JP2016047141A - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vacuum cleaner capable of automatically setting a cleaning time suitable for a condition of a cleaning area.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner includes a body case, driving wheels, a cleaning part, object detection means, and control means. The driving wheels enable the body case to travel on a surface to be cleaned, and the cleaning part cleans the surface to be cleaned. The object detection means is provided to the body case, and detects presence/absence of an object within a predetermined distance. The control means causes the body case to autonomously travel by controlling the movement of the driving wheels so as to avoid the object detected by the object detection means. The control means determines complexity of a cleaning area based on the number of times that the body case has repeated a predetermined movement within a predetermined time. The control means further determines whether to continue cleaning or finish cleaning based on a maximum linear distance that the body case has moved and the determined complexity of the cleaning area for each predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a vacuum cleaner that can autonomously travel on a surface to be cleaned.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called autonomous traveling type vacuum cleaner (cleaning robot) that performs cleaning while autonomously traveling on a surface to be cleaned while detecting an obstacle using a sensor or the like is known. The cleaning time of such a vacuum cleaner may be set to a fixed time in advance, but in order to set a cleaning time more suitable for the situation of the cleaning area, it is based on the distance traveled straight through the cleaning area. In some cases, the width of the cleaning area is estimated, and the cleaning time is variably set in accordance with the estimated area of the cleaning area.

  However, since various obstacles are located in the cleaning area, depending on the arrangement of these obstacles, it is not easy to accurately estimate the size of the cleaning place only by the distance that the vacuum cleaner travels straight. Therefore, it is desired to be able to set the cleaning time corresponding to the situation of the cleaning area.

Japanese Patent No. 4472709

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner that can automatically set a cleaning time suitable for the situation of the cleaning area.

  The vacuum cleaner of the embodiment includes a main body case, drive wheels, a cleaning unit, object detection means, and control means. The drive wheel allows the main body case to travel on the surface to be cleaned, and the cleaning unit cleans the surface to be cleaned. The object detection means is provided in the main body case and detects the presence or absence of an object within a predetermined distance. The control means makes the main body case autonomously travel by controlling the operation of the drive wheels so as to avoid the object detected by the object detection means. In addition, the control means determines the complexity of the cleaning area based on the number of times that the main body case repeats the predetermined operation within a predetermined time. And this control means judges whether cleaning is continued or finished based on the complexity of the cleaning area determined to be the maximum linear distance to which the main body case has moved every predetermined time.

It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of the cleaning of the vacuum cleaner of one Embodiment. It is a table for determining the cleaning time of the electric vacuum cleaner as above, (a) shows the case where the cleaning area is not complicated or the cleaning area is not dirty, (b) is the case where the cleaning area is complicated or cleaning Indicates the case where the area is dirty. It is a perspective view which shows a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a top view which shows a vacuum cleaner same as the above from the upper part. It is a top view which shows a vacuum cleaner same as the above from the downward direction. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically each driving mode at the time of cleaning of a vacuum cleaner same as the above (a) thru | or (f). (a) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the state which the vacuum cleaner is moving straight, (b) is explanatory drawing which illustrates typically the state which the vacuum cleaner is moving forward while turning.

  The configuration of one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  3 to 6, reference numeral 11 denotes a vacuum cleaner as an autonomous traveling body. The vacuum cleaner 11 is autonomously traveling together with, for example, a charging device (charging stand) as a base device (not shown) having a built-in charging circuit. An electric vacuum cleaner as a body device is configured.

  In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 11 is a so-called self-propelled robot cleaner (cleaning robot) that cleans the floor surface while autonomously traveling (self-propelled) on the floor surface to be cleaned as a traveling surface. ). The electric vacuum cleaner 11 includes a hollow main body case 15, a traveling unit 16 that causes the main body case 15 to travel on the floor, a cleaning unit 17 that cleans dust such as the floor, and an external device that includes a charging device. A communication unit 18 for communicating with, a display unit 19 for displaying various information, a traveling unit 16, a cleaning unit 17, a control unit 20 for controlling the communication unit 18 and the display unit 19, and these traveling unit 16, a cleaning unit 17, And a secondary battery 21 for supplying power to the communication unit 18, the display unit, the control means 20, and the like. Hereinafter, the direction along the traveling direction of the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) is the front-rear direction (arrows FR and RR shown in FIG. 4 and the like), and the left-right direction intersecting (orthogonal) with the front-rear direction. (Both sides direction) is described as the width direction. Further, the direction indicated by the arrow X shown in FIG. 7 and the like represents the front side of the electric vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15).

