Extension pipe and vacuum cleaner including the same

Abstract

To provide an extension pipe and a vacuum cleaner including the same capable of improving convenience.SOLUTION: An extension pipe comprises: a pipe body 81 where a brush member 90 is connectable to one end and a cleaner body including an electric blower is connectable to the other end; and a light source 86a arranged at the one end of the pipe body 81 so as to illuminate a floor surface. An axial direction s1 of the pipe body 81 is in parallel with an optical axis direction s2 of the light source 86a. The pipe body 81 includes a light transmission member 87 in front of the light source 86a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an extension tube and a vacuum cleaner including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In a vacuum cleaner proposed, a light source and a brush member (a brush-shaped suction nozzle) are attached to the end of an extension tube (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-36658 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the vacuum cleaner described in Patent Document 1, the light source is arranged facing upward in the axial direction of the extension tube, making it difficult to see the area being vacuumed by the brush member, resulting in a problem of reduced usability.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVETION The present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, and has an object to provide an extension tube that can improve usability, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is characterized in that it comprises a pipe body to one end of which an airtight member can be connected and to the other end of which a vacuum cleaner body equipped with an electric blower can be connected, and a light source provided at one end of the pipe body for illuminating a floor surface, wherein the axial direction of the pipe body and the optical axis direction of the light source are parallel to each other. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an extension tube that can improve usability, and a vacuum cleaner including the extension tube. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment when stored in a support stand. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in a handheld state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in a handheld state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the vacuum cleaner in a handheld state. [Figure 6] 6 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow VI in FIG. 2. [Figure 7A] FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9A] 1 is an oblique view of the extension tube of this embodiment with the brush member removed. FIG. [Figure 9B] 1 is an oblique view of the extension tube of this embodiment with the brush member attached. FIG. [Figure 10A] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the extension tube with the brush member removed. FIG. [Figure 10B] A cross-sectional view of the extension tube with the brush member attached. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the tip of the extension tube. [Figure 12A] FIG. [Figure 12B] FIG. [Figure 12C] FIG. [Figure 12D] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10C is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 10B. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a front view of the extension tube with the brush member removed. [Figure 14B]FIG. 2 is a front view of the extension tube with the brush member attached. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the irradiation range from an extension tube to which a brush member is connected. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of this embodiment stored in a support stand. The vacuum cleaner 100 can be used in various forms for cleaning, such as a handheld form (see FIG. 2) and a stick form (see FIG. 1).

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 is stored in a stick state with an extension tube 80 and a brush member 90 (airtightness maintaining member) connected to a support base 70. The support base 70 in which the vacuum cleaner 100 is stored includes a base portion 71, a stand portion 72, and a holder portion 73. In addition to the brush member 90, the vacuum cleaner 100 can be used by connecting a standard suction nozzle (accessory), a crevice nozzle (accessory), an extension hose (accessory), and the like, none of which are shown in the figure. The standard suction nozzle is a power brush type in which the brush rotates by a motor.

[0011] 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in a handheld state, FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of an arrow III in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in the handheld state. 2, the electric vacuum cleaner 100 is configured to include a vacuum cleaner main body 1, a dust case 2 (dust collection device), and a storage battery 3. The vacuum cleaner main body 1 includes a main body section 10, a motor case 11, and a handle section 12.

[0012] The handle portion 12 is provided on the rear side of the main body portion 10 and has a grip portion 12a formed in a substantially L-shape. The grip portion 12a has a first grip portion 12a1 and a second grip portion 12a2. The first grip portion 12a1 is located forward of the second grip portion 12a2. The first grip portion 12a1 extends in the front-rear direction so as to become gradually higher toward the rear side. The second grip portion 12a2 extends obliquely downward toward the rear from the rear end of the first grip portion 12a1.

[0013] In addition, because first grip portion 12a1 and second grip portion 12a2 are connected so as to be bent at an angle close to a right angle, the hand is less likely to slip toward second grip portion 12a2 when gripping first grip portion 12a1, and conversely, the hand is less likely to slip toward first grip portion 12a1 when gripping second grip portion 12a2. This makes it easier to insert the hand into gap 12c.

[0014] Operation buttons 12b are provided on the upper surface of first grip portion 12a1 of handle portion 12. Operation buttons 12b are composed of, for example, three buttons: "Strong," "Normal," and "Off."

