A cleaning tool set comprising a vacuum cleaner having a dust collection container for storing dust, and a collection device for collecting dust from the dust collection container.

Abstract

The objective is to provide an improved cleaning tool set. [Solution] The cleaning tool set of the present disclosure comprises a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates a suction force to suck up dust, a suction nozzle having a suction port from which dust is sucked up by the suction force of the suction source, and a dust storage container that stores the dust sucked up through the suction port of the suction nozzle, and a collection device for collecting dust from the dust storage container. The collection device comprises a support cylinder configured to which the dust storage container can be attached, and a collection source for collecting dust from the dust storage container attached to the support cylinder. The collection source causes air to flow into the dust storage container by generating a suction force of a magnitude that allows the dust storage container to draw air in through the suction port of the vacuum cleaner's suction nozzle attached to the support cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool set including a vacuum cleaner having a dust storage container for storing dust, and a recovery device for recovering dust from the dust storage container.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tool set 300 shown in FIG. 28. This cleaning tool set 300 includes a vacuum cleaner 310 and a recovery device 320 configured to be able to hold the vacuum cleaner 310.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner 310 has a suction source 311 that generates a suction force for sucking dust, a substantially cylindrical dust storage container 312 provided below the suction source 311, and a suction pipe 313 extending vertically on the rear side of the dust storage container 312. Further, a suction nozzle 314 is attached to the lower end of the suction pipe 313.

[0004] The suction nozzle 314 is configured such that when the suction source 311 operates, dust on the floor surface flows into the air. The suction pipe 313 forms a flow path through which the dust and air flowing in from the suction nozzle 314 flow upward, and is connected to the peripheral wall portion of the dust storage container 312. The connection portion between the suction pipe 313 and the peripheral wall portion of the dust storage container 312 is formed so as to communicate the flow path of the suction pipe 313 and the internal space of the dust storage container 312. Specifically, this connection portion is configured such that the air flowing from the suction pipe 313 into the dust storage container 312 flows along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 315 of the dust storage container 312 to form a swirling flow.

[0005] As shown in FIG. 29, the dust storage container 312 has a bottom portion 316 that closes the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 315, and a rotational connection portion 317 that connects the bottom portion 316 and the peripheral wall portion 315 while allowing the bottom portion 316 to rotate downward.

[0006] As shown in Figure 28, the dust storage container 312 is configured to be attachable to the recovery device 320. The recovery device 320 has a support cylinder 321 into which the lower part of the dust storage container 312 can be fitted, and the support cylinder 321 extends in the vertical direction. At the lower end of the support cylinder 321 is a recovery section 322 for storing dust recovered from the dust storage container 312, and below the recovery section 322 is a recovery source 323 that generates a downward dust suction force through the recovery section 322 and the support cylinder 321.

[0007] When the user fits the dust container 312 onto the upper end of the support cylinder 321 and activates the collection source 323, the bottom 316 of the dust container 312 rotates downward around the rotating connection part 317 due to the dust suction force of the collection source 323, as shown in Figure 30. As a result, the internal space of the dust container 312 is opened, and the dust inside the dust container 312 flows into the collection unit 322 through the support cylinder 321. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 119097 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] This disclosure aims to provide an improved cleaning tool set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The cleaning tool set in this disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates a suction force to suck up dust, a suction nozzle having a suction port from which dust is sucked up by the suction force of the suction source, and a dust storage container that stores the dust sucked up through the suction port of the suction nozzle, and a collection device for collecting dust from the dust storage container. The collection device has a support cylinder configured to which the dust storage container can be attached, and a collection source for collecting dust from the dust storage container attached to the support cylinder. The collection source causes air to flow into the dust storage container by generating a suction force large enough to draw air into the dust storage container through the suction port of the vacuum cleaner's suction nozzle attached to the support cylinder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The technology described above can provide an improved cleaning tool set. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Side view of a vacuum cleaner (first embodiment) [Figure 2] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner dust collection container [Figure 3] Longitudinal cross-section of a dust collection container [Figure 4] Perspective view of a dust collection container [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of a portion of a dust collection container. [Figure 6] Perspective view of a dust collection container [Figure 7] Perspective view of a dust collection container [Figure 8] Rear view of the filter section of the dust collection container. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the cleaning tool set [Figure 10] Perspective view of a dust collection container [Figure 11] Longitudinal cross-section of a cleaning tool set [Figure 12] Perspective view of the recovery device [Figure 13] Vertical cross-sectional view of the upper part of the support cylinder of the recovery device. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of a dust collection container [Figure 15] Perspective view of other suction nozzles [Figure 16] Perspective view of another suction nozzle [Figure 17] Perspective view of the collection device (Second Embodiment) [Figure 18] Perspective view of the cleaning tool set [Figure 19] Circuit diagram of the cleaning tool set [Figure 20] Vertical sectional view of the upper part of the support cylinder [Figure 21] Vertical sectional view of the upper part of the support cylinder (Third Embodiment) [Figure 22] Vertical sectional view of the upper part of the support cylinder [Figure 23] Circuit diagram of the cleaning tool set [Figure 24] Flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit of the collection device [Figure 25] Vertical sectional view of the upper part of the support cylinder [Figure 26] Circuit diagram of the cleaning tool set [Figure 27] Side view of the dust storage container (Fourth Embodiment) [Figure 28] Perspective view of a conventional cleaning tool set [Figure 29] Perspective view of a part of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 30] Vertical sectional view of a part of a conventional cleaning tool set

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the dust storage container, the vacuum cleaner, and the cleaning tool set will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, for the ease of understanding of those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0014] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a side view of a stick-type vacuum cleaner 100. Referring to FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 will be described.

[0015] (Overall structure of a vacuum cleaner) The vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 110 that incorporates a suction source 111 that generates suction force to suck up dust, and a dust collection container 200 attached to the lower side of the vacuum cleaner body 110. A battery 114 is housed above the suction source 111 inside the vacuum cleaner body 110. The battery 114 stores power to operate the suction source 111 and is electrically connected to the suction source 111. The suction source 111 is configured to suck up air from the dust collection container 200 and may have, for example, a motor that receives power from the battery 114 to generate rotational force, and a rotating blade configured to generate an upward airflow when rotated by the motor.

[0016] Between the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collection container 200, a filter 112 is positioned to allow air to pass through while capturing dust contained in the air. In addition, a gripping section 113 formed to be held by the user and a suction pipe 120 forming a flow path 123 through which dust sucked up by the suction source 111 flows are positioned on the front side of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collection container 200. The dust sucked up by the suction source 111 flows through the flow path 123 toward the dust collection container 200.

[0017] The suction tube 120 extends vertically below the grip portion 113. More specifically, the suction tube 120 has a base tube portion 121 integrally formed with the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip portion 113, and an extension tube portion 122 extending downward from the base tube portion 121. Within the base tube portion 121, the flow path 123 is bent toward the dust container 200. The extension tube portion 122 is detachable from the base tube portion 121. A suction nozzle 130 is attached to the lower end of the extension tube portion 122. The suction tube 120 extends downward relative to the grip portion 113, the vacuum cleaner body 110, and the dust container 200, and has a length that allows the user to place the suction nozzle 130 on the floor surface without having to bend down. A suction port 131 is formed on the front part of the lower surface of the suction nozzle 130, into which dust from the floor surface is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 111, and a space is formed inside the suction nozzle 130 that connects the suction port 131 to the flow path 123.

[0018] The dust storage container 200 is configured to store dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 111, and as shown in Figure 2, it has an upward-opening container section 210 and a top cover section 220 that closes the opening at the upper end of the container section 210. The upper part of the top cover section 220 is configured to accommodate the filter 112 shown in Figure 1. The top cover section 220 has a plurality of through holes 221 that penetrate vertically through it, and when the suction source 111 shown in Figure 1 is activated, the air inside the container section 210 flows out through these through holes 221.

[0019] The container section 210 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall section 211, and an inlet 239 is formed in the peripheral wall section 211, opening tangentially to the inner surface of the peripheral wall section 211. The inlet 239 is connected to the flow path 123 of the base pipe section 121 shown in Figure 1, and when the suction source 111 is activated, air containing dust flows into the container section 210 through the inlet 239. This air becomes a swirling flow that flows along the inner surface of the peripheral wall section 211.

[0020] The upper end of the peripheral wall portion 211 is fitted with the aforementioned upper cover portion 220, while the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 211 is fitted with a bottom portion 212 via a pivoting connector portion 213, as shown in Figure 3. The opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 211 is a dust outlet 217 that opens downward to allow dust accumulated in the dust storage container 200 to fall out. In Figure 3, the dust outlet 217 is closed by the bottom portion 212. The pivoting connector portion 213 allows the bottom portion 212 to tilt downward around the pivoting connector portion 213 from the closed position shown in Figure 3 to the open position shown in Figure 4. When the bottom portion 212 is in the open position, the dust outlet 217 is opened, and dust in the dust storage container 200 can fall out through the dust outlet 217. Furthermore, the suction pipe 120 extends from the front of the dust collection container 200, and the tilting of the bottom 212 is not obstructed by the suction pipe 120.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the container section 210 houses a cylindrical filter section 230 that tapers towards the bottom 212. The through-hole 221 formed in the top lid section 220 communicates with the internal space of the filter section 230.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the filter section 230 is arranged substantially coaxially with the container section 210 and has a substantially circular cross-section. An annular space 232 is formed between the filter section 230 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall section 211 of the container section 210, and the swirling flow described above flows through this annular space 232.

