JP2004105588A

JP2004105588A - Vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: JP2004105588A
Application number: JP2002274545A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kazuhisa Morishita; 森下　和久; ▲高▼橋　正樹; Masaki Takahashi; Toshiaki Fujiwara; 藤原　俊明; Yasuhiro Yuasa; 湯朝　康裕; Hidetoshi Imai; 今井　秀利
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2002-09-20
Filing date: 2002-09-20
Publication date: 2004-04-08

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vacuum cleaner for improving reliability of a contact point in a cleaner body and a hose connecting part, and reducing electric power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: This vacuum cleaner 1 can be provided for improving reliability of the contact point except when flowing an electric current set by a temporary current setting means 62 operated by a manual operation means 81 by always flowing an electric current not less than an electric current value set by the temporary current setting means 62 as a connection confirming current setting means 87. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、電動送風機の入力を任意に選択調整でき適正な吸い込み能力をもって動作可能な電気掃除機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、掃除機本体内の電動送風機の入力を、掃除機本体に着脱自在に接続されるホースの手許部に設けられた手動操作手段を操作することにより、掃除機本体内の制御手段を介して任意に調整できるようにした電気掃除機が知られている。
【０００３】
ここで、従来のこの種の電気掃除機における電気回路の構成の一例を図１０、図１１を参照して説明する。
【０００４】
まず、電気掃除機１には、掃除機本体２１に常開型スイッチ１２１〜１２４を複数有した手動操作手段８１が設けられたホース２４が接続されていれば、手動操作手段１２０の接続確認電流設定手段１２５が一時電流設定手段１２６により設定される下限の電流値より小さい値の一定の電流を制御手段１２８へ常時流し、制御手段１２８の判別手段１２７で電流の有無を判別することにより、掃除機本体２１側の制御手段１２８は、ホース２４が電気的に接続状態にあることを判別する。そして、手動操作手段８１で電動送風機４３の入力を任意に調節すると、手動操作手段８１の一時電流設定手段１２６が設定された値の電流を流し、手動操作手段８１に接続された複数の比較手段１２９が、一時電流設定手段１２６の流す電流値をこの一時電流設定手段１２６が操作され電流が流れている間に読み取って各比較手段１２６の各基準値と比較し、比較手段による比較結果を同じ制御手段の記憶手段１３０が記憶する。従って、この記憶手段１３０に記憶された比較結果に基づいて電動送風機４３の入力を制御すれば、手動操作手段８１の常開型スイッチ１２１〜１２４の操作が継続しておらず、一時電流設定手段１２６が電流を流し続けていなくとも、前回の手動操作手段８１の操作時に流れた電流値に対応する入力で電動送風機４３の運転が継続する。一方、掃除機本体２１からホース２４が機械的には接続されているが電気的に外れ掃除作業者が認識しにくい非接続状態となると、制御手段１２８から手動操作手段８１も電気的に外れるので、手動操作手段８１と制御手段１２８との間では電流は流れず、制御手段１２８の判別手段１２７で電流の有無を判別することにより、掃除機本体２１の制御手段１２８は掃除作業者が認識しにくいホース２４が機械的には接続されている状態でも電気的に外れた非接続状態と判別し、運転していた電動送風機４３を停止させる制御ができる。また、接続確認電流設定手段１２５が流す電流値は、一時電流設定手段１２６により設定される下限の電流値より小さいので、接続確認電流設定手段１２５が流す電流及び一時電流設定手段１２６で設定される電流の両者は容易に区別される（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００５】
また、昨今のマイコン搭載型の電気掃除機においては、上記比較手段１２９、記憶手段１３０を含む判別手段１２７をマイコンが全て処理する形態がより一般的である。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開平２−１７２４３２号公報
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
この様な構成の従来の電気掃除機１では、接続確認電流設定手段１２５により設定される電流値が、一時電流設定手段１２６により設定される電流値の下限値よりも小さく設定されるため、接点に流れる電流が低い程、接点に腐食が生じやすいため、掃除機本体２１とホース２４の接続における接点の信頼性が低いという問題があった。また、接続確認電流設定手段１２５により設定される電流を常に一定供給しているために消費電力が高いという問題もあった。
【０００８】
