Collection device and cleaning tool

Abstract

To provide a collection device and a cleaning tool that can automatically collect dust from a vacuum cleaner and suppress dust collection from the vacuum cleaner at undesirable timings.SOLUTION: A collection device comprises an attachment / detachment part, a collection part that collects dust from a vacuum cleaner, an operation part, and a control part. The control part does not start collecting dust into the collection part when the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment part in a case where the setting is a first setting, starts collecting dust into the collection part when the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment part in a case where the setting is a second setting, switches the setting between the first setting and the second setting in a case where an operation is performed on the operation part, and terminates dust collection into the collection part in a case where the operation is performed on the operation part while dust is being collected into the collection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to collection devices and cleaning tools. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning system. In this cleaning system, an electric vacuum cleaner collects dust that it sucks in in a dust collection unit. When the electric vacuum cleaner is placed on a charging base, it transfers the dust collected in the dust collection unit to a dust container on the charging base (paragraphs 0015 and 0021). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-146259 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the cleaning system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the charging base, dust collected in the dust collection unit is automatically transferred to the charging base's dust container. Therefore, dust may be transferred to the charging base's dust container when it is not desirable to do so. For example, if a small child is sleeping near the cleaning system, dust may be transferred to the charging base's dust container even when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the charging base late at night.

[0005] In view of this problem, an object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a collection device and a cleaning tool that can automatically collect dust from a vacuum cleaner, but can prevent the vacuum cleaner from collecting dust at undesirable times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A collection device of a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises an attachment / detachment unit to which a vacuum cleaner is attached and detached, an attachment detection unit that detects whether the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit, a collection unit that collects dust from the vacuum cleaner, an operation unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit, when the setting is a first setting, does not cause the collection unit to start collecting the dust when the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner has been attached to the attachment / detachment unit, and when the setting is a second setting, causes the collection unit to start collecting the dust when the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner has been attached to the attachment / detachment unit, switches the setting between the first setting and the second setting when an operation is performed on the operation unit, and causes the collection unit to stop collecting the dust when the operation is performed on the operation unit while the collection unit is collecting the dust.

[0007] A cleaning tool according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the collection device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and the vacuum cleaner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the internal structure of a collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a block diagram of a control system of a collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a table showing the relationship between the detection results of the attachment detection unit of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment, changes in the settings held by the control unit of the collection device, changes in the state of the cleaning tool, and changes in the operating state of the collection unit of the collection device. [Figure 5] 1 is a table showing the relationship between the detection results of the attachment detection unit of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment, changes in the settings held by the control unit of the collection device, changes in the state of the cleaning tool, and changes in the operating state of the collection unit of the collection device. [Figure 6]1 is a table showing the relationship between the detection results of the attachment detection unit of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment, changes in the settings held by the control unit of the collection device, changes in the state of the cleaning tool, and changes in the operating state of the collection unit of the collection device. [Figure 7] 1 is a table showing the relationship between the detection results of the attachment detection unit of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment, changes in the settings held by the control unit of the collection device, changes in the state of the cleaning tool, and changes in the operating state of the collection unit of the collection device. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a control unit of a collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a control unit of a collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a control unit of a collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which an operator of an automatic collection on / off switch of a collection device provided in a cleaning tool of a first modified example of the first embodiment is placed in a first position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which the operator of the automatic collection on / off switch of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first modified example of the first embodiment is placed in a second position. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by a control unit of a collection device provided in a cleaning tool of a second modified example of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] 1. First embodiment 1.1 Cleaning tools FIG. 1 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment.

[0011] The cleaning tool 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a vacuum cleaner 11 and a collection device 12.

[0012] The vacuum cleaner 11 cleans a surface to be cleaned. When cleaning, the vacuum cleaner 11 sucks in air and dirt on the surface to be cleaned, separates the sucked dirt and air from each other, collects the separated dirt, and exhausts the separated air. The vacuum cleaner 11 is a stick-type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 11 may be a vacuum cleaner other than a stick-type vacuum cleaner. For example, the vacuum cleaner 11 may be a canister-type, handheld-type, robot-type vacuum cleaner, or the like. The vacuum cleaner 11 is a cordless vacuum cleaner. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 11 has a built-in rechargeable battery and operates on power discharged from the built-in rechargeable battery. The vacuum cleaner 11 may also be a corded vacuum cleaner.