[0015] A first release button 18a, which is operated when removing an accessory such as an extension tube 80 (see FIG. 1), is provided at the upper front end of the main body 10. By pressing the first release button 18a, the lock between the main body 10 and the accessory is released, allowing the accessory to be removed from the main body 10.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, the main body 10 is formed with a connection port 10a, which is a suction port to which an extension tube 80 (see Fig. 1) or a standard suction port is connected. The connection port 10a forms the entrance of a suction pipe 10b (see Fig. 8). The connection port 10a is formed with a substantially circular opening at the front.

[0017] 4, the connection port 10a is made of the same resin as the main body 10, the motor case 11, the handle portion 12, etc. The top plate 11c of the motor case 11 has a slope that descends toward the rear.

[0018] Connection port 10a has built-in terminals (not shown) that are electrically connected to circuit board 50 (see FIG. 8). When a motor-driven accessory such as a standard suction nozzle is connected to vacuum cleaner 100, the brush is rotated by an electrically connected motor (not shown).

[0019] The main body 10 shown in FIG. 4 has a dust case 2 removably attached thereto, and is equipped with an introduction pipe 14 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that sends dust-containing air sucked in from the connection port 10a into the dust case 2.

[0020] 5 is an exploded side view of the vacuum cleaner in a handheld state, and FIG. 6 is a view seen in the direction of an arrow VI in FIG. 5 and 6, an electric blower 40 (see FIG. 8) and a circuit board 50 (see FIG. 8) are housed in the motor case 11. A circular suction port 11a (see FIG. 4) is formed in the front surface of the motor case 11, through which clean air is sucked in after dust is collected in the dust case 2.

[0021] The storage battery 3 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery, and supplies power to the electric blower 40 that generates suction force. The storage battery 3 has a substantially semi-cylindrical case 3a made of synthetic resin. The case 3a can be attached to and detached from the main body 10 by sliding it in the front-rear direction.

[0022] The dust case 2 is of a cyclone type and has a function of separating the dust-containing air sucked in from the inlet pipe 14 (see Figs. 2 and 3) into dust and air and collecting the dust. The dust case 2 is disposed in front of the motor case 11 with the axial direction in the front-rear direction and has a substantially cylindrical storage section 2a. A substantially rectangular inlet 2b (see Fig. 4) connected to the inlet pipe 14 formed in the main body section 10 is formed on the upper surface (side surface) of the dust case 2. The inlet pipe 14 can generate a swirling flow in the storage section 2a of the dust case 2. The dust-containing air that flows into the inlet 2b becomes a swirling flow, and centrifugal force acts on the dust, separating the dust and air in the dust case 2, and the air from which the dust has been separated is discharged from the rear of the dust case 2 (see dashed arrow M in Fig. 8).

[0023] A lid 2c that opens and closes when disposing of dust accumulated in the dust case 2 is rotatably supported via a hinge portion 2d on the front surface of the dust case 2. In addition, a lid locking mechanism 2e is provided on the top of the lid 2c to lock the lid 2c in the closed state and to unlock the closed lid 2c.

[0024] In the vacuum cleaner 100, the dust case 2 is attached below the main body 10 and in front of the motor case 11. In this case, when the dust case 2 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body 1, the lid lock mechanism 2e is hidden on the vacuum cleaner body 1 side. This means that if the lid lock mechanism 2e is provided on the opposite side (outside), there is a risk that the lid lock mechanism 2e will be released during cleaning. However, by hiding the lid lock mechanism 2e on the vacuum cleaner body 1 side, it is possible to prevent malfunction.

[0025] A maintenance brush 2s (see FIG. 4) is detachably provided in the dust case 2. The maintenance brush 2s is disposed in a position that is difficult to see from the outside when the dust case 2 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body 1.

[0026] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the brush member, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the brush member. As shown in Fig. 7A, the brush member 90 has a substantially cylindrical tube 91. A brush portion 92 (brush) having soft bristles arranged in a bundle is provided on the tip side of the tube 91. The tube 91 is formed of a hard synthetic resin material, and has a connection portion 93 that can be connected to the extension tube 80 (see Fig. 1). By forming the connection portion 93 from a hard material, the brush member 90 can be stably attached to the extension tube 80 (see Fig. 1) without falling off.

