TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND

Different kinds of stick type vacuum cleaners are known. This type of vacuum cleaner generally has 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 allow a user to remove dust and debris in a relatively easy and efficient manner and may be operated with a single hand grip.

In some stick type vacuum cleaners the housing is detachable from the elongated body and may be used independently as a handheld vacuum cleaner separate from the elongated body. This may be practical e.g. for sucking up crumbs from tables and similar. This also allows a user to reach surfaces where a nozzle of the body would not fit. In EP1969988 an example of such a vacuum cleaner is disclosed.

A drawback with many 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 / sofa when a dimension of the housing is larger than the height between the bed / 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.

In GB1 151990 some of these problems or disadvantages are addressed. A housing of the vacuum cleaner in GB1 151990 may be moved between different positions. Hereby a user may access surfaces under low furniture’s and similar. The vacuum cleaner disclosed in GB1 151990 works well in some applications, but there remains a need improvements with regards to efficiency, flexibility and ergonomics.

SUMMARY

An object is to provide a more efficient vacuum cleaner.

This object is attained in a first aspect of the invention 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, and a profile arrangement comprising a first profile end for attachment of a nozzle, a profile handle end for attachment of a handle and a profile extending between the first profile end and the profile handle end, and an airflow channel extending from the first profile end to the housing air outlet via the housing air inlet, for allowing an airflow from the first profile end to the housing air outlet, the profile arrangement comprising a first profile part and a second profile part, the second profile part is arranged to at least partly enclose the first profile part and that the housing is arranged to be moveably attached to the profile, such that the housing is moveable along at least a part of the length of the profile. The second profile part comprises spaced apart indentations arranged along the length of its interior; and the first profile part comprises at least one locking element arranged at an end of the first profile part being distal from the profile handle end, the at least one locking element being configured to engage with one of the indentations when in a first state and being configured to disengage with the indentations when in a second state in which the first profile part is slidable in the second profile part for adjustment of a length of the profile.

Since the first profile part is slidable or retractable in the second profile part, a very flexible vacuum cleaner is advantageously achieved. 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 advantageous is that a user-friendly locking mechanism is provided where the user straightforwardly operates the locking mechanism to be set in a first state to achieve the profile locking and in a second state to release the locking for adjustment of a length of the profile. In an embodiment, the at least one locking element is configured to be moved in an outwards radial direction through an opening in the first profile part and into engagement with one of the indentations by an activator operatively connected to a control mechanism (e.g. a button) comprised in the handle when a user operates the control mechanism to assume a first position. The at least one locking element is further configured to be moved in an inwards radial direction out of engagement with the indentation by the activator when the user operates the control mechanism to assume a second position. Advantageously, the user operates the control mechanism on the handle of the vacuum cleaner to release the profile locking in order to adjust the length of the profile.

In a further embodiment, the activator is arranged inside an enclosed section of the first profile part and is operatively connected to the control mechanism via a pulling member (e.g. a wire) arranged to extend from the control mechanism along an interior of the first profile part and being arranged to be attached to the activator via an opening in the enclosed section. The pulling member is configured to pull the activator in an upstream direction causing the locking element to move out of engagement with the indentation by radially moving into a cavity of the activator. Advantageously, very little force needs to be applied by the user onto the control mechanism to lock/unlock the profile.

In still a further embodiment, the enclosed section of the first profile part is arranged with a spring configured to abut a wall of the enclosed section in which the section opening is arranged. Hence, when the user operates the control mechanism to assume the first position, the pulling force applied by the pulling member to the activator in the upstream direction is released. As a result, the spring pushes the activator in a downstream direction where the activator is configured to move the locking element radially out of the cavity and into engagement with one of the indentations.

In another embodiment, the enclosed section comprises a distal wall arranged opposite to the wall in which the section opening is arranged. The activator is pushed by the spring to abut the distal wall when the pulling force applied by the pulling member is released. In an embodiment, the second profile part comprises spaced apart indentations on opposite sides of its interior, and the first profile part comprising two locking elements where one of the two locking elements moves into engagement with one of the indentations on one side of the second profile part, while the other one of the two locking elements moves into engagement with a corresponding indentation on the opposite side.

