JP7512962B2 - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner.

In the field of vacuum cleaners, steam-type vacuum cleaners are known that have a suction port that opens on the bottom surface of the suction tool body of the suction tool, a steam ejection section that ejects steam from the bottom surface of the suction tool body, and a wiping section that generates a biasing force from the bottom surface of the suction tool body toward the surface to be cleaned that faces the bottom surface of the suction tool body, and uses the biasing force to press a wiping member against the surface to be cleaned, thereby wiping the surface to be cleaned (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The one described in Patent Document 1 has an operation panel provided on the handle of the hand-operated operation section, and the operation panel has various operation switches that control the operation of the steam-type vacuum cleaner. The types of operation switches on the operation panel include a switch that starts or stops suction cleaning, which sucks in dust from the surface to be cleaned, a switch that starts or stops steam cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, and a switch that starts or stops wiping cleaning of the surface to be cleaned.

JP 2016-086981 A

However, in a steam-type vacuum cleaner such as that shown in Patent Document 1, the same nozzle can be used for suction cleaning, steam cleaning, and wiping cleaning simultaneously, or for a combination of these cleaning methods, so that the steam causes moist dust to be sucked in through the suction port. The moist dust then accumulates and builds up in the suction tool, suction air duct, and vacuum cleaner body, hindering normal operation and requiring frequent maintenance. This makes the cleaner less user-friendly.

The present disclosure has been made to solve these problems. Its purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner that can selectively use both suction cleaning and steam cleaning, prevents the sucking in of moist dust using steam, ensures the vacuum cleaner's sustained performance, and prevents a deterioration in usability.

The electric vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure comprises a vacuum cleaner body and a nozzle connectable to the vacuum cleaner body, the vacuum cleaner body comprises an electric blower that generates suction air, an operation unit that accepts operations, and a control unit that controls the electric blower in response to operations on the operation unit, the nozzle includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle that are alternatively connectable to the vacuum cleaner body, the first nozzle has an opening formed on its underside that serves as an inlet for the suction air generated by the electric blower when connected to the vacuum cleaner body, the second nozzle has a heater that heats water to generate steam, and a steam ejection unit that ejects the steam generated by the heater, the vacuum cleaner body comprises a connection nozzle detection means that detects a connection state of the nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body, and a control unit that detects a connection state of the nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body. and an operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode of the operation unit depending on the connection state of a nozzle, wherein the control unit further controls the heater, and when the operation unit is operated, operates one of the electric blower and the heater depending on the operation mode , and the operation mode switching means sets the operation mode to the first operation mode when the first nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner body and when the nozzle is not connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and sets the operation mode to the second operation mode when the second nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and when the operation unit is operated, the control unit operates the electric blower when the operation mode is the first operation mode, and operates the heater when the operation mode is the second operation mode .
Alternatively, an electric vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure comprises a vacuum cleaner body and a nozzle connectable to the vacuum cleaner body, the vacuum cleaner body comprising an electric blower that generates suction air, an operation unit that accepts operations, and a control unit that controls the electric blower in response to operations on the operation unit, the nozzle including a first nozzle and a second nozzle that are connectable to the vacuum cleaner body alternatively, the first nozzle having an opening formed on its underside that serves as an inlet for the suction air generated by the electric blower when connected to the vacuum cleaner body, the second nozzle having a heater that heats water to generate steam, and a controller that controls the steam generated by the heater. The vacuum cleaner body further comprises a connection nozzle detection means for detecting the connection state of the nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body, and an operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode of the operation unit depending on the connection state of the nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body, and the control unit further controls the heater, and when the operation unit is operated, operates one of the electric blower and the heater depending on the operation mode, and the vacuum cleaner body further comprises a movement detection means for detecting the movement of the vacuum cleaner body, and the control unit controls the electric blower and heater depending on the movement of the vacuum cleaner body.

The vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure has the advantage that it is possible to selectively use both suction cleaning and steam cleaning, and that it is possible to prevent the suction of moist dust by steam, ensure the continuous performance of the vacuum cleaner, and suppress deterioration of usability.

1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment. 1A and 1B are an exploded perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a suction cleaning nozzle provided in the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. 3A and 3B are a bottom view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a steam/wipe cleaning nozzle provided in the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a vacuum cleaner body included in a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of a hose body included in the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system when the suction cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment is in use. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system when the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment is used. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a cleaning nozzle connection state determination process of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state of the operating part when the suction cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment is used. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state of the operating section when the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment is used. FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system when the suction cleaning nozzle is used in the modified example of the vacuum cleaner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system when the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle is used in the vacuum cleaner according to the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a cleaning operation determination process in a modified example of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of state transition in a modified example of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment.

The embodiments for implementing the vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and the embodiments may be freely combined, any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted, within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure.

Embodiment 1.
With reference to Figs. 1 to 15, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view (a) and a bottom view (b) of a suction cleaning nozzle provided in the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 3 is a bottom view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of a steam/wipe cleaning nozzle provided in the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a vacuum cleaner main body provided in the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an enlarged main part of a hose body provided in the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system when the suction cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner is used. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system when the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner is used. Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of a cleaning nozzle connection state determination process of the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a state of an operation unit when the suction cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner is used. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state of an operation unit when the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner is used. Fig. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of an operation of the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system when using a suction cleaning nozzle in a modified example of the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system when using a steam/wipe cleaning nozzle in a modified example of the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a cleaning operation determination process in a modified example of the vacuum cleaner. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of a state transition in a modified example of the vacuum cleaner.

