Cleaning tool set

Abstract

To provide a technique of reducing a cost of a charging device for charging a storage battery included in a vacuum cleaner while enabling collection of dust from the vacuum cleaner.SOLUTION: A cleaning tool set comprises: a vacuum cleaner including a suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, a storage battery that stores electric power for the suction source, and a dust storage part that stores the dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source; and a charging device configured to allow the vacuum cleaner to be attached and charging the storage battery, with the vacuum cleaner attached. The charging device includes a dust flow path with an upstream end that can communicate with the dust storage part of the vacuum cleaner, with the vacuum cleaner connected thereto, but does not include a suction source for generating suction force. The dust flow path has an attachment port at an end opposite to the upstream end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool set including a vacuum cleaner and a charging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stick-type vacuum cleaner 300 shown in Figure 28. This vacuum cleaner 300 has a suction source 310 that generates suction force for sucking up dust, a storage battery 320 that stores power for suction source 310, and a dust storage unit 330 that stores dust sucked up by the suction force of suction source 310. A lid 331 that closes dust storage unit 330 is attached to the front of vacuum cleaner 300, and when lid 331 is tilted forward, dust storage unit 330 is opened to the outside.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner 300 has a storage battery 320, making it suitable for use in cleaning tasks far from a power source. However, to compensate for the power consumed during the cleaning task, the storage battery 320 needs to be charged. A charging device 400 shown in Fig. 29 is used for this charging.

[0004] Charging terminals (not shown) are provided on the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner 300 and the outer surface of the charging device 400, respectively, and come into contact with each other when the vacuum cleaner 300 is connected to the charging device 400 as shown in Fig. 29. The storage battery 320 can receive power from the charging device 400 when these charging terminals are in contact with each other.

[0005] Charging device 400 is configured to collect dust from dust storage unit 330 of vacuum cleaner 300 while storage battery 320 is being charged. That is, charging device 400 has dust suction source 410 that generates a suction force to suck dust out of dust storage unit 330 of vacuum cleaner 300, and dust storage unit 420 in which the dust sucked by this suction force is stored. A collection duct 430 extends from dust storage unit 420, and when vacuum cleaner 300 is attached to charging device 400 as shown in Fig. 29 , the tip of collection duct 430 faces lid 331 of vacuum cleaner 300.

[0006] When dust suction source 410 of charging device 400 is activated in this state, lid 331 of vacuum cleaner 300 tilts forward due to the suction force of dust suction source 410. As a result, dust storage section 330 of vacuum cleaner 300 communicates with dust storage section 420 of charging device 400 through collection duct 430, and the suction force of dust suction source 410 acts on dust in dust storage section 330 of vacuum cleaner 300. Then, due to the suction force of dust suction source 410, this dust flows into dust storage section 420 of charging device 400 through collection duct 430. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-183898 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] People considering purchasing the vacuum cleaner 300 often also consider purchasing the charging device 400. However, in this case, not only the cost of the vacuum cleaner 300 but also the cost of the charging device 400 is required, so it is desirable to reduce the cost of the charging device 400.

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a technology that enables dust to be collected from a vacuum cleaner while reducing the cost of a charging device that charges a storage battery included in the vacuum cleaner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The cleaning tool set disclosed herein includes a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, a storage battery that stores power for the suction source, and a dust storage unit that stores dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source, and a charging device that is configured to allow the vacuum cleaner to be attached and that charges the storage battery when the vacuum cleaner is attached. The charging device has a dust flow path with an upstream end that is capable of communicating with the dust storage unit of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is connected, but does not have a suction source that generates suction force. The dust flow path has an attachment port at an end opposite to the upstream end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The cleaning tool set of the present disclosure can use the suction power of another vacuum cleaner to collect dust from the dust storage compartment of the vacuum cleaner, eliminating the need to provide a suction source for collecting dust in the charging device, which can make the charging device, and therefore the cleaning tool set, less expensive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool set according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] Cross section of a vacuum cleaner in a cleaning tool set [Figure 3] Vacuum cleaner front view [Figure 4] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the dust storage section of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 5] A perspective view of a charging device for a cleaning tool set. [Figure 6] Cross-section of charging device [Figure 7] Cross section of another vacuum cleaner [Figure 8] Schematic cross-sectional view of a connection between the charging device and another vacuum cleaner. [Figure 9] Schematic cross-sectional view of a connection between the charging device and another vacuum cleaner. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an attachment member used to connect the charging device to another vacuum cleaner; [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of a charging device that can be connected to the vacuum cleaner body of another vacuum cleaner. [Figure 12] Perspective view of another cleaning tool set [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool set equipped with a portable charging device (second embodiment); [Figure 14] Cross-section of a vacuum cleaner that can be connected to a portable charging device [Figure 15] Perspective view of a portable charging device [Figure 16] Perspective view of another cleaning tool set [Figure 17] Cross-section of another cleaning tool set [Figure 18] 10 is a side view of a vacuum cleaner in which a dust storage section is exposed to the outside (third embodiment); [Figure 19] Perspective view of the dust storage section [Figure 20] Perspective view of the charging device [Figure 21] Perspective view of cleaning tool set [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool set that allows dust to be collected from one stick-type vacuum cleaner to another stick-type vacuum cleaner (fourth embodiment); [Figure 23] Perspective view of the charging device [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool set that allows dust to be collected from a self-propelled vacuum cleaner to another stick-type vacuum cleaner (fifth embodiment); [Figure 25] Cross section of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner [Figure 26] Bottom view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner [Figure 27] A perspective view of a charging device that can be connected to a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. [Figure 28] Cross-section of a conventional vacuum cleaner set [Figure 29] Cross-section of a conventional cleaning tool set DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, first to fifth embodiments of the cleaning tool set will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions 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 recited in the claims.

[0014] First Embodiment As shown in Fig. 1, the cleaning tool set 100 includes a vacuum cleaner 110 and a charging device 120 configured to allow attachment of the vacuum cleaner 110. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 110 is a stick type. In Fig. 1, power is supplied from the charging device 120 to the vacuum cleaner 110.

[0015] (Vacuum cleaner configuration) The vacuum cleaner 110 has a suction nozzle 111 that is wide in the left-right direction, a housing 112 that extends upward from the rear of the suction nozzle 111, and a grip 113. The housing 112 has a generally cylindrical shape that is long in the up-down direction. The grip 113 is a round bar-like part that is thinner than the housing 112 so that it can be gripped by a user, and extends upward from the top end of the housing 112.

[0016] 2, the upper part of housing 112 houses suction source 114 that generates a suction force to suck up dust on the floor, and storage battery 115 that stores power to operate suction source 114. In addition, the front of housing 112 is provided with input terminals 134, 135 for charging storage battery 115, as shown in Fig. 3, and the front of grip 113 is provided with operating unit 136 that is operated to operate and stop suction source 114.