[0023] The filter section 230 has numerous vents (not shown) that are large enough to capture dust while allowing air to flow into the annular space 232. For example, the filter section 230 may be made of a filter mesh. When the suction source 111 shown in Figure 1 is activated, air flows in through the inlet 239, and this air becomes a swirling flow that flows through the annular space 232 of the container section 210. Due to the centrifugal force of the swirling flow, the dust contained in the air that flows into the container section 210 flows near the inner surface of the peripheral wall 211 of the container section 210 rather than near the filter section 230. Therefore, clogging of the vents of the filter section 230 is unlikely to occur. The air flowing near the filter section 230 passes through the vents of the filter section 230 and flows into the interior of the filter section 230. The air can then flow upward through the through-hole 221 of the top lid 220.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, a partition plate 233 is attached to the filter section 230. The partition plate 233 extends from the lower edge of the inlet 239 downstream in the direction of the swirling flow over approximately half the circumference of the annular space 232. The partition plate 233 is positioned at a distance above the bottom 212 and is positioned approximately parallel to the bottom 212, dividing the annular space 232 vertically. The space below the partition plate 233 (i.e., between the partition plate 233 and the bottom 212) will be referred to as the "dust accumulation space 234" in the following description. The dust accumulation space 234 is a space for accumulating dust. The space above the partition plate 233 that extends circumferentially from the inlet 239 to the downstream end 241 of the partition plate 233 in the direction of the swirling flow will be referred to as the "upstream space 271" in the following description. The partition plate 233 separates the upstream space 271 and the dust accumulation space 234 vertically, suppressing dust accumulated in the dust accumulation space 234 from being stirred up into the upstream space 271.

[0025] Downstream of the upstream space 271, as shown in Figure 7, a guide space 243 is formed to guide dust contained in the swirling flow to the dust accumulation space 234. A guide section 237 is attached to the filter section 230 to demarcate the upper end of the guide space 243. The guide section 237 is thin and plate-like, and its upstream end 238 in the direction of the swirling flow is located approximately directly above the downstream end 241 of the partition plate 233 in the direction of the swirling flow. The swirling flow generated in the upstream space 271 flows into the region between the upstream end 238 of the guide section 237 and the downstream end 241 of the partition plate 233.

[0026] The guide section 237 extends circumferentially around the filter section 230, sloping downward (towards the bottom 212) from the upstream end 238, and is connected to the partition plate 233 as shown in Figure 8. That is, the partition plate 233 extends circumferentially from the downstream end of the guide section 237 in the direction of the swirling flow. The swirling flow is guided downward (i.e., towards the bottom 212) according to the slope of the lower surface of the guide section 237. In the following description, the lower surface of the guide section 237 will be referred to as the "guide surface 242". The guide space 243 described above is the space between the guide surface 242 and the bottom 212, and is in communication with the dust accumulation space 234 below the partition plate 233.

[0027] (Configuration for holding the bottom in a closed position) To hold the bottom portion 212 in a closed position, a biasing portion 214 is provided to bias the bottom portion 212 to a closed position, as shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the biasing portion 214 is composed of a torsion spring attached to a rotating connection portion 213, and the rotating connection portion 213 is inserted through the coil portion of the torsion spring.

[0028] On the side of the dust outlet 217 opposite to the rotating connection portion 213, there is an engaging claw portion 219 for locking the bottom portion 212 in the closed position. The engaging claw portion 219 has a locking operation portion 222 operated by the user, and a locking portion 223 that protrudes from the locking operation portion 222 and is formed to engage with the outer edge of the bottom portion 212. In the following description, the state in which the locking portion 223 engages with the outer edge of the bottom portion 212 in the closed position and prevents the bottom portion 212 from tilting downward will be referred to as the "locked state".

[0029] The engaging claw portion 219 is attached to the peripheral wall portion 211 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow in Figure 3. When the user presses the locking operation portion 222 upward from below and rotates the engaging claw portion 219 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 3, the engagement between the bottom portion 212 and the locking portion 223 is released. In the following description, the state of the locking portion 223 at this time will be referred to as the "unlocked state". The engaging claw portion 219 is biased by the coil spring 215 in the direction that engages with the bottom portion 212 (opposite to the direction of the arrow in Figure 3).

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, a receiving recess 216 for accommodating the engaging claw portion 219 is formed at the lower part of the peripheral wall portion 211. When the engaging claw portion 219 is engaged with the bottom portion 212, the locking operation portion 222 is retracted into the receiving recess 216, thereby preventing unintended contact with the locking operation portion 222.

[0031] (Configuration to assist in the collection of dust from the dust collection container) The dust collection container 200 or vacuum cleaner 100, together with the collection device 400 shown in Figure 9, constitutes a cleaning tool set 500. Dust in the dust collection container 200 is sucked out by the collection device 400 and collected in the collection device 400. While the collection of dust by the collection device 400 is being performed, the bottom 212 is rotated downward as shown in Figure 10, and the dust discharge port 217 is opened. At this time, the air flowing in from the inlet 239 becomes a swirling flow within the dust collection container 200.

[0032] In the state shown in Figure 10, a gap 224 is formed between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211, but the gap 224 narrows as it approaches the rotating connection 213. Therefore, when dust in the dust storage space 234 is discharged from the dust outlet 217 on the swirling flow, dust contained in the flow toward the rotating connection 213 in the swirling flow may get stuck in the gap 224 between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211. To prevent dust from getting stuck in the gap 224, the dust storage container 200 has a flow changing section 225 that protrudes inward from the lower part of the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 211. The flow changing section 225 is provided to change the direction of the swirling flow so that it flows upstream of the rotating connection 213 at a position spaced inward from the gap 224. Furthermore, the flow modification section 225 is composed of a plate-shaped member that is inclined in the direction of the swirling flow, thereby suppressing dust contained in the swirling flow from getting caught in the flow modification section 225.

[0033] (Overall structure of the recovery device) As shown in Figure 9, the collection device 400 is configured to accommodate a dust collection container 200 containing dust. More specifically, the collection device 400 has a support plate 410 that is roughly rectangular in shape in plan view, a housing 420 provided on the support plate 410, a support cylinder 430 extending upward from the upper surface of the housing 420, and a pipe holding portion 440 provided on the front part of the support cylinder 430. The upper end of the support cylinder 430 is configured to accommodate the dust collection container 200, and the support cylinder 430 supports the dust collection container 200 during the dust collection operation from the dust collection container 200 to the collection device 400. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the support cylinder 430 forms a flow path 431 that extends vertically to allow dust discharged from the dust discharge port 217 of the dust collection container 200 to fall.

[0034] As shown in Figure 12, the pipe holding portion 440 has a retaining groove 441 that opens forward and extends vertically. The retaining groove 441 has a shape complementary to the rear of the base pipe portion 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The presence of the pipe holding portion 440 encourages the user to position the suction pipe 120 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in front of the housing 420 and support cylinder 430 of the recovery device 400 and to fit the base pipe portion 121 into the retaining groove 441. In other words, it encourages the user to attach the vacuum cleaner 100 to the recovery device 400 in a predetermined orientation.

[0035] When the user inserts the base tube portion 121 into the retaining groove 441, the suction tube 120 is held in a position extending downward along the front surface of the support cylinder 430 and housing 420, as shown in Figure 11. To support the suction nozzle 130 attached to the lower end of the suction tube 120, the front portion of the support plate 410 protrudes forward relative to the housing 420, as shown in Figure 12, and a support block 411 is provided on this front portion. The support block 411 protrudes upward relative to the upper surface of the support plate 410, and as shown in Figure 11, the rear portion of the suction nozzle 130 rests on the support block 411. The suction port 131 of the suction nozzle 130 is open in mid-air in front of the support block 411.

[0036] The housing 420 contains a collection source 421 that generates suction force to suck dust out of the dust container 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100, and a collection unit 422 that stores the dust sucked out of the dust container 200. The collection unit 422 is located above the collection source 421, and a filter 423 that captures dust while allowing air to pass through is placed between the collection unit 422 and the collection source 421. The collection source 421 is connected to the collection unit 422 via the filter 423.

[0037] The recovery source 421 and recovery unit 422 are positioned in the housing 420 at a rearward position relative to the support cylinder 430. To connect the internal space of the recovery unit 422 to the flow path 431 of the support cylinder 430, a connecting cylinder 424 is provided extending forward from the front of the recovery unit 422 in a substantially horizontal position. Since the support cylinder 430 extends in the vertical direction, while the connecting cylinder 424 is provided in a substantially horizontal position, the connection portion 425 between the support cylinder 430 and the connecting cylinder 424 has a bent shape. The axial length of the connecting cylinder 424 is shorter than the axial length of the support cylinder 430, preventing the housing 420 from becoming larger in the front-to-back direction.

[0038] The recovery source 421 is configured to generate a sufficient suction force to suck out dust from the dust container 200 while tilting the bottom 212 downward against the biasing force of the biasing unit 214 and maintaining the open position when the locking unit 223 shown in Figure 3 is in the unlocked state. The recovery source 421 may consist, for example, a motor that generates rotational force and a rotating blade configured to generate a downward airflow when rotated by the motor.

[0039] The support cylinder 430 has an outer cylinder 432 extending vertically and an inner cylinder 433 extending vertically within the outer cylinder 432 to form the aforementioned flow path 431. The inner cylinder 433 may have a constant inner diameter along its entire length. The axial length of the outer cylinder 432 is set so that the lower end portion of the dust collection container 200 is fitted into it when the suction nozzle 130 is placed on the support block 411. In this state, the battery 114 and suction source 111 inside the vacuum cleaner body 110 are arranged vertically above the support cylinder 430 and the dust collection container 200, and are located on the axis of the support cylinder 430.