In the following explanation, dust and other debris may be collectively referred to simply as "dust." Air that contains dust may be referred to as "dust-containing air." And air from which dust has been removed may be referred to as "clean air."

As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 according to this embodiment includes a cleaning nozzle 1, an extension tube 2, a tube body 3, a hose body 5, and a vacuum cleaner main body 6. In the illustrated configuration example, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a canister type. However, the vacuum cleaner 100 is not limited to the canister type as in the illustrated example. The vacuum cleaner 100 according to the present disclosure may be, for example, a stick type, a handheld type, an upright type, etc.

The cleaning nozzle 1 is for cleaning the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning nozzle 1 is a collective term for the suction cleaning nozzle 23 and the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 used in the vacuum cleaner 100. The suction cleaning nozzle 23 is the first nozzle used when performing suction cleaning with the vacuum cleaner 100. The steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 is the second nozzle used when performing steam cleaning and wiping cleaning with the vacuum cleaner 100. In other words, the cleaning nozzle 1 includes the suction cleaning nozzle 23, which is the first nozzle, and the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24, which is the second nozzle.

The cleaning nozzle 1 is provided so as to be connectable to the vacuum cleaner body 6. In the configuration example described here, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a canister type, and when the cleaning nozzle 1 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, the cleaning nozzle 1 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6 via the extension tube 2, the tube body 3, and the hose body 5, or via the tube body 3 and the hose body 5. If the vacuum cleaner 100 is, for example, a stick type, the cleaning nozzle 1 may be connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6 via an extension tube, or the cleaning nozzle 1 may be connected directly to the vacuum cleaner body 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first nozzle, suction cleaning nozzle 23, has a suction port body that is horizontally rectangular when viewed from above. An opening 30 that serves as the suction port is formed on the bottom surface of the suction port body. The opening 30 faces downward. A cylindrical connection part 1a is provided in the center of the suction port body in the longitudinal direction. The connection part 1a is connected to the internal space of the suction port body and the opening 30.

The suction cleaning nozzle 23 is provided with a rotating brush 19 and a brush motor 18. The rotating brush 19 and the brush motor 18 are arranged inside the suction port body of the suction cleaning nozzle 23. The rotating brush 19 is arranged facing the opening 30 from above the opening 30. The brush motor 18 drives the rotating brush 19. The rotating shaft of the brush motor 18 rotates due to power supplied from the vacuum cleaner body 6, and the rotation is transmitted by a belt or the like to rotate the rotating brush 19. As the rotating brush 19 rotates in contact with the surface to be cleaned, dust on the surface to be cleaned is scraped up.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second nozzle, the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24, has a head portion that is horizontally rectangular when viewed from above. A cylindrical connection portion 1a is provided in the longitudinal center of the head portion.

The head of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 is provided with a water tank 26 and a heater 21. The water tank 26 is a tank that stores water to be heated by the heater 21. A water inlet 27 is provided on the top surface of the water tank 26. A user of the vacuum cleaner 100 can supply water into the water tank 26 from the water inlet 27. The water inlet 27 is provided with a sealing mechanism to prevent the water in the water tank 26 from leaking out. The heater 21 heats the water in the water tank 26 to evaporate it and generate steam. The water tank 26 may be detachable from the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24. This makes it easy to supply water to the water tank 26, drain the water remaining in the water tank 26, and clean the water tank 26, improving convenience.

A steam outlet 22 is formed on the bottom surface of the head of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24. The steam outlet 22 is a steam outlet that ejects steam generated by the heater 21. In the illustrated example, multiple steam outlets 22 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the head. The multiple steam outlets 22 are arranged approximately in the center of the head in the front-to-rear direction.

In the configuration example described here, a wiping member 25 is provided on the head of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24. The wiping member 25 is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric. The wiping member 25 is disposed on both the front and rear sides of the steam outlet 22 along the longitudinal direction of the head. By bringing the wiping member 25 into contact with the surface to be cleaned and moving the head back and forth, etc., the wiping member 25 can wipe off dust and other particles on the surface to be cleaned. Note that the wiping member 25 does not necessarily have to be provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, the extension tube 2 is a hollow tubular member having a linear outer shape. One end of the extension tube 2 is detachably connected to the connection portion 1a of one of the cleaning nozzles 1. The other end of the extension tube 2 is detachably connected to one end of the tube body 3. The extension tube 2 is also configured to be freely extendable and retractable.

The tube body 3 is made of a cylindrical member that is bent halfway. One end of the tube body 3 is detachably connected to the other end of the extension tube 2. The other end of the tube body 3 is connected to one end of the hose body 5. The tube body 3 is provided with a handle portion 3a. The handle portion 3a is a grip portion that is held by a user of the vacuum cleaner 100. The handle portion 3a is provided with an operation portion 4 that accepts operations by the user. The button portion 4a and a display portion 4e are provided. The button portion 4a is various buttons and switches for instructing the operation of the vacuum cleaner 100. The display portion 4e is an indicator light such as an LED that shows the operating state of the vacuum cleaner 100.

