JP2018088970A - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vacuum cleaner capable of cleaning the whole surface to be cleaned while visually checking the surface to be cleaned which is hard to be viewed by eyes.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner 11 includes a cleaner body 12, a monitor mounting part 15, and an extension pipe 16. The cleaner body 12 includes an electric blower 22. A monitor capable of displaying an image is mounted on the monitor mounting part 15. The extension pipe 16 communicates with a suction side of the electric blower 22. The extension pipe 16 includes a camera 47 and communication means. The camera 47 picks up an image of a surface to be cleaned. The communication means transmits data of the image of the surface to be cleaned picked up by the camera 47 so that the data can be received and displayed by the monitor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vacuum cleaner provided with an attachment connected to a distal end side of a connecting pipe.

  Conventionally, for example, as a canister-type vacuum cleaner or a stick-type vacuum cleaner, for example, when cleaning a narrow space where dust on the surface to be cleaned is difficult to check, such as a gap in furniture, the surface to be cleaned is easy to see. In addition, there is one that irradiates the surface to be cleaned by arranging a light on the tip side of the extension tube or a floor brush. With this configuration, it is impossible to confirm whether dust has been completely removed when the surface to be cleaned, such as under a bed or at a high place, cannot be directly viewed by a user.

  In this regard, there is a configuration including a dust sensor such as an optical sensor for detecting the amount of dust sucked. In this configuration, for example, it can be confirmed that the dust at the position where the floor brush or the extension tube passes has been removed, but it cannot be confirmed whether or not the entire area to be cleaned has been removed.

JP 2013-198303 A JP 2011-183029 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner that can clean the entire surface to be cleaned while visually confirming the surface to be cleaned that is difficult to see.

  The vacuum cleaner of an embodiment has a vacuum cleaner main part, a monitor mounting part, and an attachment. The cleaner body includes an electric blower. The monitor mounting unit is mounted with a monitor capable of displaying an image. The attachment communicates with the suction side of the electric blower. This attachment includes an imaging unit and a communication unit. The imaging means images the surface to be cleaned. The communication means transmits the image data of the surface to be cleaned imaged by the imaging means so as to be received and displayed by the monitor.

It is a perspective view which shows the vacuum cleaner of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the monitor vicinity of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a side view which shows the monitor vicinity of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a side view which shows the monitor mounting part of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a perspective sectional view showing a part of attachment of the vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a side view which notches and shows a part of attachment same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows the other party member of a vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a side view which shows the state which removed the front end side of the attachment with respect to the other member of the vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a side view which shows the state which attached the front end side of the attachment with respect to the other member of the vacuum cleaner same as the above. It is a side view which shows the attachment of the vacuum cleaner of 2nd Embodiment.

  The configuration of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a so-called canister-type vacuum cleaner. The electric vacuum cleaner 11 includes a vacuum cleaner body 12. The vacuum cleaner 11 has a connecting pipe 13. Further, the vacuum cleaner 11 has a hand operation unit 14. The vacuum cleaner 11 also has a monitor mounting portion 15. Further, the vacuum cleaner 11 has an extension tube 16 as an attachment. The vacuum cleaner 11 may be detachably connected to the distal end side of the extension tube 16 as a suction port body 17 that is a suction tool as a separate member.

  The cleaner body 12 can turn and run on the floor as a surface to be cleaned. The vacuum cleaner body 12 includes a body case 21. The cleaner body 12 includes an electric blower 22. Further, the vacuum cleaner body 12 includes a dust collection unit 23. The cleaner body 12 includes a body control unit (not shown). Further, the cleaner body 12 includes a power supply unit (not shown). The vacuum cleaner main body 12 includes a main body suction port 26.

  The electric blower 22 is a negative pressure generation source for sucking dust. The electric blower 22 is accommodated in the main body case 21, for example.

  The dust collection unit 23 communicates with the suction side of the electric blower 22 and collects the dust sucked together with the air using the negative pressure generated by driving the electric blower 22. The dust collection unit 23 may be provided inside the main body case 21 or may be detachable from the main body case 21. The dust collecting unit 23 may be a filter body such as a paper pack or a centrifugal separator such as a cyclone separator.

  The main body control unit controls at least the operation of the electric blower 22. This main body control part is comprised as a circuit board provided with a microcomputer etc., for example.

