JP7492318B2 - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner.

Vacuum cleaners are known that have washable structures, such as a filter for collecting fine dust. Such vacuum cleaners can malfunction if the washed structures are not sufficiently dried before being operated. For this reason, there is room for further improvement in the reliability of vacuum cleaners.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-17490

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a vacuum cleaner that can improve reliability.

The electric vacuum cleaner of the embodiment has a main body case, an electric blower, a structure, a circuit board, and a control unit. The main body case has an intake air passage. The electric blower is provided inside the main body case. The structure is detachably arranged in an air flow path of the electric vacuum cleaner, and at least a part of the structure is washable with water. The circuit board is arranged downstream of the structure in the air flow path in a direction of air flow in a first state, which is a usage state in which cleaning is performed using the electric vacuum cleaner. The control unit is provided as at least a part of the circuit board or separately from the circuit board, and when a predetermined condition for performing a drying operation is satisfied, the control unit performs the drying operation by driving the electric blower in a second state in which the electric blower is rotated in a reverse direction with respect to the first state, thereby changing the direction of air flow at least between the structure and the circuit board from the first state, and air is introduced from the outside atmosphere, the air passes through the structure, and then the air is discharged into the outside atmosphere in a direction different from the circuit board. In the first state, air flows through an air passage that leads from the outside of the main body case through the air intake air passage toward the structure. In the second state, air flows through the air passage in a direction opposite to that in the first state. The opening area of the air passage is the same in the first state and the second state.

1 is a perspective view showing a cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment; 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a dust collecting device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the filter according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a circuit board according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the cleaner body according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner body according to the first embodiment as viewed from the rear. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship during use of the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship during charging of the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an air flow during a drying operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the charging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaner body according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a dust collecting device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing electrical connections in a vacuum cleaner according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaner body according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaner body according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a vacuum cleaner body (with the air guide in a retracted position) according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a vacuum cleaner body (with the air guide in a protruding position) according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view showing the positional relationship between the air guide and the circuit board according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a current value of input power to the electric blower according to the third embodiment.

The vacuum cleaner of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are given the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions may be omitted. In this specification, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been subjected to calculations or processing. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

In this specification, front, back, left, right, and up and down are defined based on the user using the vacuum cleaner. In this specification, "normal use state" refers to the use state of the vacuum cleaner when cleaning is performed using the vacuum cleaner. In addition, with regard to the direction of rotation of the electric blower, the rotation of the electric blower in the normal use state is referred to as "forward rotation," and rotation in the opposite direction to the forward rotation is referred to as "reverse rotation."

First Embodiment
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. In the first embodiment, when it is detected that a dust collecting device that has been once removed from a main body case has been reattached to the main body case, a drying operation is performed to dry a filter included in the dust collecting device by rotating an electric blower in the reverse direction. The first embodiment will be described in detail below.

<1. Overall structure＞
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cleaning device 1 including a vacuum cleaner 10 according to a first embodiment. The cleaning device 1 includes, for example, the vacuum cleaner 10 and a vacuum cleaner 10 that is not in use. and a charging device (support device) 20 to which the charging device can be attached.

<1.1 Vacuum cleaner>
First, a description will be given of the vacuum cleaner 10. The vacuum cleaner 10 is, for example, a so-called stick-type vacuum cleaner, and is a cordless type vacuum cleaner with a built-in secondary battery unit 160. However, the vacuum cleaner 10 is not limited to the above example, and may be a canister type having a vacuum cleaner body including wheels, or another type of vacuum cleaner.

The electric vacuum cleaner 10 includes, for example, a vacuum cleaner body 100, an extension tube 200, and a suction port body (floor brush) 300. The vacuum cleaner body 100 includes, for example, a main body case 110, a gripping portion 120, a dust collection device 130, a contact sensor 140, an electric blower 150, a secondary battery unit 160, and a circuit board 170.

The main body case 110 forms the outer shell of the vacuum cleaner main body 100. The main body case 110 houses the electric blower 150, the secondary battery unit 160, and the circuit board 170. The main body case 110 also has an extension tube connection part 111 to which one end of the extension tube 200 described below is connected.

The grip part 120 is provided at the upper rear end of the main body case 110. The grip part 120 is a part that is gripped by a user when using the vacuum cleaner 10 to clean a floor surface (surface to be cleaned). The grip part 120 has an operation receiving part 121 that receives user operations related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner 10. The operation receiving part 121 includes, for example, a plurality of operation buttons 121a.

Operation buttons 121a include a power button for turning vacuum cleaner 10 on and off, one or more mode selection buttons for switching the drive mode (operation mode) of vacuum cleaner 10, etc. The drive modes of vacuum cleaner 10 include, for example, a "weak mode" in which electric blower 150 described below rotates at a low speed, and a "strong mode" in which electric blower 150 rotates at a high speed. The drive modes of vacuum cleaner 10 also include a "brush rotation mode" in which rotating brush 303 described below rotates, and a "brush stop mode" in which rotating brush 303 is not rotated, etc.

The dust collecting device 130 is removably attached to the main body case 110. The dust collecting device 130 is a device that separates dust contained in the air sucked into the vacuum cleaner main body 100 by the action of the electric blower 150 described below. The dust collecting device 130 will be described in detail later.

The contact sensor 140 is provided in a portion of the main body case 110 facing the dust collector 130, and contacts the dust collector 130. For example, when the dust collector 130 is attached to the main body case 110, the contact sensor 140 contacts the dust collector 130 and detects the presence of the dust collector 130. The detection result of the contact sensor 140 is sent to the control unit 177 described later.

The electric blower 150 includes a motor called a fan motor or main motor and an impeller rotated by the motor, and generates negative pressure when driven. The electric blower 150 uses the generated negative pressure to suck dust-containing air from the suction port 301a of the suction port body 300 (described later) into the dust collector 130, and exhausts the air from which dust has been separated by the dust collector 130 to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 10. The motor of the electric blower 150 is, for example, a DC motor, but is not limited to this.

The secondary battery unit 160 supplies the electric power required for the vacuum cleaner 10 to operate. For example, the secondary battery unit 160 supplies electric power to the electric blower 150, the brush motor 304 described later, the circuit board 170, and the like. In this embodiment, the secondary battery unit 160 is disposed at the rear end of the main body case 110. The secondary battery unit 160 has, for example, an outer case 161, a secondary battery 162 (see FIG. 7), and a secondary battery control unit 163 (see FIG. 7). The outer case 161 forms the outer case of the secondary battery unit 160. The secondary battery 162 and the secondary battery control unit 163 are housed inside the outer case 161. The secondary battery 162 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, and stores electric power. The secondary battery control unit 163 controls the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 162 based on a control command from a control unit 177 (main body side control unit) described later.

The circuit board 170 includes a printed wiring board on which a wiring pattern is provided, and a number of electronic components mounted on the printed wiring board. The circuit board 170 includes, for example, a control unit 177 that controls the operation of the vacuum cleaner 10. The circuit board 170 will be described in detail later.

Next, the extension tube 200 will be described. The extension tube 200 is formed, for example, in an elongated shape, and has a first end 201 and a second end 202. The first end 201 of the extension tube 200 is airtightly connected to the extension tube connection part 111 of the vacuum cleaner body 100. The second end 202 of the extension tube 200 is airtightly connected to the suction mouth body 300. Inside the extension tube 200, a connection wiring is provided that electrically connects the vacuum cleaner body 100 and the suction mouth body 300.

