AU2021258977A1

AU2021258977A1 - Cleaner station

Info

Publication number: AU2021258977A1
Application number: AU2021258977A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hwang Kim; Sang Chul Lee; Jong Il Park
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2020-04-22
Filing date: 2021-04-22
Publication date: 2022-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-04-22
Also published as: CN115426929B; JP7472316B2; KR20210130655A; US20230132447A1; CN115426929A; EP4140379A1; AU2021258977B2; WO2021215842A1; JP2023522461A

Abstract

A cleaner station according to embodiments may comprise a first station to which a hand-held cleaner can be coupled and a second station to which a robot cleaner is coupled. The first station may comprise a first suction part for sucking dust from a dust container of the hand-held cleaner, and the second station may comprise a second suction part for suctioning dust from a dust container of the robot cleaner. The cleaner station may comprise: a dust introduction part through which dust suctioned from the first suction part and the second suction part is discharged; and a dust storage box which communicates with the dust introduction part and receives dust suctioned from the first suction part and the second suction part.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Invention Title

CLEANER STATION TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station and more particularly to a cleaner

station has a function of sucking dust by causing a hand vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum

cleaner to be combined simultaneously therewith.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a holder of a cleaner may be used for storing a cordless cleaner. The cordless

cleaner is driven by using the power of a built-in battery. According to these characteristics, it

is common to use a holder also capable of charging the power of the battery when the cordless

cleaner is mounted.

A cordless vacuum cleaner includes a hand vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum

cleaner. In the hand vacuum cleaner, a user grips a handle and moves directly to suck dust or

foreign substances on the floor. The robotic vacuum cleaner performs autonomously cleaning

while moving based on set movement information or movement information collected by a

sensor.

After cleaning by operating the vacuum cleaner, the user must remove the dust and

foreign substances that the vacuum cleaner has sucked. In the process of separating a dust bin

from the vacuum cleaner or carrying the vacuum cleaner outside to remove dust, the user is exposed to fine dust that scatters again from the dust bin.

In addition, the hand vacuum cleaner is generally sold as a separate product from the

robotic vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, there is an inconvenience of having to install different

cleaner stations included in the respective products. In this case, it is inconvenient to connect

different power sources to respective holders, and a space occupied by the holder increases. As

a result, these cause inconvenience.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present invention includes a cleaner station with which a hand vacuum cleaner

and a robot vacuum cleaner can be combined simultaneously. Dust sucked by the two different

devices can be managed by using one dust storage box.

Also, different cleaner stations are integrated into one cleaner station, so that it is

possible to increase space efficiency and make it convenient to install the cleaner station.

Also, a plurality of flow paths can be selectively opened and closed, thereby preventing

dust scattering and improving cleaning efficiency.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the above-objectives, the cleaner station according to embodiments

may have a structure in which a hand vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner can be

combined simultaneously.

The cleaner station according to the embodiments includes stations with which the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner can be combined respectively. The hand vacuum cleaner can be combined with an upper portion of the cleaner station, and the robotic vacuum cleaner can be combined with a lower portion of the cleaner station.

The cleaner station according to the embodiments enables the hand vacuum cleaner

and the robotic vacuum cleaner to be combined therewith. The cleaner station may include a

first station which is disposed on an upper portion of the cleaner station and is combined with

the hand vacuum cleaner and a second station which is disposed on a lower portion of the

cleaner station and is combined with the robotic vacuum cleaner. The first station may include

a first suction portion which sucks dust from a dust bin of the hand vacuum cleaner. The second

station may include a second suction portion which sucks dust from a dust bin of the robotic

vacuum cleaner.

The cleaner station according to the embodiments may include a dust inlet where the

dust sucked by the first suction portion and the second suction portion communicates, and may

include a dust storage box which receives the dust sucked by the first suction portion and the

second suction portion.

The cleaner station according to the embodiments may include a suction motor which

sucks dust through at least one of the first suction portion and the second suction portion.

The cleaner station according to the embodiments may include a first flow path which

communicates with the first suction portion; a second flow path which communicates with the

second suction portion; a third flow path where the first flow path and the second flow path join and which communicates with the dust inlet.

The first flow path and the second flow path of the cleaner station according to the

embodiments may be selectively opened and closed in response to a combined state of the hand

vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner.

The first station of the cleaner station according to the embodiments may include a

separated space where a suction tube of the hand vacuum cleaner is placed. Also, a first dust

bin and a second dust bin included in the hand vacuum cleaner may be coupled to both ends of

the separated space of the first station.

According to the embodiments, the first suction portion may be positioned at both ends

of the first station respectively. The first dust bin and the second dust bin included in the hand

vacuum cleaner may be coupled to a place where the first suction portion is located.

Also, the first flow path may include a Y-shaped flow path. Both ends of the Y-shaped

flow path may be provided respectively in the first suction portion to which the first dust bin

and the second dust bin are coupled.

The dust storage box of the cleaner station according to the embodiments may include

a dust bag that is attachable and detachable. The dust bag may communicate with the dust inlet.

The dust bag may include a filter that filters dust from air introduced into the dust inlet. The

dust bag may store the filtered dust therein.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments may further include an exhaust

portion which exhausts dust-filtered air.

Also, within an opening closing area provided on one side of the cleaner station, the

cleaner station may include a space to which the dust storage box can be coupled.

According to the embodiments, at least one of the dust inlet, the first suction portion,

and the second suction portion may include a sealing member.

The cleaner station according to the embodiments may include a first charger which

provides power to the hand vacuum cleaner; and a second charger which provides power to the

robotic vacuum cleaner.

Meanwhile, the flow path switching portion of the cleaner station according to a first

embodiment may include an opening closing portion which includes a communication hole and

is movable slidingly. When the first flow path is opened, the opening closing portion may be

disposed such that the communication hole is located between the first flow path and the third

flow path.