[0017] Below suction source 114, dust storage section 116 is provided, which is a space for storing dust sucked in by the suction force of suction source 114, and filter 117 is disposed within dust storage section 116. Filter 117 is formed to allow the air sucked in together with the dust to pass through, while capturing the dust contained in this air. Therefore, the dust sucked up by suction source 114 can be stored within dust storage section 116.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, dust storage section 116 opens forward, and this opening will be referred to as "dust outlet 132" in the following description. A substantially rectangular plate-shaped lid section 133 that opens and closes dust outlet 132 is attached to housing 112. Specifically, the lower end portion of lid section 133 is connected to housing 112 below dust outlet 132, and lid section 133 can rotate upward from the position shown in FIG. 4 around this lower end portion as an axis. Note that lid section 133 shown in FIG. 4 is in an open position that opens dust outlet 132, and when rotated upward from this position, it assumes a closed position that closes dust outlet 132 (i.e., assumes the position shown in FIG. 2). In addition, lid section 133 is biased to the closed position by a biasing member such as a torsion spring.

[0019] Below dust storage section 116, suction pipe 118 extends in the vertical direction, forming a flow path through which dust sucked in by the suction force of suction source 114 flows. As shown in Fig. 4, a check valve 137 is attached to the upper end of suction pipe 118 so that dust in dust storage section 116 does not fall into suction pipe 118 when suction source 114 is stopped. That is, check valve 137 closes the upper end of suction pipe 118 when suction source 114 is stopped. On the other hand, when suction source 114 is activated, check valve 137 rotates upward (i.e., in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 4) due to the suction force of suction source 114, opening the upper end of suction pipe 118.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the lower end portion of suction tube 118 enters the rear portion of suction nozzle 111 and is connected to suction nozzle 111. Suction tube 118 is connected to suction nozzle 111 so as to be able to tilt backward from the position shown in Figures 1 and 2. As suction tube 118 tilts backward relative to suction nozzle 111 from the position shown in Figures 1 and 2, housing 112 and grip portion 113 can also tilt backward.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, a suction space 119 into which dust on the floor surface is sucked is formed within the suction nozzle 111, and this suction space 119 opens downward at the front portion of the suction nozzle 111. Behind the opening of the suction space 119, a bottom 131 of the suction nozzle 111 closes the suction space 119 from below. This bottom 131 closes the lower end of the suction tube 118 when the suction tube 118 is in the position shown in Figures 1 and 2. When the suction tube 118 is tilted backward from the position shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lower end of the suction tube 118 moves in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 2, and the flow path of the suction tube 118 communicates with the suction space 119.

[0022] (Charging device configuration) The charging device 120 is configured to charge the storage battery 115 of the vacuum cleaner 110 with the vacuum cleaner 110 attached. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the charging device 120 has a base plate 121 on which the vacuum cleaner 110 is placed, a support part 122 standing upright from the front end of the base plate 121, and a housing 123 supported by the support part 122 at a position spaced above the base plate 121. The space surrounded by the base plate 121, the support part 122, and the housing 123 is open toward the rear, and the front portion of the suction nozzle 111 of the vacuum cleaner 110 is inserted into this space.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, a vertically extending groove 124 is formed in the rear of the housing 123 of the charging device 120, and the front portion of the housing 112 of the vacuum cleaner 110 can be fitted into the groove 124 when the vacuum cleaner 110 is placed on the base plate 121.

[0024] 5, a power cable 155 for transmitting power from an external power supply extends outward from housing 123 of charging device 120, and this power cable 155 is electrically connected to output terminals 125, 126 provided at the top of recessed groove 124. The power transmitted from the external power supply through power cable 155 is output from output terminals 125, 126.

[0025] The output terminals 125, 126 are attached to the housing 123 at a height position where they come into contact with the input terminals 134, 135 of the vacuum cleaner 110 placed on the base plate 121. Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 110 is attached to the charging device 120 as shown in Figure 1, power from the external power source can be supplied to the storage battery 115 of the vacuum cleaner 110 through the power cable 155, the output terminals 125, 126, and the input terminals 134, 135.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 6, a dust flow path section 127 is disposed within the housing 123 of the charging device 120. The dust flow path section 127 forms a path through which dust flowing out from the dust storage section 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 flows. As shown in FIG. 5, one end of the dust flow path section 127 opens within the recessed groove 124, and this open end will be referred to as the "upstream end section 128" in the following description. The upstream end section 128 is provided at a height position substantially equal to that of the dust outlet 132 of the vacuum cleaner 110 placed on the base plate 121, and faces the lid section 133 that closes the dust outlet 132 of the vacuum cleaner 110 when the vacuum cleaner 110 is placed on the base plate 121. The upstream end section 128 is also sized to allow the lid section 133 of the vacuum cleaner 110, which is in the open position as shown in FIG. 4, to enter the dust flow path section 127.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 6, dust flow path section 127 extends upward from upstream end 128 and has a substantially cylindrical attachment port 129 on the side opposite upstream end 128. This attachment port 129 protrudes upward from housing 123 of charging device 120. Because attachment port 129 is exposed from housing 123, a user can easily attach another vacuum cleaner 200 that the user already owns to attachment port 129. When purchasing cleaning tool set 100, the user can simply select a model of cleaning tool set 100 that is compatible with the vacuum cleaner 200 that the user already owns.

[0028] (Other vacuum cleaner configurations) 1 is, for example, a canister-type vacuum cleaner that a user already owns, and the user can perform cleaning work using the vacuum cleaner 200. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 200 is used to collect dust from the stick-type vacuum cleaner 110 described above.

[0029] The vacuum cleaner 200 has a cleaner body 210 and a suction tube 220 extending from the cleaner body 210. When performing cleaning using the vacuum cleaner 200, an attached extension tube and suction nozzle (not shown) may be attached to the end of the suction tube 220. On the other hand, when collecting dust from a stick-type vacuum cleaner 110, the vacuum cleaner 200 is connected to the charging device 120 as shown in FIG. 1 with the extension tube and suction nozzle detached from the end of the suction tube 220.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 7, cleaner body 210 of vacuum cleaner 200 includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped housing 211, and suction source 212 and dust storage section 213 disposed within housing 211. Cleaner body 210 shown in Fig. 7 is in a position when vacuum cleaner 200 is used for cleaning work.

[0031] Suction source 212 is configured to generate a suction force for sucking in dust, and dust storage section 213 is a space that stores the dust sucked in by the suction force of suction source 212. Inside dust storage section 213, for example, a filter that captures dust while allowing air to pass through, or a breathable dust storage bag that stores dust, may be arranged.

[0032] 7, suction source 212 is disposed behind dust storage section 213 and can suck air in the dust storage section 213 backward. At this time, dust is retained in dust storage section 213 by a filter or a dust storage bag. Dust storage section 213 of vacuum cleaner 200 has a larger volume than dust storage section 116 of vacuum cleaner 110 shown in FIG.

