TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an upright/stick type vacuum cleaner and/or a handheld vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, embodiments herein relate to a vacuum cleaner system comprising a vacuum cleaner and a docking station.

BACKGROUND

Different kinds of stick type vacuum cleaners are known. Among them, upright/stick type vacuum cleaners. These types of vacuum cleaner generally have an elongated body with a nozzle in one end and a handle in the other end. A housing with a fan and filter may be attached to the elongated body and may extend substantially in parallel thereto. Such housing may comprise a fan and motor, a dust collector, a filter, and other necessary parts.

Handheld vacuum cleaners and upright/stick type vacuum cleaners allow a user to remove dust and debris in a relatively easy and efficient manner and may be operated with a single hand grip.

A drawback with some upright/stick type vacuum cleaners is that it is difficult to vacuum clean under beds, sofas, and the like, since the housing may restrict how far the nozzle may reach. In other words, the housing may hit the bed or sofa when a dimension of the housing is larger than the height between the bed or sofa and the floor to be cleaned. Further, it may be a challenge to efficiently use the vacuum cleaner on surfaces above a certain height, such as walls, shelfs and ceilings, since the design of the handheld vacuum cleaner is generally optimized for floor-cleaning.

A special type of vacuum cleaner is known from the document WO2017186280A1 which overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. The vacuum cleaner according to the document WO2017186280A1 comprises a profile arrangement comprising a first profile part and a second profile part, wherein the first profile part is slidable into the second profile part for adjustment of a length of the profile. The profile arrangement further comprises a slit shaped opening and a housing movable attached to the profile arrangement in the slit shaped opening. In this manner, a flexible vacuum cleaner is provided where a user may extend the profile when necessary, such that he/she may use the vacuum cleaner in a standing position, and may retract the profile, e.g. when using the vacuum cleaner in a staircase or similar. Further, he/she may move the housing to a position relatively near the nozzle when vacuum cleaning a floor and may move the housing to a position closer to the grip portion e.g. when he/she is vacuum cleaning walls, ceilings, between a bed or sofa and the floor, etc. A user may thus change both the length of the profile and the gravity point of the vacuum cleaner. Hereby the vacuum cleaner enables efficient, flexible, and ergonomic vacuum cleaning.

However, also in view of the vacuum cleaner described in the document WO2017186280A1 , there is room for improvements. For example, the slit shaped opening in the profile arrangement may impair torsional rigidity of the profile arrangement. Furthermore, a common problem in the technical field of vacuum cleaners is to provide vacuum cleaners that are simple to use, provide a high-quality feel, while the vacuum cleaners have conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner comprising a housing comprising a motor fan unit for generating an airflow, a housing air outlet and a housing air inlet, a profile arrangement comprising a nozzle end and a handle end. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a nozzle arranged at the nozzle end and a handle arranged at the handle end. The profile arrangement further comprises a profile extending between the nozzle end and the handle end, an airflow channel extending from the nozzle end to the housing air outlet via the housing air inlet, for allowing an airflow from the nozzle end to the housing air outlet, and a first profile part and a second profile part. The profile comprises at least one slit shaped opening having a first slit opening section in the first profile part and a second slit opening section in the second profile part. The housing is arranged to be moveably attached to the profile in the at least one slit shaped opening. The vacuum cleaner comprises a first sleeve. The second profile part is arranged to at least partly enclose the first sleeve and the first profile part. The first profile part is slidable arranged relative the second profile part via surfaces of the sleeve for adjustment of a length of the profile.

Since the second profile part is arranged to at least partly enclose the first sleeve and the first profile part, and since the first profile part is slidable arranged relative the second profile part via surfaces of the first sleeve for adjustment of a length of the profile, a flexible vacuum cleaner is provided being simple to use. Furthermore, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost- efficient manner.

This because, due to these features, the first and second profile parts can be manufactured using lower tolerances than would be the case otherwise.

In addition, since the second profile part is arranged to at least partly enclose the first sleeve and the first profile part, and since the first profile part is slidable arranged relative the second profile part via surfaces of the first sleeve, a more rigid profile arrangement is provided with improved torsional rigidity. Thereby, the rigidity and the quality feel of the vacuum cleaner is improved.