Here, the communication hole may be formed to correspond to an end of the first flow

path.

Meanwhile, when the second flow path is opened, the opening closing portion may be

disposed such that a position of the communication hole moves in one direction out of between

the first flow path and the third flow path.

Meanwhile, the flow path switching portion of the cleaner station according to a

second embodiment may include a sealing portion which is selectively coupled to the first flow

path and the second flow path and closes the flow path; and a link portion which is connected to the sealing portion and rotates the sealing portion. The sealing portion may be formed to have a cross-section larger than those of ends of the first flow path and the second flow path.

Here, the sealing portion may maintain a state of being coupled to any one of the first

flow path and the second flow path, during the operation of the suction motor.

Meanwhile, the flow path switching portion may further include: a link housing to

which the link portion is fixedly coupled; and a switching motor which provides power for

rotating the sealing portion. The sealing portion may include at least one partition member

which sets a rotatable region of the link portion.

Meanwhile, the cleaner station may further include a second processor which

processes foreign substances sucked by the second suction portion. The second processor may

be formed in the form of a bladeorasawblade capable of cutting long foreign substances.

Advantageous Effects

Embodiments provide a cleaner station which is able to increase the convenience of

removing dust in a hand vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner and is able to charge

and store the devices.

The cleaner station according to the embodiments is characterized in that it is possible

to mount a hand vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner at the same time. This makes it

possible to charge the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner with one power

source. Also, two different holders are integrated into one holder, so that it is possible to

maximize space efficiency and improve the convenience of installation.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments has an advantage of

automatically sucking and storing the dust of the vacuum cleaner by using a suction portion. A

user does not have to directly empty a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner. In the process of

emptying the dust bin, the user may not be exposed to the dust scattering toward the user.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments allows the user to manage

different dust bins included in the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner through

one device.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments seals the sucked foreign

substances and dust within the holder and provides to the user. Through this, it is possible for

the user to conveniently remove the dust within the vacuum cleaner.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments may preferentially remove dust

of any one of the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner, thereby improving the

emptying efficiency of the dust bin.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments can prevent dust from

scattering again by closing an opposite flow path in the process of removing dust of any one of

the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments may provide the user with an

aesthetic sense by processing long foreign substances that are likely to be caught in the dust

bins of the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing that a hand vacuum cleaner and a robotic

vacuum cleaner are combined with a cleaner station according to embodiments of the present

disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a front view showing that the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum

cleaner 600 are combined with the cleaner station according to embodiments of the present

disclosure;

FIG. IC is a side view showing that the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum

cleaner are combined with the cleaner station according to embodiments of the present

disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a flow path structure and an exhaust path of the

cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure as viewed from the side;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the flow path structure and the exhaust path of the

cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure as viewed from the rear;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a structure of a state where a flow path switching

portion according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure opens a first flow path;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of a state where the flow path

switching portion according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens a second

flow path;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the flow path switching portion

according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the first flow path;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the flow path switching portion

according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second flow path;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a state where a flow path switching portion according to a

second embodiment of the present disclosure opens the first flow path as viewed from one side;

FIG. 8 is a side view showing that some components are disassembled, as viewed from

one side, in the state where the flow path switching portion according to the second

embodiment of the present disclosure opens the first flow path;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing that some components are

disassembled in the state where the flow path switching portion according to the second

embodiment of the present disclosure opens the first flow path;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a state where the flow path switching portion according to

the second embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second flow path as viewed from

one side;

FIG. 11 is a side view showing that some components are disassembled, as viewed

from one side, in the state where the flow path switching portion according to the second

embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second flow path;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing that some components are

embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second flow path;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views showing a structure in which the hand vacuum cleaner including a first dust bin and a second dust bin is combined with a first station in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the flow path structure of the cleaner station

according to the embodiments of the present disclosure as viewed from the rear;

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner station including a first flow path

with a Y-shaped structure according to the embodiments of the present disclosure as viewed

from the rear;

FIG. 15A is a side view showing a state where a dust storage box according to the

embodiments of the present disclosure is coupled to the inside of the cleaner station;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view showing an internal space of the cleaner station with

which the dust storage box according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is combined;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view showing schematically a structure of the dust

storage box according to the embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view showing schematically a structure of a dust bag

coupled to the dust storage box according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the

accompanying drawings such that the purpose of the present disclosure may be specifically

understood and implemented.

In this process, the size or shape of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. Also, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present disclosure may vary depending on the intentions or customs of users and operators.

Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, while terms such as the first and the second, etc.,

can be used to describe various components, the components are not limited by the terms

mentioned above. The terms are used only for distinguishing between one component and other

components. For example, the first component may be designated as the second component

without departing from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present invention.

Similarly, the second component may be designated as the first component. The term of 'and/or'

includes a combination or one of a plurality of related items mentioned.

These terms should be defined and understood based on what has been described

throughout the present specification.

As mentioned above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described

embodiment. As can be seen from the appended claims, the present invention can be modified

by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and such modifications are

within the scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a cleaner station 1 with which a hand vacuum cleaner 500 and a robotic

vacuum cleaner 600 can be combined will be described.

A vacuum cleaner is a device that sucks dust existing on the floor or in a place that is

difficult to reach by using a member such as a pipe. The vacuum cleaner includes a motor and a dust bin. The motor which is rotating forms a vacuum within the dust bin, and thus, an internal pressure of the dust bin is lower than an external pressure of the dust bin, so that foreign substances such as dust, etc., can be sucked in by the pressure difference.

The vacuum cleaner can be divided into the hand vacuum cleaner 500 that cleans the

floor, etc., while being held and moved by a user and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 that

automatically sets a path and performs cleaning. Both types of vacuum cleaners have a dust

bin and a battery therewithin, and the user should separate the dust bin from each vacuum

cleaner and remove the dust in the dust bin.

