Patent Publication Number: US-2022211238-A1

Title: Vacuum cleaner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/328,103, filed on Feb. 25, 2019, which is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2017/009062, filed on Aug. 18, 2017, which claims the benefit of Application No. 10-2016-0183824, filed on Dec. 30, 2016 and Application No. 10-2016-0177827, filed on Dec. 23, 2016, and Application No. 10-2016-0108319, filed on Aug. 25, 2016. The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a cleaner. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Cleaners are devices that suctions or washes dusts or foreign substances to be cleaned so as to perform cleaning. 
     Cleaners may be classified into a manual cleaner that a user moves in person for cleaning and an automatic cleaner that automatically moves for cleaning. 
     Manual cleaners may fall into, depending on the types, a canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handy cleaner, and a stick cleaner. 
     Meanwhile, in the related art, a handheld vacuum cleaner has been disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1127088 (registered on 8 Mar. 2012). 
     The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a suction pipe, an airflow generator, a cyclone, a power supply, and a handle. 
     A PCB connected to a suction motor and a battery may be disposed in the handle. 
     According to the document, however, the airflow generator is disposed over the handle and the power supply is disposed under the handle, so the internal space of the handle is small. Therefore, the structure for installing the PCB is complicated and it is difficult to install the PCB. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a cleaner which is capable of being reduced in assembling time in a process of connecting a handle part, with which a main PCB is assembled, to a main body including a connecting pin. 
     Also, the present invention provides a cleaner in which short circuit between pads due to erroneous assembling between a main PCB and a connecting pin is prevented in a state in which a handle part, with which a main PCB is assembled, and a main body including a connecting pin are connected to each other. 
     Also, the present invention provides a cleaner in which a main PCB is easily installed in a handle. 
     A cleaner according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a main body including a suction motor configured to generate suction force; a main PCB configured to generate a control command of the suction motor; a handle part configured to accommodate the main PCB; and a connector which is provided in the main body and to which the main PCB is connected while the handle part is coupled to the main body. 
     The main PCB includes a plurality of pads and a slit, and the connector comprises a plurality of connecting pins contacting the plurality of pads and a slit insertion protrusion inserted into the slit. 
     The slit may be disposed between two pads adjacent to each other of the plurality of pads. 
     The connector may include first and second connecting bodies spaced apart from each other, a connecting body configured to connect the first connecting body to the second connecting body, and a PCB receiving space defined between the first connecting body and the second connecting body. 
     The slit insertion protrusion may be disposed in the PCB receiving space. 
     The connecting body may connect the first connecting body to a lower portion of the second connecting body, and the main PCB may be accommodated in the PCB receiving space downward from an upper side of the PCB receiving space. 
     The slit insertion protrusion may protrude from the connecting body to the PCB receiving space. 
     The slit insertion protrusion may protrude from one of the first connecting body and the second connecting body to the other one. 
     The slit insertion protrusion may connect the first connecting body to the second connecting body. 
     The plurality of pads may include first and second pads disposed on a first surface of the main PCB and spaced apart from each other and third and fourth pads disposed on a second surface, which is a surface opposite to the first surface of the main PCB, and spaced apart from each other 
     The slit may be disposed in a region between the first and second pads and a region between the third and fourth pads. 
     The first and third pads may be disposed to face each other, and the second and fourth pads may be disposed to face each other. 
     The plurality of connecting pins may include first and second connecting pins provided on the first connecting body and spaced apart from each other and third and fourth connecting pins provided on the second connecting body and spaced apart from each other. 
     The slit insertion protrusion may be disposed in a region between the first and second connecting pins and a region between the third and fourth connecting pins. 
     The first and third connecting pins may be disposed to face each other, and the second and fourth connecting pins may be disposed to face each other. 
     One portion of each of the plurality of connecting pins may be disposed in each of the connecting bodies, and the other portion may protrude from each of the connecting bodies to the PCB receiving space. 
     Each of the plurality of connecting pins may be an elastically deformable conductor. 
     The main PCB may include a first PCB and a second PCB, and one of the first PCB and the second PCB may be connected to the connector. 
     The main PCB may be installed to stand up on the handle part. 
     According to the proposed invention, since the main PCB includes the slit, and the slit insertion protrusion is formed on the connector, the coupling accuracy between the main PCB and the connector may be improved. 
     Also, since the connector includes the two connecting bodies, the main PCB is inserted into the PCB receiving space between the two connecting bodies, and the slit insertion protrusion is accommodated in the slit of the main PCB, the additional fixing unit such as the hook for fixing the main PCB to the connector may be unnecessary. 
     Also, while the handle part is slid with respect to the main body, since the main PCB is connected to the connector, the process of connecting the main PCB to the connector may be unnecessary. 
     Also, since the pad is provided on each of both surfaces of one PCB constituting the main PCB, and the one PCB is inserted between the two connecting bodies, the signal may be transmitted as long as one pad of the pads on both surfaces of the one PCB is connected to the connecting pin, and thus, the connection accuracy between the main PCB and the connector may be improved. 
     Also, since the main PCB is divided into the two PCBs and inserted in handle body, the size of the main PCB may be reduced. 
     Also, in the process of inserting the main PCB assembly into the accommodation space of the handle body in the state in which the two PCBs are connected to the PCB connector, the main PCB assembly may be coupled to the handle body. Therefore, the structure for fixing the two PCBs to each other and the structure for fixing the two PCBs to the handle body may be simplified, and the assembling process of the user may be easy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention when seen from under the cleaner. 
