Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner capable of suppressing inconveniences that dusts fall out to dirt a room when they are removed from a dust collection part.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner includes: a suction part sucking air containing dusts from a suction port; and a dust collection part. The suction part is provided with: an outflow port; a communication path allowing the suction port and the outflow port to communicate with each other; and a dust amount detection part. The dust collection part has an inflow port for allowing the air including dusts to flow in from the outflow port. The dust amount detection part has: a distance sensor provided on an inner surface of the communication path; and a measurement part which measures a distance between the dusts accumulated in the dust collection part and the distance sensor via the outflow port and the inflow port, and detects an amount of dusts in the dust collection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional dust collection pack type vacuum cleaner, Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner including a dust collection unit in which a dust collection pack is set, a windmill that rotates in response to a suction force, a generator that rotates by the rotational force of the windmill to generate a voltage, and a dust collection unit full detection monitor. The dust collection unit full detection monitor of this vacuum cleaner includes a voltage detection unit that detects whether the generated voltage of the generator has dropped below a preset reference value, and a notification unit that notifies that the dust in the dust collection unit has become almost full when the voltage detection unit detects a generated voltage lower than the reference value. According to this vacuum cleaner, when the dust collection pack becomes full, the ventilation path is blocked and the ventilation volume decreases, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the windmill and the generated voltage. It is said that the dust collection unit full detection monitor can notify the user that the dust collection unit is full.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of the vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1, the ventilation volume suddenly decreases after the dust inlet of the dust collection pack is completely blocked by the dust accumulated in the dust collection pack. However, in this state, since dust is overflowing from the dust inlet of the dust collection pack, dust spills out when replacing the dust collection pack, soiling the dust collection unit and the room.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner made in consideration of the above circumstances.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner including a suction unit that sucks air containing dust from a suction port, and a dust collection unit, wherein the suction unit includes an outlet, a communication path that communicates the suction port and the outlet, and a dust amount detection unit, the dust collection unit has an inlet through which air containing dust flows in from the outlet, and the dust amount detection unit includes a distance sensor provided on the inner surface of the communication path, and a measurement unit that measures the distance between the dust accumulated in the dust collection unit and the distance sensor via the outlet and the inlet, and detects the amount of dust in the dust collection unit. The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner having the above components.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the vacuum cleaner of the present invention, before dust overflows from the dust inlet of the dust collection unit, the dust amount detection unit can detect that the dust collection unit is almost full of dust. Therefore, when discarding the dust from the dust collection unit, it is possible to suppress the problem that the dust spills and stains the room.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This vacuum cleaner 1 has a cleaner main body 11, and the cleaner main body 11 is connected to a suction port body (not shown) via an extension pipe (not shown) and is an assembled stick-type cordless vacuum cleaner. This vacuum cleaner 1 can also be used as a handy type by directly connecting the suction port body to the cleaner main body 11 without using the extension pipe. Since this vacuum cleaner 1 has features in the cleaner main body 11, the cleaner main body 11 will be described below, and the description of the extension pipe suction port body will be omitted.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaner main body 11 includes a suction unit 14 that sucks air containing dust from a suction port 16, and a dust collection unit 15 that is detachably attached to the suction unit 14, and has a cleaning function of sucking air containing dust into the dust collection unit 15, separating (filtering) the dust in the dust collection unit 15, and discharging the air to the outside.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the driving state of the cleaner main body 11 in the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment. For the convenience of explaining the configuration of the cleaner main body 11, in FIG. 2, the front-rear and up-down directions of the cleaner main body 11 in the horizontal state are indicated by arrows. The direction perpendicular to FIG. 2 is the left-right direction. In FIG. 2, the front side is the left direction and the back direction is the right direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction unit 14 includes an electrical component storage unit 23 that houses electrical components such as an electric suction motor 21 and a control board 22, a handle 24 provided at the rear end of the electrical component storage unit 23, an operation unit 25 provided at the upper end of the handle 24, and a pipe unit 27 that protrudes forward from the upper end of the electrical component storage unit 23 via a connecting portion 26. The operation unit 25 has a plurality of push-button type switches for operating the switching between driving and stopping of the electric suction motor 21 and the adjustment of the output. A battery 28 for supplying power to electrical components such as the electric suction motor 21 and the control board 22 is detachably mounted at the lower end of the electrical component storage unit 23.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the suction unit 14 in the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the dust collection unit 15 (see FIG. 2) is removed from the suction unit 14. Also in FIG. 3, the front-rear, left-right, up-down directions when the suction unit 14 is in the horizontal state are indicated by arrows. In the suction unit 14, an air inlet 31 is provided on the front side of the electrical component storage unit 23, a packing 32 is provided around the air inlet 31, and a plurality of exhaust ports 33 are provided on the right side surface of the electrical component storage unit 23.

[0014] Furthermore, in the suction unit 14, a suction port 16 that opens forward is provided at the front end of the pipe unit 27, an outlet 34 that opens downward is provided at the rear end of the pipe unit 27, a packing 35 is provided around the outlet 34, and the suction port 16 and the outlet 34 communicate with each other through a communication passage 29 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 3, the lower portion of the pipe unit 27, the lower portion of the connecting portion 26, and the front portion of the electrical component storage unit 23 in the suction unit 14 form a mounting portion 36 on which the dust collection unit 15 (see FIG. 2) is detachably mounted.

[0015] Returning to FIG. 2, the suction unit 14 includes a dust amount detection unit that detects the amount of dust in the dust collection unit 15. When the amount of dust in the dust collection unit 15 increases by a certain amount or more, this dust amount detection unit transmits a signal to a dust amount notification unit 39 described later. In the case of this embodiment, the dust amount detection unit includes an optical sensor 37 as a distance sensor provided on the inner surface of the communication passage 29 and a measurement unit 38. In the case of this embodiment, the measurement unit 38 is provided on the control board 22. Also, in the case of this embodiment, a dust collection pack 51 is set in the dust collection unit 15, and dust is accumulated in the dust collection pack 51.

