Ground dust collector

Abstract

A floor cleaner (1) is provided with: a main body part (2) having a suction inlet (3) for sucking dust on a bottom surface (20a); a dust box (4) for storing dust sucked from the suction inlet (3); the light source (5) is used for irradiating ultraviolet light into the dust box (4) to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box (4); and one or more side holes (6) which are provided in the main body section (2) independently of the suction port (3), and which suck dust flying around the main body section (2) and guide the dust to the dust box (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a floor vacuum cleaner. Background Art

[0002] A self-propelled floor cleaner that cleans a room by self-propelled movement is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the self-propelled floor cleaner, a side brush is provided for sweeping out dust from the corners of a room that cannot reach the suction port provided on the bottom surface of the cleaner body and guiding the dust to the suction port. The side brush is provided so as to protrude outward from the cleaner body when viewed from above, and has a rotation axis in a substantially vertical direction (i.e., in a substantially vertical direction when cleaning), and is driven to rotate around the rotation axis.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-162542 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the floor of a hospital or the like is more likely to be contaminated by microorganisms, for example, if vomitus of an infected patient is not adequately handled. Therefore, when cleaning the floor of a hospital or the like, it is required to suppress the risk of infection spreading due to the influence of microbial contamination of the floor.

[0008] For example, in the above-mentioned autonomous walking floor cleaner, dust on the floor will fly along with the movement of the cleaner body or the driving of the side brush, and the risk of infection expansion caused by the influence of microbial contamination on the floor may increase. Similarly, in the handheld floor cleaner, dust on the floor will inevitably fly during cleaning, and it is desirable to take countermeasures.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaner capable of reducing the risk of infection spread caused by dust flying on the floor.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] A floor vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a main body having a suction port on the bottom surface for sucking dust; a dust box for storing dust sucked from the suction port; a light source for irradiating ultraviolet light into the dust box to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box; and one or more side holes, which are arranged on the main body independently of the suction port to suck dust flying around the main body and guide it to the dust box.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a floor cleaner capable of reducing the risk of infection spread due to flying dust on the floor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1A This is a perspective view showing a floor cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing a floor cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a functional block diagram of a floor vacuum cleaner.

[0017] Figure 3A It is a top view of a floor vacuum cleaner.

[0018] Figure 3B It is a figure which shows the schematic cross-sectional structure of a floor cleaner.

[0019] Figure 4A This is a diagram for explaining the simulation results for verifying the effect of the side holes.

[0020] Figure 4B This is a diagram for explaining the simulation results for verifying the effect of the side holes.

[0021] Figure 5A This is a diagram for explaining the simulation results for verifying the effect of the side holes.

[0022] Figure 5B This is a diagram for explaining the simulation results for verifying the effect of the side holes.

[0023] Fig. 6A It is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of a floor cleaner according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6B It is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of a floor cleaner according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a floor vacuum cleaner according to a modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] [Implementation Method]

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1A , Figure 1Bis a perspective view showing a floor cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is its functional block diagram. In addition, Figure 3A This is a top view of a floor vacuum cleaner. Figure 3B is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional structure thereof.

[0029] like Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 , Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B As shown, the floor vacuum cleaner 1 comprises: a main body 2 having a suction port 3 for sucking dust on the bottom surface 20a; a dust box 4 for storing dust sucked from the suction port 3; and a light source 5 for irradiating ultraviolet light into the dust box 4 to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box 4.

[0030] In this embodiment, the case where the floor cleaner 1 is an autonomous walking type floor cleaner is described. In this case, the main body 2 is equivalent to the main body 20 of the floor cleaner having an autonomous walking type mobile mechanism 24. The floor cleaner main body 20 as the main body 2 has a camera 21, an obstacle detection sensor 22, a dust collection mechanism 23, a mobile mechanism 24, a light source 5, a control unit 26, and a housing 27 for storing them. In addition, without being limited to this, the present invention can also be applied to floor cleaners of a handheld type that is manually moved. In this case, a main body having a dust box 4 can also be provided independently of the main body 2. This point will be described later.

