Cleaning tool set having a plurality of vacuum cleaners

Abstract

A cleaning tool set according to the present disclosure comprises: a first vacuum cleaner having a power cable, a first suction source that is operated by power transmitted through the power cable to generate a suction force for sucking dust, and an output terminal that outputs the power transmitted through the power cable; and a second vacuum cleaner having a second suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust, a storage battery that stores power for the second suction source, and an input terminal to which power for charging the storage battery is input. The input terminal is provided in the second vacuum cleaner so as to come into contact with the output terminal in a state in which the second vacuum cleaner is connected to the first vacuum cleaner, thereby allowing power from an external power supply to be supplied to the storage battery through the power cable, the output terminal, and the input terminal.

Description

Cleaning tool set with multiple vacuum cleaners

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool set including multiple vacuum cleaners.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning tool set 300 shown in Fig. 13. This cleaning tool set 300 includes a canister-type vacuum cleaner 310, an upright-type vacuum cleaner 320, and a charging station 330 that charges these vacuum cleaners 310 and 320.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner 310 includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped housing 311 and a suction pipe 313 connected to an inlet 312 formed in the housing 311. As shown in Fig. 14, a breathable dust storage bag 314 that stores dust that has flowed in through the inlet 312 and a suction source 315 that sucks air out of the dust storage bag 314 are arranged inside the housing 311. The suction source 315 can be operated by power from a storage battery (not shown) arranged inside the housing 311 or by power supplied from an external power source via a power cable (not shown).

[0004] 13, when the vacuum cleaner 310 is not in use, the user can separate the suction tube 313 from the housing 311 and place it on the charging station 330. Then, the user can place the housing 311 on the charging station 330 with the side on which the inlet 312 is formed facing upward.

[0005] As shown in Figure 13, the vacuum cleaner 320 comprises a suction nozzle 321 that moves over the floor during use, a handle 322 that extends upright from the suction nozzle 321, and a vacuum cleaner body 323 that is attachable to the rear side of the handle 322. As shown in Figure 14, the suction nozzle 321 forms a suction space 324 that opens downward, and the lower part of the handle 322 forms a flow path 325 that communicates with the suction space 324. The upper end of the flow path 325 opens rearward.

[0006] Cleaner body 323 has a housing 326, and as shown in Fig. 13, a recessed groove 327 extending in the vertical direction is formed in the front portion of housing 326 so that the rear portion of handle 322 can be fitted into it. An inlet 328 that opens forward is formed in the lower portion of groove 327. Cleaner body 323 is attached to handle 322 at a height where inlet 328 overlaps with the opening of the upper end portion of flow path 325 in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0007] The lower part of the housing 326 is a dust storage section 329 that stores dust that has flowed in through the inlet 328. Above the dust storage section 329, there are disposed a suction source 341 that generates a suction force to suck in dust, and a storage battery 342 that stores power for the suction source 341.

[0008] The user operates the suction source 341 while moving the suction nozzle 321 over the floor surface. The suction force of the suction source 341 acts on the dust storage section 329, the flow path 325, and the suction space 324. As a result, dust on the floor surface passes through the suction space 324 and the flow path 325 in this order, and flows into the dust storage section 329.

[0009] After finishing cleaning work using the vacuum cleaner 320, the worker can place the vacuum cleaner 320 on the housing 311 of the vacuum cleaner 310 so that the opening of the suction space 324 is vertically overlapped with the inlet 312 of the housing 311 of the vacuum cleaner 310. In this state, when the suction source 315 of the vacuum cleaner 310 is activated, dust in the dust storage section 329 of the vacuum cleaner 320 is sucked out into the dust storage bag 314 through the flow path 325 and the suction space 324, as shown in FIG.

[0010] The charging station 330 includes a flat base plate 331 formed so that the housing 311 of the vacuum cleaner 310 can be placed thereon, a holding post 332 erected on the base plate 331, and a power cable 333 extending from the base plate 331 and connectable to an external power source. The holding post 332 is configured so that the suction tube 313 separated from the housing 311 of the vacuum cleaner 310 can be attached.

[0011] A charging terminal 334 for charging the storage battery in the housing 311 of the vacuum cleaner 310 is provided at the lower end of the holding post 332. A charging terminal 335 for charging the storage battery 342 of the vacuum cleaner 320 is provided at a position spaced above the charging terminal 334. Electric power from an external power source flows through the power cable 333 and is output from the charging terminals 334, 335.

[0012] When the housing 311 of the vacuum cleaner 310 is placed on the base plate 331, the storage battery in the housing 311 is charged by the power output from the charging terminal 334. When the vacuum cleaner 320 is placed on the housing 311 of the vacuum cleaner 310, the storage battery 342 of the vacuum cleaner 320 is charged by the power output from the charging terminal 335.

[0013] Because the vacuum cleaners 310 and 320 are charged using the charging station 330, the cleaning tool set 300 requires a large installation space for the charging station 330. In particular, the charging station 330 is configured to be able to charge the vacuum cleaners 310 and 320 arranged side by side in the vertical direction, so it requires a large installation space in the vertical direction.

[0014] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-310622

[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning tool set that enables charging of a storage battery of a vacuum cleaner without requiring a large installation space.

[0016] The cleaning tool set disclosed herein includes a first vacuum cleaner having a power cable for transmitting power from an external power source, a first suction source that operates using the power transmitted through the power cable to generate suction force for sucking dust, and an output terminal for outputting the power transmitted through the power cable, and a second vacuum cleaner having a second suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, a storage battery that stores power for the second suction source, and an input terminal for inputting power for charging the storage battery. The first vacuum cleaner is configured to be connectable to the second vacuum cleaner. The input terminal is provided on the second vacuum cleaner so that when the second vacuum cleaner is connected to the first vacuum cleaner, it comes into contact with the output terminal to allow power from the external power source to be supplied to the storage battery via the power cable, the output terminal, and the input terminal.