The locking function could be achieved with a single locking element, but the locking function would advantageously be more robust using two oppositely arranged locking elements.

In an embodiment, the indentations do not form an integral part with the second profile part, but are advantageously arranged in a separate module configured to be attached to the inside of the second profile part. The separate module may be manufactured from a plastic material and attached to the inside of the second profile part by means of an appropriate adhesive such as glue.

A number of different shapes may be envisaged for the locking element, for instance spherical, oval or cylindrical shapes.

The object of the invention is further attained in a second aspect of the invention 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, and a profile arrangement comprising a first profile end for attachment of a nozzle, a profile handle end for attachment of a handle and a profile extending between the first profile end and the profile handle end, and an airflow channel extending from the first profile end to the housing air outlet via the housing air inlet, for allowing an airflow from the first profile end to the housing air outlet, the profile arrangement comprising a first profile part and a second profile part, the second profile part is arranged to at least partly enclose the first profile part and that the housing is arranged to be moveably attached to the profile, such that the housing is moveable along at least a part of the length of the profile. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a member having spaced apart indentations arranged along the length of its interior, the member being arranged parallel with, and on a distance from, the second profile part and further being arranged to be connected to the second profile part at an end of the second profile part, which connection enables movement of the member along with the second profile part, the first profile part further being arranged in a space between the second profile part and the member, and that the first profile part comprises at least one locking element arranged at an end of the first profile part being distal from the profile handle end on an interior side of the member having the indentations. The at least one locking element is configured to engage with one of the indentations when in a first state and being configured to disengage with the indentations when in a second state in which the first profile part is slidable in the space between the second profile part and the member for adjustment of a length of the profile.

Again, the first profile part is slidable or retractable in the second profile part, and a very flexible vacuum cleaner is thus advantageously achieved. 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 advantageous is that a user-friendly locking mechanism is provided where the user straightforwardly operates the locking mechanism to be set in a first state to achieve the profile locking and in a second state to release the locking for adjustment of a length of the profile.

In contrast to the vacuum cleaner of the first aspect, in the cleaner according to the second aspect, the indentations are arranged on an interior side of the first profile part, and the locking elements will thus not move in and out through openings in the first profile part.

In an embodiment, the at least one locking element is configured to be moved in an outwards radial direction through an opening in the first profile part and into engagement with one of the indentations by an activator operatively connected to a control mechanism (e.g. a button) comprised in the handle when a user operates the control mechanism to assume a first position. The at least one locking element is further configured to be moved in an inwards radial direction out of engagement with the indentation by the activator when the user operates the control mechanism to assume a second position. Advantageously, the user operates the control mechanism on the handle of the vacuum cleaner to release the profile locking in order to adjust the length of the profile. In a further embodiment, the activator is arranged inside an enclosed section of the first profile part and is operatively connected to the control mechanism via a pulling member (e.g. a wire) arranged to extend from the control mechanism along an interior of the first profile part and being arranged to be attached to the activator via an opening in the enclosed section. The pulling member is configured to pull the activator in an upstream direction causing the locking element to move out of engagement with the indentation by radially moving into a cavity of the activator. Advantageously, very little force needs to be applied by the user onto the control mechanism to lock/unlock the profile.

In still a further embodiment, the enclosed section of the first profile part is arranged with a spring configured to abut a wall of the enclosed section in which the section opening is arranged. Hence, when the user operates the control mechanism to assume the first position, the pulling force applied by the pulling member to the activator in the upstream direction is released. As a result, the spring pushes the activator in a downstream direction where the activator is configured to move the locking element radially out of the cavity and into engagement with one of the indentations.

In another embodiment, the enclosed section comprises a distal wall arranged opposite to the wall in which the section opening is arranged. The activator is pushed by the spring to abut the distal wall when the pulling force applied by the pulling member is released.

