Cleaning tool set

Abstract

The objective is to provide a technology that facilitates the separation process for separating the dust collection container from the vacuum cleaner body. [Solution] The vacuum cleaner of the cleaning tool set disclosed herein has a protruding portion with a downward-facing opening that has an insertion port into which an output terminal is inserted when the vacuum cleaner is placed on a charging base and a locking hole for fixing a dust collection container to the vacuum cleaner body, a power line extending from the insertion port toward a storage battery, and a locking operating piece provided in the dust collection container so as to be insertable into the locking hole, and which locks the dust collection container to the vacuum cleaner body when inserted into the locking hole. The locking hole is formed at a position shifted to the right or left of the center position in the width direction of the protruding portion. The locking operating piece is provided at a position shifted to the right or left of the center position in the width direction of the dust collection container and is configured to be operable so as to be displaced in the direction toward being pulled out of the locking hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner 300 shown in FIG. 13. The vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 310 incorporating a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust and a storage battery that stores electric power for the suction source, and a dust storage container 320 that stores dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source. The dust storage container 320 is disposed below the vacuum cleaner main body 310.

[0003] On the front side of the vacuum cleaner main body 310, a rod-shaped grip portion 330 formed to be grippable by a user is provided, and on the front side of the dust storage container 320, a pipe portion 340 that forms a flow path for dust flowing toward the dust storage container 320 is provided. The grip portion 330 and the pipe portion 340 are integrally formed with respect to the vacuum cleaner main body 310.

[0004] In order to fix the dust storage container 320 to the vacuum cleaner main body 310, a thin plate-shaped lock operation piece 321 is provided at the rear end of the dust storage container 320 as shown in FIG. 14. The lock operation piece 321 is configured to be displaceable downward from the position shown in FIG. 14.

[0005] The lock operation piece 321 is connected to a protruding portion 312 protruding rearward from the lower end of the vacuum cleaner main body 310 as shown in FIG. 15. Specifically, a lock hole 311 opening downward is formed in the protruding portion 312, and the lock operation piece 321 is inserted into the lock hole 311 in the state shown in FIG. 14. In this state, the dust storage container 320 is fixed to the vacuum cleaner main body 310. When the user presses down the lock operation piece 321 and pulls out the lock operation piece 321 from the lock hole 311, the fixing of the dust storage container 320 to the vacuum cleaner main body 310 is released.

[0006] As shown in Figure 15, the protruding portion 312 has not only a locking hole 311 but also a socket 313 that opens downwards to receive power for charging the battery, and power lines for transmitting this power to the battery are wired within the protruding portion 312 and the vacuum cleaner body 310. The socket 313 is located to the left of the locking hole 311, and for example, the connector of an AC adapter is plugged into the socket 313. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-20901 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] When the user separates the dust container 320 from the vacuum cleaner body 310, for example, the user grasps the grip portion 330 with their left hand and holds the vacuum cleaner 300. Then, to prevent dropping the dust container 320, the user grasps the right side of the dust container 320 with their right hand and extends their thumb towards the locking mechanism 321. By pressing down the locking mechanism 321 with this thumb, the user can release the dust container 320 from the vacuum cleaner body 310. In this state, the user can separate the dust container 320 from the vacuum cleaner body 310.

[0009] The separation operation described above is expected to be difficult for users with small hands. In other words, it is expected that the user will have to stretch their thumb as far as it can to reach the locking mechanism 321. This problem is likely to occur if the diameter of the dust container 320 is increased in order to increase its volume.

[0010] To resolve these issues, one could consider widening the locking mechanism 321. However, in this case, the space for the socket 313 adjacent to the locking mechanism 321 and the space for the power lines extending from the socket 313 would be reduced.