  The main body case 15 is formed, for example, in a flat columnar shape (disc shape) with synthetic resin or the like, and a suction port 22 and an exhaust port 23 are opened on the lower surface facing the floor surface, respectively.

  The traveling unit 16 includes drive wheels 25 and 25 as a plurality of (a pair of) drive units, motors 26 and 26 as drive units that drive the drive wheels 25 and 25, and a turning wheel 27 for turning. And a sensor unit 28 having various sensors.

  Each drive wheel 25 is for driving the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) in the forward and backward directions on the floor (autonomous traveling), that is, for traveling, and is not shown along the left-right width direction. It has an axis and is arranged symmetrically in the width direction.

  Each motor 26 is disposed, for example, corresponding to each drive wheel 25, and can drive each drive wheel 25 independently.

  The swivel wheel 27 is a driven wheel that is positioned at the front and substantially at the center of the lower surface of the main body case 15 in the width direction, and can swivel along the floor surface.

  The sensor unit 28 includes, for example, a rotational speed detection means 30 that detects the rotational speed of each driving wheel 25 (each motor 26), and a physical object (obstacle) such as a wall or furniture within a predetermined distance in front of the main body case 15. The presence or absence of a physical object (obstacle) such as a wall or furniture within a predetermined distance in front of the side of the main body case 15 and the object detection means 31 that is a (first) obstacle detection means. Detection means 32 which is a (second) obstacle detection means for detecting the dust and dust amount detection means 33 for detecting the amount of dust on the floor surface. In addition to this sensor unit 28, a step detecting means (not shown) such as an infrared sensor for detecting a step on the floor, a base device detecting means such as a phototransistor for receiving a radio signal (infrared signal) from a charging device, etc. By detecting a radio signal (infrared signal) output from an external device such as a charging device or area partitioning means (virtual guard), a virtual signal formed around the external device or in a cleaning area by this radio signal A collision prevention signal detection means (collision prevention sensor) which is an obstacle detection means as an object detection means such as an infrared sensor for detecting a simple object (obstacle) may be provided.

  The rotation speed detection means 30 is, for example, an optical encoder, and detects the turning angle and travel distance of the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) based on the measured rotation speed of the drive wheel 25 (motor 26). Yes. That is, the rotation speed detecting means 30 has functions of a turning angle detecting means and a distance detecting means.

  In the present embodiment, the object detection means 31 includes a bumper 35 that is a movable arc-shaped contact that forms the front half of the main body case 15, and a switch 36 that is operated by the movement of the bumper 35. This is a contact sensor that detects contact between the bumper 35 and an object. That is, the object detection means 31 of the present embodiment detects an object that is in contact with the main body case 15 (positioned at zero distance).

  The bumper 35 is movable along the radial direction of the main body case 15, and is urged in a direction protruding from the main body case 15 by an urging means such as a spring (not shown). The bumper 35 may have a semicircular arc shape that is continuous from one side of the main body case 15 to the other side through the front portion, or may be a half arc from one side of the main body case 15 to the other side through the front portion. It is good also as circular arc shape which divided | segmented the circular arc area | region into plurality. In this way, when the bumper 35 is divided into a plurality of parts, it is preferably arranged symmetrically, for example, it is divided into three parts, such as the front part and the left and right sides.

  The switch 36 is switched between operation and on / off by contact with the bumper 35 that is relatively retracted by contact with an object, and is disposed opposite to the back side of the bumper 35 at least on both sides of the main body case 15. . Then, when any of these switches 36 is switched on and off, the contact of the bumper 35 with the object and the contact position (contact direction) can be detected. In the present embodiment, the object detection means 31 is set with a plurality of regions, for example, a front region over a substantially uniform predetermined angle on the front side including the center position in the left-right direction of the main body case 15 (bumper 35), Right side of the right side of the main body case 15 (bumper 35) adjacent to the right side of the front side region and the left side of the left side of the main body case 15 (bumper 35) adjacent to the left side of the front side region. It is possible to detect which region of the left region at a predetermined angle is in contact with the object. Therefore, the object detection means 31 detects the presence / absence of an object within a predetermined distance in an angular range in a plurality (three) directions on the front side of the main body case 15.

