CHARGING BASE AND ELECTRIC VACUUM CLEANER SYSTEM

A charging base (400) includes: a base seat (401) installed on a floor surface; a columnar tower part (402) provided on the base seat (401); a first support (403) provided on the tower part (402) and capable of supporting a vertical first electric vacuum cleaner (100); and a second support (404) provided on the tower part (402) and capable of supporting a vertical second electric vacuum cleaner (200). An electric vacuum cleaner system 1 includes the charging base (400) configured as described above, the vertical first electric vacuum cleaner (100), and the vertical second electric vacuum cleaner (200).

FIELD

The present invention relates to a charging base and an electric vacuum cleaner system.

BACKGROUND

PTL 1 discloses a rechargeable vacuum cleaner. This rechargeable vacuum cleaner is a vertical electric vacuum cleaner supported by a charging base. The rechargeable vacuum cleaner described in PTL 1 includes a suction part that sucks dust as a cleaning tool configured to remove dust on a surface to be cleaned.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Summary

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The charging base described in PTL 1 is configured to be able to support one rechargeable vacuum cleaner. In the related art disclosed in PTL 1, when a plurality of rechargeable vacuum cleaners are to be installed, a space for installing a plurality of charging bases has been required. Also, in the related art disclosed in PTL 1, when a plurality of suction parts are to be installed, a space for installing a plurality of charging bases has been required.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems as described above. It is an object of the present invention to make an installation space smaller than a conventional one, the installation space being required when a plurality of vertical electric vacuum cleaners supported by a charging base are to be installed. It is also an object of the present invention to make an installation space smaller than a conventional one, the installation space being required when a plurality of cleaning tools of vertical electric vacuum cleaners supported by a charging base are to be installed.

Solution to Problem

A charging base according to the present invention includes: a base seat installed on a floor surface; a columnar tower part provided on the base seat; a first support provided on the tower part and capable of supporting a vertical first electric vacuum cleaner; and a second support provided on the tower part and capable of supporting a vertical second electric vacuum cleaner. An electric vacuum cleaner system according to the present invention includes the charging base configured as described above, the vertical first electric vacuum cleaner, and the vertical second electric vacuum cleaner.

Further, a charging base according to the present invention includes: a charging base body having a base seat installed on a floor surface and a columnar tower part provided on the base seat; and a support provided on the tower part and capable of supporting a body of a vertical electric vacuum cleaner having an electric blower built-in. The body of the electric vacuum cleaner includes a body connection to which a first cleaning tool configured to remove dust on a surface to be cleaned and a second cleaning tool configured to remove dust on the surface to be cleaned are removably attached. A first cleaning tool connection connectable to the body connection is formed on the first cleaning tool, and a second cleaning tool connection connectable to the body connection is formed on the second cleaning tool. The support is configured to be able to support the body of the electric vacuum cleaner with the body connection facing downward. The charging base body is configured to be able to support the first cleaning tool with the first cleaning tool connection facing upward and support the second cleaning tool with the second cleaning tool connection facing upward. An electric vacuum cleaner system according to the present invention includes the charging base configured as described above, the body of the vertical electric vacuum cleaner having the electric blower built-in, the first cleaning tool, and the second cleaning tool.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to make an installation space smaller than a conventional one, the installation space being required when a plurality of vertical electric vacuum cleaners supported by a charging base are to be installed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to make an installation space smaller than a conventional one, the installation space being required when a plurality of cleaning tools of vertical electric vacuum cleaners supported by a charging base are to be installed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or corresponding portions. In addition, in the present disclosure, redundant descriptions are simplified or omitted as appropriate. Note that the present invention may include any combination of the configurations disclosed by the following respective embodiments.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an electric vacuum cleaner system1of the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the electric vacuum cleaner system1of the present embodiment includes a first electric vacuum cleaner100, a second electric vacuum cleaner200, and a charging base400.

