Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To improve visibility of dust on a surface to be cleaned.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner 1 includes an electric blower 21 for generating sucking force, a dust collection part 22 for accumulating dust 80 sucked by the electric blower 21, irradiation parts (LED 71, 72) for irradiating a surface to be cleaned (floor surface M), and a control part (driving circuit 51) for controlling the flashing of the irradiation parts (LED 71, 72) in a prescribed frequency. Preferably, the prescribed frequency is 10 Hz or higher and 30 Hz or lower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as technologies related to the illumination of vacuum cleaners, for example, there are the technologies described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a vacuum cleaner including a suction port that opens facing a surface to be cleaned, left irradiation means and right irradiation means for irradiating the surface to be cleaned, dust detection means for detecting dust that is arranged in an intake path communicating with the vacuum cleaner and is sucked, and illumination control means for controlling the irradiation by the left irradiation means and the right irradiation means according to the detection result of the dust detection means. In the vacuum cleaner described in Patent Document 1, the optical axes of the left irradiation means and the right irradiation means are respectively inclined in a direction from the side portion of the suction tool toward the center front. The vacuum cleaner described in Patent Document 1 can widely irradiate the surface to be cleaned in the vicinity of the front of the suction tool, and the irradiation can be controlled according to the distribution state of dust by the dust detection means. Therefore, the irradiation amount can be changed in consideration of the visibility of dust, and the detection state of dust can be notified to the user.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 describes a vacuum cleaner (cleaning device) including a nozzle for cleaning a portion to be cleaned, a nozzle connection portion to which the nozzle is detachably connected, a light source provided in the nozzle connection portion for irradiating light to the portion to be cleaned, and lighting pattern control means for lighting the light source in a predetermined lighting pattern according to the nozzle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The prior arts described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are desired to further improve the visibility of dust on the surface to be cleaned, as will be described below.

[0007] For example, the vacuum cleaner described in Patent Document 1 changes the irradiation amount according to the distribution status of the dust detected by the dust detection means to inform the user of the detection status of the dust, but it is desired to further improve the visibility of the dust on the surface to be cleaned.

[0008] Also, for example, the vacuum cleaner (cleaning device) described in Patent Document 2 lights a light source in a predetermined lighting pattern according to a nozzle that is detachably connected. The vacuum cleaner described in Patent Document 2 does not have the idea of improving the visibility of dust on the surface to be cleaned.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a main object thereof is to provide a vacuum cleaner with further improved visibility of dust on the surface to be cleaned.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To achieve the above object, the present invention is a vacuum cleaner, comprising an electric blower that generates a suction force, a dust collection unit that stores the dust sucked by the electric blower, and an irradiation unit that irradiates light on the surface to be cleaned A plurality of and a control unit that controls the blinking of the irradiation unit at a predetermined frequency. , at least one of the light emitting periods of the irradiation unit and other irradiation units having different phases It is configured as such. Other means will be described later.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the visibility of dust on the surface to be cleaned can be further improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

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Figure 4

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiments") will be described in detail. Note that each drawing only schematically shows the invention to such an extent that it can be sufficiently understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the illustrated examples. Also, in each drawing, common components and similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] <Configuration of Vacuum Cleaner> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the configuration of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the suction port body 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the suction port body 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a state in which the upper portion of the suction port case 10 of the suction port body 6 in the vacuum cleaner 1 is removed. In the first embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 will be described as a so-called cyclone type vacuum cleaner. However, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be a so-called paper pack type vacuum cleaner. Also, the surface to be cleaned is described as the floor surface M (see FIG. 2).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment includes a cleaner main body 2 provided with an operation switch SW and the like, a suction port body 6 (suction tool) that sucks dust, and an extension pipe 5 that connects the cleaner main body 2 and the suction port body 6.

[0016] The cleaner main body 2 includes an electric blower 21 that generates a suction force, a dust collection unit 22 that stores the dust collected by the suction force of the electric blower 21, a connection port 23 to which the extension pipe 5 is connected, and a rechargeable battery 24 as a driving power source for the cleaner main body 2 and the suction port body 6. The user can operate the operation switch SW of the cleaner main body 2 to operate and stop the electric blower 21, switch between strong, medium, and weak, and operate and stop the motor provided in the suction port body 6.