[0013] The collection device 12 supports the vacuum cleaner 11 while the vacuum cleaner 11 is not cleaning a surface to be cleaned. While supporting the vacuum cleaner 11, the collection device 12 charges a rechargeable battery built into the vacuum cleaner 11 and collects dust collected by the vacuum cleaner 11. The collection device 12 is also called a station, base, dock, stand, etc.

[0014] 1.2 Appearance of the recovery device 1, the collection device 12 includes an attachment / detachment unit 21, an attachment detection unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a notification unit 24. A suction port 11a is formed in the vacuum cleaner 11. A suction port 61a is formed in the collection device 12.

[0015] The vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to and detached from the attachment / detachment part 21. When the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment part 21, the suction port 61a of the collection device 12 is connected to the suctioned port 11a of the vacuum cleaner 11. The collection device 12 collects dust from the vacuum cleaner 11 via the suctioned port 11a and the suction port 61a.

[0016] The attachment detection unit 22 detects whether the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21. The attachment detection unit 22 may be either a contact-type attachment detection unit or a non-contact-type attachment detection unit. The contact-type attachment detection unit is a physical switch or the like. When the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21, the vacuum cleaner 11 acts on an operator of the physical switch, thereby changing the state to one of an on state and an off state, and when the vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from the attachment / detachment unit 21, the vacuum cleaner 11 no longer acts on the operator of the physical switch, thereby changing the state to the other of an on state and an off state. The physical switch is a momentary push button switch or the like. When the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21, the vacuum cleaner 11 presses the push button of the momentary push button switch, thereby changing the state to one of an on state and an off state, and when the vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from the attachment / detachment unit 21, the vacuum cleaner 11 no longer presses the push button of the momentary push button switch, thereby changing the state to the other of an on state and an off state. The non-contact type attachment detection unit is an infrared photoelectric sensor, a distance sensor, etc. The infrared photoelectric sensor detects whether or not an object is present at the position where the vacuum cleaner 11 is placed when the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21. The distance sensor detects the distance to an object near that position. The distance sensor is a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, etc.

[0017] The operation unit 23 is operated.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation unit 23 includes a momentary push button switch 41. The momentary push button switch 41 includes an automatic garbage collection on / off button 42. The automatic garbage collection on / off button 42 is operated to switch the setting related to automatic garbage collection between a first setting that turns automatic garbage collection "off" and a second setting that turns automatic garbage collection "on." The operation unit 23 may include a switch other than the momentary push button switch 41. For example, the operation unit 23 may include an alternate push button switch, a toggle switch, a rocker switch, a seesaw switch, a rotary switch, or the like. The operation unit 23 may include a switch other than a physical switch. For example, the operation unit 23 may include a touch switch.

[0019] The notification unit 24 issues a notification.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the notification unit 24 includes an automatic recovery lamp 53.

[0021] The automatic waste collection indicator lamp 53 notifies whether the setting for automatic waste collection is a first setting that turns automatic waste collection "off" or a second setting that turns automatic waste collection "on."

[0022] The automatic recovery lamp 53 is a light-emitting diode (LED), but the automatic recovery lamp 53 may be a lamp other than an LED.

[0023] The automatic collection lamp 53 may be replaced with a notification member other than a lamp. For example, the automatic collection lamp 53 may be replaced with a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like. If the collection device 12 has a display, when the setting is a first setting that turns automatic garbage collection “off,” a first character string, such as “OFF,” indicating that the setting is the first setting may be displayed on the display. When the setting is a second setting that turns automatic garbage collection “on,” a second character string, such as “ON,” indicating that the setting is the second setting may be displayed on the display. When the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the detachable unit 21, a process may be performed to make the first character string stand out. For example, a process may be performed to cause the first character string to flash. If the collection device 12 has a speaker, when the setting is the first setting that turns automatic garbage collection “off,” the speaker may output a sound indicating that the setting is the first setting.

[0024] The notification unit 24 may include a member on which a character string, for example, "AUTO ON", is written, which is illuminated by the light emitted by the automatic recovery turn-on / off button 42.

