Suction device for a domestic vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The suction device (9) includes a main housing (12) delimiting an internal housing (13); a suction motor (17) comprising a fan (19) and an electric motor (21); and a sound-absorbing element (25) disposed in the internal housing (13), the sound-absorbing element (25) extending around the electric motor (21) and separating the internal housing (13) into a first compartment (26) in which the electric motor (21) is disposed and into which an air outlet (23) of the suction motor (17) opens, and a second compartment (27) in which the fan (19) is disposed. The sound-absorbing element (25) is configured such that, when the electric motor (21) is in operation, at least a portion of an airflow, exiting the air outlet opening (23) and flowing into the first compartment (26), passes through the sound-absorbing element (25) and enters the second compartment (27).

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of domestic vacuum cleaners for vacuuming dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tile, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug. State of the art

[0002] Document CN104997463 describes a domestic vacuum cleaner with a suction device including, in particular: a main casing defining an internal housing and comprising at least one air intake opening leading into the internal housing, a suction motor disposed in the internal housing and comprising an air inlet opening fluidly connected to at least one air intake opening and at least one air outlet opening leading into the internal housing, the suction motor comprising a fan and an electric motor having a motor shaft and configured to drive the fan in rotation, the suction motor being configured to generate an airflow through at least one air intake opening and the air inlet opening, an air exhaust circuit comprising an inner casing which is perforated and which extends around the electric motor, an outer casing which is perforated and which extends around the inner casing,a vertical air exhaust duct into which the perforations provided on the outer casing open, a horizontal air exhaust duct fluidly connected to the vertical air exhaust duct and an air exhaust opening through which the airflow generated by the suction motor is exhausted to the outside of the suction device, and a sound-absorbing element disposed in the internal housing and extending around the electric motor, the sound-absorbing element being made of porous material and resting on a support wall extending perpendicularly to the axis of the electric motor.

[0003] When the suction motor is running, the airflow it generates flows successively into a first annular volume delimited by the electric motor and the inner casing, then into a second annular volume delimited by the inner and outer casings, then into the vertical air exhaust duct and the horizontal air exhaust duct and finally through the air exhaust opening.

[0004] This type of suction device configuration generates significant turbulence downstream of the air outlet, resulting in a turbulent airflow through the exhaust system. Consequently, the noise generated by the airflow through the suction device is substantial, as is the noise from the suction motor, causing discomfort for the user. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a suction device which is simple and economical in structure, while limiting the noise generated by such a suction device.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a suction device for a domestic vacuum cleaner, comprising: a main casing defining an internal housing and comprising at least one air intake opening leading into the internal housing, a suction motor disposed in the internal housing and comprising an air inlet opening fluidly connected to at least one air intake opening and at least one air outlet opening leading into the internal housing, the suction motor comprising a fan and an electric motor having a motor shaft and configured to drive the fan in rotation, the suction motor being configured to generate an airflow through at least one air intake opening and the air inlet opening, an air evacuation circuit comprising at least one air evacuation opening provided on the main casing and through which the airflow generated by the suction motor is evacuated to the outside of the suction device, and an air evacuation duct which fluidly connects the internal housing to at least one air evacuation opening, and a sound absorption element which is made of porous material and which is disposed in the internal housing, the sound absorption element extending around the electric motor and separating the internal housing into a first compartment in which the electric motor is at least partly disposed and a second compartment in which the fan is disposed, at least one air outlet opening into the first compartment.

[0008] The air exhaust circuit includes a partition wall which is configured to separate at least partially the first compartment and the air exhaust duct, the partition wall being rigid and not permeable to air, and the sound absorption element is configured such that, when the electric motor is in operation, at least a portion of the airflow, exiting at least one air outlet opening and flowing into the first compartment, passes through the sound absorption element and enters the second compartment.

[0009] This configuration of the acoustic absorption element generates pressure losses within the extraction system, which reduces the airflow velocity. Furthermore, the acoustic absorption element helps to homogenize the airflow downstream of the extraction motor, particularly in the exhaust system. This reduction in airflow velocity and homogenization reduces turbulence within the extraction system, and therefore the noise generated by the airflow within it.

