JP2001137158A - Central cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a central cleaner capable of realizing various functions developed as a general household vacuum cleaner in a short time and at low cost. SOLUTION: A specific low-power system in which a hose insertion port 30 and the like are electrically connected to a commercial power supply 2 or the like supplied through indoor wiring to transmit and receive a signal of a hose grasping unit 70b and a signal of the cleaner body 10 is used. By disposing the used wireless communication means 13 and 75 in any one of the hose unit 70 from the cleaner main body 10 and the hose insertion port 30 to the nozzle,
Wiring from the cleaner main body 10 to the hose insertion port 30 is not required, and an extension pipe, a nozzle, and the like of a general household vacuum cleaner can be used in common.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a central cleaner used by inserting a hose unit into a hose insertion port connected to a cleaner body via an intake pipe.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Central cleaners in which a hose unit is inserted into a hose insertion port connected to a main body of a vacuum cleaner have been widely used because of good operability and low noise.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of the central cleaner, and FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of the central cleaner. The following description is based on these figures.

[0004] As shown in the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a cleaner body, 1
11, 112, 113 and 114 are hose outlets, 12
Reference numeral 0 denotes a hose unit,
114, a connecting pipe portion 120a to be inserted into any one of them, a hose grasping portion 120b for performing a hand operation, and a hose 120c.

[0005] The cleaner body 100 is placed outdoors or under stairs, and its suction port is connected to the hose insertion port 111 of each room.
To 114 are combined with an intake pipe 115, and the exhaust is constructed to be exhausted outdoors or under the floor of a house. In addition, the main body 100 and the outlets 111-111.
114 is electrically connected to a wiring 116 via a wiring 116 along an intake pipe 115 connecting the same.

A hose unit 120 is connected to the hose insertion ports 111 to 114 (the hose insertion port 111 in this figure), and further, extension pipes 126 and 127 connected to the end of the hose unit 120 and these extension pipes 126, 127. In general, cleaning is performed using a floor nozzle 128 connected to the tip of the 127.

Reference numeral 121 denotes an operation means for setting an input of the electric blower 101, which is disposed on the hose grasping portion 120b.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a signal superimposing unit that superimposes the signal of the operation unit 121 on the wiring 116, and is disposed in the connection pipe unit 120a.

[0010] 102 is an electric blower driving means for driving the electric blower 101, 103 is a signal decoding means for decoding the signal of the signal superimposing means 122 sent via the wiring 116, and 104 is a signal decoding means for the signal decoding means 103. These are phase control means for controlling the electric blower driving means 102 by a signal, all of which are arranged in the cleaner main body 100.

[0009] The (input) value of the operating means 121 provided in the hose unit 120 is transmitted by the signal superimposing means 122 via the wiring 116 to the signal decoding means 1 in the cleaner body 100.
At 03, the set value is decoded, and the electric blower 101 is driven, passes through the floor nozzle 128, the extension pipes 127 and 126, the hose unit 120, the hose insertion port 111, and the pipe 115, and sucks dust from the suction port for cleaning. Can be performed.

A power supply wiring is required for supplying power to the control circuits and motors built in the floor nozzle 128 from the hose unit 120, and A is used for ease of construction work.
It is supplied with C30V specification.
00, the power transformer 105 is used to
0 and each of the insertion ports 111 to 114 were connected by wiring, and an input signal was superimposed on the electric blower 101 by the signal superimposing means 122 here.

[0011]

However, in such a structure, it takes time to develop, design, and secure quality (temperature rise and life) of the motor in the floor nozzle 128, and various types of motors developed for general household use are required. It was extremely difficult to adopt the function to the central cleaner in a short time. In some cases, the functions of general household vacuum cleaners cannot be adopted.

For example, the rated current of a motor having a load of 60 W / 100 V is 0.6 A, but the rated current is 2 A when using 30 V, and the hose 120 c and the extension pipes 126 and 127 are used.
It is necessary to take measures against heat generation due to internal wiring resistance and heat generation of the motor itself.

[0013] Further, the number of popularized cleaners is far less than that of general household vacuum cleaners, and from that point, the cost of the central cleaner itself is high.

In other words, in the form of the conventional central cleaner, a great deal of time and expense are required to realize the functions developed for general household use, and the complaints of small number of functions and small number of models for the price are consumed. Was there.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems. Various functions of a 100 V specification developed as general household cleaners, particularly various functions relating to a hose unit, an extension pipe and a nozzle, are reduced in a short time. The objective is to provide a central cleaner that can be realized at low cost.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above object, a central cleaner according to the present invention connects a hose insertion port formed in each room to a vacuum cleaner main body through an intake pipe, and The mouth is electrically connected to the commercial power supplied by the indoor wiring, and the wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving the signal of the hose grasping part and the signal of the cleaner body is used for the cleaner body, the hose outlet, and the hose outlet. The hose unit and the connecting pipe of the detachable hose unit, the hose and the grasping unit or the hose unit and the detachable extension tube or the nozzle are arranged either.
By eliminating the need for wiring from the vacuum cleaner main body to the hose insertion port, and by making it possible to commonly use a hose grasping part, an extension pipe, a nozzle, and the like of a general household vacuum cleaner,
The hose outlet is electrically connected to the commercial power supplied by the indoor wiring, and the wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving the signal of the hose grasping part and the signal of the cleaner body is arranged in the connection pipe part and the cleaner body. Since there is no need for wiring from the cleaner body to the hose insertion port, and at the same time, commercial power is supplied to the hose grasping section, extension pipe, nozzle, etc. through the hose insertion port, For customers, the hose grasping part, extension tube and nozzle of general-purpose vacuum cleaners that are inexpensive and multifunctional can be used in common, and can be developed and provided in a short time.

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a hose outlet formed in each room and a cleaner main body are connected via an intake pipe, and the hose outlet is supplied by indoor wiring. The wireless communication means for making an electrical connection with the commercial power supply and transmitting and receiving the signal of the hose grasping part and the signal of the vacuum cleaner main body includes a vacuum cleaner main body, a hose outlet, and a hose unit detachable from the hose outlet. The connection pipe part, the hose or the grasping part, or the hose unit and the extension tube or the nozzle which can be detachably attached to the hose unit, eliminating the need for wiring from the cleaner body to the hose insertion port, and general household cleaning. The hose outlet is electrically connected to the commercial power supplied by the indoor wiring by making it possible to use the hose grasping part of the machine, the extension pipe and the nozzle commonly, and the signal of the hose grasping part and the vacuum cleaner Transmission of main unit signals Since placing the wireless communication means connecting pipe portion and the cleaner body to perform wiring from the cleaner body to said hose difference write port at the same time is not required,
In addition, since the commercial power is supplied to the hose grasping section, extension pipe, nozzle, etc. through the hose insertion port, the hose grasping section of a general-purpose vacuum cleaner that is inexpensive and multifunctional for customers,
Extension pipes and nozzles can be used in common, and can be developed and provided in a short time.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operating power supply for the vacuum cleaner body and the operating power supply for the hose outlet are both commercial power supplies from indoor wiring, but their power supply systems do not always match. Since there is no need to use the same power supply system, there are few restrictions on wiring work, and the work period can be shortened.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the hose insertion port formed in each room and the cleaner main body are connected via an intake pipe, and a signal of the hose grasping portion and a signal of the cleaner main body are transmitted and received. The wireless communication means to be carried out is either a cleaner body and a hose outlet, a connection pipe part of the hose unit detachable from the hose outlet, a hose or a grasping part, or an extension pipe or nozzle detachable from the hose unit. A battery is used as an operating power source of the wireless communication means arranged in a place other than the main body of the cleaner, and wiring from the main body of the cleaner to the hose outlet and wiring of the hose outlet itself are not required. The hose outlet of the vacuum cleaner can be used in common with the extension tube and nozzle, so that the hose outlet does not need to be wired with the vacuum cleaner itself, and the wiring work with the commercial power supply is also possible. Unnecessary Fully perform wiring less of the hose difference write port.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a primary battery, a secondary battery, a dynamo generator, or the like is used alone or as a combination thereof as a battery used as an operating power source for wireless communication means disposed outside the cleaner body. Thus, the degree of freedom of choice for the customer is large, and it is easy to use.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the output capacity of the DC power supply for supplying operating power to the wireless communication means disposed outside the cleaner body and the wireless communication control means for controlling the wireless communication means is increased. Capacity, when the power supply from the commercial power supply to the DC power supply is cut off, by transmitting a stop signal from the wireless communication means to the electric blower built in the cleaner body, the electric blower can be reliably stopped. It is.

