Cleaning tool set

Abstract

To provide a cleaning tool set capable of transmitting a command related to operation of a charging station from a vacuum cleaner to the charging station without using a transmitter and a receiver.SOLUTION: A cleaning tool set includes: a vacuum cleaner; and a charging station to which the vacuum cleaner is connected. When a first circuit part of the vacuum cleaner is connected to a second circuit part of the charging station, a charging circuit for charging a battery of the vacuum cleaner is formed. When an operation part of the vacuum cleaner for giving a command related to the operation of the charging station is operated, a resistance value of the charging circuit varies in a prescribed increase / decrease pattern. In this case, the resistance value of the charging circuit varies in a variation pattern corresponding to the increase / decrease pattern. The charging station can grasp whether or not the operation part of the vacuum cleaner has been operated, by detecting the variation of the resistance value of the charging circuit on the side of the charging station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool set having a vacuum cleaner and a charging station configured to be able to charge the vacuum cleaner.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tool set having a self-propelled vacuum cleaner and a charging station configured to charge the vacuum cleaner while being connected to the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner incorporates a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust and a dust storage unit that stores the sucked dust. The charging station incorporates a dust suction source that sucks the dust in the dust storage unit of the vacuum cleaner and recovers the dust from the dust storage unit to the charging station.

[0003] The greater the dust suction force for sucking the dust in the dust storage unit, the greater the operating noise of the dust suction source. Such a large operating noise is not desirable, for example, during late-night hours. The cleaning tool set of Patent Document 1 is configured such that the output level of the dust suction source can be adjusted according to the intention of the user.

[0004] That is, the vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 has an operation unit that is operated to specify the output level of the dust suction source and a transmitter that transmits a wireless signal representing the output level specified by the operation on the operation unit to the charging station. The charging station is provided with a receiver that receives the wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter of the vacuum cleaner, and the dust suction source operates at the output level specified by the wireless signal received by the receiver.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As described in Patent Document 1, if a transmitter is provided in the vacuum cleaner and a receiver in the charging station to enable the transmission of operation commands between the vacuum cleaner and the charging station, the manufacturing cost of the cleaning tool set increases due to the presence of the transmitter and receiver.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a cleaning tool set that can transmit commands regarding the operation of the charging station from a vacuum cleaner to a charging station without using a transmitter and receiver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cleaning tool set in this disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, a battery that stores power to drive the suction source, and a first circuit unit that constitutes part of a charging circuit for charging the battery; a connection part to which the vacuum cleaner is connected; a second circuit unit that, when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection part, connects to the first circuit unit and together with the first circuit unit to constitute a charging circuit; and an operating unit configured to perform a predetermined operation. The vacuum cleaner has an operating unit that is operated to give operation instructions to the charging station regarding the operation of the operating unit, and a resistance switching unit that changes the resistance value of the charging circuit in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern in response to the operation of the operating unit when the operating unit is operated while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection part. The charging station has a detection unit that detects whether the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuation pattern corresponding to a predetermined increase / decrease pattern while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection part, and an operation control unit that operates the operating unit according to an operation instruction, provided that the detection unit has detected that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuation pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The cleaning tool set described above can transmit commands for the operation of the charging station from the vacuum cleaner to the charging station without using a transmitter and receiver. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner (first embodiment) [Figure 2] Front view of a vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner and charging station [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the dust collection section of a vacuum cleaner. [Figure 5] Front view of the charging station [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and charging station from above. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the dust collection section of a vacuum cleaner. [Figure 8] Electrical configuration diagram of the cleaning tool set [Figure 9] A timing chart showing the relationship between the opening and closing patterns of the vacuum cleaner's switch when the user operates the vacuum cleaner's control panel, the current value fluctuation patterns pre-stored by the charging station's judgment unit, and the current value fluctuation patterns detected by the ammeter. [Figure 10] A timing chart showing the relationship between the on / off pattern of the vacuum cleaner's switch when the user is not operating the vacuum cleaner's control panel, the current value fluctuation pattern pre-stored by the charging station's judgment unit, and the current value fluctuation pattern detected by the ammeter. [Figure 11] Flowchart of the cleaning tool set operation [Figure 12] Flowchart of the cleaning tool set operation [Figure 13] Front view of a vacuum cleaner having an operating unit for stopping or starting, and an operating unit for delaying. [Figure 14] A timing chart comparing the switch opening / closing patterns when operating the stop or operation instruction control unit and the switch opening / closing patterns when operating the delay instruction control unit. [Figure 15] Electrical configuration diagram of the cleaning tool set (second embodiment) [Figure 16]Timing chart showing the relationship of the variation pattern of the current value detected by the ammeter when the user operates the operation unit for stop instruction or operation instruction [Figure 17] Timing chart showing the relationship of the variation pattern of the current value detected by the ammeter when the user is not operating the operation unit for stop instruction or operation instruction [Figure 18] Electrical configuration diagram of the cleaning tool set (Third Embodiment)

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cleaning tool set will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, for the convenience of those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0012] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stick-type cleaner 100. FIG. 2 is a front view of the cleaner 100. The cleaner 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0013] (Overall structure of the cleaner) The cleaner 100 includes a suction nozzle 130 that sucks dust on the floor surface, a cleaner body 110 attached to the suction nozzle 130 so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction with respect to the suction nozzle 130, and a grip portion 140 extending upward from the upper end 112 of the cleaner body 110. The cleaner body 110 and the grip portion 140 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are in a posture upright with respect to the suction nozzle 130 and do not tilt forward from this upright posture. When the cleaner 100 is in use, the cleaner body 110 and the grip portion 140 are held by the user in a posture tilted backward with respect to the suction nozzle 130.

[0014] The suction nozzle 130 is equipped with a nozzle case 132 that is wider than the vacuum cleaner body 110 to form a wide suction space 131 for sucking up dust. The suction space 131 opens toward the floor at the front portion of the nozzle case 132. Behind this opening, the suction space 131 is closed by the bottom 134 of the nozzle case 132. A rotating scraping brush 133 is positioned in the suction space 131, and the scraping brush 133 is exposed from the nozzle case 132 so as to be able to contact the floor through the opening of the suction space 131.

