EP0248695B1 - Vacuum cleaner nozzle with thread catching bristles - Google Patents

Abstract

The suction head comprises a housing (1) provided with a suction tube (2) and closed by a bottom sole plate (4) which has at least two longitudinal channels in the form of grooves communicating with the tube via at least one window (14). According to the invention, at least one removable blade (19) carrying a thread-pickup cloth (20) having oriented fibers is suitable for being received in one of the channels and for at least partially obstructing a window, with the fibers being directed towards the window which is left unobstructed.

Description

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle with at least two longitudinal suction channels.

Such a nozzle is operated by the applicant and described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawing. This OLIVIER nozzle has a plastic casing 1, on top of which is mounted a pivoting suction pipe 2, which opens into a well 3 molded with the casing.

A metal soleplate 4 is fixed under this housing by means of screws 5 and defines therewith a slot 6 through which a retractable peripheral brush 7 can project.

In the sole, two longitudinal channels 8 and 9 are hollowed out, separated by a bead 10 which does not, however, quite reach the sliding surface of said sole so that a small leak can occur between the two channels.

The anterior channel 8 is substantially rectilinear, but its section decreases from the middle zone where a window 11 is provided, towards the ends where it opens out on the sides by passages 12 and 13. On the other hand, the posterior channel 9 is shaped as an arc trapezoidal plane in the middle core of which is formed a window 14, its branches 15, 16 diverging forward and being closed at their free ends.

The windows 11 and 14 separated by the bead 10 open into the well 3 of the housing 1 and then communicate with the pivoting tube 2, which makes it possible to establish under the nozzle by the channels 8 and 9 a suction suitable for normal cleaning.

Furthermore, narrow wire strippers 17 and 18 are fixed permanently, for example by gluing, in recesses formed in hollow on a part of the length of the sole 4, in anterior and posterior margins. These plates are covered by a fabric with oriented fibers and they are positioned so that said fibers are directed towards the windows 11 and 14.

Another nozzle of this type is the subject of German patent application WESSEL No. 2,220,815. Only the elements of the sole which distinguish the nozzle WESSEL from the nozzle OLIVIER are described below with reference to FIG. 5 of the attached drawing. The sole 24 has two longitudinal channels 25 and 26 substantially rectilinear separated by two bead elements 30 between which is formed a passage 31 whose upper horizontal wall is located substantially at the same level as that of the channels. A window 32 is provided in this sole and extends across the anterior channel 26 as far as the passage 31, just reaching the posterior channel 25.

These known squeegees do not make it possible to tear from a carpet, a carpet ... the fibrous products such as pile, son ... which can be hung there in relatively large quantity after sewing work or when 'a dog or other furry animal has stayed in the room and vacuumed them.

However, the German patent application SCHWAB n ° 2 100 465 describes a household material to tear off carpets, rugs, or other, the son, the hairs ... which are hung there and swallow them. This equipment can be a mechanical broom with one or two rotating brushes or a vacuum cleaner nozzle. The broom or nozzle is equipped under its sliding surface with two upholstery covered with the aforementioned oriented fiber fabric. These padding are arranged along the reception openings; in the case of a brush with a brush, the padding is located on either side of the longitudinal opening through which this brush intervenes; in the case of a brush with two brushes, the padding is placed between the longitudinal intervention openings of said brushes; in the case of a suction nozzle, the upholstery is arranged on either side of the very deep longitudinal opening which is connected to the suction pipe. In all cases, the inclined fibers of one of the upholstery are directed towards the front and those of the other upholstery towards the rear, the location of said upholstery being such that said fibers are at the same time directed towards the 'common opening or both openings.

A SCHWAB suction nozzle thus equipped has already been used commercially, which has made it possible to highlight its advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage of this material lies in its effectiveness in extracting the threads and hairs from carpets, which the aforementioned known nozzles do not allow as much.

