JP7414889B2 - floor vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a floor cleaner.

BACKGROUND ART A self-propelled floor cleaner that cleans a room by itself is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Self-propelled floor cleaners are equipped with side brushes that scrape out dust from corners of the room that cannot reach the suction port provided on the bottom of the vacuum cleaner and guide it to the suction port. The side brush is provided so as to protrude outward from the main body of the vacuum cleaner in a plan view, and has a rotation axis extending approximately in the vertical direction (direction along the approximately vertical direction during cleaning). Rotationally driven.

JP2019-162542A

By the way, there is a relatively high risk of microbial contamination on the floor surfaces of hospitals and the like, for example, where the vomit of infected patients may be insufficiently disposed of. Therefore, when cleaning floors in hospitals, etc., it is necessary to suppress the risk of spreading infection due to the effects of microbial contamination on the floor.

For example, with the above-mentioned self-propelled floor vacuum cleaner, dust on the floor is kicked up as the vacuum cleaner itself moves and the side brush is driven, and there is a risk of spreading infection due to microbial contamination on the floor. There was a risk that it would become large. Similarly, even with handheld floor cleaners, it is inevitable that dust from the floor will be thrown up during cleaning, and countermeasures are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaner that can reduce the risk of spreading infection due to flying up dust on the floor.

A floor cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having a suction port for sucking dust on a bottom surface, a dust box for storing dust sucked from the suction port, and an ultraviolet ray in the dust box. A light source for irradiating light to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box, and a light source provided in the main body section separately from the suction port, and a light source for sucking up dust flying around the main body section to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box. and one or more side holes leading to.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a floor cleaner that can reduce the risk of spreading infection due to flying up dust on the floor.

(a) and (b) are perspective views showing a floor cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of a floor cleaner. (a) is a plan view of a floor cleaner, and (b) is a diagram showing its typical cross-sectional structure. (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating simulation results for verifying the effect of side holes. (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating simulation results for verifying the effect of side holes. (a), (b) is a figure showing a typical cross-sectional structure of a floor cleaner concerning a modification of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a floor cleaner according to a modified example of the present invention.

[Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a floor cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram thereof. Moreover, Fig.3 (a) is a top view of a floor cleaner, and FIG.3(b) is a figure which shows the typical cross-sectional structure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the floor cleaner 1 includes a main body 2 having a suction port 3 on a bottom surface 20a for sucking dust, a dust box 4 for storing dust sucked from the suction port 3, and a dust box. The dust box 4 is provided with a light source 5 for irradiating the inside of the dust box 4 with ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria and viruses inside the dust box 4.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the floor cleaner 1 is a self-propelled floor cleaner. In this case, the main body 2 corresponds to a self-propelled floor cleaner main body 20 having a self-propelled moving mechanism 24 . The floor cleaner main body part 20, which is the main body part 2, includes a camera 21, an obstacle detection sensor 22, a dust collection mechanism 23, a moving mechanism 24, a light source 5, a control part 26, and a case 27 that houses these. It is equipped with. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to floor cleaners such as hand-held types that are moved manually. In this case, a main body including a dust box 4 may be provided separately from the main body 2. This point will be discussed later.

The camera 21 is for capturing an image of the surroundings of the floor cleaner body 20, and is used to acquire a floor map, the position of the floor cleaner body 20, etc., which will be described later. The floor cleaner body 20 may be equipped with a plurality of cameras 21, and the plurality of cameras 21 may be configured to take images of the surroundings of the floor cleaner body 20. Note that the camera 21 is omitted in FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The obstacle detection sensor 22 detects whether or not an obstacle exists near the floor cleaner body 20 in order to prevent the floor cleaner body 20 from colliding with an obstacle. It is something. As the obstacle detection sensor 22, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like can be used. Note that in FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 3A and 3B, the obstacle detection sensor 22 is omitted.