The present invention according to claim 6 is to provide a hose insertion means by providing an insertion setting means at the hose insertion port and an insertion detection means at one of the connecting pipe portion of the hose unit, the hose and the grasping portion. By providing a means for detecting that the hose unit is securely inserted in the mouth, it is possible to detect that the hose unit is securely inserted in the hose outlet, and only to supply power to the DC power supply means at that time. Therefore, it is possible to save power, and in the case of batteries, the life of the battery can be extended, and at the same time, there is no malfunction of the electric blower due to inadvertent key operation of the operating means when it is not inserted into the hose outlet, An extremely reliable system can be provided.

[0023] The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the hose insertion port is provided with an insertion setting means, and the hose unit is provided with a plug detection means in any of the connecting pipe portion, the hose and the grasping portion of the hose unit. By detecting the moment when the hose unit is pulled out of the mouth and transmitting a stop signal from the wireless communication means to the electric blower built in the cleaner body, the electric blower can be surely stopped.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that an insertion setting means is provided at the hose insertion port, and an insertion detection means is provided at either the connection pipe portion of the hose unit or the hose or the grasping portion,
When the connection with the hose insertion port is detected by the insertion detecting means, a signal is transmitted from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side to the wireless communication means on the cleaner main body side, whereby the wireless communication on the hose unit side is performed. The hose unit is inserted into the hose unit by the insertion detecting means by starting the bidirectional wireless communication between the means and the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side, and the wireless communication of the hose unit is performed. By transmitting a signal from the means to the wireless communication means of the cleaner body, both transmission and reception timings can be matched.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication means on the cleaner main body side and the hose unit side always transmit each status signal and receive and confirm the status signal of the other party so that they can always communicate with each other. By confirming the state of each other,
A highly reliable system that can always grasp the status of the system can be provided.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, after the operation command signal of the electric blower is once output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the operation command signal must reach the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side for a certain period of time. For example, by stopping the operation of the electric blower, it is possible to mutually recognize that an abnormality has occurred in either the hose unit or the cleaner body, and the electric blower can be stopped.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, after the operation command signal of the electric blower is once output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the operation state signal from the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side is output for a predetermined time. If it does not reach the wireless communication means on the unit side, it is determined to be abnormal, and the operation of the hose unit, extension pipe and nozzle is stopped, and at the same time, the abnormality and / or the stop state is notified,
Safety can be ensured and the user can be reliably notified.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insertion setting means at the hose insertion port, and an insertion detecting means and a time measuring means at one of the connecting pipe portion of the hose unit, the hose and the grasping portion, When the connection with the hose outlet is detected by the insertion detecting means, the time after the hose unit is inserted into the hose outlet is measured by the time measuring means, and the measured value becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. Even if the signal from the cleaner itself cannot be received, it is determined to be abnormal,
By reporting the abnormality, it is possible to determine whether the abnormality is abnormal and to report the abnormality in a short time after the hose unit is inserted into the hose insertion port.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when the operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the communication cycle between the cleaner main body side and the wireless communication means on the hose unit side is changed to an electric cycle. By making the configuration change in accordance with the setting input of the blower, the communication cycle can be shortened as the input becomes higher, and the average power consumption as the wireless communication means can be reduced.

According to the present invention, when the operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the communication cycle between the cleaner body side and the wireless communication means on the hose unit side is shortened. By becoming
Unless the operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the communication cycle between the cleaner body side and the wireless communication means on the hose unit side is a fixed time. Power consumption can be reduced.

According to the present invention, an operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side to the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side. Only when the main body of the cleaner communicates with the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, only when the operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the cleaner body. Since the communication is performed between the side and the hose unit side, power consumption can be further reduced.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the cleaner main body comprises: a wireless communication means for receiving a signal from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side; a signal processing means for converting an output thereof to an input of the electric blower; A phase control means for converting an input into a phase control angle, and an electric blower driving means for driving an electric blower by an output of the phase control means, wherein the input of the electric blower is transmitted in the next cycle from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side. By configuring the signal processing means to hold the current input value until the signal is output, even if there is a transmission suspension time during wireless communication, the signal processing means can be used without any discomfort.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the cleaner body includes a wireless communication means for receiving a signal from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, a signal processing means for converting an output from the wireless communication means to an input of the electric blower, A phase control means for converting an input into a phase control angle, and an electric blower driving means for driving an electric blower by an output of the phase control means, wherein the input of the electric blower is transmitted in the next cycle from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side. By configuring the signal processing means so that the input value is gradually changed from the current input as a target value when output, there is no sudden input change, so that a continuous input change causes a feeling of strangeness. Can be used without.

According to the present invention, the signal processing means is configured to gradually increase the input when the next input value is larger than the current input value, such as when the electric blower is started, thereby increasing the high output. Even in the case of an input device, a large inrush current does not flow, and replacement of the device does not activate a breaker (revision of the rated capacity is required), making replacement easier.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication means on the hose unit side and the communication between the cleaner body side are provided with a transmission suspension time to reduce the power consumption required for wireless communication, and at the same time to reduce the wireless communication system. Can be adapted to a practical "specific low-power wireless" system.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the hose unit includes a wireless communication means, an operation means for setting an input of the electric blower, and a wireless communication control means for receiving the output of the operation means and controlling the wireless communication means. In the case where a plurality of different outputs are output from the operation unit during the transmission suspension time, by configuring the wireless communication control unit to transmit the final input information from the wireless communication unit after the transmission suspension time ends,
The stable control of the electric blower can be performed even for a messy or careless key operation.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the radio communication control means is configured to output the output from the operation means to the radio communication means after a predetermined time, thereby considering whether the processing is within the transmission suspension time. Since there is no need to perform control, it is possible to easily synchronize transmission and reception of devices.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, when the operation signal of the electric blower is output from the operation means while the electric blower is stopped, the wireless communication control means outputs the output to the wireless communication means immediately. With this configuration, the electric blower operates immediately, so that the user can use the electric blower without feeling uncomfortable.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the input up switch and the input down switch of the electric blower are provided as operating means having a function of changing the input of the electric blower according to the operating time. Alternatively, by setting the operation detection time of the input lowering switch to be longer than the transmission suspension time, it is possible to prevent a person who is operating from feeling uncomfortable even during the operation during the transmission suspension time.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the grasping portion of the hose unit, the extension pipe and the nozzle are connected by wire, and the output of the operating means is output immediately without delay. The operation of the extension pipe and the nozzle can be prevented from being uncomfortable.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, when an identification number is individually set in the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, and transmission is performed from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side to the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side. By transmitting the identification number at the same time, it is possible to recognize which signal is received from the wireless communication unit of which hose unit by the signal received on the cleaner body side, so that the cleaner unit is in a different piping system. Malfunction due to a signal from the hose unit can be prevented.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the insertion detecting means is provided at the hose insertion port, and the insertion detecting means is provided at either the connecting pipe portion of the hose unit or the hose or the grasping portion. When the connection with the hose insertion port is detected by the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the wireless communication means on the hose unit side transmits the individually set identification number so that the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side can communicate. Can be easily synchronized.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose outlets, only the hose unit inserted earlier into the hose outlet temporally is an effective unit. As such, by controlling the electric blower according to the output signal of the wireless communication means from the hose unit, even if a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose outlets, time is earlier. Since only the hose unit inserted into the hose insertion port is used as an effective unit, it is possible to prevent a problem from occurring in controlling the electric blower.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the case where a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose insertion ports, a hose having wireless communication means for outputting an operation signal of the electric blower earlier in time. By using only the unit as an effective unit and controlling the electric blower in accordance with the output signal of the hose unit, a cleaning operation can be performed even when a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose insertion ports.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the hose unit is provided with a priority switch for setting the priority of the output signal,
When a plurality of hose units are inserted into different hose outlets at the same time, only the hose unit having the higher priority setting of the priority switch is set as an effective unit, and the output from the wireless communication means of the hose unit is made. By controlling the electric blower according to the signal, even when multiple hose units are inserted into different hose outlets at the same time, the setting of the priority switch can be visually checked and it is easy for the user to understand. is there.