However, a first drawback of the SCHWAB material lies in the abnormal wear of the carpets if the use is prolonged, as well as in the poor aspiration of the torn wires or hairs and of the dust incorporated in these carpets. Therefore, it is necessary to have both SCHWAB equipment and a known nozzle of the aforementioned type, the former being used rarely only to carry out the extraction of threads and hair, when they are in relatively large quantity, outside carpets, rugs or the like, while the second is used to remove dust from all floors including carpets.

A second drawback of the SCHWAB nozzle is that it resists movement too strongly, so that its operation is tiring and painful, which can lead users to give up their use. Moreover, demonstrators are well aware of this drawback and to remedy it, they place the mat to be treated in height so that the handle of the material is less inclined than in normal use, which considerably facilitates the maneuver.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by improving a known nozzle of the aforementioned type or of another type reproducing its characteristics. It is simply necessary that the sole has at least two longitudinal suction channels communicating with the suction pipe by at least two openings constituted by two horizontal windows or at least one horizontal window and a vertical passage.

According to the invention, at least one removable blade carrying a fiber-pulling fabric oriented is intended, when the squeegee is used as a suction puller, to be housed in the suction channel or channels selected from those presented by the sole, partially closing at least the corresponding opening, this blade being positioned so that the fibers of the fabric are oriented towards the opening left free and point at rest substantially at the level of the sliding surface of said sole, the selected channel or channels are, when the nozzle is used only for suction, released so that the suction can spread there from at least the corresponding opening.

In a particular case, the blade or blades are removable and fixed in a removable manner, in the position of use, in the selected channel.

In another particular case, the blade or blades are retractable and connected to a rationing mechanism integrated in the nozzle and controlled by at least one external operating member, such as a pedal, a push button or the like, this mechanism moving the blade (s) between two positions and holding them in place in these two positions which are constituted by the aforementioned position of use in which the blade (s) are lowered in the channel (s) and by a non-use position in which the or the blades are raised to form the bottom of the channel or channels whose flanges seal around the said blade or blades.

When the wire stripper blade is in place, the improved nozzle of the invention extracts the wires and hairs from the carpets with remarkable efficiency, comparable to that of SCHWAB equipment. And when the wire stripper blade is removed or retracted, the improved nozzle of the invention works normally to remove dust on all floors, since in fact it corresponds to one of the aforementioned known nozzles without any modification. Standardized tests have shown that the dust removal rate is substantially the same in both cases: with or without a blade, it being understood that with the blade the hairs or the wires are also removed.

This result is remarkable and unexpected. Perhaps it is due to the "mechanical" action of the inclined fibers of the fabric on the "toupees" of the carpet. In any case, it demonstrates the effectiveness of this material according to the invention whatever its mode of use, without premature wear of the carpet.

In addition and despite this, the resistance to movement of the nozzle equipped with the blade remains within reasonable limits, so that the use of the nozzle with the blade in place causes practically no additional fatigue for the user.

In the German patent application SCHWAB 2 100 465, it is indicated that the upholstery with oriented fibers is removable for their replacement when they are worn or for their interchangeability. In another case, provision is made for one of the upholstery to be absent so that the mechanical brush with two brushes functions as a simple dust collector on this side. However, it is important to note that the removable upholstery never covers the suction or intervention opening (s) when they are in place. Consequently, there is no interference from the means used (wire puller and brushing or aspiration) and from the results obtained, as is the case in the present invention where the single blade is housed in a suction and shutter channel. partially at least one horizontal window or a vertical suction passage.

According to an important characteristic of a particular embodiment of the invention, the wire stripping blade is capable of being housed without play in the posterior channel, so that the pulling of the wires or of the hairs takes place when the crevice is pushed forward.

This blade can be shaped as a trapezoidal arc, its lateral branches diverging forwards from the middle branch intended to partially close at least the window of the corresponding channel.

Said blade can also be rectilinear and optionally provided with a positioning means so that the fibers are well directed.

