JP3823879B2

JP3823879B2 - Vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: JP3823879B2
Application number: JP2002156910A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 昭人伊藤; 崇文石橋
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2002-05-30
Filing date: 2002-05-30
Publication date: 2006-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-30
Also published as: JP2003339598A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、塵埃を吸引収集する電気掃除機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来のこの種の電気掃除機は、例えば特開２０００−３４２４９２号公報に開示された電気掃除機がある。
【０００３】
図６は上記従来の電気掃除機の構成を示す外観図である。図６において、先端に吸込具１を着脱可能に装着した延長管２が手元ハンドル３に連結され、手元ハンドル３から延出するホース４がホース継ぎ手５によって本体６に連結されており、本体６は塵埃を蓄積する集塵室７を備えている。８は手元ハンドル３に設けた手元操作部であり、図７に示すように、強スイッチ９と、標準スイッチ１０と、弱スイッチ１１と停止スイッチ１２とを備えており、使用者が手元操作部８を操作することにより動作を切り替える。また、本体６の内部には、図８に示すように、塵埃を吸引するための吸引風を発生する電動送風機１３を備えており、手元操作部８からの信号を入力して、負荷としての電動送風機１３の動作を制御する制御手段（図示せず）有している。
【０００４】
以下、上記構成における動作について説明する。制御手段（図示せず）は、電動送風機１３の供給電力を９００Ｗで運転する強ポジションと、６００Ｗで運転する標準ポジションと、２００Ｗで運転する弱ポジションとを備えており、使用者が強スイッチ９を操作することにより強ポジションでの運転を行うように制御する。同様に、標準スイッチ１０は標準ポジションに、弱スイッチ１１は弱ポジションに対応して電動送風機１３の制御を行っている。また、停止スイッチ１２を操作することにより電動送風機１３への電力供給を停止し、停止ポジションへと移行させる。
【０００５】
強ポジション、標準ポジション、弱ポジションのいずれかのポジション（以下、動作ポジションという）において、電動送風機１３によって発生した吸引風により吸込具１から吸気した塵埃を含む空気が、延長管２、手元ハンドル３、ホース４、およびホース継ぎ手５を通じて集塵室７に導かれ、集塵室７に塵埃が蓄積される。
【０００６】
上記従来の構成においては、集塵室７に蓄積される塵埃が、特に繊維質のものや紙屑などの比較的嵩の高いものにあっては、重量の割に体積をとるため、塵などの目の細かいものよりも集塵室７への蓄積量が少なく、集塵室７のごみ捨てサイクルも短くなる。また、強ポジションのように電動送風機１３の供給電力が高い動作ポジションでは、電動送風機１３により発生する吸引風の風圧による圧縮効果によって塵埃はある程度圧縮されるので、弱ポジションに比較して集塵室７への蓄積量は多くなるが、多くの電力を消費してしまう。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
このような従来の電気掃除機の構成では、塵埃の種類によって集塵室７への塵埃の蓄積量が異なり、嵩の高いものにあっては蓄積量が少なくなり、また、電動送風機１３の供給電力を高くして圧縮効果により蓄積量を多くしても、消費電力の割には蓄積量の向上に対する大きな効果が得られないという問題があった。
【０００８】
本発明は上記の課題を解決するもので、消費電力を小さくしつつ塵埃を圧縮して、より多くの塵埃を吸い込むことができる電気掃除機を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記の課題を解決するために、吸引風を発する電動送風機を内蔵する電気掃除機の本体に、前記吸引風により吸引された塵埃を収容する集塵室と、前記集塵室内の塵埃を前記電動送風機の吸引風により圧縮するための圧縮手段と、前記電動送風機の動作および前記圧縮手段の動作を制御する制御手段と、電動送風機の風量を検知する風量検知手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記風量検知手段が検知した風量に対応して前記電動送風機の入力を変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御する電気掃除機である。
【００１０】
本発明によれば、制御手段は、風量検知手段が検知した風量に対応して電動送風機の入力を変化させるように制御するため、塵埃を吸い込むことによる風量低下に対応した入力で圧縮動作を行い、これにより風量低下を防止して、より多くの塵埃を吸い込むことができる。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に係わる電気掃除機は、本体に内蔵されて吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記吸引風により塵埃を吸引して収容する集塵室と、前記集塵室内の塵埃を前記電動送風機の吸引風により圧縮するための圧縮手段と、前記電動送風機の動作および前記圧縮手段の動作を制御する制御手段と、電動送風機の風量を検知する風量検知手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記風量検知手段が検知した風量に対応して前記電動送風機の入力を変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御することを特徴とする。
【００１２】
本発明において、制御手段は、風量検知手段が検知した風量に応じて電動送風機の入力を変化させるように制御するため、塵埃を吸い込むことによる風量低下に対応した入力で圧縮動作を行い、これにより風量低下を防止することができる。
【００１３】
本発明の請求項２に係わる電気掃除機は、本体に内蔵されて吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記吸引風により塵埃を吸引して収容する集塵室と、前記集塵室内の塵埃を前記電動送風機の吸引風により圧縮するための圧縮手段と、前記電動送風機の動作および前記圧縮手段の動作を制御する制御手段と、前記電動送風機の起動後の経過時間を計時する計時手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記経過時間が所定値に達したのちに、前記圧縮手段による圧縮動作を行うと共に、前記圧縮動作に対応して前記電動送風機の入力を変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御することを特徴とする。
【００１４】
