Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner provided with a suction port body for improving the visibility of dust on a surface to be cleaned by irradiating a wide area with light. And to provide a vacuum cleaner including a suction port body in which the strength of a part where a lens fixing member of an irradiation part is arranged is improved.SOLUTION: The suction port body 20 of the vacuum cleaner 1 includes an irradiation part 202 for irradiating a surface to be cleaned with light. The irradiation part 202 is provided over the whole width in the right and left direction of the front face of the suction port body 20. The suction port body 20 is provided with a suction port body 240 constituted by arranging an upper case 242 on a lower case 241 having a suction port opened toward the surface to be cleaned, a connection pipe 205 turnably connected to the suction port body 240, and an irradiation part 202 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned with light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When cleaning a surface with a vacuum cleaner, the user visually checks for the presence or absence of dust on the surface. As an example of a technology for improving the visibility of dust on the surface, a technology has been proposed in which an illumination unit is provided on the suction head of the vacuum cleaner to illuminate the surface.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which multiple LEDs are mounted on a circuit board housed in the suction body of a vacuum cleaner, multiple lenses are arranged in front of the LEDs, and light from the LEDs is irradiated in front of the suction body through the multiple lenses. The multiple LEDs are provided on a portion of the front of the suction body in the left-right direction. The multiple lenses are fixed integrally to a lens fixing member. The suction body has an outer shell formed by fixing an upper case to a lower case. The lens fixing member is fixed by being sandwiched between the lower and upper cases of the suction body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-127762 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the multiple LEDs were only installed in a portion of the front of the suction mouth body in the left-right direction, making it impossible to brightly illuminate an area wider than the left-right width of the suction mouth body. Furthermore, the lower case and upper case in the area where the lens fixing member is located are not fixed to each other, but simply sandwich the lens fixing member, making them weak. Therefore, when a strong impact is applied to the suction mouth body, there is a possibility that the suction mouth body will break or the upper case will come off the lower case. In particular, the larger the dimensions of the lens fixing member, the greater the possibility of the suction mouth body breaking or the upper case coming off the lower case.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a vacuum cleaner that can irradiate light over a wide area, improving the visibility of dust on the surface to be cleaned, and also to provide a vacuum cleaner that has improved strength at the part where the lens fixing member is located. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electric vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner body having an electric blower and a dust collection section that collects dust collected by the suction force generated by the electric blower, and a suction body that sucks in dust and has an illumination section that illuminates light toward the surface to be cleaned, wherein the illumination section is provided across the entire width in the left-right direction of the front of the suction body.

[0008] In addition, the suction mouth body provided in the electric vacuum cleaner of the present invention comprises a suction mouth main body constructed by placing an upper case on a lower case having a suction mouth that opens toward the surface to be cleaned, a connecting pipe rotatably connected to the suction mouth main body, and an irradiation unit that irradiates light toward the surface to be cleaned, wherein the irradiation unit comprises a plurality of LEDs mounted on a substrate, a plurality of lenses that are arranged in front of the plurality of LEDs and correspond to each of the plurality of LEDs, and a lens fixing member that fixes the plurality of lenses together, and the lower part of the lens fixing member is fixed to the lower case, and the upper case is fixed above the lens fixing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner in which the strength of the portion where the lens fixing member is arranged is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of an electric vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a top view of a suction body 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view of a suction body 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the suction body 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a suction body 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the suction body 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the suction body 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is an external perspective view of a suction mouthpiece 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is an external perspective view of a suction body 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of the suction mouth body 20 seen from above with the upper case 242, the lens fixing member 220, and the bumper 248 removed. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the front left part of the suction body 20 seen from above with the upper case 242 removed. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the suction mouth body 20, with a portion of the front left part cut away. [Figure 13] 10 is an enlarged top view of the front left portion of the suction body 20 with the upper case 242 removed. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 8. [Figure 15] 10 is an exploded perspective view of a lower case 241, a bumper 248, a lens fixing member 220, and a flow path cover 208. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lens fixing member 220 as seen from behind. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the upper case 242. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 8. [Figure 19] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for fixing the lens fixing member 220 and the bumper 248. FIG. [Figure 20A] FIG. 2 is a top view showing an area illuminated by light emitted from the suction mouth body 20. [Figure 20B] 20B is a top view of the state in which the upper case 242 is removed from FIG. 20A. [Figure 21] 10 is a top view showing the area illuminated by light emitted from the suction body 20 when the front surface of the suction body 20 is in contact with a wall W. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a rotary cleaning body 270 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 6 is a side view of a clutch body according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of a portion of a rotary cleaning body 270 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of a portion of a rotary cleaning body 270 according to a comparative example. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower left portion of the suction body 20. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a clutch body 275 according to an alternative to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of a portion of a rotary cleaning body 270 according to an alternative to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary cleaning body 270 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, taken in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic view of brushes (a first brush 272 and a second brush 273) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31]10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which loop-shaped brush bristles 272b and 273b according to the third embodiment of the present invention are in contact with a surface F to be cleaned. FIG. [Figure 32] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a brush according to a comparative example comes into contact with a surface F to be cleaned. FIG. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a suction mouthpiece 20 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, cut along the front-rear direction. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rotary cleaning body 270 and a bumper 248 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rotary cleaning body 270 and a bumper 248 according to a comparative example. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an irradiation unit 202 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an irradiation unit 202 according to a first modified example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an irradiation unit 202 according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an irradiation unit 202 according to a third modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of the irradiation unit when the suction body 20 according to Example 6 of the present invention is moved along the wall W in the left-right direction. [Figure 41] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of the irradiation unit when the suction body 20 according to Example 6 of the present invention is moved in the front-rear direction along the wall W. FIG. [Figure 42] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of the irradiation unit when the suction body 20 according to Example 6 of the present invention comes into contact with a wall W. FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of the irradiation unit of the suction mouthpiece 20 according to Example 7 of the present invention. [Figure 44] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relative luminous efficiency curve and the wavelength of a white LED. [Figure 45] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relative luminous efficiency curve and the wavelength of a green LED. [Figure 46]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the wavelengths of the color-tunable LED of Example 8 and a combination of a conventional green LED and a white LED. [Figure 47] This is a diagram showing a typical color range overlaid on chromaticity coordinates. [Figure 48] FIG. 47 is an enlarged view of the chromaticity range for toning (FIG. 47) according to Example 8 of the present invention. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a suction body 20 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is a left side view of a suction body 20 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the suction body 20 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In principle, identical elements are assigned the same reference numerals in all drawings. Furthermore, descriptions of parts having the same functions will be omitted. The configurations described below are merely examples, and it is not intended that the embodiments of the present invention be limited to the specific embodiments described below. In the following embodiments, when viewed from the perspective of a user using the vacuum cleaner, the ceiling direction is defined as "up," the surface to be cleaned is defined as "down," the left direction as "left," the right direction as "right," the direction in which the suction body is pushed (forward direction) as "front" or "front face," and the direction in which the suction body is pulled (rear direction) as "rear" or "back face." [Example]

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the front, back, left and right directions are defined from the viewpoint from which a user operates the vacuum cleaner 1, and the direction toward the ceiling is defined as up, and the direction toward the surface to be cleaned is defined as down.

[0013] The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of this embodiment is made up of a vacuum cleaner main body 10 provided with a hand-operated switch SW and the like, an extension tube 30, and a suction nozzle body 20.

[0014] The vacuum cleaner body 10 includes an electric blower 11 that generates suction force, and a dust collection section 12 that collects dust collected by the suction force generated by the electric blower 11. Note that although the present embodiment will be described taking a so-called cyclone type vacuum cleaner as an example, it may also be applied to a so-called paper bag type vacuum cleaner.

[0015] One end of the extension pipe 30 is connected to the connection port 13 of the vacuum cleaner body 10 so as to be in fluid communication with the dust collecting unit 12 of the vacuum cleaner body 10. The other end of the extension pipe 30 is connected to the suction body 20. The extension pipe 30 is also connected to an air passage (not shown) and is equipped with a power supply wiring (not shown) that supplies power from the vacuum cleaner body 10. The dust collecting unit 12 and the suction body 20 are in fluid communication via the extension pipe 30.

[0016] In the electric vacuum cleaner 1, by operating the hand-operated switch SW, it is possible to start and stop the electric blower 11, switch between high, medium and low, and start and stop the electric motor provided in the suction body 20. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 of this embodiment is also equipped with a rechargeable battery 14 that supplies power to the electric blower 11 and the suction body 20.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the suction body 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is a top view of the suction body 20 according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the suction body 20 according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the suction body 20 according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the suction body 20 according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a right side view of the suction body 20 according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the suction body 20 according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the suction body 20 according to Example 1 of the present invention, as seen from above. FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of the suction body 20 according to Example 1 of the present invention, as seen from below. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the suction body 20 from above, with the upper case 242, lens fixing member 220, and bumper 248 removed. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the left front part of the suction body 20 from above, with the upper case 242 removed. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the left front part of the suction body 20, with a portion of the left front part cut away. Fig. 13 is an enlarged top view of the left front part of the suction mouth body 20 seen from above with the upper case 242 removed. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 8. Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the lower case 241, bumper 248, lens fixing member 220, and flow path cover 208. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the lens fixing member 220 seen from the rear. Fig. 17 is a rear view of the upper case 242. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in Fig. 8. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of fixing the lens fixing member 220 and the bumper 248.

[0018] The suction mouth body 20 is equipped with a lower case 241 having a suction mouth that opens toward the surface to be cleaned and a brush chamber 241a that communicates with the suction mouth, an upper case 242 arranged above the lower case 241, and a connecting pipe 205 arranged behind the lower case 241 and the upper case 242. The suction mouth body 20 is composed of the lower case 241 and the upper case 242 to form a suction mouth main body 240. The suction mouth main body 240 and the connecting pipe 205 are rotatably connected via a universal joint 206.