According to a particular embodiment, the sole has three channels of which at least the two marginal open out into two windows respectively, the wire stripper blade being capable of being housed in the median channel.

In this embodiment, the fibers of the blade can all be directed towards the anterior channel or the posterior channel so that the pulling of the wires or hairs takes place when the squeegee is pushed forward or respectively pulled back.

In this same embodiment, the blade can also have two contiguous longitudinal strips of wire-stripping fabric, the fibers of one strip being directed towards the posterior channel and the fibers of the other strip being directed towards the anterior channel so that the squeegee pulls the wires forward and reverse.

Whatever the embodiment chosen, the blade when it is removable can be provided with a posterior extension fitted into a recess in the sole and projecting rearward to allow disassembly of said blade.

Another type of support can be used to receive the strip of wire-stripping fabric. It can be a removable cap capable of being fitted onto the housing and being clipped therein to cover at least the suction channel opposite which the wire stripper strip is located and make it substantially inoperative, this cap having at least one light facing the other channel or channels to leave them free over at least part of their extent.

Advantageously, the removable wire puller blade, whether straight or arched in the shape of a trapezoid, has at least one protruding rib intended to be fitted with soft clamping in the corresponding window to form a removable fixing. The rib can be shaped like a U and then cooperates with a flange extending from the sole which delimits the window considered.

Furthermore, whatever the embodiment chosen, the blade, when it is retractable, may be provided with balusters crossing the bottom of the corresponding channel and guided 'in translation in the sheaths of the housing, this blade cooperating, on the one hand, with at least one spring bearing on the sole to tend to push it upwards and , on the other hand, with an actuating finger integral with a sleeve mounted to rotate around the tubing and provided with two pedals located on the sides.

Various other characteristics and advantages of the invention will also emerge from the detailed description which follows.

Embodiments of the object of the invention are shown, by way of nonlimiting examples, in the accompanying drawing.

• - la figure 1 est une vue en plan de dessous montrant une première forme de réalisation d'un suceur d'aspirateur, suceur qui est destiné à être équipé d'une lame arrache-fils amovible, conforme à l'invention,
• - la figure 2 est une élévation partielle, avec arrachement pris suivant la ligne II-II de la figure 1, représentant le suceur équipé de la lame,
• - la figure 3 est une vue en plan de dessous de la lame à monter sous le suceur de la figure 1,
• - la figure 4 est une coupe transversale prise suivant la ligne IV-IV des figures 1 et 3,
• - les figures 5 à 9 sont des vues analogues à la figure 1 illustrant d'autres formes de réalisation du suceur en trait fin, ce suceur étant équipé d'une lame arrache-fils amovible représentée en trait épais,
• - la figure 10 est une vue analogue à la figure 1 faisant ressortir un perfectionnement apporté à la lame arrache-fils amovibles quels que soient la forme et l'emplacement de celle-ci,
• - la figure 11 est une coupe transversale prise suivant la ligne X-X de la figure 9,
• - la figure 12 est une vue analogue à la figure 11 concernant une sixième forme de réalisation d'un support amovible de tissu arrache-fils.
• - la figure 13 est une vue en plan de dessous montrant une septième forme de réalisation d'un suceur d'aspirateur, suceur qui est destiné à être équipé d'une lame arrache-fils escamotable, conforme à l'invention,
• - la figure 14 est une coupe brisée prise suivant la ligne XIV-XIV de la figure 13.
• - la figure 15 est une coupe prise suivant la ligne XV-XV de la figure 14.
• les figures 16 à 18 sont des vues analogues aux figures 13 à 15 respectivement illustrant une variante de réalisation.

