Cleaning tool set comprising cleaner and cleaner station

Abstract

To provide a cleaning tool set that suppresses deformation of an auxiliary brush for a cleaner held on a cleaner station.SOLUTION: A cleaning tool set includes: a cleaner capable of suctioning dust; and a cleaner station used for storing the cleaner when the cleaner is not used. The cleaner includes: a suction source which generates suction force for suctioning dust; a case body with a suction port for dust formed in a bottom; a brush drive unit which generates rotation force; and an auxiliary brush which is at least partially located below the bottom of the case body, and rotated by the rotation force of the brush drive unit, thereby sweeping out dust on a floor surface below the suction port and assisting the suction of the dust into the suction port. The cleaner station has a support table that can support the cleaner without being in contact with the auxiliary brush.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool set having a vacuum cleaner for sucking up dust on a floor surface and a vacuum cleaner station for storing the vacuum cleaner when not in use. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tool set 300 shown in Fig. 18. The cleaning tool set 300 includes a self-propelled vacuum cleaner 310 and a vacuum cleaner station 320 used for storing the vacuum cleaner 310 when not in use.

[0003] Vacuum cleaner 310 has a case body 311, which contains a suction source 312 that generates a suction force to suck up dust on the floor surface, and a dust storage section 313 for storing the dust sucked up by suction source 312, as shown in Figure 19.

[0004] A brush housing section that houses main brush 314 that scrapes off dust on the floor surface is formed in case body 311. The brush housing section is open on the bottom surface of case body 311 as shown in Fig. 20, and this opening will be referred to as "suction port 315" in the following description. When suction source 312 is activated, dust on the floor surface flows into dust storage section 313 through suction port 315.

[0005] Most of main brush 314 is housed in the brush housing, but part of main brush 314 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of case body 311 through suction port 315. A brush drive unit 316 that drives main brush 314 is provided inside case body 311. When brush drive unit 316 is activated, main brush 314 rotates around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction inside the brush housing, and can scrape off dust on the floor surface.

[0006] Running wheels 331, 332 are attached to case body 311. Most of running wheels 331, 332 are housed within case body 311, but parts of these running wheels 331, 332 protrude downward from the bottom surface of case body 311. Case body 311 houses wheel drive units 333, 334 that drive these running wheels 331, 332, respectively, and a control circuit (not shown) that controls wheel drive units 333, 334 so that vacuum cleaner 310 moves within a specified cleaning area.

[0007] Auxiliary brushes 335, 336 are rotatably attached to the bottom of case body 311 on the left and right diagonally front sides of suction port 315. Auxiliary brushes 335, 336 are connected to brush drive unit 316, and when brush drive unit 316 is operated, they rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 20 below the bottom of case body 311. As a result, dust on the floor surface area in front of suction port 315 is swept out to the bottom of suction port 315 by auxiliary brushes 335, 336. Then, this dust is sucked into dust storage unit 313 through suction port 315 by the suction force of suction source 312.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 18, the vacuum cleaner station 320 has a support base 321 that supports the vacuum cleaner 310 that has finished cleaning, and a housing 322 that stands upright from the front end of the support base 321. The support base 321 is formed in a thin plate shape, and the vacuum cleaner 310 that has finished cleaning can climb onto the support base 321 and stop at the position shown in FIG. 18. A collection source that sucks out dust from the dust storage unit 313 of the vacuum cleaner 310 and a charging circuit that outputs power to charge the vacuum cleaner 310 can be arranged inside the housing 322. In this case, when the vacuum cleaner 310 is not in use, the vacuum cleaner 310 can be returned to the position shown in FIG. 18, and the dust in the dust storage unit 313 can be collected in the vacuum cleaner station 320, or the vacuum cleaner 310 can be charged from the vacuum cleaner station 320. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-194152 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Most of main brush 314 is housed in a brush housing portion of case body 311, while auxiliary brushes 335, 336 protrude from the bottom surface of case body 311 outside suction port 315. For this reason, the amount by which auxiliary brushes 335, 336 protrude from the bottom surface of case body 311 tends to be greater than the amount by which main brush 314 protrudes from the bottom surface of case body 311.

[0011] 18, when the vacuum cleaner 310 is placed on the support base 321 of the vacuum cleaner station 320, the auxiliary brushes 335, 336 protruding largely from the bottom surface of the case body 311 may be deformed by being pressed with a strong force against the support base 321. If the auxiliary brushes 335, 336 are held stationary on the support base 321 for a long period of time, the auxiliary brushes 335, 336 may undergo plastic deformation into a deformed shape.

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning tool set that suppresses deformation of an auxiliary brush while the vacuum cleaner is held in a vacuum cleaner station. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The cleaning tool set of the present disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner configured to suck up dust, and a vacuum cleaner station used to store the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is not in use. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking up dust, a case body having a dust suction port formed at the bottom, a brush drive unit that generates a rotational force, and an auxiliary brush that is arranged so that at least a part of it is located under the bottom of the case body and rotates due to the rotational force of the brush drive unit to sweep dust on the floor surface below the suction port and assist in suction of the dust into the suction port. The vacuum cleaner station includes a support base configured to support the vacuum cleaner without contacting the auxiliary brush. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The above-described cleaning tool set can suppress deformation of the auxiliary brush while the vacuum cleaner is held in the vacuum cleaner station. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] Perspective view of cleaning tool set [Diagram 2] Bottom view of the vacuum cleaner [Diagram 3] Cross section of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 4] Functional diagram of the vacuum cleaner control circuit [Diagram 5] A perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner station [Figure 6] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner station [Figure 7] Functional diagram of the control circuit of the vacuum cleaner station [Figure 8] A perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner station [Figure 9] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner station [Figure 10] A perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner station [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a vacuum cleaner when collecting dust from the vacuum cleaner to a vacuum cleaner station (second embodiment); [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of the vacuum cleaner station (third embodiment); [Figure 13] Bottom view of the vacuum cleaner (fourth embodiment) [Figure 14] Functional diagram of the control circuit of the vacuum cleaner station [Figure 15] Bottom view of the vacuum cleaner (fifth embodiment) [Figure 16] Functional diagram of the control circuit of the vacuum cleaner station [Figure 17] A perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner station [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional cleaning tool set [Figure 19] Cross-section of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 20] Bottom view of a conventional vacuum cleaner DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, the first to fifth embodiments of the cleaning tool set will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0017] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool set 500. The cleaning tool set 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0018] The cleaning tool set 500 includes a self-propelled vacuum cleaner 100 and a vacuum cleaner station 200 used to store the vacuum cleaner 100 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is not in use. In the following description, the position of the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Fig. 1 is referred to as a "home position". In this embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position, dust is allowed to be transferred from the vacuum cleaner 100 to the vacuum cleaner station 200. At this time, the vacuum cleaner 100 is charged by the vacuum cleaner station.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner 100 is configured to move from a home position and clean a predetermined cleaning area according to a preset program, and when the cleaning work in the predetermined cleaning area is completed, the vacuum cleaner 100 is configured to return to the home position and be held by the vacuum cleaner station 200.

[0020] (Overall structure of the vacuum cleaner) The vacuum cleaner 100 is configured to be able to suck up dust on a floor surface while traveling on the floor surface. The vacuum cleaner 100 has a case body 110 that narrows toward the rear in a plan view, and the case body 110 constitutes the housing of the vacuum cleaner 100. As shown in FIG. 2, a suction port 115 is formed at the bottom of the case body 110, through which dust on the floor surface flows in. The suction port 115 is provided near the front end of the case body 110 so that when the case body 110 advances and hits a wall of a house, less dust remains in the corner between the wall and the floor surface. The suction port 115 has a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction in a bottom view, and dust can flow in from a wide area on the floor surface when the vacuum cleaner 100 advances.

[0021] 2 and 3, a pair of left and right scraping brushes 116, 117 are housed inside the case body 110, and these scraping brushes 116, 117 protrude downward from the bottom of the case body 110 through the suction port 115. As shown in FIG. 3, a brush housing section 125 for housing these scraping brushes 116, 117 is formed in the lower part of the case body 110, and the above-mentioned suction port 115 is formed as an opening area at the lower end of the brush housing section 125.

[0022] Inside the case body 110, there are provided a first dust storage section 126 into which dust flows in through the suction port 115 and stores the dust, and a suction source 127 provided on the rear side of the first dust storage section 126. The internal space of the first dust storage section 126 is in communication with the brush storage section 125. The suction source 127 is configured to generate a suction force that sucks in dust on the floor surface, and may be composed of, for example, a motor and a rotating blade that is rotated by the motor and configured to suck out air from inside the first dust storage section 126. The suction force of the suction source 127 acts on the suction port 115 through the first dust storage section 126 and the brush storage section 125. As a result, the dust on the floor surface is sucked up to the suction port 115.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, brush driving units 123 and 124 are accommodated in the case body 110 on the left and right sides of the brush accommodation unit 125. The brush driving unit 123 is provided to generate a rotational force for rotating the scraping brush 116 on the left side. The brush driving unit 124 is provided to generate a rotational force for rotating the scraping brush 117 on the right side. These brush driving units 123 and 124 may each have a motor and a drive belt for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the scraping brushes 116 and 117. The brush driving units 123 and 124 are configured to rotate the scraping brush 116 in a direction in which the lower parts of the scraping brushes 116 and 117 move backward.