[0017] One end of the extension pipe 5 is connected to the connection port 23 of the cleaner main body 2 so as to be in fluid communication with the dust collection part 22 of the cleaner main body 2. The other end of the extension pipe 5 is connected to the suction port body 6. The extension pipe 5 is formed with a ventilation path (not shown) communicating inside. Further, the extension pipe 5 is provided with a power supply wiring (not shown) that is powered from the cleaner main body 2 inside.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the suction port body 6 has a substantially T-shaped configuration in a top view. The suction port body 6 includes a suction port case 10 for sucking dust and a suction port joint 13 connected to the suction port case 10.

[0019] The suction port case 10 includes a suction port main body 11 that is elongated in the left-right direction (width direction) in a top view, and a connecting portion 12 that is provided at the central portion in the left-right direction of the suction port main body 11 and is connected to the suction port joint 13. Inside the connecting portion 12, a flow path R (see FIG. 4) that communicates the suction port main body 11 and the suction port joint 13 is formed.

[0020] The suction port main body 11 is provided with bumpers 11a from the front end face to the left and right side faces. The bumper 11a is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The bumper 11a can serve as a sealing material for ensuring airtightness inside the suction port main body 11 when the electric cleaner 1 is in use, and as a buffer material for preventing damage to furniture or the like when the suction port main body 11 collides with furniture or the like and absorbing the impact on the suction port main body 11.

[0021] Further, the suction port main body 11 is provided with a plurality of lenses (in the illustrated example, two lenses 60, 61). The lenses 60, 61 are lenses for irradiating the surface to be cleaned with the light emitted from the LEDs 71, 72 (see FIG. 4). In the first embodiment, the lenses 60, 61 are provided at a position higher (above the front surface) than the bumper 11a on the front surface of the suction port body 6.

[0022] The suction port joint 13 includes a first connecting portion 14 that is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 12, and a second connecting portion 15 that is rotatably connected to the first connecting portion 14.

[0023] The second connecting portion 15 is provided with a power supply terminal 15a for power supply. Note that the vacuum cleaner 1 of the first embodiment is configured to supply power to the suction body 6 through an extension pipe 5 from the cleaner main body 2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, in the suction body 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1, a brush chamber Q having an opening is formed on the bottom surface facing the surface to be cleaned in the suction body 11 of the suction body 6, and a rotary brush 20 which is a rotary cleaning body is provided.

[0025] The rotary brush 20 is rotatably supported in the brush chamber Q and is arranged to extend along the left - right direction on the front side of the suction body 11. The rotary brush 20 is provided so as to extend from one end side in the left - right direction of the suction body 11 to the other end side. The rotary brush 20 includes a plurality of types of brushes (in the illustrated example, two brushes 20a, 20b) having different hardnesses, heights, etc., and each brush 20a, 20b is arranged in a spiral shape. The rotary brush 20 is connected to a motor 40 provided in the suction body 11 and is rotationally driven by the motor 40.

[0026] The vacuum cleaner 1 includes a brush drive switch 16, a rear brush 30, and a side fixed brush 31 on the bottom surface of the suction body 11 of the suction body 6.

[0027] The brush drive switch 16 is a switch that detects whether or not the bottom surface of the suction body 6 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned (in this embodiment, the floor surface M (see FIG. 2)). The brush drive switch 16 is provided integrally with a wheel 16a that abuts against and travels on the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) at a position behind the rear brush 30. The wheel 16a is provided so that a part thereof always protrudes downward (toward the surface to be cleaned) from the bottom surface of the suction body 11 by a biasing means such as a spring. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is operated with the bottom surface of the suction body 6 in close contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) by the user, the wheel 16a travels under the stress of the front - rear movement operation and the rotation operation applied to the vacuum cleaner 1. Thereby, the wheel 16a improves the operation performance of the suction body 6.

[0028] The rear brush 30 is a member that prevents dust from leaking out behind the suction port body 6. The rear brush 30 is provided at a position behind the rotary brush 20 so as to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the suction port main body 11 and contact the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M). The rear brush 30 can improve the airtightness of the brush chamber Q and the dust collection performance for fine dust. Also, the rear brush 30 can prevent the dust repelled by the rotary brush 20 from passing through the gap between the bottom surface of the suction port main body 11 and the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) and leaking out behind the suction port body 6.

[0029] The side fixed brush 31 is a member that prevents dust from leaking out in the lateral direction of the suction port body 6. The side fixed brush 31 is provided at positions on the left side and the right side of the rotary brush 20 so as to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the suction port main body 11 and contact the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M). The side fixed brush 31 is provided so as to extend from the front to the rear of the suction port main body 11 at positions near the left end and the right end of the bottom surface of the suction port main body 11. The side fixed brush 31 can improve the airtightness of the brush chamber Q and the dust collection performance for fine dust. Also, the side fixed brush 31 is composed of a flexible non-woven fabric or the like, and can prevent the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) from being scratched by the bottom surface of the suction port main body 11.

