Cleaning tool set

Abstract

The objective is to provide a technology that enables sterilization not only for collection devices but also for vacuum cleaners. [Solution] The cleaning tool set of this application comprises a vacuum cleaner having a dust storage chamber for storing dust sucked in by the suction force of a suction source, and a collection device for collecting dust from the dust storage chamber. The collection device comprises a dust collection source that generates a suction force to suck dust out of the dust storage chamber, a dust storage section for storing the dust sucked out of the dust storage chamber by the dust collection source, a collection duct extending from the dust storage section to communicate with the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the collection device, a sterilization supply section that sends a sterilizing airflow containing sterilizing components into the collection duct, and a control unit that controls the dust collection source and the sterilization supply section. The control unit operates the sterilization supply section while keeping the dust collection source stopped, thereby supplying sterilizing components through the collection duct to the dust storage section of the collection device and the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the collection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool set including a vacuum cleaner and a collection device that collects dust from the vacuum cleaner.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tool set 300 shown in Fig. 40. The cleaning tool set 300 includes a vacuum cleaner 310 and a collection device 320 that collects dust from the vacuum cleaner 310.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner 310 includes a housing 312 incorporating a suction source 311 that generates suction force for sucking up dust from a floor surface, a suction pipe 313 forming a flow path through which dust flows below the suction source 311, and a suction nozzle 314 attached to a lower end of the suction pipe 313. The housing 312 has a substantially cylindrical shape elongated in the vertical direction, and the suction pipe 313 is accommodated in the housing 312 except for a lower end portion thereof.

[0004] A space between the suction pipe 313 and the suction source 311 is used as a dust storage chamber 315 for storing dust sucked up from the floor surface by the suction force of the suction source 311. A filter 316 that captures dust flowing into the dust storage chamber 315 through the suction pipe 313 while allowing air to pass through is accommodated in the dust storage chamber 315. In order to prevent dust captured by the filter 316 from falling into the suction pipe 313 when the suction source 311 is stopped, a check valve 317 is attached to an upper end of the suction pipe 313. The check valve 317 is curved and deformed upward by the suction force of the suction source 311. In this state, the flow path of the suction pipe 313 communicates with the dust storage chamber 315, and dust sucked up from the floor surface by the suction force of the suction source 311 can sequentially pass through the suction nozzle 314 and the suction pipe 313 and flow into the dust storage chamber 315.

[0005] To enable the discharge of dust accumulated in the dust storage chamber 315, a dust discharge port is formed in the housing 312, and in the vacuum cleaner 310 shown in Figure 40, the dust discharge port is closed by a cover 318. To prevent the cover 318 from unintentionally opening the dust discharge port during cleaning, the cover 318 is biased toward the closed position that closes the dust discharge port.

[0006] The collection device 320 includes a dust collection source 321 that generates suction force to suck dust out of the dust storage chamber 315 of the vacuum cleaner 310, and a dust collection section 322 above the dust collection source 321 that contains the dust. The dust collection source 321 is configured to suck air downward from the dust collection section 322. Between the dust collection source 321 and the dust collection section 322, a filter 323 is positioned to allow air to flow out of the dust collection section 322 while keeping the dust inside the dust collection section 322.

[0007] A recovery duct 324 extends from the dust collection section 322 to the front of the cover 318 of the vacuum cleaner 310. The suction force of the dust collection source 321 acts on the cover 318 of the vacuum cleaner 310 through the dust collection section 322 and the recovery duct 324. The cover 318 tilts forward due to the suction force of the dust collection source 321, and the dust storage chamber 315 of the vacuum cleaner 310 communicates with the dust collection section 322 through the recovery duct 324 of the recovery device 320. In this state, dust can flow from the dust storage chamber 315 of the vacuum cleaner 310 into the dust collection section 322 through the recovery duct 324 of the recovery device 320 due to the suction force of the dust collection source 321.

[0008] The recovery duct 324 has an outlet 325 for supplying germicidal ions. These ions are released into the recovery duct 324 through the outlet 325 while the dust collection source 321 is operating, and flow into the dust collection section 322 on the airflow through the recovery duct 324. As a result, the dust in the dust collection section 322 is germicidal by the ions. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-183896 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Even after dust is collected from the vacuum cleaner 310 to the collection device 320, a small amount of dust may remain in the dust storage chamber 315 of the vacuum cleaner 310. If bacteria proliferate in the dust remaining in the dust storage chamber 315, the user may notice an unpleasant odor caused by these bacteria.

[0011] This disclosure aims to provide a technology that enables sterilization treatment not only for recovery devices but also for vacuum cleaners. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The cleaning tool set in this disclosure comprises a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust and a dust storage chamber that stores the dust sucked up by the suction force of the suction source, and a recovery device that collects dust from the dust storage chamber while the vacuum cleaner is connected. The recovery device comprises a dust collection source that generates suction force to suck up dust from the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device, a dust storage section that stores the dust sucked out of the dust storage chamber by the dust collection source, a recovery duct that extends from the dust storage section to communicate with the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device, a sterilization supply section that sends a sterilizing airflow containing sterilizing components into the recovery duct, and a control unit that controls the dust collection source and the sterilization supply section. The control unit operates the sterilization supply section while keeping the dust collection source stopped, thereby supplying sterilizing components through the recovery duct to the dust storage section of the recovery device and the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The aforementioned cleaning tool set can disinfect not only the collection device but also the vacuum cleaner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Longitudinal sectional view of the cleaner set (First Embodiment) [Figure 2] Perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of the cleaner set [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the cleaner set [Figure 4] Rear view of the collection device of the cleaner set [Figure 5] Sectional view of the sterilization supply unit of the collection device [Figure 6] Functional configuration diagram of the collection device [Figure 7] Timing chart showing the operation of the collection device [Figure 8] Longitudinal sectional view of the cleaner set [Figure 9] Sectional view of the sterilization supply unit [Figure 10] Longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner around the dust storage chamber [Figure 11] Timing chart showing the operation of the collection device (Second Embodiment) [Figure 12] Longitudinal sectional view of the cleaner set [Figure 13] Functional configuration diagram of the collection device [Figure 14] Flowchart showing control of the collection device [Figure 15] Functional configuration diagram of the collection device [Figure 16] Flowchart showing control of the collection device [Figure 17] Flowchart showing control of the collection device (Third Embodiment) [Figure 18] Flowchart showing control of the collection device [Figure 19] Longitudinal sectional view of the cleaner set (Fourth Embodiment) [Figure 20] Functional configuration diagram of the collection device [Figure 21] Flowchart showing control of the collection device [Figure 22] Timing chart showing the operation of the collection device (Fifth Embodiment) [Figure 23] Timing chart showing the operation of the collection device [Figure 24] Longitudinal sectional view of the cleaner set [Figure 25] Cross-sectional view of the sterilization supply unit [Figure 26] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cleaning tool set (6th embodiment) [Figure 27] Flowchart representing the control of the recovery device [Figure 28] Perspective view of the lower part of the vacuum cleaner (7th embodiment) [Figure 29] Longitudinal cross-section of a cleaning tool set [Figure 30] Longitudinal cross-section of a cleaning tool set [Figure 31] Side view of the vacuum cleaner (8th embodiment) [Figure 32] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner dust collection container [Figure 33] Vertical cross-section of the bottom of the dust collection container [Figure 34] Bottom view of the dust collection container [Figure 35] Perspective view of the lower part of the dust collection container [Figure 36] Longitudinal cross-section of a cleaning tool set [Figure 37] Longitudinal cross-section of a cleaning tool set [Figure 38] Perspective view of the recovery device [Figure 39] Cross-sectional view of the sterilization supply unit (9th embodiment) [Figure 40] Cross-sectional view of a conventional cleaning tool set [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The first to ninth embodiments of the cleaning tool set will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, but in order to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0016] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figure 1, the cleaning tool set 101 consists of a vacuum cleaner 100 for sucking up dust from the floor surface and a collection device 200 for collecting dust from the vacuum cleaner 100 while the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to it.

[0017] (Overall structure of a vacuum cleaner) As shown in Figure 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 has a roughly cylindrical housing 111 that extends in the vertical direction, and a suction nozzle 130 located on the lower side of the housing 111. The upper end portion of the housing 111 gradually tapers upward, and a grip portion 140, which is held by the user, extends upward from the upper end of the housing 111.

[0018] The upper part of the housing 111 houses a suction source 116 that generates suction force to draw dust up from the floor, and a storage battery 117 that stores power for the suction source 116. A suction pipe 113 extends vertically at a position spaced below the suction source 116. The space formed between the suction source 116 and the suction pipe 113 within the housing 111 is used as a dust storage chamber 152 for storing dust drawn up by the suction force of the suction source 116. A cup-shaped filter 115 with a downward opening is housed inside the dust storage chamber 152. This filter 115 is configured to allow air to pass through while capturing dust contained in the air.

[0019] Most of the suction pipe 113 is housed in the lower part of the housing 111, but the lower end portion of the suction pipe 113 protrudes downward from the housing 111 and is housed in the rear portion of the suction nozzle 130. The suction pipe 113 forms a passage for dust sucked up from the floor surface through the suction nozzle 130 by the suction force of the suction source 116. A check valve 114 is attached to the upper end of the suction pipe 113 to separate the passage of the suction pipe 113 from the dust storage chamber 152 when the suction source 116 is stopped. When the suction source 116 is stopped, the check valve 114 blocks the upper end of the suction pipe 113 as shown in Figure 1, but when the suction source 116 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 116 causes the check valve 114 to rotate upward around its rear end as an axis. When the check valve 114 rotates upward, the dust storage chamber 152 and the flow path of the suction pipe 113 communicate with each other.

[0020] To allow dust to be discharged from the dust storage chamber 152, the housing 111 is provided with a forward-facing opening, as shown in Figure 2. In the following description, this opening will be referred to as the "dust discharge port 124". A cover 121 is connected to the housing 111 to open and close the dust discharge port 124. The cover 121 shown in Figure 2 is in the open position, with the dust discharge port 124 open. It is attached to the housing 111 so as to be rotatable upward from the open position around the connection point with the housing 111. When the cover 121 rotates upward, it assumes the position shown in Figure 1, reaching the closed position that closes the dust discharge port 124.