[0024] The brush driving parts 123, 124 are also used to rotate and drive the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 attached to the bottom of the case body 110. The auxiliary brushes 118, 119 are provided to assist in the suction of dust by sweeping dust that cannot be sucked in by the suction force acting on the suction port 115 to the lower side of the suction port 115. The auxiliary brushes 118, 119 are provided near the front corners at the bottom of the case body 110. The right auxiliary brush 119 has a symmetrical structure to the left auxiliary brush 118. Therefore, only the left auxiliary brush 118 will be described below.

[0025] Most of auxiliary brush 118 is located below the bottom of case body 110, but the tip portion protrudes outside case body 110. Auxiliary brush 118 captures dust to the left of suction port 115 and diagonally forward to the left while rotating in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2, and this dust is swept out to the bottom of suction port 115 by the rotation of auxiliary brush 118. Therefore, when the left corner of case body 110 hits a corner of the room to be cleaned, dust in the corner of the room can be captured by auxiliary brush 118 and swept out to the bottom of suction port 115.

[0026] Unlike the scraping brushes 116 and 117, the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 are provided outside the suction port 115. Therefore, the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 generally protrude downward from the bottom of the case body 110. Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is lifted from the floor surface, the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 protrude downward from the case body 110 by a larger amount than the scraping brushes 116 and 117, as shown in FIG. 3. However, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is grounded on the floor surface, the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 are compressed and deformed by the weight of the vacuum cleaner 100, and the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 and the scraping brushes 116 and 117 are in contact with the floor surface. In this state, the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 can be pressed against the floor surface with a stronger force than the scraping brushes 116 and 117.

[0027] 2, a propulsion unit 131 is configured on the rear side of the suction port 115 to move the case body 110 forward, backward, or stop the case body 110. The propulsion unit 131 has a pair of left and right running wheels 112, 113, a wheel drive unit 121 that drives the left running wheel 112, and a wheel drive unit 122 that drives the right running wheel 113.

[0028] The running wheels 112, 113 are provided in the central region of the case body 110 in the front-rear direction. The left running wheel 112 is located diagonally to the rear and left of the suction port 115 (directly behind the auxiliary brush 118), and the right running wheel 113 is located diagonally to the rear and right of the suction port 115 (directly behind the auxiliary brush 119). Most of the running wheels 112, 113 are housed within the case body 110, but parts of the running wheels 112, 113 protrude downward from the bottom of the case body 110 and come into contact with the floor surface.

[0029] The wheel driving units 121, 122 may each have a motor and a driving belt that transmits the driving force of the motor to the running wheels 112, 113. The wheel driving units 121, 122 are configured to be able to rotate the running wheels 112, 113 in both directions, and when the wheel driving units 121, 122 rotate the running wheels 112, 113 in the forward direction, the case body 110 moves forward. On the other hand, when the wheel driving units 121, 122 rotate the running wheels 112, 113 in the reverse direction, the case body 110 moves backward. Also, when the wheel driving unit 121 rotates the running wheels 112 in the forward direction faster than the running wheels 113, the case body 110 can move forward while turning left. Conversely, when the wheel driving unit 121 rotates the running wheels 112 in the forward direction slower than the running wheels 113, the case body 110 can move forward while turning right.

[0030] In order to assist the movement of the case body 110, an auxiliary wheel 114 is provided at the rear of the bottom of the case body 110. The auxiliary wheel 114 is configured to rotate following the running wheels 112, 113 while supporting the rear of the case body 110.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 130 and the rechargeable battery 135 are housed in the case body 110. The control circuit 130 and the battery 135 are disposed behind the running wheels 112, 113 and in front of the auxiliary wheels 114. The control circuit 130 is configured to be able to control the wheel driving units 121, 122, the brush driving units 123, 124, and the suction source 127. The battery 135 is relatively heavy among the components of the vacuum cleaner 100, and the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner 100 is located behind the running wheels 112, 113 and in front of the auxiliary wheels 114. The battery 135 is electrically connected to the wheel driving units 121, 122, the brush driving units 123, 124, and the suction source 127 so as to supply power to these. In order to charge the battery 135, as shown in FIG. 2, a pair of power receiving terminals 136, 137 are provided at the front end portion of the bottom of the case body 110.

[0032] The power receiving terminals 136, 137 are parts that receive power input from the vacuum cleaner station 200 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position shown in Fig. 1. The power receiving terminals 136, 137 are electrically connected to a battery 135 via a control circuit 130 as shown in Fig. 4. The battery 135 stores the power input to the power receiving terminals 136, 137, and supplies this power to the wheel driving units 121, 122, the brush driving units 123, 124, and the suction source 127.

[0033] When power is input from the cleaner station 200 to the power receiving terminals 136, 137 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the home position, a current flows in the power supply path from the power receiving terminals 136, 137 to the battery 135. On the other hand, when the vacuum cleaner 100 moves away from the home position, the power receiving terminals 136, 137 cannot receive power input from the cleaner station 200, and no current flows in the power supply path from the power receiving terminals 136, 137 to the battery 135. In this way, it is possible to know whether or not the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position based on the presence or absence of a current flowing in the power supply path from the power receiving terminals 136, 137 to the battery 135. In order to obtain information on whether or not the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position, a connection detection unit 138 that detects a current flowing in the power supply path from the power receiving terminals 136, 137 to the battery 135 is provided in the control circuit 130. The connection detection unit 138 is configured to output a stop command to stop the wheel driving units 121, 122, the brush driving units 123, 124, and the suction source 127 when it detects a current flowing through the power supply path from the power receiving terminals 136, 137 to the battery 135.

[0034] In addition to the connection detection unit 138, the control circuit 130 is provided with a propulsion control unit 132, a brush control unit 133, and a suction control unit 134. The propulsion control unit 132 is electrically connected to the wheel drive units 121, 122 to control the wheel drive units 121, 122. The brush control unit 133 is electrically connected to the brush drive units 123, 124 to control the brush drive units 123, 124. The suction control unit 134 is electrically connected to the suction source 127 to control the suction source 127.

[0035] The propulsion control unit 132, the brush control unit 133, and the suction control unit 134 are configured to operate the wheel drive units 121, 122, the brush drive units 123, 124, and the brush drive units 123, 124 at a predetermined time. The propulsion control unit 132, the brush control unit 133, and the suction control unit 134 are also configured to stop the brush drive units 123, 124, and the brush drive units 123, 124 upon receiving a stop command from the connection detection unit 138.

[0036] The propulsion control unit 132 may be configured to control the wheel drive units 121, 122 so that the case body 110 moves along a preset route. However, it is assumed that an obstacle exists on the preset route. The propulsion control unit 132 is configured to be capable of controlling the traveling direction of the case body 110 so that the case body 110 can move while avoiding such obstacles. In order to provide the propulsion control unit 132 with information on the presence or absence of an obstacle, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 111 is provided on the upper side of the case body 110 as shown in FIG. 3. The LiDAR 111 is located behind the running wheels 112, 113 and in front of the auxiliary wheels 114.

[0037] The LiDAR 111 is configured to emit light while rotating, and to acquire information on the presence or absence of an obstacle, the size of the obstacle, and the shape of the obstacle based on the light receiving pattern of the reflected light. The propulsion control unit 132 controls the wheel drive units 121, 122 based on the information acquired by the LiDAR 111 so that the case body 110 moves while avoiding the obstacle. The LiDAR 111 can also acquire information on the position of the vacuum cleaner station 200 and the distance from the vacuum cleaner station 200 based on the light receiving pattern of the reflected light. The propulsion control unit 132 can also control the wheel drive units 121, 122 based on this information so that the case body 110 moves toward the vacuum cleaner station 200.

[0038] When the propulsion control unit 132 operates the wheel drive units 121 and 122, the brush control unit 133 controls the brush drive units 123 and 124 so that the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 rotate in the directions of the arrows in Fig. 2. At this time, the scraping brushes 116 and 117 are also rotated by the brush drive units 123 and 124.

[0039] (Overall structure of the vacuum cleaner station) The vacuum cleaner station 200 is used to store the vacuum cleaner 100 in a home position when the vacuum cleaner 100 is not in use. As shown in Fig. 1, the vacuum cleaner station 200 includes a support base 210 that supports the vacuum cleaner 100 in the home position at a position higher than the floor surface, and a housing 220 that is erected in front of the support base 210. The support base 210 is connected to the rear end of the lower part of the housing 220.

[0040] 5, the inside of the housing 220 is divided into upper and lower parts by an inner wall portion 221 provided in a substantially horizontal position inside the housing 220. In the following description, the portion above the inner wall portion 221 is referred to as a "collection chamber 222." In the collection chamber 222, equipment that collects dust from the first dust storage portion 126 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is housed. In the following description, the portion below the inner wall portion 221 is referred to as a "dustproof chamber 223." In the dustproof chamber 223, electronic components that are vulnerable to dust are housed.

[0041] 5, collection chamber 222 is provided with collection fan 230 and second dust storage section 231 having a substantially rectangular box shape, and second dust storage section 231 is fixed to the upper side of collection fan 230. Collection fan 230 is configured to generate a suction force for sucking dust out of first dust storage section 126 of vacuum cleaner 100 supported by support base 210 at the home position. Due to this suction force, dust sucked out from first dust storage section 126 flows into second dust storage section 231, and this dust is stored in second dust storage section 231.

[0042] Collection fan 230 is heavier than second dust storage section 231. By providing collection fan 230 below second dust storage section 231, the position of the center of gravity of vacuum cleaner station 200 is lowered. Collection fan 230 is fixed at a position spaced above inner wall section 221.