         FIG. 5  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a view showing the main body according to an embodiment of the present invention with the handle part separated. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the handle part according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a main PCB unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the main PCB unit shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  are exploded perspective views of the main PCB unit shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a PCB connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of the connector shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing a state in which the main PCB unit is connected to the connector. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view showing a second PCB and the connector that have been coupled. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a handle body according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a handle. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view after the main PCB unit is coupled to the handle body. 
         FIG. 20  is a view after a power PCB is seated on a support rib, with the main PCB unit coupled to the handle body. 
         FIG. 21  is a view when a handle cover and an operation unit are combined in the state shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a view when the handle part according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the main body after being assembled. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the same reference numerals as far as possible even though the components are illustrated in different drawings. Further, in description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. 
     Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of the terms is merely used to distinguish the corresponding component from other components, and does not delimit an essence, an order or a sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood that when one component is “connected”, “coupled” or “joined” to another component, the former may be directly connected or jointed to the latter or may be “connected % coupled” or “joined” to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 2  is a side view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 3  is a plan view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention when seen from under the cleaner, and  FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , a cleaner  1  according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body  2 . 
     The cleaner  1  may further include a suction unit  5  coupled to the front of the main body  2 . The suction unit  5  can guide air containing dust into the main body  2 . 
     The cleaner  1  may further include a handle part  3  coupled to the main body  2 . The handle part  3  may be positioned opposite to the suction unit  5  on the main body  2 . 
     That is, the main body  2  may be disposed between the suction unit  5  and the handle part  3 . 
     The main body  2  may include a first body  10  and a second body  12  on the first body  10 . The first body  10  and the second body  12  may be directly combined or may be indirectly combined through an intermediate member. 
     The first body  10  and the second body  12  may be, though not limited thereto, formed in a cylindrical shape. 
     The first body  10  and the second body  12  are open at the top and the bottom, respectively. That is, the bodies  10  and  12  may have a top opening and a bottom opening, respectively. 
     The suction unit  5  may be coupled to the main body  2  such that the center of the suction unit  5  is positioned approximately at the boundary between the first body  10  and the second body  12 . 
     The main body  2  may further include a dust separation unit that separates dust from air sucked through the suction unit  5 . 
     The dust separation unit may include a first cyclone unit  180  that can separate dust, for example, using cyclonic flow. The first body  10  includes the first cyclone unit  180  in this configuration. 
     The air and dust sucked through the suction unit  5  helically flow along the inner side of the first cyclone unit  180 . 
     The axis of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit  110  may vertically extend. 
     The dust separation unit may further include a second cyclone unit  130  that secondarily separates dust from the air discharged out of the first cyclone unit  110 . The second cyclone unit  130  may be disposed inside the first cyclone unit  110  to minimize the size of the dust separation unit. The second cyclone unit  130  may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in a raw. 
     As another example, the dust separation unit may include one cyclone unit, in which the axis of the cyclonic flow may also vertically extend. 
     The first body  10  functions as a dust container that stores dust separated by the cyclone units  110  and  130 . 
     The main body  2  may further include a body cover  16  for opening/closing the bottom of the first body  10 . The body cover  16  can open/close the first body  10  by being rotated. A button  18  for rotating the body cover  16  may be disposed on the first body  10 . 
     A hinge  162  of the body cover  16  may be coupled to hinge coupling portions  620  of the battery housing  60 . 
     At least a portion of the second cyclone unit  130  may be positioned inside the first body  10 . 
     A dust storage guide  124  that guides the dust separated by the second cyclone unit  130  to be stored may be disposed in the first body  10 . The dust storage guide  124  may be coupled to the bottom of the second cyclone unit  130  in contact with the top of the body cover  16 . 
     The dust storage guide  124  may divide the internal space of the first body  10  into a first dust storage part  121  where the dust separated by the first cyclone unit  110  is stored and a second dust storage part  123  where the dust separated by the second cyclone unit  130  is stored. 
     The internal space of the dust storage guide  124  is the second dust storage part  123  and the space between the dust storage guide  124  and the first body  10  is the first dust storage part  121 . 
     The body cover  16  can open/close both of the first dust storage part  121  and the second dust storage part  123 . 
     The cleaner  1  may further include a suction motor  20  for generating suction force and a battery  40  for supplying power to the suction motor  20 . 
     The suction motor  20  may be disposed in the second body  12 . At least a portion of the suction motor  20  may be disposed over the dust separation unit. Accordingly, the suction motor  20  is disposed over the first body  10 . 
     The suction motor  20  may communicate with an outlet of the second cyclone unit  130 . 
     To this end, the main body  2  may further include a discharge guide  28  connected to the second cyclone unit  130  and a flow guide  22  that communicates with the discharge guide  28 . 
     For example, the discharge guide  28  is disposed on the second cyclone unit  130  and the flow guide  22  is disposed over the discharge guide  28 . 
     Further, at least a portion of the suction motor  20  is positioned inside the flow guide  22 . 
     Accordingly, the axis of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit  110  may pass through the suction motor  20 . 
     When the suction motor  20  is disposed over the second cyclone unit  130 , the air discharged from the second cyclone unit  130  can flow directly to the suction motor  20 , so the channel between the dust separation unit and the suction motor  20  can be minimized. 
     The suction motor  20  may include a rotary impeller  200 . The impeller  200  may be fitted on a shaft  202 . The shaft  202  is disposed to extend vertically. 