[0025] 1.3 Operating the vacuum cleaner When the user starts cleaning, he / she detaches the vacuum cleaner 11 from the attachment / detachment part 21 and performs an operation start operation on the vacuum cleaner 11 to cause the vacuum cleaner 11 to start operating. When the user finishes cleaning, he / she performs an operation end operation on the vacuum cleaner 11 to cause the vacuum cleaner 11 to stop operating, and then he / she attaches the vacuum cleaner 11 to the attachment / detachment part 21.

[0026] When an operation start operation is performed while vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from detachable unit 21 and not in operation, vacuum cleaner 11 starts operation. When an operation stop operation is performed while vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from detachable unit 21 and in operation, vacuum cleaner 11 stops operation. Note that when vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to detachable unit 21, it does not start operation even when an operation start operation is performed. Note that vacuum cleaner 11 may start operation when attached to detachable unit 21 when an operation start operation is performed, and may stop operation when attached to detachable unit 21 while in operation when an operation stop operation is performed.

[0027] 1.4 Internal structure of the recovery device FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates the internal structure of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the recovery device 12 includes a recovery section 25 and a dust collection section .

[0029] The collecting section 25 collects dust from the vacuum cleaner 11 and collects the collected dust in the dust collecting section 26.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the collection unit 25 includes a housing 61 and a blower 62.

[0031] An intake port 61a, an exhaust port 61b, and an air passage 61c are formed in the housing 61. The air passage 61c leads from the intake port 61a to the exhaust port 61b, and guides air from the intake port 61a to the exhaust port 61b.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 61 includes a housing body 71 and a door 72 .

[0033] An opening 71a is formed in the housing body 71. The door 72 can be opened and closed. When the door 72 is open, it does not cover the opening 71a. When the door 72 is closed, it covers the opening 71a.

[0034] The blower 62 is disposed in the air passage 61c. The blower 62 draws air from a section of the air passage 61c on the suction port 61a side of the blower 62, and exhausts the air to a section of the air passage 61c on the exhaust port 61b side of the blower 62. In this way, the blower 62 sends air that flows from the suction port 61a through the air passage 61c to the exhaust port 61b. In this way, the collection unit 25 sucks in air and dust.

[0035] The blower 62 includes a fan and a motor. The fan rotates to blow air. The motor rotates the fan.

[0036] Dust collection unit 26 is disposed in air passage 61c. Dust collection unit 26 allows the sucked air to pass through but prevents the sucked dust from passing through. In this way, dust collection unit 26 separates the sucked air and the dust from each other and holds the separated dust. Dust collection unit 26 is a paper bag, a dust case for a cyclone vacuum cleaner, or the like.

[0037] Dust collection unit 26 is detachably attached to housing 61. Dust collection unit 26 is arranged along opening 71a of housing 61. As a result, when door 72 is opened, dust collection unit 26 can be ejected from air passage 61c through opening 71a to the outside of housing 61, and can be inserted from the outside of housing 61 through opening 71a into air passage 61c. As a result, if dust collection unit 26 is a paper bag, the user can remove the paper bag containing dust from collection device 12, discard the removed paper bag, and attach a new paper bag that does not contain dust to collection device 12. If dust collection unit 26 is a dust case of a cyclone vacuum cleaner, the user can remove the dust case containing dust from collection device 12, discard the dust held in the removed dust case, empty the removed dust case, and attach the empty dust case to collection device 12. Therefore, if dust collection unit 26 is a dust case of a cyclone vacuum cleaner, dust collection unit 26 can be used repeatedly.

[0038] 1.5 Recovery device control system FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the collection device 12 includes the above-mentioned attachment detection unit 22, operation unit 23, notification unit 24, and collection unit 25, and also includes a control unit .

[0040] The control unit 28 causes the notification unit 24 to issue a notification and the collection unit 25 to collect the dust based on the detection result of the attachment detection unit 22 and the operation performed on the operation unit 23.

[0041] The control unit 28 includes a microcontroller and peripheral circuits. The microcontroller includes a processor and memory. The processor executes a control program stored in the memory to cause the microcontroller and peripheral circuits to operate as the control unit 28. Some or all of the processing performed by the control unit 28 may be performed by dedicated electronic circuits.

[0042] 1.6 Automatic garbage collection As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 28 holds settings 81 relating to automatic collection of dust.

[0043] When setting 81 is the first setting, control unit 28 does not cause collection unit 25 to automatically collect dust. That is, when setting 81 is the first setting, control unit 28 does not cause collection unit 25 to start collecting dust when attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been attached to attachment / detachment unit 21. When setting 81 is the second setting, control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to automatically collect dust. That is, when setting 81 is the second setting, control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to start collecting dust when attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been attached to attachment / detachment unit 21.