Further, although not shown, the floor cleaner body 20 may be equipped with various sensors other than the obstacle detection sensor 22. For example, a gyro sensor detects the rotation angle when the floor cleaner body 20 moves, a travel sensor detects the distance the floor cleaner body 20 moves, and a gyro sensor detects the rotation angle when the floor cleaner body 20 moves. It may also be provided with a floor distance sensor that detects the distance between and detects steps, etc., a particle sensor that detects the amount of dust, etc. sucked in from the suction port 3, and the like.

The dust collection mechanism 23 is a mechanism that sucks dust and dirt from the floor and collects it inside the floor cleaner main body 20, and it is a mechanism that sucks dust and dust from the floor and collects it inside the floor cleaner main body 20, and it is directed toward the floor (downward) on the bottom surface 20a of the floor cleaner main body 20. A rotating brush 23a rotatably provided on the opening of the suction port 3, a brush drive unit (not shown) that scrapes dirt off the floor by rotating the rotating brush 23a, and a brush drive unit (not shown) that removes dirt and dust from the suction port 3. It has a fan 23b (see FIG. 3(b)) as a suction member that sucks in air, and a dust box 4 (see FIG. 3(b)) that stores dust and the like sucked in from the suction port 3.

Further, the dust collection mechanism 23 is provided on the bottom surface 20a of the floor cleaner main body 20 so as to protrude from the floor cleaner main body 20, and rotates around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the floor surface (along the substantially vertical direction). The side brush 23c is rotatably driven. The side brush 23c plays the role of scraping out dust from corners of the room that the rotating brush 23a cannot reach and guiding it to the suction port 3. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the side brush 23c is provided so as to protrude outward from the floor cleaner body 20 in a plan view (top view).

The moving mechanism 24 is a mechanism for moving (self-propelling) the floor cleaner main body 20, and includes wheels 24a (see FIG. 1(b)) provided on the bottom surface 20a of the floor cleaner main body 20. , and a motor (not shown) that drives the wheels 24a. Here, a case is shown in which the two wheels 24a are arranged facing each other so that the rotating shafts are aligned in a straight line, but the number and arrangement of the wheels 24a are not particularly limited.

The light source 5 plays the role of inactivating bacteria and viruses sucked into the dust box 4 by irradiating the inside of the dust box 4 with ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, the light source 5 includes a light emitting diode 51 that emits ultraviolet light. For example, it is possible to use an ultraviolet lamp as the light source 5, but since most ultraviolet lamps use mercury, there is a safety problem in case of breakage. In addition, ultraviolet light lamps emit not only ultraviolet light at wavelengths suitable for inactivating bacteria, but also light in a very wide wavelength range that includes infrared rays, resulting in a lot of waste and high power consumption. . Furthermore, if the output is increased, there is a risk that the infrared rays will heat up the floor and cause problems such as burning. By using the light emitting diode 51 as the light source 5 as in this embodiment, it is possible to ensure safety in the event of damage, suppress power consumption, and prevent problems such as burning of the floor surface. Further, in an ultraviolet light lamp, it takes time to start up when irradiating ultraviolet light, but by using the light emitting diode 51, it is also possible to shorten the time it takes to start up when irradiating ultraviolet light.

As the light emitting diode 51 used for the light source 5, it is desirable to use a light emitting diode 51 that emits deep ultraviolet light that is highly effective in inactivating bacteria and the like. More specifically, as the light emitting diode 51 used in the light source 5, it is preferable to use a light emitting diode 51 that emits deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 250 nm or more and 280 nm or less. In this embodiment, three light emitting diodes 51 are used, but the number of light emitting diodes 51 used as the light source 5 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the dust box 4, etc.

