

[0131] - calculate, for each limited series, an average of the successive intensity values measured belonging to the said limited series,

[0132] - calculate, for each limited series, the deviations, compared to the calculated average respective, successive measured intensity values belonging to said limited series, and

[0133] - calculate, for each limited series, the quadratic mean of the deviations calculated for said limited series.

[0134] The quadratic mean calculated for each limited series corresponds to the standard deviation value calculated for said limited series.

[0135] When the calculated dispersion indicator ID is the variance, the calculated variance value for each limited series corresponds to the square of the quadratic mean calculated for said limited series. In other words, when the calculated dispersion indicator ID is the variance, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to calculate, for each limited series, the average of the squares of the deviations from the average for said limited series.

[0136] The electronic control unit 35 is in particular configured to adjust, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value Vsd as a function of one or more operating parameters of the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0137] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to adjust, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value Vsd as a function of an obstruction parameter representative of the pressure losses in the waste separation and collection device 11. The obstruction parameter advantageously represents a fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device 11, such as a filling rate of the waste collection container 12 or a clogging rate of the tubular filtration member 13.

[0138] The electronic control unit 35 may for example be configured to decrease the detection threshold value Vsd, for example in stages or continuously, as a function of an increase in the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device 11. The electronic control unit 35 may also be configured to adjust the detection threshold value Vsd to a first threshold value when the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device 11 is lower than a fouling threshold value, and to adjust the detection threshold value Vsd to a second threshold value, lower than the first threshold value, when the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device 11 is higher than the fouling threshold value.

[0139] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises at least one sensor 37, such as a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, configured to determine the obstruction parameter, and the electronic control unit 35 is configured to determine the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device 11 as a function of the obstruction parameter. The obstruction parameter may for example be a pressure difference between an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the waste separation and collection device 11, a pressure measured in the downstream portion of the waste separation and collection device, or an air flow rate through the waste separation and collection device 11.

[0140] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to adjust, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value Vsd as a function of a charge parameter representative of a charge level of a rechargeable battery 36 equipping the vacuum cleaner 2. The charging parameter may for example be the battery voltage delivered by the rechargeable battery 36. For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 2 advantageously comprises a voltage measuring device configured to measure the battery voltage delivered by the rechargeable battery 36.

[0141] The electronic control unit 35 may for example be configured to decrease the detection threshold value Vsd, for example in stages or continuously, as a function of a decrease in the charging parameter, and for example of the battery voltage delivered by the rechargeable battery 36. The electronic control unit 35 may also be configured to adjust the detection threshold value Vsd to a first threshold value when the charging parameter is greater than a charging threshold value, and to adjust the detection threshold value Vsd to a second threshold value, lower than the first threshold value, when the charging parameter is lower than the charging threshold value.

[0142] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to adjust, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value Vsd as a function of a brush fouling parameter representative of fouling of the rotating brush 28. The brush fouling parameter may for example be an average value of the intensity variation parameter, and for example an average value of the dispersion indicator ID, during a previous phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a hard floor, or an average value of the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 during a previous phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a hard floor.The electronic control unit 35 may also be configured to adjust the detection threshold value Vsd to a first threshold value when the brush fouling parameter is lower than a fouling threshold value, and to adjust the detection threshold value Vsd to a second threshold value, lower than the first threshold value, when the brush fouling parameter is higher than the fouling threshold value.

[0143] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to adjust, for example in stages or continuously, the detection threshold value Vsd as a function of several operating parameters of the vacuum cleaner 2, in particular among the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device 11, the battery voltage delivered by the rechargeable battery 36 and the brush fouling parameter.

[0144] The electronic control unit 35 is further configured to:

[0145] - detect that the suction head 6 is stationary on soft ground when the indicator dispersion ID is less than a detection threshold value Vsd and that the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is greater than the intensity threshold value Vsi, and

[0146] - modify at least one cleaning parameter of the vacuum cleaner 2, and for example reducing the rotation speed of the suction motor 16 to a predetermined protection speed, which is for example between the soft floor suction speed and the hard floor suction speed, when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is stationary on soft floor.