本発明において、制御手段は、圧縮手段による圧縮動作に対応して電動送風機の入力を変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御するため、より多くの塵埃を吸い込むことができる。また、計時手段が計時した経過時間が所定値に達したのちに、圧縮手段による圧縮動作を行うように制御するため、電動送風機の動作が安定した状態で圧縮動作を行うことができ、圧縮効果を高めることができる。
【００１５】
本発明の請求項３に係わる電気掃除機は、本体に内蔵されて吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記吸引風により塵埃を吸引して収容する集塵室と、前記集塵室内の塵埃を前記電動送風機の吸引風により圧縮するための圧縮手段と、前記電動送風機の動作および前記圧縮手段の動作を制御する制御手段と、使用者により設定される電動送風機の入力設定を複数段階に備え、前記制御手段は、圧縮を行わない通常動作時には前記入力設定に対応する入力で前記電動送風機を制御し、圧縮手段による圧縮動作時には、前記入力設定に対応して電動送風機の入力と圧縮手段による圧縮動作時間とを変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御することを特徴とする。
【００１６】
本発明において、制御手段は、圧縮手段による圧縮動作時には、前記入力設定に対応して電動送風機の入力と圧縮手段による圧縮動作時間とを変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御するため、異なる入力設定に応じて、入力設定が低ければ圧縮動作時間を長く、入力設定が高ければ圧縮動作時間を短くし、入力設定に応じた最適な圧縮を行うことができる。
【００１７】
本発明の請求項４に係わる電気掃除機は、本体に内蔵されて吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記吸引風により塵埃を吸引して収容する集塵室と、前記集塵室内の塵埃を前記電動送風機の吸引風により圧縮するための圧縮手段と、前記電動送風機の動作および前記圧縮手段の動作を制御する制御手段と、前記電動送風機の入力を検知する入力検知手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記入力検知手段が検知した入力に対応して電動送風機の入力と圧縮手段による圧縮動作時間とを変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御することを特徴とする。
【００１８】
本発明において、制御手段は、入力検知手段が検知した入力に応じて電動送風機と圧縮手段による圧縮動作時間とを変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御するため、電動送風機の入力のばらつきや、塵埃の蓄積量に対しても最適な圧縮効果を得ることができる。
【００１９】
本発明の請求項５に係わる電気掃除機は、少なくとも負荷として本体に内蔵されて吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記吸引風により塵埃を吸引して収容する集塵室と、前記集塵室内の塵埃を前記電動送風機の吸引風により圧縮するための圧縮手段と、前記電動送風機の動作および前記圧縮手段の動作を制御する制御手段と、前記負荷の動作を指定する複数の動作ポジションと、前記負荷の動作停止を指定する停止ポジションとを備え、前記制御手段は、前記圧縮手段による圧縮動作に対応して前記電動送風機の入力と前記圧縮手段による圧縮動作時間とを変化させて塵埃を圧縮すると共に、前記各指定に対応して前記負荷を制御するとき、前記複数の動作ポジションのすべて、もしくは所定の動作ポジションに移行する場合と、停止ポジションに移行する場合とで異なる圧縮動作時間で塵埃を圧縮するように制御することを特徴とする。
【００２０】
本発明において、制御手段は、負荷を制御し、複数の動作ポジションのすべて、もしくは所定の動作ポジションに移行するときと、停止ポジションに移行するときとで、異なる圧縮動作時間で圧縮を行うように制御するため、圧縮動作時間を停止時に長く、起動時に短くすることで起動後の集塵力を向上させつつ停止後に圧縮された塵埃処理を容易にすることができ、また停止時に短く、起動時に長くすることで、停止時に負荷の動作継続による違和感を軽減することができる。
【００２１】
本発明の請求項６に係わる電気掃除機は、本体に内蔵されて吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記吸引風により塵埃を吸引して収容する集塵室と、前記集塵室内の塵埃を前記電動送風機の吸引風により圧縮するための圧縮手段と、前記電動送風機の動作および前記圧縮手段の動作を制御する制御手段と、前記圧縮手段による圧縮動作の中止を指示する圧縮中止指示手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記圧縮手段による圧縮動作に対応して前記電動送風機の入力を変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御すると共に、前記圧縮手段による圧縮動作中に圧縮中止指示があったときには、前記圧縮手段の状態を圧縮動作を開始する前の状態に戻すように制御することを特徴とする。
【００２２】
本発明において、制御手段は、圧縮動作中に圧縮中止指示手段の圧縮中止指示により、圧縮手段の状態を圧縮動作を開始する前の状態へ戻すように制御するため、圧縮が中断されたときには圧縮手段を圧縮動作前の状態に戻し、通常の掃除状態での圧縮による影響をなくすことができる。
【００２３】
本発明の請求項７に係わる電気掃除機は、本体に内蔵されて吸引風を発する電動送風機と、前記吸引風により塵埃を吸引して収容する集塵室と、前記集塵室内の塵埃を前記電動送風機の吸引風により圧縮するための圧縮手段と、前記電動送風機の動作および前記圧縮手段の動作を制御する制御手段と、塵埃の種類を判別する判別手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前記圧縮手段による圧縮動作に対応して前記電動送風機の入力を変化させて塵埃を圧縮するように制御すると共に、前記判別手段が判別した塵埃の種類に対応して圧縮手段による圧縮動作を開始するように制御することを特徴とする。
【００２４】
本発明において、制御手段は、判別手段が判別した塵埃の種類に応じて圧縮手段による圧縮動作を開始するように制御するため、集塵力の低下要因となるような大きな塵埃が集塵室内に入ったときに直ちに圧縮動作を行うことにより塵埃による風量低下を防ぐことができる。
【００２５】
【実施例】
（実施例１）
以下、本発明の実施例について図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、図６ないし図８に示した従来例と同一構成の部品については同一符号を付与して詳細な説明を省略する。
【００２６】