The hand vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 may be charged by

using a holder connected to a power source. It is common for each device to use a different

charging holder. The charging holder has to be connected to a power source and occupies a

volume. Therefore, if one or more holders are provided in the house, the efficiency of spatial

use is degraded and a plurality of power sources is required.

The cleaner station 1 according to the embodiments has a function of simultaneously

being combined with two types of vacuum cleaners. By using this, it is possible to

simultaneously charge different types of vacuum cleaners with only one power source. Also, it

is possible to increase the efficiency of spatial use.

The cleaner station 1 has a flow path structure and a dust storage box 300 therein, so

that interior materials of the dust bin included in each vacuum cleaner can be sucked. At least

one dust bin included in different types of cleaners can be managed by using one dust bin 300.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, components included in the cleaner station 1

according to embodiments and a combining structure between the components will be

described.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing that the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and the

robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are combined with the cleaner station 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a front view showing that the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum

cleaner 600 are combined with the cleaner station 1 according to embodiments. FIG. IC is a

side view showing that the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are

combined with the cleaner station 1 according to embodiments.

The cleaner station 1 according to the embodiments may allow the hand vacuum

cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 to be combined therewith. Specifically, it is

possible that only one of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600

may be combined with the cleaner station 1 or two types of cleaners may be combined with the

cleaner at the same time.

An upper portion of the cleaner station 1 may include a first station 100 with which

the hand vacuum cleaner 500 is combined. The first station 100 may include a first suction

portion 110 that sucks dust from the dust bin of the hand vacuum cleaner 500. The dust bin

included in the hand vacuum cleaner 500 may be connected to the first suctionportion 110, and

dust and foreign substances within the dust bin can be discharged to the outside of the dust bin

by a suction force acting on the first suction portion 110.

A lower portion of the cleaner station 1 may include a second station 200 with which

the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 is combined. The second station 200 may include a second

suction portion 210 that sucks dust from the dust bin of the robotic vacuum cleaner 600. The

dust bin included in the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 may be connected to the second suction

portion 210, and dust and foreign substances within the dust bin can be discharged to the outside

of the dust bin by a suction force acting on the second suction portion 210.

Specifically, when the hand vacuum cleaner 500 is combined, a portion where the dust

bin of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 is located may be seated in the first station 100. Here, a

suction tube 520 may be disposed in a longitudinal direction of the cleaner station 1. The second

station 200 includes a flat structure protruding forward from the lower portion of the cleaner

station 1, and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 may be seated thereon.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, an internal structure of the cleaner station 1 for

sucking dust will be described.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a flow path structure and an exhaust path P of the

cleaner station 1 according to embodiments as viewed from the side, and FIG. 2B is a cross

sectional view of the flow path structure and the exhaust path P of the cleaner station 1

according to embodiments as viewed from the rear.

The cleaner station 1 according to the embodiments may include the dust storage box

300 and a dust inlet 310. The dust storage box 300 stores the sucked dust. The dust inlet 310

discharges the dust sucked by the first suction portion 110 and/or the second suction portion

210. The dust storage box 300 communicates with the dust inlet 310, and the dust sucked by

the first suction portion 110 and the second suction portion 210 is received within the dust

storage box 300.

The cleaner station 1 according to embodiments may include a suction motor 800 that

provides power for sucking dust.

Specifically, the suction motor 800 may be a fan motor. The suction motor 800 receives

power to rotate the fan, and the flow of air generated by the rotation of the fan may function to

reduce the pressure inside the dust storage box 300.

The cleaner station 1 according to the embodiments may include a first flow path 111

communicating with the first suction portion 110 and a second flow path 211 communicating

with the second suction portion 210. Also, the cleaner station 1 may further include a third flow

path 311 where the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 join. The third flow path

311 communicates with the dust inlet 310.

Specifically, one end of the first flow path 111 communicates with the first suction

portion 110, and may suck the dust of the hand vacuum cleaner 500. The other end of the first

flow path 111 may be connected to one end of the third flow path 311. In addition, one end of

the second flow path 211 communicates with the second suction portion 210, and the dust of

the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 may be sucked. The other end of the second flow path 211 may

be connected to one end of the third flow path 311. The dust sucked along the first flow path

111 and the second flow path 211 joins at one end of the third flow path 311. The other end of the third flow path 311 communicates with the dust inlet 310, and the sucked dust passes through the dust inlet 310 and is received into the dust storage box 300.

Air P, which is also sucked together in order to suck dust, may be exhausted through

one side of the cleaner station 1 after the included dust is filtered.

The first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 according to embodiments may

be selectively opened and closed in response to the combined state of the hand vacuum cleaner

500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600.

Specifically, when the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600

suck dust simultaneously, there is a possibility that a suction force of the cleaner station 1 may

be reduced. If a sufficient suction force is not provided to the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner,

dust and foreign substances may remain within the dust bin even after the suction process is

completed.

As the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211, or, in other words, the first

suction portion 110 and the second suction portion 210 are selectively opened and closed, the

suction force provided by the suction motor 800 can be focused on one side. Hereinafter, the

description of opening and closing the first flow path 111 has the same meaning as the

description of opening and closing the first suction portion 110, and may be used

interchangeably. Similarly, the description of opening and closing the second flow path 211 has

the same meaning as the description of opening and closing the second suction portion 210,

and may be used interchangeably.

Specifically, when the cleaner station 1 closes the second suction portion 210 and sucks

dust of the hand vacuum cleaner 500, air may be introduced more quickly from the first suction

portion 110. Conversely, when the cleaner station 1 closes the first suction portion 110 and

sucks dust of the robotic vacuum cleaner 600, air may be introduced more quickly from the

second suction portion 210.