  The power supply unit supplies power to the electric blower 22 and the main body control unit. For example, a cord reel device or a battery (secondary battery) is used as the power source.

  The main body suction port 26 communicates with the dust collection unit 23 and is connected to the proximal end side (downstream side) of the connection pipe 13. The main body suction port 26 may be provided, for example, at the front portion of the cleaner body 12 (main body case 21).

  The connection pipe 13 connects the cleaner body 12 and the extension pipe 16. In addition, the connection pipe 13 forms an air passage portion (not shown) communicating with the suction side of the electric blower 22 inside. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the connection pipe 13 has flexibility. That is, the connection pipe 13 includes a hose body 31. Further, the connection pipe 13 includes one connection pipe portion 32. Further, the connection pipe 13 includes another connection pipe portion 33.

  The hose body 31 has flexibility and is provided in a long bellows shape. The hose body 31 may be extendable.

  One connecting pipe portion 32 is a portion for connecting the connecting pipe 13 and the cleaner body 12. The one connection pipe portion 32 is connected to the main body suction port 26. The one connecting pipe portion 32 is provided in communication with the base end side (downstream end side) of the hose body 31.

  The other connection pipe part 33 is a part for connecting the connection pipe 13 and the extension pipe 16. The other connecting pipe portion 33 is provided in communication with the distal end side (upstream end side) of the hose body 31.

  The hand operating part 14 is a part for connecting the connecting pipe 13 and the extension pipe 16. The hand operating section 14 is provided in the connecting pipe 13 in the present embodiment. In more detail, the hand operating section 14 is provided integrally with the other connecting pipe section 33. The hand operation unit 14 may be provided with setting means (setting button) 34. In addition, the hand operating unit 14 may be provided with a gripping unit 35 that is gripped by the user.

  The setting means 34 is for setting the operation mode of the electric blower 22 or the like in the main body control unit. That is, the setting means 34 sets the on / off of the electric blower 22, the strength of suction, and the like in the main body control unit. This setting means 34 is, for example, a button operated by the user with a thumb or the like. For example, the setting means 34 may be provided in the grip portion 35. Further, the setting means 34 is electrically connected to the cleaner body 12 side by a wiring (not shown). Specifically, the setting means 34 is electrically connected to the main body control unit by wiring. This wiring is arranged along the connecting pipe 13 from the hand operating section 14 and outside the air passage section in the connecting pipe 13.

  The grip part 35 is provided so as to protrude from one end side (connection pipe 13 side) of the hand operation part 14. For example, the grip portion 35 may be provided in a loop shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the monitor mounting portion 15 is a portion where a monitor 38 capable of displaying an image is mounted. The monitor mounting unit 15 may be capable of variably setting the angle of the monitor 38. That is, the monitor mounting unit 15 includes a holding unit 41 that holds the monitor 38. Further, the monitor mounting portion 15 may include a movable portion 42 that varies the angle of the monitor 38 held by the holding portion 41. And it is preferable to arrange | position this monitor mounting part 15 in the position which a user can visually observe during cleaning. For example, in the case of the canister type vacuum cleaner 11 shown in FIG. 1, the user holds the hand operating part 14 (grip part 35), and the distal end side of the extension pipe 16 and the suction port body 17 with respect to the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, it is preferable that the monitor mounting portion 15 is disposed on either the hand operating portion 14 or the extension pipe 16 in order to perform cleaning while moving it back and forth. For example, the monitor mounting unit 15 may be disposed on the upper side of the hand operation unit 14 facing the user side, or on the base end side of the extension pipe 16 (on the hand operation unit 14 (connection pipe 13) side). Etc. may be arranged. In the present embodiment, the monitor mounting portion 15 is disposed on the hand operation portion 14. Further, the monitor mounting portion 15 may be disposed in front of the grip portion 35, that is, at the proximal end portion of the grip portion 35 in the hand operation portion 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the holding unit 41 holds the end of the monitor 38. For example, the holding unit 41 may hold the monitor 38 rotatably, may be detachably held, or may be integrally held so that it cannot be attached or detached. For example, in the present embodiment, the holding portion 41 is provided in a U-shape, and the monitor 38 is detachable by inserting an end portion of the monitor 38 by sliding.