Furthermore, the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner because the first sleeve can facilitate sliding displacement of the first profile part relative the second profile part as well as reducing noise generated during such a sliding displacement.

Accordingly, a vacuum cleaner is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the first sleeve is connected to the second profile part, and wherein the first profile part is slidable arranged against inner surfaces of the first sleeve. Thereby, the torsional rigidity of the profile arrangement can be further improved, and the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner can be further improved in a cost-efficient manner.

Furthermore, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the first sleeve is arranged at an end portion of the second profile part. Thereby, the torsional rigidity of the profile arrangement is further improved, and the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner can be further improved in a cost-efficient manner. Furthermore, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the first sleeve comprises a protruding section covering an end surface of the end portion of the second profile part. Thereby, the quality feel of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner. Furthermore, a vacuum cleaner is provided in which the risk of clamping of objects, such as fingers, between the first and second profile parts is reduced during displacement of the first profile part relative the second profile part.

Optionally, the second slit opening section extends through the first sleeve and through an end portion of the second profile part. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided in which the first sleeve will not hinder movement of the housing relative the profile past the first sleeve.

Optionally, the first sleeve comprises one or more resilient protrusions each configured to abut against an outer surface of the first profile part. Thereby, the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner. This because the one or more resilient protrusions can facilitate sliding displacement of the first profile part relative the second profile part, as well as reducing noise generated during such a sliding displacement. In addition, due to the one or more resilient protrusions, the first and second profile parts can be manufactured using even lower tolerances than would be the case otherwise.

Optionally, the first sleeve comprises at least one first locking element, and wherein each first locking element is configured to protrude into a first recess of the second profile part to lock the first sleeve from sliding relative the second profile part. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being assembled in an even more cost-efficient manner. This because, in an assembling step of the vacuum cleaner, the first sleeve can be snapped in place relative the second profile part, using the at least one first locking element.

Optionally, the second profile part comprises two ridges each extending on a respective side of the second slit opening section, and wherein each of the two ridges is configured to abut against a respective surface of the first sleeve. As a result, the first sleeve is further stabilized relative the second profile part and is further prevented from moving and rotating relative the second profile part.

Optionally, the first sleeve is formed by a polymeric material. Thereby, the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner. This because the first sleeve facilitates sliding displacement of the first profile part relative the second profile part and reduces noise generated during such a sliding displacement. Optionally, the first sleeve is formed in a single piece of material. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in an even more cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises a second sleeve connected to the first profile part, and wherein the second profile part is arranged to enclose the second sleeve. Thereby, the torsional rigidity of the profile arrangement is further improved. In addition, the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner because the second sleeve facilitates sliding displacement of the first profile part relative the second profile part and reduces noise generated during such a sliding displacement.

Furthermore, due to these features, the first and second profile parts can be manufactured using even lower tolerances than would be the case otherwise

Optionally, the second sleeve is arranged at an end portion of the first profile part. Thereby, the torsional rigidity of the profile arrangement is further improved. Furthermore, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the first slit opening section extends through the second sleeve and through the end portion of the first profile part. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided in which the second sleeve will not hinder movement of the housing relative the profile past the second sleeve.

Optionally, the second sleeve comprises at least one second locking element, and wherein each second locking element is configured to protrude into a second recess of the first profile part to lock the second sleeve from sliding relative the first profile part. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being assembled in an even more cost-efficient manner. This because, in an assembling step of the vacuum cleaner, the second sleeve can be snapped in place relative the first profile part, using the at least one second locking element.

Optionally, the second sleeve comprises a surface arranged to abut against a surface of the first sleeve so as to stop a sliding movement of the first profile part relative the second profile part at a predetermined position relative the second profile part. Thereby, the stopping function of the sliding movement of the first profile part relative the second profile part is provided in a cost-efficient manner. Optionally, the first profile part is slidable relative the second profile part along a first direction, and wherein the second sleeve comprises ridges extending in the first direction. Thereby, the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner. This because the ridges can facilitate sliding displacement of the first profile part relative the second profile part as well as reducing noise generated during such a sliding displacement. In addition, due to the ridges, the first and second profile parts can be manufactured using even lower tolerances than would be the case otherwise.