  The detecting means 32 detects an object at a position separated from the main body case 15 by a predetermined distance, in other words, detects a distance from an object positioned in front of the side part, such as an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor. It is a non-contact sensor. That is, the detection means 32 has a function of an object detection means (ranging means). In the present embodiment, the detection means 32 is, for example, a central portion of each of the right and left areas of the object detection means 31, that is, a position inclined at an angle of 45 ° in the left-right direction with respect to the front of the main body case 15. Is arranged. Therefore, the detection means 32 is arranged symmetrically.

  The dust amount detection means 33 includes, for example, a light emitting unit as a light emitting unit that emits infrared light and a light receiving unit as a light receiving unit that receives infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit at positions facing each other. It is an optical sensor and can output a signal corresponding to the amount of dust collected from the suction port 22 to the control means 20 at least during cleaning while the cleaning unit 17 is operating. That is, when the amount of dust collected from the suction port 22 is relatively large, the infrared light from the light emitting unit is relatively blocked by dust, and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is relatively reduced. On the contrary, when the amount of dust is relatively small, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is relatively increased. Accordingly, the dust amount detection means 33 can detect the amount of dust on the floor surface facing the suction port 22 based on the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving portion from the light emitting portion.

  The cleaning unit 17 is, for example, an electric blower 37 that is located in the main body case 15 and sucks dust, a rotary brush 38 that is rotatably attached to the suction port 22 and scrapes up the dust, and the rotary brush. A brush motor 39 to be driven, a side brush 40 as auxiliary cleaning means as a swivel cleaning unit that is rotatably attached to both sides such as the front side of the main body case 15 and scrapes dust, and a side brush motor that drives the side brush 40 41, a dust collecting part 42 for collecting dust, and the like. The electric blower 37, the rotating brush 38 and the brush motor 39, and the side brush 40 and the side brush motor 41 may be provided with at least one of them.

  The communication unit 18 includes a transmission means 46 such as an infrared light emitting element that transmits a wireless signal (infrared signal) to an external device such as a charging device. The communication unit 18 may include a wireless LAN device that transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from an external device such as a portable terminal via an access point, for example.

  The display unit 19 displays time and time, various information related to the vacuum cleaner 11, and the like, and is disposed on the upper part of the main body case 15, for example. The display unit 19 may be, for example, a touch panel that also has a function of an input operation unit that allows a user to directly input various settings.

  The control means 20 is, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a timer, a counter, and the like. Based on the detection result of the sensor unit 28, the cleaning unit 17 searches for a cleaning mode in which the cleaning unit 17 performs cleaning while autonomously running, and a charging device. There are a feedback mode for returning to the charging device, a charging mode for charging the secondary battery 21 via the charging device, and a standby mode for standby operation. During the cleaning mode, a plurality of, for example, six travel modes, that is, the first to sixth travel modes are set, and these travel modes are switched at, for example, every predetermined time T1. Yes.

  The first travel mode is a basic pattern for efficiently traveling in a cleaning area (open space) with few objects (obstacles), and the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) is predetermined for objects in the room. It can also be called a random bounce driving mode that moves straight while changing the direction every time it approaches within a distance (collision with an object), and the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) goes straight, and the object detection means 31 An object (obstacle) is detected within a predetermined distance (contact with the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15 (bumper 35)) is detected) or the object (obstacle) is detected within a predetermined distance by the detection means 32. If it is detected, the operation of the motors 26 and 26 (drive wheels 25 and 25) is controlled so as to turn at a predetermined turning angle (super turning) and randomly change the traveling direction and further advance straight. (Indicated by arrow S1 in FIG. 7 (a)). In the following, the term “straight forward” includes not only a straight line that travels along a straight line but also a substantially straight line that travels along an arc or the like that approximates a straight line.

