Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner capable of improving visibility of dust.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner 106 includes a suction port body 280 having a dust suction port 203, a rotary brush 201, and a light source 202 that irradiates a cleaning target surface with light. In the suction port body 280, the light source 202 is arranged further downward and rearward than a portion most projecting to the front so as to prevent collision of the light source 202, and an upper shade 225 (light blocking member) that blocks light is arranged above the light source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Background art in this technical field is International Publication No. 2008 / 035478 (Patent Document 1). This publication describes "an electric vacuum cleaner comprising a suction port body having a suction port for sucking in gas containing dust, and a light emitting diode arranged in the suction port body, the light emitting diode being arranged in the suction port body such that when the light emitting diode is arranged in contact with the suction body or arranged substantially parallel to a floor surface, the irradiation range of light emitted from the light emitting diode and irradiated to the outside of the suction port body expands downward from a direction extending substantially parallel to the floor surface." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] WO 2008 / 035478 (e.g. claim 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of improving the visibility of garbage. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner that can improve the visibility of dirt. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention is a vacuum cleaner equipped with a suction port body having a dirt inlet, a rotating brush, and a light source that emits light onto a surface to be cleaned, and is characterized in that the light source is positioned below and rearward of the forwardmost protruding part of the suction port body to prevent the light source from colliding with something, and an upper shade that blocks light is positioned above the light source. The vacuum cleaner of the present invention is an electric vacuum cleaner equipped with a suction port body having a dirt inlet, a rotating brush, and a light source that irradiates light onto a surface to be cleaned, characterized in that the light source is positioned below and rearward of the forward-most protruding part of the outer shell of the suction port body, the forward-most protruding part of the suction port body is formed by the outer shell of the suction port body, and an upper shade that blocks light is positioned above the light source. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner that can improve the visibility of dirt, etc. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of an operating section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the structure of a suction mouth body provided in the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a hue wheel of the Munsell color system that describes the hue of irradiated light. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a hue wheel of the Munsell color system that describes the hue of irradiated light. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a hue wheel of the Munsell color system that describes the hue of irradiated light. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the wavelength of irradiated light, and is a diagram for explaining a fourth example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a wavelength region formed into a ring shape by connecting the wavelengths at both ends of the band-shaped visible light region shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating the surface of dust irradiated with light when dust is placed on a floor surface and light is irradiated from directly above the dust. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating the surface of dust irradiated with light when dust is placed on a floor surface and light is irradiated obliquely (0°<α<90°). FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a graph showing illuminance versus light irradiation angle. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by a user during cleaning. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the structure of a suction mouth body provided in a vacuum cleaner of a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a top view of an operating section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating steps performed by a user when cleaning with the vacuum cleaner of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a top view of an operating section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a top view of an operating section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a top view of an operating section provided in the vacuum cleaner of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the structure of a suction mouth body provided in a vacuum cleaner of a sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the structure of a suction mouth body provided in the vacuum cleaner of the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a form for carrying out the present disclosure (referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and for example, different embodiments can be combined with each other, or can be modified as desired within a range that does not significantly impair the effects of the present disclosure. In addition, the same symbols are used for the same components, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the same names are used for components having the same functions. The contents shown are merely schematic, and for convenience of illustration, the actual configuration may be changed within a range that does not significantly impair the effects of the present disclosure.

[0009] 1 is an external perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 100 of a first embodiment. The vacuum cleaner 100 can switch on and off light L (FIG. 3) in the absorbed light of a floor surface 500 according to content (described later) that allows the user to recognize the correspondence between a floor surface 500 (FIG. 3) and the absorbed light of the floor surface 500. This can improve cleaning efficiency.

[0010] The electric vacuum cleaner 100 can be changed into various usage forms such as a handheld state or a stick state, and can clean a floor surface 500 (see FIG. 3. This is an example of a surface to be cleaned, and may be, for example, the top surface of a shelf, etc.). The electric vacuum cleaner 100 is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and may be a robot vacuum cleaner.

[0011] Support stand 70 on which vacuum cleaner 100 is stored stores vacuum cleaner 100 in a stick state with extension tube 300 (accessory) and standard suction mouth body 200 (accessory) connected to it, and is configured with base 71 and stand 72. Vacuum cleaner 100 can be used by connecting a small suction mouth (accessory), a broom-type suction mouth (accessory), an extension hose (accessory), or the like, all of which are not shown. Suction mouth body 200 is of a power brush type in which rotating brush 201 (FIG. 3) is rotated by a motor (not shown).

