Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner may include: a suction motor; one or more edge detection sensors; a headlight assembly; one or more light sensors; and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine whether the vacuum cleaner is within a predetermined distance of a vertical surface based on input received from the one or more edge detection sensors; in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface, increasing a suction power of the suction motor to a predetermined value; determining an ambient light level in an environment of the vacuum cleaner; and adjusting an intensity of the headlight assembly based on the ambient light level in the environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to a battery-powered vacuum cleaner, and more particularly to motor speed and lighting intensity control for a battery-powered vacuum cleaner. Background Art

[0002] The surface treatment device is configured to move on the surface to be cleaned (e.g., floor). When moving on the surface to be cleaned, the surface treatment device is configured to collect at least a portion of the debris present on the surface to be cleaned. An example of a surface treatment device is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner comprises an air inlet, a cleaner dust cup, and a cleaner suction motor, which is configured to make air flow into the air inlet and through the cleaner dust cup. Many vacuum cleaners today are powered by batteries, which limits the use of vacuum cleaners before the batteries need to be recharged. It is possible to extend the cleaning period by using only the minimum required power in each cleaning environment. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising: an air inlet; a suction motor; one or more edge detection sensors; a headlight assembly; one or more light sensors; and a controller, the controller being configured to: determine whether the vacuum cleaner is within a predetermined distance of a vertical surface based on input received from the one or more edge detection sensors; increase the suction power of the suction motor to a predetermined value in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface; determine an ambient light level in an environment of the vacuum cleaner; and adjust the intensity of the headlight assembly based on the ambient light level in the environment.

[0004] In some embodiments, the headlight assembly may further include: a headlight assembly printed circuit board (PCB); a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the headlight assembly PCB; and a headlight assembly connector, wherein: the headlight assembly PCB is configured to divide the plurality of LEDs into a first segment and a second segment; and the first segment and the second segment are independently controlled.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first segment may be communicatively coupled to a first edge detection sensor and the second segment may be communicatively coupled to a second edge detection sensor.

[0006] In some embodiments, the controller can be further configured to: in response to the first edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, increase the first output intensity of the first segment and decrease the second output intensity of the second segment; in response to the second edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, decrease the first output intensity of the first segment and increase the second output intensity of the second segment; and in response to both the first edge detection sensor and the second edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, increase the first output intensity of the first segment and increase the second output intensity of the second segment.

[0007] In some embodiments, the one or more edge detection sensors may further include: an edge detector assembly printed circuit board (PCB); at least one infrared (IR) transmitter; and at least one IR receiver, wherein: the at least one IR transmitter is configured to transmit a first amount of IR energy; and the at least one IR receiver is configured to detect a second amount of IR energy from the at least one IR transmitter reflected from the vertical surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, determining whether the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface based on the input received from the one or more edge detection sensors may include: transmitting the first amount of IR energy from the at least one IR transmitter; determining the second amount of IR energy received by the at least one IR receiver; and in response to the second amount of IR energy received by the at least one IR receiver exceeding a predetermined threshold, determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the controller can be further configured to: monitor power draw from the nozzle assembly; determine whether the vacuum cleaner is on a bare floor or on a carpeted floor based on the power draw from the nozzle assembly; in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is on the bare floor, adjust the suction motor to a low revolutions per minute (RPM); and in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is on the carpeted floor, adjust the suction motor to a high RPM.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more edge detection sensors may further include the one or more light sensors.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller may be further configured to: determine whether debris is detected in the air flow from the air inlet; and in response to determining that the debris is detected in the air flow from the air inlet, increase the suction power of the suction motor.

[0012] In some embodiments, the suction power of the suction motor may be increased based on a third amount of the debris detected in the air flow from the air inlet.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising: a suction motor; one or more edge detection sensors; a headlight assembly; and a circuit system configured to: determine whether the vacuum cleaner is within a predetermined distance of a vertical surface based on input received from the one or more edge detection sensors; increase the suction power of the suction motor to a predetermined value in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface; determine an ambient light level in an environment of the vacuum cleaner; and adjust the intensity of the headlight assembly based on the ambient light level in the environment.

[0014] In some embodiments, the headlight assembly may further include: a headlight assembly printed circuit board (PCB); a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the headlight assembly PCB; and a headlight assembly connector, wherein: the headlight assembly PCB is configured to divide the plurality of LEDs into a first segment and a second segment; and the first segment and the second segment are independently controlled.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first segment may be communicatively coupled to a first edge detection sensor and the second segment may be communicatively coupled to a second edge detection sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the circuit system can be further configured to: in response to the first edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, increase the first output intensity of the first segment and decrease the second output intensity of the second segment; in response to the second edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, decrease the first output intensity of the first segment and increase the second output intensity of the second segment; and in response to both the first edge detection sensor and the second edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, increase the first output intensity of the first segment and increase the second output intensity of the second segment.