On this drawing :

• FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view showing a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner nozzle, which is intended to be equipped with a removable wire puller blade, in accordance with the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a partial elevation, with cutaway taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, representing the nozzle equipped with the blade,
• FIG. 3 is a plan view from below of the blade to be mounted under the nozzle of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a cross section taken along the line IV-IV of FIGS. 1 and 3,
• FIGS. 5 to 9 are views similar to FIG. 1 illustrating other embodiments of the squeegee in thin lines, this squeegee being equipped with a removable wire stripper blade shown in thick line,
• FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing an improvement made to the removable wire puller blade whatever the shape and the location thereof,
• FIG. 11 is a cross section taken on line XX of FIG. 9,
• - Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 relating to a sixth embodiment of a removable support of thread-pulling fabric.
• FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view showing a seventh embodiment of a vacuum cleaner nozzle, which is intended to be fitted with a retractable wire puller blade, in accordance with the invention,
• - Figure 14 is a broken section taken along the line XIV-XIV of Figure 13.
• - Figure 15 is a section taken on the line XV-XV of Figure 14.
• Figures 16 to 18 are views similar to Figures 13 to 15 respectively illustrating an alternative embodiment.

In the first embodiment described in the foregoing with reference to Figures 1 to 4, a removable blade 19 (Figure 3) of plastic, rigid cardboard or other is shaped in correspondence with the arcuate channel 9 to get there fit together and is coated on its visible face at least with a thread-pulling fabric 20, the oriented fibers of which are directed towards the window 11.

The blade 19 covers the window 14 and for its maintenance, independently of that exerted by the suction through this window, its nesting in the channel 9 is carried out without play and even with a slight tightening. In this position where the blade fits into a channel, the fibers at rest of the fabric 20 point at substantially the same level as the sliding surface of the sole 4.

Furthermore, and as is apparent from FIGS. 2 to 4, a rib 21 can be formed projecting from the blade and clipped into the window 14.

In the example shown, the rib 21 is U-shaped and fits into a re-entrant flange 22 of the sole 4 delimiting the window 14, the flange covering the well 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the height of the rib 21 is determined so that it does not oppose the pivoting of the tube 2.

Of course, the fact that the blade 19 is arched and coated on one side only of the fabric 20 leads to taking no precaution for its positioning, because it is certain that the fibers of the fabric 20 will always be well oriented.

In addition, the disassembly of the blade 19 is very easy since it suffices to slide a thin tool, such as a knife, a screwdriver ... into the slot 23 (Figure 4) formed between this blade and the flange 22 of the window 14 contiguous to the wire puller plate 17 and to lever.

The first embodiment applies whether or not the nozzle has a brush 7 and that the tube 2 is pivotable or else fixed. The same is true for the other embodiments described in the following.

In the second embodiment described in the following with reference to FIG. 5, a wire stripping blade 29, known as rectilinear, the shape of which is symmetrical with respect to its median longitudinal axis 27 perpendicular to the direction of advance, is housed in the channel 25 and closes the vertical part of the passage 31 but not the window 32. To keep the blade 29 in the said channel in a removable manner and position it correctly so that the fibers of its fabric 20 are directed towards the window 32, this blade has two "keying pins" 33 located asymmetrically with respect to the central axis of advancement 28 of the nozzle and intended to be engaged in holes in the sole.

According to the variant illustrated in FIG. 6, the sole 24 is similar to the previous one except that the window 32 also extends across the channel 25. The sole 24 then cooperates with a wire stripper blade 39 which resembles the blade 29 according to FIG. 5, the only difference being that it has an advanced middle part 40 intended to take place in the passage 31 between the bead elements 30 and to partially close the window 32.

The retention in place of this blade 39 is obtained as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, by a rib 21 projecting from said blade and fitted as closely as possible into the window 32. The positioning is automatically ensured. Pawns 41 can however be provided to improve the fixing with or without the rib 21.

The bead elements 30 can be relatively short, which increases the length of the passage 31, and the window 32 can partly open at less in the channel 25. In this particular case, the removable blade 29 remains effective when it is mounted and the squeegee also when it is disassembled.

