JP2010148698A - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vacuum cleaner which can be used without continuing a malfunction state more than needed. <P>SOLUTION: When the pressing time of a setting button is shorter than a prescribed time, switching means 54 makes it possible to control an electric blower 25 by main control means 52. When the pressing time of one of the setting buttons continues for the prescribed time or longer, the switching means 54 makes it possible to control the electric blower 25 by sub control means 53 whose function is different from that of the main control means 52. The operation of the electric blower 25 can be controlled by switching to the sub control means 53 even during the malfunction of the main control means 52 according to the length of the pressing time of the setting button, and the vacuum cleaner is used without continuing the malfunction state more than needed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner provided with control means for operating an electric blower.

  Conventionally, this type of electric vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower and a main body of the vacuum cleaner that houses a control unit that controls the operation of the electric blower. This vacuum cleaner body is provided with a dust collection chamber that communicates with the suction side of the electric blower, and this dust collection chamber communicates with the outside of the vacuum cleaner body through a main body suction port formed in the vacuum cleaner body. Yes. A hose body, an extension pipe, and a floor brush are sequentially connected to the main body suction port, and a grip portion for gripping operation by an operator is provided at a connection portion between the hose body and the extension pipe. This grip portion is provided with a setting button for setting the operation mode of the electric blower. And a control means operates an electric blower with the operation mode set by the setting button.

  For such control means, microcomputers are increasingly used due to recent advances in digital technology. However, since electronic circuits such as microcomputers may malfunction due to external noise such as instantaneous high-voltage noise, there is a need for immunity, that is, the ability to withstand external noise (noise resistance). Is growing.

  Conventionally, when an electronic circuit including a microcomputer malfunctions, the microcomputer program is reset by turning on the power again (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in many devices, since the main control is a microcomputer, when the microcomputer itself malfunctions, it is not possible to even notify whether it should be reset or not. Often not done.

  A configuration is also known in which an operation state is monitored by a plurality of control means having exactly the same function (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

However, even in this case, since the respective functions of the control means are exactly the same, there is a possibility that malfunctions may occur at the same time due to the same cause. In such a case, it is not possible to cope with each other's malfunctions.
JP-A-6-236225 (page 2-3, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent No. 2593915 (page 3-4, Fig. 1)

  As described above, in an electronic device using the control means, it is desired to improve the response when the control means malfunctions.

  In particular, in vacuum cleaners, there are noise sources that may cause malfunction of the control means, such as not only electromagnetic noise and thermal noise generated by electric blowers, but also electrostatic noise generated due to suction of dust. Since there are many, further improvement of the response | compatibility at the time of malfunction of a control means is desired.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a point, and it aims at providing the vacuum cleaner which can be used without continuing a malfunctioning state more than necessary.

  The present invention provides a setting button capable of setting the operation mode of the electric blower by an external operation, a pair of control means capable of operating the electric blower in a predetermined operation mode, and a setting button pressing time. Enables control of the electric blower by one of the control means when the time is less than the predetermined time, and control of the electric blower by the other of the control means when the pressing time of at least one of the setting buttons continues for a predetermined time or more And switching means for enabling the above.

  According to the present invention, when the pressing time of the setting button is less than the predetermined time, the switching unit enables the electric blower to be controlled by any one of the control units having different functions, and at least one of the setting buttons When the pressing time of the control means continues for a predetermined time or more, the switching means enables the control of the electric blower by the other of the control means, so that when one control means malfunctions according to the length of the pressing time of the setting button However, it is possible to control the operation of the electric blower by switching to the other control means, and it can be used without continuing the malfunctioning state more than necessary.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the vacuum cleaner of the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to drawings.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a so-called canister-type vacuum cleaner, and the vacuum cleaner 11 has a pipe part 12 and a vacuum cleaner body 13 to which the pipe part 12 is detachably connected.

  The pipe part 12 includes a connection pipe part 15 whose front end side is bent forward with respect to a base end side connected to the cleaner body 13, and a flexible hose body 16 communicating with the front end side of the connection pipe part 15. A hand operating part 17 provided on the front end side of the hose body 16, an extension pipe 18 detachably connected to the front end side of the hand operating part 17, and a hand attached to the front end side of the extension pipe 18 And a floor brush 19 as a suction port to be connected.