The first electric vacuum cleaner100is a cordless-type vertical electric vacuum cleaner. The second electric vacuum cleaner200is a cordless-type vertical electric vacuum cleaner. The vertical electric vacuum cleaner is also called a stick-type electric vacuum cleaner. A secondary battery (not illustrated) is built inside the cordless-type first electric vacuum cleaner100. Similarly, a secondary battery (not illustrated) is built inside the cordless-type second electric vacuum cleaner200.

The charging base400can stand by itself. The charging base400is installed on a floor surface in a room or the like, for example, and used. The self-standing charging base400is configured to be able to simultaneously support the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200. The first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are supported by the charging base400in an upright state, for example.

The first electric vacuum cleaner100in the present embodiment is an example of the vertical first electric vacuum cleaner. The second electric vacuum cleaner200in the present embodiment is an example of the vertical second electric vacuum cleaner. The first electric vacuum cleaner100is an electric vacuum cleaner separate from the second electric vacuum cleaner200. A specification of the first electric vacuum cleaner100is different from, for example, a specification of the second electric vacuum cleaner200. Note that the specification of the first electric vacuum cleaner100may be the same as the specification of the second electric vacuum cleaner200.

The first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are removably attached to the charging base400. In the state illustrated inFIG. 1, both the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200have been attached to the charging base400.

In the present disclosure, as a rule, each of the vertical and horizontal directions is defined with reference to the state illustrated inFIG. 1. In other words, in the present disclosure, as a rule, each of the vertical and horizontal directions is defined with reference to a state in which the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are supported by the charging base400installed on a horizontal plane.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the electric vacuum cleaner system1in the first embodiment in a state where the first electric vacuum cleaner100has been removed from the charging base400. In the state illustrated inFIG. 2, the first electric vacuum cleaner100has been removed from the charging base400. In the state illustrated inFIG. 2, the second electric vacuum cleaner200has been attached to the charging base400.FIG. 2illustrates the appearance of the first electric vacuum cleaner100removed from the charging base400, and the appearance of the second electric vacuum cleaner200attached to the charging base400and the charging base400supporting the second electric vacuum cleaner200.

The charging base400has a function of charging the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200. The charging base400can be connected to an external power supply by a power supply cable (not illustrated). The first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are charged by being attached to the charging base400connected to the external power supply.

The configuration of the first electric vacuum cleaner100will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the first electric vacuum cleaner100includes, as main components, a first vacuum cleaner body part101, a first extension pipe102, and a first head103.

The first extension pipe102is a cylindrical member that extends linearly. One end of the first extension pipe102can be connected to the first head103. The first head103is removably attached to the first extension pipe102. The other end of the first extension pipe102can be connected to the first vacuum cleaner body part101. The first extension pipe102is removably attached to the first vacuum cleaner body part101.

The first head103is configured to remove dust on a surface to be cleaned, such as a floor surface. In the present disclosure, objects to be cleaned by the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200, such as dirt, grit, mote, hair, and fiber, are collectively referred to as “dust.” The surface to be cleaned in the present disclosure includes not only the floor surface but also the upper surfaces of objects such as a table and a futon.

The first head103is a part also called a cleaning tool. The first head103is removably connected to the first vacuum cleaner body part101through the first extension pipe102.

The first vacuum cleaner body part101and the first extension pipe102in the present embodiment are examples of the first body included in the first electric vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure. The first head103is an example of the first cleaning tool removably attached to the first body according to the present disclosure.

Note that the first head103may be removably connected to the first vacuum cleaner body part101without the first extension pipe102. The first vacuum cleaner body part101and the first extension pipe102may be integrated. That is, the first body included in the first electric vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure need not have a removable cylindrical member like the first extension pipe102in the present embodiment.

An air passage for allowing air containing dust to flow from the outside into the first vacuum cleaner body part101is formed inside the first extension pipe102and the first head103. In the present disclosure, the air containing dust may be referred to as “dust-containing air.” Also, in the present disclosure, air in a clean state after dust is removed may be referred to as “clean air.”

