U.S. patent application number 13/795396 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for cleaning apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to TENNANT COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is TENNANT COMPANY. Invention is credited to David W. Augustine, Robert J. Erko, Paul L. Groschen, Frederick A. Hekman.
Application Number | 20140013540 13/795396 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48045693 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140013540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erko; Robert J. ; et
al. |
January 16, 2014 |
CLEANING APPARATUS
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a cleaning apparatus, such
as a battery-powered vacuum cleaner, that has a body and a cleaning
wand. The apparatus operates in a multiple power mode, uses a
wireless system to allow an operator interface to be provided on
the cleaning wand and/or uses a motion detector on the cleaning
wand to operate the cleaning apparatus in an intelligent manner. In
cases where the cleaning apparatus is a battery-powered apparatus,
the use of a multiple power mode, wireless system and/or a motion
detector helps to extend the life of a battery.
Inventors: |
Erko; Robert J.; (Apple
Valley, MN) ; Augustine; David W.; (Chanhassen,
MN) ; Hekman; Frederick A.; (Holland, MI) ;
Groschen; Paul L.; (White Bear Lake, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TENNANT COMPANY |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TENNANT COMPANY
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
48045693 |
Appl. No.: |
13/795396 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61670492 |
Jul 11, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/2831 20130101;
A47L 9/2884 20130101; A47L 9/2857 20130101; A47L 5/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/412 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/28 20060101
A47L009/28 |
Claims
1. A battery-operated cleaning apparatus, comprising: a battery, a
power management system and a motor, wherein the battery supplies
battery power to the motor when electrically connected to the
motor, wherein the power management system selectively electrically
connects and disconnects the battery and the motor; an operator
interface permitting an operator of the cleaning apparatus to
select a power mode of operation, wherein the power mode of
operation includes two or more power modes, wherein the two or more
power modes includes a first power mode and a second power mode,
wherein the second power mode is a higher power mode than the first
power mode; wherein the power management system electrically
connects and disconnects the battery and the motor based on the
operator's selected power mode of operation, wherein in the first
power mode, the power management system electrically connects the
battery and the motor using a first duty cycle and wherein in the
second power mode, the power management system electrically
connects the battery and the motor using a second duty cycle,
wherein the second duty cycle is higher than the first duty
cycle.
2. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
power management system is a battery management system comprising a
central processing unit and power electronics, wherein the central
processing unit instructs the power electronics to electrically
connect and disconnect the battery and the motor.
3. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
two or more power modes includes an off mode, wherein when the
operator selects the off mode, the power management system
disconnects the battery from the motor.
4. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
power management system further comprises a timer system, wherein
the timer system includes a first power mode timer that regulates a
time period the motor operates in the first power mode and a second
power mode timer that regulates a time period the motor operates in
the second power mode, wherein when the operator selects the first
power mode, the power management system resets the first power mode
timer and operates in the first power mode, and wherein when the
operator selects the second power mode, the power management system
resets the second power mode timer and operates in the second power
mode.
5. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein when
the first power mode timer expires, the power management system
disconnects the battery from the motor and wherein when the second
power mode timer expires, the power management system operates the
motor in the first power mode.
6. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the
timer system further comprises a second power mode wait timer that
regulates a time period the motor must wait before operating in a
subsequent second power mode.
7. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein: (a)
when the operator selects the first power mode, the power
management system resets the first power mode timer and operates in
the first power mode; (b) when the operator selects the second
power mode and the second power mode wait timer has expired, the
power management system resets the second power mode timer, resets
the second power mode wait timer and operates the in the second
power mode; and (c) when the operator selects the second power mode
and the second power mode wait timer has not expired, the power
management system continues to operate in the first power mode
until the second power mode wait timer expires.
8. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
cleaning apparatus is a vacuum cleaner.
9. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
cleaning apparatus comprises a body and a cleaning wand, wherein
the body and the cleaning wand are joined together by a movable,
flexible member, wherein the body includes the motor, the power
management system and a wireless receiver, wherein the cleaning
wand includes the operator interface and a wireless transmitter,
wherein the wireless transmitter transmits a signal indicative of
the operator's selected power mode of operation to the wireless
receiver, wherein the wireless receiver sends the signal to the
power management system and wherein the power management system
uses the signal to operate the motor in the operator's selected
power mode of operation.
10. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning wand, wherein the cleaning
wand comprises a motion detector that detects motion of the
cleaning wand, wherein the motion detector selects a first power
mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand and selects a second
power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a threshold
movement criteria.
11. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a body comprising a motor, a
power management system and a wireless receiver; a cleaning wand
comprising an operator interface and a wireless transmitter; and a
flexible member that joins the body to the cleaning wand and moves
during cleaning; wherein the operator interface permits an operator
to select a power mode of operation or a function activation; and
wherein the wireless transmitter transmits a signal indicative of
the operator's selected power mode or function activation to the
wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver sends the signal
to the power management system and, wherein the power management
system uses the signal to control operation of the motor or
machine.