[0043] Collection fan 230 and second dust storage section 231 are provided at a position closer to the left side wall than to the right side wall of housing 220, and exhaust port 224 formed by a large number of through holes is provided in the left side wall. Exhaust port 224 is formed at a position higher than collection fan 230.

[0044] A filter (not shown) configured to capture dust while allowing air to pass is provided at the bottom of second dust storage section 231, and collection fan 230 is configured to suck air downward from second dust storage section 231 through this filter. Then, collection fan 230 blows out the air sucked out from second dust storage section 231 downward. This air collides with inner wall section 221, turns back upward, and is then exhausted from exhaust port 224.

[0045] The collection fan 230 and the second dust storage section 231 are placed toward the left wall side of the housing 220, and a relatively large space is formed on the right side of the collection fan 230 and the second dust storage section 231. Using this space, a transfer duct 232 that forms a flow path for dust flowing from the first dust storage section 126 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the second dust storage section 231 of the vacuum cleaner station 200 is extended vertically. The transfer duct 232 is connected to the right wall of the second dust storage section 231 and has a downstream duct section 233 that is extended downward. The downstream duct section 233 penetrates the dustproof chamber 223 and is inserted into the bottom of the housing 220. The transfer duct 232 further has an upstream duct section 234 that is attached to the bottom of the housing 220 and the bottom of the support stand 210, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0046] The upstream duct section 234 is a pipe member bent into an L-shape when viewed from the bottom, and a part of the upstream duct section 234 protrudes rearward (i.e., toward the support stand 210) from the housing 220 at approximately the center position of the cleaner station 200 in the left-right direction. An opening 236 that opens upward is formed at the tip portion (the end portion on the support stand 210 side) of the upstream duct section 234 as shown in Fig. 6, and dust sucked from the first dust storage section 126 can flow into the transfer duct 232 through the opening 236.

[0047] A duct housing 235 having a groove shape complementary to the upstream duct portion 234 is formed on the bottom surface of the housing 220 and the bottom surface of the support base 210. The lower end of the downstream duct portion 233 opens toward the inside of the duct housing 235, and when the upstream duct portion 234 is housed in the duct housing 235, the flow path of the upstream duct portion 234 communicates with the flow path of the downstream duct portion 233. Note that the upstream duct portion 234 can be removed from the duct housing 235, for example, when the vacuum cleaner station 200 is not in use. That is, the upstream duct portion 234 is separable from the downstream duct portion 233 and the support base 210.

[0048] The support base 210 has a front support part 211 that supports a front part of the vacuum cleaner 100, and a rear support part 212 that supports a rear part of the vacuum cleaner 100. The thickness (vertical size) of the rear support part 212 gradually increases toward the front. Therefore, the upper surface of the rear support part 212 forms a slope that inclines upward toward the front. After completing a cleaning operation, the vacuum cleaner 100 can move forward from the rear side of the support base 210 and climb onto the rear support part 212 to reach the home position. At this time, the rear support part 212 is wider than the vacuum cleaner 100 so that the running wheels 112, 113 of the vacuum cleaner 100 are positioned on the rear support part 212. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 100 can be stably supported on the support base 210.

[0049] The front support part 211 is a part where a part of the above-mentioned duct accommodating part 235 is formed and is narrower than the rear support part 212. The front support part 211 is thicker than the depth of the duct accommodating part 235, and when the upstream duct part 234 is accommodated in the duct accommodating part 235, the upstream duct part 234 does not protrude upward from the upper surface of the front support part 211 as shown in FIG.

[0050] An opening area 237 is formed on the upper surface of the support base 210, which allows an opening 236 of the upstream duct portion 234 to be exposed on the support base 210 when the upstream duct portion 234 is accommodated in the duct accommodating portion 235. The opening area 237 is formed in the center portion of the support base 210 in the left-right direction, and when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position, the opening area 237 and the opening 236 of the upstream duct portion 234 face the suction port 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the vertical direction.

[0051] On the left and right sides of the front support part 211, storage spaces 213 and 214 having a substantially semicircular shape in a plan view are formed. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position, the storage spaces 213 and 214 store the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In detail, the left storage space 213 is provided to store the left auxiliary brush 118 of the vacuum cleaner 100 supported by the support base 210 in the home position. The right storage space 214 is provided to store the right auxiliary brush 119 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the home position. These storage spaces 213 and 214 have a size such that the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 do not come into contact with the front support part 211 and the rear support part 212 no matter what rotational position the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119 are in. In detail, the radius of the storage spaces 213 and 214 is larger than the rotational radius of the auxiliary brushes 118 and 119.

[0052] Output terminals 215, 216 are disposed on the upper surface of the front support part 211. These output terminals 215, 216 are provided at positions that contact the power receiving terminals 136, 137 of the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Fig. 2 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position.

[0053] The output terminals 215, 216 are electrically connected to a control circuit 217 housed in a dustproof chamber 223 as shown in Fig. 5. The control circuit 217 has a converter 219 that receives AC power from an external power source 218 as shown in Fig. 7. The converter 219 is provided to convert the AC power from the external power source 218 into DC power. The converter 219 is electrically connected to the output terminals 215, 216 so that the DC power is output to the output terminals 215, 216.

[0054] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position, the output terminals 215 and 216 are in contact with the power receiving terminals 136 and 137 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, power is supplied from the converter 219 to the battery 135 of the vacuum cleaner 100. At this time, a current flows in the power output path from the converter 219 to the output terminals 215 and 216. On the other hand, if the vacuum cleaner 100 is not in the home position and the output terminals 215 and 216 are not in contact with the power receiving terminals 136 and 137, no current flows in the power output path from the converter 219 to the output terminals 215 and 216. In this way, it is possible to detect whether the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position or not based on the presence or absence of a current in the power output path from the converter 219 to the output terminals 215 and 216. In this embodiment, a connection detection unit 225 that detects the presence or absence of a current is provided on the power output path from the converter 219 to the output terminals 215 and 216. Connection detector 225 is configured to output a start command for starting collection fan 230 when a current is detected.

[0055] The control circuit 217 is provided with a fan control unit 226 that controls the recovery fan 230, and the fan control unit 226 is configured to operate the recovery fan 230 for a predetermined length of time on the condition that a start command is received from the connection detection unit 225.

[0056] (Vacuum cleaner in action) At a predetermined time, the propulsion control unit 132, the brush control unit 133, and the suction control unit 134 of the vacuum cleaner 100 operate the wheel driving units 121, 122, the brush driving units 123, 124, and the suction source 127. At this time, the propulsion control unit 132 controls the wheel driving units 121, 122 so that the vacuum cleaner 100 at the home position moves backward a predetermined distance and away from the support base 321 of the vacuum cleaner station 200. Thereafter, the propulsion control unit 132 controls the wheel driving units 121, 122 so that the vacuum cleaner 100 moves along a preset route.

[0057] During this time, suction source 127 applies suction force to dust on and around the floor surface area facing suction port 115. The dust in this area flows into first dust storage section 126 through suction port 115. At this time, scraping brushes 116, 117 are rotationally driven by brush driving sections 123, 124 to scrub the floor surface area facing suction port 115. As a result, dust in this floor surface area is scraped off by scraping brushes 116, 117, and then flows into first dust storage section 126 by the suction force of suction source 127. The amount of dust in first dust storage section 126 increases as the moving distance of vacuum cleaner 100 increases.

[0058] Auxiliary brushes 118, 119 are rotationally driven by brush driving units 123, 124 to sweep dust located in a position where the suction force of suction source 127 does not act sufficiently to the lower side of suction port 115. As a result, dust from a wide area can be sucked into vacuum cleaner 100.

[0059] The auxiliary brushes 118, 119 protrude downward from the bottom of the case body 110 more than the scraping brushes 116, 117, and may be pressed against the floor surface with a relatively strong force due to the weight of the vacuum cleaner 100. As a result, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 may deform to some extent, but may assume various shapes while being driven by the brush driving parts 123, 124. For this reason, the plastic deformation of the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 does not pose much of a problem while the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 are rotating.

[0060] After the vacuum cleaner 100 moves along the preset route, the propulsion control unit 132 moves towards the vacuum cleaner station 200 based on information from the LiDAR 111. The vacuum cleaner 100 then moves forward while climbing onto the rear support part 212 of the support base 210, and reaches the home position shown in FIG.

[0061] When the vacuum cleaner 100 reaches the home position, the power receiving terminals 136, 137 of the vacuum cleaner 100 come into contact with the output terminals 215, 216 of the vacuum cleaner station 200. As a result, a power supply path is formed from the converter 219 of the vacuum cleaner station 200 to the battery 135 of the vacuum cleaner 100, and the battery 135 receives the power supply and is charged.

[0062] At this time, the connection detection unit 138 of the vacuum cleaner 100 detects a current flowing through the power supply path formed between the power receiving terminals 136, 137 and the battery 135. In response to the detection of this current, the connection detection unit 138 outputs a stop command. In response to this stop command, the propulsion control unit 132, the brush control unit 133, and the suction control unit 134 stop the wheel driving units 121, 122, the brush driving units 123, 124, and the suction source 127.

[0063] When the vacuum cleaner 100 reaches the home position, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 are accommodated in the accommodation spaces 213, 214 provided in the support base 210 of the vacuum cleaner station 200. At this time, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 may stop at various rotation angles. However, since the radius of the accommodation spaces 213, 214 is larger than the rotation radius of the auxiliary brushes 118, 119, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 do not come into contact with the support base 210 no matter what rotation angle they stop at. Therefore, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 do not receive any force from the support base 210.