     An extension line from the shaft  202  (which may be considered as the rotational axis of the impeller  200 ) may pass through the first body  10 . The rotational axis of the impeller  200  and the axis of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit  180  may be on the same line. 
     According to the present invention, there is the advantage that the path through which the air discharged from the dust separation unit, that is, the air discharged upward from the second cyclone unit  190  flows to the suction motor  20  can be reduced and a change in direction of air can be decreased, so a loss of airflow can be reduced. 
     As the loss of airflow is reduced, suction force can be increased and the lifetime of the battery  40  for supplying power to the suction motor  20  can be increased. 
     The cleaner  1  may further include an upper motor housing  26  covering a portion of the top of the suction motor  20  and a lower motor housing  27  covering a portion of the bottom of the suction motor  20 . The suction motor  20  may be disposed inside the motor housing  26  and the flow guide  22  may be disposed to cover the upper motor housing  26 . 
     At least a portion of the flow guide  22  may be spaced apart from the upper motor housing  26 . Further, at least a portion of the flow guide  22  may be spaced apart from the second body  12 . 
     Accordingly, a first air passage  232  is defined by the inner side of the flow guide  22  and the outer side of the upper motor housing  26  and a second air passage  234  is defined by the outer side of the flow guide  22  and the inner side of the second body  12 . 
     The air discharged from the second cyclone unit  130  flows to the suction motor  20  through the first air passage  232  and the air discharged from the suction motor  20  flows through the second air passage  234  and is then discharged outside. Accordingly, the second air passage  234  functions as an exhaust channel. 
     The handle part  3  may include a handle  30  for a user to hold and a battery housing  60  under the handle  30 . 
     The handle  30  may be disposed behind the suction motor  20 . 
     As for directions, with respect to the suction motor  20  in the cleaner  1 , the direction in which the suction unit  5  is positioned is the front direction and the direction in which the handle  30  is positioned is the rear direction. 
     The battery  40  may be disposed behind the first body  10 . Accordingly, the suction motor  20  and the battery  40  may be arranged not to vertically overlap each other and may be disposed at different heights. 
     According to the present invention, since the suction motor  20  that is heavy is disposed ahead of the handle  30  and the battery  40  that is heavy is disposed behind the handle  30 , so weight can be uniformly distributed throughout the cleaner  1 . It is possible to prevent injuries to the user&#39;s wrist when a user cleans with the handle  30  in his/her hand. That is, since the heavy components are distributed at the front and rear portions and at different heights in the cleaner  1 , it is possible to prevent the center of gravity of the cleaner  1  from concentrating on any one side. 
     Since the battery  40  is disposed under the handle  30  and the suction motor  20  is disposed in front of the handle  30 , there is no component over the handle  30 . That is, the top of the handle  30  forms a portion of the external appearance of the top of the cleaner  1 . 
     Accordingly, it is possible to prevent any component of the cleaner  1  from coming in contact with the user&#39;s arm while the user cleans with the handle  30  in his/her hand. 
     The handle  30  may include a first extension  310  extending vertically to be held by a user and a second extension  320  extending toward the suction motor  20  over the first extension  310 . The second extension  320  may at least partially horizontally extend. 
     In the present invention, the first extension  310 , which is a portion that a user can hold (a portion that a user&#39;s palm can come in contact with), may be referred to as a grip part. 
     A stopper  312  for preventing a user&#39;s hand holding the first extension  310  from moving in the longitudinal direction of the first extension  310  (vertically in  FIG. 2 ) may be formed on the first extension  310 . The stopper  312  may extend toward the suction unit  5  from the first extension  310 . 
     The stopper  312  is spaced apart from the second extension  320 . Accordingly, a user is supposed to hold the first extension  310 , with some of the fingers over the stopper  312  and the other fingers under the stopper  312 . 
     For example, the stopper  312  may be positioned between the index finger and the middle finger. 
     According to this arrangement, when a user holds the first extension  310 , the longitudinal axis A 1  of the suction unit  5  may pass through the user&#39;s wrist. 
     When the longitudinal axis A 1  of the suction unit  5  passes through the user&#39;s wrist and the user&#39;s arm is stretched, the longitudinal axis A 1  of the suction unit  5  may be substantially aligned with the user&#39;s stretched arm. Accordingly, there is the advantage in this state that the user uses minimum force when pushing or pulling the cleaner  1  with the handle  30  in his/her hand. 
     The handle  30  may include an operation unit  390 . For example, the operation unit  390  may be disposed on an inclined surface of the second extension  320 . It is possible to input control command of the suction motor  20  through the operation unit  390 . For example, it is possible to input instructions to turn on/off the suction motor through the operation unit  390 . Further, it is possible to control the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor  20  that has been turned on through the operation unit  390 . 
     The operation unit  390  may be disposed to face a user. The operation unit  390  may be disposed opposite to the stopper  312  with the handle  30  therebetween. 
     The operation unit  390  is positioned higher than the stopper  312 . Accordingly, a user can easily operate the operation unit  390  with his/her thumb with the first extension  310  in his/her hand. 
     Further, since the operation unit  390  is positioned outside the first extension  310 , it is possible to prevent the operation unit  390  from being unexpectedly operated when a user cleans with the first extension  310  in his/her hand. 
     The battery housing  60  may be disposed under the first extension  310 . 
     The battery  40  may be detachably accommodated in the battery housing  60 . 
     For example, the battery  40  may be inserted into the battery housing  60  from under the battery housing  60 . 