According to a third embodiment illustrated by FIG. 7, the nozzle comprises a sole 44 with three channels combining those of the soles 4 and 24. Thus, we find the channels 8 and 9 of the sole 4 separated by the continuous bead 10, thus that the arcuate blade 19 closing the window 14 of the channel 9 and fixed removably by means of the rib 21 centered in said window. The channel 8 resembles that of the squeegee 24 and communicates with the channel 26 through the passage 31 extending between the bead elements 30. The window 11 of the sole 4 is located in the intermediate channel 8 of the sole 44, but extends into the passage 31 as in the sole 24. The advantageous suction and pull-out effects of the two nozzles improved according to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 5 are then combined.

According to a fourth embodiment illustrated by FIG. 8, the sole 54 comprises, like the sole 44, three channels 55, 56 and 57, with the only differences that these channels are rectilinear and that the blade 59 is housed in the intermediate channel 56. The marginal channel 55 includes the window 14 and is separated from the intermediate channel 56 by the continuous bead 10. The marginal channel 57 is separated from the intermediate channel 56 by the bead elements 30 extending on either side of the passage 31, the window 32 being formed in said channel 56, the passage 31 and part of the width of the channel 57.

In this fourth embodiment, the blade 59 can be coated with a single strip of wire-stripping fabric 20a or 20b, the fibers of which are inclined respectively forward or backward to pull the wires or the hairs when the squeegee is pushed (arrow f1) or pulled (arrow f2); the blade 59 is provided with a fixing rib 21 and if the user is attentive, it can be mounted with the fabric positioned according to 20a or 20b by simple inversion with the U-shaped rib open forwards or backwards ; if the nozzle is equipped with two blades 59 with bands 20a and 20b respectively, these blades must be provided with "coding pins" 33; this arrangement is particularly advantageous for the user who can thus intervene according to his usual reflexes,

According to a fifth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the soleplate 64 comprises three rectilinear channels 65, 66 and 67 into which open suction windows 71, 72 and 73 respectively and which are separated by continuous beads 74 and 75.

A wire stripper blade 69 is mounted in the intermediate channel 66 in a removable manner by means of the rib 21 centered in the window 72.

This blade can be coated, as in the fourth embodiment, with strips 20a or 20b and optionally provided with "coding pins" 33 not shown.

Advantageously, it is provided with two contiguous longitudinal strips 68 and 70 of thread-pulling fabric, the fibers of which are oriented symmetrically in the direction of the arrows f1 and f2, so that those of the strip 68 are directed towards the window 71 and those of the strip 70 towards the window 73. Thus, the blade 59 can tear off the wires when the nozzle is moved in forward and reverse directions respectively. The torn off wires can then be swallowed in both directions by the squeegee.

Of course, this blade 69 with symmetrical bands 68, 70 can be narrower and mounted in the intermediate channel 56 of the fourth embodiment according to FIG. 8. In this case, the coding pins 33 are unnecessary.

The blades 19, 29, 39 and 59 and 69 described in the foregoing can be removed by means of a thin tool slid into the slot 23 (Figure 4).

They can also be thanks to an extension 76 of the blade. This extension is shown for the blade 19 in Figures 10 and 11. It extends in a recess 77 of the sole 4 and protrudes behind it. Thus, by pressing on said extension 76 either directly with the foot 78 or by means of the peripheral brush 79 of the squeegee that the pedal operated by the foot protrudes around the sole, the blade is disassembled.