[0044] The control unit 28 switches the setting 81 from the first setting to the second setting when the operation of pressing the automatic recovery / off button 42 is performed on the automatic recovery / off button 42 while the setting 81 is the first setting. The control unit 28 switches the setting 81 from the second setting to the first setting when the operation of pressing the automatic recovery / off button 42 is performed on the automatic recovery / off button 42 while the setting 81 is the second setting. Therefore, the control unit 28 switches the setting 81 between the first setting and the second setting when the operation of pressing the automatic recovery / off button 42 is performed on the automatic recovery / off button 42. The control unit 28 may switch the setting 81 from the first setting to the second setting when an operation other than the operation of pressing the automatic recovery / off button 42 is performed on the operation unit 23. The control unit 28 may switch the setting 81 from the second setting to the first setting when an operation other than the operation of pressing the automatic recovery / off button 42 is performed on the operation unit 23. The operation of switching the setting 81 from the second setting to the first setting may be different from the operation of switching the setting 81 from the first setting to the second setting. The operation of pressing the automatic recovery / off button 42 is an operation of briefly pressing the automatic recovery / off button 42.

[0045] While setting 81 is the first setting, control unit 28 turns off automatic recovery lamp 53 to indicate that setting 81 is the first setting, and while setting 81 is the second setting, control unit 28 turns on automatic recovery lamp 53 to indicate that setting 82 is the second setting. While setting 81 is the first setting, control unit 28 may turn on the automatic recovery off lamp to indicate that setting 81 is the first setting, and while setting 81 is the second setting, control unit 28 may turn off the automatic recovery off lamp to indicate that setting 82 is the second setting. Control unit 28 may also cause notification unit 24 to indicate whether setting 81 is the first setting or the second setting by a method other than turning on or off the lamp.

[0046] 1.7 Changes in the operating state of the recovery section Figures 4 to 7 are tables showing the relationship between the detection results of the attachment detection unit of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment, changes in the settings held by the control unit of the collection device, changes in the state of the cleaning tool, and changes in the operating state of the collection unit of the collection device.

[0047] 4 to 7, "attached" means that the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the detachable part 21. "Not attached" means that the vacuum cleaner 11 is not attached to the detachable part 21 and is detached from the detachable part 21.

[0048] 4, when vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to detachable unit 21 but setting 81 remains set to the first setting, a change occurs from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from detachable unit 21 (not attached to detachable unit 21) and setting 81 is set to the first setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been attached to detachable unit 21 and setting 81 is set to the first setting." When this change occurs, control unit 28 does not cause collection unit 25 to start collecting dust.

[0049] Furthermore, if setting 81 is switched to the second setting but vacuum cleaner 11 remains detached from attachment / detachment unit 21 (remains not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21), a change occurs from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been detached from attachment / detachment unit 21 (not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the first setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been detached from attachment / detachment unit 21 (not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the second setting." When this change occurs, control unit 28 does not cause collection unit 25 to start collecting dust. In this case, collection unit 25 enters a state in which it can automatically start collecting dust in response to vacuum cleaner 11 being attached to attachment / detachment unit 21.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, when the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21 but the setting 81 remains set to the second setting, a change occurs from "a state in which the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from the attachment / detachment unit 21 (i.e., is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21) and the setting 81 is set to the second setting" to "a state in which the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 has been attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21 and the setting 81 is set to the second setting." When this change occurs, the control unit 28 causes the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust. This allows the collection device 12 to automatically collect dust without pressing the push button switch 41.

[0051] Furthermore, if the setting 81 is switched to the first setting but the vacuum cleaner 11 remains detached from the attachment / detachment unit 21 (remains not attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21), a change occurs from "a state in which the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 has been detached from the attachment / detachment unit 21 (is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21) and the setting 81 is the second setting" to "a state in which the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 has been detached from the attachment / detachment unit 21 (is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21) and the setting 81 is the first setting." When this change occurs, the control unit 28 does not cause the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust. In this case, the collection unit 25 does not enter a state in which it can automatically start collecting dust in response to the vacuum cleaner 11 being attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21.

