JP6664230B2 - Electric cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments according to the present invention relate to an electric cleaning device.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electric cleaning device that sucks and accumulates dust collected by a cleaning tool such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool.

JP 2012-245318 A

  Non-autonomous vacuum cleaners such as canisters and robot cleaners that autonomously clean during periods of absence, etc., can provide high convenience for use in cleaning a certain wide area such as the entire living room, but for example, children can eat In the use of cleaning spilled confectionery waste, that is, in the use of cleaning a part of a living room immediately, the convenience is reduced.

  In applications such as cleaning confectionery scraps that children have spilled out, means other than a vacuum cleaner, such as a means for sweeping dust with a mop, broom, or floor cleaner, can respond more quickly.

  However, even if a means other than a vacuum cleaner, such as a mop, a broom, or a means for sweeping dust with a floor cleaning tool, can respond quickly, the disposal of dust after sweeping is not possible. In addition, there is another aspect that extra work such as dust removal is required.

  Therefore, the present invention utilizes a station unit that is installed in a living room, so that cleaning with an electric vacuum cleaner and a means other than the electric vacuum cleaner, for example, a mop, a broom, and a local cleaning tool using a floor cleaning tool are used. The present invention proposes an electric cleaning device capable of easily disposing of collected dust after performing cleaning quickly.

In order to solve the above problems, an electric cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an electric cleaning unit that collects dust on a surface to be cleaned; and a station unit to which the electric cleaning unit can be attached. The unit has a first suction air passage connected to the electric cleaning unit in a state where the electric cleaning unit is mounted on the station unit, and a suction port for sucking other dust different from the dust collected by the electric cleaning unit. And a dust collector that is fluidly connected to the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage and that accumulates dust flowing from the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage. A container, an electric blower that applies a negative pressure to the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage through the dust collection container, and a communication between the first suction air passage and the dust collection container. Allow one of distribution of the second suction air passage and the dust collection container, said collection switching valve capable of switching air passage connected to the dust container so as to block the other, driving the switching valve A power unit to be driven, a detector for detecting the approach of the cleaning tool to the suction port, and when the detector detects the approach of the cleaning tool , the switching valve sets the first suction air passage and the dust collection. Regardless of the state in which the circulation through the container and the circulation through the second suction air passage and the dust collection container are permitted, the switching valve allows the circulation between the second suction air passage and the dust collection container. And a control unit that operates the power unit so as to allow the air blower to operate, operates the electric blower, and suctions the suction port to apply a negative pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the electric cleaning device as one example which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view showing the bottom of the autonomous cleaning unit of the electric cleaning device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view showing the station unit of the electric cleaning device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The schematic block diagram of the station unit of the electric cleaning device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The schematic block diagram of the station unit of the electric cleaning device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the operation control of the 2nd electric blower when the station unit of the electric cleaning device which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped with an electric power unit. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operation control of the second electric blower when the station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a manually operated power unit. The flowchart which shows an example of the stop control of the 2nd electric blower of the electric cleaning device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of stop control of the second electric blower of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  An embodiment of an electric cleaning device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drawings, the same or corresponding components have the same reference characters allotted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an electric cleaning device as one example according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes dust collected by a means other than the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, for example, a mop, a broom, or a cleaning tool such as a floor cleaning tool. Alternatively, the dust adhering to a cleaning tool itself such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool is directly absorbed by the station unit 5.

  Further, the electric cleaning apparatus 1 autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust on the surface to be cleaned, and a station unit 5 having a charging electrode 9 of the autonomous type electric cleaning unit 2. And The electric cleaning device 1 collects dust by moving the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 autonomously over the entire surface to be cleaned in the living room, and thereafter returns the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5. Then, the dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is transferred (transferred) to the station unit 5 side and collected.

  The position where the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 9 of the station unit 5 is the return position of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 that returns to the station unit 5. The autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 returns to this return position when charging is necessary or when cleaning of the living room is completed. The position at which the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 9 of the station unit 5 is determined between the autonomously moving autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 and the station unit 5 that can be installed at any location. It is determined by the relative positional relationship.

  1, the arrow A indicates the forward direction of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and the arrow B indicates the retreat direction of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2. The width direction of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is a direction orthogonal to the arrows A and B.

  The autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 moves forward and separates from the station unit 5 and travels autonomously in the living room, while retracting and connecting to the station unit 5 when returning to the station unit 5.

  First, the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner, which autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned and collects dust. The autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 includes a first body case 11 having a hollow shape, a first dust container 12 detachably provided at a rear portion of the first body case 11, and a first dust container 12 housed in the first body case 11. The first electric blower 13 connected to the dust collecting container 12, the moving unit 15 for moving the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 on the surface to be cleaned, the driving unit 16 for driving the moving unit 15, and the driving unit 16 are controlled. A robot controller 17 that autonomously moves the first main body case 11 on the surface to be cleaned and a secondary battery 18 as a power supply are provided.