Therefore, when only the hand vacuum cleaner 500 is combined, the cleaner station 1

may suck the dust of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 with the first suction portion 110 open and

the second suction portion 210 closed. Also, when only the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 is

combined, the cleaner station 1 may suck the dust of the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 with the

second suction portion 210 open and the first suction portion 110 closed.

Also, when both the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are

combined with the cleaner station 1, the cleaner station 1 may, in accordance with a user's

selection, suck the dust of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 with the first suction portion 110 open

and the second suction portion 210 closed or may suck the dust of the robotic vacuum cleaner

600 with the second suction portion 210 open and the first suction portion 110 closed.

A backflow phenomenon may occur in the process in which the cleaner station 1 sucks

the dust. In this case, some of the dust moving along the flow path may be discharged to the

external space. Also, there is a possibility that the dust remaining within the flow path is blown

to the external space by convection. In order to prevent dust from scattering in the indoor space,

the cleaner station 1 may include a sealing member 350 that closes the flow path.

Specifically, at least one of the dust inlet 310, the first suction portion 110, and the

second suction portion 210 may include the sealing member 350 that prevents the dust from

passing therethrough. The sealing member 350 may be made of a rubber material. In the state

where the hand vacuum cleaner 500 is combined, the sealing member 350 of the first suction

portion 110 may be opened, and in the state where the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 is combined,

the sealing member 350 of the second suction portion 210 may be opened.

Also, the cleaner station 1 may include a flow path switching portion capable of

opening and closing the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211. The flow path

switching portion 400 may be provided together with the sealing member 350 described above,

and both the components may be selectively provided according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the flow path switching portion 400 will be described in detail

with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a structure of a state where the flow path

switching portion 400 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the first

flow path. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of a state where the flow path

switching portion 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the

second flow path. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the flow path switching

portion 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the first flow

path. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the flow path switching portion 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second flow path.

First, referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the flow path switching portion 400 according to the

first embodiment of the present disclosure may selectively open and close the first flow path

111 and the second flow path 211 through forward and backward movement, that is, sliding.

Here, the forward may mean a direction in which the hand vacuum cleaner 500 or the robotic

vacuum cleaner 600 enters the cleaner station 1. Also, the backward has a relative concept to

the forward and may be defined as a direction in FIG. 3 from a point where the flow path

switching portion 400 is connected to the second flow path to a point where the flow path

switching portion 400 is connected to the first flow path 111. However, depending on a design

in which the first flow path 111, the second flow path 211, the third flow path 311, and the flow

path switching portion 400 are arranged, the movement direction may be changed, and such a

changed embodiment is also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

The flow path switching portion 400 may include a housing 410, an opening closing

portion 420, a rotating disk 430, a micro switch 480, and a switching motor 490.

The housing 410 may form a predetermined internal space by coupling an upper

housing 411 and a lower housing 412. Accordingly, in the internal space of the housing 410,

the components of the flow path switching portion 400 can be disposed without external

interference.

A communication hole 421 for opening the first flow path 111 may be formed in the

opening closing portion 420 according to the first embodiment.

The shape of the communication hole 421 may be formed to correspond to the first

flow path 111 and the third flow path 311 such that they can communicate with each other. For

example, referring to FIG. 3, the communication hole 421 may be formed in an approximate

circular shape to correspond to the shape of the end of the first flow path 111. Also, if the shape

of the first flow path 111 is changed, the shape of the communication hole 421 may be changed

correspondingly. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the gas which is guided

from the first flow path 111 to the third flow path 311.

A catching groove 422 which is opened with a predetermined width and extends may

be formed in one side of the opening closing portion 420. The catching groove 422 is a space

to which a catching protrusion 432 of the rotating disk 430 to be described later is fitted and

coupled, and details thereof will be described later.

The opening closing portion 420 may be coupled to the lower housing 412. A sliding

guide 413 which enables the opening closing portion 420 coupled to the lower housing 412 to

slide may be formed on one side of the lower housing 412. The opening closing portion 420 is

coupled with being fitted, thereby being prevented from separating. Also, the opening closing

portion 420 is movable forward and backward with being coupled to the sliding guide 413.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the opening closing portion 420 can slide forward and

backward. Specifically, when the state where the first flow path 111 is opened (see FIGS. 3 and

) is switched to the state where the second flow path 211 is opened (refer to FIGS. 4 and 6),

the opening closing portion 420 can slide forward. Conversely, when the state where the second flow path 211 is opened is switched to the state where the first flow path 111 is opened, the opening closing portion 420 can slide backward. Accordingly, the opening closing portion 420 can selectively open and close the first flow path 111 or the second flow path 211.

In another embodiment, the communication hole 421 may be formed to open the

second flow path 211. In this case, the second flow path 211 and the communication hole 421

may meet in a state where the opening closing portion 420 has moved to the rear to the

maximum degree. Accordingly, the gas sucked through the second flow path 211 may be guided

to the third flow path 311. Here, the opening closing portion excluding the communication hole

421 may seal the first flow path 111 and the third flow path 311.

The rotating disk 430 may change the position of the opening closing portion 420.

Specifically, the rotating disk 430 may be connected to the opening closing portion 420 to move

the position of the opening closing portion 420 forward and backward through rotation. To this

end, the rotating disk 430 is arranged to be able to rotate and can be rotated by a rotational

force of the switching motor 490 to be described later.

Referring to FIG. 3, the rotating disk 430 may include a disk body 431 and a catching

protrusion 432.

The disk body 431 may be provided in the form of a disk having a substantially circular

cross-section and extending to a predetermined height. However, in an embodiment where the

rotation does not cause interference with surrounding components, the disk body may be

provided in another form.