In an embodiment, the second profile part comprises a respective member with spaced apart indentations on opposite sides of its interior and the first profile part comprises two locking elements where one of the two locking elements moves into engagement with one of the indentations on one side of the second profile part, while the other one of the two locking elements moves into engagement with a corresponding indentation on the opposite side.

The locking function could be achieved with a single locking element, but the locking function would advantageously be more robust using two oppositely arranged locking elements. Again, a number of different shapes may be envisaged for the locking element, for instance spherical, oval or cylindrical shapes.

The object of the invention is further attained in a third aspect of the invention 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, and a profile arrangement comprising a first profile end for attachment of a nozzle, a profile handle end for attachment of a handle and a profile extending between the first profile end and the profile handle end, and an airflow channel extending from the first profile end to the housing air outlet via the housing air inlet, for allowing an airflow from the first profile end to the housing air outlet, the profile arrangement comprising a first profile part and a second profile part, the second profile part is arranged to at least partly enclose the first profile part and that the housing is arranged to be moveably attached to the profile, such that the housing is moveable along at least a part of the length of the profile. The handle comprises a control mechanism for control of motor fan unit effect and in that the vacuum cleaner further comprises a spiral cable extending inside the first profile part and being connected in one end to the control mechanism and in another end to the motor fan unit for transporting control signals from the control mechanism to the motor fan unit.

Advantageously, when the length of the profile is adjusted, the spiral cable adapts to the adjustment by expanding or collapsing inside the first profile part.

The object of the invention is further attained in a fourth aspect of the invention 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, and a profile arrangement comprising a first profile end for attachment of a nozzle, a profile handle end for attachment of a handle and a profile extending between the first profile end and the profile handle end, and an airflow channel extending from the first profile end to the housing air outlet via the housing air inlet, for allowing an airflow from the first profile end to the housing air outlet, the profile arrangement comprising a first profile part and a second profile part, the second profile part is arranged to at least partly enclose the first profile part and that the housing is arranged to be moveably attached to the profile, such that the housing is moveable along at least a part of the length of the profile. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a spiral cable extending inside the second profile part and being connected in one end to the nozzle and in another end to the motor fan unit for transporting power and control signals from the motor fan unit to the nozzle.

As with the spiral cable of the third aspect, when the length of the profile is adjusted, the spiral cable of the fourth aspect advantageously adapts to the adjustment by expanding or collapsing inside the second profile part.

The power and control signals transported via the spiral cable of the fourth aspect may be configured to control nozzle functions including one or more of nozzle lights and brush roller rotation.

Hence, the user is capable of controlling not only the motor fan unit effect via the spiral cable of the third aspect by operating the control mechanism but further - via the motor fan unit 12 and the spiral cable of the fourth aspect - the nozzle functions.

The object of the invention is further attained in a fifth aspect of the invention 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, and a profile arrangement comprising a first profile end for attachment of a nozzle, a profile handle end for attachment of a handle and a profile extending between the first profile end and the profile handle end, and an airflow channel extending from the first profile end to the housing air outlet via the housing air inlet, for allowing an airflow from the first profile end to the housing air outlet, the profile arrangement comprising a first profile part and a second profile part, the second profile part is arranged to at least partly enclose the first profile part and that the housing is arranged to be moveably attached to the profile, such that the housing is moveable along at least a part of the length of the profile. The vacuum cleaner further comprises an extendable hose arranged inside the second profile part with a first end at the first profile end and a second end operatively connected to the housing air inlet, the extendable hose being configured to be extended out of the second profile part by a user.