本実施例における電気掃除機は、サイクロン方式の電気掃除機として構成される。図１は、本実施例の制御構成を示すブロック図である。図１において、１３は負荷としての電動送風機、１４は圧縮動作を行うための圧縮手段、１５は電動送風機１３の起動後の経過時間を計時する計時手段、１６は電動送風機１３へ流れる電流により風量を検知する風量検知手段、１７は制御手段１８によって設定された電動送風機１３への供給電力、すなわち入力を検知する入力検知手段である。１９は圧縮動作の中止を制御手段１８に指示する圧縮中止指示手段であり、本実施例においては手元操作部８の停止スイッチ１２が圧縮中止指示手段を兼ねる構成としている。２０は塵埃の種類を判別する判別手段である。制御手段１８は、圧縮手段１４、計時手段１５、風量検知手段１６、入力検知手段１７、圧縮中止指示手段１９、および判別手段２０の各手段から情報を入力し、電動送風機１３への入力を制御するとともに、圧縮手段１４による圧縮動作を制御する。
【００２７】
本実施例においては、本体６と集塵室７が分離できる構成としており、図２は本実施例における本体６の集塵室７との連結部分の概要構成を示す断面図である。図２において、２１は電動送風機１３の吸引力により吸引風を集塵室７へ導くための集塵用吸気口、２２は集塵室７内の塵埃を圧縮するための吸引風の流路を形成するための圧縮用吸気口、２３は集塵用吸気口２１と圧縮用吸気口２２を択一的に開閉する圧縮制御弁である。圧縮手段１４は圧縮用吸気口２２と圧縮制御弁２３とから構成され、制御手段１８は圧縮制御弁２３を開閉して圧縮動作の有無を制御する。
【００２８】
また、図３および図４は集塵室７の概要構成を示す断面図である。図３および図４において、２４は塵埃を遠心分離する分離室、２５は分離室２４に設けられて本体６側の集塵用吸気口２１と連通する第１吸気部、２６は分離室２４に連通して塵埃を収容する塵埃収容室、２７は塵埃収容室２６と圧縮用吸気口２２とを連通する第２吸気部であり、吸込具１から吸気した塵埃を含む空気を分離室２４に導き、分離室２４内で旋回流にし、空気中から塵埃を遠心分離して塵埃収容室２６内に塵埃を蓄積する。２８は吸込具１から吸引された塵埃を含む空気を分離室２４に導くための塵埃搬送室である。
【００２９】
以上のように構成された電気掃除機について、以下、その動作および作用について説明する。制御手段１８は、手元操作部８の強スイッチ９、標準スイッチ１０、弱スイッチ１１の操作に対応して、電動送風機１３への供給電力を強ポジション、標準ポジション、弱ポジションで供給するように制御する。これらの動作ポジションにおける供給電力は互いに異なっており、強ポジションでは、特に吸引力を重視して９００Ｗの供給電力の設定とし、弱ポジションでは、特に静音化を重視して２００Ｗの供給電力の設定とし、標準ポジションでは、各々の中間のポジションとして６００Ｗの供給電力の設定としている。
【００３０】
また、制御手段１８は、圧縮手段１４の圧縮制御弁２３の位置を制御することにより、通常動作と圧縮動作とを切り換える。圧縮動作を行わない通常動作時は、集塵用吸気口２１を開いて圧縮用吸気口２２を閉じ、第１吸気部２５から吸引を行うことにより、塵埃を吸込具１から集塵室７へと吸引する。また、圧縮を行う圧縮動作時には、圧縮用吸気口２２を開いて集塵用吸気口２１を閉じ、第２吸気部２７から吸引を行うことにより、塵埃収容室２６に蓄積した塵埃を圧縮するように制御する。このとき、吸引力を上げることにより塵埃をより圧縮することができるので、圧縮制御弁２３を移動させて圧縮用吸気口２２を開く動作に合わせて電動送風機１３への供給電力を所定時間の間、各動作ポジションに対する上記設定の値から変化させて圧縮動作を制御している。
【００３１】
すなわち、圧縮動作時では、制御手段１８は、動作ポジションごとに、圧縮動作時の電動送風機１３への供給電力と圧縮動作時間とを設定し、強ポジションでは、９００Ｗ（通常動作時と同じ）・５秒、標準ポジションでは９００Ｗ（通常動作時の６００Ｗより大きい）・５秒、弱ポジションでは６００Ｗ（通常動作時の２００Ｗより大きい）・１０秒の設定としている。また、強ポジションにおいては、計時手段１５が計時する値に対して１秒の判定値を設定し、電動送風機１３を起動してから最初の１秒間で動作が安定するのを待ち、強ポジションにおける圧縮効果を確実なものとしている。
【００３２】
例えば、使用者が標準スイッチ１０を操作すると、制御手段１８は、圧縮制御弁２３を制御して圧縮用吸気口２２を開くと同時に、電動送風機１３に９００Ｗの設定で電力供給を行い、この状態を５秒間維持する。この間、９００Ｗという高入力による高吸引力で塵埃収容室２６に蓄積した塵埃を圧縮し、５秒経過後に圧縮制御弁２３を集塵用吸気口２１が開く位置に移動させるとともに、電動送風機１３への供給電力を標準ポジションの通常入力である６００Ｗにして制御する。これにより、所定時間の圧縮動作時のみ電動送風機１３を高入力とし、通常の使用状態では低消費電力で運転し、塵埃を圧縮しながら多くの塵埃を吸い込むことができる。
【００３３】
図５は圧縮を行う場合と行わない場合の集塵量（ｇ）と風量（ｍ^３／ｍｉｎ）の関係を示す特性図である。図５において、（Ａ）には嵩の低い塵埃を吸引した場合の特性を、（Ｂ）には嵩の高い塵埃を吸引した場合の特性を示す。また、実線で示した曲線ａおよび曲線ｃは圧縮を行わない場合、破線で示した曲線ｂおよび曲線ｄは圧縮動作を行う場合の特性である。塵埃を吸引すると、図３の分離室２４内に塵埃が蓄積することで、図６に示したホース継ぎ手５から第１吸気部２５を経由して電動送風機１３を通過する吸引風の流れが、蓄積された塵埃によって妨げられ、それにより風量が低下する。風量Ｑ０は、この風量以下になると塵埃をほとんど吸わなくなる風量であり、この風量Ｑ０により、風量による集塵量の限界点Ｌ１とＬ２を規定している。
【００３４】
また、集塵室７内に蓄積された塵埃の体積が集塵室７の集塵容量（ｍ^３）に達した場合には、それ以上塵埃を吸えなくなり、このときの集塵量により、集塵室７の集塵容量による集塵量の限界点Ｌ３とＬ４を規定している。また、圧縮効果は圧縮動作を行った時点での集塵室７内の塵埃に対して有効なので、ｔ１〜ｔ６およびｔ７〜ｔ１２の時点で圧縮を何度も行うことにより、塵埃が蓄積されるたびに圧縮を行い、圧縮効果をより多く得るようにしている。
【００３５】
図５の（Ａ）の曲線ａの特性に示すように、嵩の低い塵埃の場合には集塵容量が満たされる前に風量低下による限界に達し、風量がＱ０に達した時点で塵埃を吸わなくなる。曲線ａと曲線ｂを比較すると圧縮を行わない場合には、風量がＱ０に達したときの集塵量はＬ１であるのに対し、圧縮を行う場合には圧縮動作により吸引風の流れの妨げになる分離室２４内にある塵埃が圧縮され、体積が減少することにより、ホース継ぎ手５から第１吸気部２５を経由して電動送風機１３を通過する吸引風の流れが円滑になり、風量が回復する。この圧縮動作をｔ１〜ｔ６の時点で行うことで塵埃を何度も圧縮し、その度に風量を回復しているが、圧縮された塵埃も吸引風の流れの妨げになるので、圧縮を何度も行っても風量は一定の値以上には回復せず、したがって、圧縮を行っても次第に風量は低下し、Ｑ０に達する。その結果、集塵量はＬ２に増加し、塵埃をより多く吸い込むことができる。
【００３６】
また、図５の（Ｂ）において、嵩の高い塵埃の場合には風量がＱ０に達する前に吸引した塵埃の体積が集塵室７の容量に達し、それによって塵埃を吸えなくなる。曲線ｃと曲線ｄを比較すると、圧縮を行わない場合には、吸引した塵埃の体積が集塵室７の集塵容量に達したときの集塵量はＬ３であるのに対し、圧縮を行う場合には塵埃が圧縮されることで集塵室７内の塵埃の体積は減少する。この圧縮動作をｔ７〜ｔ１２の時点で行うことで塵埃を何度も圧縮し、その度に集塵室７内の塵埃の体積を減らしているが、圧縮された塵埃も次第に蓄積されるので、圧縮を何度も行っても集塵室７内の塵埃の体積は圧縮された塵埃の体積以下にはならず、したがって、圧縮を行っていても塵埃の体積が集塵容量の限界に達する。その結果、集塵量はＬ４に増加し、塵埃をより多く吸い込むことができる。