[0015] The vacuum cleaner body 110 has a vertically elongated cylindrical housing 111. Inside the housing 111 are a suction source 116 that generates suction force to suck dust from the floor surface, a filter section 115 that captures the dust sucked in by the suction source 116, and a suction pipe 113 that forms a flow path for the dust. The upper part of the housing 111 tapers towards the upper end 112, and a gripping section 140 extends upward from the upper end 112.

[0016] The gripping section 140 is a rod-shaped part with a thickness that allows it to be gripped by the user. As shown in Figure 2, the gripping section 140 is provided with operating sections 141 and 142 that are operated by the user. The user can activate or deactivate the suction source 116 by operating the operating section 141. The user can also give instructions to the charging station 200 regarding the operation of the charging station 200 as shown in Figure 3 by operating the operating section 142. The charging station 200 and the vacuum cleaner 100 constitute a cleaning tool set 500.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the suction pipe 113 extends vertically inside the lower part of the housing 111. A filter section 115 is located above the suction pipe 113, and the space between the upper end of the suction pipe 113 and the filter section 115 is used as a dust storage section 152 where dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 116 is stored. The filter section 115 is configured to capture dust while allowing air to pass through. To prevent dust in the dust storage section 152 from falling into the suction pipe 113 when the suction source 116 is stopped, a check valve 114 is attached to the upper end of the suction pipe 113. The check valve 114 is configured to rotate up and down by the suction force of the suction source 116, and when the suction source 116 is operating, it is displaced to an open position that connects the dust storage section 152 and the flow path of the suction pipe 113, and when the suction source 116 is stopped, it closes the upper end of the suction pipe 113.

[0018] The space above the dust collection section 152 is used to house the suction source 116, the battery 117 that stores power to drive the suction source 116, and the circuit board 170 configured to transmit power from the battery 117 to the suction source 116. The suction source 116 is configured to operate using power transmitted from the battery 117 through the circuit board 170 in response to operation on the operating section 141, generating a suction force to suck up dust from the floor surface and creating an upward suction airflow.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, the dust collection section 152 opens into the front wall of the housing 111. In the following description, the opening of the dust collection section 152 will be referred to as the "dust discharge port 124". A cover 121 that closes the dust discharge port 124 is attached to the front wall of the housing 111 so as to be rotatable vertically. The cover 121 shown in Figure 1 closes the dust discharge port 124, but by rotating it downwards, the dust discharge port 124 can be opened as shown in Figure 4.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, a pair of electrical contacts 171 and 172 are mounted on the front wall of the housing 111 on the upper side of the cover 121. These electrical contacts 171 and 172 are provided for charging the battery 117 and are electrically connected to the circuit board 170.

[0021] (Overall structure of the charging station) The charging station 200 shown in Figure 3 is used to store the vacuum cleaner 100 when it is not in use. During this storage period, the battery 117 of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be charged by the charging station 200. In addition, dust in the dust collection section 152 can be collected by the charging station 200. The charging station 200 is configured to provide these functions.

[0022] The charging station 200 has a base plate 220 installed on the floor, and the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the rear part of the base plate 220. The housing 210 is also installed on the front part of the base plate 220.

[0023] The housing 210 is roughly rectangular in shape, and the rear wall 214 of the housing 210 is configured to allow connection of the vacuum cleaner 100. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the rear wall 214 is provided with a connecting portion 215 that extends in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 6, the connecting portion 215 is recessed forward relative to the rear wall 214 and has a shape complementary to the front portion of the housing 111 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 210 contains a dust collection source 250 (operating unit) that generates suction force to suck up dust from the dust collection section 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100, and a collection container 240 that stores the dust sucked up by the suction force of the dust collection source 250. A dust duct 230 extends rearward from the collection container 240, forming a flow path for the dust sucked up by the suction force of the dust collection source 250. As shown in Figure 5, the dust duct 230 opens within the connection section 215 of the rear wall 214. This opening will be referred to as the "collection port 216" in the following description.

[0025] As shown in Figure 7, the collection port 216 is formed at a height opposite to the lid 121. The collection port 216 is sized to allow the lid 121 to enter the dust duct 230 when the lid 121 is rotated downward. When the lid 121 is rotated downward while the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the connection part 215 of the charging station 200, the flow path of the dust duct 230 communicates with the dust collection part 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0026] A dust filter 247 is attached to the bottom wall of the collection container 240, as shown in Figure 6, and is configured to capture dust while allowing air to pass through. A dust collection source 250 is positioned below the collection container 240 to draw air from inside the collection container 240 through the dust collection filter 247. As the dust collection source 250 draws air from inside the collection container 240, the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250 acts on the lid 121 through the collection container 240 and the dust duct 230. The dust collection source 250 is configured to be large enough to cause the dust collection force to rotate the lid 121 downward.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, holes 221 and 222 are formed in the connection portion 215, and conductive contact pieces 283 and 284 are exposed through these holes 221 and 222. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the connection portion 215, the contact pieces 283 and 284 make contact with the electrical contacts 171 and 172 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Note that when the contact pieces 283 and 284 are not in contact with the electrical contacts 171 and 172, they are insulated from each other.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, the contact pieces 283 and 284 constitute the ends of the second circuit section 224 formed on the circuit board 290 located inside the housing 210 of the charging station 200. The circuit board 170 of the vacuum cleaner 100 has a first circuit section 185, and the electrical contacts 171 and 172 constitute the ends of the first circuit section 185. The first circuit section 185 forms part of the charging circuit 225, which forms a power supply path for charging the battery 117. The first circuit section 185 is equipped with a charging control unit 178 that controls the charging of the battery 117. The remaining part of the charging circuit 225 is composed of the second circuit section 224. The charging circuit 225 is formed when the contact pieces 283 and 284 contact the electrical contacts 171 and 172. The second circuit section 224 is equipped with a contact detection circuit 291 that detects whether or not the contact pieces 283 and 284 are in contact with the electrical contacts 171 and 172.

[0029] To supply power to the battery 117 through the charging circuit 225, a converter 233 connected to an external power supply 287 is connected to the second circuit section 224. The converter 233 is configured to output a DC voltage converted from the AC voltage of the external power supply 287 to the second circuit section 224, provided that the contact detection circuit 291 detects that the contact pieces 283 and 284 are in contact with the electrical contacts 171 and 172. Once power is output to the second circuit section 224 through the converter 233, this power is supplied to the battery 117 through the second circuit section 224 and the first circuit section 185.