     The rear side of the battery housing  60  and the rear side of the first extension  310  may form a continuous surface. Accordingly, the battery housing  60  and the first extension  310  can be shown like a single unit. 
     When the battery  40  is inserted in the battery housing  60 , the bottom of the battery  40  may be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, when the cleaner  1  is placed on the floor, the battery  40  can be in contact with the floor. 
     According to this structure, there is the advantage that the battery  40  can be directly separated from the battery housing  60 . 
     Further, since the bottom of the battery  40  is exposed to the outside, the bottom of the battery  40  can come in direct contact with the air outside the cleaner  1 , so the battery  40  can be more efficiently cooled. 
     The battery housing  60  may have charging stand connection terminals  628  for charging the battery  40  coupled to the battery housing  60 . It is possible to bring the charging stand connection terminals  628  in contact with a terminal of a charging stand (not shown) by placing the cleaner  1  on the charging stand. 
     The battery housing  60  may have battery connection terminals  670  that are connected to battery terminals  490  in the battery  40  inserted in the battery housing  60 . The battery connection terminals  670  may be connected to the battery terminals  490  through the top of the battery  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the cleaner  1  may further include a filter unit  50  having air exits  522  for discharging the air that has passed through the suction motor  20 . For example, the air exits  522  may include a plurality of openings and the openings may be circumferentially arranged. Accordingly, the air exist  522  may be arranged in a ring shape. 
     The filter unit  50  may be detachably coupled to the top of the main body  2 . That is, the filter unit  50  may be detachably coupled to the second body  12 . 
     When the filter unit  50  is coupled to the main body  2 , a portion of the filter unit  50  is positioned outside the second body  12 . Accordingly, a portion of the filter unit  50  is inserted in the main body  2  through the open top of the main body  2  and the other portion protrudes outside from the main body  2 . 
     The height of the main body  2  may be substantially the same as the height of the handle  30 . Accordingly, the filter unit  50  protrudes upward from the main body  2 , so a user can easily hold and separate the filter unit  50 . 
     When the filter unit  50  is combined with the main body  2 , the air exits  522  are positioned at the upper portion of the filter unit  50 . Accordingly, the air discharged from the suction motor  20  is discharged upward from the main body  2 . 
     According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the air discharged from the air exits  522  from flowing to a user while the user cleans using the cleaner  1 . 
     The main body  2  may further include a pre-filter  29  for filtering the air flowing into the suction motor  20 . The pre-filter  29  may be disposed inside the flow guide  22 . Further, the pre-filter  29  is seated over the upper motor housing  16  and may surround a portion of the upper motor housing  26 . That is, the upper motor housing  26  may include a filter support for supporting the pre-filter  29 . 
       FIG. 6  is a view showing the main body according to an embodiment of the present invention with the handle part separated and  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the handle part according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the handle part  3  may include a handle body  332  and a handle body cover  334  that covers the handle body  332 . 
     The handle body  332  forms a portion of the first extension  310  and a portion of the second extension  320 . The handle cover  334  forms the other portion of the first extension  310  and the other portion of the second extension  320 . 
     That is, when the handle cover  334  is coupled to the handle body  332 , the handle body  332  and the handle cover  334  form the first extension  310  and the second extension  320 . 
     The handle body  332  may form not only the handle  30 , but the battery housing  60 . 
     The handle part  3  may further have a main body coupling portion  70  for coupling the handle part  3  to the main body  2 . The handle  30  and the battery housing  60  can be coupled through the main body coupling portion  70 . 
     The handle part  3  may further have a main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) unit  340  for controlling the suction motor  20 . 
     The main PCB unit  340 , for example, may be inserted in the internal space of the second extension  320 . 
     The main body  2  may further have a connector support  136  for supporting a connector  400 . 
     The connector  400  may be connected with the suction motor  20  in the main body  2 . Further, the connector  400  may be connected with the main PCB unit  340 . The connector  400  transmits control signals from the main PCB unit  340  to the suction motor  20 . The connector  400  may have a signal terminal for transmitting the control signals. 
     The main body  2  may further have a stopper rib  136   a  for preventing the connector  400  supported by the connector support  136  from separating upward. 
     The stopper rib  136   a  is spaced from the connector support  136 . The connector  400  may be inserted in the space between the connector support  136   a  and the stopper rib  136   a . For example, the connector  400  may be horizontally slid on the connector support  136   
     The connector support  136  and the stopper rib  136   a  may be, for example, formed on the second body  12 . 
     The main body  2  may have a main body terminal  80  and the handle part  3  may further have a handle terminal  90 . The handle terminal  90  may be connected with the main PCB unit  340 . 
     The main body terminal  80  may be disposed on a cover member  70  coupled to the main body  2 . The main body terminal  80  may be connected to the handle terminal  90  when the handle part  3  is coupled to the main body  2 . 
     A plurality of main body wires  141  and  142  may be connected to the main body terminal  80 . The main body wires  141  and  142  may be connected to the main body terminal  80  from under the main body terminal  80 . 
     The main body wires  141  and  142  may include a pair of first wires  141  connected to the suction motor  20  to supply power to the suction motor  20  and a pair of second wires  142  connected to the suction unit  5 . 
     The main body wires  141  and  142  may be inserted into the main body  2  through a packing  138  on the main body  2 . 
     According to this embodiment, since a signal terminal for transmitting control signals and a control terminal for supplying power are separated and disposed at different positions, an increase in size of the main body terminal  80  can be prevented. 