[0040] The inner cylinder 433 is positioned such that its upper end is below the upper end of the outer cylinder 432. More specifically, the inner cylinder 433 is provided within the outer cylinder 432 such that a tilting space 434 is formed between the upper end of the inner cylinder 433 and the upper end of the outer cylinder 432, allowing the bottom 212 to tilt downward. The lower end of the dust collection container 200 is fitted into the upper end of the tilting space 434, as shown in Figure 13.

[0041] When the dust container 200 is fitted into the tilting space 434, the dust container 200 and the vacuum cleaner body 110 of the vacuum cleaner 100 are supported by the outer cylinder 432 and the housing 420. At this time, the front grip portion 113 and suction pipe 120 of the dust container 200 and the vacuum cleaner body 110 are supported by the support block 411. The rear part of the suction nozzle 130 rests on the support block 411, but the front part of the suction nozzle 130 is in front of the support block 411 and is floating above the support plate 410. To achieve this state, the axial length of the outer cylinder 432 is set so that when the dust container 200 is fitted into the tilting space 434, the suction nozzle 130 is floating above the support plate 410. The height of the support block 411 is set so that when the dust container 200 is fitted into the tilting space 434, the upper end of the support block 411 contacts the rear of the suction nozzle 130.

[0042] In this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 is configured such that when the user holds the suction pipe 120 in the pipe holder 440 and inserts the lower end portion of the dust container 200 into the tilting space 434, the engaging claw portion 219 is positioned at the rear end of the tilting space 434. The outer cylinder 432 has a stepped portion 435 at a position opposite to the engaging claw portion 219 of the dust container 200 that is inserted into the tilting space 434. A thin plate-shaped release portion 436 is erected upward from the stepped portion 435. When the lower end portion of the dust container 200 is inserted into the tilting space 434, the release portion 436 contacts the locking operation portion 222 of the engaging claw portion 219, applying an upward force to the locking operation portion 222. As a result, the engaging claw portion 219 changes from the position shown in Figure 3 to the position shown in Figure 13, and the engagement between the locking portion 223 and the bottom portion 212 is released. In other words, the locking mechanism 223 is unlocked by the release mechanism 436.

[0043] (Vacuum cleaner operation) When the suction source 111 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 111 draws air from the dust container 200 through the filter section 230. The same amount of air is drawn into the suction nozzle 130 as the air is drawn out of the dust container 200, and dust from the floor surface flows into the suction nozzle 130 along with this air. The dust containing the dust then flows through the flow path 123 of the suction pipe 120 and enters the dust container 200 through the inlet 239 of the dust container 200.

[0044] Since the inlet 239 opens tangentially to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 211 of the container section 210, the air flowing into the container section 210 from the inlet 239 flows along the inner surface of the peripheral wall 211. This air then becomes a swirling flow as it flows through the upstream space 271 within the container section 210. Due to the centrifugal force of the swirling flow, the dust contained in the swirling flow flows closer to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 211 of the container section 210 rather than near the filter section 230, resulting in less dust being adsorbed by the filter section 230. Therefore, the air flowing near the filter section 230 can flow into the filter section 230 through the vents provided in the filter section 230 without being obstructed by dust. The air that has flowed into the filter section 230 flows out of the dust storage container 200 through the through holes 221 formed in the top lid 220. Furthermore, even if the air passing through the through-hole 221 contains fine dust particles, these particles are captured by the filter 112 installed on the top cover 220.

[0045] The swirling flow passes through the upstream space 271 and then flows into the guide space 243. When dust contained in the swirling flow reaches the vicinity of the guide surface 242 of the guide section 237, it is guided toward the bottom 212 of the container section 210 according to the slope of the guide surface 242. Since the guide space 243 is in communication with the dust storage space 234, the dust flows from the guide space 243 into the dust storage space 234.

[0046] While the user is performing cleaning work with the vacuum cleaner 100 as described above, the engaging claw portion 219 is retracted into the housing recess 216, making it difficult for the user to unintentionally come into contact with the engaging claw portion 219. As a result, the engagement between the bottom portion 212 and the locking portion 223 is less likely to be unintentionally released.

[0047] Even if the user unintentionally comes into contact with the engaging claw portion 219 during cleaning, and the engagement between the bottom portion 212 and the locking portion 223 is released, the bottom portion 212 is biased to the closed position by the biasing portion 214. This prevents dust accumulated in the dust collection container 200 from falling out of the dust discharge port 217 during cleaning.

[0048] (Operation of the recovery device) After completing the cleaning work, the user attaches the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400. Specifically, the user positions the suction tube 120 of the vacuum cleaner 100 in front of the housing 420 and support cylinder 430 of the collection device 400. In this state, the user fits the base tube portion 121 of the suction tube 120 into the holding groove 441 of the tube holding portion 440, while fitting the lower end portion of the dust collection container 200 into the upper end portion of the support cylinder 430. When the user pushes the lower end portion of the dust collection container 200 down into the tilting space 434 of the upper end portion of the support cylinder 430, the release portion 436 contacts the locking operation portion 222 of the engaging claw portion 219, and the locking operation portion 222 assumes the position shown in Figure 13. As a result, the locking portion 223 of the engaging claw portion 219 becomes unlocked, and the engagement between the locking portion 223 and the bottom portion 212 is released. In this state, the bottom 212 of the dust storage container 200 is maintained in a closed position by the biasing unit 214.

[0049] Subsequently, when the recovery source 421 is activated, the dust suction force of the recovery source 421 acts on the bottom 212 of the dust storage container 200 through the recovery unit 422, the connecting cylinder 424, and the support cylinder 430. The bottom 212 tilts downward against the biasing force of the biasing unit 214 due to the dust suction force of the recovery source 421, and comes to an open position. As a result, the dust discharge port 217 of the dust storage container 200 is opened. The dust suction force of the recovery source 421 sucks out the dust from the dust storage container 200 while maintaining the open position of the bottom 212. The dust flows into the recovery unit 422 through the support cylinder 430 and the connecting cylinder 424 and is accumulated in the recovery unit 422.

[0050] Since the flow path 431 of the support cylinder 430 extends in the vertical direction, dust is affected not only by the suction force of the collection source 421 but also by gravity as it passes through the support cylinder 430. Because both the suction force of the collection source 421 and gravity are used to discharge dust from the dust storage container 200, an excessively high suction capacity is not required for the collection source 421.

[0051] In the support cylinder 430, dust is carried downward not only by the suction force of the collection source 421 but also by gravity, so clogging of dust in the support cylinder 430 is unlikely to occur. On the other hand, since the connecting cylinder 424 is in a nearly horizontal position, the direction of dust flow does not coincide with the direction of gravity, and it is necessary to draw the dust into the collection section 422 using only the suction force of the collection source 421. However, the connecting cylinder 424 is located closer to the collection source 421 than the support cylinder 430, and the suction force acting on the connecting cylinder 424 is higher than the suction force acting on the support cylinder 430. For this reason, it is possible to draw the dust in the connecting cylinder 424 into the collection section 422 using only the suction force of the collection source 421. Furthermore, since the connecting cylinder 424 has a shorter axial length than the support cylinder 430, even if the dust inside the connecting cylinder 424 is drawn into the collection unit 422 solely by the dust collection force of the collection source 421, dust clogging in the connecting cylinder 424 is unlikely to occur.

[0052] When the collection source 421 is sucking out dust from the dust container 200, the suction force of the collection source 421 acts on the suction port 131 of the suction nozzle 130 through the collection section 422, connecting cylinder 424, support cylinder 430, dust container 200, and suction pipe 120. At this time, the suction port 131 is not blocked by the support block 411 that supports the suction nozzle 130, and is open in the air. Therefore, the resistance to the air flowing into the suction port 131 is small, and a large amount of air flows into the suction nozzle 130. This air then flows into the dust container 200 through the suction pipe 120 and the inlet 239. At this time, since the inlet 239 opens tangentially to the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust container 200, a swirling flow is generated inside the dust container 200.

[0053] The swirling flow flows along the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust storage container 200, circulating within the dust storage container 200 towards the dust discharge port 217, and reaching the bottom of the dust storage container 200. If a flow changing section 225 is not provided at the bottom of the dust storage container 200, a portion of the swirling flow will flow as shown by the dotted line in Figure 14. In this case, the swirling flow may flow through the gap 224 between the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 211 and the bottom 212. This gap 224 narrows as it approaches the rotating connection portion 213. If large dust particles are being carried by the swirling flow, these particles may flow through the gap 224 at a distance from the rotating connection portion 213, but may be gradually compressed by the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 211 and the bottom 212 as they approach the rotating connection portion 213. Furthermore, this dust can become trapped between the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 and the bottom 212 near the rotating connection 213. This dust can prevent the bottom 212 from returning to the closed position after the dust has been collected from the dust storage container 200 to the collection device 400.

[0054] On the other hand, if a flow modification section 225 is provided at the bottom of the dust container 200, the swirling flow will flow as shown by the solid line in Figure 14. Since the flow modification section 225 protrudes inward from the lower part of the inner surface of the peripheral wall section 211 upstream of the gap 224, it can change the flow direction of the swirling flow that flows along the inner surface of the peripheral wall section 211 inward. In other words, the swirling flow is deflected inward into the dust container 200 upstream of the gap 224 by the flow modification section 225. As a result, the swirling flow, and by extension most of the dust contained in the swirling flow, can flow at a position spaced inward from the gap 224, as shown by the solid line in Figure 14. Therefore, dust is prevented from getting stuck in the gap 224.