【００３７】
以上のように、圧縮時に電動送風機１３を高入力にすることで、圧縮効果を得ることができるが、強ポジションのように供給電力が高い場合には、電動送風機１３の起動から定常状態に至るまで、すなわち、安定した吸引力が得られるまでの時間がかかってしまう。そこで、使用者が強スイッチ９を操作すると、制御手段１８が電動送風機１３に９００Ｗの電力供給を開始するとともに、計時手段１５が計時を開始する。計時手段１５が計時した経過時間が１秒になると、制御手段１８は、圧縮制御弁２３を圧縮用吸気口２２が開く位置に移動させ、電動送風機１３の吸引力が安定した状態で圧縮動作を開始し、５秒経過後に圧縮制御弁２３を集塵用吸気口２１が開く位置に移動し、通常動作に移行することにより、電動送風機１３の吸引力が安定した状態で圧縮を行うことができ、高い圧縮効果を得ることができる。
【００３８】
しかし、圧縮動作時に入力を上げ過ぎると、無駄な電力を消費するとともに騒音値が高くなるというデメリットも有している。そこで、静音化を重視した弱ポジションにおいては、使用者が弱スイッチ１１を操作すると、制御手段１８は、圧縮制御弁２３を制御して圧縮用吸気口２２を開くと同時に電動送風機１３に６００Ｗの設定で電力供給を行い、静音を重視した入力設定のもとに圧縮を行うように制御する。この状態を、９００Ｗ時の圧縮動作時間５秒よりも長い１０秒間維持することにより、６００Ｗという比較的低い入力状態で、静音化を実現しながら圧縮効果を得ることができる。このように入力設定に応じて圧縮動作時間を設定することにより入力に応じた最適な圧縮を行うことができる。
【００３９】
さらに、制御手段１８は、風量検知手段１６の風量情報を入力して、圧縮用吸気口２２に流れ込む風量を検知している。電動送風機１３の風量−電流特性は、電動送風機１３の個体差による特性のばらつきを除けば、風量に対する電流値は一対一に対応して決まるため、本実施例においては、電動送風機１３に流れる電流により風量を判断している。圧縮用吸気口２２に流れる風量は、塵埃収容室２６に塵埃が蓄積されるほど低下し、電動送風機１３に流れる電流も低下する。制御手段１８は、風量検知手段１６が検知する電流値に応じて、電流値が高ければ圧縮動作時の電動送風機１３への供給電力を低く、電流値が低くなると供給電力を上昇するよう制御することにより、塵埃の蓄積量に応じて、無駄な電力を消費することなく、最適な圧縮動作を実現することができる。
【００４０】
また、本実施例では、風量検知手段１６は、電動送風機１３に流れる電流により風量を検知しており、入力は電圧×電流で、電圧は一定であるので、入力検知手段１７による圧縮動作時の電動送風機１３の供給電力の制御も同様になり、さらに、電動送風機１３の個体差による入力のばらつきが存在しても、個体に応じて最適な圧縮効果を得ることができる。
【００４１】
制御手段１８は、以上に述べた圧縮動作を、停止ポジションから、強スイッチ９、標準スイッチ１０、弱スイッチ１１のいずれかが操作されて対応する動作ポジションに移行するときに行うように制御することにより、本実施例の電気掃除機による掃除作業時には毎回高い吸引力を得て集塵力を高め、また、動作ポジションから、停止スイッチ１２が操作されて停止ポジションに移行するときにも圧縮動作を行うように制御することにより、集塵室７に蓄積した塵埃を廃棄するときには塵埃が圧縮されているので使用者が廃棄しやすいという効果を得ることができる。このとき、制御手段１８が、停止ポジションから動作ポジションに移行するときに圧縮動作時間を５秒と短く、動作ポジションから停止ポジションに移行するときには圧縮動作時間を１０秒と長く設定して圧縮を行うように制御することにより、掃除作業時の集塵力を維持しながら集塵室７内の塵埃廃棄時の作業性をより向上することができる。
【００４２】
逆に、停止ポジションから動作ポジションに移行するときに圧縮動作時間を１０秒と長く、動作ポジションから停止ポジションに移行するときには圧縮動作時間を５秒と短く設定して圧縮を行うように制御することにより、掃除作業時の集塵力と、集塵室７内の塵埃廃棄時の作業性を維持しながら、停止スイッチ１２を操作したときの電動送風機１３の動作継続による違和感を軽減することができる。
【００４３】
また、電動送風機１３による吸引力は、大きな塵埃が集塵室に吸引されると低下してしまう。判別手段２０は、集塵室７内に吸引された塵埃の大小を判別しており、制御手段１８は、判別手段２０が判別する塵埃の大小の情報を入力し、その情報により、塵埃の大きさが所定の大きさ以上であれば圧縮動作を行うように圧縮制御弁２３を制御することにより、大きな塵埃が吸引されたときでも、塵埃による風量低下を防ぎ、集塵力を維持することができる。このとき、圧縮動作中に使用者が停止スイッチ１２を操作すると、制御手段１８は、圧縮制御弁２３を集塵用吸気口２１が開く位置へ移動させるように制御することにより、次に動作ポジションで動作するときも、通常動作開始時の圧縮制御弁２３による吸引力への影響をなくすことができる。
【００４４】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明から明らかなように本発明によれば、消費電力を小さくしつつ塵埃を圧縮して、より多くの塵埃を吸い込むことができる電気掃除機を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の電気掃除機の実施例の制御構成を示すブロック図
【図２】同実施例における第１吸気部および第２吸気部の概要構成を示す断面図
【図３】同実施例における集塵室の概要構成を示す断面図
【図４】図３における集塵室のＺ−Ｚ断面図
【図５】圧縮を行う場合と行わない場合の電気掃除機における風量−集塵量の関係を示す特性図
【図６】従来の電気掃除機の一例の構成を示す外観図
【図７】同従来例における手元操作部の構成を示す外観図
【図８】同従来例の本体の構成を示す断面図
【符号の説明】
１吸込具
２延長管
３手元ハンドル
４ホース
５ホース継ぎ手
６本体
７集塵室
８手元操作部
９強スイッチ
１０標準スイッチ
１１弱スイッチ
１２停止スイッチ
１３電動送風機
１４圧縮手段
１５計時手段
１６風量検知手段
１７入力検知手段
１８制御手段
１９圧縮中止指示手段
２０判別手段
２１集塵用吸気口
２２圧縮用吸気口（圧縮手段）
２３圧縮制御弁（圧縮手段）
２４分離室
２５第１吸気部
２６塵埃収容室
２７第２吸気部
２８塵埃搬送室[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that sucks and collects dust.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  As this type of conventional vacuum cleaner, for example, there is a vacuum cleaner disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-342492.