According to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, only the extension pipe and the nozzle connected to the hose unit having the wireless communication means for outputting the effective signal can be controlled so that the effective signal is outputted. Only the extension pipes and nozzles connected to the hose unit having the wireless communication means operate and the other hose units and the extension pipes and nozzles connected thereto do not operate, so that cleaning can be performed normally.

According to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of identification numbers are prepared for the wireless communication means on the hose unit side,
By enabling the recognition number to be arbitrarily switched by a switch or the like, even when a plurality of vacuum cleaner bodies are installed in the same home, the recognition number of the hose unit can be changed by another switch to the other vacuum cleaner. If you change it to the identification number of the main body, you can clean any room with one hose unit.

According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of identification numbers are prepared for the wireless communication means on the side of the cleaner body, and the identification numbers can be arbitrarily switched and set by a switch or the like. When transmitting to the wireless communication means on the hose outlet side, by transmitting the identification number at the same time, the signal received by the wireless communication means on the hose outlet side is the signal sent from any vacuum cleaner main body. Even if multiple vacuum cleaners are installed in the same household, the central cleaners with different identification numbers can be used in different rooms at the same time to prevent interference even if multiple vacuum cleaners are installed in the same home. it can.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, a pressure detecting means for the dust collecting chamber is provided in the cleaner main body, and when the output value of the pressure detecting means is equal to or more than a predetermined value during operation of the electric blower, all the insertion ports are closed. It is operated as it is, it is determined that the signal is a wireless signal from the wireless communication means of the hose unit in a different piping system, and by stopping the electric blower, by detecting the pressure, the wireless signal Can be determined from the same piping system.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, when the value of the pressure detecting means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, an abnormal signal is transmitted from the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side to the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, and transmitted to the hose unit. By performing the abnormality notification, it is possible to easily confirm that the hose unit (user) is also in an abnormal state (incorrect setting of the identification number).

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a pattern antenna formed on a circuit board is used as an antenna for radiating and outputting a signal from a wireless communication means on a hose unit side, so that the user can store the antenna while cleaning. Sometimes it is not accidentally damaged or damaged, and the appearance can be neat.

According to the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the length of the pattern antenna formed on the circuit board can be reduced by using the metal portion used as the lid of the hose insertion port as the antenna, and the connecting pipe portion Can be reduced in size.

According to the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, an antenna having higher radiation efficiency can be formed at a low cost by using at least a part of a steel wire disposed in a hose for reinforcing the strength as an antenna. Can be.

According to the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, since a general-purpose antenna such as a rod antenna is provided as an antenna for radiating and outputting a signal from the wireless communication means of the cleaner body, an antenna having high radiation efficiency is used. Even if the vacuum cleaner body and the hose unit are far apart, communication can be performed over a long distance.

According to the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a low-cost antenna can be formed on the cleaner body side by using at least a part of the metal portion of the outer periphery of the cleaner body as the antenna.

According to a forty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication control means is provided with a function control dedicated means for controlling a signal from the operating means and a communication control dedicated means for controlling the wireless communication means separately. By dividing into a function control dedicated means having a program of a function having a different specification for each function and a communication control dedicated means having a wireless communication system program which is basically unchanged, only the function control dedicated means may be developed, Development and evaluation time can be reduced.

The invention according to claim 41 is characterized in that at least a part of the output of the communication control exclusive means is taken into the function control exclusive means as an input signal, and the output of the communication control exclusive means is monitored by the function control exclusive means. Thereby, the reliability as a wireless communication means can be improved.

According to the present invention, the hose setting means is provided at the hose insertion port, and the insertion detecting means is provided at any of the connecting pipe portion of the hose unit or the hose or the grasping portion, and the hose unit is provided with the hose unit. Power is always supplied to the function control dedicated unit while it is connected to the hose outlet, and it is dedicated to communication control only from the time when the operation of the electric blower is turned on until the operation is turned off by the operating means By operating the function control-dedicated means so as to energize the means, the power required for wireless communication is only when the electric blower is in the operating state, and the power consumption of the circuit can be greatly reduced.

The invention according to claim 43 is characterized in that the communication control exclusive unit is energized only for a certain period of time after a signal for changing the input of the electric blower is output by the operation unit or the like, so that it can be used for a certain period of time. Since only the communication control unit is energized, an inexpensive and low power consumption circuit can be realized.

The invention according to claim 44 is that the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the communication control exclusive means, the antenna and the function control exclusive means as required are portable units, and any one of the hose insertion port and the nozzle is provided. By making the crab detachable, the conventional wired communication type central cleaner can be easily changed to the wireless communication type.

The invention according to claim 45 is a communication method of the wireless communication means on the side of the cleaner body and the side of the hose unit.
With the configuration using the specified low-power radio, radio waves can be reliably transmitted to ordinary households, and interference with other devices can be prevented.

[0062]

(Embodiment 1) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a central cleaner according to the present invention, and the description will be made based on this diagram.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a cleaner body, an electric blower 11, an electric blower driving means 12 for driving the electric blower 11, a wireless communication means 13 for receiving an input set value set by a hose, and the wireless communication means. A signal processing means 15 for converting an output signal of the communication means 13 into an input of the electric blower 11 and outputting the converted signal to a phase control means 14 for controlling the electric blower driving means 12 is incorporated. An antenna 16 transmits and receives a radio wave from the hose unit 70. In this embodiment, a rod antenna is attached to the outer periphery of the cleaner body 10.

Then, it is electrically connected to the commercial power supply 1 as an operation power supply.

Next, 30, 40, 50 and 60 are hose insertion ports and 31, 41, 51 and 61 are insertion setting means built in the respective hose insertion ports 30, 40, 50 and 60. In this embodiment, two terminals 32 and 33 are used as shown in FIG.
It is composed of a short-circuit bar 31a having a short-circuit between them. 34 and 3
Reference numeral 5 denotes a power supply terminal for supplying an operation power supply from the hose unit 70 first, and is electrically connected to a commercial power supply (AC 100 V in this embodiment) 2 or 3 supplied through an indoor wiring (the hose insertion ports 30 and 40 are The hose outlets 50 and 60 are connected to the commercial power source 2 and the commercial power source 3).

The hose unit 70 is connected to the hose outlet 30.
Connecting pipe section 70a and hose grasping section 70
b and a hose 70c. And 71
Is an insertion detecting means for detecting that the hose has been inserted into the hose insertion port. In this embodiment, the detection means is provided in the connection pipe portion 70a, and as shown in FIG. Wiring of the DC power supply means 72 for supplying
Power is supplied to control circuits such as a wireless communication unit 75 and a wireless communication control unit 74, which will be described later, via the insertion setting unit 31.

Reference numeral 73 denotes an operation means for setting the input of the electric blower 11 and the like, which is constituted by a switch. The initial setting is that the electric blower 11 is set to "stop". Reference numeral 74 denotes a wireless communication control unit that receives the output of the operation unit 73 and controls the wireless communication unit 75. Here, the wireless communication means 75
Has the same identification number as that of the wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner main body 10 to prevent interference with other wireless devices, and is adapted to the "specific low-power wireless system". Reference numeral 76 denotes a time measuring means for measuring the time from when the hose unit 70 is inserted into the hose insertion port 30 by the insertion detecting means 71, and a signal is sent to the wireless communication means 75 when a predetermined value is exceeded. Is output. 77 is the vacuum cleaner main body 10
Is an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves of
a.