[0064] If the storage spaces 213, 214 were not formed in the support base 210, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 would be deformed by the force from the support base 210. If this deformed shape is maintained for a long time, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 may be plastically deformed. This problem of plastic deformation can be solved by providing storage spaces 213, 214 for storing the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the home position.

[0065] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 100 in the home position is supported by the support base 210 at a position higher than the floor surface, and the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 protrude from the bottom surface of the case body 110 toward the floor surface within the storage spaces 213, 214 on the left and right sides of the support base 210. In this case, the force that the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 receive from the floor surface is reduced by the thickness of the support base 210. Therefore, plastic deformation of the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 caused by the force that the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 receive from the floor surface is also suppressed.

[0066] (Vacuum station operation) When the vacuum cleaner 100 reaches the home position, the power receiving terminals 136, 137 of the vacuum cleaner 100 come into contact with the output terminals 215, 216 of the vacuum cleaner station 200. As a result, a power supply path is formed from the converter 219 of the vacuum cleaner station 200 to the battery 135 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In this state, a current flows through the power output path from the converter 219 to the output terminals 215, 216, and this current is detected by the connection detection unit 225 of the vacuum cleaner station 200. The connection detection unit 225 outputs a start command in response to the detection of the current.

[0067] In response to this start command, fan control section 226 operates collection fan 230 for a predetermined length of time. Collection fan 230 sucks air out of second dust storage section 231 and blows this air downward. This air may collide with inner wall section 221 inside housing 220 and then turn around and flow upward. The air is then released from exhaust port 224 formed at a position higher than collection fan 230.

[0068] As the collection fan 230 sucks air out of the second dust storage section 231, the suction force of the collection fan 230 acts on the transfer duct 232 via the second dust storage section 231. An opening 236 is formed in the upstream duct section 234 of the transfer duct 232, and this opening 236 faces the suction port 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the home position via an opening area 237 of the support base 210. Therefore, the suction force of the collection fan 230 acting on the transfer duct 232 acts on the first dust storage section 126 of the vacuum cleaner 100 via the suction port 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0069] The dust in the first dust storage section 126 is sucked out to the transfer duct 232 through the suction port 115, the opening area 237, and the opening 236 by the suction force of the collection fan 230. This dust then flows into the second dust storage section 231 through the transfer duct 232.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the home position are accommodated in the accommodation spaces 213, 214 of the support base 210 and are not in contact with the support base 210. Therefore, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 do not receive force from the support base 210. At this time, the vacuum cleaner 100 is supported by the support base 210 at a position higher than the floor surface, so that the force that the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 protruding from the bottom surface of the case body 110 in the accommodation spaces 213, 214 receive from the floor surface is also small. Therefore, plastic deformation of the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 while the vacuum cleaner 100 is staying in the home position is suppressed.

[0071] When the vacuum cleaner 100 reaches the home position, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 may stop at various rotation angles. No matter what rotation angle the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 stop at, the radius of the accommodation spaces 213, 214 is larger than the rotation radius of the auxiliary brushes 118, 119, so the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 do not come into contact with the support base 210. For this reason, control to stop the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 at a position where they do not come into contact with the support base 210 is not required.

[0072] When the vacuum cleaner 100 reaches the home position, the collection fan 230 of the vacuum cleaner station 200 is activated. The collection fan 230 sucks out the air in the second dust storage section 231 and blows it out downward. This air is turned back by the inner wall section 221 below the collection fan 230, flows upward, and is discharged from the exhaust port 224 provided at a higher position than the collection fan 230.

[0073] Such an air flow path is longer than the air flow path when exhaust port 224 is provided in the direction in which air is blown out from collection fan 230. A portion of the operating noise of collection fan 230 propagates from collection fan 230 along the air flow path, but because this air flow path is long as described above, the operating noise of collection fan 230 emitted from exhaust port 224 can be attenuated to some extent.

[0074] The air blown out from collection fan 230 is warmed to some extent by the heat of collection fan 230, and so tends to flow upward after colliding with inner wall portion 221. For this reason, even if exhaust port 224 is provided at a position higher than collection fan 230, the release of air from exhaust port 224 can be promoted. Therefore, heat accumulation in housing 220 is suppressed.

[0075] Collection fan 230 and second dust storage section 231 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction inside housing 220. Therefore, the size of housing 220 in the left-right direction or the front-back direction is reduced compared to when collection fan 230 and second dust storage section 231 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction or the front-back direction.

[0076] On the other hand, when the collection fan 230 and the second dust storage section 231 are arranged vertically, the housing 220 becomes tall, and there is a risk of the housing 220 tipping over. In order to prevent the housing 220 from tipping over, it is preferable that the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner station 200 is in a low position. In the above-mentioned embodiment, in order to lower the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner station 200, the collection fan 230, which is heavier than the second dust storage section 231, is disposed below the second dust storage section 231. Note that, when the housing 220 has a shape stable enough to prevent the housing 220 from tipping over, the collection fan 230 may be provided above the second dust storage section 231.

[0077] In the above embodiment, a part of the upstream duct portion 234 of the transport duct 232 is vertically overlapped with the support base 210, but does not protrude from the upper surface of the support base 210. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 100 can climb onto the support base 210 and reach the home position without being hindered by the transport duct 232.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the duct housing 235 housing the upstream duct portion 234 of the transfer duct 232 is groove-shaped. Alternatively, the duct housing 235 may be formed as a notch. In this case, the upstream duct portion 234 may be exposed on the upper surface of the support base 210 as shown in FIG. 8. The upper surface of the upstream duct portion 234 shown in FIG. 8 is flush with the upper surface of the support base 210. The height of the upstream duct portion 234 shown in FIG. 8 is larger than the upstream duct portion 234 housed in the groove-shaped duct housing 235 shown in FIG. 6 by the thickness of the bottom of the groove-shaped duct housing 235. Therefore, the upstream duct portion 234 shown in FIG. 8 may have a relatively large flow path cross-sectional area, making it difficult for dust to clog the upstream duct portion 234.

[0079] The thicker the support base 210, the greater the height of the upstream duct portion 234 can be. However, the thicker the support base 210, the greater the power required for the vacuum cleaner 100 to climb onto the support base 210. For this reason, the increase in the height of the upstream duct portion 234, and therefore the increase in the flow path cross section of the upstream duct portion 234 in the height direction, are limited to a certain extent. Therefore, clogging of dust may occur in the upstream duct portion 234. When clogging of dust occurs in the upstream duct portion 234, the user can separate the upstream duct portion 234 from the support base 210 and the downstream duct portion 233 and take it out of the duct housing portion 235, as shown in FIG. 6. In this state, the user can easily remove the dust clogging in the upstream duct portion 234.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the support base 210 is connected to the housing 220. Alternatively, the support base 210 may be separated from the housing 220 as shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the support base 210 may be connected to the housing 220 via the upstream duct portion 234 of the transport duct 232. When the vacuum cleaner station 200 shown in FIG. 9 is not used for a long period of time, the user may remove the upstream duct portion 234 from the duct housing portion 235 to separate the support base 210 from the housing 220. If the support base 210 is separable from the housing 220, the user can store the housing 220 in a predetermined storage box, and then insert the support base 210 and the upstream duct portion 234 into the remaining space of the storage box to store them.

[0081] In order to facilitate the storage of the vacuum cleaner station 200 in the storage box, the support base 210 may be connected to the housing 220 by a hinge 238 as shown in FIG. 10. The support base 210 shown in FIG. 10 is in a recumbent position protruding rearward from the housing 220 and capable of supporting the vacuum cleaner 100. When storing the vacuum cleaner station 200 in the storage box, the user can rotate the support base 210 upward about the hinge 238 in a state in which the upstream duct portion 234 is removed from the duct housing portion 235, and place the support base 210 in an upright position along the rear surface of the housing 220. By placing the support base 210 in an upright position, the size of the vacuum cleaner station 200 in the front-rear direction is reduced, and the vacuum cleaner station 200 can be easily stored in the storage box. After storing the housing 220 and the support base 210 in the storage box, the user can insert the upstream duct portion 234, which has been removed in advance, into the remaining space in the storage box.

[0082] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner 100 reaches the home position, the brush control unit 133 stops the brush driving units 123, 124 and, in turn, the scraping brushes 116, 117. When the transfer of dust from the vacuum cleaner 100 to the vacuum cleaner station 200 starts with the scraping brushes 116, 117 stopped, it is assumed that the dust sucked out from the first dust storage unit 126 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is caught by the scraping brushes 116, 117. In order to facilitate the removal of the dust caught by the scraping brushes 116, 117, the brush control unit 133 may control the brush driving units 123, 124 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0083] While the vacuum cleaner 100 is performing a cleaning operation, the connection detection unit 138 does not output a stop command (step S110: No), as described in the first embodiment. In this case, the brush control unit 133 controls the brush driving units 123, 124 so that the scraping brushes 116, 117 rotate forward (step S120). When the scraping brushes 116, 117 rotate forward, the lower parts of the scraping brushes 116, 117 exposed from the suction port 115 move backward. The rotation of the scraping brushes 116, 117 in this direction assists the forward movement of the vacuum cleaner 100. When the scraping brushes 116, 117 rotate forward, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2.