[0017] In some embodiments, the one or more edge detection sensors may further include: an edge detector assembly printed circuit board (PCB); at least one infrared (IR) transmitter; and at least one IR receiver, wherein: the at least one IR transmitter is configured to transmit a first amount of IR energy; and the at least one IR receiver is configured to detect a second amount of IR energy from the at least one IR transmitter reflected from the vertical surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, determining whether the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface based on the input received from the one or more edge detection sensors may include: transmitting the first amount of IR energy from the at least one IR transmitter; determining the second amount of IR energy received by the at least one IR receiver; and in response to the second amount of IR energy received by the at least one IR receiver exceeding a predetermined threshold, determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface.

[0019] In some embodiments, the circuit system can be further configured to: monitor power draw from the nozzle assembly; determine whether the vacuum cleaner is on a bare floor or on a carpeted floor based on the power draw from the nozzle assembly; in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is on the bare floor, adjust the suction motor to a low revolutions per minute (RPM); and in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is on the carpeted floor, adjust the suction motor to a high RPM.

[0020] In some embodiments, the one or more edge detection sensors may be further configured as light sensors.

[0021] In some embodiments, the circuit system may be further configured to: determine whether debris is detected in the air flow from the air inlet; and in response to determining that the debris is detected in the air flow from the air inlet, increase the suction power of the suction motor.

[0022] In some embodiments, the suction power of the suction motor may be increased based on a third amount of the debris detected in the air flow from the air inlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Reference should be made to the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the following drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts.

[0024] Figure 1 An illustrative example of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 2A is a left side view of an example of an accessory for a battery-powered vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2B is a front view of an example of an accessory for a battery-powered vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2Cis a right side view of an example of an accessory for a battery-powered vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2D is a perspective top view of an example of an accessory for a battery-powered vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3A is a close up view of the left end of a surface cleaning head of an example of a battery powered vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3B The edge detector lens is removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A A close up view of the left end of the surface cleaning head.

[0031] Figure 4A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3A A close up view of the left edge detector assembly of a surface cleaning head.

[0032] Figure 4B According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3A A close up view of the left edge detector printed circuit board (PCB) assembly of a surface cleaning head.

[0033] Figure 4C is a perspective view of a left edge detector PCB assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5A is a close up view of the right end of a surface cleaning head of an example of a battery powered vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5B The edge detector lens is removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A A close up view of the right end of the surface cleaning head.

[0036] Fig. 6A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 5A A close up view of the right edge detector assembly of a surface cleaning head.

[0037] Figure 6B is a perspective view of a right edge detector PCB assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6C is a top view of a right edge detector PCB assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a headlight assembly PCB according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7Bis a diagram showing light paths of a headlight according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting for a headlight of a vacuum cleaner.

[0042] Fig. 9A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is detected that the light changes from dark to bright and from bright to dark, FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting for a headlight of a vacuum cleaner.

[0043] Fig. 9B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when light is detected from the left side in a dark room FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting for a headlight of a vacuum cleaner.

[0044] Fig. 9C According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when light is detected from the right side in a dark room FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting for a headlight of a vacuum cleaner.

[0045] Fig.9D According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when light is detected from the left side in a brighter room FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting for a headlight of a vacuum cleaner.

[0046] Fig.9E According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when light is detected from the right side in a brighter room FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting for a headlight of a vacuum cleaner.

[0047] Fig.10 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Graph of illustrative examples of power settings for a vacuum cleaner.

[0048] Fig.11 The present invention is described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A flow chart of the operation of a controller of the vacuum suction motor power and headlight intensity of a vacuum cleaner.

[0049] Fig.12 is a block diagram depicting components of an example computing device suitable for a controller in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The examples described herein may be capable of other embodiments and may be practiced or executed in various ways. Furthermore, it is understood that the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive, as those skilled in the art may understand these phrases and terms. Throughout this specification, similar reference numerals may indicate similar structures throughout several views, and there is no need to discuss this structure separately. In addition, any particular feature of a particular exemplary embodiment may be equally applicable to any other exemplary embodiment of this specification in appropriate circumstances. In other words, the features between the various exemplary embodiments described herein are interchangeable, rather than exclusive.

[0051] When adjacent to a wall or large object, a cordless vacuum cleaner may have difficulty picking up debris on the side or front edges because their suction may be lower than that of a corded vacuum cleaner. When a vertical surface is within a certain proximity of the nozzle, it may be beneficial to increase the vacuum suction to overcome the disadvantage of limited battery power. Similarly, the vacuum suction may not be maintained at a high level to save battery power. To achieve this, it may be beneficial for the vacuum nozzle to detect vertical surfaces within a certain proximity of the corresponding side or front edge.

[0052] The present disclosure generally relates to motor speed and lighting intensity control for a cleaning system having a vacuum cleaner powered by one or more batteries. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction motor and a cleaner dust cup, wherein the suction motor is configured to draw air into the cleaner dust cup so that at least a portion of debris entrained in the air is deposited in the cleaner dust cup. The vacuum cleaner may include one or more headlights to illuminate the surface being cleaned. Both the suction motor and the headlights draw current from the battery. When more current is drawn from the battery, the operating time before the battery needs to be recharged is shortened.

