Dust detection system

US9015897B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Aktiebolaget Electrolux · SE

Inventors

• Stefan Jonsson · Sollentuna, SE
• Fredrik Sjöberg · Bromma, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 28, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 28, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 8, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A47L9/1608
• WIPO field: Furniture, games
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

There is provided a dust detection system for a vacuum cleaner comprising a dust separation chamber (20) of cyclone type and having a separate dustbin (30) for collecting separated dust. The dust separation chamber is adapted to provide a generally cyclonic airflow for separating dust from a dust laden air stream, and is at a bottom (25) of the dust separation chamber connected via an outlet (22) to the dustbin. The dust detection system further comprises an emitter (41) positioned to emit an electromagnetic signal into the dust separation chamber during operation of the vacuum cleaner, and a receiver (42) positioned to receive the electromagnetic signal. The inventive concept is based on an understanding that when the dustbin becomes full, dust accumulates at the bottom of the dust separation chamber, i.e. stays rotating at the bottom, since it cannot enter the dustbin. The emitter and receiver are positioned in a bottom portion (26) of the dust separation chamber and are arranged to detect dust accumulating at the bottom portion during operation of the vacuum cleaner, thereby providing an indication of the dustbin being full.