  The second traveling mode is for effectively cleaning the vicinity of an obstacle such as a wall where dust easily collects, the corner of the cleaning area, and the like with the side brush 40 (cleaning unit 17). Along the wall, the main body case 15) travels substantially parallel to the outer edge of the cleaning area such as an obstacle (wall) that is an object detected by the object detection means 31 or the detection means 32 while maintaining a substantially constant predetermined distance. It can also be called a travel mode, and while detecting a side obstacle (wall) by the detection means 32 and running along the obstacle in a substantially straight line, when detecting an object forward by the object detection means 31, Turn at that position by a predetermined angle (super turning), change the direction so that the side of the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15), that is, the detection means 32 faces the object, and run linearly along the wall Of motors 26 and 26 (drive wheels 25 and 25) And it controls the work (shown by the arrow S2 in in FIG. 7 (b)). In the present embodiment, the second traveling mode is an object with the wall facing the right side of the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15), in other words, the right side of the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15). It is a mode along the right hand that runs along an obstacle (wall), but it may be a mode along the left hand that is reversed left and right, and the mode along the right hand and the mode along the left hand are specified conditions. Based on this, for example, it may be switched along the right hand and along the left hand in the second traveling mode every time a predetermined time (10 minutes) elapses.

  The third traveling mode is for effectively cleaning the surroundings of furniture legs or the like where dust easily collects, for example, by the side brush 40 (cleaning unit 17), and the object detected by the object detecting means 31 or the detecting means 32 is detected. Whether it is a wall or not is simply judged. If it is a wall, the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) runs along the wall in a straight line, and if it is not a wall, the vacuum cleaner 11 ( In this mode, the main body case 15 wraps around the object (indicated by an arrow S3 in FIG. 7C). This third traveling mode may be ended based on, for example, a desired lap condition, that is, a lap angle or a lap time.

  The fourth travel mode is for cleaning a narrow space such as a lower part of an obstacle such as a table or a chair that is difficult to enter in the first travel mode, for example, and the object detected by the object detection means 31 or the detection means 32 Whether it is a wall or not is simply judged. If it is a wall, the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) runs along the wall in a straight line, and if it is not a wall, the vacuum cleaner 11 ( In this mode, the main body case 15) moves forward around the object (shown by an arrow S4 in FIG. 7 (d)).

  The fifth travel mode is for intensive cleaning of a place where there is a lot of dust on the floor surface. The position of the floor surface where the dust amount detected by the dust amount detection means is a predetermined radius or more is set to a predetermined radius (for example, 20 cm). Control is performed so as to make a predetermined number of times, for example, two rounds (spiral turning) (indicated by an arrow S5 in FIG. 7E).

  The sixth running mode can also be called a narrow-place escape running mode that allows you to get out of a narrow space when you enter a narrow space such as the lower part of an obstacle such as a table or under a chair and clean it. This mode is executed when it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) stays in a narrow space (restriction in a narrow space). In the sixth travel mode, for example, the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) is curved (arc-shaped) along the object while repeatedly contacting the bumper 35 of the object detection means 31 with an obstacle (wall) as an object. The vehicle may be caused to travel (indicated by an arrow S6 in FIG. 7 (f)). The determination of staying in a narrow place is the same as the determination of whether the cleaning area is complicated, and details of the determination method will be described later.

  Further, the secondary battery 21 is electrically connected to charging terminals 48 and 48 as connection portions exposed on both sides of the rear portion of the lower surface of the main body case 15, for example, and the charging terminals 48 and 48 are connected to the charging device side. By being electrically and mechanically connected to the charging terminal, charging is performed via the charging device.

  Next, the operation of the one embodiment will be described.

  In general, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is roughly divided into a cleaning operation for cleaning and a charging operation for charging the secondary battery 21 by a charging device. Then, the cleaning work includes a detaching operation in which the vacuum cleaner 11 is detached from the charging device, a cleaning operation in which the cleaning unit 17 performs cleaning after the detaching operation, and a search for the charging device after the cleaning operation or during the cleaning operation. Search operation to perform, an approach (approach) operation in which the vacuum cleaner 11 travels toward the charging device detected by the search operation, and a connection in which the vacuum cleaner 11 approaching the charging device is connected to the charging device (docking) It consists of actions.

(Cleaning work)
The outline of the cleaning operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the vacuum cleaner 11 switches the control means 20 from the standby mode to the cleaning mode at the cleaning start timing, for example, when a preset cleaning start time is reached, and the cleaning unit 17 and the traveling unit 16 etc. And is detached from the charging device, for example, in a straight line (detachment operation (step 1)). In this embodiment, for example, about 5 seconds is assumed as the separation operation.