In this embodiment, the light source 5 is arranged outside the dust box 4 and below the dust box 4, and is arranged so as to irradiate ultraviolet light from the bottom to the top. Therefore, the dust box 4 is preferably made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light. However, if the dust box 4 is made of quartz glass, for example, there is a risk that it will break due to impact or the like, so it is more desirable that the dust box 4 be made of a resin that transmits ultraviolet light. As the resin that transmits ultraviolet light, for example, a fluororesin composition can be used. Further, in order to suppress deterioration due to ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 5, the dust box 4 may be made of a resin composition containing an ultraviolet light resistant agent. Note that the entire dust box 4 does not need to be made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light, and at least only the surface (bottom surface) on the light source 5 side of the dust box 4 may be made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light. It is also possible to provide a window made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light on the surface (bottom surface) of the light source 5 side of the dust box 4, and to irradiate the inside of the dust box 4 with ultraviolet light from the window. Note that since airflow tends to stagnate in the upper corner of the dust box 4, it is more desirable that the light source 5 is arranged so as to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the upper corner of the dust box 4.

The light source 5 may be driven intermittently so as to repeatedly turn on and off at predetermined time intervals. As a result, the time for driving the light source 5 can be reduced, so that deterioration of the light source 5 can be suppressed and power consumption can be reduced. Further, deterioration of the dust box 4 can be suppressed, and the life of the floor cleaner 1 can be extended.

In the present embodiment, the floor cleaner 1 further includes a floor irradiation light source 25 that irradiates the floor with ultraviolet light. The floor irradiation light source 25 serves to inactivate bacteria and viruses present on the floor by irradiating the floor with ultraviolet light. In the present embodiment, the floor illumination light source 25, like the light source 5, is composed of a light emitting diode that emits deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 250 nm or more and 280 nm or less. The light source 25 for illuminating the floor surface is provided on the bottom surface 20a of the floor cleaner body 20 so as to face the floor surface. In this embodiment, a case is shown in which two light sources 25 for illuminating the floor surface are provided so as to sandwich the side brush 23c, but the number and arrangement of the light sources 25 for illuminating the floor surface can be changed as appropriate. be. Moreover, the light source 25 for illuminating the floor surface may not be provided.

The control unit 26 controls the dust collection mechanism 23 and the movement mechanism 24 based on information from the camera 21 and the obstacle detection sensor 22, as well as the light source 5, and includes arithmetic elements, memory, and interfaces. , software, storage devices, etc., as appropriate. The control section 26 includes a map acquisition section 261 , a position acquisition section 262 , a contamination situation detection section 263 , a drive control section 264 , a dust collection control section 265 , a light source control section 266 , and a storage section 267 .

The map acquisition unit 261 performs a test drive during the first cleaning, maps the floor surface to be cleaned, and acquires a floor surface map. Since various methods are known and publicly known for the test driving and mapping processing, the description thereof will be omitted here. The map acquisition unit 261 stores the acquired floor map in the storage unit 267.

The position acquisition unit 262 acquires position information indicating where in the floor map the floor cleaner body 20 is located. The position acquisition unit 262 acquires position information (position coordinates within the floor map) of the floor cleaner body 20 based on, for example, images obtained from the camera 21, information from a gyro sensor, a travel sensor, etc. obtain.

The contamination state detection unit 263 detects the contamination state of the floor surface to be cleaned. The contamination state detection unit 263 detects the contamination state of the floor surface, for example, based on the amount of collected dust detected by a particle sensor. In addition, if the drive control section 264 and dust collection control section 265, which will be described later, are configured to vary the moving speed and suction strength according to the amount of dust collected, the contamination status of the floor surface can be determined based on the moving speed and suction strength. The contamination situation detection unit 263 can also be configured to detect this.

The drive control unit 264 controls the drive of the moving mechanism 24 to cause the floor cleaner body 20 to travel. The drive control section 264 sets a route so as to travel throughout the set cleaning area, and causes the floor cleaner main body section 20 to travel according to the set route. Further, the drive control section 264 uses the obstacle detection sensor 22 and the like to perform drive control so that the floor cleaner main body section 20 does not collide with an obstacle or the like. The drive control unit 264 may be configured to be able to change the moving speed depending on the amount of dust collected. For example, by slowing down the moving speed when the amount of collected dust is large and increasing the moving speed when the amount of collected dust is small, it becomes possible to efficiently collect dust.