[0033] The housing 211 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is provided with an inlet 214 on the front side of the dust storage section 213. The base end of the suction tube 220 shown in FIG. 1 is fitted into the inlet 214. The suction tube 220 is a bellows tube that can be bent and deformed. When a user brings the tip of the suction tube 220 close to the floor surface while the suction source 212 is activated, dust on the floor surface can flow into the dust storage section 213 through the suction tube 220 and the inlet 214. The inner diameter of the tip of the suction tube 220 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the attachment port 129 of the dust flow path section 127 of the charging device 120 shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 1, the attachment port 129 of the dust flow path section 127 is fitted into the tip of the suction tube 220.

[0034] 1, a grip 221 extends from near the tip of the suction tube 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 toward the base end of the suction tube 220. The grip 221 is a rod-shaped portion having a thickness that allows it to be gripped by a user. The grip 221 is provided with an operating part 222 that is operated to operate or stop the suction source 212 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0035] (Vacuum cleaner in action) A user can clean a floor surface using the vacuum cleaner 110 shown in Figures 2 and 3 as follows. That is, the user grips the grip 113 of the vacuum cleaner 110 and tilts the grip 113, the housing 112, and the suction tube 118 backward. As a result, the flow path of the suction tube 118 is connected to the suction space 119 of the suction nozzle 111. When the user then operates the operation unit 136 provided on the grip 113, the suction source 114 is activated by power from the storage battery 115.

[0036] When suction source 114 is activated, the suction force of suction source 114 rotates check valve 137 at the upper end of suction pipe 118 upward. As a result, the upper end of suction pipe 118 is opened, and the suction force of suction source 114 acts on suction space 119 of suction nozzle 111 through dust storage section 116 and suction pipe 118, causing dust on the floor surface to flow into suction space 119. This dust then flows through suction pipe 118 together with air into dust storage section 116. At this time, the air can pass through filter 117 and flow toward suction source 114, but the dust is retained in dust storage section 116.

[0037] When the user has finished cleaning the desired cleaning area, he or she operates operating unit 136 to stop suction source 114. As a result, the suction force of suction source 114 is lost, and check valve 137 returns to the position where it closes suction pipe 118. As a result, dust is retained in dust storage unit 116 without falling into suction pipe 118.

[0038] Since the suction source 114 consumes power from the storage battery 115 during the cleaning operation, the user attaches the vacuum cleaner 110 to the charging device 120 as shown in FIG. 1 to charge the storage battery 115. That is, the user places the vacuum cleaner 110 on the base plate 121 of the charging device 120. Then, when the user fits the housing 112 of the vacuum cleaner 110 into the recessed groove 124 of the charging device 120 shown in FIG. 5, the input terminals 134, 135 of the vacuum cleaner 110 come into contact with the output terminals 125, 126 of the charging device 120. As a result, power from the external power source is supplied to the storage battery 115 of the vacuum cleaner 110 through the power cable 155 and output terminals 125, 126 of the charging device 120 and the input terminals 134, 135 of the vacuum cleaner 110. As a result, the storage battery 115 is charged.

[0039] (collecting dust from a vacuum cleaner) It is assumed that while the storage battery 115 is being charged as described above, a user wishes to remove dust accumulated in the dust storage section 116. In this case, the user places another vacuum cleaner 200 near the charging device 120, as shown in FIG. 1. Then, the user changes the position of the vacuum cleaner 200 from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 1 so that the inlet 214 of the vacuum cleaner 200 faces upward. The user then connects the tip of the suction tube 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 to the attachment port 129 of the dust flow path section 127 of the charging device 120. Thereafter, when the user operates the operating section 222 of the vacuum cleaner 200 to activate the suction source 212, the suction force of the suction source 212 acts on the dust storage section 213 and the suction tube 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200, and the dust flow path section 127 of the charging device 120.

[0040] Since upstream end 128 of dust flow path 127 faces lid 133 that closes dust outlet 132 of vacuum cleaner 110 mounted on charging device 120, the suction force of suction source 212 of vacuum cleaner 200 acts on lid 133. As a result, lid 133 assumes the open position shown in Fig. 4, and dust outlet 132 is opened.

[0041] When dust discharge port 132 of vacuum cleaner 110 is opened, the suction force of suction source 212 of vacuum cleaner 200 acts on dust in dust storage unit 116 of vacuum cleaner 110. As a result, the dust is discharged from dust storage unit 116 through dust discharge port 132. The dust discharged from dust storage unit 116 of vacuum cleaner 110 passes through dust flow path unit 127 of charging device 120 and suction pipe 220 of vacuum cleaner 200 in this order, and flows into dust storage unit 213 of vacuum cleaner 200.

[0042] 1 to 7, dust in the dust storage compartment 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 is collected in the dust storage compartment 116 of the other vacuum cleaner 200 by the suction force of the suction source 212 of the other vacuum cleaner 200. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the charging device 120 with a suction source for sucking in dust in order to collect the dust in the dust storage compartment 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110, and the manufacturing cost of the charging device 120 is low. Therefore, if a user who already needs a vacuum cleaner 200 connectable to the cleaning tool set 100 is considering purchasing the vacuum cleaner 110, they may be encouraged to purchase the charging device 120 as well as the vacuum cleaner 110.

[0043] 1 to 7, the volume of the dust storage section 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 is smaller than the volume of the dust storage section 213 of the other vacuum cleaner 200. Therefore, if dust collection work is performed from the dust storage section 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 when the dust storage section 213 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is empty, substantially all of the dust in the dust storage section 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 can be transferred to the other vacuum cleaner 200. In other words, the user can substantially empty the dust storage section 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 by performing the dust collection work.

[0044] 1 to 7 , dust collected from the vacuum cleaner 110 to another vacuum cleaner 200 passes through the connection between the dust flow path section 127 of the charging device 120 and the suction tube 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200. The attachment port 129 of the dust flow path section 127 of the charging device 120, which is connected to the suction tube 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200, is narrower than the suction tube 220, as shown in FIG. 8 . Therefore, the dust that passes through the attachment port 129 of the dust flow path section 127 flows into a flow path that is wider than the flow path formed by the attachment port 129 of the dust flow path section 127. This can prevent dust from getting caught in the connection between the dust flow path section 127 of the charging device 120 and the suction tube 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0045] The attachment port 129 of the dust passage portion 127 shown in FIG. 5 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the attachment port 129 may have a tapered tubular shape that gradually narrows toward the tip, as shown in FIG. 9 . In this case, the attachment port 129 can be connected to the suction tube 220 of various types of vacuum cleaners 200. For example, if the inner diameter of the suction tube 220 of a vacuum cleaner 200 already owned by a user is large, the suction tube 220 can be connected to the attachment port 129 by increasing the insertion depth of the attachment port 129 relative to the suction tube 220, as shown in FIG. 9( a). Conversely, if the inner diameter of the suction tube 220 is small, the user can connect the suction tube 220 to the attachment port 129 by decreasing the insertion depth of the attachment port 129 relative to the suction tube 220, as shown in FIG. 9( b). Note that instead of a tapered tubular shape, the attachment port 129 may be formed as a multi-stage tubular shape that narrows in stages toward the tip. In this case, various vacuum cleaners 200 having suction pipes 220 with different inner diameters can be connected to the dust passage portion 127.

