VACUUM CLEANER CONTROL SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 19/001,308, filed Dec. 24, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This invention generally relates to a vacuum cleaner control system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly of a vacuum cleaner control system in which the vacuum cleaner assembly includes an electronic controller configured to set operating parameters of the vacuum cleaner assembly.

Background Information

A conventional vacuum cleaner can include a sensor to detect a type of surface being cleaned. For example, the sensor can detect whether the surface is carpet or a hard surface, such as wood, tile, or stone.

Different types of flooring require different operating parameters of a vacuum cleaner to efficiently clean the carpet and to not damage the carpet. For example, a rotating brush is recommended for a low pile carpet, while suction only is recommended for a high pile carpet.

However, conventional vacuum cleaners cannot differentiate between different types of carpet to be cleaned. A vacuum cleaner user typically does not know the type of carpet being cleaned. Further, the user generally does not know the optimal parameters of the vacuum cleaner to clean different types of carpet.

Accordingly, a need exists for an improved vacuum cleaner control system that facilitates cleaning different surfaces.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a vacuum cleaner control system.

In view of the state of the know technology, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner assembly including a housing and a suction inlet disposed in the housing. An electronic controller is configured to set an operating parameter of the housing based on a type of surface to be cleaned. The type of surface including at least a first type of flooring and a second type of flooring.

Also, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed vacuum cleaner control system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses several embodiments of a vacuum cleaner control system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a vacuum cleaner control system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a vacuum cleaner control system including first and second power sources in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a powerhead of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a first exemplary display of a display of the powerhead of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a second exemplary display of a display of the powerhead of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a third exemplary display of the display of the powerhead of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a fourth exemplary display of the display of the powerhead of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a fifth exemplary display of the display of the powerhead of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a wireless device configured to communicate with the vacuum cleaner assembly and illustrating different surface types;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the wireless device of FIG. 10 illustrating control settings for a selected surface type;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the wireless device of FIG. 10 illustrating inputting of a surface type;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the vacuum cleaner control system of FIGS. 2 and 3 in which a mobile device is configured to communicate with a remote database;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a remote device configured to wirelessly communicate with the vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a powerhead of a vacuum cleaner assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 16 in which a power source is removed from a housing;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 16 in partial cross section illustrating an actuator configured to adjust a distance of a lower surface of a housing from a surface to be cleaned;

FIG. 21A is a front elevational view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 16 in which a vent cover is in a fully closed position;

FIG. 21B is a front elevational view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 21A in which the vent cover is in a partially open position;

FIG. 21C is a front elevational view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIGS. 21A and 21B in which the vent cover is in a fully closed position; and

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of a gear assembly configured to move the vent cover of FIGS. 21A-21C of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 16.

Throughout the drawing figures, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Selected exemplary embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 13, a vacuum cleaner control system 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment includes a vacuum cleaner assembly 12 and a wireless device 14. The vacuum cleaner assembly 12 is any suitable type of vacuum cleaner, such as, but not limited to, a cordless stick vacuum cleaner. The wireless device 14 is any suitable type of wireless device, such as, but not limited to, a cellular telephone, a table or a laptop. The vacuum cleaner control system 10 can further include a remote server 16 including a database 18 for storing information. Although the vacuum cleaner assembly is described as being a stick-type vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can be any suitable cleaning apparatus, such as, but not limited to, other types of vacuum cleaners, a carpet extractor, or a floor washer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 includes a vacuum body 20 and a powerhead 22 connected to the vacuum body 20. The vacuum body 20 includes a housing 24 in which a suction motor 26 is disposed, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, the suction motor 26 is disposed in the vacuum body 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a power source 28, such as a plurality of rechargeable batteries or a rechargeable battery pack, is electrically connected to and powers the suction motor 26, which creates a suction flow path 30, as shown in FIG. 1. The housing 24 includes a port 32 configured to receive a power cord connected to an external power supply, such as a wall outlet, to recharge the power source 28. Alternatively, the power cord can be used to supply power from the wall outlet to the suction motor 26 in lieu of supplying power from the power source 28.

When the housing 24 includes rechargeable batteries or a rechargeable battery pack as the power source 28, the power cord is connected between the port 32 in the vacuum body housing 24 and the external power supply to supply power from the external power supply through the power cord to charge the rechargeable power source 28, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The port 32 is electrically connected to the power source 28. The power cord is removed from the port 32 when the power source 28 is charged to a desired level. An indicator can be disposed on the vacuum body housing 16 or on a display 34 disposed on the powerhead 22 to indicate when the power source 28 is fully charged.

A power button 36 disposed on the housing 24 turns on and off the power supply of the power source 28 to the suction motor 26. The housing 24 includes a gripping portion 38 to facilitate handling the vacuum cleaner assembly 12. The power source 28 is preferably removably disposed in the vacuum body 24.

The housing 24 further includes a dust bin 40 configured to receive dirt and other debris collected during operation of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the dust bin 40 can be removably connected to the housing 24. The suction path 30 flows into and through the dust bin 40, thereby trapping dust, dirt and other debris carried through the suction path 30 inside the dust bin 40. A release button 42 disposed on the housing 24 can be operated to open a cover 44 of the bust bin 40 to discard the contents of the dust bin 40. Alternatively, the dust bin 40 can be removed from the housing 24 to discard the contents thereof, and the dust bin can then be reconnected to the housing.