Optionally, the first profile part comprises two elongated recesses each extending on a respective side of the first slit opening section, and wherein the second sleeve comprises two protrusions each extending into one of the two elongated recesses. As a result, the second sleeve is further stabilized relative the first profile part and is further prevented from moving and rotating relative the first profile part.

Optionally, the second sleeve is formed by a polymeric material. Thereby, the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner. This because the second sleeve facilitates sliding displacement of the first profile part relative the second profile part and reduces noise generated during such a sliding displacement.

Optionally, the second sleeve is formed by a single piece of material. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in an even more cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the first profile part comprises a first rail, the second profile part comprises a second rail, and the housing comprises a housing base which is arranged to be displaced along the first rail and/or the second rail. Thereby, the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner. This because the hosing can be displaced along the profile arrangement is a simple and predetermined manner.

Optionally, the profile comprises opening cover means arranged to allow the airflow channel to a section of the opening where the housing air inlet is positioned. Thereby, the quality feel of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner. Furthermore, the opening cover means may prevent dust, debris, and objects from entering the opening.

Optionally, the opening cover means are arranged to close off the remaining sections of the opening. Thereby, the quality feel of the vacuum cleaner is improved in a cost-efficient manner. Furthermore, the opening cover means may prevent dust, debris, and objects from entering the opening.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises a chargeable battery for powering of e.g. the motor fan unit. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided being simple to use.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner system comprising a docking station and a vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments, said docking station being capable to charge the battery of the vacuum cleaner.

Thereby, a vacuum cleaner system is provided being simple to use. Furthermore, since the vacuum cleaner system comprises a vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments, a vacuum cleaner system is provided having conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

Accordingly, a vacuum cleaner system is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner system, according to some embodiments,

Fig. 2 illustrates a vacuum cleaner of the vacuum cleaner system illustrated in Fig. 1 , with a housing in an upper position,

Fig. 3 illustrates a first and a second profile part and a first sleeve of the vacuum cleaner illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 illustrates the first sleeve and an end portion of the second profile part, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the first sleeve illustrated in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 illustrates the first sleeve arranged at the end portion of the second profile part and a second sleeve arranged at an end portion of the first profile part, according to the

embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 - Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 illustrates the second sleeve and the end portion of the first profile part, illustrated in Fig. 6, in an un-assembled state,

Fig. 8 illustrates a cross section through the first and second profile parts and through the first sleeve of the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3, and

Fig. 9 illustrates a cross section through the vacuum cleaner, illustrated in Fig. 1 ,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner system 70, according to some embodiments. The vacuum cleaner system 70 comprising a docking station 72 and a vacuum cleaner 1. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a housing 10 with a housing air outlet 11 and a housing air inlet 14, and a motor fan unit 12 for generating an airflow from the housing air inlet 14 to the housing air outlet 1 1. The motor fan unit 12 comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to rotate the fan. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a chargeable battery 71 for powering of the motor fan unit 12. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises electrical contacts 73 configured to abut against electrical contacts 75 of the docking station 72 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is positioned in the docking station 72. In this manner, the docking station 72 is capable to charge the battery 71 of the vacuum cleaner 1.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 1 is a stick type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a profile arrangement 20 comprising a nozzle end 21 and a handle end 22. A nozzle 41 is arranged at the nozzle end 21 , and a handle 51 is arranged at the handle end 22. The profile arrangement 20 comprises a profile 23 extending between the nozzle end 21 and the handle end 22, and an airflow channel 61 extending from the nozzle end 21 to the housing air outlet 11 via the housing air inlet 14, for allowing an airflow from the nozzle end 21 to the housing air outlet 11. In this manner, during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 , the motor fan unit 12 can generate an airflow from the nozzle 41 to the housing air outlet 11. According to the illustrated embodiments, the nozzle 41 is a floor nozzle comprising wheels 43 for facilitating movement of the nozzle 41 over a floor surface. The profile arrangement 20 comprises a first profile part 23a and a second profile part 23b. The profile 23 comprises at least one slit shaped opening 25, having a first slit opening section 25a in the first profile part 23a and a second slit opening section 25b in the second profile part 23b. That is, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first profile part 23a comprises a first slit opening section 25a and the second profile part 23b comprises a second slit opening section 25b. The first slit opening section 25a and the second slit opening section 25b are aligned and together form the slit shaped opening 25 of the profile 23. The housing 10 is moveably attached to the profile 23 in the at least one slit shaped opening 25. In Fig. 1 , the housing 10 is illustrated in a lower position.