The main part of the hose body 5 is made of a long and thin bellows-shaped member. Because the main part of the hose body 5 is bellows-shaped, it can be bent in any direction. One end of the hose body 5 is connected to the other end of the tube body 3. A hose body connection part 5a is provided at the other end of the hose body 5. The other end of the hose body 5 is connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 6 via the hose body connection part 5a.

Next, the configuration of the vacuum cleaner body 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. As shown in the figure, a handle 9 is provided on the top of the vacuum cleaner body 6. A user of the electric vacuum cleaner 100 can lift and move the vacuum cleaner body 6 by grasping the handle 9. A body-side connection part 31 is provided on the front part of the vacuum cleaner body 6. A suction port 7 is formed in the body-side connection part 31. The suction port 7 is an opening for sucking dust into the vacuum cleaner body 6. The hose body connection part 5a of the hose body 5 is connected to the body-side connection part 31.

The vacuum cleaner body 6 is equipped with a dust collection unit 6a. The dust collection unit 6a is for collecting dust in the dust-laden air sucked into the vacuum cleaner body 6. The dust collection unit 6a has an overall cylindrical appearance. The dust collection unit 6a is detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner body 6. The inside of the dust collection unit 6a is connected to the suction port 7 of the body side connection part 31.

The dust collection unit 6a in this embodiment has a cyclone separation device. The cyclone separation device is a device that separates dust from the dust-laden air by swirling the dust-laden air inside using an air flow generated by an electric blower 11 (described later). The dust collection unit 6a is provided with a swirling section 13. By swirling the dust-laden air in the swirling section 13, the dust is separated from the dust-laden air by the centrifugal force acting on the dust. The separated dust is collected in the dust collection chamber of the dust collection unit 6a.

The vacuum cleaner body 6 is formed with an exhaust port 12. Clean air from which dust has been removed by the dust collection unit 6a is discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner body 6 through the exhaust port 12. The vacuum cleaner body 6 has an electric blower 11 and a control unit 10 built in. The electric blower 11 is for generating the suction air of the vacuum cleaner 100. In other words, the electric blower 11 is for sucking in air containing dust. The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner 100.

For example, the control unit 10 controls the electric blower 11 in response to an operation on the operation unit 4. That is, the electric blower 11 is driven in response to an operation on the operation unit 4. When the electric blower 11 is driven, a suction force acts on the inside of the dust collection unit 6a and the main body side connection part 31, and dust-containing air is sucked in from the suction port 7. The dust-containing air sucked into the suction port 7 is taken into the inside of the dust collection unit 6a. In the dust collection unit 6a, dust is separated from the dust-containing air. The clean air discharged from the dust collection unit 6a passes through the electric blower 11. The clean air that has passed through the electric blower 11 is discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner main body 6 from the exhaust port 12.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), multiple lead wires 5b are provided inside the hose body 5. As shown in FIG. 5(a) and (b), a rod-shaped connection terminal 5c is provided on the hose body connection portion 5a. One end of the lead wire 5b is electrically connected to the connection terminal 5c. The other end of the lead wire 5b is electrically connected to a printed wiring board (not shown) of the operation portion 4.

As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 5, the hose body connection part 5a is provided with a coupling means 5d and a coupling release button 5e. When the hose body connection part 5a is connected to the body side connection part 31 of the vacuum cleaner body 6, the coupling means 5d couples with a locking recess (not shown) formed in the body side connection part 31, coupling the hose body connection part 5a and the body side connection part 31. When the user operates the coupling release button 5e, the coupling between the hose body connection part 5a and the body side connection part 31 by the coupling means 5d is released, and the hose body 5 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner body 6. The hose body 5 is configured to be freely rotatable with respect to the hose body connection part 5a.

The aforementioned one end of the tube body 3 can be alternatively connected to the aforementioned other end of the extension tube 2, the connection part 1a of the suction cleaning nozzle 23, or the connection part 1a of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24. Also, the aforementioned one end of the extension tube 2 can be alternatively connected to the connection part 1a of the suction cleaning nozzle 23 or the connection part 1a of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24. Therefore, the first nozzle (suction cleaning nozzle 23) and the second nozzle (steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24) included in the cleaning nozzle 1 can be alternatively connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6.

For example, by connecting the suction cleaning nozzle 23 to the tube body 3 via the extension tube 2 as shown in FIG. 1, the suction port 7 of the vacuum cleaner body 6 is connected to the opening 30 of the suction cleaning nozzle 23 via the internal air passage of the extension tube 2. In this way, the intake air passage of the electric vacuum cleaner 100 is extended from the suction port 7 of the main body to the opening 30 of the suction cleaning nozzle 23 by the suction cleaning nozzle 23, the extension tube 2, the tube body 3 and the hose body 5. Then, suction cleaning is possible by utilizing the functions of the rotating brush 19 of the suction cleaning nozzle 23. In this way, the suction cleaning nozzle 23, which is the first nozzle, has an opening 30 formed on the underside, which serves as the suction port for the suction air generated by the electric blower 11 when connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6.

When the hose body 5 is properly connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, the connection terminal 5c of the hose body connection part 5a is electrically connected to the control unit 10 built into the vacuum cleaner body 6. This electrically connects the operation unit 4 and the control unit 10 via lead wires 5b and the like. This makes it possible to supply power from the control unit 10 to the operation unit 4, input signals from the control unit 10 to the operation unit 4, and output signals generated by button operations on the operation unit 4 to the control unit 10.