[0012] The vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 1, a dust case 2 (dust collection device), and a storage battery 3. The vacuum cleaner body 1 comprises a main body 10, a motor case 11, and a handle 12. The main body 10 is connected to a suction port body 200 through an extension tube 300, and sucks up dust on a floor surface 500 by airflow generated by driving a motor (not shown) housed in the motor case 11. The sucked up dust is collected in the dust case 2. Power used by the motor is supplied by the storage battery 3. A user can clean the floor surface 500 by moving the suction port body 200 in a desired direction while gripping the handle 12. An operating unit 121 is provided on the front side of the handle 12 (FIG. 1).

[0013] 2 is a top view of operation unit 121 provided in vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment. Operation unit 121 includes operation units 122, 123, and 124. Operation unit 122 is, for example, a button that controls the light emission of light source 202 (FIG. 3) provided in suction mouth body 200 (FIG. 3), and each time it is pressed, for example, the light is switched on or off. Although details will be described later, operation unit 122 is configured to receive an operation (for example, included in the content described later) to illuminate light source 202 according to the color of floor surface 500. This makes it easier to visually recognize dirt on floor surface 500.

[0014] The operation unit 123 is, for example, a button that switches the suction power of the motor housed in the motor case 11 between strong and weak, and each time it is pressed, the voltage applied to the motor is switched between high and low. By pressing the operation unit 123 when the motor is stopped, the motor starts to be driven with, for example, strong suction power. The operation unit 124 is, for example, a button that stops the drive of the motor housed in the motor case 11 and turns off the light source 202. That is, in the first embodiment, turning off the light can be performed by either the operation unit 122 or the operation unit 124.

[0015] 3 is a side view illustrating the structure of the suction port body 200 provided in the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment. The suction port body 200 includes a rotating brush 201, a dirt suction port 203, and a light source 202. The rotating brush 201 rakes up dirt (dust, etc.) by rotating about a rotation shaft 205 extending in the left-right direction. The suction port 203 is an entrance for sucking in the dirt rake up by the rotating brush 201. The light source 202 irradiates the floor surface 500 with light L of an absorption color absorbed by the floor surface 500. The light source 202 is configured with, for example, an LED capable of emitting at least one color, and is turned on (or may be blinking) as necessary to make it easier for a user who has visually recognized the color of the floor surface 500 to visually recognize the dirt on the floor surface 500.

[0016] 4 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a hue wheel of the Munsell color system (hereinafter referred to as Munsell color wheel where appropriate) that describes the hue of the irradiated light L. The Munsell color wheel is a circular Munsell color chart with a center P0, and in the illustrated example, it has 20 hues with the circumference divided into 20 equal parts. Symbols on the circumference represent hues (synonymous with "color"), with R representing red, Y representing yellow, G representing green, B representing blue, and P representing purple.

[0017] For example, if light source 202 (FIG. 3) emits light L of an absorption color that is a color that is easily absorbed by floor surface 500, floor surface 500 absorbs light L, making it easier for a user to visually recognize light L reflected by dust and to confirm the location of dust. Therefore, for example, light source 202 emits light L of a non-similar color having a hue that belongs to a region other than the region between two hues adjacent to the hue corresponding to the color of floor surface 500 out of 20 hues in the Munsell color wheel shown in FIG. 4 as light L of the absorption color of floor surface 500. By emitting light L of a non-similar color, it is possible to make floor surface 500 more likely to absorb light L and suppress reflection, making dust more noticeable, thereby improving the visibility of dust.

[0018] For example, for the hue C1 of the floor surface 500, the 20 hues adjacent to the hue C1 are the hues 5YR and 10YR. If the area between the hues 5YR and 10YR, including the hue C1, is defined as being of a similar color to the hue C1 of the floor surface 500, the light source 202 (FIG. 3) emits light L of a non-similar color, which is a hue belonging to the area other than the similar color. When a single color of light L is emitted, any one color can be selected from the non-similar colors, and when a plurality of colors of light L are emitted, any two or more colors can be selected.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the light source 202 is configured to emit monochromatic light L, and specifically includes a green LED that emits green (5G), for example. The operation unit 121 (FIG. 2) is configured to receive an operation to switch between emitting monochromatic light L from the light source 202 and not emitting it according to the color of the floor surface 500. This allows the user to easily view the dirt by emitting light L only when it is easy to view the dirt according to the color of the floor surface 500.

[0020] Operation unit 121 is further configured to accept an operation to make light source 202 shine in accordance with the contents of content, which is a medium that enables the user to recognize the correspondence between the color of floor surface 500 and light L of the absorption color irradiated from light source 202. The content here includes, for example, at least an instruction manual for vacuum cleaner 100. The instruction manual may be a paper document packed with vacuum cleaner 100 (FIG. 1), or may be an electronic medium stored in a remote server (not shown) via, for example, an electric communication line, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or the like. Whatever the case may be, operation unit 121 can accept an operation by the user to make light source 202 shine in accordance with the contents of the content, for example, the instruction manual.