[0055] Although dust particles carried by the swirling flow may collide with the flow changing section 225, the flow changing section 225 is tilted downstream of the swirling flow, allowing the dust particles to flow downstream without remaining trapped on the flow changing section 225. Therefore, the flow changing section 225 itself is unlikely to obstruct the discharge of dust particles from the dust collection container 200.

[0056] When the user stops the collection source 421, the dust suction force acting on the bottom 212 disappears. The bottom 212 then rotates upward by the biasing unit 214 and returns to the closed position. At this time, the flow changing unit 225 prevents dust from getting stuck in the gap 224 between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211, so the bottom 212 can return to the closed position and close the dust discharge port 217 without being obstructed by such dust.

[0057] The user may keep the vacuum cleaner 100 attached to the collection device 400 even after stopping the collection source 421. In other words, the user can use the collection device 400 to store the vacuum cleaner 100. At this time, the battery 114 and suction source 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 are positioned above the dust container 200 so as to be aligned in the axial direction of the dust container 200 and the support cylinder 430. Therefore, the weight of the battery 114 and suction source 111 is unlikely to cause the support cylinder 430, and consequently the collection device 400, to tip over.

[0058] While the battery 114 and suction source 111 are positioned on the axis of the support cylinder 430, the suction tube 120, suction nozzle 130, and grip 113 are positioned on the front side of the support cylinder 430. Therefore, the weight of the suction tube 120, suction nozzle 130, and grip 113 can act to cause the support cylinder 430, and consequently the recovery device 400, to tip forward. However, on the opposite side of the support cylinder 430 from the suction tube 120, suction nozzle 130, and grip 113 (i.e., the rear side of the support cylinder 430), the recovery unit 422 and recovery source 421 are positioned. Therefore, the weight of the recovery unit 422 and recovery source 421 prevents the recovery device 400 from tipping forward.

[0059] When resuming cleaning work, the user removes the vacuum cleaner 100 from the collection device 400. At this time, the dust container 200 is separated from the support cylinder 430. As the dust container 200 is separated from the support cylinder 430, the release part 436 detaches from the housing recess 216 and becomes non-contact with the locking operation part 222. In this state, there is no pressing force from the release part 436 to the locking operation part 222, so the release part 436 is pulled back by the coil spring 215 in the opposite direction of the arrow in Figure 3, and the locking part 223 engages with the outer edge of the bottom part 212. That is, the locking part 223 enters a locked state that locks the bottom part 212. Therefore, cleaning work can be resumed with the bottom part 212 locked in the closed position.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the engaging claw portion 219 is retracted into the housing recess 216, making it unlikely that the user will unintentionally come into contact with the engaging claw portion 219. However, the housing recess 216 may be omitted. In this case, it is preferable that the engaging claw portion 219 be attached to the dust container 200 in a position where it is unlikely that the user will come into contact with it.

[0061] The vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 9 has an engaging claw portion 219, but since the bottom portion 212 is biased to the closed position by the biasing portion 214, the engaging claw portion 219 may be omitted. In this case, the retrieval device 400 does not need to have a release portion 436.

[0062] In Figure 9, the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400 with the suction nozzle 130 resting on the support block 411. However, the user may remove the suction nozzle 130 from the lower end of the suction pipe 120 and attach the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400, the lower end of the suction pipe 120 is higher than the suction nozzle 130 and is not blocked by the support block 411. Therefore, even when the suction nozzle 130 is removed from the vacuum cleaner 100, air flows into the flow path 123 without encountering high resistance at the lower end of the suction pipe 120, and the dust in the dust container 200 can be pushed into the collection device 400.

[0063] The vacuum cleaner 100 may be fitted with a suction nozzle that differs in shape from the suction nozzle 130 shown in Figure 9. For example, the suction nozzle 132 shown in Figure 15 or the suction nozzle 133 shown in Figure 16 may be attached to the lower end of the suction pipe 120. In this case, it is preferable that the axial length of these suction nozzles 132 and 133 be set so that when the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400, the suction ports 131 of these suction nozzles 132 and 133 are open in the air above the support block 411.

[0064] In the first embodiment of the recovery device 400, the recovery unit 422 is located behind the support cylinder 430 and is connected to the support cylinder 430 via a connecting cylinder 424. However, the recovery unit 422 may be located directly below the support cylinder 430. In this case, the connecting cylinder 424 is not required, and the support cylinder 430 may extend straight upward from the recovery unit 422. If the support cylinder 430 extends straight upward from the recovery unit 422, dust can fall directly from the dust storage container 200 to the recovery unit 422.

[0065] In the first embodiment of the recovery device 400, the inner cylinder 433 of the support cylinder 430 has a constant inner diameter along its entire length. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 433 may gradually increase downwards. In this case, dust that has passed the upper end of the inner cylinder 433 can fall to the connection portion 425 with the connecting cylinder 424 without getting stuck in the middle of the inner cylinder 433. In this case, the inner diameter of the connecting cylinder 424 may gradually increase from the connection portion 425 toward the recovery portion 422. In this case, it is prevented that dust will get stuck in the connecting cylinder 424 between the connection portion 425 and the recovery portion 422.

[0066] <Second Embodiment> The collection device 400 may be configured to be usable not only for collecting dust from the vacuum cleaner 100 but also for charging the vacuum cleaner 100. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the collection device 400 has a power cable 450 that forms a power transmission path from an external power source. The collection device 400 also has output terminals 451, 452 and a control circuit 453 that is electrically connected to the power cable 450, the output terminals 451, 452 and the collection source 421. The control circuit 453 is located inside the housing 420. The power cable 450 extends outward from the housing 420 and is electrically connected to the control circuit 453 inside the housing 420.

[0067] The output terminals 451 and 452 are provided in the retaining groove 441. More specifically, the retaining groove 441 has an upper part 442 that extends diagonally downward from the upper end portion of the support cylinder 430 and a lower part 443 that extends substantially parallel to the support cylinder 430, and the output terminals 451 and 452 protrude upward from the upper part 442 of the retaining groove 441.

[0068] As shown in Figure 18, input terminals 265 and 266 are provided on the outer surface of the base pipe portion 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100, in the portion that fits into the upper part 442 of the retaining groove 441. Power lines 267 and 268, which form the power transmission path to the battery 114 inside the vacuum cleaner body 110, are connected to the input terminals 265 and 266, as shown in Figure 19.

[0069] When the base tube portion 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is fitted into the retaining groove 441, as shown in Figure 20, the input terminals 265 and 266 push the output terminals 451 and 452 downward, causing the output terminals 451 and 452 to retract into the tube retaining portion 440 while undergoing elastic deformation. Then, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is removed from the retaining groove 441, the output terminals 451 and 452 return to their original state and protrude within the retaining groove 441.

[0070] Output terminals 451 and 452 are connected to the control circuit 453, as shown in Figure 19. The control circuit 453 includes a converter 454, a drive circuit 455, and a contact detection circuit 456.

[0071] Converter 454 is connected to power cable 450 and converts AC power transmitted through power cable 450 into DC power. This DC power is transmitted from converter 454 to output terminals 451 and 452 through power supply paths 457 and 458 and output from output terminals 451 and 452.

[0072] Power supply path 457 is connected to converter 454 and output terminal 451. Power supply path 458 is connected to converter 454 and output terminal 452. Contact detection circuit 456 is configured on power supply path 458.

[0073] As shown in Figure 19, when output terminals 451 and 452 are in contact with input terminals 265 and 266, power can be supplied from converter 454 to battery 114, and current flows through power supply paths 457 and 458. On the other hand, if output terminals 451 and 452 are not in contact with input terminals 265 and 266, no current flows through power supply paths 457 and 458.

[0074] The contact detection circuit 456 is configured to detect whether the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400 based on such changes in current. Furthermore, if the contact detection circuit 456 detects a current flowing through the power supply path 458, it determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400 and outputs a drive command. Conversely, if no current is detected flowing through the power supply path 458, the contact detection circuit 456 determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 is not attached to the collection device 400. In this case, no drive command is output.

[0075] The drive circuit 455 is configured to receive AC power through the power cable 450 and to drive the recovery source 421 with this AC power for a predetermined period of time. The drive of the recovery source 421 by the drive circuit 455 is performed on the condition that the drive circuit 455 receives a drive command from the contact detection circuit 456. Therefore, if the drive circuit 455 does not receive a drive command, the drive circuit 455 does not drive the recovery source 421, and the recovery source 421 remains stopped.

[0076] When the user is performing cleaning work with the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 is detached from the collection device 400, and no current flows through the power supply path 458. Therefore, the contact detection circuit 456 does not output a drive command, and the drive circuit 455 does not drive the collection source 421. Consequently, the collection source 421 does not operate while the user is performing cleaning work.

[0077] When the user finishes cleaning and inserts the base tube portion 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 into the retaining groove 441, attaching the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400, the input terminals 265 and 266 of the vacuum cleaner 100 come into contact with the output terminals 451 and 452 of the collection device 400. In this state, the power output from the converter 454 is input to the input terminals 265 and 266 via the power supply paths 457 and 458 and the output terminals 451 and 452. The power input to the input terminals 265 and 266 is then supplied to the battery 114 through the power lines 267 and 268. As a result, the battery 114 is charged.

[0078] At this time, the contact detection circuit 456 detects the current flowing through the power supply path 458 and outputs a drive command to the drive circuit 455. The drive circuit 455 drives the recovery source 421 for a predetermined period of time in response to the drive command. When this period ends, the recovery source 421 stops.

