Patent Description:
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.

Handy cleaners, generally, may include a suction unit, a body, and a handle.

Meanwhile, in the related art, a handheld vacuum cleaner has been disclosed in <CIT>).

The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a suction pipe, an airflow generator, a cyclone, a power supply, and a handle.

A trigger switch for turning on or off the airflow generator is disposed at the handle.

According to this prior art document, however, since the airflow generator is turned on or off by the trigger switch, it is impossible to control the intensity of airflow with the airflow generator turned on.

Further, according to this prior art document, since the trigger switch is positioned on the handle with which a user's palm comes in contact, the user may unexpectedly operate the trigger switch while cleaning with the handle in his/her hand.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> are related prior art documents.

The present disclosure provides a cleaner that allows a user to input an instruction to turn on or off a suction motor using an operation unit, and to control the intensity of suction force of the suction motor with the suction motor turned on.

The present disclosure provides a cleaner of which an operation unit is not unexpectedly operated during cleaning.

The present disclosure provides a cleaner that allows a user to input an instruction to turn on or off a suction motor using an operation unit, and to control the intensity of suction force of the suction motor through one operation button.

The present disclosure provides a cleaner in which a push part for turning on and off a suction motor and a push part for adjusting the intensity of the suction force are not simultaneously pressed when an operation unit is operated.

A cleaner includes: a suction motor that generates a suction force; and an operation unit that is configured to input control instructions for the suction motor, wherein the operation unit has: a support frame; a first push part that is rotatably seated on the support frame and allows an instruction to turn on or off the suction motor to be input when being rotated in a first direction; and a second push part that allows the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor to be adjusted when being rotated in a second direction.

A cleaner includes: a suction unit that guides air and dust; a main body that has a dust separator separating dust from air guided by the suction unit; and an operation unit that is configured to input control instructions for a suction motor, wherein the operation unit is positioned higher than a longitudinal axis of the suction unit and has a first push part that allows a first instruction to be input when being rotated in a first direction and a second push part that allows a second instruction to be input when being rotated in a second direction.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to not only input instructions to turn on and off the suction motor, but adjust the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor that has been turned on through the operation unit, so a user can adjust the suction force while cleaning.

For example, when the intensity of the suction force is large, the available cleaning time may be reduced, but the cleaning effect can be improved. In contrast, when the intensity of the suction force is small, the cleaning effect may be reduced, but the available cleaning time is increased.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the operation unit is positioned higher than the grip of the handle, it is possible to prevent a user from unexpectedly operate the operation unit with the grip in his/her hand.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since it is possible to not only input instructions to turn on and off the suction motor, but adjust the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor through one operation button, a user can more conveniently use the cleaner.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since operation instructions can be input by rotation of the operation unit, it is possible to prevent the switch that receives instructions to turn on and off the suction motor and the switch that receives instructions to adjust the intensity of the suction force from being simultaneously pressed when operating the operation button.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a side view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a plan view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a perspective view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention when seen from under the cleaner, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a cleaner <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body <NUM>.

The cleaner <NUM> may further include a suction unit <NUM> coupled to the front of the main body <NUM>. The suction unit <NUM> can guide air containing dust into the main body <NUM>.

The cleaner <NUM> may further include a handle unit <NUM> coupled to the main body <NUM>. The handle unit <NUM> may be positioned opposite to the suction unit <NUM> on the main body <NUM>.

That is, the main body <NUM> may be disposed between the suction unit <NUM> and the handle unit <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may include a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM> on the first body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be directly combined or may be indirectly combined through an intermediate member.

The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be, though not limited thereto, formed in a cylindrical shape.

The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> are open at the top and the bottom, respectively. That is, the bodies <NUM> and <NUM> may have a top opening and a bottom opening, respectively.

The suction unit <NUM> may be coupled to the main body <NUM> such that the center of the suction unit <NUM> is positioned approximately at the boundary between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may further include a dust separation unit that separates dust from air sucked through the suction unit <NUM>.

The dust separation unit may include a first cyclone unit <NUM> that can separate dust, for example, using cyclonic flow. The first body <NUM> includes the first cyclone unit <NUM> in this configuration.

The air and dust sucked through the suction unit <NUM> helically flow along the inner side of the first cyclone unit <NUM>.

The axis of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit <NUM> may vertically extend.

The dust separation unit may further include a second cyclone unit <NUM> that secondarily separates dust from the air discharged out of the first cyclone unit <NUM>. The second cyclone unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the first cyclone unit <NUM> to minimize the size of the dust separation unit. The second cyclone unit <NUM> 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 <NUM> functions as a dust container that stores dust separated by the cyclone units <NUM> and <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may further include a body cover <NUM> for opening/closing the bottom of the first body <NUM>. The body cover <NUM> can open/close the first body <NUM> by being rotated. A button <NUM> for rotating the body cover <NUM> may be disposed on the first body <NUM>. A hinge <NUM> of the body cover <NUM> may be coupled to hinge coupling portions <NUM> of the battery housing <NUM>.

At least a portion of the second cyclone unit <NUM> may be positioned inside the first body <NUM>.

A dust storage guide <NUM> that guides the dust separated by the second cyclone unit <NUM> to be stored may be disposed in the first body <NUM>. The dust storage guide <NUM> may be coupled to the bottom of the second cyclone unit <NUM> in contact with the top of the body cover <NUM>.

The dust storage guide <NUM> may divide the internal space of the first body <NUM> into a first dust storage part <NUM> where the dust separated by the first cyclone unit <NUM> is stored and a second dust storage part <NUM> where the dust separated by the second cyclone unit <NUM> is stored.

The internal space of the dust storage guide <NUM> is the second dust storage part <NUM> and the space between the dust storage guide <NUM> and the first body <NUM> is the first dust storage part <NUM>.

The body cover <NUM> can open/close both of the first dust storage part <NUM> and the second dust storage part <NUM>.

The cleaner <NUM> may further include a suction motor <NUM> for generating suction force and a battery <NUM> for supplying power to the suction motor <NUM>.

The suction motor <NUM> may be disposed in the second body <NUM>. At least a portion of the suction motor <NUM> may be disposed over the dust separation unit. Accordingly, the suction motor <NUM> is disposed over the first body <NUM>.

The suction motor <NUM> may communicate with an outlet of the second cyclone unit <NUM>.

To this end, the main body <NUM> may further include a discharge guide <NUM> connected to the second cyclone unit <NUM> and a flow guide <NUM> that communicates with the discharge guide <NUM>.

For example, the discharge guide <NUM> is disposed on the second cyclone unit <NUM> and the flow guide <NUM> is disposed over the discharge guide <NUM>.

Further, at least a portion of the suction motor <NUM> is positioned inside the flow guide <NUM>.

Accordingly, the axis of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit <NUM> may pass through the suction motor <NUM>.

When the suction motor <NUM> is disposed over the second cyclone unit <NUM>, the air discharged from the second cyclone unit <NUM> can flow directly to the suction motor <NUM>, so the channel between the dust separation unit and the suction motor <NUM> can be minimized.

The suction motor <NUM> may include a rotary impeller <NUM>. The impeller <NUM> may be fitted on a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is vertically disposed.

An extension line from the shaft <NUM> (which may be considered as the rotational axis of the impeller <NUM>) may pass through the first body <NUM>. The rotational axis of the impeller <NUM> and the axis of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit <NUM> may be on the same line.

According to the present embodiment, 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 <NUM> flows to the suction motor <NUM> 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 <NUM> for supplying power to the suction motor <NUM> can be increased.

The cleaner <NUM> may further include an upper motor housing <NUM> covering a portion of the top of the suction motor <NUM> and a lower motor housing <NUM> covering a portion of the bottom of the suction motor <NUM>. The lower motor housing <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second body <NUM> or may be coupled to the second body <NUM>.

The suction motor <NUM> may be disposed inside the motor housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the flow guide <NUM> may be disposed to cover the upper motor housing <NUM>.

At least a portion of the flow guide <NUM> may be spaced apart from the upper motor housing <NUM>. Further, at least a portion of the flow guide <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second body <NUM>.

Accordingly, a first air passage <NUM> is defined by the inner side of the flow guide <NUM> and the outer side of the upper motor housing <NUM> and a second air passage <NUM> is defined by the outer side of the flow guide <NUM> and the inner side of the second body <NUM>.

The air discharged from the second cyclone unit <NUM> flows to the suction motor <NUM> through the first air passage <NUM> and the air discharged from the suction motor <NUM> flows through the second air passage <NUM> and is then discharged outside. Accordingly, the second air passage <NUM> functions as an exhaust channel.

The handle unit <NUM> may include a handle <NUM> for a user to hold and a battery housing <NUM> under the handle <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> may be disposed behind the suction motor <NUM>.

As for directions, with respect to the suction motor <NUM> in the cleaner <NUM>, the direction in which the suction unit <NUM> is positioned is the front direction and the direction in which the handle <NUM> is positioned is the rear direction.

The battery <NUM> may be disposed behind the first body <NUM>. Accordingly, the suction motor <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may be arranged not to vertically overlap each other and may be disposed at different heights.

According to the present embodiment, since the suction motor <NUM> that is heavy is disposed ahead of the handle <NUM> and the battery <NUM> that is heavy is disposed behind the handle <NUM>, so weight can be uniformly distributed throughout the cleaner <NUM>. It is possible to prevent injuries to the user's wrist when a user cleans with the handle <NUM> 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 <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the center of gravity of the cleaner <NUM> from concentrating on any one side.

Since the battery <NUM> is disposed under the handle <NUM> and the suction motor <NUM> is disposed in front of the handle <NUM>, there is no component over the handle <NUM>. That is, the top of the handle <NUM> forms a portion of the external appearance of the top of the cleaner <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent any component of the cleaner <NUM> from coming in contact with the user's arm while the user cleans with the handle <NUM> in his/her hand.

The handle <NUM> may include a first extension <NUM> extending vertically to be held by a user and a second extension <NUM> extending toward the suction motor <NUM> over the first extension <NUM>. The second extension <NUM> may at least partially horizontally extend.

In the present embodiment, the first extension <NUM>, which is a portion that a user can hold (a portion that a user's palm can come in contact with), may be referred to as a grip.

A stopper <NUM> for preventing a user's hand holding the first extension <NUM> from moving in the longitudinal direction of the first extension <NUM> (vertically in <FIG>) may be formed on the first extension <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may extend toward the suction unit <NUM> from the first extension <NUM>.

The stopper <NUM> is spaced apart from the second extension <NUM>. Accordingly, a user is supposed to hold the first extension <NUM>, with some of the fingers over the stopper <NUM> and the other fingers under the stopper <NUM>.

For example, the stopper <NUM> may be positioned between the index finger and the middle finger.

According to this arrangement, when a user holds the first extension <NUM>, the longitudinal axis A1 of the suction unit <NUM> may pass through the user's wrist.

When the longitudinal axis A1 of the suction unit <NUM> passes through the user's wrist and the user's arm is stretched, the longitudinal axis A1 of the suction unit <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the user's stretched arm. Accordingly, there is the advantage in this state that the user uses minimum force when pushing or pulling the cleaner <NUM> with the handle <NUM> in his/her hand.

The handle <NUM> may include an operation unit <NUM>. For example, the operation unit <NUM> may be disposed on an inclined surface of the second extension <NUM>. It is possible to input instructions to turn on/off the cleaner (suction motor) through the operation unit <NUM>. Further, it is possible to control the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor <NUM> that has been turned on through the operation unit <NUM>.

The operation unit <NUM> may be disposed to face a user. The operation unit <NUM> may be disposed opposite to the stopper <NUM> with the handle <NUM> therebetween.

The operation unit <NUM> is positioned higher than the stopper <NUM>. Accordingly, a user can easily operate the operation unit <NUM> with his/her thumb with the first extension <NUM> in his/her hand.

Further, since the operation unit <NUM> is positioned outside the first extension <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the operation unit <NUM> from being unexpectedly operated when a user cleans with the first extension <NUM> in his/her hand.

A display unit <NUM> for showing operational states may be disposed on the second extension <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> may be, for example, disposed on the top of the second extension <NUM>. Accordingly, a user can easily check the display unit <NUM> on the top of the second extension <NUM> while cleaning. The display <NUM>, for example, can show the remaining capacity of the battery <NUM> and the intensity of the suction motor.

The display unit <NUM>, though not limited, may include a plurality of light emitting devices. The light emitting devices may be spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the second extension <NUM>.

The battery housing <NUM> may be disposed under the first extension <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may be detachably combined with the battery housing <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may be inserted into the battery housing <NUM> from under the battery housing <NUM>.

The rear side of the battery housing <NUM> and the rear side of the first extension <NUM> may form a continuous surface. Accordingly, the battery housing <NUM> and the first extension <NUM> can be shown like a single unit.

When the battery <NUM> is inserted in the battery housing <NUM>, the bottom of the battery <NUM> may be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, when the cleaner <NUM> is placed on the floor, the battery <NUM> can be in contact with the floor.

According to this structure, there is the advantage that the battery <NUM> can be directly separated from the battery housing <NUM>.

Further, since the bottom of the battery <NUM> is exposed to the outside, the bottom of the battery <NUM> can come in direct contact with the air outside the cleaner <NUM>, so the battery <NUM> can be more efficiently cooled.

Referring to <FIG>, the cleaner <NUM> may further include a filter unit <NUM> having air exits <NUM> for discharging the air that has passed through the suction motor <NUM>. For example, the air exits <NUM> may include a plurality of openings and the openings may be circumferentially arranged. Accordingly, the air exits <NUM> may be arranged in a ring shape.

The filter unit <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the top of the main body <NUM>. The filter unit <NUM> may be detachably inserted in the second body <NUM>.

When the filter unit <NUM> is combined with the main body <NUM>, a portion of the filter unit <NUM> is positioned outside the second body <NUM>. Accordingly, a portion of the filter unit <NUM> is inserted in the main body <NUM> through the open top of the main body <NUM> and the other portion protrudes outside from the main body <NUM>.

The height of the main body <NUM> may be substantially the same as the height of the handle <NUM>. Accordingly, the filter unit <NUM> protrudes upward from the main body <NUM>, so a user can easily hold and separate the filter unit <NUM>.

When the filter unit <NUM> is combined with the main body <NUM>, the air exits <NUM> are positioned at the upper portion of the filter unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the air discharged from the suction motor <NUM> is discharged upward from the main body <NUM>.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the air discharged from the air exits <NUM> from flowing to a user while the user cleans using the cleaner <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may further include a pre-filter <NUM> for filtering the air flowing into the suction motor <NUM>. The pre-filter <NUM> may be disposed inside the flow guide <NUM>. Further, the pre-filter <NUM> is seated over the upper motor housing <NUM> and may surround a portion of the upper motor housing <NUM>. That is, the upper motor housing <NUM> may include a filter support for supporting the pre-filter <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing a handle unit according to an embodiment of the present invention with an operation unit separated, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a perspective view of a support frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a perspective view of an operation button according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the external shape of the handle <NUM> according to this embodiment may be formed by a handle body <NUM> and a handle cover <NUM> coupled to the handle body <NUM>.

When the handle cover <NUM> is coupled to the handle body <NUM>, the handle cover <NUM> and the handle body <NUM> form the first extension <NUM> and the second extension <NUM>.

The handle body <NUM> may include a first handle body <NUM> and a second handle body <NUM> disposed over the first handle body <NUM>.

The handle cover <NUM> may include a first cover <NUM> and a second cover <NUM> disposed over the first cover <NUM>.

When the first cover <NUM> is coupled to the first handle body <NUM>, the first handle body <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> form the first extension <NUM>. Further, when the second cover <NUM> is coupled to the second handle body <NUM>, the second handle body <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> form the second extension <NUM>.

Though not limited, the operation unit <NUM> may be coupled to the second cover <NUM>.

When the handle body <NUM> and the handle cover <NUM> are separately formed, a structure for installing a circuit board in the handle body <NUM> and coupling the operation unit <NUM> to the handle cover <NUM> may be formed.

The second cover <NUM> may have a seat <NUM> that can keep a portion of the operation unit <NUM>. The seat <NUM> may be formed by recessing a portion of the second cover <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> may further include a first switch <NUM> and a second switch <NUM> for receiving operation instructions from the operation unit <NUM>. The first switch <NUM> and the second switch <NUM> may be positioned at different heights.

Though not limited, it is possible to receive instructions to turn on and off the suction motor <NUM> (or they may be referred to as a "first instruction" and a "third instruction", respectively) through the first switch <NUM> and instructions to control the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor <NUM> (it may be referred to as a "second instruction") through the second switch <NUM>.

A pair of holes <NUM> for receiving a portion of the operation unit <NUM> may be formed at the second cover <NUM>. The holes <NUM> may be arranged to face the first switch <NUM> and the second switch <NUM>, respectively.

The holes <NUM> may be formed, for example, through the seat <NUM>.

The operation unit <NUM> may include an operation button 360and a support frame <NUM> supporting the operation button <NUM>.

The operation button <NUM> may be movably coupled to the support frame <NUM> and the support frame <NUM> may be coupled to the second cover <NUM>.

The operation button <NUM> may include a button body <NUM>. A separation slit <NUM> for dividing the button body <NUM> into two parts may be formed substantially at the center of the button body <NUM>.

The button body <NUM> may have a first push part 361a and a second push part 361b separated by the separation slit <NUM>.

The button body <NUM> may further has cut grooves at both sides from the separation slit <NUM>. The cut grooves <NUM> make the push parts 361a and 361b be visually distinguished.

The button body <NUM> may be formed in an elliptical shape so that a user can operate the two push parts 361a and 361b and the contact area with a finger is improved.

When the operation unit <NUM> is coupled to the handle <NUM>, the first push part 361a and the second push part 361b may be arranged up and down. That is, the first push part 361a and the second push part 361b may be positioned at different heights.

The first push part 361a may have a first push projection 366a for pressing the first switch <NUM> and the second push part 361b may have a second push projection 366b for pressing the second switch <NUM>.

The first push part 361a and the second push part 361b may have reinforcing ribs 364a and 364b for improving strength, respectively.

The reinforcing ribs 364a and 364b may be bent at several portions to increase the reinforcing effect by the reinforcing ribs 364a and 364b.

Further, the push projections 366a and 366b may be integrally formed with the reinforcing ribs 364a and 364b to prevent breakage of the push projections 366a and 366b.

The operation button <NUM> may further have one or more button hooks 365a and 365b to be coupled to the support frame <NUM>.

The operation button <NUM> may have a plurality of button hooks 365a and 365b to stably retain the operation button <NUM> inside the support frame <NUM>.

The button hooks 365a and 365b may be arranged up and down on the operation button <NUM> so that the coupling force to the support frame <NUM> at the first push part 361a and the coupling force to the support frame <NUM> at the second push part 361b are substantially the same.

That is, the first button hook 365a may be formed on the first push part 361a and the second button hook 365b may be formed on the second push part 361b.

The first push projection 366a and the second push projection 366b may be disposed between the first button hook 365a and the second button hook 365b.

For example, the first button hook 365a, the first push projection 366a, the second push projection 366b, and the second button hook 365b may be arranged in a line.

The operation button <NUM> may further have hinges <NUM> for preventing the first push part 361a and the second push part 361b from simultaneously pressing the first switch <NUM> and the second switch <NUM> when a user operates the operation button <NUM>.

For example, the hinges <NUM> provide pivots protruding on the button body <NUM> so that the entire operation button <NUM> is rotated when any one of the first push part 361a and the second push part 361b is pressed.

The hinges <NUM> may be disposed at both sides from the separation slit <NUM> so that the entire button body <NUM> is stably rotated by the hinges <NUM>.

That is, a pair of hinges <NUM> may protrude from the button body <NUM> and the separation slit <NUM> may be disposed between the hinges <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> may have a frame body <NUM> on which the operation button <NUM> is seated.

The frame body <NUM> may have a recession <NUM> to receive at least the reinforcing ribs 364a and 364b of the operation button <NUM>.

The frame body <NUM> may further have a separator <NUM> inserted through the separation slit <NUM> of the operation button <NUM>. The separator <NUM> may protrudes from the bottom 372a of the recession <NUM>.

The frame body <NUM> may have one or more hook holes <NUM> for locking the button hooks 365a and 365b of the operation button <NUM>.

When the operation button <NUM> has a plurality of button hooks 365a and 365b, the frame body <NUM> may also have a plurality of hook holes <NUM>.

The frame body <NUM> may further have projection holes <NUM> through which the push projections 366a and 366b of the operation button <NUM> are inserted.

The projection holes <NUM>, for example, may be formed through the bottom 372a of the recession <NUM>.

The frame body <NUM> may have one or more frame hooks <NUM> to be coupled to the handle cover <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example in which the frame body <NUM> has a plurality of frame hooks <NUM>.

A plurality of coupling holes <NUM> for coupling the frame hooks <NUM> may be formed at the second cover <NUM>.

The frame body <NUM> may further have hinge seats <NUM> in which the hinges <NUM> of the operation button <NUM> are seated. For example, a pair of hinge seats <NUM> may be formed on the frame body <NUM>. Further, the separator <NUM> may be positioned between the pair of hinge seats <NUM>.

The hinge seats <NUM> may be recessed on the frame body <NUM> and may have a rounded surface so that the hinges <NUM> can be rotated.

The heights of the hinge <NUM> from the button body <NUM> may be larger than the depths of the hinge sets <NUM> so that the operation button <NUM> can be rotated without interference with the frame body <NUM>, with the hinges <NUM> in the hinge seats <NUM>.

That is, the hinges <NUM> of the operation button <NUM> may be partially seated in the hinge seats <NUM>.

When the hinge seats <NUM> are formed on the frame body <NUM>, the portions, which correspond to the hinge seats <NUM>, of the frame body <NUM> protrude outward. Grooves <NUM> for receiving the portions protruding outward from the frame body <NUM> may be formed at the second cover <NUM>.

The hook holes <NUM> may be larger in size than the button hooks 365a and 365b so that the operation button <NUM> can be rotated on the hinges <NUM> with the button hooks 365a and 365b of the operation button <NUM> fitted in the hook holes <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>.

However, the maximum gap between the button hooks 365a and 365b may be made substantially the same as the maximum gap between the hook holes <NUM> to keep the button hooks 365a and 365b in the hook holes <NUM>.

The minimum gap between the hook holes <NUM> may be made smaller than the minimum gap between the button hooks 365a and 365b. Accordingly, when the button hooks 365a and 365b are fitted in the hook holes <NUM>, respectively, spaces in which the button hooks 365a and 365b can move when the operation button <NUM> is rotated can be formed in the hook holes <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> may further have an outer rib <NUM> protruding along the edge of the frame body <NUM>. When the operation button <NUM> is coupled to the support frame <NUM>, the outer rib <NUM> surrounds the outer edge of the operation button <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the operation unit of the present invention combined with the handle and <FIG> is a view showing a hinge of the operation unit seated in a hinge seat of the support frame.

Referring to <FIG>, the first switch <NUM> and the second switch <NUM> may be disposed on a power PCB <NUM>. The power PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to a main PCB <NUM> disposed in the handle <NUM>. The main PCB <NUM> can supply power to the suction motor <NUM> and generate control signal for the suction motor <NUM>.

The power PCB <NUM> may be seated in the second handle body <NUM> and covered with the handle cover <NUM> when the handle cover <NUM> is coupled to the handle body <NUM>.

The first switch <NUM> and the second switch <NUM> may be respectively aligned with the holes <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>. Further, the switches <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged to respectively face the projection holes <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>.

When the operation unit <NUM> is combined with the handle cover <NUM>, the push projections 366a and 366b of the operation button <NUM> may pass through the holes <NUM> or may be positioned in the holes <NUM>.

However, the push projections 366a and 366b may be spaced from the switches <NUM> and <NUM>.

Further, when the operation button <NUM> is coupled to the support frame <NUM>, the hinges <NUM> of the operation button <NUM> are seated in the hinge seats <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>.

As described above, since the heights of the hinges <NUM> from the button body <NUM> are larger than the depths of the hinge seats <NUM>, the button body <NUM> is spaced from the frame body <NUM> with the hinges <NUM> seated in the hinge seats <NUM>.

Further, the reinforcing ribs 364a and 364b of the operation button <NUM> are spaced from the bottom 372a of the recession <NUM> of the frame body <NUM> with the hinges <NUM> seated in the hinge seats <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing the operation button with the first push part pressed and <FIG> is a view showing the positional relationship between the operation button and the support frame in the state shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a user can push the first push part 361a of the operation button <NUM> with the first extension <NUM> of the handle <NUM> in his/her hand in order to turn on or off the suction motor <NUM>.

When the first push part 361a is pushed, the operation button <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise about the hinges <NUM> in the drawings, so the first push projection 366a presses the first switch <NUM>. Accordingly, the suction motor <NUM> can be turned on or off.

The first push part 361a may be pressed, for example, by a thumb. Since the first push part 361a and the second push part 361b are arranged up and down, when a user holds the first extension <NUM> with a hand, the user's thumb may be positioned up and down. In this case, when the user presses the first push part 361a in this state, a portion of his/her thumb may come in contact with the second push part 361b.

However, since the hinges <NUM> are disposed between the first push part 361a and the second push part 361b in this embodiment, even if a force is independently applied to the first push part 361a and the second push part 361b, when the force applied to the first push part 361a is larger than the force applied to the second push part 361b, the push parts 361a and 361b cannot be simultaneously rotated and the operation button <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise in the drawings by the force applied to the first push part 361a.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the push parts 361a and 361b from simultaneously pressing the switches <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing the operation button with the second push part pressed and <FIG> is a view showing the positional relationship between the operation button and the support frame in the state shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a user can push the second push part 361b of the operation button <NUM> with the first extension <NUM> of the handle <NUM> in his/her hand in order to adjust the intensity of the suction force the suction motor <NUM>.

When the second push part 361b is pushed, the operation button <NUM> is rotated clockwise about the hinges <NUM> in the drawings, so the second push projection 366b presses the second switch <NUM>. Accordingly, the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor <NUM> can be increased or decreased.

The second push part 361b may be pressed by a thumb, and the first push part 361a and the second push part 361b are arranged up and down, so it is possible to prevent the first push part 361a from being pushed when the second push part 361b is pushed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the push parts 361a and 361b from simultaneously pressing the switches <NUM> and <NUM>.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the operation button has the first push part and the second push part, it is possible not only to input instructions to turn on and off the suction motor with one finger, but to adjust the intensity of the suction force of the suction motor, so a user can more conveniently use the cleaner.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the operation button is coupled to the support frame with the support frame coupled to the handle cover, and the operation button that has been coupled to the support frame can be rotated.

Claim 1:
A cleaner (<NUM>) comprising:
a main body (<NUM>);
a suction unit (<NUM>) coupled to a front of the main body (<NUM>) and configured to guide air containing dust into the main body (<NUM>);
a suction motor (<NUM>) having an impeller (<NUM>) to generate suction force in the suction unit (<NUM>);
a handle (<NUM>), positioned opposite to the suction unit (<NUM>) with respect to the suction motor (<NUM>), holding by a user; and
a battery housing (<NUM>) disposed below the handle (<NUM>) to which a battery (<NUM>) is detachably coupled,
wherein the handle (<NUM>) includes a first extension (<NUM>) extending upward from the battery housing (<NUM>) to be inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis (A1) of the suction unit (<NUM>),
characterized in that the handle (<NUM>) further includes:
a second extension (<NUM>) extending from an upper part the first extension (<NUM>) toward the suction motor (<NUM>) and having an inclined surface at rear of the second extension (<NUM>) inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (A1) of the suction unit (<NUM>); and
a operation unit (<NUM>) disposed on the inclined surface of the second extension (<NUM>) for inputting user instructions,
wherein, an air exit (<NUM>) is disposed in front of the second extension (<NUM>), arranged in a circumferential direction with respect to a rotational axis of the impeller (<NUM>), and discharging air that has passed through the suction motor (<NUM>) to an outside.