[0010] Furthermore, given the acoustic properties of the sound-absorbing element, it helps to reduce noise from the moving parts of the suction motor, and more specifically from the fan and the electric motor.

[0011] The presence of such a partition wall forces at least part of the airflow to pass through the acoustic absorption element before entering the air exhaust duct, thus reducing the noise generated by the suction device according to the present invention without significantly impacting the manufacturing costs of the suction device.

[0012] Thus, the specific configuration of the suction device according to the present invention makes it possible to significantly reduce the noise generated by the airflow passing through the suction device and the noise generated by the suction motor.

[0013] The suction device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element has a general plate shape. The sound-absorbing element may, for example, have an overall rectangular shape.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is an acoustic foam.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is made of porous material with open cavities.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the acoustic absorption element is acoustically porous, and is advantageously made of acoustically porous material.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the acoustic absorption element comprises a first face oriented towards the fan and a second face opposite to the respective first face, the first and second faces of the acoustic absorption element being substantially parallel.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the acoustic absorption element is configured such that, when the electric motor is running, at least a portion of the airflow that has passed through the acoustic absorption element and entered the second compartment passes through the acoustic absorption element again and enters the air exhaust duct. This configuration of the acoustic absorption element further reduces turbulence within the suction device and thus further reduces the noise generated by it.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element extends radially around the electric motor. In other words, the sound-absorbing element extends substantially perpendicularly to the motor axis.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the acoustic absorption element extends to the internal walls of the main housing. Such a configuration of the acoustic absorption element allows for the absorption of noise from both the fan and the electric motor, and thus further reduces the noise generated by the suction device.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the acoustic absorption element has external edges configured to bear against the internal walls of the main housing.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main casing comprises a first fairing and a second fairing which are fixed to each other and which delimit the internal housing.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element has a shape complementary to that of a portion of the main housing in which the sound-absorbing element is located, and for example, to that of the first or second fairing. Such a configuration of the sound-absorbing element makes it possible to further reduce the noise generated by the suction device.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second compartments are separated from each other by the acoustic absorption element.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the acoustic absorption element includes a motor passage opening into which the electric motor is inserted, and more particularly a motor housing for the electric motor.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element comprises an internal circumferential surface that defines the motor passage opening and is configured to cooperate with an external circumferential surface of the electric motor housing. This configuration of the sound-absorbing element allows for the absorption of an additional portion of the noise generated by the electric motor, and thus further reduces the noise generated by the suction device.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor comprises an annular support surface against which the acoustic absorption element rests.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the partition extends substantially parallel to the motor axis, and for example from a bottom wall of the first compartment.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is configured to bear against the partition wall, and for example against an upper edge of the partition wall, at least in one operating mode of the electric motor.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the acoustic absorption element and the first compartment are configured such that, when the electric motor is running, the entire airflow exiting at least one air outlet and flowing into the first compartment passes through the acoustic absorption element before entering the air exhaust duct. This configuration of the acoustic absorption element further reduces the noise generated by the suction device according to the present invention.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the acoustic absorption element is deformable between: a first configuration in which the sound-absorbing element is located at a distance from the partition wall and, together with the partition wall, defines an air passage fluidly connecting the first compartment with the air exhaust duct such that, when the electric motor is running, at least part of the airflow exiting at least one air outlet opening and flowing into the first compartment flows into the air passage and towards the air exhaust duct without flowing through the sound-absorbing element, and a second configuration in which the sound-absorbing element is supported against the partition wall, and for example against an upper edge of the partition wall, such that, when the electric motor is running, the entire airflow exiting at least one air outlet opening and flowing into the first compartment,passes through the acoustic absorption element before entering the air exhaust duct.