Fig. 2 illustrates the vacuum cleaner 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 , with the housing 10 in an upper position. The upper position of the housing 10 may for example be used if a user wants to reach under beds, sofas, or the like. A user may thus displace the housing 10 between the lower and upper positions, as well as any position therebetween, in dependence of a usage situation of the vacuum cleaner 1. In Fig. 2, a flexible hose 63 of the vacuum cleaner is visible. The flexible hose 63 is operably connected to the nozzle end 21 and to the housing air inlet 14. In this manner, the flexible hose 63 forms a portion of the airflow channel 61 , indicated in Fig. 1. The flexible hose 63 is arranged inside the profile 23 and thus fluidly connects the housing air inlet 14 and an aperture at the nozzle end 21. According to the illustrated embodiments, the flexible hose 63 is operatively connected to the housing air inlet 14 via the slit shaped opening 25 of the profile 23. The flexible hose 63 is flexible so as to allow movement of the housing 10 relative the profile 23.

As can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a first sleeve 30. The second profile part 23b is arranged to at least partly enclose the first sleeve 30 and the first profile part 23a. The first profile part 23a is slidable arranged relative the second profile part 23b via inner surfaces of the sleeve 30 for adjustment of a length of the profile 23. In this manner, the first and second profile parts 23a, 23b can be manufactured using lower tolerances than would be the case otherwise. Furthermore, a more rigid profile arrangement 20 is provided with improved torsional rigidity.

Furthermore, the quality feel and the user friendliness of the vacuum cleaner 1 is improved in a cost-efficient manner because the first sleeve 30 can facilitate sliding displacement of the first profile part 23a relative the second profile part 23b as well as reducing noise generated during such a sliding displacement. As indicated in Fig. 1 , the profile 23 comprises opening cover means 26 arranged to allow the airflow channel 61 to a section of the opening 25 where the housing air inlet 14 is positioned. The opening cover means 26 are arranged to close off the remaining sections of the opening 25.

Fig. 3 illustrates the first and second profile parts 23a, 23b and the first sleeve 30 of the vacuum cleaner 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, and as will be further explained herein, the first sleeve 30 is connected to the second profile part 23b, and the first profile part 23a is slidable arranged against inner surfaces of the first sleeve 30 along a first direction d 1. In this manner, the length of the profile arrangement 20 of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be adjusted simply by displacing the first profile part 23a relative the second profile part 23b along the first direction d1. Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first sleeve 30 is arranged at an end portion 34 of the second profile part 23b. The opposite end portion of the second profile part 23b is, according to the illustrated embodiments, the nozzle end 21 of the profile arrangement 20.

Fig. 4 illustrates the first sleeve 30 and the end portion 34 of the second profile part 23b, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the first sleeve 30 comprises a third slit opening section 25c. The second slit opening section 25b extends through an end portion 34 of the second profile part 23b. The third slit opening section 25c of the first sleeve 30 is aligned with the second slit opening section 25b of the second profile part 23b when the first sleeve 30 is attached to the second profile part 23b. According to the illustrated embodiments, the second profile part 23b and the first sleeve 30 each comprises a U-shaped cross section. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiments, the third slit opening section 25c extends through the entire extension of the first sleeve 30 in the first direction d1. The second slit opening section 25b extends through the entire extension of the second profile part 23b in the first direction d1. Furthermore, the first sleeve 30 comprises a protruding section 36 covering an end surface 38 of the end portion 34 of the second profile part 23b when the first sleeve 30 is attached to the second profile part 23b.

