Detector device for filter bags for vacuum cleaners

A vacuum cleaner comprising:

• a housing having a space for removably receiving a filter bag, said housing having a wall;
• a connection spout mounted to said wall of said housing for coupling into an open end of the filter bag;
• a motor which is selectively energized to cause air flow through said connection spout into the filter bag;
• and
• a detector assembly for sensing if the filter bag is properly mounted in the housing, said detector assembly including:
• a sensor configured to detect the presence of the filter bag by transmitting electromagnetic waves to determine the presence of a detectable element integral with the filter bag and that produces a sensor output signal that varies based on the presence, type and position of the filter bag detectable element;
• a processing circuit for receiving the sensor output signal, said processing circuit configured to evaluate the sensor output signal to determine if the sensor output signal indicates said sensor has detected the presence of a select type of filter bag detectable element in a select position and, if the detection occurs, to assert a switch-on signal;
• and
• a switch for receiving the switch-on signal from said processing circuit and that is connected to said motor for regulating actuation of said motor, wherein said switch prevents actuation of said motor unless the switch-on signal is received.

A vacuum cleaner comprising:

• a housing having a space for removably receiving a filter bag, said housing having a wall;
• a connection spout mounted to said wall of said housing for coupling into an open end of the filter bag;
• a motor which is selectively energized to cause air flow through said connection spout into the filter bag;
• and
• a detector assembly for sensing if the filter bag is properly mounted in the housing, said detector assembly including:
• a sensor mounted to said wall of said housing, said sensor configured to detect the presence of the filter bag by transmitting electromagnetic waves to determine the presence of a detectable element integral with the filter bag and that produces a sensor output signal that varies based on the presence, type and position of the filter bag detectable element;
• a processing circuit for receiving the sensor output signal, said processing circuit configured to compare the sensor output signal to a reference signal to determine if the sensor output signal indicates said sensor has detected the presence of a select type of filter bag detectable element in a select position and, if the detection occurs, to assert a switch-on signal;
• and
• a switch for receiving the switch-on signal from said processing circuit and that is connected to said motor for regulating actuation of said motor, wherein said switch prevents actuation of said motor unless the switch-on signal is received.

A vacuum cleaner comprising:

• a housing having a space for removably receiving a filter bag, said housing having a wall;
• a connection spout mounted to said wall of said housing for coupling into an open end of the filter bag;
• a motor which is selectively energized to cause air flow through said connection spout into the filter bag;
• and
• a detector assembly for sensing if the filter bag is properly mounted in the housing, said detector assembly including:
• a transmitter mounted to said wall of said housing, said transmitter configured to broadcast an RF signal;
• a receiver mounted to said wall of said housing, said receiver configured to receive electromagnetic waves broadcast by a filter bag detectable element in response to the RF signal broadcast by said transmitter, wherein the electromagnetic waves broadcast by the detectable element vary based on the presence, type and position of the detectable element and the receiver generates an output signal based on the received electromagnetic waves;
• a processing circuit for receiving the receiver output signal, said processing circuit configured to evaluate the receiver output signal to determine if the receiver output signal indicates the presence of a select type of filter bag detectable element in a select position relative to said receiver and, if the detection occurs, to assert a switch-on signal;
• and
• a switch for receiving the switch-on signal from said processing circuit and that is connected to said motor for regulating actuation of said motor, wherein said switch prevents actuation of said motor unless the switch-on signal is received.