[0017] The cleaning tool set of the present disclosure allows charging of the storage battery of the vacuum cleaner without requiring a large installation space.

[0018] The objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0019] 1. Perspective view of a cleaning tool set (first embodiment); 2. Cross-sectional view of a second vacuum cleaner of the cleaning tool set; 3. Perspective view of the second vacuum cleaner; 4. Perspective view of a first vacuum cleaner of the cleaning tool set; 5. Plan view of the first vacuum cleaner (in use); 6. Cross-sectional view of the first vacuum cleaner (in use); 7. Bottom view of the second vacuum cleaner; 8. Perspective view of the first vacuum cleaner; 9. Perspective view of the first vacuum cleaner (second embodiment); 10. Perspective view of a cleaning tool set; 11. Perspective view of the first vacuum cleaner (in use); 12. Cross-sectional view of another second vacuum cleaner; 13. Cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner of a conventional cleaning tool set; 14. Cross-sectional view of a conventional cleaning tool set.

[0020] Hereinafter, first and second embodiments of the cleaning tool set will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0021] <First embodiment> As shown in Fig. 1 , the cleaning tool set 100 is composed of a first vacuum cleaner 120 and a second vacuum cleaner 110. In this embodiment, the first vacuum cleaner 120 is a canister type vacuum cleaner, and the second vacuum cleaner 110 is a stick type vacuum cleaner. In Fig. 1 , the second vacuum cleaner 110 is connected to the first vacuum cleaner 120 to receive power from the first vacuum cleaner 120. At this time, the first vacuum cleaner 120 and the second vacuum cleaner 110 are lined up in the front-to-rear direction along the floor surface.

[0022] (Configuration of second vacuum cleaner) Second vacuum cleaner 110 has a suction nozzle 111 that is wide in the left-right direction, a second housing 112 that extends upward from the rear of suction nozzle 111, and a grip 113. Second housing 112 has a generally cylindrical shape that is long in the up-down direction. Grip 113 is a round bar-shaped part that is thinner than second housing 112 so that it can be gripped by a user, and extends upward from the top end of second housing 112.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the upper part of second housing 112 houses second suction source 114, which generates an upward suction force to suck in dust on the floor, and storage battery 115, which stores power for operating second suction source 114. As shown in Fig. 3, input terminals 134 and 135, through which power for charging storage battery 115 is input, are attached to the front of second housing 112. An operation unit 136, which is operated to operate or stop second suction source 114, is provided on the front of grip 113.

[0024] 2 is provided below second suction source 114 with second dust storage section 116, which is a space for storing dust sucked in by the suction force of second suction source 114. Filter 117 is disposed within second dust storage section 116. Filter 117 is configured to allow the air sucked in along with the dust to pass through while capturing the dust contained in this air. Therefore, dust sucked up by second suction source 114 can be stored in second dust storage section 116.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second dust collection section 116 opens forward, and this opening will be referred to as the "dust outlet 132" in the following description. A substantially rectangular plate-shaped lid 133 that opens and closes the dust outlet 132 is attached to the second housing 112. The lid 133 shown in FIG. 3 is in an open position that opens the dust outlet 132 and protrudes forward from the second housing 112. The lid 133 can rotate upward around a connection portion with the second housing 112. When the lid 133 rotates upward by approximately 90° from the open position shown in FIG. 3 , it moves along the front wall of the second housing 112 and assumes a closed position that closes the dust outlet 132, as shown in FIG. 2 . The lid 133 is biased toward the closed position by a biasing member such as a torsion spring.

[0026] 2, below the second dust storage section 116, a suction pipe 118 that forms a flow path through which dust sucked by the suction force of the second suction source 114 flows is extended in the vertical direction from the suction nozzle 111. In other words, the suction pipe 118 is provided in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 111.

[0027] A check valve 137 is attached to the upper end of the suction pipe 118 so that dust in the second dust storage section 116 does not fall into the suction pipe 118 when the second suction source 114 is stopped. That is, the check valve 137 closes the upper end of the suction pipe 118 when the second suction source 114 is stopped. On the other hand, when the second suction source 114 is activated, the suction force of the second suction source 114 causes the check valve 137 to rotate upward (i.e., in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 ), thereby opening the upper end of the suction pipe 118.

[0028] The lower end portion of the suction tube 118 is inserted into the rear portion of the suction nozzle 111 and connected to the suction nozzle 111. The connection portion between the suction tube 118 and the suction nozzle 111 is configured to allow the suction tube 118 to tilt backward from the position shown in Fig. 2. As the suction tube 118 tilts backward relative to the suction nozzle 111 from the position shown in Fig. 2, the second housing 112 and the grip portion 113 can also tilt backward.

[0029] A suction space 119 into which dust on the floor surface is sucked is formed within the suction nozzle 111, and this suction space 119 opens downward at the front portion of the suction nozzle 111. Behind the opening of the suction space 119, a bottom 131 of the suction nozzle 111 closes the suction space 119 from below. This bottom 131 closes the lower end of the suction tube 118 when the suction tube 118 is in the position shown in Figure 2. When the suction tube 118 tilts backward from the position shown in Figure 2, the lower end of the suction tube 118 moves in the direction of arrow B shown in Figure 2, and the flow path of the suction tube 118 communicates with the suction space 119.

[0030] (Configuration of First Vacuum Cleaner) The first vacuum cleaner 120 is configured to be usable in the same manner as a general canister-type vacuum cleaner, and as shown in Fig. 4, includes a first housing 123, a suction tube 140 attached to the first housing 123, and a suction nozzle 141 attached to the tip of the suction tube 140. The suction tube 140 may be configured to include a substantially cylindrical base end tube 142 attached to the first housing 123, and a flexible extension tube 191 connected to the base end tube 142 and the suction nozzle 141. The base end of the extension tube 191 is configured to be detachable from the base end tube 142. The base end tube 142 is also configured to be detachable from the first housing 123.

