The type of rigid tube supplied with the vacuum cleaner.
The most popular are
telescopic tubes, extension tubes are much less common, and with some upright with handheld vacuum cleaners (see "Type"), tubes
with a hinge are supplied in the kit (they are also "bendable" or "flex"). Here is a more detailed description of each option:
— Telescopic tube. Non-separable tube folded telescopically — by inserting one section into another. This option is the most convenient from the user's point of view. Firstly, such accessories are easy to unfold and fold — just press or slide the release key and pull or push the halves in the right direction. Secondly, many telescopic tubes are equipped with a mechanism that allows the structure to be unfolded incompletely. Thanks to this, you can adjust the length during the cleaning process (for example, reduce it to work in cramped conditions). Thirdly, the individual parts of such a tube can't be lost, which simplifies storage. The main disadvantage of this option is considered to be somewhat lower strength and reliability than that of extension tubes. However, this difference is noticeable only at high loads. Thus, telescopic tubes are very popular in conventional vacuum cleaners (see "Type"), but they are found in other types, including industrial (construction). The “telescope” cannot be found in only three types of vacuum cleaners: in robots (they
...do not use tubes), as well as, in industrial handheld units and fireplace models — they most often work only with a hose.
— Extension tubes. A tube consists of several parts connected during operation and disassembled for storage/transportation. Such designs are somewhat less convenient to use than telescopic ones, but they endure high loads much better and last longer. Thus, extension tubes are rarely used in conventional vacuum cleaners, but they are popular in professional units — industrial, workshop, etc.
— Bendable tube. A tube has a hinge in the middle and can bend at an upward angle. It is a rather specific option, used in some vacuum cleaners of the "upright with handheld" type. This design makes it much easier to clean with such a vacuum cleaner under sofas, beds, tables, etc. By bending the tube, you can effectively treat such places without lowering the vacuum cleaner body to the floor. On the other hand, the hinge significantly complicates the design and increases its cost, and far from all users, these disadvantages are outweighed by the mentioned ease of use. That is why this type of pipe is extremely rare.