At the time of cleaning, the lid 36 such as the hose insertion port 30 is opened, and the hose unit 70 is securely inserted therein, so that the power supply terminals 34 and 35 of the hose insertion port 30 and the hoses facing the power supply terminals 34 and 35 are connected. At the same time as the power supply terminal of the unit 70 is connected, commercial power is supplied to the hose unit 70 and the extension pipes and nozzles connected thereto via the insertion setting means 31 and the like.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

1. When both the vacuum cleaner body and the hose unit are normal (a) Outline When the AC power is always supplied to the vacuum cleaner body 10, and the wireless communication means 13 does not insert the hose unit 70 into the hose outlet 30 or the like. Cannot communicate with the wireless communication means 75 on the hose unit 70 side. In this case, since the signal processing unit 15 continues to output the “stop” signal of the electric blower 11 to the phase control unit 14, the electric blower 11 remains stopped. This state (the electric blower 11 is stopped) signal is periodically transmitted from the wireless communication unit 13.

Here, when the hose unit 70 is inserted into any of the hose insertion ports (for example, 30), the commercial power source 2 is inserted through the insertion detecting means 71 in the hose unit 70.
Is supplied to the DC power supply means 72, the power is supplied from the DC power supply means 72 to the operation means 73, the wireless communication control means 74, and the wireless communication means 75, and each unit starts operating.

At the same time, the power of the commercial power supply 2 and / or the DC power is also supplied to the extension pipe and the nozzle.

First, the wireless communication means 75 is connected to the cleaner main body 10.
The state (stop state) signal is received, the state of the cleaner body 10 is confirmed, and at the same time, it is confirmed that there is no problem in communication between the wireless communication means 13 and 75.

Since the initial setting value of the operating means 73 is a stop signal, a “stop” signal is output from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 to the wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner body 10. The wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner body 10 receives this signal, and receives a signal from the signal processing means 15 to the electric blower 11.
Is output.

When the operating means 73 is operated, the electric blower 1
When one input setting (for example, “weak” input setting) is made,
This time, the "weak input" signal is sent from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 to the wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner body 10.
Is output to Then, the wireless communication unit 13 in the cleaner body 10 receives this signal, and a signal corresponding to the setting input of the electric blower 11 is output from the signal processing unit 15 to the phase control unit 14, and the electric blower 11 is set to “weak input”. Perform the operation.
The signal in this state (the electric blower 11 is performing the “weak input” operation) is output from the wireless communication unit 75, received by the wireless communication unit 13 in the hose unit 70, and set by the wireless communication control unit 74. Make sure there is no conflict with

Next, the operating means 73 is operated to "stop".
When the setting is made, a “stop” signal is output from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 to the wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner body 10, and the wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner body 10 In response, the signal processing means 15 outputs a signal for stopping the electric blower 11. At the same time, this state (the electric blower 11 is “stopped”) signal is output from the wireless communication means 75 and the hose unit 7
0 is received by the wireless communication means 13 and the wireless communication control means 7
At 4, confirm that there is no inconsistency with the set value.

If the hose unit 70 is accidentally disconnected from the hose insertion port 30 while the electric blower 11 is operating, the power supply from the commercial power supply 2 to the DC power supply means 72 is stopped. The output from 72 also disappears. Since this is an initial state for the wireless communication control means 74, the electric blower 11
Is output, and the electric blower 11 stops. Alternatively, the insertion detection means 71 detects that the hose unit 70 has been pulled out, and the wireless communication control means 74 outputs a stop signal of the electric blower 11, so that the electric blower 11 stops.

The operating power supply for the cleaner body 10 and the operating power supply for the hose outlets 30, 40, 50, 60 do not always match (different wiring systems) due to the layout of the place where they are installed in the house. This is common, and it is considered that an abnormality occurs in any of the power supply systems. Therefore, mutual confirmation between the cleaner body 10 and the hose unit 70 by the wireless communication means 13 and 75 as described above is a very effective means.

In this embodiment, a wireless communication system called "specific low power" is employed, and has the following features.

Radio waves can reach about 100 m.

Since transmission / reception is performed using an identification number authenticated as a system, there is an advantage that there is no interference with other devices, and there is no problem in use in ordinary households.

(B) Details The wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner main body 10 and the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 periodically transmit and receive each other based on a flow (see FIG. 3) specified for the specified low power equipment. Have gone to.

Here, the handling of the "transmission suspension time" becomes a problem. That is, legally, continuous communication between the cleaner body 10 and the hose unit 70 is not allowed, and it is necessary to provide a "transmission suspension time" of at least 2 seconds.

In this embodiment, the setting input of the electric blower 11 is mutually confirmed by wireless communication.

In the cleaner main body 10, the "transmission suspension time"
The input setting of the electric blower 11 in the
Then, the operation within this time of the operation means 73 is targeted,
Until the input of the electric blower 11 is output in the next cycle from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70, the signal processing means 15 in the cleaner body 10 is configured to hold the current input value. I have.

However, when the input of the electric blower 11 is output in the next cycle from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 when the electric blower 11 is started, the input value is gradually changed from the current input as a target value. Thus, the signal processing means 15 is configured.

In view of the fact that the rated input of the electric blower has recently risen, if an operation for increasing the next input value from the current input value is performed by the operating means 73, the input is gradually increased. (So-called slow start) signal processing means 15.

Further, during the "transmission suspension time", the operation means 73
Is operated many times to output a plurality of different outputs, the wireless communication control means is configured to transmit the final operation information, that is, the final input value of the electric blower 11 from the wireless communication means 75 after the end of the transmission suspension time. 74.

Next, in this embodiment, no special processing is performed for the key operation during the “transmission suspension time”, but the following processing may be performed.

First, when the operation means 73 is operated, it is conceivable to configure the wireless communication control means 74 so as to always output to the wireless communication means 75 with a delay of a certain time. Since there is no need to perform control in consideration of processing, there is a feature that synchronization of transmission and reception of devices is easily adjusted.

When the operation signal of the electric blower 11 is output from the operation means 73 while the electric blower 11 is stopped, the wireless communication control means 74 is controlled to output the output to the wireless communication means 75 immediately. It is also possible to configure
In this case, when the operation signal of the electric blower 11 is output from the operation means 73 while the electric blower 11 is stopped, the electric blower 11 is immediately operated, so that the user does not feel uncomfortable.

An input up switch and an input down switch of the electric blower 11 are provided as operating means having a function of changing the input of the electric blower 11 according to the operating time, and the input up switch or the input down switch is provided. If the operation detection time is set longer than the transmission pause time, the input up switch and the input down switch can change the input of the electric blower 11 in accordance with the operation time. Even if it does, it does not give a stranger to the person who is operating.

Since a large amount of power is consumed during transmission and reception, the average power consumption for wireless communication can be reduced by using this “transmission suspension time” properly. This is described below.

One is that, when the operation command signal of the electric blower 11 is output from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70, the communication cycle between the cleaner body 10 and the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 is changed. It is configured to change according to the setting input of the electric blower 11. For example, the "transmission suspension time" is 5 seconds during stoppage, but is set to 2 seconds during strong operation. The reverse is also acceptable.

Or, normally, the wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner body 10 does not operate and waits for an operation command signal of the electric blower 11 from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70. Only when the operation command signal of the electric blower 11 is output from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70, the communication between the cleaner body 10 and the wireless communication means 13 and 75 on the hose unit 70 can be performed. It is.

The following method can be considered as a method for reducing not only the average power consumption during wireless communication but also the average power consumption of the control circuit as a whole.

As the wireless communication control means 74, the operation means 7
Function control dedicated means 74a for controlling signals from
Communication control dedicated means 74 for controlling the wireless communication means 75
and b are provided separately (in this embodiment, microcomputers are used for both means).

First, while the hose unit 70 is connected to the hose insertion port 30, the function control exclusive means 74a is always used.
And the function control-dedicated means 74a so that the communication control-dedicated means 74b is energized only until the "on" operation or the "off" operation of the electric blower 11 is performed by the operation means 73. To work.

Alternatively, the communication control exclusive unit 74b is energized only for a fixed time after a signal for changing the input of the electric blower 11 is output by the operating unit 73 or the like. In this embodiment, since the cleaning time at one location (the time from the “on” operation to the “off” operation) is 10 minutes, the time is set to 10 minutes. If the "OFF" operation is performed during this time, the power supply to the communication control exclusive unit 74b is stopped at that time.