[0031] The first housing 123 has a main portion 143 having a substantially rectangular box shape, and a tail portion 144 connected to the rear end of the main portion 143. The tail portion 144 is substantially L-shaped in side view, and has a holder 145 standing upright at a position spaced rearward from the main portion 143, and a connection portion 146 connected to the holder 145 and the rear end of the main portion 143. The height of the connection portion 146 shown in FIG. 4 is lower than both the height of the main portion 143 and the height of the holder 145, and a recess surrounded by the connection portion 146, the main portion 143, and the holder 145 is formed.

[0032] 1, the tail portion 144 is a portion used to place the second vacuum cleaner 110 when power is supplied from the first vacuum cleaner 120 to the second vacuum cleaner 110, and at this time, the orientation of the first housing 123 is changed so that the holding base 145 comes into contact with the floor surface. In this state, the second vacuum cleaner 110 is placed on the holding base 145. At this time, the front portion of the suction nozzle 111 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 is inserted into a recess surrounded by the connecting portion 146, the main portion 143, and the holding base 145.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4 , a holding groove 147 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in a peripheral wall portion extending in the front-rear direction between the front and rear ends of the main portion 143. When the first vacuum cleaner 120 is used as a canister-type vacuum cleaner, the base tube 142 is fitted into the holding groove 147. On the other hand, when the first vacuum cleaner 120 is used to supply power to the second vacuum cleaner 110, the base tube 142 is removed from the holding groove 147, and the second housing 112 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 is fitted into the holding groove 147. Therefore, the second housing 112 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 and the base tube 142 have approximately the same shape and size at the portion fitted into the holding groove 147. The holding groove 147 and the holding base 145 form a holding portion 148 that holds the second vacuum cleaner 110 when the first vacuum cleaner 120 is used to supply power to the second vacuum cleaner 110.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 5, an inlet 149 through which dust flows in is formed in approximately the center of the holding groove 147 in the front-to-rear direction. When the base end tube 142 is fitted into the holding groove 147 at the position shown in Fig. 4, the inlet 149 communicates with a flow path within the base end tube 142. When the extension tube 191 is connected to the base end tube 142, the suction tube 140 forms a flow path extending outward from the inlet 149. Therefore, when the first vacuum cleaner 120 is used as a canister-type vacuum cleaner, dust scattered on the floor at a position away from the first housing 123 can be sucked in through the suction nozzle 141, suction tube 140, and inlet 149 of the first vacuum cleaner 120.

[0035] The position of the inlet 149 is set so that the lid 133 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 faces the inlet 149 in the front-to-rear direction when power is supplied from the first vacuum cleaner 120 to the second vacuum cleaner 110 as shown in Fig. 1 . Specifically, the position of the inlet 149 is set so that the height position of the lid 133 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 placed on the holder 145 of the first vacuum cleaner 120 is approximately the same as the height position of the inlet 149 when the holder 145 of the first vacuum cleaner 120 is in contact with the floor surface. Furthermore, the size of the inlet 149 is set so that the lid 133 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 can fit into the inlet 149 and assume an open position when power is supplied from the first vacuum cleaner 120 to the second vacuum cleaner 110 as shown in Fig. 1 .

[0036] 5, output terminals 151 and 152 are arranged in front of the inlet 149, and a power cable 153 extends from the right side of the main part 143. The power cable 153 is configured to be connectable to an external power source, and power transmitted from the external power source through the power cable 153 is output from the output terminals 151 and 152. This power can be used to charge the storage battery 115 of the second vacuum cleaner 110.

[0037] 1, the output terminals 151, 152 are arranged so as to come into contact with the input terminals 134, 135 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 when power is supplied from the first vacuum cleaner 120 to the second vacuum cleaner 110. In other words, the height position of the input terminals 134, 135 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 placed on the holder 145 of the first vacuum cleaner 120 is approximately the same as the height position of the output terminals 151, 152 when the holder 145 of the first vacuum cleaner 120 is in contact with the floor surface.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 6, a first suction source 154 that operates using power transmitted through a power cable 153 is disposed within the main section 143. A first dust storage section 155 for storing dust that has flowed in through the inlet 149 is disposed in front of the first suction source 154. A recovery duct 156 that extends forward from the inlet 149 within the main section 143 is connected to the first dust storage section 155. A filter 157 is disposed between the first dust storage section 155 and the first suction source 154. The filter 157 is configured to allow air to pass through but not allow dust to pass through.

[0039] 4, an operating unit 158 ​​is provided on the left side of the main unit 143 to be operated to activate or stop the first suction source 154. When the first suction source 154 is instructed to activate by operating the operating unit 158, the first suction source 154 is operated by power transmitted through the power cable 153 and is configured to generate a suction force that sucks air from the first dust storage unit 155 backward.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 1 , a pair of left and right main wheels 161, 162 are rotatably attached to the left and right sides of the main section 143. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , auxiliary wheels 163 are attached to the underside of the main section 143 in front of the main wheels 161, 162. The main wheels 161, 162 and the auxiliary wheels 163 form a wheel section 164 that assists the movement of the first vacuum cleaner 120 when the first vacuum cleaner 120 is used as a canister-type vacuum cleaner. That is, portions of the main wheels 161, 162 protrude downward from the underside of the first housing 123. The auxiliary wheels 163 also protrude downward from the underside of the first housing 123. Therefore, the first housing 123 can be supported by the main wheels 161, 162 and the auxiliary wheels 163 in a state where it is raised above the floor surface. In this state, the main wheels 161, 162 and the auxiliary wheels 163 roll on the floor surface, so that the first cleaner 120 can move on the floor surface with the first housing 123 floating above the floor surface.

[0041] 4, the user fits the base end tube 142 of the suction tube 140 into the holding groove 147 of the first housing 123 to connect the suction tube 140 to the first housing 123. Then, the power cable 153 is connected to an external power source. Thereafter, the user operates the operating unit 158 ​​to activate the first suction source 154.