本発明は、以上のような従来の課題を解決しようとするものであって、掃除機本体とホース接続部における接点の信頼性向上、また低消費電力化を図った電気掃除機を提供することを目的としている。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために本発明は、吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記電動送風機の動作を制御する制御手段と、前記制御手段に電気的に接続され複数の常開型スイッチにより前記電動送風機の入力を任意に調整する手動操作手段と、前記手動操作手段により設定された電流を流す一時電流設定手段と、前記一時電流設定手段により設定されたいずれかの電流値以上の一定の電流を常時流す接続確認電流設定手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記接続確認電流設定手段からの電流を検出しない場合には前記電動送風機を停止させることを特徴とする電気掃除機で、一時電流設定手段により設定される電流値以上の電流を接続確認電流設定手段として常時流すため、手動操作手段により操作され一時電流設定手段により設定された電流が流れる時以外の接点の信頼性向上を図ることができる。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１記載の発明は、吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記電動送風機の動作を制御する制御手段と、前記制御手段に電気的に接続され複数の常開型スイッチにより前記電動送風機の入力を任意に調整する手動操作手段と、前記手動操作手段により設定された電流を流す一時電流設定手段と、前記一時電流設定手段により設定されたいずれかの電流値以上の一定の電流を常時流す接続確認電流設定手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記接続確認電流設定手段からの電流を検出しない場合には前記電動送風機を停止させることを特徴とする電気掃除機で、一時電流設定手段により設定される電流値以上の電流を接続確認電流設定手段として常時流すため、掃除機本体とホースの接続における接点に流れる電流が大きくなることで前記接点に腐食が生じにくくなり、手動操作手段により操作され一時電流設定手段により設定された電流が流れる時以外の接点の信頼性向上を図ることができる。
【００１１】
本発明の請求項２記載の発明は、上記請求項１記載の発明において、接続確認電流設定手段により設定される電流値を、一時電流設定手段により設定される下限の電流値より大きく設定したことにより、なるべく低消費電力化を図りつつ、接点の信頼性の高い電気掃除機を提供することができる。
【００１２】
本発明の請求項３記載の発明は、上記請求項１記載の発明において、接続確認電流設定手段により設定される電流値を、一時電流設定手段により設定される上限の電流値より大きく設定したことにより、より接点の信頼性の高い電気掃除機を提供することができる。
【００１３】
本発明の請求項４記載の発明は、上記請求項１記載の発明において、接続確認電流設定手段により設定される電流値と、一時電流設定手段により設定される電流値を一定にすることにより、ホースの内部抵抗、掃除機本体とホース接続部の接触抵抗などによる電圧降下ばらつきを一定とするため、接続確認電流設定手段からの電流の有無、及び一時電流設定手段が流す電流値を複数の基準値に対して比較する際ばらつきの少ない比較、判別ができ、誤判断がなく信頼性の高い電気掃除機を提供することができる。
【００１４】
本発明の請求項５記載の発明は、吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記電動送風機の動作を制御する制御手段と、前記制御手段に電気的に接続され複数の常開型スイッチにより前記電動送風機の入力を任意に調整する手動操作手段と、前記手動操作手段により設定された電流を流す一時電流設定手段と、接続確認電流設定手段とを備え、前記接続確認電流設定手段により設定される電流値と前記一時電流設定手段により設定される電流値の大きさについては限定せず、前記接続確認電流設定手段及び前記一時電流設定手段の電流値を検出する時のみに前記電流を流すオン−オフ手段を設けたことを特徴とするもので、前記両電流値の大きさを比較、判断するタイミング以外は電流を流さないため、より低消費電力化を図った電気掃除機を提供することができる。
【００１５】
本発明の請求項６記載の発明は、吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記電動送風機の動作を制御する制御手段と、前記制御手段に電気的に接続され複数の常開型スイッチにより前記電動送風機の入力を任意に調整する手動操作手段と、前記手動操作手段により設定された電流を流す一時電流設定手段と、接続確認電流設定手段とを備え、前記接続確認電流設定手段により設定される電流値と一時電流設定手段により設定される電流値の大きさについては限定せず、接続確認電流設定手段と一時電流設定手段の電流経路を個別に設けるとともに、前記制御手段においても接続確認電流設定手段と一時電流設定手段とを個別に有するもので、一時電流設定手段の比較と接続確認電流設定手段の比較が個別の基準幅で比較できるため、それぞれの基準幅を大きく設けられ、結果、誤判断がなく信頼性の高い電気掃除機を提供することができる。
【００１６】
本発明の請求項７記載の発明は、上記請求項１〜６のいずれか１項に記載の発明において、接続確認電流設定手段により設定される電流値を１ｍＡ以上に設定することにより接点の信頼性の高い電気掃除機を提供することができる。
【００１７】
本発明の請求項８記載の発明は、上記請求項１〜７のいずれか１項に記載の発明において、手動操作手段と並列にＬＥＤ、モータ等の負荷を接続するとともに、前記負荷には負荷をオン−オフするための切替手段を設け、前記切替手段により前記負荷を駆動させる場合には、前記切替手段により周期毎に前記負荷を駆動していない一定時間を設け、前記負荷が駆動していない一定時間に、接続確認電流設定手段と一時電流設定手段により設定される電流値を制御手段で読み込むことによって、配線を増やすことなく、手動操作手段への配線を共用して負荷の駆動を同時に行うことができる。
【００１８】
本発明の請求項９記載の発明は、上記請求項８記載の発明において、負荷が駆動していない一定時間に対して、駆動している一定時間を短く設定することにより、負荷の変動をより少なく抑えることができる。
【００１９】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の一実施例の構成を図１〜図９を参照して説明する。
【００２０】
図１において、２１は掃除機本体で、この掃除機本体２１の内部には、図２に示す電動送風機４３が後方に配設されているとともに、この電動送風機４３の吸気側に連通する集塵室が前側に形成されている。そして、交流式の場合、掃除機本体２１からは商用交流電源４２のコンセントに着脱自在に接続される電源コード２２が導出されている。（充電式の場合、前記電源コード等は有さず、電池等が配設されおり、本発明は交流式に特定したものではないが、実施例としては交流式を中心に説明を行うものとする）また、掃除機本体２１の前側には集塵室に臨んで接続口２３が開口形成されている。
