Dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

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

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.