12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the operator
interface includes a switch.
13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the wireless
transmitter and the switch are combined as an energy harvesting
switch.
14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cleaning
apparatus is a battery-powered apparatus, and, wherein the body
further comprises a battery, wherein the battery supplies battery
power to the motor when electrically connected to the motor,
wherein the power management system electrically connects and
disconnects the battery and the motor based on the operator's
selected power mode of operation.
15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 14, wherein the operator's
selected power mode of operation is selected from two or more power
modes, wherein the two or more power modes includes a first power
mode and a second power mode, wherein in the first power mode, the
power management system electrically connects the battery and the
motor using a first duty cycle and, wherein in the second power
mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery
and the motor using a second duty cycle, wherein the second duty
cycle is higher than the first duty cycle.
16. The cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cleaning wand
further comprises a motion detector that detects the operator's
selected power mode of operation, wherein the motion detector sends
a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode of
operation to the wireless transmitter, wherein the wireless
transmitter transmits the signal to the wireless receiver, wherein
the wireless receiver sends the signal to the power management
system, and, wherein the power management system uses the signal to
control operation of the motor.
17. The cleaning apparatus of claim 16, wherein the operator's
selected power mode of operation is selected from two or more power
modes, wherein the two or more power modes includes a first power
mode and a second power mode, wherein the second power mode is a
higher power mode than the first power mode, wherein the motion
detector detects the operator's selected first power mode when the
operator moves the cleaning wand at a first threshold movement
criteria and, wherein the motion detector detects the operator's
selected second power mode when the operator moves the cleaning
wand at a second threshold movement criteria.
18. The cleaning apparatus of claim 17, wherein the two or more
power modes includes an off mode, wherein the motion detector
detects the operator's selected off mode when the operator allows
the cleaning wand to remain idle for a threshold period of
time.
19. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a body and a cleaning wand;
wherein the body includes a motor and a power management system;
wherein the cleaning wand comprises a motion detector that detects
an operator's desired power mode of operation when the operator
moves the cleaning wand at a threshold movement criteria; and
wherein the motion detector sends a signal indicative of the
operator's selected power mode of operation to the power management
system and wherein the power management system uses the signal to
control operation of the motor.
20. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the operator's
desired mode of operation is selected from two or more power modes,
wherein the two or power modes includes a first power mode and a
second power mode, wherein the second power mode is a higher power
mode than the first power mode, wherein the motion detector detects
a first desired power mode when the operator moves the cleaning
wand at a first threshold movement criteria and, wherein the motion
detector detects a desired second power mode when the operator
moves the cleaning wand at a second threshold movement
criteria.
21. The cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the two or more
power modes includes an off mode, wherein the motion detector
detects a desired off mode when the cleaning wand remains idle for
a threshold period of time.
22. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the threshold
movement criteria is a threshold movement speed.
23. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the motion detector
is a sensor wheel and the threshold movement criteria is a
threshold revolutions per second.
24. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the body further
comprises a wireless receiver and the cleaning wand further
comprises a wireless transmitter, wherein the motion detector sends
a signal indicative of the operator's desired power mode of
operation to the wireless transmitter, wherein the wireless
transmitter transmits the signal to the wireless receiver, wherein
the wireless receiver sends the signal to the power management
system, and, wherein the power management system uses the signal to
control operation of the motor.
25. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cleaning
apparatus is a battery-powered cleaning apparatus, and, wherein the
body further comprises a battery, wherein the battery supplies
battery power to the motor when electrically connected to the
motor, wherein the power management system electrically connects
and disconnects the battery and the motor based on the operator's
desired power mode of operation.
26. The cleaning apparatus of claim 25, wherein the operator's
desired mode of operation is selected from two or more power modes,
wherein the two or power modes includes a first power mode and a
second power mode, wherein the second power mode is a higher power
mode than the first power mode, wherein in the first power mode,
the power management system electrically connects the battery and
the motor using a first duty cycle and in the second power mode,
the power management system electrically connects the battery and
the motor using a second duty cycle, wherein the second duty cycle
is higher than the first duty cycle.
27. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a body comprising a motor, a
power management system and a wireless receiver; an operator
interface and a wireless transmitter; wherein the operator
interface permits an operator to select a power mode of operation
or a function activation; and wherein the wireless transmitter
transmits a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode
or function activation to the wireless receiver, wherein the
wireless receiver sends the signal to the power management system
and, wherein the power management system uses the signal to control
operation of the motor or machine.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a cleaning
apparatus, such as a battery-powered vacuum cleaner.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, are generally
known and provide increased mobility and productivity for cleaning
tasks. Many vacuum cleaners have a vacuum body housing a vacuum
motor and a movable cleaning wand. The cleaning wand is connected
to the vacuum body through a flexible tubing. In most cases, the
vacuum cleaners are AC-powered and require a corded power
connection. In certain cases, the vacuum cleaners are battery
powered.