[0031] The camera 21 is used to capture images of the surroundings of the floor cleaner main body 20, and is used for obtaining a floor map described later, obtaining the position of the floor cleaner main body 20, etc. The floor cleaner main body 20 may be equipped with a plurality of cameras 21, or the plurality of cameras 21 may capture images of the surroundings of the floor cleaner main body 20. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B In the figure, the camera 21 is omitted.

[0032] The obstacle detection sensor 22 is a sensor that detects whether there is an obstacle near the floor cleaner main body 20 in order to prevent the floor cleaner main body 20 from colliding with the obstacle. As the obstacle detection sensor 22, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. can be used. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B In the figure, the obstacle detection sensor 22 is omitted.

[0033] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the floor cleaner body 20 may also be equipped with various sensors other than the obstacle detection sensor 22. For example, it may also be equipped with a gyro sensor that detects the rotation angle of the floor cleaner body 20 when it moves, a walking sensor that detects the distance moved by the floor cleaner body 20, a floor distance sensor that detects the distance between the floor cleaner body 20 and the ground and detects steps, etc., and a particle sensor that detects the amount of dust sucked from the suction port 3.

[0034] The dust collecting mechanism 23 is a mechanism for sucking dust or dust on the ground and collecting it into the interior of the floor cleaner main body 20, and comprises: a rotating brush 23a, which is rotatably arranged on the suction port 3 opened toward the ground (i.e., downward) on the bottom surface 20a of the floor cleaner main body 20; a brush driving unit (not shown) which drives the rotating brush 23a to rotate to sweep the dirt on the ground; and a fan 23b (see FIG. 2 ) as a suction member. Figure 3B ), which sucks dust or dust from the suction port 3; and the dust box 4 (refer to Figure 3B ) which stores dust etc. sucked in from the suction port 3.

[0035] In addition, the dust collecting mechanism 23 includes a side brush 23c, which is provided on the bottom surface 20a of the floor cleaner body 20 in a manner protruding from the floor cleaner body 20 and is driven to rotate about a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the floor (i.e., in a substantially vertical direction). The side brush 23c sweeps out dust from the corners of the room that the rotating brush 23a cannot reach and guides it to the suction port 3. Figure 3A As shown, the side brush 23c is arranged to protrude outward from the floor cleaner body 20 when viewed from above (ie, from the top).

[0036] The moving mechanism 24 is a mechanism for moving the floor cleaner body 20 or making it move autonomously, and has wheels 24a (see Figure 1B ), which is provided on the bottom surface 20a of the floor cleaner main body 20; and a motor (not shown) which drives the wheel 24a. Here, the two wheels 24a are arranged relative to each other in such a manner that the rotation axes are arranged on a straight line, but the number and arrangement of the wheels 24a are not particularly limited.

[0037] The light source 5 plays a role in inactivating bacteria and viruses sucked into the dust box 4 by irradiating ultraviolet light into the dust box 4. In this embodiment, the light source 5 is composed of a light emitting diode 51 that irradiates ultraviolet light. For example, an ultraviolet lamp can also be used as the light source 5, but since most ultraviolet lamps use mercury, there is a problem with safety when it is broken. In addition, since the ultraviolet lamp not only emits ultraviolet light of a wavelength suitable for inactivating bacteria, etc., but also emits light of a very wide wavelength range including infrared rays, there is a lot of waste and power consumption will also increase. In addition, if the output is increased, it is also possible that the ground will heat up and burn due to infrared rays. By using the light emitting diode 51 as the light source 5 as in this embodiment, safety can be ensured when it is broken, power consumption can be suppressed, and defects such as burning of the ground can also be suppressed. Moreover, in the ultraviolet lamp, it takes time to start up when the ultraviolet light irradiation starts, and by using the light emitting diode 51, the start-up time when the ultraviolet light irradiation starts can also be shortened.