[0042] In response to an operation on the operating unit 158, the first suction source 154 generates a suction force and sucks the air backward from the first dust storage unit 155. If this air contains dust, the dust is trapped in the first dust storage unit 155 by the filter 157.

[0043] The suction force of the first suction source 154 acts on the suction nozzle 141 attached to the tip of the suction tube 140 through the first dust storage section 155, the collection duct 156, and the suction tube 140. The user moves the first vacuum cleaner 120 across the floor while pressing the suction nozzle 141 against the floor. As a result, dust on the floor flows into the first dust storage section 155 through the suction nozzle 141, the suction tube 140, and the collection duct 156. As the suction nozzle 141 moves across the floor, the first housing 123 also moves across the floor. However, because the first housing 123 is suspended above the floor by the wheel section 164, the first housing 123 does not rub against the floor. Furthermore, because the main wheels 161, 162 and the auxiliary wheels 163 of the wheel section 164 roll on the floor, the user can move the first vacuum cleaner 120 with little force.

[0044] Since first suction source 154 operates using power from an external power source, it can continue to generate suction force unless an instruction to stop is given by operating operation unit 158 ​​or power cable 153 is disconnected from the external power source. Therefore, first vacuum cleaner 120 is suitable for use in cleaning tasks that take a long time.

[0045] When the user has finished cleaning, he or she operates the operating unit 158 ​​to stop the first suction source 154. Then, the user removes the suction tube 140 from the first housing 123 and changes the position of the first housing 123 so that the holder 145 is in contact with the floor. That is, the position of the first housing 123 changes from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 1. At this time, the user may keep the power cable 153 connected to the external power source. When the first housing 123 is in the position shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 123 becomes available to hold the second vacuum cleaner 110.

[0046] 1 , the user places the second vacuum cleaner 110 on the holder 145 of the first vacuum cleaner 123. Then, when the user positions the second vacuum cleaner 110 with the second vacuum cleaner 112 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle 111 and fits the second vacuum cleaner 110 into the holder groove 147 of the first vacuum cleaner 123, the second vacuum cleaner 110 is held by the holder 148 of the first vacuum cleaner 120. In this state, the input terminals 134 and 135 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 contact the output terminals 151 and 152 provided in the holder groove 147. As a result, power from the external power source is supplied to the storage battery 115 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 via the power cable 153, the output terminals 151 and 152, and the input terminals 134 and 135.

[0047] (Operation of the Second Vacuum Cleaner) By attaching the second vacuum cleaner 110 to the first housing 123 of the first vacuum cleaner 120, the storage battery 115 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 can be in a charged state as described above. A user can perform cleaning work using the second vacuum cleaner 110 in this state. Because the second suction source 114 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 operates using power from the storage battery 115, a user can perform cleaning work even in a place away from an external power source.

[0048] When starting cleaning work, the user removes the second vacuum cleaner 110 from the first housing 123 of the first vacuum cleaner 120. At this time, since the second vacuum cleaner 110 is aligned with the first housing 123 of the first vacuum cleaner 120 in the front-to-rear direction as shown in FIG. 1 , the user can separate the second vacuum cleaner 110 from the first housing 123 simply by moving the second vacuum cleaner 110 backward along the floor surface.

[0049] The user then operates the operating unit 136 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 to activate the second suction source 114. As a result, the second suction source 114 generates an upward suction force. This upward suction force rotates the check valve 137 upward, opening the upper end of the suction tube 140. At this time, if the user tilts the grip 113, the second housing 112, and the suction tube 118 backward relative to the suction nozzle 141, the flow path of the suction tube 118 communicates with the suction space 119 of the suction nozzle 141. Therefore, when the check valve 137 opens the upper end of the suction tube 140, the suction force of the second suction source 114 acts on the suction space 119 of the suction nozzle 141. As a result, dust on the floor flows into the suction space 119. This dust then flows into the second dust storage section 116 through the flow path of the suction pipe 140 .

[0050] When the user has finished cleaning using the second vacuum cleaner 110, he or she operates the operating unit 136 to stop the second suction source 114. When the second suction source 114 stops, the upward suction force disappears, and the check valve 137 returns to its original position, closing the upper end of the suction tube 140. As a result, the dust is trapped in the second dust storage unit 116.

[0051] During cleaning work using second vacuum cleaner 110, second suction source 114 consumes power from storage battery 115. Furthermore, due to this cleaning work, dust accumulates in second dust storage section 116. To return this state to the state before the cleaning work, the user attaches second vacuum cleaner 110 to first housing 123 of first vacuum cleaner 120, as shown in FIG.

[0052] Thereafter, when the user operates the operation unit 158 ​​provided on the first housing 123 to activate the first suction source 154 inside the first housing 123, the suction force of the first suction source 154 acts on the inlet 149 through the first dust storage unit 155 and the recovery duct 156. Since the inlet 149 faces the lid 133 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 in the front-to-rear direction, the suction force of the first suction source 154 acts on the lid 133. As a result, the lid 133 changes from the closed position to the open position.

[0053] When the cover 133 is in the open position, the dust outlet 132 of the second cleaner 110 is opened, and the suction force of the first suction source 154 acts on the dust in the second dust storage section 116 of the second cleaner 110. The dust is sucked out of the second dust storage section 116 through the dust outlet 132 by the suction force of the first suction source 154 and flows into the first dust storage section 155 of the first cleaner 120 through the inlet 149 and the collection duct 156 of the first cleaner 120. In other words, the dust in the second dust storage section 116 of the second cleaner 110 is collected in the first dust storage section 155 of the first cleaner 120. As a result, the second dust storage section 116 of the second cleaner 110 is emptied. The user then operates the operating section 158 of the first cleaner 120 to stop the first suction source 154.

[0054] (Advantages of the Cleaning Tool Set) The cleaning tool set 100 of the first embodiment is advantageous in the following respects.