  Next, the control means 20 drives the driving wheels 25 and 25 (motors 26 and 26) in response to the detection from the sensor unit 28, thereby causing the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) to use each traveling mode. While running on the floor surface, the cleaning unit 17 cleans and collects dust on the floor surface, and while cleaning, determines the size and complexity of the cleaning area and the degree of contamination of the cleaning area (cleaning) Operation (Step 2)).

  Here, the width of the cleaning area is determined based on the maximum linear distance (maximum rectilinear distance) of the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15). The maximum linear distance is a distance traveled by the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) on a predetermined straight line. For example, when the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) moves linearly (FIG. 8). In (a)), the movement distance L1 is the maximum linear distance. For example, when the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) moves in a curved shape while turning (FIG. 8 (b)), The length, that is, the length L2 of the straight line connecting the start point and the end point of the operation is the maximum straight line distance. That is, since the maximum linear distance of the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) becomes larger as the cleaning area becomes wider, the size of the cleaning area can be determined from the maximum linear distance. Basically, since the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) goes straight to the maximum in the first travel mode, at least one run in the first travel mode is required for the cleaning operation. Preferably it is done.

  Further, the complexity of the cleaning area is determined by how many times the electric vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) repeats a predetermined operation within a predetermined time T2. More specifically, when the object detection unit 31 or the detection unit 32 detects an object within a predetermined time T2 (for example, 4000 ms) for a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times) or more, the cleaning area is complicated. If the object detection unit 31 or the detection unit 32 does not detect the object within the predetermined time T2, or the object detection unit 31 or the detection unit 32 detects the object within the predetermined time T2 or more If not continuous, it is determined that the cleaning area is not complicated. That is, the more complicated the cleaning area is due to the presence of obstacles such as tables and chair legs, the more the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) detects the object (obstacle) with the object detection means 31 and the detection. Since the number of times of detection by means 32 increases and it becomes easy to repeat the same operation, the complexity of the cleaning area can be determined based on how many times the electric vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) has repeated a predetermined operation within a predetermined time. This determination can be easily realized by using, for example, a counter provided in the control means 20. That is, when the object is detected again by the object detection means 31 or the detection means 32 within a predetermined time T2 from the timing when the object detection means 31 or the detection means 32 is detected, the counter is incremented by one, and the object detection means When a predetermined time T2 has elapsed without detecting an object by the object detecting means 31 or 32 from the timing at which the object is detected by 31 or the detecting means 32, the counter value is reset by resetting the counter to 0. Is compared with the predetermined value, it can be determined whether or not the object detecting means 31 or the detecting means 32 has detected the object within the predetermined time T2 for a predetermined number of times or more. In addition, the determination of whether the above-mentioned cleaning area is complicated, the determination of whether the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) is alienated by an obstacle and can only move within a narrower range, i.e., whether it is staying in a narrow place Is the same. When it is determined that the vehicle is staying in a narrow space, the control means 20 interrupts the current travel mode, and the sixth travel mode (narrow space escape travel mode) prepared for exiting the narrow space is executed. The When the sixth travel mode ends, the mode is switched to the travel mode before the interruption or other travel modes, and the cleaning is continued.

  Further, the degree of contamination in the cleaning area is determined based on the amount of dust detected by the dust amount detection means 33, more specifically, based on the amount of dust detected by the dust amount detection means 33 within the predetermined time T3. . That is, as the amount of dust detected by the dust amount detection means 33 (per predetermined time T3) increases, it can be said that the cleaning area becomes dirty. Based on the detection of the dust amount detection means 33, the degree of contamination of the cleaning area is estimated it can. Then, when the dust amount (per predetermined time T3) detected by the dust amount detection means 33 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it is determined that the cleaning area is dirty, and the dust amount detection means 33 detects ( If the amount of dust per predetermined time T3 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the cleaning area is not dirty.

  Judgment of staying in a narrow space (determination that the cleaning area is complicated) and determination that the cleaning area is dirty may occur multiple times during cleaning. A counter for counting the number of times can be provided in the control means 20 or the like. With these counters, not only the presence / absence of the determination of staying in a narrow space (determination that the cleaning area is complicated) and the determination that the cleaning area is dirty, but also the degree of complexity of the cleaning area, The degree of dirt in the cleaning area can be obtained.