[0038] As the light emitting diode 51 used for the light source 5, it is preferable to use a light emitting diode 51 that emits deep ultraviolet light with a high inactivation effect on bacteria, etc. More specifically, as the light emitting diode 51 used for the light source 5, a light emitting diode 51 that emits deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 250 nm or more and 280 nm or less can be used. In this embodiment, three light emitting diodes 51 are used, but the number of light emitting diodes 51 used as the light source 5 is not limited thereto and can be appropriately changed according to the size of the dust box 4, etc.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the light source 5 is arranged outside the dust box 4 and below the dust box 4, and is arranged in a manner of irradiating ultraviolet light from the bottom to the top. Therefore, the dust box 4 can be composed of a material that transmits ultraviolet light. However, for example, if the dust box 4 is composed of quartz glass, it is possible to break due to impact, etc., so it is more preferred that the dust box 4 is composed of a resin that transmits ultraviolet light. As a resin that transmits ultraviolet light, for example, a fluorine resin composition can be used. In addition, in order to suppress the deterioration caused by the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 5, as the dust box 4, a dust box composed of a resin composition containing an ultraviolet light-resistant agent can be used. In addition, it is not necessary that the entire dust box 4 is composed of a material that transmits ultraviolet light, or it is possible that only the surface (i.e., the bottom surface) of at least the light source 5 side of the dust box 4 is composed of a material that transmits ultraviolet light, and it can also be configured to be a window composed of a material that transmits ultraviolet light on the surface (i.e., the bottom surface) of the light source 5 side of the dust box 4, and ultraviolet light is irradiated from the window to the dust box 4. In addition, since the airflow is easy to stagnate in the corner of the upper side of the dust box 4, it is more preferable that the light source 5 is arranged in a manner to irradiate the ultraviolet light toward the corner of the upper side of the dust box 4.

[0040] The light source 5 may also be intermittently driven in a manner of repeatedly lighting and extinguishing at predetermined intervals. Thus, the time for driving the light source 5 can be reduced, thereby suppressing the degradation of the light source 5 and reducing power consumption. In addition, the degradation of the dust box 4 can be suppressed, and the life of the floor cleaner 1 can be increased.

[0041] In addition, in the present embodiment, the floor cleaner 1 also includes a floor irradiation light source 25 for irradiating ultraviolet light to the floor. The floor irradiation light source 25 inactivates bacteria and viruses present on the floor by irradiating ultraviolet light to the floor. In the present embodiment, the floor irradiation light source 25 is composed of a light-emitting diode that irradiates deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of more than 250nm and less than 280nm, similarly to the light source 5. The floor irradiation light source 25 is arranged on the bottom surface 20a of the floor cleaner main body 20 in a manner opposite to the ground. In the present embodiment, a situation is shown in which two floor irradiation light sources 25 are arranged in a manner that sandwiches the side brush 23c, but the number and configuration of the floor irradiation light sources 25 can be appropriately changed. In addition, there may be no floor irradiation light source 25.

[0042] The control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the dust collection mechanism 23 and the moving mechanism 24 based on the information from the camera 21 or the obstacle detection sensor 22, and controls the light source 5, etc., and is realized by appropriately combining a computing element, a memory, an interface, software, a storage device, etc. The control unit 26 includes a map acquisition unit 261, a position acquisition unit 262, a pollution status detection unit 263, a drive control unit 264, a dust collection control unit 265, a light source control unit 266, and a storage unit 267.

[0043] The map acquisition unit 261 performs a test walk at the first vacuuming, etc., to survey the ground to be vacuumed, and acquires a ground map. Various methods are known for the test walk and surveying process, which are well known and thus are omitted here. The map acquisition unit 261 stores the acquired ground map in the storage unit 267.

[0044] The position acquisition unit 262 acquires position information indicating where the floor cleaner body 20 is located in the floor map. The position acquisition unit 262 acquires the position information (i.e., the position coordinates in the floor map) of the floor cleaner body 20 based on, for example, an image obtained by the camera 21 or information from a gyro sensor, a walking sensor, or the like.

[0045] The pollution condition detection unit 263 detects the pollution condition of the ground to be dusted. The pollution condition detection unit 263 detects the pollution condition of the ground based on the amount of dust collected detected by the particle sensor, for example. In addition, when the drive control unit 264 or the dust collection control unit 265 described later is configured to make the moving speed or the suction strength variable according to the amount of dust collected, the pollution condition detection unit 263 can also be configured to detect the pollution condition of the ground based on the moving speed or the suction strength.