Next, the suction port body 300 will be described. The suction port body 300 is a part that moves along the floor surface. The suction port body 300 includes, for example, a suction port body case 301, a connecting pipe 302, a rotating brush 303, and a brush motor 304.

The suction port body case 301 is formed horizontally, that is, longitudinally in the left-right direction. The suction port body case 301 houses a brush motor 304. The suction port body case 301 has a suction port 301a at the bottom facing the floor surface. The suction port 301a is an opening that sucks in dust from the floor surface when the electric blower 150 is driven.

The connection tube 302 is a part that airtightly connects the suction port body case 301 and the second end 202 of the extension tube 200, and is rotatably connected to the suction port body case 301. By connecting the suction port body case 301 and the extension tube 200 with the connection tube 302, an air path is formed that runs from the suction port 301a of the suction port body case 301 through the extension tube 200 to the vacuum cleaner body 100.

The rotating brush 303 is provided at the suction port 301a and is arranged along the floor surface. The rotating brush 303 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the suction port body case 301. The rotating brush 303 functions to lift dust from the floor surface or to make the ends of carpets stand up.

The brush motor 304 is mechanically connected to the rotating brush 303 via a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) and drives (rotates) the rotating brush 303. The brush motor 304 is, for example, a DC motor, but is not limited to this.

1.2 Charging device
Next, the charging device 20 will be described. When not in use, the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the charging device 20 with, for example, the extension tube 200 retracted. The charging device 20 has a receiving portion 21 which is a recess corresponding to the external shape of the vacuum cleaner 10, and supports the vacuum cleaner 10.

The receiving portion 21 of the charging device 20 includes, for example, a suction port body receiving portion 21a that supports the suction port body 300 of the vacuum cleaner 10 from below, and an extension tube receiving portion 21b that supports the extension tube 200 of the vacuum cleaner 10 from behind. The charging device 20 has connection terminals 22A, 22B that are connected to external connection terminals (not shown) provided on the vacuum cleaner 10, and is electrically connected to an external power source. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the charging device 20, the secondary battery 162 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is electrically connected to the external power source via the charging device 20, and can be charged by power supplied from the external power source. In this specification, "power is supplied from the charging device" also includes the case where power is supplied from the external power source via the charging device 20.

In this embodiment, the intake body receiving portion 21a of the charging device 20 has multiple ventilation holes 23. The multiple ventilation holes 23 are connected to another ventilation hole 24 that opens on the side of the charging device 20. Therefore, during the drying operation of the electric blower 150 described below, the electric blower 150 is rotated in reverse, and the air exhausted from the intake 301a of the intake body 300 is exhausted to the outside of the charging device 20 via the ventilation holes 23, 24 of the intake body receiving portion 21a.

Next, the configuration of each part of the vacuum cleaner 10 will be described in detail.
<2. Dust collection device>
<2.1 Overall configuration of the dust collection device>
2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the dust collecting device 130. The dust collecting device 130 is, for example, a multi-stage centrifugal separation type dust collecting device including a first separation section 131 and a second separation section 132. More specifically, the dust collecting device 130 includes, for example, a cup section 135, a separation main body section 136, a filter (fine dust collection filter) 137, and a lid body 138.

The cup portion 135 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical bowl shape. The cup portion 135 has an air intake 130a. The air intake 130a is connected to the air intake duct 181 (see FIG. 5) of the vacuum cleaner body 100, and sucks dust-containing air sucked into the air intake duct 181 by driving the electric blower 150 into the dust collector 130.

The separation body 136 has a first body 136a and a second body 136b. The first body 136a is inserted inside the cup 135. Between the first body 136a and the inner circumferential surface of the cup 135, a first separation section 131 is formed, which swirls the dust-containing air sucked in from the intake port 130a and separates relatively large coarse dust from the air by centrifugal separation (cyclone separation). The second body 136b includes an air vent 136ba and a plurality of second separation sections 132. The air vent 136ba guides the air from which the coarse dust has been separated by the first separation section 131 toward the plurality of second separation sections 132. The second separation section 132 is formed, for example, in a truncated cone shape that narrows from the rear to the front, and separates relatively small dust that could not be separated by the first separation section 131 by centrifugal separation (cyclone separation) from the air (see FIG. 5). The air from which fine dust has been separated by the second separation section 132 is sent to the filter 137.

The filter 137 is disposed between the separation body 136 and the cover 138. The filter 137 separates (filters and separates) minute amounts of dust (fine dust) remaining in the air that has passed through the second separation section 132. Here, the adhesion of dust to the filter 137 inhibits the intake of air into the dust collection device 130 itself, leading to a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 10. For this reason, the filter 137 must be periodically removed and washed with water to remove dust. Removing the dust from the filter 137 restores the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 10.

The lid 138 is removably attached to the separation body 136 with the filter 137 sandwiched between the separation body 136 and the lid 138. The lid 138 has an exhaust port 130b. The exhaust port 130b is connected to the exhaust air duct 182 (see FIG. 5) of the vacuum cleaner body 100, and exhausts air that has passed through the filter 137 into the inside of the body case 110.

The dust collecting device 130 can be disassembled by the user into a cup portion 135, a separation body portion 136, a filter 137, and a lid body 138. The cup portion 135, the separation body portion 136, the filter 137, and the lid body 138 can be washed with water when disassembled separately. However, only some of the parts of the dust collecting device 130, such as the filter 137, may be washable with water. The dust collecting device 130 is not limited to a multi-stage centrifugal separator type, and may be a dust collecting device of another type. The dust collecting device 130 is an example of a "structure". The dust collecting device 130 is detachably arranged in the air flow path P1 (see FIG. 5) in the vacuum cleaner 10.

2.2 Filters
Next, the filter 137 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the filter 137. The filter 137 has a double structure including, for example, an exterior member (first member) 137a and an internal member (second member) 137b. The exterior member 137a forms the surface of the filter 137. The exterior member 137a is, for example, a flexible sheet member having a large number of pores. The internal member 137b is disposed inside the exterior member 137a and is not exposed on the surface of the filter 137. The internal member 137b is, for example, a sponge-like member, and is formed of a material that is less likely to dry than the exterior member 137a. For this reason, even if the surface (exterior member 137a) of the filter 137 appears to be sufficiently dry, the internal member 137b may not be sufficiently dry. However, the configuration of the filter 137 is not limited to the double structure as described above.

<3. Circuit board>
4 is a perspective view showing the circuit board 170. For convenience of explanation, some electronic components (e.g., capacitors) of the circuit board 170 are omitted from the illustration. The circuit board 170 includes a switching unit 175 (to be described later). The electronic component 171 has one or more electronic components 171 for realizing the above and one or more electronic components 172 for realizing a state detection unit 176 and a control unit 177, which will be described later. The electronic component 171 has a function of turning on/off a large current. The electronic component 171 is an example of a component that generates a large amount of heat among the components on the circuit board 170. On the other hand, the electronic component 172 is, for example, It is an IC (Integrated Circuit) component such as a microcomputer.

Here, the electronic component 171 that realizes the switching unit 175 is an electronic component that handles a relatively large current and voltage within the vacuum cleaner 10. For this reason, if moisture adheres to the electronic component 171, tracking accompanied by electric potential occurs, which may cause a malfunction in the circuit board 170. For this reason, the region R of the circuit board 170 where the electronic component 171 is mounted is an example of a region (specific portion) where adhesion of moisture is less desirable than other portions of the circuit board 170. For ease of explanation, the region R of the circuit board 170 where the electronic component 171 is mounted will be referred to as the "specific portion R" below.