[0030] The charging circuit 225 is used not only to charge the battery 117, but also to transmit operation instructions to the dust collection source 250 of the charging station 200 to the charging station 200 in response to operations on the operating unit 142 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In this embodiment, the dust collection source 250 operates when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the connection unit 215 of the charging station 200. However, the dust collection source 250 can remain in a stopped state due to operation instructions output by operating the operating unit 142.

[0031] The vacuum cleaner 100 is configured to output an operation instruction to maintain the stopped state of the dust collection source 250 when the operation unit 142 is operated while the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the connection part 215 of the charging station 200.

[0032] In other words, the vacuum cleaner 100 has a resistance switching unit 182 that changes the resistance value of the charging circuit 225 in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern by operating the operating unit 142. The resistance switching unit 182 has a switch 183 provided in the first circuit unit 185 and a switch operating unit 184 that opens and closes the switch 183 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern.

[0033] The switch operating unit 184 is configured to open and close the switch 183 in an opening / closing pattern, for example, as shown in Figure 9(a), when the operating unit 142 is operated. More specifically, the switch operating unit 184 is configured to detect when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200 based on changes in the current flowing through the charging circuit 225. Then, the switch operating unit 184, based on the operation of the operating unit 142, opens and closes the switch 183 in an opening / closing pattern, as shown in Figure 9(a), within a predetermined period from the time the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200. The charging control unit 178 is configured to supply power to the battery 178 after the period allocated for the opening and closing operation of the switch 183 has elapsed.

[0034] On the other hand, if the user does not operate the control unit 142, the switch operating unit 184 maintains the closed state of the switch 183, as shown in Figure 10(a). When the switch 183 is open, the resistance value of the charging circuit 225 becomes high enough that no current flows through the charging circuit 225. On the other hand, when the switch 183 is closed, the resistance value of the charging circuit 225 decreases, and current flows through the charging circuit 225.

[0035] A detection unit 228 is connected to the second circuit section 224 of the charging station 200 to detect whether or not the current value of the charging circuit 225 is changing. The detection unit 228 may include, for example, an ammeter 231 and a determination unit 232. The ammeter 231 is connected to the connection detection circuit 291 to detect the current value of the connection detection circuit 291 provided in the charging circuit 225. The determination unit 232 is configured to determine whether or not the switch operating section 184 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is opening and closing in a predetermined opening and closing pattern based on the change in the current value detected by the ammeter 231.

[0036] As shown in Figure 9(b), the determination unit 232 has pre-stored the expected current value fluctuation pattern when the switch operating unit 184 operates the switch 183 in the opening / closing pattern shown in Figure 9(a). When the switch operating unit 184 operates the switch 183 in the opening / closing pattern shown in Figure 9(a), the ammeter 231 detects the current value changing in the fluctuation pattern shown in Figure 9(c). As shown in Figures 9(b) and 9(c), the current value fluctuation pattern detected by the ammeter 231 includes a portion that substantially matches the fluctuation pattern stored in the determination unit 232. In this case, the determination unit 232 outputs a stop command instructing that the dust collection source 250 be kept in a stopped state.

[0037] On the other hand, if the switch operating unit 184 does not move the switch 183 as shown in Figure 10(a), the ammeter 231 detects a current value that changes in the fluctuation pattern shown in Figure 10(c). That is, after the contact detection circuit 291 detects that the contact pieces 283 and 284 are in contact with the electrical contacts 171 and 172, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 remains at a substantially constant magnitude. Therefore, the fluctuation pattern shown in Figure 10(c) does not include any portion that substantially matches the fluctuation pattern stored in the determination unit 232. In this case, the determination unit 232 outputs an operation command instructing the operation of the dust collection source 250.

[0038] An operation control unit 229 is mounted on the circuit board 290 of the charging station 200 to receive operation commands and stop commands from the determination unit 232. The operation control unit 229 is configured to operate the dust collection source 250 when it receives an operation command. On the other hand, when it receives a stop command, the operation control unit 229 maintains the stopped state of the dust collection source 250 or stops the dust collection source 250.

[0039] (Explanation of how to use a vacuum cleaner during cleaning) When the user operates the control unit 141 to activate the suction source 116, the suction source 116 generates an upward suction force. This suction force causes the check valve 114 to open the upper end of the suction pipe 113.

[0040] When the upper end of the suction pipe 113 is opened, the suction force of the suction source 116 generates a suction airflow that draws in dust through the suction space 131 of the suction nozzle 130. The suction airflow passes through the suction nozzle 130 and the suction pipe 113 and flows into the dust collection section 152. Dust on the floor surface is carried by the suction airflow into the dust collection section 152 and is captured by the filter section 115 located in the dust collection section 152. The dust captured by the filter section 115 is stored in the dust collection section 152.

[0041] Once the cleaning is complete, the user operates the control unit 141 to stop the suction source 116. As a result, the suction force of the suction source 116 is eliminated, and the check valve 114 closes the upper end of the suction pipe 113. Therefore, the dust captured by the filter unit 115 is retained in the dust collection unit 152 without falling into the suction pipe 113.

[0042] (Explanation of the charging station's operation) The charging station 200 operates as shown in Figure 11.

[0043] When the user is performing the cleaning operation described above using the vacuum cleaner 100, the ammeter 231 of the detection unit 228 is monitoring the current value of the charging circuit 225 (Step S110: No). At this time, the vacuum cleaner 100 is not connected to the charging station 200, and the second circuit unit 224 is not connected to the first circuit unit 185. Therefore, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 is zero, as shown in Figures 9(c) and 10(c).

[0044] When the user finishes cleaning and inserts the front part of the vacuum cleaner body 110 into the connection part 215 of the charging station 200, the electrical contacts 171 and 172 of the vacuum cleaner 100 come into contact with the contact pieces 283 and 284 of the charging station 200, and the charging circuit 225 is formed. At this time, as shown in Figures 9(c) and 10(c), the current value detected by the ammeter 231 increases (Step S110: Yes). Note that the switch 183 remains closed unless the user operates the control unit 142.