The extension tube 2 is also provided with lead wires and connection terminals similar to the lead wires 5b and connection terminals 5c of the hose body. For example, by connecting the suction cleaning nozzle 23 to the tube body 3 via the extension tube 2, the brush motor 18 of the suction cleaning nozzle 23 and the control unit 10 of the vacuum cleaner body 6 are electrically connected. This allows the control unit 10 to supply power to the brush motor 18 and control the operation of the brush motor 18. For example, by connecting the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 to the tube body 3 via the extension tube 2, the heater 21 of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 and the control unit 10 of the vacuum cleaner body 6 are electrically connected. This allows the control unit 10 to supply power to the heater 21 and control the operation of the heater 21.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the electric vacuum cleaner 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows the state in which the suction cleaning nozzle 23 of the cleaning nozzle 1 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6. Figure 7 shows the state in which the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 of the cleaning nozzle 1 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6. As described above, the vacuum cleaner body 6 is provided with a control unit 10. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control unit 10 includes a microcomputer 14, a current detection resistor 16, an electric blower control unit 15, and a heater control unit 20.

The microcomputer 14 is a microcomputer. That is, the microcomputer 14 includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, and the microcomputer 14 executes preset processes and controls the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner 100, including the operation of the electric blower 11.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the suction cleaning nozzle 23 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, the brush motor 18 and the control unit 10 are electrically connected. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, when the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, the heater 21 and the control unit 10 are electrically connected. In the following description, the brush motor 18 and the heater 21 are collectively referred to as the actuator of the cleaning nozzle 1.

The current detection resistor 16 is connected in series to the electric wire that electrically connects the actuator of the cleaning nozzle 1 and the control unit 10. The resistance value of the current detection resistor 16 is known. The microcomputer 14 measures the voltage drop in the current detection resistor 16 by detecting the voltage value at both ends of the current detection resistor 16, and detects the current flowing through the actuator of the cleaning nozzle 1 based on this voltage drop and the resistance value of the current detection resistor 16. Then, the microcomputer 14 detects the connection state of the cleaning nozzle 1 to the vacuum cleaner body 6 based on the detection result of the current flowing through the actuator of the cleaning nozzle 1. In this way, the microcomputer 14 and the current detection resistor 16 constitute the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17. The cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 is a connection nozzle detection means that detects the connection state of the cleaning nozzle 1 to the vacuum cleaner body 6. Here, there are three connection states of the cleaning nozzle 1 that the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 discriminates.

A suction cleaning nozzle 23 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6 .
A steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6 .
The cleaning nozzle 1 is not connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6. In other words, neither the suction cleaning nozzle 23 nor the steam and wiping cleaning nozzle 24 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6.

An example of the operation of the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 to determine the connection state of the cleaning nozzle 1 will be described with reference to the flow diagram in FIG. 8. First, in step S1, when the power plug (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner main body 6 is connected to an outlet and power is supplied to the vacuum cleaner main body 6 from a commercial power source, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S2.

In step S2, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 judges whether the magnitude of the current flowing through the cleaning nozzle 1 after a certain time has elapsed is equal to or greater than the reference current value V. The reference current value V is a preset judgment reference value. The certain time is set appropriately. For example, the certain time is set according to the time required for the value of the inrush current flowing through the cleaning nozzle 1 to return to its normal value. If the magnitude of the current flowing through the cleaning nozzle 1 is equal to or greater than the reference current value V, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S6. In step S6, the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 judges that the connected cleaning nozzle 1 is the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24.

On the other hand, if the magnitude of the current flowing through the cleaning nozzle 1 is less than the reference current value V in step S2, the control unit 10 next performs the process of step S3. In step S3, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 determines whether the magnitude of the current flowing through the cleaning nozzle 1 is equal to or greater than the reference current value W. The reference current value W is a judgment reference value that is preset to a value smaller than the reference current value V. If the magnitude of the current flowing through the cleaning nozzle 1 is equal to or greater than the reference current value W, the control unit 10 next performs the process of step S5. In step S5, the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 determines that the connected cleaning nozzle 1 is a suction cleaning nozzle 23.

On the other hand, if the magnitude of the current flowing through the cleaning nozzle 1 is less than the reference current value W in step S3, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S4. In step S4, the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 determines that the cleaning nozzle 1 is not connected.

The microcomputer 14 switches the operation mode of the operation unit 4 depending on the connection state of the cleaning nozzle 1 detected by the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17. That is, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the microcomputer 14 includes an operation mode switching unit 40. The operation mode switching unit 40 is an operation mode switching means that switches the operation mode of the operation unit 4 depending on the connection state of the cleaning nozzle 1 to the vacuum cleaner body 6.

In the configuration example described here, the operation modes of the operation unit 4 include a suction cleaning mode, which is a first operation mode, and a steam/wipe cleaning mode, which is a second operation mode. When the suction cleaning nozzle 23, which is the first nozzle, is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, the operation mode switching unit 40 sets the operation mode of the operation unit 4 to the suction cleaning mode, which is the first operation mode. In addition, when the cleaning nozzle 1 is not connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, the operation mode switching unit 40 also sets the operation mode of the operation unit 4 to the suction cleaning mode, which is the first operation mode. And, when the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24, which is the second nozzle, is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, the operation mode switching unit 40 sets the operation mode of the operation unit 4 to the steam/wipe cleaning mode, which is the second operation mode.