With the extendable hose, the reach of the vacuum cleaner is advantageously increased, and this vacuum cleaner set-up may be suitable e.g. for vacuum cleaning of tables, shelfs and similar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of embodiments herein, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art vacuum cleaner, in which embodiments may be implemented, with the housing in a first position,

Fig. 2 illustrates the Fig. 1 vacuum cleaner with the housing in a second position,

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 when retracted,

Fig. 4 illustrates the Fig 3. vacuum cleaner when extracted and with the housing in the second position,

Fig. 5 illustrates the Fig. 4 vacuum cleaner with the housing in the first position,

Fig. 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate a locking arrangement for locking a first profile part and a second profile part relatively each other according to an embodiment,

Fig. 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a locking arrangement for locking a first profile part and a second profile part relatively each other according to another embodiment,

Fig. 8 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment when retracted,

Fig. 9 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment,

Fig. 10 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment comprising an extendable hose,

Fig. 1 1 illustrates a cross section of the Fig. 4 vacuum cleaner, further comprising a first and second spiral cable according to embodiments, Fig. 12 illustrates a cross section of the Fig. 5 vacuum cleaner, further comprising a first and second spiral cable according to embodiments,

Fig. 13 illustrates a cross section of the Fig. 6 vacuum cleaner, further comprising a first and second spiral cable according to embodiments,

Fig. 14 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment with a handle in a folded position,

Fig. 15 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to a further embodiment with the handle in a semi-folded position, and

Fig. 16 illustrates a vacuum cleaner system and a vacuum cleaner according to yet another embodiment with the handle in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments herein will now be described more fully with reference to the

accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a vacuum cleaner 1 in which aspects of the invention may be implemented. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the vacuum cleaner 1 is illustrated in perspective view.

The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a housing 10. The housing 10 may be made as a hollow body or structure for housing some parts of the vacuum cleaner 1. The housing 10 may comprise a motor fan unit for generating an airflow. A schematic airflow and a schematic motor fan unit are illustrated in Figs. 1 1 -13. The housing 10 also comprises a housing air outlet 11 and a housing air inlet, also illustrated in Figs. 1 1 -13.

The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises a profile arrangement 20. The profile arrangement 20 comprises a first profile end 21 , a profile grip portion 22 and a profile 23 extending between the first profile end 21 and the profile grip portion 22.The profile arrangement 20 comprises at least one opening 25 for allowing an airflow from the first profile end 21 to the housing air inlet. The profile arrangement 20 may also be referred to as an open profile arrangement, an elongated profile arrangement or the like. The profile 23 may also be referred to as an open profile, an elongated profile or the like. The opening 25 can for example be a slit shaped opening, 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.

The profile arrangement 20 comprises the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b. The second profile part 23b is arranged to at least partly enclose the first profile part 23a. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 the second profile part 23b is illustrated closest to a nozzle 40 of the vacuum cleaner 1. Alternatively, the first profile part 23a is closest to the nozzle 40. In other words, a profile part with a larger dimension, into which the other profile part may be slid, can selectively be arranged at an upper or lower position. The first profile part 23a is slidable or retractable into the second profile part 23b for adjustment of a length of the profile 23. The first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b together form a telescopic profile 23.

In the prior art vacuum cleaner 1 , the profile arrangement 20 may comprise a lock 24 or similar for locking the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b relatively each other.

A handle 50 is attached to the profile grip portion 22. The handle 50 may optionally comprise a control mechanism 51 , such as a push button, for control of at least one of a fan effect, a nozzle function or any other vacuum cleaner function which may need to be adjustable.

The vacuum cleaner illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises opening cover means 26. The opening cover means 26 are arranged to allow an airflow to a section of the opening 25 where the housing 10 with its air inlet is positioned and to close off the remaining sections of the opening 25. The opening cover means 26 can comprise and close off sections of the opening 25. Alternatively the opening cover means 26 comprises a flexible cover strip. Such flexible cover strip may be designed with the same working principle as an extendable / retractable measure tape and may comprise one or two parts. The opening cover means 26 may comprise of one or more elastic sealing elements for selectively closing off the opening 25. The opening cover means 26 may also comprise a zipper arrangement or the like for selectively closing off the opening. The opening cover means 26 may also/alternatively comprise one or more lids, as illustrated in Fig. 16.