[0011] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that facilitates the separation process for separating a dust collection container from the vacuum cleaner body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The cleaning tool set in this disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates an upward suction force for sucking up dust, a storage battery that stores power for the suction source, a dust storage container located below the vacuum cleaner body for storing dust sucked up by the suction force of the suction source, and a charging station that supports the vacuum cleaner and charges the storage battery. The charging station has a charging stand with an output terminal formed to output power for charging the storage battery that protrudes upward. The vacuum cleaner has a projection that protrudes rearward or forward from the vacuum cleaner body so that it can be placed on the charging stand from above, and has a downward opening with an insertion port into which the output terminal is inserted and a locking hole for fixing the dust storage container to the vacuum cleaner body arranged in the left-right direction when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the charging stand, a power line extending from the insertion port toward the storage battery, and a locking operating piece provided in the dust storage container so that it can be inserted into the locking hole and locks the dust storage container to the vacuum cleaner body when inserted into the locking hole. The locking hole is formed at a position to the right or left of the center of the protruding portion in the width direction. The locking operating piece is provided at a position to the right or left of the center of the dust container in the width direction and is configured to be operable so as to be displaced in the direction of being pulled out from the locking hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The technology described above facilitates the separation process for separating the dust collection container from the vacuum cleaner body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner (first embodiment) [Figure 2] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 3]Perspective view of the dust storage container of the vacuum cleaner [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the dust storage container [Figure 5] Perspective view of the vacuum cleaner [Figure 6] Perspective view of the cleaning tool set [Figure 7] Enlarged perspective view of the cleaning tool set [Figure 8] Perspective view of another vacuum cleaner [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view of the charging station (Second Embodiment) [Figure 10] Perspective view of the charging station [Figure 11] Plan view of the cover member of the charging station [Figure 12] Perspective view of another vacuum cleaner [Figure 13] Perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the dust storage container of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 15] Developed perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the first and second embodiments of the cleaning tool set will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, for the convenience of those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying 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.

[0016] <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.

[0017] (Overall Structure of Vacuum Cleaner and Charging Station) The vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 110 that incorporates a suction source 111 that generates an upward suction force to suck up dust, a storage battery 114 that stores power for the suction source 111, and a substantially cylindrical dust collection container 140 attached to the lower side of the vacuum cleaner body 110. The suction source 111 is configured to suck up air from the dust collection container 140 and may have, for example, a motor that generates rotational force and a rotating blade configured to generate an upward airflow when rotated by the motor.

[0018] Between the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collection container 140, a filter 112 is positioned to allow air drawn in by the suction force of the suction source 111 to pass through, while capturing dust contained in this air. The dust captured by the filter 112 is stored in the dust collection container 140.

[0019] On the front side of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and dust container 140 are a grip portion 113 formed to be held by the user and a suction pipe 120 that forms a flow path for dust. The suction pipe 120 extends vertically below the grip portion 113. In detail, the suction pipe 120 has a base pipe portion 121 formed integrally with the vacuum cleaner body 110 and grip portion 113, and an extension pipe portion 122 extending downward from the base pipe portion 121. Within the base pipe portion 121, the flow path is bent toward the dust container 140. The extension pipe portion 122 is detachable from the base pipe portion 121. A suction nozzle 130 is attached to the lower end of the extension pipe portion 122, into which dust from the floor surface is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 111.

[0020] To hold the dust container 140 at the rear of the suction pipe 120, an engaging claw portion 124 is provided, as shown in Figure 2, projecting backward from the lower end of the base pipe portion 121. Then, as shown in Figure 3, a roughly rectangular box-shaped engaging portion 141 is provided projecting forward from the lower end of the peripheral wall of the dust container 140. The engaging portion 141 has a recess 142 that opens downward to allow the engaging claw portion 124 to enter from below.

