JP2013226221A - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vacuum cleaner that is extremely easy to attach and detach a first suction device and a second suction device.SOLUTION: Provided is a vacuum cleaner that includes: an operation means 9 for conducting each driving operation of the vacuum cleaner; a first suction device 31 communicated with an electric blower 2; a second suction device 34 having a suction opening port in a bottom surface thereof, which is attachable to and detachable from the first suction device 31; a lock mechanism for connecting and holding the first suction device 31 and the second suction device 34; and a solenoid 18 for driving the lock mechanism built in the second suction device 34. The lock mechanism is usually biased mechanically in a locking direction to drive the solenoid 18 in such a direction that the solenoid releases the lock mechanism 41 only during a drive current supply to the solenoid 18. When a power contact 19 of the first suction device 31 is connected to a power receiving contact 3 of the second suction device34, the drive current is supplied to the solenoid 18 by the operation of the operation means 9. When not connected, the drive current can be supplied to the solenoid 18 for only a prescribed short period.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner in which a floor suction tool is composed of a small first suction tool and a second suction tool detachable from the first suction tool. is there.

  A vacuum cleaner in which a floor suction tool for a vacuum cleaner is composed of a second suction tool for performing normal floor cleaning and a small first suction tool for cleaning a narrow range such as a gap is conventionally provided. In recent years, products that can be attached and detached with one touch by operating a lever provided on the floor suction tool have begun to be marketed.

  As a configuration of such a conventional vacuum cleaner floor suction tool, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 or 2, the second suction tool is not intended when a normal vacuum cleaner is used. A lock mechanism for connecting and holding the second suction tool is provided so as not to come off, and a lock release lever is provided on the second suction tool or the first suction tool to release the lock. Furthermore, the shape and the mounting position are generally considered so that the lever can be operated with a foot so that the lever can be operated without squatting.

JP 2001-314358 A JP 2004-337500 A

  However, in the configuration of the conventional vacuum cleaner, when removing the second suction tool, the user moves the floor suction tool to the foot or near the floor suction tool in order to operate the lever. Since the lever is often provided on the left side of the floor suction tool so that it can be easily stepped on by a right-handed person, for example, a left-handed person, etc. For those who do, there was a problem that it is difficult to step on the lever.

  Conversely, when mounting the second suction tool, it is necessary to apply a certain amount of force in order to get over the lock mechanism biased by the spring, and at that time the second suction tool moves. In some cases, the second suction tool had to be pressed and worn so as not to be trapped.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a highly usable vacuum cleaner that can easily attach and detach the first suction tool and the second suction tool without interrupting the cleaning operation. For the purpose.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention is provided in a vacuum cleaner main body incorporating an electric blower and a handle that a user grips during cleaning, and performs each operation of the vacuum cleaner. Operating means, a small first suction tool that communicates with the electric blower, a first suction tool that has a suction port for dust suction on the bottom, and is detachable from the first suction tool, and the first suction tool. And a lock mechanism for connecting and holding the second suction tool, and an actuator that is built in the second suction tool and drives the lock mechanism. The actuator is energized, and is configured such that the actuator is driven in a direction to release the lock mechanism only during the supply of the drive current to the actuator, and the electrical connection portion of the first suction tool and the second suction tool Provided in A connection detecting means for detecting attachment / detachment of an air contact is provided. When the electrical contact is connected, a drive current is supplied to the actuator by operation of the operation means, and when the electrical contact is not connected, the electrical contact is provided. The drive current is supplied to the actuator for a predetermined short time immediately after the connection of the contact. When the second suction tool is removed, the first suction tool and the electrical contact are operated via the first suction tool by operating the operating means. Since the drive current is supplied to the actuator built in the two suction tools and the lock mechanism is released, the second suction tool can be easily removed. Since the actuator is not driven while the second suction tool is completely removed and the electrical contact is not connected, the lock mechanism is biased to the lock side.