The housing 10 is arranged to be attached to the profile 23 at different positions of the first profile part 23a and/or the second profile part 23b along the length of the profile 23. In Fig. 1 the housing 10 is arranged in a first position A and in Fig. 2 the housing is arranged in a second position B. Since the first position is most far from the nozzle it may sometimes be referred to as an upper position and the second position may sometimes be referred to as a lower position when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in a standup position.

It is understood that the housing 10 can be arranged in a number of different positions along the length of the profile 23. The first position A and the second position B may serve as examples of housing positions. The housing 10 may be arranged in e.g. 2-6 distinct positions along the length of the profile 23. The housing 10 may be arranged to be freely slidable and to be attachable at any position along the length of the profile 23. The housing may be fixed in a selected position by a latch of any kind and released when the latch is opened.

In Fig. 3 the vacuum cleaner 1 is retracted and the first profile part 23a is to a high extent enclosed by the second profile part 23b. The handle 50 is in a folded position. This vacuum cleaner set-up may be suitable e.g. for vacuum cleaning of staircases.

In Fig. 4 the vacuum cleaner 1 is extracted and only a small part of the first profile part 23a is enclosed by the second profile part 23b. The handle 50 is in an open position. The housing 10 is in a lower or second position B. This vacuum cleaner set-up may be suitable e.g. during vacuum cleaning of floors when a relatively low point of gravity may be preferred.

In Fig. 5 the vacuum cleaner 1 is extracted and only a small part of the first profile part 23a is enclosed by the second profile part 23b. The handle 50 is in an open position. The housing 10 is in an upper or first position A. This vacuum cleaner set-up may be suitable e.g. during vacuum cleaning in situations where the nozzle 40 is higher up than the housing 10, such as when walls, high shelfs or ceilings are vacuum cleaned. Since the housing 10 is in the second position B, it will be relatively low when the vacuum cleaner has the nozzle 40 upwards. Thus, a relatively low point of gravity is achieved also during these vacuum cleaning operations. Further, this vacuum cleaner set-up may be advantageous for vacuum cleaning under low furniture’s such as beds, sofas and the like. Since the housing 10 is in the first position A the nozzle 40 may reach far under a bed without being hindered by the housing 10.

Fig. 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate an embodiment of the invention where the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a locking arrangement for locking the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b relatively each other. With the locking arrangement of the invention, there is advantageously no need to equip the vacuum cleaner with the lock 24.

As can be seen in Fig. 6a and 6b, the second profile part 23b comprises spaced apart indentations 80 arranged along the length of its interior; while the first profile part 23a comprises at least one locking element 81 arranged at the an end of the first profile part 23a being distal from the profile handle end 22, i.e. at the end of the first profile part 23a facing the nozzle 40.

The locking element 81 is configured to engage with one of the indentations 80 when in a first state (Fig. 6a), and to disengage with the indentation when in a second state (Fig. 6b).

Fig. 6a and 6b shows the second profile part 23b comprising spaced apart indentations 80 on opposite sides of its interior, and the first profile part 23a comprising two locking elements 81 where one of the two locking elements moves into engagement with one of the indentations 80 on one side of the second profile part 23b, while the other one of the two locking elements moves into engagement with a corresponding indentation on the opposite side. The locking function could be achieved with a single locking element 81 , but the locking function would advantageously be more robust using two oppositely arranged locking elements 81 as shown in Fig. 6a and 6b.

Thus, in the first state illustrated in Fig. 6a, the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b are advantageously locked relatively each other, while in the second state illustrated in Fig. 6b, the first profile part 23a is advantageously slidable in the second profile part 23b for adjustment of the length of the profile 23.

In an embodiment, the indentations 80 do not form an integral part with the second profile part 23b, but are advantageously arranged in a separate module configured to be attached to the inside of the second profile part 23b. The separate module may be manufactured from a plastic material and attached to the inside of the second profile part 23b by means of an appropriate adhesive such as glue.