The suction motor 26 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 creates flow through the suction path 30, as shown in FIG. 1. The suction path 30 extends from a suction inlet of the powerhead 22 to the dust bin 40. The suction path 30 flows into and through the dust bin 40, thereby trapping dust, dirt and other debris carried through the suction path 30 inside the dust bin 40. The suction path 30 exits the housing 24 through vents disposed therein.

A suction wand 46 is removably connected to the vacuum body 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The suction wand 46 has a first end 48 and a second end 50. The first end 48 of the suction wand 46 is connected to the vacuum body 20. The suction wand 46 is removably connected to the vacuum body 20 in any suitable manner, such as a snap fit connection, that facilitates connecting the suction wand 46 to and removing the suction wand 46 from the vacuum body 20. A release button 52 on the vacuum body 20 releases the connection between the suction wand 46 and the vacuum body 20 such that the suction wand 46 can be removed from the vacuum body 20. Alternatively, the release button 52 can be disposed on the suction wand 46. The powerhead 22 can be received by the vacuum body 20 when the suction wand 46 is not connected to the vacuum body 60.

The second end 50 of the suction wand 46 is configured to receive the powerhead 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The powerhead 22 is removably connected to the suction wand 46 in any suitable manner, such as a snap fit connection, that facilitates connecting the powerhead 22 to and removing the powerhead 22 from the suction wand 46. A release button 54 on the suction wand 46 releases the connection between the powerhead 22 and the suction wand 46 such that the powerhead 22 can be removed. Alternatively, the release button 54 can be disposed on the powerhead 22.

The powerhead 22 is removably connected to the suction wand 46 to provide alternative cleaning options, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Alternatively, the powerhead 22 can be directly removably connected to the vacuum body 20. Although the powerhead 22 is illustrated in FIG. 1, any suitable power tool having an internal power source can be connected to the vacuum body 20 or the suction wand 46.

The powerhead 22 includes a plurality of wheels 60 rotatably connected to the housing 58 to facilitate pushing and pulling the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 during operation. A surface agitator, such as a brush roll 62, is movably disposed in the housing 58. In other words, the surface agitator, such as the brush roll 62, is disposed in the powerhead 22. A suction inlet is disposed in a bottom surface of the housing 88 in association with the surface agitator. The suction path 30 extends from the suction inlet in the bottom surface of the housing 58, through a passage 64 in the suction wand 46 to the dust bin 40, as shown in FIG. 1.

A motor 66 is disposed in the housing 58 of the powerhead 22, as shown in FIG. 2. The motor 66 is electrically connected to the first power source 28. The motor 66 drives the surface agitator, such as a brush roll 62. The motor 66 is configured to be powered by the first power source 28. A power button 68 disposed on the vacuum body housing 20 turns on and off the supply of power from the first power source 56 to the suction motor 26 and to the suction roll motor 66.

Alternatively, the powerhead 22 can include a second power source 56 disposed within the housing 58, as shown in FIG. 3. The second power source 56 is preferably a plurality of rechargeable batteries or a rechargeable battery pack, although any suitable power source can be used. The second power source 56 is preferably removably disposed in the powerhead 22. The motor 66 is electrically connected to the second power source 56. The motor 66 drives the surface agitator, such as the brush roll 62. The motor 66 is configured to be powered by the second power source 56. The power button 68 disposed on the vacuum body housing 20 turns on and off the supply of power from the second power source 56 to the powerhead motor 66.

The second power source 56 is configured to power the powerhead 22, as shown in FIG. 3. The second power source 56 is disposed in the powerhead housing 58 and is configured to be connected to an external power supply, such as an electrical outlet, to charge the second power source 56. A power cord is connected between a port 70 in the powerhead housing 58 and the external power supply to supply power from the external power supply through the power cord to charge the second power source 56. The port 70 is electrically connected to the second power source 56. The power cord is removed from the port 70 when the second power source 56 is charged to a desired level. An indicator can be disposed on the display 34 of the powerhead housing 58 to indicate when the second power source 56 is fully charged. The ports 32 and 70 allow the first and second power sources 28 and 56 to be independently charged. Alternatively, a single power cord can be connected to one of the ports 28 and 56 to simultaneously charge both the first and second power sources 28 and 56 when the powerhead 22 is connected to the vacuum body 20.

When the powerhead 22 is connected to the second end 50 of the suction wand 46, the suction path 30 extends from the suction inlet in the housing 88 of the powerhead 22, through the suction wand 46, through the housing 24 of the vacuum body 20, and to the dust bin 40, as shown in FIG. 1. The suction path 40 continues through the dust bin 40 back into the vacuum body housing 24. The air flowing through the vacuum body housing 24 is then vented to the atmosphere through vents in the vacuum body housing 24. The dust bin 40 is configured to trap dust and other debris carried though the suction path 30 to the dust bin 40.

An electrical path extends from the first power source 28 to the engaged electrical contacts 86 and 80 in the vacuum body housing 26 and the first end 48 of the suction wand 46, through the wiring 84 disposed in the conduit 72 in the suction wand 46, to the engaged electrical contacts 82 and 88 in the second end 50 of the suction wand 46 and the powerhead housing 58, and to the motor 66, as shown in FIG. 2. In this configuration, the first power source 28 supplies power to the suction motor 26 configured to create flow through the suction path 30 and to the motor 66 that drives the agitator 62.