[0030] When the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is in use and the brush drive switch 16 detects that the wheel 16a does not protrude downward from the suction port main body 11 and is not in contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M), the drive of the electric motor 40 (see FIG. 4) is stopped under the control of the circuit board 50 (see FIG. 4) to stop the rotation of the rotary brush 20. Also, when the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is in use and the brush drive switch 16 detects that the wheel 16a is pushed in and is in contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M), the electric motor 40 is driven under the control of the circuit board 50 (see FIG. 4) to rotate the rotary brush 20.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the suction port body 6 includes an LED substrate 70 in front of and above the rotating brush 20 (see FIG. 3), and includes a motor 40 and a circuit board 50 behind the rotating brush 20 (see FIG. 3).

[0032] The LED substrate 70 is a substrate on which a plurality of irradiation units (in this embodiment, two LEDs 71 and 72) are mounted. The LED substrate 70 has a rectangular shape and is disposed in the suction port main body 11 so that the mounting surface faces the front direction in a vertical state. The LEDs 71 and 72 are irradiation units for irradiating the surface to be cleaned. In this embodiment, in the suction port main body 11, the LEDs 71 and 72, which are irradiation units for irradiating the surface to be cleaned, are provided at a distance from each other in the left - right direction.

[0033] The motor 40 is a drive source for the rotating brush 20. The motor 40 is attached to one end side in the left - right direction of the suction port main body 11. The output shaft of the motor 40 is arranged parallel to the left - right direction of the suction port main body 11. The output shaft of the motor 40 extends toward one end side in the left - right direction and is connected to the rotating brush 20 (see FIG. 3) via a toothed belt (not shown) at one end portion in the suction port main body 11 (in the example shown in FIG. 4, the left end portion).

[0034] The circuit board 50 is a board on which a drive circuit 51 (see FIG. 5) for controlling the operations of the LEDs 71 and 72 is mounted. The circuit board 50 is attached at a position on the opposite side of the motor 40 in the left - right direction within the suction port main body 11. The circuit board 50 has a rectangular shape and is disposed in the suction port main body 11 so that the mounting surface is in a vertical state.

[0035] <Circuit configurations of the circuit board and the LED substrate and currents flowing through the irradiation units of the electric sweeper> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the circuit configurations of the circuit board 50 and the LED substrate 70 and the currents flowing through the irradiation units (LEDs 71 and 72) of the electric sweeper 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of the circuit board 50 and the LED substrate 70. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of the currents I1 and I2 flowing through the irradiation units (LEDs 71 and 72) of the electric sweeper 1.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 5, the vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a switch 90. The switch 90 is a switch for selecting a mode in which the irradiation units (LEDs 71 and 72) for irradiating the surface to be cleaned are constantly lit (constant-on mode) or a mode in which they blink (blinking mode). In the first embodiment, it will be described assuming that the switch 90 is provided near the operation switch SW (see Fig. 1). The switch 90 is electrically connected to the circuit board 50. The circuit board 50 has a drive circuit 51 and is electrically connected to the LED board 70 on which the LEDs 71 and 72 are mounted. The drive circuit 51 is a control unit that controls the operation of the LEDs 71 and 72. On the LED board 70, a wiring pattern for passing a current through the LED 71 and a wiring pattern for passing a current through the LED 72 are arranged in parallel. In this embodiment, it will be described assuming that a current I1 flows through the LED 71 and a current I2 flows through the LED 72.

[0037] The circuit board 50 and the LED board 70 are connected to a wiring that connects the brush drive switch 16 that detects whether or not the bottom surface of the suction port body 11 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) and the motor 40 that is the rotation drive source of the rotary brush 20. The brush drive switch 16 is in an OFF state when the wheels 16a (see Fig. 3) are not in contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M). At this time, no current flows through the motor 40 and the LEDs 71 and 72. Therefore, the motor 40 stops driving, the rotary brush 20 (see Fig. 3) connected to the motor 40 stops rotating, and the LEDs 71 and 72 are turned off. On the other hand, the brush drive switch 16 is in an ON state when the wheels 16a (see Fig. 3) are in contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M). At this time, current flows through the motor 40 and the LEDs 71 and 72. Therefore, the motor 40 drives, the rotary brush 20 (see Fig. 3) connected to the motor 40 rotates, and the LEDs 71 and 72 are lit.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be configured to select and set a mode in which the LEDs 71 and 72 are constantly lit (constant lighting mode) or a mode in which they blink (blinking mode) by the user operating the switch 90 (see FIG. 5). However, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be configured such that the blinking mode is the default mode, the blinking mode is executed when the user does not select, and the constant lighting mode is executed only when the user selects the constant lighting mode.

