JP5620127B2 - Electric vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner provided with an optical sensor that detects the amount of dust passing through an air passage.

  Conventionally, a vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner body that houses an electric blower. On the suction side of the electric blower, an air path constituted by, for example, a dust collection chamber, a hose body, an extension pipe, a floor brush, and the like is formed. Then, by driving the electric blower, dust is sucked together with air from the air passage and collected in the dust collecting chamber.

  In such a vacuum cleaner, an optical sensor that detects the amount of dust passing through the air passage is provided in the air passage, and when the amount of dust detected by the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the input of the electric blower When (power) is relatively increased and the amount of dust detected by the optical sensor is less than a predetermined amount, the input of the electric blower is relatively decreased to achieve efficient cleaning and energy saving. There is something. Such an optical sensor includes a light emitting unit such as an LED and a light receiving unit that receives light from the light emitting unit, facing each other.

  However, since dust passes through the air passage, there is a problem that the light emitting portion or the light receiving portion facing the air passage is contaminated by dust. And when it gets dirty like this, the detection accuracy of the optical sensor is lowered, and there is a possibility that the input of the electric blower cannot be relatively increased / decreased when necessary.

  Therefore, if it is determined whether the change in the output voltage of the light receiving unit of the optical sensor is due to contamination, and if it is determined that the output voltage of the light receiving unit of the optical sensor has changed due to contamination, this output voltage is set to a constant voltage. The structure which ensured the detection accuracy of the optical sensor in the dirty state by controlling so that it becomes (for example, refer patent document 1) is known.

JP-A-4-276225 (page 3-4, FIG. 2-3)

  However, in the above-described vacuum cleaner, a change in the output voltage of the light receiving portion of the optical sensor is constantly detected while the electric blower is driven. In such a state where the electric blower is driven, the output voltage from the light receiving unit frequently changes depending on not only the state of contamination of the optical sensor but also the amount of dust passing through the air passage. It is not easy to determine the contamination of the optical sensor based on the voltage change, and there is a problem that the detection accuracy of the optical sensor is not good.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a point, and it aims at providing the vacuum cleaner which improved the detection accuracy of the stain | pollution | contamination of an optical sensor.

The present invention includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward an air passage that communicates with the suction side of the electric blower, and a light receiving unit that is disposed to face the light emitting unit and receives light emitted from the light emitting unit. An optical sensor for detecting the amount of dust passing through the control unit, a control unit for operating the electric blower, a detection unit for detecting contamination of the optical sensor after the power is supplied until the control unit operates the electric blower, And an operating means for increasing the input signal output from the optical sensor and input to the control means as the contamination of the optical sensor detected by the detecting means increases .

In addition, the present invention includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward the air passage communicating with the suction side of the electric blower, and a light receiving unit that is disposed to face the light emitting unit and receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, An optical sensor for detecting the amount of dust passing through the air passage, a setting means for setting the operation of the electric blower, a control means for operating the electric blower by setting operation of the setting means, and a control means from the setting operation of the setting means. The detecting means for detecting the dirt of the optical sensor before the electric blower is operated, and the larger the dirt of the optical sensor detected by the detecting means, the larger the input signal output from the optical sensor and input to the control means. Operating means.

According to the present invention, since the detection means detects the dirt of the optical sensor while the electric blower is stopped, the detection means does not erroneously detect dust or the like passing through the air passage by driving the electric blower. stain with detection accuracy is improved in, so to increase the input signal to be outputted as the detected dirt is greater from the optical sensor is input to the control means, the sensitivity reduction due to fouling of the optical sensor, ease and reliability Can be corrected.

It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the vacuum cleaner of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a part of vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows a part of control of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows a part of control of the vacuum cleaner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the vacuum cleaner of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of control of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows a part of control of the vacuum cleaner of the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  The configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a so-called canister-type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 11 has a vacuum cleaner body 12 and a pipe portion 13 that is detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner body 12. .