[0045] If the user wishes to collect dust from the dust collection section 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100, the user does not operate the control unit 142. In this case, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 maintains the high current value when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200, as shown in Figure 10(c) (Step S120: No). The determination unit 232 compares the fluctuation pattern stored in advance (Figure 10(b)) with the fluctuation pattern of the current value actually detected by the ammeter 231 (Figure 10(c)). As shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(c), these fluctuation patterns do not match. In this case, the determination unit 232 outputs an operation instruction (Step S130), and in response to this operation instruction, the operation control unit 229 activates the dust collection source 250. That is, the dust collection source 250 operates in response to the connection of the vacuum cleaner 100 to the connection section 215 of the charging station 200, unless the user operates the control unit 142.

[0046] When the dust collection source 250 is activated, the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250 acts on the lid 121 facing the collection port 216 through the collection container 240 and the dust duct 230. Receiving the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250, the lid 121 tilts downward from a closed position that closes the dust discharge port 124 to an open position that opens the dust discharge port 124, as shown in Figure 7.

[0047] When the cover 121 rotates downward, the dust outlet 124 opens, and the dust duct 230 comes into communication with the dust storage section 152. Therefore, the suction force of the dust collection source 250 acts on the dust storage section 152 through the collection container 240 and the dust duct 230. Due to this suction force, the dust in the dust storage section 152 flows into the collection container 240 through the dust duct 230. After the dust collection source 250 has operated for a predetermined time, the operation control unit 229 stops the dust collection source 250 (steps S140, S150).

[0048] When the dust collection source 250 is activated, the operating noise from the dust collection source 250 may be a problem. For example, during late-night hours or when children are sleeping, users may not want to hear the operating noise from the dust collection source 250. In such cases, the user can connect the vacuum cleaner 100 to the charging station 200 and then operate the control unit 142.

[0049] When the user operates the control unit 142, the switch operation unit 184 opens and closes the switch 183 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern (Figure 9(a)) (Step S120: Yes). In this case, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 changes according to the opening and closing operation of the switch 183, and the fluctuation pattern shown in Figure 9(c) is obtained. This fluctuation pattern matches the fluctuation pattern stored in the determination unit 232, as shown in Figures 9(b) and 9(c). At this time, the determination unit 232 outputs a stop instruction (Step S160). If a stop instruction is output from the detection unit 228, the operation control unit 229 does not operate the dust collection source 250 (Step S150).

[0050] The user may operate the control unit 142 while the dust collection source 250 is operating (step S140: No, step S120: Yes). In this case as well, the detection unit 228 outputs a stop command (step S160), and the operation control unit 229 stops the dust collection source 250 in response to the stop command (step S150).

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, the dust collection source 250 can be stopped by operating the control unit 142 provided on the vacuum cleaner 100. In other words, the user can stop the dust collection source 250 without operating the charging station 200.

[0052] The user's intention to stop the dust collection source 250 is transmitted to the charging station 200 via a charging circuit 225, which is composed of the first circuit section 185 of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the second circuit section 224 of the charging station 200. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a transmitter and receiver in the vacuum cleaner 100 and the charging station 200, and the structure of the vacuum cleaner 100 and the charging station 200 is simplified. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the cleaning tool set 500 is reduced.

[0053] The current value in the charging circuit 225 changes not only when the switch 183 is opened or closed, but also when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish the change in current value associated with the opening and closing operation of the switch 183 from the change in current value when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200. For this reason, the detection unit 228 decides whether or not to activate the dust collection source 250 based on the fluctuation pattern of the current value, rather than on a single change in the current value.

[0054] In the embodiment described above, the determination unit 232 determines whether or not to activate the dust collection source 250 based on the fluctuation pattern of the current value of the charging circuit 225. Alternatively, the determination unit 232 may calculate the resistance value of the charging circuit 225 from the current value detected by the ammeter 231. In this case, the determination unit 232 stores in advance the fluctuation pattern of the resistance value of the charging circuit 225 that is expected when the switch operation unit 184 opens and closes the switch 183 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern. The determination unit 232 then compares the calculated resistance value fluctuation pattern with the resistance value fluctuation pattern stored in advance and outputs a stop command if these fluctuation patterns match.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the current value fluctuation pattern of the charging circuit 225 that is expected when the switch operating unit 184 opens and closes the switch 183 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern is compared with the change in the current value actually detected by the ammeter 231. Alternatively, the determination unit 232 may convert the current value actually detected by the ammeter 231 into a voltage value and determine whether or not the switch operating unit 184 opened and closed the switch 183 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern based on the change in this voltage value.

[0056] In the embodiment described above, the current value of the charging circuit 225 is detected by the ammeter 231. Alternatively, a comparator may be used instead of the ammeter 231. This comparator may be configured to output a detection signal to the determination unit 232 when it detects a current value exceeding a predetermined magnitude. In this case, the determination unit 232 can determine whether the switch operating unit 184 is opening and closing the switch 183 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern based on the number of detection signals received from the comparator. For example, the determination unit 232 may output a stop command when the number of detection signals received from the comparator reaches a predetermined number within a predetermined time.

[0057] In the embodiment described above, the switch 183 remains closed unless the user operates the operating unit 142. Alternatively, the switch operating unit 184 may be configured to open and close the switch 183 with different opening and closing patterns depending on whether the user operates the operating unit 142 or not.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the user can operate the control unit 142 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to stop the dust collection source 250 of the charging station 200. Alternatively, the dust collection source 250 may be activated when the user operates the control unit 142.

[0059] In this case, as shown in Figure 12, the determination unit 232 outputs an operation command when the ammeter 231 detects a current value changing in a variation pattern that matches a variation pattern stored in advance (Step S120: Yes, Step S130). In response to this operation command, the operation control unit 229 operates the dust collection source 250 for a predetermined time (Step S140: No). Then, after the dust collection source 250 has been operating for the predetermined time (Step S140: Yes), the operation control unit 229 stops the dust collection source 250 (Step S150). In other words, when the control shown in Figure 12 is executed, the dust collection source 250 operates on the condition that the ammeter 231 detects a current value changing in a variation pattern that matches a current value variation pattern stored in the determination unit 232. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the operation unit 142, the current value changing in a variation pattern that matches a variation pattern stored in the determination unit 232 will not be detected (Step S120: No). Therefore, the determination unit 232 does not output an operation instruction, and the dust collection source 250 remains in a stopped state.