The catching protrusion 432 may be formed to protrude to a predetermined height from

the top surface of the disk body 431. The catching protrusion 432 may be fitted into the catching

groove 422 of the opening closing portion 420. Accordingly, when the rotating disk 430 rotates,

the catching protrusion 432 may move the opening closing portion 420 by catching and pulling

the opening closing portion 420. That is, the catching protrusion 432 may perform a function

of converting a rotational motion of the rotating disk 430 into a linear motion of the opening

closing portion 420.

Specifically, when the disk body 431 rotates, the catching protrusion 432 rotates

together with the disk body along the rotation direction of the disk body 431. Here, since the

catching protrusion 432 is in a state of being coupled to the catching groove 422, the catching

protrusion may pull and move the opening closing portion 420 while rotating in the

circumferential direction of the disk body 431. Through this, the opening closing portion 420

can perform a linear motion, and moreover, can selectively open and close the first flow path

111 and the second flow path 211.

The micro switch 480 may be disposed to determine the rotation and position state of

the opening closing portion 420 and the rotating disk 430. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the

micro switch is provided on the opening closing portion 420 and the rotating disk 430. Also,

the arrangement position of the micro switch 480 may be changed according to a design change.

The micro switch 480 may recognize the position of the opening closing portion 420.

Specifically, one end of the micro switch 480 may include a cantilever-shaped fixed handle

481. Accordingly, when the handle 481 is pressed, the position of the opening closing portion

is changed, and the micro switch 480 can recognize the change of the position.

The micro switch 480 may turn on/off the power of the switching motor 490 to be

described later. When the above-described handle 481 moves more than a certain distance, the

micro switch 480 may turn on/off the power of the switching motor 490.

Since the detailed configuration of the micro switch 480 is known to those skilled in

the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted. In other words, the micro switch 480 may

be provided by selectively employing a device capable of controlling the power of the

switching motor 490 through the recognition of the position of the opening closing portion 420.

Such a modified embodiment is also within the scope of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the switching motor 490 may be provided below the lower

housing 412. The switching motor 490 is configured to provide power that can move the

opening closing portion 420, and may include a shaft 491 and a motor housing 493.

The shaft 491 is a rotation shaft of the switching motor 490, and may rotate in one

direction when the switching motor 490 is operated. In addition, when the switching motor 490

operates in the opposite direction, the shaft may rotate in the other direction. Here, the one

direction and the other direction may mean a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise

direction, respectively, and they may mean vice versa.

The motor housing 493 can protect the switching motor 490 from external interference.

The motor housing 493 may be coupled below the lower housing 412. Accordingly, the switching motor 490 can be provided below the lower housing.

The switching motor 490 may be coupled to the rotating disk 430. Specifically, the

shaft 491 provided in the switching motor 490 may be coupled to the rotating disk 430. When

the switching motor 490 is operated, the shaft 491 may rotate the coupled rotating disk 430

together while rotating.

The rotational operation of the switching motor 490 may be controlled by the micro

switch 480. Specifically, the switching motor 490 may rotated in one direction, and the rotating

disk 430 may rotate together to move the opening closing portion 420. Accordingly, when the

position of the opening closing portion 420 reaches a one-way limit point, the catching

protrusion may come into contact with the handle of the micro switch 480. When the micro

switch 480 recognizes that pressure is applied through the handle 481, the micro switch may

determine that the opening closing portion 420 has moved to a limited area. Here, the micro

switch 480 may end the operation of the switching motor 490. A method for controlling the

switching motor 490 and the micro switch 480 for moving the opening closing portion 420 in

the opposite direction can also be performed in the same manner.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first flow path 111 and the second flow path may

selectively communicate with the third flow path 311 by the opening closing portion 420.

For convenience of description, the state of FIG. 5 may be referred to as an open state

of the first flow path 111, and the state of FIG. 6 may be referred to as an open state of the

second flow path 211.

In the open state of the first flow path 111, by the suction force generated by the suction

motor 800, the air including dust may pass sequentially through the first flow path 111 and the

third flow path 311 from the dust bin of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and may be guided to

the dust storage box 300. Here, the opening closing portion 420 blocks the second flow path

211 and the third flow path 311 to prevent the air from flowing from the second flow path 211

into the third flow path 311.

In the open state of the second flow path 211, by the suction force generated by the

suction motor 800, the air including dust may pass sequentially through the second flow path

211 and the third flow path 311 from a dust bin 610 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 and may

be guided to the dust storage box 300. Here, the opening closing portion 420 blocks the first

flow path 111 and the third flow path 311 to prevent the air from flowing from the first flow

path 111 into the third flow path 311.

Accordingly, the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 are opened

simultaneously with the third flow path 311, so that it is possible to prevent a problem that the

dust removal operation is not performed correctly by an insufficient suction force of the suction

motor 800.

Hereinafter, FIGS. 7 to 12 show the flow path switching portion 400 according to a

second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a state where the flow path switching portion 400 opens the first flow

path 111 as viewed from one side. FIG. 8 shows that some components are disassembled, as viewed from one side, in the state where the flow path switching portion 400 opens the first flow path 111. FIG. 9 shows that some components are disassembled in the state where the flow path switching portion 400 opens the first flow path 111. FIG. 10 shows a state where the flow path switching portion 400 opens the second flow path 211. FIG. 11 shows that some components are disassembled, as viewed from one side, in the state where the flow path switching portion 400 opens the second flow path 211. FIG. 12. shows that some components are disassembled in the state where the flow path switching portion 400 opens the second flow path 211.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 12, the flow path switching portion 400 according to the second

embodiment of the present disclosure may be selectively coupled to the first flow path 111 and

the second flow path 211 and may open and close them.

The flow path switching portion 400 according to the second embodiment may include

a sealing portion 450, a link portion 460, a link housing 470, the micro switch 480, and the

switching motor 490.