Alternatively, an electrical conduit 78 extends through the passage 64 in the suction wand 46, such that mechanically connecting the suction wand 46 to the vacuum body 20 and to the powerhead 22 also electrically connects the vacuum body 20 and the powerhead 22. The first and second ends 48 and 50 of the suction wand 46 have electrical contacts 80 and 82, respectively, electrically connected to electrical wiring 84 extending through the conduit 72. The electrical contacts 80 and 82 mate with corresponding electrical contacts 86 and 88 disposed in the vacuum body housing 24 and the powerhead housing 58, respectively. The electrical contacts 86 and 88 disposed in the vacuum body housing 24 and the powerhead housing 58 are electrically connected to the first and second power sources 28 and 56, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, an electrical path extends between the first power source 28 and the second power source 56 such that electrical power can be shared therebetween. The electrical path extends from the first power source 28 to the engaged electrical contacts 86 and 80 in the vacuum body housing 26 and the first end 48 of the suction wand 46, through the wiring 84 disposed in the conduit 72 in the suction wand 46, to the engaged electrical contacts 82 and 88 in the second end 50 of the suction wand 46 and the powerhead housing 58, and to the second power source 56.

An electronic controller 90 is disposed in the vacuum body housing 24 and is electrically connected to the electrical path, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The electronic controller 90 is configured to set a first operating parameter 94 of the suction motor 26 and a second operating parameter 96 of the brush roll motor 66. The electronic controller 90 is configured to adjust the first operating parameter 94 and the second operating parameter 96, as shown in FIGS. 6-9, based on the type of surface to be cleaned. The type of surface to be cleaned includes at least a first type of flooring and a second type of flooring. The first operating parameter 94 is a suction power of the brush roll motor 66. The second operating parameter 96 is a rotation speed of the brush roll 62. The first type of flooring can be a first type of carpet, such as the carpet displayed in FIG. 4, and a second type of flooring can be a second type of carpet, such as the carpet displayed in FIG. 9. The type of flooring can be any flooring suitable for cleaning by the vacuum cleaner assembly 12, such as various types of carpets and hard floor surfaces, such as hard wood, tile and linoleum. The vacuum cleaner control system 10 is not limited to the described first and second operating parameters, but can also include controlling parameters such as, but not limited to, a type of brush to be used (e.g., the brush roll is removable and a preferred type of brush roll is used for the surface to be cleaned), a height adjustment of the surface agitator (e.g., a range from 0 to 100% regarding a percentage of a maximum distance the surface agitator can be moved relative to the floor), and a vent system of the vacuum cleaner (e.g., a range from 0 to 100% regarding a percentage of a maximum opening amount of the vents).

A wireless communication device 92 is disposed in the vacuum body housing 24, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In other words, the wireless communication device 92 is disposed in the vacuum cleaner body 20. The wireless communication device 92 is operatively connected to the electronic controller 90 in a conventional manner. The wireless communication system 26 is a communication transceiver for performing a wireless communication with an external wireless communication device, as is understood in the art. The wireless communication system 26 can be configured for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, and/or for communication over a wireless network. The wireless communication device 92 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the external wireless device 14. The wireless communication device 92 is configured to receive information regarding the first operating parameter 94 and the second operating parameter 96.

The server 16 stores the information in the database 18, as shown in FIG. 13. The information stored by the database 18 includes a type of surface to be cleaned. Preferred operating parameters of a vacuum cleaner for the type of surface to be cleaned are stored in association with the type of surface to be cleaned. As shown in FIG. 12, the information stored by the database can include a style name of the surface to be cleaned, the manufacturer of the surface to be cleaned, the type of fiber of the surface to be cleaned, and a pile length of the surface to be cleaned. The mobile device 14 is configured to search the information in the database 18 of the server 16 to facilitate cleaning a surface. In other words, the wireless device 14 is configured to transmit a search parameter to the remote server 16 to search the database 18 of the remote server 16. The remote server 16 is configured to transmit a new type of surface to be cleaned and the first and second operating parameters associated with the new type of surface to be cleaned to the wireless device 14 responsive to the transmitted search parameter. The wireless device 14 is configured to store the new type of surface to be cleaned and the first and second operating parameters associated with the new type of surface to be cleaned to the wireless device 14.

The wireless device 14 is disposed externally of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 and the server 16, as shown in FIG. 13. The wireless device 14 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 and the server 16. The wireless device 14 is configured to transmit information regarding a type of surface to be cleaned to the wireless communication device 92 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12. The type of surface to be cleaned includes at least a first type of flooring and a second type of flooring. The first type of flooring can be a first type of carpet, as shown in FIG. 6, and the second type of flooring can be a second type of carpet that is different from the first type of carpet, as shown in FIG. 9. The wireless communication device 92 transmits the received information to the electronic controller 90, which is configured to adjust the first operating parameter 94 of the suction motor 26 and the second operating parameter 96 of the brush roll motor 66 based on the information received from the wireless device 14.