[0027] Furthermore, because the brush member 90 has the brush portion 92, the dirt can be scraped out by the brush portion 92 while being sucked up by the vacuum cleaner 100, allowing efficient cleaning. This improves the ease of use of the vacuum cleaner 100. Furthermore, because the brush portion 92 has short annular bristles planted at the tip of the cylinder 91, it is possible to bring the tip of the brush member 90 into close contact with the floor surface, improving airtightness with the floor surface and improving suction power.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 7B, a claw 93a is formed on the lower part of the connection part 93 to be locked onto the tip of the extension tube 80. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the connection part 93, claws 93b are formed to be fitted into locking parts 85 (see Fig. 9A) at the tip of the extension tube 80.

[0029] Although not shown, the brush member 90 can be attached not only to the tip of the extension tube 80 (see FIG. 1), but also to the connection port 10a of the vacuum cleaner body 1 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the handheld state.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner. 8, electric blower 40 is housed in motor case 11 of main body 10. In addition, a circuit board 50 that controls vacuum cleaner main body 1 is housed in motor case 11 above electric blower 40.

[0031] The electric blower 40 and the circuit board 50 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction. This allows the front-to-rear dimension of the vacuum cleaner body 1 to be shortened. In addition, the electric blower 40 is formed so that the motor case 11 overlaps with the handle portion 12 side, allowing the front-to-rear dimension (total length) of the main body portion 10 to be shortened.

[0032] Moreover, electric blower 40 and circuit board 50 are located below first grip portion 12a1 of handle portion 12. As a result, when a user operates vacuum cleaner 100 by gripping first grip portion 12a1, the center of gravity of vacuum cleaner 100 is located near the bottom of first grip portion 12a1. Therefore, when vacuum cleaner 100 is used with the tip facing upward, vacuum cleaner 100 can be held stably.

[0033] Further, a gap 12c for inserting a hand is formed between the first gripping portion 12a1 and the second gripping portion 12a2 and the top plate 11c of the motor case 11. The top plate 11c of the motor case 11 is formed to have a downward inclination toward the rear.

[0034] The circuit board 50 is disposed at an incline along or nearly parallel to the top plate 11c of the motor case 11. This allows the internal space of the motor case 11 to be used widely without narrowing the gap 12c for inserting a hand. This allows the vertical dimension of the motor case 11 to be shortened, and the vacuum cleaner body 1 to be made more compact.

[0035] The storage battery 3 is disposed below the second grip portion 12a2 of the handle portion 12. The storage battery 3 can be, for example, a lithium ion battery having high energy efficiency.

[0036] A filter 5 is housed in the dust case 2 at the rear end of the housing portion 2a in the axial direction. The filter 5 is configured by folding in a pleated shape, which can increase the filter area and reduce pressure loss caused by the filter 5. The filter 5 is configured, for example, by a high-density HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter).

[0037] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the extension tube of this embodiment with the brush member removed, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the extension tube of this embodiment with the brush member attached. 9A, extension tube 80 is composed of pipe body 81, pipe cover 82, second release button 83, etc. Pipe body 81 is formed of connection port 81a at one end (tip) to which brush member 90 (see FIG. 9B) or a standard suction nozzle is connected, joint part 81b at the other end to connection port 10a of vacuum cleaner body 1 housing electric blower 40 (see FIG. 8), and cylindrical part 81c other than that.

[0038] The pipe cover 82 is provided on the upper part of the pipe body 81. A conductive part 84 is stored inside the pipe cover 82. The conductive part 84 is configured by electrically connecting a male terminal 84a and a female terminal 84b via a conductor formed of a lead wire. Note that, in this embodiment, the conductive part 84 has been described as a lead wire, but the conductive part 84 may be formed of a copper wire, a steel wire, a flat cable, or the like. Also, in this embodiment, the conductive part 84 is fixed to the pipe body 81, but the conductive part 84 may be fixed to the pipe cover 82.

[0039] Furthermore, locking portions 85 into which the brush member 90 fits and is connected are formed on the left and right outer surfaces of the tip of the extension tube 80. Furthermore, a locking portion (not shown) into which the brush member 90 is locked is formed on the outer surface of the lower part of the tip of the extension tube 80. The connection portion 93 (see Figures 7A and 7B) of the brush member 90 is formed with claws 93b (see Figure 7B) that fit and lock into the left and right locking portions 85 and claws 93a (see Figure 7B) that lock into the lower locking portion.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 9B, the pipe cover 82 has a function of covering a conductive part 84 (see Fig. 9A) provided on the outside of the pipe main body 81, and is composed of three parts: a front cover 82a (outer member), a center cover 82b, and a rear cover 82c. Note that, although the pipe cover 82 is composed of three parts, the front cover 82a, the center cover 82b, and the rear cover 82c in this embodiment, the number of these cover parts may be two or less, or four or more.