【００２１】
また、２４はホースで、このホース２４の一端部には、掃除機本体２１の接続口２３に着脱自在に差し込み接続される接続管２５が設けられ、ホース２４の他端部には手許部である握り管２６が設けられていると共に、掃除機本体２１のポジション選択を行うための手動操作手段８１が設けられている。更に、握り管２６には延長管２７の一部が着脱自在に嵌合接続されている。また、前記手動操作手段８１は、複数個、例えば３個のメンブレンスイッチからなる常開型スイッチ（１）３１、常開型スイッチ（２）３２、常開型スイッチ（３）３３が配設されている。
【００２２】
そして、延長管２７の他端には、吸引口体２８が連結管２９を介して連通して着脱自在に嵌合され、吸引口体２８には、図示しない吸引口が下面部に開口形成されている。
【００２３】
次に、掃除機本体２１内に配設され電動送風機４３の入力を制御する制御手段４１の構成を図２を参照して説明する。
【００２４】
商用交流電源４２の両極間に電動送風機４３と電力制御手段４４とが直列に接続され、商用交流電源４２には、直流電源を供給する電源手段（１）４５及び電源手段（２）４６も接続される。電源手段（１）４５と電源手段（２）４６は直流電源をつくりだしており、例えば電源手段（１）４５は−２４Ｖ、−３２Ｖ等の直流電源であり、電源手段（２）４６は−５Ｖの直流電源である。そして、この電源手段（１）４５の両極間に負荷手段（０）４７が接続されており、この負荷手段（０）４７のＧＮＤ側両端に端子Ｃ，Ｄがそれぞれ接続されている。なお、これらの端子Ｃ，Ｄは、掃除機本体２１の接続口２３付近に配設されている。
【００２５】
端子Ｄで発生する電圧は比較判別手段５１のＡ／Ｄ入力ポートに入力され、それぞれの基準値と比較し、判別を行うものである。前記比較判別手段５１はマイコン等で実現される。マイコン等からなる前記比較判別手段５１には位相制御のための同期信号を出力する電源同期手段７６が入力されている。また、比較判別手段５１の出力は、電力制御手段４４のトリガの位相をずらすための可変手段７５に入力されている。
【００２６】
次に、ホース２４に配設され電動送風機４３の入力を任意に調節するのに用いられる手動操作手段８１の一実施例の構成を図３により説明する。手動操作手段８１には負荷手段（１）８３、負荷手段（２）８４、負荷手段（３）８５、負荷手段（４）８６、常開型スイッチ３１〜３３、及びＰＮＰ型トランジスタ等からなる接続確認電流設定手段８７が接続されている。なお、本実施例においては、前記接続確認電流設定手段８７は手動操作手段８１内に設けられているが、掃除機本体２１内に設けられていてもかまわない。
【００２７】
以降、各種動作について図２〜図４を用いて説明を行う。
【００２８】
接続確認電流設定手段８１の動作について説明を行う。ホース２４は掃除機本体２１に接続されていれば、図２の端子Ｃ，Ｄと図３の端子Ｃ，Ｄが接続されている状態にある。この時、接続確認電流設定手段８７をＰＮＰ型トランジスタとして考えると、常開型スイッチ３１〜３３は押されていない場合、ＰＮＰ型トランジスタはオン状態にあり、ＰＮＰ型トランジスタのエミッタ−コレクタ間に電流が流れる。すなわち、電源手段（１）４５に負荷手段（０）４７、負荷手段（２）８４、負荷手段（３）８５、負荷手段（４）８６が直列に接続された電流が、掃除機本体２１内の制御手段４１と手動操作手段８１の間に流れていることになる。前記電流値が接続確認電流設定手段８７により設定される電流値であり、この電流値は負荷手段（０）４７により端子Ｄ部の電圧が決定され、マイコン等からなる比較判別手段５１のＡ／Ｄ入力ポートに入力される。
【００２９】
次に一時電流設定手段６２の動作について説明を行う。上記同様ホース２４は掃除機本体２１に接続されていれば、図２の端子Ｃ，Ｄと図３の端子Ｃ，Ｄが接続されている状態にある。常開型スイッチ３１〜３３をどのようなポジションに設定するかは、設定する際任意に設定可能であるが、本実施例では常開型スイッチ３１を「強」ポジション、常開型スイッチ３２を「弱」ポジション、常開型スイッチ３３を「切」ポジションと仮において説明を行うものとする。まず、常開型スイッチ３１、すなわち「強／弱」ポジションを選択された場合について説明を行う。上記で説明をしたように、スイッチ選択がなされない場合は、接続確認電流設定手段８７のＰＮＰ型トランジスタがオン状態にあるため、負荷手段（０）４７、負荷手段（２）８４〜負荷手段（４）８６を通じて電流が流れている。その状態において、常開型スイッチ３１が押されると接続確認電流設定手段８７のＰＮＰ型トランジスタのベース−エミッタ電圧Ｖｂｅがゼロとなるため、ＰＮＰ型トランジスタはオフ状態になる。従って、常開型スイッチ３１が押された瞬間は、電源手段（１）４５に負荷手段（０）４７、負荷手段（１）８３、負荷手段（２）８４、負荷手段（３）８５、負荷手段（４）８６が直列に接続された電流が、掃除機本体２１内の制御手段４１と手動操作手段８１の間に流れていることになる。すなわち、上記同様にマイコン等からなる比較判別手段５１には前記電流に応じた電圧がＡ／Ｄ入力ポートに入力されることになる。
【００３０】
次に、常開型スイッチ３２、すなわち「標準」ポジションを選択された場合について説明を行う。上記で説明をしたように、スイッチ選択がなされない場合は、接続確認電流設定手段８７のＰＮＰ型トランジスタがオン状態にあるため、負荷手段（０）４７、負荷手段（２）８４〜負荷手段（４）８６を通じて電流が流れている。その状態において、常開型スイッチ３２が押されると接続確認電流設定手段８７のＰＮＰ型トランジスタのコレクタ−エミッタ電圧Ｖｃｅがゼロとなるため、ＰＮＰ型トランジスタはオフ状態になる。従って、常開型スイッチ３２が押された瞬間は、電源手段（１）４５に負荷手段（０）４７、負荷手段（３）８５、負荷手段（４）８６が直列に接続された電流が、掃除機本体２１内の制御手段４１と手動操作手段８１の間に流れていることになる。すなわち、上記同様にマイコン等からなる比較判別手段５１には前記電流に応じた電圧がＡ／Ｄ入力ポートに入力されることになる。常開型スイッチ３３、すなわち「切」ポジションを選択された場合も前記同様であり、ＰＮＰ型トランジスタのコレクタ−エミッタ電圧Ｖｃｅがゼロとなるため、ＰＮＰ型トランジスタはオフ状態になる。従って、常開型スイッチ３２が押された瞬間は、電源手段（１）４５に負荷手段（０）４７、負荷手段（４）８６が直列に接続された電流が、掃除機本体２１内の制御手段４１と手動操作手段８１の間に流れていることになる。すなわち、上記同様にマイコン等からなる比較判別手段５１には前記電流に応じた電圧がＡ／Ｄ入力ポートに入力されることになる。
【００３１】
