Vacuum cleaner equipped with a floor protection mode

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner includes a suction head (6) comprising a rotating brush (28) that rotates about an axis of rotation (A); a rotational drive mechanism (29) configured to rotate the rotating brush (28) about the axis of rotation (A), the rotational drive mechanism (29) comprising a brush drive motor (31) rotationally coupled to the rotating brush (28); a suction motor configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet (26) and into the suction head (6); and an electronic control unit configured to detect when the suction head (6) is stationary on a soft floor and to modify at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner when the electronic control unit detects that the suction head (6) is stationary on a soft floor. Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner equipped with a floor protection operating mode 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; these allow surfaces to be cleaned by suction to remove dust and debris from them. The surface to be vacuumed can, for example, be a hard floor, such as tiles, parquet or laminate flooring, or a soft floor, such as carpet or rugs.

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

[0004] - a head body comprising a sole having a lower face and a suction opening into the underside of the soleplate, the underside of the soleplate 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 which is mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation, and

[0006] - a rotational drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating brush around the axis of rotation, the rotational drive mechanism comprising a brush drive motor coupled in rotation 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 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.

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

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

[0010] - if the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is above the intensity threshold value, detect that the suction head is moved on a soft floor and adjust the suction speed to a predetermined soft floor suction speed that is higher than the hard floor suction speed in order to increase the suction power of the vacuum cleaner.

[0011] However, when the suction head is stopped in a configuration where the rotating brush is in contact with the floor, the friction induced by the rotating brush in contact with the floor unnecessarily consumes electrical energy. When the vacuum cleaner is cordless and has a battery, this electrical consumption unnecessarily discharges the battery.

[0012] A rotating brush is made to contact a floor generally in at least two cases, either when the suction head is on a soft floor, such as a carpet or rug, or when the suction head is on a hard floor with a rotating brush protruding downwards beyond a lower surface of the suction head.

[0013] Furthermore, when a user interrupts a cleaning phase of a soft floor, such as a carpet or rug, by leaving the vacuum cleaner running with the suction head in contact with the soft floor, the rotating brush rubs repeatedly on the same area of ​​the soft floor, which can induce wear and therefore degradation of the 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 of providing a vacuum cleaner with a reliable and economical structure, while ensuring protection of the floors to be cleaned, in particular soft floors.

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

[0017] - a suction head comprising a sole equipped with an underside configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and with a suction opening in the underside of the soleplate through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner, the suction head further comprising a rotating brush that moves around an axis of rotation,

[0018] - a rotational drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating brush around the axis of rotation, the rotational drive mechanism comprising a brush drive motor rotationally coupled to the rotating brush,

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

[0020] - an electronic control unit configured to control the function vacuum cleaner operation.

[0021] The vacuum cleaner further includes a measuring device configured to measure the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor. The electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is stationary on a floor, advantageously a soft floor, based on the intensity measured by the measuring device, and to modify at least one operating parameter, for example a cleaning parameter, of the vacuum cleaner when the electronic control unit detects that the suction head is stationary on a floor.

[0022] 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 thus to reduce the friction forces applied by the rotating brush on a floor, when the suction head is stationary on that floor while the vacuum cleaner is in operation. The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention makes it possible to optimize the vacuum cleaner's power consumption, which is advantageous if the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a rechargeable battery. The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention also makes it possible to ensure the protection of delicate surfaces to be cleaned, and in particular soft floors.

[0023] The cleaning vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to reduce the power setting of the vacuum motor to a predetermined protective power value and / or to reduce the power setting of the brush drive motor to a predetermined brush power value or to stop the brush drive motor when the electronic control unit detects that the vacuum head is stationary on the floor. Reducing the power of the vacuum motor reduces the suction force and consequently the pressure exerted by the vacuum head on the floor. This pressure is also known as the suction effect of the vacuum head on the floor. Reducing the pressure exerted by the vacuum head on the floor decreases the pressure that the rotating brush can exert on the floor and therefore reduces the friction forces of the brush on the floor.Reducing the power of the brush drive motor slows down the brush rotation speed, decreases the friction frequency, and therefore reduces the friction of the brush on the floor.