[0147] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to modify the at least one cleaning parameter of the vacuum cleaner 2, and for example reduce the rotation speed of the suction motor 16 to a predetermined protection speed, only after the lapse of a predetermined duration from the moment when the electronic control unit 35 has detected that the suction head 6 is stationary on a soft floor and provided that the dispersion indicator ID is still below the detection threshold value Vsd at the end of the predetermined duration. The predetermined duration may for example be between 2 and 5 seconds.

[0148] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to detect that the suction head 6 is stationary on soft ground only if several successive dispersion indicator values, for example between 3 and 30 values, are lower than the detection threshold value Vsd and if the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is also higher than the intensity threshold value Vsi.

[0149] Thus, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a first operating mode, called hard floor operating mode, when the dispersion indicator ID is lower than the detection threshold value Vsd and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is lower than the intensity threshold value Vsi, to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a second operating mode, called soft floor operating mode, when the dispersion indicator ID exceeds, i.e. becomes higher than, the detection threshold value Vsd, and to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a third operating mode, called protection mode,when the dispersion indicator ID is lower than the detection threshold value Vsd and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is higher than the intensity threshold value Vsi. The electronic control unit 35 is configured such that the rotation speed of the suction motor 16 is minimum when the vacuum cleaner 2 operates according to the first operating mode, such that the rotation speed of the suction motor 16 is maximum when the vacuum cleaner 2 operates according to the second operating mode, and such that the rotation speed of the , suction motor 16 is between the minimum speed and the maximum speed when the vacuum cleaner 2 operates according to the third operating mode.

[0150] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to calculate an average value of the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 during each phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a soft floor, and to define the intensity threshold value Vsi, for each phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a soft floor, as a function of the calculated average value. The intensity threshold value Vsi defined for each phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a soft floor may for example correspond to the calculated average value of the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 during said phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a soft floor subtracted from a percentage, for example between 3 and 10%, of said calculated average value.

[0151] According to another embodiment of the invention, the intensity threshold value Vsi could be predetermined, and be for example between 400 and 600 mA.

[0152] A method for controlling the vacuum cleaner 2 according to the present invention may for example comprise in particular:

[0153] - a measurement step SI consisting of measuring the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31,

[0154] - a calculation step S2 consisting of calculating a dispersion indicator ID, such that 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,

[0155] - if the dispersion indicator ID exceeds the detection threshold value Vsd, a step control S3 consisting of detecting that the suction head 6 is moved on soft ground, and for example from hard ground to soft ground, and increasing the rotation speed of the suction motor 16 to the predetermined soft ground suction speed,

[0156] - if the dispersion indicator ID is lower than the detection threshold value Vsd and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is greater than the intensity threshold value Vsi, a control step S4 of detecting that the suction head 6 is stationary on a soft ground and decreasing the rotation speed of the suction motor 16 to the predetermined protection speed, and

[0157] - if the dispersion indicator ID is lower than the detection threshold value Vsd and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is less than the intensity threshold value Vsi, a control step S5 consisting of detecting that the suction head 6 is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft floor to a hard floor, and decreasing the suction speed of the suction motor 16 to the predetermined hard floor suction speed.

[0158] The method for controlling the vacuum cleaner 2 according to the present invention further comprises an adjustment step S6 consisting of adjusting the detection threshold value Vsd as a function of at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner 2, such as the fouling rate of the waste separation and collection device 11, the battery voltage delivered by the rechargeable battery 36 and the brush fouling parameter.

[0159] 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 32 (and not an indicator of dispersion of the intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device 32), and for example deviations of the maximum and minimum values, belonging to a limited series of measured intensity values, with respect to a reference value, such as an average of the measured intensity values belonging to said limited series.

[0160] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to increase the rotational speed of the brush drive motor 31 to a first predetermined brush speed when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is moved on soft ground, and to decrease the rotational speed of the brush drive motor 31 to a second predetermined brush speed when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is stationary on soft ground.

[0161] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to stop the vacuum cleaner 2, i.e. to cut off the electrical power supply to the vacuum cleaner 2, when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is stationary on soft ground.

[0162] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to detect different types of soft soils intended to be encountered by the suction head 6, and to modify the intensity threshold value Vsi, and for example modify the percentage, depending on the type of soft soil detected by the electronic control unit 35. The electronic control unit 35 could also be configured to define, for each type of soft soil detected, a respective predetermined soft soil suction speed, and to increase, when it has been detected that the suction head 6 is moved over a type of soft soil, the rotation speed of the suction motor 16 to the predetermined soft soil suction speed corresponding to the type of soft soil detected.