[0046] The drive control unit 264 controls the driving of the moving mechanism 24 to move the floor cleaner main body 20. The drive control unit 264 sets a route in a manner that the main body 20 of the floor cleaner moves throughout the set dust collection area, and moves the main body 20 of the floor cleaner along the set route. In addition, the drive control unit 264 uses an obstacle detection sensor 22, etc., to perform drive control in a manner that the main body 20 of the floor cleaner does not collide with obstacles, etc. The drive control unit 264 can also be configured to change the moving speed according to the amount of dust collected. For example, the moving speed is slowed down when the amount of dust collected is large, and the moving speed is accelerated when the amount of dust collected is small, so that dust collection can be performed efficiently.

[0047] The dust collection control unit 265 controls the dust collection mechanism 23. The dust collection mechanism 23 may also be configured to change the suction strength according to the amount of dust collected. For example, the suction strength is increased when the amount of dust collected is large, and the suction strength is reduced when the amount of dust collected is small, thereby suppressing power consumption and efficiently collecting dust. The suction strength can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the fan 23b, for example.

[0048] The light source control unit 266 controls the driving of the light source 5 and the ground irradiation light source 25. The light source control unit 266 can be controlled in a manner that the light source 5 and the ground irradiation light source 25 are continuously lit, or in a manner that the light source 5 and the ground irradiation light source 25 are flashed (i.e., alternately and repeatedly lit and extinguished). In addition, the light source control unit 266 can also control the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light of the light source 5 according to the amount of dust collected. Moreover, the light source control unit 266 can also control the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light of the ground irradiation light source 25 according to the material of the ground and the pollution condition of the ground. The irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light of the light source 5 and the ground irradiation light source 25 can be controlled by the size of the driving current. In addition, when the light source 5 and the ground irradiation light source 25 are flashed, the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light can be controlled by the flashing time interval, or the ratio of the lighting time to the flashing time.

[0049] The storage unit 267 stores the ground map obtained by the map acquisition unit 261, the ground pollution status detected by the pollution status detection unit 263, and the like. In addition, although not shown, the floor cleaner 1 can also be configured to be able to set the material of the ground. The setting of the material of the ground can be performed through user input, or it can be configured to set an appropriate sensor that can determine the material of the ground (for example, a ground detection sensor that uses the intensity of reflected light when the ground is irradiated with light, the skewness of the wheel 24a, etc.) to the floor cleaner body 20, and the sensor automatically determines the material of the ground.

[0050] (Side hole 6 and side hole opening and closing mechanism 8)

[0051] The floor cleaner 1 of this embodiment includes one or more side holes 6 for sucking dust flying around the floor cleaner main body 20 and guiding it to the dust box 4. Figure 1A As shown, the side hole 6 is provided in the floor cleaner body 20, and plays the role of sucking in the dust flying due to the movement of the floor cleaner body 20 or the movement of the side brush 23c, and suppressing the dust near the floor from spreading to the surroundings. For example, the floor of a hospital or the like is more likely to be contaminated by microorganisms, and by providing the side hole 6 in the floor cleaner body 20, even when cleaning the floor of a hospital or the like, the dust flying from the floor and spreading to the surroundings can be suppressed, and the risk of infection expansion caused by the influence of microbial contamination on the floor can be suppressed.

[0052] In the self-propelled floor cleaner 1, dust is particularly likely to fly due to the movement of the side brush 23c. Therefore, it is preferred that the side hole 6 is set to open at least near the side brush 23c. More specifically, it is preferred that at least one side hole 6 is opened at Figure 3A The driving range of the side brush 23c indicated by the dashed line A is provided so as to be open upward.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the floor cleaner body 20 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, and a plurality of side holes 6 are provided at substantially equal intervals on the side (i.e., the side circumferential surface) of the floor cleaner body 20. Furthermore, each side hole 6 is provided in a manner of opening toward the side of the floor cleaner body 20. Thus, dust flying around the floor cleaner body 20 can be efficiently sucked in. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the side hole 6 can be formed as long as it is configured to attract dust flying around the floor cleaner body 20, for example, the side hole 6 can also be formed in a manner of opening obliquely downward or downward.

