Dirt separator

Abstract

The invention discloses a dirt separator of a vacuum cleaner. The dirt separator includes a filter assembly for separating dirt from a gas stream flowing through the dirt separator; the container is used for collecting dirt separated from the air flow; a container including an opening; and a valve movable between a closed position in which the opening is blocked by the valve, a first open position in which the opening is not blocked by the valve, and a second open position in which the opening is not blocked by the valve; in the second open position, the opening is not blocked by the valve. The valve is movable from a closed position to a first open position in response to suction within the dirt separator. The container is movable relative to the valve between a first position and a second position. The valve is movable from a closed position to a second open position in response to movement of the container from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner comprising the dirt separator. Background Art

[0002] A vacuum cleaner relies on a suction generator to generate an airflow that is used to pick up dirt from the surface to be cleaned. The airflow passes through one or more filters to separate the dirt from the airflow and then is ejected from the vacuum cleaner. The separated dirt can accumulate in a collection chamber, which is then emptied by the user. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner is provided, the dirt separator comprising a filter assembly for separating dirt from an air flow passing through the dirt separator; a container for collecting the dirt separated from the air flow, the container comprising an opening and a valve, the valve being movable between a closed position, a first open position and different second open positions, wherein in the closed position, the opening is blocked by the valve, in the first open position, the opening is not blocked by the valve, and in the different second open positions, the opening is not blocked by the valve, wherein in response to suction within the dirt separator, the valve is movable from the closed position to the first open position, the container is movable between the first position and the second position relative to the valve, and, in response to the container moving from the first position to the second position, the valve is movable from the closed position to the second open position.

[0004] When the container is in the first position, suction in the dirt separator (more specifically, suction in the container) causes the valve to move to the first open position to generate airflow through the dirt separator. Dirt entrained in the airflow is separated from the airflow by the filter assembly and collected in the container. By moving the container from the first position to the second position, the combination of the container and the valve enables the dirt collected in the container to be discharged from the dirt separator.

[0005] Movement of the container from the first position to the second position causes the dirt to move through the valve. This provides a space saving arrangement as the dirt enters and leaves the dirt separator along the same path. By synchronising movement of the valve between the closed position and the second open position with movement of the container between the first and second positions, the dirt within the container can be emptied in an efficient and relatively intuitive manner.

[0006] In response to the removal of suction within the dirt separator, the valve can be moved to a closed position. This can help prevent dirt collected in the container from escaping the container through the opening when the suction is removed, for example under the effect of gravity.

[0007] In response to the container moving from the second position to the first position, the valve can move from the second open position to the closed position. This can not only prevent dirt from moving back through the valve, but can also actively push dirt out of the opening of the container. This can also help prevent airflow and / or dirt from inadvertently entering or escaping the container.

[0008] The valve may be biased towards the closed position, for example by a biasing member or due to the properties of the material forming the valve. This may ensure that the valve returns to the closed position when the container is not acting on the valve. This may ensure that the valve returns to the closed position when there is no suction in the dirt separator, so that dirt cannot accidentally escape the container via the opening.

[0009] The valve may be formed of a resiliently deformable material biased toward a closed position. This may eliminate the need for an additional biasing component, which may reduce costs and / or simplify assembly.

[0010] When moving between the first position and the second position, the container may act on the valve to move the valve between the closed position and the second open position. This may provide a simple mechanism without requiring additional components to ensure that the valve moves in response to movement of the container. This may provide a more reliable system to ensure that the valve is in the correct position relative to the movement and / or position of the container.

[0011] The container may include an inwardly projecting ridge that acts on the valve. This may provide a reliable way to move the valve between the closed position and the second open position during movement of the container between the first position and the second position without excessively blocking the opening. The ridge may apply a substantially constant force to the valve as the container moves between the first and second positions, which may ensure that the valve remains in the second open position.

[0012] The ridge may be interrupted along its length, or its length may be shorter than the length of travel of the container between the first position and the second position. This may relieve any pressure exerted by the ridge on the valve when the container is in the first or second position. For example, if the valve is biased towards the closed position, this may help ensure that once the container initiates movement from the second position to the first position, the valve is able to return to the closed position so that no dirt moves back through the valve.

[0013] The container can be moved between a first position and a second position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator. This can provide a space-saving arrangement. This can also enable the dirt separator to have a substantially constant outer diameter, which can simplify the manufacture and assembly of the dirt separator.

[0014] The container may be moved between the first position and the second position when a user applies force to the outer surface of the container. This may provide an ergonomic and intuitive arrangement.

[0015] The container may be biased towards the first position, for example by a biasing assembly. This may help ensure that the container is correctly positioned relative to the valve and filter assembly during the dirt separation process.

[0016] The dirt separator may include a locking assembly to hold the container in the first position. This may help ensure that the container is correctly positioned relative to the valve and filter assembly during the dirt separation process.

[0017] The container may comprise a substantially tubular portion, and when the container is in a first position, a majority of the tubular portion may be located on a first side of the valve, and when the container is in a second position, a majority of the tubular portion may be located on an opposite second side of the valve. This may increase the dirt storage capacity of the container in the first position, and thus the dirt separator may be used for a longer time before the container needs to be emptied.

[0018] When the container is in the first position, the container (eg the tubular portion) may surround the filter assembly. This may provide a space-saving arrangement, ensuring that dirt separated from the air flow by the filter assembly is collected in the container.

[0019] The valve is movable about a pivot axis between a closed position, a first open position and a second open position. The pivot axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator. This may allow the valve to be movable between the closed, first open and second open positions without the need for a powered actuator, for example under the force of the container and / or the suction of the dirt separator.

[0020] The valve can be moved about the pivot axis by means of a living hinge. This can help to simplify the manufacture and assembly of the dirt separator.

[0021] The valve is movable from a closed position to a first open position in a first direction about the pivot axis and from a closed position to a second open position in an opposite second direction about the pivot axis. This can help prevent dirt from being caught on the valve during movement of the container from the first position to the second position.

[0022] The first open position and the second open position may be the same position. This may provide a space-saving and simple arrangement.