[0079] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the collection device 400, the input terminals 265, 266 and output terminals 451, 452 are aligned vertically. Therefore, the weight of the vacuum cleaner 100 acts to strengthen the contact between the input terminals 265, 266 and the output terminals 451, 452. Consequently, even if the housing 420 and support cylinder 430 vibrate due to the operation of the collection source 421, the contact state of the input terminals 265, 266 and the output terminals 451, 452 is easily maintained. Therefore, it is unlikely that the charging of the battery 114 will be interrupted by vibrations caused by the operation of the collection source 421.

[0080] In the cleaning tool set 500 of the second embodiment, the input terminals 265, 266 and the output terminals 451, 452 are configured to be press-fitted to each other in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the input terminals 265, 266 and the output terminals 451, 452 may be configured to fit together in the vertical direction. For example, the input terminals 265, 266 may be made up of terminal plates that protrude downward. In this case, the output terminals 451, 452 may have a hole shape that is recessed downward so that the terminal plates can be inserted. Conversely, the output terminals 451, 452 may be made up of terminal plates that protrude upward, and the input terminals 265, 266 may have a hole shape that is recessed upward.

[0081] <Third Embodiment> In the second embodiment, the recovery source 421 of the recovery device 400 operates automatically when the vacuum cleaner 100 is attached to the recovery device 400. In this case, the recovery source 421 may operate even at times when the user does not want it to (for example, late at night). To resolve this problem, the recovery device 400 may be configured so that the recovery source 421 remains in a stopped state based on the user's will.

[0082] As shown in Figure 21, a movable space 461 is formed at the upper end of the outer cylinder 432 of the recovery device 400, drilled downward from the stepped portion 435. The movable space 461 is open not only at the stepped portion 435 but also on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 432.

[0083] The movable space 461 is provided to allow vertical displacement of the release portion 436. As shown in Figure 21, the release portion 436 protrudes upward from the stepped portion 435 through the opening of the movable space 461 on the stepped portion 435. In this state, the release portion 436 can push the locking operation portion 222 of the engaging claw portion 219 upward, thereby unlocking the locking portion 223 of the engaging claw portion 219.

[0084] The vertical length of the movable space 461 is set so that the release part 436 can be displaced downward from the position shown in Figure 21 to the position shown in Figure 22. When the release part 436 is displaced to the position shown in Figure 22, the amount of protrusion of the release part 436 from the stepped portion 435 decreases, and the release part 436 does not come into contact with the locking operation part 222. When the release part 436 is in the position shown in Figure 21, the lower end of the release part 436 is at approximately the same height as the upper end portion of the opening of the movable space 461 on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 432.

[0085] The lower end of the release section 436 is provided with an activation selection section 462, which is operated by the user to select whether or not to activate the recovery source 421. The activation selection section 462 is in a substantially horizontal position and protrudes from the opening of the movable space 461 on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 432. The activation selection section 462 is integrally formed with the release section 436, and the activation selection section 462 and the release section 436 constitute a substantially L-shaped operating piece 463. The user can grasp the tip of the activation selection section 462 protruding from the opening of the movable space 461 on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 432 and displace the release section 436 between the position shown in Figure 21 and the position shown in Figure 22.

[0086] Below the operating piece 463, a position detection unit 464 is provided to detect the position of the operating piece 463. The position detection unit 464 may be configured, for example, as a reflective optical sensor. In this case, the optical sensor can receive stronger reflected light when the operating piece 463 is in the position shown in Figure 22 than when it is in the position shown in Figure 21. This optical sensor is configured to output different signals depending on the intensity of the reflected light it receives.

[0087] As shown in Figure 23, the position detection unit 464 is connected to the drive circuit 455 of the control circuit 453. As shown in Figure 24, the drive circuit 455 drives or does not drive the recovery source 421 based on the signal from the position detection unit 464.

[0088] While the user is performing cleaning work with the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 is detached from the recovery device 400, so the input terminals 265 and 266 are not in contact with the output terminals 451 and 452. Therefore, the contact detection circuit 456 does not detect the current flowing through the power supply path 458 and does not output a drive command. Since the drive circuit 455 does not receive a drive command from the contact detection circuit 456 (step S110: No), it does not drive the recovery source 421, and the recovery source 421 remains stopped (step S120).

[0089] When the user finishes cleaning and connects the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400, the input terminals 265 and 266 make contact with the output terminals 451 and 452. At this time, power is supplied from the converter 454 to the battery 114, and the battery 114 is charged. As a result of the power supply from the converter 454 to the battery 114, current flows through the power supply path 458, and the contact detection circuit 456 detects this current. In this case, the contact detection circuit 456 outputs a drive command.

[0090] When the drive circuit 455 receives a drive command from the contact detection circuit 456 (step S110: Yes), it performs the following determination process (step S130) based on the signal from the position detection unit 464.

[0091] If the user wishes to collect dust from the dust collection container 200, the user positions the operating piece 463 in the position shown in Figure 21. In this case, the release part 436 protrudes significantly from the stepped part 435. Therefore, when the release part 436 is inserted into the housing recess 216, it can be pushed upward while contacting the locking operating part 222 of the engaging claw part 219. As a result, the engaging claw part 219 tilts so that the locking part 223 moves away from the outer edge of the bottom part 212, and the engagement of the locking part 223 with respect to the bottom part 212 is released. At this point, the bottom part 212 is biased to a closed position by the biasing part 214 (see Figure 3), and the dust discharge port 217 is closed by the bottom part 212. Therefore, the discharge of dust from the dust collection container 200 has not yet begun.

[0092] Information indicating that the operating piece 463 is in the position shown in Figure 21 is transmitted to the drive circuit 455 by a signal from the position detection unit 464 (Step S130: Yes). In this case, the drive circuit 455 starts driving the recovery source 421, and the recovery source 421 generates dust collection force for a predetermined period of time (Step S140).

[0093] The dust collection force of the collection source 421 acts on the bottom 212 through the collection unit 422, connecting cylinder 424, and support cylinder 430. This dust collection force tilts the bottom 212 downward against the biasing unit 214. As a result, the dust discharge port 217 is opened, and dust falls from the dust storage container 200 through the dust discharge port 217. The dust that falls from the dust storage container 200 passes sequentially through the support cylinder 430 and connecting cylinder 424 and flows into the collection unit 422.

[0094] If the operation noise from the recovery source 421 is undesirable, the user can push down the operation selection unit 462 with their fingertip to displace the operating piece 463 to the position shown in Figure 22. The operating piece 463 is exposed from the outer surface of the support cylinder 430 at the upper end of the support cylinder 430 and is located at a high position in the recovery device 400. Therefore, the user can operate the operation selection unit 462 without bending over significantly.

[0095] When the operating piece 463 is in the position shown in Figure 22, the release portion 436 of the operating piece 463 is located at a position spaced downward from the locking operating portion 222 and is not in contact with the locking operating portion 222. Therefore, the locking portion 223 is in the locked state, and the bottom portion 212 is engaged with the locking portion 223 in the closed position that closes the dust outlet 217.

[0096] Information indicating that the operating piece 463 is in the position shown in Figure 22 is transmitted to the drive circuit 455 by a signal from the position detection unit 464 (Step S130: No). In this case, the drive circuit 455 does not drive the recovery source 421, and the recovery source 421 remains stopped (Step S120).

[0097] In the third embodiment, the activation selection unit 462, which is operated to determine whether or not to activate the recovery source 421, is integrated with the release unit 436. Therefore, the state of the locking unit 223 operated by the release unit 436 (i.e., locked state and unlocked state) corresponds to the presence or absence of activation of the recovery source 421 as follows.

[0098] In other words, when the locking mechanism 223 is locked, the collection source 421 does not operate. This prevents the collection source 421 from operating when dust cannot be collected from the dust container 200. On the other hand, when the locking mechanism 223 is unlocked, the collection source 421 operates, and dust is collected from the dust container 200 to the collection mechanism 422.

[0099] As described in the first embodiment, even without the locking part 223 (engaging claw part 219), dust can be collected from the dust storage container 200 to the collection part 422. However, if the dust in the dust storage container 200 is heavy, the bottom part 212 will not be locked by the locking part 223, and may tilt downward due to the weight of the dust in the dust storage container 200. This dust will then fall due to gravity and accumulate in the connection part 425 (see Figure 11) between the inner cylinder 433 of the support cylinder 430 and the connecting cylinder 424. If an excessive amount of dust accumulates in the connection part 425, clogging may occur. If this clogging is not cleared even after the collection source 421 is activated, the user will need to disassemble the collection device 400 and remove the dust from the connection part 425.

[0100] Furthermore, if the locking portion 223 is not provided, the following problems may occur. That is, the bottom portion 212 tilts downward due to the weight of the dust in the dust container 200, and after some of the dust has fallen as described above, the amount of dust in the dust container 200 decreases. In this case, the downward force that the bottom portion 212 receives from the dust in the dust container 200 decreases. Since the bottom portion 212 is biased to a closed position by the biasing portion 214, as the downward force that the bottom portion 212 receives from the dust in the dust container 200 decreases, the bottom portion 212 can gradually return to a closed position. At this time, if dust that is about to fall from the dust container 200 is between the bottom portion 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the dust container 200, this dust will be trapped between the bottom portion 212 and the peripheral wall portion 211. If dust is trapped between the bottom portion 212 and the peripheral wall portion 211, and the user begins cleaning, the dust discharge port 217 of the dust storage container 200 will not be completely closed, and dust may leak out of the dust storage container 200.

[0101] On the other hand, in the third embodiment, when the locking part 223 is in the unlocked state, the collection source 421 is activated, so the dust that falls from the dust storage container 200 passes through the connection portion 425 between the inner cylinder 433 of the support cylinder 430 and the connecting cylinder 424 due to the dust collection force of the collection source 421. As a result, clogging of dust in the connection portion 425 is suppressed.