[0003] An operator activates the vacuum motor when cleaning is
desired. Typically, an operator uses a switch on an operator
interface located on the vacuum body itself to switch the vacuum
motor between an off mode and an on mode. During the on mode, a
power source, e.g., a battery, supplies power to the vacuum motor
in a single power mode. The operator typically keeps the motor on
until the cleaning job is completed.
[0004] One drawback of battery-powered vacuums is the continuous
supply of power during cleaning tends to quickly drain the battery.
If the vacuum manufacturer reduces the power level to conserve the
battery, such a lower power level is sometimes not enough to
effectively clean surfaces quickly and without prolonged use of the
vacuum. Thus, a vacuum manufacturer must often strike a compromise
between battery run time and cleaning effectiveness. Thus, it would
be desirable to provide a system that extends the life of a battery
in a battery-powered vacuum cleaner and also delivers bursts of
cleaning power greater than what is currently available.
[0005] Another drawback of vacuum cleaners is that the operator
interface is typically located on the vacuum body rather than on
the cleaning wand. It is often cumbersome for an operator to have
to control the vacuum operation using an operator interface on the
vacuum body. For example, in cases where the portable vacuum
cleaner is a backpack vacuum cleaner, an operator sometimes must
remove a hand from the wand in order to easily engage with the
operator interface on the body. Operator interfaces are not
provided on the cleaning wand because the operator interface is
electrically connected to the vacuum motor using electrical wires.
The electrical wires would have to extend from the wand, through a
flexible tubing, to the vacuum motor. As an operator moves the
wand, the electrical wires inside the wand and the flexible tuning
also move, which in turn makes the electrical wires more prone to
being damaged. As such, it would also be desirable to provide an
operator interface on the cleaning wand, which is a more
operator-friendly location, in a manner that does not compromise
the electrical components of the vacuum cleaner.
[0006] A yet another drawback of battery-powered vacuum cleaners is
that the vacuum cleaner is controlled entirely based on an
operator's instructions using the operator interface. However,
operators are unable to operate the vacuum cleaner in a manner that
extends the life of a battery in a battery-powered vacuum cleaner.
Typically, an operator simply instructs the vacuum cleaner to turn
off or on. When the vacuum is on, the operator operates the vacuum
in a continuous manner until cleaning is completed. Again, this
continuous mode of operation quickly drains the battery. As such,
it would be desirable to provide an intelligent system that
operates the vacuum in an intelligent manner that extends the life
of the battery and operates in conjunction with or without a need
for an operator's instructions.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a cleaning
apparatus. The cleaning apparatus can be any cleaning apparatus
known in the art. In some cases, the cleaning apparatus is a
battery-powered cleaning apparatus. In other cases, the cleaning
apparatus is a vacuum cleaner. In yet other cases, the cleaning
apparatus is a battery-powered vacuum cleaner. Finally, in some
cases, the cleaning apparatus is a backpack battery-powered vacuum
cleaner.
[0008] In certain embodiments, the cleaning apparatus is a
battery-powered cleaning apparatus that includes a battery, a power
management system and a motor. The battery can be any suitable
battery known in the art, such as a lithium ion battery. The power
management system can be any suitable power management system known
in the art that selectively electrically connects and disconnects
the battery and the motor. In some cases, the power management
system is a battery management system that includes a central
processing unit and power electronics, where the CPU instructs the
power electronics to selectively electrically connect and
disconnect the battery and the motor.
[0009] The battery-powered cleaning apparatus has two or more power
modes of operations. For example, the two or more power modes can
include a first power mode, a second power mode and an off or no
power mode. In some cases, the first power mode is a low power mode
and the second power mode is a high power mode, so that the second
power mode has a higher power mode than the first power mode. An
operator can select the use of the first power mode or the second
power mode using switches or a like mechanism on an operator
interface. When the operator selects the first power mode, the
power management system electrically connects the battery and the
motor using a first duty cycle. When the operator selects the
second power mode, the power management system electrically
connects the battery and the motor using a second duty cycle,
wherein the second duty cycle is higher than the first duty cycle.
Finally, when the operator selects the off mode, the power
management system disconnects the battery from the motor.
[0010] Applicant has discovered that the use of such a multiple
power mode system helps to extend the life of the battery in a
battery-powered cleaning apparatus. Previously, operators would run
the cleaning apparatus in a single power mode in a continuous
fashion until the cleaning job was complete. When the operator
encountered difficult to clean surfaces, the single power mode was
not powerful enough to effectively clean such surfaces quickly. The
operator would then use the vacuum on these difficult surfaces in a
prolonged manner until the surface was suitably cleaned. The use of
such a continuous, prolonged, single power mode quickly drained the
battery. Applicants have developed a multiple power mode that
allows an operator to use a higher power mode during times where
aggressive cleaning is desired. This high power mode allows the
operator to quickly clean difficult surfaces and to avoid prolonged
use of the motor, which helps to prolong the battery life.