  The vacuum cleaner main body 12 includes a hollow main body case 15 that can swivel and run on the surface to be cleaned, and a main body dust collection chamber and an electric blower chamber (not shown) are partitioned in the front and rear in the main body case 15. Has been. Furthermore, an electric blower 18 is accommodated in the electric blower chamber, and the suction side of the electric blower 18 communicates with the main body dust collection chamber. Further, a dust collecting section such as a filter, a dust collecting bag, or a dust collecting device (dust collecting cup) is disposed in the main body dust collecting chamber. A main body suction port 19 is formed in the front portion of the main body case 15 so as to communicate with the main body dust collection chamber and to which the proximal end side of the pipe portion 13 is connected.

  Further, the pipe part 13 includes a connecting pipe part 21 connected to the main body suction port 19, a flexible hose body 22 communicating with the distal end side of the connecting pipe part 21, and a distal end side of the hose body 22. The provided hand operating section 23, an extension pipe 24 that is detachably connected to the distal end side of the hand operating section 23, and a floor brush 26 as a suction port body that is connected to the distal end side of the extension pipe 24. It has. And this pipe part 13 is an air path structure which divides the air path W connected to the suction side of the electric blower 18 inside.

  The floor brush 26 includes a case body 31 that is long in the left-right width direction, that is, a horizontally long case body 31, and a connecting pipe 32 that is rotatably connected to a rear portion of a substantially center position of the case body 31 in the left-right width direction. It can run on the cleaning surface along the front-rear direction. A suction port (not shown) is formed in the lower part of the case body 31 so as to be elongated in the left-right width direction. The connection pipe 32 communicates with the suction port and is detachably connected to the distal end side of the pipe portion 13 (extension pipe 24) shown in FIG. Although not shown, a rotary brush as a rotary cleaning body may be rotatably attached to the suction port. The rotating brush may be driven by driving means such as an electric motor or an air turbine.

  Furthermore, a gripping portion 37 protrudes toward the hose body 22 on the hand operation portion 23, and the gripping portion 37 is a plurality of setting means as electric blower operation means for setting the operation mode of the electric blower 18. The setting button 38 and a stop button 40 as a stopping means for turning off the electric vacuum cleaner 11 are provided. Note that the grip 37 may be provided with a switch for setting rotation / stop of the rotary brush.

  Next, the internal structure of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the cleaner main body 12, as shown in FIG. 1, a control means 42 for controlling the phase of the operation of the electric blower 18 through, for example, a triac Tr1 as a control element is arranged. The control means 42 is electrically connected to buttons 38 and 40, a display means 43 as notification means, and an optical sensor 44 as dust amount detection means for detecting the amount of dust sucked into the air passage W. .

  The control means 42 is, for example, an operation determination means for determining an operation by the buttons 38, 40, a current detection means as an air volume detection means for detecting an intake air volume by detecting an electric current of the electric blower 18, and a storage means for storing various data These are electrically connected to form a microcomputer together with these, and are arranged, for example, in the exhaust air passage of the electric blower 18. Further, the control means 42 is supplied with power from a commercial AC power source e via, for example, a plug portion 46 (FIG. 3). Further, the control means 42 functions as a detecting means for detecting dirt on the optical sensor 44 based on the output signal S1 from the optical sensor 44, and performs a predetermined operation based on the detected dirt on the optical sensor 44, for example, light It has a function of operation means for correcting the sensitivity of the sensor 44.

  The display means 43 is disposed, for example, on the upper part of the main body case 15 (FIG. 3) of the vacuum cleaner main body 12 and notifies the user by displaying different displays corresponding to the amount of dust detected by the optical sensor 44. It is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the optical sensor 44 includes, for example, a light emitting unit 47 as a light emitting unit that emits infrared light, and a light receiving unit 48 as a light receiving unit that receives the infrared light emitted by the light emitting unit 47. Are provided at positions facing each other, and a signal corresponding to the amount of dust passing through the air passage W can be output to the control means 42 by the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving unit 48 from the light emitting unit 47. (Output signal S1).

  The light emitting unit 47 includes an LED 47a as a light emitting element that outputs light such as infrared light, and one and other light emitting side lenses 47b as light emitting side light guide members that guide light emitted from the LED 47a into the air path W. 47c.

  The LED 47a is disposed, for example, at the upper part of the main body suction port 19 of the cleaner body 12, and is configured to output infrared light downward. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the LED 47a has an anode side electrically connected to the power supply unit 51 via a resistor R1 such as a variable resistor, and a cathode side grounded.