A number of different shapes may be envisaged for the locking element 81 , for instance spherical, oval or cylindrical shapes.

With reference to Fig. 6a, in an embodiment the two locking elements 81 are configured to be moved in an outwards radial direction through an opening in the first profile part 23a and into engagement with a respective one of the indentations 80 by an activator 82 operatively connected to the control mechanism 51 arranged in the handle 50, when a user operates the control mechanism 51 to assume a first position.

For instance, the control mechanism may be embodied in the form of a button being slidable from the first position to a second position.

Conversely, with reference to Fig. 6b, the two locking elements 81 are further configured to be moved in an inwards radial direction into a cavity 85, and thus out of engagement with the indentations 80, by the activator 82 moving when the user operates the control mechanism 51 to assume the second position.

In a further embodiment, the activator 82 is arranged inside an enclosed section 83 of the first profile part 23a. As is illustrated in Fig. 6a and 6b, the activator 82 is operatively connected to the control mechanism 51 via a pulling member 84, for instance a wire, arranged to extend from the control mechanism 51 along an interior of the first profile part 23a.

The pulling member 84 is attached to the activator 82 via an opening 88 in the enclosed section 83, and is configured to pull the activator 82 in an upstream direction causing the two locking elements 81 to move out of engagement with the respective indentation 80 by radially moving into the cavity 85 of the activator 82.

In a further embodiment, the enclosed section 83 of the first profile part 23a is arranged with a spring 86 configured to abut a wall 87 of the enclosed section 83 in which the section opening 88 is arranged.

Hence, when the user operates the control mechanism 51 to assume the first position, the pulling force applied by the pulling member 84 to the activator 82 in the upstream direction is released. As a consequence, the spring 86 pushes the activator 82 in a downstream direction, and the activator 82 is configured to move the two locking elements 81 radially out of the cavity 85 and into engagement with the indentations 80.

In the illustration of Fig. 6a and 6b, the enclosed section 83 comprises a distal wall 89 arranged opposite to the wall 87 in which the section opening 88 is arranged. The activator 82 is pushed by the spring 86 to abut the distal wall 89 when the pulling force applied by the pulling member 84 is released.

Fig, 6c illustrates the location of enclosed section 83 - i.e. at the end of the first profile part 23a facing the nozzle - of the first profile part 23a comprising the activator 82 for controlling movement of the locking elements 81 moving in/out of an opening in the first profile part 23a and thus out of/into engagement with the indentations (not shown in Fig. 6c),

Fig. 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a further embodiment of the invention where the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a locking arrangement for locking the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b relatively each other. With the locking arrangement of the invention, there is advantageously no need to equip the vacuum cleaner with the lock 24.

As can be seen in Fig. 7a and 7b, the vacuum cleaner comprises a member 100 having spaced apart indentations 80 arranged along the length of its interior. The member 100 is arranged parallel with, and on a distance from, the second profile part 23b and is further being arranged to be connected 101 to the second profile part 23b at an end of the second profile part.

Hence, with the connection 101 to the second profile part 23b, the member 100 will move with the second profile part 23b.

As shown in Fig. 7a and 7b, the first profile part 23a is slidably arranged in a space between the second profile part 23b and the member 100 having the indentations 80. Again, the first profile part 23a comprises at least one locking element arranged at an end of the first profile part 23a being distal from the profile handle end 22, i.e. at the end of the first profile part 23a facing the nozzle 40.

In contrast to the embodiment described with reference to Fig.6a-c, the indentations 80 are arranged on an interior side of the first profile part 23a, and the locking elements 81 will thus not move in and out through openings in the first profile part 23a.

Similar to the embodiment described with reference to Fig. 6a-c, the locking element 81 is configured to engage with one of the indentations 80 when in a first state (Fig. 7a), and to disengage with the indentation when in a second state (Fig. 7b).