[0019] Upper case 242 has upper flat surface 242a located at the top, side surface portions 242b located on both the left and right sides of upper flat surface 242a and extending downward from the position of upper flat surface 242a, and rear surface portion 242c located on the rear side of upper flat surface 242a and sloping gently downward in an arc shape from the position of upper flat surface 242a. Upper flat surface 242a of upper case 242 in this embodiment is formed as a flat surface without any irregularities, so it can be easily inserted into gaps, for example, under a bed or sofa, and is easy to clean.

[0020] Furthermore, the absence of any irregularities on the upper flat surface 242a improves the design. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8, the surface of the upper case 242 may be textured. For example, in Fig. 8, the upper flat surface 242a of the upper case 242 is textured roughly, while the rear surface 242c is textured lighter than the upper flat surface 242a. In other words, the roughness of the texture differs between the upper flat surface 242a and the rear surface 242c. By textured in this way on the upper case 242, the suction mouthpiece 20 appears visually smaller, improving the design.

[0021] An air passage communicating with the suction port is formed inside the connection pipe 205. The outer circumferential surface of the connection pipe 205 is provided with a connection pin 205a for connecting to a power line wired to the extension pipe 30 and supplying power from the vacuum cleaner body 10 to the LED 221, the motor 233, etc.

[0022] Between the lower case 241 and the upper case 242, a bumper 248 is provided to keep the lower case 241 and the upper case 242 airtight and to absorb the impact when the suction mouth body 20 collides with furniture or the like.

[0023] A rotating cleaning body 270 that is rotationally driven by an electric motor 233 is provided in the brush chamber 241a of the lower case 241. A floor switch 234 is provided below the lower case 241 to stop the rotation of the rotating cleaning body 270 when the suction body 20 leaves the surface to be cleaned.

[0024] Rotary cleaning body 270 is disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction along the left-right direction of lower case 241 (suction mouth body 240) and is rotatably supported within brush chamber 241a. Rotary cleaning body 270 is also provided continuously from one end side to the other end side of suction mouth body 240 in the left-right direction.

[0025] Rotating cleaning body 270 includes a rotary base 271 (rotary core), and a plurality of types of first brushes 272 and second brushes 273 that are arranged spirally on the outer periphery of rotary base 271 and differ in hardness, height, and the like.

[0026] Floor switch 234 is a switch that detects whether the bottom surface of suction body 20 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and is provided so that a portion of it always protrudes from the bottom surface of lower case 241 by a biasing means such as a spring. When floor switch 234 is detected as protruding from lower case 241 and not in contact with the surface to be cleaned, driving of motor 233 is stopped under the control of circuit board 50 (control board) (see FIG. 10), and rotation of rotary cleaning body 270 is stopped. When floor switch 234 is detected as being pressed in and in contact with the surface to be cleaned, motor 233 is driven under the control of circuit board 50, and rotary cleaning body 270 rotates.

[0027] Wheels 207 are provided at the rear of the underside of suction body 20. Wheels 207 receive stress from forward and backward movement and rotational operation operated by the user and bring the bottom surface of suction body 20 into close contact with the surface to be cleaned, thereby improving the operability of suction body 20.

[0028] The rear brush 203 is arranged so as to contact the surface to be cleaned from the bottom surface of the lower case 241, and serves to improve the airtightness of the brush chamber 241a and improve the dust collection performance of fine dust, as well as to prevent dust repelled by the rotating cleaning body 270 from slipping through the gap between the bottom surface of the lower case 241 and the surface to be cleaned and escaping to the rear of the suction body 20.

[0029] Furthermore, rear brush 203 is composed of bristles 203a extending in the axial direction (left-right direction), contact rotation parts 203b and 203c that receive frictional force from the surface to be cleaned and cause brush 203a to rotate, and shaft part 203d (not shown), and is arranged rearward and parallel to rotary cleaning body 270, and is supported rotatably continuously from one end side to the other end side in the left-right direction of suction mouth main body 240. In this embodiment, it is provided behind the suction mouth, brush chamber 241a, and rotary cleaning body 270, but it can also be provided in front of them. When the user pulls the suction body 20 toward themselves, the rear brush 203 rotates forward (rearward in the direction of movement) due to the friction between the contact rotation parts 203b and 203c and the surface to be cleaned, guiding dust present on the rear surface to be cleaned into the brush chamber 241a. Also, when the user pushes the suction body 20, the rear brush 203 rotates rearward (rearward in the direction of movement) due to the friction between the contact rotation parts 203b and 203c and the surface to be cleaned, and comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned or reduces the gap, thereby improving the airtightness of the brush chamber 241a and improving the dust collection performance of fine dust, and also preventing dust repelled by the rotating cleaning body 270 from slipping through the gap between the bottom surface of the lower case 241 and the surface to be cleaned and escaping to the rear of the suction body 20.

[0030] The side fixed brushes 204 are provided so as to contact the surface to be cleaned from the bottom surface of the lower case 241, and are provided continuously from the front to the rear of the lower case 241 near the left and right ends of the bottom surface of the lower case 241. This improves the airtightness of the brush chamber 241a and improves the dust collection performance of fine dust.

[0031] Furthermore, the side fixed brush 204 is made of flexible nonwoven fabric or the like, and prevents the bottom surface of the lower case 241 from scratching the surface to be cleaned.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 10, the suction mouth body 20 is equipped with an irradiating unit 202 that irradiates light. The irradiating unit 202 is equipped with a front irradiating unit 202a that is configured to be able to irradiate light to the front side (forward), and a side irradiating unit 202b that is configured continuously with the front irradiating unit 202a and is able to irradiate light to both side sides (left and right directions). In other words, the light irradiated from the irradiating unit 202 of this embodiment is irradiated in three directions: forward and left and right. Furthermore, the irradiating unit 202 of this embodiment irradiates light modulated to greenish-white toward the surface to be cleaned, as will be described later.

[0033] The illumination unit 202 (front illumination unit 202a, side illumination unit 202b) is a light-emitting unit, and is composed of a plurality of LEDs 221 (LEDs 221a, 221b, 221c, 221d, 221e, 221f, 221g, 221h, 221i, 221j, 221k, 221l, 221m, 221n, 221o) and a plurality of lenses 223 (lenses 223a, 223b, 223c, 223d, 223e, 223f, 223g, 223h, 223i, 223j, 223k, 223l, 223m, 223n, 223o) arranged in front of the plurality of LEDs 221 and corresponding to each of the plurality of LEDs 221. The LED 221 in this embodiment is a color-adjustable LED that emits light toned to green-white, as described below.

[0034] Lens 223 condenses and diverges the light emitted by LED 221 (color-adjustable LED), irradiating the surface to be cleaned. Of the multiple lenses 223, lenses 223b to 223n constitute front lenses that irradiate the front of suction body 20, and lenses 223a and 223o constitute side lenses that irradiate the sides of suction body 20.

[0035] The multiple lenses 223 (lenses 223a to 223o) are fixed integrally to the lens fixing member 220. In this embodiment, the lens fixing member 220 constitutes part of the irradiation section 202 (front irradiation section 202a, side irradiation section 202b). The lens fixing member 220 has a U-shape when viewed from above, and is arranged so that the bottom of the U faces the front side (forward). The lens fixing member 220 is composed of a front section 220a arranged on the front surface of the suction body 20 and a side section 220b arranged on the side surface of the suction body 20, and the corners in the left and right directions are formed in an arc shape. The side section 220b in this embodiment includes corners formed in an arc shape.

[0036] Of the multiple lenses 223 (lenses 223a to 223o), lenses 223b to 223n that serve as front lenses are arranged on the front surface 220a, and lenses 223a and 223o that serve as side lenses are arranged on the side surface 220b. In this embodiment, lenses 223a and 223o that serve as side lenses are arranged on the corners of the lens fixing member 220.

[0037] Of the above-described irradiation section 202, the LEDs 221b to 221n, the lenses 223b to 223n, and the front surface 220a form a front irradiation section 202a, and the LEDs 221a and 221o, the lenses 223a and 223o, and the side surface 220b form a side irradiation section 202b.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of LEDs 221 (LEDs 221a to 221o) are mounted on a single substrate 222. The substrate 222 is supported by support portions 231 formed on the lower case 241 so that the flat portion of the substrate 222 stands upright in the vertical direction across the entire width of the suction body 20 in the horizontal direction (FIGS. 10 to 13). The support portions 231 extend in the front-to-rear direction and are formed at the left-to-right ends of the lower case 241, and restrict left-to-right movement of the substrate 222. In addition, the support portion 231 is formed with groove portions 231a that are recessed downward, and both longitudinal (left-to-right) ends of the substrate 222 are inserted into these groove portions 231a. As a result, the front and back surfaces of both longitudinal ends of the substrate 222 are sandwiched between the support portions 231 and fixed to the lower case 241.

[0039] The upper end surface of the substrate 222 is formed with a plurality of recesses 243 (FIG. 10).

[0040] Lens fixing member 220 is arranged so that its front flat portion stands upright in the vertical direction. A plurality of extension portions 2201 extending toward the rear of suction body 20 are formed above lens fixing member 220, and each of the plurality of extension portions 2201 has a plurality of protrusions 2202 extending from the center of extension portion 2201 toward the rear of suction body 20. Shoulders 2203 are formed on both the left and right sides of protrusions 2202 (FIG. 11).

[0041] To fix the lens fixing member 220, the lens fixing member 220 is temporarily placed on the lower case 241. At this time, the convex portion 2202 of the lens fixing member 220 is inserted into the concave portion 243 of the substrate 222. After that, the upper case 242 is attached from above the lower case 241. The lens fixing member 220 is fixed by being sandwiched between the upper case 242 and the lower case 241. At this time, the irradiation unit 202 is exposed from the gap between the upper case 242 and the lower case 241 in a connected shape.