[0033] Such a configuration of the acoustic absorption element allows, at least in one operating mode of the suction device, for the airflow to be forced to pass completely through the acoustic absorption element before exiting the suction device. These arrangements further reduce the noise generated by the suction arrangement according to the present invention.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is configured to deform from the first configuration to the second configuration when a negative pressure in the internal housing exceeds a predetermined value. Thus, when the negative pressure increases in the internal housing, particularly during a reduction in airflow at the air inlet opening, the sound-absorbing element deforms and presses against the partition wall. The airflow then passes completely through the sound-absorbing element before exiting the suction device. These arrangements further reduce the noise generated by the suction arrangement according to the present invention.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction device includes an additional sound-absorbing element made of porous material and disposed at least partially in the air exhaust duct.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional sound-absorbing element is an acoustic foam.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional sound-absorbing element extends substantially parallel to the motor axis.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional sound-absorbing element is arranged under the sound-absorbing element.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional sound-absorbing element has an upper edge extending near, and for example in contact with, the sound-absorbing element.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air exhaust duct comprises an air channel delimited in part by the additional acoustic absorption element.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air stream is delimited at least in part by the partition wall and the additional acoustic absorption element.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main casing and the acoustic absorption element delimit the second compartment.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main casing, the acoustic absorption element and the partition wall delimit the first compartment.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional sound-absorbing element is arranged opposite the partition wall.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional sound-absorbing element comprises a first surface oriented towards the partition wall and a second surface which is opposite the respective first surface.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air vein is delimited in part by the partition wall and the first surface of the additional acoustic absorption element.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air stream extends substantially parallel to the motor axis.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air evacuation circuit comprises flow guide fins which extend from the partition wall and which are arranged in the air evacuation duct.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional acoustic absorption element rests against the flow guide fins.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flow guide fins are configured to immobilize the additional acoustic absorption element.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main casing includes an air intake part provided with at least one air intake opening.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction device further comprises an upstream acoustic absorption element fixed to the main housing and positioned upstream of the air intake. This upstream acoustic absorption element is made of a porous material and covers at least part of at least one air intake opening. The presence of this upstream acoustic absorption element limits turbulence upstream of the air intake opening and homogenizes the airflow circulating around the periphery of the air intake opening and towards the interior of the suction motor. The noise generated by the airflow circulating upstream of the suction motor is thus reduced by the elimination of this turbulence. Furthermore, the airflow, passing through the acoustic absorption element and then through the air passages provided on the air intake section, is made uniform at the inlet of the fan blades equipping the suction motor.This helps to reduce the load noise due to stationary aerodynamic forces exerted on the fan blades and the noise resulting from the shear stresses of the turbulent flow around the blades.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upstream acoustic absorption element comprises a first face oriented towards at least one air inlet opening and a second face opposite the first face. The upstream acoustic absorption element includes at least one through-hole opening which leads respectively into the first and second faces of the upstream acoustic absorption element and which is located opposite the at least one air inlet opening. The presence of at least one through-hole prevents any blockage of the airflow through the upstream acoustic absorption element in the event of the latter becoming clogged.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air inlet opening is located opposite at least one air intake opening.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake part comprises several air intake openings.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first face of the upstream acoustic absorption element bears against the air intake part.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upstream sound absorption element is an acoustic foam.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one through orifice is located at least partly opposite the air inlet opening.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main housing includes a receiving housing in which the acoustic absorption element is housed.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air exhaust circuit further comprises a filtration element configured to filter the airflow passing through at least one air exhaust opening.

[0061] The present invention further relates to a domestic vacuum cleaner, such as a canister vacuum cleaner, comprising a suction device according to the present invention.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the domestic vacuum cleaner comprises: a housing comprising a motor compartment in which the suction device is housed, and a suction nozzle disposed on the housing and through which air carrying waste can be sucked into the housing, the air inlet opening being fluidly connected to the suction nozzle.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle is disposed in a front part of the housing.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle and the air inlet opening.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the household vacuum cleaner includes a waste separation and collection device located upstream of the suction motor and configured to retain waste carried by the airflow generated by the suction motor. Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device is removably mounted on the housing.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the domestic vacuum cleaner includes a connecting conduit configured to fluidly connect an air outlet of the waste separation and collection device to at least one air intake opening provided on the main housing.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air exhaust opening is directed towards the waste separation and collection device.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the housing rests, for example by its wheels, on a horizontal surface.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor shaft is configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing rests, for example by its wheels, on a horizontal surface. Brief description of the figures