上記全ての場合において、マイコン等からなる比較判別手段５１のＡ／Ｄ入力ポートに入力される電圧の比較、判別について図４をもとに説明を行う。Ａ／Ｄ入力電圧は電源手段（１）４５に直列接続される負荷手段（０）４７〜負荷手段（４）８６で決定される電流値に比例するため、電圧の低い方から常開型スイッチ３１判別域→常時電流判別域→常開型スイッチ３２判別域→常開型スイッチ３３判別域の順序となる。この時、電源手段（１）４５の電圧ばらつき、負荷手段の抵抗ばらつき、温度特性ばらつきを考慮して、各種ばらつき幅でも確実に判別できる幅をそれぞれに持たすことにより、確実に判別し、結果マイコン等からなる比較判別手段５１からそれぞれの条件に一致した出力をだすことにより、可変手段７５を通じて、電力制御手段４４にトリガーを与え、各条件における位相制御を行うことができる。常時電流判別域においては、ホース２４が掃除機本体２１から抜かれたり、断線に至ったりした場合には、電流値がゼロとなるため、マイコン等の比較判別手段５１はホース２４に何らかの異常があったと判断し、電動送風機４３を停止させることができる。特に本実施例においては、接続確認電流設定手段８７で設定される電流値を最下限に設定していない。これはホース２４と掃除機本体２１との接続部、すなわち端子Ｃ，Ｄにおける接点の信頼性を向上させるためであり、スイッチ３１判別域の上に常時電流判別域を設定する様にすれば、なるべく消費電力も低減する事が出来る。更に、接点の信頼性向上を図る事に特化したい場合には、常時電流判別域をスイッチ３３判別域の上である最上限域に設定してもよい。更に接点の信頼性向上を図るには、接続確認電流設定手段８７によって決まる電流値を１ｍＡ以上に設定することがベターである。
【００３２】
しかしながら上記場合においては、各種選択時において電流値が異なるため、ホース２４の配線における内部抵抗、端子Ｃ，Ｄ間で発生する接触抵抗による電圧降下も異なるため、図４に示すＡ／Ｄ入力電圧もばらつきが大きくなり、誤判断をする可能性がある。このような問題を解決するためには図４に示す様に、電源手段（１）４５の間に負荷手段（０）４７〜負荷手段（４）８６が直列接続されている経路内に、定電流手段１１０を配設することにより、各種選択時における電流値を一定化できるため、ホース２４の配線における内部抵抗、端子Ｃ，Ｄ間で発生する接触抵抗による電圧降下も一定にでき、より精度の高い比較、判別を行うことができる。
【００３３】
精度向上については図６に示す様に、接続確認電流設定手段８７と一時電流設定手段６２の電流経路をそれぞれ分けて、比較判別手段５１へのＡ／Ｄ入力もそれぞれ分けることにより、図４で示したＡ／Ｄ入力のそれぞれ選択時の幅を広く設ける事ができるため、誤判別をなくし、精度向上を図る事が出来る。
【００３４】
また、更に消費電力の低減を図りたい場合においては図７に示す様に、電源手段（１）４５の間に負荷手段（０）４７〜負荷手段（４）８６が直列接続されている経路内に、トランジスタ等からなるオン−オフ手段１１１を配設し、前記オン−オフ手段１１１のトリガー入力端はマイコン等からなる比較判別手段５１に接続され、図７に示す様に比較判別手段５１がＡ／Ｄ入力電圧を読み込むタイミングを含む、一定時間だけオン−オフ手段１１１をオンするようにする。この様にすれば、Ａ／Ｄ入力電圧を読み込むタイミング以外は、電流が流れないためより低消費電力化を図ることが可能となる。
【００３５】
また手動操作手段８１への経路内で、ＬＥＤ、モータ等の負荷を駆動させたい場合においては、図９に示す様に手元操作手段８１に並列にＬＥＤ、モータ等からなる負荷１０５を接続すると共に、その負荷１０５を切替えするための切替手段１０６を接続する。前記切替手段１０６の切替タイミングについては、図７に示す様に、Ａ／Ｄ入力電圧を読み込むタイミングを除いたタイミングで切替える。仮にＡ／Ｄ入力電圧を読み込むタイミングで負荷１０５を駆動すれば、Ａ／Ｄ入力電圧の電位はＬＯＷとなるため、図７に示す様にマイコンから見れば０Ｖとなり、手動操作手段８１の電圧が読めなくなる。従って、前記に示した様に、手動操作手段８１の電圧を読み込むタイミングを避けて、負荷１０５を駆動させれば、手元信号を判断しつつ、配線を増やすことなく負荷１０５を同時に駆動させる事が可能となる。また、手動操作手段８１の電圧を読み込む時間と負荷１０５を駆動させる時間について、負荷１０５を駆動させる時間の方を長く設ければ、負荷１０５の変動、例えばＬＥＤのちらつき等を最小限に押え込むことができる。
【００３６】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、掃除機本体とホース接続部における接点の信頼性向上、また低消費電力化を図った電気掃除機を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施例の電気掃除機の概略構成図
【図２】同制御手段のブロック図
【図３】同手動操作手段の一例のブロック図
【図４】同比較判別手段のＡ／Ｄ入力電圧の一例を示す判別基準図
【図５】同定電流化した場合の制御手段のブロック図
【図６】同接続確認電流設定手段と一時電流設定手段を別入力とした場合のブロック図
【図７】同読み込みタイミングのみオンした場合のブロック図
【図８】同Ａ／Ｄ入力タイミングの一例を示す波形図
【図９】同手動操作手段と並列に負荷を接続した場合のブロック図
【図１０】従来の電気掃除機の制御手段のブロック図
【図１１】同手動操作手段のブロック図
【符号の説明】
１　電気掃除機
２１　掃除機本体
２４　ホース
３１〜３３　常開型スイッチ
４３　電動送風機
５１　比較判別手段
８１　手動操作手段
６２　一時電流設定手段
８７　接続確認電流設定手段
１０５　負荷
１０６　切替手段[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner capable of arbitrarily selecting and adjusting the input of an electric blower and operating with an appropriate suction capability.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, the input of the electric blower in the cleaner main body is controlled by operating a manual operating means provided in a hand portion of a hose detachably connected to the cleaner main body, through a control means in the cleaner main body. Vacuum cleaners which can be adjusted arbitrarily are known.
