Floor cleaning apparatus with filter cleaning system

Abstract

A floor cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a dirt collection vessel carried on that housing. The dirt collection vessel includes a first air inlet, a second air inlet, a dirt collection chamber, a filter chamber and a clean air outlet. A filter is received in the filter chamber. A suction generator is carried on the housing. The floor cleaning apparatus also includes a flow control valve assembly. The flow control valve assembly is selectively displaceable between a first or home position wherein dirt and debris are captured in the dirt collection vessel and a second or filter cleaning position wherein clean air is drawn through at least a portion of the filter to clean the filter. An activator is provided for automatically displacing the flow control valve assembly between the first and second positions.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 780,211 filed on 8 Mar. 2006.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to the floor care equipment field and, more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner, extractor or the like equipped with a pneumatic mechanism for cleaning dirt and debris from the filter including, particularly, fine dirt particles from the pores of the filter in order to enhance filter cleaning efficiency and extend filter service life.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A vacuum cleaner is an electro-mechanical appliance utilized to effect the dry removal of dust, dirt and other small debris from carpets, rugs, fabrics or other surfaces in domestic, commercial and industrial environments. In order to achieve the desired dirt and dust removal, most vacuum cleaners incorporate a rotary agitator. The rotary agitator is provided to beat dirt and debris from the nap of the carpet or rug while a pressure drop or va...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a floor cleaning apparatus with a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. The apparatus also includes a flow control valve assembly that can be selectively placed in a home position or a filter cleaning position. The flow control valve assembly has a first and a second flow control valve, and a rotary air guide with a cam for directing air through the filter during cleaning. The apparatus also includes a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly, as well as a rotary agitator and a static air guide. The invention allows for efficient floor cleaning with minimal air flow during the home position and maximum air flow during the filter cleaning position."

Problems solved by technology

At times, however, some dirt and debris remains entrapped within the airstream.

Over time such fine particles may become entrapped and fill the pores of the filter media thereby restricting airflow and reducing the cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.

Eventually the cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner becomes so impaired it is necessary for the operator to either clean or change the filter in order to achieve the desired level of cleaning.

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