[0021] The content includes a description of the light L of the color absorbed by the floor surface 500, including, for example, the type of floor, such as wooden flooring or carpet, and the color of the light L suitable for the characteristics of the floor surface 500. For example, wooden flooring is generally close to the color of wood between yellow (5Y) and purple (5P). For this reason, if light L of a hue in a range other than the range between the hues 5Y and 5P, specifically, for example, light L of a hue between yellow-green (7.5GY) and blue (5B), is irradiated, the color difference between the dirt and the floor surface 500 can be increased, making the dirt more noticeable.

[0022] Therefore, in the case of the first embodiment in which only green LEDs are provided as the light source 202, for example, the content includes a message to the effect that "select green for wooden floor flooring," and when the user visually determines that the floor surface 500 is wooden floor flooring, green light L is irradiated onto the floor surface 500 by operating the operation unit 121. This allows the light source 202 to easily emit light according to the color of the floor surface 500.

[0023] Note that, for example, if only green LEDs are provided as the light sources 202, the content includes only the color of the floor surface that becomes easily visible when the green light L is irradiated. Therefore, in this case, the content does not include (for example, is not described in the instruction manual) any content related to a green floor surface (e.g., tatami mats) whose visibility may be reduced by irradiation with the green light L. However, the content is not limited to this, and the content may further include, or instead of, content related to the floor surface 500 on which irradiation with the green light L should be avoided (for example, the type, material, color, etc. of tatami mats, etc.). Therefore, the user can suppress unintended reduction in visibility by performing operations in accordance with the content.

[0024] In addition, as will be described in detail later, if the light source 202 is capable of emitting multiple colors, the user can easily select the color of light emitted by the light source 202 according to the color of the floor surface 500. This improves the visibility of dirt and makes cleaning more efficient. Furthermore, if the content includes a message such as "select green if the floor surface color is brown," the user can determine the color regardless of the type (material) of the floor surface 500, and can emit or select the light source 202 in a shorter time.

[0025] In this way, the user can easily visually check the dirt without excessive trial and error by controlling the light emission of light source 202 in accordance with the content. Furthermore, since the content includes an instruction manual, the user can operate the operation unit in accordance with the instruction manual at hand, improving the operability of vacuum cleaner 100.

[0026] The content is available to the user through, for example, text, figures, audio, etc. The content may include an instruction manual, or may be web content (which may be an instruction manual displayed on the web) displayed on a mobile information terminal (such as a smartphone) via the Internet together with or instead of the instruction manual, an audio speaker with artificial intelligence, a catalog or POP advertisement placed in a store, etc. Also, since the color of the light source 202 may differ depending on the model of the vacuum cleaner 100, it is preferable that the content includes a model number, a product name, etc. that can identify the corresponding model. In this way, the content is used in correspondence with the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the present disclosure, and allows the user to recognize the outline and effects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a hue circle of the Munsell color system that describes the hue of the irradiated light L. While the irradiation of light L of non-similar colors has been described in Fig. 4 above, Fig. 5 illustrates preferred colors among non-similar colors.

[0028] The greater the color difference between the dirt and the floor surface 500, the more the dirt stands out against the floor surface 500 when the light L is irradiated, making the dirt easier to see. Therefore, it is preferable that the light source 202 irradiates light L having a hue that belongs to a region other than the region within 30° on both sides of the Munsell color wheel shown in FIG. 5, in which the central angle of the Munsell color wheel is the starting point of the hue C1 of the floor surface 500 in the circumferential direction. For example, the range within 30° on both sides of the circumferential direction is 10R and 5Y when 7.5YR is the center, and is a range that includes at least one of the symbols Y and R that represent the central color 7.5YR, and corresponds to a range that can be treated as a similar color. By irradiating light L of such a hue, the color of the irradiated light L can be significantly changed from the color of the floor surface 500, making it easier for the floor surface 500 to absorb the light L, suppressing reflection, and improving the visibility of the dirt.

[0029] 6 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a hue wheel of the Munsell color system that describes the hue of the irradiated light L. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a color that is more preferable than the examples of FIGS.

[0030] As described above, the greater the color difference between the dust and the floor surface 500, the easier it is to visually recognize the dust. Therefore, it is preferable that the light source 202 irradiates light having a hue that belongs to the narrower region between the hue C2 that is complementary to the hue C1 of the floor surface 500 and the hue C3 that maximizes the relative luminous efficiency of photopic vision in the Munsell color wheel of FIG. 6 as the light L of the absorption color of the floor surface 500. The complementary color relationship means that the hues are point-symmetric with respect to the center P0 in the Munsell color wheel. Complementary colors are colors that complement each other. The hue C4 is the hue that maximizes the relative luminous efficiency of scotopic vision.