[0021] Above the dust outlet 124, as shown in Figure 2, input terminals 122 and 123 are fixed to the housing 111. Input terminals 122 and 123 are electrically connected to the battery 117 shown in Figure 1, and power for charging the battery 117 is input to input terminals 122 and 123.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the suction nozzle 130 has a roughly rectangular, box-shaped nozzle case 132 that is elongated in the left-right direction. Inside the nozzle case 132, as shown in Figure 1, a suction space 131 is formed into which dust sucked up from the floor surface by the suction force of the suction source 116 flows. The suction space 131 opens downward at the front part of the nozzle case 132. A rotating brush 133 is positioned inside the suction space 131, and the lower end of the rotating brush 133 is attached to the nozzle case 132 so as to protrude downward from the nozzle case 132 through the opening of the suction space 131 and contact the floor surface. The rotating brush 133 is provided to scrape off dust adhering to the floor surface by rotating and rubbing against the floor surface within the suction space 131.

[0023] The suction nozzle 130 has a bottom portion 134 that closes the suction space 131 at the rear of the opening of the suction space 131. The bottom portion 134 is configured to abut the lower end of the suction pipe 113 when the suction pipe 113, housing 111, and grip portion 140 are in the upright position shown in Figure 1. When the suction pipe 113, housing 111, and grip portion 140 are tilted backward from the upright position, the flow path of the suction pipe 113 can communicate with the suction space 131.

[0024] (Overall structure of the recovery device) The collection device 200 is configured to collect dust from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to it. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the collection device 200 has a base plate 220 on which the suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed, and a roughly rectangular box-shaped housing 210 that houses a dust collection source 250 that generates a dust collection force to suck dust out of the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The housing 210 is supported at a position spaced above the base plate 220 by a rectangular cylindrical support column 221 that is erected upward from the front part of the base plate 220.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the rear wall of the housing 210 of the recovery device 200 has a recessed groove 215 facing forward into which the front portion of the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100, which is positioned upright relative to the suction nozzle 130 placed on the base plate 220, is fitted. As shown in Figure 4, the recessed groove 215 extends in the vertical direction.

[0026] Within the groove 215, as shown in Figure 4, there is an inlet 216 into which dust sucked out from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 by the suction force of the dust collection source 250 flows. As shown in Figure 1, the inlet 216 is positioned at a height opposite in the front-rear direction to the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100, which is in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 130 placed on the base plate 220. The inlet 216 is sized so as not to hinder the lid 121 from rotating downward from the closed position shown in Figure 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, output terminals 222 and 223 are provided above the dust inlet 216, and a power cable 224, which is formed to be connectable to an external power source, extends from the left edge of the base plate 220. The power cable 224 is electrically connected to the output terminals 222 and 223, and power transmitted from the external power source through the power cable 224 is output from the output terminals 222 and 223.

[0028] The output terminals 222 and 223 are positioned at a height that allows them to contact the input terminals 122 and 123 of the vacuum cleaner 100, which is positioned upright relative to the suction nozzle 130 placed on the base plate 220. When the output terminals 222 and 223 and the input terminals 122 and 123 come into contact with each other, power from the external power supply is supplied to the battery 117 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0029] The power transmitted through the power cable 224 is also used to operate the dust collection source 250. As shown in Figure 1, the dust collection source 250 is configured to draw air downwards from a roughly rectangular box-shaped dust collection section 240 located above the dust collection source 250. The dust collection section 240 is provided to store dust that has been sucked out from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 by the suction force of the dust collection source 250, and has a larger volume than the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. As shown in Figure 3, a disc-shaped filter 247 is fixed to the bottom of the dust collection section 240, which allows air to pass through while keeping dust inside the dust collection section 240.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, a recovery duct 230 extends from the rear wall of the dust collection section 240, and the tip of the recovery duct 230 is connected to the dust inlet 216. The recovery duct 230 forms a flow path for dust sucked out from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 by the dust suction force of the dust collection source 250. When the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100, which is connected to the recovery device 200, opens the dust discharge port 124, the flow path of the recovery duct 230 communicates with the dust storage chamber 152.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, an outlet 271 is formed in the pipe wall of the recovery duct 230. The outlet 271 is provided to supply a sterilizing airflow to the flow path of the recovery duct 230 for sterilizing the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200. In this embodiment, the outlet 271 is formed at a position where the distance from the outlet 271 to the dust inlet 216 and the distance from the outlet 271 to the base end of the recovery duct 230 (i.e., the connection point between the recovery duct 230 and the dust containment section 240) are approximately equal.

[0032] To deliver a germicidal airflow containing germicidal components to the recovery duct 230 through the outlet 271, the recovery device 200 has a germicidal supply unit 270, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the germicidal supply unit 270 has a supply duct 272 that forms a flow path communicating with the flow path of the recovery duct 230 through the outlet 271, and an airflow generation unit 274 that generates an airflow towards the outlet 271 within the supply duct 272. An outlet 273 is formed in the pipe wall of the supply duct 272 for releasing germicidal components into the supply duct 272. In this embodiment, ions are used as the germicidal components.

[0033] To generate this sterilizing component, a discharge electrode 283, a counter electrode 284, and a voltage application unit 285 are arranged outside the supply duct 272. The counter electrode 284 is grounded, and the discharge electrode 283 is electrically connected to the voltage application unit 285. The discharge electrode 283 and the counter electrode 284 are arranged so that an air discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 283 and the counter electrode 284 when the voltage application unit 285 applies voltage to the discharge electrode 283. This air discharge generates ions that are used as a sterilizing component. Furthermore, the discharge electrode 283 and the counter electrode 284 are arranged so that the force of the air discharge between them causes these ions to be released into the supply duct 272 through the discharge port 273.

[0034] The supply duct 272 is equipped with a valve body 276 and a valve drive unit 278 that drives the valve body 276. The valve body 276 shown in Figure 5 is in the closed position, blocking the outlet 271. The valve drive unit 278 can rotate the valve body 276 from this closed position to a closed position that opens the outlet 271. Conversely, the valve drive unit 278 can also rotate the valve body 276 from the closed position to the open position.

[0035] To control the sterilization supply unit 270 and the dust collection source 250, the recovery device 200 has a control circuit 265, as shown in Figure 1. The control circuit 265 is housed within the support column 221.

[0036] The control circuit 265 includes a connection detection unit 266 that detects the connection of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200, and a control unit 267 that controls the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270. The connection detection unit 266 may be configured to determine whether the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 based on changes in voltage, current, or resistance in the power supply path that electrically connects the power cable 224 and output terminals 222 and 223 shown in Figure 4. If the determination result is that the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200, the connection detection unit 266 outputs a command instructing the start of control of the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270. In response to this command, the control unit 267 starts control of the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270.

[0037] (Operation of the cleaning tool set) During cleaning, when the suction source 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is activated, the suction force generated by the suction source 116 opens the check valve 114, and dust on the floor surface is sucked up into the dust collection chamber 152 through the suction nozzle 130 and suction pipe 113. The dust that flows into the dust collection chamber 152 is captured by the filter 115. When the cleaning is finished, the suction source 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is stopped, and the check valve 114 closes the upper end of the suction pipe 113. As a result, the dust captured by the filter 115 does not fall into the suction pipe 113 but remains in the dust collection chamber 152.

[0038] To collect the dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100, the user places the suction nozzle 130 of the vacuum cleaner 100 on the base plate 220 of the collection device 200. In this state, the user positions the suction tube 113, housing 111, and gripping part 140 upright relative to the suction nozzle 130, as shown in Figure 1. In this state, the input terminals 122 and 123 of the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 2 come into contact with the output terminals 222 and 223 of the collection device 200 shown in Figure 4. This contact causes a change in voltage, current, or resistance in the power supply path connecting the power cable 224 of the collection device 200 to the output terminals 222 and 223. When the connection detection unit 226 shown in Figure 6 detects this change, a command instructing the start of control for the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270 is output from the connection detection unit 226 to the control unit 267.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 267 activates the dust collection source 250 in response to this command and continues to operate the dust collection source 250 for a predetermined period of time. In the following description, the period during which the dust collection source 250 is operating will be referred to as the "recovery period". During the recovery period, the control unit 267 controls the valve drive unit 278 of the sterilization supply unit 270 and maintains the stopped state of the airflow generation unit 274 and the voltage application unit 285 so that the outlet 271 is blocked by the valve body 276.

[0040] When the recovery period begins, the suction force of the dust collection source 250 acts on the cover 121 that closes the dust outlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner 100, through the dust collection section 240 and the recovery duct 230. As a result, the cover 121 rotates downward, opening the dust outlet 124. In this state, the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 communicates with the internal space of the dust collection section 240 through the recovery duct 230, and the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 is sucked out into the dust collection section 240 by the suction force of the dust collection source 250. While the dust is flowing from the dust storage chamber 152 to the dust collection section 240 through the recovery duct 230, the outlet 271 provided in the recovery duct 230 is blocked by the valve 276 shown in Figure 5, thereby suppressing the inflow of dust into the supply duct 272.

[0041] When the collection period ends, the control unit 267 stops the dust collection source 250. At this time, the cover 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is kept in the open position with the dust discharge port 124 open.

[0042] In synchronization with the stopping of the dust collection source 250, the control unit 267 activates the sterilization supply unit 270 and keeps the sterilization supply unit 270 running for a predetermined period of time. In the following description, the period during which the sterilization supply unit 270 is operating will be referred to as the "supply period".

[0043] When the supply period begins, the control unit 267 controls the valve drive unit 278 so that the valve body 276 opens the outlet 271. As a result, the flow path of the supply duct 272 communicates with the flow path of the recovery duct 230. Once communication is achieved between the flow path of the supply duct 272 and the flow path of the recovery duct 230, the control unit 267 activates the airflow generation unit 274 and the voltage application unit 285. When the airflow generation unit 274 is activated, an airflow is generated in the supply duct 272 that flows toward the outlet 271. Also, when the voltage application unit 285 applies a voltage to the discharge electrode 283, an air discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 283 and the counter electrode, and this air discharge generates ions as a sterilizing component. These ions (sterilizing components) are released into the airflow flowing through the supply duct 272 through the discharge port 273. As a result, a sterilizing airflow containing sterilizing components (ions) is generated in the supply duct 272.