Fig. 7a and 7b show the member 100 being arranged with spaced apart indentations 80 on opposite sides along the interior of the first profile art 23a, and the first profile part 23a comprises two locking elements 81 , where one of the two locking elements moves into engagement with one of the indentations 80 on one side of the second profile part 23b, while the other one of the two locking elements moves into engagement with a corresponding indentation on the opposite side. The locking function could be achieved with a single locking element 81 , but the locking function would advantageously be more robust using two oppositely arranged locking elements 81 as shown in Fig. 7a and 7b.

Thus, in the first state illustrated in Fig. 7a, the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b are advantageously locked relatively each other, while in the second state illustrated in Fig. 7b, the first profile part 23a is advantageously slidable in the space between the second profile part 23b and the member 100 for adjustment of the length of the profile 23.

Again, a number of different shapes may be envisaged for the locking element 81 , for instance spherical, oval or cylindrical shapes.

With reference to Fig. 7a, in an embodiment the two locking elements 81 are configured to be moved in an outwards radial direction into engagement with a respective one of the indentations 80 by an activator 82 operatively connected to the control mechanism 51 arranged in the handle 50, when a user operates the control mechanism 51 to assume a first position.

For instance, the control mechanism may be embodied in the form of a button being slidable from the first position to a second position.

Conversely, with reference to Fig. 7b, the two locking elements 81 are further configured to be moved in an inwards radial direction into a cavity 85, and thus out of engagement with the indentations 80, by the activator 82 moving when the user operates the control mechanism 51 to assume the second position.

In an embodiment, the activator 82 is arranged inside an enclosed section 83 of the first profile part 23a. As is illustrated in Fig. 7a and 7b, the activator 82 is operatively connected to the control mechanism 51 via a pulling member 84, for instance a wire, arranged to extend from the control mechanism 51 along an interior of the first profile part 23a. The pulling member 84 is attached to the activator 82 via an opening 88 in the enclosed section 83, and is configured to pull the activator 82 in an upstream direction causing the two locking elements 81 to move out of engagement with the respective indentation 80 by radially moving into the cavity 85 of the activator 82.

In a further embodiment, the enclosed section 83 of the first profile part 23a is arranged with a spring 86 configured to abut a wall 87 of the enclosed section 83 in which the section opening 88 is arranged.

Hence, when the user operates the control mechanism 51 to assume the first position, the pulling force applied by the pulling member 84 to the activator 82 in the upstream direction is released. As a consequence, the spring 86 pushes the activator 82 in a downstream direction, and the activator 82 is configured to move the two locking elements 81 radially out of the cavity 85 and into engagement with the indentations 80.

In the illustration of Fig. 7a and 7b, the enclosed section 83 comprises a distal wall 89 arranged opposite to the wall 87 in which the section opening 88 is arranged. The activator 82 is pushed by the spring 86 to abut the distal wall 89 when the pulling force applied by the pulling member 84 is released.

Fig, 7c illustrates the location of enclosed section 83 - , i.e. at the end of the first profile part 23a facing the nozzle - of the first profile part 23a comprising the activator 82 for controlling movement of the locking elements (not shown in Fig. 8c), In contrast to the embodiment described with reference to Fig. 6c, the enclosed section 83 does not extend over the full width of the interior of the first profile part 23a, since the member having the indentations (not shown) is fitted between the enclosed section 83 and each of the inner walls of the first profile part 23a.

Fig. 8 illustrates the vacuum cleaner 1 with only a small type of nozzle attached. The vacuum cleaner 1 is retracted and the first profile part 23a is to a high extent enclosed by the second profile part 23b. The handle 50 is in a folded position. This vacuum cleaner set-up may be suitable e.g. for vacuum cleaning of tables, shelfs and similar. In Fig. 9 the vacuum cleaner 1 is extracted and only a small part of the first profile part 23a is enclosed by the second profile part 23b. The handle 50 is in a closed position.

The housing 10 is in the first position A. This vacuum cleaner set-up may be suitable e.g. during vacuum cleaning in situations where the first profile end 21 is higher up than the housing 10, such as when walls, high shelfs or ceilings are vacuum cleaned. Since the housing 10 is in the first position A, it will be relatively low when the vacuum cleaner has the first profile end 21 upwards. Thus, a relatively low point of gravity is achieved also during these vacuum cleaning operations.