[0042] The substrate 222 is fixed by the lower case 241 and the support portion 231, and its movement in the left-right and front-rear directions is restricted.

[0043] When the convex portion 2202 of the lens fixing member 220 is inserted into the concave portion 243 of the substrate 222, left-right movement of the lens fixing member 220 is restricted. In addition, shoulder portions 2203 formed on both the left and right sides of the convex portion 2202 come into contact with the front flat portion of the substrate 222, so rearward movement of the lens fixing member 220 is restricted.

[0044] Next, a method for fixing the lower case 241 and the upper case 242 of the suction body 20 will be described.

[0045] 11 and 12, upper case side receiving portions 231b are formed on the side surfaces of support portion 231, and are recessed from the outer sides in the left-right direction toward the center of suction body 20. Side fixing protrusions 2421 (FIGS. 12 and 17) that protrude toward the center of suction body 20 are formed on the rear side of the sides of upper case 242, and upper case 242 is fixed to lower case 241 by inserting side fixing protrusions 2421 into upper case side receiving portions 231b.

[0046] Front fixing protrusions 2422 (FIG. 17) that protrude toward the rear of the suction body 20 are formed on the rear side of the front of the upper case 242. A plurality of front fixing protrusions 2422 are formed along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the suction body 20.

[0047] An upper case front receiving portion 2204 ( FIG. 15 ) recessed from the front to the rear of the suction body 20 is formed on the upper front side of the lens fixing member 220. A plurality of upper case front receiving portions 2204 are formed along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the suction body 20 to correspond to the front fixing protrusions 2422 of the upper case 242. Furthermore, a lower case front fixing claw 2205 (lower case fixing portion) protruding downward from the suction body 20, and a bumper fixing protrusion 2206 protruding downward from the suction body 20 are formed on the lower front side of the lens fixing member 220, as shown in FIG. 15 . A plurality of lower case front fixing claws 2205 and bumper fixing protrusions 2206 are formed along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the suction body 20.

[0048] A lens fixing member holding portion 241b that is cut out from the front to the rear and a fixing protrusion receiving portion 241c that is recessed from top to bottom are formed in the front of the lower case 241. A plurality of lens fixing member holding portions 241b and fixing protrusion receiving portions 241c are formed along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the suction mouth body 20.

[0049] A through-hole 248a for inserting the bumper fixing protrusion 2206 is formed in the front of the bumper 248. A plurality of through-holes 248a are formed along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the suction body 20 so as to correspond to the bumper fixing protrusions 2206.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bumper 248 provided on the suction body 20 is fixed by being sandwiched between the lens fixing member 220 and the lower case 241.

[0051] When assembling the suction body 20, first, the bumper 248 is placed on the lower case 241, and then the lens fixing member 220 is placed on the lower case 241 from above. As shown in FIG. 19 , the bumper fixing protrusion 2206 formed on the lens fixing member 220 passes through the through-hole 248a formed in the bumper 248 and comes into contact with the fixing protrusion receiving portion 241c formed on the lower case 241. Also, as shown in FIG. 18 , the lower case front fixing claw 2205 formed on the lens fixing member 220 engages with the lens fixing member holding portion 241b formed on the lower case 241, and the lens fixing member 220 is fixed to the lower case 241. The bumper 248 is sandwiched between the lens fixing member 220 and the lower case 241 by the bumper fixing protrusion 2206 that passes through the through-hole 248a, so that the bumper 248 can be prevented from coming off the suction body 20.

[0052] Furthermore, when the upper case 242 is placed on the lower case 241, the front fixing protrusions 2422 formed on the upper case 242 are inserted into the upper case front receiving portions 2204 formed on the lens fixing member 220, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. As a result, the front of the upper case 242 is fixed to the lower case 241 via the lens fixing member 220.

[0053] In this embodiment, the upper case 242 and the lower case 241 are fixed together via a U-shaped lens fixing member 220, which serves as a strength member, ensuring strength against impacts from the front, sides, above, and below the suction mouth body 20.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner surface of side surface portion 220b of lens fixing member 220 is disposed so as to contact support portion 231. Furthermore, when upper case 242 is fixed to lower case 241, the inner surface of side surface portion 242b of upper case 242 contacts side surface portion 220b of lens fixing member 220. Side surface portion 220b of lens fixing member 220 is sandwiched and fixed between support portion 231 and side surface portion 242b of upper case 242, so strength can be ensured and breakage when impact is applied from the side of suction body 20 can be suppressed.

[0055] In this embodiment, the lens fixing member 220 is positioned so as to be exposed from between the lower case 241 and the upper case 242. Therefore, when the suction body 20 is moved back and forth to clean the surface to be cleaned, dust that is stirred up from the surface to be cleaned may enter the interior of the suction body 20 through the gap between the lens fixing member 220 and the lower case 241 or the gap between the lens fixing member 220 and the upper case 242 and adhere to the electric motor 233. If dust adheres to the electric motor 233, the electric motor 233 may malfunction or its lifespan may be shortened. Therefore, in this embodiment, a partition wall 235 is provided at a position rearward of the lens fixing member 220, extending in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the suction body 20, to prevent dust from flowing into the electric motor 233. This makes it possible to prevent dust from flowing into the electric motor 233.

[0056] 14, the support part 231 in this embodiment is arranged so that its upper part is inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 relative to its lower part so that it is positioned in front of the suction body 20. Similarly, the substrate 222 attached to the support part 231 is arranged so that its upper part is inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 relative to its lower part so that it is positioned in front of the suction body 20. In this embodiment, the angle θ1 is set to 10°.

[0057] Accordingly, the center line CL of the lens 223h is inclined at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the horizontal line HL so that the front faces downward relative to the rear. With this configuration, in Example 1, light from the LED 221h that passes through the lens 223b can be irradiated toward the surface to be cleaned. Note that, although not shown, the lenses 223a to 223g and 223i to 223o are also inclined at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the horizontal line HL so that the center lines CL of the lenses 223a to 223g and 223i to 223o face toward the surface to be cleaned. In this example, the angle θ2 is set to 10°. This allows light from the multiple LEDs 221 to be irradiated toward the surface to be cleaned.

[0058] The optical axis OA4 (not shown) of the lenses 223f-j is set in the front-to-rear direction of the suction body 20. The optical axis OA3 of the lenses 223b-e and the lenses 223k-n is set to face outward in the left-to-right direction of the suction body 20 by a predetermined angle θ4 with respect to the optical axis OA1 of the LED 221o (LED 221a). In this embodiment, the angle θ4 is set to 15°, but the angle θ4 can be set in the range of 0° to 20°. This allows light to be irradiated not only onto an area in front of the suction body 20 that is the width w1 of the suction body 20 in the left and right directions, but also onto areas on the outside of the suction body 20 in the left and right directions.

[0059] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the LEDs 221a and 221o, the lenses 223a and 223o, and the side surface portion 220b constitute the side illumination portion 202b. The configuration of the side illumination portion 202b will be described using Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows the relationship between the LED 221o and the lens 223o located on the left side of the suction body 20, but the relationship between the LED 221a and the lens 223a located on the right side of the suction body 20 is similar.

[0060] The LED 221o (LED 221a) constituting a part of the side illumination unit 202b is mounted on a single substrate 222, as are the other LEDs 221b to 221n. The optical axis OA1 of the multiple LEDs 221 (LED 221a to LED 221o) mounted on the substrate 222 is set in the front-to-rear direction of the suction body 20. The lens 223o (lens 223a) disposed in front of the LED 221o (LED 221a) is disposed so as to face outward in the left-to-right direction of the suction body 20. In other words, the optical axis OA2 of the lens 223o (lens 223a) serving as the side lens is set so as to face outward in the left-to-right direction of the suction body 20 by a predetermined angle θ3 with respect to the optical axis OA1 of the LED 221o (LED 221a). In this embodiment, the angle θ3 is set to 48°, but the angle θ3 may be set to 20° or greater, preferably 45° or greater. In this way, by setting the optical axis OA2 of the lens 223o (lens 223a) so that it faces outward in the left-right direction of the suction body 20 with respect to the optical axis OA1 of the LED 221o (LED 221a), it is possible to irradiate the light of the LED 221o (LED 221a) toward the outside in the left-right direction of the suction body 20. Furthermore, the LED 221o (LED 221a), like the other LEDs 221b to 221n, is mounted on one board 222, which simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of the board 222 and reduces costs.

[0061] Furthermore, because the side illumination unit 202b is configured as a single component, the light emitted from the lens 223o (LED 221a) is not only emitted from the corners of the lens fixing member 220 toward the surface to be cleaned, but also partially reflected by the corners of the lens fixing member 220, guided to the side surface 220b, and then emitted from the side surface 220b toward the surface to be cleaned. This allows light to be emitted not only in the direction of the optical axis OA2 of the lens 223o (LED 221a), but also around the side surface 220b.

[0062] Next, the internal configuration of suction mouth body 240 will be described. A flow path is formed in the center of suction mouth body 240 to guide dust sucked into brush chamber 241a to connecting pipe 205. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a flow path forming wall 2410 is formed in the center of lower case 241 to form the lower part of the flow path. A flow path cover 208, which is configured as a separate member from lower case 241, is disposed above flow path forming wall 2410, and flow path wall 2410 and flow path cover 208 form a flow path inside suction mouth body 240. A flow path cover pressing rib 2423 ( FIGS. 14 and 17 ) that protrudes downward is formed in the center of the rear of upper case 242. When upper case 242 is attached to lower case 241, flow path cover pressing rib 2423 comes into contact with the upper surface of flow path cover 208 and presses flow path cover 208. This secures flow path cover 208 within suction mouth body 240. In this embodiment, the flow path formed inside the suction mouth body 240 is composed of the flow path cover 208, which is made up of a separate member from the lower case 241, so that the strength of the flow path forming portion can be ensured compared to, for example, a case in which the flow path forming member is integrally formed with the upper case 242.