[0044] This germicidal airflow is blown out through the outlet 271 into the flow path of the recovery duct 230. At this time, the germicidal airflow collides with the inner wall surface of the recovery duct 230 opposite the outlet 271. As a result of this collision, a portion of the germicidal airflow flows towards the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200, while the remaining germicidal airflow flows towards the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0045] The sterilizing components contained in the germicidal airflow that flows into the dust collection section 240 of the collection device 200 sterilize the dust in the dust collection section 240. In addition, the sterilizing components contained in the germicidal airflow that flows into the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 sterilize the dust in the dust storage chamber 152. As a result, the growth of bacteria in the dust collected in the dust collection section 240 and the generation of unpleasant odors caused by the growth of bacteria in the dust remaining in the dust storage chamber 152 are suppressed.

[0046] When the user resumes cleaning, the vacuum cleaner 100 is removed from the retrieval device 200. At this time, the cover 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 has the dust outlet 124 open, so the user manually returns the cover 121 to the closed position. After that, the user tilts the suction tube 113, housing 111 and grip 140 backward relative to the suction nozzle 130, and activates the suction source 116.

[0047] In the cleaning tool set 101 shown in Figure 1, a germicidal airflow containing a sterilizing component flows not only into the dust collection section 240 of the collection device 200, but also into the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Therefore, sterilization can be performed not only on the dust collected in the collection device 200, but also on the dust remaining in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 even after the dust has been collected in the collection device 200.

[0048] Furthermore, since the germicidal airflow is supplied to the recovery duct 230 after the dust collection source 250 of the recovery device 200 is stopped, the supply of germicidal components to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is not hindered by the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250.

[0049] In the control shown in Figure 6, the stopping of the dust collection source 250 and the starting of the sterilization supply unit 270 are synchronized. Alternatively, the sterilization supply unit 270 may be started with a predetermined time delay after the stopping of the dust collection source 250.

[0050] In the control shown in Figure 6, the sterilizing component is supplied after dust is collected from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200. At this time, the amount of dust in the dust storage chamber 152 has decreased, while the amount of dust in the dust collection section 240 has increased. Therefore, the amount of sterilizing component required for sterilization is greater in the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 than in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. For this reason, the cleaning tool set 101 may be improved as shown in Figure 8.

[0051] In the cleaning tool set 101 shown in Figure 8, the air outlet 271 is formed at a position where the distance from the air outlet 271 to the dust inlet 216 is longer than the distance from the air outlet 271 to the base end of the recovery duct 230. In this case, the amount of sterilizing components reaching the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 may increase by the amount by which the distance from the air outlet 271 to the dust inlet 216 is shortened. On the other hand, the amount of sterilizing components reaching the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 may decrease by the amount by which the distance from the air outlet 271 to the dust inlet 216 is extended.

[0052] Instead of changing the position of the outlet 271, the connection angle of the supply duct 272 to the recovery duct 230 may be changed. The supply duct 272 shown in Figure 5 is connected to the recovery duct 230 at an angle approximately right, while the supply duct 272 shown in Figure 9 is connected to the recovery duct 230 while being inclined diagonally upward. When the supply duct 272 shown in Figure 9 is used, the germicidal airflow flowing in the recovery duct 230 toward the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200 becomes stronger than the germicidal airflow flowing toward the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Therefore, the amount of germicidal components supplied to the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200 may be greater than the amount of germicidal components supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0053] If the cleaning tool set 101 is modified as shown in Figures 8 and 9 to increase the supply of sterilizing components to the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200, it is preferable that the amount of dust remaining in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 after the recovery period is reduced as much as possible. For this reason, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be modified as shown in Figure 10.

[0054] The vacuum cleaner 100 shown in Figure 10 has a magnetic holding part 153 that generates a magnetic attraction force to hold the lid 121 in the closed position. The magnetic holding part 153 has a first magnetic body 154 attached to the lid 121 and a second magnetic body 155 attached to the housing 111 so as to face the first magnetic body 154 in the front-rear direction when the lid 121 is in the closed position. One of the first magnetic body 154 and the second magnetic body 155 may be made of a magnet, and the other may be made of a magnetic material that is attracted by the magnet.

[0055] When the vacuum cleaner 100, equipped with a magnetic holding part 153, is attached to the collection device 200 shown in Figure 1, the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is held in the closed position by the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic holding part 153 for a while after the dust collection source 250 of the collection device 200 is activated. During this time, the vacuum level in the collection duct 230 of the collection device 200 gradually increases. That is, the force acting on the lid 121 in the closed position gradually increases. When this force acting on the lid 121 becomes greater than the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic holding part 153, the lid 121 rotates to the open position. As a result, the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is exposed to the increased negative pressure in the collection duct 230 and can be sucked out of the dust storage chamber 152 all at once. In this case, less dust may remain in the dust storage chamber 152 while caught on the housing 111 around the dust outlet 124.

[0056] The connection detection unit 266 shown in Figure 6 is provided in the control circuit 265 mounted on the recovery device 200. Alternatively, the connection detection unit 266 may be provided in the vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, it may be configured to determine whether or not the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recovery device 200 based on changes in voltage, current, or resistance of the power supply path connecting the input terminals 122, 123 and the storage battery 117. If the determination result is that the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recovery device 200, the connection detection unit 266 outputs a wireless signal instructing the start of control of the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270. The control unit 267 is configured to receive this wireless signal and, in response to the reception of the wireless signal, starts control of the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) In the cleaning tool set 101 of the first embodiment, the sterilizing component reduces the amount of bacteria in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection section 240 of the collection device 200. However, bacteria remaining in the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust collection section 240 after this sterilization treatment can multiply over time. To suppress the multiplication of such bacteria, multiple supply periods may be provided at predetermined time intervals, as shown in Figure 11. In this case, the control unit 267 shown in Figure 6 operates the airflow generation unit 274, the voltage application unit 285, and the valve drive unit 278 of the sterilization supply unit 270 at predetermined time intervals.

[0058] The rate of bacterial growth may depend on the environment of the room where the cleaning tool set 101 is placed. Therefore, in environments where bacteria are likely to grow (high temperature or high humidity), it is preferable for the sterilization supply unit 270 to operate at a high frequency. Conversely, in environments where bacteria are unlikely to grow (low temperature or dry environment), unnecessary sterilization can be avoided by reducing the operating frequency of the sterilization supply unit 270.

[0059] To adjust the frequency of sterilization treatment according to the environment of the room in which the cleaning tool set 101 is placed, the cleaning tool set 101 may be configured as shown in Figure 12. The cleaning tool set 101 shown in Figure 12 has an environment detection unit 201 that detects the temperature or humidity of the room in which the recovery device 200 is placed. The environment detection unit 201 is configured to output a wireless signal representing the detected temperature or humidity. The control unit 267 is configured to receive this wireless signal, as shown in Figure 13.

[0060] As shown in Figure 14, the control unit 267 controls the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270. Specifically, the control unit 267 maintains the stopped state of the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270 until the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recovery device 200 (Step S110: No). When the user connects the vacuum cleaner 100 to the recovery device 200 (Step S110: Yes), the control unit 267 operates the dust collection source 250 for a predetermined recovery period (Step S120). During this recovery period, the control unit 267 maintains the stopped state of the sterilization supply unit 270.

[0061] When the dust collection source 250 is activated, the suction force of the dust collection source 250 displaces the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the open position. As a result, the suction force of the dust collection source 250 acts on the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100, and this dust is sucked out of the dust storage chamber 152. Subsequently, the dust flows into the dust containment section 240 through the recovery duct 230 of the recovery device 200.

[0062] When the recovery period ends, the control unit 267 stops the dust collection source 250. Also, in synchronization with the stopping of the dust collection source 250, the control unit 267 operates the sterilization supply unit 270 for a predetermined supply period (step S130). When the sterilization supply unit 270 is activated, the sterilizing airflow generated by the sterilization supply unit 270 flows through the recovery duct 230 into the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 and the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. As a result, the dust collection section 240 and the dust storage chamber 152 are sterilized by the sterilizing components contained in the sterilizing airflow.

[0063] When the supply period ends, the control unit 267 stops the sterilization supply unit 270 and determines the timing of the next supply period based on the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201 (step S140: No, step S150). If the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201 is below a predetermined value (step S150: No), the control unit 267 decides to restart the sterilization supply unit 270 after a second period of a predetermined length has elapsed since the sterilization supply unit 270 was stopped. Then, after the second period has elapsed since the sterilization supply unit 270 was stopped, the control unit 267 restarts the sterilization supply unit 270 (step S160).

[0064] On the other hand, if the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201 is greater than a predetermined value (step S150: Yes), bacteria are likely to multiply in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200. For this reason, the control unit 267 sets the period from the shutdown of the sterilization supply unit 270 to the restart of the sterilization supply unit 270 to a first period which is shorter than the second period. Then, after the first period has elapsed since the shutdown of the sterilization supply unit 270, the control unit 267 restarts the sterilization supply unit 270 (step S170).

[0065] As long as the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 (step S140: No), the control in steps S140 to S170 is performed. During this time, if the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201 exceeds a predetermined value, the germicidal airflow is supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection section 240 of the collection device 200 at a higher frequency than when the temperature or humidity is below the predetermined value. Therefore, even in environments where bacteria are likely to proliferate, the growth of bacteria in the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust collection section 240 is suppressed.

[0066] If the vacuum cleaner 100 is removed from the retrieval device 200 while the control in steps S140 to S170 is being performed (step S140: Yes), the control unit 267 stops the sterilization supply unit 270.

[0067] The control unit 267 shown in Figure 13 determines the operating frequency of the sterilization supply unit 270 based on the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201. Instead of the environmental detection unit 201, the odor detection unit 202 may be used to determine the operating frequency of the sterilization supply unit 270, as shown in Figure 15.

[0068] The odor detection unit 202 may be attached to the vacuum cleaner 100 to detect odors in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, the odor detection unit 202 is configured to output a wireless signal when the intensity of the detected odor exceeds a predetermined value. The control unit 267 is configured to receive this wireless signal.

[0069] The odor detection unit 202 may be mounted on the recovery device 200 to detect odors in the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200, rather than odors in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, the odor detection unit 202 may be electrically connected to the control unit 267 via a signal line and configured to output a signal to the signal line when the intensity of the odor in the dust collection section 240 exceeds a predetermined value. The control unit 267 is then configured to receive the signal from the odor detection unit 202 via the signal line.