The information transmitted from the wireless device 14 to the wireless communication device 92 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 includes at least the first type of carpet, as shown in FIG. 6, and the second type of carpet, as shown in FIG. 9. The transmitted information can further include the first operating parameter 94 and the second operating parameter 96 associated with the type of surface to be cleaned. As shown in FIG. 6, the Mohawk SmartStrand Superior Honor carpet has a preferred first operating parameter (i.e., the suction power) of 100% and a preferred second operating parameter (i.e., brush roll speed) of 50%. As shown in FIG. 9, the Alladin Nylon Artfully Done carpet has a preferred first operating parameter (i.e., the suction power) of 100% and a preferred second operating parameter (i.e., brush roll speed) of 100%. The wireless communication device 92 receives the information transmitted from the wireless device 14, and transmits the information to the electronic controller 90. The electronic controller sends control signals to the suction motor 26 and to the brush roll motor 66 to adjust the motor power and the brush roll speed, respectively. The first operating parameter 94 is expressed as a percentage of a maximum suction power of the suction motor 26. The second operating parameter 96 is expressed as a percentage of a maximum brush roll speed of the brush roll 62 driven by the brush roll motor 66.

The wireless device 14 includes an interface 100, as shown in FIG. 10, in which a user can browse a plurality of brief profiles 102 of surface types to be cleaned. Each brief profile 102 includes a style name of the surface, a manufacturer's name, a fiber type, and a pile length. Each brief profile 104 can include an image of the surface to facilitate a user identifying the surface to be cleaned.

A first brief profile 102A is for a Superior Honor carpet manufactured by Mohawk Industries, as shown in FIG. 10. The Superior Honor carpet is made of 100% SmartStrand fibers having a pile length of 0.5 inches. A second profile 102B is for a Soft Path carpet manufactured by Mohawk Industries. The Soft Path carpet is made of 100% SmartStrand fibers having a pile length of 0.75 inches. The interface 100 includes a search window 106 through which the user can search for any of the information included in the brief profile 102. Additionally, the user can scroll through the images 104 to identify a surface to be cleaned when none of the other information included in the brief profile 102 is known.

The interface 100 includes a view/add profile button 108, as shown in FIG. 10, that allows the user to view a detailed profile 110 of the surface to be cleaned, as shown in FIG. 11. The surface to be cleaned can be added to a list associated with the user from the detailed profile 110. The user can generate a list populated by all the surfaces to be cleaned in a particular residence. The user can scroll through the list on the wireless device 14 when preparing to vacuum a room, and to transmit the information to the wireless communication device 92 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12. The wireless communication device 92 transmits the information to the electronic controller 90, which transmits control signals to adjust the first and second operating parameters 94 and 96 based on the type of surface to be cleaned.

The detailed profile 110 includes the style name of the surface 112, the manufacturer's name 114, the fiber type or composition 116, and the pile length 118 from the brief profile 102 (FIG. 10). The detailed profile 110 can also include the image 120 of the surface from the brief profile 102. The detailed profile 110 can further include a face weight 122 of the surface and style categories 124 in which the surface is categorized. The detailed profile 110 further includes the first operating parameter 96 and the second operating parameter 98 associated with the surface. The detailed profile 110 can further include a type of brush roller recommended for cleaning the surface. The detailed profile 110 also includes a button 126 that allows the user to add the surface identified in the detailed profile 110 to a list associated with the user. The user can then generate a list including all the surfaces in the residence to be cleaned. When generating the list, the user can identify the room in which the surface to be cleaned is disposed.

The wireless device 14 can further include a custom profile generator 128, as shown in FIG. 12. The custom profile generator 128 allows a new type of surface to be cleaned to be added to the library of profiles. After the information is added through the custom profile generator 128, the newly generated profile can be transmitted to the server 16 to be added to the database 18 storing the plurality of profiles. The custom profile generator 128 allows the user to input a name 130 for the profile (e.g., dining room rug), the type of surface 132 (e.g., carpet), a fiber type 134 (e.g., wool/polyester blend), a knots per square inch (KPSI) value 136 of the surface (e.g., 150 KPSI), a pile length 138 (e.g., 0.25 inches), and a name of the retailer 140 from which the surface was purchased and/or installed. The newly generated profile further includes the first operating parameter 96 and the second operating parameter 98. The custom profile generator 128 further allows the newly generated profile to be added to the list associated with the user by pressing a button 142. In other words, information regarding a new type of surface to be cleaned and the first and second operating parameters associated with the new type of surface to be cleaned are configured to be input to the wireless device 14.

The custom profile generator 128 allows the retailer to generate a profile for a surface, such as a carpet, purchased by the user. The retailer can user the wireless device 14 to generate the new profile and to associate the first and second operating parameters 96 and 98 with the newly purchased surface. In other words, the wireless device 14 is configured to be accessible by a retailer such that the retailer inputs the information regarding the new type of surface to be cleaned and the first and second operating parameters associated with the new type of surface to be cleaned.

A display screen 34 is disposed on the powerhead 22, as shown in FIG. 4. The display screen 34 is preferably disposed on a rear surface of the housing 58 facing the user during operation of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12. The display screen 34 displays the first operating parameter 94 and the second operating parameter, as shown in FIGS. 6-9. The display screen 34 can also display a state-of-charge of the power source 28, such as a battery. The type of surface being cleaned can also be displayed on the display screen 34.