  The hand operating part 17 has a gripping part 21 projecting toward the hose body 16, and the gripping part 21 is provided with a button part 24 having a setting button 22 and a turn-off button 23 which are a plurality of switches for operation. ing.

  Here, the setting button 22 is for setting the operation mode of the electric blower 25 accommodated in the cleaner body 13, for example, a weak button 22a for setting the weak mode, a middle button 22b for setting the medium mode, and the strong mode The strong button 22c to be set to is provided.

  The off button 23 is used to stop the electric blower 25 being driven, that is, to set the off mode.

  The vacuum cleaner main body 13 includes a main body case 27. Inside the main body case 27, a main body dust collecting chamber (not shown) in which a dust collecting part such as a paper pack or a dust collecting device is detachable is partitioned on the front side. An electric blower chamber (not shown) that houses the electric blower 25 communicating with the main body dust collection chamber is partitioned on the rear side.

  The main body case 27 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin, and has a lower case 41 that is open on the upper side, an upper case 42 that covers an upper portion of the electric blower chamber that is an upper rear portion of the lower case 41, and the upper case 42 and the lower case 41 and a rear panel (not shown) located at the rear portion, and a main body lid 44 pivotally supported so as to be pivotable in the vertical direction with respect to the upper case 42 or the lower case 41 and capable of opening and closing the main body dust collecting chamber. . And, on both sides of the lower case 41, a large-diameter traveling wheel 45 (only one is shown) for traveling of the cleaner body 13 is rotatably supported.

  The upper case 42 is formed with a plurality of round hole-like exhaust holes 46 communicating with the downstream side of the electric blower chamber on both sides of the rear side.

  A plurality of exhaust holes (not shown) communicating with the exhaust side (downstream side) of the electric blower 25 are formed in the rear panel.

  Further, the main body lid 44 is formed with a main body suction port 48 that communicates with the main body dust collection chamber and is connected to the connecting pipe portion 15.

  Next, the internal configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 11 includes a main control unit 52 as a control unit that receives power from a battery 51 and a sub-control unit 53 as a control unit inside the vacuum cleaner body 13. The means 52 and 53 are selectively connected to the power control means 55 via the switching means 54, and the power control means 55 is connected to the electric blower 25. Further, a button unit 24 is connected to each of the control means 52 and 53 via a signal input processing means 56 which is an operation signal determination means as an operation reading means.

  The battery 51 is, for example, a battery pack including a plurality of rechargeable secondary battery cells, and is provided in a lower portion of the main body case 27 (FIG. 3) of the cleaner body 13. The battery 51 is generally detachable, but is not attached or detached during normal use. Therefore, the battery 51 is configured not to be easily attached or detached by a cleaning operator.

  The main control means 52 is, for example, a digital electronic circuit that is configured by a microcomputer or the like and operates according to predetermined software. The electric blower 25 is connected to the power control means 55 in a predetermined operation mode set via the setting button 22. It is comprised so that it may operate | move via.

  Further, the sub-control means 53 is an analog electronic circuit configured in hardware by analog electronic components, for example, the electric blower 25 in a predetermined operation mode regardless of the operation mode set by the setting button 22. Is operated via the power control means 55.

  Accordingly, the functions of the control means 52 and 53 are different from each other, and the main control means 52 operates the electric blower 25 in more operation modes than the sub-control means 53, and the operation of the electric blower 25 is not illustrated. The sub-control means 53 is a low-function unit that operates the electric blower 25 in a single operation mode, for example. It has a single function configuration.

  The sub-control means 53 is set to have immunity, that is, noise resistance larger than that of the main control means 52. Here, the noise resistance refers to resistance to various noises such as pulse noise, electrostatic noise, electromagnetic noise, electric field noise, and thermal noise.

  The switching means 54 operates the main control means 52 during normal operation, and when the pressing time of the setting button 22 processed by the signal input processing means 56 continues for a predetermined time or more, the sub-control means It is switched to operate 53. Further, the switching means 54 has a function of a reset means for resetting the control of the electric blower 25 by the main control means 52 when the main control means 52 malfunctions.

  The power control means 55 is a switching element such as a triac, for example, and controls the phase control angle of the input from the battery 51 to the electric blower 25.