[0016] The optical sensor 37 is a unitized one having a light emitting unit 37a that emits light into the dust collection pack 51 set in the dust collection unit 15 and a light receiving unit 37b that receives the reflected light reflected in the dust collection pack 51, and is arranged at a position facing the outlet 34 on the inner surface of the communication passage 29. In other words, the outlet 34 opens toward the inner surface of the communication passage 29 where the optical sensor 37 is arranged. That is, the outlet 34 opens toward the inner surface of the communication passage 29 where the light emitting unit 37a and the light receiving unit 37b are arranged. The measurement unit 38 can detect the amount of dust in the dust collection unit 15 based on the light 40a emitted (irradiated) from the light emitting unit 37a of the optical sensor 37 and the light (reflected light) 40b received by the light receiving unit 37b. In FIG. 2, the optical sensor 37 is arranged to protrude inside the communication passage 29, but the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the peripheral wall of the pipe portion 27 may be made thick, and the optical sensor 37 may be embedded in the peripheral wall of the pipe portion 27. Also, a transparent cover member may be provided to prevent direct adhesion or internal intrusion of dust to the optical sensor 37. Other than these, any configuration that can detect the amount of dust may be used.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the suction unit 14 further includes a dust amount notification unit 39 (see FIG. 1). In the case of this embodiment, the dust amount notification unit 39 has an indicator provided at a position in front of the operation unit 25 at the upper end of the electric component storage unit 23. In the case of this embodiment, the indicator is composed of an LED light, but is not limited to this, and may be a speaker that emits an electronic sound or voice, or a combination of an LED light and a speaker.

[0018] The measurement unit 38 measures, as a measurement value, the linear distance between the dust 41 accumulated in the dust collection unit 15 and the optical sensor 37 based on the emitted light and the received light of the optical sensor 37, and is configured to transmit a signal to the dust amount notification unit 39 based on the measurement value. The LED light, which is an indicator of the dust amount notification unit 39, lights up or blinks based on the signal from the measurement unit 38. For example, when there is one LED light, the LED light may light up or blink, or after lighting up, it may blink when the operation of the vacuum cleaner continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds). When there are a plurality of LED lights, all the LED lights may blink when the operation of the vacuum cleaner continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) after all the LED lights have lit up. Alternatively, when there are a plurality of LED lights, the number of lit LED lights may increase each time the dust amount detected by the measurement unit 38 increases by a certain amount (the distance between the dust 41 and the optical sensor 37 becomes shorter by a certain amount).

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the dust collection unit 15 in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the front-back, left-right, up-down directions when the dust collection unit 15 is in a horizontal state are indicated by arrows. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a full dust collection pack 51 is discarded from the dust collection unit 15 in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. The dust collection unit 15 includes a cylindrical body portion 42 in which a breathable dust collection pack 51 is set inside, a lid portion 44 attached to the front end of the body portion 42 via a hinge portion 43, and a lock mechanism 45 having a lock claw 45a and a lock release button 45b, and is composed of a dust collection container 15. In the following description, the dust collection unit 15 may be referred to as the dust collection container 15. In the dust collection container 15, the body portion 42 has a first opening 52 at the front end, a second opening 53 at the rear end, a groove portion 54 provided along the upper edge of the outer surface, and an inlet 55 provided in the groove portion 54 so as to penetrate the peripheral wall of the body portion 42. The inlet 55 is open in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the body portion 42 is formed by assembling an upper case 42a and a cylindrical lower case 42b, and a seal member 56 is sandwiched and fixed between the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b in the vicinity of the inlet 55. This seal member 56 has a film portion 56a having a radial cut and an annular lip portion 56b exposed inside the lower case 42b. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the seal member is omitted. The film portion 56a is structured not to prevent the light 40a emitted (irradiated) from the light emitting portion 37a of the optical sensor 37 from reaching into the dust collection pack 51, and not to prevent the light 40b reflected in the dust collection pack 51 from being received by the light receiving portion 37b. For example, the film portion 56a may have a circular opening near the center of the inlet 55. In this case, the emitted light 40a and the reflected light 40b can pass through the circular opening of the film portion 56a. Alternatively, the film portion 56a may be structured to open by the suction of the electric suction machine 21. In this case, when suction is performed by the electric suction machine 21, the film portion 56a opens so as not to prevent the emitted light 40a and the reflected light 40b. Also, the film portion 56a may be made of, for example, a transparent material. In this case, the transparent material has a transparency that allows the light 40a emitted (irradiated) from the light emitting portion 37a and the light 40b reflected by dust 41 and the like to pass therethrough and enables the light receiving portion 37b to detectably receive the light.Alternatively, the film part 56a may be made of, for example, a mesh material. In this case, the mesh material has a mesh degree that allows the light receiving part 37b to receive the light 40a emitted (irradiated) from the light emitting part 37a and the light 40b reflected by dust 41 or the like so that the light receiving part 37b can detect it.

[0020] In the dust collecting container 15, the hinge part 43 is provided on the lower surface of the front end side of the lower case 42b, the lock claw 45a and the lock release button 45b are exposed to the outside through an opening provided in the groove part 54, and a part of the lock mechanism 45 is provided in the space between the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b.

[0021] The lock claw 45a locks the lid part 44 by locking into the locking recess 47 of the closed lid part 44. The lock mechanism 45 has a biasing member 57 (a compression coil spring in this embodiment). By pushing the lock release button 45b in the direction of arrow 58 against the bias of the biasing member 57, the lock claw 45a moves and the lock is released, the lid part 44 opens, and the dust-collecting pack 51 clogged with dust can be dropped from the body part 42 and discarded. This will be described in detail later.

[0022] A second lock mechanism 46 is provided on the lower surface of the rear end side of the lower case 42b. This second lock mechanism 46 includes a case part 46a that opens rearward, a pair of locking claws 46b at the rear end, a slide member 46c that is slidably provided inside the case part 46a, and a biasing member 46d (a compression coil spring in this embodiment) that biases the slide member 46c in a direction to project the pair of locking claws 46b from the opening of the case part 46a to the outside.

[0023] In a state where the dust collection container 15 is attached to the attachment portion 36 of the suction portion 14, the outlet 34 of the suction portion 14 and the inlet 55 of the dust collection container 15 are hermetically connected in a state of facing each other. The outlet 34 and the inlet 55 in the connected state function as passages for allowing air containing dust 41 and the light 37a, 27b of the optical sensor 37 to pass through during suction by the electric suction machine 21. In a state where the dust collection container 15 is attached to the suction portion 14, an engaging recess 48 is provided in the vicinity of the locking recess 47 of the closed lid portion 44 of the dust collection container 15, and this engaging recess 48 is engaged with a hook portion 50 provided on the attachment portion 36 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Further, in this attached state, the pair of locking claws 46b of the second locking mechanism 46 are locked to a pair of locking recesses 49 provided on the attachment portion 36. By sliding the slide member 46c of the second locking mechanism 46 in a direction to retract the pair of locking claws 46b against the biasing force of the biasing member 46d, the pair of locking claws 46b are disengaged from the pair of locking recesses 49, and the dust collection container 15 can be removed from the suction portion 14.