[0102] Furthermore, by configuring the drive circuit 455 that drives the recovery source 421 so that the recovery source 421 operates for a sufficient amount of time to suck out the dust from inside the dust container 200, the problem of dust getting trapped between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 of the dust container 200 is also resolved. That is, the bottom 212 can maintain an open position when dust remains in the dust container 200 due to the dust suction force of the recovery source 421. When the recovery source 421 stops, the bottom 212 closes due to the biasing force of the biasing unit 214. At this time, the dust has already been sucked out of the dust container 200 by the dust suction force of the recovery source 421, and the dust container 200 is almost empty. Therefore, there is no dust that can get trapped between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211 of the dust container 200.

[0103] The operating selection unit 462 shown in Figures 21 and 22 protrudes from the opening of the movable space 461 on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 432. Alternatively, the operating selection unit 462 may be retracted into the movable space 461. In this case, it is prevented that the user may unintentionally come into contact with the operating selection unit 462. As a result, erroneous operation of the operating selection unit 462 can be avoided.

[0104] The operating selection unit 462 shown in Figure 21 is integrated with the release unit 436. Alternatively, the operating selection unit 462 may be formed separately from the release unit 436, as shown in Figure 25. In Figure 25, the release unit 436 is supported by a coil spring 471 located below it. Below the coil spring 471 are an electromagnetic switch 472 configured to generate a magnetic attraction force and a power supply circuit 473 configured to supply power to the electromagnetic switch 472. The release unit 436 is made of a magnetic material so as to be attracted by the magnetic attraction force of the electromagnetic switch 472.

[0105] The operating selection unit 462 shown in Figure 25 is a push button, and when the user presses the operating selection unit 462, the power supply circuit 473 is closed. In this state, the power supply circuit 473 supplies power to the electromagnetic switch 472, and the electromagnetic switch 472 generates a magnetic attraction force. This attraction force allows the release unit 436 to be displaced downward while compressing the coil spring 471. In this state, the release unit 436 does not come into contact with the lock operation unit 222.

[0106] When the user presses the operation selection unit 462 again, the power supply circuit 473 opens. In this state, power supply to the electromagnetic switch 472 stops, and the magnetic force of the electromagnetic switch 472 disappears. In this case, the coil spring 471 extends upward while returning to its original position, pushing up the release unit 436. In this state, the release unit 436 can come into contact with the lock operation unit 222.

[0107] As shown in Figure 26, the power supply circuit 473 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 455. The drive circuit 455 is configured to detect whether the power supply circuit 473 is closed or not, for example, based on the presence or absence of current flowing through the power supply circuit 473. The drive circuit 455 is configured to maintain the stopped state of the recovery source 421 when the power supply circuit 473 is open. On the other hand, if a drive command is output from the contact detection circuit 456 and the drive circuit 455 is closed, the drive circuit 455 activates the recovery source 421.

[0108] <Fourth Embodiment> The higher the speed of the swirling flow inside the dust container 200, the stronger the centrifugal force of the swirling flow becomes. The stronger the centrifugal force of the swirling flow, the further the dust contained in the swirling flow flows away from the filter section 230 located in the center of the dust container 200, thus suppressing clogging of the filter section 230. To increase the speed of the swirling flow, the dust container 200 may have a speed-increasing plate 235 positioned at a distance above the partition plate 233, as shown in Figure 27.

[0109] The speed-increasing plate 235 is attached to the filter section 230 in a position that is inclined downward as it moves downstream in the direction of the swirling flow. As a result, a speed-increasing channel 236 is formed between the speed-increasing plate 235 and the partition plate 233, which gradually narrows as it moves downstream in the direction of the swirling flow.

[0110] The velocity-increasing channel 236 is formed in the upstream space 271, and the air that has passed through the inlet 239 flows into the velocity-increasing channel 236. In the velocity-increasing channel 236, the velocity of the swirling flow gradually increases, and the high-speed swirling flow flows out of the velocity-increasing channel 236. As a result, a strong centrifugal force acts on the dust contained in the swirling flow downstream of the velocity-increasing channel 236. Therefore, the dust flows at a position radially away from the filter section 230, making it less likely to cause clogging of the filter section 230.

[0111] The acceleration channel 236 has the positive effect of suppressing clogging of the filter section 230 during cleaning operations. On the other hand, it has the negative effect of increasing the force of the swirling flow that flows toward the rotating connection section 213 when transferring dust from the dust storage container 200 to the recovery device 400. However, if the dust storage container 200 is provided with the flow changing section 225 shown in Figure 14, it is possible to change the direction of the swirling flow accelerated by the acceleration channel 236. Therefore, even if the acceleration channel 236 is provided, it is possible to prevent dust from getting stuck in the gap 224 between the bottom section 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall section 211.

[0112] In the first to fourth embodiments, the flow changing section 225 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall section 211. Alternatively, the flow changing section 225 may protrude from other parts, as long as it can change the direction of the swirling flow within the dust container 200 when transferring dust from the dust container 200 to the collection device 400. For example, the flow changing section 225 may be configured to protrude from the bottom section 212 and enter the annular space 232 through the dust discharge port 217.

[0113] In the first to fourth embodiments, the flow changing section 225 deflects the swirling flow in the dust container 200 inward. Alternatively, the flow changing section 225 may be configured to deflect the swirling flow in the dust container 200 upward or downward to prevent dust contained in the swirling flow from getting stuck in the gap 224 between the bottom 212 and the lower end of the peripheral wall 211.

[0114] In the first to fourth embodiments, the user attaches the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 400. However, the user may also attach the dust collection container 200, which has been removed from the vacuum cleaner 100, to the collection device 400.

[0115] In the first to fourth embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 to which the dust collection container 200 is attached is of the stick type. Alternatively, the dust collection container 200 may be mounted on a self-propelled vacuum cleaner (a so-called robotic vacuum cleaner), a canister-type vacuum cleaner, or a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0116] (Effects, etc.) The dust collection container 200, vacuum cleaner 100, and cleaning tool set 500 according to the above embodiment have the following features and provide the following effects.

[0117] A dust storage container according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to be attachable to a recovery device having a recovery source that generates a dust-suction force to suck up dust, while containing dust. The dust storage container comprises a peripheral wall portion having an inlet formed for air to flow in, a bottom portion that closes the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion, and a rotating connection portion that connects the bottom portion to the peripheral wall portion while allowing the bottom portion to rotate downward by the dust-suction force of the recovery source to open the opening of the peripheral wall portion. The peripheral wall portion is configured such that the air flowing in through the inlet by the dust-suction force of the recovery source flows in a swirling flow along the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion. The dust storage container further comprises a flow-changing portion that changes the direction of the flow toward the rotating connection portion in the swirling flow to another direction, thereby suppressing dust contained in the swirling flow from getting trapped in the gap between the bottom portion, which is in the open position, and the lower end of the peripheral wall portion.

[0118] In the configuration described above, the user can attach the dust collection container, which is filled with dust, to the collection device and use the dust suction power of the collection device's collection source to suck out the dust from inside the dust collection container. That is, the dust suction power of the collection source causes the bottom of the dust collection container to rotate downward to an open position, opening the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall. At this time, the dust suction power of the collection source causes air to flow into the dust collection container from the inlet. This air becomes a swirling flow that flows along the inner surface of the peripheral wall.

[0119] When the bottom of the dust collection container rotates downward to open, a gap is formed between the bottom and the lower end of the peripheral wall, narrowing towards the rotating connection. If a flow-changing section is not provided, the swirling flow will flow towards this gap, and dust contained in this swirling flow may become trapped in this gap. It is assumed that such dust cannot be sucked out by the dust collection source's suction power. To avoid this situation, the above configuration is provided with a flow-changing section that changes the direction of the flow that is heading towards the rotating connection.

[0120] In the above configuration, the flow changing section is configured to deflect the flow that would otherwise be directed toward the rotating connection section in the swirling flow toward the inside of the dust collection container, thereby encouraging the swirling flow to flow inside the gap between the open bottom and the lower end of the peripheral wall.

[0121] In the above configuration, the flow in the swirling flow that is heading towards the rotating connection is deflected inward by the flow changing section. As a result, the swirling flow flows inside the gap between the open bottom and the lower end of the peripheral wall, thus suppressing the accumulation of dust in this gap.

[0122] In the above configuration, the flow-changing portion may protrude inward from the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0123] While it is possible to place the flow-changing section at the bottom, in this case, the flow-changing section would need to protrude from the open bottom and change the direction of the swirling flow that flows along the inner surface of the peripheral wall. A flow-changing section configured in this way would be unnecessarily large. To prevent the flow-changing section from becoming too large, in the above configuration, the flow-changing section protrudes inward from the inner surface of the peripheral wall, rather than from the bottom.

[0124] In the above configuration, the flow changing section may be provided upstream of the rotating connection section in the flow direction of the swirling flow, and may protrude inward from the inner surface of the peripheral wall section in an inclined position in the flow direction of the swirling flow.

[0125] In the configuration described above, the flow changing section is inclined downstream in the direction of the swirling flow, which can reduce the amount of dust and debris that can get caught in the flow changing section.

[0126] In the above configuration, the dust storage container may further include a biasing part that biases the bottom to a closed position, closing the lower end of the peripheral wall.

[0127] In the above configuration, the bottom is biased to a closed position by the biasing part, so even when dust accumulates in the dust collection container, the weight of the dust itself is unlikely to push the bottom down. Therefore, before the user attaches the dust collection container to the collection device, the bottom does not rotate downward and the dust inside the dust collection container does not fall out.