In this embodiment, the communication control exclusive means 74 is used.
Since the microcomputer is used as b as described above, low power consumption is realized by setting a reset state or a standby state in which power consumption is lower instead of stopping power supply.

Here, at least a part of the output of the communication control exclusive unit 74b is taken into the function control exclusive unit 74a as an input signal, and the output of the communication control exclusive unit 74b is monitored by the function control exclusive unit 74a. Thus, the reliability of the wireless communication control means 74 can be improved.

Also, the function control dedicated means 74a having a program of a function having a different specification for each model and the communication control dedicated means 74b having a program of a wireless communication system which is basically the same can be divided into function control means at the time of model development. Since only the dedicated means 74a needs to be developed, development and evaluation time can be reduced.

Although the embodiment has the identification number as a system as described above, the following method is used for transmitting and receiving the identification number.

When the connection detection means 71 detects connection with the hose insertion port (for example, 30), the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 transmits its own identification number set individually. When the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 is constantly transmitted to the wireless communication means 13 in the cleaner body 10, the identification number is also transmitted at the same time, so that the signal received on the cleaner body 10 side is transmitted. Can be recognized from which hose unit is the signal transmitted from the wireless communication means, so that it can be confirmed that the signal is not from a different system (piping system).

The hose unit and the extension pipe or nozzle are connected by wire (commonly used in household models), and the operation of the extension pipe or nozzle by operating the operating means 73 has a time delay. Configuration.

Next, the antenna will be described.

The antenna 77 in the hose unit 70
A pattern antenna 77a formed on a circuit board is used as an antenna for radiating and outputting a signal from the wireless communication means 75 (having a length of about λ / 4), and has a shape as shown in FIG. 70a.

In this case, the lid 3 such as the hose insertion port 30
Since a metal is generally used for 6, the antenna 77 and the metal portion of the lid 36 actually constitute an antenna on the hose unit 70 side. Therefore, the length of the pattern antenna 77a formed on the circuit board can be made shorter than λ / 4.

Alternatively, as the antenna 77, the hose 7
At least a part of a steel wire (not shown) provided for reinforcing the strength in Oc can be used as an antenna.

In this embodiment, the rod antenna 16 is used on the cleaner body 10 side.
It is also possible to use at least a part of the outer metal part as an antenna.

[0111] 2. When the vacuum cleaner body is abnormal If the hose unit 70 is not inserted into the hose insertion port (for example, 30), the signal processing unit 15 continues to output the “stop” signal of the electric blower 11 to the phase control unit 14. Therefore, the electric blower 11 remains stopped. This state (the electric blower 11 is stopped) is transmitted from the wireless communication means 13 to the cleaner body 10.
Is in a normal state.

However, if this stop signal is not output from the wireless communication means 13 due to some abnormality, the hose unit 70 is connected to one of the hose insertion ports (for example, 3
0), the direct current power supply means 72 through the insertion detection means 71 in the hose unit 70
3. Power is supplied to the wireless communication control means 74 and the wireless communication means 75, and each unit starts operating.
Cannot receive the state (stop state) signal of the cleaner main body 10, cannot confirm the state of the cleaner main body 10, and confirms that there is a problem in communication between the wireless communication means 13 and 75.

On the other hand, when the time measured by the time measuring means 76 for measuring the time after being inserted into the hose outlet (for example, 30) exceeds a predetermined value, the signal is output to the wireless communication control means 74. It is determined that there is a problem in communication between the wireless communication means 13 and 75,
The operation of the extension pipe and the nozzle connected to 0 is stopped, and the abnormality is notified.

During operation, the signal from the wireless communication means 13 in the vacuum cleaner main body 10 has some abnormality and the hose unit 7
If the wireless communication means 75 does not reach the wireless communication means 75 within 0, the wireless communication means 75 cannot receive the status signal of the cleaner main body 10, so that the state of the cleaner main body 10 cannot be confirmed, and the communication between the wireless communication means 13 and 75 cannot be performed. Make sure there is a problem with
The operation of the extension pipe and the nozzle connected to the hose unit 70 is stopped, and the abnormality is notified.

3. When the Hose Unit is Abnormal When the hose unit 70 has an abnormality from the beginning, it cannot be operated because communication with the cleaner main body 10 is completely impossible.

If any abnormality occurs in the hose unit 70 during operation, a signal from the wireless communication means 75 in the hose unit 70 is transmitted to the wireless communication means 1 in the cleaner main body 10.
, The state of the hose unit 70 cannot be confirmed by the cleaner main body 10, and the wireless communication means 13
And 75 are confirmed to have a problem in communication, and the electric blower 11 is stopped.

(Embodiment 2) Next, a block diagram of a central cleaner according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 5, the same operations as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 78 denotes a hose unit 70.
This is a portable unit in which the wireless communication means 75, the communication control dedicated means 74b, the antenna 77 and the function control dedicated means 74a are integrally formed, and the hose insertion port or connection pipe part, the hose, the grasping part , Extension tube, or nozzle.

Thus, the conventional wired communication type central cleaner can be easily changed to the wireless communication type.

(Embodiment 3) A block diagram of a central cleaner according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6 and will be described below.

In FIG. 6, components that perform the same operations as in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 79 denotes a battery for supplying operating power to the operation means 73, the wireless communication control means 74, and the wireless communication means 75, and a secondary battery or a solar battery which can be charged by a primary battery, or a dynamo power generator. It is a combination of machines.

In this embodiment, the DC power supply means 72 is replaced by a battery 79. When the hose unit 70 is not inserted into the hose insertion port (for example, 30) by the insertion detection means 71, the battery 79 is replaced with the battery 79. Is not connected to any of the circuit blocks, but when the hose unit 70 is inserted into any of the hose insertion ports (for example, 30), the above-mentioned components are energized from the battery 79 and the operation is started. Same as 1.

In the present embodiment, however, the hose inlet (eg, 30) does not require wiring with the cleaner main body 10 and also does not require wiring work with the commercial power supply 1, and the hose outlet (eg, 30) is completely removed. For example, there is a feature that wiring can be reduced to 30).

(Embodiment 4) A block diagram of a central cleaner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7 and will be described below.

In FIG. 7, the same operations as those in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 81 denotes a priority switch for setting the priority of the signals when the outputs from the hose units (here, 70 and 80) overlap, which can be switched by the user. Also wireless communication means 1
3 is output. 82 is a signal processing means for processing the wireless information from the wireless communication means 13 including the information of the priority switch 81, and selects only the information from the hose unit (for example, 70) having a high priority, and Output to

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that a plurality of hose units (here, 70 and 80) are simultaneously inserted into different hose insertion ports (here, 30 and 50).

In this case, the hose unit (for example, 70) in which the priority switch 81 has a high priority is set.
Only the signal from other hose units (for example, 80) is selected and eliminated by the signal processing means 82.

That is, even if signals from a plurality of hose units (here, 70 and 80) are transmitted at the same time, only the signal from the hose unit (for example, 70) which has the highest priority is set to the electric blower 11 only. Works.

By the way, the same priority may be set. In this case, the hose outlet (for example, 3
The hose unit (for example, 70) inserted in 0) is set as an effective unit, and the hose unit (for example, 70) is used.
To control the electric blower 11 according to the output signal of the wireless communication means 75 from the
As an effective unit, a hose unit (for example, 70) having the wireless communication unit 75 that has output the operation signal of the above may be controlled according to the output signal of the hose unit (for example, 70).

In any of the above cases, the hose unit and the cleaner main body 10 regularly communicate with each other, so that the hose unit can recognize whether or not the unit is an effective unit. Control is performed on the extension pipes and nozzles connected to the other units, but the other extension units and nozzles that are recognized to be ineffective are not driven.

(Embodiment 5) A block diagram of a central cleaner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8 and will be described below.

In FIG. 8, the same operations as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 90 denotes a hose unit having a plurality of identification numbers, and having a wireless communication means 92 which can arbitrarily set the identification numbers by a switch 91. Reference numerals 95, 96 and 97 denote hose units, switches and wireless communication means respectively corresponding to the aforementioned 90, 91 and 92.