[0023] The container may include a lip against which the valve abuts when in the closed position. This may help to keep the valve in the closed position, for example when the dirt separator is not in use, when the dirt in the container rests on the valve under gravity.

[0024] The container and valve may be arranged so that when the valve is in the closed position, the outer periphery of the valve forms a seal with the container. This may help ensure that dirt does not inadvertently move past the valve. This may also help prevent airflow from inadvertently passing through the dirt separator, for example, which may help capture unpleasant odors emitted by dirt in the container.

[0025] The container may define a dirt collection chamber extending alongside the filter assembly, and a section between the dirt collection chamber and the valve having a larger cross-sectional area than the dirt collection chamber. This may provide an area adjacent to and downstream of the valve against which dirt in the dirt collection chamber may rest when the dirt separator is not in use. This may help reduce the force per unit area exerted by the dirt on the valve, which may help ensure that the valve does not inadvertently move away from the closed position and allow dirt to escape the dirt collection chamber.

[0026] The container may include a protrusion, and during movement of the container from the first position to the second position, the protrusion moves toward the valve to push dirt toward the valve. The protrusion may push the dirt past the valve. This may help ensure that substantially all dirt in the container or dirt collection chamber is removed.

[0027] The protrusion may have a cross-sectional profile substantially corresponding to the cross-sectional profile of the dirt collection chamber. The cross-sectional profile lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator. This may further help ensure that substantially all dirt in the container or dirt collection chamber is emptied.

[0028] The container may include a scraper located at a periphery of the protrusion, and the scraper scrapes the surface of the filter assembly when the container moves between the first position and the second position. The scraper can remove dirt on the surface of the filter assembly to increase the amount of dirt that can be compacted by the protrusion. This can increase the necessary time to replace or clean the filter assembly.

[0029] When the container is in the first position, the protrusion is farther from the valve than the filter assembly. This prevents the protrusion from interfering with the filtering performance of the filter assembly.

[0030] The dirt separator may include a frame having one or more guide elements for guiding the movement of the container between the first position and the second position. The guide elements may ensure that the container moves in a reliable, repeatable manner, which may improve the safety and / or service life of the dirt separator.

[0031] At least a portion of the filter assembly may be removably attached to the frame. This allows the container to be moved relative to the filter assembly and allows at least a portion of the filter assembly to be removed and replaced when the container is in the second position.

[0032] The valve may be attached to the frame. This may ensure that the valve remains in the correct position relative to the container and filter assembly. The valve may be detachably attached to the frame. This enables the user to simply replace the valve.

[0033] The valve may be substantially flat and / or planar. This may provide a space-saving arrangement.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising a dirt separator according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0035] The vacuum cleaner may include an attachment or wand removably attachable to the dirt separator and configured to inhibit movement of the container between the first position and the second position when the attachment or wand is connected to the dirt separator. When the attachment or wand is removed from the dirt separator, movement of the container between the first and second positions is permitted.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, a dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner is provided, the dirt separator comprising: a filter assembly for separating dirt from an air flow passing through the dirt separator; a dirt collection chamber for collecting the dirt separated from the air flow, the dirt collection chamber comprising an opening through which the dirt can be discharged; and a valve assembly comprising a valve capable of rotating between a closed position and an open position, in which the opening is blocked by the valve and in which the opening is not blocked by the valve; and a motor for rotating the valve between the open position and the closed position.

[0037] In conventional vacuum cleaners, the closure of the dirt collection chamber may become stuck in the closed position due to, for example, accumulation of dirt. As a result, when actuated by the user, the closure does not move from the closed position, or does not move all the way to the open position, which affects emptying of the vacuum cleaner. The user typically has to open the closure manually, which transfers dirt to their hands. Providing a valve as the closure and using a motor to move the valve between the closed position and the open position reduces the likelihood of the closure becoming stuck in the closed position, allowing dirt to be emptied from the dirt collection chamber via the opening without the risk of soiling the user's hands.

[0038] The airflow can enter the dirt separator via the opening so that the opening forms an air inlet of the dirt collection chamber. That is, during dirt separation, the valve can be in an open position so that the airflow with dirt enters the dirt collection chamber via the opening, and the dirt is separated from the airflow with dirt by the filter assembly. This provides a space-saving arrangement because the dirt enters and leaves the dirt separator along the same path. Therefore, the dirt collection chamber can have only a single opening. Conventional vacuum cleaners may include a closure or valve for closing the dirt separator inlet. However, the closure may be stuck in the open position or cannot be fully moved to the closed position. Therefore, dirt can inadvertently escape from the dirt separator via the inlet. By providing a valve as a closure of the inlet, and by using a motor to actively move the valve between the closed position and the open position, the possibility of dirt escaping through the inlet can be reduced.

[0039] The airflow can flow through the opening along the flow axis, and the valve can rotate between the closed position and the open position about a valve axis parallel to the flow axis. Therefore, when moving between the open and closed positions, the valve does not need to move against the force exerted on the valve by the airflow and suction. Therefore, the torque required to move the valve is small, so a smaller and less powerful motor can be used.

[0040] The dirt separator may be elongated and the valve may be rotatable between a closed position and an open position about a valve axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator. After dirt separation, the dirt in the dirt collection chamber may fall along the longitudinal axis under the action of gravity and rest on the valve in the closed position. The rotation of the valve about the valve axis may cause the valve to rotate between the closed position and the open position perpendicular to the direction in which the dirt resting on the valve exerts a force on the valve. This in turn may reduce the torque required by the motor to move the valve between the open and closed positions. Additionally, the rotation of the valve about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis means that no additional dirt separator length is required to accommodate the movement of the valve between the open and closed positions. The valve axis may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator. This may provide a space-saving arrangement, thereby allowing the overall diameter of the dirt separator to be reduced.

[0041] The motor may be connected to the valve via one or more gears that can be rotated by the motor to move the valve between an open position and a closed position. This may allow for more design variations regarding the position of the motor relative to the valve. For example, the valve may rotate about the valve axis and the motor may be located off-axis. The arrangement of gears may also provide better control over the speed and / or torque of valve movement.