The powerhead 22 includes the display screen 34, as shown in FIGS. 6-9. When the user selects the type of surface to be cleaned from the mobile device 14, the mobile device transmits information to the wireless communication device 92 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12. The transmitted information is transmitted to the display screen 34 of the powerhead 22 to be displayed. The display screen 34 is configured to display the first and second operating parameters 94 and 96 associated with the selected surface to be cleaned. The display screen 34 further displays the state-of-charge of the battery 28. The display screen 34 further displays the room associated with the selected surface to be cleaned. The display screen 34 can further display the name of the selected surface to be cleaned, and the pile height and face weight of the selected surface to be cleaned. The display screen 34 can further display the name of the retailer or dealer 152 from which the surface was purchased and/or installed, as shown in FIG. 5. The display screen 34 can further display information associated with the retailer or dealer, such as an email address 154 and/or a phone number 156, to facilitate contacting the retailer or dealer. The display screen 34 with the retailer or dealer information can be displayed for a predetermined amount of time upon powering on the vacuum cleaner assembly 12. The display screen 34 can additionally display a name 158 associated with the flooring to be cleaned. When the wireless device 14 transmits information for another surface to be cleaned, the retailer information display screen can be displayed for a predetermined amount of time with information regarding the retailer or dealer associated with the another surface to be cleaned. Additionally, the display screen 34 with the retailer or dealer information can be displayed by an operation of the mobile device 14.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display screen 34 displays the selected surface to be cleaned is the Master Bed Room Carpet. The selected surface to be cleaned is the Mohawk SmartStrand Superior Honor carpet. The selected carpet has a pile height of 0.5 inches, and a face weight of 35 ounces. The battery 28 has a state-of-charge of 65%. The first operating parameter for the selected surface is a suction power of 100%. The second operating parameter for the selected surface is a brush roll speed of 50%. The wireless communication device 92 transmits the received information to the electronic controller 90, which transmits a control signal to the suction motor 26 and to the brush roll motor 66 to set the first and second operating parameters transmitted by the wireless device for the selected surface to be cleaned.

As shown in FIG. 7, the display screen 34 displays the selected surface to be cleaned is the Living Room Floor. The selected surface to be cleaned is the Mohawk RevWood Mystic Oak surface. The selected surface is an engineered wood made of luxury vinyl tile. The first operating parameter for the selected surface is a suction power of 100%. The second operating parameter for the selected surface is a brush roll speed of 0% (i.e., the brush roll 72 is not used to clean the selected surface).

As shown in FIG. 8, the display screen 34 displays the selected surface to be cleaned is the Dining Room Rug. The selected surface to be cleaned is the Karastan 100% wool area Balboa rug. The selected surface has a pile height of 0.25 inches. The battery 28 has a state-of-charge of 65%. The first operating parameter for the selected surface is a suction power of 50%. The second operating parameter for the selected surface is a brush roll speed of 0% (i.e., the brush roll 72 is not used to clean the selected surface).

As shown in FIG. 9, the display screen 34 displays the selected surface to be cleaned is the Rec Room Carpet. The selected surface to be cleaned is the Alladin Nylon Artfully Done carpet. The selected carpet has a pile height of 0.2 inches. The battery 28 has a state-of-charge of 65%. The first operating parameter for the selected surface is a suction power of 100%. The second operating parameter for the selected surface is a brush roll speed of 100%.

Another wireless device 144, as shown in FIG. 14, is configured to communicate with the wireless communication device 92 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12. The wireless device 144 communicates wirelessly with the wireless communication device 92 through radio frequency (RF) or Bluetooth communication. The wireless device 144 includes a power, or on/off button, 146 that turns the power source 28 on or off. The vacuum cleaner assembly 12 is preferably configured such that the first and second operating parameters 94 and 96 are automatically detected, which is an auto state of the vacuum cleaner assembly. An auto/manual mode button 148 on the wireless device 144 cycles through different operating modes of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 when pressed. The different operating modes can include, but are not limited to, the auto mode, a minimum mode, a maximum mode, and a turbo mode. The selected mode can be displayed on the display screen 34 of the powerhead 22.

The wireless device 144 further includes a custom profile button 150, as shown in FIG. 14. When the custom profile button 150 is pressed, the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 switches to the first profile loaded in the vacuum cleaner control system 10 via the wireless device 14. In other words, the list of profiles generated by the user are cycled through by pressing the custom profile button 150. The order of the profiles in the list of profiles can be changed as desired by the user through the wireless device 14. The name of the surface to be cleaned is displayed on the display screen 134 of the powerhead 22. The displayed name changes each time the custom profile button 150 is pressed to move to the next surface in the list of profiles. When the displayed name is displayed on the display screen 34 of the powerhead 22 for a predetermined amount of time without being changed by pressing the custom profile button 150, the first and second operating parameters associated with the displayed surface to be cleaned are transmitted and adjusted accordingly. The predetermined amount of time can be any suitable amount of time such as, but not limited to, five seconds.

Alternatively, the list of profiles generated by the user can be transmitted to and stored by a memory of the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 stored in the vacuum body housing 24. Pressing the custom profile button 150 cycles through the profiles stored to the vacuum cleaner assembly 12. When a desired surface is displayed on the display screen for the predetermined amount of time, the first and second operating parameters are transmitted to the electronic controller such that the suction motor 28 and the brush roller motor 66 are adjusted accordingly.