[0070] The control unit 267 controls the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270 based on the presence or absence of a signal from the odor detection unit 202, as shown in Figure 16. Note that the control shown in Figure 16 differs from the control shown in Figure 15 only in that step S150 is changed to step S155.

[0071] In other words, if the odor intensity detected by the odor detection unit 202 exceeds a predetermined value, the time interval from the stopping of the sterilization supply unit 270 to the restart of the sterilization supply unit 270 is set to be shorter than when the odor intensity is below a predetermined value. As a result, when the odor intensity detected by the odor detection unit 202 exceeds a predetermined value, the sterilization airflow is supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 at a relatively high frequency.

[0072] If the odor intensity detected by the odor detection unit 202 exceeds a predetermined value, there is a high probability that bacteria are growing in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 or the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200. In such circumstances, supplying a germicidal airflow to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment section 240 at a high frequency can suppress the growth of bacteria and, consequently, the generation of unpleasant odors.

[0073] (Third embodiment) In the control shown in Figure 14, the operating frequency of the sterilization supply unit 270 is determined based on the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201. Alternatively, the amount of sterilizing component supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 or the dust collection unit 240 of the recovery device 200 may be adjusted based on the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201. In this case, the control shown in Figure 17 may be performed.

[0074] The control of the dust collection source 250 (steps S110, S120) is common to both the control shown in Figure 17 and the control shown in Figure 14. After the dust collection source 250 is stopped, the control unit 267 activates the sterilization supply unit 270 (steps S133, S135).

[0075] When the sterilization supply unit 270 is operating, if the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201 is below a predetermined value (step S150: No), it is assumed that there are not many bacteria in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 or the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200. For this reason, the control unit 267 controls the sterilization supply unit 270 so that a small amount of sterilizing component is supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment section 240 (step S135).

[0076] If the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201 exceeds a predetermined value (step S150: Yes), it is assumed that there are more bacteria in the dust storage chamber 152 or dust containment unit 240 than when the temperature or humidity is below a predetermined value (step S150: Yes). Therefore, the control unit 267 controls the sterilization supply unit 270 so that a large amount of sterilizing components are supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and dust containment unit 240 through the recovery duct 230 (step S133).

[0077] In this case, the control unit 267 may control the voltage application unit 285 to apply a higher voltage than when the temperature or humidity is below a predetermined value (step S150: No) in order to generate a large amount of sterilizing components. By controlling the voltage application unit 285 in this way, the discharge frequency between the discharge electrode 283 and the counter electrode 284 shown in Figure 5 increases, and a large amount of sterilizing components can be generated.

[0078] Alternatively, the control unit 267 may operate the sterilization supply unit 270 for a longer period of time than when the temperature or humidity is below a predetermined value (step S150: No). In this case, the sterilization airflow is supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment unit 240 for a relatively long period of time, increasing the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment unit 240.

[0079] In the control shown in Figure 17, the supply of sterilizing components to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment section 240 increases in environments where bacteria are likely to proliferate, thereby suppressing the growth of bacteria in the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment section 240.

[0080] In the control shown in Figure 17, the amount of sterilizing component supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 or the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 is adjusted based on the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 18, the amount of sterilizing component supplied may be adjusted based on the odor detected by the odor detection unit 202. Note that the control shown in Figure 18 differs from the control shown in Figure 17 only in that step S150 is changed to step S155.

[0081] In other words, if the odor intensity detected by the odor detection unit 202 exceeds a predetermined value, control is performed to increase the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 compared to when the odor intensity is below a predetermined value. Specifically, if the odor intensity detected by the odor detection unit 202 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 267 may control the voltage application unit 285 to apply a relatively high voltage. Alternatively, the control unit 267 may extend the operating time of the sterilizing supply unit 270.

[0082] (Fourth embodiment) The dust stored in the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 creates resistance to the airflow drawn out of the dust collection section 240 by the dust collection source 250. Therefore, the more dust there is in the dust collection section 240, the weaker the dust collection force acting on the dust in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 may become. Consequently, if there is a lot of dust in the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200, there may be a lot of dust remaining in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 after the recovery period has ended. In such a state, it is preferable to increase the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust collection section 240 and the dust storage chamber 152. For this reason, the recovery device 200 may have a dust detection unit 203, as shown in Figure 19, to detect whether or not there is a lot of dust in the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200.

[0083] The dust detection unit 203 may be composed of, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor that forms an optical path within the dust containment unit 240 and detects whether or not this optical path is obstructed. The dust detection unit 203 is positioned at a height where the optical path is obstructed by dust when the amount of dust in the dust containment unit 240 becomes sufficient. The dust detection unit 203 is also configured to output a signal in response to the obstruction of the optical path. As shown in Figure 20, the control unit 267 is electrically connected to the dust detection unit 203 and can receive signals from the dust detection unit 203.

[0084] The control unit 267 controls the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270 based on the presence or absence of a signal from the dust detection unit 203, as shown in Figure 21. Note that the control shown in Figure 21 differs from the control shown in Figure 17 only in that step S150 is changed to step S157.

[0085] If the control unit 267 does not receive a signal from the dust detection unit 203 after the dust collection source 250 of the recovery device 200 has stopped, then not much dust has accumulated in the dust storage unit 240 of the recovery device 200 (Step S157: No). In this case, during the recovery period before the dust collection source 250 stops (Step S120), a strong suction force acts on the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100, and it is considered that there is little dust remaining in the dust storage chamber 152 after the recovery period. For this reason, the control unit 267 controls the sterilization supply unit 270 so that a small amount of sterilizing component is supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust storage unit 240 (Step S135).

[0086] On the other hand, if the control unit 267 receives a signal from the dust detection unit 203, it means that a lot of dust has accumulated in the dust storage unit 240 of the collection device 200 (Step S157: Yes). In this case, during the collection period before the dust collection source 250 is stopped (Step S120), the suction force acting on the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is weak, and it is thought that a lot of dust remains in the dust storage chamber 152 after the collection period. For this reason, the control unit 267 controls the sterilization supply unit 270 so that a large amount of sterilizing components are supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust storage unit 240 (Step S135).

[0087] In this case, the control unit 267 may control the voltage application unit 285 so that a relatively high voltage is applied so that a large amount of sterilizing components are included in the sterilizing airflow. By controlling the voltage application unit 285 in this way, the discharge frequency between the discharge electrode 283 and the counter electrode 284 shown in Figure 5 increases, and a large amount of sterilizing components can be generated.

[0088] Alternatively, the control unit 267 may operate the sterilization supply unit 270 for a relatively long period of time. In this case, the sterilization airflow is supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment unit 240 for a relatively long period of time, increasing the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment unit 240.

[0089] (Fifth embodiment) In the cleaning tool set 101 of the first to fourth embodiments, the supply period for supplying the sterilizing component to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 is provided after the recovery period for recovering dust from the dust storage chamber 152 to the dust collection section 240. Alternatively, a period may be provided in which the supply of the sterilizing component and the recovery of dust occur simultaneously, as shown in Figure 22. During the period in which the supply of the sterilizing component and the recovery of dust occur simultaneously, the dust collection source 250 and the sterilizing supply unit 270 are operating together, and this period will be referred to as the "co-operation period" in the following description.

[0090] In the control shown in Figure 22, the sterilization supply unit 270 continues to operate even after the co-operation period has ended (i.e., after the dust collection source 250 has stopped). During this period, the sterilization supply unit 270 operates independently, and this period will be referred to as the "single-operation period" in the following explanation.

[0091] During the co-operation period, the dust collection source 250 is operating, so an airflow is generated in the recovery duct 230 toward the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200. At this time, the valve drive unit 278 of the sterilization supply unit 270 shown in Figure 5 drives the valve body 276, opening the outlet 271 and connecting the recovery duct 230 and the supply duct 272. In this state, when the airflow generation unit 274 and the voltage application unit 285 are activated, a sterilization airflow is generated in the supply duct 272 toward the outlet 271. This sterilization airflow suppresses the flow of airflow in the recovery duct 230 into the supply duct 272 through the outlet 271.

[0092] The germicidal airflow blown out from the outlet 271 flows into the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200 due to the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250. On the other hand, the flow of the germicidal airflow into the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is prevented by the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250. Therefore, during the co-operation period, germicidal components are supplied to the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200, while hardly any are supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0093] During a single-operation period, the dust collection source 250 is stopped. At this time, the sterilization supply unit 270 is operating, so the sterilizing airflow blown out from the outlet 271 collides with the inner wall surface of the recovery duct 230 opposite the outlet 271, and then splits into a sterilizing airflow directed towards the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200 and a dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Therefore, during a single-operation period, the sterilizing components are supplied not only to the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200 but also to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0094] In the control shown in Figure 22, the supply of sterilizing components to the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 is performed during both the co-operation period and the single-operation period, making it easy to supply a large amount of sterilizing components to the dust collection section 240. In particular, during the co-operation period, the sterilizing components are supplied intensively to the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200, so if it is necessary to increase the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust collection section 240, the co-operation period may be set to be longer than the single-operation period. In this case, the amount of sterilizing components generated during the co-operation period may be greater than the amount generated during the single-operation period. Therefore, a large amount of sterilizing components can be supplied to the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200 during the co-operation period.

[0095] The longer the co-operation period, the more sterilizing components are supplied to the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200. For this reason, the activation timing of the sterilization supply unit 270 may be determined according to the required amount of sterilizing components to be supplied to the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200. For example, if the cleaning tool set 101 has an environmental detection unit 201 as shown in Figure 12, the activation timing of the sterilization supply unit 270 may be determined based on the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201. That is, if the temperature or humidity is above a predetermined value, the sterilization supply unit 270 may be activated at an earlier timing than when the temperature or humidity is below this value.

[0096] If the odor detection unit 202 shown in Figure 15 is attached to the recovery device 200 to detect odors in the dust containment unit 240, the activation timing of the sterilization supply unit 270 may be determined based on the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 202. That is, if the intensity of the odor exceeds a predetermined value, the sterilization supply unit 270 may be activated at an earlier timing than when the intensity of the odor is below this value.