[0021] If the engaging claw portion 124 and the engaging portion 141 are merely engaged, the dust container 140 may tilt backward around the engaged portion between the engaging claw portion 124 and the engaging portion 141. To prevent such backward tilting of the dust container 140, a roughly rectangular box-shaped projection 115 is provided protruding backward from the lower end portion of the peripheral wall of the vacuum cleaner body 110, which is used to connect with the dust container 140. A locking hole 116, used to connect the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust container 140, opens downward on the lower surface of this projection 115. The projection 115 protrudes backward from the center position in the width direction of the vacuum cleaner body 110, while the locking hole 116 is formed at a position shifted to the right of the center position in the width direction of the projection 115.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, a locking operating piece 143 and a biasing part 144 that biases the locking operating piece 143 upward are attached to the rear and upper ends of the peripheral wall portion of the dust container 140. The locking operating piece 143 can be displaced downward by the user from the position shown in Figure 4. When the user is not applying a downward external force to the locking operating piece 143, the upper end portion of the locking operating piece 143 protrudes upward from the dust container 140. As shown in Figure 5, the locking operating piece 143 is positioned to the right of the center in the width direction of the dust container 140 so that the upper end portion of the locking operating piece 143 can be inserted into the lock hole 116. When the upper end of the locking operating piece 143 is inserted into the locking hole 116, even if the user attempts to tilt the dust container 140 backward around the engaging portion between the engaging portion 141 and the engaging claw portion 124, the locking operating piece 143 will catch on the protruding portion 115. In other words, the dust container 140 is locked to the vacuum cleaner body 110.

[0023] Since the locking hole 116 is formed to the right of the center of the protrusion 115 in the width direction, a relatively large area is secured to the left of the locking hole 116 on the protrusion 115. As shown in Figure 2, an insertion port 117 is formed in this area, which is used to charge the storage battery 114 inside the vacuum cleaner body 110. This insertion port 117 opens downward on the lower surface of the protrusion 115. In addition, a power line 118 for transmitting power from the insertion port 117 to the storage battery 114 is wired using the area to the left of the locking hole 116.

[0024] When charging the battery 114 of the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 150, as shown in Figure 6. The vacuum cleaner 100 and the charging station 150 constitute a cleaning tool set 101.

[0025] The charging station 150 is configured to support the vacuum cleaner 100 while charging the vacuum cleaner 100's battery 114. Specifically, the charging station 150 has a roughly rectangular base plate 151 and a support column 152 extending upward from the base plate 151. As shown in Figure 7, a charging stand 153 is fixed to the upper end of the support column 152, and a roughly C-shaped vertical wall 154 that opens forward in a plan view is erected from the upper surface 145 of the charging stand 153.

[0026] The charging stand 153 is configured to allow the protruding portion 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to be placed on it from above. Specifically, the upper surface 145 and the inner surface of the vertical wall 154 of the charging stand 153 form a space complementary to the protruding portion 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100, and the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 150 with the protruding portion 115 inserted into this space from above. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 150, the front surface of the charging stand 153 abuts against the outer surface of the dust collection container 140 from the rear. The vertical wall 154 also abuts against the protruding portion 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the rear, left, and right sides.

[0027] The charging base 153 is provided with an output terminal 155 that outputs power for charging the battery 114 of the vacuum cleaner 100. This output terminal 155 protrudes upward from the upper surface 145 of the charging base 153 at a position where it fits into the insertion opening 117 of the protruding part 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 when the protruding part 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the charging base 153.

[0028] The output terminal 155 is electrically connected to an external power supply, and the power from the external power supply is output from the output terminal 155. In this case, if the output terminal 155 is plugged into the socket 117 shown in Figure 2, the power output from the output terminal 155 can be supplied to the battery 114 through the power line 118.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, a recess 156 is formed in the charging base 153 so that the locking operation piece 143 does not interfere with the charging base 153 when the protruding part 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is mounted on the charging base 153. On the left and right sides of the recess 156, the front surface of the charging base 153 is formed to abut against the outer surface of the dust container 140 of the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the charging station 150. This suppresses the forward tilting of the vacuum cleaner body 110 on the charging station 150. Furthermore, tilting of the vacuum cleaner body 110 in the left-right and rearward directions on the charging station 150 can be restricted by the vertical wall 154.