[0052] 6, when vacuum cleaner 11 is removed from detachable unit 21 (is no longer attached to detachable unit 21) but setting 81 remains set to the first setting, a change occurs from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to detachable unit 21 and setting 81 is the first setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is removed from detachable unit 21 (is not attached to detachable unit 21) and setting 81 is the first setting." When this change occurs, control unit 28 does not cause collection unit 25 to start collecting dust.

[0053] Furthermore, if the setting 81 is switched to the second setting but the vacuum cleaner 11 remains attached to the detachable unit 21, a change occurs from "a state in which the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the detachable unit 21 and the setting 81 is the first setting" to "a state in which the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the detachable unit 21 and the setting 81 is the second setting." When this change occurs, the control unit 28 causes the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust. As a result, if the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the detachable unit 21 and the automatic collection on / off button 42 is pressed while the vacuum cleaner 11 is not collecting dust, the control unit 28 causes the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust. As a result, the user can manually cause the collection device 12 to collect dust by pressing the automatic collection on / off button 42 at a timing desired by the user. In this case, the user only needs to press the automatic recovery / off button 42 for a short time, and does not need to press the automatic recovery / off button 42 for a long time.

[0054] 7, when vacuum cleaner 11 is removed from attachment / detachment unit 21 (is no longer attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) but setting 81 remains at the second setting, a change occurs from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21 and setting 81 is the second setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from attachment / detachment unit 21 (is not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the second setting." When this change occurs, control unit 28, if collection unit 25 was collecting dust, causes collection unit 25 to stop collecting dust, and, if collection unit 25 was not collecting dust, maintains the state in which collection unit 25 is not collecting dust.

[0055] Furthermore, if setting 81 is switched to the first setting but vacuum cleaner 11 remains attached to attachment / detachment unit 21, a change occurs from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21 and setting 81 is the second setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21 and setting 81 is the first setting." When this change occurs, control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to stop collecting dust if collection unit 25 was collecting dust, and maintains the state in which collection unit 25 is not collecting dust if collection unit 25 was not collecting dust. As a result, if the automatic collection on / off button 42 is pressed while collection unit 25 is collecting dust, control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to stop collecting dust.

[0056] The "state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to detachable unit 21 and setting 81 is the second setting" occurs both when collection unit 25 has started collecting dust and is collecting dust, and when collection unit 25 has finished collecting dust and is not collecting dust. For this reason, even when attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to detachable unit 21 and setting 81 is the second setting, collection unit 25 may not be collecting dust.

[0057] 1.8 Processing flow 8 to 10 are flow charts showing the flow of processing performed by the control unit of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the first embodiment.

[0058] The control unit 28 executes steps S101 to S118 shown in FIGS.

[0059] When the user connects the power cord of the collection device 12 to a commercial power source and power is applied to the collection device 12, in step S101, the control unit 28 determines whether a change has occurred from "a state in which the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from the detachable unit 21 (i.e., not attached to the detachable unit 21) and the setting 81 is the first setting" to "a state in which the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 has been attached to the detachable unit 21 and the setting 81 is the first setting." If the control unit 28 determines that this change has occurred, it executes step S116. If the control unit 28 determines that this change has not occurred, it executes step S102. In step S102, control unit 28 determines whether a change has occurred from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from attachment / detachment unit 21 (not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the first setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from attachment / detachment unit 21 (not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the second setting." If control unit 28 determines that this change has occurred, it executes step S116. If control unit 28 determines that this change has not occurred, it executes step S103.

[0060] In step S103, control unit 28 determines whether or not a change has occurred from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from attachment / detachment unit 21 (i.e., not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the second setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been attached to attachment / detachment unit 21 and setting 81 is the second setting." If control unit 28 determines that this change has occurred, it executes step S109. If control unit 28 determines that this change has not occurred, it executes step S104.

[0061] In step S104, control unit 28 determines whether or not a change has occurred from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from attachment / detachment unit 21 (not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the second setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 has been removed from attachment / detachment unit 21 (not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the first setting." If control unit 28 determines that this change has occurred, it executes step S116. If control unit 28 determines that this change has not occurred, it executes step S105.

[0062] In step S105, control unit 28 determines whether or not a change has occurred from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21 and setting 81 is the first setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from attachment / detachment unit 21 (not attached to attachment / detachment unit 21) and setting 81 is the first setting." If control unit 28 determines that this change has occurred, it executes step S116. If control unit 28 determines that this change has not occurred, it executes step S106.

