Cleaner

Abstract

To provide a cleaner capable of collecting a large amount of dust in a dust collection pack.SOLUTION: A cleaner includes: a suction mechanism for sucking dust; a dust collection pack for collecting dust; and a control unit for, when a mode is selected from a plurality of modes having a plurality of different levels of suction force, causing the suction mechanism to suck the dust with suction force after causing the suction mechanism to suck the dust with strong suction force greater than the suction force when causing the suction mechanism to suck the dust with the suction force of the mode and detecting that an amount of collected dust collected in the dust collection pack has reached a set amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vacuum cleaners. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vacuum cleaner. In this electric vacuum cleaner, an electric blower draws in outside air from an inlet and exhausts the outside air from an exhaust port. A paper bag separates dust sucked together with the air from the air. A control means controls the electric blower in an operation mode selected from three operation modes, "strong," "medium," and "weak," which have different input powers to the electric blower. The control means controls the electric blower for about two seconds at an input power of 500 W, which is higher than the rated input power of 100 W, only when the electric blower is started from a stopped state with "weak" selected. This allows the pack part of the paper bag to be inflated accurately and efficiently (paragraphs 0017-0021 and 0033). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-355208 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the vacuum cleaner disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the "weak" setting is selected, the airflow of the electric blower is weak. As a result, the dust collected in the paper bag is scattered instead of being densely packed, and the paper bag is unable to collect the amount of dust that it is designed to collect. This results in the paper bag, which is a consumable item, being wasted.

[0005] In view of this problem, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner that can collect a large amount of dust in a dust collection bag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vacuum cleaner of a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a suction mechanism for sucking up dust, a dust collection pack for collecting the dust, and a control unit which, when a mode is selected from a plurality of modes each having a plurality of different suction powers, causes the suction mechanism to suck up the dust with the suction power of the mode, and when it is detected that the amount of collected dust collected in the dust collection pack has reached a set amount, causes the suction mechanism to suck up the dust with a stronger suction power than the suction power and then causes the suction mechanism to suck up the dust with the suction power.

[0007] A vacuum cleaner of a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises a suction mechanism for sucking up dust, a dust collection pack for collecting the dust, and a control unit which, when a mode is selected from a plurality of modes each having a plurality of different suction powers, causes the suction mechanism to suck up the dust with the suction power of the mode, and when it detects that the amount of collected dust collected in the dust collection pack has reached a set amount, causes the suction mechanism to suck up the dust with a stronger suction power than the suction power and then causes the suction mechanism to stop sucking the dust.

[0008] A vacuum cleaner of a third aspect of the present disclosure comprises a suction mechanism for sucking up dust, a dust collection pack for collecting the dust, and a control unit which, when a mode is selected from a plurality of modes each having a plurality of different suction powers, causes the suction mechanism to suck up the dust with the suction power of the mode, and when a set time has passed since the suction mechanism sucked up the dust with the suction power, causes the suction mechanism to suck up the dust with a strong suction power stronger than the suction power, and then causes the suction mechanism to suck up the dust with the suction power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment in a state in which a dust bag is not set. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a suction / discharge unit and a battery provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a dust collecting section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collecting section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a schematic diagram of a dust collection bag provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of the vicinity of a locking mechanism of a dust collecting unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of the vicinity of a locking mechanism of a dust collecting unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of the vicinity of a locking mechanism of a dust collecting unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection unit included in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment, in a state in which a dust collection bag that has collected dust is being disposed of. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 4 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism included in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment when the automatic mode is selected. [Figure 13] 4 is a graph showing changes over time in suction power of the suction mechanism included in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment when full power mode is selected. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by a control unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of a suction mechanism provided in a vacuum cleaner of a second embodiment when an automatic mode is selected. [Figure 16] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of a suction mechanism provided in a vacuum cleaner of a second embodiment when full power mode is selected. [Figure 17]10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processes performed by a control unit provided in a vacuum cleaner of a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of a suction mechanism provided in a vacuum cleaner of a third embodiment when an automatic mode is selected. [Figure 19] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of a suction mechanism provided in a vacuum cleaner of a third embodiment when full power mode is selected. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processes performed by a control unit provided in a vacuum cleaner of a third embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of a suction mechanism provided in a vacuum cleaner of a fourth embodiment when an automatic mode is selected. [Figure 22] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of a suction mechanism provided in a vacuum cleaner of a fourth embodiment when full power mode is selected. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processes performed by a control unit provided in a vacuum cleaner of a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] 13 is a diagram including a graph showing the change over time in suction power of a suction mechanism provided in a vacuum cleaner of a fifth embodiment when full power mode is selected. FIG. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processes performed by a control unit provided in a vacuum cleaner of a sixth embodiment. [Figure 26] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of a suction mechanism provided in a vacuum cleaner of a seventh embodiment when an automatic mode is selected. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for increasing the amount of dust that can be collected by a dust collection bag, the process being performed by a control unit provided in a vacuum cleaner of a seventh embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a control system of a vacuum cleaner according to an eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] 1. First embodiment 1.1 Vacuum cleaner FIG. 1 is a perspective view that diagrammatically illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment.

[0012] A vacuum cleaner 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 sucks in air and dust, separates the sucked dust from the sucked air, and collects the separated dust.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a suction / exhaust unit 11, a dust collection unit 12 and a battery 13.

[0014] The dust collection unit 12 and the battery 13 are attached to the suction / discharge unit 11. The dust collection unit 12 and the battery 13 can be attached to the suction / discharge unit 11 and detached therefrom.

[0015] The suction / discharge unit 11 sucks in air and dust, and guides the sucked air and dust to the dust collection unit 12. The suction / discharge unit 11 exhausts the air guided by the dust collection unit 12. The suction / discharge unit 11 generates a suction force for sucking in the air and dust using power supplied by a battery 13.

[0016] The dust collection section 12 collects the dust guided by the suction / discharge section 11 , and guides the air guided by the suction / discharge section 11 to the suction / discharge section 11 .

[0017] The battery 13 provides power to the suction / discharge unit 11 .