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the first sleeve 30 illustrated in Fig. 4. The protruding section 36 is also indicated in Fig. 5. Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 5, the first sleeve 30 comprises a first locking element 44. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the second profile part 23b comprises a first recess 46. The first locking element 44 of the first sleeve 30, illustrated in Fig. 5, is configured to protrude into the first recess 46 of the second profile part 23b, illustrated in Fig. 4, to lock the first sleeve 30 from sliding relative the second profile part 23b. The first locking element 44 is movably arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction d1 and is biased towards the position illustrated in Fig. 5. When the first sleeve 30 is inserted into the second profile part 23b, the first locking element 44 is configured to be moved into the second profile part 23b and when the first sleeve 30 is fully inserted into the second profile part 23b, i.e. when the protruding section 36 abuts against the end surface 38 of the end portion 34 of the second profile part 23b, the first locking element 44 is configured to move into the first recess 46 by the above mentioned biasing force. In this manner, the first sleeve 30 can be attached to the end portion 34 of the second profile part 23b in a simple and cost-efficient manner.

Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig 4, according to the illustrated embodiments, the second profile part 23b comprises two ridges 47 each extending in the first direction d1 on a respective side of the second slit opening section 25b, adjacent to the second slit opening section 25b. Each of the two ridges 47 is configured to abut against a respective surface 47’ of the first sleeve 30. The ridges 47 are configured to further prevent the first sleeve 30 from moving and rotating relative the second profile part 23b by abutting against the surfaces 47’ of the first sleeve 30. In this manner, the first sleeve 30 is further stabilized relative the second profile part 23b and the second profile part 23b is further prevented from rotating relative the first profile part 23a when the profile is in the assembled state.

Fig. 6 illustrates the first sleeve 30 arranged at the end portion 34 of the second profile part 23b and a second sleeve 50 arranged at an end portion 52 of the first profile part 23a, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 - Fig. 5. When the profile arrangement is in an assembled state, as is illustrated for example in Fig. 3, the second sleeve 50 is inside the second profile part 23b, and the second profile part 23b encloses the second sleeve 50. The first profile part 23a is slidable arranged against inner surfaces 32 of the first sleeve 30. Furthermore, as indicated in Fig. 4 - Fig. 6, the first sleeve 30 comprises a set of resilient protrusions 40. Each protrusion 40 is configured to abut against an outer surface 42 of the first profile part 23a when the profile arrangement is in the assembled state. Each protrusion 40 is resilient in directions substantially perpendicular to the first direction d1 indicated in these figures. Furthermore, as is indicated in Fig. 6, according to the illustrated

embodiments, the second sleeve 50 comprises ridges 62 extending in the first direction d1. The ridges 62 are configured to abut against inner surfaces of the second profile part 23b when the profile arrangement is in an assembled state. Due to these features, a rigid profile arrangement is provided in a cost-efficient manner.

Fig. 7 illustrates the second sleeve 50 and the end portion 52 of the first profile part 23a, illustrated in Fig. 6, in an un-assembled state. As indicated in Fig. 7, the second sleeve 50 comprises a set of second locking elements 54 and the first profile part 23a comprises a set of second recesses 56. Each second locking element 54 is configured to protrude into a second recess 56 of the first profile part 23a to lock the second sleeve 50 from sliding relative the first profile part 23a, when the second sleeve 50 is assembled to the first profile part 23a. The second sleeve 50 is flexible and is configured to flex when the second sleeve 50 is mounted to the end portion 52 of the first profile part 23a such that the second locking elements 54 are moved away from the outer surface 42 of the first profile part 23a. When the second sleeve 50 reaches a predetermined position relative the first profile part 23a where the second locking elements 54 face the second recesses 56, the second sleeve 50 flexes back and the second locking elements 54 are displaced into the second recesses 56. In this manner, the second sleeve 50 can be mounted to the first profile part 23a in a simple and cost-efficient manner. Furthermore, as indicated in Fig. 7, the second sleeve 50 comprises surfaces 58 each arranged to abut against a respective surface 60 of the first sleeve 30, indicated in Fig. 5, so as to stop a sliding movement of the first profile part 23a relative the second profile part 23b at a predetermined position.