[0011] In some embodiments, the dual mode battery-powered cleaning
apparatus further has a timing system that also helps to prolong
the battery life. The timing system regulates the time period the
motor is allowed to operate in each power mode. For example, in
cases where the cleaning apparatus has a first power mode, a second
power mode and an off mode, the timing system can include a first
power mode timer and a second power mode timer. The first power
mode timer regulates the time period the motor operates in the
first power mode and the second power mode timer regulates the time
period the motor operates in the second power mode. In operation,
when an operator selects the first power mode, the power management
system resets the first power mode timer and operates in the first
power mode. When the first power mode timer expires, the power
management system automatically shuts the motor off. When the
operator selects the second power mode, the power management system
resets the second power mode timer and operates in the second power
mode. When the second power mode timer expires, the power
management system automatically switches to the first power
mode.
[0012] Applicant has discovered that the use of a timing system
makes sure the cleaning apparatus is not running during periods
when the selected mode of cleaning is not needed. For example, the
first power mode timer makes sure the operator does not leave the
motor on when cleaning is not taking place. Here, the operator must
continuously engage with the operator interface to reactive the
first power mode to let the power management system know that the
operator still desires to use the low power mode. The second power
mode timer makes sure the operator does not run the motor in the
second power mode for a period of time that is longer than
necessary to aggressively clean a surface. Applicant's timing
system helps to prolong the life of the battery.
[0013] In certain cases, the timing system also includes a wait
timer for the second power mode. This second power mode wait timer
regulates a time period the motor must wait before operating in a
subsequent second power mode. For example, when the operator
selects the second power mode, the power management system checks
to make sure the second power mode wait timer has expired before
switching back into a second power mode. If the timer has not
expired, the power management system will continue to operate the
motor in the first power mode. Once the timer expires, the power
management system allows the operator to switch the motor into the
second power mode. Applicant has discovered that providing a wait
period between high power mode operations allows the battery to
have a break and thus helps to extend the life of the battery.
[0014] In other embodiments, the cleaning apparatus is a cleaning
apparatus that includes a body and a cleaning wand, wherein the
body and the cleaning wand are joined together by a movable,
flexible member. The body includes the motor, the power management
system and a wireless receiver. The cleaning wand includes an
operator interface and a wireless transmitter. The operator selects
a desired mode of operation using the interface and the wireless
transmitter on the cleaning wand transmits a signal indicative of
the operator's selected power mode of operation or function
activation to the wireless receiver on the body. The wireless
receiver then sends the signal to the power management system,
which uses the signal to operate the motor in the operator's
selected power mode of operation or to operate the machine in the
operator's selected function activation. The function activation
can be any desired command to operate the machine.
[0015] Applicant has discovered that the use of such a wireless
system allows for the operator interface to be placed on the
cleaning wand itself rather than on the vacuum body. The use of an
operator interface on the wand makes it easier for the operator to
engage with the interface. At the same time, the wireless system
avoids the need to extend electrical wires from the operator
interface on the wand, through the flexible member to the body.
[0016] In yet other embodiments, the cleaning apparatus includes a
body and a cleaning wand. The body includes a motor and a power
management system. The cleaning wand includes a motion detector
that detects an operator's desired power mode of operation when the
operator moves the cleaning wand at threshold movement criteria.
The motion detector then sends a signal indicative of the
operator's selected power mode of operation to the power management
system, which uses the signal to control operation of the motor. In
certain embodiments, the cleaning apparatus operates in a first
power mode, a second power mode and an off mode, wherein the second
power mode is a higher power mode than the first power mode. In
this case, the motion detector detects a desired first power mode
when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a first threshold
movement criteria and detects a desired second power mode when the
operator moves the cleaning wand at a second threshold movement
criteria. Finally, the motion detector detects a desired off mode
when the operator allows the cleaning wand to remain idle for a
threshold period of time. The threshold movement criteria can be a
threshold movement speed or other suitable criteria.
[0017] In this embodiment, the cleaning apparatus can still include
an operator interface to allow an operator to also control the
operation of the motor in addition to the motion sensor. In other
cases, the cleaning apparatus omit the operator interface so that
the motion sensor alone controls the operation of the motor.
Applicants have discovered that the use of a motion detector on the
cleaning wand allows the cleaning apparatus to operate
intelligently in conjunction with or in the absence of the
operator's commands to the operator interface.
[0018] Finally, in certain embodiments, the cleaning apparatus is
an apparatus that incorporates each of the embodiments described
above. For example, the cleaning apparatus can be a battery-powered
cleaning apparatus that a body and a cleaning wand, wherein the
body and the cleaning wand are joined together by a movable,
flexible member. The body includes a battery, a motor, a power
management system and a wireless receiver. The cleaning wand
includes a motion detector, a wireless transmitter and an optional
operator's interface.