  The station unit 5 is installed at an arbitrary position on the surface to be cleaned. That is, the surface to be cleaned of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is also the installation surface of the station unit 5. The station unit 5 includes a pedestal 19 on which the autonomous type electric cleaning unit 2 rides toward a position (return position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 9, a dust collection unit 21 integrated with the pedestal 19, and an autonomous type. In a positional relationship (return position) where the electric cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 9, a dust transfer pipe 22 airtightly connected to the first dust container 12 of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and a dust transfer It has a lever 23 projecting from inside the tube 22 and a power cord 25 for guiding power from a commercial AC power supply.

  The dust collection unit 21 includes a second main body case 27 having a second suction port 26 for sucking other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and a first dust collection container 12 through a dust transfer pipe 22. And a second electric blower 29 accommodated in the second main body case 27 and connected to the second dust container 28.

  The second dust container 28 is connected to the second suction port 26 in addition to the dust transfer pipe 22. The station unit 5 applies a suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 to the second suction port 26 via the second dust collection container 28, so that a mop, a broom, a floor cleaning tool, etc. The station unit 5 directly absorbs dust collected by the cleaning tool or dust adhering to the cleaning tool itself such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool.

  Next, the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of the autonomous cleaning unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a center brush 31 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11 and a center for driving the center brush 31. A brush drive unit 32, a pair of left and right side brushes 33 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11, and a pair of left and right side brush drive units 35 for driving each of the side brushes 33 are provided.

  The first main body case 11 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and can easily turn the surface to be cleaned. A horizontally long first suction port 36 is provided at the center in the width direction of the rear half of the bottom surface 11a.

  The first suction port 36 has a width of about two thirds of the width of the first main body case 11. The first suction port 36 is fluidly connected to the first electric blower 13 via the first dust container 12.

  Further, the first main body case 11 has a dust container opening 37 on the bottom surface 11a. The dust container port 37 is disposed at a portion behind the first suction port 36 and covering a lower part of the first dust container 12. The dust container port 37 is opened in a rounded rectangular shape to partially expose the first dust container 12 mounted on the first main body case 11.

  The first dust container 12 separates the dust sucked from the first suction port 36 from the air by the suction negative pressure generated by the first electric blower 13 and accumulates the dust. A filter that filters and collects dust from air and a separation device that separates and accumulates dust from air by inertial separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclone separation) or straight-line separation are applied to the first dust collection container 12. . The first dust container 12 is disposed behind the first suction port 36 and at the rear of the first main body case 11. The first dust container 12 is detachably provided on the first main body case 11 to accumulate dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and the first dust collection container 12 is attached to the first main case 11. A connection portion 39 exposed from the dust container opening 37, a disposal port 41 provided in the connection portion 39 for disposing dust in the container body 38, and a disposal lid 42 for opening and closing the disposal port 41 are provided.

  The moving unit 15 includes a pair of left and right drive wheels 45 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11, and a turning wheel 46 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11.

  The pair of drive wheels 45 protrude from the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11, and ground on the surface to be cleaned while the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is placed on the surface to be cleaned. Further, the pair of drive wheels 45 are disposed substantially at the center in the front-rear direction of the first main body case 11, and are moved to the left and right sides of the first main body case 11, avoiding the front of the first suction port 36. Are located. The rotation axes of the pair of drive wheels 45 are arranged on a straight line extending along the width direction of the first main body case 11. The autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 moves forward or backward by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in the same direction, and turns clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in opposite directions. I do. The autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 can also turn right or left by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 at different angular velocities.

  The turning wheel 46 is a driven wheel that can turn freely. The first main body case 11 is disposed substantially at the center in the width direction and at the front.

  The drive unit 16 is a pair of electric motors connected to each of the pair of drive wheels 45. The drive unit 16 drives the left and right drive wheels 45 independently of each other.

  The robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. The robot control unit 17 is electrically connected to the first electric blower 13, the center brush driving unit 32, the driving unit 16, and the side brush driving unit 35.

  The secondary battery 18 supplies power to the first electric blower 13, the drive unit 32 for the center brush, the drive unit 16, the drive unit 35 for the side brush, and the robot control unit 17. The secondary battery 18 is arranged, for example, between the turning wheel 46 and the first suction port 36. The secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a pair of charging terminals 47 disposed on the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11. The secondary battery 18 is charged by connecting the charging terminal 47 to the charging electrode 9 of the station unit 5.

  The center brush 31 is provided in the first suction port 36. The center brush 31 is an axial brush rotatable around a rotation center line extending in the width direction of the first main body case 11. The center brush 31 includes, for example, a long shaft (not shown) and a plurality of brushes (not shown) extending in the radial direction of the shaft and spirally arranged in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. . The center brush 31 projects below the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11 from the first suction port 36, and contacts the brush with the surface to be cleaned while the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is placed on the surface to be cleaned.

  The center brush driving unit 32 is housed in the first main body case 11.

  The pair of side brushes 33 are auxiliary cleaning bodies, and are disposed on the left and right sides of the front of the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11, avoiding the front of the center brush 31. The pair of side brushes 33 collect dust on the surface to be cleaned near the wall that the center brush 31 does not reach and guide the dust to the first suction port 36. Each side brush 33 includes a brush base 48 having a rotation center slightly inclined forward with respect to a perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, and, for example, three linear cleaning bodies 49 radially protruding radially of the brush base 48. , Is provided.