     The handle part  3  may have a body coupling portion  304  for coupling the main body  2  and the main body  2  may have a handle coupling portion  139   a  for coupling the body coupling portion  304 . The handle part  3  may be vertically slide-coupled to the main body  2  by the body coupling portion  304  and the handle coupling portion  139   a.    
     Further, when the handle part  3  is coupled to the main body  2 , the PCB unit  340  can be connected with the connector  400  and the handle terminal  90  can be connected with the main body terminal  80 . 
     The handle part  3  may further include a plurality of handle wires  942 ,  944 , and  946 . The handle wires  942 ,  944 , and  946  may be connected to the main PCB unit  340 . 
     The main PCB unit  340  may be connected to the battery  40 . Further, the main PCB unit  340  may receive operation signals from the operation unit  390 . The main PCB unit  340  may supply power to the suction motor  20  and/or a suction unit terminal in the suction unit or control the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor  20  on the basis of the input operation signals. 
     The handle wires  942 ,  944 , and  946  may include first handle wires  942  connected to the handle terminal  90  to supply power to the suction unit terminal and second handle wires  944  connected to the handle terminal  90  to supply power to the suction motor  20 . 
     When the handle terminal  90  is connected to the main body terminal  80 , the first handle wires  942  may be connected to the first main body wires  141  of the main body  2  and the second handle wires  944  may be connected to the second main body wires  142  of the main body  2 . 
     The handle wires  942 ,  944 , and  946  may further have terminal connection wires  946  connected to the cradle connection terminals  628 . 
     The handle part  3  may further have wire guides  309  that guide the handle wires to prevent the handle wires  942 ,  944 , and  946  from getting entangled. 
     The structure of the main PCB unit  340  and a method of assembling the main PCB unit  340  are described hereafter. 
     The structure of the main PCB unit is described in detail hereafter. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the main PCB unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 9  is a front view of the main PCB unit shown in  FIG. 8 , and  FIGS. 10 and 11  are exploded perspective views of the main PCB unit shown in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a PCB connector of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 to 12 , the main PCB unit  340  according to this embodiment may include a main PCB  341 . 
     The main PCB  341  may be composed of a plurality of separate PCBs to be disposed inside the second extension  320 . That is, the main PCB  341  may include a first PCB  342  and a second PCB  344 . 
     The first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  may be erect in parallel with each other. The first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  may be horizontally spaced apart from each other. 
     One or more connection terminals  348  for connecting the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  may be disposed between the PCBs. 
     The main PCB unit  340  may further include a PCB connector  350  for connecting the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  to each other. 
     The PCB connector  350  can mechanically connect the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  to each other. 
     The PCB connector  350  may include a connector body  351  on which the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  may be mounted. 
     The connector body  351  may be formed in a plate shape. The PCB connector  350  may further include one or more spacers  352  for maintaining the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  spaced apart from each other. 
     The spacers  352  may protrude downward from the bottom  351   a  of the connector body  351 . 
     A coupling protrusion  353  for coupling the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  may be formed on both sides of each of the spacers  352 . Further, protrusion coupling portions  346  and  347  for coupling the coupling protrusions  353  may be formed at the PCBs  342  and  344 . The protrusion coupling portions  346  and  347  may be grooves or holes. 
     In this specification, the PCB connector  350  and the main PCB  341  combined with each other may be called as a main PCB assembly. 
     The width of the spacers  352  may be smaller than the width of the connector body  351  so that the connector body  351  can be seated on the tops of the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  when the coupling protrusions  353  of the PCB connector  350  are fitted in the protrusion coupling portions  346  and  347  of the PCBs  342  and  344 . 
     Further, the spacers  352  may be spaced apart from the lateral sides  351   b  and  351   c  of the connector body  351 . 
     When the connector body  351  is seated on the tops of the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344 , with the coupling protrusions  353  of the PCB connector  350  fitted in the protrusion coupling portions  346  and  347  of the PCBs  342  and  344 , the height of the main PCB unit  340  can be reduced. 
     The connector body  351  may be spaced apart from the tops of the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344 , with the coupling protrusions  353  of the PCB connector  350  fitted in the protrusion coupling portions  346  and  347  of the PCBs  342  and  344 . 
     Further, when the spacers  352  are spaced apart from the lateral sides  351   b  and  351   c  of the connector body  351 , the width of the main PCB unit  340  can be reduced with the coupling protrusions  353  of the PCB connector  350  fitted in the protrusion coupling portions  346  of the PCBs  342  and  344 . 
     When the PCB connector  350  has the spacers  352 , the spacers  352  may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector body  351 . 
     The PCB connector  350  may include a coupling hook  357  for coupling the handle body  332 . 
     The coupling hook  357  may horizontally extend from the connector body  351 . 
     A reinforcing rib  354  may be formed on the bottom  351   a  of the connector body  351  to prevent damage to the coupling hook  357  when the PCB connector  350  and the handle body  332  are coupled by the coupling hook  357 . 
     Though not limited, the reinforcing rib  354  may protrude from the bottom  351   a  of the connector body  351  and may connect the coupling hook  357  and one or more of the spacers  352  to each other. 
     If the PCB connector  350  has a plurality of spacers  352 , the reinforcing rib  354  may connect the coupling hook  357  and the spacer  352 , which is closest to the coupling hook  357  of the spacers  352 , to each other. 
     A light emitting unit  370  for displaying the state of the cleaner  1  may be disposed on any one of the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344 . 