The interlocking blade 19, 29, 39 or 69 which is intended to support a thread-pulling fabric 20, to close one of the suction channels 9, 25, 56 or 66 and to at least partially close the corresponding window 14, 32 or 72, can be replaced, as is apparent from the sixth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 by a cover 80 preferably made of molded plastic. The latter then has a flange 81 capable of being fitted onto the squeegee housing 1 and of being fixed there elastically by means of hooks 82. In this position, the bottom 83 of the cover is applied against the sole 4.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the cover 80 is adapted to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4. In this case, the bottom 83 comprises, on the one hand, a bulge 84 intended to be housed in the channel 9 of the sole and to close the window 14 and, on the other hand, a lumen 85 located opposite the channel 8. The fabric 20 with oriented fibers is fixed in an external depression of the bulge 84. Furthermore, a boss 86 protrudes rearward to allow disassembly at the foot of the cap 66.

Of course, if the sole has three channels, two of these can be filled with fabrics 20 made removable. For this purpose, the fabrics can be fixed under the cover 80 or else under blades of the aforementioned type but which are connected together by crosspieces extending above the sliding surface of the sole 4 in passages connecting the corresponding channels.

The foregoing description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, relates to squeegees fitted with blades 19, 29, 39, 59 and 69 removable wire strippers, capable of being dismantled with a tool or the foot.

It may be advantageous for the wire stripper blade to retract into the housing 1 by upward movement and constitute the bottom of the channel in which it is mounted when the nozzle is used to remove the dust (position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 15 and 18), said blade closing off said channel and substantially flush with the sliding surface of sole 94 when the nozzle is used. used to tear off and swallow the wires (position shown in phantom in said Figures 15 and 18).

Such a retractable blade 89 is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15 for a seventh embodiment of the nozzle and in FIGS. 16 to 18 for an alternative embodiment.

According to the seventh embodiment, the sole 94 of the squeegee delimits, like that of the first according to Figures 1 to 4, two channels 8 and 9 of the same shape. The anterior channel 8 opens on the sides by extreme passages 12 and 13 and communicates with the suction pipe through the window 11.

However, as in the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the channels 8 and 9 are separated from each other by bead elements 30 between which the central passage 31 is formed. This vertical passage establishes communication between the anterior canal 8 and the posterior canal 9, which is free from a horizontal window.

In this seventh embodiment, the upper wall of the posterior channel 9 is constituted by the blade 89 in the high position illustrated in solid lines in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17, 18. The depression propagates from the window 11 directly in the anterior canal 8 and, through the passage 31, into the posterior canal 9.

According to the variant embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18, the channels 8 and 9 are separated from each other by a continuous bead 10. As is clear from FIG. 18, vertical passages are constituted by lights 87 cut by the walls of the bead 10 above the edge 88 thereof; this edge is therefore not interrupted over the entire length of the squeegee and therefore completely fulfills its role of "massaging" the toupees of the carpet; despite this, the passages 87 establish communication between the anterior channel 8 and its window 11 with the posterior channel 9 when the blade 89 is raised in the high position.

Whether it is the embodiment according to FIGS. 13 to 15 or the embodiment according to FIGS. 16 to 18, the blade 89 cooperates with an actuation mechanism integrated in the nozzle and allowing this blade to be moved between the two positions above by maintaining it positively at least in the low position of wire puller.

In the example shown, the blade 89 is integral with two vertical posts 90 passing through the bottom 91 of the channel 9 of the sole 94, these posts being guided in translation above in sheaths 92 molded with the housing. The blade can therefore move parallel to itself.

The actuating mechanism comprises, for the elastic return of said blade to the high retraction position shown in solid lines, two springs 93. This blade is integral with two hollow rods 95 crossing the bottom 91 of the channel 9 and projecting at -above. Each spring 93 is threaded onto the projecting part of the corresponding rod and is interposed between this bottom 91 and a flange 96 attached to the free end of the rod in question.

The actuation mechanism comprises, for the positive actuation of said blade 89 towards the low position of wire puller shown in phantom, a finger 97 integral with a sleeve 98 mounted rotating around a geometric axis of the housing 1 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of said blade.

