US Patent 8021453 Collecting chamber for a vacuum cleaner

A bagless 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 collection areas for collecting dirt and dust which is separated from the airflow. A base of the separating unit is movable between a closed position and an open position. A dividing wall between the collection areas is arranged so that its end is spaced from the base by different distances at different respective regions. This enables an enlarged opening, by which dirt and dust can be emptied from the chamber, to be provided, which facilitates emptying of the chamber.