[0053] The use of an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver enables the vacuum circuit system to detect vertical surfaces within a specified proximity of the side edge or front edge of the nozzle. Vertical surfaces can be detected on either side of the nozzle with the IR sensor facing outward, perpendicular to the respective side. Alternatively, vertical surfaces can be detected on the front side and on a single side using the same IR sensor at a 45° angle relative to the front side and the respective side.

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a controller or control circuitry to perform the functions necessary to implement the features of the present disclosure described herein.

[0055] Using a photodetector to measure ambient room light, the headlights can be operated at a fraction of the power in bright environments and at full power in dim or darker environments. Similarly, using a nozzle motor controller to monitor the power draw from the nozzle assembly (e.g., brush roll), the controller can recognize the difference in power draw between bare floor and carpeted floor types to adjust from low revolutions per minute (RPM) to high revolutions per minute (RPM) when transitioning from bare floor to carpet, and from high RPM to low RPM when transitioning from carpet to bare floor.

[0056] Figure 1 An illustrative example of a vacuum cleaner 100 is shown. The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a handle 102, an air inlet 104, a cleaner dust cup 106, a suction motor 108, a cleaner exhaust port 110, a controller 111, and a power supply (e.g., one or more batteries) 113 for powering at least the suction motor 108 and / or the controller 111. In some cases, an accessory 119 having one or more rotating agitators (e.g., a brush roll) 121 can be removably coupled to the air inlet 104. Figure 1 , the inlet side of the suction motor 108 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner dust cup 106, and the outlet side of the suction motor 108 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner exhaust port 110. As such, when in the collection position, the suction motor 108 is configured to cause an airflow along a collection air path 112 that extends from the air inlet 104 through both the cleaner dust cup 106 and the suction motor 108 and out of the cleaner exhaust port 110, wherein the air flows through the cleaner dust cup 106 before entering the suction motor 108. In other words, the cleaner dust cup 106 is upstream of the suction motor 108. When the accessory 119 is coupled to the air inlet 104, the collection air path 112 may extend through the accessory 119 before passing through the air inlet 104.

[0057] The controller 111 may be configured to receive input from one or more sensors 115 (e.g., an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, a debris detection sensor, a floor type sensor, and / or any other sensor). In response to receiving input from the one or more sensors 115, the controller 111 may adjust the behavior of the vacuum cleaner 100. For example, when the one or more sensors 115 include an ambient light sensor, the controller 111 may be configured to adjust the intensity of the light source 117 (e.g., a light emitting diode) of the vacuum cleaner 100. As another example, when the one or more sensors 115 include a proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity of an object (e.g., a wall) relative to the air inlet 104 (and / or relative to an accessory 119 coupled to the air inlet 104), the controller 111 may be configured to adjust the suction motor 108 to increase or decrease the amount of suction generated based at least in part on the detected proximity. As yet another example, when the one or more sensors 115 include a floor type sensor, the controller 111 may be configured to adjust the rotation speed of one or more agitators 121 of the accessory 119. In some cases, at least one of the one or more sensors 115 may be configured to detect two additional conditions. For example, at least one of the one or more sensors 115 may be configured to detect both ambient light and the proximity of an object.

[0058] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C is configured to be removably coupled to an Figure 1 1 and 12. The wand 129 is configured to fluidly couple the surface cleaning head assembly 120 to the vacuum cleaner 100. In some cases, the surface cleaning head assembly 120 can be configured to be removably coupled to the vacuum cleaner 100 independently of the wand 129, and / or the wand 129 can be configured to be removably coupled to the vacuum cleaner 100 independently of the surface cleaning head assembly 120. The surface cleaning head assembly 120 can be, for example, an electric nozzle or a non-electric nozzle. The surface cleaning head assembly 120 and / or the wand 129 are Figure 1 An example of accessory 119. Figure 2D An exploded top view of the surface cleaning head assembly 120 is shown. Figure 2D As shown, the surface cleaning head assembly 120 includes a light sensor (eg, a photodiode) 125 configured to sense the intensity of ambient light within an environment (eg, a room). The light sensor 125 may be disposed below an at least partially transparent cover 127.

[0059] Figure 3A1 is a close up view of the left end of a surface cleaning head assembly 120 of an example of a battery powered vacuum cleaner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The surface cleaning head assembly 120 includes a left edge detector lens 302. In some embodiments, the left edge detector lens 302 can be constructed of an IR transparent material to allow IR light to be transmitted and received by the left edge detection sensor module. In some embodiments, the left edge detector lens 302 can be constructed of a silicon material having a high electrical resistance.

[0060] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A close up view of the left end of the surface cleaning head assembly 120 with the left edge detector lens 302 removed, exposing the left edge detector assembly 310. As shown, the left edge detector assembly 310 includes a left shield 312, an IR transmitter 314A, and an IR receiver 314B. Figure 3B The example of IR transmitter 314A is shown as one part and IR receiver 314B is shown as one part, but the positions of the transmitter and receiver can be reversed if desired for performance and / or manufacturing reasons. The left shield 312 can include a resilient material (e.g., silicone, rubber, and / or any other resilient material) that can absorb vibrations and / or facilitate alignment of the IR transmitter 314A and / or IR receiver 314B.