[0018] The vacuum cleaner 1 constitutes a stick type or handheld type vacuum cleaner. When the vacuum cleaner 1 constitutes a stick type vacuum cleaner, the suction mouth body constituting the stick type vacuum cleaner is connected to the front end 21 of the suction / discharge unit 11 via an extension tube constituting the stick type vacuum cleaner. When the vacuum cleaner 1 constitutes a handheld type vacuum cleaner, the suction mouth body constituting the handheld type vacuum cleaner is directly connected to the front end 21 of the suction / discharge unit 11.

[0019] 1.2 Suction / exhaust section Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment when a dust bag is not set, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment, showing a suction / discharge unit and a battery.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the suction / discharge unit 11 includes a housing 31, an electric suction device 32, a control unit 33, an operation unit , and a notification unit .

[0021] The housing 31 houses an electric suction device 32 and a control unit 33, and supports an operation unit 34 and a notification unit 35.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the housing 31 includes a cylindrical portion 41, a storage portion 42 and a rod-shaped portion 43.

[0023] The cylindrical part 41 has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical part 41 is formed with a suction port 41a, a connection port 41b, and an air passage 41c. The air passage 41c leads from the suction port 41a to the connection port 41b. As a result, the air passage 41c guides the sucked air and dust from the suction port 41a to the connection port 41b. When the dust collection part 12 is attached to the suction / discharge part 11, the connection port 41b is connected to the dust collection part 12. As a result, the air passage 41c guides the sucked air and dust from the suction port 41a to the dust collection part 12. The cylindrical part 41 and the air passage 41c extend in the front-rear direction DX. The suction port 41a is formed at the front end of the cylindrical part 41 and opens toward the front direction DX1. The connection port 41b is formed near the rear end of the cylindrical part 41 and opens toward the downward direction DZ2.

[0024] The accommodation section 42 is formed with a connection port 42a, an exhaust port 42b, and an air passage 42c. The air passage 42c leads from the connection port 42a to the exhaust port 42b. As a result, the air passage 42c leads the guided air from the connection port 42a to the exhaust port 42b. When the dust collection section 12 is attached to the suction / discharge section 11, the connection port 42a is connected to the dust collection section 12. As a result, the air passage 42c leads the air guided by the dust collection section 12 to the exhaust port 42b. The connection port 42a is formed in the front wall of the accommodation section 42 and opens in a direction inclined from the front direction DX1 to the downward direction DZ2. The exhaust port 42b is formed in the right wall of the accommodation section 42 and opens in the right direction DY2. The accommodation section 42 accommodates the electric suction machine 32 and the control section 33, and supports the operation section 34 and the notification section 35.

[0025] The rod-shaped portion 43 has a rod-like shape. The rod-shaped portion 43 extends in the front-rear direction DX. The front end of the rod-shaped portion 43 is connected to the rear end of the tubular portion 41. The rear end of the rod-shaped portion 43 is connected to an upper portion of the front wall of the storage portion 42.

[0026] The electric suction machine 32 is disposed in the air passage 42c. The electric suction machine 32 generates an air flow that flows from the suction port 41a through the air passage 41c, the connection port 41b, the dust collecting unit 12, the connection port 42a, and the air passage 42c to the exhaust port 42b by the driving power supplied by the control unit 33. The generated air flow enables the vacuum cleaner 1 to suck air and dust. The electric suction machine 32 includes a fan and a motor. The fan rotates to generate an air flow. The motor rotates the fan. The electric suction machine 32 generates an air flow according to the power supplied to the motor. Therefore, the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 that is composed of the housing 31 and the electric suction machine 32 and sucks air and dust can be adjusted by adjusting the driving power supplied to the motor.

[0027] The control unit 33 generates driving power from the power supplied by the battery 13, and supplies the generated driving power to the motor of the electric suction machine 32. The control unit 33 changes the rotation speed of the motor by changing the driving power supplied to the motor, and changes the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 by changing the rotation speed of the motor. The control unit 33 controls the rotation speed of the motor by analog control, pulse width modulation (PWM) control, etc.

[0028] The control unit 33 controls the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 according to an operation performed on the operation unit 34. The operation unit 34 includes at least one type selected from the group consisting of, for example, a button, a slider, a dial, a lever, and a touch panel.

[0029] The control unit 33 causes the notification unit 35 to give a notification. The notification unit 35 includes at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, a display, a lamp, a speaker, and a vibrator. Making the notification unit 35 give a notification includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of displaying a screen on the display, causing the lamp to emit light, causing the speaker to emit a sound, and causing the vibrator to generate vibration.

[0030] The control unit 33 includes a microcontroller and peripheral circuits. The microcontroller includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a control program stored in the memory to cause the microcontroller and peripheral circuits to operate as the control unit 33. All or part of the processing performed by the control unit 33 may be performed by a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0031] 1.3 Dust collection section Fig. 4 is a perspective view that typically illustrates the dust collecting section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view that typically illustrates the dust collecting section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the dust collection unit 12 includes a housing 61, a lid 62, a hinge 63, a dust collection pack 64 and a locking mechanism 65.

[0033] The housing 61 is formed with an inlet 61a, an outlet 61b, an opening 61c, and a dust collection pack chamber 61d.

[0034] The dust collection pack chamber 61d leads from the inlet 61a to the outlet 61b. A dust collection pack 64 is set in the dust collection pack chamber 61d. As a result, the dust collection pack chamber 61d guides the guided air from the inlet 61a to the outlet 61b, and guides the dust guided together with the air from the inlet 61a to the inside of the dust collection pack 64. When the dust collection unit 12 is attached to the suction / discharge unit 11, the inlet 61a and the outlet 61b of the dust collection unit 12 are connected to the connection port 41b of the cylindrical part 41 and the connection port 42a of the storage unit 42, respectively. As a result, the dust collection pack chamber 61d guides the air guided by the cylindrical part 41 from the connection port 41b of the cylindrical part 41 to the connection port 42a of the storage unit 42, and guides the dust guided together with the air from the connection port 41b of the cylindrical part 41 to the inside of the dust collection pack 64. The inlet 61a is formed in an upper wall of the dust collecting unit 12 and opens in the upward direction DZ1. The outlet 61b is formed in a rear wall of the dust collecting unit 12 and opens in a direction inclined from the rear direction DX2 to the upward direction DZ1.