  The left and right brush bases 48 are located forward of the first suction port 36 and the left and right driving wheels 45 and rearward of the turning wheel 46, and are arranged closer to the left and right sides of the first suction port 36. Have been. The rotation center lines of the respective brush bases 48 are slightly inclined forward with respect to the perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, the linear cleaning body 49 turns along a surface inclined forward with respect to the surface to be cleaned. The linear cleaning body 49 that pivots forward from the brush base 48 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned toward the distal end, and the linear cleaning body 49 that pivots backward from the brush base 48 approaches the surface to be cleaned toward the distal end. Will be weakened or separated from the surface to be cleaned.

  The plurality of linear cleaning bodies 49 are arranged radially from the brush base 48, for example, at equal intervals in three directions. The side brush 33 may include four or more linear cleaning bodies 49 for each brush base 48. Each linear cleaning body 49 has a plurality of brush bristles as a cleaning member on the distal end side. Further, the brush bristles revolve along a trajectory extending outward from the outer peripheral edge of the first main body case 11.

  Each side brush drive unit 35 includes a rotation shaft (not shown) that protrudes downward and is connected to the brush base 48 of the side brush 33. Each side brush driving unit 35 rotates the side brush 33 so as to collect dust on the surface to be cleaned into the first suction port 36.

  Next, the station unit 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pedestal 19 of the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment extends to the front side of the station unit 5 and expands in a rectangular shape. The pedestal 19 includes a high floor section 51 connected to the bottom of the dust collection section 21 and a low floor section 52 projecting from the high floor section 51. The low floor portion 52 and the high floor portion 51 extend in a band shape in the width direction of the station unit 5. The entrance of the charging electrode 9 and the dust transfer pipe 22 is disposed on the high floor section 51.

  The autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 rides the pair of drive wheels 45 on the low floor portion 52 and reaches the home return position with the first dust container 12 disposed above the high floor portion 51.

  The pedestal 19 is provided with an uneven running surface 53 that reduces the ground area of each of the pair of drive wheels 45 when the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 moves to a position (return position) where it is electrically connected to the charging electrode 9. ing. The running surface 53 has a plurality of linear irregularities, a lattice irregularity, or a plurality of hemispherical irregularities provided on a part of the pedestal 19.

  The dust collection unit 21 includes a second main body case 27 having a second suction port 26 for sucking other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and a first dust collection container 12 through a dust transfer pipe 22. A second dust collecting container 28 that accumulates dust discarded from the container, a second electric blower 29 that is housed in the second main body case 27 and is connected to the second dust collecting container 28, An approach detector 54 for detecting the approach of the cleaning tool, a station control unit 55 for controlling the operation of the second electric blower 29, a power cord 25 for guiding electric power from a commercial AC power supply to the second electric blower 29 and the charging electrode 9; , Is provided.

  The second main body case 27 is a box having an appropriate shape that is disposed at the rear of the station unit 5 and extends above the pedestal 19 and can be placed on the surface to be cleaned of the living room. And a wall surface 27a having a height. The wall surface 27a corresponds to a right side surface of the second main body case 27. The second main body case 27 has an appropriate shape that does not interfere even when the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 returns.

  The second main body case 27 is short in the depth direction (the direction in which the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 advances when returning home) and is long in the width direction. A second dust container 28 is disposed in one half of the second main body case 27 in the width direction, specifically, in the right half, and in the other half, specifically, the left half, Two electric blowers 29 are accommodated.

  The front wall of the second main body case 27 includes an arc-shaped concave portion 56 corresponding to the rear end of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2. The entrance of the dust transfer pipe 22 extends from the raised floor portion 51 of the pedestal 19 to the recessed portion 56. The recess 56 is provided with a return confirmation detector 57 for detecting whether or not the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 has reached a position (return position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 9.

  The return confirmation detector 57 is a so-called objective sensor that detects the relative distance from the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 using visible light or infrared light. The home return confirmation detection unit 57 includes a first sensor unit 58 that detects a relative distance to the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 in the front direction of the dust collection unit 21, and an autonomous electric cleaning unit in the height direction of the second main body case 27. A second sensor unit 59 for detecting a relative distance from the second sensor unit 2.

  The second suction port 26 is configured to remove dust collected by means other than the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, for example, a mop, a broom, and dust collected by a floor cleaner, or dust adhering to a mop, a broom, and the floor cleaner itself. Applied for inhalation applications. The second suction port 26 is provided below the right wall surface of the second main body case 27 as a wall surface 27a having a height with respect to the installation surface. The second suction port 26 has an appropriate width along the installation surface and an appropriate height in the normal direction of the surface to be cleaned.

  The pair of charging electrodes 9 are arranged with the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 22 interposed therebetween. In addition, each charging electrode 9 is disposed in front of the left and right edges of the recess 56.

  In the second main body case 27, in addition to the dust transfer tube 22, a suction air passage 61 having a second suction port 26 and fluidly connected to the second dust collection container 28, A downstream air path pipe 62 that fluidly connects the second air blower 29 with the second air blower 29 is provided.