[0030] (Vacuum cleaner operation) When the suction source 111 is activated, its suction force acts on the dust on the floor surface through the dust container 140, the suction pipe 120, and the suction nozzle 130. As a result, the dust on the floor surface flows into the suction nozzle 130 along with the air and through the flow path of the suction pipe 120. The air and dust then flow into the dust container 140. The air that flows into the dust container 140 passes through the filter 112 and flows towards the suction source 111, while the dust that flows into the dust container 140 is retained within the dust container 140 by the filter 112. As a result, the dust is stored in the dust container 140.

[0031] To dispose of the dust accumulated in the dust container 140, the user can separate the dust container 140 from the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the base tube section 121 as follows. That is, the user can grasp the grip section 113 with their left hand and grasp the right side of the dust container 140 with their right hand. In this position, the user extends their right thumb towards the locking operating piece 143 and pushes it down. At this time, since the locking operating piece 143 is located to the right of the center of the dust container 140 in the width direction, the user can operate the locking operating piece 143 without extending their right thumb very far. When the user pushes down the locking operating piece 143, the upper end of the locking operating piece 143 can be released from the locking hole 116.

[0032] The user can tilt the dust container 140 backward around the engagement portion between the engaging claw portion 124 and the engaging portion 141 while pressing down the locking operating piece 143, and then pull the engaging portion 141 out of the engaging claw portion 124. By doing so, the user can separate the dust container 140 from the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the base tube portion 121. After that, the user can disassemble the dust container 140 and dispose of the dust inside. After disposing of the dust inside the dust container 140, the user can reattach the dust container 140 to the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the base tube portion 121 in the reverse order of the separation procedure.

[0033] As the suction source 111 operates, the amount of charge stored in the battery 114 decreases. To charge the battery 114, the user can attach the vacuum cleaner 100 to the charging station 150 as follows: The user inserts the protruding part 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 from above into the space formed by the inner surface of the vertical wall 154 of the charging station 150 and the upper surface 145 of the charging base 153. The user can then place the protruding part 115 on the charging base 153 while inserting the output terminal 155, which protrudes upward from the upper surface 145 of the charging base 153, into the insertion port 117 formed on the lower surface of the protruding part 115. At this time, since the charging base 153 has a recess 156, the charging base 153 can support the protruding part 115 without interfering with the locking operation piece 143.

[0034] When the protruding part 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the charging base 153, the front surface of the charging base 153 comes into contact with the outer surface of the dust collection container 140, thereby preventing the vacuum cleaner body 110 from tipping forward. Furthermore, since the vertical wall 154 comes into contact with the protruding part 115 from the rear, right, and left sides, the backward and lateral tilting of the vacuum cleaner body 110 is restricted by the vertical wall 154 erected from the charging base 153. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large load from being placed on the output terminal 155 due to the tilting of the vacuum cleaner body 110.

[0035] The output terminal 155 protrudes upward from the upper surface 145 of the charging base 153, and the socket 117 opens downward. Therefore, the weight of the vacuum cleaner body 110 allows the output terminal 155 to be inserted into the socket 117 to a predetermined depth. As a result, electrical contact problems due to the output terminal 155 not being fully inserted into the socket 117 are unlikely to occur.

[0036] The locking mechanism 143 shown in Figure 5 is positioned to the right of the center of the dust container 140 in the left-right direction. This allows the user to grasp the dust container 140 with their right hand and push down the locking mechanism 143 without extending their right thumb significantly. Therefore, operating the locking mechanism 143 shown in Figure 5 is easy for right-handed users. Alternatively, to allow left-handed users to easily operate the locking mechanism 143, it may be positioned to the left of the center of the dust container 140 in the left-right direction. In this case, the locking hole 116 is formed to the left of the center of the protrusion 115 in the left-right direction.

[0037] The lock hole 116 shown in Figure 2 is formed to the right of the center of the protrusion 115 in the left-right direction. Therefore, a relatively wide area is secured to the left of the lock hole 116. This area is used to form the socket 117 and to wire the power line 118. Thus, the formation of the socket 117 and the wiring of the power line 118 become easier. Note that if the lock hole 116 is formed to the left of the center of the protrusion 115 in the left-right direction, the socket 117 will be formed to the right of the lock hole 116. In this case, the power line 118 can be extended from the socket 117 in the area to the right of the lock hole 116 and connected to the battery 114.

