Dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner

摘要

A dirt separator (3) for a vacuum cleaner (1) that comprises an inlet (6) through which fluid enters the dirt separator (3), and an outlet (7) through which fluid exits the dirt separator (3). The dirt separator (3) further comprises a filter assembly (13) located downstream of the inlet (6) and upstream of the outlet (7), an opening (14) through which the filter assembly (13) may be removed from the dirt separator (3), and a hatch (15) moveable between an open position in which the opening (14) is uncovered and a closed position in which the opening (14) is partially covered. When the filter assembly (13) is removed from the dirt separator (3) and the hatch (15) is in the closed position, a bleed (60) is created around at least part of the hatch (15) through which fluid enters the dirt separator (3) in preference to the inlet (6). When the filter assembly (13) is located in the dirt separator (3) and the hatch (15) is in the closed position, the filter assembly (13) seals against the hatch (15) to close the bleed (60).