[0061] In some embodiments, the emitter is an IR light emitting diode (LED), and the detector is an IR photodiode that is sensitive to IR light of the same wavelength as that emitted by the IR LED. When IR light falls on the photodiode, the resistance and output voltage will change in proportion to the amount of IR light received. As the surface cleaning head assembly 120 moves closer to a vertical surface, the amount of IR light reflected from the surface and detected by the IR detector increases. When the output from the IR detector reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller will increase the power to the suction motor to enhance cleaning performance.

[0062] Figure 4A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3A A close up view of the left edge detector assembly 310 of the surface cleaning head assembly 120. Figure 4A 314A, and IR receiver 314B are more clearly shown. Left shield 312 is configured to allow IR emissions from IR emitter 314A to project to the left side of vacuum cleaner 100 while blocking emissions in front of vacuum cleaner 100. However, in some embodiments, left shield 312 may be configured differently to allow some emissions, for example, to the front of vacuum cleaner 100.

[0063] Figure 4B yes Figure 3A4. A close up view of the left edge detector assembly 310 of the surface cleaning head assembly 120 of FIG. 4 with the left shield 312 removed. The left edge detector assembly 310 is visible with the left shield 312 removed. The left edge detector assembly 310 includes an IR transmitter 314A and an IR receiver 314B mounted to the left edge detector PCB 410.

[0064] Figure 4C is a perspective view of the left edge detector assembly 310 showing the IR transmitter 314A and IR receiver 314B mounted to the left edge detector PCB 410 .

[0065] Figure 5A is a close up view of the right end of the surface cleaning head assembly 120 of an example of a battery powered vacuum cleaner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A A right edge detector lens 502 is shown. In some embodiments, the right edge detector lens 502 may be constructed of an IR transparent material to allow IR light to be emitted and received by the right edge detection sensor module. In some embodiments, the right edge detector lens 502 may be constructed of a silicon material having a high electrical resistance.

[0066] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A close up view of the right end of the surface cleaning head assembly 120 with the right edge detector lens 502 removed, exposing the right edge detector assembly 510. As shown, the right edge detector assembly 510 includes a right shield 512, an IR transmitter 514A, and an IR receiver 514B. Figure 5B The example of EMBODIMENT 3 shows IR transmitter 514A as one part and IR receiver 514B as one part, but the positions of the transmitter and receiver may be reversed if desired for performance and / or manufacturing reasons.

[0067] Fig. 6A According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 5A A close up view of the right edge detector assembly of the surface cleaning head assembly 120. Fig. 6A In the close up view of FIG. 5 , the right shield 512, IR transmitter 514A and IR receiver 514B are more clearly shown.

[0068] Figure 6B 6 is a perspective view of a right edge detector assembly 510 with the right shield 512 removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The right edge detector assembly 510 is visible with the right shield 512 removed. The right edge detector assembly 510 includes an IR transmitter 514A and an IR receiver 514B mounted to the left edge detector PCB 610.

[0069] Figure 6Cis a top view of the right edge detector assembly 510 showing the IR transmitter 514A and IR receiver 514B mounted to the left edge detector PCB 610 .

[0070] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a headlight assembly 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The headlight assembly 700 may contain a plurality of LEDs 702, such as white LEDs, mounted on a headlight PCB 704. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs are divided into two or more groups of LEDs that can be independently controlled. This allows, for example, a different light intensity on the left side of the surface cleaning head assembly 120 than on the right side of the surface cleaning head assembly 120. The headlight assembly 700 also includes a headlight assembly connector 706 to connect the headlight assembly 700 to a controller and / or power supply. The headlight assembly 700 is mounted in the surface cleaning head assembly 120, such as Figure 7B shown.

[0071] Figure 7B is a diagram showing a light path 710 of a headlight according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B As shown and discussed above, the headlight assembly 700 is mounted in the surface cleaning head assembly 120 , and light is able to travel through the brushroll window of the surface cleaning head assembly 120 .

[0072] Figure 8 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative example of brightness settings for the headlights of the vacuum cleaner 100. Figure 8 and 9A to 9E In the following illustrative example of , the headlight assembly 700 is divided into two sections, namely, a left section and a right section, and the two sections are controlled individually. Figure 8 and 9A to 9E In the drawings, the left section of the headlight assembly 700 is referred to as “PCB-left”, and the right section of the headlight assembly 700 is referred to as “PCB-right”. In the drawings, a square within each of “PCB-left” and “PCB-right” represents a white LED.