[0046] It is also possible to connect various vacuum cleaners 200 having different inner diameters of the suction tube 220 to the dust passage portion 127 while maintaining the shape of the attachment port 129 of the dust passage portion 127 as shown in Fig. 5. That is, the attachment port 129 of the dust passage portion 127 may be connected to the suction tube 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 via an attachment member 150 shown in Fig. 10.

[0047] The attachment member 150 is a member for converting the shape of the attachment port 129 into another shape. For example, the attachment member 150 may have a cylindrical portion 151 having an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the attachment port 129 of the dust flow path portion 127, and a tapered tube portion 152 extending from the cylindrical portion 151 and gradually tapering. A user can fit the attachment port 129 of the dust flow path portion 127 into the cylindrical portion 151 of the attachment member 150, and insert the tapered tube portion 152 of the attachment member 150 into the suction tube 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200. Note that the attachment member 150 shown in FIG. 10 has the tapered tube portion 152 that gradually tapers toward the tip, but instead of the tapered tube portion 152, the attachment member 150 may have a multi-stage tube portion that tapers in stages toward the tip. Alternatively, instead of the tapered pipe portion 152, a cylindrical portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the attachment port 129 may be provided.

[0048] When the cleaning tool set 100 is sold, multiple types of attachment members 150 that differ in shape and / or size may be prepared, allowing the user to select the attachment member 150 that is compatible with the vacuum cleaner 200 that the user owns.

[0049] 1 is configured to be connectable to a suction tube 220 of a vacuum cleaner 200. Alternatively, the charging device 120 may be configured to be connectable to a cleaner body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200. In this case, the charging device 120 may be configured as shown in FIG.

[0050] The dust flow path section 127 of the charging device 120 in FIG. 11 includes an inner pipe 156 extending within the housing 123, an outer pipe 157 extending outside the housing 123, and a connecting pipe 158 connecting the inner pipe 156 and the outer pipe 157. The inner pipe 156 extends upward from the upstream end 128 within the housing 123. The inner pipe 156 has a certain degree of rigidity to facilitate fixing the inner pipe 156 within the housing 123. On the other hand, the outer pipe 157 has flexibility and / or stretchability to facilitate connection to the vacuum cleaner 200 regardless of the position of the vacuum cleaner 200. The tip of the outer pipe 157 is exposed outside the housing 123 and forms an attachment port 129 of the dust flow path section 127. This attachment port 129 is configured to be able to fit into the inlet 214 of the cleaner body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the attachment port 129 has a substantially cylindrical shape, but may have a tapered shape that gradually narrows toward the tip, as shown in Fig. 9. Alternatively, the attachment port 129 may have a multi-stage pipe shape that narrows in stages toward the tip.

[0051] An end of the inner tube 156 opposite the upstream end 128 and an end of the outer tube 157 opposite the attachment port 129 are fitted into the connecting tube 158. The connecting tube 158 may be configured to be separable from the inner tube 156 or the outer tube 157. In this case, the outer tube 157 is allowed to be separated from the inner tube 156. In this case, if the outer tube 157 is flexible, the user can store the outer tube 157 in a contracted state.

[0052] When dust flow path portion 127 is connected to vacuum cleaner body 210, operating portion 222, which is operated to activate or stop suction source 212 of vacuum cleaner 200, may be provided on the outer surface of housing 211 of vacuum cleaner body 210, as shown in Fig. 12. When a user operates operating portion 222 to activate suction source 212 in housing 211, dust is collected from vacuum cleaner 110 to vacuum cleaner 200 by the suction force of suction source 212. This collection operation is the same as that of cleaning tool set 100 shown in Fig. 1.

[0053] In the cleaning tool set 100 shown in FIG. 12, the dust passage section 127 may be connected to the cleaner body 210 via the attachment member 150 shown in FIG.

[0054] Second Embodiment The charging device 120 of the cleaning tool set 100 of the first embodiment is a stationary type, and the user moves the vacuum cleaner 110 to the installation position of the charging device 120 after cleaning. Alternatively, the cleaning tool set 100 may be configured so that the user carries the charging device 120 to the vacuum cleaner 110 and connects them. That is, the charging device 120 may have a portable structure. Because the charging device 120 itself does not have a suction source for sucking up dust inside the vacuum cleaner 110, the weight of the charging device 120 is small. Therefore, the charging device 120 may have a portable structure.

[0055] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of cleaning tool set 100 having portable charging device 120. Unlike charging device 120 of cleaning tool set 100 shown in Fig. 1, this charging device 120 does not have base plate 121 or support part 122. Instead, charging device 120 shown in Fig. 13 has handle part 159 that is gripped by the user when carrying charging device 120. The user can grip handle part 159 to carry charging device 120 to a desired location.

[0056] The charging device 120 does not have a base plate 121 or a support portion 122, but needs to be held at a predetermined height above the floor. For this reason, the cleaning tool set 100 has a holding portion 160 that holds the charging device 120 at a predetermined height, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . In this embodiment, the holding portion 160 is composed of a protruding portion 161 that protrudes forward from the housing 112 of the vacuum cleaner 110, and a recessed portion 162 that is recessed in the housing 123 of the charging device 120. The recessed portion 162 is formed within the recessed groove 124, and has a shape complementary to the protruding portion 161.

[0057] The relative positional relationship of recess 162 to output terminals 125, 126 and upstream end 128 of dust flow path 127 of charging device 120 is approximately the same as the relative positional relationship of recess 162 to input terminals 134, 135 and lid 133 (dust outlet 132) of vacuum cleaner 110. Therefore, when a user fits housing 123 of vacuum cleaner 110 into recessed groove 124 while fitting protrusion 161 into recess 162, input terminals 134, 135 come into contact with output terminals 125, 126. At this time, upstream end 128 of dust flow path 127 faces lid 133. Thereafter, even if the user releases charging device 120, protrusion 161 is fitted into recess 162, so charging device 120 will not fall to the floor. In this state, the user can start collecting dust from the vacuum cleaner 110 to the vacuum cleaner 200 by connecting the suction tube 220 of the other vacuum cleaner 200 to the charging device 120 and operating the operating part 222 of the vacuum cleaner 200 to activate the suction source 212.