  The signal input processing means 56 is constituted by an analog circuit having good noise resistance, for example, and does not use digital electronic components (elements) such as a microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 2, the signal input processing means 56 is connected to wirings L1 and L2, and a series circuit of each of the buttons 22a to 22c and the signal loads 57a to 57c is connected between the wirings L1 and L2. The series circuit of the cut button 23 and the signal load 58 and the insertion detection load 59 are connected in parallel to each other.

  The wirings L1 and L2 are spirally arranged in the hose body 16 (FIG. 3), respectively, and electrically connect the hand operating section 17 (setting button 22) side and the cleaner body 13 side. .

  The signal loads 57a to 57c and 58 are resistors having different impedance values, respectively, and when the buttons 22a to 22c and 23 are pushed to close the circuit, the insertion detection load 59 and the parallel circuit are connected. Is configured so that the signal input processing means 56 can detect which button 22a to 22c, 23 has been pressed through the current value (signal) flowing between the wirings L1, L2. Yes.

  The insertion detection load 59 is a resistor having a different impedance value from each of the signal loads 57a to 57c, 58, and the hose body 16 is connected to the main body suction port 48 via the connecting pipe portion 15 (FIG. 3). The signal input processing means 56 is configured to be able to detect the connection via a current value (signal) flowing between the wirings L1 and L2.

  Further, the signal input processing means 56 can detect (read) the pressing time of each button 22a to 22c based on the duration t of the detected current value (signal).

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The circled numbers in the figure indicate step numbers.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, when the power is turned on, the main control means 52 is reset (step 1). This step 1 is performed only when the power is turned on, that is, when the vacuum cleaner 11 is first started. In the case of the vacuum cleaner 11 using the battery 51, after the electric blower 25 is driven even once, As long as the connection with the battery 51 is not interrupted once, for example, the battery 51 is removed and the battery 51 is reattached, the operation is not performed even if the electric blower 25 is stopped by pressing the off button 23.

  Thereafter, it is determined which of the main control means 52 and the sub control means 53 is selected by the switching means 54 (step 2).

  In this step 2, when the switching means 54 has selected the main control means 52, the main control shown in FIG. 5 using the main control means 52 is mainly performed (step 3). On the other hand, when the switching means 54 has selected the sub control means 53 in step 2, the sub control shown in FIG. 6 using the sub control means 53 is mainly performed (step 4).

  Specifically, the operator grips the grip portion 21 and operates a predetermined setting button 22 to operate the electric blower 25.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the main control, the signal input processing means 56 determines whether any of the buttons 22a to 22c is pressed (step 11).

  Here, the signal input processing means 56 can detect which of the buttons 22a to 22c has been pressed through the detected current value. If it is determined that a plurality of buttons 22a to 22c are pressed, for example, the pressing operation is ignored and the process proceeds to step 15.

  When it is determined in step 11 that any one of the buttons 22a to 22c has been pressed, the signal input processing means 56 determines that the detected current value has a duration t, that is, any of the buttons 22a to 22c is pressed. It is determined whether or not the time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T set in advance (t ≧ T), in other words, whether or not the operator requests switching of the system from the main control means 52 to the sub control means 53. (Step 12).

  In this step 12, when the signal input processing means 56 determines that the pressing time of any one of the buttons 22a to 22c is not longer than a predetermined time T set in advance (t <T), the main control means 52 Then, the electric blower 25 is operated through the power control means 55 in the operation mode set by the pushed buttons 22a to 22c (step 13), and the process returns to step 2.

  On the other hand, in step 12, when the signal input processing means 56 determines that the pressing time of any one of the buttons 22a to 22c is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T set in advance (t ≧ T), the switching is performed. The means 54 selects the sub-control means 53, resets the control of the electric blower 25 by the main control means 52, and sets the input of the electric blower 25 to 0 (forcibly stops the electric blower 25) (step 14). Return to step 2.

  If it is determined in step 11 that any of the buttons 22a to 22c has not been pressed, the signal input processing means 56 determines whether or not the off button 23 has been pressed (step 15). .

  If it is determined in step 15 that the off button 23 has been pressed, the main control means 52 determines whether or not the electric blower 25 is operating (step 16).