[0024] FIG. 6A is a plan view of a dust collection pack before use set inside the dust collection portion of FIG. 4. FIG. 6B is a left side view of the dust collection pack of FIG. 6A. The dust collection pack 51 before use set inside the dust collection container 15 (see FIG. 2) is in a folded state. The dust collection pack 51 includes a pack body 62 having an opening 61 and a mounting plate 63 provided at the opening 61 of the pack body 62.

[0025] The pack body 62 is formed in a bag shape from a breathable material such as paper, woven fabric, or non-woven fabric. The mounting plate 63 is formed of a rigid material such as paper or resin and has an intake hole 64 that communicates with the opening 61 of the pack body 62. In the folded state, the pack body 62 has a substantially rectangular shape in which the dimension L1 in one direction is larger than the dimension L2 in the direction orthogonal to the one direction when viewed from the mounting plate 63 side. The opening 61 of the pack body 62 is provided on one end side rather than at the center in the longitudinal direction of the pack body 62. The mounting plate 63 has a front surface that is exposed to the outside and a back surface that is opposite to the front surface. The peripheral portion around the intake hole 64 on the back surface of the mounting plate 63 is fixed to the surface around the opening 61 of the pack body 62 with, for example, an adhesive. The planar shape of the mounting plate 63 is a shape in which a substantially square outer peripheral portion partially protrudes.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6A, and 6B, in a state where the folded unused dust collection pack 51 (see FIG. 6B) is set in the dust collection container 15, the end portion 63a (see FIG. 6A) on the other end side of the mounting plate 63 is hooked on a hook-shaped recess 59 (see FIG. 5) provided closer to the second opening 53 side than the seal member 56 in the dust collection container 15. Further, in the set state, a pair of end portions 63b (see FIG. 6A) on one end side of the mounting plate 63 are locked to a pair of locking pieces 60 (see FIG. 5) provided on the first opening 52 side of the dust collection container 15. The pair of locking pieces 60 are connected to the lock mechanism 45 and are configured to be interlocked when the unlock button 45b is pressed. In this set state, the lip portion 56b of the seal member 56 of the dust collection container 15 is in contact with the peripheral portion around the intake hole 64 in the mounting plate 63 of the dust collection pack 51.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, during cleaning, when the electric suction machine 21 of the suction unit 14 is driven, the air containing dust flows into the suction port 16 by the suction force, and flows into the inlet 55 of the dust collection container 15 through the communication path 29 and the outlet 34. At this time, the film portion 56a of the seal member 56 is opened toward the dust collection pack 51 side by the air flowing through the inlet 55, and the air containing dust flows into the pack main body 62 through the intake holes 64 and the opening 61 of the dust collection pack 51. As a result, the folded pack main body 62 expands greatly in the dust collection container 15. The dust is separated (filtered) from the air by the pack main body 62 and captured, and the air passes through the pack main body 62 and is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 33 through the second opening 53 (see FIG. 5) of the dust collection container 15 and the air inlet 31 (see FIG. 3) of the suction unit 14. Note that the film portion 56a of the seal member 56 may be omitted.

[0028] When the vacuum cleaner main body 11 operates in this way, the outlet 34 of the suction unit 14 and the inlet 55 of the dust collection container 15 open toward the inner surface of the communication path 29 of the suction unit 14 where the optical sensor 37 of the dust amount detection unit is disposed, and the light emitting unit 37a of the optical sensor 37 emits light into the dust collection pack 51 through the outlet 34 and the inlet 55. At this time, when the dust collection pack 51 is new, when the dust collection pack 51 expands, the dust accumulates from the back side (rear end side) of the dust collection pack 51, so the light 40a emitted by the light emitting unit 37a hits the inner surface of the dust collection pack 51 where no dust has accumulated and is reflected, and the reflected light 40b is received by the light receiving unit 37b of the optical sensor 37. That is, the linear distance, which is the measured value measured by the measuring unit 38 at this time, is the longest. When a certain amount of dust accumulates in the dust collection pack 51, the light 40a emitted by the light emitting unit 37a hits the dust and is reflected, and the reflected light 40b is received by the light receiving unit 37b of the optical sensor 37. As the dust accumulates, the linear distance, which is the measured value measured by the measuring unit 38, gradually becomes shorter. A detection signal based on the emitted light 40a and the received light (reflected light) 40b is input to the measuring unit 38.

[0029] The measuring unit 38 measures, as a measurement value, the straight-line distance between the inner surface of the dust collection pack 51 and the optical sensor 37 or the straight-line distance between the dust accumulated in the dust collection pack 51 and the optical sensor 37 based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 37, and transmits a signal to the dust amount notification unit 39 based on the measurement value. At this time, the measuring unit 38 may transmit a signal detected according to the measurement value, or may transmit a signal based on a comparison between the measurement value and a predetermined value. When a signal from the measuring unit 38 is input, the dust amount notification unit 39 operates the above-described indicator. In the case of this embodiment, the measuring unit 38 is configured to transmit a signal to the dust amount notification unit 39 when the measurement value is equal to or less than a predetermined value. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the measurement value becomes a straight-line distance (a straight-line distance equal to or less than a predetermined value) at which the dust 41 accumulated in the dust collection pack 51 approaches the intake hole 64 to such an extent that the dust 41 does not overflow from the intake hole 64, the measuring unit 38 transmits a signal to the dust amount notification unit 39, whereby the LED light lights up and / or blinks as described above. Thereby, the user is notified that the inside of the dust collection pack 51 is substantially full of the dust 41 and that it is time to replace the dust collection pack 51.

[0030] When using a new dust collection pack 51, the dust collection pack 51 in the dust collection container 15 is folded, and it takes a little time from the start of driving of the electric suction machine 21 until the dust collection pack 51 is fully inflated. Therefore, the measuring unit 38 may detect the amount of dust in the dust collection pack 51 after a predetermined time longer than 0 seconds has elapsed since the start of driving of the suction unit 14. Thereby, the measuring unit 38 does not detect the amount of dust when the dust collection pack 51 is in a folded state, and the amount of dust can be detected after the dust collection pack 51 is in an inflated state. For example, if the time from the start of driving of the electric suction machine 21 until the dust collection pack 51 is fully inflated is 1 to 2 seconds, the measuring unit 38 may be made to detect the amount of dust 3 to 5 seconds after the start of driving.