The dust collection control unit 265 controls the dust collection mechanism 23. The dust collection mechanism 23 may be configured to be able to change the suction strength depending on the amount of dust collected. For example, by increasing the suction strength when the amount of collected dust is large and decreasing the suction strength when the amount of collected dust is small, it becomes possible to suppress power consumption and perform dust collection efficiently. The suction strength can be adjusted, for example, by increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the fan 23b.

The light source control unit 266 performs drive control of the light source 5 and the floor illumination light source 25. The light source control unit 266 may control the light source 5 and the floor illumination light source 25 to turn on continuously, or make the light source 5 and the floor illumination light source 25 blink (alternately turning on and off). It may be controlled as follows. Further, the light source control unit 266 may control the irradiation intensity of ultraviolet light from the light source 5 according to the amount of collected dust. Furthermore, the light source control unit 266 may control the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light from the floor irradiation light source 25 depending on the material of the floor surface and the contamination state of the floor surface. The irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light from the light source 5 and the floor illumination light source 25 can be controlled by the magnitude of the drive current. Further, when the light source 5 and the floor illumination light source 25 are blinked, the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light can be controlled by the blinking time interval and the ratio of the lighting time to the blinking time.

The storage unit 267 stores the floor map acquired by the map acquisition unit 261, the contamination status of the floor detected by the contamination status detection unit 263, and the like. Although not shown, the floor cleaner 1 may be configured to be able to set the material of the floor. The setting of the material of the floor surface may be performed by input from the user, or by using an appropriate sensor that can identify the material of the floor surface (for example, the intensity of reflected light when the floor surface is irradiated with light, or the setting of the wheel 24a). A floor surface detection sensor that utilizes distortion, etc.) may be provided in the floor cleaner body 20, and the sensor may be configured to automatically identify the material of the floor surface.

(Side hole 6 and side hole opening/closing mechanism 8)
The floor cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment includes one or more side holes 6 that suck in dust kicked up around the floor cleaner body 20 and guide it to the dust box 4. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the side hole 6 is provided in the floor cleaner main body 20, and is used to suck in dust kicked up by the movement of the floor cleaner main body 20 or the operation of the side brush 23c. This serves to prevent dust near the floor from spreading to the surrounding area. For example, there is a relatively high risk of microbial contamination on floors in hospitals, etc., but by providing the side hole 6 in the floor cleaner body 20, even when cleaning floors in hospitals, etc. This prevents dust from flying up and spreading to the surrounding area, and it is possible to suppress the risk of spreading infection due to the effects of microbial contamination on the floor.

In the self-propelled floor cleaner 1, dust is particularly likely to be stirred up by the operation of the side brush 23c. Therefore, it is desirable that the side hole 6 is provided so as to open at least near the side brush 23c. More specifically, at least one of the side holes 6 is desirably provided so as to open above the drive range of the side brush 23c indicated by the dashed line A in FIG. 3(a).

In this embodiment, the floor cleaner body 20 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a plurality of side holes 6 are provided at approximately equal intervals on the side surface (side peripheral surface) of the floor cleaner body 20. ing. Each side hole 6 is provided so as to open toward the side of the floor cleaner body 20. Thereby, it becomes possible to efficiently suck in the dust floating around the floor cleaner main body part 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the side hole 6 may be configured to be able to suck in dust floating around the floor cleaner body 20, and for example, the side hole 6 may be configured to open diagonally downward or downward. A side hole 6 may also be formed.

As shown in FIG. 3(b), in the floor cleaner 1, suction from the suction port 3 and suction from each side hole 6 are performed by a fan 23b, which is a common suction member. ing. Air and dust sucked in from the suction port 3 and the side hole 6 are introduced into the dust box 4, and the dust is collected by a filter 41 provided at the outlet of the dust box 4. As the filter 41, a photocatalyst filter can be used. Thereby, the photocatalyst is activated by the ultraviolet light from the light source 5, and organic matter (malodorous components) in the exhaust gas can be decomposed and deodorized. Note that the filter 41 may be composed of a plurality of filters, one of which may be a photocatalyst filter.