[0035] The dust collection pack chamber 61d is exposed to the outside of the dust collection unit 12 through the opening 61c when the opening 61c is not closed by the lid 62. The opening 61c has a shape that allows the dust collection pack 64 to pass through. As a result, when the opening 61c is not closed by the lid 62, the dust collection pack 64 can be inserted into the dust collection pack chamber 61d through the opening 61c from the outside of the dust collection unit 12. In addition, the dust collection pack 64 can be removed from the dust collection pack chamber 61d to the outside of the dust collection unit 12 through the opening 61c.

[0036] The lid 62 is coupled to the housing 61 via a hinge 63. The lid 62 can rotate about the hinge 63 between a position where the lid 62 covers the opening 61c and a position where the lid 62 does not cover the opening 61c.

[0037] The dust collection pack 64 is set in the dust collection pack chamber 61d. The dust collection pack 64 takes in the air and dust that have been guided to the inlet 61a into the inside of the dust collection pack 64, passes the taken-in air, and retains the taken-in dust inside the dust collection pack 64. In this way, the dust collection pack 64 separates the dust that has flowed into the inlet 61a from the air that has flowed into the inlet 61a, and collects the separated dust.

[0038] The housing 61 includes an attachment portion 71. The dust collection pack 64 is attached to the attachment portion 71. By being attached to the attachment portion 71, the dust collection pack 64 is set in the dust collection unit 12 while being housed in the dust collection pack chamber 61d.

[0039] When the locking mechanism 65 is in the locked state, the lid 62 closes the opening 61c and the dust collection pack 64 can be maintained in a state attached to the attachment portion 71, and when the locking mechanism 65 is in the unlocked state, the lid 62 cannot maintain the state. Therefore, when the dust collection pack 64 is inserted into the dust collection pack chamber 61d and when the dust collection pack 64 is removed from the dust collection pack chamber 61d, the locking mechanism 65 is in the unlocked state.

[0040] 1.4 Dust collection bag FIG. 6 is a plan view that diagrammatically illustrates the dust collection bag provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the dust pack 64 includes a dust bag 81 and a mounting plate 82 .

[0042] Dust collection bag 81 has a bag-like shape. Dust collection bag 81 is made of a material that allows air to pass through but almost completely blocks dust from passing through, such as paper, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, etc. Dust collection bag 81 has an opening 81a formed therein.

[0043] The mounting plate 82 has a plate-like shape. The mounting plate 82 is made of, for example, hard paper, resin, or the like. An air intake hole 82a is formed in the mounting plate 82. The mounting plate 82 is joined to the dust collection bag 81. The air intake hole 82a of the mounting plate 82 is placed over the opening 81a of the dust collection bag 81 and communicates with the opening 81a of the dust collection bag 81.

[0044] The mounting plate 82 is attached to the mounting portion 71. In a state where the mounting plate 82 is attached to the mounting portion 71, the air intake hole 82a of the mounting plate 82 is connected to the inlet 61a of the housing 61. As a result, the air and dust that flow into the inlet 61a of the housing 61 are guided into the inside of the dust bag 81 via the air intake hole 82a of the mounting plate 82 and the opening 81a of the dust bag 81. The air guided into the inside of the dust bag 81 passes through the dust bag 81 and flows out from the outlet 61b of the housing 61. Most of the dust guided into the inside of the dust bag 81 does not pass through the dust bag 81 and remains inside the dust bag 81. As a result, the dust collection pack 64 collects dust.

[0045] 1.5 Locking mechanism Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are cross-sectional views that typically illustrate the vicinity of a locking mechanism of the dust collection unit included in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view that typically illustrates the dust collection unit included in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment in a state in which a dust collection bag that has collected dust is being disposed of.

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a state in which the locking mechanism 65 locks the lid 62 and the mounting plate 82. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the locking mechanism 65 releases the lock on the lid 62 and locks the mounting plate 82. Fig. 9 shows a state in which the locking mechanism 65 releases the lock on the lid 62 and the mounting plate 82.

[0047] The lock mechanism 65 includes an operating member 91 , a biasing member 92 , an interlocking mechanism 93 , a cover locking portion 94 , and a mounting plate locking portion 95 .

[0048] The operating member 91 has a push button shape.

[0049] The biasing member 92 is made of a compressed elastic body, for example, a compressed compression spring. One end of the biasing member 92 is connected to the housing 61. The other end of the biasing member 92 is connected to the operating member 91. As a result, the biasing member 92 biases the operating member 91 in a direction away from the housing 61.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, when the operating member 91 is not pressed in the direction approaching the housing 61, the interlocking mechanism 93 locks the lid 62 and the mounting plate 82 to the lid locking portion 94 and the mounting plate locking portion 95, respectively.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, when the operating member 91 is pushed in a direction approaching the housing 61, the interlocking mechanism 93 causes the lid locking portion 94 and the mounting plate locking portion 95 to release the lock of the lid 62 and the mounting plate 82, respectively.

[0052] As shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, when the operating member 91 transitions from a state in which it is not being pushed in a direction approaching the housing 61 to a state in which it is pushed in that direction, the interlocking mechanism 93 causes the lid locking portion 94 to release the lock on the lid 62, and then causes the mounting plate locking portion 95 to release the lock on the mounting plate 82.

[0053] 10, when the operating member 91 is pushed toward the housing 61 while the housing 61 is tilted so that the opening 61c of the housing 61 is located below the bottom of the housing 61, the dust collection pack 64 falls by its own weight and is removed from the dust collection pack chamber 61d. This allows the user to discard the dust collection pack 64 that has collected dust without touching the dust collection pack 64 that has collected dust.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the interlocking mechanism 93 includes a first portion 101, a first pivotal support portion 102, a second portion 103 and a second pivotal support portion 104.

[0055] One end 111 of the first portion 101 is coupled to the operating member 91. The other end 112 of the first portion 101 is coupled to the lid locking portion 94.

[0056] The first pivot support portion 102 is coupled to the housing 61 and pivotally supports an intermediate portion 113 of the first portion 101 between one end portion 111 of the first portion 101 and the other end portion 112 of the first portion 101. The first pivot support portion 102 pivotally supports the intermediate portion 113 so that the first portion 101 can rotate about the intermediate portion 113. As a result, when the operating member 91 is pushed in a direction approaching the housing 61, the lid locking portion 94 moves in a direction away from the lid 62. As a result, when the operating member 91 is pushed in a direction approaching the housing 61, the lid locking portion 94 releases the lock of the lid 62.