The sealing portion 450 may be coupled to the first flow path 111 or the second flow

path 211 to close the flow path in order not to communicate with the third flow path 311. That

is, the flow path switching portion 400 selectively couples the sealing portion 450 to the first

flow path 111 or the second flow path 211, thereby opening another flow path to which the

sealing portion 450 is not coupled.

The sealing portion 450 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the cross-sections of the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 in such a way as to close the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211. That is, in order to prevent the air including dust from flowing into the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211, the sealing portion may be provided in the corresponding shape.

One side of the sealing portion 450 may be connected to a second link 462 to be

described later and may moves rotationally. Accordingly, the sealing portion 450 may be

positioned at an end of the first flow path 111 on the third flow path 311 side and at an end of

the second flow path 211 on the third flow path 311 side by rotation.

The link portion 460 is configured to change the position of the sealing portion 450,

and may include a first link 461, a second link 462, and a link rod 463.

The first link 461 may be rotatably coupled to the shaft 491 of the switching motor

490.

One side of the second link 462 is connected to the sealing portion 450 and the other

side is connected to the link rod 463. The second link 462 may be rotatably provided.

The link rod 463 is configured to connect between the first link 461 and the second

link 462. Specifically, one side of the link rod 463 is coupled to the first link 461 and the other

side is coupled to the second link 462. Thus, when the first link 461 moves rotationally, the

link rod moves together and performs a function of rotating the second link 462.

That is, when the first link 461 rotates together with the shaft 491, the link rod 463

connected to the first link 461 moves together, and the second link 462 connected to the link rod 463 rotates. The second link 462 rotates, and may rotate the sealing portion 450.

The components such as the first link 461 and the micro switch 480 are coupled to the

link housing 470. The link housing 470 may function to protect the coupled components from

external interference.

The link housing 470 may include partition members 471 and 472 which protrude at a

certain angle so as to set a rotation limit of thefirst link 461. The partition members 471 and

472 may be provided in the form of a pair in order to partition a rotation region of the first link

461.

When the state of FIG. 7 is changed to the state of FIG. 10, the first link 461 may rotate

clockwise. Here, when the first link 461 comes into contact with the partition member 472, the

first link is restricted not to rotate any more. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the first link

461 from being excessively rotated.

Conversely, when the state of FIG. 10 is changed to the state of FIG. 7, the first link

461 may rotate counterclockwise. Here, the first link 461 comes into contact with the left

partition member 471, thereby being restricted not to rotate any more. That is, the rotatable

region of the first link 461 may be defined as a region between the two partition members 471

and 472.

In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow path switching portion

400 may include the micro switch 480 and the switching motor 490. The basic configuration

has been described in thefirst embodiment, arrangement with differences will be described.

Other descriptions can be replaced with the description of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the micro switch 480 may be

provided in an internal space of the link housing 470. The micro switches of a pair of micro

switches 480 may be arranged to have a predetermined angle with each other. Also, the micro

switch 480 may be coupled to the switching motor 490.

A contact end 464 connected to the first link 461 may come into contact with the handle

481 of the micro switch 480. When the position of the handle moves beyond a reference

position by the contact end 464, the micro switch 480 may turn on/off the power of the

switching motor 490. Accordingly, the rotation of the link portion 460 may start or end.

The switching motor 490 may have a shaft 492 and a motor housing 493.

The shaft 492 is coupled to the first link 461 and may rotate when the switching motor

490 is operated. Accordingly, the first link 461 is rotatable in the circumferential direction of

the shaft 492.

The motor housing 493 may be coupled to the link housing 470. An area opened with

a predetermined width may exist in an area where the link housing 470 and the motor housing

493 are coupled. Through the open area, the first link 461 and the shaft 492 may be coupled.

In particular, a structure in which the flow path is switched in the second embodiment

of the present disclosure will be described through the comparison of FIGS. 8 and 11.

For convenience of description, the state of FIG. 8 may be referred to as an open state

of the first flow path 111, and the state of FIG. 11 may be referred to as an open state of the second flow path 211.

third flow path 311 from the dust bin 511 and 512 of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and may be

guided to the dust storage box 300. Here, the sealing portion 450 may be coupled to the second

flow path 211 to block the second flow path 211 and the third flow path 311. Accordingly, the

air is prevented from flowing from the second flow path 211 into the third flow path 311.

path 111 into the third flow path 311.

Meanwhile, a power source of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 may have a horizontal

cyclone structure. Also, the dust bin of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 may have a structure in

which the first dust bin 511 and the second dust bin 512 are provided on both sides of the

suction tube 520, respectively.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the cleaner station 1 with which the hand vacuum

cleaner 500 having two different dust bins is combined will be described with reference to FIG.

13.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views showing a structure in which the hand

vacuum cleaner 500 including the first dust bin 511 and the second dust bin 512 is combined

with the first station 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

The first station 100 according to embodiments may include a separated space in which

the suction tube 520 of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 can be placed. In the first station 100, the

first dust bin 511 and the second dust bin 512 may be mounted respectively on both ends of a

portion where the separated space is located. Also, the suction tube 520 may be seated in the

separated space, that is, between the first dust bin 511 and the second dust bin 512.

In addition, both ends of the separated space located in the first station 100 may include

the first suction portion 110. The first suction portion 110 provided at both ends of the first

station 100 may suck dust inside the first dust bin 511 and the second dust bin 512, respectively.

the suction tube 520 of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 can be located. In the first station 100,

both ends of a portion where the separated space is located may include a first holder 121 and

a second holder 122 on which the hand vacuum cleaner can be mounted. The first holder 121

and the second holder 122 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a

predetermined distance. When the hand vacuum cleaner 500 is combined, the first dust bin 511

is seated on the first holder 121, and the second dust bin 512 is seated on the second holder

122. The suction tube 520 may be seated between the separated spaces.

In addition, each of the first holder 121 and the second holder 122 may include the first suction portion 110. The first suction portion 110 provided on both sides of the first station 100 may suck dust inside the first dust bin 511 and the second dust bin 512, respectively.