[0060] In the control shown in Figure 11, if the user forgets to operate the control unit 142 even though they do not want the dust collection source 250 to operate, the dust collection source 250 will emit an operating sound. On the other hand, in the control shown in Figure 12, the dust collection source 250 will not operate unless the user operates the control unit 142, thus preventing the dust collection source 250 from emitting an operating sound that the user did not intend.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the operation or stopping of the dust collection source 250 is determined by whether or not the operation unit 142 is operated. Alternatively, if the dust collection source 250 is configured to operate in two operating modes, the operation unit 142 may be provided for selecting one of these operating modes. For example, in the first operating mode, which is one of these operating modes, the dust collection source 250 may be configured to generate a relatively large dust collection force. In the second operating mode, which is the other of these operating modes, the dust collection source 250 may be configured to generate a relatively small dust collection force.

[0062] For example, the operating unit 142 may be configured to be operated when the dust collection source 250 is operated in the first operating mode. When the user operates the operating unit 142, the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit 225 changes in a variation pattern that matches a variation pattern pre-stored by the determination unit 232. At this time, the operation control unit 229 controls the dust collection source 250 so that it operates in the first operating mode. As a result, the dust collection source 250 generates a large suction force, although it makes a loud operating noise, and the dust in the dust collection section 152 of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be collected in a short time.

[0063] If the loud operating noise from the dust collection source 250 is undesirable, the user does not need to operate the control unit 142. In this case, the fluctuation pattern of the resistance or current value of the charging circuit 225 does not match the fluctuation pattern pre-stored by the determination unit 232. Therefore, the operation control unit 229 controls the dust collection source 250 so that it operates in the second operating mode. In this case, although the dust collection force of the dust collection source 250 is reduced, the operating noise emitted from the dust collection source 250 is suppressed.

[0064] The control unit 142 may be configured to be operated when the dust collection source 250 is operated in the second operating mode. In this case, the user can operate the control unit 142 to generate dust collection force from the dust collection source 250 while suppressing the operating noise from the dust collection source 250. If the user does not operate the control unit 142, the operating noise from the dust collection source 250 will be louder, but the dust in the dust storage unit 152 can be collected into the charging station 200 with strong dust collection force.

[0065] The control unit 142 may be configured to be operated to delay the start time of the dust collection source 250. If the user does not operate the control unit 142, the operation control unit 229 will activate the dust collection source 250 at the connection time when the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the connection part 215 of the charging station 200. On the other hand, if the user operates the control unit 142, the operation control unit 229 will activate the dust collection source 250 at a time delayed by a predetermined amount of time from the connection time.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the vacuum cleaner 100 may have an operation unit 143 for giving a stop command to stop the dust collection source 250 or an operation command to activate the dust collection source 250, and an operation unit 144 for giving a delay command to delay the activation time of the dust collection source 250. In this case, as shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the switch operation unit 184 may open and close the switch 183 with different opening and closing patterns when the operation unit 143 is operated and when the operation unit 144 is operated. The determination unit 232 also stores in advance the expected resistance value or current value fluctuation patterns when the switch 183 operates with the opening and closing patterns shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b). When the resistance value or current value fluctuation pattern corresponding to when the switch 183 operates with the opening and closing pattern shown in Figure 14(b) is obtained, the operation control unit 229 delays the activation time of the dust collection source 250. On the other hand, when the switch 183 operates in the opening / closing pattern shown in Figure 14(a) and a corresponding resistance or current value fluctuation pattern is obtained, the operation control unit 229 maintains the stopped state of the dust collection source 250 or activates the dust collection source 250 at the connection time.

[0067] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the current value of the charging circuit 225 is zero whether the vacuum cleaner 100 is not connected to the charging station 200 or whether the switch 183 is opened while the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the detected change in the current value is due to the vacuum cleaner 100 connecting to or disconnecting from the charging station 200, or due to the opening and closing of the switch 183. To improve this, the first circuit section 185 may be configured as shown in Figure 15.

[0068] The first circuit section 185 has a first power line 174 and a second power line 175 extending from the electrical contact 172. The first power line 174 is provided with a first resistor 176, and the second power line 175 is provided with a second resistor 177 having a higher resistance value than the first resistor 176. The switch 183 is configured to connect to either the first power line 174 or the second power line 175. In the following description, the power transmission path to the battery 117 when the switch 183 is connected to the first power line 174 is referred to as the "first path," and the first path has a first resistance value. The power transmission path to the battery 117 when the switch 183 is connected to the second power line 175 is referred to as the "second path," and the second path has a second resistance value that is higher than the first resistance value. The second resistance value is higher than the first resistance value, but is large enough to allow current to flow.

[0069] The resistance of the charging circuit 225 is lower when the switch 183 is connected to the first power line 174 and a first path is formed, and higher when the switch 183 is connected to the second power line 175 and a second path is formed. When the operating unit 142 is operated, the switch operating unit 184 operates the switch 183 so that the resistance of the charging circuit 225 changes in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern. If the user does not operate the operating unit 142, the switch operating unit 184 maintains the state in which the switch 183 is connected to the first power line 174.

[0070] In this case, when the user operates the control unit 142, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 changes as shown in Figure 16. That is, before the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 is zero. After the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 increases. Then, when the user operates the control unit 142, the switch operating unit 184 operates the switch 183 so that the power transmission path to the battery 117 switches between the first path and the second path. When the switch 183 is connected to the first power line 174 and the first path is formed, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 is high. On the other hand, when the switch 183 is connected to the second power line 175 and the second path is formed, the current value detected by the ammeter 231 is not zero, but is smaller than when the first path is formed.

[0071] On the other hand, if the user does not operate the control unit 142, the switch operating unit 184 does not operate the switch 183, and the state in which the switch 183 is connected to the first power line 174 (i.e., the state in which the first path is formed) is maintained. In this case, as shown in Figure 17, the ammeter 231 detects a substantially constant current value after the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the charging station 200.

[0072] When the fluctuation pattern shown in Figure 16 is obtained, the determination unit 232 may output a stop command, and when the fluctuation pattern shown in Figure 17 is obtained, the determination unit 232 may output an operation command. In this case, control of the charging station 200 according to the procedure shown in Figure 11 may be performed. That is, the user can instruct the dust collection source 250 to stop by operating the operation unit 142.