[0163] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only as examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection. of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a suction head (6) comprising a sole (24) provided with a lower face (25) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction mouth (26) opening into the lower face (25) of the sole (24) and through which outside air can be sucked in by the vacuum cleaner (2), the suction head (6) further comprising a rotating brush (28) movable in rotation around an axis of rotation (A), - a rotational drive mechanism (29) configured to rotate the rotating brush (28) about the rotational axis (A), the rotational drive mechanism (29) comprising a brush drive motor (31) rotationally coupled to the rotating brush (28), - a suction motor (16) configured to generate an airflow through the suction mouth (26) and into the suction head (6), - an intensity measuring device (32) configured to measure the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (31), and - an electronic control unit (35) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner (2), the electronic control unit (35) being further configured to: • calculate an intensity variation parameter from intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device (32), • compare the calculated intensity variation parameter with a detection threshold value (Vsd), and • detect a type of soil encountered by the suction head (6) based on the comparison of the calculated intensity variation parameter with the detection threshold value (Vsd), characterized in that the electronic control unit (35) is configured to adjust the detection threshold value (Vsd) as a function of at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner (2).

2. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises a re- obstruction parameter presentation of the pressure losses generated in an air circuit of the vacuum cleaner (2) on which the suction motor is arranged.

3. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 2, in which the obstruction parameter is representative of the pressure losses generated in a waste separation and collection device (11) located on the air circuit.

4. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3, wherein the obstruction parameter represents a clogging rate of the waste separation and collection device (11).

5. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 4, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to decrease the detection threshold value (Vsd) as a function of an increase in the clogging rate of the waste separation and collection device (11).

6. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the at least one operating parameter comprises a charge parameter representative of a charge level of a rechargeable battery (36) equipping the vacuum cleaner (2).

7. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 6, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to decrease the detection threshold value (Vsd) as a function of a decrease in the load parameter.

8. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises a brush clogging parameter representative of clogging of the rotating brush (28).

9. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the intensity variation parameter is a dispersion indicator (ID) of the intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device (32), or the amplitude of variation of the intensity values measured by the intensity measuring device (32).

10. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to detect that the suction head (6) is moved on soft ground when the intensity variation parameter exceeds the detection threshold value (Vsd).

11. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 10, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to increase the rotational speed of the suction motor (16) to a predetermined soft floor suction speed when the electronic control unit (35) detects that the suction head (6) is moved on soft ground.

12. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to detect that the suction head (6) is moved on a hard floor when the intensity variation parameter is less than the detection threshold value (Vsd) and the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (31) is less than an intensity threshold value (Vsi).

13. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 11, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to decrease the suction speed of the suction motor (16) to a predetermined hard floor suction speed when the electronic control unit (35) detects that the suction head (6) is being moved over a hard floor.

14. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to: - detect that the suction head (6) is stationary on a soft floor when the intensity variation parameter is lower than the detection threshold value (Vsd) and the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (31) is higher than the intensity threshold value (Vsi), and - modify at least one cleaning parameter of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the electronic control unit (35) detects that the suction head (6) is stationary on a soft floor.

15. Method for controlling a vacuum cleaner (2), comprising the following steps: - providing a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: • a suction head (6) comprising a rotating brush (28) rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) and a sole (24) provided with a lower face (25) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction mouth (26) opening into the lower face (25) of the sole (24) and through which outside air can be sucked by the vacuum cleaner (2), • a rotation drive mechanism (29) configured to rotate the rotating brush (28) about the axis of rotation (A), the rotation drive mechanism (29) comprising a brush drive motor (31) coupled rotating with the rotating brush (28), • a suction motor (16) configured to generate an air flow through the suction mouth (26) and into the suction head (6), • an intensity measuring device (32) configured to measure the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (31), and • an electronic control unit (35) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner (2), - measure the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor, - calculate an intensity variation parameter from measured intensity values, - compare the calculated intensity variation parameter with a detection threshold value (Vsd), and - detect a type of soil encountered by the suction head (6) based on the comparison of the calculated intensity variation parameter with the detection threshold value (Vsd), characterized in that the method further comprises a step of adjusting the detection threshold value (Vsd) as a function of at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner (2).

Images