How do vacuum cleaners become smart through dust sensors?

With the continuous development of smart homes, vacuum cleaners and sweeping robots are becoming more and more popular. At present, the development of vacuum cleaners and sweeping robots has transformed from functionality to intelligence, from basic cleaning functions to the improvement of cleaning efficiency and cleaning quality. Cleaning planning products have become the standard of the industry, and the user experience has been significantly improved. Focusing on the improvement of sensors and algorithms, cleaning planning products have once again ignited the sweeping robot market, ushering in a new era of intelligence for the vacuum cleaner and sweeping robot market.

How to make vacuum cleaners/sweeping robots intelligent?

The key to making vacuum cleaners/sweeping robots intelligent is the sensor. Its built-in dust sensor can intelligently identify the degree of dust or garbage pollution on the ground, help the device automatically adjust the fan speed, and achieve intelligent control.

Vacuum cleaner: The dust sensor is installed in its pipe (as shown below), which can provide real-time feedback on the detected dust concentration. The device makes judgments based on the detected data and adjusts the fan speed until the floor is cleaned. At the same time, the real-time feedback data of the entire cleaning process will also be synchronously displayed on the LCD screen for consumers to see intuitively, which not only improves cleaning efficiency, but also improves user experience.

Sweeping robot: The dust sensor is installed on the side wall of the sweeping robot (as shown below). It can automatically formulate a cleaning route based on the degree of dirt on the ground detected in real time to avoid repeated work in the same area.

Technical difficulties in using dust sensors on vacuum cleaners/sweeping robots

1. Can the degree of dust pollution be quickly identified?

The speed at which dust particles pass through the pipe of the vacuum cleaner/sweeping robot varies with the power of the motor. The higher the gear, the faster the speed. If the sensor cannot complete the detection quickly and accurately and there is a lag, the device will make an incorrect judgment, resulting in a decline in consumer experience.

2. Can the degree of dirtiness of sewage be effectively identified?

A vacuum cleaner/sweeping robot needs to determine whether the floor has been cleaned by judging the degree of turbidity of the sewage passing through the pipe. This requires the sensor to have the ability to identify sewage to help the device automatically adjust the fan speed.

3. Can accurate detection be achieved in dust-polluted environments?

Since the infrared light source and detector of the sensor of the vacuum cleaner/sweeping robot are inevitably in contact with dust particles for a long time during operation, it is a huge challenge to ensure that the sensor's photosensitive area is not contaminated by dust accumulation, which may cause detection errors to exceed the standard.

4. Able to provide flexible installation solutions

The dust sensor uses the principle of optical reflection. Its transmitting tube and receiver need to be installed at both ends of the vacuum cleaner/sweeping robot pipe. The sensor requires a more flexible structural design to meet the installation needs of various specifications and styles of equipment on the market.

Sifang Optoelectronics' new product: specially developed for vacuum cleaners/sweeping robots

Sifang Photoelectric Dust Sensor PM1009 is specially developed for dust removal equipment such as sweeping robots/vacuum cleaners. It solves major technical problems such as dust response speed, sewage identification, long-term dust accumulation and installation structure, and is now available in batches.

Dust sensor PM1009

1. Fast response speed, <200ms

2. It can accurately identify the degree of dirtiness of sewage.

3. Accurate measurement during long-term use, not affected by long-term dust accumulation. Sifang Photoelectric Dust Sensor adopts innovative lens protection design, combined with dynamic calibration technology, to ensure that the sensor can measure accurately during long-term use without being affected by dust accumulation.

4. Split structure design to meet various installation requirements. The transmitter, receiver and mainboard are split in design, which is small in size and has few cables, making it easy to install in various complex pipeline structures.

Dust sensor installation diagram

Installation Notes:

The installation position of the sensor’s transmitting tube and receiver should be designed to be 180°

To ensure the accuracy of the test, the distance between the transmitter and the receiver should not be too long (recommended to be less than 60mm)

· The optical reflection area should be free from external light

The sensor installation area should avoid strong vibration

Based on the experience in dust removal equipment, Sifang Optoelectronics can provide flexible dust sensor customization services to our customers. You are welcome to call or email us for inquiries about related products and solutions.