[0003]
Here, an example of the configuration of an electric circuit in this type of conventional vacuum cleaner will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0004]
First, if the vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to the hose 24 provided with the manual operation means 81 having a plurality of normally open switches 121 to 124 on the cleaner main body 21, the connection confirmation current of the manual operation means 120 is checked. The setting unit 125 constantly supplies a constant current having a value smaller than the lower limit current value set by the temporary current setting unit 126 to the control unit 128, and the determination unit 127 of the control unit 128 determines the presence or absence of the current. The control means 128 on the machine body 21 side determines that the hose 24 is in an electrically connected state. When the input of the electric blower 43 is arbitrarily adjusted by the manual operation unit 81, the temporary current setting unit 126 of the manual operation unit 81 allows a current of the set value to flow, and the plurality of comparison units connected to the manual operation unit 81. 129 reads the current value passed by the temporary current setting means 126 while the temporary current setting means 126 is operated and the current is flowing, and compares the current value with each reference value of each comparing means 126; The storage unit 130 of the control unit stores the information. Therefore, if the input of the electric blower 43 is controlled based on the comparison result stored in the storage unit 130, the operation of the normally open switches 121 to 124 of the manual operation unit 81 is not continued, and the temporary current setting unit Even if the current 126 does not continue to flow, the operation of the electric blower 43 continues with an input corresponding to the current value that has flowed during the previous operation of the manual operation means 81. On the other hand, when the hose 24 is mechanically connected to the cleaner main body 21 but is electrically disconnected and becomes in a disconnected state where it is difficult for the cleaning operator to recognize the hose 24, the manual operation means 81 is also electrically disconnected from the control means 128. No current flows between the manual operation means 81 and the control means 128, and the control means 128 of the cleaner main body 21 recognizes the presence or absence of the current by the determination means 127 of the control means 128. Even when the difficult hose 24 is mechanically connected, it can be determined that the hose is electrically disconnected and not connected, and control can be performed to stop the operating electric blower 43. Further, the current value passed by the connection confirmation current setting unit 125 is smaller than the lower limit current value set by the temporary current setting unit 126, so that the current passed by the connection confirmation current setting unit 125 and the temporary current setting unit 126 are set. Both of the currents are easily distinguished (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
Further, in a recent vacuum cleaner equipped with a microcomputer, it is more general that the microcomputer processes all of the determination unit 127 including the comparison unit 129 and the storage unit 130.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2-172432
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional vacuum cleaner 1 having such a configuration, the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means 125 is set to be smaller than the lower limit of the current value set by the temporary current setting means 126. When the current flowing through the cleaner is lower, the contact is more likely to be corroded. Therefore, there has been a problem that the reliability of the contact in connecting the cleaner main body 21 and the hose 24 is low. In addition, there is also a problem that power consumption is high because the current set by the connection confirmation current setting means 125 is constantly supplied constantly.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems as described above, and to provide a vacuum cleaner in which the reliability of contacts at a vacuum cleaner main body and a hose connection portion is improved and power consumption is reduced. It is an object.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an electric blower that generates a suction wind, control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower, and the electric blower electrically connected to the control means and comprising a plurality of normally open switches. Manual operation means for arbitrarily adjusting the input of the current, a temporary current setting means for flowing a current set by the manual operation means, and a constant current equal to or more than one of the current values set by the temporary current setting means. A connection confirmation current setting means for flowing, wherein the control means stops the electric blower when the current from the connection confirmation current setting means is not detected. The current set by the temporary current setting means operated by the manual operation means flows constantly as the connection confirmation current setting means It is possible to improve the reliability of the contacts except when.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides an electric blower that generates a suction wind, control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower, and the electric blower electrically connected to the control means and comprising a plurality of normally open switches. Manual operation means for arbitrarily adjusting the input of the current, a temporary current setting means for flowing a current set by the manual operation means, and a constant current equal to or more than one of the current values set by the temporary current setting means. A connection confirmation current setting means for flowing, wherein the control means stops the electric blower when the current from the connection confirmation current setting means is not detected. The current that is equal to or greater than the current value set by the above is always flowed as the connection confirmation current setting means. Corrosion hardly occurs, it is possible to improve the reliability of the contacts other than when the current flows is set by transient current setting means is operated by a manual operation means.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means is set to be larger than the lower limit current value set by the temporary current setting means. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner having high reliability of the contacts while reducing power consumption as much as possible.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means is set to be larger than the upper limit current value set by the temporary current setting means. Accordingly, a vacuum cleaner having more reliable contacts can be provided.