  The dust transfer pipe 22 is connected to the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 in a state where the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 has returned to the station unit 5, and is connected to the first suction air passage for sucking dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2. is there. On the other hand, the suction air passage 61 is a second suction air passage that sucks another dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 from the second suction port 26.

  Both the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 are connected to the suction side (upstream of the air flow) of the second dust collection container 28. That is, the negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 acts on both the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 via the second dust collection container 28. Therefore, the station unit 5 establishes a fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collection container 28 when transferring dust from the autonomous type electric cleaning unit 2, while the suction air passage 61 and the second The fluid connection with the dust collection container 28 is cut off, and when the negative pressure is applied to the second suction port 26, the fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collection container 28 is cut off. An air passage switching mechanism 63 for establishing a fluid connection between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collection container 28 is provided.

  In addition, the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 are fluidly connected to the second dust container 28 via a merge pipe 64 connected to both air paths. The junction pipe 64 relays between the air path switching mechanism 63 and the second dust container 28.

  The dust transfer pipe 22 detachably connects the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 and the second dust collection container 28. The dust transfer tube 22 contacts the connecting portion 39 of the first dust collection container 12 of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 in a position (return position) where the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 9. To the disposal port 41.

  The lever 23 disposed at the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 22 has a hook 65 extending upward and in front of the dust collection unit 21. The lever 23 hooks a hook 65 on a disposal lid 42 closing the disposal port 41 of the first dust collection container 12 in the process of returning the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5, and opens the disposal lid 42 to open the first dust collection. The communication between the container 12 and the dust transfer pipe 22 is established.

  The suction air passage 61 is provided in the second main body case 27. The suction air path 61 is a rising air path pipe that fluidly connects the suction chamber 66 connected to the second suction port 26 and the suction chamber 66 and the second dust collection container 28 via the air path switching mechanism 63. 67.

  The suction chamber 66 is disposed below the second dust container 28 and extends across right below the second dust container 28. The suction chamber 66 has an inflow-side end 66a connected to the second suction port 26 and an outflow-side end 66b connected to the rising wind path pipe 67. The suction chamber 66 fluidly connects the second suction port 26 and the second dust container 28 via a rising air path pipe 67.

  The depth of the air passage (length of the air passage) of the suction chamber 66, that is, the distance between the outflow end 66b and the inflow end 66a is longer than the diameter D of the second dust container 28.

  The rising air path pipe 67 is connected to the outflow end 66 b of the suction chamber 66, and rises upward along the second dust container 28. The rising air path pipe 67 includes a lower end 67 a connected to the outlet 66 b of the suction chamber 66, and an upper end 67 b connected to the air path switching mechanism 63.

  The air passage switching mechanism 63 is configured to circulate between the dust transfer pipe 22 (that is, the first suction air passage) and the second dust collection container 28, and to communicate with the suction air passage 61 (that is, the second suction air passage) and the second dust collection container 28. A switching valve 72 capable of switching an air path connected to the second dust collection container 28 so as to permit any one of the flow of the air and block the other, and a power unit 73 for driving the switching valve 72. I have.

  There are a plurality of switching valves 72. Specifically, a first switching valve 75a capable of permitting or blocking the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collection container 28, the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collection container 28 A second switching valve 75b capable of permitting or shutting off the communication with the second switching valve 75b.

  Further, the switching valve 72 includes a separate valve element and a separate valve shaft. Specifically, the switching valve 72 includes a first valve body 76a capable of permitting or blocking the flow of the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust container 28, and a first valve shaft 77a supporting the first valve body 76a. A first switching valve 75a, a second valve body 76b capable of permitting or blocking the flow of the suction air passage 61 and the second dust container 28, and a second valve shaft 77b supporting the second valve body 76b. And two switching valves 75b. That is, the first switching valve 75a and the second switching valve 75b are respectively provided with separate valve bodies (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) and valve shafts (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b). It has.

  The first valve shaft 77a and the second valve shaft 77b are provided side by side with a wall separating the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 therebetween.

  The valve bodies (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) come into contact with valve seats (first valve seat 78a, second valve seat 78b) provided on the merging pipe 64, and the respective air paths and merging pipe 64 , And furthermore, a seat surface for blocking the flow between the respective air passages and the second dust collecting container 28.

  The valve shaft (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b) supports the valve body (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) like a door. The switching valve 72 rotates the respective valve bodies (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) around their respective valve shafts (first valve shaft 77a, second valve shaft 77b) to generate wind. Close and open roads.

  The power unit 73 may be configured to manually switch the switching valve 72 through a mechanical mechanism such as a link mechanism, a crank mechanism, a scotch yoke mechanism, and a rack and pinion mechanism. The switching valve 72 may be switched, or a mechanical mechanism and an electric motor may be combined, and the switching valve 72 may be switched indirectly by the electric motor. It is preferable that a buffer mechanism or a clutch mechanism that prevents overload on the valve body (first valve body 76a, second valve body 76b) is provided between the power unit 73 and the switching valve 72.

  The second dust container 28 is detachably mounted on the right side of the dust collection unit 21 and is exposed. The second dust container 28 is fluidly connected to the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61, and separates and accumulates dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61. The second dust container 28 is fluidly connected to the second suction port 26 via the air path switching mechanism 63, the rising air path pipe 67, and the suction chamber 66 in this order. The second dust container 28 is arranged above the suction chamber 66.