<4. Air passage configuration of the vacuum cleaner body and position of the circuit board>
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cleaner body 100. For convenience of explanation, in Fig. 5, even if it is actually a space, parts that are not related to the air passage are shown hatched.

The vacuum cleaner body 100 has an intake air passage 181, an exhaust air passage 182, a plurality of first exhaust holes 183, and a plurality of second exhaust holes 184 (only one is shown in FIG. 5). The intake air passage 181 is provided between the extension tube connection part 111 and the intake port 130a of the dust collector 130. The intake air passage 181 guides the dust-containing air sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 100 from the extension tube 200 toward the intake port 130a of the dust collector 130. The exhaust air passage 182 is provided between the exhaust port 130b of the dust collector 130 and the plurality of exhaust holes 183, 184. The exhaust air passage 182 guides the air sent from the exhaust port 130b of the dust collector 130 to the inside of the main body case 110 toward the plurality of exhaust holes 183, 184. In detail, the exhaust air passage 182 includes a first exhaust air passage 182a, a second exhaust air passage 182b, and a third exhaust air passage 182c.

The first exhaust air passage 182a is provided between the exhaust port 130b of the dust collection device 130 and the inlet of the electric blower 150, and guides the air sent from the exhaust port 130b of the dust collection device 130 to the inside of the main body case 110 toward the inlet of the electric blower 150. The air guided to the inlet of the electric blower 150 by the first exhaust air passage 182a passes through the inside of the electric blower 150 and reaches the second exhaust air passage 182b. In this process, the electric blower 150 is cooled by the air passing through the electric blower 150.

The second exhaust air passage 182b extends forward and downward from the outlet of the electric blower 150. Here, the circuit board 170 is arranged in the second exhaust air passage 182b. The circuit board 170 is located in front of the electric blower 150 in the flow direction of the air discharged from the electric blower 150 to the second exhaust air passage 182b. At least a part of the air that passes through the electric blower 150 hits the circuit board 170 and cools the circuit board 170. This promotes heat dissipation from, for example, the electronic components 171 and 172. The multiple first exhaust holes 183 are provided at the lower end of the main body case 110. The second exhaust air passage 182b guides a part of the air flowing through the second exhaust air passage 182b toward the multiple first exhaust holes 183. As a result, a part of the air flowing through the second exhaust air passage 182b is exhausted from the multiple first exhaust holes 183 to the outside of the electric vacuum cleaner 10.

The third exhaust air passage 182c extends rearward from the lower end of the second exhaust air passage 182b. The third exhaust air passage 182c passes near the secondary battery unit 160 (e.g., below the secondary battery unit 160) and reaches the rear end of the main body case 110. The multiple second exhaust holes 184 are provided at the rear end of the main body case 110. The third exhaust air passage 182c guides a portion of the air flowing through the second exhaust air passage 182b toward the multiple second exhaust holes 184. As a result, the air flowing through the third exhaust air passage 182c is exhausted to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 10 through the multiple second exhaust holes 184.

According to the above configuration, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in normal use, the air sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 100 from the extension tube 200 flows along the following air flow path P1. That is, the air (dust-containing air) sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 100 from the extension tube 200 passes through the intake air passage 181, the dust collector 130, the first exhaust air passage 182a, the electric blower 150, and the second exhaust air passage 182b in this order, and is exhausted to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 10 from the multiple exhaust holes 183 and 184. The circuit board 170 is disposed downstream of the dust collector 130 in the air flow path P1 of the vacuum cleaner 10 in the direction of air flow when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in normal use.

Figure 6 is an oblique view of the vacuum cleaner body 100 as seen from the rear. In this embodiment, the body case 110 has an opening 115 provided at the rear end of the body case 110, and a rear end cover 116 that detachably closes the opening 115. The multiple second exhaust holes 184 are arranged, for example, side by side in the left-right direction at the lower end of the rear end cover 113.

5. System configuration of the vacuum cleaner
Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use. Fig. 7 shows only a portion related to the control of the electric blower 150. In this embodiment, the circuit board 170 has a switching unit 175, a state detection unit 176, and a control unit 177.

The switching unit 175 is provided between the secondary battery 162 and the electric blower 150. When the switching unit 175 is closed, power is supplied from the secondary battery 162 to the electric blower 150. On the other hand, when the switching unit 175 is opened, the supply of power from the secondary battery 162 to the electric blower 150 is stopped. The switching unit 175 is ON/OFF controlled at a predetermined cycle according to PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control by the control unit 177, thereby supplying pulsed input power from the secondary battery 162 to the electric blower 150.

In this embodiment, the state detection unit 176 and the control unit 177 are provided as at least a part of the circuit board 170. Note that the state detection unit 176 and the control unit 177 may be provided as a circuit board separate from the circuit board 170 (the circuit board on which the switching unit 175 is provided) and may be located at a position different from the second exhaust air duct 182b. This also applies to all of the following embodiments and modified examples.

The state detection unit 176 detects the attachment/detachment state of the dust collection device 130 relative to the main body case 110 based on the detection result of the contact sensor 140. For example, the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130 has been removed from the main body case 110 and that the dust collection device 130 removed from the main body case 110 has been reattached to the main body case 110 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "reattached") based on the detection result of the contact sensor 140. In other words, the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130 has been removed from the air flow path P1 and then placed back on the air flow path P1. The state detection unit 176 and the contact sensor 140 maintain their functions by receiving power from the secondary battery 162 (or from the charging device 20 if the secondary battery 162 is being charged) even when the power supply of the vacuum cleaner 10 is turned off. Note that the state detection unit 176 and the contact sensor 140 do not need to be separate components and may be configured as a single component.

In addition, the state detection unit 176 does not necessarily need to detect "reattachment" of the dust collection device 130, but may detect a change in state from a state in which the dust collection device 130 is not attached to a state in which the dust collection device 130 is attached to the main body case 110. Therefore, the term "reattachment" in the following description may be interpreted as "attachment of the dust collection device 130" or "a change in state from a state in which the dust collection device 130 is not attached to a state in which the dust collection device 130 is attached", etc.

The control unit 177 has, for example, an electric blower control unit 177a and a charge/discharge control unit 177b. The electric blower control unit 177a controls the driving of the electric blower 150 based on the user's operation received by the operation reception unit 121. For example, the electric blower control unit 177a changes the duty ratio of the input power supplied from the secondary battery 162 to the electric blower 150 by switching the ON/OFF timing of the switching unit 175 based on the input power target value of the driving mode selected by the user's operation. For example, when the "strong mode" is selected by the user's operation, the electric blower control unit 177a increases the duty ratio of the input power supplied to the electric blower 150 to drive the electric blower 150 at a relatively high rotation speed. On the other hand, when the "weak mode" is selected by the user's operation, the electric blower control unit 177a decreases the duty ratio of the input power supplied to the electric blower 150 to drive the electric blower 150 at a relatively low rotation speed.

In this embodiment, when the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130 is detached from the main body case 110, the electric blower control unit 177a does not drive the electric blower 150 regardless of the user's operation input to the operation reception unit 121. This prevents the electric blower 150 from being driven when the dust collection device 130 is detached, further ensuring safe operation of the vacuum cleaner 10.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the electric blower control unit 177a performs a drying operation to dry the dust collection device 130 including the filter 137. This drying operation will be described in detail later.