[0019] The cleaning apparatus operates in a first power mode, a
second power mode and an off mode, wherein the second power mode is
a higher power mode than the first power mode. The motion detector
detects the operator's desired power mode of operation and sends a
signal indicative of the operator's desired power mode of operation
to the wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter transmits the
signal to the wireless receiver, which in turn sends the signal to
the power management system. The power management system uses the
signal to control operation of the motor in either the first power
mode, second power mode or off mode.
[0020] In cases where an operator's interface is provided, the
operator selects a mode of operation using the interface and the
wireless transmitter transmits a signal indicative of the
operator's selected power mode of operation to the wireless
receiver. Again, wireless transmitter receives a signal indicative
of the operator's selective mode of operation and transmits this
signal to the wireless receiver. The wireless receiver then sends
the signal to the power management system, which uses the signal to
operate the motor in the operator's selected power mode of
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The following drawings are illustrative of particular
embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope
of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated)
and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in
the following detailed description. Embodiments of the invention
will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended
drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operator wearing a vacuum
cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a chart showing certain basic components for an
embodiment of a vacuum cleaner of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an operational process for an
embodiment of a vacuum cleaner of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawing and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended; any alterations and further modifications of the
described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications
of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, are
contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to
which the invention relates.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operator wearing a vacuum
cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Various types of vacuum cleaners are known and the vacuum cleaner
10 can be any type that is battery-powered. Generally, the vacuum
cleaner 10 includes a body 12, a vacuum motor 14, a battery pack 16
and a cleaning wand 18.
[0027] The body 12 includes a debris compartment that receives
debris and is removable or openable to enable an operator to empty
debris. The body 12 also houses the vacuum motor 14, which can be a
conventional DC motor. The body 12 can be supported on the back of
an operator, for example using a harness system. The harness system
can include two shoulder straps and at least one weight strap for
securing and supporting the body 12 on the operator's back.
[0028] The battery pack 16 is electrically connected to and
supplies power to the vacuum motor 14. In some cases, the battery
pack 16 is provided as part of or inside of the belt. The battery
pack 16 can be a very heavy component and by placing it as part of
or inside of the belt, the overall weight of the vacuum cleaner 10
is more evenly distributed relative to the operator and this helps
to reduce operator fatigue. Of course, in other embodiments, the
battery pack 16 can be secured to or housed within the body 12.
[0029] The wand 18 typically includes a handle 20 and a distal end
24 configured as a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus 24
can be any type of vacuum cleaning apparatus known in the art, such
as a brush or suction head. The cleaning apparatus 24 is not
limited to any type of configuration and can be a permanent or
detachable part of the wand distal end. An operator grasps the wand
18 by the handle 20 and freely moves the cleaning apparatus 24 over
surfaces to be cleaned. The wand 18 is also operably connected to
the debris compartment in the body 12 using a wherein a movable,
flexible member 22 such as a tubing or hose. The vacuum cleaner 10
operates to suction air from the cleaning surface, through the wand
18, through the flexible member 22 and into the debris
compartment.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery pack 16 includes a battery
26, a battery management system ("BMS") 28 and a wireless receiver
36. The battery 26 can have any suitable battery chemistry and in
many cases is a lithium ion battery. The BMS 28 may be a
conventional BMS and it includes a power electronics 30, a central
processing unit ("CPU") 32 and a sensing system 34. The battery 26
is electrically connected to the power electronics 30 and also to
the sensing system 34. The CPU 32 is electrically connected to the
power electronics 30, the sensing system 34 and the wireless
receiver 36. Finally, the power electronics 30 is electrically
connected to the vacuum motor 14.
[0031] The power electronics 30 can include any standard
electronics known in the art for connecting and disconnecting the
battery 26 to the vacuum motor 14. In certain cases, the power
electronics 30 includes power transistor switches that switch
between an on mode and an off mode. When the switches are on, the
battery 26 is electrically connected to and outputs a voltage to
the vacuum motor 14. When the switches are off, the battery 26 is
disconnected from and does not output a voltage to the vacuum motor
14.
[0032] The sensing system 34 includes temperature sensors and
voltage sensors. The temperature sensors sense the battery
temperature and the voltage sensors sense the battery voltage. The
sensors 34 are also electrically connected to the CPU 32 so that
the CPU 32 inputs sensed battery temperature and sensed battery
voltage. The wireless receiver 36 can be any wireless receiver
known in the art, such as a Zigbee module or a Bluetooth
module.
[0033] The CPU 32 can include any central processing unit known in
the art and controls the on and off switching of the power
electronics 30. For example, the CPU 32 switches the power
electronics off when the sensed battery temperature is too high or
when the sensed battery voltage is either too high or too low. The
CPU 32 also controls whether the power electronics 30 outputs a
maximum voltage or outputs a reduced voltage to the vacuum motor
14, thereby allowing the vacuum motor 14 to run in either a high
power mode or a low power mode. When the power electronics 30
outputs the maximum voltage to the vacuum motor 14, the vacuum
motor 14 operates in a high power mode. When the power electronics
30 outputs a reduced voltage, the vacuum motor 14 operates in a low
power mode.