The first vacuum cleaner body part101has a function of separating dust from dust-containing air. The first vacuum cleaner body part101has a function of collecting the separated dust. The first vacuum cleaner body part101includes, as an example, a first grip104, a first suction pipe105, a first body part106, and a first dust collection part107.

The first grip104is a member to be gripped by a user with the hand during the use of the first electric vacuum cleaner100. The first suction pipe105is a cylindrical member extending linearly. A flow passage through which dust-containing air, having passed through the first head103and the first extension pipe102, flows is formed inside the first suction pipe105.

A first electric blower108is built in the first body part106. The first electric blower108is an apparatus that generates an airflow for the first electric vacuum cleaner100to suck dust. The first grip104is mechanically connected to the first body part106having the first electric blower108built-in. The first suction pipe105is formed so as to be continuous with the first grip104. As an example, the lower end of the first suction pipe105is located below the lower end of the first body part106.

The first dust collection part107is a dust collector that separates dust from dust-containing air and collects the dust. The first dust collection part107can be attached to and removed from the first body part106. An air passage communicating with an air passage inside the first suction pipe105is formed inside the first body part106and the first dust collection part107. The first electric blower108is installed on the air passage inside the first body part106.

As an example, the first dust collection part107swirls dust-containing air, sucked by an airflow generated by the first electric blower108, and separates dust by centrifugal force. As an example, the first dust collection part107has a cyclone separation function. Note that the first dust collection part107is not limited to a cyclone-type dust collector. The first dust collection part107may be, for example, a paper pack-type dust collector.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the first grip104is provided with a first operation display109. The first operation display109is for the user to operate the first electric vacuum cleaner100. The first operation display109includes, for example, a plurality of buttons for controlling the operation of the first electric vacuum cleaner100. The first electric blower108performs a preset action in accordance with an operation performed by the user on the first operation display109. In addition, the first operation display109also displays the state of the first electric vacuum cleaner100to the user. The first operation display109includes, for example, a lamp and a liquid crystal screen.

The secondary battery (not illustrated) is built in the first body part106. The secondary battery is an electric power source for driving the first electric blower108. The secondary battery built in the first body part106is charged by the first electric vacuum cleaner100being attached to the charging base400.

Next, the configuration of the second electric vacuum cleaner200will be described in more detail. The overall configuration of the second electric vacuum cleaner200is basically the same as the overall configuration of the first electric vacuum cleaner100. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the second electric vacuum cleaner200includes, as main components, a second vacuum cleaner body part201, a second extension pipe202, and a second head203.

The second extension pipe202is a cylindrical member that extends linearly. One end of the second extension pipe202can be connected to the second head203. The second head203is removably attached to the second extension pipe202. The other end of the second extension pipe202can be connected to the second vacuum cleaner body part201. The second extension pipe202is removably attached to the second vacuum cleaner body part201.

The second head203is configured to remove dust on the surface to be cleaned, such as the floor surface. The second head203is a part also called a cleaning tool. The second head203is removably connected to the second vacuum cleaner body part201through a second extension pipe202. An air passage for allowing air containing dust to flow from the outside into the second vacuum cleaner body part201is formed inside the second extension pipe202and the second head203.

The second vacuum cleaner body part201and the second extension pipe202are examples of the second body included in the second electric vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure. The second head203is an example of the second cleaning tool removably attached to the second body according to the present disclosure.

Note that the second head203may be removably connected to the second vacuum cleaner body part201without the second extension pipe202. The second vacuum cleaner body part201and the second extension pipe202may be integrated. That is, the second body included in the second electric vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure need not have a removable cylindrical member like the second extension pipe202in the present embodiment.

The second vacuum cleaner body part201has a function of separating dust from dust-containing air and collecting the dust, similarly to the first vacuum cleaner body part101. Note that the specification of the second vacuum cleaner body part201may be the same as or different from the specification of the first vacuum cleaner body part101.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the second electric vacuum cleaner200of the first embodiment.FIG. 3illustrates the appearance of the second electric vacuum cleaner200removed from the charging base400. The second vacuum cleaner body part201includes, as an example, a second grip204, a second suction pipe205, a second body part206, and a second dust collection part207illustrated inFIG. 3.