[0063] Next, the configuration of the lower part of the suction body 20 will be described. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, in this embodiment, in order to efficiently suck in dust on the surface to be cleaned that is visually recognized by the side irradiation part 202b, recessed flow paths 2411 that are recessed from bottom to top are formed on the lower surface of both the left and right sides of the lower case 241 that face the surface to be cleaned. The recessed flow paths 2411 are configured so as not to adhere closely to or come into contact with the surface to be cleaned. The recessed flow paths 2411 are also formed so as to communicate the side of the suction body 20 with the brush chamber 241a.

[0064] In this embodiment, air sucked from the left and right directions of the suction body 20 flows into the brush chamber 241a via the recessed flow path 2411, allowing dust to be sucked from both the left and right directions of the suction body 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, ribs 2412 protruding downward from the recessed flow path 2411 are formed on each of the outer left and right ends of the recessed flow path 2411. The ribs 2412 narrow the gap between the surface to be cleaned and the recessed flow path 2411 when the lower case 241 is brought into contact with the surface to be cleaned. This increases the flow rate of air sucked from the left and right directions of the suction body 20, allowing dust to be sucked in along with the air to be efficiently sucked in. In this embodiment, the suction body 20 is provided with a side illumination unit 202b that can irradiate the side surface of the suction body 20 with light, allowing dust on the sides of the suction body 20 that is visually recognized by the side illumination unit 202b to be efficiently sucked in.

[0065] Fig. 20A is a top view showing a front area A and a side area B onto which light is irradiated when light is irradiated from front irradiation section 202a and side irradiation section 202b toward the surface to be cleaned. Fig. 20B is a top view of suction body 20 of Fig. 20A with upper case 242 removed.

[0066] By providing the front illumination section 202a across the entire width of the left-right width w1 of the suction body 20, it is possible for the front illumination section 202a to illuminate an area equal to or wider than the left-right width w1 of the suction body 20. Specifically, not only can light be illuminated near points P6 and P5 near the center of the front of the suction body 20, but light can also be illuminated near point P4 on forward extensions of both left and right ends of the suction body 20, thereby improving the visibility of dust. This improves the visibility of dust in the area of ​​the entire left-right width w1 of the suction body 20 that can be sucked in by the suction body 20, making it possible to check the amount of dust being sucked in and giving a sense of accomplishment from cleaning.

[0067] Furthermore, the optical axis OA3 of lenses 223f-j, and the optical axes of lenses 223b-e and lenses 223k-n are each arranged so as to face outward in the left-right direction of suction body 20. This makes it possible to irradiate light not only onto an area of ​​left-right width w1 of suction body 20 in front of suction body 20, but also onto areas outside suction body 20 in the left-right direction. Specifically, light can also be irradiated near point P3 outside suction body 20's left-right width w1, thereby improving dust visibility. This makes it possible to visually recognize the boundary between the area of ​​full left-right width w1 of suction body 20 that can be cleaned by suction body 20 and areas outside that area, based on the amount of remaining dust. This prevents repeated cleaning of areas that have already been cleaned, improving cleaning efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, the side illumination unit 202b can illuminate light to the sides of the suction body 20, which cannot be illuminated by the front illumination unit 202a. Specifically, light can be illuminated near point P1 on a line extending in the left-right direction from the front surface of the suction body 20, thereby improving the visibility of dust even on the sides of the suction body 20. This makes it possible to visually confirm the dust being sucked in from the recessed flow path 2411, providing a sense of accomplishment in cleaning.

[0069] At this time, the light irradiated from side illumination unit 202b toward the surface to be cleaned includes light irradiated in the left-right direction of suction body 20. That is, a portion of the light emitted from LED 221 toward the front of suction body 20 is guided by lens 223 to side illumination unit 202b and irradiated in the left-right direction of suction body 20. In this way, even in an illumination unit in which multiple LEDs are mounted on a single board 222, lens 223 can guide and irradiate light not only forward of suction body 20 but also in the left-right direction. In other words, light can be irradiated onto an area behind the front surface of suction body 20 and outside width w1 of suction body 20. This makes it possible to irradiate light over a wider area while improving the size and ease of assembly of the suction body.

[0070] In particular, in this embodiment, side illumination section 202b is provided rearward of substrate 222 and LED 221. As a result, LED 221 mounted on substrate 222 can only emit light forward of suction body 20, but by guiding the light by side illumination section 202b, it is possible to illuminate light rearward of substrate 222 and LED 221 (the rear side of substrate 222 on which LED 221 is not mounted). In other words, the light illuminated from side illumination section 202b includes light illuminated in a direction that differs by approximately 90° or 90° or more from the illumination direction of the light emitted by LED 221. This increases the degree of freedom in the area illuminated with light without having to divide substrate 222 into multiple sections, which can contribute to the ease of assembly and miniaturization of suction body 20.

[0071] Furthermore, the presence of a corner connecting the forward-illuminating unit 202a and the side-illuminating unit 202b, and the fact that all components are constructed as a single unit, guides the light, allowing each light illumination area to be seamless and continuously illuminated. Specifically, light can be illuminated near point P2, which is located at the boundary between area A and area B. This configuration prevents the existence of areas where dust visibility is poor, improves the visibility of dust around the suction body 20, and reduces the occurrence of uncleaned areas. As a result, while moving the suction body 20 back and forth, the user can visually check dust on the surface to be cleaned along its path, as well as dust on the sides of the suction body 20 where light cannot be emitted by the forward-illuminating unit 202a. This allows the user to easily determine the next area to be cleaned that is high in dust or contains a lot of dust. Furthermore, the user can confirm that the previously cleaned area is free of dust, giving them a sense of accomplishment.

[0072] It is also possible to provide only the side irradiation section 202b as the irradiation section 202. In this case, it is possible to efficiently search for the next location to be cleaned.

[0073] 21 shows area C where light is irradiated onto the surface to be cleaned when the front of suction body 20 is in contact with wall W. When the suction body is operated in the left-right direction along which wall W extends, area C is irradiated with light that is directly irradiated from side irradiating unit 202b and light that is irradiated from front irradiating unit 202a and side irradiating unit 202b and reflected off wall W to reach the surface to be cleaned. This improves the visibility of dust on the surface to be cleaned in the direction of travel of suction body 20, even when the suction body is operated in the left-right direction along which wall W extends, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

[0074] In this embodiment, the suction mouth body 20 is provided with a front illumination section 202a and a side illumination section 202b, which allows light to be emitted in three directions, i.e., forward and left and right, thereby improving the visibility of dust, and the rear brush 203 and recessed flow path 2411 allow dust to be made visible from all four directions, i.e., forward, backward, left and right, and can be firmly sucked up. [Example]

[0075] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 26. In this embodiment, the suction body 20 rotates the rotary cleaning body 270 by the electric motor 233 to clean the surface to be cleaned. During this process, hair and lint on the surface to be cleaned may become entangled around the rotary cleaning body 270. In particular, if hair and lint sucked from the recessed flow path 2411 gets between the rotary base 271 and the end member of the rotary cleaning body 270, there is a problem that they are difficult to remove. Means for solving this problem will be described below.

[0076] Fig. 22 is an external perspective view of a rotary cleaning body 270 according to Example 2 of the present invention. Fig. 23 is a side view of a clutch body according to Example 2 of the present invention. The same components as those in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0077] A plurality of insertion grooves 278 (see FIG. 29) are formed spirally along the axial direction (left-right direction) in the rotary base 271 of the rotary cleaning body 270, and a plurality of brushes (first brush 272, second brush 273) are inserted into these insertion grooves 278. A clutch body 275 that transmits the driving force of the electric motor 233 is provided at one axial end of the rotary base 271, and a brush cover 276 is provided at the other axial end of the rotary base 271. The clutch body 275 and the brush cover 276 constitute end members of the rotary cleaning body 270.

[0078] The brush cover 276 is composed of a first brush cover part 276a attached to the rotary base 271 and a second brush cover part 276b having a bearing therein.

[0079] The second brush cover part 276b is rotatably connected to the first brush cover part 276a, and is detachably attached to the suction mouth body 240. In this way, the rotating cleaning body 270 is provided rotatably with respect to the suction mouth body 20.

[0080] The clutch body 275 includes a transmission part 275a having a plurality of recesses 275a1 that engage with claws (not shown) of the reduction mechanism of the electric motor 233, a shaft part 275j that is inserted into a through-hole 279 (see FIG. 29) of the rotary base 271, a large-diameter part 275b that contacts the axial end part of the rotary base 271, and a small-diameter part 275c that is located axially outside (opposite to the brush) of the large-diameter part 275b and between the transmission part 275a and the large-diameter part 275b and has a smaller diameter than the large-diameter part 275b. In addition, the large-diameter part 275b is formed with an inclined part 275d that is inclined downward from the rotary base 271 side (brush side) toward the axially outside (opposite to the brush side) where the small-diameter part 275c is located. In other words, the inclined portion 275d is inclined from the rotary base 271 side (brush side) toward the small diameter portion 275c so as to approach the rotation axis C1 of the rotary base 271 (rotary cleaning body 270). Furthermore, an end wall 275e is formed at the axially outer end of the inclined portion 275d, extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis C1 of the rotary base 271 (rotary cleaning body 270) and connecting to the small diameter portion 275c. Furthermore, the inclined portion 275d is formed with a plurality of protrusions 275i protruding in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis C1.

[0081] Fig. 24 is a partially enlarged side view of rotary cleaning element 270 according to Example 2 of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a partially enlarged side view of rotary cleaning element 270 according to a comparative example.

[0082] 25, the same reference numerals are used for components common to Examples 1 and 2. In the comparative example, a large diameter wall 801 is formed on the axially inner side (brush side) of small diameter portion 275c, and a large diameter connecting portion 802 is further formed between large diameter wall 801 and the end of rotary base 271. The diameter of large diameter wall 801 is larger than the diameter of large diameter connecting portion 802. In other words, large diameter connecting portion 802 and small diameter portion 275c are separated by large diameter wall 801, which has a larger diameter than these.