[0057] The first portion 101 includes an action piece 121. The action piece 121 is disposed between the middle portion 113 of the first portion 101 and the other end portion 112 of the first portion 101. As a result, when the operating member 91 is pushed in a direction approaching the housing 61, the action piece 121 moves in a direction away from the housing 61.

[0058] The second portion 103 is coupled to the mounting plate stop 95 .

[0059] The second pivot support portion 104 is coupled to the housing 61 and pivotally supports the second portion 103. The second pivot support portion 104 pivotally supports the second portion 103 so that the second portion 103 can rotate.

[0060] The second portion 103 includes an acted upon piece 131. When the acted upon piece 131 moves in a direction away from the housing 61, the attachment plate locking portion 95 moves in a direction away from the attachment plate 82. As a result, when the acted upon piece 131 moves in a direction away from the housing 61, the attachment plate locking portion 95 releases the lock of the attachment plate 82.

[0061] In a state where the operating member 91 is not pressed in a direction approaching the housing 61, the acted upon piece 131 is disposed at a destination of the action piece 121 when the operating member 91 is pressed in a direction approaching the housing 61. As a result, when the operating member 91 is pressed in a direction approaching the housing 61 and the action piece 121 moves in a direction away from the housing 61, the acted upon piece 131 is acted upon by the action piece 121 and moves in a direction away from the housing 61. In a state where the operating member 91 is not pressed in a direction approaching the housing 61, a gap 141 exists between the action piece 121 and the acted upon piece 131. As a result, the acted upon piece 131 starts to move in a direction away from the mounting plate 82 a short time after the action piece 121 starts to move in a direction away from the housing 61. As a result, the mounting plate locking portion 95 releases the lock of the mounting plate 82 a short time after the lid locking portion 94 releases the lock of the lid 62.

[0062] 1.6 Control System FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control system of the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment.

[0063] 11, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes an operation unit 34, a control unit 33, a suction mechanism 51, and a notification unit 35. The suction mechanism 51 includes an electric suction device 32.

[0064] The vacuum cleaner 1 has a plurality of modes having different suction powers. In the first embodiment, the plurality of modes are four modes consisting of a weak mode, an automatic mode, a full power mode, and a strong mode. The suction power of the automatic mode is stronger than that of the weak mode. The suction power of the strong mode is stronger than that of the automatic mode. The suction power of the full power mode is stronger than that of the strong mode. The plurality of modes may be three or less modes or five or more modes.

[0065] The operation unit 34 is used to select one of a plurality of modes of the vacuum cleaner 1 .

[0066] The control unit 33 detects that the amount of collected dust collected in the dust collection pack 64 (hereinafter referred to as "dust amount") has reached the set amount 201 based on the current value of the current flowing through the motor of the electric suction machine 32. For example, the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201 when the current value becomes larger than the set current value, when the change in the current value over time becomes larger than the set change over time, etc. The control unit 33 may detect that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201 based on something other than the current value. For example, the control unit 33 may detect that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201 based on the amount of power consumed by the motor of the electric suction machine 32, or may detect that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201 based on the number of revolutions of the motor of the electric suction machine 32. Also, a sensor that outputs a signal according to the amount of dust may be provided in the dust collection unit 12, and the control unit 33 may detect that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201 based on the output signal.

[0067] 1.7 Controls to increase the amount of dust that a dust pack can collect In the first embodiment, the control unit 33 can perform control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection bag can collect.

[0068] Fig. 12 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment when the automatic mode is selected. Fig. 13 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment when the full power mode is selected. In the graphs of Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents suction power of the suction mechanism.

[0069] When the first mode having only a weak first suction force is selected from the multiple modes, the control unit 33 performs the following control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect. That is, the control unit 33 makes the suction mechanism 51 suck the dust with the first suction force until it detects that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201. Also, when the control unit 33 detects that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201, it makes the suction mechanism 51 suck the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the first suction force for a set dust compression time, and then makes the suction mechanism 51 suck the dust with the first suction force. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force that the control unit 33 can make the suction mechanism 51 suck the dust. In the first embodiment, the strongest suction force is the strongest suction force included in the multiple suction forces that each of the multiple modes has, that is, the suction force of the full power mode.

[0070] For example, when the automatic mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 12, before the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode. After the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode, which is stronger than the suction force of the automatic mode, for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode.

[0071] In this way, when the first mode having only the weak first suction force is selected, the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force when it is detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. When the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, the air introduced into the dust collection bag 81 is strongly blown against the collected dust. As a result, the collected dust is carried to the back of the dust collection bag 81, and the scattered collected dust is concentrated and compressed in the back of the dust collection bag 81. Therefore, when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, more dust can be collected in the dust collection pack 64 than when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is maintained at the first suction force.

[0072] On the other hand, when the second mode having a strong second suction force is selected from the multiple modes, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the second suction force of the second mode until it detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. Furthermore, when the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, it causes the suction mechanism 51 to continue sucking up dust with the second suction force.

[0073] For example, when the full power mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 13, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode before it detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. Also, even after it detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to continue sucking up dust with the suction force of the full power mode.

[0074] The first mode and the second mode are determined such that the second suction force is stronger than the first suction force. In the first embodiment, each of the weak mode, the automatic mode, and the strong mode becomes the first mode. Also, the full power mode becomes the second mode. The mode that becomes the first mode may be changed. The mode that becomes the second mode may be changed. For example, when the weak mode or the automatic mode is selected as the first mode by an operation performed on the operation unit 34, the control unit 33 may set the strong mode as the second mode. Or, when the strong mode is selected as the first mode by an operation performed on the operation unit 34, the control unit 33 may set the full power mode as the second mode.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the set amount 201 is the full amount. The full amount is, for example, the amount of collected dust that reaches the intake hole 82a of the mounting plate 82. When the set amount 201 is the full amount, the control unit 33 can form a space for collecting new dust inside the dust collection pack 64 by concentrating the collected dust deep inside the dust collection bag 81 when there is no more space inside the dust collection pack 64 for collecting new dust. This allows the vacuum cleaner 1 to continue operating after the amount of dust becomes full.