[0003]
  FIG. 6 is an external view showing the configuration of the conventional vacuum cleaner. In FIG. 6, the extension tube 2 having the suction tool 1 detachably attached to the tip is connected to the hand handle 3, and the hose 4 extending from the hand handle 3 is connected to the main body 6 by the hose joint 5. Has a dust collection chamber 7 for accumulating dust. Reference numeral 8 denotes a hand operation unit provided on the hand handle 3, and includes a strong switch 9, a standard switch 10, a weak switch 11 and a stop switch 12, as shown in FIG. The operation is switched by operating 8. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, an electric blower 13 that generates suction air for sucking dust is provided inside the main body 6, and a signal from the hand operating unit 8 is input to serve as a load. Control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the electric blower 13 is provided.
[0004]
  Hereinafter, the operation in the above configuration will be described. The control means (not shown) has a strong position where the electric power supplied from the electric blower 13 is operated at 900 W, a standard position operated at 600 W, and a weak position operated at 200 W. Control to operate in a strong position by operating. Similarly, the standard switch 10 controls the electric blower 13 corresponding to the standard position and the weak switch 11 corresponds to the weak position. Further, by operating the stop switch 12, the power supply to the electric blower 13 is stopped, and the operation is shifted to the stop position.
[0005]
  In any one of the strong position, the standard position, and the weak position (hereinafter referred to as the operation position), the air containing dust sucked from the suction tool 1 by the suction air generated by the electric blower 13 is transferred to the extension pipe 2 and the hand handle 3. The hose 4 and the hose joint 5 lead to the dust collecting chamber 7, and dust is accumulated in the dust collecting chamber 7.
[0006]
  In the above-described conventional configuration, dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber 7 takes up a volume for the weight, particularly when the dust is relatively bulky such as fibrous material or paper waste. The amount of accumulation in the dust collection chamber 7 is smaller than that of fine objects, and the dust disposal cycle of the dust collection chamber 7 is also shortened. Further, in the operating position where the electric power supplied from the electric blower 13 is high, such as in the strong position, the dust is compressed to some extent by the compression effect due to the wind pressure of the suction air generated by the electric blower 13, so that the dust collecting chamber is compared with the weak position. Although the amount stored in 7 increases, a large amount of power is consumed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  In the configuration of such a conventional vacuum cleaner, the amount of dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber 7 differs depending on the type of dust, the amount accumulated is small in the case of a bulky one, and the electric blower 13 is supplied. Even if the power is increased and the storage amount is increased by the compression effect, there is a problem that a large effect on the improvement of the storage amount cannot be obtained for the power consumption.
[0008]
  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner capable of compressing dust while reducing power consumption and sucking more dust.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a main body of a vacuum cleaner having a built-in electric blower that generates suction air, a dust collection chamber for storing dust sucked by the suction air, and dust in the dust collection chamber. Compression means for compressing the electric blower with the suction air of the electric blower, and control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower and the operation of the compression meansAn air volume detecting means for detecting the air volume of the electric blower;The control means includesAir volume detected by air volume detection meansCorresponding to the electric blower, the input of the electric blower is changed to control the dust to be compressed.
[0010]
  According to the invention, the control means comprisesAir volume detected by air volume detection meansIn order to control to change the input of the electric blower in response toThe compression operation is performed with the input corresponding to the decrease in the air volume due to the inhalation of dust, thereby preventing the decrease in the air volume., Can suck more dust.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Claims of the invention1The vacuum cleaner related toAn electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower Control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower and the compression means; andAir volume detection means for detecting air volumeAnd the control means controls the dust to be compressed by changing the input of the electric blower corresponding to the air volume detected by the air volume detecting means..
[0012]
  In the present invention, the control means controls to change the input of the electric blower according to the air volume detected by the air volume detection means, and therefore performs a compression operation with an input corresponding to a reduction in the air volume caused by sucking dust. It is possible to prevent a decrease in air volume.
[0013]
  Claims of the invention2The vacuum cleaner related toAn electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower Control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower and the compression means; andTimekeeping means for measuring the elapsed time after the start of the electric blowerThe control means performs the compression operation by the compression means after the elapsed time reaches a predetermined value, and compresses dust by changing the input of the electric blower in response to the compression operation. It is characterized by controlling to.
[0014]
  In the present invention, the control means isIn response to the compression operation by the compression means, the input of the electric blower is changed so as to compress the dust, so that more dust can be sucked in. Also,After the elapsed time counted by the timing means reaches a predetermined value, the compression operation by the compression means is controlled so that the compression operation can be performed in a stable state of the electric blower, and the compression effect is enhanced. be able to.
[0015]
  Claims of the invention3The vacuum cleaner related toAn electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower Control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower and the compression means;Electric blower input settings set by the user in multiple stagesAnd the control means controls the electric blower with an input corresponding to the input setting during a normal operation without compression, and an input and compression means of the electric blower according to the input setting during a compression operation by the compression means. Compressing dust by changing the compression operation time by It is characterized by control.
[0016]
  In the present invention, during the compression operation by the compression means, the control means performs control so that dust is compressed by changing the input of the electric blower and the compression operation time by the compression means in accordance with the input setting. Depending on the setting, if the input setting is low, the compression operation time is lengthened, and if the input setting is high, the compression operation time is shortened, and optimal compression according to the input setting can be performed.
[0017]
  Claims of the invention4The vacuum cleaner related toAn electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower Control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower and the compression means; andInput detection means for detecting the input of the electric blowerAnd the control means performs control so as to compress dust by changing the input of the electric blower and the compression operation time by the compression means in response to the input detected by the input detection means..