[0097] In the control shown in Figure 22, the single-acting period is performed immediately following the co-acting period. Alternatively, the single-acting period may be set with a time interval between it and the co-acting period, as shown in Figure 23. This time interval may be constant. Alternatively, if the cleaning tool set 101 has an environmental detection unit 201 as shown in Figure 12, the time interval between the co-acting period and the single-acting period may be set based on the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit 201. That is, if the temperature or humidity is above a predetermined value, a shorter time interval may be set between the co-acting period and the single-acting period than when the temperature or humidity is below that value.

[0098] If the odor detection unit 202 shown in Figure 15 is attached to the recovery device 200 to detect odors in the dust containment unit 240, the time interval between the co-operating period and the single-operating period may be determined based on the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 202. That is, if the odor intensity exceeds a predetermined value, a shorter time interval may be set between the co-operating period and the single-operating period than when the odor intensity is below this value.

[0099] During a single operating period, a portion of the sterilizing components generated by the sterilization supply unit 270 is supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. To increase the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 during a single operating period, the cleaning tool set 101 may be improved as shown in Figure 24.

[0100] In the cleaning tool set 101 shown in Figure 24, the air outlet 271 is formed at a position where the distance from the air outlet 271 to the dust inlet 216 is shorter than the distance from the air outlet 271 to the base end of the recovery duct 230. In this case, the amount of sterilizing components reaching the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 may increase by the amount of the reduction in the distance from the air outlet 271 to the dust inlet 216.

[0101] Instead of changing the position of the outlet 271, the connection angle of the supply duct 272 to the recovery duct 230 may be changed. The supply duct 272 shown in Figure 5 is connected to the recovery duct 230 at an angle approximately right, while the supply duct 272 shown in Figure 25 is connected to the recovery duct 230 while being inclined diagonally downward. When the supply duct 272 shown in Figure 25 is used, the germicidal airflow flowing in the recovery duct 230 toward the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 becomes stronger than the germicidal airflow flowing toward the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200. Therefore, the amount of germicidal components supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 may be greater than the amount of germicidal components supplied to the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200.

[0102] (Sixth Embodiment) In the cleaning tool set 101 of the first to fifth embodiments, the dust collection source 250 of the collection device 200 operates in response to the connection of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200. However, it is conceivable that a user may not want the dust collection source 250 to make any noise and may connect the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 solely for the purpose of storing the vacuum cleaner 100. To meet such user needs, as shown in Figure 26, the collection device 200 may be provided with an operating unit 211 that can be operated by the user to instruct the operation of the dust collection source 250.

[0103] In this case, the control unit 267 of the recovery device 200 may control the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270, as shown in Figure 27. That is, when the recovery device 200 is connected to the vacuum cleaner 100 (step S110: Yes) and the user operates the operation unit 211 (step S210), the control unit 267 starts the dust collection source 250 (step S220). Then, after a predetermined recovery period has elapsed from this start time, the control unit 267 stops the dust collection source 250.

[0104] The control unit 267 starts the sterilization supply unit 270 in synchronization with the start of the dust collection source 250 (step S220). Alternatively, the sterilization supply unit 270 may be started after the start of the dust collection source 250 but before the stop of the dust collection source 250. By starting the dust collection source 250 in this way, a co-operation period is obtained. During the co-operation period, the sterilizing components are supplied intensively to the dust collection unit 240 of the recovery device 200.

[0105] Once the recovery period has elapsed, the control unit 267 stops the dust collection source 250 while continuing to operate the sterilization supply unit 270 (step S230). This control provides a single-operation period. During the single-operation period, the sterilizing components are supplied not only to the dust collection unit 240 of the recovery device 200 but also to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. When the single-operation period ends, the control unit 267 stops the sterilization supply unit 270 (step S240).

[0106] If the user does not wish to activate the dust collection source 250, they connect the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 with the lid 121 in the open position without operating the control unit 211 (step S210: No). In this case, the sterilization supply unit 270 is activated (step S230) after a predetermined acceptance period has elapsed from the time the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200 (step S250: Yes). The length of this acceptance period may be determined by considering the time required for a series of actions from the time the user connects the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 until they operate the control unit 211. If the user operates the control unit 211 within the acceptance period after connecting the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200 (step S250: No), the processes in steps S110, S210, and S220 are executed sequentially.

[0107] If the sterilization supply unit 270 is activated after the reception period has elapsed (step S250: Yes, step S230), the dust collection source 250 is stopped before the sterilization supply unit 270 is activated, so a lot of dust remains in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, the control unit 267 may control the sterilization supply unit 270 so that more sterilizing components are supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 than when the sterilization supply unit 270 is activated after the operation unit 211 is operated (step S210: Yes, steps S220, S230). For example, the control unit 267 may control the voltage application unit 285 so that the discharge frequency between the discharge electrode 283 and the counter electrode 284 shown in Figure 5 is increased. Alternatively, the control unit 267 may control the sterilization supply unit 270 so that the single-operation period when the sterilization supply unit 270 is activated after the reception period has elapsed is longer than the single-operation period when the sterilization supply unit 270 is activated after the operation unit 211 is operated.

[0108] (Seventh Embodiment) In the cleaning tool set 101 of the first to sixth embodiments, after dust is collected from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the dust collection section 240 of the collection device 200, the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 remains open, with the dust outlet 124 open. Therefore, when starting cleaning work, the user needs to close the dust outlet 124 with the lid 121. To eliminate this operation, the vacuum cleaner 100 may have a biasing part 156 that biases the lid 121 to the closed position, as shown in Figure 28. The biasing part 156 may be a torsion spring attached to a pivot shaft portion 157 provided on the lid 121 so as to rotatably connect the lid 121 to the housing 111, as shown in Figure 29.

[0109] The pivot shaft portion 157 is positioned higher than the lower end of the lid 121 when it is in the closed position. The housing 210 of the recovery device 200 is provided with a lid operating portion 217 so as to press the lower part of the lid 121 below the pivot shaft portion 157 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the recovery device 200. Specifically, the lid operating portion 217 protrudes backward within the groove portion 215.

[0110] When the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is fitted into the groove 215 of the housing 210 of the collection device 200, as shown in Figure 30, the lid operating part 217 presses the lower part of the pivot shaft portion 157 on the lid 121 backward. As a result, the upper part of the pivot shaft portion 157 on the lid 121 tilts forward, and the dust outlet 124 is opened. The lid 121 is held in the open position with the dust outlet 124 open by the lid operating part 217 as long as the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200.

[0111] In the cleaning tool set 101 shown in Figure 30, the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is displaced to the open position by the lid operating part 217 of the collection device 200. Therefore, the flow path of the collection duct 230 of the collection device 200 can communicate with the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 before the dust collection source 250 of the collection device 200 is activated. Consequently, the sterilization supply unit 270 is activated before the dust collection source 250 is activated, allowing sterilization treatment to be performed on the dust accumulated in the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0112] After dust has been collected from the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the dust containment section 240 of the recovery device 200, and after disinfectant components have been supplied to the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust containment section 240, the user can remove the vacuum cleaner 100 from the recovery device 200 and begin cleaning. At this time, the lid 121 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is automatically returned to the closed position by the biasing unit 156. Therefore, the user does not need to operate the lid 121 themselves to close the dust discharge port 124.

[0113] (Eighth embodiment) In the cleaning tool set 101 of the first to seventh embodiments, the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is provided inside the housing 111. Alternatively, the dust storage chamber 152 may be configured as the internal space of a dust storage container 160 provided on the outside of the housing 111, as shown in Figure 13.

[0114] The dust container 160 is fixed to the underside of the housing 111, which houses the battery 117 and the suction source 116. The suction source 116 is configured to generate an upward suction force to draw air up from the dust chamber 152, which is the internal space of the dust container 160. A filter 115 is placed between the dust container 160 and the housing 111 to prevent dust inside the dust container 160 from flowing out toward the suction source 116 when the suction source 116 generates an upward suction force.

[0115] A gripping portion 140, formed to be held by the user, is located on the front side of the housing 111. The gripping portion 140 is integrally formed with the housing 111.

[0116] Below the gripping portion 140, a suction tube 113 extends vertically. The suction tube 113 has a base tube 125 formed integrally with the gripping portion 140, and an extension tube 126 extending downward from the base tube 125. A suction nozzle 130 is attached to the lower end of the extension tube 126.

[0117] The base pipe 125 is located in front of the dust container 160, and the flow path of the base pipe 125 curves toward the dust container 160. The base pipe 125 and the dust container 160 are connected to each other such that the dust chamber 152, which is the internal space of the dust container 160, communicates with the flow path of the base pipe 125. Input terminals 122 and 123, which receive power for charging the battery 117, are fixed to the rear of the base pipe 125.

[0118] The dust collection container 160 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall portion 161 and a top cover portion 162 that closes the opening at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 161. The top cover portion 162 has a plurality of through holes 163 that penetrate vertically through the top cover portion 162. When the suction source 116 is activated, the air in the dust collection chamber 152 flows upward through the through holes 163. To capture the dust contained in this air, the filter 115 shown in Figure 31 is placed on the top cover portion 162.

[0119] The opening at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 161 is used as a dust outlet 124, as shown in Figure 32. To close the dust outlet 124, a cover 121 is attached to the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 161, as shown in Figure 33.

[0120] As shown in Figure 34, the lid 121 has a disc-shaped closing plate portion 165 that closes the dust outlet 124, and protruding pieces 166 and 167 that protrude forward from the front end of the closing plate portion 165. The protruding pieces 166 and 167 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. A pivot shaft portion 157 is provided above the protruding pieces 166 and 167, as shown in Figures 33 and 34, and the lid 121 is connected to the peripheral wall portion 161 via the pivot shaft portion 157. When a downward external force is applied to the closing plate portion 165, the closing plate portion 165 rotates downward around the pivot shaft portion 157 and can be displaced to an open position that opens the dust outlet 124. At this time, the protruding pieces 166 and 167 rotate upward around the pivot shaft portion 157.

[0121] As shown in Figure 33, magnetic holding parts 153 are provided at the front ends of the closing plate portion 165 and the peripheral wall portion 161. Specifically, the magnetic holding part 153 has a first magnetic material 154 attached to the front end of the closing plate portion 165 and a second magnetic material 155 attached to the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 161. The magnetic attraction force generated between the first magnetic material 154 and the second magnetic material 155 holds the lid 121 in the closed position that closes the dust outlet 124.