[0071] In any case, the invention will be well understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this cleaning head. Figure 1 is a partial top perspective view of a domestic vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the domestic vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 . Figure 3 is a perspective view of a suction device belonging to the domestic vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 . Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the suction device of the figure 3 . Figure 5 is a top view of the suction device of the figure 3 . Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction device of the figure 3 showing a sound-absorbing element in a first configuration. Figure 7is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction device of the figure 3 showing the sound-absorbing element in a second configuration. Figure 8 is a partial top view of the suction device of the figure 3 . Figure 9 is a perspective view of the sound-absorbing element. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a suction motor belonging to the suction device of the figure 3 . Figure 11 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction device of the figure 3 .

[0072] In this document, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined with respect to the direction of flow of the airflow generated by the suction motor.

[0073] THE figures 1 to 11represent a domestic vacuum cleaner 2, such as a canister vacuum cleaner, comprising in particular a housing 3, also called the vacuum cleaner body, including a suction nozzle 4 through which air carrying waste is intended to be sucked into the housing 3. Advantageously, the suction nozzle 4 is arranged in a front part of the housing 3. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the housing 3 is equipped with wheels 5 to ensure the movement of the housing 3 over a surface to be cleaned.

[0074] The domestic vacuum cleaner 2 may also include a flexible hose (not shown in the figures) connected, for example in a removable way, to the suction nozzle 4, and a suction accessory (not shown in the figures) such as, for example, a rigid telescopic tube which can receive, at its end opposite the flexible hose, a removable suction head.

[0075] The domestic vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a waste separation and collection device 6 which can, for example, be removably mounted on the housing 3. Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 6 is of the cyclonic type, and comprises a waste collection container 7, and a cyclonic separation chamber 8 which is annular and which is externally delimited by a side wall of the waste collection container 7.

[0076] The domestic vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a suction device 9 which is housed in a motor compartment 11 delimited by the housing 3 and which is located downstream of the waste separation and collection device 6.

[0077] The suction device 9 includes a main housing 12 defining an internal housing 13. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main housing 12 comprises a first fairing 12.1 and a second fairing 12.2 assembled to each other for example by screwing or snapping.

[0078] The main housing 12 includes an air intake portion 14, such as an air intake grille, attached to the second fairing 12.2 and provided with several air intake openings 15. Each air intake opening 15 may, for example, have a diameter between 1 mm and 3 mm. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air intake portion 14 is flat and circular in shape. The air intake portion 14 may, for example, be formed by a perforated plate attached to the second fairing 12.2.

[0079] As shown on the figure 2, the domestic vacuum cleaner 2 includes a connecting conduit 16 configured to fluidly connect an air outlet of the waste separation and collection device 6 to the air intake openings 15 provided on the main casing 12.

[0080] The suction device 9 further includes a suction motor 17, also called a motor-fan, which is disposed in the internal housing 13 of the main housing 12 and which includes an air inlet opening 18 fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 4 and located opposite at least a part of the air intake openings 15 provided on the air intake part 14. Advantageously, the air intake part 14 and the air inlet opening 18 are arranged coaxially.

[0081] The suction motor 17 is configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle 4, the waste separation and collection device 6, the connecting duct 16, the air intake openings 15, and the air inlet opening 18. As is known, the suction motor 17 includes a fan 19 and an electric motor 21 configured to rotate the fan 19. The fan 19 may include a fan cover 22 that at least partially covers the fan blade 19 and defines the air inlet opening 18.

[0082] The suction motor 17 also includes at least one air outlet opening 23 leading into the internal housing 13 and through which the airflow is intended to leave the suction motor 17 and can flow into the internal housing 13. The air outlet opening or openings 23 may, for example, be provided in a lower part of the motor housing 24 of the suction motor 17.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction motor 17 has a motor shaft A which extends substantially vertically when the housing 3 rests, by its wheels 5, on a horizontal surface.

[0084] The suction device 9 further includes a sound-absorbing element 25, which is disposed in the internal housing 13 and is made of a porous material, for example, an open-cell porous material. Thus, the pores, also called cavities or cells, of the sound-absorbing element 25 are filled with air and function by dissipating the acoustic energy of the incident sound waves into heat within the structure of the porous material. Advantageously, the sound-absorbing element 25 is an acoustic foam, such as a cellular polyurethane foam, and in particular an open-cell polyurethane foam.

