A cyclonic vacuum cleaner includes a separating unit for separating dirt and dust from a dirt-laden airflow which is drawn in by the cleaner. The separating unit has a chamber with a collection area for collecting dirt and dust which is separated from the airflow. A base of the separating unit is movable between a closed position in which the closure member seals the chamber and an open position by operation of a releasing means. The releasing means is inhibited from releasing the base when the unit is stowed on the chassis of the cleaner.
1. A bagless vacuum cleaner comprising a chassis and a collecting chamber which is removable from a stowed position on the chassis and comprises an inlet for receiving a dirt-laden airflow, an air outlet and a collection area for collecting dirt and dust which have been separated from the airflow;
wherein a part of a wall of the collecting chamber in a region of the collection area comprises a closure member which is pivotably attached to the chamber and is movable between a closed position in which the closure member seals the chamber and an open position in which dirt and dust can escape from the collection area, the chamber further comprises releasing means for releasing the closure member from the closed position, and
wherein the bagless vacuum cleaner further comprises an inhibiting means for inhibiting release of the closure member when the separator is in the stowed position.
2. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the chassis of the vacuum cleaner comprises a projection for locating a recess on the releasing means of the collecting chamber so as to inhibit movement of the releasing means.
3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the releasing means is operable to apply an opening force to the closure member.
4. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 3 wherein the releasing means is operable to apply the opening force to the closure member at a position which is spaced from the pivot.
5. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the releasing means comprises an actuating member and a linking mechanism which couples the actuating member to the closure member.
6. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 further comprising agitating means for agitating dirt held within the collection area, the agitating means being operable by the actuating member.
7. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 6 wherein the agitating means is mounted on the linking mechanism.
8. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 wherein the actuating member is located at an end of the collecting chamber opposite from where the closure member is located.
9. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 further comprising a handle for carrying the collecting chamber and wherein the actuating member is located adjacent the handle.
10. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 9 wherein the actuating member is a trigger mechanism which is located beneath the handle.
11. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the closure member is lockable in the closed position.
12. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 11 wherein the closure member is automatically locked as the closure member is moved towards the closed position.
13. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 12 wherein the lock is resiliently mounted such that it can be temporarily displaced by the closure member as the closure member is moved towards the closed position.
14. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the closure member is pivotably fixed to the collecting chamber.
15. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the closure member carries a seal for sealing against the part of the collection area in which it is fitted.
16. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the closure member forms a surface against which dirt and dust can collect during operation of the vacuum cleaner.
17. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 16 wherein the closure member forms a base of the collecting chamber.
18. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the collecting chamber comprises a cyclonic separator.
19. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 18 further comprising a second stage separator and a second stage collection area, and wherein both the second stage and first stage collection areas lie adjacent the closure member.
20. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 19 wherein the second stage collection area lies within the first stage collection area.
21. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 20 further comprising a wall which separates the second stage collection area from the first stage collection area.
22. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 4 wherein the releasing means comprises an actuating member and a linking mechanism which couples the actuating member to the closure member.
23. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 22 further comprising agitating means for agitating dirt held within the collection area, the agitating means being operable by the actuating member.
24. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 23 wherein the agitating means is mounted on the linking mechanism.
25. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 4 wherein the closure member carries a seal for sealing against the part of the collection area in which it is fitted.
26. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 4 wherein the closure member forms a surface against which dirt and dust can collect during operation of the vacuum cleaner.