A
cordless instrument (20, 40) detachable from a charger (10, 30, 31) is attached to the charger (10, 30, 31), and is charged. A first storage part (12, 33) chargeable from a
direct current source (11, 32) included in the charger (10, 30, 31), a first
charge and discharge control circuit (13, 50) to control
charge and discharge of the first storage part (12, 33), a second storage part (21, 43) included in the
cordless instrument (20, 40), and a second
charge and discharge control circuit (22, 45) to control charge and
discharge of the second storage part (21, 43) are provided. Further, a third storage part (28) chargeable from the
direct current source (11, 32) may be provided. Also to the
cordless instrument (20, 40), a fourth storage part (44) may be provided. Upon attaching the cordless instrument, the second storage part (21, 43) is charged at least from the first storage part (12, 33). In comparison with charging time to conventional secondary batteries, it is capable of rapid charge, long life use, resulting in such merits as to realize the compact size of a charger and low cost.