[0031] For example, when the hue C1 of the floor surface 500 is 7.5YR (dark greenish yellow), light L of a hue that belongs to a narrow region between its complementary hue C2 of 7.5B (blue) and the hue C3 of 7.5GY for which the relative luminous efficiency of photopic vision is maximum is irradiated. In this way, it is possible to increase the amount of light reflected from the garbage by the light L in the region with high relative luminous efficiency, and to increase the color difference between the light reflected from the floor surface 500 and the light reflected by the garbage, thereby improving the visibility of the garbage.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the wavelength of the irradiated light L, and is a diagram for explaining a fourth example. FIG. 7 shows a band-shaped visible light region of 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less, with the horizontal axis being the wavelength. The wavelength W1 is the main component wavelength (corresponding to the hue C2 in FIG. 6) of a color that is in a complementary color relationship with the color of the floor surface 500 (corresponding to the hue C1 in FIG. 6). The wavelength W2 is the wavelength (hue C4 in FIG. 6) at which the relative luminous efficiency in scotopic vision is maximized, and is usually 507 nm. The wavelength W3 is the wavelength (hue C3 in FIG. 6) at which the relative luminous efficiency in photopic vision is maximized, and is usually 555 nm. The wavelength W4 is the main component wavelength of the spectral reflectance of the color of the floor surface 500, and is, for example, 600 nm. In these, the main component wavelength is either a wavelength at which the energy has a maximum value, or a wavelength in a wavelength range at which the sum of the energies is maximized.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a wavelength region formed in a ring shape by connecting the wavelengths at both ends (400 nm and 700 nm) of the band-shaped visible light region shown in FIG. 7. In the wavelength region shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable that the light source 202 irradiates light of a hue belonging to the narrower region of the region formed between the main component wavelength of the color complementary to the color of the floor surface 500 (corresponding to the wavelength W1 in FIG. 7) and the wavelength at which the relative luminosity of photopic vision is maximized (corresponding to the wavelength W3 in FIG. 7) as the light L of the absorption color of the floor surface 500. In this way, it is possible to increase the amount of light reflected from the garbage by the light L in the region with high relative luminosity and to increase the color difference between the reflected light on the floor surface 500 and the reflected light by the garbage, thereby improving the visibility of the garbage. Note that the floor surface 500 of a color other than the non-similar colors of the irradiated light L, i.e., the floor surface 500 of a similar color to the irradiated light L, corresponds to the floor surface 500 to be avoided from being irradiated.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 3, the light source 202 is disposed above the rotating brush 201 disposed on the lower front side. The light source 202 includes at least one LED 221 that emits, for example, green light, at least one substrate 222 on which the LED 221 is mounted, and a lens 223 having, for example, a cylindrical shape and having a curvature, which is arranged on the front side of the LED 221. By including the lens 223, it becomes easier to irradiate the light L onto the floor surface 500 located below the front side of the light source 202. However, the lens 223 is not essential, and the light L from the LED 221 may be directly irradiated onto the floor surface 500. The substrate 222 is arranged in the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0035] A cover 224 is disposed on the front side of the lens 223. An upper shade 225 having light-blocking properties is disposed on the upper side of the LED 221. The upper shade 225 can block the light L from the LED 221. This can prevent the user from directly viewing the light L from the LED 221 even if the intensity of the light L is increased to make the dirt easier to see, and can also prevent reflected light from areas other than the cleaning area, improving the visibility of the dirt.

[0036] The light source 202 is disposed so that the irradiation angle α of the light L with respect to the floor surface 500 is, for example, 5° or less. The irradiation angle will be described with reference to Figs.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the irradiation surface of light L on dust 501 when light L is irradiated from directly above dust 501 on a floor surface 500. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 described later consider a case in which spherical dust 501 is placed on floor surface 500 having an area of ​​Af, and light L is irradiated toward floor surface 500 having an area of ​​Af.

[0038] When light L, which is parallel light with a luminous flux ΦEf, is irradiated from a point on the normal line (α=90°) of floor surface 500, the irradiated area of ​​light L on dust 501 is Ad, and the luminous flux of light L on dust 501 is ΦEd. In addition, since the illuminance (=luminous flux / area) of floor surface 500 and the illuminance of dust 501 are equal, the illuminance ratio obtained by dividing the illuminance of dust 501 by the illuminance of floor surface 500 is 1.