[0084] When the vacuum cleaner 100 moves along a preset route, finishes the cleaning work, and returns to the home position, the connection detection unit 138 outputs a stop command as described above (step S110: Yes). In this case, the propulsion control unit 132 and the suction control unit 134 stop the wheel drive units 121, 122 and the suction source 127, while the brush control unit 133 controls the brush drive units 123, 124 so that the scraping brushes 116, 117 rotate in the reverse direction (step S130). When the scraping brushes 116, 117 rotate in the reverse direction, the lower parts of the scraping brushes 116, 117 exposed from the suction port 115 move forward. However, at this time, the wheel drive units 121, 122 that drive the running wheels 112, 113 are stopped, so the running wheels 112, 113 act as brakes, and the vacuum cleaner 100 can maintain a stopped state at the home position.

[0085] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is stopped at the home position, the upstream duct portion 234 of the transport duct 232 extends forward from an opening region 237 and an opening 236 facing the suction port 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, the scraping brushes 116, 117 rotate in the reverse direction, and the lower portions of the scraping brushes 116, 117 move forward, which can facilitate sending out dust caught on the scraping brushes 116, 117 to the upstream duct portion 234.

[0086] The brush control unit 133 may control the brush driving units 123, 124 so that the scraping brushes 116, 117 rotate in the reverse direction for a period of time substantially equal to the operating period of the collection fan 230. As a result, when the dust is transferred from the vacuum cleaner 100 to the vacuum cleaner station 200, the dust caught on the scraping brushes 116, 117 can be urged toward the upstream duct unit 234.

[0087] At this time, since the brush driving units 123, 124 are connected not only to the scraping brushes 116, 117 but also to the auxiliary brushes 118, 119, while the scraping brushes 116, 117 are rotating in the reverse direction, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 rotate in the opposite direction to the arrow in FIG. 2. Even if the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 rotate when the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position on the support base 210, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 do not receive a force from the support base 210. That is, since the storage spaces 213, 214 provided in the support base 210 have a radius larger than the rotation radius of the auxiliary brushes 118, 119, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 can rotate in the storage spaces 213, 214 without coming into contact with the support base 210.

[0088] Even after the transfer of dust from the vacuum cleaner 100 to the vacuum cleaner station 200 is completed, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be stored in a stopped state on the support base 210 (step S140: No). After that, at a predetermined time (step S140: Yes), the vacuum cleaner 100 is started to clean the floor surface by tracing a predetermined cleaning route. That is, the running wheels 112, 113, the scraping brushes 116, 117, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119, and the suction source 127 start operating. At this time, the scraping brushes 116, 117 rotate forward (step S120), and the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2.

[0089] <Third embodiment> When there is a gap between the bottom surface of case body 110 and the top surface of support stand 210 and collection fan 230 is operated, air flows into transfer duct 232 from this gap, reducing the suction force acting on dust in first dust storage section 126. To prevent such air inflow, vacuum cleaner station 200 shown in Fig. 12 has a thin plate-like sealing member 239 that contacts the bottom surface of case body 110 and prevents air inflow.

[0090] An opening 240 is formed in the seal member 239 at a position overlapping with the opening region 237 of the support stand 210. The opening 240 is larger than the opening region 237 of the support stand 210 and the opening 236 of the upstream duct portion 234 shown in FIG. 6, and the seal member 239 does not prevent the inflow of dust from the first dust storage section 126 to the transfer duct 232.

[0091] The bottom surface of case body 110 and seal member 239 are configured to contact each other around opening 240 of seal member 239. Therefore, when collection fan 230 is operated with vacuum cleaner 100 in the home position, almost no air outside opening 240 flows into opening 240.

[0092] The seal member 239 may be formed integrally with the support base 210, but is preferably removable from the support base 210. When the vacuum cleaner 100 moves forward toward the home position and when the vacuum cleaner 100 moves backward away from the home position, the seal member 239 rubs against the case body 110 and may become worn. If the seal member 239 is removable from the support base 210, a user can replace the worn seal member 239 with a new seal member 239.

[0093] 7 has a width that is approximately equal to the width of the front support part 211 in the opening region 237 of the support base 210. However, the width of the seal member 239 may be smaller than that shown in FIG 7, and for example, the seal member 239 may be a rectangular frame-shaped member that surrounds the periphery of the opening 240.

[0094] <Fourth embodiment> The battery 135 is a relatively heavy part of the vacuum cleaner 100, and by arranging the battery 135 at the rear of the vacuum cleaner 100, the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be located at the rear of the vacuum cleaner 100. Since the center of gravity of the vacuum cleaner 100 is located at the rear of the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 is prevented from falling when the front part of the vacuum cleaner 100 approaches a step. However, if the vacuum cleaner 100 continues to move forward, the vacuum cleaner 100 may fall. In order to prevent the vacuum cleaner 100 from falling over a step, the vacuum cleaner 100 may have a reflective sensor 139 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0095] The reflective sensor 139 is disposed near the front end of the bottom of the case body 110, and disposed in front of the running wheels 112, 113. The reflective sensor 139 is also attached to the center position of the bottom of the case body 110 in the left-right direction.

[0096] The reflective sensor 139 is configured to emit a detection wave (e.g., light or sound wave) downward and to receive the detection wave reflected by the floor surface (hereinafter referred to as the "reflected wave"). When the vacuum cleaner 100 is not approaching a step, the propagation path of the detection wave and the reflected wave is short, and the intensity of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor 139 is high. On the other hand, when the vacuum cleaner 100 approaches a step, the reflective sensor 139 may emit a detection wave to a surface lower than the floor surface on which the vacuum cleaner 100 is traveling. In this case, the propagation path of the detection wave and the reflected wave becomes longer, and the intensity of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor 139 becomes weaker. The reflective sensor 139 is configured to output a detection signal indicating the intensity of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor 139.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 14, the control circuit 130 is configured to receive a detection signal from the reflective sensor 139. That is, the control circuit 130 has a step determination unit 140 that receives the detection signal from the reflective sensor 139, and the step determination unit 140 determines that there is a step below the vacuum cleaner 100 when the intensity of the reflected wave represented by this detection signal falls below a predetermined threshold. In this case, the step determination unit 140 outputs an avoidance signal requesting that the step be avoided. On the other hand, if the detection signal from the reflective sensor 139 is not below this threshold, the step determination unit 140 does not determine that the vacuum cleaner 100 has approached a step and does not output an avoidance signal. Note that the threshold used in this determination process is set so as not to determine that the vacuum cleaner 100 has approached a step even when the vacuum cleaner 100 is traveling on a floor surface that does not easily reflect the detection wave (for example, a floor surface covered with a carpet).

[0098] When the step determination unit 140 does not output an avoidance signal, the propulsion control unit 132 controls the wheel drive units 121, 122 so that the vacuum cleaner 100 continues moving forward. On the other hand, when the step determination unit 140 outputs an avoidance signal, the propulsion control unit 132 controls the wheel drive units 121, 122 so that the vacuum cleaner 100 moves backward. Alternatively, the propulsion control unit 132 controls the wheel drive units 121, 122 so that the vacuum cleaner 100 stops. This type of control prevents the vacuum cleaner 100 from falling over a step.

[0099] The reflective sensor 139 is provided at a substantially central position of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the left-right direction, and is in a position where it emits a detection wave onto the support base 210 from when the vacuum cleaner 100 gets on the support base 210 until it reaches the home position. That is, the reflective sensor 139 emits a detection wave outside the accommodation spaces 213, 214. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor 139 is high from when the vacuum cleaner 100 gets on the support base 210 until it reaches the home position. Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 100 advances toward the home position, the step determination unit 140 does not erroneously determine that there is a step below the vacuum cleaner 100. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 100 can reach the home position without being hindered by such erroneous determination.

[0100] <Fifth embodiment> In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the fourth embodiment, the reflective sensor 139 is provided at a substantially central position of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the left-right direction. This reflective sensor 139 cannot detect that the left or right part of the vacuum cleaner 100 has reached a step. If the vacuum cleaner 100 continues to move forward even though the left part of the vacuum cleaner 100 has reached a step, the left running wheel 112 may run off the step. Conversely, if the vacuum cleaner 100 continues to move forward even though the right part of the vacuum cleaner 100 has reached a step, the right running wheel 113 may run off the step. In order to prevent these running wheels 112, 113 from running off the step, the vacuum cleaner 100 of the fifth embodiment may further include a pair of left and right reflective sensors 141, 142 as shown in FIG. 15.

[0101] The reflective sensor 141 is provided in front of the left running wheel 112 in the left portion of the vacuum cleaner 100. The left auxiliary brush 118 is also provided in front of the running wheel 112, and the auxiliary brush 118 and the reflective sensor 141 are located close to each other.

[0102] On the other hand, the reflective sensor 142 is provided in front of the right running wheel 113 on the right side of the vacuum cleaner 100. The right auxiliary brush 119 is also provided in front of this running wheel 113, and this auxiliary brush 119 and the reflective sensor 142 are located close to each other.

[0103] These reflective sensors 141, 142 may be configured with the same sensor components as the reflective sensor 139. As shown in FIG. 16, the reflective sensors 139, 141, 142 are connected to the control circuit 130 so as to output a detection signal to the step determination unit 140. The step determination unit 140 is configured to output an avoidance signal when the intensity of the reflected wave represented by the detection signal from any of the reflective sensors 139, 141, 142 falls below a predetermined threshold. In other words, when all of the detection signals from the reflective sensors 139, 141, 142 represent the intensity of the reflected wave exceeding the threshold, the step determination unit 140 does not output the avoidance signal. The threshold used in this determination process is the same as the threshold used in the determination process of the fourth embodiment. Then, the propulsion control unit 132 executes the same control as the propulsion control unit 132 of the fourth embodiment depending on the presence or absence of the avoidance signal.