With reference to FIG. 9, an example of the operation unit 4 when the operation mode is the suction cleaning mode, which is the first operation mode, will be described. In the example shown in the figure, the button section 4a of the operation unit 4 is provided with an electric blower on/off button 4b, an electric blower output variable button 4c, and a rotating brush drive button 4d. The electric blower on/off button 4b is a push button switch for turning on/off the electric blower 11. The electric blower output variable button 4c is a push button switch for changing the output of the electric blower 11 to change the suction force. The rotating brush drive button 4d is a push button switch for turning on/off the brush motor 18 to rotate/stop the rotating brush 19. In addition, when the operation mode is the suction cleaning mode, the display section 4e of the operation unit 4 includes, for example, an output lamp indicating the output (suction force) of the electric blower 11, an output lamp indicating the output (rotation presence/absence and strength) of the brush motor 18, and an operation mode lamp indicating the operation mode.

With reference to FIG. 10, an example of the operation unit 4 when the operation mode is the second operation mode, the steam and wipe cleaning mode, will be described. In the example shown in the figure, the button section 4a of the operation unit 4 is provided with a heater on/off button 4f, a heater output variable button 4g, and an empty button 4h. The heater on/off button 4f is a push button switch for turning on and off the heater 21. The heater output variable button 4g is a push button switch for changing the output of the heater 21 to adjust the temperature of the steam that is sprayed out. Note that the empty button 4h is disabled, and nothing is done even if it is pressed. Also, when the operation mode is the steam and wipe cleaning mode, the display section 4e of the operation unit 4 includes, as an example, an output lamp that indicates the output (steam temperature) of the heater 21, an operation mode lamp that indicates the operation mode, and the like as examples of the display section 4e provided.

In the configuration example described here, the push button switch that functions as the electric blower on/off button 4b in the suction cleaning mode functions as the heater on/off button 4f in the steam/wipe cleaning mode. In addition, the push button switch that functions as the electric blower output variable button 4c in the suction cleaning mode functions as the heater output variable button 4g in the steam/wipe cleaning mode. And the push button switch that functions as the rotating brush drive button 4d in the suction cleaning mode is disabled in the steam/wipe cleaning mode and becomes an empty button 4h. In this way, the function of the same button or switch provided on the operation unit 4 is switched depending on the operation mode. Also, the control unit 10 controls the display on the display unit 4e depending on the operation mode.

In this way, the function of the same button or switch can be changed depending on the type of cleaning nozzle 1 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, and both suction cleaning and steam/wipe cleaning can be operated with the same button or switch. This reduces the number of buttons or switches required to operate both suction cleaning and steam/wipe cleaning, thereby realizing space saving for the operation unit 4. Similarly, the display on the display unit 4e can be switched depending on the type of cleaning nozzle 1 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, thereby realizing space saving for the display unit 4e.

The control unit 10 controls the electric blower 11, the brush motor 18, and the heater 21 in response to the operation of the operation unit 4. When the operation mode is the suction cleaning mode, if the electric blower on/off button 4b of the operation unit 4 is operated, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 and the electric blower control unit 15 operate the electric blower 11 or stop the electric blower 11. When the operation mode is the suction cleaning mode, if the electric blower output variable button 4c of the operation unit 4 is operated, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 and the electric blower control unit 15 change the output of the electric blower 11 in response to the operation content if the electric blower 11 is operating. When the operation mode is the suction cleaning mode, if the rotating brush drive button 4d of the operation unit 4 is operated, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 controls the operation of the brush motor 18 of the suction cleaning nozzle 23 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6.

In this way, when the suction cleaning nozzle 23 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6, the operation mode becomes the suction cleaning mode. In the suction cleaning mode, the electric blower 11 of the vacuum cleaner body 6 and the rotating brush 19 of the suction cleaning nozzle 23 are operated to perform suction cleaning, sucking up dust from the surface to be cleaned through the opening 30 of the suction cleaning nozzle 23.

When the operation mode is the steam/wipe cleaning mode and the heater on/off button 4f of the operation unit 4 is operated, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 and the heater control unit 20 operate or stop the heater 21 of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6. When the operation mode is the steam/wipe cleaning mode and the heater output variable button 4g of the operation unit 4 is operated, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 and the heater control unit 20 change the output of the heater 21 according to the operation content if the heater 21 of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6 is operating.

In this way, when the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 is connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 6, the operation mode becomes the steam/wipe cleaning mode. In the steam/wipe cleaning mode, the heater 21 of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 is operated to spray steam from the steam outlet 22 onto the surface to be cleaned, while the wiping member 25 wipes away dust on the surface to be cleaned, thereby performing steam/wipe cleaning.

In the vacuum cleaner 100 according to this embodiment configured as described above, when the operation unit 4 is operated, one of the electric blower 11 and the heater 21 is operated depending on the operation mode. More specifically, when the operation unit 4 is operated, the control unit 10 operates the electric blower 11 if the operation mode is the first operation mode, suction cleaning mode. Furthermore, when the operation unit 4 is operated, the control unit 10 operates the heater 21 if the operation mode is the second operation mode, steam and wipe cleaning mode.