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means and the current value set by the temporary current setting means are fixed. In order to keep the voltage drop variation due to the internal resistance of the hose, the contact resistance between the cleaner body and the hose connection, etc. constant, the presence or absence of the current from the connection confirmation current setting means and the current value flown by the temporary current setting means are defined by multiple criteria. It is possible to provide a highly reliable vacuum cleaner that can perform comparison and discrimination with little variation when comparing with a value and that is free from erroneous determination.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric blower for generating a suction wind, control means for controlling an operation of the electric blower, and a plurality of normally open switches electrically connected to the control means. A manual operation means for arbitrarily adjusting the input of the current, a temporary current setting means for flowing a current set by the manual operation means, and a connection confirmation current setting means, and a current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means. And the magnitude of the current value set by the temporary current setting means is not limited, and the ON-OFF means for flowing the current only when detecting the current values of the connection confirmation current setting means and the temporary current setting means The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner with lower power consumption because no current is supplied except for the timing of comparing and judging the magnitudes of the two current values. It is possible.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric blower for generating suction air, control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower, and the electric blower electrically connected to the control means and comprising a plurality of normally open switches. A manual operation means for arbitrarily adjusting the input of the current, a temporary current setting means for flowing a current set by the manual operation means, and a connection confirmation current setting means, and a current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means. The size of the current value set by the temporary current setting means is not limited, and the current paths of the connection confirmation current setting means and the temporary current setting means are separately provided, and the connection confirmation current setting means is also provided in the control means. Since the temporary current setting means is separately provided and the comparison of the temporary current setting means and the comparison of the connection confirmation current setting means can be compared with individual reference widths, each reference Greatly provided, the result, it is possible to provide a highly reliable without misjudgment vacuum cleaner.
[0016]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the current value set by the connection confirming current setting means is set to 1 mA or more, thereby improving the reliability of the contact. It is possible to provide a highly efficient vacuum cleaner.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a load such as an LED or a motor is connected in parallel with the manual operation means, and the load is applied to the load. When switching means for turning on and off the power supply is provided and the load is driven by the switching means, a predetermined time period in which the load is not driven is provided every cycle by the switching means, and the load is driven. During a certain period of time, the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means and the temporary current setting means is read by the control means, so that the wiring to the manual operation means is shared and the driving of the load is simultaneously performed without increasing the number of wirings. It can be carried out.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighth aspect, by setting the constant driving time shorter than the constant driving time, the load fluctuation is reduced. It can be kept low.
[0019]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 21 denotes a cleaner main body, and inside the cleaner main body 21, an electric blower 43 shown in FIG. 2 is disposed rearward, and dust collection communicating with an intake side of the electric blower 43 is shown. A chamber is formed on the front side. In the case of the AC type, a power cord 22 that is detachably connected to an outlet of a commercial AC power supply 42 is led out from the cleaner body 21. (In the case of the rechargeable type, the power supply cord and the like are not provided, but a battery and the like are provided, and the present invention is not limited to the AC type. A connection port 23 is formed at the front side of the cleaner main body 21 so as to face the dust collection chamber.
[0021]
Reference numeral 24 denotes a hose. A connection pipe 25 is provided at one end of the hose 24 so as to be removably inserted into and connected to the connection port 23 of the cleaner body 21, and a hand part is provided at the other end of the hose 24. A certain gripping tube 26 is provided, and manual operation means 81 for selecting a position of the cleaner main body 21 is provided. Further, a part of the extension tube 27 is detachably fitted and connected to the grip tube 26. The manual operation means 81 is provided with a normally-open switch (1) 31, a normally-open switch (2) 32, and a normally-open switch (3) 33 composed of a plurality of, for example, three membrane switches. ing.
[0022]
A suction port 28 is connected to the other end of the extension pipe 27 via a connecting pipe 29 so as to be detachably fitted therein. A suction port (not shown) is formed in the suction port 28 at the lower surface thereof. ing.
[0023]
Next, the configuration of the control means 41 arranged in the cleaner main body 21 for controlling the input of the electric blower 43 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0024]
The electric blower 43 and the power control means 44 are connected in series between both poles of the commercial AC power supply 42, and the power supply means (1) 45 and the power supply means (2) 46 for supplying DC power are also connected to the commercial AC power supply 42. Is done. The power supply means (1) 45 and the power supply means (2) 46 create a DC power supply. For example, the power supply means (1) 45 is a DC power supply such as -24V, -32V, and the power supply means (2) 46 is -5V. DC power supply. A load means (0) 47 is connected between both poles of the power supply means (1) 45, and terminals C and D are respectively connected to both ends of the load means (0) 47 on the GND side. Note that these terminals C and D are arranged near the connection port 23 of the cleaner body 21.
[0025]
The voltage generated at the terminal D is input to the A / D input port of the comparison and determination means 51, and is compared with each reference value to make a determination. The comparing and determining means 51 is realized by a microcomputer or the like. A power supply synchronizing means 76 for outputting a synchronizing signal for phase control is input to the comparing / determining means 51 comprising a microcomputer or the like. Further, the output of the comparison determination means 51 is input to the variable means 75 for shifting the phase of the trigger of the power control means 44.