[0083] When the operation of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 starts, suction force is generated by the electric blower 11, and the rotary cleaning body 270 is rotated by the electric motor 233. Dust that is sucked in by the suction force includes hair, lint, and the like.

[0084] In FIG. 25 , for example, when lint 70 is sucked into the suction body 20 from the left, the sucked lint 70 rotates within the brush chamber 241a along with the rotation of the rotary cleaning body 270. At this time, the lint 70 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter connecting portion 802 and enters the gap between the large-diameter connecting portion 802 and the rotary base 271. In FIG. 25 , a large-diameter wall 801, which has a larger diameter than the large-diameter connecting portion 802 and the small-diameter portion 275c, is formed between the large-diameter connecting portion 802 and the small-diameter portion 275c, preventing the lint 70 from moving toward the small-diameter portion 275c. As a result, the lint 70 winds around the gap between the large-diameter connecting portion 802 and the rotary base 271. The lint 70 that has entered the gap between the large-diameter connecting portion 802 and the rotary base 271 winds tightly and is difficult to remove with a cutter or scissors.

[0085] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the large diameter portion 275b is provided with an inclined portion 205d to guide the sucked lint 70 to the small diameter portion 275c. In FIG. 24, when lint 70 is sucked from the left side of the suction body 20, the sucked lint 70 rotates within the brush chamber 241a along with the rotation of the rotary cleaning body 270. At this time, the lint 70 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 275b, but because the inclined portion 275d is formed in the large diameter portion 275b, the lint 70 is guided along the inclined portion 275d and winds around the small diameter portion 275c. The lint 70 wound around the small diameter portion 275c is easy to unwind and remove with a cutter or scissors.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the large diameter portion 275b is provided with an inclined portion 275d in order to guide the sucked lint 70 to the small diameter portion 275c, thereby preventing hair or lint 70 from becoming entangled at the connection portion between the rotation base 271 of the rotating cleaning body 270 and the clutch body 275.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the hair and lint 70 are guided to the small diameter portion 275c, making it easier to remove the hair and lint 70, thereby reducing the work of removing the hair and lint 70.

[0088] Furthermore, by forming multiple protrusions 275i, hair or lint that has one end tangled in first brush 272 or second brush 273 can become a starting point by getting caught on protrusion 275i, and is guided along inclined portion 275d to wind around small diameter portion 275c. This further prevents hair or lint 70 from becoming tangled in the connection between rotation base 271 of rotary cleaning body 270 and clutch body 275.

[0089] It is also effective to devise a structure for the suction body 20 in order to prevent hair and lint from getting wrapped around the rotary cleaning body 270. Figure 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower left portion of the suction body 20. In Figure 26, the rotary cleaning body 270 has been removed.

[0090] 26, the inner wall surface of the brush chamber 241a of the suction body 20 is provided with a brush chamber protrusion 90 that protrudes toward the rotary cleaning body 270. This brush chamber protrusion 90 is provided so that the axially outer ends of the multiple brushes (first brush 272, second brush 273) provided on the rotary cleaning body 270 come into contact with it when the rotary cleaning body 270 rotates. When the rotary cleaning body 270 rotates, the brushes that come into contact with the brush chamber protrusion 90 fall over, thereby preventing hair or lint from getting caught on the rotary cleaning body 270 or removing hair or lint 70 tangled in the rotary cleaning body 270.

[0091] According to this embodiment, a brush chamber protrusion 90 is provided on the inner wall of the brush chamber 241a, which comes into contact with the brush of the rotating cleaning body 270 and tilts the brush, thereby preventing hair and lint from getting caught on the rotating cleaning body 270, or making it possible to remove hair and lint that has become tangled in the rotating cleaning body 270.

[0092] Furthermore, more dust is sucked in from the left and right directions of the suction mouth body 20 through the recessed flow path 2411, and the probability that hair and lint 70 will become entangled at the connection between the rotating base 271 of the rotating cleaning body 270 and the clutch body 275 increases. However, the structure of the clutch body 275 and the brush chamber protrusion 90 of this embodiment can prevent hair and lint 70 from becoming entangled at the connection between the rotating base 271 of the rotating cleaning body 270 and the clutch body 275.

[0093] [Alternative to the clutch body] Next, an alternative to the clutch body will be described with reference to Figures 27 and 28. Figure 27 is an external perspective view of a clutch body 275 according to an alternative to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 is an enlarged side view of a portion of a rotary cleaning body 270 according to an alternative to the second embodiment of the present invention. Components common to the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In this alternative, the configuration of the large diameter portion differs from that of the second embodiment.

[0094] As in the second embodiment, the large diameter portion 275f contacts the axial end of the rotary base 271. A small diameter portion 275c having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion 275f is provided on the axial outer side of the large diameter portion 275f.

[0095] Large diameter portion 275f of this alternative is provided with a plurality of grooves 275g that are recessed from the outer circumferential surface of large diameter portion 275f toward rotation axis C1 of rotary base 271 and extend in the axial direction, and a plurality of protrusions 275h that protrude from the axial end of large diameter portion 275f toward rotary base 271 (brush side). When rotary cleaning body 270 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the plurality of protrusions 275h are arranged to extend across the connection portion between rotary base 271 and large diameter portion 275f.

[0096] 28, when lint 70 is sucked into suction body 20 from the left, the sucked lint 70 rotates within brush chamber 241a along with the rotation of rotary cleaning body 270. At this time, lint 70 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of large diameter portion 275f, but because large diameter portion 275f has multiple grooves 275g formed therein, grooves 275g create space between the outer peripheral surface of large diameter portion 275f and the lint 70, causing the lint 70 to unwind and be guided to small diameter portion 275c, where it winds around small diameter portion 275c. Lint 70 wound around small diameter portion 275c is easy to unwind and to remove with a cutter or scissors. Furthermore, in the alternative, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotary cleaning body 270, the multiple protrusions 275h are arranged to extend across the connection between the rotary base 271 and the large diameter portion 275f, making it difficult for lint 70 to get between the rotary base 271 and the large diameter portion 275f. Furthermore, hair and lint get caught on the multiple protrusions 275h, making it easier for them to be guided to the small diameter portion 275c.

[0097] According to this alternative, hair and lint can be easily removed, and the work of removing hair and lint can be reduced.

[0098] As described above, in order to prevent hair or lint 70 from becoming entangled at the connection between the rotating base 271 of the rotating cleaning body 270 and the clutch body 275, it is necessary to position the maximum diameter portion (large diameter portions 275b, 275f) of the clutch body 275 closest to the rotating cleaning body 270.

[0099] Furthermore, by providing a portion (inclined portion 275d) that guides the hair and lint 70 to the small diameter portion 275c of the clutch body 275, the entangled hair and lint 70 can be guided to a portion where they can be easily removed.

[0100] Furthermore, if one end of a hair or lint 70 becomes entangled in the first brush 272 or the second brush 273, even if there is a section (inclined section 275d) that guides it to the maximum diameter section (large diameter sections 275b, 275f) or the small diameter section 275c, the rotational force of the rotating cleaning body 270 makes it more likely that the hair or lint 70 will become entangled in the rotating cleaning body 270 or the connection section between the rotating base 271 of the rotating cleaning body 270 and the clutch body 275.

[0101] In response to this, it is effective to use an uneven structure (plurality of convex portions 275i, plural groove portions 275g, plural protrusions 275h) that serves as a starting point for catching the other end of hair or lint 70 that has become entangled with first brush 272 or second brush 273 and guiding it to small diameter portion 275c of clutch body 275. These uneven structures can prevent hair or lint 70 that has become entangled with first brush 272 or second brush 273 from becoming completely entangled with rotating cleaning body 270 or the connecting portion between rotation base 271 of rotating cleaning body 270 and clutch body 275. [Example]

[0102] Next, Example 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 29 to 32. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of rotary cleaning body 270 according to Example 3 of the present invention, cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Fig. 30 is an enlarged schematic view of brushes (first brush 272, second brush 273) according to Example 3 of the present invention. Since first brush 272 and second brush 273 have the same configuration, both are shown in Fig. 30. Configurations common to Examples 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0103] The rotating base 271 has a through hole 279 formed in the center into which the shaft 275j of the clutch body 275 and the shaft of the brush cover 276 are inserted, and a spiral insertion groove 278 into which the first brush 272 and the second brush 273 are inserted.

[0104] The first brush 272 includes a brush base 272a to be inserted into the insertion groove 278, and brush bristles 272b that are fixed to the brush base 272a by sewing or implanting.

[0105] Similarly, the second brush 273 includes a brush base 273a to be inserted into the insertion groove 278, and brush bristles 273b that are fixed to the brush base 273a by sewing or implanting.

[0106] The bristles 272b of the first brush 272 are thinner and softer than the bristles of the second brush 273. In addition, the length of the bristles 272b of the first brush 272 (the length from the brush base 272a to the radially outer end of the bristles 272b) is longer than the length of the bristles 273b of the second brush 273 (the length from the brush base 273a to the radially outer end of the bristles 273b).

[0107] The brush bristles 272b, 273b have one end or the other end sewn or implanted to the brush bases 272a, 273a, and loops 272r, 273r are formed at positions away from the brush bases 272a, 273a. That is, the brush bristles 272b, 273b have both ends sewn or implanted to the brush bases 272a, 273a, forming a loop shape.

[0108] When the brush base 272a of the first brush 272 is inserted into the insertion groove 278, the radial center line CL of the first brush 272 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the normal line N of the rotation base 271. In this embodiment, the radial center line CL of the first brush 272 is inclined toward the opposite side (delay side) of the rotation direction of the rotary cleaning body 270. Similar to the first brush 272, the radial center line CL of the second brush 273 is also inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the normal line N of the rotation base 271. In this embodiment, the inclination angle θ4 of the radial center lines CL of the first brush 272 and the second brush 273 with respect to the normal line N of the rotation base 271 is set to 25°.