  The movable part 42 allows the user to adjust the monitor 38 to an optimum angle. The movable part 42 may be a ball joint, for example. That is, the movable portion 42 may include one connection portion 42a provided integrally with the holding portion 41 and another connection portion 42b that receives the one connection portion 42a so as to be able to rotate 360 °. . In the present embodiment, one connecting portion 42a is a ball portion, and the other connecting portion 42b is a spherical portion into which the ball portion is rotatably fitted, but the other connecting portion 42b is a ball portion and one connecting portion. The part 42a may be a spherical part.

  The monitor mounting portion 15 may be provided integrally with the hand operating portion 14 or the extension pipe 16, or may be detachable from these. For example, in the monitor mounting portion 15, the other connection portion 42b of the movable portion 42 is provided integrally with the hand operation portion 14 or the extension tube 16, and one connection of the movable portion 42 to the other connection portion 42b. The part 42a may be detachably provided.

  Note that the monitor 38 may be separately owned by the user or may be provided with a dedicated one in advance. For example, as the monitor 38 separately owned by the user, a general-purpose portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal is preferably used.

  The extension pipe 16 shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 communicates with the suction side of the electric blower 22. That is, the extension pipe 16 forms an air passage portion W communicating with the suction side (dust collecting portion 23) of the electric blower 22. In the present embodiment, the extension pipe 16 is connected to the suction side of the electric blower 22 in the cleaner body 12 through the main body suction port 26 by being connected to the connection pipe 13 (other connection pipe portion 33). The The air passage portion W of the extension pipe 16 extends the air passage portion formed inside the connection pipe 13. The extension pipe 16 is formed in a long shape with, for example, a synthetic resin. The extension tube 16 may be, for example, a telescopic extension tube that can be expanded and contracted. The extension pipe 16 includes an extension pipe main body 44 as an attachment main body. The extension pipe 16 may include a brush part 45 as a cleaning part. Further, the extension pipe 16 may include a connection member 46. Further, the extension tube 16 includes a camera 47 that is an imaging means (imaging unit) for imaging the surface to be cleaned. Further, the extension pipe 16 includes a communication means (communication unit) 48. Further, the extension tube 16 may include a lamp 49 which is an illumination means (illumination unit).

  The extension pipe main body 44 is provided in a long tubular shape that divides the air passage W inside.

  The brush part 45 scrapes off dust on the surface to be cleaned when the surface to be cleaned is cleaned by the extension pipe 16 without using the suction port body 17. The brush portion 45 may be provided, for example, at the distal end portion (upstream end portion) of the extension pipe main body 44. The brush portion 45 may be integral with or removable from the extension tube main body 44. In the present embodiment, the brush portion 45 is provided integrally with the extension tube main body 44. The brush portion 45 is provided in a cylindrical shape communicating with the air passage portion W inside the extension tube main body 44. That is, the brush portion 45 is provided on the outer periphery on the distal end side of the extension tube main body 44. Further, the brush unit 45 may include an installation unit 51 from which a part of the camera 47 is exposed. Further, the brush portion 45 includes brush hairs 52 that are cleaning members.

  The installation part 51 is located on the distal end side of the extension pipe 16. Although the installation portion 51 is provided in the brush portion 45 in the present embodiment, in the case of the extension tube 16 that does not include the brush portion 45, the installation portion 51 may be provided on the distal end side of the extension tube 16. The installation portion 51 is provided so as to rise along the vertical direction that is a direction intersecting the axial direction of the extension pipe 16. For this reason, the field of view of the camera 47 disposed in the installation portion 51 is directed to the front of the extension tube 16.

  The brush bristles 52 are arranged along the outer edge portion on the tip side of the brush portion 45. That is, the brush bristles 52 are arranged in an annular shape. Further, for example, a plurality of the bristles 52 are bundled and planted at predetermined intervals. The brush bristles 52 are provided, for example, along a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the extension tube 16.