[0085] The sound-absorbing element 25 may, for example, have a net density of between 26 and 30 kg / m³ (measured according to ISO 845), a compressive strength at 40% indentation of between 2.0 and 4.0 kPa (measured according to ISO 3386 / 1), a tensile strength of between 190 and 210 kPa (measured according to ISO 1798), and for example of about 200 kPa, an elongation at break of between 320 and 370% (measured according to ISO 1798), and for example of about 350%, and a cell diameter of between 440 and 450 µm (measured according to the Recticel / T.013.4 method).

[0086] The sound-absorbing element 25 extends radially around the electric motor 21 and separates the internal housing 13 into a first compartment 26 in which the electric motor 21 is at least partly disposed and a second compartment 27 in which the fan 19 is disposed. The air outlet opening or openings 23 open more particularly into the first compartment 26.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the sound-absorbing element 25 has a general plate shape and is overall rectangular. Advantageously, the sound-absorbing element 25 is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the housing 3 rests, for example by its wheels 5, on a horizontal surface.

[0088] The sound-absorbing element 25 has a first face oriented towards the fan 19 and a second face opposite the respective first face. Advantageously, the first and second faces of the sound-absorbing element 25 are substantially parallel.

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction motor 17 has an annular support surface 28 against which the acoustic absorption element 25 rests.

[0090] The sound-absorbing element 25 includes a motor passage opening 29 into which the electric motor 21 is inserted, and more particularly the motor housing 24 of the electric motor 21. Advantageously, the sound-absorbing element 25 includes an internal circumferential surface that delimits the motor passage opening 29 and that is configured to cooperate with an external circumferential surface of the motor housing 24. Advantageously, the internal circumferential surface has a shape complementary to that of the external circumferential surface of the motor housing 24.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the sound-absorbing element 25 extends to the internal walls of the main housing 12 and has a shape complementary to that of a portion of the main housing 12 in which the sound-absorbing element 25 is located, and for example to that of the first fairing 12.1 or the second fairing 12.2. In particular, the sound-absorbing element 25 has external edges configured to bear against the internal walls of the main housing 12. Thus, the first and second compartments 26, 27 are separated from each other by the sound-absorbing element 25.

[0092] The suction device 9 also includes an air exhaust circuit 31 comprising an air exhaust opening 32 (see the figure 6) opening into an external surface of the main housing 12 and through which the airflow generated by the suction motor 17 is evacuated to the outside of the suction device 9. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air evacuation opening 32 is oriented towards the waste separation and collection device 6.

[0093] The air evacuation circuit 31 further includes an air evacuation duct 33 which fluidly connects the internal housing 13, and therefore the air outlet opening(s) 23, to the air evacuation opening 32.

[0094] Advantageously, the sound-absorbing element 25 is configured such that, when the electric motor 21 is in operation, at least part of the airflow, exiting the air outlet opening(s) 23 and flowing into the first compartment 26, passes through the sound-absorbing element 25 and enters the second compartment 27, then passes through the sound-absorbing element 25 again and enters the air exhaust duct 33.

[0095] The air exhaust circuit 31 further includes a partition 34 configured to separate the first compartment 26 and the air exhaust duct 33. The partition 34 is rigid and airtight. Advantageously, the partition 34 extends substantially parallel to the motor axis A, for example from a back wall of the first compartment 26.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the acoustic absorption element 25 is deformable between: a first configuration (see the figure 6 ) in which the sound-absorbing element 25 is located at a distance from an upper edge of the partition 34 and, together with the partition 34, defines an air passage 35 fluidly connecting the first compartment 26 with the air exhaust duct 33 such that, when the electric motor 21 is running, at least a portion of the airflow exiting the air outlet openings 23 and flowing into the first compartment 26 flows into the air passage 15 and towards the air exhaust duct 33 without flowing through the sound-absorbing element 25, and a second configuration (see the figure 7) in which the sound-absorbing element 25 rests against the upper edge of the partition wall 34, such that, when the electric motor 21 is in operation, the entire airflow, exiting the air outlet openings 23 and flowing into the first compartment 26, passes through the sound-absorbing element 25 before entering the air exhaust duct 33.