[0018]
  In the present invention, the control means controls the electric blower and the compression operation time by the compression means to change in accordance with the input detected by the input detection means so as to compress the dust. An optimum compression effect can be obtained even with respect to the amount of accumulated dust.
[0019]
  Claims of the invention5The vacuum cleaner related to at least as a loadAn electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower Control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower and the compression means;The loadofActionSpecifyMultiple operating positions and,The loadBehaviorStopSpecifyStop positionThe control means compresses dust by changing the input of the electric blower and the compression operation time by the compression means corresponding to the compression operation by the compression means, and responds to each designation. When controlling the load, control is performed so that dust is compressed in different compression operation times depending on all of the plurality of operation positions or when shifting to a predetermined operation position and when shifting to a stop position. WhenTo do.
[0020]
  In the present invention, the control means controls the load so as to perform compression at different compression operation times depending on all of a plurality of operation positions or when shifting to a predetermined operation position and when shifting to a stop position. Because of the control, the compression operation time is long at the time of stop and shortened at the time of start, so that the dust collecting power after the start can be improved and the compressed dust processing after the stop can be facilitated. By making it longer, it is possible to reduce a sense of incongruity due to continued operation of the load at the time of stopping.
[0021]
  Claims of the invention6The vacuum cleaner related toAn electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower Control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower and the compression means; andCompression stop instruction means for instructing to stop the compression operation by the compression meansAnd the control means controls to change the input of the electric blower in response to the compression operation by the compression means so as to compress dust, and a compression stop instruction is issued during the compression operation by the compression means. If there is, control is performed so that the state of the compression means is returned to the state before starting the compression operation..
[0022]
  In the present invention, the control means controls to return the state of the compression means to the state before starting the compression operation by the compression stop instruction of the compression stop instruction means during the compression operation. The means can be returned to the state before the compression operation, and the influence of the compression in the normal cleaning state can be eliminated.
[0023]
  Claims of the invention7The vacuum cleaner related toAn electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower Control means for controlling the operation of the electric blower and the compression means;Discriminating means for discriminating the type of dustThe control means controls to compress the dust by changing the input of the electric blower in response to the compression operation by the compression means, and corresponds to the type of dust determined by the determination means. And controlling so that the compression operation by the compression means is started.To do.
[0024]
  In the present invention, the control means performs control so as to start the compression operation by the compression means according to the type of dust determined by the determination means, so that a large amount of dust that causes a reduction in the dust collection force is contained in the dust collection chamber. By performing the compression operation immediately when entering, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the air volume due to dust.
[0025]
【Example】
  (Example 1)
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that parts having the same configurations as those of the conventional example shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0026]
  The vacuum cleaner in the present embodiment is configured as a cyclone type vacuum cleaner. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, 13 is an electric blower as a load, 14 is a compression means for performing a compression operation, 15 is a time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time after the start of the electric blower 13, and 16 is an air volume by a current flowing to the electric blower 13. An air volume detection means 17 for detecting the power supply, 17 is an input detection means for detecting the power supplied to the electric blower 13 set by the control means 18, that is, an input. Reference numeral 19 denotes compression stop instruction means for instructing the control means 18 to stop the compression operation. In this embodiment, the stop switch 12 of the hand operating unit 8 also serves as the compression stop instruction means. Reference numeral 20 denotes a discrimination means for discriminating the type of dust. The control means 18 inputs information from each means of the compression means 14, the timing means 15, the air volume detection means 16, the input detection means 17, the compression stop instruction means 19, and the discrimination means 20, and controls the input to the electric blower 13. At the same time, the compression operation by the compression means 14 is controlled.
[0027]
  In the present embodiment, the main body 6 and the dust collecting chamber 7 can be separated from each other, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a connecting portion of the main body 6 with the dust collecting chamber 7 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a dust collection inlet for guiding the suction air to the dust collection chamber 7 by the suction force of the electric blower 13, and 22 denotes a suction air flow path for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber 7. A compression intake port 23 for forming is a compression control valve that selectively opens and closes the dust collection intake port 21 and the compression intake port 22. The compression means 14 includes a compression inlet 22 and a compression control valve 23, and the control means 18 opens and closes the compression control valve 23 to control the presence or absence of the compression operation.
[0028]
  3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of the dust collection chamber 7. 3 and 4, reference numeral 24 denotes a separation chamber for centrifuging dust, 25 denotes a first intake portion provided in the separation chamber 24 and communicates with the dust collection inlet 21 on the main body 6 side, and 26 denotes a separation chamber 24. A dust storage chamber 27 that communicates dust and communicates with the dust storage chamber 27 is a second intake section that communicates the dust storage chamber 26 with the compression inlet 22, and guides the air containing the dust sucked from the suction tool 1 to the separation chamber 24. Then, a swirl flow is made in the separation chamber 24, and the dust is centrifuged from the air to accumulate the dust in the dust storage chamber 26. Reference numeral 28 denotes a dust transfer chamber for guiding air including dust sucked from the suction tool 1 to the separation chamber 24.
[0029]
  About the vacuum cleaner comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. The control means 18 controls to supply power to the electric blower 13 in the strong position, the standard position, and the weak position in response to the operation of the strong switch 9, the standard switch 10, and the weak switch 11 of the hand operation unit 8. To do. The power supply in these operating positions is different from each other. In the strong position, the power supply is set to 900 W with particular emphasis on the attractive force, and in the weak position, the power supply is set to 200 W with particular emphasis on noise reduction. In the standard position, the supply power of 600 W is set as an intermediate position.
[0030]
  The control means 18 switches between the normal operation and the compression operation by controlling the position of the compression control valve 23 of the compression means 14. During normal operation when the compression operation is not performed, the dust collection intake port 21 is opened, the compression intake port 22 is closed, and suction is performed from the first intake unit 25, whereby dust is transferred from the suction tool 1 to the dust collection chamber 7. And suck. Further, during the compression operation for performing compression, the dust suction chamber 22 is opened, the dust collection suction port 21 is closed, and suction is performed from the second suction portion 27 so that dust accumulated in the dust storage chamber 26 is compressed. To control. At this time, since the dust can be further compressed by increasing the suction force, the power supplied to the electric blower 13 is supplied for a predetermined time in accordance with the operation of moving the compression control valve 23 to open the compression inlet 22. The compression operation is controlled by changing the setting value for each operation position.
[0031]
  That is, at the time of the compression operation, the control means 18 sets the power supplied to the electric blower 13 at the time of the compression operation and the compression operation time for each operation position, and at the strong position, 900 W (the same as during normal operation). The standard position is 900 W (greater than 600 W during normal operation) · 5 seconds, and the weak position is 600 W (greater than 200 W during normal operation) · 10 seconds. Further, in the strong position, a determination value of 1 second is set for the value measured by the time measuring means 15, and after the electric blower 13 is started, the operation is stabilized in the first 1 second. The compression effect is ensured.
