Self-cleaning filter arrangement with activation signal for floor care apparatus

Abstract

A floor care apparatus has a filter with an intake and out take. A first pressure sensor is arranged on the intake while a second pressure sensor is arranged on the out take. A controller connects to the sensors to receive signals indicative of relative pressure. Whenever a predetermined pressure differential between the signals is achieved, an undesirable load on the filter is deemed occurred and initiation of a self-cleaning of the filter begins. In this manner, filter cleaning only occurs on an as-needed basis and user intervention is avoided, thereby adding convenience. The controller is also able to ascertain a clogged airway condition. Various features contemplate pressure sensor signals arranged to scale suction as positive pressures, meeting the predetermined pressure differential at other than a maximum pressure differential between the first and second pressure sensors, and scaling the predetermined pressure differential relative to the maximum pressure differential.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates generally to the floor care field. More particularly, it relates to a floor care apparatus, such as a canister or upright vacuum cleaner, having a self-cleaning filter and arrangement therefor. Particular aspects relate to activation of signals initiating self-cleaning, without user intervention, and doing so only on an as-needed basis.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Whether canister or upright, vacuum cleaners in all of their designs and permutations have become increasingly popular over the years. In general, vacuum cleaners incorporate a suction fan motor, attendant dirt cup or dust bag and a nozzle assembly fluidly and mechanically connected to one another that suck up dirt and dust during operator movement across a dirt-laden floor. Specifically, an agitator within the nozzle assembly rotates to beat the nap of a carpet and dislodge dirt and dust during a time when an operator manipulates the cleaner back and forth. Dirt and d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved floor care apparatus is provided. The apparatus may take the form of a canister or an upright vacuum cleaner or may embody an extraction cleaning device or other hereinafter developed product. In this regard, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, extractor or the like equipped with a more efficient and effective filter cleaning mechanism. Advantageously, the present invention allows for the quick and easy automatic cleaning of dirt and debris from a filter including particularly fine particles from the pores of the filter. As a result each filter has a longer service life and the apparatus may be operated at a higher cleaning efficiency over the entire length of that extended service life.

[0006]In one embodiment, a floor care apparatus has a filter with an intake and out take. A first pressure sensor is arranged on the intake while a second pressure sensor is arranged on the out take. A controller connects to the sensors to receive signals indicative of relative pressure. Whenever a predetermined pressure differential between the signals is achieved, an undesirable load on the filter is deemed having occurred and initiation of a self-cleaning of the filter begins. In this manner, filter cleaning only occurs on an as-needed basis and user intervention is avoided, thereby adding convenience. The controller is also able to ascertain a clogged airway condition. Various features contemplate pressure sensor signals arranged to scale suction as positive pressures, meeting the predetermined pressure differential at other than a maximum pressure differential between the first and second pressure sensors, and scaling the predetermined pressure differential relative to the maximum pressure differential.

Problems solved by technology

Whenever a predetermined pressure differential between the signals is achieved, an undesirable load on the filter is deemed having occurred and initiation of a self-cleaning of the filter begins.

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