[0058] 14 and 15 , protrusion 161 is provided on vacuum cleaner 110, and recess 162 is provided on charging device 120. Conversely, protrusion 161 may be provided on charging device 120, and recess 162 may be provided on vacuum cleaner 110. Instead of such a mechanical connection structure, charging device 120 may be magnetically held to vacuum cleaner 110. That is, holding portion 160 may be composed of a magnet provided on one of vacuum cleaner 110 and charging device 120, and a magnetic body provided on the other of vacuum cleaner 110 and charging device 120.

[0059] Charging device 120 in Fig. 13 is configured to be connectable to suction tube 220 of vacuum cleaner 200. Alternatively, charging device 120 may be configured to be connectable to cleaner body 210 of vacuum cleaner 200, as shown in Fig. 16. Note that cleaner body 210 shown in Fig. 16 is the same as cleaner body 210 shown in Fig. 12, and an operating unit 222 for activating and stopping suction source 212 built into cleaner body 210 is provided on cleaner body 210.

[0060] The charging device 120 has a housing 123 that is substantially L-shaped in a side view. That is, the housing 123 has an upright housing portion 163 that is long in the vertical direction, and a protruding housing portion 164 that protrudes forward from the upper end portion of the upright housing portion 163. The upright housing portion 163 is the same as the housing 123 shown in FIGS. 13 and 15 except that the protruding housing portion 164 is connected to the upright housing portion 163, and is fixed to the vacuum cleaner 110 by a holding portion 160. When collecting dust from the vacuum cleaner 110, the other vacuum cleaner 200 is placed in the space below the protruding housing portion 164, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 17 , a dust flow path section 127 extends within the housing 123. The dust flow path section 127 has an upper extension pipe section 165, a front extension pipe section 166, and a lower extension pipe section 167. The upper extension pipe section 165 extends upward from the upstream end section 128 within the upright housing section 163. The front extension pipe section 166 extends forward from the upper end of the upper extension pipe section 165 along the internal space of the protruding housing section 164. The lower extension pipe section 167 extends downward from the front end of the front extension pipe section 166 and protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the protruding housing section 164. The lower end section of the lower extension pipe section 167 forms an attachment port 129 for the dust flow path section 127.

[0062] A user can connect two vacuum cleaners 200, 110 to the charging device 120 as described below. First, the user positions the vacuum cleaner 200 so that the inlet 214 faces upward. Then, the user lifts the charging device 120 and inserts the mounting port 129 of the dust flow path section 127 downward into the inlet 214 of the vacuum cleaner 200. In this way, the front portion of the charging device 120 is supported by the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0063] After attaching the charging device 120 to the vacuum cleaner 200, the user connects the vacuum cleaner 110 to the charging device 120. That is, the user fits the housing 123 of the vacuum cleaner 110 into the recess 124 of the charging device 120. At this time, the protrusion 161 is fitted into the recess 162 of the holding part 160, so that the rear part of the charging device 120 is supported by the holding part 160. In this way, the front and rear parts of the charging device 120 are supported by the vacuum cleaners 200, 110, so that the charging device 120 is unlikely to fall to the floor. In this state, when the user operates the operating part 222 of the vacuum cleaner 200, the suction force of the suction source 212 of the vacuum cleaner 200 causes dust inside the vacuum cleaner 110 to be collected by the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0064] In the cleaning tool set 100 shown in FIG. 16, the dust passage section 127 may be connected to the cleaner body 210 via the attachment member 150 shown in FIG.

[0065] <Third embodiment> The vacuum cleaner 110 of the cleaning tool set 100 of the first and second embodiments has the dust storage section 116 built into the housing 112. Alternatively, the dust storage section 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 of the cleaning tool set 100 may be exposed to the outside, as shown in FIG.

[0066] 18 has a substantially cylindrical housing 112, and a dust storage unit 116 is connected to the lower end of the housing 112. A suction source 114 is disposed within the housing 112 so as to suck air upward from within the dust storage unit 116. A storage battery 115 for the suction source 114 is also disposed within the housing 112.

[0067] The suction pipe 118 of the vacuum cleaner 110 extends vertically in front of the dust storage section 116, and a suction nozzle 111 is attached to the lower end of the suction pipe 118. The upper end of the suction pipe 118 is connected to the lower part of the peripheral wall of the housing 112. A bent, rod-shaped handle 113 is provided on the upper side of the suction pipe 118. The handle 113 is connected to the upper part of the peripheral wall of the housing 112 and the upper end of the suction pipe 118.

[0068] The suction tube 118 has a base end tube section 171 formed integrally with the housing 112, a straight intermediate tube section 172 extending downward from the base end tube section 171, and a tip end tube section 173 connected to the suction nozzle 111 and the intermediate tube section 172. The upper end portion of the intermediate tube section 172 is configured to be separable from the base end tube section 171, and the tip end tube section 173 is configured to be separable from the lower end portion of the intermediate tube section 172. The tip end tube section 173 is attached to the suction nozzle 111 so as to be tiltable in the front-to-rear direction around the lower end portion of the tip end tube section 173 as an axis.

[0069] Flow path 174 of suction pipe 118 curves toward dust storage section 116 within base end pipe section 171 and communicates with the internal space of dust storage section 116. As shown in FIG. 19 , dust storage section 116 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall section 175, a bottom wall section 176 connected to a lower section 181 of peripheral wall section 175, and an upper lid section 177 attached to an upper section 182 of peripheral wall section 175 so as to close an opening at the upper end of peripheral wall section 175. The outer diameter of lower section 181 of peripheral wall section 175 is smaller than the outer diameter of upper section 182 of peripheral wall section 175. Lower section 181 of peripheral wall section 175 is connected to charging device 120 shown in FIG. 20.

[0070] A plurality of exhaust holes 178 are formed in upper lid 177, which allow air in dust storage section 116 to flow upward when suction source 114 is activated. Disk-shaped filter members (not shown) are arranged to close these exhaust holes 178, and these filter members can capture dust contained in the air flowing out of dust storage section 116.

[0071] The bottom wall 176 shown in Figure 18 is in a closed position that closes the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall 175. As shown in Figure 19, the bottom wall 176 is connected to the peripheral wall 175 so as to be rotatable downward from this closed position. When the bottom wall 176 is in the open position shown in Figure 19, the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall 175 is opened. Dust inside the dust storage section 116 can be discharged through this opening.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 19 , a connecting tube 179 having a substantially rectangular shape is provided on peripheral wall portion 175. This connecting tube 179 is connected to base end pipe portion 171 shown in Fig. 18 so that dust that has passed through flow path 174 of suction tube 118 flows into dust storage portion 116. The flow path of connecting tube 179 extends in a tangential direction to the inner circumferential surface of peripheral wall portion 175 at the connection portion between connecting tube 179 and peripheral wall portion 175. Therefore, air that has flowed into dust storage portion 116 through connecting tube 179 flows along the inner circumferential surface of cylindrical peripheral wall portion 175 and becomes a swirling flow. Dust contained in this swirling flow is centrifuged within dust storage portion 116 by the centrifugal force of the swirling flow and can be stored in dust storage portion 116.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 20, the charging device 120 has a substantially cylindrical dust flow path section 127 extending in the vertical direction, and a connecting protrusion 183 protruding forward from the upper end portion of the peripheral wall section of the dust flow path section 127. A power cable 155 extends from the dust flow path section 127 or the connecting protrusion 183. The dust storage section 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 shown in Fig. 18 is attached to the dust flow path section 127, and the base end pipe section 171 is connected to the connecting protrusion 183.