[0128] In the above configuration, the dust container may further include a locking mechanism that can switch between a locked state, in which the bottom is in a closed position with the opening in the peripheral wall closed, and an unlocked state, in which the lock on the bottom is released.

[0129] In the above configuration, when dust accumulates in the dust collection container, the weight of the dust will cause the closed bottom to tilt downward. However, if the bottom is locked by the locking mechanism, the lower end of the peripheral wall remains closed by the bottom. Therefore, by locking the mechanism, the bottom is prevented from rotating downward and causing dust to fall out of the container before the user attaches the dust collection container to the collection device. On the other hand, if the user unlocks the mechanism, the bottom is allowed to rotate downward, and the dust can be collected by the collection device.

[0130] In the above configuration, the dust container may further include a locking mechanism that is operated to switch the locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state. The dust container may further include a housing recess that houses the locking mechanism in a retracted state.

[0131] In the configuration described above, the user can switch the lock from the locked state to the unlocked state by operating the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is housed in a recessed area, fully retracted into it, making unintentional contact with the mechanism unlikely. Therefore, the lock is prevented from being unintentionally unlocked.

[0132] A vacuum cleaner according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises a suction source that generates a suction force to suck up dust, a suction pipe that forms a flow path through which dust flows due to the suction force of the suction source, and the dust storage container described above. The dust storage container is connected to the suction pipe so that when the suction source is activated, the suction force of the suction source acts on the flow path of the suction pipe through the dust storage container, and allows dust flowing through the flow path of the suction pipe to flow into the dust storage container through the inlet.

[0133] In the configuration described above, when the suction source is activated, the suction force of the suction source acts on the flow path of the suction tube through the dust collection container. As a result, dust flows through the flow path of the suction tube and into the dust collection container.

[0134] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a filter section that captures dust contained in an annular space through which a swirling flow is formed between the dust collection container and the peripheral wall, while allowing air in the annular space to flow when the suction source is activated, and a speed-boosting channel configured to increase the speed of the swirling flow.

[0135] In the above configuration, when the suction source is activated, air in the annular space formed between the filter section and the peripheral wall section flows into the filter section. The same amount of dust-containing air flows in from the inlet as the air that flows into the filter section. This air flows through the annular space and becomes a swirling flow. Since this swirling flow is accelerated by the acceleration channel, the centrifugal force of the swirling flow increases, and the dust contained in the swirling flow flows away from the filter section. As a result, clogging of the filter section is less likely to occur.

[0136] Thus, the speed-increasing channel has a positive effect of suppressing clogging of the filter section when the suction source is operating. However, when the dust collection container is attached to the collection device, the speed-increasing channel can cause a negative effect by strengthening the flow toward the rotating connection. However, since the dust collection container is provided with a flow-changing section, even if the force of the swirling flow is strengthened in the speed-increasing channel, the direction of the flow toward the rotating connection is changed by the flow-changing section. As a result, dust is prevented from getting stuck in the gap between the open bottom and the lower end of the peripheral wall.

[0137] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a battery for storing power to operate the suction source.

[0138] In the configuration described above, the suction source can generate suction force using the power stored in the battery.

[0139] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may further include a suction nozzle that is attached to the lower end of the suction tube. The suction nozzle may have a suction opening formed therein into which dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source.

[0140] In the configuration described above, the user can attach the suction nozzle to the lower end of the suction tube depending on the size of the area to be cleaned. For example, if the user wants to suck up dust from a wide floor area, they can attach a suction nozzle with a wider opening than the suction tube to the lower end of the suction tube. Conversely, if the user wants to remove dust from a narrow space, they can attach a suction nozzle with a narrower opening than the suction tube to the lower end of the suction tube.

[0141] A cleaning tool set according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises the dust collection container described above, and a collection device configured to be able to attach the dust collection container and to collect dust from the dust collection container when the dust collection container is attached. The collection device comprises a support cylinder that supports the dust collection container and forms a flow path that extends vertically so that dust falling from the dust collection container flows, and a collection source that generates a dust suction force to suck dust from the dust collection container and drop it into the support cylinder while keeping the bottom of the dust collection container supported by the support cylinder in an open position.

[0142] In the configuration described above, when the collection source is activated with the dust storage container supported by the support cylinder of the collection device, the bottom is kept open by the dust suction force of the collection source. At this time, the support cylinder forms a flow path that extends vertically, and the dust in the dust storage container can fall into the support cylinder. Since gravity acts on this dust as well as the dust suction force of the collection source, the suction capacity required of the collection source does not become excessively large.

[0143] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises the above-described dust collection container and a collection device configured to be able to attach the dust collection container and to collect dust from the dust collection container when the dust collection container is attached. The collection device comprises a support cylinder that supports the dust collection container and forms a flow path that extends vertically so that dust that falls from the dust collection container flows, and a collection source that generates a dust suction force to suck dust from the dust collection container and drop it into the support cylinder while keeping the bottom of the dust collection container, which is supported by the support cylinder, in an open position against a biasing part.

[0144] In the configuration described above, when the collection source is activated with the dust storage container supported by the support cylinder of the collection device, the suction force of the collection source resists the biasing part, keeping the bottom open. As a result, the dust in the dust storage container can fall into the support cylinder. At this time, not only the suction force of the collection source but also gravity acts on the dust, so the suction capacity required of the collection source does not become excessively large.

[0145] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises the dust collection container described above, and a collection device configured to be able to attach the dust collection container and to collect dust from the dust collection container when the dust collection container is attached. The collection device comprises a support cylinder that supports the dust collection container and forms a flow path that extends vertically so that dust falling from the dust collection container flows, a release unit that unlocks the locking part of the dust collection container supported by the support cylinder, a collection source that generates a suction force to suck dust from the dust collection container while keeping the bottom of the dust collection container, which is unlocked by the locking part of the dust collection container supported by the support cylinder, in an open position, and an operation selection unit that can be operated to select whether or not to operate the collection source. The collection source is configured to operate on the condition that operation of the collection source is selected by operation of the operation selection unit. The release unit is configured to unlock the locking part on the condition that operation of the collection source is selected by operation of the operation selection unit.

[0146] In the configuration described above, if the user wishes to empty the dust container, they can operate the activation selection unit while the dust container is supported by the support cylinder to activate the collection source. At this time, in response to the operation on the activation selection unit, the release unit unlocks the locking unit. When the collection source is activated in this state, the suction force of the collection source keeps the bottom open, and dust is sucked out of the dust container.

[0147] On the other hand, if the operating noise of the collection source is undesirable, the user can choose not to activate the collection source by operating the activation selection unit. In this case, the release unit does not unlock the locking unit, so the bottom remains in a closed position and dust does not fall into the support cylinder.

[0148] If the release unit were to unlock the bottom while the collection source was not operating, it is expected that the bottom would be pushed down by the weight of the dust in the dust collection container. In this case, although the dust would fall into the support cylinder, it is expected that it would become clogged in the middle of the support cylinder due to the lack of suction power from the collection source. To prevent this situation, the release unit is configured to unlock the locking unit only when the operation of the operation selection unit has been selected to activate the collection source.

[0149] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises the dust collection container described above, and a collection device configured to be able to attach the dust collection container and to collect dust from the dust collection container when the dust collection container is attached. The collection device comprises a support cylinder that supports the dust collection container and forms a flow path that extends vertically so that dust that falls from the dust collection container flows, a release unit that unlocks the locking part of the dust collection container supported by the support cylinder, a collection source that generates a suction force to suck dust from the dust collection container while keeping the bottom of the dust collection container, which is unlocked by the locking part of the dust collection container supported by the support cylinder, in an open position, and an operation selection unit that can be operated to select whether or not to operate the collection source. The collection source is configured to operate on the condition that the operation of the operation selection unit is selected to operate the collection source. The release unit is configured to be inserted into a housing recess and come into contact with the locking operation unit when the operation selection unit is operated and the operation of the collection source is selected while the dust collection container is supported by the support cylinder. The locking mechanism is configured such that the release mechanism contacts the locking mechanism to unlock it.

[0150] In the configuration described above, when the user operates the activation selection unit with the dust collection container supported in the support cylinder to activate the collection source, the release unit is inserted into the housing recess and comes into contact with the locking operation unit. The contact of the release unit with the locking operation unit causes the locking operation unit to enter the locked state, allowing the collection of dust from the dust collection container.

[0151] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises the vacuum cleaner described above and a collection device configured to attach the vacuum cleaner and to collect dust in the dust collection container with the vacuum cleaner attached. The collection device comprises a support cylinder that supports the dust collection container and forms a flow path that extends vertically so that dust falling from the dust collection container flows, and a collection source that generates a suction force to suck dust from the dust collection container and cause it to fall into the support cylinder while keeping the bottom of the dust collection container supported by the support cylinder in an open position.

[0152] In the configuration described above, the user can attach a vacuum cleaner to the collection device while the dust collection container is supported by the collection device's support cylinder. In this state, when the collection source is activated, the bottom is kept open by the suction force of the collection source. At this time, the support cylinder forms a flow path that extends vertically, and the dust in the dust collection container can fall into the support cylinder. Since gravity acts on this dust as well as the suction force of the collection source, the suction capacity required of the collection source does not become excessively large.

[0153] In the above configuration, the recovery device may have a pipe holding portion that holds the suction pipe in a position that extends vertically along the support cylinder while the dust storage container is supported by the support cylinder.