[0073] exist Figure 8, initially, the edge detection sensor does not sense any wall, so in case 802 for a darker room (e.g., as detected by light sensor 125), both segments of headlight assembly 700 may be illuminated to 100% brightness, and in case 804 for a brighter room (e.g., as detected by light sensor 125), both segments of headlight assembly 700 may be illuminated to a lower intensity, such as 25% brightness. If a wall is detected on the left side of vacuum cleaner 100 in case 806, the left segment may be illuminated to 100% brightness, and the right segment may be illuminated to 0% brightness. If a wall is detected on the right side of vacuum cleaner 100 in case 808, the left segment may be illuminated to 0% brightness, and the right segment may be illuminated to 100% brightness.

[0074] Fig. 9A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the light changes from dark to bright and from bright to dark FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative example of brightness settings for the headlights of the vacuum cleaner 100. Fig. 9A In the diagram of , the edge detection sensor does not sense any wall. Therefore, the two sections of the headlight assembly 700 are illuminated to the same intensity. Fig. 9A The diagram of 700 shows that from top to bottom, a bright room progresses to a darker room, and from bottom to top, a darker room progresses to a bright room. As the room light increases, the two sections of the headlight assembly 700 decrease from a maximum intensity (e.g., 100% brightness) to a minimum intensity (e.g., 25% brightness). As the room light decreases, the two sections of the headlight assembly 700 increase from a minimum intensity (e.g., 25% brightness) to a maximum intensity (e.g., 100% brightness).

[0075] Fig. 9B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an edge is detected from the left side in a dark room FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting of the headlights of the vacuum cleaner 100. Fig. 9B , the left edge detection sensor detects a wall, and therefore, as the room lighting progresses from dark to bright, the left segment of the headlight assembly 700 is illuminated to 100% intensity, while the right segment of the headlight assembly 700 decreases from 100% intensity to a minimum intensity (e.g., 0% intensity) as the brightness increases.

[0076] Fig. 9C According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an edge is detected from the right side in a dark room FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting of the headlights of the vacuum cleaner 100. Fig. 9C, the right edge detection sensor detects a wall, and therefore, as the room lighting progresses from dark to bright, the right segment of the headlight assembly 700 is illuminated to 100% intensity, while the left segment of the headlight assembly 700 decreases from 100% intensity to a minimum intensity (e.g., 0% intensity) as the brightness increases.

[0077] Fig.9D According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an edge is detected from the left side in a brighter room Figure 2A-2C FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting of the headlights of the vacuum cleaner 100. Fig.9D , the left edge detection sensor detects a wall in a bright room, and therefore, the left segment of the headlight assembly 700 progresses from a low intensity (e.g., 25% intensity) to 100% intensity, while the right segment of the headlight assembly 700 progresses from a low intensity (e.g., 25% intensity) to 0% intensity.

[0078] Fig.9E According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an edge is detected from the right side in a brighter room FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative example brightness setting of the headlights of the vacuum cleaner 100. Fig.9E , the right edge detection sensor detects a wall in a bright room, and therefore, the right segment of the headlight assembly 700 progresses from a low intensity (e.g., 25% intensity) to 100% intensity, while the left segment of the headlight assembly 700 progresses from a low intensity (e.g., 25% intensity) to 0% intensity.

[0079] Fig.10 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Graph of illustrative examples of power settings for vacuum cleaner 100 . Fig.10 The illustrative example diagram of shows two different modes of the vacuum cleaner 100. In the upper half of the diagram from "Low HV" 1002 to "Max HV" 1004, the vacuum cleaner 100 uses a non-electric nozzle, and therefore the nozzle does not use any power. Therefore, the power of the suction motor ranges from a minimum power of 55 watts (W) to a maximum power of 181 W. In the lower half of the diagram from "LOW w / Nozzle" 1006 to "MAX w / Nozzle" 1008, the power of the suction motor ranges from 58 W to 121 W, because 30 W to 60 W of power is diverted to the electric nozzle.

[0080] In operation, if the vacuum cleaner 100 is running in low power mode to save battery capacity, it may draw 55W with a non-electric nozzle or 58W with an electric nozzle. If one of the edge sensors detects a wall, the suction motor power is increased to a predetermined level, which may be, for example, a maximum level. This will increase the suction motor power to a maximum of 181W for a non-electric nozzle, and to a maximum of 121W for an electric nozzle. This will significantly increase the cleaning power of the vacuum cleaner 100. Although this increase in cleaning power comes at the expense of reduced battery capacity, this is a temporary increase in power consumption only when the vacuum cleaner 100 is close to a wall. Once the vacuum cleaner 100 moves away from the wall, the power will be reduced to the previously set power level, i.e., 55W for a non-electric nozzle, or 88W for an electric nozzle.

[0081] Fig.11 The present invention is described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Flowchart of the operation of the workflow 1100 of the vacuum cleaner 100 for the vacuum suction motor power and headlight intensity controller. In alternative embodiments, the operations of the workflow 1100 may be performed by any other program when working in conjunction with the workflow 1100.

[0082] It should be understood that Fig.11 The workflow 1100 provides only an illustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitation on the environment in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications may be made to the depicted environment by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as recited in the claims.