[0026]
Next, the configuration of an embodiment of the manual operation means 81 provided on the hose 24 and used to arbitrarily adjust the input of the electric blower 43 will be described with reference to FIG. The manual operation means 81 includes a load means (1) 83, a load means (2) 84, a load means (3) 85, a load means (4) 86, a normally open switch 31-33, a PNP transistor and the like. The confirmation current setting means 87 is connected. In the present embodiment, the connection confirmation current setting means 87 is provided in the manual operation means 81, but may be provided in the cleaner main body 21.
[0027]
Hereinafter, various operations will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0028]
The operation of the connection confirmation current setting means 81 will be described. If the hose 24 is connected to the cleaner main body 21, the terminals C and D in FIG. 2 and the terminals C and D in FIG. 3 are connected. At this time, assuming that the connection confirmation current setting means 87 is a PNP transistor, when the normally open switches 31 to 33 are not pressed, the PNP transistor is in an ON state and a current flows between the emitter and the collector of the PNP transistor. Flows. That is, the current in which the load means (0) 47, the load means (2) 84, the load means (3) 85, and the load means (4) 86 are connected in series to the power supply means (1) 45 is generated in the cleaner body 21. Flows between the control means 41 and the manual operation means 81. The current value is a current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means 87, and the voltage of the terminal D is determined by the load means (0) 47. Input to the D input port.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the temporary current setting means 62 will be described. As described above, if the hose 24 is connected to the cleaner main body 21, the terminals C and D in FIG. 2 are connected to the terminals C and D in FIG. The positions of the normally-open switches 31 to 33 can be arbitrarily set when they are set. In this embodiment, the normally-open switch 31 is set to the “strong” position, and the normally-open switch 32 is set to the “strong” position. The description will be made on the assumption that the "low" position and the normally open switch 33 are "off" positions. First, the case where the normally open switch 31, that is, the "strong / weak" position is selected will be described. As described above, when the switch is not selected, the PNP transistor of the connection confirmation current setting unit 87 is in the ON state, so that the load unit (0) 47, the load unit (2) 84 to the load unit ( 4) Current is flowing through 86. In this state, when the normally open switch 31 is pressed, the base-emitter voltage Vbe of the PNP transistor of the connection confirmation current setting means 87 becomes zero, and the PNP transistor is turned off. Therefore, at the moment when the normally open switch 31 is pressed, the load means (0) 47, the load means (1) 83, the load means (2) 84, the load means (3) 85, the load means The electric current in which the means (4) 86 is connected in series flows between the control means 41 and the manual operation means 81 in the cleaner main body 21. That is, the voltage corresponding to the current is input to the A / D input port to the comparison determination means 51 including a microcomputer or the like as described above.
[0030]
Next, the case where the normally open switch 32, that is, the "standard" position is selected will be described. As described above, when the switch is not selected, the PNP transistor of the connection confirmation current setting unit 87 is in the ON state, so that the load unit (0) 47, the load unit (2) 84 to the load unit ( 4) Current is flowing through 86. In this state, when the normally open switch 32 is pressed, the collector-emitter voltage Vce of the PNP transistor of the connection confirmation current setting means 87 becomes zero, and the PNP transistor is turned off. Therefore, at the moment when the normally open type switch 32 is pressed, the current in which the load means (0) 47, the load means (3) 85, and the load means (4) 86 are connected in series to the power supply means (1) 45, The flow is between the control means 41 and the manual operation means 81 in the cleaner body 21. That is, the voltage corresponding to the current is input to the A / D input port to the comparison determination means 51 including a microcomputer or the like as described above. The same applies to the case where the normally open switch 33, that is, the "OFF" position is selected. Since the collector-emitter voltage Vce of the PNP transistor becomes zero, the PNP transistor is turned off. Therefore, at the moment when the normally open switch 32 is pressed, the current in which the load means (0) 47 and the load means (4) 86 are connected in series to the power supply means (1) 45 is controlled by the control in the cleaner body 21. The flow is between the means 41 and the manual operation means 81. That is, the voltage corresponding to the current is input to the A / D input port to the comparison determination means 51 including a microcomputer or the like as described above.
[0031]
In all the above cases, comparison and determination of the voltage input to the A / D input port of the comparison determination means 51 including a microcomputer will be described with reference to FIG. Since the A / D input voltage is proportional to the current value determined by the load means (0) 47 to the load means (4) 86 connected in series to the power supply means (1) 45, the normally open type switch starts from the lower voltage side. The determination order is 31 determination region → normal current determination region → normally open switch 32 determination region → normally open switch 33 determination region. At this time, in consideration of the voltage variation of the power supply means (1) 45, the resistance variation of the load means, and the temperature characteristic variation, each of them has a width that can be reliably determined even with various variation widths, so that the determination can be reliably performed. By outputting an output matching the respective conditions from the comparison / determination means 51 including the above, a trigger is given to the power control means 44 through the variable means 75, and phase control under each condition can be performed. In the constant current determination region, when the hose 24 is pulled out of the cleaner main body 21 or is disconnected, the current value becomes zero, so that the comparison determination means 51 such as a microcomputer has some abnormality in the hose 24. Then, the electric blower 43 can be stopped. In particular, in this embodiment, the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means 87 is not set to the lowest limit. This is to improve the reliability of the connection between the hose 24 and the cleaner body 21, that is, the contacts at the terminals C and D. If the current discrimination area is always set above the switch 31 discrimination area, Power consumption can be reduced as much as possible. Further, if it is desired to specialize in improving the reliability of the contact, the current discrimination area may be set to the uppermost limit area which is above the switch 33 discrimination area. In order to further improve the reliability of the contacts, it is better to set the current value determined by the connection confirmation current setting means 87 to 1 mA or more.