[0104] As described above, the reflective sensors 141, 142 are disposed near the auxiliary brushes 118, 119. In this case, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is about to reach the home position, the reflective sensors 141, 142 may be in a state of emitting detection waves to the accommodation spaces 213, 214. Since the front support part 211 of the support base 210 is somewhat thick in order to accommodate the upstream duct part 234 of the transport duct 232, the front part of the vacuum cleaner 100 is supported at a somewhat high position by the front support part 211. Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is about to reach the home position, the propagation paths of the detection waves emitted by the reflective sensors 141, 142 to the accommodation spaces 213, 214 and the reflected waves thereof become somewhat long.

[0105] If carpet is exposed in the storage spaces 213, 214, the intensity of the reflected waves received by the reflective sensors 141, 142 may be so low as to fall below the threshold value used in the determination process by the step determination unit 140. In this case, just before the vacuum cleaner 100 reaches the home position, the step determination unit 140 may determine that the storage spaces 213, 214 are steps, and the propulsion control unit 132 may control the wheel drive units 121, 122 so that the vacuum cleaner 100 moves backward or stops. If such control is performed, the vacuum cleaner 100 cannot reach the home position.

[0106] In order to prevent such an undesirable control state, the cleaner station 200 may have reflecting parts 241, 242 that reflect the detection wave emitted into the storage spaces 213, 214, as shown in Fig. 17. It is preferable that the reflecting parts 241, 242 have a smooth surface and can reflect the detection wave with little weakening. In this case, even if the front part of the cleaner 100 is supported at a high position by the front support part 211 of the support base 210, the reflective sensors 141, 142 can receive reflected waves with a relatively high intensity. As a result, the step determination part 140 is prevented from erroneously determining that the storage spaces 213, 214 are steps.

[0107] In the first to fifth embodiments, contact between the support base 210 and the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 is avoided by forming the storage spaces 213, 214 in the support base 210. Alternatively, the support base 210 may be formed narrow overall so as not to come into contact with the auxiliary brushes 118, 119, as long as the support base 210 can support the vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, the storage spaces 213, 214 may not be formed in the support base 210.

[0108] In the first to fifth embodiments, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 are provided on the left and right sides of the vacuum cleaner 100. However, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 may be provided in other positions. Even in this case, plastic deformation of the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 can be suppressed by providing the accommodation spaces 213, 214 at positions corresponding to the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 of the vacuum cleaner 100 supported by the support base 210 at the home position.

[0109] In the first to fifth embodiments, the tip portions of the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 protrude outside the case body 110. Alternatively, the auxiliary brushes 118, 119 may be formed so as to be located entirely below the bottom of the case body 110.

[0110] In the first to fifth embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 has a pair of left and right scraping brushes 116, 117. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may have a single scraping brush. This scraping brush is supported at both ends by the brush housing portion 125 and can be driven by one of the brush driving portions 123, 124.

[0111] In the first to fifth embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 is configured to start a cleaning operation at a predetermined time. However, the control for causing the vacuum cleaner 100 to start a cleaning operation is not limited to this. For example, the vacuum cleaner 100 may have an operation unit operated by a user. The vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured to start a cleaning operation in response to an operation on the operation unit. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be configured to start a cleaning operation in response to a signal received from a remote controller.

[0112] In the first to fifth embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 is self-propelled. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be a stick type vacuum cleaner, a canister type vacuum cleaner, or a handheld type vacuum cleaner. In this case, the case body 110 may constitute a suction nozzle of the stick type vacuum cleaner, the canister type vacuum cleaner, or the handheld type vacuum cleaner.

[0113] In the first to fifth embodiments, the cleaner station 200 is configured to be capable of charging the battery 135 of the cleaner 100. Alternatively, the cleaner station 200 may not have such a charging function.

[0114] If the vacuum cleaner station 200 does not have a charging function, a first light emitting unit that emits light and a first light receiving unit that receives light may be provided on the bottom surface of the vacuum cleaner 100 in order to determine whether the vacuum cleaner 100 is in the home position. A second light emitting unit that emits light and a second light receiving unit that receives light may be provided on the upper surface of the support base 210. The first light emitting unit, the first light receiving unit, the second light emitting unit, and the second light receiving unit may be arranged so that when the vacuum cleaner 100 reaches the home position, the second light receiving unit receives light from the first light emitting unit, and the first light receiving unit receives light from the second light emitting unit. If the cleaning tool set 500 is configured in this way, it becomes possible for the vacuum cleaner 100 side and the vacuum cleaner station 200 side to determine that the vacuum cleaner 100 has reached the home position when both the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit receive light.

[0115] In the first to fifth embodiments, the cleaner station 200 is configured to be able to collect dust from the first dust storage section 126 of the cleaner 100. Alternatively, the cleaner station 200 may not have such a dust collection function. The cleaner station 200 may be used only for storing the cleaner 100 when the cleaner 100 is not in use. Alternatively, the cleaner station 200 may be used only for charging the battery 135 of the cleaner 100 when the cleaner 100 is not in use.

[0116] (Effects, etc.) The cleaning tool set 500 according to the above embodiment has the following characteristics and provides the following effects.

[0117] A cleaning tool set according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner configured to suck up dust, and a vacuum cleaner station used to store the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is not in use. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking up dust, a case body having a dust suction port formed at the bottom, a brush drive unit that generates a rotational force, and an auxiliary brush that is disposed so that at least a portion of the auxiliary brush is located under the bottom of the case body and rotates due to the rotational force of the brush drive unit to sweep dust on the floor surface below the suction port and assist in suction of the dust into the suction port. The vacuum cleaner station includes a support base configured to support the vacuum cleaner without contacting the auxiliary brush.

[0118] In the above-mentioned configuration, when the auxiliary brush of the vacuum cleaner rotates by the rotational force of the brush drive unit to sweep dust on the floor surface below the suction port, the dust flows into the suction port by the suction force of the suction source. Since the auxiliary brush is used to sweep dust on the floor surface below the suction port, it is not disposed at the suction port but at least a part of it is disposed below the bottom, and when cleaning the floor surface, the auxiliary brush is pressed against the floor surface by the vacuum cleaner's own weight. At this time, the auxiliary brush is rotated by the brush drive unit and can take on various shapes. Therefore, when cleaning the floor surface, the auxiliary brush does not take on a fixed shape and is not easily plastically deformed.

[0119] However, when the vacuum cleaner is not in use, the vacuum cleaner may be placed on the support base in a stopped state for a long period of time. If the auxiliary brush is pressed against the support base by the weight of the vacuum cleaner, the auxiliary brush may maintain a certain shape in a deformed state. In this case, the auxiliary brush may undergo plastic deformation. In order to suppress such plastic deformation, in the above-mentioned configuration, the support base is configured to be in a non-contact state with the auxiliary brush when supporting the vacuum cleaner. Therefore, the auxiliary brush does not receive force from the support base, and plastic deformation of the auxiliary brush caused by contact between the auxiliary brush and the support base is prevented.

[0120] In the above-mentioned configuration, the auxiliary brush may be provided so as to protrude from the bottom of the case body toward the floor surface outside the support base when the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support base at a predetermined home position. The support base may support the case body at a position higher than the floor surface, thereby reducing the force that the auxiliary brush receives from the floor surface.

[0121] In the above-mentioned configuration, the support base supports the case body of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support base at a predetermined home position at a position higher than the floor surface, so that a space having a certain height can be formed between the floor surface and the case body. At this time, the auxiliary brush protrudes from the bottom of the case body toward the floor surface outside the support base, but since a space having a certain height is formed between the floor surface and the case body, the force that the auxiliary brush receives from the floor surface is reduced. Therefore, plastic deformation of the auxiliary brush caused by contact between the auxiliary brush and the floor surface is suppressed.

[0122] In the above-mentioned configuration, the support base may be formed with a storage space for storing the auxiliary brush at a position corresponding to the auxiliary brush of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support base at a predetermined home position. The support base may be formed wider than the vacuum cleaner in a portion other than the portion where the storage space is formed.

[0123] If the support base is simply made wider than the vacuum cleaner in order to stably support the vacuum cleaner, the auxiliary brush may come into contact with the support base. To avoid this situation, in the above-mentioned configuration, an accommodation space is formed in the support base, and when the vacuum cleaner is supported on the support base at a predetermined home position, the auxiliary brush of the vacuum cleaner is accommodated in the accommodation space. In the portion other than the portion where the accommodation space is formed, the support base is wider than the vacuum cleaner, so that the vacuum cleaner can be stably supported while preventing the auxiliary brush from coming into contact with the support base.

[0124] In the above-described configuration, the accommodation space may have a size such that the auxiliary brush does not come into contact with the support base regardless of the rotation position of the auxiliary brush.

[0125] In the above-described configuration, the storage space is large enough that the auxiliary brush does not come into contact with the support base regardless of the rotational position of the auxiliary brush, so there is no need to control the rotational position of the auxiliary brush to prevent it from coming into contact with the support base.

[0126] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a first dust storage section that stores dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source. The vacuum cleaner station may have a collection fan that generates a suction force to suck out dust in the first dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support stand at a predetermined home position, a second dust storage section that stores the dust sucked from the first dust storage section by the suction force of the collection fan, and a transfer duct that forms a flow path for sending the dust sucked from the first dust storage section by the suction force of the collection fan toward the second dust storage section. The transfer duct may have an opening that opens upward so as to be vertically opposite to the suction port of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support stand at the home position.