  The connecting member 46 electrically connects the cleaner body 12 side and the suction port body 17 side. In other words, the connecting member 46 supplies power from the power supply unit in the cleaner body 12 to the suction port body 17. The connection member 46 is a transmission member that transmits a signal from the setting means 34 to the suction port body 17. The connection member 46 is disposed outside the air passage portion W in the extension pipe main body 44. The connecting member 46 is disposed so as to electrically connect both ends of the extension pipe main body 44. Further, the connecting member 46 is electrically connected to one energizing member (not shown) on the proximal end side (downstream end side) of the extension pipe 16. Further, the connecting member 46 is electrically connected to another energizing member 54 on the distal end side (upstream end side) of the extension pipe 16.

  One energizing member is electrically connected to the connection tube 13 side in a state where the extension tube 16 is connected to the connection tube 13. In the present embodiment, the one energizing member is provided as a conductive pin, for example, and protrudes toward the proximal end side of the extension tube 16 (extension tube body 44).

  The other energizing member 54 is electrically connected to the suction port body 17 side in a state where the suction port body 17 is connected to the extension pipe 16. In the present embodiment, the other energizing member 54 is provided as, for example, a conductive blade receiving plate, and is disposed outside the air passage portion W on the other end side of the extension pipe 16.

  The camera 47 is a digital camera that captures a digital image every predetermined time, for example, every minute time such as every several tens of milliseconds, or every several seconds. The camera 47 is disposed toward the front of the extension tube 16 and captures a predetermined range in the axial direction of the extension tube 16. The camera 47 may be disposed on the extension tube main body 44 or may be disposed on the brush portion 45. In the present embodiment, the camera 47 is disposed on the brush unit 45. Therefore, the camera 47 is located on the distal end side of the extension tube 16. The camera 47 includes a camera module 55 that is an imaging means body (imaging unit body). The camera 47 may include a cover 56 that covers the camera module 55. The power of the camera 47 may be a battery, for example, or may be supplied from the cleaner body 12 side. In the present embodiment, the power supply of the camera 47 is branched from the power supply of the electric blower 22 and supplied. Specifically, the camera 47 (camera module 55) is electrically connected to the connection member 46 via the power supply line 58, and power is supplied from the connection member 46 via the power supply line 58. In the present embodiment, the power supplied from the connection member 46 to the camera 47 via the power supply line 58 is supplied with the voltage adjusted via a power supply unit including a transformer (not shown). Yes. This power supply unit may be disposed on the same substrate as the communication means 48, for example. The camera 47 may be automatically turned on / off according to the power on / off of the vacuum cleaner 11, or operated by a user operating an operation means (operation unit) such as a predetermined switch. On / off may be switched, or on / off of the operation may be switched by a command from an external device such as the monitor 38. For example, the camera 47 may be turned on / off by the operation of the setting unit 34.

  The camera module 55 includes, for example, a lens, a diaphragm, a shutter, an imaging control circuit, and the like. For example, the camera module 55 is housed in the upper part of the front end side of the brush unit 45. The camera module 55 is electrically connected to the communication means 48 via a signal line 61. The signal line 61 is an image output signal line for outputting image data captured by the camera 47 (camera module 55) to the communication means 48.

  The cover 56 protects the camera module 55. The cover 56 has translucency and is configured such that light reaches the camera module 55 through the cover 56. The cover 56 is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside of the extension pipe 16. Specifically, the cover 56 is disposed so as to be exposed to the installation part 51.

  The communication means 48 transmits image data captured by the camera 47 (camera module 55) so that the monitor 38 can receive and display the image data. The communication means 48 may be disposed in the extension tube main body 44 or may be disposed in the brush portion 45. In the present embodiment, the communication means 48 is disposed below the camera 47 at the brush portion 45. The communication means 48 may be wired communication or wireless communication. In this embodiment, the communication means 48 is a wireless communication module using, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The lamp 49 can illuminate at least a part of the imaging range of the camera 47 (camera module 55), in the present embodiment, the whole. The lamp 49 may be of any type as long as it can emit visible light, infrared light, or the like as illumination light. For example, an LED is preferably used. The arrangement of the lamps 49 can be arbitrarily set as long as the imaging range of the camera 47 (camera module 55) can be effectively illuminated. For example, the lamp 49 may be arranged in an annular shape around the camera 47 (camera module 55). The lamp 49 may be controlled to be turned on and off in synchronization with the operation of the camera 47 (camera module 55) via, for example, an imaging control circuit, or may be controlled by the imaging control circuit and a separate illumination control unit. The lighting and extinguishing may be controlled in synchronization with the operation of the module 55). Further, the power source of the lamp 49 may be a battery, for example, as in the camera 47, or may be supplied from the cleaner body 12 side, but in this embodiment, the power source of the lamp 49 is the same as that of the camera 47. Similarly, it is branched and supplied from the power supply of the electric blower 22. For example, power is supplied to the lamp 49 from the connection member 46 via the feeder line 58. Further, similarly to the camera 47, the power may be supplied to the lamp 49 through voltage adjustment.