[0055] Among buyers of cleaning equipment, there are those who purchase vacuum cleaners with power cables for long cleaning jobs, and those who purchase vacuum cleaners with built-in batteries for cleaning jobs far from an external power source. However, such buyers have traditionally had to purchase a charging device to charge the batteries, and as a result, the buyers have had to install two types of vacuum cleaners and a charging device in their rooms.

[0056] On the other hand, in the cleaning tool set 100 of the first embodiment, the first vacuum cleaner 120 has the function of charging the storage battery 115 of the second vacuum cleaner 110, so there is no need for a charging device that is used exclusively for charging the storage battery 115 of the second vacuum cleaner 110. By omitting such a charging device, the cleaning tool set 100 can be made more space-saving.

[0057] The first cleaner 120 not only has the function of charging the storage battery 115 of the second cleaner 110, but also has the function of collecting dust from the second dust storage unit 116 of the second cleaner 110. Therefore, the user can empty the second dust storage unit 116 of the second cleaner 110 while the storage battery 115 of the second cleaner 110 is being charged.

[0058] Furthermore, if the second vacuum cleaner 110 has a structure that makes it easy to dispose of dust from the second dust storage section 116, the first vacuum cleaner 120 does not need to have the function of collecting dust from the second dust storage section 116 of the second vacuum cleaner 110.

[0059] In the second vacuum cleaner 110 shown in Fig. 3, the input terminals 134, 135 are provided on the outer surface of the second housing 112. Alternatively, the input terminals 134, 135 may be attached to the underside of the bottom part 131 of the suction nozzle 111, as shown in Fig. 7. In this case, the output terminals 151, 152 are provided on the holder 145, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0060] Second Embodiment The first vacuum cleaner 120 of the cleaning tool set 100 of the first embodiment has a tail 144 provided on the first housing 123 to hold the second vacuum cleaner 110. However, in this case, it is expected that the user will feel that the first housing 123 is unnecessarily large when performing cleaning work using the first vacuum cleaner 120. For this reason, the first housing 123 may be configured as shown in FIG.

[0061] The first housing 123 shown in Fig. 9 has the same structure as the main part 143 of the first housing 123 shown in Fig. 4. Note that the first housing 123 shown in Fig. 9 is in a position for charging the storage battery 115 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 shown in Fig. 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "charging position").

[0062] The first housing 123 shown in Fig. 9 differs from the first housing 123 shown in Fig. 4 in that it does not have the tail portion 144. Therefore, the first housing 123 is made smaller by the size of the tail portion 144. However, if the first housing 123 is placed on the floor in the charging position, the height positions of the output terminals 151, 152 and the inlet 149 will be lower than the height positions of the input terminals 134, 135 and the dust outlet 132 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 shown in Fig. 3. To eliminate this difference in height positions, the first housing 123 is placed on a base portion 170. In other words, the base portion 170 has a height such that when the first housing 123 is placed on the base portion 170, the inlet 149 is connected to the dust outlet 132 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 and the output terminals 151, 152 contact the input terminals 134, 135 of the second vacuum cleaner 110.

[0063] Base 170 further includes a thin plate-shaped holding base 171, a connecting portion 172 erected from the rear end portion of holding base 171, and a top plate 173 protruding rearward from the upper end portion of connecting portion 146. A holding recess 174 is formed at the rear end of top plate 173. The cross-sectional shape of holding recess 174 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of holding groove 147 of first housing 123, and holding recess 174 and holding groove 147 are aligned in the vertical direction. Second housing 112 of second vacuum cleaner 110 shown in FIG. 2 is fitted into holding groove 147 and holding recess 174 when charging storage battery 115. In this state, the input terminals 134, 135 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 shown in Figure 3 contact the output terminals 151, 152 of the first housing 123, and the storage battery 115 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 is charged by power supplied from an external power source through the power cable 153.

[0064] 3 faces the inlet 149 of the first housing 123. Therefore, when the first suction source 154 in the first housing 123 is activated, the suction force of the first suction source 154 causes the lid 133 to assume an open position. As a result, the dust in the second dust storage section 116 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 is subjected to the suction force of the first suction source 154 and collected in the first dust storage section 155 disposed in the first housing 123.

[0065] In the cleaning tool set 100 of the second embodiment, a base portion 170 separate from the first housing 123 is provided as a portion corresponding to the tail portion 144 of the cleaning tool set 100 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the first housing 123 of the cleaning tool set 100 of the second embodiment can be smaller than the first housing 123 of the cleaning tool set 100 of the first embodiment by the amount of the tail portion 144.

[0066] Furthermore, in the cleaning tool set 100 of the first embodiment, the second vacuum cleaner 110 is placed on the tail portion 144 of the first vacuum cleaner 120, so when performing cleaning work using the first vacuum cleaner 120, the user needs to remove the second vacuum cleaner 110 from the tail portion 144. On the other hand, in the cleaning tool set 100 of the second embodiment, the base portion 170 corresponding to the tail portion 144 of the cleaning tool set 100 of the first embodiment is separate from the first vacuum cleaner 120. Therefore, the first vacuum cleaner 120 can be separated from the second vacuum cleaner 110 and the base portion 170.

[0067] Even after the first vacuum cleaner 120 is removed from the base 170, the second vacuum cleaner 110 can remain held by the base 170. Therefore, the user can perform cleaning work using the first vacuum cleaner 120 by moving only the first vacuum cleaner 120 without moving the second vacuum cleaner 110. Furthermore, when performing cleaning work using the second vacuum cleaner 110, the user can separate the second vacuum cleaner 110 from the first vacuum cleaner 120 and the base 170 while keeping the first vacuum cleaner 120 placed on the base 170. In other words, the user can perform cleaning work using the second vacuum cleaner 110 by moving only the second vacuum cleaner 110 without moving the first vacuum cleaner 120.