In this example as shown in Figures 15 and 18, the suction pipe 2 is stepped and rotatably mounted in a tubular part 99 also stepped in the housing 1 so as to provide between them a free space in which the sleeve 98 is itself mounted rotating. The part 99 of the suction pipe is immobilized in translation by an elastic ring 100 and the sleeve 98 by the finger 97 passing through a lumen 101 of said part. For the operation, said sleeve 98 is integral with pedals 102 and 103 located on the sides. When the pedal 103 is depressed and the pedal 102 protrudes (position shown in solid lines in FIG. 14 or 17), the finger 97 does not urge the blade 89 and the latter occupies the high retraction position. On the other hand, when the pedal 102 is depressed and the pedal 103 protrudes (position shown in phantom in FIG. 14 or 17), the finger 97 having requested the blade 89 to bring it down, keeps this blade in the low position d wire puller.

It may be advantageous to amplify the downward travel of the blade 89 for a normal angular pivoting amplitude of the control sleeve 98. To this end, the blade 89 is integral with an ascending cam 104 intended to cooperate with the finger actuation 97 during its pivoting.

Of course, the actuation mechanism can cooperate with two or more wire stripping blades. In addition, the retraction can be applied to embodiments in which the blade is removable.

Claims (19)

1. Suction head for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a housing (1) provided with a suction tube (2) and closed by a bottom sole plate (4; 24; 44; 54; 94) having at least two longitudinal suction channels (8, 9; 25, 26; 55, 56, 57) formed as grooves therein and communicating with said suction tube via at least two openings, such as two horizontal windows (11,14; 14, 32) opening out into the channels, or via at least one horizontal window (32) opening out into one of the channels and via a vertical passage (31) interconnecting the channels, said suction head including improvements for picking up fibrous substances such as threads, hairs, ... from mats and carpets when they are attached thereto in relatively large quantities, and the improvement making use of a thread-pickup cloth (20) having oriented fibers, the improved suction head being characterized:

- in that it comprises at least one blade (19; 29; 39, 40; 59; 69; 89) carrying said cloth (20), which is intended, when the suction head is used as a vacuum thread-pickup member, to be received in the suction channel or channels (9; 25; 56) selected from the channels provided in the sole plate (4; 24; 44; 54; 94) and to at least partially obstruct the corresponding opening (14; 32, 31; 87), said blade being positioned so that the fibers of said cloth are oriented towards the opening (11; 32) which is left free, with the tips of the fibers in their rest position being substantially level with the sliding surface of said sole plate,

- and in that the selected channel or channels (9; 25; 56) are freed so that suction can propagate therein at least from the corresponding opening (14; 32; 31; 87).

2. Suction head according to claim 1, characterized in that the blade or blades (19; 29; 39, 40; 59; 69) are removable and dismountably fixed, in operating position, in the selected channel (9; 25; 56).

3. Suction head according to claim 2, characterized in that the thread-pickup blade (19; 29; 39; 59; 69) is provided with a rearwardly directed extension (76) received in a notch (77) of the sole plate and projecting rearwardly to enable said blade to be removed.

4. Suction head according to claim 1, characterized in that the blade or blades (89) are retractable and connected to an actuator mechanism (93, 97) integrated in the suction head and controlled by at least one external operating member, such as a pedal (102, 103), a pushbutton or other, said mechanism displacing the blade or blades between two positions and maintaining them in said two positions, which are constituted by said utilization position in which the blade or blades are lowered in the channel or channels, and by a non-utilization position in which the blade or blades are raised in order to constitute the far wall of the channel or channels whose rims provide sealing around the blade or blades.

5. Suction head according to claim 4, characterized in that the blade or blades (89) are provided with columns (90) passing through the far wall (91) of the corresponding channel or channels (9) and guided in translation in sheaths (92) of the housing, said blade or blades co-operating, firstly, with at least one spring (93) bearing against the sole plate in order to urge the blade or blades upwardly, and secondly, with an actuator finger (97) integral with a sleeve (98) rotatably mounted about the suction tube (2) and provided with two pedals (102, 103) situated on the sides.