[0038] Since the lock hole 116 opens downward on the lower surface of the protrusion 115, it is difficult for the user to visually see the lock hole 116. Therefore, when attaching the dust container 140 to the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the base pipe section 121, it is assumed that the user will search for the position of the lock hole 116 by tracing the lower surface of the protrusion 115 with the upper end of the lock operating piece 143. In order to enable the user to easily find the position of the lock hole 116 by such an action, the protrusion 115 may be configured as shown in Figure 8.

[0039] Specifically, a guide portion 131 is provided on the lower surface of the protruding portion 115 shown in Figure 8, which guides the locking operating piece 143, which is in contact with the protruding portion 115 at a position away from the locking hole 116, to the locking hole 116. This guide portion 131 has protrusions 132 and 133 extending rearward from the right and left ends of the locking hole 116, and the spacing between these protrusions 132 and 133 in the left-right direction widens as it approaches the rear end of the lower surface of the protruding portion 115.

[0040] In this case, the user, with the dust container 140 tilted backward, engages the engaging portion 141 of the dust container 140 with the engaging claw portion 124 of the base pipe portion 121. Then, when the dust container 140 is rotated forward around the engaging portion between the engaging portion 141 and the engaging claw portion 124 as an axis, the upper end of the locking operating piece 143 approaches the lock hole 116 while tracing the lower surface of the protrusion 115 between the protrusions 132 and 133. At this time, the left-right position of the locking operating piece 143 is aligned with the position of the lock hole 116 by these protrusions 132 and 133. Therefore, the locking operating piece 143 can easily reach the lock hole 116 and enter the lock hole 116 due to the biasing force of the biasing portion 144.

[0041] <Second Embodiment> The output terminal 155 shown in Figure 7 can be attached to the charging base 153 in various ways. For example, the output terminal 155 may be attached from the underside of the charging base 153 so as to protrude upward from the top surface 145 of the charging base 153. However, it is conceivable that the output terminal 155 may fall off the charging base 153 due to gravity during such an attachment process. To facilitate the attachment of the output terminal 155 to the charging base 153, the charging base 153 may be configured as shown in Figure 9.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, the charging base 153 has a base portion 157 on which the output terminal 155 can be placed from above. The upper part of the base portion 157 is configured to hold the output terminal 155 in the position shown in Figure 9.

[0043] The vertical wall 154 is erected upward from the base portion 157. A slit 158 ​​is formed in the vertical wall 154, extending downward from the upper end of the vertical wall 154. A power cable 159 extending from the output terminal 155 is inserted into the slit 158 ​​from above. The power cable 159 is configured to be connectable to an external power source, and power from the external power source is transmitted to the output terminal 155 through the power cable 159.

[0044] The base portion 157 and the vertical wall 154 are covered from above by the cover member 160 shown in Figure 10. The cover member 160 has a base cover 161 that is placed over the base portion 157 from above, and a vertical wall cover 162 that is placed over the vertical wall 154 from above. The charging stand 153 is composed of the base portion 157 and the base cover 161. The external shape of the cover member 160 is approximately the same as the external shape of the charging stand 153 and vertical wall 154 shown in Figure 7.

[0045] As shown in Figure 11, a through-hole 163 is formed in the upper wall portion that forms the upper surface of the base cover 161. The tip portion of the output terminal 155 can protrude from the upper surface of the base cover 161 through the through-hole 163.

[0046] When the user removes the vacuum cleaner 100 from the charging station 150, they displace the vacuum cleaner 100 upward. At this time, the output terminal 155, which is inserted into the socket 117 formed in the protruding part 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100, attempts to displace upward, but this upward displacement is prevented by the upper wall of the base cover 161, and the output terminal 155 does not come off the charging base 153.