[0097] The sound-absorbing element 25 can, for example, be configured to be deformed from the first configuration to the second configuration when a depression in the internal housing 13 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound-absorbing element 25 could be constantly supported against the upper edge of the partition wall 34, and the sound-absorbing element 25 and the first compartment 26 could be configured so that, when the electric motor 21 is in operation, the entire airflow, exiting the air outlet openings 23 and flowing into the first compartment 26, passes through the sound-absorbing element 25 before entering the air exhaust duct 33.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction device 9 includes an additional sound-absorbing element 36 which is made of porous material and is disposed in the air exhaust duct 33. Advantageously, the additional sound-absorbing element 36 is an acoustic foam, such as a cellular polyurethane foam and in particular an open-cell polyurethane foam.

[0100] The additional sound-absorbing element 36 extends substantially parallel to the motor axis A and is located opposite the partition wall 34. In particular, the additional sound-absorbing element 36 comprises a first surface oriented towards the partition wall 34 and a second surface opposite the first. Advantageously, the first and second surfaces of the additional sound-absorbing element 36 are substantially parallel.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the additional sound-absorbing element 36 extends below the sound-absorbing element 25. The additional sound-absorbing element 36 may, for example, have an upper edge extending near, and for example in contact with, the sound-absorbing element 25.

[0102] The air exhaust duct 33 more particularly includes an air vein 37 which extends substantially parallel to the axis of motor A and which is delimited in part by the additional acoustic absorption element 36 and the partition wall 34.

[0103] Advantageously, the air exhaust circuit 31 includes flow guide fins 38 extending from the partition wall 34 and arranged in the air exhaust duct 33. Advantageously, the flow guide fins 38 bear against the additional sound absorption element 36, and are in particular configured to immobilize the additional sound absorption element 36.

[0104] The air exhaust circuit 31 further includes a filter element 39 configured to filter the airflow passing through the air exhaust opening 32. The filter element 39 may, for example, be housed at least partly in the air exhaust opening 32, and be located at the rear of the waste separation and collection device 6.

[0105] The suction device 9 also includes an upstream sound-absorbing element 41 fixed to the main housing 12 and positioned upstream of the air intake portion 14. The upstream sound-absorbing element 41 is made of a porous material, for example, an open-cavity porous material. Advantageously, the upstream sound-absorbing element 41 is an acoustic foam, such as a cellular polyurethane foam, and in particular an open-cell polyurethane foam.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main casing 12, and more particularly the second fairing 12.2, includes a retaining wall 42 extending from an external surface of the second fairing 12.2 and extending around the air intake part 14 and the upstream acoustic absorption element 41. The air intake part 14 and the retaining wall 42 define at least part of a receiving housing 43 in which the upstream acoustic absorption element 41 is housed.

[0107] The upstream sound-absorbing element 41 extends perpendicularly to the motor axis A and is configured to extend horizontally when the housing 3 rests, for example, on its wheels 5, on a horizontal surface. The upstream sound-absorbing element 41 can, for example, be generally parallelepiped-shaped and have an overall rectangular shape.

[0108] The upstream sound-absorbing element 41 comprises a first face 41.1 oriented towards the air inlet openings 15 and a second face 41.2 opposite the first face 41.1. Advantageously, the first and second faces 41.1, 41.2 of the upstream sound-absorbing element 41 are substantially parallel, and the first face 41.1 of the upstream sound-absorbing element 41 bears against the air inlet portion 14 such that the upstream sound-absorbing element 41 covers several air inlet openings 15. Thus, the suction device 9 is configured such that at least a portion of the airflow, generated by the suction motor 17, flows through the upstream sound-absorbing element 41 and towards the air inlet openings 15.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the upstream acoustic absorption element 41 has a through-hole 44 which opens into the first and second faces 41.1 and 41.2 of the upstream acoustic absorption element 41, respectively, and is located opposite at least part of the air inlet openings 15. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the through-hole 44 is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section. Advantageously, the through-hole 44 and the air inlet opening 18 are arranged coaxially.