The charge/discharge control unit 177b controls the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 162 by outputting a control command to the secondary battery control unit 163 of the secondary battery unit 160. For example, when the operation reception unit 121 receives a user operation to drive the electric blower 150, the charge/discharge control unit 177b outputs a control command to discharge the secondary battery 162 to the secondary battery control unit 163 of the secondary battery unit 160. In addition, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the charging device 20 and the secondary battery 162 is electrically connected to an external power source via the charging device 20, the charge/discharge control unit 177b outputs a control command to charge the secondary battery 162 to the secondary battery control unit 163 of the secondary battery unit 160.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationship when the vacuum cleaner 10 is charged. Note that FIG. 8 shows only the part related to the control of the electric blower 150. In this embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the charging device 20, the secondary battery 162 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is electrically connected to the charging device 20 via the first power line L1. The secondary battery 162 is charged by power supplied from the charging device 20 via the first power line L1. Also, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the charging device 20, the switching unit 175 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is electrically connected to the charging device 20 via the second power line L2. As a result, the electric blower 150 can be driven by power supplied from the charging device 20 via the second power line L2 and the switching unit 175. That is, in this embodiment, the electric blower 150 can be driven by power supplied from the charging device 20 while the secondary battery 162 is being charged. Note that the first power line L1 and the second power line L2 may be partially common to each other.

<6. Drying operation>
Next, the "drying operation" performed by the control unit 177 will be described in detail. Here, if the dust collecting device 130 is washed with water and is attached to the main body case 110 without being sufficiently dried before the vacuum cleaner 10 is used, the moisture remaining in the dust collecting device 130 (e.g., the filter 137) may be blown downstream by the driving of the electric blower 150 and adhere to the circuit board 170. As described above, if moisture adheres to the circuit board 170 (e.g., the electronic component 171), tracking accompanied by electric potential may occur, causing a malfunction of the circuit board 170. For this reason, in this embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a drying operation (operation in a drying mode, which is one of the driving modes of the vacuum cleaner 10) is performed to dry the dust collecting device 130. Some examples of the predetermined conditions for starting the drying operation will be described later.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of air during drying operation in this embodiment. In this embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 177 controls the electric blower 150 to change the direction of air flow at least between the dust collection device 130 and the circuit board 170, thereby driving the electric blower 150. Note that in this specification, "changing the direction of air flow" means changing the direction of air flow from the normal use state of the vacuum cleaner 10.

In this embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 177 changes the air flow direction by rotating the electric blower 150 in the reverse direction. As shown in FIG. 9, in the drying operation, air flows inside the vacuum cleaner 10 along the following flow path P2. That is, when the electric blower 150 is rotated in the reverse direction, air outside the main body case 110 is sucked into the main body case 110 through the multiple second exhaust holes 184. The air sucked into the main body case 110 through the multiple second exhaust holes 184 flows into the second exhaust air passage 182b through the third exhaust air passage 182c. Also, when the electric blower 150 is rotated in the reverse direction, air outside the main body case 110 is sucked into the main body case 110 through the multiple first exhaust holes 183.

The air sucked into the main body case 110 through the first exhaust holes 183 merges with the air that flows from the second exhaust holes 184 through the third exhaust air passage 182c into the second exhaust air passage 182b. The merged air flows through the second exhaust air passage 182b, the electric blower 150, the first exhaust air passage 182a, the dust collector 130, and the intake air passage 181 in this order, and flows into the extension tube 200 from the extension tube connection part 111 of the vacuum cleaner main body 100. The air that flows into the extension tube 200 flows from the extension tube 200 into the inside of the suction port body 300 and is exhausted to the outside of the electric vacuum cleaner 10 from the suction port 301a of the suction port body 300. When such a drying operation is performed, the air outside the electric vacuum cleaner 10 passes through the dust collector 130, promoting the drying of the dust collector 130 (e.g., the filter 137). This allows the dust collection device 130 to be thoroughly dried.

For example, in the case of the above-mentioned flow path P2, the air flowing through the second exhaust air passage 182b hits the circuit board 170, cooling the circuit board 170 (e.g., electronic components 171, 172) and being warmed by the heat of the circuit board 170. In addition, while passing through the electric blower 150, the air also cools the electric blower 150 and is warmed by the electric blower 150. This warmed air then passes through the dust collector 130. By passing such warmed air through the dust collector 130, the drying of the dust collector 130 can be further promoted.

In this embodiment, the control unit 177 starts the drying operation when the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collecting device 130 removed from the main body case 110 has been reattached to the main body case 110 (i.e., the dust collecting device 130 has been removed from the air flow path P1 and then placed back on the air flow path P1) as a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation. The motor control unit 177 performs the drying operation for a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be a fixed time, or may be set based on the humidity around the vacuum cleaner 10 detected by a humidity sensor provided in the vacuum cleaner 10, weather information obtained from the outside via a communication device provided in the vacuum cleaner 10, etc. As described above, the control unit 177 does not necessarily need to detect the "reattachment" of the dust collecting device 130, and may detect a change in state from a state in which the dust collecting device 130 is not attached to a state in which the dust collecting device 130 is attached to the main body case 110. In other words, the term "reattachment" in this specification may be interpreted as "attachment of dust collection device 130" or "a change in state from a state in which dust collection device 130 is not attached to a state in which dust collection device 130 is attached," etc.

In this embodiment, when the above-mentioned predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 177 performs a drying operation when the secondary battery 162 is being charged. In other words, the control unit 177 performs a drying operation when the above-mentioned reattachment is detected by the state detection unit 176 and when it is detected that the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the charging device 20 and the secondary battery 162 is connected to the charging device 20. In this case, the control unit 177 outputs a control command to charge the secondary battery 162 to the secondary battery control unit 163 of the secondary battery unit 160, and outputs a control command to the electric blower 150 to rotate the electric blower 150 in reverse. In this specification, "drying operation is performed while the secondary battery is being charged" includes both cases where the reattachment is detected by the status detection unit 176 while the secondary battery 162 is being charged and the drying operation is started while the secondary battery 162 is being charged, and where the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the charging device 20 after the reattachment is detected by the status detection unit 176 and the drying operation is started substantially simultaneously with the start of charging the secondary battery 162.

In this embodiment, the control unit 177 rotates the electric blower 150 in the reverse direction while charging the secondary battery 162, thereby sending air heated by the secondary battery 162 toward the dust collection device 130. That is, when the secondary battery 162 is being charged, the secondary battery 162 generates heat. Therefore, the air sucked into the main body case 110 from the multiple second exhaust holes 184 by the electric blower 150 rotating in the reverse direction receives heat from the secondary battery 162 while flowing through the third exhaust air passage 182c, and is heated. The air heated in this way passes through the dust collection device 130, which can further promote drying of the dust collection device 130.

In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the electric blower 150 during drying operation is set to, for example, the same as the rotation speed of the electric blower 150 in "strong mode". However, due to the shape of the impeller, etc., the air volume when the electric blower 150 is rotated in reverse is smaller than the air volume when the electric blower 150 is rotated forward at the same rotation speed. For this reason, the air volume by the electric blower 150 during drying operation is, for example, equal to or less than the air volume by the electric blower 150 in "weak mode" under normal use conditions. Note that the rotation speed of the electric blower 150 during drying operation may be equal to or less than the rotation speed of the electric blower 150 in "weak mode" under normal use conditions, or may be even lower than that. In this case, the quietness of the electric blower 150 during drying operation can be improved.