[0068] In the cleaning tool set 100 of the second embodiment, unlike the conventional cleaning tool set 300 shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first vacuum cleaner 120 and the second vacuum cleaner 110 are not lined up vertically. That is, the first vacuum cleaner 120 and the second vacuum cleaner 110 are connected to each other while lined up in a direction along the floor surface when charging the storage battery 115 of the second vacuum cleaner 110. This allows the user to perform cleaning work using one of the first vacuum cleaner 120 and the second vacuum cleaner 110 without having to remove one of the first vacuum cleaner 120 and the second vacuum cleaner 110 from the other. That is, when using the first vacuum cleaner 120 for cleaning, the user can separate it from the second vacuum cleaner 110 and the base 170 simply by moving the first vacuum cleaner 120 forward along the floor surface and removing it from the base 170. Furthermore, when using the second cleaner 110 for cleaning work, the user can separate the second cleaner 110 from the first cleaner 120 and the base 170 simply by moving the second cleaner 110 backward along the floor surface.

[0069] While the user is performing cleaning work using the first vacuum cleaner 120, the second vacuum cleaner 110 is held by the base 170 with the second housing 112 in an upright position, as shown in Fig. 10. This prevents the second vacuum cleaner 110 from tipping over while the user is performing cleaning work using the first vacuum cleaner 120.

[0070] The first vacuum cleaner 120 shown in Figure 9 can be used as a canister type vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, the first vacuum cleaner 120 can be configured as a handheld vacuum cleaner, as shown in Figure 11.

[0071] The first vacuum cleaner 120 in Fig. 11 has a handle 175 that a user grips, but does not have the wheels 164 shown in Fig. 6 . This handle 175 is used when a user carries the first vacuum cleaner 120. The handle 175 shown in Fig. 11 is a rod-shaped member bent into a C-shape. In Fig. 11 , the handle 175 is oriented along the top surface of the first housing 123, and a user can pull up the handle 175 in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 11 . The user can then grip the handle 175 by inserting their fingers into the gap between the handle 175 and the top surface of the first housing 123.

[0072] 11 is fitted into the holding groove 147 of the first housing 123. The base end tube 142 of FIG. 11 has an insert pipe portion 192 that is long in the axial direction of the holding groove 147, and a protruding pipe portion 193 that protrudes from the insert pipe portion 192 toward the opening of the holding groove 147. An opening is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the insert pipe portion 192, and when the insert pipe portion 192 is fitted into the holding groove 147, the flow path inside the insert pipe portion 192 can communicate with an inlet 149 of the first housing 123.

[0073] 4 can be connected to the protruding tube portion 193. A user can grip the handle portion 175 with one hand and the extension tube 191 with the other hand to move the suction nozzle 141 attached to the tip of the extension tube 191. During this movement, dust on the floor surface is drawn into the first dust storage portion 155 by the suction force of the first suction source 154.

[0074] When the cleaning work is finished, the user stops the first suction source 154 and removes the fitting tube portion 192 from the holding groove 147. Then, the user can place the device on the base portion 170 shown in FIG. 10 while still holding the handle portion 175.

[0075] In the cleaning tool sets 100 of the first and second embodiments, the second suction source 114 of the second vacuum cleaner 110 is configured to generate only an upward suction force. Alternatively, the second suction source 114 may be configured to generate not only an upward suction force but also a downward blowing force, as shown in FIG. 12 . In this case, the second vacuum cleaner 110 may have an operating unit 199 that is operated to instruct the second vacuum cleaner 110 to generate a downward blowing force. The second suction source 114 may be configured to operate in a first operating mode in which it generates a suction force for sucking dust unless the user operates the operating unit 199, and to operate in a second operating mode in which it generates a blowing force if the user operates the operating unit 199.

[0076] The first operation mode is used when performing cleaning work using the second vacuum cleaner 110, and the operation of the second vacuum cleaner 110 in the first operation mode is the same as the operation of the second vacuum cleaner 110 in the first and second embodiments. On the other hand, the second operation mode is used to collect dust from the second vacuum cleaner 110 to the first vacuum cleaner 120.

[0077] That is, as shown in FIG. 1 , a user connects second vacuum cleaner 110 to first vacuum cleaner 120 and operates operating unit 199. In response to this operation, second suction source 114 of second vacuum cleaner 110 generates a blowing force. This blowing force causes lid 133 of second vacuum cleaner 110 to assume an open position, opening dust outlet 132. Then, dust in second dust storage unit 116 is blown out of dust outlet 132 by the blowing force of second suction source 114 and flows into collection duct 156 through inlet 149 of first vacuum cleaner 120. This dust is then collected in first dust storage unit 155 of first vacuum cleaner 120 through collection duct 156.

[0078] In the cleaning tool sets 100 of the first and second embodiments, the second vacuum cleaner 110 is a stick vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, the second vacuum cleaner 110 may be an upright vacuum cleaner.

[0079] (Effects, etc.) The cleaning tool set 100 according to the above-described embodiment has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0080] A cleaning tool set according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a first vacuum cleaner having a power cable for transmitting power from an external power source, a first suction source that operates using the power transmitted through the power cable to generate suction force for sucking dust, and an output terminal for outputting the power transmitted through the power cable, and a second vacuum cleaner having a second suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, a storage battery that stores power for the second suction source, and an input terminal for inputting power for charging the storage battery. The first vacuum cleaner is configured to be connectable to the second vacuum cleaner. The input terminal is provided on the second vacuum cleaner so as to contact the output terminal when the second vacuum cleaner is connected to the first vacuum cleaner, allowing power from the external power source to be supplied to the storage battery via the power cable, the output terminal, and the input terminal.