  The second dust container 28 includes a centrifugal separator 81 for centrifuging dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 from air. The centrifugal separator 81 is a multi-stage type, and the first centrifugal separator 81a for centrifuging the dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 from air, and the dust passing through the first centrifugal separator 81a from air. A second centrifugal separator 81b for centrifuging.

  The first centrifugal separator 81a centrifugally separates coarse dust from the air guided to the second dust collection container 28. The second centrifugal separator 81b centrifuges fine dust from the air passing through the first centrifuge 81a. Note that coarse dust is mainly fibrous dust such as lint and cotton dust and large dust such as sand particles, and fine dust is particulate or powdery dust having small mass.

  The second electric blower 29 sucks the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second suction port 26 via the downstream air path pipe 62 and the second dust collection container 28 to apply a negative pressure. The suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 acts on the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 by the air path switching mechanism 63.

  The approach detector 54 detects whether or not the cleaning tool has approached the second suction port 26 based on whether or not light such as infrared rays that traverse the vicinity of the outside of the second suction port 26 has been blocked. The proximity detector 54 is, for example, a photo interrupter, and includes a light emitting unit 85 that irradiates light such as infrared light that crosses the vicinity of the second suction port 26, and a light receiving unit 86 that receives light emitted by the light emitting unit 85. ing. The light emitting unit 85 and the light receiving unit 86 face each other with the vicinity of the outside of the second suction port 26 sandwiched in the horizontal direction. The approach detector 54 irradiates the cleaning tool approaching the second suction port 26 with infrared rays or the like, and detects whether the cleaning tool approaches the second suction port 26 based on a change in the intensity of the reflected light. There may be. The proximity detector 54 may use an ultrasonic wave in addition to light such as infrared light.

  The station control unit 55 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. The station controller 55 is electrically connected to the second electric blower 29, the return confirmation detector 57, the electric power unit 73, and the proximity detector 54.

  5 and 6 are schematic block diagrams of a station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  5 and 6, the input relationship of a signal or force is indicated by a solid arrow, and the flow of air is indicated by a broken arrow.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the station unit 5 of the electric cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 in a state where the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is mounted on the station unit 5. The dust transfer pipe 22, the suction air passage 61 having the second suction port 26 for sucking other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, and the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 are fluidized. And a second dust collection container 28 that accumulates dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61, and applies a negative pressure to the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 via the second dust collection container 28. One of the flow of the second electric blower 29, the flow of the dust transfer pipe 22, and the flow of the second dust collection container 28 and the flow of the suction air passage 61 and the flow of the second dust collection container 28 are allowed, and the other is shut off. Second collection A switching valve 72 capable of switching an air path connected to the container 28, an approach detector 54 for detecting the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26, and when the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool, A station controller 55 for operating the second electric blower 29 to apply suction negative pressure to the second suction port 26.

  Further, the station unit 5 includes a power unit 73 for driving the switching valve 72. Further, the station unit 5 includes a suction air passage changeover switch 88 shown in FIG. 5 or a suction air passage changeover switch 88A shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the station unit 5 including the electric power unit 73 that switches the switching valve 72 by an electric motor, the suction air passage switching switch 88 functions as an input unit that instructs the switching operation of the switching valve 72. In this case, the suction air passage changeover switch 88 is a first suction air passage that permits the flow of the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collection container 28 and blocks the flow of the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collection container 28. A connection mode, a second suction air passage connection mode in which the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collection container 28 is cut off and the flow between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collection container 28 is permitted, and an approach detector 54 Is output to the station control unit 55 that any one of at least three modes including an automatic switching mode for appropriately switching the switching valve 72 based on the detection result is selectively selected. The station control unit 55 is electrically connected to the second electric blower 29 via a drive circuit 89a, and is electrically connected to the power unit 73 via a drive circuit 89b.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the station unit 5 including the power unit 73 that switches the switching valve 72 by inputting a manual operation, the suction air passage switching switch 88A simply detects the switching state of the switching valve 72 and detects the switching state of the switching valve 72. Output to The “switching state of the switching valve 72” detected by the suction air passage changeover switch 88A means that the switching valve 72 permits the communication between the dust transfer pipe 22 (that is, the first suction air passage) and the second dust collection container 28. And the flow between the suction air passage 61 (that is, the second suction air passage) and the second dust collection container 28 is blocked, or the switching valve 72 connects the dust transfer pipe 22 (that is, the first suction air passage). This is one of the states in which the flow to the second dust collection container 28 is shut off and the flow between the suction air passage 61 (that is, the second suction air passage) and the second dust collection container 28 is permitted. . The output of the suction air passage changeover switch 88A follows the state of the changeover valve 72.

  The station control unit 55 is in a state in which the switching valve 72 permits the circulation between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust container 28, and the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26. In this case, the second electric blower 29 is operated to suction the second suction port 26 to apply a negative pressure. At this time, the switching valve 72 shuts off the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust container 28.