[0063] In step S106, control unit 28 determines whether a change has occurred from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to detachable unit 21 and setting 81 is the first setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to detachable unit 21 and setting 81 is the second setting." If control unit 28 determines that this change has occurred, it executes step S109. If control unit 28 determines that this change has not occurred, it executes step S107.

[0064] In step S107, control unit 28 determines whether or not a change has occurred from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to detachable unit 21 and setting 81 is the second setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from detachable unit 21 (not attached to detachable unit 21) and setting 81 is the second setting." If control unit 28 determines that this change has occurred, it executes step S111. If control unit 28 determines that this change has not occurred, it executes step S108.

[0065] In step S108, control unit 28 determines whether a change has occurred from "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21 and setting 81 is the second setting" to "a state in which attachment detection unit 22 detects that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21 and setting 81 is the first setting." If control unit 28 determines that this change has occurred, it executes step S111. If control unit 28 determines that this change has not occurred, it executes step S113.

[0066] In step S109, the control unit 28 determines whether the current time is within the permitted collection time period set by the timer function or the schedule function. If the control unit 28 determines that the current time is within the set permitted collection time period, it executes step S110. If the control unit 28 determines that the current time is outside the set permitted collection time period, it executes step S116. If the permitted collection time period is set by the timer function, the time when the timer function is enabled is set as the start date and time of the permitted collection time period, and the time when a set length of time has elapsed since the timer function was enabled is set as the end date and time of the permitted collection time period. If the permitted collection time period is set by the schedule function, the set start date and time is set as the start date and time of the permitted collection time period, and the set end date and time is set as the end date and time of the permitted collection time period. The permitted collection time period can be set by the user.

[0067] In step S110, control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to start collecting dust. At this time, blower 62 sends air that flows from suction port 61a through air passage 61c to exhaust port 61b. This causes collection unit 25 to suck in air and dust. After executing step S110, control unit 28 executes step S116.

[0068] In step S111, control unit 28 determines whether collection unit 25 is collecting dust. If control unit 28 determines that collection unit 25 is collecting dust, control unit 28 executes step S112. If control unit 28 determines that collection unit 25 is not collecting dust, control unit 28 executes step S116.

[0069] In step S112, control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to stop collecting dust. At this time, blower 62 stops the operation of blowing air from suction port 61a through air passage 61c to exhaust port 61b. After executing step S112, control unit 28 executes step S116.

[0070] In step S113, control unit 28 determines whether or not attachment detection unit 22 has detected that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21. If control unit 28 determines that attachment detection unit 22 has detected that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21, control unit 28 executes step S116. If control unit 28 determines that attachment detection unit 22 has not detected that vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to attachment / detachment unit 21, control unit 28 executes step S114.

[0071] In step S114, control unit 28 determines whether or not an operation of pressing and holding automatic collection / off button 42 has been performed on automatic collection / off button 42. If control unit 28 determines that the operation has been performed on automatic collection / off button 42, it executes step S115. If control unit 28 determines that the operation has not been performed on automatic collection / off button 42, it executes step S116.

[0072] In step S115, control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to start collecting dust. At this time, suction port 61a of collection device 12 is not connected to suctioned port 11a of vacuum cleaner 11. Therefore, the dust to be collected is dust remaining in air passage 61c of housing 61 and dust adhering around suction port 61a of housing 61.

[0073] According to steps S101 to S115, if the current time is within the set collection permission time period, the control unit 28 causes the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust when a specific change occurs in the detection result of the attachment detection unit 22 and the setting 81. Furthermore, if the current time is outside the set collection permission time period, the control unit 28 does not cause the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust even when the specific change occurs in the detection result of the attachment detection unit 22 and the setting 81. The specific change is a change from "a state in which the vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from the attachment / detachment unit 21 and the setting 81 is the second setting" to "a state in which the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21 and the setting 81 is the second setting," or a change from "a state in which the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21 and the setting 81 is the first setting" to "a state in which the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21 and the setting 81 is the second setting."

[0074] In addition, when the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the detachable unit 21, the setting 81 is the second setting, and the collection unit 25 is collecting dust, the control unit 28 causes the collection unit 25 to stop collecting dust in response to the vacuum cleaner 11 being removed from the detachable unit 21 (not being attached to the detachable unit 21) or the setting 81 being switched to the first setting.