     For example, the light emitting unit  370  is disposed on the second PCB  344  in  FIG. 11 . The light emitting unit  370  may include one or more LEDs. For example, in  FIG. 11 , the light emitting unit  370  includes a plurality of LEDs  371 ,  372 , and  373  spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector body  351 . 
     Though not limited, it is possible to display the remaining capacity of the battery  40  and the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor  20 , using the LEDs  371 ,  372 , and  373 . 
     The connector body  351  may include a plurality of light holes  355  for passing the light from the LEDs  371 ,  372 , and  373 . 
     The light holes  355  may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector body  351 , and when the PCB connector  350  is coupled to the PCBs  342  and  344 , the light holes  355  can be aligned with the LEDs  371 ,  372 , and  373 . 
     The spacers  352  are each positioned between two adjacent light holes  355  not to interfere with the light from the LEDs  371 ,  372 , and  373 . 
     According to this configuration, the spacers  352  do not interfere with the light from the LEDs  371 ,  372 , and  373  and also each prevent interference between the light from adjacent two LEDs. That is, the spacers  352  each separate the paths of the light from two adjacent LEDs. 
     The PCBs  342  and  344  may include extensions  343  and  345 , respective, for supporting a power PCB  380 . The extensions  343  and  345  may include inclined surfaces  343   a  and  345   a , respectively, for supporting at an angle the power PCB  380 . 
     A first connection terminal  349  that is connected to the power PCB  380  may be disposed on any one of the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344 . 
     For example, the first connection terminal  349  is disposed on a first extension  343  of the first PCB  342  in  FIG. 11 . 
     Any one of the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  may be connected to the connector  400  in the main body  20 . 
     In the following description, it is exemplified that the connector  400  is connected to the second PCB  344 . 
     The main PCB unit  340  may further include a PCB cover  360  that covers upper portions of the PCBs  342  and  344  and the PCB connector  350 . 
     The PCB cover  360  may include a top portion  361  covering the top of the PCB connector  350  and a pair of side portions  362  and  363  extending downward from both sides of the top portion  361 . 
     The side portions  362  and  363  can cover not only the PCB connector  350 , but a portion of the upper portions of the PCBs  342  and  344 . 
     The side portions  362  and  363  can prevent the PCBs  342  and  344  coupled to the PCB connector  350  from horizontally moving in the handle  30 . 
     The PCB cover  360  covers the light holes  355  of the connector body  351 . The PCB cover  360  may include a plurality of light transmissive portions  364  so that the light passing through the light holes  355  can pass through the PCB cover  360 . The light transmissive portions  364  are the same in number as the light holes  355  and face the light holes  355 . 
     The light transmissive portions  364  may protrude upward from the top portion  361  of the PCB cover  360 . 
     At least the light transmissive portions  364  of the PCB cover  360  may the transparent or translucent. 
     Meanwhile, the second PCB  344  may have a plurality of contact pads for electrical connection with the connector. 
     The contact pads may be disposed on both sides of the second PCB  344 . 
     The contact pads may include one or more first pads  3442  on a first side  3440   a  of the second PCB  344  and a second pad  3444  spaced from the first pads  3442 . For example, the first pads  3442  and the second pad  3444  are horizontally spaced apart from each other. 
     The contact pads may further include one or more third pads  3443  on a second side  3440   b  that is the opposite side to the first side  3440   a  and a fourth pad  3445  spaced from the third pads  3443 . For example, the third pads  3443  and the fourth pad  3445  are horizontally spaced apart from each other. 
     On the second PCB  344 , the first pads  3442  and the third pads  3443  face with each other and, the second pad  3444  and the fourth pad  3445  face with each other. 
     The second PCB  344  may have a slit  3441  for coupling the second PCB  344  and the connector in position. 
     The slit  3441  is disposed between the first pads  3442  and the second pad  3444 . Accordingly, the slit  3441  is disposed also between the third pads  3443  and the fourth pad  3445 . The slit  3441  may be formed by cutting an end portion, where the pads are disposed, of the second PCB  344 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 14  is a plan view of the connector shown in  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing the main PCB unit and the connector that have been coupled, and  FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view showing the second PCB and the connector that have been coupled. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 16 , the connector  400  of this embodiment may have a first connecting body  410 , a second connecting body  420  spaced apart from the first connecting body  410 , and a bridge body  430  connecting the first connecting body  410  and the second connecting body  420  to each other. 
     The bridge body  430  may connect the first connecting body  410  and the lower portion of the second connecting body  420  to each other so that the second PCB  344  can be coupled to the connector  400  from above the connector  400 . 
     Accordingly, a PCB receiving space  450  for receiving the second PCB  344  is defined between the first connecting body  410  and the second connecting body  420 . 
     One or more first connecting pins  442  and a second connecting pin  443  spaced apart from the first connecting pins  442  may be disposed on the side, which faces the second connecting body  420 , of the first connecting body  410 . The first connecting pins  442  and the second connecting pin  443  may be horizontally spaced apart from each other. 
     One or more third connecting pins  444  and a fourth connecting pin  445  spaced from the first connecting pins  444  may be disposed on the side, which faces the first connecting body  410 , of the second connecting body  420 . The third connecting pins  444  and the fourth connecting pin  443  may be horizontally spaced apart from each other. 
     The first connecting pins  442  and the third connecting pins  444  may be spaced from and face each other. The second connecting pin  443  and the fourth connecting pin  444  may be spaced from and face each other. 
     Some of the connecting pins  442  to  445  may be disposed inside the connecting bodies  410  and  420 , respectively, and the others may protrude toward the PCB receiving space  450  from the connecting bodies  410  and  420 . 
     The connecting pins  442  to  445 , for example, may be elastically deformable conductors, so the connecting pins  442  to  445  protruding from the connecting bodies  410  and  420 , respectively, may be pressed inside the connecting bodies  410  and  420 , respectively, by external force. 
     Alternatively, the connecting pins  442  to  445  may be conductor and fixed to the connecting bodies  410  and  420 , respectively. 
     A slit insertion protrusion  412  that is inserted in the slit  3441  of the second PCB  344  may be formed on the PCB receiving space  450 . 
     The slit insertion protrusion  412  may be disposed between the first connecting pins  442  and the second connecting pin  443 . Accordingly, the slit insertion protrusion  412  is disposed also between the third connecting pins  444  and the fourth connecting pin  445 . 
     The slit insertion protrusion  412  may protruded to the PCB receiving space  450  from the bridge body  430 . For example, the slit insertion protrusion  412  may protrude upward from the bridge body  430 . 
     Alternatively, the slit insertion protrusion  412  may be formed on any one of the connecting bodies  410  and  420  and protrude toward the other one. Alternatively, the slit insertion protrusion  412  may connect the first connecting body  410  and the second connecting body  420  to each other. 
     A protrusion seat  414  on which the stopper rib  136   a  described with reference to  FIG. 6  is seated may be formed on any one of the first connecting body  410  and the second connecting body  420 .  FIG. 13  shows an example in which the protrusion  414  is formed on the first connecting body  410 . 
     On the other hand, the second PCB  344  may be inserted into the PCB receiving space  450  from above the connecting body  400 . 
     When the second PCB  344  is inserted into the PCB receiving space  450 , the slit insertion protrusion  412  can be inserted into the slit  3441  of the second PCB  344 . 
     When the slit insertion protrusion  412  is inserted in the slit  3441  of the second PCB  344 , the second PCB  344  is normally connected to the connector  400 . 
     In this state, the pads  3442  to  3445  are in contact with the connecting pins  442  to  445 , respectively, in position. 
     According to the present invention, when the slit insertion protrusion  412  is inserted in the slit  3441  of the second PCB  344 , the pads  3442  to  3445  are in contact with the connecting pins  442  to  445 , misassembly of the second PCB  344  and the connector  400  is prevented. 
     Further, as misassembly of the second PCB  344  and the connector  400  is prevented, a short circuit due to connection of two adjacent pads through a connecting pin can be prevented. 
     According to the present invention, since the second PCB  344  is inserted between the two connecting bodies  410  and  420  and the slit insertion protrusion  412  is inserted in the slit  3441  of the second PCB  344 , there is no need for an additional fixing member such as a hook for fixing the second PCB  344  and the connector  400 . 
     Further, in the present invention, the first connecting pins  422  and the third connecting pins  444  have the same function, and the second connecting pin  443  and the fourth connecting pin  445  have the same function. 
     Further, on the second PCB  344 , the first pads  3442  and the third pads  3443  have the same function, and the second pad  3444  and the fourth pad  3445  has the same function. 
     Accordingly, since the pads  3442  to  3445  are disposed on both sides of the second PCB  344  and the second PCB  344  is inserted between the two connecting bodies  410  and  420 , signals can be transmitted as long as the pads  3442  to  3445  on one of both sides of the second PCB  344  are connected to the connecting pins  442  to  445 , so the second PCB  344  and the connector  400  can be more accurately connected. 
     It may be possible to form a wedge on the slit insertion protrusion  412  and form an additional groove on the slit  3441  to receive the wedge in order to more firmly combine the second PCB  344  and the connector  400 . 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the handle body according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view when the main PCB unit is coupled to the handle body according to an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 20  is a view showing the power PCB seated on the support rib with the main PCB unit coupled to the handle body, and  FIG. 21  is a view when the handle cover and the operation unit are combined in the state shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 22  is a view when the handle part according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the main body after being assembled. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 to 22 , a space  322  for receiving the main PCB unit  340  may be defined in the handle body  332 . The space  322  is a space substantially defined in the second extension  320 . 
     The handle body  332  may include a support  324  that supports the main PCB unit  340 . 
     The support  324  may include a seat  324   a  on which the main PCB unit  340  is seated, a first rib  324   b  that supports the first PCB  342  on the seat  324   a , and a second rib  324   c  that supports the second PCB  344  on the seat  324   a.    
     The ribs  324   b  and  324   c  may protrude upward from the seat  324   a.    
     The main PCB unit  340  on the support  324  cannot be moved left and right in  FIG. 16  by the first rib  324   b  and the second rib  324   c.    
     Further, the first rib  324   b  and the second rib  324   c  guide the main PCB assembly that is inserted into the space  322  of the handle body  332 . 
     The handle body  332  may further include a plurality of insertion holes  364  for inserting the light transmissive portions  364  of the PCB cover  360 . 
     When being inserted in the insertion holes  327 , the light transmissive portions  364  may be exposed to the outside of the handle  30 . Accordingly, a user can visually check the light from the LEDs  371 ,  372 , and  373  through the light transmissive portions  364 . 
     In this embodiment, since the light transmissive portions  364  are inserted in the insertion holes  327 , it is possible to prevent external moisture or dirt from flowing to the main PCB  341  through the insertion holes  327 . 
     The handle body  332  may further include a connector coupling portion  325  to which the PCB connector  350  is coupled when the main PCB assembly is inserted into the space  322 . 
     The connector coupling portion  325  may include a hole  325   a  for passing the coupling hook  357  of the PCB connector  350  and a hook locking rib  325   b  for locking the coupling hook  357  that has passed through the hole  325   a.    
     Meanwhile, the power PCB  380  may include a first switch  382  and a second switch  384  for receiving operation instructions from the operation unit  390 . Though not limited, the first switch  382  may receive instructions to turn on/off the suction motor  20  and the second switch  384  may receive instructions to control the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor  20 . 
     The handle body  332  may further include a support rib  326  for supporting the power PCB  380 . The support rib  326  may extend downward from the connector coupling portion  325 . 
     The support rib  326  may include an inclined surface  326   a  so that the power PCB  380  can be positioned at an angle. Accordingly, when the power PCB  380  is supported by the inclined surface  326   a , the first switch  382  and the second switch  384  are at different heights. 
     When the main PCB unit  340  is coupled to the handle body  332 , the support rib  326  is positioned between the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344 . The support rib  326  is spaced apart from the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  in order not to damage the main PCB  341  when the main PCB unit  340  is coupled. 
     The inclination angle of the inclined surface  326   a  of the support rib  326  may be the same as the inclination angles  343   a  and  345   a  of the extensions  343  and  345  of the PCBs  342  and  344 . 
     Accordingly, the inclined surfaces  343   a  and  345   a  of the PCBs  342  and  344  and the inclined surface  326   a  of the support rib  326  can support the power PCB  380 . 
     Obviously, the inclined surfaces  343   a  and  345   a  of the PCBs  342  and  344  may be spaced apart from the power PCB  380 , with the power PCB  380  in contact with the inclined surface  326   a  of the support rib  326 . 
     The handle body  332  may further include a fitting rib  326   b  passing through the power PCB  380  to prevent the power PCB  380  being in contact with the inclined surface  326   a  of the support rib  326  from moving left and right in  FIG. 15 . Further, a slit  386  for passing the fitting rib  326   b  may be formed in the power PCB  380 . 
     The fitting rib  326   b  may be formed at the lower portion of the support rib  326 . When the power PCB  380  is seated on the inclined surface  326   a  of the support rib  326 , the fitting rib  326   b  is fitted in the slit  386 , so it is possible to prevent the power PCB  380  from sliding down on the inclined surface  326   a  of the support rib  326  in the process of assembling the power PCB  380 . 
     The handle body  332  may further include a top stopper  328  for preventing the power PCB  380  on the support rib  326  from moving up. 
     The handle body  332  may further include a fastening boss  329  for fastening the power PCB  380  on the support rib  326  using a fastener (not shown) such as a screw. 
     A hole  381  for passing the fastener may be formed through the power PCB  380 . 
     On the other hand, the operation unit  390  may include a support frame  396  for coupling to the handle cover  334  and an operation button  391  combined with the support frame  396 . 
     The operation button  391  may include a first pushing portion  392  for pressing the first switch  382  and a second pushing portion  394  for pressing the second switch  384 . That is, one operation button  391  may include two pushing portions  392  and  394 . 
     According to the present invention, since the power PCB  380  is inclined with the first switch  382  and the second switch  384  at different heights, a user can hold the handle  30  and press the first switch  382  or the second switch  384  by operating the operation button  391  with one finger. Accordingly, the user can more conveniently operate the cleaner. 
     A process of assembling the main PCB unit  340  and the power PCB  380  is described hereafter. 
     First, the PCB cover  360  is inserted into the space  322  of the handle body  332  such that the light transmissive portions  364  of the PCB cover  360  are inserted into the insertion holes  327  of the handle body  332 . 
     The main PCB assembly is completed by connecting the first PCB  342  and the second PCB  344  through the PCB connector  350  and then the main PCB assembly is inserted into the space between the PCB cover  360  and the support  324  of the handle body  332 . 
     When the main PCB assembly is inserted, the side portions  362  and  363  of the PCB cover  360  and the first and second ribs  324   b  and  324   c  of the support  324  guide the main PCB assembly. 
     When the coupling hook  357  of the PCB connector  350  is locked to the hook locking rib  325   b  through the hook hole  325   a  while the main PCB assembly is inserted into the space  322  of the handle body  332 , coupling of the main PCB assembly is completed. 
     In this state, as in  FIG. 20 , the power PCB  380  is seated on the support rib  326  and then the power PCB  380  may be fixed to the handle body  332  by a fastener. 
     The power PCB  380  is fixed to the handle body  332  substantially at the same height as the main PCB  341 . 
     Next, as in  FIG. 21 , the handle cover  334  is coupled to the handle body  332  and then the operation unit  390  may be coupled to the second handle body  334 . 
     Further, as in  FIG. 22 , it is possible to fix the handle part  3  to the main body  2  by aligning the handle part  3  with the main body  2  and then sliding down the handle part  3 . 
     Also, the main PCB is divided into two PCBs and inserted in the handle body, and the size of the main PCB can be reduced. 
     In particular, the two PCBs are erect in parallel with each other and inserted in the handle body, the size of the main PCB unit  340  can be minimized. 
     Further, since the main PCB assembly can be coupled to the handle body while it is inserted into the space of the handle body with the two PCBs connected to the PCB connector, the structures for fixing the two PCBs to each other and fixing the two PCBs to the handle body are simple and a user can easily assemble them. 
     Further, since the second PCB is connected to the connector when the handle part is slid on the main body, there is no need for a process of connecting the second PCB to the connector.