[0041] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the extension tube with the brush member removed, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the extension tube with the brush member attached. As shown in FIG. 10A, the extension tube 80 is provided with a light source 86a for illuminating the floor surface during cleaning. The light source 86a is composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and is located at the upper end of the pipe body 81. The light source 86a is mounted on a light source board 86b. The light source board 86b is disposed in the pipe body 81 so that the light source 86a faces forward. Electricity for emitting light from the light source 86a is supplied from a storage battery 3 (see FIG. 8) provided in the vacuum cleaner body 1 through a conductive part 84 of the extension tube 80. Note that the light source 86a is not limited to a white LED, and a green LED or the like may be used.

[0042] 10B, the optical axis direction s2 of the light source 86a is parallel to the axial direction s1 of the pipe main body 81. In other words, the direction in which the light source 86a faces is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extension tube 80. As a result, the optical axis direction s2 of the light source 86a is in a position that partially overlaps with the brush member 90, and the light from the light source 86a illuminates a part (upper part) of the brush member 90. In other words, the light from the light source 86a illuminates a part of the brush member 90 as well as the immediate vicinity of the brush member 90.

[0043] Furthermore, when the brush member 90 is attached to the extension tube 80, the axial direction s3 of the cylindrical body 91 of the brush member 90 is upward relative to the axial direction s1 of the pipe body 81. Similarly, the axial direction s3 of the brush part 92 is also upward relative to the axial direction s1 of the pipe body 81, similar to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 91. This makes it easier to align the optical axis direction s2 of the light source 86a with the brush member 90, making it easier to illuminate the brush member 90.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the tip of the extension tube 80. Note that Fig. 11 shows a state in which the front cover 82a has been removed from the extension tube 80. As shown in Fig. 11, the extension tube 80 is provided in front of the light source 86a with a light transmitting member 87 that transmits the light from the light source 86a. The light transmitting member 87 is made of synthetic resin, glass, urethane, or the like. The light source 86a is disposed at a position spaced rearward from the light transmitting member 87. The light emitted from the light source 86a spreads radially, hits the light transmitting member 87, transmits it, and is emitted forward from the entire light transmitting member 87.

[0045] 12A is a perspective view of the light-transmitting member, FIG. 12B is a front view of the light-transmitting member, FIG. 12C is a side view of the light-transmitting member, and FIG. 12D is a top view of the light-transmitting member. 12A, the light transmitting member 87 has a front portion 87a located in front of the light source 86a, and a horizontal portion 87b extending rearward from the front portion 87a. Holding portions 87c for holding both left and right ends of the light source substrate 86b (see FIG. 11) are formed on the upper surface of the horizontal portion 87b at a distance from each other on the left and right.

[0046] 12B, a hanging portion 87e that protrudes downward is formed at the center in the left-right direction on the lower surface of horizontal portion 87b. This hanging portion 87e has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front.

[0047] 12C, hanging portion 87e is formed so that both left and right ends extend rearward, and is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a side view. Also, hanging portion 87e is located rearward of front portion 87a.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12D, the holding portion 87c has a recess 87c1 that holds the end portion of the light source substrate 86b.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 10B. As shown in FIG. 13, the front part 87a of the light transmitting member 87 is covered by the front cover 82a which is an outer member of the extension tube 80. The front part 87a is disposed at a position one step lower than the front end of the front cover 82a (at a position recessed toward the rear). In other words, the surface 87a1 of the front part 87a is disposed inside the front cover 82a relative to the surface 82a1 of the front cover 82a. As a result, even if the extension tube 80 collides with furniture or the like during cleaning and receives a large impact, it is possible to prevent the impact from being directly applied to the front part 87a (light transmitting member 87), and the front part 87a (light transmitting member 87) can be protected by the front cover 82a which is an outer member.