[0154] In the configuration described above, when the dust collection container is supported by the support cylinder, the suction pipe is held by the pipe holder in a position that extends vertically along the support cylinder, so the cleaning tool set does not require a large amount of space in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0155] In the above configuration, the support cylinder may have an axial length such that the lower end of the suction pipe is suspended in the air while the dust collection container is supported by the support cylinder.

[0156] In the configuration described above, when the dust collection source is activated with the dust collection container supported by the support cylinder, the bottom of the container tilts downward due to the dust collection force of the source, and the internal space of the support cylinder and the dust collection space come into communication. As a result, the dust collection force of the source acts on the support cylinder, the dust collection container, and the suction pipe, and the air around the cleaning tool set is drawn in from the lower end of the suction pipe. Since the lower end of the suction pipe is suspended in the air, the air can flow into the suction pipe without encountering high resistance. Therefore, the suction capacity required of the collection source is not excessively high.

[0157] In the above configuration, the recovery device may include a connecting cylinder that extends bent from the support cylinder, and a recovery unit connected to the connecting cylinder that stores dust that has passed through the support cylinder and the connecting cylinder. The recovery unit and the recovery source may be located on the opposite side of the support cylinder from the suction pipe held by the pipe holding unit.

[0158] In the above configuration, a pipe holder is provided to hold the suction tube, so the user can be encouraged to attach the vacuum cleaner to the retrieval device in a orientation where the suction tube is held by the pipe holder. The weight of the suction tube may act to tilt the support cylinder, but since the retrieval unit and retrieval source are located on the opposite side of the suction tube, tilting of the support cylinder is suppressed.

[0159] In the above configuration, the axial length of the support cylinder may be longer than the axial length of the connecting cylinder.

[0160] In the above configuration, the support cylinder has a relatively long axial length, allowing the dust collection container to be supported at a high position. Therefore, it is permissible to attach a tall vacuum cleaner to the collection device. Furthermore, the flow of dust from the dust collection container to the connection point between the support cylinder and the connecting cylinder can be aided by gravity acting on the dust. For this reason, even if the axial length of the support cylinder is long, dust clogging within the support cylinder is unlikely to occur. Since the axial length of the connecting cylinder is relatively short, the dust that reaches the connection point between the support cylinder and the connecting cylinder can receive a reasonably high suction force. For this reason, the dust can flow into the collection section without remaining at the connection point between the support cylinder and the connecting cylinder.

[0161] In the above configuration, the suction source may be positioned above the dust container so as to be aligned with the dust container and the support cylinder in the axial direction when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder.

[0162] In the configuration described above, the suction source is positioned above the dust container, and when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder, it aligns with the dust container and the support cylinder in the axial direction. Therefore, the weight of the suction source is unlikely to cause the support cylinder to tilt.

[0163] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises the vacuum cleaner described above and a collection device configured to be able to attach the vacuum cleaner and to collect dust in the dust container when the vacuum cleaner is attached. The collection device comprises a support cylinder that supports the dust container and forms a flow path that extends vertically so that dust falling from the dust container flows, and a collection source that generates a suction force to suck dust from the dust container and drop it into the support cylinder while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support cylinder in an open position. The battery is positioned above the dust container so as to be aligned in the axial direction of the dust container and the support cylinder when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder.

[0164] In the configuration described above, the battery is positioned above the dust container, and when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder, it aligns with the dust container and the support cylinder in the axial direction. Therefore, the weight of the battery is unlikely to cause the support cylinder to tilt.

[0165] In the above configuration, the collection device may have an output terminal that outputs power. The vacuum cleaner may have an input terminal that contacts the output terminal to receive power when the vacuum cleaner is attached to the collection device with the dust collection container supported by the support cylinder, and a power line that forms a power transmission path from the input terminal to the battery. The output terminal and the input terminal may be fitted or press-fitted in the axial direction of the support cylinder.

[0166] In the configuration described above, power output from the output terminal is supplied to the battery through the input terminal and power lines. This power can then charge the battery. The output terminal and input terminal are fitted or press-fitted in the axial direction of the support cylinder. Therefore, the weight of the battery can act to maintain the fitted or contact state of the output terminal and input terminal.

[0167] A cleaning tool set according to yet another aspect of the above-described embodiment may include the vacuum cleaner and a collection device configured to attach the vacuum cleaner and to collect dust from the dust container when the vacuum cleaner is attached. The collection device may include a support cylinder that supports the dust container and forms a flow path that extends vertically so that dust that falls from the dust container flows through it; a collection source that generates a suction force to suck dust from the dust container and drop it into the support cylinder while keeping the bottom of the dust container supported by the support cylinder in an open position; and a tube holding part that holds the suction tube in a position that extends vertically along the support cylinder when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder. The support cylinder may have an axial length such that the suction port of the suction nozzle is open in the air when the dust container is supported by the support cylinder.

[0168] In the configuration described above, when the collection source is activated with the dust container supported by the support cylinder, the dust suction force of the collection source acts on the suction port of the suction nozzle through the support cylinder, dust container, and suction tube, and the air surrounding the cleaning tool set is drawn in through the suction port. Since the suction port opens in mid-air, the air can flow into the suction nozzle without encountering high resistance. Therefore, the suction capacity required of the collection source is not excessively high. [Industrial applicability]

[0169] The dust collection container, vacuum cleaner, and cleaning tool set of the above-described embodiment are suitably used in devices for cleaning work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0170] 100···············vacuum cleaner 111...Suction source 114···············Battery 120...Suction tube 123················channel 200······························dust container 211·····················································································································… 212 Bottom 213················Rotating connection part 223···············Lock section 224···············Gap 225················Changes 230···············Filter section 232··································· Space 236··············· Speed-increasing channel 239·································Inlet 265, 266... ​​Input terminals 267,268············Power lines 400··············· Recovery device 421················Recovery source 430····························· Support tube 431················channel 436················Release section 451, 452... Output terminals 462················Operation Selection Section 500················Extermination tool set

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust; a suction nozzle having a suction port from which dust is sucked up by the suction force of the suction source; and a dust storage container that stores the dust sucked up through the suction port of the suction nozzle. The system includes a collection device for collecting dust from the dust storage container, The aforementioned recovery device is A support cylinder configured to allow the aforementioned dust storage container to be attached, It has a collection source for collecting dust from the dust collection container attached to the support cylinder, The aforementioned collection source is a cleaning tool set that causes the dust storage container to flow into the dust storage container by generating a dust suction force of a size that allows the dust storage container to draw in air through the suction port of the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner attached to the support cylinder.

2. It is equipped with a suction pipe that forms a flow path communicating with the aforementioned suction port, The dust storage container has an inlet that is connected to the flow path of the suction pipe, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the collection source generates a dust collection force of a magnitude that allows the dust collection container to draw in air through the suction port of the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner to which the dust collection container is attached to the support cylinder, and allows this air to flow into the dust collection container through the flow path and the inlet of the suction pipe.

3. The dust storage container has an opening that allows dust to flow out due to the dust collection force of the collection source. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the support cylinder forms a channel through which dust flowing out of the dust storage container flows.

4. The aforementioned recovery device further comprises a recovery unit for storing dust sucked out from the dust storage container, The cleaning tool set according to claim 3, wherein the internal space of the recovery section is in communication with the flow path of the support cylinder.

5. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the support cylinder supports the dust container such that the suction port of the suction nozzle is suspended in the air.

6. The aforementioned recovery device is The dust collection container is attached to the support cylinder and the support plate supports the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner, The dust collection container has a support block that protrudes upward from the support plate so as to support the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner attached to the support cylinder, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the support block is provided so that the dust collection container does not block the suction port of the vacuum cleaner to which the support cylinder is attached.

7. The dust storage container is A peripheral wall section in which an air inlet is formed, The bottom portion closes the opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion, The system includes a rotating connecting part that connects the bottom to the peripheral wall, while allowing the bottom to rotate downward due to the dust collection force of the collection source, thereby opening the opening in the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall portion is configured such that the air flowing in through the inlet due to the dust collection force of the collection source flows in a swirling flow along the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the dust storage container further comprises a flow changing section that changes the direction of the flow toward the rotating connection section in the swirling flow to another direction, thereby preventing dust contained in the swirling flow from becoming trapped in the gap between the open bottom section and the lower end of the peripheral wall section.

8. The cleaning tool set according to claim 7, wherein the flow changing section is configured to deflect the flow in the swirling flow that is heading toward the rotating connection section toward the inside of the dust collection container, thereby promoting the swirling flow to flow inside the gap between the open bottom section and the lower end of the peripheral wall section.

9. The cleaning tool set according to claim 8, wherein the flow changing portion protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion.

10. The cleaning tool set according to claim 8, wherein the flow changing portion is provided upstream of the rotating connection portion in the flow direction of the swirling flow and protrudes inward from the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion in an inclined position in the flow direction of the swirling flow.

11. The cleaning tool set according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a locking mechanism that can switch between a locked state, which locks the bottom in a closed position that closes the opening in the peripheral wall, and an unlocked state, which releases the lock on the bottom.

12. The aforementioned recovery device is A release unit that causes the locking part of the dust storage container supported by the support cylinder to be in the unlocked state, It has an operating selection unit that can be operated to select whether or not to activate the recovery source, The recovery source is configured to operate on the condition that it is selected to operate by operating the operation selection unit, and generates a dust-suction force to suck dust out of the dust container while keeping the bottom of the dust container, which is supported by the support cylinder, in the open position with the locking part of the dust container released. The cleaning tool set according to claim 11, wherein the release unit is configured to put the locking unit into the unlocked state on the condition that operation of the operation selection unit is selected to activate the recovery source.

Images