[0025] 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 floor.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is stationary on a floor based on the dispersion of intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device, and for example as a function of the dispersion of deviations of intensity values ​​from a reference value, or as a function of the amplitude of variation of intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to:

[0028] - calculate a dispersion indicator, such as the variance or standard deviation, of the values intensity 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

[0029] - detect that the suction head is stationary on a soft floor when the indicator of dispersion is less than a detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than an intensity threshold value.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 about 20 ms.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is stationary on a soft floor if several successive dispersion indicator values, for example between 3 and 6 values, are less than the detection threshold value and if the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is also greater than the intensity threshold value.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The embodiments of the invention below are more particularly suited to determining whether the suction head is stationary or not on a soft floor.

[0036] 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 movement phase of the suction head on soft ground, for example during a previous phase of movement of the suction head on soft ground or during the most recent phase of movement of the suction head on soft ground, and to define the intensity threshold value based on the calculated average value.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the threshold intensity 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 from a percentage, for example between 3 and 10%, of said calculated average value.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the percentage is predetermined.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention, the percentage varies depending on the type of soft ground on which the suction head moves.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the threshold intensity 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.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect different types of soft soils intended to be encountered by the suction head.

[0042] 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 soil detected by the electronic control unit.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to adjust the detection threshold value based on the dispersion of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device, and for example, based on an average value of the dispersion indicator, during a previous phase of movement of the suction head on a hard floor, and more particularly during the most recent phase of movement of the suction head on a hard floor. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible to take into account possible clogging of the rotating brush, and in particular the presence of fibers or hair wrapped around the rotating brush, which are likely to induce a significant increase in the intensity of the electrical current applied to the brush drive motor, even during a phase of cleaning a hard floor.Thus, with an adjustable detection threshold, the electronic control unit is not likely to erroneously detect that the suction head is stationary on a soft floor when it is actually dirty, as it is moving on a hard floor. Therefore, such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention gives it... enhanced cleaning performance.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to detect that the suction head is moving on a soft floor, for example from a hard floor to a soft floor, when the dispersion indicator exceeds the detection threshold value. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible to detect movement of the suction head on a soft 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 configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible, for example, to adapt the operation of the vacuum cleaner during a soft floor cleaning phase.

[0045] 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 6 values, are greater than the detection threshold value.

[0046] According to another 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 of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor exceeds a soft floor detection threshold.

[0047] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a floor detection device having a movable member configured to be moved from a first position to a second position when the suction head is moved from a hard floor to a soft floor, and a motion sensor configured to emit a soft floor detection signal when the movable member is moved into the second position, the electronic control unit being configured to detect that the suction head has moved from a hard floor to a soft floor when a soft floor detection signal is transmitted to the electronic control unit.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to increase the power setpoint of the suction motor to a predetermined soft floor suction power value when the electronic control unit detects that the suction head is being moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a soft floor.

[0049] 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 dispersion indicator is less than the detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is less than the intensity threshold value.

[0050] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner makes it possible to detect movement of the suction head on a hard floor without requiring the presence of a floor detection device This specific configuration reduces the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. Furthermore, such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner allows, for example, the operation of the vacuum cleaner to be adapted during a phase of cleaning a hard floor.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to reduce the power setting of the vacuum motor to a predetermined hard floor suction power value 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 makes it possible to adapt the operation of the vacuum cleaner according to the type of floor detected, and thus to limit the vacuum cleaner's power consumption during a hard floor cleaning phase.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined hard floor suction power value is less than the predetermined soft floor suction power value.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined hard floor suction power value is less than or identical to the predetermined protection power value.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner only after the elapsed time predetermined during which the electronic control unit has detected that the suction head has remained stationary on a floor.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner only after the elapsed of a predetermined time during which the electronic control unit has detected that the suction head has remained stationary on a soft floor and provided that the dispersion indicator is still below the detection threshold value at the expiry of the predetermined time.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined duration is between 2 and 5 seconds.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes a waste separation and collection device which is disposed upstream of the suction motor and which is configured to be traversed by the airflow generated by the suction motor.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a main body in which the suction motor is housed.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head is mechanically connected to the main body.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a body head comprising the sole and provided with a receiving housing opening into the underside of the sole via the suction mouth, the rotating brush being housed in the receiving housing.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0062] The present invention further relates to a method for controlling a vacuum cleaner, comprising the following steps:

[0063] - provide a vacuum cleaner comprising: • a suction head comprising a rotating brush that rotates around an axis of rotation and a soleplate with 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 drive the rotating brush in rotation around the axis of rotation, the rotary 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, and • an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner,

[0064] - measure the intensity of the electric current applied to the drive motor of brush,

[0065] - detect that the suction head is stationary on a floor, taking into account the measured intensity, and

[0066] - modify at least one operating parameter, and for example a parameter of cleaning, of the vacuum cleaner when it is detected that the suction head is stationary on a floor.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the following steps:

[0068] - calculate a dispersion indicator, such as the variance or standard deviation, of the values of measured intensity, each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive measured intensity values, and

[0069] - detect that the suction head is stationary on a floor when the indicator of dispersion is less than a detection threshold value.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the following steps:

[0071] - calculate a dispersion indicator for the measured intensity values, each value the dispersion indicator being calculated from a limited series of values of successive measured intensities, and

[0072] - detect that the suction head is stationary on a soft floor when the indicator of dispersion is less than a detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is greater than an intensity threshold value.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a step of reducing the power setting of the suction motor to a predetermined protective power value and / or reducing the power setting of the brush drive motor to a predetermined brush power value or stopping the brush drive motor when it is detected that the suction head is stationary on a soft floor. Reducing the power of the suction motor reduces the suction force and consequently the pressure exerted by the suction head on the floor. This pressure exerted by the suction head on the floor is also known as the suction effect. Reducing the pressure exerted by the suction head on the floor decreases the pressure that the rotating brush can exert on the floor and thus reduces the friction forces of the brush on the floor.Reducing the power of the brush drive motor slows down the brush rotation speed, decreases the friction frequency, and therefore reduces the friction of the brush on the floor.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a step of detecting that the suction head is moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a soft floor, when the dispersion indicator exceeds the detection threshold value.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a step of increasing the power setpoint of the suction motor to a predetermined soft floor suction power value when it is detected that the suction head is being moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a soft floor.

[0076] 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 dispersion indicator is less than the detection threshold value and the intensity of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor is less than the intensity threshold value.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a step of reducing the power setting of the vacuum motor to a predetermined hard floor suction power value when it is detected that the vacuum head is being moved on a hard floor, for example from a soft floor to a hard floor. Brief description of the figures

[0078] 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.

[0079] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0080] Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in Fig. 1.

[0081] Fig. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0082] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a suction head of the vacuum cleaner. [Fig.l].

[0083] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the suction head of Fig. 4.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction head of Fig. 4.

[0085] The [Fig.7] is a diagram representing the steps of a method for controlling the vacuum cleaner of the [Fig.1].

[0086] 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. 1 and the time 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.

[0087] Figure 9 is a diagram representing the time evolution of the electric current intensity applied to a brush drive motor and the time evolution of the dispersion indicator during different cleaning phases. Detailed description

[0088] Figure 1 represents a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a stick vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body 3, a handle 5 mechanically connected to the main body 3, and a suction head 6 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.

[0089] The main body 3 includes in particular a vacuum housing 7 and a suction nozzle 8 which is advantageously disposed at a lower end of the vacuum housing 7 and to which the suction head 6 is attached directly or via a suction tube 10. The main body 3 further includes a suction conduit 9 disposed in the vacuum housing 7 and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 8.

[0090] The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a waste separation and collection device 11 which is removably mounted on the main body 3, so that it can be cleaned.

[0091] Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 11 is of the cyclonic type, and comprises a waste collection container 12 and a separator tubular separation 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 separation element 13 advantageously delimit a cyclone separation chamber 14.

[0092] The waste separation and collection device 11 further includes an air inlet opening which is fluidly connected to the suction duct 9 and which opens into the cyclonic separation chamber 14. Thus, the suction duct 9 is configured to fluidly connect the suction head 6 to the air inlet opening of the waste separation and collection device 11.

[0093] As shown in [Fig.3], the vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a suction motor 16, also called a motor-fan, configured to generate an airflow 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 includes a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The head body 23 includes a sole 24, for example made of plastic, having a lower face 25 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned.

[0096] The head body 23 further includes a suction mouth 26 opening into the lower face 25 of the sole 24 and through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction mouth 26 has an elongated shape and extends along an extension direction DI which extends perpendicularly to a direction of movement D2 of the suction head 6.