[0034] In some embodiments, the CPU 32 produces a pulse width
modulation output to the power electronics 30 to vary the on/off
switching frequency (i.e., the duty cycle) of the battery voltage
output. When high power mode is desired, the power electronics 30
uses a standard duty cycle to output a desired maximum voltage to
the vacuum motor 14. When a low power mode is desired, the power
electronics 30 uses a lowered duty cycle (i.e., a duty cycle that
is lower than the standard duty cycle) to output a reduced voltage
to the vacuum motor 14.
[0035] The CPU 32 sets the lowered duty cycle at a percentage that
is lower than the standard duty cycle percentage in order to
provide a reduced voltage output. The lowered duty cycle percentage
can be any percentage desired to create a desired reduced voltage
output and thus a desired low power mode. In some embodiments, the
power electronics 30 uses a standard duty cycle to output a maximum
voltage of 46 volts to the vacuum motor 14 to cause it to run in
high power mode. When a low power mode is desired, the CPU 32
prompts the power electronics 30 to lower the duty cycle in order
to output a reduced voltage that is lower than the 46 volts, for
example 23 volts. Of course, any desired maximum voltage output and
desired reduced voltage output can be used.
[0036] The CPU 32 sets the standard duty cycle at any percentage
that achieves a desired maximum voltage output. In some
embodiments, the standard duty cycle is a percentage lower than
100%. For example, if a fully charged battery 26 supplies between
46 to 50 volts to the power electronics 30, the standard duty cycle
is a percentage that is less than 100% to cause a maximum output
voltage of 46 volts to be supplied to the motor 14. Setting a
maximum voltage output that is lower than the highest possible
voltage output of the battery 26 allows for the motor 14 to operate
in a consistent way when in a high power mode, regardless of how
full the battery 26 is charged or the age of the battery 26.
Setting such a maximum voltage output also helps to extend the life
of the battery 26.
[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the vacuum wand 18
includes an operator switch 38, an optional second operator switch
40, a first wireless transmitter 42, a first power source 44, a
second wireless transmitter 46, a second power source 48 and a
motion detector 50. The operator switch 38 and optional second
operator switch 40 are electrically connected to the first wireless
transmitter 42. The motion detector 50 is electrically connected to
the second wireless transmitter 46. Finally the first power source
44 powers the first wireless transmitter 42 and the second power
source 48 powers the second wireless transmitter 46 and the motion
detector 50.
[0038] Each the first wireless transmitter 42 and the second
wireless transmitter 46 transmits data to the wireless receiver 36
located in the battery pack 16. While two wireless transmitters 42,
46 and two power sources 44, 48 are shown, these can instead be
combined into a single wireless transmitter powered by a single
power source if desired. The wireless transmitters 42, 46 can be
any wireless transmitter known in the art, such as a Zigbee module
or a Bluetooth module. The power sources 44, 48 can be in the form
of a small battery or from the energy generated from a energy
harvesting apparatus such as an electromotive or piezoelectric
apparatus.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the operator switch 38 (and
optionally the switch 40), the wireless transmitter 42 and the
power source 44 can be combined into a single device. In some
cases, the single device can be an energy harvesting wireless
switch. In this type of switch, an operator mechanically activates
the switch, for example by pressing a spring. The mechanical
actuation generates electrical energy, which is used to power a
wireless transmitter and prompt the transmitter to send a signal to
a wireless receiver. One exemplary energy harvesting wireless
switch is sold by Cherry Corporation. The preliminary
specifications for the exemplary switch are available at
http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/energy%20harvesting/index.htm
or
http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/energy%20harvesting/pdf/Ene-
rgy%20Harvesting%20Switch.pdf and are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0040] The operator switch 38 and optional switch 40 form the
operator interface that allows an operator to signal whether he or
she desires to turn the vacuum motor 14 on or off. The switches 38,
40 also signal whether the operator wishes the motor 14 to run in
the low power mode or the high power mode. A variety of different
switch arrangements and embodiments can be used to accomplish these
functions.
[0041] In some embodiments, a single operator switch 38 is used.
This single switch 38 can be embodied as a trigger or other
suitable apparatus on the wand handle 20 to allow the operator to
frequently engage it to control the vacuum motor operation. For
example, in some cases, a single press of the trigger 38 prompts
the vacuum motor 14 to turn on and operate in a default low power
mode, a double press of the trigger 38 prompts the vacuum motor 14
to switch to a high power mode and a triple press of the trigger 38
prompts the vacuum motor 14 to shut off. In other cases, a long
press of the trigger 38, rather than a triple press, prompts the
vacuum motor 14 to shut off.