[0039] When the blinking mode is selected for the vacuum cleaner 1, the drive circuit 51 causes the currents I1 and I2 having the waveforms shown in FIG. 6 to flow through the LEDs 71 and 72, thereby blinking the LEDs 71 and 72. In this embodiment, the blinking frequency of the LEDs 71 and 72 (irradiation units) by the drive circuit 51 (control unit) is set to, for example, 10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less (predetermined frequency). The reason for this will be described later.

[0040] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 during cleaning will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the irradiation state of the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) by the LEDs 71 and 72 (irradiation units) for irradiating the surface to be cleaned. Here, it will be described assuming that the blinking mode is selected as the mode of the LEDs 71 and 72.

[0041] When the user operates the operation switch SW (see FIG. 1) to start operation (cleaning), the vacuum cleaner 1 operates the electric blower 21 (see FIG. 1) to suck air from the suction port body 11.

[0042] Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the user brings the bottom surface of the suction port body 11 into contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) (that is, when the wheels 16a (see FIG. 3) are brought into contact with the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M)), the vacuum cleaner 1 drives the electric motor 40 (see FIG. 4) provided in the suction port body 11 and rotationally drives the rotary brush 20 via a toothed belt (not shown).

[0043] At the same time, in the vacuum cleaner 1, the drive circuit 51 (see FIG. 5) blinks the LEDs 71 and 72 (see FIG. 4), which are irradiation units for irradiating the surface to be cleaned, at a predetermined frequency (10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less). At this time, the dust 80 shown in FIG. 7 appears to blink at a cycle of 10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less (predetermined frequency) by reflecting the light from the LEDs 71 and 72. Also, the shadow 81 of the dust 80 appears and disappears (flashes). Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1 can visualize the dust 80 that is difficult to see with the naked eye, making it easier for the user to notice the presence of the dust 80 and reducing the escape of the dust 80. That is, even when there is fine dust on the surface to be cleaned that is not detected by the small amount of dust detection means, by blinking as in this embodiment, the visibility of the fine dust is improved.

[0044] Note that Patent Document 1 describes changing the irradiation amount of light. This is because in Patent Document 1, by increasing the light amount, "the dust itself is brightly illuminated by a high illuminance, so that the contrast is enhanced and its presence can be recognized." That is, Patent Document 1 does not have the technical idea in this embodiment of making it easier for the user to notice the dust by blinking the dust at a predetermined cycle or making the shadow of the projected dust appear and disappear (flashing).

[0045] The dust 80 discovered by the user is scraped up by the rotating brush 20 when the user moves the suction port body 11 over the dust 80, passes through the flow path R from the brush chamber Q, passes through the extension pipe 5, and is stored in the dust collection unit 22.

[0046] Note that the vacuum cleaner 1 is configured to blink-drive the LEDs 71 and 72 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned by a drive circuit 51 (see FIG. 5). By blink-driving the LEDs 71 and 72 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned, the vacuum cleaner 1 can generate a time when no current flows through each of the LEDs 71 and 72, and can cool each of the LEDs 71 and 72 during that time. Such a vacuum cleaner 1 can increase the drive current of each of the LEDs 71 and 72 as compared with the case where each of the LEDs 71 and 72 is continuously lit. As a result, the vacuum cleaner 1 can increase the brightness of each of the LEDs 71 and 72, and can make it easier to discover the dust 80.

[0047] In the first embodiment, it has been described that the blinking frequency (predetermined frequency) of the LEDs 71 and 72 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned is 10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less. This is because if the blinking frequency is too low (the blinking speed is too slow), it cannot catch up with the operation speed of the suction port body 6, and there is a possibility that the user may overlook the presence of the dust 80 during the time when the LEDs 71 and 72 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned are turned off. Conversely, if the blinking frequency is too high (the blinking speed is too fast), there is a possibility that the user cannot recognize the blinking of the LEDs 71 and 72 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned.