[0122] A biasing part 156 is provided above the protruding pieces 166 and 167, which biases the lid 121 to the closed position by contacting the protruding pieces 166 and 167 from above. The biasing part 156 has a coil spring 168 extending in the vertical direction and a pressing piece 169 attached to the lower end of the coil spring 168. As shown in Figure 35, the pressing piece 169 has a substantially T-shape in a front view, and the lower part of the pressing piece 169 can fit between the protruding pieces 166 and 167. The upper part of the pressing piece 169 is configured to contact the protruding pieces 166 and 167 from above and press these protruding pieces 166 and 167 downward.

[0123] As shown in Figure 36, the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the collection device 200. The collection device 200 has a housing 210 and a collection duct 230 extending upward from the housing 210. The collection duct 230 has an outer cylindrical portion 231 having a diameter that can support the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100, the storage battery 117, the suction source 116, the filter 115, and the dust collection container 160, and an inner cylindrical portion 232 extending within the outer cylindrical portion 231.

[0124] As shown in Figure 37, the upper end of the outer cylinder portion 231 is open to allow the lower part of the dust container 160 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to be fitted into it. A pressing part 275 is provided inside the outer cylinder portion 231 that presses upward the pressing piece 169 of the dust container 160 when the lower part of the dust container 160 is fitted into the upper end of the outer cylinder portion 231. The pressing piece 169, pushed up by the pressing part 275, moves upward away from the protruding pieces 166 and 167 of the lid 121. In this state, the lid 121 can be held in the closed position by the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic material 154 and the second magnetic material 155 of the magnetic holding portion 153. Furthermore, in this state, if a downward external force greater than the suction force is applied to the closing plate portion 165 of the lid 121, the pressing piece 169 will be separated from the protruding pieces 166 and 167, causing the lid 121 to rotate downward and open the dust discharge port 124.

[0125] To obtain a space large enough to allow the lid 121 to rotate downward from the closed position to the open position, the upper end of the inner cylinder portion 232 is lower than the upper end of the outer cylinder portion 231, as shown in Figure 36. The lower end portion of the inner cylinder portion 232 is recessed into the housing 210.

[0126] The housing 210 houses a dust collection source 250, a dust containment section 240, a filter 247, a sterilization supply section 270, and a control circuit 265. The dust containment section 240, the filter 247, and the dust collection source 250 are arranged vertically behind the recovery duct 230. The lower part of the inner cylinder section 232 is bent towards the dust containment section 240 within the housing 210, and the base end of the inner cylinder section 232 is connected to the dust containment section 240. An outlet 271 is formed in the portion of the inner cylinder section 232 that extends upward from this bent portion. The upper part of the supply duct 272 of the sterilization supply section 270 extends vertically between the inner cylinder section 232 and the outer cylinder section 231 and is connected to the outlet 271.

[0127] The housing 210 and outer cylinder portion 231 support the housing 111, battery 117, suction source 116, filter 115, and dust container 160 of the vacuum cleaner 100. To support the front grip portion 140 and suction tube 113 of the housing 111 and dust container 160, a front support portion 233 is provided on the front surface of the outer cylinder portion 231, as shown in Figure 38. A fitting groove 234 complementary to the rear of the base end tube 125 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is recessed in the front support portion 233. Output terminals 222 and 223, which output power transmitted from an external power source via a power cable 224, are fixed within the fitting groove 234. The output terminals 222 and 223 are positioned to contact the input terminals 122 and 123 provided on the base end tube 125 when the rear of the base end tube 125 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is fitted into the fitting groove 234.

[0128] During cleaning, the user moves the suction nozzle 130 across the floor surface while the suction source 116 is activated. At this time, dust on the floor surface is sucked up by the suction force of the suction source 116 through the suction nozzle 130 and suction pipe 113 into the dust storage chamber 152, which is the internal space of the dust storage container 160. The air in the dust storage chamber 152 is sucked out through the filter 115, but the dust is retained in the dust storage chamber 152 by the filter 115.

[0129] Once the cleaning is complete, the user connects the vacuum cleaner 100 to the collection device 200, as shown in Figure 36. At this time, the dust collection container 160 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is fitted into the upper end of the outer cylinder portion 231 of the collection device 200, and the rear end of the base end pipe 125 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is fitted into the recessed fitting groove 234 in the front support portion 233 of the collection device 200.

[0130] When the dust container 160 is connected to the outer cylinder portion 231, the pressing piece 169 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is pushed upward by the pressing part 275 provided inside the outer cylinder portion 231. As a result, the pressing piece 169 is displaced upward while compressing the coil spring 168, and separates from the protruding pieces 166 and 167 of the lid 121. In this state, the lid 121 is held in the closed position by the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic holding part 153.

[0131] When the rear end of the base tube 125 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is fitted into the fitting groove 234 of the recovery device 200, the output terminals 222 and 223 provided on the recovery device 200 come into contact with the input terminals 122 and 123 provided on the vacuum cleaner 100. As a result, the power transmitted from the external power source to the recovery device 200 via the power cable 224 is supplied to the storage battery 117 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In other words, charging of the storage battery 117 begins.

[0132] In response to changes in voltage, current, or resistance associated with the start of charging of the battery 117, the dust collection source 250 of the recovery device 200 is activated. At this time, the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250 acts downward on the lid 121 of the dust storage container 160 of the vacuum cleaner 100 through the dust collection section 240 and the recovery duct 230. For a while after the activation of the dust collection source 250, the lid 121 is held in the closed position by the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic holding section 153 of the vacuum cleaner 100. During this time, the vacuum level in the recovery duct 230, and consequently the downward force acting on the lid 121, gradually increases.

[0133] When a downward force acting on the lid 121 exceeds the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic holding part 153, the lid 121 rotates downward, and the dust outlet 124 of the dust storage container 160 opens. As a result, the dust stored in the dust storage chamber 152, which is the internal space of the dust storage container 160, is exposed to the increased negative pressure in the recovery duct 230 and can be sucked out of the dust storage chamber 152 in one go.

[0134] After a predetermined recovery period has elapsed since the start of the dust collection source 250, the dust collection source 250 is stopped. Subsequently, the sterilization supply unit 270 is started, and a sterilizing airflow is supplied through the recovery duct 230 to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust containment unit 240 of the recovery device 200. The sterilizing components contained in this sterilizing airflow sterilize the dust remaining in the dust storage chamber 152 and the dust collected in the dust containment unit 240.

[0135] After this sterilization process, when the user removes the vacuum cleaner 100 from the collection device 200, the pressing piece 169 of the biasing part 156 of the vacuum cleaner 100 separates from the pressing part 275 of the collection device 200. As a result, the pressing piece 169 is pushed downward by the coil spring 168 and displaced downward, pressing the protruding pieces 166, 167 of the lid 121. When these protruding pieces 166, 167 are pushed down by the pressing piece 169, the closing plate portion 165 of the lid 121 rotates upward around the pivot axis portion 157 and reaches the closed position that closes the dust discharge port 124. Therefore, even without the user operating the lid 121, the lid 121 can automatically close the dust discharge port 124 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is separated from the collection device 200.

[0136] The above-described control over the dust collection source 250 and the sterilization supply unit 270 is the same as the control described in the first embodiment. However, modifications or improvements may be made to the cleaning tool set 101 to enable the control described in the second to sixth embodiments.

[0137] (Ninth Embodiment) In the cleaning tool set 101 of the first to eighth embodiments, ions are used as the sterilizing component. Alternatively, a mist with sterilizing properties may be used as the sterilizing component. In this case, the sterilizing supply unit 270 may be configured as shown in Figure 39.

[0138] The sterilization supply unit 270 shown in Figure 39 includes a liquid storage unit 291 that stores a sterilizing solution having sterilizing properties, a spray nozzle 292 that atomizes the sterilizing solution, and a liquid supply pipe 293 connected to the liquid storage unit 291 and the spray nozzle 292. A pump 294 is provided on the liquid supply pipe 293 to draw the sterilizing solution from the liquid storage unit 291 and discharge it to the spray nozzle 292. The liquid storage unit 291, spray nozzle 292, liquid supply pipe 293, and pump 294 are used in place of the discharge electrode 283, counter electrode 284, and voltage application unit 285 of the sterilization supply unit 270 shown in Figure 5. The configuration of the other parts of the sterilization supply unit 270 shown in Figure 35 is the same as that of the sterilization supply unit 270 shown in Figure 5.

[0139] The spray nozzle 292 is positioned to spray a mist of disinfectant solution toward the outlet 273 of the supply duct 272. When the pump 294 is operated, the mist of disinfectant solution is released from the spray nozzle 292 through the outlet 273 into the supply duct 272. At this time, when the airflow generation unit 274 is operated, an airflow toward the outlet formed in the recovery duct 230 is generated in the supply duct 272, and the mist of disinfectant solution is released into this airflow, thereby generating a disinfectant airflow. Subsequently, this disinfectant airflow is supplied through the recovery duct 230 to the dust storage chamber 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the dust collection section 240 of the recovery device 200.

[0140] (Effects, etc.) The cleaning tool set according to the above embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0141] A cleaning tool set according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates a suction force to suck up dust, and a dust storage chamber that stores the dust sucked up by the suction force of the suction source, and a recovery device that collects dust from the dust storage chamber while the vacuum cleaner is connected. The recovery device includes a dust collection source that generates a suction force to suck up dust from the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device, a dust storage section that stores the dust sucked out of the dust storage chamber by the dust collection source, a recovery duct that extends from the dust storage section to communicate with the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device, a sterilization supply section that sends a sterilizing airflow containing sterilizing components into the recovery duct, and a control unit that controls the dust collection source and the sterilization supply section. The control unit operates the sterilization supply section while keeping the dust collection source stopped, thereby supplying sterilizing components through the recovery duct to the dust storage section of the recovery device and the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device.

[0142] In the configuration described above, when a user performs cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, dust is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source and stored in the dust collection chamber. To remove the dust from the dust collection chamber, the user can connect the vacuum cleaner to the collection device. In this state, the dust collection section of the collection device communicates with the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner through the collection duct. When the dust suction source of the collection device is activated, the suction force of the dust suction source causes the dust to flow from the dust collection chamber to the dust collection section through the collection duct and is collected in the dust collection section.