  In addition, the station control unit 55 is in a state where the switching valve 72 permits the circulation of the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust container 28, and the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 returns to the station unit 5. If so, the second electric blower 29 is operated to transfer dust from the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5. The station control unit 55 determines the autonomous electric cleaning unit based on the output of the return confirmation detecting unit 57, the contact state between the charging electrode 9 and the charging terminal 47 of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, the load state of the charging electrode 9, and the like. It is determined whether or not 2 has returned to the station unit 5, and the transfer of dust is executed. When the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is mounted on the station unit 5, dust is transferred from the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5, and the first dust collection container 12 of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 is emptied. The control for accumulating dust in the second dust container 28 is hereinafter referred to as “dust transfer control”.

  Next, the operation control of the second electric blower 29 by the station control unit 55 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operation control of the second electric blower when the station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an electric power unit.

  That is, FIG. 7 is a flowchart corresponding to the block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the station control unit 55 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26, the switching valve 72 sucks. The power unit 73 is operated so as to permit a flow between the air passage 61 and the second dust collection container 28, and the second electric blower 29 is operated to suction the second suction port 26 to apply a negative pressure. At this time, the switching valve 72 shuts off the flow between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust container 28.

  Specifically, the station control unit 55 monitors the suction air passage changeover switch 88 (step S1), and any one of the first suction air passage connection mode, the second suction air passage connection mode, and the automatic switching mode is selected. Is determined (steps S2 to S4).

  If the first suction air path connection mode is selected (No at Step S2, Yes at Step S3), the station control unit 55 transitions to dust transfer control (Step S5). At this time, the station control unit 55 operates the power unit 73 to switch the switching valve 72 to a state in which the flow between the first suction air passage (the dust transfer pipe 22) and the second dust collection container 28 is permitted.

  After performing the dust transfer control, the station control unit 55 returns to step S1. The station control unit 55 monitors the suction air passage changeover switch 88 when the second electric blower 29 is not operating even during the dust transfer control, and selects the mode selected by the suction air passage changeover switch 88. Is changed, the process returns to step S1. Furthermore, when the second electric blower 29 is operating during the dust transfer control and the second electric blower 29 is operating, the station control unit 55 stops the suction operation after the second electric blower 29 is stopped due to the end of the dust transfer. The path changeover switch 88 is monitored, and if the mode selected by the suction airway changeover switch 88 has changed, the process returns to step S1.

  On the other hand, when the second suction air passage connection mode is selected (No in Step S2, No in Step S3, Yes in Step S4), the station control unit 55 activates the power unit 73 to operate the second suction air passage ( The switching valve 72 is switched to a state in which the circulation between the suction air passage 61) and the second dust container 28 is permitted (step S6).

  Next, the station control unit 55 monitors the approach detector 54 (Step S7), and when the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 (Step S8 Yes), the second The electric blower 29 is started (step S9), and transition to stop control of the second electric blower 29 is made (step S10). After the stop control of the second electric blower 29, the station control unit 55 returns to Step S1.

  When the approach detector 54 does not detect the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 (that is, in the case of no detection, step S8 No), the station controller 55 returns to step S1.

  Further, when the automatic switching mode is selected (Yes at Step S2), the station control unit 55 first monitors the approach detector 54 (Step S11). When the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 (Step S12 Yes), the station control unit 55 activates the power unit 73 to switch the switching valve 72 to the second suction air path. (Step S13), the second electric blower 29 is started (Step S14), and transition to the stop control of the second electric blower 29 is performed. (Step S15). After the stop control of the second electric blower 29, the station control unit 55 returns to Step S1.

  When the approach detector 54 does not detect the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 (that is, in the case of non-detection, step S12 No), the station control unit 55 transitions to dust transfer control (step S16). . At this time, the station control unit 55 operates the power unit 73 to switch the switching valve 72 to a state in which the flow between the first suction air passage (the dust transfer pipe 22) and the second dust collection container 28 is permitted.

  After performing the dust transfer control, the station control unit 55 returns to step S1. The station control unit 55 monitors the suction air passage changeover switch 88 when the second electric blower 29 is not operating even during the dust transfer control, and selects the mode selected by the suction air passage changeover switch 88. Is changed, the process returns to step S1. Furthermore, when the second electric blower 29 is operating during the dust transfer control and the second electric blower 29 is operating, the station control unit 55 stops the suction operation after the second electric blower 29 is stopped due to the end of the dust transfer. The path changeover switch 88 is monitored, and if the mode selected by the suction airway changeover switch 88 has changed, the process returns to step S1.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operation control of the second electric blower when the station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a manually operated power unit.

  That is, FIG. 8 is a flowchart corresponding to the block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the station controller 55 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment monitors the suction air passage changeover switch 88A (Step S21), and the switching valve 72 sets the second suction air passage (suction air passage). If the flow between the first dust collection container 61) and the second dust collection container 28 is interrupted (No at Step S22), the process transits to the dust transfer control (Step S23).

  On the other hand, the station control unit 55 monitors the suction air passage changeover switch 88A (step S21), and the switching valve 72 permits the flow between the second suction air passage (suction air passage 61) and the second dust collection container 28. If yes (step S22: Yes), the proximity detector 54 is monitored (step S24).