  The suction port body 17 shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9 sucks dust on the surface to be cleaned by running on the surface to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the suction port body 17 is, for example, a floor brush including a case body 65, a connecting pipe 66, an electric motor (not shown), a rotary cleaning body (not shown), and the like. Further, the suction port body 17 may include a cover portion 69.

  The case body 65 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. The case body 65 includes a suction port (not shown) in the lower part facing the surface to be cleaned. The case body 65 is provided with an electric motor and a rotary cleaning body. The case body 65 may be divided into a plurality of case bodies.

  The connection pipe 66 is connected to the distal end side of the extension pipe 16. The connecting pipe 66 is projected from the rear portion of the case body 65. Further, the connecting pipe 66 may be pivotally supported with respect to the case body 65 so as to be rotatable in the direction around the axis (direction around the axis), the direction intersecting the axis direction, or both directions. Good. The connection pipe 66 is in communication with the suction port.

  The electric motor rotationally drives the rotary cleaning body. This electric motor is housed inside the case body 65. The electric power of the electric motor may be a battery, for example, or may be supplied from the cleaner body 12 side. In the present embodiment, the electric power of the electric motor is branched from the electric power of the electric blower 22 and supplied. Specifically, an electric wire is electrically connected to the electric motor, and the electric wire is electrically connected to the energizing connection member 71. The energization connecting member 71 is electrically connected to the extension tube 16 side in a state where the suction port body 17 is connected to the extension tube 16. In the present embodiment, the energization connecting member 71 is provided as, for example, a conductive pin, protrudes to the proximal end side of the connection pipe 66, and in the state where the suction port body 17 is connected to the extension pipe 16, the other energization member 54 (FIG. 5).

  The rotary cleaning body includes a rotary cleaning member (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface, and the rotary cleaning member scrapes off dust that has entered the floor surface of a carpet or the like by being driven to rotate by an electric motor. This rotary cleaning body is rotatably attached to the suction port, for example. This rotary cleaning body (electric motor) may be switched on and off by operating the setting means 34, for example.

  The cover 69 projects from the case body 65 and the upper part of the connection pipe 66. In the present embodiment, the cover portion 69 projects from the upper portion of the connection pipe 66. The cover portion 69 is located facing the front of the installation portion 51 of the brush portion 45 in a state where the suction port body 17 (connection pipe 66) and the extension pipe 16 are connected. The cover 69 may be formed in a circular shape corresponding to the cover 56 of the camera 47, for example. The cover 69 is provided with an escape portion 69a. The escape portion 69a is for avoiding interference with the brush bristles 52 of the brush portion 45. The escape portion 69a is bent forward, for example.

  Next, the cleaning operation by the electric vacuum cleaner 11 of the first embodiment will be described.

  When cleaning, first, the user connects the connection pipe 13 to the main body suction port 26 of the cleaner body 12 through the one connection pipe portion 32, and is positioned on the distal end side of the connection pipe 13. The extension pipe 16 and the suction port body 17 are sequentially connected to the connecting pipe portion 33. Therefore, the connection pipe 66 (suction port) of the suction port body 17 communicates with the suction side of the electric blower 22.

  Next, the suction port body 17 is placed on the surface to be cleaned, and the user holding the hand operation unit 14 (gripping unit 35) is in a predetermined state so that power can be supplied from the power supply unit to the main body control unit and the electric blower 22. When the setting means 34 is operated, the main body control unit controls the input of the electric blower 22 according to the operation mode set by the setting means 34, and the electric blower 22 is driven.

  Furthermore, the user travels the suction port body 17 back and forth on the surface to be cleaned, so that the dust from the suction port on the distal end side of the suction port body 17 is collected together with air by the action of the negative pressure generated by driving the electric blower 22. Inhale.