The second grip204is a member to be gripped by the user with the hand during the use of the second electric vacuum cleaner200. The second suction pipe205is a cylindrical member extending linearly. A flow passage through which dust-containing air, having passed through the second head203and the second extension pipe202, flows is formed inside the second suction pipe205.

A second electric blower208is built in the second body part206. The second electric blower208is an apparatus that generates an airflow for the second electric vacuum cleaner200to suck dust. The second grip204is mechanically connected to the second body part206having the second electric blower208built-in. The second suction pipe205is formed so as to be continuous with the second grip204. As an example, the lower end of the second suction pipe205is located below the lower end of the second body part206.

The second dust collection part207is a dust collector that separates dust from dust-containing air and collecting the dust. The second dust collection part207can be attached to and removed from the second body part206. An air passage communicating with an air passage inside the second suction pipe205is formed inside the second body part206and the second dust collection part207. The second electric blower208is installed on the air passage inside the second body part206.

As an example, the second dust collection part207swirls dust-containing air, sucked by the airflow generated by the second electric blower208, and separates dust by centrifugal force. As an example, the second dust collection part207has a cyclone separation function. Note that the second dust collection part207is not limited to a cyclone-type dust collector but may be, for example, a paper-pack dust collector.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the second grip204is provided with a second operation display209. The second operation display209is for the user to operate the second electric vacuum cleaner200. The second operation display209includes, for example, a plurality of buttons for controlling the operation of the second electric vacuum cleaner200. The second electric blower208performs a preset action in accordance with an operation performed by the user on the second operation display209. The second operation display209also displays the state of the second electric vacuum cleaner200to the user. The second operation display209includes, for example, a lamp and a liquid crystal screen.

The secondary battery (not illustrated) is built in the second body part206. The secondary battery is an electric power source for driving the second electric blower208. The secondary battery built in the second body part206is charged by the second electric vacuum cleaner200being attached to the charging base400.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of the second head203of the first embodiment.FIG. 5is a perspective view of the first head103of the first embodiment. The specifications of the first head103and the second head203in the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, in the present embodiment, the appearance of the first head103is different from the appearance of the second head203. The part configuration of the first head103is different from the part configuration of the second head203. The specification of the first head103is different from the specification of the second head203.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the second head203includes a rotary brush210. The rotary brush210is a part that rotates to scrape up and remove dust on the surface to be cleaned.

The rotary brush210is provided so as to face a second head suction port211formed on the bottom surface of the second head203. The bottom surface of the second head203is a surface facing the surface to be cleaned when the second head203is used. The second head suction port211is an opening for taking dust-containing air into the second head203. A brush chamber, which is a space communicating with the second head suction port211, is formed inside the second head203. The rotary brush210is installed in the brush chamber.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the second head203includes a brush motor212. The brush motor212is an electric motor for rotating the rotary brush210. The rotary brush210is set in the brush chamber in a state capable of being rotated by the brush motor212. The rotary brush210rotates when the brush motor212is driven. The brush motor212is driven, for example, by electric power supplied from the secondary battery built in the second body part206.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the first head103includes a wiping body110. The wiping body110is a part that adsorbs and removes dust on the surface to be cleaned. The wiping body110is a part for wiping the surface to be cleaned. At the time of removal of dust by the wiping body110, the first electric blower108is not essentially driven. The wiping body110is a part different in specification from the rotary brush210.

The wiping body110is provided so as to face a first head suction port111formed on the bottom surface of the first head103. The bottom surface of the first head103is a surface facing the surface to be cleaned when the first head103is used. The first head suction port111is an opening for taking dust-containing air into the first head103.

When the user is to clean a smooth surface to be cleaned, such as floor covering, the user uses the first head103including the wiping body110and the first electric vacuum cleaner100including the first head. By using the first head103provided with the wiping body110and the first electric vacuum cleaner100provided with the first head, the user can easily clean noticeable hair and dust.