[0042] The valve may be in the form of a radial disc with a hole. In the open position, the hole may be aligned with the opening to maximize the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening. In the closed position, the portion of the radial disc not including the hole may be aligned with the opening so that the entire opening is blocked by the valve. The hole may be a sector of the radial disc. This may increase the available cross-sectional area of ​​the opening.

[0043] The dirt separator may comprise a passage between the opening and the dirt collection chamber, and the motor may be located beside the passage. Thus, a relatively compact dirt separator arrangement may be achieved. In addition, the motor may be positioned adjacent to the valve in a position that does not obstruct or restrict the airflow.

[0044] The cross-sectional area of ​​the channel may be substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening and / or the dirt collection chamber. Thus, the channel does not restrict the airflow. Additionally or alternatively, the channel may extend linearly and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator. This may also allow airflow to pass from the opening to the dirt collection chamber without significant losses. Additionally, dirt is less likely to be trapped in the channel during emptying of the dirt collection chamber.

[0045] The motor may be housed within the motor chamber. This may help protect the motor from dirt in the dirt separator and may help prevent the motor from interrupting airflow into the dirt separator or dirt being discharged from the dirt collection chamber. The valve may be rotatable about the end of the motor chamber between an open position and a closed position and may provide a seal between the end of the motor chamber and the valve. This may prevent dirt from entering between the valve and the motor chamber.

[0046] The filter assembly may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator and separate the dirt collection chamber from the outlet chamber. This may allow the surface area of ​​the filter assembly to be larger, thereby improving performance, given the same dirt separator diameter. This may also increase the available space in the dirt collection chamber, thereby increasing the time between having to empty the dirt collection chamber.

[0047] The dirt separator may comprise an upper longitudinal portion comprising a channel and a dirt collection chamber, and a lower longitudinal portion comprising a motor chamber and an outlet chamber. The motor chamber may be longitudinally positioned adjacent to the outlet chamber, for example at an end of the outlet chamber closest to the inlet. Thus, a relatively compact dirt separator arrangement may be achieved. For example, the motor may be located in an otherwise unused area of ​​the dirt separator.

[0048] The dirt separator may include a frame extending along the length of the dirt collection chamber, and electrical wires for delivering electrical power to the motor. The electrical wires may be mounted to the frame and extend along the length of the frame. The filter assembly may be removably mounted to the frame. This may provide a space-saving way to support the filter assembly and deliver electrical power to the motor. This may also enable simple removal and replacement of the filter assembly, for example allowing the filter assembly to be cleaned to restore filtering performance.

[0049] The valve assembly may be mounted to the frame so that at least the valve is rotatably mounted to the frame, which may help ensure that the valve is properly positioned relative to the opening. This may also help provide a relatively simple path for the electrical wires leading to the motor.

[0050] The dirt separator may have a length of not less than 150 mm. Thus, relatively good dirt capacity may be achieved in a dirt collection chamber having a relatively small width or diameter. Additionally, a relatively long filter assembly with good surface area may be employed, which in turn may improve performance and increase the time between replacement or cleaning.

[0051] The dirt separator may have a width or diameter of no more than 60 mm. That is, the maximum dimension of the dirt separator in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis may be no more than 60 mm. More specifically, the width of the dirt separator may be in the range of 35 to 40 mm. This may help to reduce the overall diameter of the vacuum cleaner in which the dirt separator is employed. This may be particularly advantageous for handheld vacuum cleaners where size and weight are important considerations. This may be particularly ergonomic, such that the outer periphery of the dirt separator forms a handle for a user to hold the vacuum cleaner during use.

[0052] The dirt separator may be substantially cylindrical. This helps provide smooth, curved walls of the dirt collection chamber and outlet chamber that are substantially free of abrupt changes in direction. This may help air to pass more smoothly through the dirt separator.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising: a dirt separator according to the first aspect; a suction generator for generating an airflow; and a control system arranged to receive a signal indicating that a user wishes to empty the dirt collection chamber and, in response to receiving the signal, cause the motor to move the valve to an open position. This may allow the dirt collection chamber to be emptied without risking dirt getting on the user's hands.

[0054] The control system may include a switch or sensor arranged to detect an input indicating that a user wishes to empty the dirt collection chamber and to generate a signal in response to detecting the input. This may cause the valve to open automatically to allow dirt to be drained from the dirt collection chamber, which may be more ergonomic and intuitive for the user.

[0055] The control system may be arranged to cause the motor to move the valve to an open position in response to a signal indicating that the user wishes to energize the vacuum cleaner. This may cause an airflow laden with dirt to enter the dirt separator once vacuum cleaning is initiated.

[0056] In response to a signal indicating that the user wishes to energize the vacuum cleaner, the control system may be arranged to cause the motor to move the valve to the open position after the suction generator is energized. This helps to ensure that the suction generator always generates airflow when the valve is open, thereby preventing dirt in the dirt collection chamber from inadvertently escaping under the action of gravity or the like.

[0057] In response to a signal indicating that the user wishes to power off the vacuum cleaner, the control system may be arranged to cause the motor to move the valve to a closed position before the suction generator is powered off. This helps to ensure that the suction generator always produces an airflow when the valve is open, which can prevent dirt in the dirt collection chamber from inadvertently escaping under the influence of gravity or the like. The signal indicating that the user wishes to power off the vacuum cleaner may be the cessation of the signal indicating that the user wants to power on the vacuum cleaner.