  Next, when the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 (Step S25 Yes), the station controller 55 starts the second electric blower 29 (Step S26). Transition is made to stop control of the second electric blower 29 (step S27). After the stop control of the second electric blower 29, the station control unit 55 returns to Step S1.

  When the approach detector 54 does not detect the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 (that is, in the case of non-detection, step S25 No), the station control unit 55 monitors the approach detector 54. Return (step S24).

  Next, stop control of the second electric blower 29 by the station control unit 55 will be described.

  Although two examples of stop control will be described below, any of the stop controls may be combined with the operation control of FIGS. 7 and 8.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of stop control of the second electric blower of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the station control unit 55 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment according to the present embodiment operates while the second electric blower 29 is operating, in a state where the approach detector 54 does not detect the cleaning tool. When the predetermined operation shutoff time has elapsed, the second electric blower 29 is stopped.

  Specifically, the station control unit 55 starts timing at the same time as the operation of the second electric blower 29 is started (step S31), and monitors the approach detector 54 (step S32). This timing may be counted up or down.

  When the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 (Step S33 Yes), the station control unit 55 initializes the clock (Step S34), and returns to Step S31 to measure the clock. To resume.

  On the other hand, when the approach detector 54 does not detect the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 (that is, in the case of no detection, step S33 No), the station control unit 55 determines whether or not the operation cutoff time has elapsed. Is determined (step S35). The operation shutdown time is set to, for example, about 3 seconds to 5 seconds.

  If the operation shutdown time has not elapsed (No at Step S35), the station control unit 55 returns to Step S32 and continues monitoring the approach detector 54.

  On the other hand, if the operation cutoff time has elapsed (Step S35 Yes), the station control unit 55 stops the second electric blower 29 (Step S36), ends the stop control, and controls the operation of the second electric blower 29. Return to

  When sweeping dust into the second suction port 26 with a cleaning tool, the cleaning tool approaches the second suction port 26 or moves away from the second suction port 26. At this time, every time the proximity detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool, the second electric blower 29 is started, and whenever the proximity detector 54 does not detect the approach of the cleaning tool, the second electric blower 29 is stopped. The second electric blower 29 repeatedly starts and stops continuously, which is not preferable in terms of life and power consumption.

  Therefore, the stop control in FIG. 9 resets the timing when the approach detector 54 re-detects the approach of the cleaning tool until the predetermined operation shut-off time elapses after the second electric blower 29 is once started. Then, the stop of the second electric blower 29 is avoided, and the operation of the second electric blower 29 is continued. On the other hand, the stop control in FIG. 9 stops the second electric blower 29 when a predetermined operation shut-off time elapses without the approach detector 54 detecting the approach of the cleaning tool. Thus, the electric cleaning device 1 prevents the second electric blower 29 from repeatedly starting and stopping each time the cleaning tool approaches or moves away from the second suction port 26.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of stop control of the second electric blower of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, after the station control unit 55 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment according to the present embodiment starts operating the second electric blower 29, the second operation is performed when a predetermined operation continuation time elapses. The electric blower 29 is stopped.

  Specifically, the station control unit 55 starts timing at the same time as the operation start of the second electric blower 29 (step S41), and determines whether the operation continuation time has elapsed (step S42). The operation continuation time is set to, for example, about 10 seconds to 15 seconds.

  If the operation continuation time has not elapsed (No at Step S42), the station control unit 55 continues the time measurement.

  On the other hand, if the operation continuation time has elapsed (Yes at Step S42), the station control unit 55 stops the second electric blower 29 (Step S43), ends the stop control, and controls the operation of the second electric blower 29. Return to

  The stop control in FIG. 10 suppresses the stop of the second electric blower 29 after the second electric blower 29 is once started until the predetermined operation continuation time elapses, regardless of the detection result of the approach detector 54. Continue driving. On the other hand, the stop control of FIG. 10 stops the second electric blower 29 after the predetermined operation continuation time has elapsed, irrespective of the detection result of the approach detector 54. Thus, the electric cleaning device 1 prevents the second electric blower 29 from repeatedly starting and stopping every time the cleaning tool approaches or separates from the second suction port 26.

  When the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool, the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above operates the second electric blower 29 to suction the second suction port 26 to apply a negative pressure. By doing so, the local unit is quickly cleaned using a means other than the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2, for example, a mop, a broom, or a floor cleaning tool, and then the collected dust is quickly collected by the station unit 5. Can accumulate.

  Further, in the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment, the switching valve 72 is in a state where the circulation between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust container 28 is permitted, and the approach detector 54 is connected to the second suction port 26. When the approach of the cleaning tool is detected, the second electric blower 29 is operated to suction the second suction port 26 to apply a negative pressure, thereby enabling timely operation and preventing malfunction.

  Further, in the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the approach detector 54 detects the approach of the cleaning tool to the second suction port 26, the switching valve 72 switches the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collection container 28. By operating the power unit 73 so as to permit the circulation of the air, the second electric blower 29 is operated to apply the suction negative pressure to the second suction port 26, thereby saving the trouble of the switching operation and making it more convenient. Can be enhanced.

