Sensors and associated methods for controlling a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

Several methods of controlling a vacuum cleaner () using various types of sensors () are provided. One method is based on a differential pressure between a suction airflow path and ambient air and includes: detecting the differential pressure, comparing the detected differential pressure to a predetermined threshold, and, when the detected differential pressure is less than the predetermined threshold, initiating a predetermined control procedure. A status indicator () is updated based on the detected differential pressure. Another method is based on a level of electrical current flowing through a brush motor (). Still another method is based on a type or condition of the floor being traversed. Yet another method is based on a distance to a surface of a floor over which the vacuum cleaner is advancing. In another aspect of the invention, a vacuum cleaner is provided. In various combinations, the vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum source (), a brush motor (), a drive motor (), a controller processor (), a sensor processor (), an overcurrent sensor (), a suction airflow sensor (), a floor type sensor (), and a floor distance sensor ().