  Next, the control means 20 determines whether or not a predetermined time T4 (predetermined determination time), for example, 20 minutes has elapsed (step 3). If it is determined in step 3 that the predetermined time T4 (predetermined determination time) has not elapsed, the process returns to step 2. If it is determined in step 3 that the predetermined time T4 (predetermined determination time) has elapsed, the control means 20 determines whether to continue or end the cleaning, in other words, whether to extend the cleaning. (Step 4).

  The determination in step 4 is made based on the cleaning time calculated based on the size and complexity of the cleaning area determined while cleaning in step 2. This cleaning time is performed based on a table which is reference data as shown in FIG. 2, for example, as shown in FIG. In other words, the larger the maximum linear distance, the wider the cleaning area and the longer the cleaning time will be. Therefore, each time the maximum linear distance exceeds each threshold, a plurality of different thresholds are set for the maximum linear distance. The cleaning time is set to be long.

  Also, the more complicated the cleaning area and the more dirty the cleaning area, the longer the cleaning time will be required, so the cleaning area is not complicated and the cleaning area is not dirty. In comparison, the cleaning area is set to be longer when the cleaning area is complicated or when the cleaning area is dirty.

  That is, in the present embodiment, different (two) tables are set according to the complexity of the cleaning area or the degree of contamination of the cleaning area, and comparing each table, the complexity of the cleaning area, or The cleaning time is set to be relatively long when the cleaning area is heavily soiled.In each table, the longer the maximum linear distance (the wider the cleaning area), the longer the cleaning time. Is set.

  Specifically, as shown in the table of FIG. 2A, when it is determined that the cleaning area is not relatively complicated, or when it is determined that the cleaning area is not relatively dirty, the cleaning time is extended. It is a three-level table for converting the maximum straight line distance into the cleaning time for each of the predetermined determination times for determining whether or not, for example, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and 60 minutes. The symbol TH [n] a [m] indicates that n is a threshold level (for example, 1, 2, 3), m is a cleaning time determination timing (here, 1 corresponds to 20 minutes, and 2 corresponds to 40 minutes) 3 corresponds to 60 minutes), and the table is composed of a total of nine elements.

  In the judgment time (20 minutes) for judging whether or not to extend the initial cleaning time, the control means 20 has a cleaning time of 20 minutes and a maximum linear distance when the first threshold TH1a1 is less than 254 cm. Is 254 cm or more, which is the first threshold TH1a1, and less than 382 cm (one) the second threshold TH2a1, the cleaning time is 40 minutes, the maximum linear distance is 382 cm or more, which is the second threshold TH2a1, and When the third threshold TH3a1 (one) is less than 509 cm, the cleaning time is determined to be 60 minutes, and when the maximum straight line distance is 509 cm or more, which is the third threshold TH3a1, the cleaning time is determined to be 80 minutes. Then, the control means 20 determines to extend the cleaning if the determined cleaning time is longer than the cleaning time, and to end the cleaning if not. Similarly, the control means 20 determines the cleaning time by referring to a table corresponding to the determination time from the maximum linear distance as to whether or not the cleaning is extended to the next determination time. Therefore, the control means 20 has the first threshold value TH1a2, the second threshold value TH2a2, and the third threshold value TH3a2 when the determination time is 40 minutes, and the first threshold value TH1a3 and the second threshold value TH2a3 when the determination time is 60 minutes. The same determination is made using the three threshold values TH3a3. In this embodiment, the threshold value at the same level is set to the same value regardless of the same determination time, but the maximum straight line distance tends to increase with the cleaning time, so the threshold value at the same level is set to a different value for each determination time. It is also possible to judge the cleaning time in more detail.

  On the other hand, as shown in the table of FIG. 2 (b), when it is determined that the cleaning area is relatively complicated, or when it is determined that the cleaning area is relatively dirty, is the cleaning time extended? It is a three-level table for converting the maximum straight line distance to the cleaning time for each of the predetermined determination times for determining whether, for example, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and 60 minutes. The symbol TH [n] b [m] indicates that n is a threshold level (for example, 1, 2, 3), m is a cleaning time determination time (here, 1 corresponds to 20 minutes, 2 corresponds to 40 minutes) 3 corresponds to 60 minutes), and the table is composed of a total of nine elements.