In this way, the function of the operating unit 4 is switched depending on the type of cleaning nozzle 1 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6. When the suction cleaning nozzle 23 is connected, the operation to operate the electric blower 11 is possible, and the operation to operate the heater 21 is prohibited. When the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 is connected, the operation to operate the heater 21 is possible, and the operation to operate the electric blower 11 is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to use both suction cleaning and steam cleaning, and it is possible to prevent steam ejection and dust suction from occurring simultaneously. This prevents the suction of moist dust by steam, ensures the sustained performance of the vacuum cleaner, and suppresses deterioration of usability.

Next, an example of the operation of the electric vacuum cleaner 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flow diagram in FIG. 11. First, in step S7, when the power plug (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner main body 6 is connected to an outlet and power is supplied to the vacuum cleaner main body 6 from a commercial power source, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S8.

In step S8, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 determines whether the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 detects that the cleaning nozzle 1 is connected. If the cleaning nozzle 1 is not detected as being connected, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S9. In step S9, the operation mode switching unit 40 of the control unit 10 sets the operation mode to the suction cleaning mode. This sets the function of the button unit 4a of the operation unit 4 to one corresponding to the suction cleaning mode. After step S9, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S10.

In step S10, the microcomputer 14 determines whether or not a signal to start operation has been input from the button section 4a of the operation section 4. If a signal to start operation has not been input, the control section 10 ends the process. On the other hand, if a signal to start operation has been input, the control section 10 next performs the process of step S15.

In step S15, the microcomputer 14 and the electric blower control unit 15 perform a process to start the electric blower 11. In this start-up process, after starting the electric blower 11, the microcomputer 14 and the electric blower control unit 15 gradually increase the output and control it so that the suction amount becomes the amount set by operating the button unit 4a. In the following step S16, the microcomputer 14 causes the display unit 4e of the operation unit 4 to, for example, turn on an indicator light indicating the suction cleaning mode, thereby displaying that the suction cleaning mode is selected. When the process of step S16 is completed, the control unit 10 ends the series of processes.

On the other hand, if it is detected in step S8 that the cleaning nozzle 1 is connected, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S11. In step S11, the microcomputer 14 determines whether or not the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 has detected that the suction cleaning nozzle 23 is connected. If it is detected that the suction cleaning nozzle 23 is connected, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S12. In step S12, the operation mode switching unit 40 of the control unit 10 sets the operation mode to the suction cleaning mode. This sets the function of the button unit 4a of the operation unit 4 to one corresponding to the suction cleaning mode. After step S12, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S13.

In step S13, the microcomputer 14 determines whether or not a signal to start operation has been input from the button section 4a of the operation section 4. If a signal to start operation has not been input, the control section 10 ends the process. On the other hand, if a signal to start operation has been input, the control section 10 next performs the process of step S14.

In step S14, the microcomputer 14 performs a process to start the brush motor 18 of the suction cleaning nozzle 23. In this start-up process, after starting the brush motor 18, the microcomputer 14 controls it to gradually increase its output so that the number of rotations becomes the number set by operating the button section 4a. After step S14, the control section 10 then performs a process of step S15. The processes from step S15 onwards are as described above.

On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S11 that the suction cleaning nozzle 23 is connected, the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 detects that the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 is connected. In this case, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S17. In step S17, the operation mode switching unit 40 of the control unit 10 sets the operation mode to the steam/wipe cleaning mode. This sets the function of the button unit 4a of the operation unit 4 to one corresponding to the steam/wipe cleaning mode. After step S17, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S18.

In step S18, the microcomputer 14 determines whether or not a signal to start operation has been input from the button section 4a of the operation section 4. If a signal to start operation has not been input, the control section 10 ends the process. On the other hand, if a signal to start operation has been input, the control section 10 next performs the process of step S19.

In step S19, the microcomputer 14 performs a process to start the heater 21 of the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24. In this start-up process, after starting the heater 21, the microcomputer 14 gradually increases the output and controls it so that the temperature becomes the temperature set by operating the button section 4a. In the following step S20, the microcomputer 14 causes the display section 4e of the operation section 4 to, for example, turn on an indicator light indicating the steam/wipe cleaning mode, thereby displaying that the mode is the steam/wipe cleaning mode. When the process of step S20 is completed, the control section 10 ends the series of processes.

Next, a modified example of the vacuum cleaner 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Fig. 12 shows a state in which the suction cleaning nozzle 23 of the cleaning nozzle 1 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6. Fig. 13 shows a state in which the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 of the cleaning nozzle 1 is connected to the vacuum cleaner body 6. As shown in these figures, in this modified example, an acceleration sensor 28 is provided in the control unit 10. The acceleration sensor 28 and the microcomputer 14 constitute a motion detector 29. The motion detector 29 is a motion detection means for detecting the movement of the vacuum cleaner body 6. The acceleration sensor 28 detects the acceleration of three axes, for example, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The X-axis and the Y-axis are horizontal axes. The Z-axis is a vertical axis. The detection results by the acceleration sensor 28 are output as voltage signals from the output terminals of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The microcomputer 14 detects the movement of the vacuum cleaner body 6 based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor 28.