[0109] In this embodiment, the radial center lines CL of the first brush 272 and the second brush 273 are inclined at a predetermined angle θ4 with respect to the normal line N of the rotation base 271, which reduces the load applied to the first brush 272 and the second brush 273 when the rotary cleaning body 270 is rotated and brought into contact with the surface to be cleaned F. This makes it easier for the first brush 272 and the second brush 273 to tip over and sink toward the surface to be cleaned F, increasing the contact area and improving cleaning performance. Furthermore, granular dust can be made less likely to be repelled.

[0110] Furthermore, because the radial center line CL of the first brush 272 is inclined toward the opposite side (delay side) to the rotation direction of the rotating cleaning body 270, the first brush 272 hits the floor surface more strongly so as to dig into it when the suction body 20 is moved forward. This makes it possible to thoroughly scrape out dust right down to the base, improving cleaning performance, particularly when cleaning a carpet with long pile.

[0111] Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which loop-shaped brush bristles 272b and 273b according to Example 3 of the present invention come into contact with a surface to be cleaned F. Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a brush according to a comparative example comes into contact with a surface to be cleaned F.

[0112] 32, in the case of brush-like brush bristles 272g that do not have a loop shape, the bristles have low rigidity, so when the radial center line CL of the brush bristles 272g contacts the surface to be cleaned F at an angle, the brush bristles 272g bend midway, and the tip ends 272g1 of the brush bristles 272g move away from the surface to be cleaned F. For this reason, the configuration of the comparative example has a problem in that the contact area between the brush bristles 272g and the surface to be cleaned F does not increase, resulting in a decrease in cleaning performance.

[0113] 31, the brush bristles 272b, 273b of this embodiment are formed in a loop shape, so even if the radial center lines CL of the brush bristles 272b, 273b contact the surface to be cleaned at an angle relative to the surface F, the tip ends 272b1, 273b1 of the brush bristles 272b, 273b remain in contact with the surface to be cleaned F. Therefore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the contact area between the brush bristles 272b, 273b and the surface to be cleaned F is increased, improving cleaning performance.

[0114] The inclination angle θ4 of the radial center line CL of the first brush 272 and the second brush 273 with respect to the normal line N of the rotating base 271 is not limited to 25°, and cleaning performance can be improved in the range of greater than 0° and less than 40°. Furthermore, in the range of 0° to 25°, the cleaning performance improves as the inclination angle θ4 increases, and cleaning performance is particularly maximized in the range of 25° to 40°. This is because the contact area between the brush bristles 272b, 273b and the surface F to be cleaned increases as the inclination angle θ4 increases, thereby improving cleaning performance.

[0115] The radial center line CL of the first brush 272 can also be inclined toward the same side as the rotation direction of the rotating cleaning body 270. In this case, when the suction body 20 is moved backward, the first brush 272 hits the floor surface more strongly, digging into it. This makes it possible to thoroughly scrape out dust all the way to the base, improving cleaning performance, particularly when cleaning a carpet with long pile.

[0116] In this embodiment, all of the first brush 272 and the second brush 273 are inclined, but the inclination angle of some of the brushes can be changed, or they can be left uninclined. Furthermore, these rotating cleaning bodies can be configured to be replaceable. This allows the user to select the rotating cleaning body according to the condition of the floor (carpet, hardwood, tatami, etc.) and the user's cleaning habits (e.g., whether the suction body 20 is often pushed forward or pulled backward), simply by replacing the rotating cleaning body 270, without changing the structure of the suction body 20 itself, thereby improving cleaning performance.

[0117] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be equipped with a sensor or the like to detect the condition of the floor surface and the user's cleaning habits. In this case, the optimal rotating cleaning element is determined according to the usage state of the vacuum cleaner 1 and notified to the user, thereby enabling cleaning with the optimal rotating cleaning element to be achieved and improving cleaning performance. The detection means for the sensor or the like is not limited to these, and may include optical means, means using moving images, physical means, etc.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the radial center lines CL of the loop-shaped first brush 272 and second brush 273 are arranged at an inclination of a predetermined angle θ4 with respect to the normal line N of the rotating base 271. Therefore, when the rotating cleaning body 270 is rotated and brought into contact with the surface F to be cleaned, the load applied to the first brush 272 and second brush 273 can be reduced, and the contact area between the first brush 272 and second brush 273 and the surface F to be cleaned is increased, thereby improving cleaning performance. [Example]

[0119] Next, Example 4 will be described with reference to Figs. 33 to 35. Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a suction body 20 according to Example 4 of the present invention, cut along the front-rear direction and partially enlarged. Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram of a rotary cleaning body 270 and a bumper 248 according to Example 4 of the present invention. Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram of a rotary cleaning body 270 and a bumper 248 according to a comparative example. Components common to Examples 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0120] This embodiment is characterized in that the lower end of the bumper 248 provided on the front end surface of the suction body 20 is provided with a protruding portion 248b that protrudes toward the rotary cleaning body 270 side (brush chamber 241a side).

[0121] Bumper 248 is provided from the front end surface to the left and right side surfaces of suction mouth body 240. As shown in Figure 33, protrusion 248b is provided at the lower end of the front end surface of bumper 248.

[0122] Dust on the surface to be cleaned F includes small, hard particles such as rice grains. As shown in the comparative example in Figure 35, when a grain of rice 60 enters the brush chamber 241a, the grain of rice 60 rotates in the brush chamber 241a together with the rotating first brush 272 and second brush 273 and is sucked into the dust collection section. At this time, some of the rice grains released by the rotation of the first brush 272 and second brush 273 may bounce off the surface to be cleaned F and be ejected forward of the suction body 20.

[0123] Therefore, in this embodiment, a protrusion 248b that protrudes toward the rotary cleaning body 270 (brush chamber 241a side) is provided at the lower end of bumper 248. Rice grains released by the rotation of first brush 272 and second brush 273 collide with protrusion 248b provided at the lower end of bumper 248 and are guided toward the rotary cleaning body 270 (brush chamber 241a side).

[0124] According to this embodiment, the lower end of the bumper 248 is provided with a protrusion 248b that protrudes toward the rotating cleaning body 270 (the brush chamber 241a side), thereby preventing rice grains and the like from being ejected forward of the suction body 20. [Example]

[0125] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 36 to 39. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an irradiation unit 202 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 36, the irradiation unit 202 includes a reflecting unit 2021 having a U-shaped cross section and an LED 221 provided at the bottom of the U-shaped reflecting unit 2021. The reflecting unit 2021 includes a smooth reflecting plate 2021a whose inner surface is formed like a mirror, and the light emitted by the LED 221 is reflected by the reflecting plate 2021a. As shown in FIG. 36, the light emitted by the LED 221 is reflected by the reflecting plate 2021a and guided forward. The same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the irradiating section 202 is provided with the reflector 2021a, so that the light emitted by the LED 221 can be irradiated far away and over a wide range.

[0127] The reflector 2021a may be formed with an uneven surface, in which case the light can be irradiated more uniformly than with a smooth reflector.

[0128] [Variation 1] Next, a modified example of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 37. Fig. 37 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an irradiation unit 202 according to a modified example 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 37, in the modified example 1, the LED 221 is mounted on a flexible substrate 2221 having flexibility. The flexible substrate 2221 can be bent to fit the shape of the lens 223 or the lens fixing member 220 that fixes the lens 223. According to the modified example 1, the degree of freedom in designing the irradiation unit 202 can be improved.

[0129] [Variation 2] Next, a modified example of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 38. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the irradiation unit 202 according to the second modified example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 38, in the second modified example, the lenses constituting the irradiation unit 202 are configured with two lenses 2231 (a first lens 2231a and a second lens 2231b) having different refractive indices. The light emitted by the LED 221 enters the first lens 2231a, changes its radiation direction, and is then emitted from the first lens 2231a. The light emitted from the first lens 2231a enters the second lens 2231b, further changes its radiation direction, and is then emitted from the second lens 2231b. The light emitted from the second lens 2231b then irradiates the surface to be cleaned. According to the second modified example, the design freedom of the irradiation unit 202 can be improved.

[0130] [Variation 3] Next, a modified example of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 39. Fig. 39 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the irradiation unit 202 according to a modified example 3 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 39, the modified example 3 includes a light guide tube 224 between the lens 223 and the LED 221 that constitute the irradiation unit 202. Light emitted by the LED 221 enters the light guide tube 224, passes through the light guide tube 224, and is guided to the lens 223. By using the light guide tube 224, the position of the LED 221 relative to the lens 223 can be freely set. According to the modified example 3, the degree of freedom in designing the irradiation unit 202 can be improved. [Example]

[0131] Next, Example 6 will be described with reference to Figures 40 to 42. Figure 40 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of the irradiation unit when suction body 20 according to Example 6 of the present invention is moved in the left-right direction along wall W. The same components as those in Examples 1 to 5 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0132] The substrate 222 provided in the suction body 20 is provided with a plurality of forward illumination LEDs 2211, left illumination LEDs 2212, and right illumination LEDs 2213. The forward illumination LEDs 2211, left illumination LEDs 2212, and right illumination LEDs 2213 configure an illumination unit.