[0032]
  For example, when the user operates the standard switch 10, the control unit 18 controls the compression control valve 23 to open the compression intake port 22 and simultaneously supplies power to the electric blower 13 with a setting of 900 W. For 5 seconds. During this time, dust accumulated in the dust storage chamber 26 is compressed with a high suction force with a high input of 900 W, and after 5 seconds, the compression control valve 23 is moved to a position where the dust collection inlet 21 is opened, and to the electric blower 13. Is controlled at 600 W, which is the normal input for the standard position. Thereby, the electric blower 13 can be set to a high input only during the compression operation for a predetermined time, and can be operated with low power consumption in a normal use state, and a large amount of dust can be sucked in while compressing the dust.
[0033]
  FIG. 5 shows the amount of dust collected (g) and the amount of air (m³/ Min) is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship. In FIG. 5, (A) shows characteristics when sucking low-volume dust, and (B) shows characteristics when sucking high-volume dust. Curves a and c indicated by solid lines are characteristics when compression is not performed, and curves b and d indicated by broken lines are characteristics when compression is performed. When the dust is sucked, the dust is accumulated in the separation chamber 24 of FIG. 3, so that the flow of the suction air passing through the electric blower 13 from the hose joint 5 shown in FIG. Blocked by accumulated dust, which reduces the air volume. The air volume Q0 is an air volume that hardly absorbs dust when the air volume is less than or equal to this air volume. The air volume Q0 defines the limit points L1 and L2 of the dust collection amount by the air volume.
[0034]
  In addition, the volume of dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber 7 is the dust collection capacity (m³) Cannot be absorbed any more, and the limit points L3 and L4 of the dust collection amount by the dust collection capacity of the dust collection chamber 7 are defined by the dust collection amount at this time. In addition, since the compression effect is effective for dust in the dust collection chamber 7 at the time when the compression operation is performed, the dust is accumulated by repeatedly performing the compression at the times t1 to t6 and t7 to t12. Each time compression is performed, more compression effects are obtained.
[0035]
  As shown by the characteristics of curve a in FIG. 5A, in the case of low-volume dust, the limit due to the reduction of the air volume is reached before the dust collection capacity is satisfied, and the dust is sucked when the air volume reaches Q0. Disappear. Comparing curve a and curve b, when compression is not performed, the amount of dust collected when the air volume reaches Q0 is L1, whereas when compression is performed, the flow of suction air is hindered by the compression operation. Since the dust in the separation chamber 24 becomes compressed and the volume is reduced, the flow of the suction air passing through the electric blower 13 from the hose joint 5 via the first air intake portion 25 becomes smooth, and the air volume is reduced. Recover. By performing this compression operation from time t1 to time t6, dust is compressed many times, and the air volume is restored each time. However, the compressed dust also hinders the flow of the suction air. The air volume does not recover beyond a certain value even if the pressure is applied, so the air volume gradually decreases even after compression and reaches Q0. As a result, the dust collection amount increases to L2, and more dust can be sucked.
[0036]
  Also, in FIG. 5B, in the case of bulky dust, the volume of dust sucked before the air volume reaches Q0 reaches the capacity of the dust collection chamber 7, thereby preventing the dust from being sucked. Comparing curve c and curve d, when compression is not performed, the amount of dust collected when the volume of the sucked dust reaches the dust collection capacity of the dust collection chamber 7 is L3, but compression is performed. In this case, the volume of the dust in the dust collection chamber 7 is reduced by compressing the dust. By performing this compression operation from time t7 to t12, the dust is compressed many times, and the volume of the dust in the dust collecting chamber 7 is reduced each time, but since the compressed dust is gradually accumulated, Even if the compression is performed many times, the volume of the dust in the dust collection chamber 7 does not become less than the volume of the compressed dust. Therefore, even if the compression is performed, the volume of the dust reaches the limit of the dust collection capacity. As a result, the dust collection amount increases to L4, and more dust can be sucked.
[0037]
  As described above, the compression effect can be obtained by setting the electric blower 13 to a high input at the time of compression. However, when the power supply is high as in a strong position, the electric blower 13 starts up and reaches a steady state. In other words, it takes time until a stable suction force is obtained. Therefore, when the user operates the strong switch 9, the control means 18 starts supplying 900 W of electric power to the electric blower 13, and the time measuring means 15 starts measuring time. When the elapsed time counted by the timing means 15 reaches 1 second, the control means 18 moves the compression control valve 23 to a position where the compression inlet 22 is opened, and performs the compression operation with the suction force of the electric blower 13 being stable. After 5 seconds, the compression control valve 23 is moved to a position where the dust collection inlet 21 is opened, and the operation is shifted to the normal operation, so that the compression can be performed with the suction force of the electric blower 13 being stable. High compression effect can be obtained.
[0038]
  However, if the input is increased too much during the compression operation, there is a demerit that wasteful power is consumed and the noise value is increased. Therefore, in a weak position where emphasis is placed on noise reduction, when the user operates the weak switch 11, the control means 18 controls the compression control valve 23 to open the compression intake port 22 and simultaneously, the electric blower 13 has a power of 600W. Power is supplied by setting, and control is performed so that compression is performed based on input settings that emphasize quietness. By maintaining this state for 10 seconds, which is longer than the compression operation time of 5 seconds at 900 W, it is possible to obtain a compression effect while realizing noise reduction in a relatively low input state of 600 W. Thus, by setting the compression operation time according to the input setting, it is possible to perform the optimum compression according to the input.
[0039]
  Further, the control means 18 inputs the air volume information of the air volume detection means 16 and detects the air volume flowing into the compression inlet 22. Since the air flow-current characteristic of the electric blower 13 is determined in a one-to-one manner with respect to the air flow except for variations in characteristics due to individual differences among the electric blowers 13, in this embodiment, the current flowing through the electric blower 13 The air volume is judged by The amount of air flowing through the compression inlet 22 decreases as dust accumulates in the dust chamber 26, and the current flowing through the electric blower 13 also decreases. In accordance with the current value detected by the air volume detection means 16, the control means 18 performs control so that the supply power to the electric blower 13 during the compression operation is low if the current value is high, and the supply power is increased if the current value is low. As a result, an optimal compression operation can be realized without consuming unnecessary power according to the amount of accumulated dust.