[0073] Alternatively, the detection unit 228 may output an operation command provided that the variation pattern shown in Figure 16 is obtained. In this case, control of the charging station 200 can be performed according to the procedure shown in Figure 12. That is, the user can instruct the operation of the dust collection source 250 by operating the operation unit 142.

[0074] Furthermore, in the cleaning tool set 500 of the second embodiment, it may be determined by operating the operation unit 142 whether the dust collection source 250 operates in the first operating mode or the second operating mode. Alternatively, it may be determined by operating the operation unit 142 whether or not to delay the operating time of the dust collection source 250. Moreover, as shown in Figure 13, the vacuum cleaner 100 may have an operation unit 143 for stopping or starting instructions and an operation unit 144 for delay instructions.

[0075] <Third Embodiment> In the first and second embodiments, the charging station 200 has a dust collection source 250. Alternatively, the charging station 200 does not have to have a dust collection source 250. In this case, the charging station 200 can be used as a storage and charging location for the vacuum cleaner 100. In this case, the charging station 200 may be configured so that the battery 117 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is charged in response to operation on the control unit 142.

[0076] More specifically, as shown in Figure 18, the power output unit 285 (operating unit) is composed of a contact detection circuit 291 and a converter 233 provided in the second circuit unit 224. The contact detection circuit 291 is electrically connected to the operation control unit 229, and is configured to either allow or deny power supply to the second circuit unit 224 through the converter 233, under the control of the operation control unit 229.

[0077] After the contact pieces 283 and 284 make contact with the electrical contacts 171 and 172 to form the charging circuit 225, the determination unit 232 may output an operation command to the operation control unit 229 in accordance with the procedure of steps S120 and S130 in Figure 12. That is, an operation command may be output to the operation control unit 229 in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 142. In this case, the operation control unit 229 controls the contact detection circuit 291 to create a state that allows power supply to the second circuit unit 224 through the converter 233. As a result, power from the external power supply 287 is output to the charging circuit 225 through the power output unit 285, and the battery 117 is charged. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the operation unit 142, the determination unit 232 does not output an operation command. In this case, the operation control unit 229 controls the contact detection circuit 291 to create a state that does not allow power supply to the second circuit unit 224 through the converter 233. In this state, the power from the external power supply 287 is not output to the charging circuit 225. In other words, unless the user operates the control unit 142 with the intention of charging the battery 117, the battery 117 will not be charged, thus reducing the frequency of charging the battery 117.

[0078] Alternatively, the determination unit 232 may output an operation command according to the procedure of steps S120 and S130 in Figure 11. In this case, if the user does not operate the operation unit 142, the power from the external power supply 287 is output to the charging circuit 225 through the power output unit 285. On the other hand, if the user operates the operation unit 142, the power output unit 285 does not allow the supply of power from the external power supply 287 to the charging circuit 225. In this case, the battery 117 is charged even if the user does not operate the operation unit 142, thus avoiding a situation where the user inadvertently causes the battery 117 to become undercharged.

[0079] In the first to third embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a stick type. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be a self-propelled vacuum cleaner (a so-called robotic vacuum cleaner) or a canister type vacuum cleaner.

[0080] (Effects, etc.) The cleaning tool set 500 according to the above embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0081] A cleaning tool set according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, a battery that stores power to drive the suction source, and a first circuit section that constitutes part of a charging circuit for charging the battery; a charging station having a connection section to which the vacuum cleaner is connected, a second circuit section that, when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection section, is connected to the first circuit section and together with the first circuit section constitutes a charging circuit; and an operating section configured to perform a predetermined operation. The vacuum cleaner has an operating section that is operated to give operation instructions to the charging station regarding the operation content of the operating section, and a resistance switching section that changes the resistance value of the charging circuit in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern in response to the operation of the operating section when the operating section is operated while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection section. The charging station includes a detection unit that detects whether the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuation pattern corresponding to a predetermined increase / decrease pattern when a vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection part, and an operation control unit that operates an operation unit according to an operation instruction, provided that the detection unit has detected that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuation pattern.

[0082] In the configuration described above, the suction source generates suction power using the battery built into the vacuum cleaner and sucks up dust. As the suction source is driven, the power stored in the battery decreases. Therefore, the battery needs to be charged. This battery charging is performed by connecting the vacuum cleaner to the charging station. That is, when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection part of the charging station, the first circuit part of the vacuum cleaner is connected to the second circuit part of the charging station. In this state, the first and second circuit parts constitute a charging circuit for charging the battery.

[0083] This charging circuit is also used by the user to transmit operational instructions from the vacuum cleaner to the charging station regarding the operation of the charging station's operating unit. In other words, when the user operates the control unit while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection unit, the resistance switching unit of the vacuum cleaner changes the resistance value of the charging circuit in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern.

[0084] Since part of the charging circuit is comprised of the second circuit section of the charging station, a detection unit provided on the charging station side can determine whether or not the resistance or current value of the charging circuit is changing. If the detection unit detects that the resistance or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuation pattern corresponding to a predetermined increase / decrease pattern, the operation control unit operates the operation unit according to the operation instruction given by the user by operating the operation unit. In this way, operation instructions regarding the operation of the operation unit can be transmitted from the vacuum cleaner to the charging station via the charging circuit without the need for a transmitter and receiver. For this reason, the vacuum cleaner and charging station can have a simple structure.

[0085] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a dust storage section that stores dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating section may include a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage section and collects the dust in the dust storage section to the charging station. The operating section may be configured to be operated when the dust collection source is kept in a stopped state. The operating control section may control the dust collection source to generate a dust collection force if the detection unit does not detect that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern, while controlling the dust collection source to keep it in a stopped state if the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern.

[0086] In the above configuration, if the user operates the control unit, the dust collection source will remain in a stopped state, and no operating noise will be generated from the dust collection source. Therefore, if the operating noise of the dust collection source is undesirable, the user can operate the control unit. On the other hand, if the user does not operate it, the resistance switching unit will not change the resistance value of the charging circuit in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern. Therefore, the detection unit will not detect that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuation pattern corresponding to this increase / decrease pattern. In this case, the operation control unit controls the dust collection source so that it generates dust collection force. Therefore, if the user wishes to collect dust from the dust collection unit of the vacuum cleaner to the charging station, the user does not need to operate the control unit.