  If it is determined in step 16 that the electric blower 25 is in operation, the main control means 52 stops the operation of the electric blower 25 via the power control means 55 (step 17). Return.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 16 that the electric blower 25 is not in operation, and if it is determined in step 15 that the off button 23 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 2 respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the sub-control, the signal input processing means 56 determines whether any of the buttons 22a to 22c is pressed (step 21).

  If it is determined in step 21 that any one of the buttons 22a to 22c has been pressed, the sub-control unit 53 operates the electric blower 25 in a predetermined operation mode via the power control unit 55 (step 21). 22) Return to step 2. At this time, the operation mode of the electric blower 25 operated by the sub-control means 53 may be any of weak, medium, and strong operation modes, or any operation mode different from these operation modes.

  If it is determined in step 21 that any of the buttons 22a to 22c has not been pressed, the signal input processing means 56 determines whether or not the off button 23 has been pressed (step 23).

  If it is determined in step 23 that the off button 23 has been pressed, the sub-control means 53 determines whether or not the electric blower 25 is operating (step 24).

  If it is determined in step 24 that the electric blower 25 is operating, the sub control means 53 stops the operation of the electric blower 25 via the power control means 55 (step 25), and the process returns to step 2.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 24 that the electric blower 25 is not in operation and if it is determined in step 23 that the off button 23 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 2 respectively.

  Then, the operator causes the floor brush 19 to travel forward and backward on the floor surface, which is the surface to be cleaned, through the gripping portion 21 thus gripped. Then, due to the negative pressure generated when the electric blower 25 is driven, dust on the floor, together with air, flows from the main body suction port 48 to the dust collecting part via the floor brush 19, the extension pipe 18 and the hose body 16. Inhaled. The dust is removed at the dust collecting portion, and the air from which the dust has been removed is sucked into the electric blower 25 and then exhausted from the electric blower 25, and then the vacuum cleaner main body 13 (main body case 27) Exhausted to the outside.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the pressing time of the setting button 22 (each button 22a to 22c) is less than the predetermined time T, the switching unit 54 is configured to switch the electric blower 25 by the main control unit 52. In addition to enabling control, when the pressing time of any of the setting buttons 22 (each button 22a to 22c) continues for a predetermined time T or longer, the switching means 54 has a function different from that of the main control means 52. By enabling the control of the electric blower 25 by means of, it is possible to switch to the sub control means 53 even when the main control means 52 malfunctions according to the length of the pressing time of the setting button 22 (each button 22a to 22c) Become.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the main control means 52 is noisy in a state where the electric blower 25 is operated by the main control means 52 by pressing and operating any of the setting buttons 22 for a time t1 (<T). If the electric blower 25 becomes unstable due to malfunction (runaway) due to a malfunction, etc., or the electric blower 25 does not stop even if the OFF button 23 is pressed In addition, when the operator depresses any one of the buttons 22a to 22c for a time t2 (≧ T) or longer, the switching means 54 switches to the sub-control means 53 and any one of the buttons 22a to 22c is operated again. The sub-control means 53 can control the operation of the electric blower 25 by stably raising the input of the electric blower 25 to a predetermined input.

  As a result, even if the main control means 52 malfunctions, the operator switches the system to the sub-control means 53, which is a recovery system, by manual operation with the intention of the operator to form an operating environment, and the vacuum cleaner 11 malfunctions. The state can be easily and quickly cleared, and the vacuum cleaner 11 can always be used smoothly without continuing the malfunctioning state more than necessary, thereby improving convenience.

  In particular, the vacuum cleaner 11 is prone to generate various noises due to the electric blower 25 and the inhalation of dust, and the commercial vacuum cleaner that is used for a long time compared to the household vacuum cleaner and the like. Since the main control means 52 is likely to malfunction, the above configuration makes it possible to configure the vacuum cleaner 11 that is resistant to noise and improves usability even in various environments.

  Furthermore, in the vacuum cleaner 11 fed from the battery 51, the power cord cannot be completely cut off by pulling out the power cord as in the case of a vacuum cleaner using a commercial AC power supply, and electric charges are accumulated in the vacuum cleaner 11. However, it is not easy to reset the microcomputer such as the main control means 52 because it cannot be grounded. Therefore, with the above configuration, even in the vacuum cleaner 11 using the battery 51, the malfunction state is not continued more than necessary, and even when the stop button 23 is operated, it does not stop, Can be easily handled.