The wiping body110is not a part driven by an electric motor like the rotary brush210. When dust is to be removed by the wiping body110, there is no need for the first electric blower108to be driven. By using the first head103and the first electric vacuum cleaner100provided with the first head103, the user can do the cleaning without worrying about noise to the surroundings, for example, even at night.

The user uses the second head203including a rotary brush210and the second electric vacuum cleaner200including the second head203when cleaning a surface to be cleaned into which dust easily enters, such as a carpet or a tatami mat. By using the second head203provided with the rotary brush210and the second electric vacuum cleaner200including the second head, the user can effectively remove dust having entered the depth of the surface to be cleaned.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the specifications of the first head103and the second head203are different from each other, so that the user can use the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200separately in accordance with the time period for cleaning, the type of the surface to be cleaned, and the type of dust.

Note that the specification of the first head103included in the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the specification of the second head203included in the second electric vacuum cleaner200are not limited to those described above. For example, the first head103may include a rotary brush210. Also, the second head203may include the wiping body110.

The specification of the first head103and the specification of the second head203are not necessarily different. The first head103and the second head203may be interchangeable. The first head103may be attachable to and removable from the second vacuum cleaner body part201and the second extension pipe202. The second head203may be attachable to and removable from the first vacuum cleaner body part101and the first extension pipe102.

Next, a description will be given of the action of the first electric vacuum cleaner100configured as described above during use, and the action of the second electric vacuum cleaner200configured as described above during use. The first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are removed from the charging base400during use. The user of the first electric vacuum cleaner100moves the first electric vacuum cleaner100back and forth, with the first head103in close contact with the surface to be cleaned, for example. Thereby, the dust on the surface to be cleaned is removed by the wiping body110.

The user of the first electric vacuum cleaner100may operate the first operation display109to drive the first electric blower108. By the drive of the first electric blower108, an airflow configured to suck dust is generated. Thus, dust-containing air is sucked from the first head suction port111of the first head103. The dust-containing air sucked from the first head suction port111is sent to the first dust collection part107. The dust-containing air sent to the first dust collection part107is separated into dust and air. The dust is collected by the first dust collection part107. The air separated from the dust by the first dust collection part107, that is, clean air, is discharged to the outside of the first electric vacuum cleaner100.

The user attaches the first electric vacuum cleaner100to the charging base400after using the first electric vacuum cleaner100. The first electric vacuum cleaner100is attached to the charging base400and charged when not in use.

The user of the second electric vacuum cleaner200operates the second operation display209, with the second head203in close contact with the surface to be cleaned, for example. The second electric blower208and the brush motor212are driven in accordance with the operation on the second operation display209. When the brush motor212is driven, the rotary brush210rotates to scrape up the dust adhering to the surface to be cleaned.

By the drive of the second electric blower208, an airflow for sucking the dust is generated. Thus, the dust-containing air containing the dust scraped up by the rotary brush210is sucked from the second head suction port211of the second head203. The dust-containing air sucked from the second head suction port211is sent to the second dust collection part207. The dust-containing air sent to the second dust collection part207is separated into dust and air. The dust is collected by the second dust collection part207. The air separated from the dust by the second dust collection part207, that is, clean air, is discharged to the outside of the second electric vacuum cleaner200.

The user attaches the second electric vacuum cleaner200to the charging base400after using the second electric vacuum cleaner200. The second electric vacuum cleaner200is attached to the charging base400and charged when not in use.

FIG. 6is a plan view of the electric vacuum cleaner system of the first embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the configuration of the charging base400of the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

As described above, the charging base400of the present embodiment is configured to be able to simultaneously support the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200. As illustrated in the drawings, the charging base400includes a base seat401and a tower part402. The base seat401and the tower part402are examples of the charging base body according to the present disclosure.

The base seat401is a member that is installed on the floor surface. The bottom surface of the base seat401faces the floor surface. The base seat401forms a base of the charging base400. The base seat401is the lowermost portion of the charging base400. As an example, the base seat401is formed so as to have a rectangular outer shape in a plan view.