  In addition, one light-emitting side lens 47b shown in FIG. 2 is arranged on the inner surface of the main body suction port 19 below the infrared light output side of the LED 47a.

  The other light-emitting side lens 47c is arranged at a position facing the lower side of the LED 47a (light-emitting side lens 47b) in a state where the connecting pipe part 21 of the pipe part 13 is connected to the main body suction port 19. The other light-emitting side lens 47c is fitted in a light-emitting side hole 47d formed in the connecting pipe portion 21 along the radial direction so as to air-tightly close the light-emitting side hole 47d. One end faces the LED 47a side (light emission side lens 47b side), and the other end faces the inside of the air passage W. That is, the air in the air passage W does not flow out of the air passage W from the light emitting side hole 47d.

  Similarly, the light receiving unit 48 includes a phototransistor (PTr) 48a as a light receiving element that detects infrared light output from the light emitting unit 47, and a light receiving side that guides the light output from the light emitting unit 47 to the phototransistor 48a. It has one and the other light-receiving side lenses 48b and 48c as light guide members.

  The phototransistor 48a is disposed, for example, below the main body suction port 19 of the cleaner body 12 and directed upward, that is, toward the LED 47a, and is configured to receive infrared light output from the LED 47a. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the phototransistor 48a is a so-called emitter in which a resistor R2 connected in parallel with a resistor R1 and a collector side are electrically connected to a power supply unit 51, and an emitter side is grounded. A grounding circuit is configured, and the connection point between the resistor R2 as an output unit and the collector side is electrically connected to the amplifying unit 53 configured by, for example, an OP amplifier and the control means 42, respectively. Yes.

  The one light-receiving side lens 48b is disposed on the inner surface of the main body suction port 19 above the infrared light input side of the phototransistor 48a.

  The other light-receiving side lens 48c is arranged at a position facing the upper side of the phototransistor 48a (light-receiving side lens 48b) in a state where the connecting tube portion 21 of the tube portion 13 is connected to the main body suction port 19. The other light-receiving side lens 48c is fitted in a light-receiving side hole 48d formed in the connecting tube portion 21 along the radial direction so as to air-tightly close the light-receiving side hole 48d. One end side faces the phototransistor 48a side (light-receiving side lens 48b side), and the other end side faces the inside of the air path W. That is, the air in the air passage W does not flow out of the air passage W from the light receiving side hole 48d.

  Further, the power source unit 51 is connected to the commercial AC power source e when the plug unit 46 (FIG. 3) is electrically connected, that is, when power (voltage) is applied (turned on), in other words, when plugged in. And a constant voltage source that generates a predetermined constant voltage, for example, a voltage of 5 V, by feeding from the commercial AC power source e.

  The amplification unit 53 is configured such that the amplification factor can be variably set, and is electrically connected to the control means 42 via the pulse shaper 55.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 together with FIGS.

  When the user attaches (plugs in) the plug 46 to a wall outlet or the like with the dust collector attached in the vacuum cleaner body 12 (step 1), the control means 42 and the power supply 51 are Thus, power (voltage) is supplied (applied) from the commercial AC power source e.

  Then, the power from the power supply unit 51 causes the LED 47a of the light emitting unit 47 to emit light, and the light emitted from the LED 47a is irradiated into the air passage W through the lenses 47b and 47c, and this light passes through the lenses 48c and 48b. Through the phototransistor 48a, a current corresponding to the amount of received light flows to the phototransistor 48a, and the output signal S1 is output as a voltage value (collector voltage value of the phototransistor 48a) from the light receiving unit 48 (step 2).

  Next, the control means 42 reads the output signal S1 for a predetermined period (for example, about 1 second) (step 3). At this time, the control means 42 may read the output signal S1 for a predetermined period immediately after the power is supplied, or the output signal for a predetermined period after a predetermined time (for example, about 1 second) has elapsed since the power was supplied. S1 may be read.

  Then, by comparing the value read in step 3 with a preset threshold value TH, it is determined whether or not the optical sensor 44 is dirty (step 4).