[0133] In FIG. 40(a), the front of the suction body 20 is brought into contact with the wall W, and the suction body 20 is moved along the wall W with the cleaning direction directed to the left of the suction body 20. At this time, the LEDs provided in the suction body 20 turn on the left-side illumination LED 2212 and turn off the front-side illumination LED 2211 and the right-side illumination LED 2213. Alternatively, the brightness of the light from the left-side illumination LED 2212 is increased, and the brightness of the light from the front-side illumination LED 2211 and the right-side illumination LED 2213 is decreased. Also, in FIG. 40(b), the front of the suction body 20 is brought into contact with the wall W, and the suction body 20 is moved along the wall W with the cleaning direction directed to the right of the suction body 20. At this time, the LEDs provided in the suction body 20 turn on the right-side illumination LED 2213 and turn off the front-side illumination LED 2211 and the left-side illumination LED 2212. Alternatively, the brightness of the light from the right-side illumination LED 2213 is increased, and the brightness of the light from the forward-side illumination LED 2211 and the left-side illumination LED 2212 is decreased. That is, in Figures 40(a) and 40(b), only the LEDs in the cleaning direction are turned on or have increased brightness to illuminate the surface to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the LEDs other than those in the cleaning direction are turned off or have reduced brightness, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0134] Next, FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of the irradiation unit when the suction body 20 according to Example 6 of the present invention is moved in the front-rear direction along the wall W.

[0135] In FIG. 41(a), the right side of the suction body 20 is brought into contact with the wall W, and the suction body 20 is moved along the wall W with the front-to-back direction of the suction body 20 as the cleaning direction. At this time, the LEDs provided in the suction body 20 turn on the forward-illumination LED 2211 and the left-illumination LED 2212, and turn off the right-illumination LED 2213. Alternatively, the brightness of the light of the forward-illumination LED 2211 and the left-illumination LED 2212 is increased, and the brightness of the light of the right-illumination LED 2213 is decreased. Also, in FIG. 41(b), the left side of the suction body 20 is brought into contact with the wall W, and the suction body 20 is moved along the wall W with the front-to-back direction of the suction body 20 as the cleaning direction. At this time, the LEDs provided in the suction body 20 turn on the forward-illumination LED 2211 and the right-illumination LED 2213, and turn off the left-illumination LED 2212. Alternatively, the brightness of the light from the forward-illuminating LED 2211 and the right-illuminating LED 2213 is increased, and the brightness of the light from the left-illuminating LED 2212 is decreased. That is, in Figures 41(a) and 41(b), only the LEDs not in contact with the wall W are turned on or the brightness of the light is increased to illuminate the surface to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the LEDs in contact with the wall W are turned off or the brightness is decreased, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0136] Next, FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of the irradiation unit when the suction body 20 according to Example 6 of the present invention comes into contact with a wall W.

[0137] In FIG. 42(a), the front of the suction body 20 is in contact with the wall W, and the left and right directions of the suction body 20 are open. At this time, the LEDs provided in the suction body 20 turn on the left-side illumination LED 2212 and the right-side illumination LED 2213, and turn off the front-side illumination LED 2211. Alternatively, the brightness of the light from the left-side illumination LED 2212 and the right-side illumination LED 2213 is increased, and the brightness of the light from the front-side illumination LED 2211 is decreased. Also, in FIG. 42(b), the front and right sides of the suction body 20 are in contact with the wall W, and the left side of the suction body 20 is open. At this time, the LEDs provided in the suction body 20 turn on the left-side illumination LED 2212, and turn off the front-side illumination LED 2211 and the right-side illumination LED 2213. Alternatively, the brightness of the light from the left-side illumination LED 2212 is increased, and the brightness of the light from the forward-side illumination LED 2211 and the right-side illumination LED 2213 is decreased. In Figures 42(a) and 42(b), only the LEDs not in contact with the wall W are turned on or have their brightness increased to illuminate the surface to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the LEDs in contact with the wall W are turned off or have their brightness decreased, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0138] It is preferable to use an optical sensor that converts light information such as visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light into electronic data, an ultrasonic sensor that uses ultrasonic waves, or a contact sensor that detects contact with wall W to detect the wall W. It is also preferable to use a method of equipping the suction body 20 and the vacuum cleaner main body 10 with a camera and analyzing the image from the camera to determine the direction of travel, or a method of determining the direction of travel from the value of the load current of the electric motor 233 that drives the rotary cleaning body 270 to detect the direction of travel, for example.

[0139] Furthermore, the brightness of the LED provided in the suction body 20 can be changed depending on the cleaning environment. For example, when cleaning a dark place such as a room with no lights on or a crevices, the LED can be made brighter. This leads to energy savings because there is no need to unnecessarily increase the brightness of the LED in places where low LED brightness does not reduce the visibility of dust relatively. Furthermore, the brightness of the LED can be increased in bright rooms. This improves the visibility of dust even in environments where normal LED brightness does not improve the visibility of dust in bright rooms.

[0140] The brightness of the cleaning environment may be determined by providing an illuminance sensor or a camera in the cleaner body 10 and analyzing the image from the camera. [Example]

[0141] Next, Example 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 43. Fig. 43 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of the irradiation unit of suction body 20 according to Example 7 of the present invention. The same components as those in Examples 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0142] In Example 7, in addition to a plurality of forward-illumination LEDs 2211, left-illumination LEDs 2212 (left-front-illumination LEDs), and right-illumination LEDs 2213 (right-front-illumination LEDs), rear-illumination LEDs 2214, left-rear-illumination LEDs 2215, and right-rear-illumination LEDs 2216 are provided. That is, in Example 7, by providing LEDs that illuminate the rear side of the suction body 20, light is emitted from the entire circumference of the suction body 20 (four directions: front, back, left, and right). In this example, by providing LEDs that illuminate the rear side, the visibility of dust can be improved when the suction body 20 is moved rearward to perform cleaning. Furthermore, when the suction body 20 is moved forward, the dust that the user could see using the forward-illumination LEDs 2211 is sucked in by the suction body 20, and as a result, the user can confirm using the rear-illumination LEDs 2214 that there is no dust on the surface to be cleaned. This allows the user to confirm the cleaning results and feel a sense of accomplishment in cleaning.

[0143] The substrate can also be divided into multiple pieces and arranged. In this case, the size of each substrate becomes smaller, allowing for greater flexibility in substrate arrangement. For example, a side-illuminating LED substrate can be arranged to illuminate the sides, and this side-illuminating LED substrate can be set to direct the LED light to the side. This eliminates the need to change the light irradiation direction in a complex manner using lenses, and eliminates the need for complex lens shapes, improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0144] Furthermore, when illuminating the front and sides with a minimum board size, the board can be placed in the front right corner or front left corner of suction body 20, and light can be irradiated so that the front and sides (to the right or left) become the illumination area. In this case, it is possible to reduce the number of boards while also achieving weight reduction and a reduction in the number of parts, and it is also possible to visually check dust over a wider range (the front area of ​​suction body 20 where dust is sucked in by the back and forth cleaning operation and the side area of ​​suction body 20 where the cleaning operation will be performed during the next cleaning operation), thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

[0145] Furthermore, for example, the lenses arranged to surround the LED may be configured with light guide tubes, so that light is emitted without any gaps around the entire periphery of the suction body 20. This allows the periphery of the suction body to be illuminated without any gaps (a seamless illumination range can be achieved), further improving the visibility of dust. [Example]

[0146] Next, Example 8 will be described with reference to Figs. 44 to 47. Fig. 44 is a diagram showing the relative luminous efficiency curve and the wavelength of a white LED. Fig. 45 is a diagram showing the relative luminous efficiency curve and the wavelength of a green LED. Fig. 46 is a diagram showing the wavelength of the color-adjustable LED of Example 8 and a combination of a conventional green LED and a white LED. The same components as in Examples 1 to 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0147] The wavelength of colored light that humans can see is generally said to be between 380nm and 780nm, and the wavelength (color) of light that is perceived as bright differs between "scotopic vision," which is a dark place, and "photopic vision," which is a bright place. In scotopic vision, "blue-green" around 500nm is perceived as the brightest, while in photopic vision, "yellow-green" around 555nm is perceived as the brightest. Humans perceive light as wavelengths larger or smaller than the brightest wavelength, making it appear darker.

[0148] The relative luminosity curves shown in Figures 44 and 45 are for photopic vision. As mentioned above, humans are more sensitive to "yellow-green" around 555 nm in photopic vision, and so vacuum cleaners equipped with green LEDs in the suction nozzle have been proposed. Such vacuum cleaners are described, for example, in JP 2022-127762 A. Since illuminating the surface to be cleaned using only a single green LED creates an unnatural feeling, the technology described in JP 2022-127762 A uses white LEDs in addition to green LEDs, and these LEDs are arranged alternately in front of the suction nozzle. In the technology described in JP 2022-127762 A, the alternating arrangement of green LEDs and white LEDs causes color unevenness, and technology to further improve visibility was needed.

[0149] The characteristics of a green LED, a white LED, and a mixed green-white LED (simultaneous illumination of a green LED and a white LED) obtained by mixing these will be described using Figures 44 to 46. In Figures 45 and 44, wavelengths around 520 nm are perceived as bright with a green LED, and wavelengths around 450 nm are perceived as bright with a white LED. With a mixed green-white LED obtained by mixing these green and white LEDs, wavelengths around 520 nm are perceived as bright, as shown by the thin solid line in Figure 46. Furthermore, with the mixed green-white LED, there is a wavelength around 450 nm that is perceived as bright, which is a characteristic of white LEDs. Since mixed green-white LEDs exhibit color unevenness, in this example, a color-tunable LED was investigated, taking into account the characteristics of the green and white LEDs.

[0150] FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a general color range superimposed on chromaticity coordinates. FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of the color - adjustment chromaticity range (FIG. 47) according to Example 8 of the present invention.

[0151] Chromaticity coordinates represent the ratios of three lights, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), which are the three primary colors of light, in two - dimensions on the xy - axis. On the x - axis, the smaller the value of x, the stronger the blue, and the larger the value of x, the stronger the red. On the y - axis, the smaller the value of y, the stronger the blue, and the larger the value of y, the stronger the green.