[0058] In response to a signal indicating that the percentage of battery charge remaining in the vacuum cleaner has fallen below a threshold value, the control system may be arranged to cause the motor to move the valve to a closed position before the suction generator is switched off. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] FIG1 is a front view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment;

[0061] FIG2 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG1 ;

[0062] FIG3 is an exploded view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG1 ;

[0063] Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the dirt separator of the vacuum cleaner in the plane A--A shown in Fig. 2;

[0064] FIG4b is a cross-sectional view of a dirt separator according to another example;

[0065] FIG5 is a cross-sectional side view through the center of the dirt separator with the valve of the dirt separator in a closed position;

[0066] FIG6 is the same cross-sectional view as FIG5 , with the valve in an open position;

[0067] FIG7 is the same cross-sectional view as FIG5 , with the valve in an open position and dirt in the dirt separator;

[0068] Figure 8is the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 5 , with the valve in the closed position and dirt in the dirt separator;

[0069] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the dirt separator in an empty configuration;

[0070] Fig.10 is the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 5 , with the valve in the closed position and the dirt outside the dirt separator;

[0071] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a dirt separator according to another example, wherein a valve of the dirt separator is in a closed position;

[0072] Fig.12 is with Fig.11 the same in cross-sectional side view with the valve in the open position;

[0073] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a dirt separator according to yet another example;

[0074] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A perspective cutaway view of a portion of a dirt separator;

[0075] Fig.15 yes Fig.13 a perspective view of a portion of a dirt separator of FIG. 1 , wherein a valve of the dirt separator is in a closed position; and

[0076] Fig.16 is with Fig.15 Same perspective view with the valve in the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The example vacuum cleaner 1 in Figures 1 to 3 includes a main body 10, an attachment 20 and a cleaner head 30. The cleaner head has an inlet hole 32 arranged to face the surface to be cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 1 and an outlet 34 fluidly connected to the inlet hole 32. In this example, the attachment 20 is a tool, but in other examples it can be a rod or other suitable attachment type. In any case, the attachment 20 includes a duct 21 located between a first end 22 and an opposite second end 24 of the attachment 20. When assembled, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cleaner head 30 is removably attached to the first end 22 of the attachment 20, and the second end 24 of the attachment 20 is removably attached to the main body 10, so that an airflow channel is formed from the cleaner head 30 through the attachment 20 to the main body 10.

[0078] When attached to the main body 10, the accessory 20 is arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis 2 of the main body 10. In this example, the main body 10 and the accessory 20 are generally cylindrical and each has a housing 12, 23 with a substantially constant outer diameter. The housing 12 of the main body 10 surrounds a suction generator 14 for generating an airflow along the airflow path and a battery assembly 16 for supplying power to the suction generator 14. It should be understood that in other examples, the main body 10 can be provided with a power supply unit to replace or supplement the battery assembly 16 for connection to a mains power socket.

[0079] The body 10 comprises a dirt separator 100 located upstream of the suction generator 14. Fig.10 More details and various configurations of the dirt separator 100 are shown.Like the housing 12, the dirt separator 100 is also cylindrical and has a substantially constant outer diameter.

[0080] The dirt separator 100 includes an opening 102 at the interface between the main body 10 and the attachment 20. The opening 102 serves as both an air inlet and a dirt outlet for the dirt separator 100. When used as an air inlet, the opening 102 allows the airflow generated by the suction generator 14 to enter the dirt separator 100 from the duct 21 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the main body 10 (which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator 100). The dirt separator 100 also includes an air outlet 106, which is fluidly connected to the suction generator 14 to allow the airflow to leave the dirt separator 100. In this example, when assembled, the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the opening 102 and the outlet 106 is substantially 1.

[0081] In this example, the dirt separator 100 comprises a frame 104 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10. The frame 104 is fixed to the housing 12 of the body 10 at a first end. An opposite second end 105 of the frame 104 partially defines the opening 102 of the dirt separator 100.

[0082] The frame 104 supports an electrical terminal 17 and an electrical wire 18. The electrical terminal 17 is located at a second end 105 of the frame 104, and the electrical wire 18 extends along the length of the frame 104 from the main body 10 to the electrical terminal 17. The electrical terminal 17 cooperates with a corresponding terminal (not shown) of the accessory 20 to transmit electrical power from the main body 10 to the cleaner head 30.

[0083] Attached to the frame 104 is a filter assembly 120. The filter assembly 120 is configured to separate dirt D from a dirt-laden airflow received via the opening 102 and includes two filter layers 122, 124 to perform this operation, as best shown in Figure 4a. It should be appreciated that in other examples, the filter assembly 120 may include a different number of filter layers.

[0084] The filter assembly 120 includes a mesh or screen 122 fixedly attached to the frame 104 and a filter cartridge removably attached to the frame 104. In this example, the mesh or screen 122 is the uppermost filter layer 122 shown in Figure 4a and is formed of metal.

[0085] The filter cartridge is located downstream of the grid 122 and includes a filter frame and a filter medium 124 held by the frame. The grid 122 protects the filter medium 124 from the impact of debris in the dirt separator 100. The filter medium 124 is the lowermost layer 124 shown in Figure 4a. Removability allows replacement and / or cleaning of the filter medium 124 to restore the filtering performance of the filter assembly 120. Although not shown in Figure 4a, in some examples, the filter medium 124 has multiple filter layers with different filtering characteristics. For example, the filter medium 124 can include a layer formed by wool and a layer formed by an electrostatic medium.

[0086] Viewed from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2 ( FIG. 4 a ), the mesh 122 is substantially curved, while the filter media 124 is substantially planar. It should be understood that in other examples, the mesh 122 may be, for example, V-shaped or planar.

[0087] Fig. 4b shows an example of an alternative filter assembly 120b in a dirt separator 100. The alternative filter assembly 120b is very similar to the filter assembly 120, except that the filter medium 124b is substantially curved in this example. Providing a substantially planar filter medium 124 as shown in Fig. 4a allows a thicker lower filter layer 124 to be used within the total diameter of the same dirt separator 100 compared to the curved filter medium 124b as shown in Fig. 4b, which can improve the filtering performance of the filter assembly 100. Conversely, providing a curved filter medium 124b increases the surface area of ​​the filter medium 124b compared to the surface area of ​​the filter medium 124, which can also provide filtering benefits, such as increasing the time between the required replacement or cleaning of the filter medium 124b. References to the filter assembly 120 herein can also apply to the alternative filter assembly 120b.

[0088] The filter assembly 120 is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2. Therefore, the airflow enters the dirt separator 100 in a direction parallel to the filter assembly 120, so that the airflow scrubs the mesh 122 of the filter assembly 120 to help reduce the accumulation of dirt D on the filter assembly 120.