[0031] In FIG. 2, the inside of the dust collection pack 51 is shown to be full of dust. When the user knows, through the operation of the dust amount notification unit 39, that it is time to replace the dust collection pack 51 with a new one, the user can discard the dust collection pack 51 inside the dust collection container 15. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, when the unlock button 45b of the dust collection container 15 removed from the suction unit 14 is pressed, the operation of the pair of lock claws 45a is released and the lid portion 44 opens. At the same time or slightly delayed, the pair of locking pieces 60 move and disengage from the pair of end portions 63b on one end side of the mounting plate 63. As a result, by turning the first opening 52 downward, the lid portion 44 opens, and the dust collection pack 51 can be dropped and discarded from the first opening 52 of the dust collection container 15.

[0032] (Modification of the First Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the dust collection unit 15 (dust collection container 15) in the vacuum cleaner according to the modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, a cylindrical rib 70 shown in FIG. 7 is provided at the periphery of the inlet 55 of the dust collection container 15 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 5). In the case of this embodiment, the cylindrical rib 70 is a cylindrical member having a cylindrical portion 71 provided at the periphery of the inlet 55 and an annular protrusion 72 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 71.

[0033] In the modification, in a state where the dust collection pack 51 is set inside the dust collection container 15, the tip 73 of the cylindrical rib 70 is inserted into the intake hole 64 of the mounting plate 63, which is the dust inlet of the dust collection pack 51, and the opening 61 of the pack body 62 and protrudes into the dust collection pack 51, and the protrusion 72 abuts against the periphery of the intake hole 64 of the dust collection pack 51 (the outer surface of the mounting plate 63). Thereby, in a state where the dust collection pack 51 is set inside the dust collection container 15, the mounting plate 63 of the dust collection pack 51 does not move toward the seal member 56 side more than the protrusion 72 of the cylindrical rib 70, so that the distance L between the inner surface near the inlet 55 in the dust collection container 15 and the mounting plate 63 of the dust collection pack 51 is kept constant.

[0034] Incidentally, considering the case where the protruding portion 72 of the cylindrical rib 70 is absent, if the degree of expansion of the dust collection pack 51 changes depending on the amount of dust in the dust collection pack 51, the amount of elastic deformation of the lip portion 56b of the seal member 56 pressed by the mounting plate 63 changes, and the distance L between the inner surface near the inlet 55 in the dust collection container 15 and the mounting plate 63 of the dust collection pack 51 may also change. In this case, the measured value of the measuring unit 38 will be affected by the change in the distance L. By providing the protruding portion 72, the distance L can be determined when the dust collection pack 51 is set, and the measured value of the measuring unit 38 is stabilized without being affected by the change in the distance L. When the cylindrical rib 70 is provided, when the unlock button 45b (see FIG. 5) is pressed, the pair of lock claws 45a are released and the lid portion 44 opens, and at the same time or slightly delayed, the pair of locking pieces 60 move and separate from the pair of end portions 63b on one end side of the mounting plate 63. At this time, since the cylindrical portion 71 is inserted into the intake hole 64 of the mounting plate 63 and the opening 61 of the pack body 62 and protrudes into the dust collection pack 51, even if the first opening 52 is directed downward, the dust collection pack 51 may not be dropped and discarded. In that case, the user can pinch the mounting plate 63 and remove the cylindrical portion 71 from the intake hole 64 and the opening 61 of the pack body 62.

[0035] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the driving state of the cleaner main body in the cleaner according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in FIG. 2. In the first embodiment, the case where the dust collection pack 51 set in the dust collection container 15 captures dust is exemplified (see FIG. 2). In the cleaner main body 80 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the dust collection unit 81 has a dust collection container 82 provided with a filter 83 for capturing dust. The configuration of the suction unit 14 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 8, the dust collection container 82 of the second embodiment is generally configured in the same manner as the dust collection container 15 of the first embodiment, except that it has a filter 83 and the seal member 56 and the pair of locking pieces 60 (see FIG. 5) in the dust collection container 15 of the first embodiment are omitted. The filter 83 is detachably attached to the second opening 53 of the dust collection container 82 and can be removed from the dust collection container 82 for washing with water.

[0037] In the case of the second embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner main body 80 is in operation, air containing dust flows into the dust collection container 82. The dust is captured by the filter 83 and separated from the air, and the air that has passed through the filter 83 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 33 (see FIG. 3). Also, during operation, as in the first embodiment, based on the emitted light 40a and the received light 40b of the optical sensor 37, the measuring unit 38 measures the linear distance between the dust accumulated in the dust collection container 82 and the optical sensor 37 as a measured value, and transmits a signal to the dust amount notification unit 39 when the measured value is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In the case of the second embodiment, when the measured value is a linear distance (a linear distance equal to or less than the predetermined value) close to the inlet 55 to such an extent that the dust 41 accumulated in the dust collection container 82 does not reach the inlet 55, the measuring unit 38 transmits a signal to the dust amount notification unit 39, whereby the LED light lights up and / or blinks as described above.

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a state where the inside of the dust collection container 82 is full of dust 41. The user who knows that it is the timing to discard the dust 41 in the dust collection container 82 due to the operation of the dust amount notification unit 39 can discard the dust 41 in the dust collection container 82 (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the dust collection container 82 and the filter 83 removed from the dust collection container 82 can be washed with water. Note that in FIG. 8, the optical sensor 37 is disposed so as to protrude inside the communication path 29, but the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the peripheral wall of the pipe portion 27 may be made thick, and the optical sensor 37 may be embedded in the peripheral wall of the pipe portion 27. Also, a transparent cover member for preventing direct adhesion of dust to the optical sensor 37 and internal intrusion may be provided. Other than these, any configuration that can detect the amount of dust may be used.

[0039] (Modification of the Second Embodiment) As a modification of the second embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body 80 shown in FIG. 8 may be of a cyclone type in which an inner cylinder part (not shown) is further provided on the axis of the dust collection container 82 in the dust collection container 82. This inner cylinder part has a plurality of small ventilation holes (prefilters) on its peripheral wall and is provided in the space on the filter 83 side rather than the inlet 55 side. In the case of this modification, during operation, the air containing dust flowing into the dust collection container 82 from the inlet 55 swirls around the inner cylinder part, and relatively large first dust is centrifuged in the dust collection container 82, and the second dust smaller than the first dust passes through the ventilation holes of the inner cylinder part but is captured by the filter 83. Further, the amount of dust accumulated in the space on the lid part 44 side rather than the inner cylinder part in the dust collection container 82 is measured as a measured value by the dust amount detection part, the measured value is compared with a predetermined value, and the user is notified to discard the dust by the operation of the dust amount notification part.