[0152] A white LED can be obtained, for example, by mixing a yellow phosphor with a blue LED. Further, in this example, a yellow - green phosphor for obtaining a wavelength near 555 nm is mixed with the white LED obtained above. That is, the color - adjusted LED of this example is configured by mixing a yellow phosphor and a yellow - green phosphor with a blue LED for color adjustment. The color - adjusted LED emits light that is color - adjusted to green (green - white) including wavelengths of green and white.

[0153] The light emitted from the color - adjusted LED varies depending on the amount of the phosphor to be blended. Therefore, in this example, the light emitted from the color - adjusted LED is adjusted so that the color is in the range of 0.2275 < x < 0.2625 and 0.4450 < y < 0.5150 in the chromaticity coordinates shown in FIG. 48.

[0154] The wavelength of the color - adjusted LED of this example is shown by the thick solid line in FIG. 46. As shown in FIG. 46, in the color - adjusted LED of this example, a wavelength near 525 nm is brightly felt, and it can be made closer to the ideal relative sensitivity curve than the conventional mixed LED. Further, in the color - adjusted LED of this example, a wavelength that is brightly felt near 455 nm is obtained, and an LED having the characteristics of a white LED can be provided. By providing the color - adjusted LED obtained in this example to the suction body 20 of Examples 1 - 7, a suction body 20 with suppressed color unevenness and improved visibility can be provided.

Example

[0155] Next, Example 9 will be described with reference to Figs. 49 to 51. Fig. 49 is a bottom view of the suction body 20 according to Example 9 of the present invention. Fig. 49 shows a partial exploded view of the wheel 2071. Fig. 50 is a left side view of the suction body 20 according to Example 8 of the present invention. Fig. 51 is a rear view of the suction body 20 according to Example 9 of the present invention. The same components as those in Examples 1 to 8 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Example 9 differs from Example 1 in the configuration of the wheel disposed behind the suction body 20.

[0156] Wheels 2071 are provided at the rear of the underside of the suction body 20, which are divided into left and right halves of the suction body 20. When the suction body 20 is moved, in addition to the front-rear direction, the suction body 20 may be turned sideways so that the left-right direction of the suction body is the movement direction (see FIG. 40 ). When the suction body 20, which is provided with wheels 207 that rotate in the front-rear direction, is turned sideways and moved with the left-right direction of the suction body as the movement direction, as in Example 1, the rotation direction of the wheels 207 and the movement direction of the suction body 20 are orthogonal, and there is a possibility that the wheels 207 will wear out. Therefore, in this example, the wheels 2071 are arranged at an angle relative to the front-rear and left-right directions of the suction body 20.

[0157] A rotating shaft 2072 that supports a wheel 2071 is provided at the rear of the underside of the suction body 20. The rotation axis C2 of the rotating shaft 2072 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 49. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the rotation axis C2 is set to be 45° with respect to the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

[0158] 50 and 51, the rotation axis C2 of the rotation shaft 2072 is inclined with respect to the surface to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the rotation axis C2 is set to be 36° with respect to the surface to be cleaned.

[0159] A rotary shaft 2072 is inserted into the wheel 2071, and the wheel 2071 is provided with a rotary support portion 2071a that rotatably supports the wheel 2071. By arranging a wheel cover on the suction body 20 with the rotary shaft 2072 inserted into the rotary support portion 2071a, the wheel 2071 is rotatably held at the rear of the lower surface of the suction body 20.

[0160] The outer peripheral surfaces of the wheels 2071 are inclined with respect to the rotation axis C2. That is, the outer peripheral surfaces of the wheels 2071 are inclined so as to approach the rotation axis C2 as they move from the inside to the outside of the suction body 20. The inclination angle of the outer peripheral surfaces of the wheels 2071 is set so that the outer peripheral surfaces of the wheels 2071 come into contact with the surface to be cleaned, as shown in Figures 50 and 51. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surfaces of the wheels 2071 is set so as to be inclined at 36° with respect to the rotation axis C2.

[0161] According to this embodiment, the wheel 2071 is provided with a rotation axis C2 that is inclined in the front-rear and left-right directions relative to the surface to be cleaned, so that the wheel 2071 can rotate even when the suction body 20 moves in the front-rear and left-right directions, thereby suppressing wear on the wheel 2071.

[0162] The suction mouthpiece 20 of this embodiment may also be provided with the color-adjustable LED of the seventh embodiment.

[0163] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1...electric vacuum cleaner, 10...vacuum cleaner body, 11...electric blower, 12...dust collection unit, 13...connection port, 14...rechargeable battery, 20...suction mouth body, 30...extension tube, 50...circuit board, 60...rice grains, 70...lint, 90...brush chamber protrusion, 202...irradiation unit, 202a...front irradiation unit, 202b...side irradiation unit, 203...rear brush, 203a...brush, 203b...contact rotation unit, 204...side fixed brush, 205...connection tube, 205a...connection pin, 205d...inclined portion, 206...universal joint, 207...wheel, 208...flow path cover, 220...lens fixing member, 220a...front portion, 220b...side portion, 221...LED, 221a to 221o...LED, 222...substrate, 223...lens, 223a to 223o...lenses, 224...light guide tube, 231...support portion, 231a...groove portion, 231b...upper case side receiving portion, 233...motor, 234...floor switch, 235...partition wall, 240...suction nozzle body, 241...lower case, 241a...brush chamber, 241b...lens fixing member holding portion, 241c...fixing protrusion receiving portion, 242...upper case, 242a...upper flat portion, 242b...side portion, 242c...rear surface portion, 243...recess, 248...bumper, 248a...through hole, 248b...protrusion, 2 70...rotating cleaning body, 271...rotating base, 272...first brush, 272a...brush base, 272b...brush bristles, 272b1...tip portion, 272g...brush bristles, 272g1...tip portion, 272r...loop, 273...second brush, 273a...brush base, 273b...brush bristles, 273b1...tip portion, 273r...loop, 275...clutch body, 275a...transmission portion, 275a1...recess, 275b...large diameter portion, 275c...small diameter portion, 275d...inclined portion, 275e...end wall, 275f...large diameter portion, 275g...groove portion, 275h...projection portion, 275i...convex portion, 275j...shaft portion, 276 ...Brush cover, 276a...first brush cover portion, 276b...second brush cover portion, 278...insertion groove, 279...through hole, 801...large diameter wall, 802...large diameter connection portion, 2021...reflecting portion, 2021a...reflecting plate, 2071...wheel, 2071a...rotation support portion, 2072...rotating shaft, 2201...extension portion, 2202...convex portion, 2203...shoulder portion, 2204...upper case front receiving portion, 2205...lower case front fixing claw, 2206...bumper fixing protrusion, 2211...forward illumination LED, 2212...left illumination LED, 2213...right illumination LED, 2214...rear illumination LED,2215...Left rear illumination LED, 2216...Right rear illumination LED, 2221...Flexible substrate, 2231...Lens, 2231a...First lens, 2231b...Second lens, 2410...Flow path forming wall, 2411...Recessed flow path, 2412...Rib, 2421...Side fixing protrusion, 2422...Front fixing protrusion, 2423...Flow path cover pressing rib,

Claims

1. a vacuum cleaner body including an electric blower and a dust collecting unit that collects dust collected by suction force generated by the electric blower; A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction body for sucking dust, the suction body having an irradiation unit for irradiating light toward a surface to be cleaned; The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the irradiation section is provided across the entire width in the left-right direction of the front surface of the suction mouth body.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the irradiation section is also provided on at least a part of a side surface of the suction mouth body.

3. 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, The suction body includes a suction body having an upper case disposed on a lower case having a suction port that opens toward the surface to be cleaned, the illumination unit includes a plurality of LEDs mounted on a substrate, a plurality of lenses arranged in front of the plurality of LEDs and corresponding to the plurality of LEDs, and a lens fixing member that integrally fixes the plurality of lenses; a lower part of the lens fixing member being fixed to the lower case, and the upper case being fixed above the lens fixing member;

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, The lens fixing member includes a lower case fixing portion that protrudes downward and is fixed to the lower case, and an upper case front receiving portion that is recessed from the front to the rear, The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the front of the upper case is provided with a front fixing protrusion that protrudes rearward and is inserted into the front receiving portion of the upper case.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, A bumper is provided between the lower case and the upper case to absorb impact when the suction body collides, a lens fixing member provided with a bumper fixing protrusion that protrudes downward, passes through a through hole formed in the bumper, and contacts a fixing protrusion receiving portion of the lower case;

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, The lens fixing member has a U-shape when viewed from above, and is arranged so that the bottom of the U faces forward of the suction mouth body.

7. 7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, The lens fixing member is configured from a front portion disposed on the front surface of the suction body and side portions disposed on both sides of the suction body.

8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, The plurality of lenses include a front lens that irradiates the light of the LED toward the front of the suction body, and a side lens that irradiates the light of the LED toward the side of the suction body, Among the plurality of lenses, the front lens is disposed in the front surface portion, and the side lens is disposed in the side surface portion, The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized in that light from the irradiating unit is irradiated forward and outward in the left and right directions of the suction mouth body.

9. 7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the left and right ends of the lower case are provided with support parts that extend in the front-rear direction and restrict left-right movement of the base plate.

10. 10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, The support portion is formed with upper case side receiving portions recessed from the outer sides of the suction mouth body toward the center portion in the left-right direction, The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the upper case is provided on its side with a side fixing protrusion that protrudes toward the center of the suction mouth body and is inserted into the upper case side receiving portion.

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, The vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the side portion of the lens fixing member is disposed so as to be in contact with the support portion.

12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, a side surface of the upper case being disposed so as to contact a side surface of the lens fixing member;

13. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, The vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the irradiation unit includes a color-adjustable LED that emits light whose color is adjusted to include green and white wavelengths.

14. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, The vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the suction body has recessed flow channels on both the left and right sides of its lower surface.

15. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, The suction body is characterized in that it has a suction port that sucks dust from the surface to be cleaned, and a rear brush that is rotatably provided behind the suction port.

Images