[0089] The filter assembly 120 forms a wall of the dirt collection chamber 108. The dirt collection chamber 108 receives the dirt-laden airflow through the opening 102 during vacuum cleaning and is filled with dirt D separated from the dirt-laden airflow by the filter assembly 120. The dirt collection chamber 108 is elongated in shape and extends between the opening 102 at one end and the housing 12 of the body 10 at the opposite end. The dirt collection chamber 108 extends alongside the filter assembly 120 and has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile along the length of the filter assembly 120, as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2. For a given diameter of the dirt separator 100, the elongated shape of the dirt collection chamber 108 allows it to have a larger volume.

[0090] The filter assembly 120 separates the dirt collection chamber 308 from the outlet chamber 103 downstream of the filter assembly 120. The outlet chamber fluidly connects the filter assembly 120 to the air outlet 106. Thus, the dirt separator comprises an upper longitudinal portion comprising the dirt collection chamber 108 and a lower longitudinal portion comprising the outlet chamber 103.

[0091] The outlet chamber 103 also has a constant cross-sectional area along the length of the filter assembly 120. In this example, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the dirt collection chamber 108 to the outlet chamber 103 is substantially 1. Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet chamber 103 is substantially constant along its length, the suction force along the length of the filter assembly 120 is unbalanced. Specifically, the suction force is greatest at the end of the filter assembly 120 near the outlet 106, and the suction force is weakest at the end of the filter assembly 120 near the opening 102. Therefore, the dirt D will fill the dirt collection chamber 108 in the direction from the outlet 106 (where the suction force is greatest) to the opening 102 (where the suction force is weakest). Therefore, the dirt collection chamber 108 is able to store a larger amount of dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 before it needs to be emptied.

[0092] The dirt separator 100 includes a tubular outer wall or container 130 that extends along the length of the dirt separator 100 and surrounds the frame 104, the filter assembly 106 and the valve 110. The outer wall 130 defines a cylindrical dirt separation chamber 101 of the dirt separator 100, which includes a dirt collection chamber 108 and an outlet chamber 103. In this example, the length of the dirt separation chamber 101 is approximately 8 times the width. Therefore, the dirt collection chamber 108 is defined along one side by the outer wall 114 and along the other side by the frame 104 and the filter assembly 106.

[0093] The valve 110 is connected to the second end 105 of the frame 104 so that the valve 110 is located at the opening 102. The valve 110 can be in a closed position (as shown in Figures 5, 8 and 10), a first open position (as shown in Figures 6 and 7), and a second open position (as shown in Figures 8 and 9). Fig. 9100) between the first open position and the second open position, wherein the first open position is responsive to the suction within the dirt separator 100 generated by the suction generator 14. The valve 110 is movable between different positions about a pivot axis 112 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2. In this example, the valve is formed of an elastically deformable material such as rubber and is configured to pivot about a hinge at the base of the valve 110.

[0094] In the closed position, the valve 110 blocks the opening 102, thereby preventing the dirt D from escaping the dirt collection chamber 108 through the opening 102. Figure 8 As best shown in FIG. 1 , when in the closed position, the valve 110 abuts against the lip 134 of the outer wall 130. The lip 134 serves to help maintain the valve 110 in the closed position, particularly when dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 rests against the valve, such as Figure 8 In the closed position, the outer periphery of the valve 110 forms a seal with the frame 104 and the outer wall 130 at the opening 102. The seal prevents the dirt D from escaping the dirt collection chamber 108 unintentionally.

[0095] In response to the suction force within the dirt collection chamber 108, the valve 110 moves from the closed position to the first open position. In the first open position, the opening 102 is unobstructed by the valve 110, thereby enabling the dirt-laden airflow to be drawn from the inlet hole 32 of the attachment, through the duct 21 and into the dirt separator 100 via the opening 102. When moving to the first open position, the valve 110 pivots about the pivot axis 112 in a first direction toward the interior of the dirt collection chamber 108. The valve 110 then presents a smooth surface to the airflow, which helps prevent dirt in the airflow from being caught on the valve 110 when entering the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0096] As described in more detail below, during emptying of the dirt separator 100, the valve 110 moves from the closed position to the second open position. In the second open position, the opening 102 is unobstructed by the valve 110, thereby allowing dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 to leave the dirt separator 100 via the opening 102, for example, under the action of gravity. When moving to the second position, the valve 110 pivots about the pivot axis 112 in a second direction opposite to the first open position. The valve 110 then provides a smooth surface to help prevent the dirt D from being caught on the valve 110 when being discharged from the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0097] The valve 110 is biased to the closed position such that when no force is acting on the valve 110 , the valve 110 remains or returns to the closed position.

[0098] The dirt separator 100 includes a well 109 located downstream of the opening 102 and between the valve 100 and the dirt collection chamber 108. The well 109 has a larger cross-sectional area than the dirt collection chamber 108. When the dirt separator 100 is not in use, the dirt D collected in the dirt collection chamber 108 can fall under the action of gravity and rest against the valve 110, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown. In the example of a dirt separator without the well 109, the accumulation of dirt D on one side of the valve 100 may hinder the valve 110 from moving to the first open position. Therefore, a relatively large force may be required to move the valve 110 to the first open position against the weight of the dirt D. If there is too much dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108, the dirt D may cause the valve 110 to get stuck in the closed position, or at least prevent the valve 110 from fully moving to the first open position under the suction generated by the suction generator 14. The well 109 provides a larger space behind the valve 110 to accommodate the dirt D that falls under the action of gravity. This can reduce the force required to move the valve 110 to the first open position, thereby helping to prevent the valve 110 from getting stuck in the closed position.

[0099] The accumulation of dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 may negatively affect the pickup performance of the vacuum cleaner 1. The performance may be at least partially restored by emptying the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108. Therefore, the dirt separator 100 is arranged to allow a user to perform a simple dirt emptying procedure to empty the dirt D from the dirt collection chamber 108, as described below.

[0100] The dirt emptying procedure is performed with the attachment 20 detached from the main body 10 and the suction generator 14 powered off.