[0050] Moreover, light emitted forward from light source 86a is emitted forward through front surface portion 87a as indicated by dashed arrow t1. Moreover, in this embodiment, light emitted diagonally downward from light source 86a passes through horizontal portion 87b as indicated by dashed arrow t2. The light that passes through horizontal portion 87b is emitted forward from opening 81d (see FIGS. 14A and 14B) formed on the tip surface of extension tube 80.

[0051] FIG. 14A is a front view of the extension tube with the brush member removed, and FIG. 14B is a front view of the extension tube with the brush member attached. 14A, the front surface 87a of the light transmitting member 87 is disposed so as to cover the horizontally elongated, substantially rectangular opening 82a2 formed at the end of the extension tube 80. An opening 81d is formed between the front surface 87a and the connection port 81a. When the opening 81d is viewed from the front, the opening 81d and the hanging portion 87e of the light transmitting member 87 are positioned so as to overlap in the axial direction of the pipe body 81. Terminals for connecting a standard suction nozzle are provided on both the left and right sides of the opening 81d.

[0052] 14B, when the brush member 90 is connected to the tip of the extension tube 80, the opening 81d is located between the brush member 90 and the connection port 81a. As a result, the light emitted through the opening 81d passes through the inside of the brush member 90 and is irradiated onto the floor surface.

[0053] Furthermore, when the brush member 90 is viewed from the front, the front surface 87a on which the light source 86a is provided is almost hidden by the brush member 90. Therefore, part of the light emitted from the light source 86a is irradiated onto the brush member 90.

[0054] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation range from the extension tube to which the brush member is connected. Note that the irradiation range shown in Fig. 15 is in a state where the handy cleaning member is removed from the floor surface and irradiated. As shown in Fig. 15, the light emitted from the light source 86a through the front surface 87a (see Fig. 14B) is irradiated widely onto the floor surface in a substantially rectangular shape as shown by irradiation range R1. Note that the curved line L1 on the extension tube 80 side (near side) of irradiation range R1 is a shape formed by irradiating the brush member 90 with light. In other words, it becomes possible to irradiate the vicinity of the periphery of the brush member 90. As a result, it becomes possible to check the periphery of the brush member 90 while cleaning, improving usability.

[0055] Furthermore, the light emitted from light source 86a through opening 81d (see FIG. 14B) passes through the inside of brush member 90 and is irradiated onto the floor surface in a generally circular shape as shown by irradiation range R2. Moreover, irradiation range R2 is in front of irradiation range R1 (toward the brush member 90). In this way, it becomes possible to irradiate the range inside brush member 90. As a result, after cleaning the floor surface with brush member 90, by moving brush member 90 away from the floor surface, it is possible to check whether dust remains on the floor surface, further improving usability.

[0056] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the appearance of the support base. As shown in FIG. 16, the holder portion 73 constituting the support stand 70 has a cup portion 73a and a guide portion 73b on the front surface for holding the vacuum cleaner 100. The central axis of the cup portion 73a is positioned coaxially with the central axis of the dust case 2. This allows the dust case 2 to be stably held in the cup portion 73a. The guide portion 73b is a member that guides the vacuum cleaner main body 1 (see FIG. 1) to the output plug 73c and prevents the vacuum cleaner main body 1 from falling over. By attaching the output plug 73c to the guide portion 73b, it becomes possible to use the vacuum cleaner 100 as a charging stand for charging the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0057] The guide portion 73b has a guide protrusion 73d having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape on the left-right opposite side to the output plug 73c. ​​The guide protrusion 73d prevents a load from being applied to the output plug 73c.

[0058] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3, a protrusion 11b is formed at the front end of the motor case 11 of the vacuum cleaner body 1 below the connection portion of the dust case 2. An input jack 11d that is connected to an output plug 73c of the support base 70 (see Fig. 16) is provided on the front side of this protrusion 11b. Also, a fitting recess 11e that fits with a guide protrusion 73d provided on the support base 70 is formed on the front side of the protrusion 11b. The input jack 11d and the fitting recess 11e are arranged spaced apart on the left and right.

[0059] In this way, simply by placing the vacuum cleaner 100 on the support base 70, the input jack 11d and the output plug 73c are connected, and the storage battery 3 can be charged, improving usability.