A vacuum cleaner control system 10 provides a vacuum cleaner assembly 12 in which operating parameters thereof configured to be adjusted based on the type of surface to be cleaned, thereby allowing the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 to be operated with operating parameters recommended by the flooring manufacturer. The surface to be cleaned is cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure proper cleaning of the surface within the warranty guidelines, and maximizing the life of the surface to be cleaned.

As shown in FIG. 15, a vacuum cleaner assembly in accordance with another illustrated exemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-14 except for the differences described below. Similar parts are identified with similar reference numerals, except increased by 200 (i.e., 2xx, accordingly), as appropriate.

A powerhead 222 can include a vibrating member 360, such as a sonic bar, in addition to the brush roll 262 to facilitate cleaning a surface. The motor 266 powers the brush roll 262. A motor 362 powers the vibrating member 360. The vibrating member 360 facilitates removing dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned. The amount of vibration of the vibrating member 360 is adjustable based on the type of surface to be cleaned. In one exemplary embodiment, the vibrating member 360 is turned off on a hard surface, such as hardwood and tile, and turned on for a soft surface, such as a carpet or rug. The amount of vibrational movement of the vibrating member 360 can be controlled for a soft surface by varying the amount of power supplied thereto based on the type of soft surface being cleaned.

The motor 362 for the vibrating member 360 can be one of the operating parameters controlled based on the type of surface to be cleaned. The operating parameters controlled can be any combination of the suction motor 28, the brush roll motor 66, and the vibrating member motor 362. The controllable operating parameters are not limited to these parameters, and can include any operating member of the vacuum cleaner assembly that is adjustable based on the type of surface to be cleaned.

As shown in FIGS. 16-22, a vacuum cleaner assembly 412 in accordance with another illustrated exemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-14 except for the differences described below. Similar parts are identified with similar reference numerals, except increased by 400 (i.e., 4xx, accordingly), as appropriate.

As shown in FIGS. 16-22, a vacuum cleaner control system 410 provides a vacuum cleaner assembly 412 in which an operating parameter of a housing 470 is configured to be set based on a type of surface 472 to be cleaned, thereby allowing the vacuum cleaner assembly 412 to be operated with operating parameters recommended by a flooring manufacturer. The surface 472 to be cleaned is cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure proper cleaning of the surface 472 within the warranty guidelines, and maximizing the life of the surface 472 to be cleaned.

As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the vacuum cleaner assembly 412 includes a housing 458. The housing 458 can be a powerhead 22 and 222, as shown in FIGS. 1-15. A suction wand 446 releasably connects the housing 458 and a vacuum body 420. The housing 458 includes a suction inlet 464 disposed in a bottom surface 470 of the housing 458.

The housing 458 further includes a plurality of rear wheels 461 rotatably connected to the housing 458 to facilitate pushing and pulling the vacuum cleaner assembly 412 during operation. A surface agitator, such as a brush roll 463, is movably disposed in the housing 458. The suction inlet 464 is disposed in the bottom surface 470 of the housing 458 in association with the surface agitator. A suction path (30, FIG. 1) extends from the suction inlet 464 in the bottom surface 470 of the housing 458, through a passage (64, FIG. 1) in the suction wand 446 to the dust bin (40, FIG. 1). A suction motor 426 is disposed in the vacuum body housing 424 to create flow through the suction path.

The housing 458 can include a motor 466 and a second power source 456, as shown in FIG. 18. The motor 466 drives the surface agitator, such as the brush roll 463. The housing 458 can further include a vibrating member 460, such as a sonic bar, in addition to the brush roll 463 to facilitate cleaning a surface. The motor 466 powers the brush roll 463. A motor 462 powers the vibrating member 460. The motors 462 and 466 can be separate motors, or a single motor, controllable by the electronic controller 490.

The motor 466 is electrically connected to the second power source 456, such that the motor 466 can be powered by the second power source 456. In other words, the second power source 456 is configured to drive the brush roll. An electrical path extends between the first power source 428 and the second power source 456 such that electrical power can be shared therebetween. In other words, the first power source 428 can supply power to any component powered by the second power source 456, and the second power source 456 can supply power to any component powered the by first power source 428, thereby maximizing the available power of the first and second power sources 428 and 456.

An electronic controller 490 is disposed in the vacuum body housing 424 and is electrically connected to the electrical path, as shown in FIG. 18. The electronic controller 490 is configured to set an operating parameter of the housing 458 based on the type of surface 472 to be cleaned. The type of surface 472 to be cleaned includes at least a first type of flooring and a second type of flooring. The first type of flooring can be a first type of carpet, such as the carpet displayed in FIG. 4, and a second type of flooring can be a second type of carpet, such as the carpet displayed in FIG. 9. The type of flooring can be any flooring suitable for cleaning by the vacuum cleaner assembly 412, such as various types of carpets and hard floor surfaces, such as hard wood, tile and linoleum.

A wireless communication device 492 is disposed in the vacuum body housing 424, as shown in FIG. 18. The wireless communication device 492 is operatively connected to the electronic controller 490 in a conventional manner. The wireless communication device 492 is a communication transceiver for performing a wireless communication with an external wireless communication device, as is understood in the art. The wireless communication device 492 can be configured for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, and/or for communication over a wireless network. The wireless communication device 492 is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external wireless device 414. The wireless communication device 492 is configured to receive information regarding the operating parameter of the housing 458 from the external wireless device 414 or a remote server 16 (FIG. 13).