[0083] In the illustrated example embodiment, the controller determines whether an edge has been detected in decision block 1102. If the controller determines that an edge has been detected ("yes" branch, decision block 1102), the controller proceeds to operation 1104. If the controller determines that an edge has not been detected ("no" branch, decision block 1102), the controller proceeds to decision block 1108.

[0084] In operation 1104, since the controller has determined that an edge has been detected, the controller increases the suction motor power to a maximum value. If the controller determines that a left edge is detected, the controller proceeds to operation 1106A. If the controller determines that a right edge is detected, the controller proceeds to operation 1106B.

[0085] In operation 1106A, since the controller has determined that a left edge has been detected, the controller increases the left section of the headlight assembly 700 to maximum brightness (eg, 100% brightness) and decreases the right section of the headlight assembly 700 to minimum brightness (eg, 0% brightness). The controller then returns to decision block 1102.

[0086] In operation 1106B, since the controller has determined that a right edge has been detected, the controller increases the right section of the headlight assembly 700 to maximum brightness (eg, 100% brightness) and decreases the left section of the headlight assembly 700 to minimum brightness (eg, 0% brightness). The controller then returns to decision block 1102.

[0087] In decision block 1108, since the controller determines that an edge has not been detected, the controller determines whether light is detected in the room, i.e., whether the ambient light level is above a predetermined threshold, such as light greater than 150 lumens. If the controller determines that light is detected in the room ("yes" branch, decision block 1108), the controller proceeds to operation 1110B. If the controller determines that light is not detected in the room ("no" branch, decision block 1108), the controller proceeds to operation 1110A.

[0088] In operation 1110A, since the controller has determined that no light is detected in the room, i.e., the ambient light level is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., light is less than or equal to 150 lumens), the controller increases both sections of the headlight assembly 700 to maximum brightness, e.g., 100% brightness. The controller then proceeds to decision blocks 1112A and 1112B.

[0089] In operation 1110B, since the controller has determined that light is detected in the room, i.e., the ambient light level is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., light greater than 150 lumens), the controller reduces both sections of the headlight assembly 700 to a minimum brightness, e.g., 25% brightness. The controller then proceeds to decision blocks 1112A and 1112B.

[0090] In decision block 1112A, the controller determines whether debris is detected in the intake port. If the controller determines that debris is detected in the intake port ("yes" branch, decision block 1112A), the controller proceeds to operation 1114. If the controller determines that debris is not detected in the intake port ("no" branch, decision block 1112A), the controller proceeds to decision block 1112B if the controller has not yet processed decision block 1112B, or returns to decision block 1102 if the controller has processed decision block 1112B on this loop.

[0091] In decision block 1112B, the controller determines whether carpet or bare floor is detected. In decision block 1112B, the controller determines whether the vacuum cleaner 100 transitions from carpet to bare floor. In some embodiments, the controller determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 transitions from carpet to bare floor based on a decrease in current draw. If the controller determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 transitions from carpet to bare floor ("yes" branch, decision block 1112B), the controller proceeds to operation 1116A.

[0092] In some embodiments, the controller determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 transitioned from bare floor to carpet based on an increase in current draw.If the controller determines that the vacuum cleaner 100 did not transition from carpet to bare floor ("No" branch, decision block 1112B), the controller proceeds to operation 1116B.

[0093] In operation 1114, because the controller has determined that debris is detected in the suction inlet, the controller increases the power of the suction motor. For example, the controller may increase the power of the suction motor between a first suction power level corresponding to a first amount of detected debris, a second power level corresponding to a second amount of detected debris, and / or a third power level corresponding to a third amount of detected debris. In some embodiments, the amount of increase in power to the suction motor varies, for example, in proportion to the amount of debris detected in the air inlet 104. If the controller has not yet processed decision box 1112B, the controller then proceeds to decision box 1112B, or if the controller has processed decision box 1112B on this loop, the controller returns to decision box 1102.

[0094] In operation 1116A, since the controller has determined that the vacuum cleaner 100 has transitioned from carpet to bare floor, the controller sets the nozzle RPM start at the first predetermined value for bare floor. The controller then returns to decision block 1102.

[0095] In operation 1116B, since the controller has determined that the vacuum cleaner 100 has transitioned from bare floor to carpet, the controller sets the nozzle RPM activation at the second predetermined value for carpeted floors. The controller then returns to decision block 1102.

[0096] Fig.12 is a block diagram depicting components of one example of a computing device suitable for a controller in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12The computing device or computer 1200 is shown, one or more processors 1204 (including one or more computer processors), communication fabric 1202, memory 1206 including random access memory (RAM) 1216 and cache 1218, permanent storage 1208, communication unit 1212, I / O interface 1214, display 1222, and external devices 1220. It should be appreciated that Fig.12 This merely provides an illustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented.Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made.

[0097] As depicted, the computer 1200 operates on a communications fabric 1202 that provides communications between a computer processor 1204, memory 1206, permanent storage 1208, a communications unit 1212, and an input / output (I / O) interface 1214. The communications fabric 1202 may be implemented with an architecture suitable for passing data or control information between the processor 1204 (e.g., a microprocessor, a communications processor, and a network processor), the memory 1206, external devices 1220, and any other hardware components within the system. For example, the communications fabric 1202 may be implemented with one or more buses.