[0074] Dust flow path section 127 has a substantially cylindrical attachment port 129 formed so as to be able to fit into inlet 214 of vacuum cleaner body 210 shown in FIG. 7, and a substantially cylindrical support tube 184 extending upward from attachment port 129. Support tube 184 is thicker than attachment port 129. The inner diameter of the upper end portion of support tube 184 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of lower portion 181 of peripheral wall portion 175 of dust storage section 116 shown in FIG. 19, and lower portion 181 of dust storage section 116 can be fitted into the upper end portion of support tube 184. In addition, the upper end portion of the flow path formed by support tube 184 is wide enough to allow bottom wall portion 176 of dust storage section 116 to rotate downward when lower portion 181 of dust storage section 116 is fitted into the upper end portion of support tube 184. The flow path of the support tube 184 may be gradually narrowed from the upper end portion of the support tube 184 toward the attachment port 129 .

[0075] 21, the support tube 184 is supported by the vacuum cleaner body 210 in a state in which it stands upright from the vacuum cleaner body 210. When the lower part 181 of the dust storage part 116 is fitted into the upper end part of the support tube 184, the support tube 184 has a length that allows it to support the vacuum cleaner 110 in a state in which the suction nozzle 111 of the vacuum cleaner 110 is raised above the floor surface.

[0076] A recessed groove 185 is formed on the front surface of the connecting protrusion 183, which is complementary to the rear portion of the base end pipe portion 171 of the vacuum cleaner 110 shown in Fig. 18. Output terminals 125, 126 electrically connected to the power cable 155 are arranged in the recessed groove 185. Then, as shown in Fig. 21, input terminals 134, 135 that receive power output from the output terminals 125, 126 are attached to the rear surface of the base end pipe portion 171. The input terminals 134, 135 are arranged in positions that make contact with the output terminals 125, 126 when the rear portion of the base end pipe portion 171 is fitted into the recessed groove 185. These input terminals 134, 135 are electrically connected to the storage battery 115 of the vacuum cleaner 110.

[0077] When collecting dust from the dust storage section 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110, the user places the vacuum cleaner 200 on the floor in a position where the inlet 214 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is facing upward, as shown in Figure 7. Then, the user inserts the attachment port 129 of the dust flow path section 127, as shown in Figure 20, into the inlet 214 of the vacuum cleaner 200 from above. As a result, the support tube 184 is set upright on the vacuum cleaner 200, as shown in Figure 21.

[0078] 19 into the upper end portion of the support tube 184. Then, when the vacuum cleaner 110 is lowered until the upper end of the support tube 184 contacts the lower end of the upper part 182 of the peripheral wall 175 of the dust storage unit 116, the rear part of the base end pipe part 171 of the vacuum cleaner 110 is fitted into the recessed groove 185 of the connecting protrusion 183 shown in FIG. 20. As a result, the input terminals 134, 135 of the vacuum cleaner 110 contact the output terminals 125, 126 of the charging device 120, and the storage battery 115 of the vacuum cleaner 110 is charged by the power supplied through the power cable 155.

[0079] In this state, when the user operates the operating unit 222 of the vacuum cleaner 200, the suction source 212 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is activated. The suction force of the suction source 212 acts on the bottom wall 176 of the dust storage unit 116 through the dust flow path 127, pulling the bottom wall 176 downward. As a result, the bottom wall 176 rotates downward as shown in Figure 19, and the dust in the dust storage unit 116 falls due to the suction force of the suction source 212 and gravity acting on the dust. In other words, the dust is transferred from the dust storage unit 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 to the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0080] During this time, the suction force of the vacuum cleaner 200 causes outside air to flow into the dust storage section 116 through the suction nozzle 111 and suction pipe 118 of the vacuum cleaner 110. This outside air then promotes the discharge of dust from the dust storage section 116. In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 110 is supported by the support tube 184 with the suction nozzle 111 floating above the floor surface. In this supported state, the amount of outside air flowing into the suction nozzle 111 can be greater than the amount of outside air flowing into the suction nozzle 111 when the suction nozzle 111 is in contact with the floor surface. In other words, by supporting the vacuum cleaner 110 by the support tube 184 with the suction nozzle 111 floating above the floor surface, the discharge of dust from the dust storage section 116 can be further promoted.

[0081] 21, the rear part of the vacuum cleaner 110 (i.e., the dust storage part 116 and the housing 112) overlaps in the vertical direction with the support cylinder 184. Therefore, the size of the cleaning tool set 100 in the front-to-rear direction does not become excessively large.

[0082] In the cleaning tool set 100 shown in FIG. 21, the dust passage section 127 may be connected to the cleaner body 210 via the attachment member 150 shown in FIG.

[0083] <Fourth embodiment> In the first to third embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 200 already owned by the user is a canister type. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 200 already owned by the user may be a stick type, as shown in FIG.

[0084] The vacuum cleaner 200 shown in FIG. 22 is substantially the same as the vacuum cleaner 110 shown in FIG. 18. Specifically, a dust storage section 213 is disposed below a housing 211 that houses a suction source 212. This dust storage section 213 may have substantially the same structure as the dust storage section 116 shown in FIG. 19. A base end pipe section 271 extends in the vertical direction in front of this dust storage section 213. This base end pipe section 271 may have substantially the same structure as the base end pipe section 171 shown in FIG. 18. Therefore, when cleaning using the vacuum cleaner 200, the intermediate pipe section 172, the tip pipe section 173, and the suction nozzle 111 shown in FIG. 18 can be connected to this base end pipe section 271. Note that in FIG. 22, the intermediate pipe section 172, the tip pipe section 173, and the suction nozzle 111 are detached from the base end pipe section 271.

[0085] A grip portion 221 having a thickness that allows a user to grip it extends obliquely upward from the upper end surface of housing 211. An operation portion 222 is attached to the front surface of grip portion 221.