[0097] The head body 23 further includes 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.

[0098] The suction head 6 also includes a rotating brush 28 which is movably mounted in the receiving housing 27 about an axis of rotation A which substantially coincides with the central axis of the rotating brush 28. Advantageously, the rotating brush 28 is removably mounted in the receiving housing 27, and is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing 27 in a mounting direction which may, for example, extend transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of movement D2 of the suction head 6.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotary 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 cross-section, and the rotary brush 28 comprises one or more rows of bristles extending, for example, helically around the central axis of the rotary 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.

[0100] The suction head 6 further comprises a rotational drive mechanism 29 configured to rotate the rotating brush 28 around the axis of rotation 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.

[0101] Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 includes a 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 located in the suction head 6, in the main body 3 or in the handle 5.

[0102] The suction head 6 also includes a connecting sleeve 33 which is fluidly 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 attached. Advantageously, the suction head 6 includes an articulation device 34 mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve 33 to the head body 23, so as to allow the head body 23 to pivot forward and backward when the suction head 6 is moved along the direction of movement D2.

[0103] 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 located in the vacuum cleaner housing 7 or in the handle 5.

[0104] The electronic control unit 35 is configured in particular to:

[0105] - calculate a dispersion indicator, such as the variance or standard deviation, of the values intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device 32, each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device 32,

[0106] - detect that the suction head 6 is, for example, stationary on a soft floor when the dispersion indicator 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 a threshold intensity value Vsi (see Figures 8 and 9), and

[0107] - modify at least one operating parameter of vacuum cleaner 2, and for example reduce the power setting of the suction motor 16 to a predetermined protection power value, when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is stationary on a soft floor.

[0108] Reducing the power setpoint of the suction motor 16 allows the speed of the suction motor 16 to be reduced.

[0109] 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, and the detection threshold value Vsd is less than the average value of the dispersion indicator during a previous phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a soft floor.

[0110] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner 2, and for example, to reduce the power setpoint of the suction motor 16 to a predetermined protective power value, only after a predetermined time has elapsed during which the electronic control unit 35 has detected that the suction head 6 has remained stationary on a soft floor, and provided that the dispersion indicator has remained below the detection threshold value Vsd for the predetermined time. The predetermined time may, for example, be between 2 and 5 seconds.

[0111] Each limited series of successive measured intensity values ​​can 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 ​​can be between 15 and 25 ms, and is for example about 20 ms.

[0112] When the calculated dispersion indicator is the standard deviation, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to:

[0113] - calculate, for each limited series, an average of the successive intensity values measured items belonging to the aforementioned limited series,

[0114] - calculate, for each limited series, the deviations from the calculated mean respective, successive measured intensity values ​​belonging to said limited series, and

[0115] - calculate, for each limited series, the root mean square of the deviations calculated for said limited series.

[0116] The root mean square calculated for each limited series corresponds to the value of standard deviation calculated for said limited series.

[0117] When the calculated dispersion indicator is the variance, the calculated variance value for each limited series corresponds to the square of the root mean square calculated for said limited series. In other words, when the calculated dispersion indicator is the variance, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to calculate, for each limited series, the mean of the squared deviations from the mean for said limited series.

[0118] 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 a soft floor only if several successive dispersion indicator values, for example between 3 and 6 values, are less than the detection threshold value Vsd and if the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is also greater than the intensity threshold value Vsi.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to calculate an average value of the current intensity I 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 threshold value of the current intensity Vsi for each phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a soft floor, based on the calculated average value. The threshold value of the current intensity 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 current intensity I applied to the brush drive motor 31 during said phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a soft floor, subtracted by a percentage, for example, between 3 and 10%, of said calculated average value.

[0120] According to another embodiment of the invention, the threshold value of intensity Vsi could be predetermined, and be for example between 400 and 600 mA.

[0121] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to adjust the detection threshold value Vsd as a function of the dispersion of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device 32, and for example as a function of an average value of the dispersion indicator, during a previous phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a hard floor, and more particularly during the most recent phase of movement of the suction head 6 on a hard floor.

[0122] According to another embodiment of the invention, the detection threshold value Vsd could be predetermined, and be between 800 and 1200 mA2, and for example equal to 1000 mA2, if the dispersion indicator is the variance.