[0076] 1.8 Processing flow FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the control unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment.

[0077] After the vacuum cleaner 1 is turned on and power is supplied to the control unit 33, the control unit 33 executes steps S101 to S108 shown in FIG.

[0078] In step S101, the control unit 33 sets the current mode to an initial mode. The initial mode may be a predetermined mode, or may be a mode at the time when the vacuum cleaner 1 was turned off in the previous operation. The predetermined mode is, for example, an automatic mode.

[0079] In the next step S102, the control unit 33 determines whether or not an operation to select a mode from a plurality of modes has been performed on the operation unit 34. If the control unit 33 determines that the operation has been performed, it sequentially executes steps S103 and S104. If the control unit 33 determines that the operation has not been performed, it executes step S104.

[0080] In step S103, the control unit 33 sets the current mode to the mode selected by the operation of selecting a mode from a plurality of modes.

[0081] In step S104, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the current mode. If the current mode is the weak mode, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the weak mode, if the current mode is the automatic mode, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode, if the current mode is the strong mode, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the strong mode, and if the current mode is the full power mode, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode.

[0082] Through steps S102 to S104, when an operation to select a mode from a plurality of modes is performed on operation unit 34, control unit 33 changes the suction force of suction mechanism 51 to the suction force of the selected mode, and when no such operation is performed on operation unit 34, control unit 33 maintains the suction force of suction mechanism 51. Hereinafter, this control will be referred to as "normal control."

[0083] In the next step S105, the control unit 33 determines whether or not it has detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. If the control unit 33 determines that it has detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, it executes step S106. If the control unit 33 determines that it has not detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, it executes step S102.

[0084] Through steps S102 to S105, the control unit 33 performs the normal control described above until it detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201.

[0085] In step S106, the control unit 33 determines whether the current mode is the first mode. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is the first mode, it sequentially executes steps S107 and S108. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is not the first mode, that is, if it determines that the current mode is the second mode, it executes step S102.

[0086] In step S107, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck in the dust with a strong suction force that is stronger than the first suction force in the first mode.

[0087] In step S108, the control unit 33 judges whether the set dust compression time has elapsed since it detected that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has elapsed, it executes step S102. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has not elapsed, it executes step S107. The dust compression time is, for example, several seconds, and preferably 3 to 10 seconds. The dust compression time may be a predetermined time, may be a time selected from a plurality of candidates by an operation performed on the operation unit 34, or may be a time arbitrarily set within a predetermined time range by an operation performed on the operation unit 34.

[0088] In steps S105 to S108, when the current mode is the first mode, the control unit 33 temporarily increases the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to strong suction force for the dust compression time when the dust amount reaches the set amount 201, and then restores the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to its original state when the current mode is the second mode.

[0089] 2. Second embodiment The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the second embodiment employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the control unit 33 can perform control to facilitate disposal of the dust collection pack 64 in addition to or instead of control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect.

[0091] Fig. 15 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the second embodiment when the automatic mode is selected. Fig. 16 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the second embodiment when the full power mode is selected. In the graphs of Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents suction power of the suction mechanism.

[0092] When the first mode having only a weak first suction force is selected from the multiple modes, the control unit 33 performs the following control to facilitate disposal of the dust collection pack 64. That is, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with the first suction force until it detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. When the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, it causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the first suction force for a set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to stop sucking the dust. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force with which the control unit 33 can make the suction mechanism 51 suck the dust. In the second embodiment, the strongest suction force is the strongest suction force included in the multiple suction forces that each of the multiple modes has, that is, the suction force of the full power mode.

[0093] For example, when the automatic mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 15, before the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode. After the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode, which is stronger than the suction force of the automatic mode, for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to reduce the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to 0, i.e., to stop sucking dust.

[0094] In this way, when the first mode having only the weak first suction force is selected, the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force immediately before the amount of dust is detected to have reached the set amount 201 and the vacuum cleaner 1 stops due to an error. When the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, the air introduced into the dust collection bag 81 is strongly blown onto the collected dust. As a result, the collected dust is carried to the back of the dust collection bag 81, and the scattered collected dust is concentrated in the back of the dust collection bag 81. Therefore, when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, the collected dust can be prevented from overflowing from the air intake hole 82a of the mounting plate 82, compared to when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is maintained at the first suction force. This can prevent the overflowing collected dust from hindering the removal of the dust collection pack 64 from the dust collection pack chamber 61d, and can prevent the overflowing collected dust from hindering the dust collection pack 64 from falling under its own weight. This allows the user to discard the dust collection pack 64 that has collected the dust without touching the dust collection pack 64 even if the amount of dust reaches the set amount 201, when the dust collection pack 64 is allowed to fall under its own weight. It can also prevent the overflowing collected dust from spilling and contaminating the periphery of the vacuum cleaner 1 when discarding the dust collection pack 64.

[0095] On the other hand, when the second mode having a strong second suction force is selected from the multiple modes, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with the second suction force until it detects that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201. When the control unit 33 detects that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201, it causes the suction mechanism 51 to continue sucking the dust with the second suction force for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to stop sucking the dust.

[0096] For example, when the full power mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 16, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode before detecting that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201. Also, even after detecting that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to continue sucking dust with the suction force of the full power mode for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to reduce the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to 0, i.e., to stop sucking dust.

[0097] The first mode and the second mode are determined such that the second suction force is stronger than the first suction force. In the second embodiment, the weak mode, the automatic mode, and the strong mode are the first modes, and the full power mode is the second mode. The mode that is the first mode may be changed. The mode that is the second mode may be changed. For example, when the weak mode or the automatic mode is selected as the first mode by an operation performed on the operation unit 34, the control unit 33 may set the strong mode as the second mode. Or, when the strong mode is selected as the first mode by an operation performed on the operation unit 34, the control unit 33 may set the full power mode as the second mode.

[0098] In the second embodiment, the set amount 201 is the full amount. The full amount is, for example, the amount of collected dust that reaches the intake hole 82a of the mounting plate 82. When the set amount 201 is the full amount, when there is no more space inside the dust collection pack 64 to collect new dust, the control unit 33 can pack the collected dust deep inside the dust collection bag 81 to form a space inside the dust collection pack 64 near the intake hole 82a of the mounting plate 82 where no collected dust exists.