  Therefore, the second suction tool cannot be mounted as it is, but when the electrical contacts of the first suction tool and the second suction tool are brought into contact with each other, the actuator is driven to release the lock mechanism. When the actuator drive signal is stopped again, the connection of the second suction tool is maintained. Thereby, it is not necessary to apply almost any force at the time of mounting, and the second suction tool can be easily mounted.

  Furthermore, according to this configuration, the power consumption for driving the actuator is only a short period of time for attaching and detaching the second suction tool, so that it can be realized with almost no increase in power consumption, and the power source is supplied to the cleaner body. Even when it is not inserted (for example, when it is stored or carried), the lock mechanism is biased toward the lock side, so that the second suction tool does not unintentionally come off.

  The vacuum cleaner of the present invention can easily attach and detach the second suction tool without interrupting the cleaning operation.

Whole perspective view of the electric vacuum cleaner in Embodiment 1 of this invention Circuit block diagram of the vacuum cleaner The top view which shows the internal structure of the suction tool of the vacuum cleaner (A) AA sectional view of the suction tool with the second suction tool attached to the first suction tool of the vacuum cleaner, (b) The second suction tool from the first suction tool of the vacuum cleaner. AA sectional view of the suction tool in the removed state

1st invention is provided in the cleaner main body which incorporated the electric blower, the handle which a user grasps in the case of cleaning, and the operation means for performing each driving | operation operation of an electric vacuum cleaner, and communicates with the said electric blower Connecting and holding a small first suction tool, a suction port for dust suction on the bottom surface, the first suction tool, a detachable second suction tool, and the first suction tool and the second suction tool. A locking mechanism for driving and an actuator built in the second suction tool for driving the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism is normally mechanically biased in the locking direction, and is driven to the actuator. The connection is configured such that the actuator is driven in the direction to release the lock mechanism only during the supply of electric current, and further detects the attachment / detachment of the electrical contacts provided in the electrical connection portions of the first suction tool and the second suction tool. Detection means When the electrical contacts are connected, a drive current is supplied to the actuator by operating the operating means. When the electrical contacts are not connected, the electrical contacts are connected for a predetermined short time immediately after the electrical contacts are connected. The drive current is supplied to the actuator. When the second suction tool is removed, the drive current is applied to the actuator built in the second suction tool via the first suction tool and the electrical contact when the operation means is operated. Since the lock mechanism is released, the second suction tool can be easily removed. Since the actuator is not driven while the second suction tool is completely removed and the electrical contact is not connected, the lock mechanism is biased to the lock side.

  Therefore, the second suction tool cannot be mounted as it is, but when the electrical contacts of the first suction tool and the second suction tool are brought into contact with each other, the actuator is driven to release the lock mechanism. When the actuator drive signal is stopped again, the connection of the second suction tool is maintained. Thereby, it is not necessary to apply almost any force at the time of mounting, and the second suction tool can be easily mounted.

  Furthermore, according to this configuration, the power consumption for driving the actuator is only a short period of time for attaching and detaching the second suction tool, so that it can be realized with almost no increase in power consumption, and the power source is supplied to the cleaner body. Even when it is not inserted (for example, when it is stored or carried), the lock mechanism is biased toward the lock side, so that the second suction tool does not unintentionally come off.

  In particular, the second invention is provided with a bed leaving detecting means for detecting that the second suction tool of the first invention is separated from the floor surface, an electrical contact is connected, and the second suction tool is a floor. When it is away from the surface, the driving current is not supplied to the actuator even if the operating means is operated. The first suction is performed together with the second suction tool while exhibiting the same effect as the first invention. This also takes into account the danger that the second suction tool may come off and fall if the operating means is operated by mistake while lifting the tool from the floor surface.