[0127] In the above-mentioned configuration, when the vacuum cleaner is in use, dust on the floor surface is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source and stored in the first dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner. When the cleaning work by the vacuum cleaner is finished, the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support stand at a predetermined home position. At this time, the suction port of the vacuum cleaner faces the opening of the transfer duct from above and below. When the collection fan is operated in this state, the dust in the first dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner is sucked in by the suction force of the collection fan, passes through the suction port and the opening, and flows into the transfer duct. This dust is then transferred to the second dust storage section through the transfer duct. By transferring the dust from the first dust storage section to the second dust storage section, the first dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner can be emptied.

[0128] In the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaner station may further include a housing that houses the collection fan and the second dust storage unit. The collection fan and the second dust storage unit may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction within the housing.

[0129] In the above-mentioned configuration, since the collection fan and the second dust storage section are housed in the housing, the user does not needlessly come into contact with the collection fan and the second dust storage section. Since the collection fan and the second dust storage section are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the housing, the housing is slimmed down.

[0130] In the above-described configuration, the collection fan may be heavier than the second dust storage section. The second dust storage section may be disposed above the collection fan.

[0131] When the collection fan and the second dust storage unit are arranged vertically side by side inside the housing, the housing becomes slimmer, but is taller, and tipping over of the housing becomes an issue. In order to prevent the housing from tipping over, in the above-mentioned configuration, the relatively light second dust storage unit is arranged on the upper side, and the relatively heavy collection fan is arranged on the lower side.

[0132] In the above-described configuration, the housing may be formed with an exhaust port for exhausting the air discharged from the collection fan at a position higher than the collection fan.

[0133] The higher the temperature of the air discharged from the recovery fan is relative to the surrounding temperature, the more likely this air is to form an updraft and flow. In order to encourage the discharge of air flowing upward in this manner, in the above-described configuration, the exhaust port is formed in the housing at a position higher than the recovery fan. In addition, by discharging the air from the recovery fan through the exhaust port, heat accumulation within the housing is suppressed.

[0134] In the above-mentioned configuration, the collection fan may be configured to blow air sucked from the second dust storage section downward. The housing may have an inner wall portion disposed below the collection fan. The inner wall portion may be configured to turn the air blown downward from the collection fan back upward toward the exhaust port.

[0135] A part of the operating noise of the recovery fan propagates together with the air blown out from the recovery fan. The longer the path that the air blown out from the recovery fan takes before being exhausted from the exhaust port, the more the operating noise can be attenuated. In the above-mentioned configuration, the recovery fan does not blow air toward the exhaust port, which is located higher than the recovery fan, but blows the air downward, so that the air is turned back by the inner wall portion below the recovery fan and then flows to the exhaust port. As a result, the air flow path from the recovery fan to the exhaust port is longer, and the operating noise that propagates together with the air blown out from the recovery fan is attenuated to a certain extent when the air is exhausted from the exhaust port.

[0136] In the above-mentioned configuration, the vacuum cleaner station may further have a housing that houses the second dust storage section. The transfer duct may have a downstream duct section that extends from the second dust storage section within the housing, and an upstream duct section that has an opening and is connected to the downstream duct section. The upstream duct section may protrude from the housing toward the support stand so that the opening and the suction port of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support stand at the home position face each other vertically. The support stand may be recessed with a duct housing section that houses the upstream duct section without protruding from the top surface of the support stand.

[0137] In the above-mentioned configuration, the upstream duct protrudes from the housing toward the support base, and the opening of the upstream duct vertically faces the suction port of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support base at the home position. Therefore, the dust sucked out from the first dust storage unit can flow into the transfer duct through the opening of the upstream duct. This dust can flow to the second dust storage unit through the downstream duct extended inside the housing.

[0138] If the duct housing portion is not recessed in the support base, the upstream duct portion needs to be installed on the support base in order to make the opening of the upstream duct portion and the suction port of the vacuum cleaner face each other in the vertical direction. In this case, the upstream duct portion protrudes from the upper surface of the support base, which may prevent the vacuum cleaner from being installed on the support base. In order to enable the vacuum cleaner to be installed on the support base without being hindered by the upstream duct portion, the support base is formed with a duct housing portion in the above-mentioned configuration. When the upstream duct portion is housed in the duct housing portion, the upstream duct portion does not protrude from the upper surface of the support base, and the vacuum cleaner can be installed on the support base without being hindered by the upstream duct portion.

[0139] In the above-described configuration, the upstream duct portion may be configured to be separable from the downstream duct portion and the support base.

[0140] The thinner the support base, the less effort is required to move the vacuum cleaner onto the support base when placing the vacuum cleaner on the support base. In this case, the height of the upstream duct portion needs to be reduced so that the upstream duct portion does not protrude from the upper surface of the support base, but the flow path of the upstream duct portion becomes narrower in the height direction, and it is expected that the upstream duct portion will become clogged with dust. In the above-mentioned configuration, the upstream duct portion can be separated from the downstream duct portion and the support base, so that the user can remove the upstream duct portion and easily remove the dust clogged in the upstream duct portion.

[0141] In the above-mentioned configuration, the upstream duct portion may be configured to be separable from the downstream duct portion and the support base. The support base may be configured to be separable from the housing or to be changeable in position from a lying position in which the support base protrudes from the housing and can support the vacuum cleaner to an upright position along the housing.

[0142] In the above-mentioned configuration, when the vacuum cleaner station is in use, the support base is in a recumbent position capable of supporting the vacuum cleaner and protrudes from the housing. If the support base is in the recumbent position, it is necessary to increase the volume of the storage box for storing the vacuum cleaner station when the vacuum cleaner station is not in use.

[0143] On the other hand, if the support base is separable from the housing, the user can separate the support base from the housing and the upstream duct portion and separate the upstream duct portion from the downstream duct portion when the vacuum cleaner station is not in use. In this case, the housing can be stored in a storage box for storing the vacuum cleaner station, and the support base and the upstream duct portion can be stored in the remaining space of the storage box. This makes it possible to reduce the volume of the storage box used to store the vacuum cleaner station.

[0144] Furthermore, if the support base can be changed from a reclining position to an upright position along the housing, when the vacuum cleaner station is not in use, the user can change the position of the support base to an upright position while separating it from the upstream duct portion, and remove the upstream duct portion from the downstream duct portion. In this case, the housing can be stored in the storage box with the support base in the upright position, and the upstream duct portion can be stored in the remaining space of the storage box. In this case, the volume of the storage box used to store the vacuum cleaner station can also be reduced.

[0145] In the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaner station may have a seal member provided on the upper surface of the support base, which may abut against the bottom surface of the case body so as to suppress air from flowing in between the bottom surface of the case body and the upper surface of the support base without preventing dust from flowing in to the opening of the transfer duct when the collection fan is operated with the cleaner placed in the home position.

[0146] When the vacuum cleaner is placed in the home position and the collection fan is operated, if air flows in from between the bottom surface of the case body and the top surface of the support base, the suction force acting on the dust in the first dust storage section will be weakened. In order to suppress the decrease in the suction force acting on the dust in the first dust storage section, a seal member is provided on the top surface of the support base. The seal member abuts against the bottom surface of the case body, and therefore can suppress the inflow of air from between the bottom surface of the case body and the top surface of the support base. Therefore, the suction force of the collection fan can act on the dust in the first dust storage section without being weakened. The dust sucked out of the first dust storage section by this suction force can flow into the opening of the transfer duct section without being hindered by the seal member.

[0147] In the above-described configuration, the seal member may be removable from the support base.

[0148] Since the sealing member abuts against the bottom surface of the case body of the vacuum cleaner when it is in the home position, wear of the sealing member may occur; however, in the above-described configuration, the sealing member is removable from the support base, allowing replacement of the sealing member.

[0149] In the above-mentioned configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a propulsion unit that moves the case body forward, backward or stops it, a reflective sensor provided on the case body that emits a detection wave downward and receives a reflected wave of the detection wave, a step determination unit that determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body if the strength of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor is below a predetermined threshold, and a propulsion control unit that controls the propulsion unit so that the propulsion unit propels the case body backward or stops the case body when the step determination unit determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body when the propulsion unit is moving the case body forward.

[0150] In the above-described configuration, if there is a step on the underside of the case body, the propagation path of the detection wave emitted from the reflective sensor and its reflected wave will be longer than the propagation path when there is no step on the underside of the case body. Therefore, when there is a step on the underside of the case body, the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor will be weaker than when there is no step on the underside of the case body. Therefore, the step determination unit can determine whether or not there is a step on the underside of the case body, on the condition that the strength of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0151] When the step determination unit determines that there is a step below the case body while the propulsion unit is moving the case body forward, the propulsion control unit controls the propulsion unit so that the propulsion unit propels the case body backward or stops the case body, thereby preventing the case body from falling over the step.

[0152] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a propulsion unit that moves the case body forward, backward, or stops, a reflective sensor that is provided on the case body and emits a detection wave downward and receives a reflected wave of the detection wave, a step determination unit that determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body on condition that the strength of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor is below a predetermined threshold, and a propulsion control unit that controls the propulsion unit so that the propulsion unit propels the case body backward or stops the case body when the step determination unit determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body when the propulsion unit is moving the case body forward. The reflective sensor may be configured to emit a detection wave into the storage space when the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support base at the home position. The support base may be configured to support the case body at a position higher than the floor surface outside the support base. The vacuum cleaner station may have a reflection unit provided in the storage space so that the detection wave emitted from the reflective sensor of the vacuum cleaner at the home position can be reflected to the reflective sensor.