The above-described configuration can improve the reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10. That is, as described above, when the dust collector 130 is attached to the main body case 110 after being washed with water, moisture may remain in a part of the dust collector 130 (for example, inside the filter 137). When the vacuum cleaner 10 is used in this state, the moisture remaining in the dust collector 130 may be blown away by the suction action of the electric blower 150 and adhere to the circuit board 170. Even if the surface of the circuit board 170 is coated with a drip-proof coating, if a large amount of moisture adheres, the circuit board 170 may malfunction.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, the vacuum cleaner 10 controls the electric blower 150 to change the direction of airflow between at least the dust collection device 130 and the circuit board 170 from the normal usage state of the vacuum cleaner 10, and drives the electric blower 150. With this configuration, even if moisture remains in a part of the dust collection device 130 (for example, inside the filter 137), it is possible to send air to the dust collection device 130 and dry the dust collection device 130 while suppressing moisture from flying from the dust collection device 130 toward the circuit board 170. This reduces the possibility of a malfunction of the circuit board 170 due to moisture remaining in the dust collection device 130, and improves the reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10.

From another perspective, when a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, the control unit 177 controls the electric blower 150 to drive the electric blower 150 so that the amount of airflow from the dust collecting device 130 toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170 is smaller than the amount of airflow from the dust collecting device 130 toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170 in the multiple driving modes (e.g., "strong mode" and "weak mode") that the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use, compared to the driving mode (e.g., "weak mode") with the smallest suction power. With this configuration, the dust collecting device 130 can be dried while preventing moisture from flying from the dust collecting device 130 toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170. This improves the reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10. In this specification, "so that the amount of airflow from the dust collecting device 130 (structure) toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170 is smaller" also includes the wind direction being reversed.

In this embodiment, the dust collecting device 130 includes a filter 137. The filter 137 is a part of the dust collecting device 130 where moisture is likely to remain. With this configuration, the filter 137 can be dried while preventing moisture from flying from the filter 137 toward the circuit board 170. This can further improve the reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10.

In this embodiment, when a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, the electric blower 150 is rotated in reverse. With this configuration, it is possible to send air to the dust collecting device 130 and dry the dust collecting device 130 while more reliably preventing moisture from flying from the dust collecting device 130 toward the circuit board 170. Furthermore, by performing the drying operation by rotating the electric blower 150 in reverse, it is possible to perform the drying operation without providing an additional part (air path changing member 510) as in the second embodiment. This makes it possible to improve the reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10 while suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the vacuum cleaner 10.

In this embodiment, the control unit 177 performs a drying operation when the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130 has been reattached to the main body case 110. With this configuration, the drying operation can be performed automatically without any operation by the user. This can improve user convenience.

In this embodiment, the control unit 177 performs the drying operation when the secondary battery 162 is being charged. With this configuration, the drying operation can be performed by utilizing the time when the user is not using the vacuum cleaner 10. In other words, when the user wants to use the vacuum cleaner 10, the drying operation has already ended, and the user can immediately use the vacuum cleaner 10. This improves user convenience.

Although the first embodiment has been described above, the first embodiment is not limited to the above example. For example, the shape of the charging device 20 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of the charging device 20. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the charging device 20 has a main body support part 25 to which the vacuum cleaner main body 100 with the extension tube 200 removed is attached, and an extension tube support part 26 to which the extension tube 200 removed from the vacuum cleaner main body 100 is attached. The main body support part 25 has a plurality of ventilation holes 27 that allow air that passes through the flow path P2 shown in FIG. 9 and is exhausted from the intake air passage 181 to the inside of the charging device 20 to escape to the outside of the charging device 20 when the electric blower 150 is rotated in reverse to perform a drying operation.

The charging device 20 is not limited to a type of charging device that can support the vacuum cleaner 10. For example, the control unit 177 may perform a drying operation when the vacuum cleaner 10 is leaned against a wall in a room and connected to an external power source via an AC adapter or the like to charge.

In addition, the control unit 177 may perform the drying operation at a timing other than when the secondary battery 162 is being charged. For example, the control unit 177 may perform the drying operation when the charging of the secondary battery 162 has already been completed, or when the vacuum cleaner 10 is not connected to the charging device 20 or the AC adapter (not electrically connected to an external power source) and a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130 has been reattached to the main body case 110). In this case, the control unit 177 performs the drying operation by supplying power from the secondary battery 162 to the electric blower 150. In other words, the control unit 177 performs the drying operation while discharging the secondary battery 162. Here, when the secondary battery 162 is discharged, the secondary battery 162 generates heat. Therefore, by rotating the electric blower 150 in the reverse direction, the wind warmed by the secondary battery 162 can be sent toward the dust collection device 130 in the same manner as during charging. Note that the drying operation may be performed at times other than when the secondary battery 162 is being charged, which is the same for all of the embodiments and modified examples described below.

7. Modification of the First Embodiment
Next, several modified examples of the first embodiment will be described. In each modified example, the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment. Note that each modified example described below may be applied in combination with another modified example or with the second and third embodiments described later.

(First Modification)
11 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum cleaner body 100 of the first modification. In the first modification, the multiple first exhaust holes 183 are provided closer to the secondary battery unit 160 than in the first embodiment. For example, at least a part (e.g., more than half) of the multiple first exhaust holes 183 are provided behind the front end 160a of the secondary battery unit 160 (upstream in the direction of air flow during drying operation). From another perspective, at least half of the multiple exhaust ports, including the multiple first exhaust holes 183 and the multiple second exhaust holes 184, are provided behind the front end 160a of the secondary battery unit 160.

With this configuration, when the electric blower 150 rotates in reverse to perform drying operation while the secondary battery 162 is being charged or discharged, more air warmed by the secondary battery 162 can be sent toward the dust collector 130. This further shortens the time required to sufficiently dry the dust collector 130.

(Second Modification)
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a dust collecting device 130 of a second modified example, partially disassembled. The second modified example is an example in which a contact sensor unit 401 for detecting attachment/detachment of the filter 137 is provided in the dust collecting device 130. The contact sensor unit 401 includes, for example, a contact sensor, a memory unit, a small power source, and a cover. The contact sensor is provided in a portion of the lid body 138 facing the filter 137. When the lid body 138 is removed from the separation main body part 136, the contact sensor moves away from the filter 137 and detects the absence of the filter 137. When the lid body 138 is attached to the separation main body part 136 with the filter 137 sandwiched between the separation main body part 136 and the lid body 138, the contact sensor comes into contact with the filter 137 and detects the presence of the filter 137. The memory unit stores the detection result of the contact sensor. The small power source supplies power to the contact sensor and the memory unit when the dust collecting device 130 is removed from the main body case 110. The cover is waterproof and flexible, and covers the contact sensor, the storage unit, and the small power source together. Note that the state detection unit 176 and the contact sensor unit 401 do not need to be separate components, and may be configured as a single component.

When the dust collecting device 130 is attached to the main body case 110, the contact sensor unit 401 is electrically connected to the control unit 177 via a terminal (not shown) exposed on the surface of the cover and a terminal on the main body case 110 side. When the dust collecting device 130 is attached to the main body case 110, the contact sensor detection result stored in the memory unit of the contact sensor unit 401 is output to the control unit 177. Note that the configuration and arrangement of the contact sensor unit 401 are not limited to the above example. For example, the contact sensor unit 401 may be provided in the separation main body part 136 instead of the lid body 138.