[0048] Note that a user who does not want to blink the LEDs 71 and 72 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned and wants to keep them lit constantly can select the constant-on mode by operating the switch 90.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the vacuum cleaner 1 can blink-control the LEDs 71 and 72 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned by deforming the circuit configurations of the circuit board 50 and the LED board 70 as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of the circuit board 50 and the LED board 70 of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to a modified example. FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram of the currents I1 and I2 flowing through the irradiation unit (LEDs 71 and 72) of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the modified example.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 8, in the modified example, the vacuum cleaner 1 is configured such that drive circuits 52 and 53 are provided for each of the LEDs 71 and 72 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned. The drive circuit 52 outputs a current I1 with a predetermined frequency (in this embodiment, a frequency of 10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less) to the LED 71 so that the LED 71 blinks. The drive circuit 53 outputs a current I2 with a predetermined frequency (in this embodiment, a frequency of 10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less) to the LED 72 so that the LED 72 blinks. The current I1 and the current I2 have different phases so that the LEDs 71 and 72 blink alternately. That is, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a plurality of irradiation units, and the phases of the light emission cycles of at least one irradiation unit and other irradiation units are different. In this way, by blinking alternately, as described above, the visibility of dust is improved.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 9, in the modified example (Fig. 8), the vacuum cleaner 1 outputs currents I1 and I2 with different phases to the LEDs 71 and 72. Thereby, the vacuum cleaner 1 can shift the phases of the blinking frequencies of the LEDs 71 and 72 and blink the LED 71 on the right side and the LED 72 on the left side of the suction port body 11 alternately.

[0052] In such a modified example, the dust 80 shown in Fig. 7 alternately reflects the light from the LED 71 and the light from the LED 72, so it appears to blink alternately from side to side. Also, the shadow 81 of the dust 80 also appears to flicker (move) alternately from side to side. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1 of the modified example can improve the visibility of the dust 80 that is difficult to see with the naked eye, make it easier for the user to notice the presence of the dust 80, and reduce the escape of the dust 80.

[0053] In addition, in the first embodiment, the case where the number of LEDs for irradiating the surface to be cleaned is two has been described, but the same control is possible even when the number of LEDs for irradiating the surface to be cleaned of the vacuum cleaner 1 is three or more.

[0054] As described above, according to the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to visualize the dust 80 that is difficult to see with the naked eye on the surface to be cleaned, and improve the visibility of the dust 80. Thereby, it is possible to easily make the user aware of the presence of the dust 80, and reduce the escape of the dust 80.

[0055] [Embodiment 2] The vacuum cleaner 1 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) according to the above-described first embodiment is configured to illuminate the surface to be cleaned with two irradiation units (LEDs 71 and 72) provided on the left and right of the suction port body 11. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, a vacuum cleaner 1B is provided which is configured to illuminate the surface to be cleaned with three irradiation units (LEDs 71, 72, and 73) provided on the left, right, and center of the suction port body 11.

[0056] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the configuration of the vacuum cleaner 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the suction port body 6A of the vacuum cleaner 1A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the state where the upper portion of the suction port case 10 of the suction port body 6A in the vacuum cleaner 1A is removed.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the vacuum cleaner 1A according to the second embodiment is different from the vacuum cleaner 1 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) according to the first embodiment in that a lens 62 (see FIG. 10) is provided at the center of the suction port body 11, and an LED 73 (see FIG. 11) is provided inside the center of the suction port body 11. The lens 62 is a lens for irradiating the light emitted from the LED 73 (see FIG. 11) toward the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M).

[0058] FIG. 12 is a circuit configuration diagram of the circuit board 50 and the LED board 70 of the vacuum cleaner 1A. As shown in FIG. 12, the vacuum cleaner 1A is configured such that drive circuits 52, 53, and 54 are provided for each of the LEDs 71, 72, and 73 for irradiating the surface to be cleaned. The drive circuit 52 outputs a current I1 at a predetermined frequency (in this embodiment, a frequency of 10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less) to the LED 71 so that the LED 71 blinks. The drive circuit 53 outputs a current I2 at a predetermined frequency (in this embodiment, a frequency of 10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less) to the LED 72 so that the LED 72 blinks. The current I1 and the current I2 have different phases so that the LEDs 71 and 72 blink alternately. The drive circuit 54 outputs a constant current I3 to the LED 73 so that the LED 73 is always on.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 13, the vacuum cleaner 1A outputs a constant current I3 to the LED 73 and outputs currents I1 and I2 with different phases to the LEDs 71 and 72. Thereby, the vacuum cleaner 1A always turns on the LED 73 provided at the center of the suction port body 11, and shifts the phases of the blinking frequencies of the LEDs 71 and 72 to alternately blink the LED 71 provided on the right side of the suction port body 11 and the LED 72 provided on the left side.