[0039] 10 is a diagram illustrating the irradiation surface of light L on dust 501 when light L is irradiated obliquely (0°<α<90°) onto dust 501 on a floor surface 500. The illuminance of the dust 501 does not depend on the angle (irradiation angle α of light L) between the floor surface 500 and the optical axis L1 of the light L, but since the illuminance of the floor surface 500 is proportional to sinα, the illuminance ratio is 1 / sinα.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the illuminance ratio versus the irradiation angle α of the light L. Considering that human sense is logarithmic, it is preferable that the illuminance ratio is at least 10 times or more. In FIG. 11, the irradiation angle α at which the illuminance ratio is 10 times or more is 5.7° or less. Therefore, in order to make the color difference and the contrast of the light amount more prominent with respect to the ambient light that is usually irradiated perpendicularly to the floor surface 500, the irradiation angle α of the light L by the light source 202 (FIG. 3) is 5.7° or less, preferably 5° or less. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the light source 202 is disposed so that the irradiation angle α of the light L with respect to the floor surface 500 is, for example, 5° or less.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 3, suction port body 200 is provided with bumper 204 on the front side (the front side of rotating brush 201) which is made of a softer material than suction port body 200 (e.g., made of an elastic body such as rubber or urethane). Bumper 204 is the part of suction port body 200 that protrudes most toward the front side. Bumpers 204 may be further provided on the left and right sides. Providing bumper 204 can absorb the impact when suction port body 200 collides with an obstacle such as a wall or furniture, and protect light source 202 from the impact. Also, it can prevent the obstacle from being scratched.

[0042] The light source 202 (specifically, the LED 221; the same applies hereinafter unless otherwise specified) is disposed at a position higher than the upper end 2041 of the bumper 204. In other words, if the position of the floor surface 500 is H0, the length (HL-H0) from the height position (HL) of the light source 202 to the floor surface 500 is longer than the length (HB1-H0) from the height position (HB1) of the upper end 2041 of the bumper 204 to the floor surface 500. This allows the light source 202 to collide with the bumper to cushion the impact even if there is an obstacle on the floor surface 500, and prevents the suction port 203 from being damaged and prevents unintended color from entering the light source 202 due to the adhesion of dust, etc. This prevents a decrease in visibility of dust.

[0043] The light source 202 is disposed at a position higher than the upper end 2011 of the rotating brush 201. In other words, the distance (HL-H0) from the height position (HL) of the light source 202 to the floor surface 500 is longer than the distance (HB2-H0) from the height position (HB2) of the upper end 2011 of the rotating brush 201 to the floor surface 500. As a result, the light source 202 is disposed at a relatively high position and the irradiation angle α is large, but since the light source 202 irradiates the absorption color of the floor surface 500 as described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of dirt caused by the large irradiation angle α.

[0044] The light source 202 is further disposed on the rear side of the rotation shaft 205 of the rotating brush 201. In other words, in the front-to-back direction (front-to-rear direction), if the position of the bumper 204, which is the front end of the suction port body 200, is D0, the distance (DL-D0) from the position (DL) of the light source 202 to the position (D0) of the bumper 204 is longer than the distance (DB-D0) from the position (DB) of the rotation shaft 205 to the position (D0) of the bumper 204. This allows the rotating brush 201 disposed on the front side to be brought closer to, for example, a wall edge, making it easier to collect dirt, and thus makes it possible to achieve both visibility and collection of dirt.

[0045] Fig. 12 is a flow chart explaining the steps a user performs when cleaning. When starting cleaning, the user turns on the power of the vacuum cleaner 100 (step S1), which starts the rotational drive of the rotating brush 201 (Fig. 3). Next, the user checks the color of the floor surface 500 (Fig. 3) (step S2), and checks the content included (described) in, for example, the instruction manual (step S3). As a result of the check, the user operates the operation unit 122 according to the content as necessary, and irradiates the floor surface 500 with light L (step S4). Then, cleaning is performed in a state where the visibility of dirt has been improved (step S5).

[0046] The user continues cleaning until he or she feels that all the dirt on floor surface 500 has disappeared (No in step S6), and when he or she feels that all the dirt has disappeared (Yes), he or she ends the cleaning and turns off the power of vacuum cleaner 100 (step S7). By turning off the power, the drive of motor (not shown) that generates suction force and the rotation of rotating brush 201 stop, and light source 202 (FIG. 3) goes out.

[0047] According to the electric vacuum cleaner 100 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment described above, cleaning can be performed while improving the visibility of dirt, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

[0048] 13 is a side view illustrating the structure of suction port body 230 provided in vacuum cleaner 101 of the second embodiment. Vacuum cleaner 101 is the same as vacuum cleaner 100 (FIG. 1) except that suction port body 230 is provided instead of suction port body 200 (FIG. 3).

[0049] The suction port body 230 includes a detection device 231 that detects the color of the floor surface 500. The detection device 231 is, for example, an imaging device such as a camera, and can detect the color of the floor surface 500 by analyzing an image or video captured by the imaging device.