  Moreover, a user rotates a rotary cleaning body suitably according to the kind of floor surface. At this time, when the user operates the predetermined setting means 34, the electric motor is driven according to the operation of the setting means 34, and the rotary cleaning body is rotated at a high speed by driving the electric motor, and the floor surface dust is scraped off, Assist cleaning such as polishing the surface.

  Here, for example, when cleaning a surface to be cleaned at a high position such as a gap or height where the suction port body 17 cannot enter or an upper part of the shelf, the user removes the suction port body 17 from the extension pipe 16. Then, cleaning is performed using the brush bristles 52 positioned on the distal end side of the extension tube 16. In this case, since it is not easy for the user to directly visually observe the surface to be cleaned, the user visually observes the surface to be cleaned using the camera 47 and the monitor 38. For example, the user turns on the operation of the camera 47 by, for example, operating the setting means 34 after attaching the monitor 38 to which the power is turned on to the monitor attachment unit 15. The camera 47 sends the captured image data of the distal end side of the extension tube 16 to the communication means 48 via the signal line 61, and the communication means 48 transmits the image data to the monitor 38. The monitor 38 displays the transmitted image data, so that the surface to be cleaned on the distal end side of the extension tube 16 can be viewed through the monitor 38. The monitor 38 incorporates software (application) for displaying an image. This software may be a general-purpose browser or a dedicated application. Further, the monitor 38 can be adjusted to an easy-to-see angle by changing the angle of the holding unit 41 of the monitor mounting unit 15 according to the angle of the hand operating unit 14 or the height of the user.

  Then, the air sucked into the suction port of the suction port body 17 becomes a suction wind, and carries dust from the main body suction port 26 to the dust collection unit 23 via the extension pipe 16 and the hose body 31, and this dust collection unit 23 To collect dust.

  Thereafter, the suction air from which the dust has been removed is sucked into the electric blower 22, passes through the electric blower 22 and becomes exhaust air, and the vacuum cleaner main body from an exhaust port (not shown) provided at the rear portion of the vacuum cleaner main body 12 and the like. Exhausted to 12 outside.

  When cleaning is completed and the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is housed, the main body control unit stops the electric blower 22 by operating the setting means 34. At this time, when the rotary cleaning body is operating, the electric motor is also stopped.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the camera 47 and the communication unit 48 are provided in the extension pipe 16, and the image of the surface to be cleaned captured by the camera 47 is transmitted to the monitor mounting unit by the communication unit 48. 15 is sent to the monitor 38 that can be received and displayed so that the user can visually check the surface to be cleaned, such as a high place or a narrow place, through the monitor 38. I can clean it.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the camera 47 of the extension pipe 16 is arranged in the air passage 73 in the first embodiment. Note that the camera 47 is disposed in the air path 73 includes a configuration in which the camera 47 is positioned inside the air path 73 or a structure in which the camera 47 is positioned facing (facing) the air path 73. .

  The air path 73 sucks dust together with air by the operation of the electric blower 22. In the present embodiment, the air passage 73 is a branched air passage branched from the air passage portion W, for example. That is, the air passage 73 sucks dust-containing air toward the air passage portion W due to the negative pressure of the electric blower 22. The air passage 73 communicates with an opening 75 provided in the vicinity of the camera 47, for example, in the lower part of the camera 47, through the extension pipe 13. In the present embodiment, the air path 73 is provided in the brush portion 45. More specifically, the air path 73 is located in the vicinity (front) of the installation portion 51 and is provided through the brush portion 45. Therefore, the air sucked into the air path 73 passes through the front part of the camera 47 (cover 56). In addition, the air passage 73 is provided at a position where the air inlet 73 (the connecting pipe 66) and the extension pipe 16 are connected and covered by the covering portion 69 and closed.

  As described above, by arranging the camera 47 in the air path 73, the dust adhering to the camera 47 (cover 56) can be removed by the air sucked into the air path 73, and the dust is deposited on the camera 47 (cover 56). It is possible to maintain a state where it is difficult to adhere.