The first flow path 111 according to embodiments may have a Y-shaped structure. An

end of the first flow path 111 having a Y-shape may be connected to the first suction portion

110 provided on both sides of the separated space included in the first station 100. The other

end of the first flow path 111 may be connected to the third flow path 311. Dust sucked by each

end of the first flow path 111 having a Y-shape flows along one flow path, and may be

discharged from the first flow path 111 and may flow along the third flow path 311.

In addition, the end of the first flow path 111 having a Y-shape may be connected to

the first suction portion 110 provided in the first holder 121 and the second holder 122,

respectively. The other end of the first flow path 111 may be connected to the third flow path

311. Dust sucked by each end of the first flow path 111 having a Y-shape flows along one flow

path, and may be discharged from the first flow path 111 and may flow along the third flow

path 311.

Referring to FIG. 5, in other embodiments, the first flow path 111 may be substantially

formed linearly or formed in a streamlined shape. In this case, one side end of the first flow

path 111 may be connected to the first suction portion 110, and the other side end may be

connected to the third flow path 311.

The cleaner station 1 according to the embodiment may include a first processor 112

and a second processor 212. The first processor 112 and the second processor 212 may be simultaneously provided according to the embodiment, or only one of them may be selectively provided.

In the process in which the cleaner station 1 sucks dust from the dust bin of the hand

vacuum cleaner or the robotic vacuum cleaner, there may occur a problem that foreign

substances remain. Accordingly, there may occur sanitary problems such as microbial

propagation or aesthetic problems that foreign substances are visible to the user.

Specifically, fine dust remaining without being sucked into the first suction portion

110 from the dust bins 511 and 512 of the hand vacuum cleaner 500 may exist. In addition,

foreign substances such as long hair or thread may be caught and remain between the first

suction portion 110 and the dust bins 511 and 512. Accordingly, there may occur a problem

that covers of the dust bins 511 and 512 are not properly closed.

Also, fine dust remaining without being sucked into a second suction portion 212 from

the dust bin 610 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 may exist. In addition, foreign substances

such as long hair or thread may be caught and remain between the second suction portion 212

and the dust bin 610 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 600.

The first processor 112 and the second processor 212 may be provided in the first

suction portion 110 and the second suction portion 210 in order to remove such dust or foreign

substances.

In one embodiment, the first processor 112 and the second processor 212 may be

provided in the form of a blade. In this embodiment, the first processor 112 and the second processor 212 are installed to be movable up and down, so that long foreign substances can be cut. Accordingly, the cut foreign substances can be more easily processed by the first suction portion and the second suction portion.

In another embodiment, the first processor 112 and the second processor 212 may be

provided in the form of a saw blade. In this embodiment, foreign substances pass through the

first processor and the second processor by the suction force and may be cut or decomposed.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14, a structure in which the cleaner station 1 sucks

dust and exhausts the sucked air will be described.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the flow path structure of the cleaner station 1

according to the embodiments as viewed from the rear. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of

the cleaner station 1 including the first flow path 111 with a Y-shaped structure according to

the embodiments as viewed from the rear.

The cleaner station 1 according to the embodiments may include a suction motor 800

for sucking air including dust. The suction motor 800 may provide a suction force to the first

suction portion 110 and/or the second suction portion 210 through a flow path.

Specifically, the suction motor 800 may form a low pressure within the dust storage

box 300. When the suction motor 800 is operated in a state where the hand vacuum cleaner 500

and/or the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are combined, a relatively high pressure is formed

within the dust bin of the cleaner, and a relatively low pressure is formed within the dust storage

box 300. Due to the pressure difference, dust and foreign substances present within the dust bin may move into the dust storage box 300 along the flow path.

The cleaner station 1 according to embodiments may include an exhaust portion 900

for exhausting filtered air. When the suction motor 800 sucks dust, external air is introduced

into the dust storage box 300. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the exhaust portion 900 for

exhausting the air to the outside after the dust included in the sucked air is removed. The

exhaust portion 900 may serve as a passage through which air sucked into the cleaner station

1 is discharged to the outside. The air sucked by the vacuum cleaner may include high

concentration of fine dust. There is a possibility that such fine dust is not received in the dust

storage box 300 and passes through the exhaust portion 900 and then is discharged to the

outside of the cleaner station 1. Accordingly, in the cleaner station 1, a member that filters dust

may be provided in the exhaust path P through which a fluid flows from the dust storage box

300 to the exhaust portion 900.

Specifically, a filter that uses a method of filtering dust by applying a microfiber

structure and/or a filter that uses a method of collecting dust on a dust collection plate by

electrifying dust may be used as the member that filters dust. Also, the member that filters dust

may be provided within the suction motor 800 or in the exhaust portion 900.

Hereinafter, a structure in which the dust storage box 300 is provided within the cleaner

station 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

FIG. 15A is a side view showing a state where the dust storage box 300 according to

the embodiments is coupled to the inside of the cleaner station 1. FIG. 15B is a perspective view showing an internal space of the cleaner station 1 with which the dust storage box 300 according to the embodiments is combined.

One side of the cleaner station 1 according to the embodiments may include an opening

closing area 360, and the opening closing area 360 may include a space therein, to which the

dust storage box 300 can be coupled. As the opening closing area 360 is opened and closed,

the dust storage box 300 may be coupled to the inside of the cleaner station 1, or the dust

storage box 300 may be detached from the inside of the cleaner station 1.