[0081] In the above-described configuration, the suction source of the first vacuum cleaner is powered by power transmitted from an external power source via a power cable, generating suction power for sucking up dust. This power can be supplied not only to the first suction source but also to the output terminal. When a user connects a second vacuum cleaner to the first vacuum cleaner, the output terminal contacts the input terminal of the second vacuum cleaner, and the power output from the output terminal is input to the input terminal. The power input to the input terminal is supplied to the storage battery, which charges the storage battery. The power stored in the storage battery allows the second suction source to generate suction power for sucking up dust. In this way, the storage battery of the second vacuum cleaner can be charged using the first vacuum cleaner, eliminating the need for a separate charging station for charging the storage battery. This reduces the installation space required for the cleaning tool set.

[0082] In the above-described configuration, the first cleaner and the second cleaner may be configured to be connectable to each other while being aligned in a direction along the floor surface.

[0083] If the second vacuum cleaner is placed on top of the first vacuum cleaner and the first vacuum cleaner are connected to charge the battery of the second vacuum cleaner, cleaning operations using the first vacuum cleaner may become complicated as described below. That is, when using the first vacuum cleaner after charging the battery of the second vacuum cleaner is complete, the user must remove the second vacuum cleaner from the first vacuum cleaner and then move the first vacuum cleaner along the floor. In this regard, in the above-mentioned configuration, the first vacuum cleaner and the second vacuum cleaner are connected to each other while aligned along the floor, so that they can be separated by moving the first vacuum cleaner relative to the second vacuum cleaner along the floor. That is, there is no need to remove the second vacuum cleaner from the first vacuum cleaner.

[0084] In the above configuration, the first cleaner may have a first housing incorporating the first suction source. The second cleaner may have a second housing incorporating the second suction source and a storage battery. The first housing may be provided with a holding portion that holds the second housing when the second cleaner is connected to the first cleaner.

[0085] In the above configuration, when the user connects the second vacuum cleaner to the first vacuum cleaner, the second housing of the second vacuum cleaner is held by the holding part provided on the first housing of the first vacuum cleaner. Therefore, even if the user releases the second vacuum cleaner, the connection between the first vacuum cleaner and the second vacuum cleaner can be maintained.

[0086] In the above-described configuration, the first housing may be formed with an inlet through which dust sucked by the suction force of the first suction source flows in, and may incorporate a first dust storage unit for storing the dust that has flowed in through the inlet. The second housing may be formed with a second dust storage unit for storing dust sucked by the suction force of the second suction source, and may be formed with a dust outlet for discharging the dust stored in the second dust storage unit. The dust outlet and the inlet may be formed to communicate with each other when the second housing is held by the holder of the first housing. The first suction source may be configured to suck dust from the second dust storage unit into the first dust storage unit through the dust outlet and the inlet while the second housing is held by the holder of the first housing.

[0087] In the above-described configuration, when the second housing is held by the holder of the first housing, the dust outlet formed in the second housing communicates with the inlet formed in the first housing. In this state, when the first suction source is activated, dust in the second dust storage section flows into the first dust storage section in the first housing through the dust outlet and the inlet. As a result, the second dust storage section can become nearly empty.

[0088] In the above-described configuration, the first cleaner may have a suction tube attached to the first housing so as to extend outward from the inlet. The suction tube may be configured to be detachable from the inlet.

[0089] In the above-described configuration, the suction tube extends outward from the inlet, so that when using the first vacuum cleaner, the user can bring the tip of the suction tube close to dust located away from the first housing. When the first suction source is activated, the suction force of the first suction source acts on the dust through the inlet and the suction tube, and the dust can flow into the first dust collection section through the suction tube and the inlet.

[0090] In the above-described configuration, the first cleaner may have a handle that can be gripped when carrying the first cleaner.

[0091] In the above-described configuration, a user can carry the first vacuum cleaner by lifting the first housing while grasping the handle. At this time, by activating the first suction source, dust in various positions can be sucked into the first dust storage section.

[0092] In the above-described configuration, the first cleaner may have a wheel unit rotatably attached to the first housing. The wheel unit may be configured to assist movement of the first housing while rolling on a floor surface.

[0093] In the above-described configuration, the wheel portion rolls on the floor surface, making it easy to move the first cleaner on the floor surface.

[0094] In the above-described configuration, the second vacuum cleaner may have a suction nozzle forming a suction space that opens downward to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in by the suction force of the second suction source, and a suction pipe forming a flow path for dust from the suction space to the second dust storage section. The suction pipe may be connected to the suction nozzle so as to allow the second housing to be in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle. The holding section may be provided on a peripheral wall section of the first housing. The second housing may be aligned with the first housing in a direction along the floor surface and held by the holding section in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle.

[0095] In the above-described configuration, when a user operates the second suction source and moves the suction nozzle along the floor, dust on the floor flows into the second dust storage compartment through the suction nozzle and suction tube. The user can then move the second vacuum cleaner near the first vacuum cleaner to charge the battery of the second vacuum cleaner and / or collect dust from the second dust storage compartment. When the user then positions the second housing upright relative to the suction nozzle, the second housing is aligned with the first housing along the floor. In this state, the user can hold the second housing in the holder of the first vacuum cleaner. Because the second housing is upright relative to the suction nozzle when held by the holder, the second vacuum cleaner does not take up much space along the floor compared to when the second housing is tilted relative to the suction nozzle. In other words, the installation area of ​​the cleaning tool set does not become excessively large when the second vacuum cleaner is connected to the first vacuum cleaner.

[0096] In the above-described configuration, the cleaning tool set may further include a base configured to allow the first housing to be placed thereon. The base may have a height such that, when the first housing is placed on the base, the inlet communicates with the dust outlet and the output terminal contacts the input terminal.

[0097] In the above-described configuration, since the base is provided, the first housing does not need to be unnecessarily large in order to connect the inlet to the dust outlet and to connect the output terminal to the input terminal. Furthermore, when the first housing is placed on the base, the two are aligned vertically, so the installation area of ​​the cleaning tool set does not become excessively large.

[0098] In the above-described configuration, the base may be configured to be able to hold the second housing in an upright position when the first cleaner is lowered from the base.