13 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationship of the vacuum cleaner 10 of the second modified example. In the second modified example, the control unit 177 detects the attachment/detachment state of the filter 137 to the separation main body 136 and the lid 138 based on the detection result of the contact sensor unit 401 (the detection result of the contact sensor stored in the memory unit). For example, when the contact sensor detects that the filter 137 has been removed from between the separation main body 136 and the lid 138, the state detection unit 176A detects the removal of the filter 137 from the separation main body 136 and the lid 138. When the contact sensor detects that the contact sensor is again in contact with the filter 137, the state detection unit 176A detects that the filter 137 removed from between the separation main body 136 and the lid 138 has been reattached between the separation main body 136 and the lid 138 (hereinafter, this may be referred to as "reattachment" of the filter 137). In other words, the state detection unit 176A detects that the filter 137 has been removed from the air flow path P1 and then placed back into the air flow path P1.

In this modified example, the control unit 177 starts the drying operation when the state detection unit 176A detects that the filter 137, which was removed from between the separation main body 136 and the lid 138, has been reattached (i.e., the filter 137 has been removed from the air flow path P1 and then placed back in the air flow path P1), as a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation.

With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not to perform a drying operation based on whether or not the filter 137 has been removed. Therefore, even if the dust collection device 130 has been removed from the main body case 110, if the user's action does not involve washing the filter 137 with water (for example, simply disposing of the garbage inside the dust collection device 130), it is possible to prevent unnecessary drying operations from occurring. This can further improve user convenience. Note that in this modified example, the contact sensor 140 that detects the attachment of the dust collection device 130 may be omitted.

In addition, in this modified example, when the state detection unit 176A detects that the filter 137 has been removed from the separation main body unit 136 and the cover body 138 (when reattachment of the filter 137 is not detected), the control unit 177 does not drive the electric blower 150 regardless of the user's operation input to the operation reception unit 121. This prevents the electric blower 150 from being driven when the filter 137 is removed, ensuring safer operation of the vacuum cleaner 10.

(Third Modification)
14 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum cleaner body 100 of the third modified example. In the third modified example, for example, when it is detected that the dust collecting device 130 removed from the body case 110 has been reattached to the body case 110, the electric blower 150 is driven at least temporarily to detect the humidity of the air flowing inside the vacuum cleaner 10, and when the detected humidity is equal to or higher than a threshold, it is determined that a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied and the drying operation is performed.

More specifically, the vacuum cleaner body 100 has a humidity sensor 411. The humidity sensor 411 is provided downstream of the dust collector 130 in the direction of airflow when the electric blower 150 is rotated in reverse. For example, the humidity sensor 411 is provided in the intake air duct 181. The humidity sensor 411 detects the humidity of the air that passes through the dust collector 130 and flows through the intake air duct 181 when the electric blower 150 is rotated in reverse.

When the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130, which was removed from the main body case 110, has been reattached to the main body case 110, the control unit 177 rotates the electric blower 150 in reverse. Then, with the electric blower 150 rotating in reverse, the control unit 177 causes the humidity sensor 411 to detect the humidity of the air flowing through the intake air duct 181. When the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 411 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit 177 determines that a predetermined condition for starting a drying operation is satisfied, and performs a drying operation. The humidity detected by the humidity sensor 411 is an example of a "value related to humidity".

The control unit 177 may change the length of time for which the drying operation is performed depending on the level of humidity detected by the humidity sensor 411. For example, the control unit 177 may increase the length of time for which the drying operation is performed as the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 411 increases. The control unit 177 may also monitor the value detected by the humidity sensor 411, and perform the drying operation until the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 411 falls below a second threshold value. The second threshold value may be the same value as the first threshold value, or may be a value different from the first threshold value.

This configuration makes it possible to detect with greater accuracy when moisture remains in the dust collection device 130. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary drying operations from being performed when the dust collection device 130 has not been washed with water or when the dust collection device 130 is already sufficiently dry. This further improves user convenience.

Alternatively, when the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130 removed from the main body case 110 has been reattached to the main body case 110, if the difference between the humidity (first humidity) detected by the humidity sensor 411 before driving the electric blower 150 and the humidity (second humidity) detected by the humidity sensor 411 with the electric blower 150 driven (reverse rotation) is equal to or greater than a third threshold, the control unit 177 may determine that a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied and perform the drying operation. With this configuration, when the humidity in the room is high due to weather or the like, it is possible to prevent the dust collection device 130 from being erroneously detected as having been washed with water and the drying operation from being performed. The difference value is an example of a "value related to humidity".

In this case, the control unit 177 may change the length of time for which the drying operation is performed depending on the magnitude of the difference value between the first humidity and the second humidity. For example, the control unit 177 may increase the length of time for which the drying operation is performed as the difference value between the humidity detected by the first humidity and the second humidity increases. In addition, the control unit 177 may monitor the value (second humidity) detected by the humidity sensor 411 while the electric blower 150 is driven, and perform the drying operation until the difference value between the first humidity and the second humidity becomes less than a fourth threshold value. The fourth threshold value may be the same value as the third threshold value, or may be a value different from the third threshold value.

In this modified example, the predetermined condition for starting the drying operation does not necessarily require the state detection unit 176 to detect that the dust collection device 130 has been reattached to the main body case 110. The control unit 177 may start the drying operation when the humidity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value at another time. This is also true for the fourth modified example.

As will be described in more detail later, when the electric blower 150 is rotated in the forward direction to perform drying operation as in the second and third embodiments described below, the humidity sensor 411 is provided in the exhaust air duct 182 (e.g., the first exhaust air duct 182a).

(Fourth Modification)
15 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum cleaner body 100 of the fourth modified example. In the fourth modified example, when it is detected that the dust collecting device 130 removed from the body case 110 has been reattached to the body case 110, the electric blower 150 is driven to detect the humidity of the air flowing inside the vacuum cleaner 10 with the two humidity sensors 421 and 422, and when the difference between the humidities detected by the two humidity sensors 421 and 422 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is determined that a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, and the drying operation is performed.

In more detail, the vacuum cleaner body 100 has a first humidity sensor 421 and a second humidity sensor 422. The first humidity sensor 421 is provided upstream of the dust collector 130 in the direction of airflow when the electric blower 150 is rotated in reverse. For example, the first humidity sensor 421 is provided in the exhaust air duct 182 (for example, the first exhaust air duct 182a). The first humidity sensor 421 detects the humidity of the air before passing through the dust collector 130. On the other hand, the second humidity sensor 422 is provided downstream of the dust collector 130 in the direction of airflow when the electric blower 150 is rotated in reverse. For example, the second humidity sensor 422 is provided in the intake air duct 181. The second humidity sensor 422 detects the humidity of the air after passing through the dust collector 130.

When the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130, which was removed from the main body case 110, has been reattached to the main body case 110, the control unit 177 rotates the electric blower 150 in reverse. Then, while the electric blower 150 is rotating in reverse, the control unit 177 causes the first humidity sensor 421 and the second humidity sensor 422 to detect the humidity of the air. When the difference value between the humidities detected by the first humidity sensor 421 and the second humidity sensor 422 is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold, the control unit 177 determines that a predetermined condition for starting a drying operation is satisfied, and performs a drying operation. The difference value is an example of a "value related to humidity".