  In particular, the third invention uses a pulse-driven solenoid as the actuator of the first or second invention, and inputs a signal to the display means provided between the operation means and the second suction tool. Line and the drive current supply line of the actuator are used as a common line. For example, when a display means for displaying the operation status of the electric discharger is provided in the first suction tool or the second suction tool, the drive By making the frequency of the signal different from the drive signal pulse frequency of the actuator, it is possible to drive only the display means without driving the actuator, so the number of parts such as signal lines and electrical contacts can be increased without increasing the number of parts. The display means can be added while exhibiting the effects of the first invention or the second invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
The vacuum cleaner in Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated using FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner main body 21 is provided with an electric blower chamber 22 incorporating the electric blower 2 at the rear, a dust collection chamber 23 for collecting dust is disposed at the front, and the front of the vacuum cleaner main body 21. Is provided with an intake port 26 to which a connection pipe 25 provided at one end of the hose 24 is detachably connected.

  The other end of the hose 24 is provided with a tip pipe 28 provided with a handle 27 having an operating means 9 for operating the cleaner body 21 while holding it during cleaning. The operation means 9 includes a “cut” button (not shown), an “run” button (not shown), and a “suction tool attach / detach” button (not shown). The downstream end of the extendable extension pipe 29 is detachably connected to the tip pipe 28, and the other end is detachably connected to a second suction tool 34 having a suction port (not shown) on the bottom surface. Yes.

  Further, in the vicinity of the connection end of the first suction tool 31 of the extension pipe 29, a “dust full” lamp 6 is arranged as a display means. Below the first suction tool 31, a rotary brush 30 for scraping dust and a second suction tool 34 incorporating a motor 10 that rotationally drives the rotary brush 30 are detachably connected. Further, a power cord 13 (see FIG. 2) for supplying power to a circuit board 32 (see FIG. 2) built in the cleaner main body 21 is connected to an outlet (commercial power source) at the rear of the cleaner main body 21. 2).

  Next, the internal structure of the 1st suction tool 31 and the 2nd suction tool 34 is demonstrated using FIG.3 and FIG.4. 3 is a plan view showing the internal structure, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

  The connection and holding of the first suction tool 31 and the second suction tool 34 are performed by a lock mechanism 41 built in the second suction tool 34. When the solenoid 18 which is an actuator is driven, a lever (iron core) (not shown) of the solenoid 18 moves the lock mechanism 41, and the connection / holding of the first suction tool 31 and the second suction tool 34 is released. Normally, that is, when the drive current is not supplied to the solenoid 18, the lever of the solenoid 18 is mechanically biased upward by a spring (not shown) or the like so that the lock mechanism 41 is in the locked position. It is configured.

  The first suction tool 31 is provided with three power supply contact points 19, and a pair of power supply contact points 19 for supplying power to the motor 10 that rotationally drives the rotary brush 30, and the other one is , For supplying a drive current to the solenoid 18.

  The power supply contact 19 is connected to a wiring lead wire (not shown) from the cleaner body 21 through the hose 24, the extension pipe 29, and the first suction tool 31, and the second suction tool 34 is connected to the first suction tool. At the time of mounting on the first suction tool 31, the first suction tool 31 is provided so as to be electrically connected to the power receiving contact 3 provided on the second suction tool 34. The power supply contact 19 and the power reception contact 3 are provided at positions where they can be electrically connected even when the second suction tool 34 is not attached, that is, even when the lock mechanism 41 is in the lock position.

  Next, the configuration of the control circuit will be described with reference to FIG. The circuit blocks 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d on the circuit diagram are respectively arranged on the cleaner body 21, the hose 24, the extension pipe 29, and the second suction tool 34. The commercial power supply 1 is connected to a zero cross detection circuit 8 for detecting a zero cross of a power waveform, a power supply circuit 7 for supplying power to the signal control means 14, an electric blower 2, and a motor 10.

  The electric blower 2 and the motor 10 are configured to be phase-controlled by the signal control means 14 via a drive circuit A4 and a drive circuit B12, respectively. The zero cross detection circuit 8 required for performing phase control is connected to the signal control means 14. A current detection unit 5 is disposed on the power supply path of the electric blower 2 and is connected to the signal control unit 14.