[0047] When the output terminal 155 is installed in the charging base 153, the output terminal 155 is supported from below by the base portion 157 of the charging base 153. Therefore, the base portion 157 prevents the output terminal 155 from falling during the installation process. The output terminal 155 is then fixed in place within the charging base 153 simply by placing the cover member 160 over the base portion 157 and the vertical wall 154 from above. Thus, the installation of the output terminal 155 into the charging base 153 becomes easy.

[0048] In the vacuum cleaner 100 of the first embodiment, the protruding portion 115 protrudes backward from the vacuum cleaner body 110. Alternatively, the protruding portion 115 may protrude forward from the vacuum cleaner body 110, as shown in Figure 12. In this case, the locking operating piece 143 is attached to the front of the dust collection container 140. If the protruding portion 115 protrudes in the front-to-back direction rather than the left-to-right direction, the increase in the left-to-right width of the vacuum cleaner 100 is suppressed.

[0049] When the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 12 is connected to the charging station 150, the charging base 153 of the charging station 150 contacts the outer surface of the dust collection container 140 from the front. In addition, the vertical wall 154 erected from the charging base 153 abuts against the protruding part 115 of the vacuum cleaner 100 from the front, left, and right sides. This can restrict the tilting of the vacuum cleaner 100 connected to the charging station 150.

[0050] In the first and second embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a stick type. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0051] (Effects, etc.) The cleaning tool set 101 according to the above embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0052] A cleaning tool set according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner body having a suction source that generates an upward suction force for sucking up dust, and a storage battery that stores power for the suction source, a dust storage container located below the vacuum cleaner body for storing dust sucked up by the suction force of the suction source, and a charging station that supports the vacuum cleaner and charges the storage battery. The charging station has a charging stand with an output terminal formed to output power for charging the storage battery that protrudes upward. The vacuum cleaner has a projection that protrudes rearward or forward from the vacuum cleaner body so that it can be placed on the charging stand from above, and has a downward opening with an insertion port into which the output terminal is inserted and a locking hole for fixing the dust storage container to the vacuum cleaner body arranged in the left-right direction when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the charging stand, a power line extending from the insertion port toward the storage battery, and a locking operating piece provided in the dust storage container so that it can be inserted into the locking hole, and which locks the dust storage container to the vacuum cleaner body when inserted into the locking hole. The locking hole is formed at a position to the right or left of the center of the protruding portion in the width direction. The locking operating piece is provided at a position to the right or left of the center of the dust container in the width direction and is configured to be operable so as to be displaced in the direction of being pulled out from the locking hole.

[0053] In the configuration described above, the suction source generates an upward suction force using the power stored in the battery. Since the dust container is located below the vacuum cleaner body where the suction source is built, the upward suction force from the suction source draws air out of the dust container. As a result, dust-containing air flows into the dust container, and this dust is stored inside the container.

[0054] The suction source consumes power from the battery, so the battery needs to be charged. A charging station is used to charge the battery. The charging station has a charging stand, on which a protruding part that extends rearward or forward from the vacuum cleaner body is placed from above. Note that the protruding part extends rearward or forward, not to the left or right, so the width of the vacuum cleaner is not increased by the protruding part.

[0055] The protruding portion has a downward-facing socket into which the output terminals protruding upward from the charging base are inserted. The power output from the output terminals is supplied to the battery through power lines extending from the socket.

[0056] The protruding portion has not only an insertion port but also a downward-facing locking hole used to secure the dust collection container to the vacuum cleaner body. The locking hole is formed to the right or left of the center of the protruding portion in the width direction, making it easier to obtain space for wiring the power line from the insertion port to the battery. That is, if the locking hole is formed to the right of the center of the protruding portion in the width direction, a reasonably large area is obtained to the left of the locking hole, and this area can be used to provide the insertion port and power line. Conversely, if the locking hole is formed to the left, a reasonably large area is obtained to the right of the locking hole for the insertion port and power line. If the insertion port is formed using such a large area, the locking hole and insertion port will be aligned in the left-right direction. For this reason, it is permissible to form the locking hole and insertion port on the protruding portion even if the protruding portion does not protrude significantly to the rear or front.