[0143] If the sterilization supply unit operates while the dust collection source is running, the sterilizing airflow will be obstructed by the dust collection force of the dust collection source and will not flow into the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber. Therefore, in the above configuration, the sterilization supply unit operates when the dust collection source is stopped. In this case, the sterilizing airflow can flow not only into the dust collection unit of the recovery device but also into the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber. As a result, sterilization treatment can be performed on the dust in both the dust collection unit and the dust storage chamber.

[0144] In the above configuration, the sterilization supply unit may be configured to send a sterilization airflow containing ions as a sterilizing component or a sterilization airflow containing a mist having sterilizing ability to the recovery duct.

[0145] In the above configuration, bacteria in the dust collection section of the collection device and the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner are reduced by ions or a bactericidal mist.

[0146] In the above configuration, the dust collection section of the collection device may have a larger volume than the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner. The control unit may supply sterilizing components to the dust collection section through the collection duct by operating the sterilization supply section while the dust collection source is operating.

[0147] In the above configuration, the dust collection section of the collection device has a larger volume than the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner, so a relatively large amount of dust can be collected in the dust collection section, and more sterilizing components are required for sterilization treatment of this dust. In order to increase the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust collection section, the sterilization supply section operates not only when the dust collection source is stopped, but also when the dust collection source is operating. The sterilizing airflow sent out by the sterilization supply section while the dust collection source is operating flows into the dust collection section due to the dust collection force of the dust collection source. As a result, the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust collection section increases.

[0148] In the above configuration, the control unit may control the sterilization supply unit so that the amount of sterilization components sent to the recovery duct when the dust collection source is operating is greater than the amount of sterilization components sent to the recovery duct when the dust collection source is stopped.

[0149] In the above configuration, the amount of sterilizing components delivered while the dust collection source is operating is greater than the amount of sterilizing components delivered while the dust collection source is stopped, which can increase the sterilizing ability against dust in the dust containment section.

[0150] In the above configuration, the control unit is configured to start the sterilization supply unit while the dust collection source is operating and to continue operating the sterilization supply unit after the dust collection source has stopped. The control unit may also be controlled such that the amount of sterilizing components supplied by the sterilization supply unit when the dust collection source is stopped is less than the amount of sterilizing components supplied by the sterilization supply unit when the dust collection source and the sterilization supply unit are operating in sync.

[0151] In the above configuration, when the dust collection source is activated, the dust in the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber is transferred to the dust collection section of the recovery device by the dust collection force of the dust collection source. Therefore, the amount of dust remaining in the dust storage chamber after the dust collection source is stopped will be less than the amount of dust in the dust collection section of the recovery device. Consequently, even if the amount of sterilizing components supplied by the sterilization supply unit is relatively small when the dust collection source is stopped, sterilization treatment can be performed on the dust remaining in the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber.

[0152] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a lid that is displaceable between an open position that opens the dust storage chamber to the outside and a closed position that closes the dust storage chamber. The collection device may have a lid operating part that presses the lid when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device, causing the lid to displace from the closed position to the open position. The lid may be held in the open position by the lid operating part when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device.

[0153] In the configuration described above, the user can close the dust storage chamber using the lid. In this state, even if the user performs cleaning work with a vacuum cleaner, dust will not leak out of the dust storage chamber. After this cleaning work, when the user connects the vacuum cleaner to the collection device, the lid of the vacuum cleaner can be pushed by the lid operating part of the collection device and displaced to the open position. As a result, the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner can communicate with the dust containment section of the collection device through the collection duct. Furthermore, the communication between the dust storage chamber and the dust containment section is maintained by the lid operating part. Therefore, if the sterilization supply unit sends a sterilizing airflow into the collection duct while the dust collection source is stopped, a portion of this sterilizing airflow may flow into the dust containment section of the collection device, and the remaining sterilizing airflow may flow into the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner. The dust in the dust containment section can be sterilized by the sterilizing components contained in the sterilizing airflow that flows into the dust containment section of the collection device. Similarly, the dust in the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner can be sterilized by the sterilizing components contained in the sterilizing airflow that flows into this chamber.

[0154] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a lid that is displaceable between an open position that opens the dust storage chamber to the outside and a closed position that closes the dust storage chamber, and a magnetic holding part that generates a magnetic attraction force to hold the lid in the closed position. The magnetic holding part may be configured to allow the lid to be displaced to the open position on the condition that the force acting on the lid due to the negative pressure generated in the recovery duct when the dust collection source is activated while the lid of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device is in the closed position becomes greater than the attraction force of the magnetic holding part.

[0155] In the configuration described above, the user can connect a vacuum cleaner to the collection device with the dust collection chamber closed by the lid. When the user operates the dust collection source in this state, the vacuum level in the collection duct gradually increases. The lid can maintain a closed position over the dust outlet until the force acting on the lid due to the negative pressure in the collection duct becomes greater than the attractive force of the magnetic holder. However, once the force acting on the lid due to the negative pressure in the collection duct becomes greater than the attractive force of the magnetic holder, the lid can be displaced to an open position that opens the dust collection chamber to the outside. As a result, the dust in the dust collection chamber is exposed to the increased negative pressure in the flow path of the collection duct and can be discharged into the collection duct all at once.

[0156] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a biasing part that biases the lid to the closed position.

[0157] In the configuration described above, when the user separates the vacuum cleaner from the retrieval device, the vacuum cleaner's lid can be automatically displaced to the closed position by the biasing mechanism.

[0158] In the above configuration, the control unit may be configured to operate the sterilization supply unit at time intervals while maintaining the dust collection source in a stopped state.

[0159] In the above configuration, the sterilizing component is supplied to the dust collection section of the collection device and the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner at time intervals, thereby suppressing the growth of bacteria over time.

[0160] In the above configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include an environmental detection unit that detects the temperature or humidity of the room in which the collection device is placed. The control unit may control the sterilization supply unit so that the time interval is shortened when the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

[0161] If the temperature or humidity of the room where the collection device is located is high, bacteria are likely to multiply in the dust collection section of the collection device and in the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the collection device. In the above configuration, under such conditions, the time interval for supplying the sterilizing component to the dust collection section and dust storage chamber is shortened, so the number of bacteria in the dust collection section and dust storage chamber will not become excessively large.

[0162] In the above configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include an odor detection unit for detecting the intensity of odors in the dust collection section or dust storage chamber. The control unit may shorten the time interval if the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

[0163] The stronger the odor in the dust collection section of the collection device or the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner, the more bacteria are likely to be present in that section. In the above configuration, when the odor intensity in the dust collection section or dust storage chamber exceeds a predetermined value, the time interval for supplying the sterilizing component to the collection duct, and consequently the time interval for supplying the sterilizing component to the dust collection section or dust storage chamber, is shortened. Therefore, the amount of bacteria in the dust collection section or dust storage chamber will not become excessively high.

[0164] In the above configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include an environmental detection unit that detects the temperature or humidity of the room in which the recovery device is placed. The control unit may control the sterilization supply unit so that the amount of sterilizing components sent to the recovery duct increases when the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

[0165] In the above configuration, in environments where bacteria are likely to proliferate, more sterilizing components are supplied through the recovery duct to the dust collection section of the recovery device and the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device. As a result, the growth of bacteria in the dust collection section and dust storage chamber is further suppressed.

[0166] In the above configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include an odor detection unit for detecting the intensity of odors in the dust collection unit or dust storage chamber. The control unit may control the sterilization supply unit so that the amount of sterilizing components sent to the recovery duct increases when the intensity of odor detected by the odor detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

[0167] In the above configuration, when the odor intensity in the dust collection section of the recovery device or the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner exceeds a predetermined value, the amount of sterilizing agent supplied to the recovery duct, and consequently to the dust collection section or dust storage chamber, increases. Therefore, the amount of bacteria in the dust collection section or dust storage chamber does not become excessively high.

[0168] In the above configuration, the recovery device may have a dust detection unit that detects the amount of dust in the dust containment section. The dust collection source may be configured to draw out air from the dust containment section. If the dust detection unit detects an amount of dust exceeding a predetermined amount after the dust collection source has been stopped, the control unit may control the sterilization supply unit so that more sterilization components are released into the recovery duct than when the dust detection unit detects an amount of dust less than or equal to a predetermined amount after the dust collection source has been stopped.

[0169] In the above configuration, dust in the dust containment section may obstruct the dust collection source from drawing air out of the dust containment section. Therefore, the more dust there is in the dust containment section, the weaker the suction force acting on the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber may become. In this case, after the dust is transferred from the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber to the dust containment section of the recovery device by the suction force of the dust collection source, the amount of dust remaining in the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber, and consequently the amount of bacteria present in the dust storage chamber, may increase. Therefore, if the dust detection section detects an amount of dust exceeding a predetermined amount, more sterilizing components will be released into the recovery duct than if less than the predetermined amount of dust is detected. These sterilizing components will flow into the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber through the recovery duct, potentially eliminating bacteria in the dust storage chamber. On the other hand, if the dust detection section detects an amount of dust below the predetermined amount, less sterilizing components will be released into the recovery duct, thus reducing the power required to generate the sterilizing components or the consumption of the sterilizing components themselves.

[0170] In the above configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include a connection detection unit for detecting the connection of a vacuum cleaner to the collection device. The collection device may have an operating unit that is operated to instruct the activation of the dust collection source. The control unit may operate the dust collection source for a predetermined collection period, provided that the operation of the operating unit instructs the activation of the dust collection source and the connection of the vacuum cleaner to the collection device is detected by the connection detection unit, and may also operate the sterilization supply unit for at least a portion of the collection period.

[0171] In the configuration described above, if the user wishes to collect dust from the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber to the dust collection section of the collection device, they simply need to connect the vacuum cleaner to the collection device and then operate the control unit. In this case, the dust collection source operates only for a predetermined collection period, and the dust is transferred from the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber to the dust collection section of the collection device by the dust collection source's suction force. During at least a portion of this collection period, the sterilization supply unit operates, and the sterilizing airflow sent by the sterilization supply unit to the collection duct flows into the dust collection section by the dust collection source's suction force. The sterilizing components contained in this sterilizing airflow then sterilize the dust in the dust collection section.