6. Suction head according to claim 5, characterized in that said actuator finger (97) cooperates with a rising cam (104) integral with the blade or blades (89).

7. Suction head according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that the thread-pickup blade (19, 29, 39) is adapted to be firmly received in the rear channel (9, 25).

8. Suction head according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that the sole plate comprises at least two channels (25, 26) one of which (26) has a horizontal window (32) and communicates with the other via a vertical passage (31; 87) established through a ridge (30; 10) separating said two channels, which passage may optionally open out into the sliding surface of the sole plate, characterized in that the thread-pickup blade (39; 89) whether this blade is removable or retractable is adapted to be housed in the channel (25) which does not have a window while obturating the passage (31; 87).

9. Suction head according to claim 8, in which the window (32) in one (26) of the channels of the sole plate extends between ridge portions (30), characterized in that the thread-pickup blade (39) has a forwardly extending middle portion (40) designed to occupy a position between said ridge portions (30) and to partially obstruct the window (32).

10. Suction head according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that its sole plate comprises three channels (55 to 57; 65 to 67) with at least the two outer channels (55, 57; 65, 67) opening out into two respective windows, (14, 32; 71, 73), the thread-pickup blade (59; 69) being adapted to be received in the middle channel (56; 66).

11. Suction head according to claim 10, characterized in that the fibers of the thread-pickup blade (59; 69) are directed towards the front channel (57; 67).

12. Suction head according to claim 10, characterized in that the fibers of the thread-pickup blade (59; 69) are directed towards the rear channel (55; 65).

13. Suction head according to claim 10, characterized in that the thread-pickup blade (59; 69) has two contiguous longitudinal strips (60, 61; 68, 70) of thread-pickup cloth, with the fibers of one strip (60; 68) being directed towards the rear channel (55; 65) and the fibers of the other strip (61; 70) being directed towards the front channel (57; 67) so that the suction head picks up the threads when moving forward and when moving backward.

14. Suction head according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that the thread-pickup blade (19) is shaped as a trapezoidal arc, with its side branches diverging forwardly from a middle branch intended to at least partially obstruct the window (14) of the corresponding channel (9).

15. Suction head according to claim 2, characterized in that the thread-pickup blade (29; 39; 59; 69) is rectilinear and optionally provided with positioning means (33; 40) to ensure that the fibers are properly oriented.

16. Suction head according to claim 2, characterized in that the blade carrying the thread-pickup cloth (19; 39; 59; 69) has at least one rib (21) projecting therefrom and designed to be received as a push-fit in the corresponding window (14; 32; 72) in order to constitute a dismountable fixing.

17. Suction head according to claim 16, characterized in that the rib (21) is U-shaped and co-operates with an inwardly directed rim (22) on the sole plate which delimits the corresponding window.

18. Suction head according to claim 15, characterized in that the positioning means (33) also constitutes a fixing means.

19. Vacuum cleaner suction head comprising a housing (1) provided with a suction tube (2) and closed by a bottom sole plate (4; 24; 44; 54; 64) having at least two longitudinal section channels (8, 9; 25; 26; 55, 56, 57; 65, 66, 67) as grooves therein and communicating with the tube via at least two openings such as via two horizontal windows, (11, 14; 14; 32; 71 to 73) opening out therein or at least one horizontal window (32) opening out in one of them and via a vertical passage (31) interconnecting them, characterized in that at least one strip (19; 29; 39; 59; 69) of thread-pickup cloth (20) having oriented fibers is integral with a removable cover (80) adapted to be received over the housing (1) and to be snap-fastened thereto in order to cover at least the suction channel (9; 25; 56; 66) level with the thread-pickup strip and to make said channel substantially inoperative, said cover having at least one slot (85) level with the other channel or channels (8; 26; 55, 57; 65, 67) in order to leave them free over at least a portion of their extent.

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