  That is, when the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is used, a part of the dust passing through the air path W in the cleaning state adheres to the other light emitting side lens 47c of the light emitting unit 47 or the other light receiving side lens 48c of the light receiving unit 48. As a result, the optical sensor 44 becomes dirty over time. Corresponding to such a dirt state, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 48 (phototransistor 48a) is relatively larger than the amount of light received originally corresponding to the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 47 (LED 47a). Therefore, the light reception voltage of the phototransistor 48a is decreased. As a result, the output signal S1 generated by the voltage division between the resistor R2 and the phototransistor 48a relatively increases. Therefore, the increase amount of the output signal S1 corresponds to the degree of contamination of the optical sensor 44 (lenses 47c, 48c), that is, the sensitivity reduction of the optical sensor 44, so the electric blower 18 (electric vacuum cleaner 11) was stopped. By comparing the output signal S1 with a preset threshold value TH in a state where the dust does not pass through the air passage W together with the air, it is possible to determine the contamination state of the optical sensor 44.

  Note that the control means 42 can compare the threshold value TH with, for example, the maximum value of the output signal S1 read for a predetermined period or the average value for a predetermined period.

  In step 4, when it is determined that the value read (detected) by the control unit 42 in step 3 is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH, the control unit 42 determines that the optical sensor 44 is dirty, for example, resistance The decrease in sensitivity of the optical sensor 44 is corrected by increasing the light emission amount of the LED 47a (light emitting unit 47) by relatively increasing the resistance value of the device R1 (step 5). That is, the control unit 42 increases the light emission amount of the LED 47a (light emitting unit 47) as the optical sensor 44 becomes dirty.

  Then, after step 5, the control means 42 compares the output signal S1 detected with the light emission amount of the LED 47a (light emitting unit 47) increased with the threshold value TH (step 6).

  If it is determined in step 6 that the output signal S1 is still greater than or equal to the threshold value TH, it is determined that the contamination of the optical sensor 44 (lenses 47c and 48c) is considerably large, and the control means 42 causes the display means 43 to The fact that the optical sensor 44 is dirty is displayed and notified (step 7), and the control is terminated. That is, when the optical sensor 44 is considerably dirty, the operation of the electric blower 18 is not permitted and the user is prompted to clean (care) the optical sensor 44.

  If it is determined in step 6 that the output signal S1 is still less than the threshold value TH, it is determined that the sensitivity reduction due to contamination of the optical sensor 44 (lenses 47c and 48c) has been sufficiently corrected. The control means 42 proceeds to step 8.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 4 that the value read (detected) by the control means 42 in step 3 is less than the threshold value TH, the control means 42 determines that the optical sensor 44 is not dirty. Then, the control means 42 waits for an operation input of the buttons 38, 40, determines whether or not the setting button 38 has been operated (step 8), and if it is determined that the setting button 38 has been operated, the electric blower 18 Is driven in the operation mode set by operating the setting button 38 (step 9), and the process returns to step 8.

  The user moves the floor brush 26 back and forth on the surface to be cleaned via the gripping portion 37 (FIG. 3), and the dust on the surface to be cleaned passes through the air passage W by the negative pressure of the driven electric blower 18. Inhale with air and collect in the dust collector.

  In this cleaning state, the control means 42, for example, amplifies the output signal S1 output from the optical sensor 44 by the amplifier 53, performs pulse shaping by the pulse shaper 55, and inputs the input signal S2 in the air path W. If the input signal S2 is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value (the dust amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined dust amount set in advance), the input of the electric blower 18 is When the input signal S2 is determined to be less than a predetermined threshold value (the amount of dust is less than a predetermined amount of dust set in advance) The 18 inputs are reduced to a predetermined value set corresponding to the operation mode. In other words, the control means 42 has a relatively large amount of dust passing through the air path W based on the detection result of the optical sensor 44 of the amount of dust passing through the air path W (the amount of dust on the surface to be cleaned). That is, when it is determined that the position of the surface to be cleaned with a relatively large amount of dust is being cleaned, the input of the electric blower 18 is relatively increased, and the amount of dust passing through the air passage W is relatively small, that is, When it is determined that the position of the surface to be cleaned with a relatively small amount of dust is being cleaned, the input of the electric blower 18 is relatively decreased. The control means 42 can also notify the user of the amount of dust on the surface to be cleaned, which is determined based on the amount of dust passing through the air passage W detected by the optical sensor 44, using the display means 43 or the like.