[0099] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process performed by the control unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the second embodiment.

[0100] After the vacuum cleaner 1 is turned on and power is supplied to the control unit 33, the control unit 33 executes steps S111 to S120 shown in FIG.

[0101] In steps S111 to S115, the control unit 33 performs the same processes as those performed in steps S101 to S105 shown in FIG.

[0102] In the following step S116, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the current mode is the first mode. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is the first mode, it executes step S117. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is not the first mode, that is, if it determines that the current mode is the second mode, it executes step S120. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is not the first mode, it may execute step S119 without executing step S120.

[0103] In step S117, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck in the dust with a strong suction force that is stronger than the first suction force in the first mode.

[0104] In the next step S118, the control unit 33 judges whether or not the set dust compression time has elapsed since detecting that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has elapsed, it executes step S119. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has not elapsed, it executes step S117.

[0105] In steps S115 to S118, if the current mode is the first mode, when the amount of dust reaches the set amount 201, the control unit 33 temporarily increases the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to strong suction force for the set dust compression time, and then reduces the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to 0.

[0106] In step S120, the control unit 33 judges whether the set dust compression time has elapsed since it detected that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has elapsed, it executes step S119. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has not elapsed, it executes step S120. The dust compression time is, for example, several seconds, and preferably 3 to 10 seconds. The dust compression time may be a predetermined time, may be a time selected from a plurality of candidates by an operation performed on the operation unit 34, or may be a time arbitrarily set within a predetermined time range by an operation performed on the operation unit 34.

[0107] In steps S115, S116, S119 and S120, if the current mode is the second mode, when the amount of dust reaches the set amount 201, the control unit 33 maintains the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 for the set dust compression time and then sets the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to 0.

[0108] When control is performed to make disposal of the dust collection pack 64 easier in addition to control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect, if the amount of dust again reaches the set amount 201 after control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect multiple times, for example five times, the control unit 33 temporarily increases the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to strong suction force for the set dust compression time, or maintains the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 for the set dust compression time, and then controls the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to 0.

[0109] 3. Third embodiment The following describes the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the third embodiment employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0110] In the third embodiment, the control unit 33 can perform control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection bag can collect.

[0111] Fig. 18 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the third embodiment when the automatic mode is selected. Fig. 19 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the third embodiment when the full power mode is selected. In the graphs of Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents suction power of the suction mechanism.

[0112] When a mode is selected from a plurality of modes, the control unit 33 performs the following control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect. That is, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with the suction force of the selected mode until it detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. When the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force of the selected mode for a set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with the suction force of the selected mode. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force that the control unit 33 can cause the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust. In the third embodiment, the strongest suction force that the control unit 33 can cause the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust is the strongest suction force included in the plurality of suction forces that each of the plurality of modes has, that is, a suction force even stronger than the suction force of the full power mode. It is preferable that the strong suction force in the third embodiment is within the specification range of the electric suction device 22, similar to the suction forces in the multiple modes.

[0113] For example, when the automatic mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 18, before the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode. After the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with a suction force stronger than the suction force of the automatic mode and the full power mode for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode.

[0114] Furthermore, when the full power mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 19, before the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode. After the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with a suction force stronger than that of the full power mode for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode.

[0115] In this way, when it is detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force. When the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, the air introduced into the dust collection bag 81 is strongly blown against the collected dust. This causes the collected dust to be carried to the back of the dust collection bag 81, and the scattered collected dust is concentrated in the back of the dust collection bag 81. Therefore, when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, more dust can be collected in the dust collection pack 64 compared to when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is maintained at the suction force of the selected mode.

[0116] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the control unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the third embodiment.

[0117] After the vacuum cleaner 1 is turned on and power is supplied to the control unit 33, the control unit 33 executes steps S121 to S127 shown in FIG.

[0118] In steps S121 to S124, the control unit 33 performs the same processes as those performed in steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG.

[0119] In the next step S125, the control unit 33 determines whether or not it has detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. If the control unit 33 determines that it has detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, it executes step S126. If the control unit 33 determines that it has not detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, it executes step S122.

[0120] In step S126, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up the dust with a strong suction force that is stronger than the suction force of the selected mode.

[0121] In step S127, the control unit 33 judges whether or not the set dust compression time has elapsed since detecting that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has elapsed, it executes step S122. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has not elapsed, it executes step S126.

[0122] In steps S125 to S127, when the amount of dust reaches the set amount 201, the control unit 33 temporarily increases the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to a strong suction force for the set dust compression time, and then returns the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to its original state.

[0123] 4 Fourth embodiment The following describes the differences between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment. For points that are not described, the fourth embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the third embodiment.

[0124] In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 33 can perform control to facilitate disposal of the dust collection pack 64 in addition to or instead of control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect.

[0125] Fig. 21 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the fourth embodiment when the automatic mode is selected. Fig. 22 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the fourth embodiment when the full power mode is selected. In the graphs of Fig. 21 and Fig. 22, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents suction power of the suction mechanism.

[0126] When a mode is selected from the multiple modes, the control unit 33 performs the following control to facilitate disposal of the dust collection pack 64. That is, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck dust with the suction force of the selected mode until it detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. When the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force of the selected mode for a set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to stop sucking dust. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force that the control unit 33 can cause the suction mechanism 51 to suck dust. In the fourth embodiment, the strongest suction force that the control unit 33 can cause the suction mechanism 51 to suck dust is the strongest suction force included in the multiple suction forces that each of the multiple modes has, that is, a suction force even stronger than the suction force of the full power mode. It is preferable that the strong suction force in the fourth embodiment is within the specification range of the electric suction device 22, similar to the suction forces in the multiple modes.

[0127] For example, when the automatic mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 21, before the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode. After the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force of the automatic mode and the full power mode for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to reduce the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to 0, i.e., to stop sucking dust.

[0128] Furthermore, when the full power mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 22, before the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode. After the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force of the full power mode for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to reduce its suction force to 0, i.e., to stop sucking dust.