The control unit 177 may change the length of time for which the drying operation is performed depending on the magnitude of the difference value of the humidity detected by the first humidity sensor 421 and the second humidity sensor 422. For example, the control unit 177 may increase the length of time for which the drying operation is performed as the difference value of the humidity detected by the first humidity sensor 421 and the second humidity sensor 422 increases. The control unit 177 may monitor the difference value of the humidity detected by the first humidity sensor 421 and the second humidity sensor 422, and perform the drying operation until the difference value becomes less than the sixth threshold value. The sixth threshold value may be the same value as the fifth threshold value, or may be a value different from the fifth threshold value. The names "first", "second", and the like for the threshold values described above are for convenience of explanation, and may be changed as appropriate.

As will be described in more detail later, when the electric blower 150 is rotated forward to perform drying operation as in the second and third embodiments described below, the first humidity sensor 421 is provided in the intake air duct 181, and the second humidity sensor 422 is provided in the exhaust air duct 182 (e.g., the first exhaust air duct 182a).

(Fifth Modification)
The fifth modified example is an example in which, when a user's operation to select the drying operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit 121, it is determined that a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied and the drying operation is performed.

In this modified example, the operation reception unit 121 can accept a user operation to select a drying operation (drying mode). For example, the drying operation is selected by pressing and holding one of the operation buttons 121a included in the operation reception unit 121. The user operation to select the drying operation is an example of a "user operation to select a specific mode." Note that the operation reception unit 121 may be capable of accepting a user's selection as to whether to perform a quiet, relatively long drying operation (normal drying operation) or a short drying operation (rapid drying operation) that may produce some noise as the drying operation.

When the operation reception unit 121 receives a user operation to select the drying operation, the control unit 177 determines that a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, and starts the drying operation. In this modified example, the drying operation may be performed when the secondary battery 162 is being charged, or may be performed at a time other than when the secondary battery 162 is being charged. When the operation reception unit 121 receives a user operation to select the "rapid drying operation", the control unit 177 increases the rotation speed of the electric blower 150 during the drying operation compared to when the "normal drying operation" is selected.

From another perspective, when the operation reception unit 121 receives a user operation to select the drying operation, the control unit 177 controls the electric blower 150 to drive the electric blower 150 so that the amount of airflow from the dust collection device 130 toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170 is smaller than the driving mode with the greatest suction power among the multiple driving modes (or, more specifically, than the driving mode with the smallest suction power, for example). As described above, in this specification, "so that the amount of airflow from the dust collection device 130 (structure) toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170 is smaller" also includes the wind direction being reversed.

According to this configuration, the drying operation can be performed at any timing specified by the user. This can improve the convenience of the user. Also, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the dust collection device 130 from being erroneously detected as having been washed with water and the drying operation being performed. Also, according to this modified example, the contact sensor 140, the contact sensor unit 401, or the humidity sensors 421 and 422 can be omitted. Therefore, the reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10 can be improved while suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the vacuum cleaner 10. Note that in this modified example, it is not essential that the state detection unit 176 detects that the dust collection device 130 has been reattached to the main body case 110 as a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, when performing a drying operation, an air-path changing member 510 provided in the vacuum cleaner body 100 is controlled. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

16 and 17 are cross-sectional views showing the vacuum cleaner body 100 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body 100 is provided with an air path changing member (air path changing unit) 510. The air path changing member 510 is provided between the dust collector 130 and the circuit board 170 in the air flow direction in the normal use state of the vacuum cleaner. For example, the air path changing member 510 is provided in the second exhaust air path 182b and is located between the electric blower 150 and the circuit board 170. The air path changing member 510 has an air guide 511 that regulates the air flow direction, and a driving member 512 (see FIG. 17) that moves the air guide 511 between the retracted position and the protruding position. The driving member 512 is, for example, a solenoid, but is not limited thereto. The air path changing member 510 is an example of a "changing means".

Figure 16 shows the state where the wind guide 511 is located in the retracted position (first position). In the retracted position, the wind guide 511 is located at a position that does not substantially obstruct the flow of wind from the electric blower 150 toward the circuit board 170. For example, the wind guide 511 does not substantially overlap the circuit board 170 when viewed in the direction D from the electric blower 150 toward the circuit board 170. For example, the wind guide 511 does not overlap a specific region R of the circuit board 170 (the region where the electronic component 171 is mounted) when viewed in the direction D. For this reason, the wind from the electric blower 150 hits almost the entire area of the circuit board 170, and heat dissipation of the circuit board 170 (e.g., the electronic component 171) is efficiently promoted.

Figure 17 shows the state in which the wind guide 511 is located in the protruding position (second position). In the protruding position, the wind guide 511 protrudes between the electric blower 150 and the circuit board 170. For example, when viewed in the direction D from the electric blower 150 toward the circuit board 170, the wind guide 511 covers a larger area of the circuit board 170 compared to the retracted position. For example, the wind guide 511 is formed in a plate shape, and directs the flow of air from the electric blower 150 toward the circuit board 170 toward the first exhaust hole 183.

Figure 18 is a plan view showing the relationship between the wind guide 511 and the circuit board 170. Figure 18 is a view from the direction D from the electric blower 150 toward the circuit board 170, and shows the state in which the wind guide 511 is in the protruding position. As shown in Figure 18, the wind guide 511 in the protruding position covers at least a specific portion R of the circuit board 170. Note that the wind guide 511 in the protruding position may cover the entire circuit board 170.

In this embodiment, the control unit 177 controls the drive member 512 to retract the air guide 511 to the retracted position when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in normal use. On the other hand, when a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, the control unit 177 controls the drive member 512 to move the air guide 511 to the protruding position. As a result, the air flow path P1 between at least the dust collection device 130 and the circuit board 170 is changed to path P3. Note that "changing the air flow path" means changing the air flow path for a use state in which cleaning is performed using the vacuum cleaner 10.

In this embodiment, when a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, the control unit 177 moves the air guide 511 to the protruding position, thereby changing the air flow path P1 between the dust collection device 130 and the circuit board 170 to the air flow path P3, and drives the electric blower 150 to rotate the electric blower 150 forward. As a result, in the drying operation, the air that has passed through the dust collection device 130 is sent to the second exhaust air duct 182b, similar to the normal use state of the vacuum cleaner 10. However, in this embodiment, because the air guide 511 has been moved to the protruding position, the air that has passed through the dust collection device 130 during the drying operation does not hit the specific part R of the circuit board 170.

When driving the electric blower 150 to perform a drying operation, the control unit 177 drives the electric blower 150 at a lower rotation speed than the driving mode ("strong mode") with the greatest suction power among the multiple driving modes (e.g., "strong mode" and "weak mode") in the normal use state of the vacuum cleaner 10. For example, the control unit 177 drives the electric blower 150 at the same rotation speed as or lower than the driving mode with the smallest suction power among the multiple driving modes (e.g., "strong mode" and "weak mode"). This makes it possible to suppress heat generation from the electronic component 171 in a state in which the wind guide 511 does not blow on a specific portion R of the circuit board 170 and efficient heat dissipation from the electronic component 171 cannot be expected.

With this configuration, even if moisture remains in a part of the dust collecting device 130 (for example, inside the filter 137), it is possible to send air to the dust collecting device 130 and dry the dust collecting device 130 while preventing moisture from flying from the dust collecting device 130 toward a specific part R of the circuit board 170. This reduces the possibility of malfunctions occurring in the circuit board 170 due to moisture remaining in the dust collecting device 130, and improves the reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10.