[0042] In other embodiments, both switches 38, 40 are used. In some
cases, the switch 38 can be embodied as a trigger and the switch 40
can be embodied as an on/off button or switch located on the wand
handle 20. Here, an operator uses the on/off button 40 to turn the
vacuum motor 14 on or off. When the motor 14 is turned on, a
default low power mode is used. When the operator desires a high
power mode, he or she simply presses the trigger 38 once to switch
the motor 14 to a high power mode. Again, skilled artisans will
understand that a variety of different switch configurations can be
used.
[0043] The operator switch 38 and optional switch 40 (i.e., the
operator interface) are electrically connected to the wireless
transmitter 42. When the switches 38, 40 signal that the motor 14
should be turned on or off or that high power operation is desired,
the wireless transmitter 42 wirelessly transmits this signal to the
wireless receiver 36 on the battery pack. The wireless receiver 36
then sends the signal to the CPU 32.
[0044] The wand 18 can also include a motion detector 50 located
about the cleaning apparatus 24. Generally, the motion detector 50
senses whether an operator is beginning a cleaning task and thus
the low power mode operation of the motor 14 is desired. The motion
detector 50 can also sense whether an aggressive cleaning motion
(for example, a tap or a rapid back and forth motion) is taking
place and thus the high power mode of the motor 14 is desired.
Finally, the motion detector 50 can sense whether the wand 18 is
idle and thus the motor should be shut off. Any type of motion
detector 50 known in the art that is capable of sensing whether
normal or aggressive cleaning is desired can be used.
[0045] In some embodiments, the motion detector 50 is an electronic
sensor, for example an electronic inertial sensor to sense cleaning
motion in an x-y plane. In cases where an electronic sensor is
used, a power source, such as power source 48 powers the electronic
sensor. In other embodiments, the motion detector 50 is a
mechanical sensor, for example a sensing wheel provided about the
cleaning apparatus so that the wheel directly contacts the surfaces
being cleaned. The mechanical turning of the sensing wheel can
generate a signal that low or high power operation is desired. In
cases where a mechanical sensor is used, the sensor might generate
its own power and thus an external power source would not be
needed. In some cases, the sensor 50 is an accelerometer.
[0046] The motion detector 50 is electrically connected to the
wireless transmitter 46. In some cases, the motion detector 50
sends a raw signal to the wireless transmitter 46, which simply
signals the type of movement taking place. The wireless transmitter
46 then transmits this raw signal to the wireless receiver 36 and
onto the CPU 32. The CPU 32 then analyzes this raw signal to
determine whether the motion detector 50 signals that normal or
aggressive cleaning is taking place and thus the operator desires
to switch the vacuum motor 14 on in the low power mode or that
aggressive cleaning is taking place and the high power mode is
desired. In other cases, the motion detector 50 contains an
internal processor that internally analyzes the cleaning motion and
determines whether normal or aggressive cleaning is desired. The
motion detector 50 then outputs a signal to the CPU 32 to instruct
the CPU 32 that the operator wishes to switch the motor 14 on in
the low power mode or to a high power mode.
[0047] The CPU 32 or the motion detector internal processor
analyzes the cleaning motion against a threshold movement criteria
to determine whether normal or aggressive cleaning is desired. For
example, if the cleaning motion meets a first threshold movement
criteria, the CPU 32 or motion detector internal process identifies
the motion as "normal" cleaning motion. Likewise, if the cleaning
motion meets a second threshold movement criteria the cleaning
motion is identified as "aggressive" cleaning motion. The threshold
movement criteria can be any suitable movement criteria, such as a
threshold movement speed. In cases where the motion detector is a
sensor wheel, the threshold movement criteria can be a threshold
revolutions per second.
[0048] In some embodiments, the wand 18 does not include any
switches 38, 40. Rather, the motion detector 50 alone determines
whether the operator wishes to turn the vacuum motor 14 on or to
switch the motor 14 to a high power mode. In this case, the wand 18
simply includes a wireless transmitter 46, a motion detector 50 and
a power source 48. This embodiment simplifies the use of the vacuum
cleaner 10 for the operator and thus turns the vacuum cleaner 10
into an intelligent machine.
[0049] As discussed, the CPU 32 collects information from the
switches 38, 40 and the motion detector 50 using a wireless system.
The use of a wireless system, as opposed to hard wires, to connect
the switches 38, 40 and the motion detector 50 to the CPU 32
increases the mechanical reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10. Hard
wires that extend through the body 12 and through the wand 18 are
prone to damage as the wand 18 is in constant motion, thereby
moving, stretching and bending the wires.
[0050] The CPU 32 includes a firmware and controls the power
electronics 30 using the instructions stored in the firmware. The
CPU 32 also includes a timing system (i.e., one or more timers)
that controls the duration the motor 14 is in low power mode or
high power mode. In other words, the timing system tracks when to
switch off the power electronics or to prompt the power electronics
to output a maximum voltage or a reduced voltage.