[0050] The vacuum cleaner 101 includes a control device 5 in the vacuum cleaner body 1, which controls the light source 202 to emit light L based on the detected color and the above content. That is, the control device 5 can emit light L according to the content of the content such as an instruction manual. The control device 5 is connected to the detection device 231 by an electric signal line shown by a dashed line in the figure. When the light source 202 can emit a single color of light L, the control device 5 judges whether or not to emit light based on the detected color and the above content. On the other hand, when the light source 202 can emit a plurality of colors of light L, the control device 5 selects the color of the light L to be emitted, or judges not to emit light if there is no color that can be emitted. Then, the control device 5 controls the light emission of the light source 202 according to the result of the judgment.

[0051] The control device 5 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., all of which are not shown in the figure. The control device 5 is realized by a predetermined control program stored in the ROM being expanded into the RAM and executed by the CPU.

[0052] FIG. 14 is a top view of an operation unit 451 provided in the vacuum cleaner 101 of the second embodiment. The operation unit 451 includes an operation unit 452, which is, for example, a button that controls the light emission of the light source 202 (FIG. 13) provided in the suction port body 230 (FIG. 13), and the above-mentioned operation units 123 and 124. The operation unit 452 is configured to accept an operation to select the color of the light L to be emitted from the light source 202 according to the color of the floor surface 500 (FIG. 13). The operation unit 452 includes an operation unit 4522 that accepts an operation to detect the color of the floor surface 500 by the detection device 231 (FIG. 13) and automatically emit the light L, and the above-mentioned operation unit 122 (FIG. 2). Therefore, in the second embodiment, the user can arbitrarily select either automatic emission of the light L according to the color of the floor surface 500 or manual emission of the light L based on an operation by the user who has confirmed the content.

[0053] Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the steps a user performs when cleaning with the vacuum cleaner 101 of the second embodiment. When the user operates the operation unit 122 (Fig. 14), the flow of Fig. 12 is performed, so the following will explain, as an example, the case where the operation unit 4522 is operated. Also, the same step numbers are assigned to the same steps as in Fig. 12, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0054] When the power supply of the vacuum cleaner 100 is turned on (step S1) and the user operates the operation unit 4522 (step S11), the color of the floor surface 500 is detected (step S12). The detection is performed by the control device 5 (FIG. 13) using the detection device 231 (FIG. 13). After the detection, the control device 5 compares the detection result with the above-mentioned content (step S13) and irradiates the light L according to the comparison result (step S14). The user performs cleaning in a state where the light L is irradiated (steps S5 to S7). During cleaning, the detection of the floor surface 500 may be performed at predetermined time intervals or may be performed constantly. Then, the light L may be turned off or the color may be changed every time the color changes. When the cleaning is finished (step S6, Yes), the power supply is turned off (step S7).

[0055] According to the electric vacuum cleaner 101 of the second embodiment described above, the light L having an absorption color according to the color of the floor surface 500 is automatically emitted, and therefore the usability can be improved.

[0056] 16 is a top view of an operation unit 421 provided in a vacuum cleaner 102 of the third embodiment. Vacuum cleaner 102 is the same as vacuum cleaner 100 (FIG. 1) except that it is provided with operation unit 421 instead of operation unit 121 (FIG. 2). In the third embodiment, light source 202 is configured to switch between emitting light L of multiple colors, for example, red and green, and includes, for example, a red LED and a green LED, both of which are not shown.

[0057] The operation unit 421 includes an operation unit 422, which is, for example, a button that controls the light emission of the light source 202 (FIG. 3) provided in the suction port body 200 (FIG. 3), and the above-mentioned operation units 123 and 124. The operation unit 422 is configured to receive an operation for selecting the color of the light L emitted from the light source 202 according to the color of the floor surface 500. Specifically, the operation unit 422 includes an operation unit 4221 that turns off the light source 202, an operation unit 4222 that causes the light source 202 to emit red light, and an operation unit 4223 that causes the light source 202 to emit green light.

[0058] After checking the color of floor surface 500, the user selects the color of light L to be irradiated based on the above content. If red is selected, the user operates operation unit 4222 to cause light source 202 to emit red light. If green is selected, the user operates operation unit 4223 to cause light source 202 to emit green light. If the illumination makes it difficult to see, the user operates operation unit 4221 to turn off light source 202.

[0059] According to the electric vacuum cleaner 102 of the third embodiment described above, since light L of a plurality of colors can be emitted depending on the color of the floor surface 500, the visibility of the floor surface 500 of various colors can be improved.

[0060] Fig. 17 is a top view of an operation unit 431 provided in a vacuum cleaner 103 of the fourth embodiment. Vacuum cleaner 103 is the same as vacuum cleaner 100 (Fig. 1) except that it has operation unit 431 instead of operation unit 121 (Fig. 2). In the fourth embodiment, light source 202 is configured to switch between emitting light L of multiple colors including, for example, an absorption color of floor surface 500 (Fig. 3) having a whitish color and an absorption color of floor surface 500 having a brownish color. Light source 202 includes, for example, an LED (not shown) capable of emitting the corresponding color.