[0123] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 35 is also configured to:

[0124] - detect that the suction head 6 is moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard soil to soft soil, when the dispersion indicator exceeds the detection threshold value Vsd (see Figures 8 and 9), and

[0125] - increase the power setting of the suction motor 16 to a value of predetermined soft floor suction power, for example 150 Watts, which is greater than the predetermined protection power value, for example 80 Watts, when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is moved on a soft floor, and for example from a hard floor to a soft floor.

[0126] 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 phase of cleaning a soft floor.

[0127] 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, for example between 3 and 6 values, are greater than the detection threshold value Vsd.

[0128] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 35 is further configured to:

[0129] - detect that the suction head 6 is moved on a hard floor, and for example from a soft soil to hard soil, when the dispersion indicator 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 the intensity threshold value Vsi, and

[0130] - decrease the power setting of the suction motor 16 to a value of predetermined hard floor suction power, for example 60 Watts, which is less than the predetermined protection power value, for example 80 Watts, 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.

[0131] 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 phase of cleaning a hard floor.

[0132] 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 6 values, are less than the detection threshold value Vsd and if the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is also less than the intensity threshold value Vsi.

[0133] Thus, the electronic control unit 35 is configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a first operating mode, called the hard floor operating mode, when the dispersion indicator 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 the intensity threshold value Vsi, to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a second operating mode, called the soft floor operating mode, when the dispersion indicator exceeds, i.e. becomes greater than, the detection threshold value Vsd, and to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 according to a third operating mode, called the protection mode,when the dispersion indicator is below the detection threshold value Vsd and the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 is above the intensity threshold value Vsi. The electronic control unit 35 is configured such that the power and rotational speed of the suction motor 16 are minimum when the vacuum cleaner 2 operates in the first operating mode, such that the power and rotational speed of the suction motor 16 are maximum when the vacuum cleaner 2 operates in the second operating mode, and such that the power of the suction motor 16 is between the minimum and maximum power when the vacuum cleaner 2 operates in the third operating mode.

[0134] A method for controlling the vacuum cleaner 2 according to the present invention may, for example, include in particular:

[0135] - an SI measurement step consisting of measuring the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31,

[0136] - a calculation step S2 consisting of calculating a dispersion indicator, such as the variance or standard deviation of measured intensity values, each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive measured intensity values,

[0137] - if the dispersion indicator exceeds the detection threshold value Vsd, a step of command S3 consisting of detecting that the suction head 6 is moved on a soft floor, for example from a hard floor to a soft floor, and increasing the power setting of the suction motor 16 to the predetermined soft floor suction power value,

[0138] - if the dispersion indicator is less than the detection threshold value Vsd and If the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 exceeds the threshold intensity value Vsi, a control step S4 will detect that the suction head 6 is stationary on a soft floor and reduce the power setting of the suction motor 16 to the protection power value. predetermined, and

[0139] - if the dispersion indicator 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 the threshold intensity 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 reducing the power setpoint of the suction motor 16 to the predetermined hard floor suction power value.

[0140] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to detect that the suction head 6 is stationary on a soft floor as a function of the amplitude of variation of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device 32, and for example of the 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.

[0141] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to increase the power setpoint of the brush drive motor 31 to a first predetermined brush motor power value when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is being moved on a soft floor, and to decrease the power setpoint of the brush drive motor 31 to a second predetermined brush motor power value when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is stationary on a soft floor.

[0142] 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 power supply to the vacuum cleaner 2, when the electronic control unit 35 detects that the suction head 6 is stationary on a soft floor.

[0143] 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 power value, and to increase, when it has been detected that the suction head 6 is moved on a type of soft soil, the power setpoint of the suction motor 16 to the predetermined soft soil suction power value corresponding to the type of soft soil detected.

[0144] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit 35 could be configured to detect that the suction head 6 is moved on soft ground when the intensity I of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor 31 exceeds a soft ground detection threshold.

[0145] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the suction head 6 could include a floor detection device comprising a movable member configured to be moved from a first position to a second position when the suction head 6 is moved from a hard floor to a soft floor, and a motion sensor configured to emit a soft floor detection signal when the movable member is moved into the second position, the electronic control unit 35 then being configured to detect that the suction head 6 has moved from a hard floor to a soft floor when a soft floor detection signal is transmitted to the electronic control unit 35.