Fig. 10 illustrates the vacuum cleaner 1 with a combined nozzle and an extendable hose 35 according to an embodiment attached. The vacuum cleaner 1 is retracted and the first profile part 23a is to a high extent enclosed by the second profile part 23b. The handle 50 is in a folded position. This vacuum cleaner set-up may be suitable e.g. for vacuum cleaning of tables, shelfs and similar. With the extendable hose 35, the reach of the vacuum cleaner 1 is advantageously increased. It is noted that the hose 35 both is extendable in a longitudinal direction and flexible in a radial direction.

In Fig. 11 , Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 schematic cross sections of the vacuum cleaner 1 are illustrated. The housing 10 may comprise a motor fan unit 12, one or more filters 13 and a housing air inlet 14. The housing 10 may also comprise a bag, dust separation chamber or dust collector 19. The motor fan unit is capable of building up an under pressure, thereby causing an airflow 60 to flow from an air inlet 61 at the nozzle 40 to the housing air outlet 1 1 via the housing air inlet 14. Fig. 1 1 is a schematic cross section of the vacuum cleaner set-up illustrated in Fig. 4 with the housing 10, the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b. Fig. 12 is a schematic cross section of the vacuum cleaner set-up illustrated in Fig. 5 with the housing 10, the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b. Fig. 13 is a schematic cross section of the vacuum cleaner set up illustrated in Fig. 6 with the housing 10, the first profile part 23a and the second profile part 23b.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 1 -13 the extendable hose 35 is illustrated, as previously described with reference to Fig. 10. The extendable hose 35 can be arranged within the profile with a first end 36 in the first profile end and a second end 37

operatively connected to the opening 25 of the profile 23 and to the housing air inlet 14. Further illustrated in Fig. 1 1 -13 is a first spiral cable 90 according to an embodiment, which extends inside the first profile part 23a and is connected in one end to the control mechanism 51 and in another end to the motor fan unit 12.

The control mechanism 51 may be embodied in the form of a button slidable between two or more positions, and is advantageously configured to control motor fan unit effect via the first spiral cable 90. As is shown in Fig. 1 1 -13, when the length of the profile 23 is adjusted, the first spiral cable 90 advantageously adapts to the adjustment by expanding or collapsing inside the first profile part 23a.

Moreover, in a further embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a second spiral cable 91 which extends inside the second profile part 23b and is connected in one end to the nozzle 40 and in another end to the motor fan unit 12 for transporting power and control signals from the motor fan unit 12 to the nozzle 40. As with the first spiral cable 90, when the length of the profile 23 is adjusted, the second spiral cable 91

advantageously adapts to the adjustment by expanding or collapsing inside the second profile part 23b.

The power and control signals transported via the second spiral cable 91 may be configured to control nozzle functions including one or more of nozzle lights and brush roller rotation.

Hence, the user is capable of controlling not only the motor fan unit effect via the first spiral cable 90 by operating the control mechanism 51 but further - via the motor fan unit 12 and the second spiral cable 91 - the nozzle functions.

Fig. 14 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner 1 with the handle 50 in a folded position. Fig. 15 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner 1 with the handle 50 in a semi-folded position and in Fig. 16 the vacuum cleaner 1 has the handle 50 in the open position. As can be seen, the control mechanism 51 for control of at least one of a fan effect, a nozzle function or any other vacuum cleaner function which may need to be adjustable may be arranged at different locations on the handle 50. In Fig. 16 a vacuum cleaner system 70 with a chargeable battery 71 and a docking station 72 are illustrated. The docking station 72 is capable to charge the battery 71 of the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiment the vacuum cleaner 1 may be powered via an electric cable instead of a battery.

The housing, profile arrangement, nozzle and handle may, at least partly, be made of plastics, metal or any other suitable material.