[0061] The operation unit 431 includes an operation unit 432, e.g., a button, for controlling the light emission of the light source 202 (FIG. 3) provided in the suction port body 200 (FIG. 3), and the above-mentioned operation units 123, 124. The operation unit 432 displays at least one piece of information of the type, material, or color of the floor surface 500, and includes at least one button for switching the light source 202 on and off so as to irradiate light L of an absorption color corresponding to the displayed information. This allows the operation unit 432 to be operated intuitively.

[0062] In the illustrated example, the operation unit 432 is configured to display information related to the color of the floor surface 500 and to accept an operation to select the color of the light L to be emitted from the light source 202 according to the color of the floor surface 500. Specifically, the operation unit 432 includes the above-mentioned operation unit 4221, an operation unit 4322 that causes the light source 202 to emit light in the absorption color of the floor surface 500 having a whitish color, and an operation unit 4323 that causes the light source 202 to emit light in the absorption color of the floor surface 500 having a brownish color.

[0063] The user who has confirmed the color of the floor surface 500 operates the operation units 4322 and 4323 on which the confirmed color is displayed. At this time, the user may refer to the content. By such an operation, the light L of the absorption color corresponding to the color of the floor surface 500 displayed on the operation units 4322 and 4323 is irradiated onto the floor surface 500.

[0064] According to the electric vacuum cleaner 103 of the fourth embodiment described above, by operating the operation units 4322, 4323 while visually checking the operation units 4322, 4323, it is possible to intuitively irradiate the light L of the absorption color of the floor surface 500, thereby improving usability.

[0065] Fig. 18 is a top view of an operation unit 441 provided in a vacuum cleaner 104 of the fifth embodiment. Vacuum cleaner 104 is the same as vacuum cleaner 100 (Fig. 1) except that it includes operation unit 441 instead of operation unit 121 (Fig. 2). In the fifth embodiment, light source 202 is configured to switch between emitting light L of a plurality of colors including, for example, an absorption color when floor surface 500 (Fig. 3) is a tatami mat and an absorption color when floor surface 500 is a wooden floor.

[0066] The operation unit 441 includes an operation unit 442, which is, for example, a button that controls the light emission of the light source 202 (FIG. 3) provided in the suction port body 200 (FIG. 3), and the above-mentioned operation units 123, 124. The operation unit 442 displays at least one piece of information of the type, material, or color of the floor surface 500, and includes at least one button that switches the light source 202 on and off so as to irradiate light L of an absorption color corresponding to the displayed information. This allows the operation unit 432 to be operated intuitively.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the operation unit 442 is configured to display information related to the type of floor surface 500 and to receive an operation to select the color of light L to be emitted from the light source 202 according to the type of floor surface 500. Specifically, the operation unit 432 includes the above-mentioned operation unit 4221, an operation unit 4422 for causing the light source 202 to emit light in the absorption color of tatami mats, which is usually a greenish color, and an operation unit 4423 for causing the light source 202 to emit light in the absorption color of flooring, which is usually a yellow to redish color.

[0068] The user, who has recognized the type of the floor surface 500, operates the operation units 4422, 4423 on which the recognized type is displayed. At this time, the user may refer to the content. By such an operation, the light L of the absorption color corresponding to the type of the floor surface 500 displayed on the operation units 4422, 4423 is irradiated onto the floor surface 500.

[0069] According to the vacuum cleaner 104 of the fifth embodiment described above, by operating the operation units 4422, 4423 while visually checking the operation units 4422, 4423, it is possible to intuitively irradiate the light L of the absorption color of the floor surface 500, thereby improving usability.

[0070] Although not described in FIG. 18 and the above FIG. 17, the operation unit 431 (FIG. 17) and the operation unit 441 may display the material of the floor surface 500. The material is, for example, wood, concrete, etc., and wood is usually yellow to red in color, and concrete is usually white in color. Therefore, since the color of the floor surface 500 can be determined from the material, it is possible to irradiate light L of an absorption color corresponding to the determined color.

[0071] 19 is a side view illustrating the structure of a suction port body 270 provided in the vacuum cleaner 105 of the sixth embodiment. The vacuum cleaner 105 is the same as the vacuum cleaner 100 (FIG. 1) except that it includes the suction port body 270 instead of the suction port body 200 (FIG. 3).