[0040] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the vacuum cleaner body 90 in the electric vacuum cleaner of the third embodiment. In the first and second embodiments and their modifications, a stick-type electric vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust amount detection part was exemplified. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the electric vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust amount detection part may be of a canister type. Specifically, this electric vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection part 91 of one of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modifications, and a suction part 93 having a holding part 92 on which the dust collection part 91 is detachably placed. In FIG. 9, the dust collection part 91 is shown in a simplified manner.

[0041] The suction part 93 includes a housing 97 having a pair of left and right wheels 95 and a front wheel 96, an electric suction machine (not shown) housed in the housing 97, and a power supply part (not shown) that supplies power to the electric suction machine. The power supply part can be a plug-connected cord reel connectable to a battery or a commercial power supply (outlet). The housing 97 further has a suction connection port 98 provided at the lower part of the front end, a handle 99 provided at the upper part of the front end, and a recess 100 provided behind the handle 99. A cylindrical holding part 92 is provided behind the recess 100.

[0042] The holding part 92 has a front opening 101 connected to the concave part 100, an outlet 102 provided on the upper inner surface near the front opening 101, and an intake port 103 provided at the back inside the holding part 92. An exhaust port (not shown) is provided at the rear end of the holding part 92. Further, in the suction part 93, the suction connection port 98 and the outlet 102 are connected by a communication passage 104, and the intake port 103 and the exhaust port (not shown) are connected by another communication passage (not shown), and an electric suction machine (not shown) is provided in this another communication passage. A connection hose (not shown) formed by connecting a suction port body, an extension pipe, and a flexible hose is connected to the suction connection port 98.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 9, the dust collecting part 91 can be attached to and detached from the holding part 92 of the suction part 93 in the direction of arrow 105. When the dust collecting part 91 is attached to the holding part 92 of the suction part 93, the inlet 106 of the dust collecting part 91 is connected to the outlet 102 of the holding part 92, and the second opening 107 of the dust collecting part 91 is connected to the intake port 103 of the holding part 92. In this state, the outlet 102 of the suction part 93 and the inlet 106 of the dust collecting part 91 open toward the inner surface of the communication passage 104 of the suction part 93, and the optical sensor 37 of the dust amount detection part is provided at a position facing the outlet 102 and the inlet 106 on the inner surface of the communication passage 104.

[0044] Even when the canister - type cleaner body 94 is driven, similar to the first or second embodiment etc., the air containing dust from the communication passage 104 flows into the dust collecting part 91 through the outlet 102 and the inlet 106, and the dust is captured. The air from which the dust has been removed is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port through the second opening 107 of the dust collecting part 91, the intake port 103 of the holding part 92, and another communication passage. During this time, similar to the first or second embodiment etc., the dust amount detection part detects the amount of dust in the dust collecting part 91. In the case of the third embodiment, the measuring part (not shown) of the dust amount detection part is provided on the control board (not shown) inside the suction part 93. Also, the dust amount notification part is arranged, for example, near the operation part provided on the connection hose.

[0045] After cleaning, the dust collection unit 91 can be removed from the suction unit 93 and operated in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment to discard the dust collection pack that has accumulated dust from the dust collection unit 91, or the dust can be discarded from the dust collection unit 91. When removing the dust collection unit 91 from the suction unit 93, it can be done with the inlet 106 facing upward, so that the dust inside the dust collection unit 91 is less likely to leak out from the inlet 106. In FIG. 9, the optical sensor 37 is disposed to protrude inside the communication passage 104, but the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the peripheral wall of the holding unit 92 may be made thick, and the optical sensor 37 may be embedded in the peripheral wall of the holding unit 92. Also, a transparent cover member may be provided to prevent direct adhesion of dust to the optical sensor 37 and internal intrusion. Other than these, any configuration that can detect the amount of dust may be used.

[0046] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 110 of the fourth embodiment as seen from the upper left obliquely in front. FIG. 10 shows the front-back, left-right, up-down directions of the user when the vacuum cleaner 110 is in use, and the structure of the vacuum cleaner 110 will be described based on the front-back, left-right, up-down directions shown in FIG. 110. The vacuum cleaner 110 of the fourth embodiment is a stick type different from the stick type vacuum cleaners (see FIG. 1) of the first and second embodiments and their modified examples. As shown in FIG. 10, this vacuum cleaner 110 includes a stick-shaped cleaner body 111 as seen from the front and a suction port body 112 that is connected to one end (lower end) of the cleaner body 111 and travels on the floor surface F. When viewed from the left-right direction, an annular handle 113 is provided at the other end (upper end) of the cleaner body 111. An operation unit 113a is provided on the front surface of the handle 113.

[0047] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the driving state of the cleaner main body 111 in the vacuum cleaner 110 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the cleaner main body 111 includes a cylindrical housing 114 that houses an electric suction machine 21, a control board (not shown), and the like. The inside of the housing 114 is partitioned into a plurality of spaces from one end side to the other end side. A connection pipe 116 that is detachably connected to the suction port body 112 is inserted into the first space 115 on the most one end side. The second space adjacent to the other end side of the first space 115 is a dust collection unit 118 having a dust collection chamber 117. A part of the housing 114 is a lid portion 119 that opens and closes the dust collection chamber 117. In the case of the fourth embodiment, the portion of the cleaner main body 111 excluding the dust collection unit 118 is the suction unit.

[0048] An inlet 122 is provided in a partition wall 121 that partitions the first space 115 and the dust collection chamber 117. The other end 116a of the connection pipe 116 is inserted through the inlet 122 and protrudes into the dust collection chamber 117. The opening of the other end 116a of the connection pipe 116 is an outlet 122a. A suction port is provided at one end 111a (see FIG. 10) of the connection pipe 116 that is connected to the suction port body 112, and the inside of the connection pipe 116 is a communication passage 123 that connects the suction port and the outlet 122a. In the case of the fourth embodiment, the outlet 122a of the suction unit and the inlet 122b of the dust collection chamber 117 open in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 123a of the communication passage 123, and the optical sensor 37 of the dust amount detection unit is provided on the inner surface 123a.