[0098] Memory 1206 and permanent storage 1208 are computer-readable storage media. In the depicted embodiment, memory 1206 includes RAM 1216 and cache 1218. In general, memory 1206 may include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage media. Cache 1218 is a fast memory that enhances the performance of processor 1204 by saving recently accessed data and recently accessed data from RAM 1216.

[0099] Program instructions for the controller may be stored in a permanent storage device 1208, or more generally in any computer-readable storage medium, for execution by one or more of the corresponding computer processors 1204 via one or more memories in the memory 1206. The permanent storage device 1208 may be a magnetic hard drive, a solid-state disk drive, a semiconductor memory device, flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or any other computer-readable storage medium capable of storing program instructions or digital information.

[0100] The media used by permanent storage 1208 also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for permanent storage 1208. Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, and smart cards that are inserted into a drive to be transferred to another computer-readable storage medium that is also part of permanent storage 1208.

[0101] In these examples, the communication unit 1212 provides communication with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, the communication unit 1212 includes one or more network interface cards. The communication unit 1212 can provide communication by using any one or both of physical and wireless communication links. In the context of some embodiments of the present disclosure, the source of various input data can be physically remote from the computer 1200, so that the input data can be received and the output can be transmitted similarly via the communication unit 1212.

[0102] The I / O interface 1214 allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to the computer 1200. For example, the I / O interface 1214 may provide a connection to an external device 1220, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, a microphone, a digital camera, and / or some other suitable input device. The external device 1220 may also include a portable computer-readable storage medium, such as a thumb drive, a portable optical or magnetic disk, and a memory card. Software and data for practicing embodiments of the present disclosure may be stored on such portable computer-readable storage media and may be loaded onto the permanent storage device 1208 via the I / O interface 1214. The I / O interface 1214 is also connected to a display 1222.

[0103] Display 1222 provides a mechanism for displaying data to a user and may be, for example, a computer monitor. Display 1222 may also be used as a touch screen, such as a display of a tablet computer.

[0104] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner is provided, the vacuum cleaner comprising: an air inlet; a suction motor; one or more edge detection sensors; a headlight assembly; one or more light sensors; and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine whether the vacuum cleaner is within a predetermined distance of a vertical surface based on input received from the one or more edge detection sensors; increase the suction power of the suction motor to a predetermined value in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface; determine an ambient light level in an environment of the vacuum cleaner; and adjust the intensity of the headlight assembly based on the ambient light level in the environment.

[0105] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising: a suction motor; one or more edge detection sensors; a headlight assembly; and a circuit system configured to: determine whether the vacuum cleaner is within a predetermined distance of a vertical surface based on input received from the one or more edge detection sensors; increase the suction power of the suction motor to a predetermined value in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface; determine the ambient light level in the environment of the vacuum cleaner; and adjust the intensity of the headlight assembly based on the ambient light level in the environment.

[0106] As used in the application and claims, a list of items connected by the term "and / or" may mean any combination of the listed items. For example, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" may mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C. As used in the application and claims, a list of items connected by the term "at least one of" may mean any combination of the listed terms. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" may mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C.

[0107] As used in any embodiment herein, "circuitry" may include, for example, alone or in any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores), state machine circuitry, and / or firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry and / or future computing circuitry, including, for example, massive parallelism, analog or quantum computing, hardware embodiments of accelerators (e.g., neural network processors), and non-silicon implementations of the above. Circuitry may be collectively or individually embodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, such as an integrated circuit (IC), a system on a chip (SoC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor devices, chips, microchips, chipsets, etc.

[0108] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents a conceptual view of an illustrative circuit system that embodies the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any block diagram, flow chart, state transition diagram, pseudocode, etc., represents various processes that can be substantially represented in a computer-readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown. Software modules (or simply modules, implicitly software) may be represented herein as any combination of flow chart elements or other elements indicating process steps and / or textually described performance. Such modules may be executed by hardware that is explicitly or implicitly shown.

[0109] The term "coupled" as used herein refers to any connection, coupling, link, etc. that conveys a signal carried by one system element to the "coupled" element. Such "coupled" devices or signals and devices are not necessarily directly connected to each other, but may be separated by intermediate components or devices that can manipulate or modify such signals.

[0110] Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the word "substantially" may be interpreted as encompassing the precise relationships, conditions, arrangements, orientations, and / or other characteristics understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, as well as deviations thereof, to the extent that such deviations do not materially affect the disclosed methods and systems. Throughout the entirety of this disclosure, the use of the words "a," "an," and / or "the" to modify a noun may be understood as being used for convenience and including one or more than one of the modified nouns, unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements.