[0087] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a dust storage section that stores dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating section may include a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage section and collect the dust in the dust storage section to the charging station. The operating section may be configured to be operated when the dust collection source is kept in a stopped state. The operating control section may control the dust collection source to maintain its stopped state unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern, while controlling the dust collection source to generate a dust collection force if the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern.

[0088] In the configuration described above, the user can activate the dust collection source by operating the control unit. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the control unit, the dust collection source remains in a stopped state.

[0089] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a dust storage section that stores dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating section may include a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage section and collects the dust in the dust storage section to the charging station. The dust collection source may be configured to operate in a first operating mode that generates a dust collection force while producing an operating sound, or in a second operating mode that generates a smaller dust collection force while producing a smaller operating sound than when operating in the first operating mode. The operating section may be configured to be operated when the dust collection source is operating in the second operating mode. The operation control unit may control the dust collection source to operate in the first operating mode unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern, while controlling the dust collection source to operate in the second operating mode unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern.

[0090] In the configuration described above, when the user operates the control unit, the dust collection source operates in the second operating mode. In this case, although the suction power of the dust collection source is reduced, the operating noise emitted from the dust collection source is also reduced. On the other hand, if a loud operating noise from the dust collection source is acceptable, the user does not need to operate the control unit. In this case, the dust collection source can suck up dust from the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner and collect it at the charging station with a relatively strong suction power.

[0091] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a dust storage section that stores dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating section may include a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage section and collects the dust in the dust storage section to the charging station. The dust collection source may be configured to operate in a first operating mode that generates a dust collection force while producing an operating sound, or in a second operating mode that generates a smaller dust collection force while producing a smaller operating sound than when operating in the first operating mode. The operating section may be configured to be operated when the dust collection source is operating in the first operating mode. The operation control unit may control the dust collection source to operate in the second operating mode unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern, while controlling the dust collection source to operate in the first operating mode unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern.

[0092] In the configuration described above, when the user operates the control unit, the dust collection source operates in the first operating mode. In this case, although the dust collection source emits a loud operating noise, it generates a large dust collection source that can collect dust from the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner and transfer it to the charging station. On the other hand, if the loud operating noise from the dust collection source is undesirable, the user does not need to operate the control unit. In this case, although the suction power of the dust collection source will be reduced, the operating noise from the dust collection source can be suppressed.

[0093] In the above configuration, the vacuum cleaner may have a dust storage unit that stores dust sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating unit may include a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage unit and collect the dust in the dust storage unit to the charging station. The operating unit may be configured to operate when the dust collection source is activated at a time delayed by a predetermined amount from the connection time when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection unit. The operating control unit may control the dust collection source so that it generates a dust collection force at the connection time unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern, while controlling the dust collection source so that it operates at a time delayed by a predetermined amount from the connection time unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern.

[0094] In the above configuration, when the user operates the control unit, the dust collection source activates at a predetermined time after the time the vacuum cleaner is connected to the charging station's connection port. This allows the dust collection source to be activated at times when the operating noise from the dust collection source is undesirable. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the control unit, the dust collection source generates suction force when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the charging station's connection port, and dust is quickly collected from the vacuum cleaner's dust collection port to the charging station.

[0095] In the above configuration, the operating unit may include a power output unit that outputs power to the second circuit unit. The operating unit may be configured to be operated when charging the battery. The operating control unit may control the power output unit so that power is not output to the second circuit unit unless the detection unit detects that the resistance or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern, while controlling the power output unit so that power is output to the second circuit unit if the detection unit detects that the resistance or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern.

[0096] In the configuration described above, when the user operates the control unit, the power output unit outputs power to the second circuit unit. This power is supplied to the battery through the second and first circuits, and the battery is charged. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the control unit, the battery is not charged. Therefore, the frequency of charging the battery is reduced, and the battery life may be extended.

[0097] In the above configuration, the operating unit may include a power output unit that outputs power to the second circuit unit. The operating unit may be configured to be operated when the battery is not being charged. The operating control unit may control the power output unit so that power is output to the second circuit unit unless the detection unit detects that the resistance or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern, while controlling the power output unit so that power is not output to the second circuit unit unless the detection unit detects that the resistance or current value of the charging circuit is changing in a fluctuating pattern.

[0098] In the configuration described above, if the user does not operate the control unit, the power output unit outputs power to the second circuit unit. This power is supplied to the battery through the second and first circuits, and the battery is charged. Therefore, charging failures due to forgetting to operate the control unit will not occur. On the other hand, if the user operates the control unit, the battery will not be charged. Therefore, the user can reduce the frequency of battery charging by operating the control unit.

[0099] In the above configuration, the resistance switching unit may include a switch provided in the first circuit unit and a switch operating unit that opens and closes the switch so that the resistance value of the charging circuit changes in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern when the operating unit is operated. The switch may be configured to allow current to flow in the first circuit unit when closed, while not allowing current to flow in the charging circuit when open.

[0100] In the configuration described above, when the switch is closed, the charging circuit becomes a state that allows current to flow, and when the switch is open, the charging circuit becomes a state that does not allow current to flow. That is, when the switch is closed, the resistance value of the charging circuit is low, and when the switch is open, the resistance value of the charging circuit is high. Therefore, the switch operating unit can increase or decrease the resistance value of the charging circuit by opening and closing the switch. When the user operates the control unit while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the charging station's connection part and the charging circuit is formed, the switch operating unit opens and closes the switch so that the resistance value of the charging circuit changes in a predetermined increase or decrease pattern. At this time, the detection unit can detect the resistance value or current value that changes in a fluctuation pattern corresponding to this increase or decrease pattern. Therefore, whether or not the user has operated the vacuum cleaner's control unit can be determined by the detection unit provided in the charging station.

[0101] In the above configuration, the first circuit section may have a first path having a first resistance value and a second path having a second resistance value that is higher than the first resistance value but allows current to flow. The resistance switching section may have a switch provided in the first circuit section so that the power transmission path can be switched between the first path and the second path, and a switch operating section that, when the operating section is operated, operates the switch so that the power transmission path switches between the first path and the second path, thereby changing the resistance value of the charging circuit in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern.