The tower part402is a columnar member. The tower part402is provided on the base seat401. The tower part402is a columnar member. The lower end of the tower part402is fixed to the base seat401. As an example, the tower part402is configured to stand upward from the center in a plan view of the bottom surface of the base seat401. As an example, the tower part402is configured to stand vertically upward from the upper surface of the base seat401. As an example, the dimension in the height direction of the tower part402is set longer than the dimension in the right-left direction of the base seat401and the dimension in the front-rear direction of the base seat401.

The tower part402is provided with a first support403configured to be able to support the first electric vacuum cleaner100. The tower part402is provided with a second support404configured to be able to support the second electric vacuum cleaner200. The first support403and the second support404are provided in the same tower part402.

As an example, the first support403is formed in a shape in which the first body part106can be fitted. The first support403is provided with a recess adapted to the outer shape of the first body part106. The first support403takes hold of the first body part106to support the first electric vacuum cleaner100. As an example, the second support404is formed in a shape in which the second body part206can be fitted. The second support404is provided with a recess adapted to the outer shape of the second body part206. The second support404takes hold of the second body part206to support the second electric vacuum cleaner200.

The first support403is provided with a terminal connectable to a terminal provided in the first body part106. When the first body part106is attached to the first support403, the terminal provided on the first support403is electrically connected to the terminal provided on the first body part106. As a result, the first electric vacuum cleaner100is electrically connected to the charging base400and charged.

The second support404is provided with a terminal connectable to a terminal provided in the second body part206. When the second body part206is attached to the second support404, the terminal provided on the second support404is electrically connected to the terminal provided on the second body part206. As a result, the second electric vacuum cleaner200is electrically connected to the charging base400and charged.

Note that the mechanism for electrically connecting the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the charging base400is not limited to the terminals described above. The mechanism for electrically connecting the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the charging base400may be provided, for example, on the base seat401, the tower part402, and the like. Similarly, the mechanism for electrically connecting the second electric vacuum cleaner200and the charging base400may be provided, for example, on the base seat401and the tower part402.

As described above, the charging base400of the present embodiment includes the first support403and the second support404which are provided in the same tower part402. Hence in the present embodiment, the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are supported by one charging base400. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the installation space required for installing a plurality of vertical electric vacuum cleaners can be made smaller than a conventional one.

According to the electric vacuum cleaner system1of the present embodiment, a first user using the first electric vacuum cleaner100and a second user using the second electric vacuum cleaner200can simultaneously do the cleaning. According to the present embodiment, a plurality of users can simultaneously do the cleaning, so that the time required to complete the cleaning can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, when the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are supported by the charging base400, the first head103and the second head203are placed on the base seat401. Thus, the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are supported in a more stable state.

Note that the first head103and the second head203may be in a state of floating from the base seat401when the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are supported by the charging base400. For example, the tower part402may be formed so as to come into contact with the first head103and the second head203and support the first head103and the second head203.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 6, in the present embodiment, the first support403and the second support404are provided so as to surround the tower part402. The first support403and the second support404are configured to extend in directions different from each other from the side surfaces of the tower part402. The first electric vacuum cleaner100attached to the first support403and the second electric vacuum cleaner200attached to the second support404are disposed so as to surround the charging base400. With the configuration as described above, the electric vacuum cleaner system1can stand by itself in a stable state. Further, the user can attach and remove the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200in a stable state in which the charging base400is unlikely to fall.

In the present embodiment, the first support403and the second support404are disposed so as to be aligned right and left. As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 6, in the present embodiment, the first electric vacuum cleaner100supported by the first support403is positioned next to the second electric vacuum cleaner200supported by the second support404. Since the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are positioned next to each other, the user can easily and selectively remove the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200.