[0054] like Figure 3BAs shown, in the floor vacuum cleaner 1, the suction from the suction port 3 and the suction from each side hole 6 are performed by a fan 23b as a common suction member. The air and dust sucked from the suction port 3 and the side hole 6 are introduced into the dust box 4, and the dust is captured by the filter 41 provided at the outlet of the dust box 4. As the filter 41, a photocatalyst filter can be used. Thus, the photocatalyst can be activated by ultraviolet light from the light source 5, and the organic matter (i.e., malodorous components) in the exhaust gas can be decomposed and deodorized. In addition, a plurality of filters 41 can be configured, one of which is configured by a photocatalyst filter.

[0055] The exhaust gas after passing through the filter 41 passes through the fan 23b and is discharged to the outside of the floor cleaner main body 20 through the exhaust port 7. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 7 is provided in the central part of the floor cleaner main body 20 when viewed from above so as to exhaust gas upward (i.e., vertically upward or perpendicular to the ground). Thus, the dust on the ground can be prevented from flying due to the exhaust gas, and the risk of infection expansion caused by the influence of microbial contamination on the ground can be further suppressed.

[0056] In addition, the floor cleaner 1 includes a side hole opening and closing mechanism 8 for controlling the opening and closing of the side hole 6. The side hole opening and closing mechanism 8 includes: a shutter 81 (see Figure 3B ), which can open and close the side hole 6; and the side hole opening and closing control unit 82 (reference Figure 2 ), which controls the opening and closing of the side hole 6 by driving the gate 81. In addition, the mechanism for opening and closing the side hole 6 is not limited to the gate 81, and may be other mechanisms such as a solenoid valve. The side hole opening and closing control unit 82 is mounted on the control unit 26, and controls the suction force from the suction port 3 and the suction force from the side hole 6 by controlling the opening and closing of the side hole 6.

[0057] In the present embodiment, three operation modes, namely, "cleaning mode", "sterilization mode" and "cleaning and sterilization mode", can be set, and the side hole opening and closing control unit 82 is configured to control the opening and closing of the side hole 6 according to the operation mode set by the user. Specifically, when the side hole opening and closing control unit 82 is set to the "cleaning mode", the side hole 6 is completely closed by the gate 81. As a result, the suction force from the suction port 3 becomes the maximum, and the efficiency of dust collection is improved. In addition, when the side hole opening and closing control unit 82 is set to the "sterilization mode", the gate 81 is retracted and the side hole 6 is completely opened. As a result, the suction force from the side hole 6 becomes the maximum, and the efficiency of sucking dust flying from the ground is improved. As a result, the risk of infection expansion caused by the influence of microbial contamination on the ground can be greatly suppressed. In addition, when the side hole opening and closing control unit 82 is set to the "cleaning and sterilization mode", the gate 81 is extended halfway to make the side hole 6 half-open. Thus, it is possible to maintain both the suction force from the suction port 3 and the suction force from the side hole 6, thereby efficiently suctioning dust to a certain extent and sucking in dust flying from the ground, thereby suppressing the risk of infection expansion caused by the influence of microbial contamination on the ground.

[0058] In addition, the side hole opening and closing control unit 82 may also be configured to adjust the opening and closing degree of the side hole 6 according to the moving speed of the floor cleaner main body 20, the material of the floor, the amount of dust collected, etc. For example, the faster the moving speed of the floor cleaner main body 20, the more microorganisms and the like fly from the floor, and thus the side hole 6 is more open. In addition, the softer the material of the floor, the more closed the side hole 6 is.