[0099] In the above-described configuration, even when a user removes the first vacuum cleaner from the base and uses the first vacuum cleaner to perform cleaning work, the base can hold the second housing of the second vacuum cleaner in an upright position. Therefore, the base can be used to store the second vacuum cleaner.

[0100] In the above-described configuration, the first housing may have an inlet through which dust sucked by the suction force of the first suction source flows in, and may incorporate a first dust storage unit that stores the dust that flows in through the inlet. The second housing may have a second dust storage unit that stores dust sucked by the suction force of the second suction source, and may have a dust outlet for discharging the dust stored in the second dust storage unit. The dust outlet and the inlet may be formed to communicate with each other when the second housing is held by the holding unit of the first housing. The second vacuum cleaner may have an operating unit that is operated to instruct the second suction source to operate in an operating mode in which it generates an airflow in a direction that discharges dust stored in the second dust storage unit through the dust outlet. The second suction source may be configured to blow dust in the second dust storage unit into the first dust storage unit through the dust outlet and the inlet when an instruction to operate in the operating mode is given by operating the operating unit while the second housing is held by the holding unit of the first housing.

[0101] In the above-described configuration, when the second housing is held by the holding portion of the first housing, the dust outlet formed in the second housing communicates with the inlet formed in the first housing. In this state, when a user operates the operating portion to instruct the second suction source to operate in an operating mode in which it generates an airflow oriented to expel dust stored in the second dust storage compartment through the dust outlet, the second suction source generates an airflow oriented to expel dust in the second dust storage compartment through the dust outlet. This airflow causes dust in the second dust storage compartment to flow through the dust outlet and the inlet into the first dust storage compartment in the first housing. As a result, the second dust storage compartment can become substantially empty.

[0102] The cleaning tool set of the above-described embodiment is suitably used in an apparatus used for cleaning work.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool set comprising: a first vacuum cleaner having a power cable for transmitting power from an external power source, a first suction source that operates using power transmitted through the power cable to generate suction force for sucking up dust, and an output terminal for outputting the power transmitted through the power cable; and a second vacuum cleaner having a second suction source that generates suction force for sucking up dust, a storage battery that stores power for the second suction source, and an input terminal to which power for charging the storage battery is input, wherein the first vacuum cleaner is configured to be connectable to the second vacuum cleaner, and the input terminal is provided on the second vacuum cleaner so that when the second vacuum cleaner is connected to the first vacuum cleaner, the input terminal comes into contact with the output terminal to allow power from the external power source to be supplied to the storage battery through the power cable, the output terminal, and the input terminal.

2. The cleaning tool set according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaner and the second cleaner are configured to be connectable to each other while aligned in a direction along the floor surface.

3. A cleaning tool set as described in claim 1, wherein the first vacuum cleaner has a first housing that houses the first suction source, the second vacuum cleaner has a second housing that houses the second suction source and the storage battery, and the first housing is provided with a holding portion that holds the second housing when the second vacuum cleaner is connected to the first vacuum cleaner.

4. A cleaning tool set as described in claim 3, wherein the first housing is formed with an inlet through which dust sucked in by the suction force of the first suction source flows in, and has a first dust storage section built in for storing the dust that has flowed in through the inlet; the second housing is formed with a second dust storage section built in for storing dust sucked in by the suction force of the second suction source, and has a dust outlet formed for discharging the dust stored in the second dust storage section; the dust outlet and the inlet are formed to communicate with each other when the second housing is held by the holding section of the first housing; and the first suction source is configured to suck out dust in the second dust storage section through the dust outlet and the inlet into the first dust storage section when the second housing is held by the holding section of the first housing.

5. A cleaning tool set as described in claim 4, wherein the first vacuum cleaner has a suction tube attached to the first housing so as to extend outward from the inlet, and the suction tube is configured to be removable from the inlet.

6. The cleaning tool set according to claim 5, wherein the first cleaner has a handle that can be gripped when carrying the first cleaner.

7. A cleaning tool set as described in claim 5, wherein the first vacuum cleaner has a wheel unit rotatably attached to the first housing, and the wheel unit is configured to assist the movement of the first housing while rolling on the floor surface.

8. The cleaning tool set described in claim 4, wherein the second vacuum cleaner has a suction nozzle that forms a suction space that opens downward to allow dust on the floor surface to flow in by the suction force of the second suction source, and a suction pipe that forms a flow path for dust from the suction space to the second dust storage section, the suction pipe is connected to the suction nozzle to allow the second housing to be in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle, and the second housing is aligned in a direction along the floor surface relative to the first housing and is held by the holding section in an upright position relative to the suction nozzle.

9. A cleaning tool set as described in claim 8, further comprising a base portion configured to be able to place the first housing thereon, the base portion having a height such that when the first housing is placed on the base portion, the inlet is connected to the dust outlet and the output terminal is in contact with the input terminal.

10. The cleaning tool set according to claim 9, wherein the base portion is configured to be able to hold the second housing in an upright position when the first vacuum cleaner is lowered from the base portion.

11. The first housing is formed with an inlet through which dust sucked in by the suction force of the first suction source flows in, and has a first dust storage section built in to store the dust that flows in through the inlet; the second housing is formed with a second dust storage section built in to store dust sucked in by the suction force of the second suction source, and has a dust outlet formed to discharge the dust stored in the second dust storage section; the dust outlet and the inlet are formed to communicate with each other when the second housing is held by the holding section of the first housing; and the second vacuum cleaner has an operating section that is operated to instruct the second suction source to operate in an operating mode in which it generates an airflow in a direction that causes the dust stored in the second dust storage section to be discharged from the dust outlet, 4. The cleaning tool set of claim 3, wherein when the second suction source is instructed to operate in the operating mode by operating the operating unit while the second housing is held by the holding portion of the first housing, the second suction source is configured to blow dust in the second dust storage portion into the first dust storage portion through the dust outlet and the dust inlet.

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