Further, as illustrated inFIG. 6, when the first electric vacuum cleaner100is supported by the first support403and the second electric vacuum cleaner200is supported by the second support404, the first head103is positioned next to the second head203. When the first electric vacuum cleaner100is supported by the first support403and the second electric vacuum cleaner200is supported by the second support404, the longitudinal direction of the first head103in a plan view and the longitudinal direction of the second head203in the plan view are aligned in the same direction. With the configuration as described above, the user may apply a force in the same direction both when removing the first electric vacuum cleaner100and when removing the second electric vacuum cleaner200. The user may twist the wrist or the like in the same direction both when removing the first electric vacuum cleaner100and when removing the second electric vacuum cleaner200. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the charging base400and the electric vacuum cleaner system1which are more convenient to use.

As an example, the charging base400may have an air cleaning function for cleaning the indoor air. The charging base400having the air cleaning function includes: an intake port405configured to suck air; a filter406that collects dust in the air sucked from the intake port405; an exhaust port407configured to discharge the air that passes through the filter406; and a fan408that generates an airflow from the intake port405toward the exhaust port407.

The intake port405is formed, for example, in the base seat401. Thus, dust in the vicinity of the floor surface is sucked efficiently. The filter406and the fan408are built in the tower part402, for example. The exhaust port407is formed, for example, on the side surface of the tower part402.

The charging base400configured as described above can achieve both the function as a device for charging the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200and the function as an air cleaner. Further, the charging base400configured as described above can remove dust that is blown up in the indoor air when the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are used. Hence it is possible to prevent the dust once brown up from falling again onto the floor surface and adhering thereto. With the charging base400configured as described above, it is possible to suppress the amount of dust accumulated on the floor surface and to reduce the frequency with which the user cleans the floor surface. Note that the charging base400according to the present disclosure does not necessarily have the air cleaning function.

Next, modifications of the first embodiment will be described.FIG. 7is a plan view illustrating a first modification of the electric vacuum cleaner system of the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 7, a recess402amay be formed in the tower part402. In the modification illustrated inFIG. 7, a first recess402aand a second recess402aare formed in the tower part402. The recess402ais a concave portion recessed toward the center of the tower part402in a plan view. The recess402ais formed on the side surface of the tower part402.

The first recess402ais provided with a first support403. The second recess402ais provided with a second support404. According to the first modification, the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200are each accommodated in a recessed space formed on the side surface of the tower part402. With the configuration as described above, the dimension in the width direction, that is, the horizontal direction, of the entire electric vacuum cleaner system1can be made smaller. According to the first modification, it is possible to obtain the electric vacuum cleaner system1that can be installed even in a narrow space such as a space between pieces of furniture.

FIGS. 8 and 9are front views illustrating a second modification of the electric vacuum cleaner system1of the first embodiment.FIG. 8illustrates a state in which the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200have been attached to the charging base400.FIG. 9illustrates a state in which the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200have been removed from the charging base400.

In the second modification, the first body part106is attached to and removed from the first support403provided in the first recess402a. The second body part206is attached to and removed from the second support404provided in the second recess402a.

In the second modification, the first body part106supported by the first support403is located above the second body part206supported by the second support404. In the second modification, the second body part206is disposed in the vicinity of the floor surface. The first body part106is disposed at a position separated from the floor surface. The distance from the floor surface to the bottom surface of the second body part206is shorter than the distance from the floor surface to the bottom surface of the first body part106. The first body part106supported by the first support403and the second body part206supported by the second support404are disposed so as to be across the center of the tower part402from above and below in a front view. With the configuration of the second modification, the overall dimensions of the electric vacuum cleaner system1can be made smaller.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described. The same or corresponding portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.FIGS. 10 and 11are front views of an electric vacuum cleaner system2of the second embodiment.FIG. 12is a plan view of the electric vacuum cleaner system2of the second embodiment.

As illustrated inFIGS. 10 to 12, the electric vacuum cleaner system2of the present embodiment includes a first electric vacuum cleaner100and a charging base400. The electric vacuum cleaner system2includes a second head203.

The first electric vacuum cleaner100includes, as main components, a first vacuum cleaner body part101, a first extension pipe102, and a first head103. The charging base400includes a base seat401and a tower part402which are examples of the charging base body. The tower part402is provided with a first support403. The first support403is provided in a recess402aformed in the tower part402.