[0110] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Suction device (9) for household vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a main housing (12) defining an inner compartment (13) and comprising at least one air intake (15) opening into the inner compartment (13), - a suction motor (17) arranged in the inner compartment (13) and comprising an air inlet (18) fluidically connected to the at least one air intake (15) and at least one air outlet (23) opening into the inner compartment (13), the suction motor (17) comprising a fan (19) and an electric motor (21) having a motor shaft (A) and configured to rotate the fan (19), the suction motor (17) being configured to generate an airflow through the at least one air intake (15) and air inlet (18), - an air exhaust circuit (31) comprising at least one air outtake (32) provided on the main housing (12) and through which the airflow generated by the suction motor (17) is exhausted to the outside of the suction device (9), and an air exhaust conduit (33) that fluidically connects the inner compartment (13) to the at least one air outtake (32), and - a sound absorbing element (25) which is made of porous material and which is arranged in the inner compartment (13), the sound absorption element (25) extending around the electric motor (21) and dividing the inner compartment (13) into a first compartment (26) wherein the electric motor (21) is at least partially arranged and a second compartment (27) wherein the fan (19) is arranged, the at least one air outlet (23) opening into the first compartment (26), characterized in that the air exhaust circuit (31) comprises a separating wall (34) that is configured to at least partially separate the first compartment (26) and the air exhaust conduit (33), the separating wall (34) being rigid and not permeable to air, and in that the sound absorbing element (25) is configured so that, when the electric motor (21) is in operation, at least a portion of the airflow, exiting from the at least one air outlet (23) and flowing into the first compartment (26), passes through the sound absorbing element (25) and enters the second compartment (27).

2. Suction device (9) according to claim 1, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) is configured so that, when the electric motor (21) is in operation, the at least one portion of the airflow having passed through the sound absorbing element (25) and entered the second compartment (27) again passes through the sound absorbing element (25) and enters the air exhaust conduit (33).

3. Suction device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) extends radially around the electric motor (21).

4. Suction device (9) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) extending to the inner walls of the main housing (12).

5. Suction device (9) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) has a shape complementary to that of a portion of the main housing (12) wherein the sound absorbing element (25) is arranged.

6. Suction device (9) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) comprises a motor passageway (29) wherein the electric motor (21) is inserted.

7. Suction device (9) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) is configured to bear against the separating wall (34) at least in one operating mode of the electric motor (21).

8. Suction device (9) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) can be deformed between: - a first configuration wherein the sound absorbing element (25) is located at a distance from the separating wall (34) and defines, with the separating wall (34), an air passage (35) fluidically connecting the first compartment (26) with the air exhaust conduit (33) so that, when the electric motor (21) is in operation, at least a portion of the airflow, exiting from the at least one air outlet (23) and flowing into the first compartment (26), flows into the air passage (35) and in the direction of the air exhaust conduit (33) without flowing through the sound absorbing element (25), and - a second configuration wherein the sound absorbing element (25) bears against the separating wall (34) so that, when the electric motor (21) is in operation, the entire airflow, exiting from the at least one air outlet (23) and flowing into the first compartment (26), passes through the sound absorbing element (25) before entering the air exhaust conduit (33).

9. Suction device (9) according to claim 8, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) is configured to be deformed from the first configuration to the second configuration when a negative pressure in the inner compartment (13) exceeds a predetermined value.

10. Suction device (9) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sound absorbing element (25) is an acoustic foam.

11. Suction device (9) according to any of claims 1 to 10, that comprises an additional sound absorbing element (36) that is made of porous material and that is at least partially arranged in the air exhaust conduit (33).

12. Suction device (9) according to claim 11, wherein the additional sound absorbing element (36) extends substantially parallel to the motor shaft (A).

13. Suction device (9) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the air exhaust conduit (33) comprises an air stream (37) partially defined by the additional sound absorbing element (36).

14. Suction device (9) according to claim 13, wherein the air steam (37) is at least partially defined by the separating wall (34) and the additional sound absorbing element (36).

15. Household vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a suction device (9) according to any of the preceding claims.

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