  If the control means 42 determines in step 8 that the setting button 38 is not operated, the control means 42 determines whether or not the stop button 40 is operated (step 10). If the control means 42 determines in step 10 that the stop button 40 has been operated, the control means 42 controls the input of the electric blower 18 to stop the electric blower 18 (step 11). Returning to step 8, if the control means 42 determines that the stop button 40 has not been operated, the process returns to step 8. In addition, you may control to return to step 2 after this step 11. FIG.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, after the power is supplied, that is, after the plug portion 46 is connected to the commercial AC power source e, the control means 42 operates the electric blower 18. The optical sensor 44 is configured to detect dirt.

  That is, in the conventional case of detecting the contamination of the optical sensor while the electric blower is being driven, the optical sensor detects the dust sucked into the air passage as the electric blower is driven, so that the light receiving unit receives the light. Since the voltage (output signal from the optical sensor) changes, it is not easy to distinguish whether the light reception voltage has changed due to contamination of the optical sensor or whether the light reception voltage has changed due to dust passing through the air passage. In particular, since the amount of dust passing through the air passage is constantly changing, the light receiving voltage of the optical sensor for detecting this also changes constantly, and it is not easy to detect the contamination of the optical sensor while dust passes through the air passage. . On the other hand, in the first embodiment, since the dirt of the optical sensor 44 is detected in a state where the electric blower 18 is stopped, dust or the like passing through the air passage W is erroneously detected by driving the electric blower 18. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the optical sensor 44 can be improved.

  Further, in response to the detected dirt state of the optical sensor 44, the input signal S2 output from the optical sensor 44 and input to the control means 42 is corrected, that is, the light emission amount of the light emitting unit 47 (LED 47a), in other words. For example, by changing the output signal S1 and correcting the input signal S2, it is possible to easily and reliably correct the sensitivity reduction due to the contamination of the optical sensor 44.

  Further, when the power sensor is supplied, that is, when the plug unit 46 is connected to the commercial AC power source e, after a predetermined time elapses and before the control unit 42 operates the electric blower 18, the contamination of the optical sensor 44 is detected. Since the contamination of the optical sensor 44 can be detected with the voltage value of the output signal S1 being more stable, the detection accuracy of the contamination of the optical sensor 44 can be further improved.

  Then, when the contamination state of the optical sensor 44 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control means 42 notifies the user via the display means 43, and when the optical sensor 44 is excessively dirty, cleaning is started. The user can be urged to clean the optical sensor 44.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, instead of step 5 of the first embodiment, the control means 42 changes the amplification factor in the amplifier 53, that is, from the optical sensor 44 to the control means 42. The amplification factor of the output signal S1 to be output is changed. Specifically, the control of step 15 is performed to reduce the amplification factor as the optical sensor 44 becomes dirty.

  Then, after the power is supplied, that is, after the plug portion 46 is connected to the commercial AC power source e, until the control means 42 operates the electric blower 18, the optical sensor 44 is detected and this detection is performed. By having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, such as correcting the input signal S2 corresponding to the dirty state of the optical sensor 44, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, when the input signal S2 is corrected, by changing the amplification factor of the amplifier 53, it is possible to easily and reliably correct the sensitivity reduction due to the contamination of the optical sensor 44.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to said each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the third embodiment, in the first embodiment, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is not supplied with power from the commercial AC power source e via the plug portion 46, but is supplied to the main body 12 of the vacuum cleaner. Power is supplied from a battery E such as a provided secondary battery.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the electric blower 18 is electrically connected to the battery E, and the control means 42 controls the phase of the operation of the electric blower 18 via the control element Tr2 such as a transistor. Further, the control means 42 and the power supply unit 51 are supplied with power from the battery E. Accordingly, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is always supplied with power from the battery E until the battery E reaches a discharge end state.

  Then, instead of step 1 in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the control means 42 determines whether or not the setting button 38 has been operated (step 21). In step 21, if the control means 42 determines that the setting button 38 has not been operated, step 21 is repeated. If the control means 42 determines that the setting button 38 has been operated, the process proceeds to step 2. .

  If it is determined in step 4 that the value read (detected) by the control means 42 in step 3 is less than the threshold value TH, the control means 42 determines that the optical sensor 44 is not dirty, and the control means 42 drives the electric blower 18 in the operation mode set by the setting button 38 operated in step 21 (step 22).