[0102] If the charging circuit is configured in a way that does not allow current to flow when the switch is opened, the resistance or current value detected when the switch is opened may be the same as the resistance or current value detected before the vacuum cleaner is connected to the charging station's connector. In this case, for example, even if the vacuum cleaner is repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the charging station's connector in a tampering manner, the detection unit may detect a resistance or current value that changes in the same fluctuation pattern as when the control unit is operated.

[0103] To prevent such false detections, the above configuration includes a first circuit section with a first path and a second path that allows current to flow, although it has a higher resistance than the first path. In this case, the resistance or current value that can be detected when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the charging station's connector and a charging circuit is formed will differ from the resistance or current value that can be detected when the vacuum cleaner is not connected to the charging station's connector. Therefore, it becomes possible to distinguish between the state in which the vacuum cleaner is connected to the charging station's connector and a charging circuit is formed, and the state in which the vacuum cleaner is not connected to the charging station's connector.

[0104] Furthermore, when the user operates the switch, the power transmission path switches between the first and second paths, allowing the detection unit to detect changes in the resistance or current value of the charging circuit. Therefore, whether or not the user has operated the vacuum cleaner's control unit can be determined by the detection unit installed in the charging station. [Industrial applicability]

[0105] The cleaning tool set of the above embodiment is suitably used in equipment used for cleaning work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 100... Vacuum cleaner 116...Suction source 117·········Battery 142~144...Operation section 152...Dust storage section 182·········Resistance switching section 183·········Switch 184·········Switch operation part 185 1st circuit section 200········Charging Station 215·········Connection part 224 2nd circuit section 225...Charging circuit 228·········Detection unit 250...Dust absorption source 285·········Power output section 500·········Cleaning tool set

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner incorporating a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, a battery that stores power to drive the suction source, and a first circuit section that constitutes part of a charging circuit for charging the battery, A charging station comprising: a connection part to which the vacuum cleaner is connected; a second circuit part which is connected to the first circuit part when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection part and thereby constitutes the charging circuit together with the first circuit part; and an operating part configured to perform a predetermined operation, The vacuum cleaner mentioned above, An operating unit which is operated to give operation instructions regarding the operation of the aforementioned operating unit to the charging station, The vacuum cleaner has a resistance switching unit that changes the resistance value of the charging circuit in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern in response to the operation of the operating unit when the operating unit is operated while the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection unit. The aforementioned charging station is A detection unit for detecting whether the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit changes in a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the predetermined increase / decrease pattern when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection part, A cleaning tool set comprising: an operation control unit which operates the operation unit according to the operation instruction, provided that the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the aforementioned fluctuation pattern.

2. The vacuum cleaner has a dust storage section that stores dust and debris sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating unit includes a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage unit and collects the dust in the dust storage unit to the charging station. The aforementioned operating unit is configured to be operated when the dust collection source is stopped. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the dust collection source to generate dust collection force if the detection unit does not detect that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern, and controls the dust collection source to maintain the stopped state of the dust collection source if the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern.

3. The vacuum cleaner has a dust storage section that stores dust and debris sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating unit includes a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage unit and collects the dust in the dust storage unit to the charging station. The aforementioned operating unit is configured to be operated when the dust collection source is stopped. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the dust collection source to maintain the stopped state of the dust collection source if the detection unit does not detect that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern, while the operation control unit controls the dust collection source to generate dust collection force if the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern.

4. The vacuum cleaner has a dust storage section that stores dust and debris sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating unit includes a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage unit and collects the dust in the dust storage unit to the charging station. The dust collection source is configured to operate in a first operating mode that generates dust collection force while producing operating noise, or in a second operating mode that generates a smaller dust collection force while producing less operating noise than when operating in the first operating mode. The operating unit is configured to be operated when the dust collection source is operated in the second operating mode, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the dust collection source to operate in a first operating mode if the detection unit does not detect that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern, and controls the dust collection source to operate in a second operating mode if the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern.

5. The vacuum cleaner has a dust storage section that stores dust and debris sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating unit includes a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage unit and collects the dust in the dust storage unit to the charging station. The dust collection source is configured to operate in a first operating mode that generates dust collection force while producing operating noise, or in a second operating mode that generates a smaller dust collection force while producing less operating noise than when operating in the first operating mode. The operating unit is configured to be operated when the dust collection source is operated in the first operating mode, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the dust collection source to operate in the second operation mode if the detection unit does not detect that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern, and controls the dust collection source to operate in the first operation mode if the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern.

6. The vacuum cleaner has a dust storage section that stores dust and debris sucked in by the suction force of the suction source. The operating unit includes a dust collection source that generates a dust collection force to suck dust from the dust storage unit and collects the dust in the dust storage unit to the charging station. The operating unit is configured to be operated when the dust collection source is activated at a time delayed by a predetermined amount from the time the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connection unit. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the dust collection source to generate dust collection force at the connection time unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern, while the operation control unit controls the dust collection source to operate at a time delayed by a predetermined amount from the connection time unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern.

7. The operating unit includes a power output unit that outputs power to the second circuit unit. The aforementioned operating unit is configured to be operated when charging the battery, The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the power output unit so that power is not output to the second circuit unit unless the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern, and controls the power output unit so that power is output to the second circuit unit if the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern.

8. The operating unit includes a power output unit that outputs power to the second circuit unit. The aforementioned operating unit is configured to be operated when the battery is not being charged. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the power output unit so that power is output to the second circuit unit if the detection unit does not detect that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern, while controlling the power output unit so that power is not output to the second circuit unit if the detection unit detects that the resistance value or current value of the charging circuit is changing in the fluctuation pattern.

9. The resistance switching unit includes a switch provided in the first circuit unit, and a switch operation unit that opens and closes the switch so that the resistance value of the charging circuit changes in a predetermined increase / decrease pattern when the operation unit is operated. The cleaning tool set according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the switch is configured to allow current to flow to the charging circuit when closed, and to not allow current to flow to the charging circuit when open.

10. The first circuit section includes a first path having a first resistance value and a second path having a second resistance value that is higher than the first resistance value but allows current to flow. The cleaning tool set according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the resistance switching unit includes a switch provided in the first circuit unit so that the power transmission path can be switched between the first path and the second path, and a switch operating unit which, when the operating unit is operated, operates the switch so that the power transmission path can be switched between the first path and the second path, thereby changing the resistance value of the charging circuit in the predetermined increase / decrease pattern.

Images