[0153] In the above-mentioned configuration, the step determination unit determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body when the strength of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor falls below a predetermined threshold. By setting this threshold to a value lower than the strength of the reflected wave expected to be received by the reflective sensor when the vacuum cleaner is traveling on a floor surface that does not easily reflect the detection wave, such as a carpet, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination that a floor surface that does not easily reflect the detection wave is a step. Therefore, it is possible for the vacuum cleaner to move over a floor surface that does not easily reflect the detection wave, such as a carpet, and clean the floor surface.

[0154] When the cleaning work is completed and the cleaner moves onto the support base toward the home position, it is assumed that the reflective sensor will emit a detection wave into the storage space before the cleaner reaches the home position. At this time, the propagation path of the detection wave and its reflected wave is longer by the support height of the case body by the support base, since the support base supports the case body at a position higher than the floor surface outside the support base. At this time, if a floor surface that does not easily reflect the detection wave, such as a carpet, is exposed in the storage space, the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor is weakened not only by the reflection characteristics of the floor surface, but also by the longer propagation path of the detection wave and the reflected wave. As a result, the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor falls below a predetermined threshold, and the step determination unit may erroneously determine that the storage space is a step. If such an erroneous determination is made, the case body moves backward or stops before reaching the home position. In order to prevent such erroneous judgments, in the above-mentioned configuration, a reflecting section is provided in the storage space, so that even if the vacuum cleaner station is installed on a floor surface that does not easily reflect detection waves, such as a carpet, reflected waves stronger than a predetermined threshold can be reflected to the reflective sensor.

[0155] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a propulsion unit that moves the case body forward, backward or stops, a reflective sensor that is provided on the case body and emits a detection wave downward and receives a reflected wave of the detection wave, a step determination unit that determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body if the strength of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor is below a predetermined threshold, and a propulsion control unit that controls the propulsion unit so that the propulsion unit propels the case body backward or stops the case body when the step determination unit determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body while the propulsion unit is moving the case body forward. The reflective sensor may be provided to emit a detection wave onto the support base outside the storage space when the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support base at the home position.

[0156] In the above-mentioned configuration, the reflective sensor emits a detection wave onto the support base outside the storage space when the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support base at the home position. In this case, the propagation path of the detection wave and the reflected wave after the case body climbs onto the support base and before it reaches the home position is shorter than the propagation path of the detection wave and the reflected wave when the reflective sensor emits the detection wave into the storage space. Therefore, the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor is not affected by the storage space and can maintain a strength equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, which prevents the step determination unit from erroneously determining that the vacuum cleaner has approached a step even when the vacuum cleaner is on the support base. [Industrial Applicability]

[0157] The cleaning tool set of the above-described embodiment is suitably used in an apparatus used for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 100····················vacuum cleaner 110...Case body 115 Intake port 118,119 Auxiliary brush 123, 124 Brush drive unit 126 1st dust storage section 127·································Suction source 131... Promotion Department 132 Propulsion control unit 139, 141, 142...Reflection Sensor 140 Level difference judgment section 200 Vacuum cleaner station 210···································· Support stand 213, 214... Storage space 220... Housing 221...Inner wall 224...Exhaust port 230 Recovery fan 231 2nd dust storage section 232...Transport duct 233 Downstream duct section 234...Upstream duct section 235 Duct housing 236 Opening 239 Seal material 241,242···················Reflector

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner configured to suck up dust; a cleaner station adapted to store the cleaner when not in use; The vacuum cleaner comprises: A suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust; A case body having a dust suction port formed at a bottom thereof; A brush drive unit that generates a rotational force; an auxiliary brush that is disposed so that at least a portion of the auxiliary brush is located under the bottom of the case body and rotates by a rotational force of the brush drive unit to sweep dust off a floor surface below the suction port and assist in suction of dust into the suction port, The cleaning tool set, wherein the vacuum cleaner station has a support base configured to support the vacuum cleaner without contacting the auxiliary brush.

2. the auxiliary brush is provided so as to protrude from the bottom of the case body toward a floor surface outside the support base when the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support base at a predetermined home position, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , wherein the support base supports the case body at a position higher than the floor surface, thereby reducing a force that the auxiliary brush receives from the floor surface.

3. the support base has an accommodation space formed therein for accommodating the auxiliary brush at a position corresponding to the auxiliary brush of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support base at a predetermined home position; The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , wherein the support base is formed to be wider than the vacuum cleaner in a portion other than the portion where the storage space is formed.

4. The cleaning tool set according to claim 3 , wherein the accommodation space has a size such that the auxiliary brush does not come into contact with the support base regardless of the rotation position of the auxiliary brush.

5. The vacuum cleaner has a first dust storage unit that stores dust sucked by a suction force of the suction source, The vacuum cleaner station comprises: a collection fan that generates a suction force to suck out dust in the first dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner supported at a predetermined home position by the support base; a second dust storage section that stores dust sucked from the first dust storage section by the suction force of the collection fan; a transfer duct forming a flow path for sending the dust sucked from the first dust storage section by the suction force of the collection fan toward the second dust storage section, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , wherein the transport duct has an opening that opens upward so as to face vertically the suction port of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support base at the home position.

6. The vacuum cleaner station further includes a housing that houses the collection fan and the second dust storage section, The cleaning tool set according to claim 5 , wherein the collection fan and the second dust storage section are arranged side by side in a vertical direction inside the housing.

7. The collection fan is heavier than the second dust storage section, The cleaning tool set according to claim 6 , wherein the second dust storage section is disposed above the collection fan.

8. The cleaning tool set according to claim 7 , wherein the housing has an exhaust port formed at a position higher than the collection fan for exhausting the air discharged from the collection fan.

9. The collection fan is configured to blow the air sucked from the second dust storage section downward, The housing has an inner wall portion disposed below the recovery fan, The cleaning tool set according to claim 8 , wherein the inner wall portion is configured to turn back air blown downward from the collection fan upward toward the exhaust port.

10. The vacuum cleaner station further includes a housing that houses the second dust storage section, the transport duct includes a downstream duct portion extending from the second dust storage portion within the housing, and an upstream duct portion having the opening and connected to the downstream duct portion, the upstream duct portion protrudes from the housing toward the support base so that the suction port and the opening of the vacuum cleaner supported by the support base at the home position face each other vertically; The cleaning tool set according to claim 5 , wherein the support base is provided with a duct accommodating portion recessed therein for accommodating the upstream duct portion without causing it to protrude from an upper surface of the support base.

11. The cleaning tool set according to claim 10 , wherein the upstream duct portion is configured to be separable from the downstream duct portion and the support base.

12. The upstream duct portion is configured to be separable from the downstream duct portion and the support base, The cleaning tool set according to claim 10 , wherein the support base is configured to be detachable from the housing or to be changeable from a lying position in which the support base protrudes from the housing and can support the vacuum cleaner to an upright position along the housing.

13. The cleaning station has a seal member provided on an upper surface of the support base, The cleaning tool set according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the sealing member is configured to abut against the bottom surface of the case body so as to prevent air from flowing in between the bottom surface of the case body and the upper surface of the support base without preventing the flow of dust into the opening of the transport duct when the collection fan is operated with the vacuum cleaner disposed in the home position.

14. The cleaning tool set according to claim 13 , wherein the seal member is removable from the support base.

15. The vacuum cleaner comprises: A propulsion unit that moves the case body forward, backward, or stops the case body; a reflective sensor provided in the case body, which emits a detection wave downward and receives a reflected wave of the detection wave; a step determination unit that determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body when the intensity of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor is below a predetermined threshold; The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, further comprising: a propulsion control unit that controls the propulsion unit so that the propulsion unit propels the case body backward or stops the case body when the step determination unit determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body while the propulsion unit is moving the case body forward.

16. The vacuum cleaner comprises: A propulsion unit that moves the case body forward, backward, or stops the case body; a reflective sensor provided in the case body, which emits a detection wave downward and receives a reflected wave of the detection wave; a step determination unit that determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body when the intensity of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor is below a predetermined threshold; and a propulsion control unit that controls the propulsion unit so that the propulsion unit propels the case body backward or stops the case body when the step determination unit determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body while the propulsion unit is moving the case body forward, the reflective sensor is configured to emit a detection wave into the accommodation space when the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support base at the home position; The support base is configured to support the case body at a position higher than a floor surface on an outer side of the support base, The cleaning tool set according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the vacuum cleaner station has a reflecting portion provided in the storage space so as to be capable of reflecting a detection wave emitted from the reflective sensor of the vacuum cleaner in the home position back to the reflective sensor.

17. The vacuum cleaner comprises: A propulsion unit that moves the case body forward, backward, or stops the case body; a reflective sensor provided in the case body, which emits a detection wave downward and receives a reflected wave of the detection wave; a step determination unit that determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body when the intensity of the reflected wave received by the reflective sensor is below a predetermined threshold; and a propulsion control unit that controls the propulsion unit so that the propulsion unit propels the case body backward or stops the case body when the step determination unit determines that there is a step on the underside of the case body while the propulsion unit is moving the case body forward, The cleaning tool set according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the reflective sensor is arranged to emit a detection wave onto the support base outside the storage space when the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support base at the home position.

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