[0040]
  Further, in this embodiment, the air volume detection means 16 detects the air volume by the current flowing through the electric blower 13 and the input is voltage × current and the voltage is constant. The control of the electric power supplied to the electric blower 13 is the same, and furthermore, even if there are variations in input due to individual differences of the electric blower 13, an optimal compression effect can be obtained according to the individual.
[0041]
  The control means 18 performs control so that the compression operation described above is performed when any of the strong switch 9, the standard switch 10, and the weak switch 11 is operated to shift to the corresponding operation position from the stop position. Thus, during the cleaning operation by the electric vacuum cleaner of this embodiment, a high suction force is obtained every time to increase the dust collecting force, and the compression operation is also performed when the stop switch 12 is operated and the stop switch 12 is moved from the operation position to the stop position. By controlling so as to be performed, when the dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber 7 is discarded, it is possible to obtain an effect that the user can easily discard the dust because the dust is compressed. At this time, the controller 18 performs compression by setting the compression operation time as short as 5 seconds when shifting from the stop position to the operation position, and setting the compression operation time as long as 10 seconds when shifting from the operation position to the stop position. By controlling in this way, the workability at the time of dust disposal in the dust collection chamber 7 can be further improved while maintaining the dust collection force at the time of cleaning work.
[0042]
  Conversely, when moving from the stop position to the operation position, the compression operation time is as long as 10 seconds, and when moving from the operation position to the stop position, the compression operation time is set as short as 5 seconds to control the compression. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a sense of incongruity due to continuation of the operation of the electric blower 13 when the stop switch 12 is operated while maintaining the dust collection force during the cleaning operation and the workability during the dust disposal in the dust collection chamber 7. .
[0043]
  In addition, the suction force by the electric blower 13 is reduced when large dust is sucked into the dust collection chamber. The discriminating means 20 discriminates the size of the dust sucked into the dust collecting chamber 7, and the control means 18 inputs information on the size of the dust discriminated by the discriminating means 20, and the size of the dust is determined based on the information. By controlling the compression control valve 23 so that the compression operation is performed if the length is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, even when a large amount of dust is sucked, a reduction in the air volume due to the dust can be prevented, and the dust collecting power can be maintained. it can. At this time, when the user operates the stop switch 12 during the compression operation, the control means 18 controls the compression control valve 23 to move to a position where the dust collection inlet 21 is opened, so that the next operation position is achieved. Even when the operation is performed, the influence on the suction force by the compression control valve 23 at the start of the normal operation can be eliminated.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner capable of compressing dust and sucking in more dust while reducing power consumption.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a first intake section and a second intake section in the same embodiment
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a dust collection chamber in the same embodiment
4 is a ZZ sectional view of the dust collection chamber in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amount of air and the amount of dust collected in a vacuum cleaner with and without compression.
FIG. 6 is an external view showing the configuration of an example of a conventional electric vacuum cleaner
FIG. 7 is an external view showing a configuration of a hand operating unit in the conventional example.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the main body of the conventional example
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 Suction tool
  2 Extension pipe
  3 Hand handle
  4 Hose
  5 Hose fitting
  6 Body
  7 Dust collection chamber
  8 Hand control unit
  9 Strong switch
  10 Standard switch
  11 Weak switch
  12 Stop switch
  13 Electric blower
  14 Compression means
  15 Timekeeping means
  16 Air volume detection means
  17 Input detection means
  18 Control means
  19 Compression stop instruction means
  20 discrimination means
  21 Dust collection inlet
  22 Inlet for compression (compression means)
  23 Compression control valve (compression means)
  24 Separation chamber
  25 First air intake
  26 Dust chamber
  27 Second air intake
  28 Dust transfer chamber

Claims

An electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower , and a control means for controlling the operation of operation and the compression means of the electric blower, and a flow rate detecting means for detecting the air volume of the electric blower, said control means, in response to the amount of wind the air volume detection unit detects vacuum cleaner and controlling the so that compress the input to change the by dust of the electric blower.

An electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower the provided control means for controlling the operation of operation and the compression means of the electric blower, and a counting means for counting the elapsed time after starting the electric blower, the control means, the elapsed time reaches a predetermined value and the after then, the performs compression operation by the compression means, an electric vacuum cleaner and to control so as to compress the dusts by changing the input of the electric blower in response to the compression operation.

An electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower and control means for controlling the operation of operation and the compression means of the electric blower, an input setting of the electric blower is set by the user in a plurality of stages, the control means, the input to the normal operation is not performed compression The electric blower is controlled by an input corresponding to the setting, and at the time of the compression operation by the compression means, the dust is compressed by changing the input of the electric blower and the compression operation time by the compression means corresponding to the input setting. A vacuum cleaner characterized by

An electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower the provided control means for controlling the operation of operation and the compression means of the electric blower, and an input detecting means for detecting an input of the electric blower, said control means, in response to the input of the input detection unit detects vacuum cleaner, characterized in that by changing the compression operation time by inputting the compression unit of the electric blower is controlled so as to compress the dust Te.

At least an electric blower that is built in the main body as a load and generates suction air, a dust collection chamber that sucks and stores dust by the suction air, and dust in the dust collection chamber for compressing the dust by the suction air of the electric blower comprising a compression means, and control means for controlling the operation of operation and the compression means of the electric blower, and a plurality of operation positions that specify the behavior of the load, and a stop position that specifies the operation stop of the load, the The control unit compresses the dust by changing the input of the electric blower and the compression operation time by the compression unit in response to the compression operation by the compression unit, and controls the load in response to each designation. The compression operation time differs depending on whether all of the plurality of operation positions or a transition to a predetermined operation position occurs and a transition to a stop position. Vacuum cleaner and controls so as to compress the dust.

An electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower and control means for controlling the operation of operation and the compression means of the electric blower, and a compressor stop instruction means for instructing the stop of the compression operation by the compression means, the control means, the compression operation by the compression means correspondingly by changing the input of the electric blower controls to compress the dust, the when there is a compression stop instruction during the compression operation by the compression means, before starting the compression operation state of the compression means vacuum cleaner and controlling to return to the state.

An electric blower built in the main body for generating suction air, a dust collection chamber for sucking and storing dust by the suction air, and a compression means for compressing the dust in the dust collection chamber by the suction air of the electric blower and control means for controlling the operation of operation and the compression means of the electric blower, and a discriminating means for discriminating the type of dust, said control means of said electric blower in response to the compression operation by the compression means An electric vacuum cleaner that controls to compress dust by changing an input, and controls the compression means to start a compression operation corresponding to the type of dust determined by the determination means.