Similarly, reference numeral 20 denotes a cleaner body, a wireless communication means 22 provided with a plurality of identification numbers and capable of arbitrarily setting the identification numbers by a switch 21, and a pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the dust collection chamber. 23. The signal from the pressure detecting means 23 is input to the signal processing means 15, and when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the signal processing means 15
Outputs a stop signal of the electric blower 11, and at the same time, transmits an abnormal signal from the wireless communication means (here 22 and 27) to the hose units (here 90 and 95). Also 2
5, 26, 27 and 28 correspond to the aforementioned 20, 21, 22 and 2
3 are a cleaner body, a switch, a wireless communication unit, and a pressure detection unit, respectively.

Then, a plurality of hose insertion ports (here, 30) into which the cleaner body 20 and the hose unit 90 are inserted.
And 40) are connected via the same suction pipe, and similarly, a plurality of hose insertion ports (here, 50 and 60) into which the cleaner body 25 and the hose unit 95 are inserted are connected via the same suction pipe. It is connected. These two piping systems are independent of each other.

Normally, the cleaner body 20 and the hose unit 9
0 is set in advance so that the cleaner body 25 and the hose unit 95 have the same identification number (for example, B) different from the same.

Therefore, as described in the first embodiment, the cleaner body 20 and the hose unit 95 or the cleaner body 25 and the hose unit 90 having different identification numbers do not communicate with each other.

However, there are cases where a plurality of cleaner bodies are provided in the same home. In such a case, which vacuum cleaner body has the same identification number as that of the hose unit, that is, a room in which the hose unit can be used. It is limited and very inconvenient.

In such a case, if a plurality of identification numbers (A and B) are set in advance for the home in the cleaner bodies 20 and 25 and the hose units 90 and 95, for example, the identification of the hose unit 90 If the number A is changed to the identification number B by the switch 91, one hose unit 90
Thus, it is possible to clean even a room connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 25 by piping.

Similarly, the identification number can be changed by operating the switch 21 on the cleaner body 20 or 25 side.

In this case, if the identification number is set erroneously, the cleaner body connected to a different piping system is operated, and the room to be cleaned cannot be cleaned.

For example, as shown in FIG.
Want to operate the cleaner body 25 (recognition number B) with
If the identification number of the hose unit 95 is set to A, the cleaner body 20 operates.

In this case, the pressures in the dust collection chamber in the cleaner main body 20 are very high because all the hose insertion ports (here, 30 and 40) connected to the cleaner main body 20 by piping are closed. Therefore, the output of the pressure detecting means 23 exceeds a predetermined value.
At the same time as the stop signal is output, an abnormal signal is transmitted from the wireless communication means 22 to the hose unit 95 to notify the hose unit 95 of the abnormality.

In this embodiment, the pressure is detected to check the piping system. However, it is needless to say that the detection can be performed by detecting the number of rotations or the current of the electric blower 11 even if the air flow in the piping is detected. That is.

[0149]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the hose outlet is electrically connected to the commercial power supplied through the indoor wiring, and the signal of the hose grasping portion and the cleaner body are provided. Since the wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving the signal is arranged in the connection pipe portion and the cleaner main body, wiring from the cleaner main body to the hose insertion port is unnecessary, and at the same time, the hose grasping portion, extension Commercial power is supplied to the pipes and nozzles through the hose outlet, so the customer can share the low-cost, multifunctional general-purpose vacuum cleaner hose gripper, extension pipes and nozzles, etc. Development in a short time
Can be provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the operating power supply for the cleaner body and the operating power supply for the hose outlet do not necessarily have to be the same power supply system, there are few restrictions in wiring work. The construction period can be shortened.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the hose insertion port and the like do not require wiring with the cleaner body.
There is also a feature that wiring work with a commercial power supply is not required and wiring of the hose insertion port can be completely eliminated.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a primary battery, a secondary battery, a dynamo generator, or the like can be used alone or as a combination thereof as a battery.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the output capacity of the DC power supply is large, the power supply from the commercial power supply to the DC power supply is interrupted, for example, the hose unit is suddenly disconnected. In this case, the stop signal of the electric blower can be reliably transmitted from the wireless communication means to the wireless communication means in the cleaner body.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect that the hose unit is securely inserted into the hose insertion port or the like, and it is possible to save power because only the DC power supply is energized only at that time. In the case of batteries, the service life can be extended, and at the same time, there is no malfunction of the electric blower due to careless key operation of the operating means when it is not inserted into the hose outlet, and an extremely reliable system Can be provided.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the insertion of the hose unit from the hose insertion port can be detected by the insertion detecting means at the moment, the small-capacity DC power supply means can be connected to the wireless communication means. The stop signal of the electric blower can be reliably transmitted to the wireless communication means in the cleaner body.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the hose unit is inserted into the hose unit or the like by the insertion detecting means, and a signal is transmitted from the wireless communication means of the hose unit to the wireless communication means of the cleaner body. By doing so, both transmission and reception timings can be matched.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side and the hose unit side always transmit each status signal and receive and confirm the status signal of the other party. A highly reliable system that can grasp the status of the system can be provided.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, after the operation command signal of the electric blower is once output from the wireless communication means in the hose unit, the operation command signal is transmitted to the wireless communication means on the main body of the vacuum cleaner for a predetermined time. If they do not reach each other, it is possible to recognize each other that an abnormality has occurred, and the operation of the electric blower can be stopped.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, after the operation command signal of the electric blower is once output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the operation state signal from the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side is kept constant. If the system does not reach the wireless communication means 75 on the hose unit side, it is determined that the system is abnormal, and the operation of the hose unit 70, the extension pipe and the nozzle is stopped, and at the same time, the fact can be notified. It is possible to reliably notify the user.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when there is an abnormality in the main body of the vacuum cleaner, the measured value of the time after the hose unit is inserted into the hose insertion port or the like by the time measuring means is determined. Since the value is equal to or more than the value, it is determined that the abnormality is on the cleaner body side, and the fact can be notified in a short time after the hose unit is inserted.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the communication cycle of the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side and the hose unit side is changed in accordance with the setting input of the electric blower (the communication cycle becomes shorter as the input is set higher). Therefore, the average power consumption of the wireless communication means can be reduced.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, unless the operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the communication cycle between the cleaner main body side and the wireless communication means on the hose unit side is maintained. Is a fixed time, so that the power consumption of the cleaner body can be reduced during non-cleaning.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side to the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side. Only when this is done, communication is performed between the cleaner body side and the hose unit side, so that power consumption can be further reduced.

According to the present invention, the current input value is held until the input of the electric blower is output in the next cycle from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side.
Even if there is a transmission suspension time during wireless communication, it can be used without discomfort.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the input of the electric blower in the main body of the cleaner always changes gradually from the current input (there is no sharp input change). I do not feel uncomfortable.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, when the next input value is larger than the current input value, such as when the electric blower is started, the input gradually increases. A large inrush current does not flow, and replacement of equipment does not activate a breaker (the rated capacity needs to be reviewed) and replacement is easy.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, since a constant transmission suspension time is provided for communication between the hose unit and the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side, power consumption required for wireless communication can be reduced. It can be adapted to a practical "specific low-power wireless" system as a wireless communication system.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of different outputs (key operations) from the operating means during the transmission suspension time
In this case, since the final input information is transmitted from the wireless communication means after the end of the transmission suspension time, stable control of the electric blower can be performed even with a random key operation or careless key operation.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication control means is configured to output the output from the operating means to the wireless communication means after a fixed time (transmission stop time). Since there is no need to perform control considering whether or not the processing is performed within the device, there is a feature that synchronization of transmission and reception of the device can be easily adjusted.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, when the operation signal of the electric blower is output from the operating means while the electric blower is stopped, the electric blower is immediately operated, so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. .

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, since the input up switch and the input down switch can change the input of the electric blower according to the operating time,
Even if the operation is performed during the transmission suspension time, it does not give a feeling of strangeness to the person who is performing the operation.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, since the extension tube and the nozzle operate immediately in conjunction with the operation of the operating means, they do not feel uncomfortable with their operation.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, since the individually set identification number is transmitted simultaneously to the wireless communication means on the hose unit side at the time of transmission, the signal received on the cleaner body side is It is possible to recognize whether or not the signal is transmitted from the wireless communication means of the unit, and no malfunction is caused by a signal from a hose unit in a different piping system.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, when the hose unit is connected to the hose outlet, the wireless communication means on the hose unit side transmits its own identification number which is individually set. In the wireless communication means on the main body side, the communication can be easily synchronized.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, even if a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose outlets, only the hose unit inserted earlier into the hose outlet in terms of time is used. Since it is an effective unit, there is no problem in controlling the electric blower.