[0101] The outer wall 130 can be positioned relative to the valve 110 and the frame 100 in a first position (as shown in FIGS. 5-8 ) and a second position (as shown in FIGS. Fig. 9 The movement of the outer wall 130 between the first position and the second position is in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10. In the first position, the outer wall 130 surrounds the entire frame of the body 10. Therefore, when the outer wall 130 is in the first position, most of the outer wall 130 is located downstream of the valve 100. When the outer wall 130 is in the first position, a small portion or cuff of the outer wall 130 extends upstream of the valve 110 and is used to protect the electrical terminals 17 and receive the end 24 of the accessory 20 and form an attachment thereto. In the second position, most of the outer wall 130 is located upstream of the valve 100, so that the opening 132 is farther from the body 10 than in the first position.

[0102] The outer wall 130 includes a pair of ridges 136 (best shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b ) that protrude inwardly from an inner surface 131 of the outer wall 130. The ridges 136 extend longitudinally along opposite sides of the outer wall 130. When the outer wall 130 moves from the first position to the second position, the pair of ridges 136 act on the valve 110 to move the valve 110 from the closed position to the second open position (as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b ). Fig. 9 ). In the second open position, the opening 102 is not blocked by the valve 110. Therefore, the movement of the outer wall 130 from the first position to the second position opens the opening 102, so that the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 can be discharged through the opening 102 under the action of gravity. It should be understood that in other examples, alternative actuator elements can be used to move the valve 110 to the second open position.

[0103] The dirt separator 100 includes a plunger 116 attached to an outer wall 130 and located in the dirt collection chamber 108. In this example, the plunger 116 protrudes from an inner surface 131 of the outer wall 130 into the dirt collection chamber 108 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10. The plunger 116 and the outer wall 130 are movable as a single body between a first position and a second position.

[0104] When the outer wall 130 is in the first position, the plunger 116 is adjacent to the body 10. When the outer wall 130 moves toward the second position, the plunger 116 pushes the waste D in the waste collection chamber toward and / or through the valve 110.

[0105] To help push as much dirt D as possible out of the dirt collection chamber 108, the plunger 116 includes an elastic scraper 118 (best shown in FIG. 3 ) around the plunger 116. The scraper 118 is configured to scrape the surface of the mesh 122 of the filter assembly 120 when the outer wall 130 moves between the first position and the second position. The scraper 118 removes the dirt D from the mesh 122 to better restore the filtering performance of the filter assembly 120.

[0106] In the first stage of the emptying procedure, the user applies a force to the outer wall 130 to move the outer wall 130 and the plunger 116 from the first position to the second position. Fig. 9 As shown. Therefore, the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 is pushed toward the valve 110. The movement of the outer wall 130 from the first position toward the second position causes the pair of ridges 136 to push the valve 110 to the second open position, so that the dirt D can be pushed and / or fall through the valve 110 under the action of gravity.

[0107] In the second stage of the emptying procedure, the user applies a force to the outer wall 130 to move the outer wall 130 and the plunger 116 from the second position to the first position, such as Fig.10Due to the nature of the dirt D that is typically collected when using a vacuum cleaner, the dirt D tends to aggregate into a single mass, for example due to entangled hair or fibers. This can result in the dirt mass D remaining within the outer wall 130 even after passing through the valve 110 during the first stage of the emptying process.

[0108] Therefore, the dirt separator 100 is arranged so that during the second stage of the emptying procedure, the valve 110 moves from the second open position to the closed position, so that the dirt mass D is pushed out of the opening 132 by the valve 110. In this example, the length of the pair of ridges 136 is shorter than the travel length of the outer wall 130 between the first and second positions. Therefore, when the outer wall 130 approaches the second position, the ridges 136 pass the valve 110 and thus stop acting on the valve 110. Therefore, the valve 110 returns to the closed position under the action of the biasing force. When the outer wall 130 then moves from the second position to the first position, the ridges 136 act on the valve 110 again. However, the force applied by the ridges 136 is not enough to move the valve 110 to the first open position, so that the valve 110 remains in the closed position during the second stage of the emptying procedure.

[0109] The frame 104 includes a groove 111 adjacent to the outer wall 130, as best shown in Figures 4a and 4b. The groove 111 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10 and engages with a ridge 136 on the inner surface 131 of the outer wall 130. The ridge 136 is able to slide in the groove 111 to limit the rotational movement of the outer wall 130 relative to the frame 104.

[0110] Although not shown in this example, the dirt separator 100 can include a biasing assembly to bias the outer wall 130 to the first position, thereby biasing the plunger 116 to the first position. The biasing assembly can include a spring disposed in each groove 111 and attached to a corresponding ridge 136. While biasing the outer wall 130 and the plunger 116 toward the first position, the biasing assembly assists in ensuring that the outer wall 130 fully returns to the first position.

[0111] In this example, the user grasps the outer surface of the outer wall 130 to perform the emptying procedure. It should be understood that in other examples, the dirt separator 100 may include a handle, knob, sleeve or other suitable element directly or indirectly connected to the outer wall 130 so that the user grasps and causes the outer wall 130 to slide relative to the frame 104 parallel to the longitudinal axis 2.

[0112] Fig.11 and Fig.12A portion of a dirt separator 200 according to another example is shown. In this further example, the dirt separator 200 is used in a vacuum cleaner having the same features as the vacuum cleaner 1 shown in Figure 1. The portion is the distal end of the dirt separator 200 relative to the body 10. The dirt separator 200 differs from the dirt separator 100 described with reference to Figures 1-10 in the arrangement 210 of the valve. The other features of the dirt separator 200 are substantially the same as those of the dirt separator 100 and have the same reference numbers, but increased by 100. In this further example, the first and second open positions of the valve 210 are the same position and are referred to herein as the open position.

[0113] The valve 210 is made of a rigid material and is biased to a closed position (eg, Fig.11 ). The spring 214 is attached to the frame 204 and is located in the well 209. To prevent the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 208 from entering the well 209 and potentially damaging the spring 214, the valve 210 is V-shaped with a first arm 217 and a second arm 219.