In this modified example, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 uses the detection result of the operation detector 29 to determine whether or not the vacuum cleaner 100 is performing a cleaning operation. Then, based on this determination result, the control unit 10 controls the electric blower 11 and the heater 21. That is, the control unit 10 controls the electric blower 11 and the heater 21 in response to the movement operation of the vacuum cleaner body 6.

In this case, for example, if it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 100 is not performing a cleaning operation while the electric blower 11 is operating in the suction cleaning mode, the microcomputer 14 and the electric blower control unit 15 reduce the output of the electric blower 11 after a certain time has elapsed, or stop the electric blower 11. Also, if it is determined that the vacuum cleaner 100 is not performing a cleaning operation while the heater 21 is operating in the steam/wipe cleaning mode, the microcomputer 14 and the heater control unit 20 reduce the heating temperature by the heater 21 after a certain time has elapsed, or stop heating by the heater 21.

Next, with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 14, an example of a process for determining whether or not a cleaning operation is being performed using the detection result of the operation detector 29 in this modified example will be described. First, in step S21, when the power plug (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner main body 6 is connected to an outlet and power is supplied to the vacuum cleaner main body 6 from a commercial power source, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S22.

In step S22, the microcomputer 14 of the control unit 10 determines whether the output of the acceleration sensor 28 during a preset period R is equal to or greater than the reference acceleration S. The reference acceleration S is a preset reference value. If the output of the acceleration sensor 28 is equal to or greater than the reference acceleration S, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S23, and the microcomputer 14 determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 is performing a cleaning operation. On the other hand, if the output of the acceleration sensor 28 is less than the reference acceleration S, the control unit 10 then performs the process of step S24, and the microcomputer 14 determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 is not performing a cleaning operation. After steps S23 and S24, the control unit 10 returns to step S22 and continues the process.

Next, an example of state transitions of the vacuum cleaner 100 in this modified example will be described with reference to the flow diagram in FIG. 15. In step S25, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the first state, the actuator of the electric blower 11 and cleaning nozzle 1 does not receive power from the control unit 10. In this first state, when the "on/off button" on the operation unit 4 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S26, the state of the vacuum cleaner 100 transitions from the first state to the second state. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the second state, power is supplied from the control unit 10 to the actuator of the cleaning nozzle 1. Meanwhile, power is not supplied to the electric blower 11. Then, the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the cleaning nozzle discriminator 17 determines the type of the connected cleaning nozzle 1 after a preset period of time has elapsed. If the connected cleaning nozzle 1 is the suction cleaning nozzle 23, or if no cleaning nozzle 1 is connected, the process proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if the connected cleaning nozzle 1 is the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S28, the state of the vacuum cleaner 100 transitions from the second state to the third state after a preset period of time has elapsed. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the third state, the electric blower 11 and the suction cleaning nozzle 23 receive power from the control unit 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S29.

In step S29, the microcomputer 14 detects the moving speed of the vacuum cleaner body 6 based on the output from the acceleration sensor 28. Then, it is determined whether the detected moving speed of the vacuum cleaner body 6 is equal to or less than a reference speed A. The reference speed A is a preset reference value for determination. If the moving speed is greater than the reference speed A, step S29 is repeated. If the moving speed is equal to or less than the reference speed A, the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S30, the state of the vacuum cleaner 100 transitions from state 3 to state 4. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in state 4, the microcomputer 14 and the electric blower control unit 15 control the vacuum cleaner 100 to reduce the output of the electric blower 11. This reduces power consumption and inhibits deterioration of the components. Furthermore, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in state 4, the microcomputer 14 cuts off the supply of power to the suction cleaning nozzle 23. At this time, the electric blower 11 is not completely stopped. Therefore, the microcomputer 14 keeps on the indicator light indicating that the vacuum cleaner 100 is turned on. Then, proceed to step S31.

In step S31, the microcontroller 14 determines whether a preset fixed time has elapsed since the transition to the fourth state. If the fixed time has not elapsed since the transition to the fourth state, the process proceeds to step S32. If the fixed time has elapsed since the transition to the fourth state, the microcontroller 14 determines that cleaning will not resume. In this case, the process returns to step S25.

In step S32, the microcomputer 14 detects the moving speed of the vacuum cleaner main body 6 based on the output from the acceleration sensor 28. It then judges whether the detected moving speed of the vacuum cleaner main body 6 is equal to or greater than the reference speed B. The reference speed B is a preset judgment reference value. The reference speed B may be the same as or different from the reference speed A. If the moving speed is less than the reference speed B, the process returns to step S31. On the other hand, if the moving speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed B, the microcomputer 14 judges that cleaning has been resumed. In this case, the process returns to step S28.

In step S33, the state of the vacuum cleaner 100 transitions from the second state to the fifth state after a preset period of time has elapsed. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the fifth state, the steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 24 including the heater 21 receives power from the control unit 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, the microcomputer 14 detects the moving speed of the vacuum cleaner body 6 based on the output from the acceleration sensor 28. It then judges whether the detected moving speed of the vacuum cleaner body 6 is equal to or less than a reference speed C. The reference speed C is a preset judgment reference value. The reference speed C may be the same as either the reference speed A or B, or may be different from either the reference speed A or B. If the moving speed is greater than the reference speed C, step S34 is repeated. If the moving speed is equal to or less than the reference speed C, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S35, the state of the vacuum cleaner 100 transitions from state 5 to state 6. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in state 6, the microcomputer 14 and heater control unit 20 control the heater 21 to reduce its output. This reduces power consumption and inhibits deterioration of the components. At this time, the microcomputer 14 keeps on the indicator light indicating that the vacuum cleaner 100 is turned on. Then, proceed to step S36.