  When the judgment time (20 minutes) for judging whether or not to extend the first cleaning time is less than 180 cm which is the first threshold TH1b1 (the other), the control means 20 has a cleaning time of 20 minutes and a maximum linear distance. Is 180 cm or more which is the first threshold TH1b1 and less than 300 cm which is the second threshold TH2b1 (the other), the cleaning time is 40 minutes, the maximum linear distance is 300 cm or more which is the second threshold TH2b1, and When the third threshold TH3b1 (the other) is less than 450 cm, the cleaning time is 60 minutes, and when the maximum straight distance is 450 cm or more, the third threshold TH3b1, the cleaning time is determined to be 80 minutes. Then, the control means 20 determines to extend the cleaning if the determined cleaning time is longer than the cleaning time, and to end the cleaning if not. Similarly, the control means 20 determines the cleaning time by referring to a table corresponding to the determination time from the maximum linear distance as to whether or not the cleaning is extended to the next determination time. Therefore, if the determination time is 40 minutes, the control means 20 has the first threshold value TH1b2, the second threshold value TH2b2, and the second threshold value TH3b2, and the determination time is 60 minutes. The same determination is made using three threshold values TH2b3 and TH3b3. In the present embodiment, the same level threshold is set to the same value regardless of the same determination time, but the maximum straight line distance tends to increase with the cleaning time, so the same level threshold is set to a different value for each determination time. It is also possible to judge the cleaning time in more detail.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not to extend cleaning is determined every predetermined time T4 (predetermined determination time), so each cleaning time is set as a multiple of the predetermined time T4 (predetermined determination time). The above determination times do not need to be equally spaced, and may be arbitrary, and two or four or more determination times can be set instead of three. In this case, the threshold level can be set corresponding to the number of times of determination. Then, a table is set for each determination time. For example, the determination time interval is narrowed at an early stage of the determination time with a short cleaning time, and it can be determined in detail whether or not the cleaning is continued.

  In step 4, the cleaning time set in the table based on the maximum straight line distance and either the complexity of the cleaning area or the degree of contamination of the cleaning area is compared with the time from the start of cleaning to the present time. When it is determined that the cleaning is to be extended (cleaning is continued), the process returns to step 2. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 4 that the cleaning is not extended (cleaning is terminated), the control means 20 switches to the feedback mode, and the control means 20 causes the drive wheels 25 and 25 (motors 26 and 26) to switch. The charging device is searched while driving and driving (search operation (step 5)). In this search operation, the vacuum cleaner 11 detects whether or not the wireless signal transmitted from the signal output means of the charging device is received by the receiving means. Then, after running the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) so as to go to the charging device searched and detected by the search operation, when approaching a predetermined distance, the charging terminals 48 and 48 are directed toward the charging device, wirelessly It approaches the charging device linearly along the signal (induction signal) (approach operation (step 6)). Thereafter, the charging terminals 48, 48 are connected (docked) with the charging terminals (connection operation (step 7)). When the connection between the electric vacuum cleaner 11 and the charging device is completed, the control means 20 stops the cleaning unit 17 and the traveling unit 16 and ends the cleaning operation. The search operation, the approach operation, and the connection operation are assumed to be about 3 minutes in total in the present embodiment, for example. The capacity of the secondary battery 21 is less than 10 minutes so that the time for the search operation, the approach operation, the connection operation, etc. can be extended as necessary in addition to the time from the disconnection operation to the connection operation. For example, it is set so that an extra of about 7 minutes is generated.

(Charging work)
After the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the charging device, at a predetermined timing, for example, when a preset charging start time is reached, or when a predetermined time elapses after the vacuum cleaner 11 is connected to the charging device, etc. In addition, the control means 20 shifts to the charging mode and starts charging the secondary battery 21 from the charging device. When it is determined that the voltage of the secondary battery 21 has increased to a predetermined usable voltage, the charging operation is terminated and the control means 20 enters the standby mode.

  According to the embodiment described above, the complexity of the cleaning area is determined based on the number of times that the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) repeats the predetermined operation within the predetermined time T2, and the predetermined time T4 (predetermined determination). Every time), the cleaning time is fixed because it is determined whether to continue or end the cleaning based on the maximum linear distance that the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) has moved and the complexity of the cleaning area. Compared with the case, the cleaning time suitable for the situation of the cleaning area can be automatically set.