As shown in FIGS. 16, 19 and 21A-21C, a first vent 474 and a second vent 476 are disposed in the housing 458. Although the housing 458 is shown with two vents, the housing 458 can have any suitable number of vents, such as one vent, or three or more vents. The vents 474 are adjustable vents that act as inlets in addition to the suction inlet 464. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the vents 474 are disposed in a different surface of the housing 458 than the suction inlet 464.

A first cover 478 is movably connected to the housing 458, as shown in FIGS. 16, 19 and 21A-21C. The first cover 478 is movable between a first position in which the first vent 474 is fully open as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21C, and a second position in which the first vent 474 is completely closed as shown in FIG. 21A. The first cover 478 includes a tab 478A to facilitate manually setting a position of the first cover 478 with respect to the first vent 474.

The second vent 476 includes a second cover 480 configured substantially similarly to the first cover 478. The second cover 480 includes a tab 480A to facilitate manually setting a position of the second cover 480 with respect to the second vent 476. Each vent 474 includes a separate vent cover 478 to control an opening amount of the vent 474.

Adjusting the amount of airflow through the vents 474 and 476 adjusts the suction of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412. Softer carpets have an increased surface area of the fibers, which increases the drag across the surface 472 to be cleaned with the vacuum cleaner assembly 412. Additionally, the increased surface area increases the difficulty of pulling air through the carpet, which slows down or stops the mechanical beaters, such as a brush roll, of the vacuum cleaner assembly. Soft yarn strands also lack the stiffness of traditional carpets, such that a vacuum cleaner assembly tends to sink in the soft carpets. The soft yarn strands tend to form a more complete seal around the housing 458 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412, thereby increasing suction at the point of contact with the soft carpet surface. The more the housing 458 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412 sinks into the soft carpet, the greater the suction and the difficulty of operating the vacuum cleaner assembly 412. Adjusting the airflow through the vents 474 and 476 compensates for the issues raised with softer carpets, while also allowing a user to adjust the airflow for various different types of carpets and surfaces.

For example, for stiffer carpet, the first and second vent covers 478 and 480 can be set in a fully closed position, as shown in FIG. 21A, such that no air flow is generated through the vents 474 and 476. The entire air flow passes through the suction inlet 464 in the lower surface 470 of the housing 458. For softer carpet, the first and second vent covers 478 and 480 can be moved to a fully opened position, as shown in FIG. 21C. Airflow is generated through the first and second vents 474 and 476, thereby relieving suction through the suction inlet 464. By relieving the suction through the suction inlet 464, slowing down or stopping the brush roll 463 is relieved or eliminated. The additional air path through the first and second vents 474 and 476 prevents the soft carpet strands from forming a complete seal with the suction inlet 464 that can stop operation of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412. By drawing air in through both the suction inlet 464 and the first and second vents 474 and 476, the vacuum cleaner assembly 412 continuously operates when cleaning soft carpets. The first and second vents 474 and 476 are preferably disposed above the free ends of the carpet strands of the carpet being cleaned, such that the carpet strands do not interfere with the airflow through the first and second vents 474 and 476. As shown in FIG. 21B, the first and second vent covers 478 and 480 can be set at a position between the fully closed position of FIG. 21A and the fully opened position of FIG. 21C.

The first and second vent covers 478 and 480 are electrically connected to the motor 466 disposed in the housing 458, as shown in FIG. 18. An operating parameter controllable by the electronic controller 490 is the position of the vent cover with respect to the vent. Based on the type of surface to be cleaned, the vent cover 478 can be set in the fully closed position of FIG. 21A, the fully opened position of FIG. 21C, or a position between fully closed and fully opened as shown in FIG. 21B.

As shown in FIG. 22, the motor 466 can drive a vent cover motor 482 that includes a plurality of gears 484. The motor gears 484 engage a plurality of teeth 478B disposed on an inner surface 478C of the vent cover 478. Preferably, each vent cover has a vent cover motor to independently move the respective vent cover. Alternatively, a single vent cover motor can drive each of the vent covers simultaneously.

Rotation of the motor gears 484 in a first rotational direction R1 moves the vent cover 478 in a first direction D1, and rotation of the motor gears 484 in a second rotational direction R2 moves the vent cover 478 in a second direction D2. The motor 466 is configured to move the vent cover 478 between a fully closed position, a fully opened position, and any position therebetween. Each vent cover is similarly configured to include a vent cover motor. The electronic controller 490 is preferably configured to move each vent cover to the same position for a vacuum cleaner assembly 412 having a plurality of vent covers 478 and 480. Alternatively, the electronic controller 490 can be configured to move each vent cover 478 and 480 of a plurality of vent covers to a different position.

The vents 474 and 476 are preferably positioned in the housing 458 as close to the surface 472 to be cleaned as possible. Positioning the vents as close to the surface 472 to be cleaned as possible allows for less venting, achieving sufficient suction to perform a cleaning operation on the surface while still permitting mobility in softer carpets. For example, the vent 474 is positioned in the housing 458, adjacent the lower surface 470. In an exemplary embodiment the vent 474 is positioned approximately within five inches of the surface 472 to be cleaned. In another exemplary embodiment, the vent 474 is positioned approximately within one inch of the surface 474 to be cleaned. The vent 474 can be positioned at any suitable distance from the surface 472 to be cleaned.