[0060] In such a vacuum cleaner 1A, the dust 80 shown in FIG. 7 always reflects the light from the LED 73 and alternately reflects the light from the LED 71 and the light from the LED 72, so that it appears to blink strongly alternately to the left and right. Further, due to the light from the LED 73, a shadow 81 of the dust 80 is generated in a direction away from the suction port body 11, and further, due to the light from the LED 71 and the light from the LED 72, the shadow 81 of the dust 80 appears to flicker (move) alternately to the left and right. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1A can improve the visibility of the dust 80 that is difficult to see with the eyes, and can further make it easier for the user to notice the presence of the dust 80, and can reduce the escape of the dust 80.

[0061] Note that if the brightness of the constantly lit LED 73 is too high, when the other LEDs 71 and 72 are lit, the shadow of the dust 80 may be lightened and made less noticeable. Therefore, the brightness of the constantly lit LED 73 is preferably lower than the brightness of the blinking LEDs 71 and 72.

[0062] In addition, in the second embodiment, the case where the number of LEDs for irradiating the surface to be cleaned is three has been described. However, for the vacuum cleaner 1A, the number of LEDs for irradiating the surface to be cleaned may be an odd number, and the same control can be performed by distinguishing the central LED, the right LED, and the left LED.

[0063] As described above, according to the vacuum cleaner 1A according to the second embodiment, similar to the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 4), the visualization of the dust 80 that is difficult to see with the naked eye on the surface to be cleaned is achieved, and the visibility of the dust 80 can be improved. Moreover, according to the vacuum cleaner 1A according to the second embodiment, different from the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment, the dust 80 is illuminated by the light from the LED 73 provided at the center of the suction port body 11. Thereby, compared with the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment, the visibility of the dust 80 can be further improved, making it easier for the user to notice the presence of the dust 80 and reducing the escape of the dust 80.

[0064] [Embodiment 3] The vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment described above (see FIGS. 2 and 4) is configured to illuminate the surface to be cleaned with two irradiation units (LEDs 71 and 72) provided on the left and right of the suction port body 11. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, a vacuum cleaner 1B is provided, which is configured to illuminate the surface to be cleaned with four irradiation units (LEDs 71 and 72 and two non-illustrated LEDs provided behind the lenses 63 and 64 (see FIG. 14)) provided in two stages on the left and right of the suction port body 11.

[0065] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14, the configuration of the vacuum cleaner 1B according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the suction port body 6B of the vacuum cleaner 1B according to the third embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 14, the vacuum cleaner 1B according to Embodiment 3 is different from the vacuum cleaner 1 (see FIG. 2) according to Embodiment 1 in that, in addition to the lens 60 on the right side of the suction port body 11, it is provided with a lens 63, and in addition to the lens 61 on the left side of the suction port body 11, it is provided with a lens 64. Further, the vacuum cleaner 1B according to Embodiment 3 is different from the vacuum cleaner 1 (see FIG. 4) according to Embodiment 1 in that, at the back of each of the lenses 63 and 64, it is also provided with an LED (not shown) which is an irradiation unit for irradiating the surface to be cleaned corresponding to the lenses 63 and 64.

[0067] The lenses 63 and 64 are lenses for irradiating the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) with the light emitted from an LED (not shown) for irradiating the surface to be cleaned provided at the back of the lenses 63 and 64. The lenses 63 and 64 are provided at a position lower than the lenses 60 and 61. Specifically, in Embodiment 3, the lenses 60 and 61 are provided at a position higher (above the front surface) than the bumper 11a on the front surface of the suction port body 6B, while the lenses 63 and 64 are provided at a position at approximately the same height (below the front surface) as the bumper 11a on the front surface of the suction port body 6B. Also, the LED (not shown) which is the irradiation unit for irradiating the surface to be cleaned corresponding to the lenses 63 and 64 is provided at a position lower than the LEDs 71 and 72 (see FIG. 4) which are the irradiation units for irradiating the surface to be cleaned corresponding to the lenses 60 and 61. Hereinafter, the LED (not shown) corresponding to the lenses 63 and 64 may be referred to as the "lower LED", and the LEDs 71 and 72 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the lenses 60 and 61 may be referred to as the "upper LED".