[0049] In the case of this embodiment, the optical sensor 37 is provided on the inner surface 123a of the communication passage 123 such that the light 40a emitted by the light emitting portion 37a travels straight in an oblique direction with respect to the outlet 122a and the inlet 122b. In this case, the optical sensor 37 has a shape with an inclined surface 37x on the outer surface that is inclined with respect to the air flow direction A in the connection pipe 116, whereby the degree of protrusion from the inner surface 123a of the optical sensor 37 is suppressed, and the air containing dust passing through the communication passage 123 is less likely to be resisted by the optical sensor 37. Also, the light 40a emitted from the optical sensor 37 is preferably irradiated near the center of the intake hole of the mounting plate 120b (near the center of the outlet 122a). Note that the optical sensor 37 may be a quadrangular prism protruding from the inner surface 123a of the communication passage 123 such that the light 40a emitted by the light emitting portion 37a travels straight in a direction perpendicular to the outlet 122a and the inlet 122.

[0050] A dust collection pack 120 is set in the dust collection chamber 117. The dust collection pack 120 has a pack body 120a having an opening and a mounting plate 120b having intake holes, and the pack body 120a is formed in a shape that expands according to the spatial shape of the dust collection chamber 117. The dust collection pack 120 is fixed to the dust collection portion 118 by a fixing portion (not shown) with the other end of the connection pipe 116 inserted into the intake holes of the mounting plate 120b. This fixing portion can be, for example, a pair of ribs that sandwich the mounting plate 120b of the dust collection pack 120. The other end 116a side of the connection pipe 116 may be configured in the same manner as the configuration including the cylindrical rib 70 and the seal member 56 in the modification of the first embodiment (see FIG. 7), or may be a structure provided with the seal member 56 without providing the cylindrical rib 70. In this case, when the dust collection pack 120 is set in the dust collection chamber 117, the mounting plate 120b of the dust collection pack 120 is held by a fixing portion (locking portion) not shown, and the lip portion 56b of the seal member 56 abuts against the peripheral portion of the intake hole in the mounting plate 120b.

[0051] In the dust collection chamber 117 and the third space 124 adjacent to the other end side of the dust collection chamber 117, an electric suction machine 21, a control board, etc. are stored. A partition wall 125 partitioning the dust collection chamber 117 and the third space 124 is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes 125a, and the suction opening 21a of the electric suction machine 21 is airtightly communicated with the plurality of ventilation holes 125a. An exhaust port (not shown) is provided on the other end side of the electric suction machine 21 in the housing 114.

[0052] When the stick-shaped cleaner main body 111 is driven, the air containing dust from the communication path 123 flows into the dust collection pack 120 set in the dust collection part 118, and the dust is captured. The air from which the dust has been removed is discharged to the outside through the plurality of ventilation holes 125a of the dust collection part 118 and the electric suction machine 21. During this period, the light 40a emitted by the light emitting part 37a of the optical sensor 37 of the dust amount detection part travels straight into the dust collection pack 120. The light 40a is reflected by the dust 41 accumulated in the dust collection pack 120, and the reflected light 40b is received by the light receiving part 37b of the optical sensor 37, and the dust amount is detected by a measurement part (not shown) of the dust amount detection part. In the case of the fourth embodiment, the measurement part (not shown) of the dust amount detection part is provided on a control board (not shown). Further, a dust amount notification part 113b is provided in the vicinity of the operation part 113a (see FIG. 10). FIG. 11 shows a state where the inside of the dust collection pack 120 is full of dust 41. The user who knows that it is time to replace the dust collection pack 120 with a new one by the operation of the dust amount notification part 39 can open the lid part 119 of the dust collection part 118, discard the dust collection pack 120, and set a new dust collection pack in the dust collection part 118. In FIG. 11, the optical sensor 37 is arranged to protrude inside the communication path 123, but the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the peripheral wall of the connection pipe 116 may be made thick, and the optical sensor 37 may be embedded in the peripheral wall of the connection pipe 116. Further, a transparent cover member may be provided to prevent direct adhesion and internal intrusion of dust to the optical sensor 37. As long as it is a configuration capable of detecting the amount of dust, other configurations may be used.

[0053] (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the driving state of the cleaner main body 130 in the vacuum cleaner according to the fifth embodiment. The vacuum cleaner according to the fifth embodiment is a canister type different from the canister type vacuum cleaner (see FIG. 9) according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the cleaner main body 130 of this vacuum cleaner includes a housing 133 having front wheels 131 and a pair of wheels 132, and an electric suction machine 21, a cord reel 134, a control board 22, etc. are housed in the housing 133. The inside of the housing 133 is partitioned into a dust collection chamber 135 which is a front space and a rear space 136, and a connection pipe 138 detachably connected to a flexible hose 137 is inserted into the dust collection chamber 135. The connection pipe 138 is fixed to the housing 133. The opening of the other end 138a of the connection pipe 138 serves as an outlet 141a. The other end 138a side of the connection pipe 138 may be configured in the same manner as the configuration including the cylindrical rib 70 and the seal member 56 in the modification of the first embodiment (see FIG. 7), or may be a structure provided with the seal member 56 without providing the cylindrical rib 70. In this case, when the dust collection pack 143 is set in the dust collection chamber 135, the mounting plate 143b of the dust collection pack 143 is held by a fixing portion (locking portion) not shown, and the lip portion 56b of the seal member 56 abuts on the peripheral portion of the intake hole in the mounting plate 143b.

[0054] The front portion of the housing 133 serves as a dust collection portion 139 having the dust collection chamber 135, and a part of the housing 133 serves as a lid portion 140 for opening and closing the dust collection chamber 135. In the case of the fifth embodiment, the portion of the cleaner main body 130 excluding the dust collection portion 139 serves as a suction portion. Further, the hole at the front end of the housing 133 into which the connection pipe 138 is inserted is an inlet 141b, one end 138b of the connection pipe 138 is a suction port, and the inside of the connection pipe 138 communicating the suction port (one end 138b of the connection pipe 138) and the outlet 141a serves as a communication path 142. Also in the case of the fifth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the outlet 141a of the suction portion and the inlet 141 of the dust collection chamber 135 open in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 142a of the communication path 142, and the optical sensor 37 of the dust amount detection portion is provided on this inner surface 142a.