  Thereafter, the control means 42 determines whether or not the stop button 40 has been operated (step 23) .If it is determined that the stop button 40 has been operated, the electric blower 18 is stopped (step 24), and the step Returning to 21, when it is determined that the stop button 40 has not been operated, the control means 42 determines whether or not the operation button 38 has been operated (step 25).

  In step 25, when the control means 42 determines that the setting button 38 has not been operated, the process returns to step 23, and when the control means 42 determines that the setting button 38 has been operated, the setting button 38 The electric blower 18 is driven in the operation mode set by the operation (step 26), and the process returns to step 23.

  If it is determined in step 6 that the value read (detected) by the control means 42 is less than the threshold value TH, the process proceeds to step 22.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the electric blower 18 is stopped by detecting the dirt of the optical sensor 44 between the setting operation of the setting button 38 and the control means 42 operating the electric blower 18. Since the contamination of the optical sensor 44 is detected in the state of being operated, the detection accuracy of the contamination of the optical sensor 44 can be improved without erroneously detecting dust passing through the air passage W by driving the electric blower 18, etc. The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

  Further, since the dirt of the optical sensor 44 is detected every time the setting button 38 is operated from the state where the electric blower 18 is stopped, the dirt state of the optical sensor 44 that is dirty every time the electric blower 18 is operated can be reliably detected. .

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to said each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, instead of step 5 of the third embodiment, the control means 42 increases the amplification factor in the amplifier 53 to correct the sensitivity of the optical sensor 44. The control in step 15 of the embodiment is performed.

  Then, between the setting operation of the setting button 38 and the control means 42 until the electric blower 18 is operated, the dirt of the optical sensor 44 is detected, and the input signal S2 is corresponding to the detected dirt state of the optical sensor 44. By having the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, such as correction, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained, and the amplifier 53 can be used when correcting the input signal S2. By changing the amplification factor at, it is possible to easily and reliably correct the sensitivity decrease due to the contamination of the optical sensor 44.

In each of the above embodiments, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is not limited to the canister type, and may be, for example, an upright type in which the floor brush 26 is connected to the lower portion of the vertically long vacuum cleaner body 12, or a handy type. It can be used in correspondence. That is, the details of the vacuum cleaner 11 are not limited to the above-described configurations.

11 Vacuum cleaner
12 Vacuum cleaner body
18 Electric blower
38 Setting buttons as setting means
42 Control means having functions of detection means and operation means
44 Light sensor
47 Light emitter
48 Receiver W Air path

Claims (6)

A vacuum cleaner body containing an electric blower,
An air passage communicating with the suction side of the electric blower;
A light sensor for detecting the amount of dust passing through the air path, comprising: a light emitting part that emits light toward the air path; and a light receiving part that is disposed opposite to the light emitting part and receives light emitted from the light emitting part. When,
Control means for operating the electric blower;
Detecting means for detecting contamination of the photosensor during a period from when power is supplied until the control means operates the electric blower;
An electric vacuum cleaner comprising: operating means for increasing an input signal output from the optical sensor and input to the control means as the contamination of the optical sensor detected by the detection means increases . 2. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects contamination of the optical sensor after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was supplied and before the control unit operates the electric blower. A vacuum cleaner body containing an electric blower,
An air passage communicating with the suction side of the electric blower;
A light sensor for detecting the amount of dust passing through the air path, comprising: a light emitting part that emits light toward the air path; and a light receiving part that is disposed opposite to the light emitting part and receives light emitted from the light emitting part. When,
Setting means for setting the operation of the electric blower;
Control means for operating the electric blower by setting operation of the setting means;
Detecting means for detecting dirt on the optical sensor between the setting operation of the setting means and the control means operating the electric blower;
An electric vacuum cleaner comprising: operating means for increasing an input signal output from the optical sensor and input to the control means as the contamination of the optical sensor detected by the detection means increases . The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating means has a function of increasing the light emission amount of the light emitting portion as the contamination of the photosensor detected by the detecting means increases . The operation means has a function of increasing an amplification factor of an output signal output from the optical sensor to the control means as the contamination of the optical sensor detected by the detection means increases. 3. The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of 3. The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating means has a function of informing when the contamination state of the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

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