[0060] As described above, the extension tube 80 of this embodiment includes a pipe body 81 to one end of which the brush member 90 (airtight member) can be connected and to the other end of which the vacuum cleaner body 1 equipped with the electric blower 40 can be connected, and a light source 86a that is provided at one end of the pipe body 81 and illuminates the floor surface, and the axial direction s1 of the pipe body 81 and the optical axis direction s2 of the light source 86a are parallel to each other (see FIG. 10B). As a result, the light from the light source 86a can be irradiated onto the brush member 90, so that cleaning can be performed while checking the vicinity of the brush member 90, improving usability.

[0061] In this embodiment, the pipe body 81 is provided with a light-transmitting member 87 in front of the light source 86a, and the light-transmitting member 87 is disposed at a position one step lower than the front cover 82a (outer member) constituting the pipe body 81 (see FIG. 13). With this, even if an impact is applied to the extension tube 80 during cleaning, the light-transmitting member 87 including the light source 86a can be protected by the front cover 82a.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pipe body 81 has an opening 81d (see FIG. 14B) between the light source 86a and the connection port 81a to which the brush member 90 is connected, through which light from the light source 86a passes. This makes it possible to illuminate the floor surface from the inside of the brush member 90, allowing the user to check for remaining dust after cleaning.

[0063] In this embodiment, the light transmitting member 87 has a front portion 87a that transmits light emitted forward, a horizontal portion 87b that transmits light emitted toward the opening 81d, and a hanging portion 87e that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the horizontal portion 87b at the center in the left-right direction (see FIG. 13). The hanging portion 87e engages with a pipe engaging portion 81e provided on the pipe main body 81 so as to cover it. This makes it easy to assemble the light transmitting member 87 to the extension tube 80.

[0064] In this embodiment, the horizontal portion 87b is formed with a holder 87c for holding a light source substrate 86b on which the light source 86a is mounted (see FIG. 12A). This allows the positional relationship between the light source 86a and the light transmitting member 87 to be constant, and also facilitates assembly.

[0065] In this embodiment, the airtightness maintaining member is a brush member 90 having a brush part 92 (brush) attached to the tip of a cylindrical body. This makes it possible to clean uneven surfaces while maintaining airtightness.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes various modified examples. For example, in the present embodiment, the brush member 90 in which the brush portion 92 is formed on the cylindrical body 91 as the airtight member is described as an example, but instead of the brush portion 92, a ring-shaped member made of soft resin may be formed on the tip side. Also, in the present embodiment, the brush member 90 is described as being substantially cylindrical, but the brush member may have a suction port in a long and narrow shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 Vacuum cleaner body 11d Input jack 40 Electric blower 70 Support stand 73c output plug 80 Extension tube 81 Pipe body 81a Connection port 81d aperture 82a Front cover (outer shell) 86a light source 86b Light source board 87 Light-transmitting material 87a Front part 87b Horizontal section 87c holding part 87e hanging part 90 Brush parts (airtight parts) 91 Cylinder 92 Brush section (brush) 100 Vacuum Cleaner s1 axial direction S2 optical axis direction

Claims

1. a pipe body to which an airtight member can be connected at one end and to which a vacuum cleaner body having an electric blower can be connected at the other end; A light source is provided at one end of the pipe body and illuminates a floor surface, An extension pipe, wherein an axial direction of the pipe body is parallel to an optical axis direction of the light source.

2. The extension tube according to claim 1, The pipe body is provided with a light transmitting member in front of the light source, The extension pipe is characterized in that the light transmitting member is disposed at a position one step lower than the outer member constituting the pipe main body.

3. The extension tube according to claim 2, The extension pipe is characterized in that the pipe body has an opening formed between the light source and a connection port to which the airtightness maintaining member is connected, the opening allowing light from the light source to pass therethrough.

4. The extension tube according to claim 3, The extension tube, wherein the light transmitting member has a front portion that transmits light emitted forward and a horizontal portion that transmits light emitted toward the opening.

5. The extension tube according to claim 4, The extension tube is characterized in that the horizontal portion is formed with a holding portion for holding a light source board on which the light source is mounted.

6. The extension tube according to claim 1, The extension pipe is characterized in that the airtight member is a brush member having a brush attached to the tip of a cylindrical body.

7. The extension tube according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an airtightness maintaining member connected to one end of the extension pipe; a vacuum cleaner body having an electric blower connected to the other end of the extension pipe.

8. 8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner body is provided with an input jack which is connected to an output plug provided on a support stand when the vacuum cleaner body is placed on the support stand.

Images