According to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, only the hose unit having the wireless communication means that outputs the operation signal of the electric blower earlier in time is used as the effective unit.
Cleaning work can be performed even when a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose outlets.

According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, since the hose unit is provided with the priority switch for setting the priority of the output signal, a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose outlets. Even in such a case, the setting of the priority switch can be visually checked, so that the user can easily understand the setting.

According to the thirtieth aspect of the present invention, only the extension pipe and the nozzle connected to the hose unit having the wireless communication means for outputting the effective signal operate, and the other hose unit and the other hose units connected thereto are operated. Since the extension tube and nozzle do not operate, they can be cleaned normally.

According to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, even when a plurality of cleaner bodies are installed in the same home, the identification number of the hose unit is changed to the recognition number of the other cleaner body by the switch. If you change it, you can clean any room with one hose unit.

According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, even when a plurality of cleaner bodies are installed in the same home, interference occurs even if central cleaners having different identification numbers are used in different rooms at the same time. Never.

According to the thirty-third aspect of the present invention, if the identification number is incorrectly set, the electric blower in the cleaner body which is not supposed to be operated will operate. The pressure in the dust collection chamber inside the vacuum cleaner body becomes extremely high, and the output of the pressure detecting means exceeds a predetermined value. The electric blower is stopped by judging that the signal is from a different piping system. That is, by detecting the pressure, it can be determined whether or not the wireless signal is from the same piping system.

According to the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the case of a signal from a different piping system, an abnormal signal is transmitted from the wireless communication means to the hose unit in the same manner as described above. It is easy to see that the state is abnormal (incorrect identification number setting).

According to the thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the pattern antenna formed on the circuit board is used as the antenna for radiating and outputting the signal from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side. It does not damage or damage by mistake during storage, and it can be made to have a neat appearance.

According to the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, since the metal part used as the lid of the hose insertion port can also be used as the antenna, the antenna and the metal part of this lid are actually used in the hose unit. Side antenna. Therefore, the length of the pattern antenna formed on the circuit board can be further reduced than λ / 4, and the size of the connection pipe can be reduced.

According to the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the steel wire provided for reinforcing the strength in the hose can be used as an antenna, so that an antenna with higher radiation efficiency can be manufactured at low cost. Can be formed.

According to the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, since the signal from the wireless communication means of the cleaner main body uses an antenna having a high radiation efficiency, even if the cleaner main body and the hose unit are far apart, communication is possible over a long distance. It can be performed.

According to the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a low-cost antenna can be formed on the cleaner body side by using a part of the metal portion of the outer periphery of the cleaner body as the antenna.

According to the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication control means is a function control dedicated means having a program of a function having different specifications for each model, and a communication control means having a wireless communication system program which is basically unchanged. By dividing into dedicated means, only the function control dedicated means need be developed, so that development and evaluation time can be reduced.

According to the forty-first aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the output of the communication control-dedicated means is taken into the function control-dedicated means as an input signal, and the output of the communication control-dedicated means is monitored by the function control-dedicated means. By doing so, the reliability as the wireless communication control means can be improved.

According to the forty-second aspect, while the hose unit is connected to the hose insertion port, the function control-dedicated means is always energized, and the operation means performs the "on" operation of the electric blower. Since the function control means is operated so as to energize the communication control dedicated means only from the time the power is turned off until the `` off '' operation is performed, the power required for wireless communication is only when the electric blower is in the operating state, The power consumption of the circuit can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 43, since power is supplied to the communication control dedicated means only for a certain period of time after a signal for changing the input of the electric blower is output by the operating means or the like, low cost and low power consumption are achieved. A circuit can be realized.

According to the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication means, the communication control-dedicated means, the antenna and the function control-dedicated means as necessary are portable units, and are connected to any of the nozzles from the hose insertion port. Since it is detachable, a conventional wired communication type central cleaner can be easily changed to a wireless communication type.

[0193] According to the forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, since a specific low-power radio is used as a radio communication method, a radio wave can be reliably reached even in a general household, and there is no interference with other devices.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a central cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hose insertion port of the central cleaner.

FIG. 3 is a wireless communication flowchart of the specified low-power device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of one embodiment of the pattern antenna;

FIG. 5 is a main part view of a central cleaner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a central cleaner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a central cleaner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a central cleaner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a conventional central cleaner.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the central cleaner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2, 3 Commercial power supply 10 Vacuum cleaner body 13, 75 Wireless communication means 30, 40, 50, 60 Hose outlet 70 Hose unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Seiji Yamaguchi 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Masaki Takahashi 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (45)