[0032]
However, in the above case, since the current value is different at the time of various selections, the internal resistance in the wiring of the hose 24 and the voltage drop due to the contact resistance generated between the terminals C and D are also different, so that the A / D input voltage shown in FIG. Also have large variations, which may lead to erroneous decisions. In order to solve such a problem, as shown in FIG. 4, a constant path is provided between the power supply means (1) 45 and the load means (0) 47 to the load means (4) 86 connected in series. By arranging the current means 110, the current value at the time of various selections can be made constant, so that the internal resistance in the wiring of the hose 24 and the voltage drop due to the contact resistance generated between the terminals C and D can be made constant, and more accurate. High comparison and discrimination can be performed.
[0033]
For improving the accuracy, as shown in FIG. 6, the current paths of the connection confirmation current setting means 87 and the temporary current setting means 62 are separately provided, and the A / D input to the comparison determination means 51 is also separately provided. Since the width of each of the A / D inputs shown can be widened at the time of selection, erroneous determination can be eliminated and accuracy can be improved.
[0034]
Further, when it is desired to further reduce the power consumption, as shown in FIG. 7, the load means (0) 47 to the load means (4) 86 are connected in series between the power supply means (1) 45. On the other hand, an on-off means 111 composed of a transistor or the like is provided, and a trigger input terminal of the on-off means 111 is connected to a comparison determination means 51 composed of a microcomputer or the like, and as shown in FIG. The on-off means 111 is turned on for a certain period of time including the timing for reading the A / D input voltage. In this case, since no current flows except at the timing of reading the A / D input voltage, lower power consumption can be achieved.
[0035]
When it is desired to drive a load such as an LED or a motor in the path to the manual operation means 81, a load 105 including an LED or a motor is connected in parallel to the hand operation means 81 as shown in FIG. , A switching means 106 for switching the load 105 is connected. The switching timing of the switching means 106 is switched at a timing excluding the timing of reading the A / D input voltage, as shown in FIG. If the load 105 is driven at the timing when the A / D input voltage is read, the potential of the A / D input voltage becomes LOW, and as shown in FIG. I can't read. Therefore, as described above, if the load 105 is driven while avoiding the timing of reading the voltage of the manual operation means 81, it is possible to simultaneously drive the load 105 without increasing the number of wirings while judging a hand signal. It becomes possible. If the time for driving the load 105 is set longer for the time for reading the voltage of the manual operation means 81 and the time for driving the load 105, the fluctuation of the load 105, for example, the flickering of the LED, is suppressed to a minimum. be able to.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the reliability of the contact point in a cleaner main body and a hose connection part can be improved, and the electric vacuum cleaner which aimed at low power consumption can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of the manual operation unit. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control unit when the identification current is used. FIG. 6 is a block diagram when the connection confirmation current setting unit and the temporary current setting unit are input separately. FIG. 7 is a block diagram when only the read timing is turned on. FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram showing an example of the A / D input timing. FIG. 9 is a block diagram when a load is connected in parallel with the manual operation means. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control unit of the conventional vacuum cleaner. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the manual operation unit.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vacuum cleaner 21 Vacuum cleaner main body 24 Hose 31-33 Normally open switch 43 Electric blower 51 Comparison discriminating means 81 Manual operating means 62 Temporary current setting means 87 Connection confirmation current setting means 105 Load 106 Switching means

Claims

An electric blower that emits suction air, control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower, and manual operation means for arbitrarily adjusting the input of the electric blower by a plurality of normally open switches electrically connected to the control means. A temporary current setting means for flowing a current set by the manual operation means; and a connection confirmation current setting means for flowing a constant current equal to or greater than any one of the current values set by the temporary current setting means; The means for stopping the electric blower when the current from the connection confirmation current setting means is not detected.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means is set to be larger than a lower limit current value set by the temporary current setting means.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means is set to be larger than an upper limit current value set by the temporary current setting means.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means and a current value set by the temporary current setting means are made constant.

An electric blower that emits suction air, control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower, and manual operation means for arbitrarily adjusting the input of the electric blower by a plurality of normally open switches electrically connected to the control means. A temporary current setting means for flowing a current set by the manual operation means, and a connection confirmation current setting means, wherein a current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means and a current set by the temporary current setting means are provided. The size of the value is not limited, and an on / off means for flowing the current only when detecting the current value of the connection confirmation current setting means and the temporary current setting means is provided. .

An electric blower that emits suction air, control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower, and manual operation means for arbitrarily adjusting the input of the electric blower by a plurality of normally open switches electrically connected to the control means. A temporary current setting means for flowing a current set by the manual operation means, and a connection confirmation current setting means, wherein a current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means and a current set by the temporary current setting means are provided. The magnitude of the value is not limited, and the current paths of the connection confirmation current setting unit and the temporary current setting unit are separately provided, and the control unit also includes the connection confirmation current setting unit and the temporary current setting unit separately. Vacuum cleaner.

7. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means is set to 1 mA or more.

When a load such as an LED or a motor is connected in parallel with the manual operation means, the load is provided with switching means for turning on and off the load, and when the load is driven by the switching means, the switching means By providing a fixed time during which the load is not driven for each cycle, and reading the current value set by the connection confirmation current setting means and the temporary current setting means by the control means during the fixed time during which the load is not driven. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the constant driving time is set shorter than the constant driving time when the load is not driving.