From another perspective, when a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, the control unit 177 controls the air path changing member 510 and drives the electric blower 150 so that the amount of airflow from the dust collecting device 130 toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170 is smaller than the amount of airflow from the dust collecting device 130 toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170 in the multiple driving modes (e.g., "strong mode" and "weak mode") that the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use with the smallest suction power (e.g., "weak mode"). With this configuration, the dust collecting device 130 can be dried while preventing moisture from flying from the dust collecting device 130 toward the specific part R of the circuit board 170.

In this embodiment, the drying operation may be performed when the secondary battery 162 is being charged, or may be performed at a time other than when the secondary battery 162 is being charged.

The drying operation of this embodiment may be performed, as in the third modified example of the first embodiment, by driving the electric blower 150 to detect the humidity of the air flowing inside the vacuum cleaner 10 and detecting that the humidity value is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In this case, the humidity sensor 411 is provided in the exhaust air duct 182.

The drying operation of this embodiment may be performed, as in the fourth modified example of the first embodiment, by driving the electric blower 150 to detect the humidity of the air flowing inside the vacuum cleaner 10 using the two humidity sensors 421, 422, when the humidity value is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In this case, the first humidity sensor 421 is provided in the intake air passage 181, and the second humidity sensor 422 is provided in the exhaust air passage 182.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, when performing a drying operation, the electric blower 150 is driven in the forward direction and the strength of the airflow is weakened. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the current value of the input power input to the electric blower 150 in each drive mode. In this embodiment, when a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, the control unit 177 rotates the electric blower 150 at a lower rotation speed than the drive mode (e.g., "weak mode") with the smallest suction power among the multiple drive modes (e.g., "strong mode" and "weak mode") during normal use of the vacuum cleaner 10. This drying operation may be performed when the secondary battery 162 is being charged, or may be performed at a time other than when the secondary battery 162 is being charged.

From another perspective, when a predetermined condition for starting the drying operation is satisfied, the control unit 177 controls the electric blower 150 so that the amount of airflow from the dust collection device 130 toward the specific portion R of the circuit board 170 is smaller than the amount of airflow in the driving mode with the smallest suction power (e.g., the "weak mode") among the multiple driving modes (e.g., the "strong mode" and the "weak mode") when the vacuum cleaner 10 is in use, and drives the electric blower 150.

With this configuration, even if moisture remains in a part of the dust collecting device 130 (for example, inside the filter 137), it is possible to blow air into the dust collecting device 130 and dry the dust collecting device 130 while preventing the moisture from flying away in the form of water droplets. This reduces the possibility of water droplets adhering to the circuit board 170 and causing a malfunction of the circuit board 170, and improves the reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10.

Although several embodiments and modifications have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be realized in appropriate combination with each other. For example, the predetermined conditions for starting the drying operation are not limited to the above examples. In addition, even if a user's operation to select the start of operation of the vacuum cleaner 10 is accepted by the operation acceptance unit 121, if the predetermined conditions for starting the drying operation are satisfied, the control unit 177 may control the electric blower 150 or the air path change member 510 to change the air flow direction or air flow path before the operation corresponding to the user's operation to perform the drying operation.

For example, if the structure of the vacuum cleaner 10 causes the electric blower 150 to operate in a drive mode (e.g., "weak mode") that has a lower rotation speed than the drive mode with the highest suction power among the multiple drive modes, and the amount of moisture that flies from the dust collection device 130 to the circuit board 170 falls below the allowable amount, the drying operation may rotate the electric blower 150 in the forward direction at the same rotation speed as that drive mode (a drive mode with a lower rotation speed than the drive mode with the highest suction power).

The vacuum cleaner 10 may also perform a drying operation every time it is attached to the charging device 20. In this case, the state determination unit 176 may not need to make a determination.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the vacuum cleaner has a control unit that controls the electric blower or the change means so that, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the amount of air directed toward a specific part of the circuit board is smaller than in a drive mode with the smallest suction power among multiple drive modes when the vacuum cleaner is in use, thereby improving reliability.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

10... electric vacuum cleaner, 100... vacuum cleaner body, 121... operation reception section, 130... dust collection device (structure), 137... filter, 150... electric blower, 160... secondary battery unit, 162... secondary battery, 170... circuit board, 175... switching unit, 176... status detection section, 177... control section, 510... air path changing member, 511... air guide, 512... driving member, R... specific part of circuit board, P1, P2, P3... air flow path.

Claims (8)

a main body case having an intake air passage;
an electric blower provided in the main body case;
a structure that is detachably disposed in an airflow path of the vacuum cleaner and at least a portion of which is washable with water;
a circuit board that is disposed downstream of the structure in a direction of airflow in a first state, which is a usage state in which cleaning is performed using the vacuum cleaner, in the airflow path;
a control unit that is provided as at least a part of the circuit board or separately from the circuit board, and that performs the drying operation by driving the electric blower in a second state in which, when a predetermined condition for performing the drying operation is satisfied, the electric blower is rotated in a reverse direction relative to the first state , thereby changing the flow direction of the air at least between the structure and the circuit board from the first state, and air is introduced from the outside atmosphere, passed through the structure, and then directed in a direction different from that of the circuit board and discharged into the outside atmosphere ;
Equipped with
In the first state, air flows toward the structure through an air passage that leads from the outside of the main body case through the air intake air passage to the structure,
In the second state, air flows through the air passage in a direction opposite to that in the first state,
The opening area of the air passage is the same in the first state and in the second state.
Vacuum cleaner. the structure includes a filter;
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1. The device further includes a secondary battery provided in the main body case,
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit causes the electric blower to rotate in a reverse direction relative to the first state while charging or discharging the secondary battery, thereby blowing air heated by the secondary battery toward the structure.
The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2. The main body case,
an electric blower provided in the main body case;
a structure that is detachably disposed in an airflow path of the vacuum cleaner and at least a portion of which is washable with water;
a circuit board that is disposed downstream of the structure in a direction of airflow in a first state, which is a usage state in which cleaning is performed using the vacuum cleaner, in the airflow path;
a control unit that is provided as at least a part of the circuit board or separately from the circuit board, and that, when a predetermined condition for performing a drying operation is satisfied, controls an airflow path changing member that is arranged between the structure and the circuit board in the airflow path, thereby performing the drying operation by driving the electric blower in a second state in which the airflow path at least between the structure and the circuit board is changed from the first state, and air is introduced from the outside atmosphere, passed through the structure, and then directed in a direction different from the circuit board and discharged into the outside atmosphere ;
Equipped with
the air-path changing member allows a flow direction of air toward the circuit board in the first state, and restricts a flow direction of air toward the circuit board in the second state.
Vacuum cleaner. a state detection unit capable of detecting that the structure or a filter included in the structure is placed in the airflow path,
The predetermined condition includes that the state detection unit detects that the structure or the filter removed from the airflow path is placed in the airflow path.
5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a first insulating layer. A humidity detector is further provided for detecting the humidity of air passing through the airflow path,
the predetermined condition includes that a value related to the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit is equal to or greater than a threshold value;
6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on the first and second surfaces of the vacuum cleaner. Further comprising an operation receiving unit for receiving an operation from a user,
the predetermined condition includes that a user's operation for selecting a specific mode is accepted by the operation acceptance unit.
7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a first insulating layer. The device further includes a secondary battery provided in the main body case,
when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit changes a flow direction or a flow path of the air at least between the structure and the circuit board from the first state to the second state during charging of the secondary battery, and drives the electric blower.
8. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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