The exhaust gas that has passed through the filter 41 passes through the fan 23b and is discharged from the exhaust port 7 to the outside of the floor cleaner body 20. In this embodiment, an exhaust port 7 is provided at the center of the floor cleaner body 20 in a plan view so as to exhaust the air upward (vertically upward, in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface). . This prevents dust from rising on the floor due to exhaust air, and further reduces the risk of spread of infection due to the effects of microbial contamination on the floor.

The floor cleaner 1 also includes a side hole opening/closing mechanism 8 that controls opening and closing of the side hole 6. The side hole opening/closing mechanism 8 includes a shutter 81 (see FIG. 3(b)) that can open and close the side hole 6, and a side hole opening/closing control section 82 (see FIG. 2) that controls opening and closing of the side hole 6 by driving the shutter 81. ). Note that the mechanism for opening and closing the side hole 6 is not limited to the shutter 81, but may be another mechanism such as a solenoid valve. The side hole opening/closing control section 82 is mounted on the control section 26 and controls the suction force from the suction port 3 and the suction force from the side hole 6 by controlling the opening and closing of the side hole 6 .

In this embodiment, three operation modes can be set: "cleaning mode", "sterilization mode", and "cleaning and sterilization mode", and the opening and closing of the side hole 6 is controlled according to the operation mode set by the user. The side hole opening/closing control section 82 is configured to perform the following. Specifically, the side hole opening/closing control unit 82 fully closes the side hole 6 using the shutter 81 when the "cleaning mode" is set. Thereby, the suction force from the suction port 3 is maximized, and cleaning efficiency is improved. Furthermore, when the "sterilization mode" is set, the side hole opening/closing control section 82 closes the shutter 81 and fully opens the side hole 6. As a result, the suction force from the side hole 6 is maximized, and the efficiency of sucking in dust flying up from the floor surface is improved. As a result, it becomes possible to greatly reduce the risk of spreading infection due to the effects of microbial contamination on the floor. Further, when the "cleaning and sterilization mode" is set, the side hole opening/closing control unit 82 advances the shutter 81 halfway to make the side hole 6 half open. As a result, both the suction force from the suction port 3 and the suction force from the side hole 6 are maintained, and while cleaning is performed with a certain degree of efficiency, the dust that flies up from the floor is sucked in, and the influence of microbial contamination on the floor is reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Further, the side hole opening/closing control section 82 may be configured to adjust the degree of opening/closing of the side hole 6 depending on the moving speed of the floor cleaner main body section 20, the material of the floor surface, the amount of dust collected, etc. For example, the faster the moving speed of the floor cleaner body 20, the greater the amount of microorganisms that fly up from the floor, so the side holes 6 may be configured to open. Alternatively, the side hole 6 may be configured to close as the material of the floor surface becomes softer.

(Explanation of simulation results)
The present inventors conducted a simulation to verify the effect of forming the side holes 6. First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), in the case where dust flies up radially from the floor cleaner body 20, we examined how the behavior of the dust changes due to suction from the side hole 6. The simulation was performed using airflow analysis software. The simulation results are shown in FIG. 4(b). As shown in FIG. 4(b), it was confirmed that the dust was sucked into the side hole 6 by suction from the side hole 6, and the diffusion of the dust to the surrounding area was suppressed.

Similarly, in order to verify the effect of dust being raised by the side brush 23c, dust was emitted outward from one location near the floor cleaner main body 20, as shown in FIG. 5(a). In this case, we verified how the behavior of dust changes due to suction from the side hole 6. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(b), it was confirmed that dust was sucked into the side hole 6 by suction from the side hole 6, and the diffusion of dust to the surroundings was suppressed. From these simulation results, it was confirmed that by providing the side holes 6, it was possible to suppress the dust flying up from the floor from being spread to the surrounding area.

