METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A VACUUM CLEANER

• US 20110214244A1
• Filed: 05/19/2011
• Published: 09/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Gordon, Evan A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,752,235 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/319
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/22 with rotary fans
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/225 Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2836 characterised by the parts which are controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2842 Suction motors or blowers
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2847 Surface treating elements
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2857 User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2894 Details related to signal transmission in suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/32 Handles

Abstract

A control system for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The control system includes a control pad for generating a number of user inputs. The control system further includes a serial controller for reading the state of the number of inputs and generating serial data in response thereto. The control system yet further includes a processor adapted to receive the serial data and generate control signals that controls a number of electric devices on the vacuum cleaner. A method of operating a vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A control system for a vacuum cleaner comprising:

a plurality of electric devices;

a control pad for generating a number of user inputs;

a serial controller for reading the state of the number of inputs and generating serial data in response thereto; and

a processor adapted to receive the serial data and generate control signals that controls at least one of the electric devices;

wherein one of the electric devices is an LED array.

2. A vacuum cleaner including the control system of claim 1.

3. A control system for a vacuum cleaner comprising:

a plurality of electric devices including an agitator motor, a suction motor, and a filter motor;

a control pad for generating a number of user inputs;

a serial controller for reading the state of the number of inputs and generating serial data in response thereto; and

a processor adapted to receive the serial data and generate control signals that controls a number of the electric devices;

wherein a single user input is converted to serial data which causes the processor to generate a plurality of control signals; and

wherein the single user input selects a filter cleaning mode, and the processor generates signals which i) turn off the agitator motor, ii) operate the suction motor at substantially full power, and iii) operate the filter motor.

4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the suction motor is operated for a predetermined period of time.

5. The control system of claim 3, further comprising:

a sensor that senses an operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner,

wherein the suction motor is operated until the sensor reads a predetermined value.

6. A vacuum cleaner including the control system of claim 3.

7. A control system for a vacuum cleaner including a pivoting joint, the control system comprising:

a plurality of electric devices;

a control pad for generating a number of user inputs;

a serial controller for reading the state of the number of inputs and generating serial data in response thereto; and

a processor adapted to receive the serial data and generate control signals that controls at least one of the electric devices;

wherein the serial data is passed though the pivoting joint of the vacuum cleaner.

8. The control system of claim 7, wherein one of the electric devices is a suction motor.

9. The control system of claim 7, wherein one of the electric devices is an agitator drive motor.

10. The control system of claim 7, wherein one of the electric devices is a filter motor.

11. A vacuum cleaner including the control system of claim 7.