[0146] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has 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

Demands

1. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a suction head (6) including a soleplate (24) having a lower face (25) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet (26) opening into the lower face (25) of the soleplate (24) and through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner (2), the suction head (6) further comprising a rotating brush (28) movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (A), - a rotational drive mechanism (29) configured to drive the rotating brush (28) in rotation about the axis of rotation (A), the rotational drive mechanism (29) including a brush drive motor (31) rotationally coupled to the rotating brush (28), - a suction motor (16) configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet (26) and into the suction head (6),and - an electronic control unit (35) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner (2), characterized in that the vacuum cleaner further comprises a measuring device (32) configured to measure the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (31), the electronic control unit (35) being configured to detect that the suction head (6) is stationary on a floor based on the dispersion of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device (32) or based on the amplitude of variation of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device (32) and to modify at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the electronic control unit (35) detects that the suction head (6) is stationary on a floor.

2. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to decrease the power setpoint of the vacuum motor (16) to a predetermined protection power value and / or to decrease the power setpoint of the brush drive motor (31) to a predetermined brush power value when the electronic control unit (35) detects that the vacuum head (6) is stationary on the floor.

3. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical unit The control electronics (35) is configured to: - calculate a dispersion indicator of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device (32), each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device (32), and - detect that the suction head (6) is stationary on a soft floor when the dispersion indicator is less than a detection threshold value (Vsd) and the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (31) is greater than an intensity threshold value (Vsi).

4. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3, wherein 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 a movement phase of the suction head (6) on a soft floor, and to define the intensity threshold value (Vsi) as a function of the calculated average value.

5. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to detect that the suction head (6) is moved on a soft floor when the dispersion indicator exceeds the detection threshold value (Vsd).

6. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to increase the power setpoint of the vacuum motor (16) to a predetermined soft floor suction power value when the electronic control unit (35) detects that the vacuum head (6) is being moved on a soft floor.

7. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to detect that the suction head (6) is moved on a hard floor when the dispersion indicator 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 the intensity threshold value (Vsi).

8. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 7, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to decrease the power setpoint of the vacuum motor (16) to a predetermined hard floor suction power value when the electronic control unit (35) detects that the vacuum head (6) is moved on a hard ground.

9. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electronic control unit (35) is configured to change at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner (2) only after the elapsed time predetermined during which the electronic control unit (35) has detected that the suction head (6) has remained stationary on a floor.

10. A method for controlling a vacuum cleaner (2), comprising the following steps: - providing a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: • a suction head (6) including a rotating brush (28) movable for rotation about an axis of rotation (A) and a soleplate (24) having an underside (25) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet (26) opening into the underside (25) of the soleplate (24) and through which outside air can be drawn into the vacuum cleaner (2), • a rotary drive mechanism (29) configured to rotate the rotating brush (28) about the axis of rotation (A), the rotary drive mechanism (29) including a brush drive motor (31) rotationally coupled to the rotating brush (28), • a suction motor (16) configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet (26) and into the head suction (6),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 (31), - detect that the suction head (6) is stationary on a floor by taking into account the dispersion of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device (32) or according to the amplitude of variation of the intensity values ​​measured by the measuring device (32), and - modify at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner (2) when it is detected that the suction head (6) is stationary on a floor.

11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps following: - calculate a dispersion indicator for the measured intensity values, each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive measured intensity values, and - detect that the suction head (6) is stationary on a floor when the dispersion indicator is below a detection threshold value (Vsd).

12. A method according to claim 10, further comprising the following steps: - calculate a dispersion indicator of the measured intensity values, each dispersion indicator value being calculated from a limited series of successive measured intensity values, and - detect that the suction head (6) is stationary on a soft floor when the dispersion indicator is less than a detection threshold value (Vsd) and the intensity (I) of the electric current applied to the brush drive motor (31) is greater than an intensity threshold value (Vsi).

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein it includes a step of reducing the power setpoint of the suction motor (16) to a predetermined protection power value and / or reducing the power setpoint of the brush drive motor (31) to a predetermined brush power value when it is detected that the suction head (6) is stationary on a floor.

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