  Further, since the control means 20 determines the complexity of the cleaning area based on whether the object detection means 31 or the detection means 32 has detected the object within the predetermined time T2 for a predetermined number of times or more, the cleaning area The object detection means 31 or the detection means 32 during a series of cleaning operations can be determined more easily and accurately without requiring an additional operation for determining the complexity of the cleaning area. Can be easily and reliably determined using the detection of the object.

  Similarly, the degree of contamination of the cleaning area is determined based on the amount of dust on the floor surface detected by the dust amount detection means 33, and the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) moves every predetermined time T4 (predetermined determination time). The cleaning time is more suitable for the situation of the cleaning area than when the cleaning time is fixed because it is determined whether to continue or end the cleaning based on the determined maximum linear distance and the degree of contamination of the cleaning area. Can be set automatically.

  In particular, the complexity of the cleaning area and the contamination of the cleaning area are detected values of the object detection means 31, the detection means 32, or the dust amount detection means 33 used in the travel modes while cleaning the cleaning area using each travel mode. Is determined every predetermined time T4 (predetermined determination time), so that sufficient time is taken to detect data by the object detection means 31, the detection means 32, and the dust amount detection means 33, and variations in these data are suppressed. Thus, it is possible to obtain data that more closely matches the actual condition of the cleaning area. Therefore, the complexity of the cleaning area and the contamination of the cleaning area can be determined with higher accuracy.

  In the above embodiment, the object detection means 31 may detect an object at a position separated from the main body case 15 by a predetermined distance, for example, a non-contact sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor. .

  Further, the travel mode of the control means 20 is merely an example, and any other travel mode can be used, but the vacuum cleaner 11 (main body case 15) is at least straight (substantially straight). It is preferable that at least one traveling mode for controlling the operation of the motors 26 and 26 (drive wheels 25 and 25) is provided.

  Furthermore, although the cleaning time table is switched based on the complexity of the cleaning area and the degree of contamination of the cleaning area, the cleaning time may be switched based on at least one of them. Therefore, the configuration for determining the complexity of the cleaning area (object detection means 31 and detection means 32) and the configuration for determining the degree of contamination of the cleaning area (dust amount detection means 33) include only one of them and the other. There may be no configuration.

  Although the two tables are switched, at least one of the complexity of the cleaning area and the degree of contamination of the cleaning area may be determined in three or more stages, and a table corresponding to each may be set. That is, the number of tables is not limited to two, and three or more tables may be set. Furthermore, the cleaning time is not limited to switching by a table, and for example, a plurality of predetermined functions (curves) are used as reference data, and the analog time is based on the maximum linear distance and the complexity of the cleaning area or the degree of contamination of the cleaning area. Alternatively, it can be set more finely digitally.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

11 Vacuum cleaner
15 Body case
17 Cleaning section
20 Control means
25 Drive wheels
31 Object detection means
32 Detection means having the function of object detection means
33 Dust amount detection means

Claims (3)

A body case,
A drive wheel that allows the main body case to travel on the surface to be cleaned;
A cleaning unit for cleaning the surface to be cleaned;
Object detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an object within a predetermined distance provided in the main body case;
Control means for autonomously running the main body case by controlling the operation of the drive wheels so as to avoid the object detected by the object detection means,
The control means determines the complexity of the cleaning area based on the number of times the main body case repeats a predetermined operation within a predetermined time, and determines the maximum linear distance that the main body case has moved for each predetermined time. A vacuum cleaner characterized by determining whether to continue or end cleaning based on the complexity of the area. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines the complexity of the cleaning area based on whether or not the object detection means detects the object within a predetermined time continuously for a predetermined number of times. . A body case,
A drive wheel that allows the main body case to travel on the surface to be cleaned;
Object detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an object within a predetermined distance provided in the main body case;
Dust amount detection means for detecting the amount of dust on the surface to be cleaned;
Control means for autonomously running the main body case by controlling the operation of the drive wheel so as to avoid the object detected by the object detection means,
The control means determines whether or not to continue cleaning based on a maximum linear distance that the main body case has moved and a dust amount detected by the dust amount detection means at predetermined time intervals. Electric vacuum cleaner.

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