[0114] The first arm 217 of the valve 210 is pivotally attached to the frame 204 by a pivot pin 211. Thus, the valve 210 pivots about the pivot axis 212 between an open position and a closed position. The second arm 219 of the valve extends from an opposite end of the first arm 217 to an opposite end of the pivot pin 211. When the valve 210 is in the open position, the first arm 217 defines a portion of an airflow path for airflow entering the dirt separator 200, while the second arm 219 is located in the well 209 and is therefore located outside the airflow path. When the valve 210 is in the closed position, the first arm 217 contacts the lip 234 of the outer wall 230 and forms a seal with the outer wall 230, and the second arm extends between the outer wall 230 and the frame 204 to prevent dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 208 from entering the well 209 (e.g., Fig.11 shown).

[0115] In response to the suction generated by the suction generator 14 within the dirt separator 200, the valve 210 can move from a closed position to an open position (eg, Fig.12 The suction force in the dirt collection chamber 208 causes the pressure in the dirt collection chamber 208 to drop, causing the ambient air outside the dirt separator 200 to exert a force on the valve 210 to overcome the biasing force of the spring 214, thereby moving the valve 210 to the open position.

[0116] The valve 210 can also be moved to an open position to allow the dirt D to be emptied from the dirt collection chamber 208 (eg, Fig.121-10). When the outer wall 230 moves toward the second position, the ridges on the inner surface of the outer wall 230 (as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10) engage the valve 210. The ridges push the valve 210 downward to the open position. The removal of the force exerted by the ridges on the valve 210 allows the spring 214 to move the valve 210 back to the closed position.

[0117] During movement from the closed position to the open position, the v-shaped nature of the valve 210 means that the second arm 219 slides relative to the dirt D resting on the arm 219 rather than pushing against the dirt D. This can reduce the chance of the valve 210 becoming stuck in the closed position and reduce the torque about the pivot axis 212 required to open the valve 210 .

[0118] Figures 13 to 16 FIG. 1 shows a portion of a dirt separator 300 according to yet another example. In yet another example, the dirt separator 300 is used in a vacuum cleaner having the same features as the vacuum cleaner 1 shown in FIG. 1 . The portion is the distal end of the dirt separator 300 relative to the body 10. The dirt separator 300 is similar to the dirt separator 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1-10 and the dirt separator 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 . Fig.11 and 12 The depicted dirt separator 200 differs in the arrangement of the valve 310. The other features of the dirt separator 300 are substantially the same as those of the dirt separator 100 and have the same reference numerals, but with 200 added.

[0119] The dirt separator 300 comprises a valve 310 which can be rotated between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis or valve axis 312 by a motor 315. The pivot axis 312 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10 and is therefore parallel to the flow direction entering the dirt separator 300 via the opening 302. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the pivot axis 312 may not be coaxial with the longitudinal axis 2.

[0120] In the closed position (such as Figure 13-15 As shown in FIG. 3 ), the valve 310 is configured to block the opening 302, thereby blocking the air flow passage. Therefore, when the valve 310 is in the closed position, the valve 310 can prevent the dirt D from escaping the dirt collection chamber 308 via the opening 302.

[0121] In the open position (such as Fig.16 ), the opening 302 is not blocked by the valve 310. When the suction generator is powered on, the valve 310 can be moved to the open position to allow the airflow carrying dirt to be sucked into the dirt separator 300 through the opening 302. Alternatively, when the suction generator is powered off, the valve 310 can be moved to the open position to allow the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 308 to be emptied through the opening 302.

[0122] In this example, the valve 310 is in the form of a radial disk having a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the outer wall 330. The valve 310 has an aperture 340 cut therein, in this example being a sector of almost 180 degrees. In the open position, the aperture 340 is aligned with the opening 302 so that the valve 310 does not block the opening 302. In the closed position, the aperture 340 is not aligned with the opening 302 so that the valve 310 blocks the opening 302. Fig.11 and 12 Like the valve 210 described above, during movement from the closed position to the open position, the valve 310 slides relative to the dirt D resting against the valve 310 rather than pushing against the dirt D. This can reduce the chance of the valve 310 getting stuck in the closed position and reduce the torque required by the motor 315 to open the valve 310.

[0123] In this example, the valve 310 is driven by a motor 315 via a pair of gears 344, 346. This allows the position of the motor 315 to be offset from the pivot axis 312 (ie, the axis of rotation of the motor 315 can be offset from the pivot axis 312).

[0124] In this example, the dirt separator 300 includes a channel 348 extending from the opening 302 to the dirt collection chamber 308, and the motor is located beside the channel 348. The channel is included in the upper longitudinal portion of the dirt separator 300. The cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 348 is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 302 and the dirt collection chamber 308, thereby providing a smooth air passage for the dirt collection chamber 308.

[0125] The motor 315 is contained in a motor chamber 350 to prevent the dirt D from affecting the performance of the motor 315. The motor chamber 350 is located in a lower longitudinal portion of the dirt separator 300 adjacent to the channel 348 in the longitudinal direction.

[0126] In this example, electrical wires (not shown) are mounted to the frame 304 and extend along the length of the frame 304. The electrical wires deliver electrical power from the battery assembly 16 to the motor 315.

[0127] In this example, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a control system (not shown) arranged to receive a signal indicating that the user wishes to empty the dirt collection chamber 308, and in response to receiving the signal, cause the motor 315 to move the valve 310 to an open position. The control system includes a switch located on the housing 12 of the main body 10, which can be activated by the user to indicate that the dirt collection chamber 308 needs to be emptied. Activation of the switch causes the control system to generate a signal. As a result, the valve 310 can be moved to a closed position to discharge dirt D from the dirt collection chamber 308.

[0128] The control system is further arranged to cause the motor 315 to move the valve 310 between the open and closed positions in response to a signal indicating that the user wishes to power on and off the vacuum cleaner 1. In response to a signal indicating that the user wishes to power on the vacuum cleaner 1, the control system is arranged to cause the motor 315 to move the valve 310 to the open position after the suction generator 14 is powered on. In response to a signal indicating that the user wishes to power off the vacuum cleaner 1, the control system is arranged to cause the motor 315 to move the valve 310 to the closed position before the suction generator 14 is powered off. This ensures that the suction generator 14 is always powered when the valve 310 is in the open position, so that dirt D does not inadvertently escape the dirt collection chamber 308 during vacuum cleaning. In an embodiment, the dirt separator of the vacuum cleaner may have the following provisions.