[0068] The vacuum cleaner 1B according to Embodiment 3 irradiates the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) with light from the vertical directions on the right side of the suction port body 11 by flashing the LED 71 corresponding to the lens 60 and the LED (not shown) corresponding to the lens 63. Also, the vacuum cleaner 1B according to Embodiment 3 irradiates the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) with light from the vertical directions on the left side of the suction port body 11 by flashing the LED 72 corresponding to the lens 61 and the LED (not shown) corresponding to the lens 64.

[0069] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the irradiation state of the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) by the irradiation unit of the vacuum cleaner 1B according to Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 15, the vacuum cleaner 1B irradiates a location relatively far from the suction port body 6B on the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) with lenses 60 and 61 provided above the front surface of the suction port body 6B. Further, the vacuum cleaner 1B irradiates a location relatively close to the suction port body 6B on the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) with lenses 63 and 64 provided below the front surface of the suction port body 6B.

[0070] Similar to the vacuum cleaner 1 according to Embodiment 1, the vacuum cleaner 1B according to Embodiment 3 causes the upper LEDs (LEDs 71 and 72 corresponding to the lenses 60 and 61 (see FIG. 4)) and the lower LEDs (LEDs (not shown) corresponding to the lenses 63 and 64) to blink at a predetermined frequency (10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less) determined in advance by a drive circuit (not shown). At this time, the dust 82 on the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) appears to blink by reflecting the light from the upper LEDs and the light from the lower LEDs. Also, the shadow 83 of the dust 82 also appears and disappears. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1B can visualize the dust 82 that is difficult to see with the eyes, making it easier for the user to notice the presence of the dust 82 and reducing the escape of the dust 82.

[0071] Further, the vacuum cleaner 1B can also cause the upper LEDs (LEDs 71 and 72 corresponding to the lenses 60 and 61 (see FIG. 4)) and the lower LEDs (LEDs (not shown) corresponding to the lenses 63 and 64) to blink alternately by shifting the phases of the blinking frequencies of the upper LEDs and the lower LEDs. At this time, the dust 82 on the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) appears to blink with the reflection positions alternating up and down by alternately reflecting the light from the upper LEDs and the light from the lower LEDs. Also, the shadow 83 of the dust 82 also appears to flicker (expand and contract) alternately in length. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1B can improve the visibility of the dust 82 that is difficult to see with the eyes, making it even easier for the user to notice the presence of the dust 82 and reducing the escape of the dust 82.

[0072] As described above, according to the vacuum cleaner 1B according to the third embodiment, similar to the vacuum cleaner 1 (see FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment, it is possible to visualize the dust 82 that is difficult to see with the naked eye on the surface to be cleaned, and improve the visibility of the dust 82. Moreover, according to the vacuum cleaner 1B according to the third embodiment, unlike the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment, the dust 82 is illuminated by the light from the upper LED and the light from the lower LED. Thereby, compared with the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment, the visibility of the dust 82 can be further improved, making it easier for the user to notice the presence of the dust 82, and reducing the escape of the dust 82.

[0073] [Embodiment 4] In the fourth embodiment, a vacuum cleaner 1C is provided in which irradiation units (LEDs 65, 66, 67, 68 (see FIG. 16)) for the surface to be cleaned are provided on the cleaner main body 2 and the extension pipe 5.

[0074] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, the configuration of the vacuum cleaner 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cleaner main body 2 and the extension pipe 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1C according to the fourth embodiment.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 16, the vacuum cleaner 1C according to the fourth embodiment is different from the vacuum cleaner 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment in that the cleaner main body 2 is provided with LEDs 65 and 66, and the extension pipe 5 is provided with LEDs 67 and 68. The LEDs 65, 66, 67, 68 are irradiation units for the surface to be cleaned. Here, it will be described that the LEDs 65 and 66 are provided around the connection port 23 of the cleaner main body 2, and the LEDs 67 and 68 are provided around the connection port of the extension pipe 5. Also, it will be described that the LEDs 65, 66, 67, 68 are provided with lenses.

[0076] Note that the vacuum cleaner 1C can attach the suction nozzle bodies 6, 6A, 6B (see FIGS. 2, 10, and 14) of the above-described Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 and an attachment brush (not shown) to the connection port of the extension pipe 5. Further, the vacuum cleaner 1C can remove the extension pipe 5 from the cleaner main body 2 and attach the suction nozzle bodies 6, 6A, 6B (see FIGS. 2, 10, and 14) of the above-described Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 and an attachment brush (not shown) to the connection port 23 of the cleaner main body 2. The attachment brush (not shown) is a suction nozzle body provided only with a brush and not provided with an irradiation unit for irradiating the surface to be cleaned. The attachment brush (not shown) is lighter than the suction nozzle bodies 6, 6A, 6B (see FIGS. 2, 10, and 14). Here, a case will be described assuming that the surface to be cleaned is on a desk, a shelf, etc., and the user attaches an attachment brush (not shown) to the connection port 23 of the cleaner main body 2 or the connection port of the extension pipe 5 and cleans the area above the desk, shelf, etc.