  Furthermore, during operation of the second electric blower 29, the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment switches the second electric blower 29 when a predetermined operation shut-off time elapses in a state where the approach detector 54 does not detect the cleaning tool. By stopping, every time the cleaning tool approaches or separates from the second suction port 26, the second electric blower 29 is prevented from continuously repeating the start and stop, and the second electric blower is stopped. The blower 29 also prevents useless useless life and can contribute to power saving.

  In addition, the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment stops the second electric blower 29 when a predetermined operation continuation time elapses after the operation of the second electric blower 29 starts, so that the cleaning tool Each time when approaching the opening 26 or moving away from the second suction port 26, the second electric blower 29 is prevented from continuously repeating start and stop, and the second electric blower 29 also prevents wasteful life consumption. It can contribute to power saving.

  Therefore, according to the electric cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, by utilizing the station unit 5 installed in the living room, autonomous cleaning by the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 and autonomous electric cleaning units other than the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 can be performed. After rapid local cleaning with means such as a mop, broom or floor cleaning tool, the collected dust can be easily disposed of.

  The electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment uses a non-autonomous electric cleaning unit (not shown) instead of the autonomous electric cleaning unit 2 such as a canister type, an upright type, a stick type, or a handy type. It may be a combination of an electric cleaning unit for directly collecting dust by an operator and the station unit 5. The non-autonomous electric cleaning unit may be a cordless type that operates on a built-in power supply such as a battery, or may include a power cord that guides power from a commercial AC power supply. In this case, the dust transfer pipe 22 functions as a relay air path that detachably connects the non-autonomous cleaning unit and the second dust container 28. That is, in the electric cleaning device 1, when the autonomous or non-autonomous electric cleaning unit is attached to the station unit 5, the first dust container 12 of the electric cleaning unit is connected to the dust transfer pipe 22, and the first dust container The dust collected by the dust collecting unit 12 can be transferred (transferred) to the second dust collecting container 28 of the station unit 5.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric cleaning device, 2 ... Autonomous electric cleaning unit, 5 ... Station unit, 9 ... Charging electrode, 11 ... First main body case, 11a ... Bottom surface, 12 ... First dust collection container, 13 ... First electric blower, 15 moving unit, 16 driving unit, 17 robot control unit, 18 secondary battery, 19 pedestal, 21 dust collection unit, 22 dust transfer tube, 23 lever, 25 power cord, 26th Two suction ports, 27: second main body case, 27a: wall surface, 28: second dust collection container, 29: second electric blower, 31: center brush, 32: drive unit for center brush, 33: side brush, 35 ... Drive unit for side brush, 36: first suction port, 37: dust container port, 38: container body, 39: connecting part, 41: waste port, 42: waste cover, 45: drive wheel, 46: swivel wheel, 47 ... Charging terminal, 48 ... Brush base, 49 Linear cleaning body, 51: high floor, 52: low floor, 53: running surface, 54: proximity detector, 55: station controller, 56: recessed part, 57: return confirmation detector, 58: first Sensor section, 59: second sensor section, 61: suction air path, 62: downstream air path pipe, 63: air path switching mechanism, 64: merging pipe, 65: hook, 66: suction chamber, 67: rising air path Pipe, 66a ... inflow side end, 66b ... outflow side end, 67a ... lower end, 67b ... upper end, 72 ... switching valve, 73 ... power unit, 75a ... first switching valve, 75b ... second switching valve, 76a ... first valve body, 76b ... second valve body, 77a ... first valve shaft, 77b ... second valve shaft, 78a ... first valve seat, 78b ... second valve seat, 81 ... centrifugal separator, 81a ... First centrifuge, 81b Second centrifuge, 85 Light emitting unit, 86 Light receiving unit, 88, 88A Suction air path switch 89a, 89b ... drive circuit.

Claims (3)

An electric cleaning unit that collects dust on the surface to be cleaned;
A station unit to which the electric cleaning unit can be attached,
The station unit comprises:
A first suction air passage connected to the electric cleaning unit in a state where the electric cleaning unit is mounted on the station unit,
A second suction air passage having a suction port for sucking other dust different from the dust collected by the electric cleaning unit,
A dust collection container that is fluidly connected to the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage and accumulates dust flowing from the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage;
An electric blower that applies a negative pressure to the first suction air passage and the second suction air passage via the dust collection container,
It is connected to the dust collection container to permit one of the flow between the first suction air passage and the dust collection container and the flow between the second suction air passage and the dust collection container, and to shut off the other. A switching valve capable of switching the air path,
A power unit for driving the switching valve;
A detector for detecting the approach of the cleaning tool to the suction port,
When the detector detects the approach of the cleaning tool , the switching valve is configured to allow any one of the flow between the first suction air passage and the dust collection container and the flow between the second suction air passage and the dust collection container. Even in a state in which the power supply unit is operated , the switching unit operates the power unit so as to be in a state in which the second suction air passage and the dust collection container are allowed to flow, and the electric blower is operated. A control unit for applying a suction negative pressure to the suction port. 2. The electric cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to stop the electric blower when a predetermined operation shut-off time elapses while the electric blower is operating while the detector is not detecting the cleaning tool. 3. 3. The electric cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the electric blower when a predetermined operation continuation time elapses after starting the electric blower. 4.

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