(Actions and effects of embodiments)
As explained above, the floor cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment includes the light source 5 for irradiating ultraviolet light into the dust box 4 to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box 4, and the floor cleaner 1. The main body part 20 is provided with one or more side holes 6 which are provided separately from the suction port 3 and which suck in dust flying up around the floor cleaner main body part 20 and guide it to a dust box 4. This makes it possible to suck in dust floating around the floor cleaner body 20 through the side hole 6, inactivate bacteria and viruses using the light source 5, and exhaust it. As a result, the spread of dust containing bacteria and viruses to the surrounding area is suppressed, and even when cleaning floors in hospitals, etc., for example, the risk of spreading infection due to the effects of microbial contamination on the floor is suppressed. becomes possible.

(Modified example)
In the above embodiment, the light source 5 was configured to emit ultraviolet light from below to above the dust box 4, but as shown in FIG. It may further include an upper light emitting diode 52 that emits light. In the illustrated example, the upper light emitting diode 52 is arranged so as to irradiate ultraviolet light obliquely downward from the upper corner of the dust box 4 toward the center of the dust box 4 . However, the arrangement of the upper light emitting diode 52 is not limited to this. By having the upper light emitting diode 52, even if dirt accumulates at the bottom of the dust box 4 and the dirt blocks the ultraviolet light irradiated from below to above, the effect of inactivating bacteria and viruses can be improved. It becomes possible to obtain sufficient amount of

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(b), a reflective material 53 may be provided between the lower light emitting diode 51 and the dust box 4 to reflect part of the irradiated ultraviolet light and transmit the other part. good. As a result, the ultraviolet light reflected by the reflective material 53 is irradiated onto the floor surface, so the light source 5 can also serve as a light source for illuminating the floor surface, and the light source 25 for illuminating the floor surface can be omitted. becomes possible. In addition, by making the reflective material 53 retractable (or detachable) from the upper part of the lower light emitting diode 51, it is possible to select whether or not to irradiate the floor surface with ultraviolet light depending on the presence or absence of the reflective material 53. Good too. Advancing and retreating (or attaching and detaching) the reflective material 53 onto the light emitting diode 51 may be performed automatically or manually.

Further, in the above embodiment, the self-propelled floor cleaner 1 has been described, but the present invention is also applicable to non-self-propelled floor cleaners. The present invention is applied, for example, to a handy type floor cleaner 1 having a main body 2, a handle 91, and a connecting part 9 that connects the main body 2 and the handle 91, as shown in FIG. It is also possible. In the illustrated example, the dust box 4 is provided in the connecting portion 9, but the dust box 4 may be provided in the main body portion 2. In addition, since the side hole 6 is for sucking in dust raised from the floor surface, it needs to be formed separately from the suction port 3 (or separate from the suction port 3) for sucking in dust from the floor surface. Yes, and must be located away from the floor. For example, it is assumed that a part of the suction port 3 opens laterally in the shape of a notch, but such a lateral notch is a part of the suction port 3 and does not rise up from the floor. This is different from the side hole 6 for sucking in dust.

(Summary of embodiments)
Next, technical ideas understood from the embodiments described above will be described using reference numerals and the like in the embodiments. However, each reference numeral in the following description does not limit the constituent elements in the claims to those specifically shown in the embodiments.

[1] A main body (2) having a suction port (3) on the bottom surface (20a) for sucking dust, a dust box (4) for storing dust sucked in from the suction port (3), and a dust box (4) for storing dust sucked in from the suction port (3). 4) A light source (5) for inactivating bacteria and viruses in the dust box (4) by irradiating the interior with ultraviolet light, and a light source (5) provided in the main body (2) separately from the suction port (3). A floor cleaner (1) comprising one or more side holes (6) for sucking in dust kicked up around the main body (2) and guiding it to the dust box (4).

[2] A side brush (23c) provided on the bottom surface (20a) of the main body (2) so as to protrude from the main body (2) and rotationally driven around a rotation axis perpendicular to the floor surface; The floor cleaner (1) according to [1], wherein at least one of the side holes (6) is provided to open above the drive range (A) of the side brush (23c).