[0051] One embodiment of a timing system will now be described. The
timing system helps to prolong the battery 26 life. The timing
system can include a lower power mode timer ("LPT"), a high power
mode timer ("HPT") and a high power mode wait timer ("HPWT"). The
LPT sets the time period in which the motor 14 runs in the low
power mode. The LPT ensures that the vacuum motor 14 will not
continue to run if it is left idle. In some cases, the LPT has a
time period of five minutes or less, such as 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1
minute(s).
[0052] The HPT sets the time period in which the motor 14 runs in
the high power mode. The high power mode may not be sustainable for
more than a short period of time, and the HPT ensures that the
vacuum motor 14 will only run for a maximum allowed time period
before reverting to a low power mode. In some cases, the HPT has a
time period of 3 minutes or less, such as 3, 2 or 1 minute(s). Such
a restriction on the HPT time period helps to preserve the battery
26 life.
[0053] Finally, the HPWT sets the time period in which the motor
must wait before again entering into a high power mode. The HPWT
prevents an operator from continuously activating the high power
mode without allowing the battery 26 to have a break in between
high power mode operations. Typically, the HPWT has a time period
that is longer than the HPT time period. For example, if the HPT
time period is 2 minutes, the HPWT time period can be 3 or 4
minutes. In certain embodiments, the HPWT has a time period that is
double the time period of the HPT time period. For example, when
both the HPT and HPWT start at the same time the HPT time period is
2 minutes and the HPWT time period is 4 minutes. The use of a HPWT
also helps to preserve the battery 26 life.
[0054] The general operation of the CPU 23 will now be described.
When the switches 38, 40 and/or the motion detector 50 signals that
the operator wishes to turn the motor 14 on or to operate the motor
14 in a low power mode, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30
to output the reduced voltage to the motor 14. At the same time,
the CPU 32 resets the LPT. Once the LPT expires, the CPU 32 prompts
the power electronics 30 to switch off.
[0055] When the switches 38, 40 and/or the motion detector 50
signals that the operator wishes to operate the motor 14 in a high
power mode, the CPU 32 first checks to see of the HPWT has expired.
If the HPWT has expired, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics
30 to increase the voltage output to the motor 14. At the same
time, the CPU 32 resets both the HPT and the HPWT. If the HPWT has
not expired, the CPU 32 does not prompt the power electronics 30
and does not reset the HPT or the HPWT. Once the HPT expires, the
CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to output the reduced
voltage to the motor 14. Also, when the HPWT expires, the CPU 32
will then allow the power electronics 30 to once again increase the
voltage output if the CPU is so prompted.
[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an operation mechanism
for the battery-powered vacuum cleaner 10. The operation mechanism
starts at step 110. At step 112, the CPU 32 captures information
from the switches 38, 40, the motion detector 50. At step 114, the
CPU asks whether either the switches 38, 40 or the motion detector
50 indicate that an operator wants to turn the motor 14 on and/or
operate in a low power mode. If the answer is no, the process
proceeds to step 120. If the answer is yes, at step 116, the CPU 32
prompts the power electronics 30 to output a reduced voltage to the
motor 14 to run the motor in the low power mode. At the same time,
at step 118, the CPU 32 resets the LPT. The process then proceeds
to step 120.
[0057] At step 120, the CPU 32 asks whether either the switches 38,
40 or the motion detector 50 indicate that an operator wants to
operate in a high power mode. If the answer is no, the process
proceeds to step 132. If the answer is yes, the CPU 32 asks whether
the HPWT has expired. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to
step 132. If the answer is yes, at step 124, the CPU 32 prompts the
power electronics 30 to output maximum voltage to the motor 14 to
operate in high power mode. At the same time, the CPU 32 resets the
HPWT at step 16, resets the HPT at step 128, and resets the LPT at
step 130. In other words, when the high power mode starts at step
124, each of the HPT, HPWT and the LPT are reset. The process then
proceeds onwards to step 132.
[0058] At step 132, the CPU 32 asks whether either the switches 38,
40 or the motion detector 50 indicate that an operator wants to
shut down the high power mode. If the answer is yes, the process
proceeds to step 136, where the CPU 32 prompts the power
electronics 30 to output a reduced voltage to run the motor 114 in
a low power mode. If the answer is no, at step 134, the CPU 32 asks
whether the HPT is expired. If the answer is yes, the process
proceeds to step 136. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to
step 138.
[0059] At step 138, the CPU 32 asks whether either the switches 38,
40 or the motion detector 50 indicate that an operator wants to
shut down the low power mode, thereby turning the motor off. If the
answer is yes, at step 142, the CPU 32 turns the power electronics
30 off, thereby shutting down the motor 14. If the answer at step
138 is no, the CPU 32 asks whether the LPT has expired. If the
answer is yes, the CPU 32 turns the power electronics off at step
142. If the answer is no, the process returns to step 112 and the
operation mechanism repeats itself.
* * * * *
References