[0057] The dust container is secured to the vacuum cleaner body by inserting a locking tab, which is provided on the dust container, into a locking hole. The locking tab is positioned to the right or left of the center of the dust container in the width direction, in accordance with the locking hole. In this case, operation of the locking tab becomes easier as follows: For example, a right-handed user grasps the right half of the dust container with their right hand and extends their right thumb towards the locking tab. If the locking tab is positioned to the right of the center of the dust container in the width direction, the user can reach the locking tab with their thumb without stretching it too much. Conversely, if the locking tab is positioned to the left, the user can reach the locking tab with their left thumb without stretching it too much. Then, they can use their thumb to pull the locking tab out of the locking hole and separate the dust container from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0058] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a guide portion that protrudes from the lower surface of the protrusion to guide the locking operating piece, which is in contact with the lower surface of the protrusion when it is out of the lock hole, back into the lock hole.

[0059] In the above configuration, when attempting to lock the dust container to the vacuum cleaner body, it is conceivable that the user may bring the locking mechanism into contact with the underside of the protruding part at a position outside the locking hole. In such a case, if the user moves the locking mechanism while tracing the underside of the protruding part with the locking mechanism to locate the locking hole, the guide will guide the locking mechanism into the locking hole.

[0060] In the above configuration, the protruding portion may protrude rearward from the vacuum cleaner body. The charging station may have a vertical wall erected from the charging base so as to contact the protruding portion from the rear when it is placed on the charging base. The charging base may be configured so that the protruding portion contacts the outer surface of the dust collection container from the rear when it is placed on the charging base.

[0061] In the above configuration, if a rearward external force is applied to the vacuum cleaner while the protruding part is placed on the charging base, and the vacuum cleaner body attempts to tip backward, the protruding part is pressed against the vertical wall, preventing the vacuum cleaner body from tipping backward. Conversely, if a forward external force is applied to the vacuum cleaner while the protruding part is placed on the charging base, and the vacuum cleaner body attempts to tip forward, the dust collection container is pressed against the charging base, preventing the vacuum cleaner body from tipping forward. Since the tilting of the vacuum cleaner body in the front-to-back direction is restricted, the tilting of the protruding part on the charging base that accompanies this tilting is also restricted. As a result, the increase in load on the output terminals due to the tilting of the protruding part on the charging base is suppressed.

[0062] In the above configuration, the protruding portion may protrude forward from the vacuum cleaner body. The charging station may have a vertical wall erected from the charging base so as to contact the protruding portion from the front when it is placed on the charging base. The charging base may be configured so that the protruding portion contacts the outer surface of the dust collection container from the front when it is placed on the charging base.

[0063] In the above configuration, if a forward external force is applied to the vacuum cleaner while the protruding part is placed on the charging base, and the vacuum cleaner body attempts to tip forward, the protruding part is pressed against the vertical wall, preventing the vacuum cleaner body from tipping forward. Conversely, if a backward external force is applied to the vacuum cleaner while the protruding part is placed on the charging base, and the vacuum cleaner body attempts to tip backward, the dust container is pressed against the charging base, preventing the vacuum cleaner body from tipping backward. Since the forward and backward tilting of the vacuum cleaner body is restricted, the tilting of the protruding part on the charging base due to this tilting is also restricted. As a result, the increase in load on the output terminals due to the tilting of the protruding part on the charging base is suppressed.

[0064] In the above configuration, the vertical wall may be configured to restrict the tilting of the protruding portion in the left-right direction when the output terminal is inserted into the socket.

[0065] In the above configuration, it is possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the output terminals due to the tilting of the protruding part in the left-right direction.

[0066] In the above configuration, the charging stand may include a base portion that is formed so as to allow the output terminals to be placed on it from above and supports the output terminals from below, and a base cover that is fixed to the base portion in a state where it is placed over the base portion from above so as to restrict the output terminals on the base portion from being displaced upward.