[0075] Furthermore, if the automatic collection on / off button 42 is pressed and held while the attachment detection unit 22 detects that the vacuum cleaner 11 is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21 (is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21), the control unit 28 causes the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust. This makes it possible to collect dust remaining in the air passage 61c of the housing 61 and dust adhering around the suction port 61a of the housing 61. In addition to the above control, if the automatic collection on / off button 42 is pressed and held while the vacuum cleaner 11 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 21, the setting 81 is the second setting, and the collection unit 25 is not collecting dust, the control unit 28 may be configured to cause the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust.

[0076] In step S116, control unit 28 determines whether collection unit 25 is collecting dust. If control unit 28 determines that collection unit 25 is collecting dust, control unit 28 executes step S117. If control unit 28 determines that collection unit 25 is not collecting dust, control unit 28 executes step S101.

[0077] In step S117, control unit 28 determines whether a set time has elapsed since collection unit 25 started collecting dust. If control unit 28 determines that the set time has elapsed, it executes step S118. If control unit 28 determines that the set time has not elapsed, it executes step S101. The set time is, for example, 30 seconds. The set time is the time required for all of the dust accumulated in the cleaner-side dust collection unit inside vacuum cleaner 11 to be collected into dust collection unit 26 via suction opening 11a, suction opening 61a, and air passage 61c of vacuum cleaner 11. This makes it possible to prevent dust that does not reach dust collection unit 26 from remaining in suction opening 11a, suction opening 61a, and air passage 61c.

[0078] In step S118, control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to stop collecting dust. At this time, blower 62 stops the operation of blowing air from suction port 61a through air passage 61c to exhaust port 61b. After executing step S118, control unit 28 executes step S101.

[0079] From steps S116 to S118, when control unit 28 has caused collection unit 25 to start collecting dust, it causes collection unit 25 to continue collecting dust until a set time has elapsed since collection unit 25 started collecting dust, except when control unit 28 causes collection unit 25 to end collecting dust in step S112, and causes collection unit 25 to end collecting dust once the set time has elapsed since collection unit 25 started collecting dust.

[0080] 1.9 Variations Fig. 11 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which an operator of an automatic collection on / off switch of a collection device provided in a cleaning tool of a first modified example of the first embodiment is located at a first position. Fig. 12 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which an operator of an automatic collection on / off switch of a collection device provided in a cleaning tool of a first modified example of the first embodiment is located at a second position.

[0081] In the first modified example of the first embodiment, the recovery device 12 includes a seesaw switch 43 shown in Figures 11 and 12, instead of the push button switch 41. The seesaw switch 43 includes an operator 44.

[0082] The operator 44 moves between a first position illustrated in Fig. 11 and a second position illustrated in Fig. 12. When the operator 44 is located in the first position, the control unit 28 sets the setting 81 to the first setting. When the operator 44 is located in the second position, the control unit 28 sets the setting 81 to the second setting. This allows the user to recognize the setting 81 from the position where the operator 44 is located, and allows the user to recognize the setting 81 before attaching the vacuum cleaner 11 to the attachment / detachment unit 21.

[0083] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the control unit of the collection device provided in the cleaning tool of the second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0084] In the second modified example of the first embodiment, the control unit 28 determines whether the current time is outside the collection prohibition time zone. If the control unit 28 determines that the current time is outside the collection prohibition time zone, it executes step S110. If the control unit 28 determines that the current time is within the collection prohibition time zone, it executes step S116. As a result, if the current time is outside the set collection prohibition time zone, the control unit 28 causes the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust when a specific change occurs in the detection result of the attachment detection unit 22 and the setting 81. Furthermore, if the current time is within the set collection prohibition time zone, the control unit 28 does not cause the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust even when the specific change occurs in the detection result of the attachment detection unit 22 and the setting 81. The collection prohibition time zone can be set by the user.