As shown in FIG. 20, an actuator 484 is connected to the housing 458. The actuator 484 is adjustable to control a distance H2 of the lower surface 470 of the housing 458 from the surface 472 to be cleaned. The actuator 484 can be any suitable actuator to adjust the distance H2 of the lower surface 470 of the housing 458 from the surface 472 to be cleaned, such as a linear actuator.

The actuator 484 is connected between a wheel 485 of the housing 458 and the housing 458, as shown in FIG. 20. A motor of the actuator 484 rotates a threaded rod 486 to change the distance H2 between the lower surface 470 of the housing 458 and the surface 472 to be cleaned. Rotation of the threaded rod 486 in a first rotational direction increases the distance H2, and rotation of the threaded rod 486 in a second rotational direction decreases the distance H2. The actuator 484 can be non-rotatably connected to an axle 487 of the wheel 485, or to any other suitable location. The distance H2 is less than a distance H1 between the surface 472 to be cleaned and an upper surface 488 of the housing 458. Adjusting the distance H2 controls a position of the vents 474 and 476 from the surface 472 to be cleaned to control suction through the vents 474 and 476.

A first operating parameter of the housing 458 controllable by the electronic controller 490 is a position of the vent cover 478 with respect to the vent 474. A second operating parameter controllable by the electronic controller 490 is the distance H2 of the lower surface 470 of the housing 458 from the surface 472 being cleaned. As described above, the wireless communication device 492 is configured to receive information regarding the operating parameter of the housing 458 from the external wireless device 414 based on the type of surface 472 to be cleaned. Alternatively, the operating parameters associated with each type of surface to be cleaned can be stored in a storage of the electronic controller 490. The electronic controller 490 can control the first operating parameter or the second operating parameter, or can control both the first and second operating parameters simultaneously. The operating parameter associated with the surface to be cleaned 472 is set by the electronic controller 490 such that surface 472 is cleaned with the operating parameter set based on the type of surface 472 to be cleaned.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, the second power source 456 is disposed in the housing 458. The second power source 456 is preferably removably received by a recess 458A in the upper surface 488 of the housing 458. The second power source 456 includes a battery pack 456A. The battery pack 456A can be rechargeable. The battery pack 456A can be recharged while the second power source 456 is received by the housing 458. Alternatively, the second power source 456 can be removed from the housing 458, as shown in FIG. 19, such that the second power source 456 can be charged remotely and a charged second power source can be connected to the housing 458. The second power source 456 can further include a light 492 configured to illuminate the surface 472 to be cleaned. The second power source 456 can further include a display screen 494. The charge level of the second power source 456 can be displayed on the display screen 494. Alternatively, the display screen 494 can be disposed in any suitable location of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412, such as the housing 458. The display screen 494 is configured to display operating information of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412, such as, but not limited to, the operating parameter of the housing, the type of surface being cleaned, and a remaining charge of the second power source 456.

The second power source 456 can further include a sensor 496, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, to acquire an image of the type of surface 472 to be cleaned. Alternatively, the sensor 496 can be disposed in any suitable location of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412, such as the housing 458. The sensor 496 can be any suitable device configured to identify the type of surface 472 to be cleaned, such as a camera. The electronic controller 490 is configured to determine the type of surface 272 to be cleaned based on an image acquired by the sensor 496. The acquired image can be compared to a database of images stored in a storage of the electronic controller 490 to determine the type of surface in the acquired image. Alternatively, the acquired image can be transmitted by the wireless communication device 492 to a database 18 of a remote server 16 (FIG. 3) such that the electronic controller 490 can determine the type of surface. The remote server 16 communicates the identified surface to the electronic controller 490.

After the type of surface 472 to be cleaned is determined, the electronic controller 490 is configured to set an operating parameter of the housing 458, such as the position of the vent cover with respect to the vent or the distance H2 of the lower surface 470 of the housing 458 from the surface 472 to be cleaned, based on the type of surface 472 to be cleaned. The operating parameter set by the electronic controller 490 can be displayed on the display screen 494 such that an operator of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412 can readily recognize the set parameter. The electronic controller 490 is configured to set at least one operating parameter based on the identified surface 472 to be cleaned. In other words, the electronic controller can be configured to set a plurality of operating parameters of the vacuum cleaner assembly 412 based on the type of surface 472 to be cleaned in which the plurality of operating parameters include the distance H2 of the lower surface 470 of the housing 458 from the surface 472 being cleaned and a position of the cover 478 with respect to the vent 474 in the housing 458. The display screen 494 can be configured to display the type of surface 472 being cleaned determined by the electronic controller 490.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various exemplary embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the exemplary embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “front”, “rear”, “up”, “down”, “above”, “upper”, “below”, “lower”, “upward”, “upwardly”, “downward”, “downwardly”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a vacuum cleaner assembly in an upright position for use. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe the vacuum cleaner assembly should be interpreted relative to a vacuum cleaner in an upright position on a horizontal surface. The terms “left” and “right” are used to indicate the “right” when referencing from the right side as viewed from the rear of the vacuum cleaner assembly, and the “left” when referencing from the left side as viewed from the rear of the vacuum cleaner assembly.

Also, it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”, “mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.