In step S36, the microcontroller 14 determines whether a preset fixed time has elapsed since the transition to the sixth state. If the fixed time has not elapsed since the transition to the sixth state, the process proceeds to step S37. If the fixed time has elapsed since the transition to the sixth state, the microcontroller 14 determines that cleaning will not resume. In this case, the process returns to step S25.

In step S37, the microcomputer 14 detects the moving speed of the vacuum cleaner main body 6 based on the output from the acceleration sensor 28. It then determines whether the detected moving speed of the vacuum cleaner main body 6 is equal to or greater than a reference speed D. The reference speed D is a preset determination reference value. The reference speed D may be the same as any of the reference speeds A to C, or may be different from any of these. If the moving speed is less than the reference speed D, the process returns to step S36. On the other hand, if the moving speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed D, the microcomputer 14 determines that cleaning has resumed. In this case, the process returns to step S33.

The vacuum cleaner 100 according to the present disclosure, configured as described above, can be widely used in steam vacuum cleaners that use multiple cleaning nozzles 1 according to the cleaning purpose.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 cleaning nozzle 1a connection section 2 extension tube 3 tube body 3a handle section 4 operation section 4a button section 4b electric blower on/off button 4c electric blower output variable button 4d rotating brush drive button 4e display section 4f heater on/off button 4g heater output variable button 4h idle button 5 hose body 5a hose body connection section 5b lead wire 5c connection terminal 5d coupling means 5e coupling release button 6 vacuum cleaner body 6a dust collection unit 7 suction port 9 handle 10 control section 11 electric blower 12 exhaust port 13 swivel section 14 microcomputer 15 electric blower control section 16 current detection resistor 17 cleaning nozzle discriminator 18 brush motor 19 rotating brush 20 heater control section 21 heater 22 steam outlet 23 Suction cleaning nozzle 24 Steam/wipe cleaning nozzle 25 Wiping member 26 Water supply tank 27 Water supply port 28 Acceleration sensor 29 Motion detector 30 Opening 31 Main body side connection section 40 Operation mode switching section 100 Vacuum cleaner

Claims (6)

The vacuum cleaner body,
A nozzle provided so as to be connectable to the vacuum cleaner body,
The vacuum cleaner body includes:
An electric blower for generating suction air;
An operation unit that accepts operations;
a control unit that controls the electric blower in response to an operation of the operation unit,
The nozzle includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle that are alternatively connectable to the cleaner body,
The first nozzle has an opening formed on a lower surface thereof, the opening being an inlet for suction air generated by the electric blower when the first nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner body;
The second nozzle has a heater that heats water to generate steam, and a steam ejection portion that ejects the steam generated by the heater,
The vacuum cleaner body includes:
a connection nozzle detection means for detecting a connection state of the nozzle to the cleaner body;
and an operation mode switching means for switching an operation mode of the operation unit according to a connection state of the nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body,
The control unit is
further controlling the heater;
When the operation unit is operated, one of the electric blower and the heater is operated according to the operation mode ;
The operation mode switching means is
When the first nozzle is connected to the cleaner body and when the nozzle is not connected to the cleaner body, the operation mode is set to a first operation mode;
When the second nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner body, the operation mode is changed to a second operation mode;
The control unit, when the operation unit is operated,
operating the electric blower when the operation mode is the first operation mode;
The vacuum cleaner operates the heater when the operation mode is the second operation mode . The first nozzle is
A rotating brush provided facing the opening;
A brush motor that rotates the rotating brush,
The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit operates the electric blower and the brush motor when the operation mode is the first operation mode upon operation of the operation unit. The vacuum cleaner body,
A nozzle provided so as to be connectable to the vacuum cleaner body,
The vacuum cleaner body includes:
An electric blower for generating suction air;
An operation unit that accepts operations;
a control unit that controls the electric blower in response to an operation of the operation unit,
The nozzle includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle that are alternatively connectable to the cleaner body,
The first nozzle has an opening formed on a lower surface thereof, the opening being an inlet for suction air generated by the electric blower when the first nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner body;
The second nozzle has a heater that heats water to generate steam, and a steam ejection portion that ejects the steam generated by the heater,
The vacuum cleaner body includes:
a connection nozzle detection means for detecting a connection state of the nozzle to the cleaner body;
and an operation mode switching means for switching an operation mode of the operation unit according to a connection state of the nozzle to the vacuum cleaner body,
The control unit is
further controlling the heater;
When the operation unit is operated, one of the electric blower and the heater is operated according to the operation mode;
The vacuum cleaner body further includes a movement detection means for detecting a movement operation of the vacuum cleaner body,
The control unit controls the electric blower and the heater in response to a movement of the vacuum cleaner body. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit switches functions of the same button or switch provided on the operation unit depending on the operation mode. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the second nozzle further comprises a tank that stores water to be heated by the heater. The vacuum cleaner body further includes a display unit that displays an operating state of the vacuum cleaner,
The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls a display on the display unit in accordance with the operation mode.

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