[0111] The foregoing description of the example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. In view of the disclosure, many modifications and variations are possible. The scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that: The vacuum cleaner comprises: Air inlet; Suction motor; one or more edge detection sensors; Headlamp assembly; one or more light sensors; and A controller, the controller being configured to: determining whether the vacuum cleaner is within a predetermined distance of a vertical surface based on input received from the one or more edge detection sensors; In response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface, increasing the suction power of the suction motor to a predetermined value; determining an ambient light level in an environment of the vacuum cleaner; and An intensity of the headlight assembly is adjusted based on the ambient light level in the environment.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein The headlight assembly further comprises: Headlight assembly printed circuit board PCB; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the headlight assembly PCB; and Headlamp assembly connector, in: The headlight assembly PCB is configured to divide the plurality of LEDs into a first section and a second section; and The first section and the second section are independently controlled.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein: The first segment is communicatively coupled to a first edge detection sensor, and the second segment is communicatively coupled to a second edge detection sensor.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is further configured to: In response to the first edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, increasing a first output intensity of the first section and decreasing a second output intensity of the second section; In response to the second edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, reducing the first output intensity of the first section and increasing the second output intensity of the second section; as well as In response to both the first edge detection sensor and the second edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, the first output intensity of the first section is increased and the second output intensity of the second section is increased.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more edge detection sensors further include: Edge detector assembly printed circuit board PCB; at least one infrared (IR) emitter; and at least one IR receiver, in: The at least one IR emitter is configured to emit a first amount of IR energy; and The at least one IR receiver is configured to detect a second amount of IR energy from the at least one IR transmitter reflected from the vertical surface.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein: Determining whether the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface based on the input received from the one or more edge detection sensors comprises: transmitting said first amount of IR energy from said at least one IR transmitter; determining said second amount of IR energy received by said at least one IR receiver; and Responsive to the second amount of IR energy received by the at least one IR receiver exceeding a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: monitoring power draw from the nozzle assembly; determining whether the vacuum cleaner is on a bare floor or a carpeted floor based on the power draw from the nozzle assembly; In response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is on the bare floor, adjusting the suction motor to a low RPM; as well as In response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is on the carpeted floor, the suction motor is adjusted to a high RPM.

8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein: The one or more edge detection sensors further include the one or more light sensors.

9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: determining whether debris is detected in the air flow from the air inlet; and In response to determining that the debris is detected in the air flow from the air inlet, the suction power of the suction motor is increased.

10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 9, wherein: The suction power of the suction motor is increased based on a third amount of the debris detected in the air flow from the air inlet.

11. A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that: The vacuum cleaner comprises: Suction motor; one or more edge detection sensors; headlamp assemblies; and A circuit system, the circuit system being configured to: determining whether the vacuum cleaner is within a predetermined distance of a vertical surface based on input received from the one or more edge detection sensors; In response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface, increasing the suction power of the suction motor to a predetermined value; determining an ambient light level in an environment of the vacuum cleaner; and An intensity of the headlight assembly is adjusted based on the ambient light level in the environment.

12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein: The headlight assembly further comprises: Headlight assembly printed circuit board PCB; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the headlight assembly PCB; and Headlamp assembly connector, in: The headlight assembly PCB is configured to divide the plurality of LEDs into a first section and a second section; and The first section and the second section are independently controlled.

13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 12, wherein: The first segment is communicatively coupled to a first edge detection sensor, and the second segment is communicatively coupled to a second edge detection sensor.

14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein: The circuit system is further configured to: In response to the first edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, increasing a first output intensity of the first section and decreasing a second output intensity of the second section; In response to the second edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, reducing the first output intensity of the first section and increasing the second output intensity of the second section; as well as In response to both the first edge detection sensor and the second edge detection sensor detecting the vertical surface, the first output intensity of the first section is increased and the second output intensity of the second section is increased.

15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein: The one or more edge detection sensors further include: Edge detector assembly printed circuit board PCB; at least one infrared (IR) emitter; and at least one IR receiver, in: The at least one IR emitter is configured to emit a first amount of IR energy; and The at least one IR receiver is configured to detect a second amount of IR energy from the at least one IR transmitter reflected from the vertical surface.

16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 15, wherein: Determining whether the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface based on the input received from the one or more edge detection sensors comprises: transmitting said first amount of IR energy from said at least one IR transmitter; determining said second amount of IR energy received by said at least one IR receiver; and Responsive to the second amount of IR energy received by the at least one IR receiver exceeding a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the vacuum cleaner is within the predetermined distance of the vertical surface.

17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein: The circuit system is further configured to: monitoring power draw from the nozzle assembly; determining whether the vacuum cleaner is on a bare floor or a carpeted floor based on the power draw from the nozzle assembly; In response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is on the bare floor, adjusting the suction motor to a low RPM; as well as In response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is on the carpeted floor, the suction motor is adjusted to a high RPM.

18. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein: The one or more edge detection sensors are further configured as light sensors.

19. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein: The circuit system is further configured to: determining whether debris is detected in the air flow from the air inlet; and In response to determining that the debris is detected in the air flow from the air inlet, the suction power of the suction motor is increased.

20. The vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein: The suction power of the suction motor is increased based on a third amount of the debris detected in the air flow from the air inlet.

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