(57) An upstream-side hose 11 is in the contracted state when in the natural length and
can be stretched by an external force, and, at least when in the contracted state,
can be accommodated in an extension pipe unit 6. The upstream part of the upstream-side
hose 11 is connected to the downstream part of the extension pipe unit 6. A downstream-side
hose 12, of which the contractive property when exposed to a negative pressure from
a motor fan is smaller than that of the upstream-side hose 11, is connected to the
downstream part of the upstream-side hose 11. A securing means 33 that is capable
of maintaining the upstream-side hose 11 in the extended state is provided. When cleaning
is performed, the securing means 33 maintains the upstream-side hose 11 in the extended
state. Ease of cleaning is facilitated by preventing contraction of the upstream-side
hose 11 due to negative pressure from the motor fan 2 or other force during cleaning.
When stowing away the vacuum cleaner, the entire length of the pipe assembly 4 can
be minimized by stowing the upstream-side hose 11 in the contracted state in the extension
pipe unit 6, enabling the vacuum cleaner to be stowed easily and neatly.
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