[0086] The vacuum cleaner 110 and the charging device 120 shown in Fig. 22 may have substantially the same structure as the vacuum cleaner 110 and the charging device 120 shown in Fig. 1. Note that the attachment port 129 of the dust passage section 127 shown in Fig. 23 is configured to be connectable to the base end pipe section 271 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0087] 22 , when a user attaches vacuum cleaner 110, 200 to charging device 120 and operates operating unit 222 of vacuum cleaner 200, suction source 212 of vacuum cleaner 200 is activated. The suction force of suction source 212 causes dust inside vacuum cleaner 110 to flow into dust storage unit 213 of vacuum cleaner 200 through dust flow path 127 of charging device 120 and base end pipe 271 of vacuum cleaner 200.

[0088] In the cleaning tool set 100 shown in FIG. 23, the dust passage section 127 may be connected to the base end pipe section 271 of the vacuum cleaner 200 via the attachment member 150 shown in FIG.

[0089] Fifth Embodiment In the first to fourth embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 110 of the cleaning tool set 100 is a stick type. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 110 may be a self-propelled robot vacuum cleaner as shown in FIG.

[0090] The vacuum cleaner 110 has a housing 112. As shown in FIG. 25 , a storage battery 115, a suction source 114, and a dust storage section 116 are arranged inside the housing 112. The dust storage section 116 is provided in front of the suction source 114, which is configured to suck out the air inside the dust storage section 116 backward. A filter 117 is arranged between the suction source 114 and the dust storage section 116, and while the suction source 114 is sucking out the air inside the dust storage section 116, the dust inside the dust storage section 116 is captured by the filter 117 and remains inside the dust storage section 116.

[0091] 26, this suction space 119 is opened at the front of the bottom surface of the housing 112. When the suction source 114 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 114 causes dust on the floor surface to enter the housing 112 through this opening and be stored in the dust storage section 116.

[0092] Input terminals 134, 135 into which power used to charge storage battery 115 is input are arranged in front of the opening of suction space 119. Furthermore, drive wheels 191, 192 are arranged diagonally to the rear left and rear right of the opening of suction space 119, and drive sources 193, 194 that drive drive wheels 191, 192 are arranged inside housing 112. The power of storage battery 115 is used not only to operate suction source 114 but also to rotate drive wheels 191, 192.

[0093] Also disposed within the housing 112 is a control unit 195 that controls the drive sources 193, 194 and the suction source 114. The control unit 195 may be configured to activate the drive sources 193, 194 and the suction source 114, for example, at a predetermined time. The control unit 195 may then control the drive sources 193, 194 so that the vacuum cleaner 110 moves along a predetermined path while the suction source 114 is still operating. The control unit 195 may also control the drive sources 193, 194 so that the vacuum cleaner 110 returns to the position shown in FIG. 24 after removing dust along this path. When the vacuum cleaner 110 returns to the position shown in FIG. 24, the control unit 195 may stop the suction source 114 and the drive sources 193, 194.

[0094] 27, charging device 120 has a base plate 121, a substantially rectangular box-shaped housing 123 erected at the front end portion of base plate 121, and a power cable 155 extending from housing 123. An upstream end 128 of dust flow path section 127 opens upward on the upper surface of base plate 121. Upstream end 128 is formed in a position that vertically faces the opening of suction space 119 of vacuum cleaner 110 when vacuum cleaner 110 is in the position shown in FIG.

[0095] Dust flow path section 127 extends from this upstream end section 128 into housing 123. Inside housing 123, dust flow path section 127 extends upward, and an attachment port 129 of dust flow path section 127 protrudes upward from the top surface of housing 123. As shown in Fig. 24, a suction pipe 220 of a canister-type vacuum cleaner 200 is connected to attachment port 129. Note that this vacuum cleaner 200 is the same as the vacuum cleaner 200 shown in Fig. 1.

[0096] 27, output terminals 125, 126 electrically connected to power cable 155 protrude upward from the upper surface of base plate 121. Output terminals 125, 126 are provided in positions that allow them to come into contact with input terminals 134, 135 of vacuum cleaner 110 when vacuum cleaner 110 is in the position shown in FIG.

[0097] 24, the input terminals 134, 135 of the vacuum cleaner 110 contact the output terminals 125, 126 of the charging device 120. As a result, power from the external power source is supplied to the storage battery 115 of the vacuum cleaner 110 through the power cable 155, the output terminals 125, 126, and the input terminals 134, 135. During this time, when the user operates the operating unit 222 of the vacuum cleaner 200, the suction force of the vacuum cleaner 200 causes dust inside the vacuum cleaner 110 to be collected into the vacuum cleaner 200 through the dust flow path portion 127.

[0098] 24, a suction pipe 220 of a canister-type vacuum cleaner 200 is connected to the attachment port 129 of the dust passage section 127. Alternatively, for example, a base end pipe section 271 of a stick-type vacuum cleaner 200 shown in FIG. 23 may be connected to the attachment port 129 of the dust passage section 127. In this case, dust from the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 110 is collected in the dust storage section 213 of the stick-type vacuum cleaner 200.

[0099] The cleaning tool sets 100 of the first to fifth embodiments use not only the suction force of the suction source 212 of the vacuum cleaner 200 but also the dust storage unit 213 to collect dust from the dust storage unit 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110. Alternatively, a dust storage unit that collects dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source 212 of the vacuum cleaner 200 may be provided in the dust flow path 127 of the charging device 120. If this dust storage unit is configured to allow air to pass through the dust flow path 127 while capturing dust contained in the air, dust that has flowed out from the dust storage unit 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 can be collected in this dust storage unit. In this way, if the cleaning tool set 100 itself has a dust storage unit, it is possible to collect dust from the dust storage unit 116 of the vacuum cleaner 110 even if a large amount of dust is stored in the dust storage unit 213 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0100] (Effects, etc.) The cleaning tool set 100 according to the above embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0101] A cleaning tool set according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, a storage battery that stores power for the suction source, and a dust storage unit that stores dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source, and a charging device that is configured to allow the vacuum cleaner to be attached and charges the storage battery when the vacuum cleaner is attached. The charging device has a dust flow path with an upstream end that is communicable with the dust storage unit of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is connected, but does not have a suction source that generates suction force. The dust flow path has an attachment port at an end opposite to the upstream end.

[0102] Some people considering purchasing a vacuum cleaner and charging device already own other vacuum cleaners. The above-described configuration allows for the collection of dust from the dust storage unit by utilizing the suction power of the other vacuum cleaner that the user already owns, thereby providing an inexpensive charging device that can collect dust from the vacuum cleaner.

[0103] That is, a user attaches a vacuum cleaner to a charging device to charge the vacuum cleaner's battery. In this state, the upstream end of the dust flow path section of the charging device is connected to the dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, the user attaches another vacuum cleaner to the attachment port of the dust flow path section of the charging device to collect dust from the dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner. In this state, the dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner is connected to the other vacuum cleaner. Therefore, when the other vacuum cleaner is operated, the suction force of the other vacuum cleaner causes dust to flow from the dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner toward the other vacuum cleaner. In this way, the suction force of the other vacuum cleaner is used to collect dust from the dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner, so the charging device itself does not need to have a suction source that generates suction force to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner. This results in an inexpensive cleaning tool set.