[0129] 1. A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0130] a filter assembly for separating dirt from an air stream passing through the dirt separator;

[0131] a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated from the air flow, the dirt collection chamber comprising an opening through which the dirt can be discharged; and

[0132] Valve assembly, comprising:

[0133] a valve rotatable between a closed position in which the opening is blocked by the valve and an open position in which the opening is not blocked by the valve; and

[0134] A motor for rotating the valve between an open position and a closed position.

[0135] 2. A dirt separator according to clause 1, wherein the air flow enters the dirt separator via the opening.

[0136] 3. A dirt separator according to clause 2, wherein the gas flow passes through the opening along a flow axis and the valve is rotatable about a valve axis parallel to the flow axis between a closed position and an open position.

[0137] 4. A dirt separator according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the dirt separator is elongate and the valve is rotatable about a valve axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator between a closed position and an open position.

[0138] 5. A waste separator according to clause 4, wherein the valve axis is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the waste separator.

[0139] 6. A dirt separator according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the motor is connected to the valve via one or more gears which can be rotated by the motor to move the valve between an open position and a closed position.

[0140] 7. A dirt separator according to any one of the preceding clauses, comprising a passage between the opening and the dirt collection chamber, wherein the motor is located alongside the passage.

[0141] 8. A dirt separator according to clause 7, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening.

[0142] 9. A dirt separator according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the motor is contained in the motor chamber, the filter assembly extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator and separates the dirt collection chamber from the outlet chamber, and the dirt separator comprises an upper longitudinal portion and a lower longitudinal portion, the upper longitudinal portion comprising the passage and the dirt collection chamber, and the lower longitudinal portion comprising the motor chamber and the outlet chamber.

[0143] 10. A dirt separator according to clause 9, wherein the motor chamber is longitudinally positioned adjacent the outlet chamber.

[0144] 11. A dirt separator as claimed in any preceding clause comprising a frame extending along the length of the dirt collection chamber, and electrical wiring for delivering power to the motor, wherein the filter assembly is mounted to the frame and the electrical wiring is mounted to the frame and extends along the length of the frame.

[0145] 12. A waste separator according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the length of the waste separator is not less than 150 mm and the width is not more than 60 mm.

[0146] 13. A vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0147] A dirt separator according to any of the preceding clauses;

[0148] a suction generator for generating an airflow; and

[0149] The control system is arranged to receive a signal indicating that a user wishes to empty the dirt collection chamber and, in response to receiving the signal, cause the motor to move the valve to the open position.

[0150] 14. A vacuum cleaner according to clause 13, wherein the control system comprises a switch or sensor arranged to detect an input indicating that a user wishes to empty the dirt collection chamber and to generate a signal in response to detecting the input.

[0151] 15. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in clause 13 or 14, wherein the control system is arranged to cause the motor to move the valve to the open position in response to a signal indicating that a user wishes to power on the vacuum cleaner.

[0152] 16. A vacuum cleaner according to clause 15, wherein in response to a signal indicating that a user wishes to switch on the vacuum cleaner, the control system is arranged to cause the motor to move the valve to the open position after the suction generator is energised.

[0153] 17. A vacuum cleaner according to any of clauses 13 to 16, wherein in response to a signal indicating that a user wishes to switch off the vacuum cleaner, the control system is arranged to cause the motor to move the valve to the closed position before the suction generator is de-energised.

[0154] The above embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, the dirt separator 200, 300 may include a dirt separator 200, 300 as shown in FIG. Fig.10 Any feature of the dirt separator 100 described herein. It should be understood that any feature described for any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, or in any combination of any other embodiment. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a filter assembly for separating dirt from an airflow passing through the dirt separator; a container for collecting dirt separated from the airflow, the container comprising an opening; and a valve movable between a closed position in which the opening is blocked by the valve, a first open position in which the opening is not blocked by the valve, and a second, different open position in which the opening is not blocked by the valve, in: The valve is movable from the closed position to the first open position in response to suction within the dirt separator, The container is movable relative to the valve between a first position and a second position, and The valve is movable from the closed position to the second open position in response to the container moving from the first position to the second position.

2. The dirt separator according to claim 1, wherein: The valve is movable from the second open position to the closed position in response to the container moving from the second position to the first position.

3. The dirt separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When moving between the first position and the second position, the container acts on the valve to move the valve between the closed position and the second open position.

4. A dirt separator according to claim 3, wherein the container includes an inwardly projecting ridge, the ridge acting on the valve to move the valve between the closed position and the second open position.

5. The dirt separator of claim 4, wherein the ridge is interrupted along its length or its length is shorter than the length of travel of the container between the first position and the second position.

6. The dirt separator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container is movable between the first position and the second position parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator.

7. A dirt separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve is biased towards the closed position.

8. A dirt separator according to claim 7, wherein the valve is formed from a resiliently deformable material biased towards the closed position.

9. The dirt separator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve is movable about a pivot axis between the closed position, the first open position and the second open position.

10. The dirt separator of claim 9, wherein the valve is movable about the pivot axis in a first direction from a closed position to a first open position and is movable about the pivot axis in an opposite second direction from the closed position to the second open position.

11. A dirt separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a lip against which the valve abuts when in the closed position.

12. A dirt separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container and the valve are arranged such that an outer periphery of the valve forms a seal with the container when the valve is in the closed position.

13. A dirt separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container defines a dirt collection chamber extending alongside the filter assembly, and a section between the dirt collection chamber and the valve, the section having a larger cross-sectional area than the dirt collection chamber.

14. A dirt separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The container includes a protrusion, and during movement of the container from the first position to the second position, the protrusion moves toward the valve to push the waste toward the valve.

15. The dirt separator of claim 14, wherein the container includes a scraper located at a periphery of the protrusion, and the scraper scrapes the surface of the filter assembly when the container moves between the first position and the second position.

16. A dirt separator according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: When the container is in the first position, the protrusion is further from the valve than the filter assembly.

17. A dirt separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is biased towards the first position.

18. A vacuum cleaner comprising a dirt separator according to any preceding claim.

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