As indicated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the second sleeve 50 comprises a fourth slit opening section 25d. The first slit opening section 25a extends through the end portion 52 of the first profile part 23a. The fourth slit opening section 25d of the second sleeve 50 is aligned with the first slit opening section 25a of the first profile part 23a when the second sleeve 50 is attached to the first profile part 23a. According to the illustrated embodiments, the first profile part 23a and the second sleeve 50 each comprises a U-shaped cross section. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiments, the fourth slit opening section 25d extends through the entire extension of the second sleeve 50 in the first direction d1 and the first slit opening 25a extends through the entire extension of the first profile part 23a in the first direction d1.

Thus, according to the illustrated embodiments, when the profile 23 is in an assembled state, the first, second, third and fourth slit opening sections 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d are aligned and together form the slit shaped opening 25 of the profile 23 such that the housing 10 can be moved along the slit shaped opening 25.

Furthermore, as indicated in Fig. 7, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first profile part 23a comprises two elongated recesses 55 each extending in the first direction d1 on a respective side of the first slit opening section 25a, adjacent to the first slit opening section 25a. Furthermore, the second sleeve 50 comprises two elongated protrusions 55’ each extending into one of the two elongated recesses 55. In this manner, the second sleeve 50 is further stabilized relative the first profile part 23a and the first profile part 23a is further prevented from rotating relative the second profile part 23b when the profile is in the assembled state. Furthermore, as indicated in Fig. 4, the first sleeve 30 comprises elongated protruding sections 57 extending in the first direction d1 on a respective side of the second slit opening section 25b. When the profile is in an assembled state, the elongated protruding sections 57 of the first sleeve 30 extends into the two elongated recesses 55 of the first profile part 23a. In this manner, the first profile part 23a is further prevented from rotating relative the second profile part 23b when the profile is in the assembled state.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the first sleeve 30 and the second sleeve 50 are each formed by a single piece of polymeric material. Purely as an example, the polymeric material may comprise polyamide or polyoxymethylene. According to further embodiments, the first sleeve 30 and/or the second sleeve 50 may be formed by a metallic material, such as a spring steel. According to such embodiments, the first sleeve 30 and/or the second sleeve 50 may comprise a layer of another type of material, such as a polymeric material, at least at contact surfaces of the first sleeve 30 and/or the second sleeve 50.

Fig. 8 illustrates a cross section through the first and second profile parts 23a, 23b and through the first sleeve 30 of the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3. In Fig. 8, the slit shaped opening 25 is clearly visible, which, as explained herein extends through all these parts. Further, as indicated in Fig. 8, the first profile part 23a comprises a first rail 27a and the second profile part 23b comprises a second rail 27b.

Fig. 9 illustrates a cross section through the vacuum cleaner 1 , illustrated in Fig. 1. The cross section of Fig. 9 includes a portion of the housing 10. The housing 10 comprises a housing base 16 which is arranged to be displaced along the first rail 27a and the second rail 27b.

The housing base 16 comprises a first track 16a configured to accommodate the first rail 27a and a second track 16b configured to accommodate the second rail 27b. In this manner, the housing 10 can be displaced relative the profile 23, i.e. relative the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b, to positions where the housing 10 is held relative the profile 23 only by the first rail 27a of the first profile part 23a, to positions where the housing 10 is held relative the profile 23 only by the second rail 27b of the second profile part 23b, and to positions where the housing 10 is held relative the profile 23 by the first rail 27a of the first profile part 23a and by the second rail 27b of the second profile part 23b.

Further, in Fig. 9, the flexible hose 63 of the vacuum cleaner is visible. As is further explained herein, the flexible hose 63 accommodates a portion of the airflow channel 61. The flexible hose 63 is arranged in a first compartment 64a of the profile 23. According to the illustrated embodiments, the profile 23 further comprises a second compartment 64b. The second compartment 64b may for example be utilized for accommodating electrical wiring extending between the housing 10 and the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner, and/or for accommodating electrical wiring extending between the housing 10 and the handle of the vacuum cleaner.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.