[0104] In the above-described configuration, the attachment port of the dust flow path section may be connectable to another vacuum cleaner having another dust storage section with a larger capacity than the dust storage section.

[0105] In the above-described configuration, the dust storage section of the other vacuum cleaner has a larger capacity than the dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner that constitutes the cleaning tool set, so when the dust storage section of the other vacuum cleaner is empty, all of the dust that has accumulated in the dust storage section of the vacuum cleaner can be collected in the other dust storage section of the other vacuum cleaner.

[0106] In the above-described configuration, the attachment port of the dust flow path may be connectable to another vacuum cleaner. The other vacuum cleaner may have a cleaner body incorporating an additional suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, an additional dust storage unit that stores the dust sucked by the suction force of the additional suction source, and a suction tube extending from the cleaner body to allow the dust sucked by the suction force of the additional suction source to flow into the additional dust storage unit. The attachment port may be insertable into the suction tube of the other vacuum cleaner.

[0107] In the above-described configuration, the attachment port of the dust flow path portion is inserted into the suction tube of the other vacuum cleaner, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space of the suction tube is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space of the dust flow path portion, and therefore, dust that passes through the dust flow path portion can flow into the other dust storage portion of the other vacuum cleaner without being caught in the suction tube.

[0108] In the above-described configuration, the attachment port of the dust flow path unit may be connectable to another vacuum cleaner. The other vacuum cleaner may have a cleaner body incorporating another suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust and another dust storage unit that stores dust sucked by the suction force of the other suction source. The cleaner body may be formed with an inlet that is open to allow dust to flow into the other dust storage unit. The attachment port of the dust flow path unit may be insertable into the inlet of the other vacuum cleaner.

[0109] In the above-described configuration, a user can connect another vacuum cleaner to the charging device by inserting the attachment port of the dust flow path portion into the inlet of the cleaner body of the other vacuum cleaner.

[0110] In the above-described configuration, the dust flow path portion may be flexible.

[0111] In the above-described configuration, since the dust flow path portion is flexible, a user can connect the attachment port of the dust flow path portion to the inlet of another vacuum cleaner body, regardless of the position of the vacuum cleaner body, as long as the vacuum cleaner body is within reach of the dust flow path portion. For example, if the vacuum cleaner body is to the right of the charging device, a user can bend the dust flow path portion to the right to connect it to the vacuum cleaner body. Conversely, if the vacuum cleaner body is to the left of the charging device, a user can bend the dust flow path portion to the left to connect it to the vacuum cleaner body.

[0112] In the above-described configuration, the attachment port of the dust passage section may be tapered toward its tip.

[0113] In the above-described configuration, the attachment port of the dust flow path portion tapers toward the tip. In this case, if the inner diameter of the suction tube or the diameter of the inlet is small, the user can connect the attachment port to the suction tube or the inlet by reducing the insertion depth of the attachment port of the dust flow path portion relative to the suction tube or the inlet. Conversely, if the inner diameter of the suction tube or the diameter of the inlet is large, the user can connect the attachment port to the suction tube or the inlet by inserting the attachment port of the dust flow path portion deeper into the suction tube or the inlet.

[0114] In the above-described configuration, the dust passage section may be configured to be extendable and contractible.

[0115] In the above-described configuration, since the dust flow path portion is extendable, a user may extend the dust flow path portion and connect it to another vacuum cleaner when collecting dust. Then, after dust collection is completed, the user can separate the dust flow path portion from the other vacuum cleaner and return it to a contracted state. In this case, since the dust flow path portion is contracted, it is possible to prevent the user from getting caught on the dust flow path portion when not collecting dust.

[0116] In the above-described configuration, the charging device may be configured to be able to support the vacuum cleaner in a state where the charging device and the vacuum cleaner are stacked one on top of the other.

[0117] In the above-described configuration, the charging device can support the vacuum cleaner body while being stacked vertically on the vacuum cleaner, so that the installation area of ​​the cleaning tool set does not become excessively large.

[0118] In the above-described configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include an attachment member that converts the shape of the attachment port into another shape.

[0119] In the above configuration, if a user does not own a vacuum cleaner that can be connected to the attachment port, the user can use the attachment member to convert the shape of the attachment port to another shape. If the user owns a vacuum cleaner that is compatible with this attachment member, the user's vacuum cleaner can be connected to the dust flow path unit via the attachment member. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The cleaning tool set of the above-described embodiment is suitably used in an apparatus used for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 100 Cleaning Tool Set 110...Vacuum cleaner 114...Suction source 115 Battery 116...Dust storage section 118...Suction tube 120...Charging device 127··································dust flow path 129 Mounting port 150 Attachment member 200...Vacuum cleaner 210···········Vacuum cleaner body 212...Suction source 213...Dust storage section 214·····························Inlet 220...Suction tube

Claims

1. a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, a storage battery that stores power for the suction source, and a dust storage unit that stores dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source; a charging device configured to be able to attach the vacuum cleaner and configured to charge the storage battery with the vacuum cleaner attached; the charging device has a dust flow path portion having an upstream end portion that can communicate with the dust storage portion of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is connected, but does not have a suction source that generates suction force; The dust flow path section has an attachment port at an end opposite the upstream end.

2. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , wherein the attachment port of the dust passage section is connectable to another vacuum cleaner having another dust storage section with a larger capacity than the dust storage section.

3. The attachment port of the dust passage portion is connectable to another vacuum cleaner, The other vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner body incorporating another suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust, and another dust storage unit that stores the dust sucked by the suction force of the other suction source; a suction pipe extending from the vacuum cleaner body to allow dust sucked by the suction force of the other suction source to flow into the other dust storage section, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , which is insertable into the suction tube of the other vacuum cleaner.

4. The attachment port of the dust passage portion is connectable to another vacuum cleaner, The other vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body incorporating an other suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust, and an other dust storage unit that stores the dust sucked by the suction force of the other suction source, The vacuum cleaner body is formed with an inlet that is open to allow dust to flow into the other dust storage section, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , wherein the attachment port of the dust flow path section is insertable into the inlet of the other vacuum cleaner.

5. The cleaning tool set according to claim 4 , wherein the dust passage portion is flexible.

6. The cleaning tool set according to claim 3 , wherein the attachment port of the dust passage portion tapers toward a tip thereof.

7. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , wherein the dust passage portion is configured to be extendable and contractible.

8. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , wherein the charging device is configured to be able to support the vacuum cleaner in a state where the charging device is stacked vertically on the vacuum cleaner.

9. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1 , further comprising an attachment member that converts the shape of the attachment port into another shape.

Images