[0077] The vacuum cleaner 1C includes a drive circuit (not shown), and the drive circuit blinks the LEDs 65, 66, 67, 68 at a predetermined frequency (10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less). At this time, the vacuum cleaner 1C blinks the LEDs 65, 67 and the LEDs 66, 68 alternately by shifting the phases of the blinking frequencies of the LEDs 65, 67 and the LEDs 66, 68.

[0078] Since the dust 80 on the surface to be cleaned (floor surface M) alternately reflects the light from the LEDs 65, 67 and the light from the LEDs 66, 68, it appears to blink alternately from side to side. Also, the shadow 81 of the dust 80 also appears to flicker (move) alternately from side to side. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1C can improve the visibility of the dust 80 that is difficult to see with the naked eye on a desk, a shelf, etc., even when, for example, an attachment brush (not shown) is attached to the connection port of the extension pipe 5 or the connection port 23 of the cleaner main body 2, making it easier for the user to notice the presence of the dust 80 and reducing the escape of the dust 80.

[0079] As described above, according to the vacuum cleaner 1C according to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the vacuum cleaner 1 (see FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment, it is possible to visualize the dust 80 that is difficult to see with the naked eye on the surface to be cleaned, and improve the visibility of the dust 80. Moreover, according to the vacuum cleaner 1C according to the fourth embodiment, the surface to be cleaned can be illuminated by the light from the LEDs 65, 66, 67, 68 provided on the cleaner main body 2 and the extension pipe 5. Thereby, even when an attachment brush (not shown) is attached to the connection port 23 of the cleaner main body 2 or the connection port of the extension pipe 5 and cleaning is performed on top of a desk, shelf, etc., it is possible to easily make the user aware of the presence of the dust 80, and reduce the escape of the dust 80.

[0080] 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 for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of the embodiment can be replaced with another configuration, and another configuration can be added to the configuration of the embodiment. Also, for a part of each configuration, it is possible to add, delete, or replace with another configuration.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0081] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Vacuum cleaner 2 Cleaner main body 5 Extension pipe 6, 6a, 6B Suction port body (suction tool) 10 Suction port case 11 Suction port main body 11a Bumper 12 Connecting part 13 Suction port joint 14 First connecting part 15 Second connecting part 15a Power supply terminal 16 Brush drive switch 16a Wheels 20 Rotating brush (rotating cleaning team) 20a, 20b Brushes 21 Electric blower 22 Dust collection part 23 Connection port 24 Rechargeable battery 30 Rear bristles 31 Side fixed bristles 40 Motor 50 Circuit board 51 Drive circuit (control unit) 52, 53 Drive circuits 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 Lenses 70 LED board 65, 66, 67, 68, 71, 72, 73 LEDs (irradiation unit) 80, 82 Dust 81, 83 Shadows 90 Switch I1, I2, I3 Currents M Floor surface (surface to be cleaned) Q Brush chamber R Flow path SW Operation switch

Claims

1. An electric blower that generates suction force, a dust collection unit that stores dust sucked by the electric blower, a plurality of irradiation units that irradiate light onto the surface to be cleaned, and a control unit that controls the blinking of the irradiation units at a predetermined frequency. The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the phase of the light emission cycle of at least one irradiation unit is different from that of other irradiation units.

2. In the electric vacuum cleaner according to Claim 1, the predetermined frequency is 10 Hz or more and 30 Hz or less. The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized by this.

3. In the electric vacuum cleaner according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, the plurality of irradiation units are provided apart in the left - right direction. The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized by this.

4. In the electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, the plurality of irradiation units are provided apart in the up - down direction. The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized by this.

5. In the electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, the plurality of irradiation units are provided on the suction body. The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized by this.

6. In the electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, the plurality of irradiation units are provided around the connection port of the cleaner main body. The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized by this.

7. In the electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, the plurality of irradiation units are provided around the connection port of the extension pipe. The electric vacuum cleaner is characterized by this.

8. In the electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, the electric vacuum cleaner is characterized by comprising a switch that can select whether to keep the irradiation unit lit constantly or to make it blink.

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