[0172] During times or in environments where the operating noise of the dust collection source is undesirable, the user simply needs to refrain from operating the control panel. In this case, the dust collection source will not operate, and the generation of operating noise from the dust collection source will be prevented.

[0173] In the above configuration, the control unit may, when the dust collection source is activated, control the sterilization supply unit so that a sterilization airflow is sent to the recovery duct for a predetermined supply period after the recovery period has elapsed.

[0174] In the above configuration, a germicidal airflow is sent to the recovery duct during a predetermined supply period after the recovery period has elapsed, so that the dust remaining in the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber is sterilized during this supply period.

[0175] In the above configuration, the control unit may activate the sterilization supply unit on the condition that no operation is performed on the operation unit during a predetermined acceptance period after the connection of the vacuum cleaner to the collection device is detected by the connection detection unit, and may also control the sterilization supply unit so that more sterilizing components are supplied to the dust storage chamber than are supplied to the dust storage chamber during the supply period.

[0176] In the configuration described above, if no operation is performed on the control unit, the dust collection source does not activate, and a large amount of dust remains in the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber. The control unit controls the sterilization supply unit so that sterilization is performed on the large amount of dust remaining in the dust storage chamber. As a result of this control, if no operation is performed on the control unit, more sterilizing components are sent to the recovery duct than would be supplied to the dust storage chamber if the dust collection source were activated (i.e., more sterilizing components supplied to the dust storage chamber during the supply period). These sterilizing components are then supplied to the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber through the recovery duct.

[0177] In the above configuration, the control unit may be configured to activate the sterilization supply unit on the condition that no operation is performed on the operation unit during a predetermined acceptance period after the connection of the vacuum cleaner to the collection device is detected by the connection detection unit.

[0178] In the above configuration, even if the user does not operate the control unit and the dust collection source remains stopped, the sterilization supply unit will send out a germicidal airflow after the reception period has elapsed. Therefore, even if the dust collection source is not operating, sterilization treatment can be performed on the dust in the vacuum cleaner's dust collection chamber.

[0179] In the above configuration, the sterilization supply unit may be configured to direct the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct at a position closer to the dust collection unit than to the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device.

[0180] In the above configuration, the sterilization supply unit directs the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct at a position closer to the dust containment section than to the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device. Therefore, the amount of sterilizing components flowing into the dust storage chamber may be greater than the amount flowing into the dust containment section. As a result, sterilization of the dust in the dust storage chamber can be accelerated.

[0181] In the above configuration, the sterilization supply unit may be configured to direct the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct at a position closer to the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device than to the dust collection unit.

[0182] In the above configuration, the sterilization supply unit directs the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct at a position closer to the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device than to the dust containment unit. Therefore, the amount of sterilizing components flowing into the dust containment unit may be greater than the amount flowing into the dust storage chamber. As a result, sterilization of the dust in the dust containment unit can be accelerated.

[0183] In the above configuration, the sterilization supply unit may be configured to direct the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct in a direction such that the sterilization airflow flowing toward the dust collection unit is stronger than the sterilization airflow flowing toward the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device.

[0184] In the configuration described above, when the sterilization supply unit directs the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct, this sterilization airflow splits into a sterilization airflow that flows toward the dust containment unit and a sterilization airflow that flows toward the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device. Since the sterilization airflow that flows toward the dust containment unit is stronger than the sterilization airflow that flows toward the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner, the amount of sterilizing components supplied to the dust containment unit can be relatively large.

[0185] In the above configuration, the sterilization supply unit may be configured to direct the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct in a direction such that the sterilization airflow flowing toward the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device is stronger than the sterilization airflow flowing toward the dust collection unit.

[0186] In the configuration described above, the germicidal airflow directed towards the vacuum cleaner's dust storage chamber is stronger than the germicidal airflow directed towards the dust collection section, so the amount of germicidal components supplied to the dust collection section can be relatively large. [Industrial applicability]

[0187] The cleaning tool set of the above embodiment is suitably used in equipment used for cleaning work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 100·········vacuum cleaner 101···········Cleaning tool set 116...Suction source 121··········Lid 152···························dust storage room 153···········Magnetic holding part 156············Enhancing part 200·········· Recovery device 201···········Environment detection unit 202···········Odor detection unit 203···········Dust detection unit 211......Operation section 217 · · · · · · · Lid operation part 219 · · · · · · Dust absorption source 226···········Connection detection unit 230···········Collection duct 240···········Dust containment section 250...Dust absorption source 266···········Connection detection unit 267· 270... Sterilization supply section

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, and a dust storage chamber that stores the dust sucked up by the suction force of the suction source, The system includes a collection device for collecting dust from the dust storage chamber while the vacuum cleaner is connected, The aforementioned recovery device is A dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the collection device, A dust collection section for collecting dust sucked out from the dust storage chamber by the dust collection source, A collection duct extending from the dust collection section so as to communicate with the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the collection device, The aforementioned recovery duct includes a sterilization supply unit that sends a sterilizing airflow containing a sterilizing component, It has a control unit that controls the dust collection source and the sterilization supply unit, A cleaning tool set wherein the control unit operates the sterilization supply unit while maintaining the stopped state of the dust collection source, thereby supplying sterilizing components through the recovery duct to the dust collection unit of the recovery device and the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device.

2. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization supply unit is configured to send a sterilization airflow containing ions as a sterilizing component or a sterilization airflow containing a mist having sterilizing ability to the recovery duct.

3. The dust collection section of the aforementioned collection device has a larger volume than the dust storage chamber of the aforementioned vacuum cleaner. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the sterilization supply unit while the dust collection source is operating, thereby supplying a sterilizing component to the dust collection unit through the recovery duct.

4. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the sterilization supply unit such that the amount of sterilization component sent to the recovery duct when the dust collection source is operating is greater than the amount of sterilization component sent to the recovery duct when the dust collection source is stopped.

5. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to start the sterilization supply unit while the dust collection source is operating, and to continue operating the sterilization supply unit after the dust collection source has stopped, and controls the sterilization supply unit so that the amount of sterilizing components supplied by the sterilization supply unit when the dust collection source is stopped is less than the amount of sterilizing components supplied by the sterilization supply unit when the dust collection source and the sterilization supply unit are operating in synchronously.

6. The vacuum cleaner has a lid that is configured to be displaceable between an open position that opens the dust storage chamber to the outside and a closed position that closes the dust storage chamber. The recovery device has a lid operating section that presses the lid when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the recovery device, causing the lid to be displaced from the closed position to the open position. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the lid is held in the open position by the lid operating unit when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the collection device.

7. The vacuum cleaner mentioned above, A lid configured to be displaceable between an open position that opens the dust storage chamber to the outside and a closed position that closes the dust storage chamber, It has a magnetic holding part that generates a magnetic attraction force to hold the lid in the closed position, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic holding part is configured to allow the lid to be displaced to the open position, provided that the force acting on the lid due to the negative pressure generated in the collection duct when the dust collection source is activated while the lid of the vacuum cleaner connected to the collection device is in the closed position becomes greater than the attractive force of the magnetic holding part.

8. The cleaning tool set according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a biasing part that biases the lid to the closed position.

9. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the sterilization supply unit at time intervals while maintaining the stopped state of the dust collection source.

10. The recovery device further comprises an environmental detection unit that detects the temperature or humidity of the room in which it is placed. The cleaning tool set according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls the sterilization supply unit so that the time interval is shortened when the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

11. The system further comprises an odor detection unit for detecting the intensity of odors in the dust containment unit or the dust storage chamber, The cleaning tool set according to claim 9, wherein the control unit shortens the time interval on the condition that the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

12. The recovery device further comprises an environmental detection unit that detects the temperature or humidity of the room in which it is placed. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the sterilization supply unit so that the amount of sterilizing components sent to the recovery duct increases when the temperature or humidity detected by the environmental detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

13. The system further comprises an odor detection unit for detecting the intensity of odors in the dust containment unit or the dust storage chamber, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the sterilization supply unit so that the amount of sterilizing components sent to the recovery duct increases, provided that the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

14. The collection device has a dust detection unit that detects the amount of dust in the dust containment unit, The dust collection source is configured to draw out the air from within the dust collection section. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the sterilization supply unit so that if the dust detection unit detects an amount of dust exceeding a predetermined amount after the dust collection source is stopped, more sterilizing components are released into the recovery duct than if the dust detection unit detects less than or equal to the predetermined amount of dust after the dust collection source is stopped.

15. The system further includes a connection detection unit for detecting the connection of the vacuum cleaner to the collection device, The recovery device has an operating unit that is operated to instruct the activation of the dust collection source. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the dust collection source for a predetermined collection period and operates the sterilization supply unit for at least a portion of the collection period, provided that the operation of the control unit instructs the operation of the operation unit to start the dust collection source and the connection of the vacuum cleaner to the collection device is detected by the connection detection unit.

16. The cleaning tool set according to claim 15, wherein the control unit controls the sterilization supply unit so that, when the dust collection source is activated, a sterilization airflow is sent to the recovery duct during a predetermined supply period after the recovery period has elapsed.

17. The cleaning tool set according to claim 16, wherein the control unit activates the sterilization supply unit on the condition that no operation is performed on the operation unit during a predetermined acceptance period after the connection of the vacuum cleaner to the collection device is detected by the connection detection unit, and controls the sterilization supply unit so that more sterilizing components are supplied to the dust storage chamber than are supplied to the dust storage chamber during the supply period.

18. The cleaning tool set according to claim 15, wherein the control unit is configured to activate the sterilization supply unit on the condition that no operation is performed on the operation unit during a predetermined acceptance period after the connection of the vacuum cleaner to the collection device is detected by the connection detection unit.

19. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization supply unit is configured to direct a sterilizing airflow into the recovery duct at a position closer to the dust collection unit than the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device.

20. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization supply unit is configured to direct a sterilizing airflow into the recovery duct at a position closer to the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device than the dust collection unit.

21. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization supply unit is configured to direct the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct in a direction such that the sterilization airflow flowing toward the dust collection unit is stronger than the sterilization airflow flowing toward the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device.

22. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization supply unit is configured to direct the sterilization airflow into the recovery duct in a direction such that the sterilization airflow flowing toward the dust storage chamber of the vacuum cleaner connected to the recovery device is stronger than the sterilization airflow flowing toward the dust collection unit.

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