  Moreover, when the vacuum cleaner 11 malfunctions, the operator generally tries to press the setting button 22, and the pressing time tends to be long, so the setting button 22 is pressed for a predetermined time T or longer. By sometimes switching from the main control means 52 to the sub-control means 53, this switching can be performed without an uncomfortable feeling by the operator, and convenience is improved.

  In addition, by making the main control means 52 used during normal operation a digital circuit configuration such as a multifunctional microcomputer, various controls of the electric blower 25 are possible, and a comfortable feeling of use can be obtained. Although the sub-control means 53 that is operated when the main control means 52 malfunctions has a low function, it is possible to improve noise resistance by adopting an analog circuit configuration.

  Thus, by making the noise resistance of the sub-control means 53 that switches when the main control means 52 malfunctions larger than that of the main control means 52, the sub-control means 53 can be operated even in an environment where the main control means 52 malfunctions. It is hard to malfunction. For this reason, when the main control means 52 malfunctions, when the switching means 54 switches to the sub-control means 53, the malfunction state of the vacuum cleaner 11 can be more reliably eliminated.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, in the main control of the first embodiment, the main control means 52 changes to the sub-control means 53 even when the pressing times of the plurality of buttons 22a to 22c are equal to or longer than the predetermined time T. Can be switched.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the signal input processing means 56 has a plurality of predetermined buttons 22a to 22c between step 11 and step 15 of the first embodiment. Step 31 is provided for determining whether or not the pressing operation has been performed for a time T or more.

  If it is determined in step 31 that a plurality of buttons 22a to 22c have been pressed for a predetermined time T or longer, the process proceeds to step 14, and a plurality of buttons 22a to 22c have been pressed for a predetermined time T or longer. If it is determined that there is not, the process proceeds to step 15.

  As described above, when the pressing time of the setting button 22 (the buttons 22a to 22c) is less than the predetermined time T, the switching unit 54 enables the main control unit 52 to control the electric blower 25 and the setting button 22 When the pressing time of at least one of the buttons 22a to 22c continues for a predetermined time T or longer, the switching unit 54 enables the sub-control unit 53 to control the electric blower 25, whereby the first The same effects as the embodiment can be achieved.

  Further, when the main control means 52 malfunctions, the operator can switch from the main control means 52 to the sub-control means 53 even if the operator pushes a plurality of setting buttons 22, so that the setting button 22 by the operator The degree of freedom of selection is improved, and an operation signal for requesting switching from the main control means 52 to the sub control means 53 can be sent to the signal input processing means 56 side earlier.

  In each of the above embodiments, a commercial AC power supply may be used instead of the battery 51.

  When determining whether or not the pressing time of the setting button 22 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T, not only the pressing time itself and the predetermined time T are directly compared but also a predetermined detection value corresponding to the pressing time and It may be configured to indirectly determine whether the pressing time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T by comparing with a predetermined threshold corresponding to the predetermined time T.

  Further, the off button 23 is set as one of the setting buttons 22, and the switch means 54 is switched from the main control means 52 to the sub control means 53 when the off button 23 is pressed for a predetermined time T or more. Also good.

  The details of the vacuum cleaner 11 are not limited to the above configuration.

It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the vacuum cleaner of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the circuit around the setting button of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows control of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows the main control of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows sub control of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the control timing of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows the main control of the vacuum cleaner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Vacuum cleaner
13 Vacuum cleaner body
22 Settings button
25 Electric blower
51 batteries
52 Main control means as control means
53 Sub-control means as control means
54 Switching means

Claims (3)

A vacuum cleaner body containing an electric blower,
A setting button capable of setting the operation mode of the electric blower by an external operation;
A pair of control means capable of operating the electric blower in a predetermined operation mode having different functions from each other;
When the pressing time of the setting button is less than a predetermined time, the electric blower can be controlled by any one of the control means, and when the pressing time of at least one of the setting buttons continues for the predetermined time or more And a switching means that enables the electric blower to be controlled by the other of the control means. One control means is the main control means,
The other control means is a sub-control means having a higher noise resistance than the main control means,
The switching means enables control of the electric blower by the main control means when the pressing time of the setting button is less than a predetermined time, and by the sub-control means when the pressing time of the setting button continues for a predetermined time or more. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the electric blower can be controlled. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electric blower and each control means are driven by a battery.

Images