[0055] Also in the case of this embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, the optical sensor 37 is provided above the inner surface 142a of the communication passage 142 so that the light 40a emitted by the light emitting portion 37a travels straight in an oblique direction with respect to the outlet 141a and the inlet 141. In this case, the optical sensor 37 has a shape having an inclined surface 37x on the outer surface that is inclined with respect to the air flow direction A in the connection pipe 138. As a result, the degree of protrusion from the inner surface 142a of the optical sensor 37 is suppressed, and the air containing dust passing through the communication passage 142 is less likely to be resisted by the optical sensor 37. Further, by providing the optical sensor 37 above the inner surface 142a, dust is less likely to adhere to the optical sensor 37. Note that the optical sensor 37 may be provided on the inner surface 142a of the communication passage 142 so that the light 40a emitted by the light emitting portion 37a travels straight in a direction perpendicular to the outlet 141a and the inlet 141.

[0056] A dust collection pack 143 is set in the dust collection chamber 135. The dust collection pack 143 has a pack main body 143a having an opening and a mounting plate 143b having intake holes, and the pack main body 143a is formed in a shape that expands according to the spatial shape of the dust collection chamber 135. The dust collection pack 143 is fixed to the dust collection portion 139 by a fixing portion (not shown) with the other end 138a of the connection pipe 138 inserted into the intake holes of the mounting plate 143b. This fixing portion can be, for example, a pair of ribs that sandwich the mounting plate 143b of the dust collection pack 143. A plurality of ventilation holes 144a are provided in the partition wall 144 that partitions the dust collection chamber 135 and the rear space 136, and the suction opening 21a of the electric suction machine 21 communicates with the plurality of ventilation holes 144a in an airtight manner. An exhaust port 145 is provided at the rear end of the housing 133.

[0057] When the canister-type vacuum cleaner main body 130 is driven, the air containing dust from the communication passage 142 flows into the dust collection pack 143 set in the dust collection unit 139, and the dust is captured. The air from which the dust has been removed is discharged to the outside through the plurality of ventilation holes 144a in the dust collection unit 139 and the electric suction machine 21. During this time, the light 40a emitted by the light emitting unit 37a of the optical sensor 37 of the dust amount detection unit travels straight into the dust collection pack 143. The light 40a is reflected by the dust 41 accumulated in the dust collection pack 143, and the reflected light 40b is received by the light receiving unit 37b of the optical sensor 37, and the dust amount is detected by the measurement unit 38 of the dust amount detection unit. In the case of the fifth embodiment, the measurement unit 38 of the dust amount detection unit is provided on the control board 22. Further, a dust amount notification unit (not shown) is provided near an operation unit provided at the front end (not shown) of the flexible hose 137. FIG. 12 shows a state where the inside of the dust collection pack 143 is full of dust 41. The user who knows that it is time to replace the dust collection pack 143 with a new one by the operation of the dust amount notification unit (not shown) can open the lid 140 of the dust collection unit 139, discard the dust collection pack 143, and set a new dust collection pack in the dust collection unit 139. In FIG. 12, the optical sensor 37 is disposed to protrude inside the communication passage 142, but the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the peripheral wall of the connection pipe 138 may be made thick, and the optical sensor 37 may be embedded in the peripheral wall of the connection pipe 138. Further, a transparent cover member may be provided to prevent direct attachment of dust to the optical sensor 37 and intrusion into the inside. Other than these, any configuration that can detect the amount of dust may be used.

[0058] (Sixth Embodiment) In the above-described first to fifth embodiments (including modified examples), the case where an optical sensor is used as the distance sensor of the dust amount detection unit has been exemplified. However, an ultrasonic sensor may be used as the distance sensor. In this case, as the ultrasonic sensor, one in which a transmission unit that transmits ultrasonic waves and a reception unit that receives a reflected wave obtained by the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmission unit hitting an object (the inner surface of the dust collection unit or the dust in the dust collection unit) are unitized can be used. In the sixth embodiment, other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first to fifth embodiments (including modified examples), and the arrangement of the ultrasonic sensor in the dust collection unit can be the same as the arrangement of the optical sensor in the dust collection unit in the first to fifth embodiments (including modified examples). In the sixth embodiment, a detection signal based on the transmitted ultrasonic wave and the received ultrasonic wave (reflected wave) is input to the measurement unit. The measurement unit measures, as a measurement value, the straight-line distance between the inner surface of the dust collection unit and the ultrasonic sensor or the straight-line distance between the dust accumulated in the dust collection unit and the ultrasonic sensor based on the detection signal from the ultrasonic sensor, and transmits a signal to the dust amount notification unit based on the measurement value. At this time, the measurement unit may transmit a signal detected according to the measurement value, or may transmit a signal based on a comparison between the measurement value and a predetermined value.

[0059] (Other Embodiments) For example, in the case of the first embodiment (including modifications), during cleaning (when the cleaner main body 11 is in the suction operation), dust passes through the communication path 29, the outlet 34, and the inlet 55. Therefore, the measurement unit 38 may detect the measured value of the linear distance between the dust passing through the communication path 29, the outlet 34, or the inlet 55 and the optical sensor 37. In this case, the linear distance between the dust passing through the communication path 29, the outlet 34, or the inlet 55 and the optical sensor 37 is shorter than the linear distance between the dust 41 accumulated in the dust collection unit 15 and the optical sensor 37. Therefore, even when the dust collection unit 15 is not full (the measured value of the linear distance between the dust 41 accumulated in the dust collection unit 15 and the optical sensor 37 is greater than a predetermined value), there is a possibility that the measurement unit 38 may erroneously detect that the dust collection unit 15 is full (the measured value of the linear distance between the dust 41 accumulated in the dust collection unit 15 and the optical sensor 37 is equal to or less than the predetermined value) (see FIG. 2). Thus, when the measured value of the linear distance between the dust 41 and the optical sensor 37 being equal to or less than the predetermined value (being a linear distance equal to or less than the predetermined value) is continuously detected for a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 10 seconds), the measurement unit may determine that it is full. Alternatively, when dust does not pass through the communication path 29, the outlet 34, or the inlet 55, for example, when cleaning is stopped (the suction operation of the cleaner main body 11 is stopped), the measurement unit 38 may detect whether the measured value of the linear distance between the dust 41 and the optical sensor 37 is equal to or less than the predetermined value (a linear distance equal to or less than the predetermined value) and determine whether it is full. By controlling in this way, the possibility of the measurement unit 38 making an erroneous detection can be reduced. Here, "when cleaning is stopped (the suction operation of the cleaner main body 11 is stopped)" includes the timing when the "switching button for driving and stopping the electric suction machine 21" of the operation unit 25 is pressed and the suction operation of the cleaner main body 11 is stopped simultaneously or immediately thereafter, or after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed after the suction operation of the cleaner main body 11 is stopped. Note that such control is also applicable to the second to sixth embodiments (including modifications).