[0072] In the suction port body 270, the light source 202 is disposed on the front side of the rotation axis 205. That is, the distance (DL-D0) from the position (DL) of the light source 202 to the position (D0) of the bumper 204 is shorter than the distance (DB-D0) from the position (DB) of the rotation axis 205 to the position (D0) of the bumper 204. This improves the degree of freedom in the installation location of the light source 202, and the angle of the optical axis (irradiation angle α) with respect to the floor surface 500 can be reduced, so that the amount of light L irradiated to the floor surface 500 can be reduced. This suppresses reflection on the floor surface 500 and improves the visibility of the dirt, and increases the number of color options for the light source 202, making it easier for the user to select.

[0073] Furthermore, in the suction port body 270, the light source 202 is disposed at a position higher than the rotation axis 205. That is, the distance (HL-H0) from the height position (HL) of the light source 202 to the floor surface 500 is longer than the distance (HR-H0) from the height position (HR) of the rotation axis 205 to the floor surface 500. As a result, the location where the light source 202 is disposed becomes relatively high and the irradiation angle α becomes large, but since the light source 202 irradiates the absorption color of the floor surface 500 as described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility caused by a large irradiation angle α.

[0074] 20 is a side view illustrating the structure of a suction port body 280 provided in the vacuum cleaner 106 of the seventh embodiment. The vacuum cleaner 106 is the same as the vacuum cleaner 100 (FIG. 1) except that it is provided with the suction port body 280 instead of the suction port body 200 (FIG. 3).

[0075] In the suction port body 280, the light source 202 is disposed at a position lower than the lower end 2042 of the bumper 204. That is, the distance (HL-H0) from the height position (HL) of the light source 202 to the floor surface 500 is shorter than the distance (HB3-H0) from the height position (HB3) of the lower end 2042 of the bumper 204 to the floor surface 500. This makes it possible to lower the location where the light source 202 is disposed and reduce the angle (irradiation angle α) of the light L axis with respect to the floor surface 500, thereby reducing the amount of light L irradiated to the floor surface 500. This makes it possible to suppress reflection on the floor surface 500 and improve the visibility of the dirt, and to increase the number of color options for the light source 202, making it easier for the user to select.

[0076] The present disclosure can also be applied to air purifiers that specialize in capturing (e.g., collecting) dirt (dust, etc.) in the air. An air purifier according to another embodiment includes, for example, a dirt suction port, a light source color absorbing plate that is provided at the suction port and corresponds to floor surface 500 (FIG. 3), a light source that irradiates light L of an absorption color absorbed by the surface of the light source color absorbing plate onto the light source color absorbing plate, and an operation unit that controls the light emission of the light source.

[0077] The light source color absorbing plate has a surface onto which the light L is irradiated, and the surface is formed in a direction substantially parallel (or may be parallel) to the flow of air sucked in from the suction port 203 in order to suppress the accumulation of dust. A part of the light L irradiated toward the light source color absorbing plate is scattered by dust in the air, and the remaining part is absorbed by the light source absorbing plate, suppressing reflection. This makes dust more noticeable and improves visibility not only for dust accumulated on the floor surface 500 but also for dust in the air, and therefore has the effect of making it easier for the user to select the color of the light source 202. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 Vacuum cleaner body 10 Main body 100,101,102,103,104,105,106 Vacuum cleaner 11 Motor case 12 Handle 121,122,123,124 Operation section 2 Dust case 200,270,280 Suction port body 201 Rotating Brush 202 Light source 203 Intake port 204 Bumper 2041 Top 2042 bottom end 205 Rotational Axis 221 LED 222 Substrate 223 Lens 224 Cover 225 Upper Shade 230 Suction port body 231 Detection Device 3. Storage battery 300 extension tube 421,422,4221,4222,4223,431,432,441,442,4422,4423,451,452 Operation unit 5. Control device 500 Floor 71 Base 72 Stand L light L

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner having a suction port body having a dirt suction port, a rotating brush, and a light source that irradiates light onto a surface to be cleaned, The light source is disposed below and behind a portion of the suction port body that protrudes most forward so as to prevent the light source from colliding with the light source, An upper shade for blocking light is disposed above the light source. A vacuum cleaner characterized by:

2. A vacuum cleaner having a suction port body having a dirt suction port, a rotating brush, and a light source that irradiates light onto a surface to be cleaned, The light source is disposed below and behind the portion of the outer shell of the air inlet body that protrudes most forward, The portion of the suction port body that protrudes most forward is formed by an outer shell of the suction port body, An upper shade for blocking light is disposed above the light source. A vacuum cleaner characterized by:

3. The air inlet body has a cover on the front side of the light source.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The light source is a green LED.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3.

5. A lens is provided in front of the light source.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4.

6. The substrate on which the light source is mounted is disposed in a vertical direction.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5.

7. The upper shade is disposed parallel to the floor surface in the front-rear direction.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6.

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