  In each of the above embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 11 may be an upright type in which the suction port body 17 is directly attached to the lower part of the vacuum cleaner body 12 that is longitudinal in the vertical direction. In the case of the upright type vacuum cleaner 11, the distal end side of the extension pipe 16 can be attached to and detached from the upper part of the vacuum cleaner body 12, so that when the distal end side of the extension pipe 16 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body 12, The camera 47 may be covered by the cleaner body 12 as a member.

  The above configuration can also be applied to the stick-type vacuum cleaner 11. That is, the stick-type vacuum cleaner 11 does not include the connection pipe 13, the extension pipe 16 is directly connected to the main body suction port 26 of the vacuum cleaner body 12, and the hand operation unit 14 is provided in the vacuum cleaner body 12. . In this case, by providing the monitor mounting portion 15 on the proximal end side of the cleaner body 12 or the extension pipe 16, for example, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

  Further, instead of the extension tube 16, for example, a gap brush as an attachment to be attached to the distal end side of the extension tube 16, the distal end side of the hand operating portion 14, or the distal end side of the connection tube 13 (the other connection tube portion 33), You may comprise so that the camera 47 and the communication means 48 may be provided in a part of inlet port as an attachment.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the camera 47 and the communication unit 48 are provided in the attachment, and the image of the surface to be cleaned imaged by the camera 47 is mounted on the monitor mounting unit 15 by the communication unit 48. By transmitting the data so that it can be received and displayed by the monitor 38, the entire surface to be cleaned can be cleaned while visually confirming the surface to be cleaned which is difficult to see, such as a high place or a narrow place, via the monitor 38.

  Further, by using a general-purpose portable terminal as the monitor 38, the user can easily view and browse the image via the monitor 38.

  Moreover, by making the monitor 38 detachable from the monitor mounting part 15, the monitor 38 can be mounted on the monitor mounting part 15 only when necessary, and the monitor 38 is removed when the monitor 38 is not needed, thereby reducing the weight. it can. In particular, when the monitor mounting unit 15 is arranged in the hand operation unit 14, the hand operation unit 14 is compact and easy to operate.

  In addition, by enabling the monitor mounting portion 15 to variably set the angle of the monitor 38, the monitor 38 can be directed to an optimum angle according to the user and the cleaning mode, and the surface to be cleaned can be more easily viewed via the monitor 38. Easy to see.

  Furthermore, the power supply of the camera 47 is branched and supplied from the power supply of the electric blower 22, so there is no need to arrange a separate battery etc. in the attachment etc., and the attachment can be made compact and the attachment can be downsized. This saves you the trouble of charging and replacing.

  In addition, the attachment tip can be attached to and detached from the mating member (for example, the suction port 17), and the camera 47 is covered by the mating member (suction port 17) to which the tip of the attachment is attached. In a cleaning state in which the camera 47 is not used, the camera 47 can be protected and dust can be prevented from adhering to the camera 47 (cover 56).

  Furthermore, by providing the lamp 49 that illuminates at least a part of the imaging range of the camera 47, the camera 47 can capture images even in a dark place. Therefore, especially when cleaning narrow spaces such as between furniture or between furniture and walls, the surface to be cleaned is illuminated by a lamp 49 and captured by the camera 47 so that the user can clean the surface via the monitor 38. The surface is easily visible.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

11 Vacuum cleaner
12 Vacuum cleaner body
15 Monitor mounting part
16 Extension tube as attachment
17 Suction port as mating member
22 Electric blower
38 Monitor
47 Camera as imaging means
48 Communication means
49 Lamps as lighting means
73 Airway

Claims (6)

A vacuum cleaner body equipped with an electric blower;
A monitor mounting portion on which a monitor capable of displaying images is mounted;
An attachment communicated with the suction side of the electric blower,
The attachment is
Imaging means for imaging the surface to be cleaned;
A vacuum cleaner comprising: a communication unit configured to receive and display data of an image of a surface to be cleaned captured by the imaging unit so as to be received and displayed by the monitor. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the monitor attached to the monitor attachment unit is a portable terminal. The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply of the imaging means is branched and supplied from the power supply of the electric blower. The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image pickup means is disposed in an air passage that sucks in dust by operation of the electric blower. The tip of the attachment is detachable from the mating member,
The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the imaging means is in a state of being covered by the counterpart member to which the distal end side of the attachment is attached. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the attachment includes an illumination unit that illuminates at least a part of an imaging range of the imaging unit.

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