Hereinafter, structures of the dust storage box 300 and a dust bag 340 will be described

with reference to FIG. 16.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view showing schematically the structure of the dust

storage box 300 according to the embodiments. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view showing

schematically the structure of the dust bag 340 coupled to the dust storage box 300 according

to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The dust storage box 300 according to the embodiments may communicate with the

dust inlet 310. The first suction portion 110 and the second suction portion 210 suck dust, and

the sucked dust flows along the first flow path 111 and along the second flow path 211,

respectively, and then is collected at one end of the third flow path 311. The other end of the

third flow path 311 communicates with the dust inlet 310, and the sucked dust is discharged

from the third flow path 311 and moves into the dust storage box 300 through the dust inlet

310. The dust that has moved is stored in the dust storage box 300.

The dust storage box 300 according to the embodiments may include the dust bag 340

therein. In the process of opening the dust storage box 300 and of shaking off the dust within

the dust storage box, dust may scatter to the outside. In this case, the user may inhale the air

including the dust while removing the dust of the dust storage box 300, and the dust may be

introduced into the human body.

Accordingly, the dust bag 340 is provided within the dust storage box 300, and the dust

bag 340 can filter the air passing through the dust inlet 310. The filtered dust may be stored in

the dust bag 340. When the user intends to remove the dust within the dust storage box 300,

the user may tie or seal the dust bag 340 and then may open the dust storage box 300. In this

case, dust does not scatter to the outside of the dust bag 340, so that it is possible to cleanly

remove the dust.

In addition, the dust bag 340 may have a fine fiber material or a vinyl material which

does not allow fine dust to pass therethrough.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the cleaner station 1 including a charger will be

described.

The cleaner station 1 according to the embodiments may include a first charger which

provides power to the hand vacuum cleaner 500 and a second charger which provides power

to the robotic vacuum cleaner 600. In addition, the cleaner station 1 may be connected to an

outlet that provides power through electric wires and may provide power to the first charger

and the second charger.

Specifically, the first charger is provided in the first station 100. When the hand

vacuum cleaner 500 is combined, the first charger can provide power to a battery of the hand

vacuum cleaner 500 In addition, the second charger is provided in the second station 200. When

the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 is combined, the second charger can provide power to a battery

of the robotic vacuum cleaner 600.

As mentioned above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described

within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaner station which is combinable with a hand vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum

cleaner, the cleaner station comprising:

a first station which is disposed on an upper portion of the cleaner station and is

combined with the hand vacuum cleaner;

a second station which is disposed on a lower portion of the cleaner station and is

combined with the robotic vacuum cleaner;

a first suction portion which is provided in the first station and sucks dust from a dust

bin of the hand vacuum cleaner;

a second suction portion which is provided in the second station and sucks dust from

a dust bin of the robotic vacuum cleaner;

a dust storage box which comprises a dust inlet where the dust sucked by the first

suction portion and the second suction portion communicates, and receives the dust; and

a suction motor which sucks dust through at least one of the first suction portion and

the second suction portion.

2. The cleaner station of claim 1, comprising:

a first flow path which communicates with the first suction portion;

a second flow path which communicates with the second suction portion;

a third flow path where the first flow path and the second flow path join and which communicates with the dust inlet.

3. The cleaner station of claim 2, comprising a flow path switching portion which selectively

opens and closes the first flow path and the second flow path in response to a combined state

of the hand vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner.

4. The cleaner station of claim 2,

wherein the first station comprises a separated space where a suction tube is placed,

and wherein a first dust bin and a second dust bin which are provided on both sides of

the suction tube of the hand vacuum cleaner are coupled to both ends of thefirst station.

5. The cleaner station of claim 4,

wherein both ends of the first station comprise the first suction portion, respectively,

and wherein the first flow path comprises a Y-shaped flow path of which ends are

respectively connected to the first suction portion provided at both ends of the first station.

6. The cleaner station of claim 1,

wherein the dust storage box communicates with the dust inlet and comprises a dust

bag that is attachable and detachable,

and wherein the dust bag comprises a filter that filters dust from air introduced into the dust inlet.

7. The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust portion which exhausts dust

filtered air.

8. The cleaner station of claim 1, comprising a space to which the dust storage box is coupled

and one side of which is opened and closed.

9. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein at least one of the dust inlet, the first suction portion,

and the second suction portion comprises a sealing member.

10. The cleaner station of claim 1, comprising:

a first charger which provides power to the hand vacuum cleaner; and

a second charger which provides power to the robotic vacuum cleaner.

11. The cleaner station of claim 3,

wherein the flow path switching portion comprises an opening closing portion which

comprises a communication hole and is movable slidingly,

and wherein, when the first flow path is opened, the opening closing portion is

disposed such that the communication hole is located between the first flow path and the third flow path.

12. The cleaner station of claim 11, wherein the communication hole is formed to correspond

to an end of the first flow path.

13. The cleaner station of claim 11, wherein, when the second flow path is opened, the opening

closing portion is disposed such that a position of the communication hole moves in one

direction out of between the first flow path and the third flow path.

14. The cleaner station of claim 3,

wherein the flow path switching portion comprises:

a sealing portion which is selectively coupled to the first flow path and the

second flow path and closes the flow path; and

a link portion which is connected to the sealing portion and rotates the sealing

portion,

and wherein the sealing portion is formed to have a cross-section larger than those of

ends of the first flow path and the second flow path.

15. The cleaner station of claim 14, wherein the sealing portion maintains a state of being

coupled to any one of the first flow path and the second flow path, during the operation of the suction motor.

16. The cleaner station of claim 14,

wherein the flow path switching portion further comprises:

a link housing to which the link portion is fixedly coupled; and

a switching motor which provides power for rotating the sealing portion,

and wherein the sealing portion comprises at least one partition member which sets a

rotatable region of the link portion.

17. The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising a second processor which processes

foreign substances sucked by the second suction portion,

wherein the second processor is formed in the form of a blade or a saw blade capable

of cutting long foreign substances.