[3] Suction from the suction port (3) and suction from the side hole (6) are performed by a common suction member (23b), and the side hole (6) is opened and closed. [1] or [2], comprising a side hole opening/closing mechanism (8) that controls the suction force from the suction port (3) and the suction force from the side hole (6). The floor vacuum cleaner (1) described.

[4] The floor cleaner according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the side hole (6) is provided in a side surface of the main body (2) so as to open laterally. (1).

[5] The floor cleaner (1) according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the light source (5) is driven intermittently so as to repeatedly turn on and off at predetermined time intervals.

[6] The floor cleaner (1) according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising a floor irradiation light source (25) that irradiates the floor with ultraviolet light.

[7] The main body (2) is a self-propelled floor cleaner main body (20) having a self-propelled movement mechanism (24), according to any one of [1] to [6]. floor vacuum cleaner (1).

[8] The floor cleaning device according to [7], wherein the floor cleaner main body (20) has an exhaust port (7) in the center in a plan view that exhausts air upward in the vertical direction of the floor surface. Machine (1).

(Additional note)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above do not limit the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for solving the problems of the invention. Moreover, the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range that does not depart from the spirit thereof.

1...Floor cleaner 2...Main unit 20...Floor cleaner main unit 20a...Bottom surface 3...Suction port 4...Dust box 5...Light source 6...Side hole 7...Exhaust port 8...Side hole opening/closing mechanism 23b...Fan (suction Element)
23c…Side brush

Claims (11)

A main body having a suction port on the bottom for sucking dust;
a dust box that stores dust sucked in from the suction port;
a light source for irradiating ultraviolet light into the dust box to inactivate bacteria and viruses in the dust box;
The main body includes one or more side holes provided separately from the suction port to suck in dust raised around the main body and guide it to the dust box ,
Suction from the suction port and suction from the side hole can be performed simultaneously by a common suction member, and suction from the suction member causes suction from both the suction port and the side hole. configured to suck dust into the dust box;
Floor vacuum cleaner. A side brush is provided on the bottom surface of the main body so as to protrude from the main body and is rotationally driven around a rotation axis perpendicular to the floor surface,
at least one of the side holes is provided to open above the drive range of the side brush;
The floor cleaner according to claim 1. A side hole opening/closing mechanism that controls the suction force from the suction port and the suction force from the side hole by controlling opening and closing of the side hole.
The floor cleaner according to claim 1 or 2. The side hole is provided in a side surface of the main body so as to open laterally.
The floor cleaner according to claim 1 or 2. The light source is intermittently driven to repeatedly turn on and off at predetermined time intervals.
The floor cleaner according to claim 1 or 2. It is further equipped with a floor illumination light source that irradiates the floor with ultraviolet light.
The floor cleaner according to claim 1 or 2. The main body is a self-propelled floor cleaner body having a self-propelled movement mechanism.
The floor cleaner according to claim 1 or 2. The floor cleaner body has an exhaust port in a central portion thereof in a plan view that exhausts the air upward in a vertical direction of the floor surface.
The floor cleaner according to claim 7. The side hole opening/closing mechanism includes a shutter that can open and close the side hole, and a side hole opening/closing control section that controls opening and closing of the side hole by driving the shutter.
The floor cleaner according to claim 3. The side hole opening/closing control section is configured to be able to set three operating modes: "cleaning mode", "sterilization mode", and "cleaning and sterilization mode", depending on the operation mode set by the user. , controlling the opening and closing of the side hole;
The floor cleaner according to claim 9. The side hole opening/closing control section is configured to completely close the side hole with the shutter when set to the "cleaning mode", and to remove the shutter and close the side hole when set to the "sterilization mode". fully open and when the "cleaning and sterilization mode" is set, the shutter is advanced half way to make the side hole half open;
The floor cleaner according to claim 10.

Images