Central vacuum cleaning system control subsystems

Abstract

A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a motor includes a central vacuum unit control module with a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, and a power stage for controlling the motor in accordance with command signals received through the receiver. The control module is stable in high ambient temperature. Current flowing to the motor is sensed, and motor overcurrent and undercurrent conditions are determined. The control module determines when the motor is in an overcurrent condition. Power stage has a triac for controlling power to the motor. The control module also has a microprocessor that compares the current sensed against a normal operating current to determine overcurrent condition. Power to motor ceases when overcurrent condition exists. A generator is powered by air flow in a cleaning system for production of electrical energy.

1 . A vacuum cleaner system comprising:
 a) a line power input;   b) a dirt collection unit;   c) at least one dirty air intake conduit defining an airflow path to the vacuum unit and terminating in a dirt collection unit;   d) a vacuum motor adapted to generate a working airflow from the dirty air intake to conduit to the dirt collection unit; and   e) a programmable control unit having a power conditioning module and adapted to be programmed with a control program that controls the power conditioning module to provide power from the line power input to drive the vacuum motor.   
   
   
       2 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 1 , wherein the programmable control unit comprises a microprocessor-based printed circuit board (PCB). 
   
   
       3 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 1 , wherein the power conditioning module is controlled by the programmable control unit to deliver power to the vacuum motor. 
   
   
       4 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 1 , wherein the dirt collection unit, at least one dirty air intake, the vacuum motor, and the programmable control unit are located in a power unit of a central vacuum system. 
   
   
       5 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 1 , wherein the control program is stored in a memory structure in the control unit. 
   
   
       6 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises a memory structure and the control unit is adapted to record operational data relating to operation of the vacuum system in the memory structure. 
   
   
       7 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 6 , wherein operational data comprises measured motor current levels. 
   
   
       8 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 1 , wherein the control unit further comprises a service tool interface. 
   
   
       9 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 8 , wherein the service tool interface comprises an interface selected from the group consisting of a connector, a wireless interface and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       10 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface in electrical communication with the control unit and adapted to receive user inputs and output status information. 
   
   
       11 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 10 , wherein the user interface comprises an indicator panel with one or more status indicators. 
   
   
       12 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further adapted to execute a power shut off if at least one error condition is detected from the group consisting of a detected locked motor rotor, a detected current level exceeding a predetermined threshold, a detected temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold, a period of continuous vacuum motor operation exceeding a predetermined threshold, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       13 . The vacuum cleaner system according to  claim 12 , further comprising a remote user interface in communication with the control unit and adapted to permit a user of the system to restart the vacuum system after a power shut off event.