In the present embodiment, both the first head103and the second head203are configured to be removably attached to the first extension pipe102. A connection102ato which the first head103and the second head203are removably attached is formed on the first extension pipe102. The connection102ais an example of the body connection according to the present disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the first head103is provided with a first head connection103aconnectable to the connection102a. The second head203is provided with a second head connection203aconnectable to the connection102a. The first head connection103ais an example of the first cleaning tool connection according to the present disclosure. The second head connection203ais an example of the second cleaning tool connection according to the present disclosure.

The first support403is configured to be able to support the first vacuum cleaner body part101with the connection102afacing downward. As illustrated inFIG. 10, when the first vacuum cleaner body part101is attached to the charging base400, the connection102afaces downward.

In the present embodiment, the charging base400is configured to be able to simultaneously support the first head103, the second head203, and the first electric vacuum cleaner100in a state where the cleaning tool, such as the first head103, has been removed. The base seat401and the tower part402, which are examples of the charging base body, are configured to be able to simultaneously support the first head103and the second head203.

The first head103and the second head203are placed on the base seat401, for example. The first head103and the second head203are supported from below by the base seat401. Note that the first head103and the second head203may be supported by the tower part402in a state floating from the base seat401, for example.

Further, the base seat401and the tower part402, which are examples of the charging base body, can support the first head103with the first head connection103afacing upward, as illustrated inFIG. 10. Also, the base seat401and the tower part402, which are examples of the charging base body, can support the second head203with the second head connection203afacing upward, as illustrated inFIG. 10.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the charging base400of the present embodiment can simultaneously support the first vacuum cleaner body part101, the first head103, and the second head203. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the installation space required for installing a vertical electric vacuum cleaners and a plurality of cleaning tools can be made smaller than a conventional one.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, when the first vacuum cleaner body part101is attached to the charging base400, the connection102afaces downward. When the first head connection103ais attached to the charging base400, the first head connection103afaces upward. When the second head connection203ais attached to the charging base400, the second head connection203afaces upward. In the state illustrated inFIG. 10, the connection102aand the first head connection103aface each other. In the state illustrated inFIG. 10, the connection102aand the second head connection203aface each other. As an example, in the state illustrated inFIG. 10, the connection102ais located above the first head connection103aand the second head connection203a.

With the configuration as described above, after removing the first vacuum cleaner body part101from the charging base400, the user can easily connect the first head connection103aor the second head connection203ato the connection102a.FIG. 11illustrates a state in which the first head connection103ais connected to the connection102a, that is, a state in which the first head103is connected to the first extension pipe102, after the first vacuum cleaner body part101is removed from the charging base400.

As illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 12, when the first head103and the second head203are supported by the charging base400, the tower part402is located between the first head103and the second head203. The first head103and the second head203are disposed so as to be across the tower part402in a plan view. As illustrated inFIG. 12, when the first head103and the second head203are supported by the charging base400, the longitudinal direction of the first head103in a plan view and the longitudinal direction of the second head203in the plan view are aligned in the same direction. With the configuration as described above, the dimension in the width direction, that is, the horizontal direction, of the entire electric vacuum cleaner system1can be made smaller.

Note that the charging base400of the first embodiment may be configured to be able to simultaneously support three or more electric vacuum cleaners. The charging base400of the second embodiment may be configured to be able to simultaneously support three or more cleaning tools. The configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner system1of the first embodiment and the configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner system2of the second embodiment can be combined without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in the first embodiment, the first electric vacuum cleaner100and the second electric vacuum cleaner200may be supported while disposed so as to be across the tower part402, like the first head103and the second head203of the second embodiment. Further, in the second embodiment, the first head103and the second head203may be supported while positioned next to each other.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The charging base according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, for charging an electric vacuum cleaner that cleans a room. Further, the electric vacuum cleaner system according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, for cleaning a room or the like.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST