Handheld vacuum cleaner with gripping handle housing battery interconnection board

Abstract

The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a main body (4), a suction motor (14), a gripping handle (6), and a rechargeable battery (18). The gripping handle (6) comprises a first handle portion (22) integral with the main body (4), and the rechargeable battery (18) is at least partially housed in and removably secured to the first handle portion (22). The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) comprises a battery interconnection board (33) disposed in the first handle portion (22), the battery interconnection board (33) being configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery (18) when the rechargeable battery (18) is secured to the first handle portion (22).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners capable of sucking up dust and dirt from surfaces to be cleaned, which may be tiles, hardwood floors, laminate floors, carpets or rugs. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, a handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having a suction duct, a dust separating and collecting device attached to the main body, a suction motor housed in the main body and configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the dust separating and collecting device, a gripping handle defining a battery compartment, a rechargeable battery housed in the battery compartment and configured to supply electricity to the handheld vacuum cleaner, and an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0003] In order to achieve electrical connections, particularly between the rechargeable battery and the suction motor, it is necessary to provide numerous cable routes and intermediate connectors inside the grip handle and main body, which complicates the assembly of this type of handheld vacuum cleaner and significantly increases its manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to alleviate all or part of these disadvantages.

[0005] In particular, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a handheld vacuum cleaner that is simple, reliable and ergonomically constructed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides - A main body equipped with a suction duct; - a waste separation and collection device attached to the main body; - a suction motor housed in the body, the suction motor having a motor shaft and configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the dirt separating and collecting device; a gripping handle; - a rechargeable battery configured to power the handheld vacuum cleaner, the rechargeable battery being at least partially contained within the grip handle; - an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner; The present invention relates to a handheld vacuum cleaner equipped with a

[0007] The grip handle comprises a first handle portion integral with the main body, the rechargeable battery is at least partially contained in the first handle portion and removably secured to the first handle portion, and the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a battery interconnect board disposed in the first handle portion and configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery is secured to the first handle portion, the rechargeable battery having a first electrical connector, and the battery interconnect board is equipped with a second electrical connector configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector when the rechargeable battery is secured to the first handle portion.

[0008] Such a configuration of the rechargeable battery and gripping handle allows the battery interconnect board to be located in close proximity to the gripping handle and rechargeable battery, thus reducing cable routing and intermediate connectors within the gripping handle, thereby greatly simplifying assembly of the handheld vacuum cleaner and significantly reducing the manufacturing costs of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0009] Such an arrangement of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector makes the handheld vacuum cleaner compact, and enables a further reduction in the cable routes and intermediate connectors within the grip handle.

[0010] In addition, the handheld vacuum cleaner may have one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnect board of the battery comprises at least one printed circuit and at least one electronic component, advantageously an electrical connector.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle comprises a second handle portion removably secured to the first handle portion, the second handle portion defining a battery compartment in which the rechargeable battery is housed, and the battery interconnect board is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery when the second handle portion is secured to the first handle portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second handle portion comprises a grip portion configured to be grasped by a user.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery interconnection board is configured to be electrically connected directly to the rechargeable battery, i.e. without any intermediate electronic board.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first handle portion defines a boundary of an inner housing and includes an access opening opening into the inner housing, and the second handle portion includes an insert portion removably attached to the inner housing, the insert portion being configured to be withdrawn from the inner housing through the access opening and to be inserted into the inner housing.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery interconnect board is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery when the insert is received in the inner housing.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grip portion and the insert portion define the boundaries of a battery compartment.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening is provided at the rear end of the first handle portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rechargeable battery comprises a first battery part extending into the insert part and a second battery part extending into the grip part. Such a configuration of the rechargeable battery and the grip handle allows for an optimization of the internal volume of the grip handle, i.e. maximizing the volume of the rechargeable battery and thus the energy capacity stored in the rechargeable battery. Furthermore, by having at least a part of the rechargeable battery extending into the insert part and at least a part of the rechargeable battery extending into the grip part, a better weight balance in the grip handle is ensured.

[0020] Also, the rechargeable battery being partially located in the first handle part and partially located in the grip part provides a more robust connection interface between the first and second handle parts: in fact, the very dense and therefore very robust rechargeable battery acts as a coupling insert that strengthens the connection between the first and second handle parts by extending on both sides of the connection interface.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery comprises at least one battery cell extending at least partially into the insertion portion and at least one battery cell extending at least partially into the grip portion.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grip handle extends along the central longitudinal axis.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insert is configured to be inserted into the inner housing along an insertion direction that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the grip handle, which provides a more ergonomic design for the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the central longitudinal axis of the grip handle intersects with the battery interconnect board.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery interconnect board extends generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the grip handle.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second electrical connector is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector when the second handle portion is secured to the first handle portion.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector is provided on the insertion portion.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is provided in the front part, for example located at the level of the front end face of the insert.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second electrical connector protrudes within the inner housing.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector comprises a plurality of first connection pins and the second electrical connector comprises a plurality of second connection pins configured to cooperate respectively with the first connection pins.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first connection pins is configured to be located opposite a respective second connection pin when the rechargeable battery is fixed to the first handle part and, for example, when the second handle part is fixed to the first handle part. This arrangement ensures a reliable connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. This configuration of the handheld vacuum cleaner allows the user to fix the second handle part to the first handle part and thereby establish an electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector with just one action, thereby providing a more ergonomic design for the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first contact pins extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the second connection pins extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis when the rechargeable battery is fixed to the first handle part, and for example when the second handle part is fixed to the first handle part. Such an arrangement provides a reliable connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector when the second handle part is fixed to the first handle part, while limiting the size of the grip handle and therefore the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the second connection pins extends substantially perpendicular to the battery interconnect board.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first or second connection pins comprises two connection blades located opposite each other and elastically deformable between a rest configuration and a connection configuration, and each of the second or first connection pins is configured to be inserted and sandwiched between the two respective connection blades. Such an arrangement further increases the reliability of the connection between the first and second electrical connectors. Furthermore, the two elastic connection blades cooperate with the connection pins to compensate for minor misalignments between the first and second connection pins, which may arise for example due to play associated with production, assembly play required for inserting the rechargeable battery into the first handle part, or even play between the insertion part of the second handle part and the first handle part that appears during use.

[0036] This configuration of the handheld vacuum cleaner therefore enables a user to secure the second handle portion to the first handle portion, thereby establishing a reliable electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector, in a single action, even if there is a minor misalignment between the first and second connection pins.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the second contact pin or the first contact pin is flat or cylindrical.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner is configured such that an electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is established when the insert part is inserted into the inner housing along the insertion direction. Such a configuration of the handheld vacuum cleaner allows a user to secure the second handle part to the first handle part and thereby establish an electrical connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in just one movement, thereby providing a more ergonomic design for the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a user interface provided on a first handle portion, the user interface being configured to enable a user to select at least one operating mode of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery interconnect board is at least partially located below the user interface, such a configuration can optimize the length of the electrical circuit between the battery interconnect board and the user interface, thus further shortening the cable route inside the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is provided on an upper portion of the first handle portion.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is located in the grip handle, for example in the second handle portion.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first handle portion has a gripping surface configured to be grasped by a user.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping surface of the first handle portion is configured to be flush with the gripping surface of the grip portion when the insert is housed in the inner housing. Advantageously, the gripping surface of the first handle portion and the gripping surface of the grip portion form a gripping zone of the handheld vacuum cleaner. Such a configuration of the first and second handle portions allows the gripping zone of the handheld vacuum cleaner to be extended, thereby facilitating handling of the handheld vacuum cleaner by a user.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the grip handle is generally parallel to the motor shaft.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the grip handle and the motor axis of the suction motor are substantially collinear, which allows for better weight distribution around the central longitudinal axis of the handheld vacuum cleaner and therefore provides greater comfort for the user.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the motor shaft of the suction motor intersects with a rechargeable battery and / or a battery interconnect board.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the refuse separating and collecting device is of the cyclone type.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction motor comprises a power cable electrically connected to the battery interconnect board. Advantageously, the power cable is configured to be electrically connected to the electronic control unit via the battery interconnect board, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the insert to the first handle part. The locking mechanism may comprise, for example, a locking part, such as a locking claw, attached to the first locking part so as to be movable between a locking position configured to cooperate with a locking element, such as a locking groove, on the insert to lock the insert to the first handle part, and an unlocked position configured to release the locking element so that the insert can be pulled out of the inner housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] In any case, the invention will be best understood from a reading of the description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings, which represent, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this handheld vacuum cleaner. [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the top of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top of the grip handle of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the top surface of the handy vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with the second handle portion (grip handle) removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second handle portion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partially sectional perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is an enlarged scale view of the detail of FIG. 6. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] In this specification, the terms "front", "rear" and "top" are defined in relation to use of the handheld vacuum cleaner, during which the user holds the handheld vacuum cleaner by the grip handle and holds it substantially horizontally, with the suction opening of the suction duct located opposite the user.

[0053] Figures 1 to 11 represent a handheld vacuum cleaner 2 having a body 4 provided with a suction duct 5 through which outside air is sucked into the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction duct 5 is arranged in the front part of the body 4.

[0054] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a gripping handle 6 which enables a user to grip the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 has a central longitudinal axis A and extends from the rear end of the main body 4.

[0055] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a dust separating and collecting device 7 that is removably attached to the main body 4.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the dirt separating and collecting apparatus 7 comprises a dirt collection bin 8 having a generally tubular side wall. The dirt separating and collecting apparatus 7 is advantageously of the cyclone type and further comprises a tubular separating member 9, such as a tubular net, arranged within the dirt collection bin 8 coaxially with the central axis of the dirt collection bin 8, and a cyclone-type separating chamber 10 defined externally by the side wall of the dirt collection bin 8 and internally by the tubular separating member 9.

[0057] The dirt separating and collecting device 7 further comprises an air inlet 11 in fluid communication with the suction duct 5 and opening into the cyclonic separating chamber 10. Advantageously, the suction duct 5 extends along an outer surface of the dirt separating and collecting device 7.

[0058] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the waste separating and collecting device 7 comprises a drain hatch 12 attached to the waste collecting bin 8 so as to be pivotable between a closed position in which the drain hatch 12 closes a drain opening 13 provided in the waste collecting bin 8, and an open position in which the drain hatch 12 opens the drain opening 13. Advantageously, the drain opening 13 is arranged to be located opposite the grip handle 6.

[0059] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 14 having a motor shaft B and housed within the main body 4. The suction motor 14 is configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct 5 and the dust separating and collecting device 7. More specifically, the suction motor 14 comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan to rotate.

[0060] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, in particular in Fig. 5, the dirt separating and collecting device 7 extends along an extension axis C which is substantially parallel to the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 and to the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 6. Advantageously, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C are substantially collinear. However, according to variant embodiments of the invention, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C could also be parallel but not collinear.

[0061] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 18 arranged to supply electricity to the handheld vacuum cleaner 2, in particular to the suction motor 14. The rechargeable battery 18 is located behind the suction motor 14 and comprises a number of battery cells 19 housed in a battery compartment 21 defined by the grip handle 6. According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the battery cells 19 are built-in installed in the battery compartment 21 and the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 intersects at least one battery cell 19.

[0062] As shown in more detail in Figures 3 to 5, the grip handle 6 comprises a first handle portion 22 fixed to the main body 4 and defining an inner housing 23, and a second handle portion 24 defining a battery compartment 21 and removably attached to the inner housing 23.

[0063] Advantageously, the second handle portion 24 comprises a gripping portion 25 having a gripping surface 26 configured to be grasped by a user, and an insert portion 27 removably mounted within the inner housing 23. The insert portion 27 is configured to be withdrawn out of the inner housing 23 through an access opening 28 provided in the first handle portion 22 and opening into the inner housing 23, and to be inserted into the inner housing 23. Advantageously, the access opening 28 is provided at the rear end of the first handle portion 22, and the insert portion 27 is configured to be inserted into the inner housing 23 along an insertion direction D parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 6.

[0064] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the boundaries of the battery compartment 21 are defined by the gripping portion 25 and the insert portion 27, and the rechargeable battery 18 comprises a first battery portion 18.1 extending into the insert portion 27 and a second battery portion 18.2 extending into the gripping portion 25. Advantageously, at least one battery cell 19 extends at least partially into the insert portion 27 and at least one battery cell 19 extends at least partially into the gripping portion 25.

[0065] As shown in particular in Fig. 6, the gripping portion 25 has a cross-section that is substantially the same as that of the first handle portion 22, e.g. circular or elliptical, and is configured such that a gripping surface 26 of the gripping portion 25 is flush with a gripping surface 29 of the first handle portion 22 when the insert 27 is housed in the inner housing 23. Such a configuration of the gripping portion 25 and the first handle portion 22 allows the gripping zone of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 to be extended up to the first handle portion 22, thereby facilitating the handling of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 by the user. In Figs. 4 and 5, the gripping zone is advantageously delimited by a gripping surface that is embossed with alternating convex and concave shapes. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping surface may consist of a smooth surface made of an elastomeric material.

[0066] 5 to 7, the rechargeable battery 18 comprises a first electrical connector 31 provided on the insert 27 and configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector 32 protruding within the inner housing 23 when the insert 27 is accommodated in the inner housing 23. Advantageously, the first electrical connector 31 is provided in a front part of the insert 27, for example located at the level of the front end face of the insert 27.

[0067] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a battery interconnect board 33, also referred to as an interconnect printed circuit board, located in the first handle portion 22 and equipped with a second electrical connector 32. The battery interconnect board 33 comprises at least one printed circuit and at least the second electrical connector 32, which are generally considered to be electronic components.

[0068] The battery interconnect board 33 is therefore configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 18 when the insert 27 is accommodated within the inner housing 23. Advantageously, the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 is configured such that, more particularly, an electrical connection between the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 32 is established when the insert 27 is inserted into the inner housing 23 along an insertion direction D.

[0069] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 6 intersects with the battery interconnect board 33, which extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A.

[0070] 9 and 10, the first electrical connector 31 includes a plurality of first connection pins 34, and the second electrical connector 32 includes a plurality of second connection pins 35 configured to cooperate with the first connection pins 34, respectively. More specifically, each of the first connection pins 34 is configured to be positioned opposite a respective second connection pin 35 when the insert 27 is accommodated in the inner housing 23.

[0071] Advantageously, when the insert 27 is accommodated in the inner housing 23, each of the first connection pins 34 and the second connection pins 35 extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 6, and each of the second connection pins 35 extends perpendicular to the battery interconnect board 33.

[0072] 9 and 10, each of the first connection pins 34 comprises two connecting blades 340 in a mutually facing position, which are elastically deformable between a rest configuration and a connecting configuration, and each of the second connection pins 35 is configured to be inserted and sandwiched between the two connecting blades, respectively. According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, each of the second connection pins 35 is flat, for example as formed by a fixture. However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the second connection pins 35 may also be cylindrical and thus formed by a connecting dowel.

[0073] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises an electronic control unit 36 ​​configured to control the operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 36 ​​is arranged in the second handle part 24 and extends alongside the rechargeable battery 18 (see FIG. 8).

[0074] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the electronic control unit 36 ​​is configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 in a first operating mode, also called normal operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is driven in rotation at a first rotation speed, and in a second operating mode, also called strong operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is driven in rotation at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed. In the second operating mode, the negative pressure generated in the suction duct 5 is therefore greater than the negative pressure generated in the suction duct 5 when the suction motor 14 is operated in the first operating mode.

[0075] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a user interface 37 (see FIG. 1) configured to enable a user to select one of the first and second operating modes of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2.

[0076] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the user interface 37 is provided on top of the first handle portion 22. Advantageously, the battery interconnect board 33 and the first and second electrical connectors 31, 32 are at least partially located below the user interface 37 (see Figures 6 and 9).

[0077] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the user interface 37 comprises a holding member 38 fixed to the first handle portion 22, the holding member 38 being at least partially, and for example entirely, optically transparent.

[0078] The user interface 37 further comprises a first control button 39 and a second control button 41 supported by the holding member 38 and operable by a user. Advantageously, the first control button 39 and the second control button 41 are arranged so that they can be operated by the same finger of a user when the user is holding the grip handle 6.

[0079] More specifically, the electronic control unit 36 ​​is configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a first operating mode when the first control button 39 is operated by the user, and is also configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a second operating mode when the second control button 41 is operated by the user.

[0080] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a printed circuit board 42, also called a printed circuit, fixed to the first handle part 22 and provided with a first electrical contact, such as a microswitch, and a second electrical contact, such as a microswitch. The first control button 39 is arranged to activate the first electrical contact when the first control button 39 is operated by a user, and the second control button 41 is arranged to activate the second electrical contact when the second control button 41 is operated by a user. Advantageously, the printed circuit board 42 is covered by the holding member 38.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the printed circuit board 42 is configured to be electrically connected to the electronic control unit 36 ​​via the battery interconnect board 33, more particularly via a connection cable 43 (see FIG. 11 ) connecting the printed circuit board 42 to the battery interconnect board 33, and further via the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 32. Similarly, the power cable of the suction motor 14 is configured to be electrically connected to the electronic control unit 36 ​​via the battery interconnect board 33, the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 32.

[0082] According to an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the rechargeable battery 18 may be entirely housed within the first handle portion, in which case the second handle portion 24 may consist of a hood or closing lid configured to cover the access opening 28.

[0083] Naturally, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described merely as examples: modifications are still possible thereto, in particular by substitution of the various elements or technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. a body (4) equipped with a suction duct (5), - a waste separating and collecting device (7) attached to said body (4); a suction motor (14) housed in said body (4), having a motor shaft (B) and adapted to generate an air flow through said suction duct (5) and through said waste separating and collecting device (7); a grip handle (6), a rechargeable battery (18) adapted to power the handheld vacuum cleaner (2), the rechargeable battery (18) being at least partially housed within said grip handle (6); an electronic control unit (36) adapted to control the operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2); In a handheld vacuum cleaner (2), the grip handle (6) comprises a first handle portion (22) integral with the main body (4); the rechargeable battery (18) is at least partially housed in and removably secured to the first handle portion (22); and the handheld vacuum cleaner (2) comprises a battery interconnection board (33) disposed in the first handle portion (22), the battery interconnection board (33) being configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery (18) when the rechargeable battery (18) is secured to the first handle portion (22), the rechargeable battery (18) comprising a first electrical connector (31), and the battery interconnection board (33) being equipped with a second electrical connector (32) configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector (31) when the rechargeable battery (18) is secured to the first handle portion (22).

2. 2. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 1, wherein the gripping handle (6) comprises a second handle portion (24) removably secured to the first handle portion (22), the second handle portion (24) defining a boundary of a battery compartment (21) in which the rechargeable battery (18) is housed, and the battery interconnect board (33) is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery (18) when the second handle portion (24) is secured to the first handle portion (22).

3. 3. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second handle portion (24) comprises a gripping portion (25) configured to be grasped by a user.

4. - said first handle portion (22) defines the boundary of an inner housing (23) and comprises an access opening (28) opening into said inner housing (23); A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the second handle portion (24) comprises an insert portion (27) removably attached to the inner housing (23), the insert portion (27) being configured to be pulled out of the inner housing (23) through the access opening (28) and also to be inserted into the inner housing (23).

5. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the rechargeable battery (18) comprises a first battery portion (18.1) extending into the insertion portion (27) and a second battery portion (18.2) extending into the handle portion (25).

6. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in claims 3 and 4 or claim 5, wherein the rechargeable battery (18) comprises at least one battery cell (19) extending at least partially within the insertion portion (27) and at least one battery cell (19) extending at least partially within the handle portion (25).

7. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first handle portion (22) comprises a gripping surface (29) configured for grasping by a user.

8. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip handle (6) extends along a central longitudinal axis (A).

9. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as described in claims 4 and 8, wherein the insertion portion (27) is configured to be inserted into the inner housing (23) along an insertion direction (D) that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis (A) of the grip handle (6).

10. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the central longitudinal axis (A) of the gripping handle (6) intersects with the battery interconnect board (33).

11. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the battery interconnect board (33) extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the gripping handle (6).

12. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first electrical connector (31) comprises a plurality of first connection pins (34) and the second electrical connector (32) comprises a plurality of second connection pins (35) configured to cooperate with the first connection pins respectively.

13. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in claims 8 and 12, wherein each of the first connecting pins (34) extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis (A).

14. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in claims 8 and 12 or claim 13, wherein each of the second connection pins (35) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis (A) when the rechargeable battery (18) is fixed to the first handle portion (22).

15. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein each of the first connection pins (34) is configured to be positioned opposite a respective second connection pin (35) when the rechargeable battery (18) is fixed to the first handle portion (22).

16. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein each of the second connection pins (35) extends substantially perpendicular to the battery interconnect board (33).

17. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein each of the first connection pin (34) or the second connection pin (35) has two connection blades (340) positioned opposite each other and elastically deformable between a rest configuration and a connection configuration, and each of the second connection pin (35) or the first connection pin (34) is configured to be inserted and sandwiched between the respective two connection blades (340).

18. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17 in combination with claim 9, configured such that when the insertion portion (27) is inserted into the inner housing (23) along the insertion direction (D), an electrical connection is established between the first electrical connector (31) and the second electrical connector (32).

19. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising a user interface (37) provided on the first handle portion (22), the user interface (37) being configured to enable a user to select at least one operating mode of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2).

20. 20. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 19, wherein the battery interconnect board (33) is located at least partially beneath the user interface (37).

21. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (36) is located within the grip handle (6).

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