  The second suction tool 34 is closed when the second suction tool 34 is grounded (landing) on the floor to be cleaned so that the dust on the floor can be sucked, and opened when the floor is left. A limit switch 11 is provided, which can detect a bed leaving by combining with the resistor R1, and further comprises a connection detecting and bed detecting means 15 that can detect whether the power supply contact 19 and the power receiving contact 3 are connected by combining with the resistor R2. doing.

The signal control means 14 monitors the output from the connection detection / bed-off detection means 15 during the period from the zero crossing until the electric blower 2 is driven.
It is possible to determine the grounding state of the suction tool 34 and the connection state of the power supply contact 19 and the power receiving contact 3. The solenoid 18 for driving the lock mechanism 41 is a pulse drive type, and the supply of drive current to the solenoid 18 is connected to the power supply circuit 7 via the drive circuit C17 and is controlled by the signal control means 14. ing.

  The power supply path from the hose 24 to the second suction tool 34 includes one common line, one signal line connected to the operation means 9, a signal line connected to the display means 6, and a solenoid drive current. One supply line is shared, and one power supply line for driving the motor 10 and one signal line for the connection detection / bed-off detection means 15 are shared.

  The operation of the vacuum cleaner is performed as follows. That is, a power plug (not shown) of the power cord 13 is inserted into an indoor outlet, and the commercial power source 1 is connected to the circuit board 32. When the “run” button of the operation means 9 is operated, the electric blower 2 starts rotating and the electric vacuum cleaner starts operation. At this time, the signal control means 14 receives the operation command signal from the operation means 9 and performs phase control of the electric blower 2 and the motor 10 via the drive circuit A4 and the drive circuit B12.

  The current flowing through the electric blower 2 is rectified and smoothed by the current detection means 5, input to the A / D terminal of the signal control means 14, and calculated in the signal control means 14. The phase control angle of the electric blower 2 is determined by this calculation result, and the “dust full” lamp 6 as the display means is also turned on / off by this calculation result. When the “suction tool attachment / detachment” button of the operation means 9 is operated in a state where the second suction tool 34 is mounted and is grounded to the floor, the signal control means 14 is connected to the solenoid 18 via the drive circuit C17. Supply drive current pulses.

  When the solenoid 18 is driven by supplying the drive current pulse, the lock of the second suction tool 34 by the lock mechanism 41 is released, and the second suction tool 34 can be detached from the first suction tool 31. When the second suction tool 34 is removed and the power receiving contact 3 is released from the power supply contact 19, no driving pulse is supplied to the solenoid 18, so that the solenoid 18 is in a steady position by the bias of a spring (not shown). The lock mechanism 41 returns to the lock position.

  Next, when the power supply contact 19 and the power receiving contact 3 are brought into contact with each other when the second suction tool 34 is mounted again, a drive pulse is applied to the solenoid 18 through the drive circuit C17 for 0.5 seconds under the control of the signal control means 14. Is supplied. As a result, the lock mechanism 41 moves to the unlock position for 0.5 seconds, and the second suction tool 34 can be inserted to the lock position. After 0.5 seconds, the lock mechanism 41 returns to the lock position again, whereby the second suction tool 34 is connected to and held by the first suction tool 31.

  When the “dust full” lamp 6 is lit, a current is supplied to the “dust full” lamp 6 by the control of the signal control means 14 using the current supply line to the solenoid 18. Since the current is constant, the solenoid 18 is not driven and only the “dust full” lamp 6 can be turned on. When the “OFF” button of the operation means 9 is operated, the signal control means 14 stops the phase control signal, and the electric blower 2 and the motor 10 are stopped. The signal control means 14 stops the drive pulse to the solenoid 18 and the phase control signal of the motor 10 when the second suction tool 34 is not connected.

  Hereinafter, the effect and operation of the electric vacuum cleaner in the present embodiment will be described.

When the second suction tool 34 is removed, a drive current pulse is supplied to the solenoid 18 built in the second suction tool 34 by the operation of the operating means 9 and the lock mechanism 41 is released. The tool 34 can be removed. Since the solenoid 18 is not driven while the second suction tool 34 is completely removed and the power supply contact 19 and the power receiving contact 3 are not in contact, the lock mechanism 41 is urged to the lock side.