[0085] The collection device 12 may also include a main power switch in addition to the attachment detection unit 22 and the push button switch 41. The main power switch controls the on / off of power to the control unit 28, the attachment detection unit 22, the push button switch 41, etc. when the power cord of the collection device 12 is connected to a commercial power source. When the user switches the main power switch from off to on and power is supplied to the control unit 28, the control unit 28 maintains the powered state and determines whether to cause the collection unit 25 to start collecting dust based on the detection result of the attachment detection unit 22 and the setting 81. Furthermore, when the main power switch is switched from on to off, the control unit 28 causes the collection unit 25 to stop collecting dust, regardless of the detection result of the attachment detection unit 22 and the setting 81, even if the collection unit 25 is currently collecting dust, and then de-energizes the powered state and itself. Note that the control unit 28 may be configured to immediately stop powering the control unit 28 when the main power switch is turned off.

[0086] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 cleaning tool, 11 vacuum cleaner, 11a suction port, 12 collection device, 21 attachment / detachment part, 22 attachment detection part, 23 operation part, 24 alarm part, 25 collection part, 26 dust collection part, 28 control part, 41 push button switch, 42 automatic recovery on / off button, 43 seesaw switch, 44 operator, 53 automatic recovery lamp, 61 housing, 61a suction port, 61b exhaust port, 61c air duct, 62 blower, 71 housing body, 72 door, 81 setting.

Claims

1. a detachable portion to which the vacuum cleaner is attached and detached; an attachment detection unit that detects whether the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit; a collection unit that collects dust from the vacuum cleaner; An operation unit; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit When the setting is the first setting, when the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit, the collection unit is not caused to start collecting the dust, When the setting is the second setting, when the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit, the collection unit starts to collect the dust, When an operation is performed on the operation unit, the setting is switched between the first setting and the second setting; If the operation is performed on the operation unit while the collection unit is collecting the dust, the collection unit is caused to end collection of the dust. Recovery device.

2. When the operation unit is operated while the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the collection unit is not collecting the dust, the control unit causes the collection unit to start collecting the dust. The recovery device according to claim 1 .

3. the operation unit includes a button, The operation is a short press of the button. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control unit, when the current time is within a range of a set collection permission time period, causes the collection unit to start collecting the dust when a specific change occurs in the detection result of the attachment detection unit and the setting, and when the current time is outside the range of the set collection permission time period, does not cause the collection unit to start collecting the dust when the specific change occurs in the detection result and the setting. Alternatively, if the current time is within a set collection prohibition time period, the control unit does not cause the collection unit to start collecting the dust when a specific change occurs in the detection result of the attachment detection unit and the setting, and if the current time is outside the set collection prohibition time period, the control unit causes the collection unit to start collecting the dust when a specific change occurs in the detection result and the setting. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When a change occurs from a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the detachable unit and the setting is the first setting to a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the detachable unit and the setting is the first setting, the control unit does not cause the collection unit to start collecting the dust. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The control unit does not cause the collection unit to start collecting the dust when a change occurs from a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the first setting to a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the second setting. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The control unit causes the collection unit to start collecting the dust when a change occurs from a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the second setting to a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the second setting. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. When a change occurs from a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the detachable unit and the setting is the second setting to a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the detachable unit and the setting is the first setting, the control unit does not cause the collection unit to start collecting the dust. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. When a change occurs from a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the first setting to a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the first setting, the control unit does not cause the collection unit to start collecting the dust. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The control unit causes the collection unit to start collecting the dust when a change occurs from a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the first setting to a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the second setting. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. When a change occurs from a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the second setting to a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit and the setting is the second setting, if the collection unit was collecting the dust, the control unit causes the collection unit to end collecting the dust, and if the collection unit was not collecting the dust, the control unit maintains a state in which the collection unit is not collecting the dust. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. When a change occurs from a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the detachable unit and the setting is the second setting to a state in which the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is attached to the detachable unit and the setting is the first setting, the control unit, if the collection unit was collecting the dust, causes the collection unit to end collecting the dust, and, if the collection unit was not collecting the dust, maintains a state in which the collection unit is not collecting the dust. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the operation unit includes a button, the operation is a short press of the button, The control unit causes the collection unit to start collecting the dust when an operation of pressing and holding the button is performed while the attachment detection unit detects that the vacuum cleaner is not attached to the attachment / detachment unit. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. the operating unit includes an operator that moves between a first position and a second position different from the first position, The control unit sets the setting to the first setting when the operator is located at the first position, and sets the setting to the second setting when the operator is located at the second position. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

15. Equipped with a notification unit, The control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification indicating whether the setting is the first setting or the second setting. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

16. The recovery device according to claim 1 or 2; The vacuum cleaner; A cleaning tool equipped with:

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