[0059] (Explanation of simulation results)

[0060] The inventors of the present invention conducted a simulation to verify the effect of forming the side hole 6. Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , the behavior of dust is verified to change due to the suction from the side hole 6 when dust flies radially from the floor cleaner main body 20. The simulation is performed using airflow analysis software. The simulation results are shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown in Figure 4B As shown, it was confirmed that dust was sucked into the side holes 6 by suction from the side holes 6, and it was possible to suppress the dust from spreading to the surroundings.

[0061] Similarly, in order to verify the effect of the side brush 23c on the flying of dust, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , the dust is released from a location near the main body 20 of the floor cleaner, and the behavior of the dust is verified to change due to the suction from the side hole 6. As a result, as shown in FIG. Figure 5BAs shown, it was confirmed that the dust was sucked into the side holes 6 by the suction from the side holes 6, and the dust could be suppressed from spreading around. From these simulation results, it was confirmed that the dust flying from the ground could be suppressed from spreading around by providing the side holes 6.

[0062] (Functions and Effects of Implementation Methods)

[0063] As described above, the floor cleaner 1 of this embodiment is provided with: a light source 5 for irradiating ultraviolet light into the dust box 4 to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box 4; and one or more side holes 6, which are provided in the floor cleaner main body 20 independently of the suction port 3, and the dust flying around the floor cleaner main body 20 is sucked in and guided to the dust box 4. Thus, the dust flying around the floor cleaner main body 20 can be sucked in from the side holes 6, and the bacteria and viruses are inactivated by the light source 5 and then exhausted. As a result, the dust containing bacteria or viruses can be suppressed from spreading to the surroundings, and even when cleaning the floor of a hospital, for example, the risk of infection expansion caused by the influence of microbial contamination on the floor can be suppressed.

[0064] (Variation Example)

[0065] In the above embodiment, the light source 5 is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light from the bottom of the dust box 4 to the top, but it can also be configured as follows. Fig. 6A As shown, the light source 5 further includes an upper light emitting diode 52 for irradiating ultraviolet light from above to below. In the example shown in the figure, the upper light emitting diode 52 is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light obliquely downward from the upper corner of the dust box 4 toward the center of the dust box 4. However, the configuration of the upper light emitting diode 52 is not limited to this. By having the upper light emitting diode 52, even in the case where garbage is accumulated at the lower part of the dust box 4 and the ultraviolet light irradiated from the bottom to the top is blocked by the garbage, the effect of inactivating bacteria or viruses can be fully obtained.

[0066] Moreover, if Figure 6B As shown, a reflector 53 that reflects a part of the irradiated ultraviolet light and transmits the other part may be provided between the lower light emitting diode 51 and the dust box 4. Thus, the ultraviolet light reflected by the reflector 53 will be irradiated to the ground, so that the light source 5 can also function as a light source for irradiating the ground, and the light source 25 for irradiating the ground can be omitted. In addition, by making the reflector 53 retractable or detachable from the upper part of the lower light emitting diode 51, it is possible to select whether to irradiate the ultraviolet light to the ground according to the presence or absence of the reflector 53. The extension and retraction of the reflector 53 to the light emitting diode 51, or the loading and unloading, can be performed automatically or manually.

[0067] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the autonomous walking type floor cleaner 1 is described, but the present invention can also be applied to a non-autonomous walking type floor cleaner. Figure 7 As shown, the present invention can also be applied to a handheld type floor vacuum cleaner 1 having a main body 2, a handle 91, and a connecting portion 9 connecting the main body 2 and the handle 91. In the example shown in the figure, a dust box 4 is provided in the connecting portion 9, but a dust box 4 may also be provided in the main body 2. In addition, since the side hole 6 is used to inhale dust flying from the ground, it needs to be independent of the suction port 3 used to inhale dust from the ground or be formed separately from the suction port 3, and needs to be formed at a position away from the ground. For example, it is also conceivable that a part of the suction port 3 opens to the side in the shape of a cutout, but such a side cutout is a part of the suction port 3, which is different from the side hole 6 used to inhale dust flying from the ground.

[0068] (Summary of Implementation Methods)

[0069] Next, the technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiments are described using the reference numerals in the embodiments. However, the reference numerals in the following description do not limit the constituent elements in the claims to the members specifically shown in the embodiments.