[0129] In this way, when it is detected that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force. When the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, the air introduced into the dust collection bag 81 is strongly blown onto the collected dust. As a result, the collected dust is carried to the back of the dust collection bag 81, and the scattered collected dust is concentrated in the back of the dust collection bag 81. When the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, the collected dust can be prevented from overflowing from the intake hole 82a of the mounting plate 82, compared to when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is maintained at the selected mode suction force. This can prevent the overflowing collected dust from hindering the removal of the dust collection pack 64 from the dust collection pack chamber 61d, and can prevent the overflowing collected dust from hindering the dust collection pack 64 from falling under its own weight. As a result, when the dust collection pack 64 is dropped under its own weight, the user can discard the dust collection pack 64 containing the collected dust without touching the dust collection pack 64 even if the amount of dust reaches the set amount 201. In addition, it is possible to prevent the collected dust from spilling out when the dust collection pack 64 is discarded and contaminating the surroundings of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0130] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process performed by the control unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the fourth embodiment.

[0131] After the vacuum cleaner 1 is turned on and power is supplied to the control unit 33, the control unit 33 executes steps S131 to S138 shown in FIG.

[0132] In steps S131 to S136, the control unit 33 performs the same processes as those performed in steps S121 to S126 shown in FIG.

[0133] In the next step S137, the control unit 33 judges whether or not the set dust compression time has elapsed since detecting that the dust amount has reached the set amount 201. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has elapsed, it executes step S138. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has not elapsed, it executes step S136.

[0134] In step S138, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to stop suctioning the dust.

[0135] In steps S135 to S138, when the amount of dust reaches the set amount 201, the control unit 33 temporarily increases the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to a strong suction force for the set dust compression time, and then reduces the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 to 0.

[0136] 5 Fifth embodiment The following describes the differences between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the fifth embodiment employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0137] Fig. 24 is a diagram including a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism included in the vacuum cleaner of the fifth embodiment when the automatic mode is selected. In the graph included in Fig. 24, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the suction power of the suction mechanism.

[0138] In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the control unit 33 switches between a state in which control is performed to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect, as performed by the control unit 33 provided in the vacuum cleaner 1 of the first embodiment, and a state in which such control is not performed, depending on the operation performed on the operating unit 34.

[0139] In the state where the control unit 33 performs this control, when the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the first suction force for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with the first suction force. For example, when the selected first mode is the automatic mode, when the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force of the automatic mode, i.e., the suction force of the full power mode, for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with the suction force of the automatic mode. This control may be replaced by control for increasing the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect, which is performed by the control unit 33 provided in the vacuum cleaner 1 of the third embodiment.

[0140] In a state where the control unit 33 is not performing this control, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to continue to suck up dust with the first suction force regardless of whether the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201. For example, when the selected first mode is the automatic mode, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to continue to suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode.

[0141] 6 Sixth embodiment The following describes the differences between the sixth embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the sixth embodiment employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0142] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process performed by the control unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the sixth embodiment.

[0143] In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 33 executes steps S141 to S146 shown in FIG. 25 after the vacuum cleaner 1 is turned on and power is supplied to the control unit 33.

[0144] In steps S141 to S144, the control unit 33 performs the same processes as those performed in steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG.

[0145] In the next step S145, the control unit 33 determines whether the current mode is the first mode. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is the first mode, it sequentially executes steps S146 and S142. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is not the first mode, that is, that the current mode is the second mode, it executes step S142.

[0146] In step S146, the control unit 33 causes the notification unit 35 to perform a notification. The notification to be performed is a notification that prompts the user to switch the current mode to the second mode. For example, the control unit 33 causes a message that prompts the user to switch the current mode to the second mode to be displayed on the display.

[0147] In steps S144 to S146, when the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached the set amount 201, the control unit 33 causes the notification unit 35 to issue a notification prompting the suction mechanism 51 to suck up the dust with strong suction force.

[0148] Upon receiving the notification, the user performs an operation on the operation unit 34 to select the second mode, thereby concentrating the scattered collected dust toward the back of the dust collection bag 81. This allows the dust collection pack 64 to collect a large amount of dust.

[0149] 7 Seventh embodiment The following describes the differences between the seventh embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the seventh embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0150] FIG. 26 is a graph showing the change over time in suction power of the suction mechanism provided in the vacuum cleaner of the seventh embodiment when the automatic mode is selected.

[0151] When the first mode having only a weak first suction force is selected from the multiple modes, the control unit 33 performs the following control to increase the amount of dust that the dust collection pack can collect. That is, the control unit 33 makes the suction mechanism 51 suck dust with the first suction force. When the time during which the suction mechanism 51 sucks dust with the first suction force reaches a set time, the control unit 33 makes the suction mechanism 51 suck dust with a strong suction force stronger than the first suction force for a set dust compression time, and then makes the suction mechanism 51 suck dust with the first suction force. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force that the control unit 33 can make the suction mechanism 51 suck dust. In the seventh embodiment, the strongest suction force is the strongest suction force included in the multiple suction forces that each of the multiple modes has, that is, the suction force of the full power mode.

[0152] For example, when the automatic mode is selected, the control unit 33 performs the following control. That is, as shown in Fig. 26, the control unit 33 makes the suction mechanism 51 suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode. Also, when the time during which the suction mechanism 51 has sucked up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode reaches a set time, the control unit 33 makes the suction mechanism 51 suck up dust with the suction force of the full power mode, which is stronger than the suction force of the automatic mode, for the set dust compression time, and then makes the suction mechanism 51 suck up dust with the suction force of the automatic mode.

[0153] When the strongest suction force is set to be stronger than the suction force in the full power mode, the control unit 33 may perform the same control as when the full power mode is selected.

[0154] In this way, when the first mode having only the weak first suction force is selected, the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force when the time during which the dust is sucked in with the first suction force reaches the set time. When the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, the air introduced into the dust collection bag 81 is strongly blown against the collected dust. This causes the collected dust to be carried to the back of the dust collection bag 81, and the scattered collected dust is concentrated in the back of the dust collection bag 81. Therefore, when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is temporarily increased to a strong suction force, more dust can be collected in the dust collection pack 64 than when the suction force of the suction mechanism 51 is maintained at the first suction force.

[0155] The strongest suction force may be stronger than that in the full power mode, as in the third embodiment. When the strongest suction force is stronger than that in the full power mode, the control unit 33 may perform the same control when the full power mode is selected as when the automatic mode or the like is selected.