  Therefore, the second suction tool 34 cannot be mounted as it is, but when the power supply contact 19 of the first suction tool 31 is brought into contact with the power receiving contact 3 of the second suction tool 34, the solenoid 18 is driven for 0.5 second. Since the current pulse is supplied and the lock mechanism 41 is released, the second suction tool 34 can be inserted to the lock position, and after another 0.5 seconds, the lock mechanism 41 returns to the lock position again, and the second suction tool 34 Concatenation is maintained. Thereby, it is not necessary to apply almost any force at the time of mounting, and the second suction tool 34 can be easily mounted.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly usable vacuum cleaner that can easily attach and detach the second suction tool 34 without interrupting the cleaning operation.

  Furthermore, according to this configuration, the power consumption for driving the solenoid 18 is only a short period of time for attaching and detaching the second suction tool 34, so that it can be realized with almost no increase in power consumption. Even when the power is not turned on (for example, when stored or carried), the lock mechanism 41 is biased toward the lock side, so the second suction tool 34 does not unintentionally come off, When the second suction tool 34 is lifted from the floor, even if the “suction tool attachment / detachment” button is mistakenly operated, the drive current pulse is not supplied, so the second suction tool 34 falls off and falls. There is nothing.

  Further, since the signal line of the “dust full” lamp 6 provided in the extension tube 29 can be shared with the solenoid drive current supply line, the usability can be improved without increasing the wiring and electrical contacts in the hose 24 and the extension tube 29. Is also possible.

  As described above, the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention has a floor suction tool that is composed of a small first suction tool and a second suction tool that is detachable from the first suction tool. It can be applied to various types of vacuum cleaners, not only for home use but also for business use and built-in type (central cleaner).

1 Commercial Power Supply 2 Electric Blower 3 Receiving Contact (Electric Contact)
4 Drive circuit A
5 Current detection means 6 “Dust full” lamp (display means)
7 Power supply circuit 8 Zero cross detection circuit 9 Operating means 10 Motor 11 Limit switch 12 Drive circuit B
13 Power cord 14 Signal control means 15 Connection detection / bedout detection means (connection detection means, bed detection means)
17 Drive circuit C
18 Solenoid (actuator)
19 Power contact (electrical contact)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Vacuum cleaner main body 22 Electric blower chamber 23 Dust collection chamber 24 Hose 25 Connection pipe 26 Air inlet 27 Handle 28 Tip pipe 29 Extension pipe 30 Rotating brush 31 1st suction tool 32 Circuit board 34 2nd suction tool 41 Lock mechanism

Claims (3)

A vacuum cleaner main body with a built-in electric blower, an operating means for operating each operation of the vacuum cleaner, provided on a handle gripped by a user during cleaning, and a small first suction tool communicating with the electric blower And a first suction tool and a detachable second suction tool having a suction port for dust suction on the bottom surface, and a lock mechanism for connecting and holding the first suction tool and the second suction tool. An actuator built in the second suction tool to drive the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism is normally mechanically biased in the locking direction, and only during the drive current supply to the actuator, The actuator is configured to be driven in a direction to release the lock mechanism, and further includes connection detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of an electrical contact provided in an electrical connection portion of the first suction tool and the second suction tool, Electrical When a point is connected, a drive current is supplied to the actuator by operating the operating means. When the electrical contact is not connected, the drive current is supplied to the actuator for a predetermined short time immediately after the connection of the electrical contact. To supply a vacuum cleaner. A bed leaving detection means for detecting that the second suction tool is separated from the floor surface is provided. When the electrical contact is connected and the second suction tool is separated from the floor surface, the operation means is operated. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the electric current is not supplied to the actuator. As the actuator, a pulse drive type solenoid is used, and the signal input line to the display means provided between the operation means and the second suction tool and the drive current supply line of the actuator are used as a common line. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2.