[0060] Preferred embodiments of the present invention include combinations of any of the above-described multiple embodiments. In addition to the above-described embodiments, various modifications can be made to the present invention. Such modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0061] 1: Vacuum cleaner, 11, 80, 90: Vacuum cleaner body, 12: Extension tube, 13: Suction inlet body, 14: Suction part, 15: Dust collection part (dust collection container), 16: Suction port, 21: Electric suction machine, 21a: Suction opening, 22: Control board, 23: Electric component storage part, 24: Handle, 25: Operation part, 26: Connection part, 27: Pipe part, 28: Battery, 29: Communication path, 30: Dust amount detection part, 31: Air inlet, 32: Packing, 33: Exhaust port, 34: Outlet, 35: Packing, 36: Mounting part, 37: Optical sensor, 37a: Light emitting part, 37b: Light receiving part, 37x: Inclined surface, 38: Measuring part, 39: Dust amount notification part, 40a: Light, 40b: Light (reflected light), 41: Dust, 42: Body part, 42a: Upper case, 42b: Lower case, 43: Hinge part, 44: Cover part, 45: Lock mechanism, 45a: Lock claw, 45b: Lock release button, 46: Second lock mechanism, 46a: Case part, 46b: Locking claw, 46c: Slide member, 46d: Biasing member, 47: Locking recess, 48: Engaging recess, 49: Locking recess, 50: Hook part, 51: Dust collection pack, 52: First opening, 53: Second opening, 54: Groove part, 55: Inlet, 56: Seal member, 56a: Film part, 56b: Lip part, 57: Biasing member, 58: Arrow, 59: Recess, 60: Locking piece, 61: Opening, 62: Pack body, 63: Mounting plate, 63a: End on the other end side, 64: Air intake hole, 70: Cylindrical rib, 71: Cylindrical part, 72: Protrusion part, 73: Tip, 80: Vacuum cleaner body, 81: Dust collection part, 82: Dust collection container, 83: Filter, 91: Dust collection part, 92: Holding part, 93: Suction part, 94: Vacuum cleaner body, 95: Wheels, 96: Front wheels, 97: Housing, 98: Suction connection port, 99: Handle, 100: Recess, 101: Front opening, 102: Outlet, 103: Air intake port, 104: Communication path, 105: Arrow, 106: Inlet, 107: Second opening, 108: Central axis, 110: Vacuum cleaner, 111: Vacuum cleaner body, 111a: One end, 112: Suction inlet body, 113: Handle, 113a: Operation part, 113b: Dust amount notification part, 114: Housing, 115: First space, 116: Connection pipe, 116a: The other end, 117: Dust collection chamber, 118: Dust collection part, 119: Cover part, 120: Dust collection pack,120a: Pack body, 120b: Mounting plate, 121: Partition wall, 122a: Outlet, 122b: Inlet, 123: Communication path, 123a: Inner surface, 124: Third space, 125: Partition wall, 125a: Vent hole, 130: Vacuum cleaner body, 131: Front wheel, 132: Wheel, 133: Housing, 134: Cord reel, 135: Dust collection chamber, 136: Rear space, 137: Flexible hose, 138: Connection pipe, 138a: Other end, 138b: One end, 139: Dust collection part, 140: Cover part, 141: Inlet, 142: Communication path, 142a: Inner surface, 143: Dust collection pack, 143a: Pack body, 143b: Mounting plate, 144: Partition wall, 144a: Vent hole, 145: Exhaust port, A: Airflow direction, F: Floor surface, L: Distance, L1, L2: Dimensions

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising a suction unit that sucks air containing dust from a suction port and a dust collection unit, wherein the suction unit includes an outlet, a communication passage that communicates the suction port and the outlet, and a dust amount detection unit, the dust collection unit has an inlet through which air containing dust flows in from the outlet, the dust amount detection unit includes a distance sensor provided on the inner surface of the communication passage, and a measurement unit that measures the distance between the dust accumulated in the dust collection unit and the distance sensor via the outlet and the inlet, and detects the amount of dust in the dust collection unit.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the distance sensor is an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

3. The optical sensor includes a light emitting unit provided on the inner surface of the communication passage and emitting light into the dust collection unit via the outlet and the inlet, and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light reflected in the dust collection unit, the measurement unit detects the amount of dust in the dust collection unit based on the light emitted by the light emitting unit and the light received by the light receiving unit, according to the vacuum cleaner of claim 2.

4. further comprising a dust amount notification unit, the measurement unit measures, as a measurement value, the straight-line distance between the dust accumulated in the dust collection unit and the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit based on the emitted light and the received light, and transmits a signal to the dust amount notification unit based on the measurement value, according to the vacuum cleaner of claim 3.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the measurement unit transmits a signal to the dust amount notification unit based on a comparison between the measurement value and a predetermined value.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the dust amount notification unit has an indicator that lights up or blinks based on a signal from the measurement unit.

7. the dust collection unit is detachable from the suction unit, and in a state where the dust collection unit is attached to the suction unit, the outlet and the inlet open toward the inner surface of the communication passage where the light emitting unit is disposed, according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. the dust collection unit has a dust collection container in which a dust collection pack for capturing dust is set inside, the dust collection container is detachable from the suction unit, according to the vacuum cleaner of claim 7.

9. the dust collection container has a cylindrical rib provided at the periphery of the inlet, the cylindrical rib has a protrusion on the outer peripheral surface, In a state where the dust collection pack is set inside the dust collection container, the tip of the cylindrical rib is inserted into the dust inlet of the dust collection pack and protrudes into the dust collection pack, and the protrusion abuts on the periphery of the dust inlet of the dust collection pack. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8.

10. The measuring unit detects the amount of dust in the dust collection unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving of the suction unit. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7.

11. The dust collection unit has a dust collection container provided with a filter for capturing dust. The dust collection container is detachable from the suction unit. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7.

12. The outlet and the inlet open in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the communication passage where the dust amount detection unit is disposed. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

13. The dust collection unit has a dust collection chamber in which a dust collection pack for capturing dust is set inside. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12.

14. The dust collection unit has a cylindrical rib provided at the periphery of the inlet. The cylindrical rib has a protrusion on the outer peripheral surface. In a state where the dust collection pack is set inside the dust collection unit, the tip of the cylindrical rib is inserted into the dust inlet of the dust collection pack and protrudes into the dust collection pack, and the protrusion abuts on the periphery of the dust inlet of the dust collection pack. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 13.

15. The measuring unit detects the amount of dust in the dust collection unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving of the suction unit. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

Images