[0070] [1] A floor vacuum cleaner (1) comprises: a main body (2) having a suction port (3) on the bottom surface (20a) for sucking in dust; a dust box (4) for storing dust sucked in from the suction port (3); a light source (5) for irradiating ultraviolet light into the dust box (4) to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box (4); and one or more side holes (6) which are independently arranged on the main body (2) from the suction port (3) to suck in dust flying around the main body (2) and guide it into the dust box (4).

[0071] [2] The floor vacuum cleaner (1) according to [1] is provided with a side brush (23c), wherein the side brush (23c) is arranged on the bottom surface (20a) of the main body (2) in a manner protruding from the main body (2) and is driven in a manner of rotating around a rotation axis perpendicular to the ground, and at least one of the side holes (6) is arranged in a manner of opening above the driving range (A) of the side brush (23c).

[0072] [3] The floor vacuum cleaner (1) described in [1] or [2] is configured to perform suction from the suction port (3) and suction from the side hole (6) through a common suction member (23b), and is provided with a side hole opening and closing mechanism (8), and the side hole opening and closing mechanism (8) controls the suction force from the suction port (3) and the suction force from the side hole (6) by opening and closing the side hole (6).

[0073] [4] According to the floor vacuum cleaner (1) described in any one of [1] to [3], the side hole (6) is provided on the side surface of the main body (2) in a manner opening to the side.

[0074] [5] According to the floor cleaner (1) described in any one of [1] to [4], the light source (5) is intermittently driven in a manner that repeatedly turns on and off at predetermined intervals.

[0075] [6] The floor cleaner (1) according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising a floor irradiation light source (25) for irradiating ultraviolet light onto the floor.

[0076] [7] According to the floor cleaner (1) described in any one of [1] to [6], the main body (2) is an autonomous floor cleaner main body (20) having a moving mechanism (24) capable of autonomous walking.

[0077] [8] According to the floor cleaner (1) described in [7], the floor cleaner main body (20) has an exhaust port (7) in the center portion thereof when viewed from above, for exhausting air in a direction vertically above the floor.

[0078] (Note)

[0079] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments described above do not limit the invention involved in the claims. In addition, it should be noted that all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily required for the solution to the problem of the invention. In addition, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of its purpose.

[0080] Description of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1… Floor vacuum cleaner

[0082] 2…Main body

[0083] 20…Main body of floor vacuum cleaner

[0084] 20a…bottom

[0085] 3…suction port

[0086] 4…Dust box

[0087] 5…Light source

[0088] 6…Side hole

[0089] 7…Exhaust port

[0090] 8…Side hole opening and closing mechanism

[0091] 23b...Fan (suction member)

[0092] 23c…Side brush.

Claims

1. A floor vacuum cleaner, characterized in that: have: A main body having a suction port on the bottom surface for sucking in dust; a dust box for storing dust sucked from the suction port; a light source, which is used to irradiate ultraviolet light into the dust box to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box; and One or more side holes are provided in the main body independently of the suction port, and suck dust flying around the main body and guide it to the dust box.

2. The floor vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: A side brush is provided on the bottom surface of the main body so as to protrude from the main body and is driven to rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the ground. At least one of the side holes is provided so as to open above a driving range of the side brush.

3. The floor vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The suction from the suction port and the suction from the side hole are performed by a common suction member. A side hole opening and closing mechanism is provided, and the side hole opening and closing mechanism controls the suction force from the suction port and the suction force from the side hole by opening and closing the side hole.

4. The floor vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The side hole is provided on the side surface of the main body in a manner of opening to the side.

5. The floor vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The light source is intermittently driven so as to repeatedly turn on and off at predetermined intervals.

6. The floor vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The device further includes a ground irradiation light source for irradiating the ground with ultraviolet light.

7. The floor vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The main body is an autonomous walking type floor cleaner main body having a moving mechanism capable of autonomous walking.

8. The floor vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein: The floor cleaner main body has an exhaust port at the center thereof when viewed from above, for exhausting air in a direction vertically above the ground.

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