[0067] In a design where the output terminal is inserted into the charging base from below, the output terminal is prone to falling due to gravity when being attached to the charging base. To avoid this, in the above configuration, the base is configured so that the output terminal can be placed on it from above and is supported from below. Then, with the output terminal placed on the base, the base cover is placed over the base from above and fixed to the base. In this state, upward displacement of the output terminal is restricted by the base cover. In other words, when the vacuum cleaner is separated from the charging station, the output terminal inserted into the vacuum cleaner's socket is prevented from separating from the charging base together with the vacuum cleaner.

[0068] In the above configuration, the charging station may have a power cable extending from the output terminal and configured to be connectable to an external power source, and a vertical wall erected from the base. The vertical wall may have a slit that allows the power cable to enter from above when the output terminal is placed on the base from above.

[0069] In the configuration described above, the user can insert the power cable into the slit in the vertical wall while placing the output terminal on the base. Therefore, the user can place the output terminal on the base without being obstructed by the vertical wall. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] The cleaning tool set of the above embodiment is suitably used in equipment used for cleaning work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 100... Vacuum cleaner 101··········Cleaning tool set 110··········Vacuum cleaner body 111...Suction source 114··········Storage battery 115...Protrusion 116··········Lock hole 117··········Socket 118··········Power lines 131···························· Information Department 140...Dust storage container 143··········Lock operation piece 150··········Charging Station 153········Charging stand 154··········Vertical wall 155··········Output terminal 157··········Base 158··········Slit 159··········Power cable 161··········Base cover

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a vacuum cleaner body containing a suction source that generates an upward suction force to suck up dust and a storage battery that stores power for the suction source; and a dust collection container located below the vacuum cleaner body that stores the dust sucked up by the suction force of the suction source. The system includes a charging station that supports the vacuum cleaner while charging the battery, The charging station has a charging stand with an output terminal that protrudes upward, which is formed to output power for charging the storage battery. The vacuum cleaner mentioned above, The vacuum cleaner body has a projection that extends rearward or forward so that it can be placed on the charging base from above, and has a socket into which the output terminal is inserted and a locking hole for fixing the dust container to the vacuum cleaner body, which are aligned horizontally and open downward. A power line extending from the aforementioned outlet toward the aforementioned battery, The dust container is provided so as to be insertable into the lock hole, and has a locking operating piece that locks the dust container to the vacuum cleaner body when it is inserted into the lock hole. The locking hole is formed at a position to the right or left of the center position in the width direction of the protrusion. A cleaning tool set wherein the locking operating piece is located to the right or left of the center of the dust container in the width direction, and is configured to be operable so as to be displaced in a direction that allows it to be pulled out from the locking hole.

2. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a guide portion that protrudes from the lower surface of the protrusion so as to guide the lock operating piece, which is in contact with the lower surface of the protrusion when it is out of the lock hole, back into the lock hole.

3. The aforementioned protrusion extends rearward from the vacuum cleaner body. The charging station has a vertical wall that is erected from the charging base so that the protruding portion abuts against the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner body from the rear when the vacuum cleaner body is placed on the charging base. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the charging stand is configured such that the protruding portion abuts the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection container from the rear when the charging stand is placed on it.

4. The aforementioned protrusion extends forward from the vacuum cleaner body. The charging station has a vertical wall that is erected from the charging base so as to contact the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner body from the front when the protruding portion is placed on the charging base. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the charging stand is configured such that the protruding portion abuts the outer surface of the dust container from the front when the charging stand is placed on it.

5. The cleaning tool set according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the vertical wall is configured to restrict the tilting of the protruding portion in the left-right direction when the output terminal is inserted into the socket.

6. The aforementioned charging stand is A base portion formed so that the output terminal can be mounted from above, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, further comprising: a base cover fixed to the base portion in a manner that covers the base portion from above, so as to restrict the upward displacement of the output terminal on the base portion.

7. The aforementioned charging station is A power cable extending from the output terminal and configured to be connectable to an external power supply, It has a vertical wall erected from the base portion, The cleaning tool set according to claim 6, wherein the vertical wall has a slit that allows the power cable to enter from above when the output terminal is placed on the base from above.

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