[0156] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process performed by the control unit provided in the vacuum cleaner of the seventh embodiment.

[0157] After the vacuum cleaner 1 is turned on and power is supplied to the control unit 33, the control unit 33 executes steps S151 to S158 shown in FIG.

[0158] In steps S151 to S154, the control unit 33 performs the same processes as those performed in steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG.

[0159] In the next step S155, the control unit 33 determines whether the time during which the suction mechanism 51 has sucked in dust with the suction force of the current mode has reached the set time. If the control unit 33 determines that the time has reached the set time, it executes step S156. If the control unit 33 determines that the time has not reached the set time, it executes step S152.

[0160] In step S156, the control unit 33 determines whether the current mode is the first mode. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is the first mode, the control unit 33 executes step S157. If the control unit 33 determines that the current mode is not the first mode, that is, that the current mode is the second mode, the control unit 33 executes step S152.

[0161] In step S157, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck in the dust with a strong suction force that is stronger than the suction force in the first mode.

[0162] In the next step S158, the control unit 33 judges whether the set dust compression time has elapsed since the start of suctioning dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force of the first mode. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has elapsed, it executes step S152 again. If the control unit 33 judges that the set dust compression time has not elapsed, it executes step S157 again.

[0163] In steps S155 to S157, the control unit 33 causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck up dust with strong suction force for the set dust compression time each time the time during which the suction mechanism 51 has been sucking up dust with the suction force of the first mode reaches the set time.

[0164] 8 Eighth embodiment The following describes the differences between the eighth embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the eighth embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0165] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a control system of the vacuum cleaner of the eighth embodiment.

[0166] In the eighth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 28, the control unit 33 holds a plurality of different set amounts 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d. The held set amounts 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d are 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of the full amount, respectively. The set amounts 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d may be changed.

[0167] When the control unit 33 detects that the amount of dust has reached each of the set amounts 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d, it causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the first suction force for the set dust compression time, and then causes the suction mechanism 51 to suck the dust with the first suction force. This allows dust to be compressed periodically, and the efficiency of dust compression can be increased.

[0168] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that has the same effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose. Also, some or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1 vacuum cleaner, 11 suction / exhaust section, 12 dust collection section, 13 battery, 21 front end, 31 housing, 32 electric suction machine, 33 control section, 34 operation section, 35 notification section, 41 cylindrical section, 41a suction port, 41b connection port, 41c air passage, 42 storage section, 42a connection port, 42b exhaust port, 42c air passage, 43 rod-shaped section, 51 suction mechanism, 61 housing, 61a inlet, 61b outlet, 61c opening, 61d dust collection bag chamber, 62 lid, 63 hinge, 64 dust collection bag, 65 lock mechanism, 71 mounting section, 81 dust collection bag, 81a opening, 82 mounting plate, 82a intake hole, 91 operation member, 92 biasing member, 93 interlocking mechanism, 94 Lid locking portion, 95 mounting plate locking portion, 101 first portion, 102 first pivot support portion, 103 second portion, 104 second pivot support portion, 111 one end portion, 112 other end portion, 113 intermediate portion, 121 acting piece, 131 acting piece, 141 gap, 201 setting amount, DX forward / backward direction, DX1 forward direction, DX2 rearward direction, DY2 rightward direction, DZ1 upward direction, DZ2 downward direction.

Claims

1. A suction mechanism for sucking up dust; A dust collection pack for collecting the dust; a control unit which, when a mode is selected from a plurality of modes each having a plurality of different suction forces, causes the suction mechanism to suck in the dust with the suction force of the mode, and when it is detected that the amount of collected dust collected in the dust collection bag has reached a set amount, causes the suction mechanism to suck in the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force, and then causes the suction mechanism to suck in the dust with the suction force; A vacuum cleaner equipped with

2. the mode is a first mode, the suction force is a first suction force, When a second mode having a second suction force stronger than the first suction force is selected from the plurality of modes, the control unit causes the suction mechanism to suck the dust with the second suction force, and when it detects that the amount has reached the set amount, causes the suction mechanism to continue sucking the dust with the second suction force.

2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1.

3. The set amount is full.

3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the control unit detects that the amount has reached the set amount, the control unit causes the suction mechanism to suck the dust with the strong suction force and then causes the suction mechanism to stop sucking the dust.

4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3.

5. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force that the control unit can cause the suction mechanism to suck in the dust.

5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 4.

6. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force included in the plurality of suction forces.

6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 5.

7. Equipped with an operating unit, The control unit is When it is detected that the amount has reached the set amount, the control unit switches between a state in which the suction mechanism sucks the dust with the strong suction force and then controls the suction mechanism to suck the dust with the suction force and a state in which the control is not performed, in response to an operation performed on the operation unit.

3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Equipped with a notification unit, When the control unit detects that the amount has reached the set amount, the control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification to prompt the suction mechanism to suck the dust with the strong suction force.

4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3.

9. When the control unit detects that the amount has reached each of a plurality of different set amounts, the control unit causes the suction mechanism to suck the dust with the strong suction force and then causes the suction mechanism to suck the dust with the suction force.

3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A suction mechanism for sucking up dust; A dust collection pack for collecting the dust; a control unit which, when a mode is selected from a plurality of modes each having a plurality of different suction forces, causes the suction mechanism to suck in the dust with the suction force of the mode, and when it detects that the amount of collected dust collected in the dust collection bag has reached a set amount, causes the suction mechanism to suck in the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force, and then stops the suction mechanism from sucking in the dust; A vacuum cleaner equipped with

11. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force that the control unit can cause the suction mechanism to suck in the dust.

11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 10.

12. The strong suction force is the strongest suction force included in the plurality of suction forces.

12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11.

13. A suction mechanism for sucking up dust; A dust collection pack for collecting the dust; a control unit which, when a mode is selected from a plurality of modes each having a plurality of mutually different suction forces, causes the suction mechanism to suck in the dust with the suction force of the mode, and when a time during which the suction mechanism has sucked in the dust with the suction force reaches a set time, causes the suction mechanism to suck in the dust with a strong suction force stronger than the suction force, and then causes the suction mechanism to suck in the dust with the suction force; A vacuum cleaner equipped with

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