[Claims] 1. A hose outlet formed in each room and a cleaner main body are connected via an intake pipe, and the hose outlet is electrically connected to a commercial power supply supplied through indoor wiring, The wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving the signal of the hose grasping unit and the signal of the vacuum cleaner main body includes the vacuum cleaner main body and any of the following, a hose outlet, a connection pipe portion of the hose outlet detachable and a hose unit, A hose or grasping unit or an extension tube or nozzle that is detachable from the hose unit is disposed on the hose, thereby eliminating the need for wiring from the main body of the cleaner to the hose insertion port, and a hose grasping unit and extension tube of a general household vacuum cleaner. A central cleaner that can be used for both nozzles and nozzles. 2. The central cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the operation power supply for the cleaner body and the operation power supply for the hose outlet are both commercial power supplies from indoor wiring, but their power supply systems do not always match. 3. A wireless communication means for connecting a hose inlet formed in each room to a cleaner body via an intake pipe and transmitting / receiving a signal of a hose grasping part and a signal of the cleaner body. A main body and a hose insertion port, a connection pipe portion of a hose unit detachable from the hose insertion port, a hose or a grasping portion, or an extension pipe or a nozzle detachable from the hose unit; A battery is used as an operating power source of the wireless communication means arranged in other than the above, so that wiring from the cleaner main body to the hose outlet and wiring of the hose outlet itself are unnecessary, and the hose of a general household vacuum cleaner is grasped. Central cleaner that can be used for common parts, extension pipes and nozzles. 4. A battery used as an operating power source of a wireless communication means disposed outside the cleaner body, such as a primary battery, a secondary battery,
The central cleaner according to claim 3, wherein a dynamo generator or the like is used alone or in combination. 5. The output capacity of a DC power supply for supplying operating power to a wireless communication unit disposed outside the cleaner main body and a wireless communication control unit for controlling the wireless communication unit is increased. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when power supply to the DC power supply unit is interrupted, a stop signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit to an electric blower built in the cleaner body. 6. A hose setting unit is provided at a hose insertion port, and an insertion detecting means is provided at either a connection pipe portion of a hose unit, a hose, or a grasping portion, so that the hose unit is surely inserted at the hose insertion port. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a unit configured to detect the insertion. 7. When the hose setting unit is provided at the hose insertion port and the insertion detecting means is provided at either the connection pipe part of the hose unit or the hose or the grasping part, the moment when the hose unit is pulled out from the hose insertion port. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the central cleaner detects the occurrence of the stop signal and transmits a stop signal from the wireless communication means to an electric blower built in the cleaner body. 8. A hose setting means is provided at a hose insertion port, and a plug detection means is provided at either a connection pipe part of a hose unit, a hose or a grasping part. When the connection of the hose unit is detected, a signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit on the hose unit side to the wireless communication unit on the cleaner body side, so that the wireless communication unit on the hose unit side and the wireless communication unit on the cleaner body side communicate with each other. 5. A wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein two-way wireless communication is started between the two.
Central cleaner described in the item. 9. A configuration in which the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side and the hose unit side always transmits each status signal and receives and confirms the status signal of the other party, thereby always confirming each other's status. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein 10. After the operation command signal of the electric blower is once output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the operation of the electric blower is stopped if the operation command signal does not reach the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side for a certain period of time. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 11. After the operation command signal of the electric blower is once output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the operation state signal from the wireless communication means on the cleaner main body side is transmitted to the wireless communication means on the hose unit side for a certain period of time. 10. The central cleaner according to claim 9, wherein if it does not arrive, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the operation of the hose unit, the extension pipe and the nozzle is stopped, and at the same time, the abnormality and / or the stopped state is notified. 12. An insertion setting means is provided at a hose insertion port, and an insertion detecting means and a time measuring means are provided at one of a connecting pipe part of a hose unit or a hose or a grasping part. When the connection with the outlet is detected,
The time from the time when the hose unit is inserted into the hose insertion port is measured by the time measuring means, and it is abnormal if the signal from the cleaner main body side cannot be received even if the measured value becomes a predetermined value or more. 9. The central cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the abnormality is judged and the abnormality is notified. 13. When the operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the communication cycle between the cleaner body side and the wireless communication means on the hose unit side is set to the setting input of the electric blower. The central cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the central cleaner varies according to the change. 14. When the operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the communication cycle between the cleaner body and the wireless communication means on the hose unit side is shortened. Central cleaner as described. 15. Only when an operation command signal of the electric blower is output from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side to the wireless communication means on the vacuum cleaner body side from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side. 9. The central cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the central cleaner communicates with the wireless communication means on the hose unit side. 16. The cleaner body includes a wireless communication unit that receives a signal from the wireless communication unit on the hose unit side, a signal processing unit that converts an output of the cleaner unit into an input of the electric blower, and converts the input into a phase control angle. Phase control means, and an electric blower driving means for driving the electric blower with the output of the phase control means, and until the input of the electric blower is output in the next cycle from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, The central cleaner according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the signal processing means is configured to hold a current input value. 17. The cleaner body includes a wireless communication unit that receives a signal from a wireless communication unit on the hose unit side, a signal processing unit that converts an output of the cleaner unit into an input of the electric blower, and converts the input into a phase control angle. Phase control means, and an electric blower driving means for driving the electric blower by the output of the phase control means, and when the input of the electric blower is output in the next cycle from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, the input value is obtained. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the signal processing means is configured to gradually change the current input from a current input as a target value. 18. The central cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the signal processing means is configured to gradually increase the input when the next input value is larger than the current input value, such as when the electric blower is started. 19. The central cleaner according to claim 8, wherein a transmission suspension time is provided for communication between the wireless communication means on the hose unit side and the cleaner body side. 20. A hose unit, comprising: a wireless communication unit, an operation unit for setting an input of an electric blower, and a wireless communication control unit for receiving an output of the operation unit and controlling the wireless communication unit. 20. The central cleaner according to claim 19, wherein when a plurality of different outputs are output from the operation unit, the wireless communication control unit is configured to transmit the final input information from the wireless communication unit after a transmission suspension time ends. 21. The central cleaner according to claim 19, wherein the wireless communication control means is configured to output the output from the operation means to the wireless communication means after a predetermined time. 22. The wireless communication control means, wherein when the operation signal of the electric blower is output from the operation means while the electric blower is stopped, the wireless communication control means is configured to immediately output the output to the wireless communication means. Central cleaner. 23. An operation means having a function of changing the input of the electric blower according to the operating time is provided with an input up switch and an input down switch of the electric blower, and an operation detection of the input up switch or the input down switch is provided. 20. The central cleaner according to claim 19, wherein the time is set longer than the transmission suspension time. 24. The central cleaner according to claim 19, wherein the grasping part of the hose unit, the extension pipe and the nozzle are connected by wire, and the output of the operation means outputs immediately without time delay. 25. An identification number is individually set for the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, and when transmitting from the wireless communication means on the hose unit side to the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side, the identification number is also transmitted at the same time. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal received by the cleaner main body side is a signal transmitted from a wireless communication unit of a hose unit. 6. Central cleaner. 26. Insertion setting means is provided at a hose insertion port, and insertion detection means is provided at one of a connection pipe portion of a hose unit, a hose, and a grasping portion. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein upon detecting the connection of (i), the wireless communication means on the hose unit side transmits its own identification number set individually. 27. When a plurality of hose units are inserted into different hose outlets at the same time, only the hose unit inserted into the hose outlet earlier in time is regarded as an effective unit, and The electric blower is controlled in accordance with an output signal of the wireless communication means.
27. The central cleaner according to 5 or 26. 28. When a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose outlets, only a hose unit having a wireless communication unit that outputs an operation signal of the electric blower earlier in time is used as an effective unit. 27. The central cleaner according to claim 25, wherein the electric blower is controlled according to an output signal of the hose unit. 29. A priority switch for setting a priority of an output signal in a hose unit, wherein a plurality of hose units are simultaneously inserted into different hose outlets.
27. The central cleaner according to claim 25, wherein only the hose unit having a higher priority setting of the priority switch is set as an effective unit, and the electric blower is controlled in accordance with an output signal from a wireless communication unit of the hose unit. 30. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein only an extension pipe or a nozzle connected to a hose unit having a wireless communication unit outputting an effective signal is controllable.
Central cleaner described in the item. 31. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of identification numbers are prepared for the wireless communication means on the hose unit side, and the identification numbers can be arbitrarily switched and set by a switch or the like. Central cleaner. 32. A plurality of identification numbers are prepared for the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side, and the identification numbers can be arbitrarily switched and set by a switch or the like. When transmitting to the communication means, by transmitting the identification number at the same time, so that it is possible to recognize from which vacuum cleaner the signal received by the wireless communication means on the hose insertion port side is the signal sent from. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 33. A pressure detecting means for a dust collecting chamber is provided in a cleaner body, and when an output value of said pressure detecting means is equal to or more than a predetermined value at the time of operation of an electric blower, operation is performed with all insertion ports being sealed. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein it is determined that the signal is a wireless signal from wireless communication means of a hose unit in a different piping system, and the electric blower is stopped. 34. When the value of the pressure detecting means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, an abnormal signal is transmitted from the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side to the wireless communication means on the hose unit side to notify the hose unit of the abnormality. Central cleaner as described. 35. A pattern antenna formed on a circuit board as an antenna for radiating and outputting a signal from wireless communication means on the hose unit side.
5. The central cleaner according to any one of items 4 to 4. 36. The central cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a metal portion used as a lid of the hose insertion port is used as an antenna. 37. The central cleaner according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of a steel wire disposed in the hose for reinforcing the strength is used as an antenna. 38. The central cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a general-purpose antenna such as a rod antenna is provided as an antenna for radiating and outputting a signal from a wireless communication unit of the cleaner body. 39. The central cleaner according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the metal part of the outer periphery of the cleaner body is used as an antenna. 40. The wireless communication control means according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein a function control dedicated means for controlling a signal from the operation means and the like and a communication control dedicated means for controlling the wireless communication means are separately provided. Central cleaner described in the item. 41. The central cleaner according to claim 40, wherein at least a part of the output of the communication control exclusive unit is taken into the function control exclusive unit as an input signal, and the output of the communication control exclusive unit is monitored by the function control exclusive unit. . 42. An insertion setting means is provided at a hose insertion port, and an insertion detection means is provided at one of a connection pipe portion of a hose unit, a hose and a grasping portion, and the hose unit is connected to the hose insertion port. During the operation, the function control-dedicated means is always energized, and the communication control-dedicated means is energized only from the time when the electric blower is turned on by the operating means to the time when the off operation is performed. 41. The central cleaner according to claim 40, wherein the dedicated function control means is operated. 43. The central cleaner according to claim 40, wherein power is supplied to the communication control-dedicated means only for a certain period of time after a signal for changing the input of the electric blower is output by operation means or the like. 44. The hose unit-side wireless communication means, communication control-dedicated means, antenna, and function control-dedicated means as necessary are portable units, and hose insertion ports or connection pipes, hoses, grasping parts, extensions. 41. The central cleaner according to claim 40, wherein the central cleaner is detachable from any of a pipe and a nozzle. 45. The central cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein a specific low-power radio is used as a communication method of the wireless communication means on the cleaner body side and the hose unit side.