Suction head equipped with a brush motor cooling circuit

Abstract

The suction head comprises a main body (4); a rotating brush (11) comprising a brush body (12); a motor compartment (19) housed within a motor housing (21) delimited by the brush body (12); a drive motor (17) housed within the motor compartment (19) and configured to rotate the brush body (12) about an axis of rotation; and an air-circulating cooling circuit (41) fluidly connected to the suction chamber (9) and comprising a first circuit portion (41.1) partially delimited by the drive motor (17) and a second circuit portion (41.2) partially delimited by the motor compartment (19) and the brush body (12) and located downstream of the first circuit portion (41.1). Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Suction head provided with a brush motor cooling circuit Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head for sucking up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned. State of the art

[0002] Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market, these allowing surfaces to be cleaned by suction for the removal of dust and waste resting on them. The surface to be vacuumed can for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.

[0003] A suction head comprises, in a known manner, a main body comprising a sole provided with a lower face and a suction mouth opening into the lower face of the sole. The lower face of the sole is intended to be positioned adjacent to the surface to be vacuumed during use of the suction head.

[0004] In order to improve the cleaning performance of a suction head, it is known to equip the latter with:

[0005] - a rotating brush comprising a brush body which is rotatable around an axis of rotation and which is mounted, for example removably, in a suction chamber delimited by the main body of the suction head, the brush body comprising a first end portion delimiting a motor housing, and a second end portion located opposite the first end portion,

[0006] - a first support ring fixed to the first end portion of the body brush body and configured to support said first end portion, and a second support ring attached to the second end portion of the brush body and configured to support said second end portion,

[0007] - a first bearing, such as a rolling bearing, configured to guide in rotation the first support ring, and a second bearing, such as a rolling bearing, configured to rotatably guide the second support ring, and

[0008] - a drive device configured to rotate the body of brush around the axis of rotation, the drive device comprising a drive motor disposed in the motor housing delimited by the first end portion of the brush body.

[0009] When operating such a suction head where the rotating brush is rotated, the drive motor tends to heat up due to its location in the brush body, which can adversely affect the operation of the drive motor and therefore the reliability of the suction head.

[0010] In order to limit heating of the drive motor, it is known to equip the suction head with an air circulation cooling circuit fluidly connected to the suction chamber, and to configure the suction head in such a way that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, air is sucked into the air circulation cooling circuit from outside the rotating brush and is circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit.

[0011] Document EP2811883 describes in particular an air circulation cooling circuit comprising a first circuit portion which is delimited in part by the motor compartment and the brush body, and a second circuit portion which is delimited in part by the drive motor and which is located downstream of the first circuit portion, the air circulation cooling circuit being configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, the air, circulated in the first circuit portion, flows at least in part between the motor compartment and the brush body, and such that the air, circulated in the second circuit portion, flows at least in part inside the drive motor.

[0012] Although such an air circulation cooling circuit provides cooling of the drive motor, this cooling may prove insufficient in certain configurations of use of the suction head. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0014] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a suction head, provided with a rotating brush and a brush drive motor housed in the rotating brush, which is of simple and economical structure, while ensuring satisfactory cooling of the brush drive motor.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to a suction head comprising:

[0016] - a main body comprising a suction chamber opening into a face lower part of the main body which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned,

[0017] - a rotating brush comprising a brush body which has a generally tubular and which has a central longitudinal axis, the brush body being mounted to rotate in the suction chamber around an axis of rotation which is substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the brush body,

[0018] - a drive device configured to rotate the brush body around the axis of rotation, the drive device comprising a drive motor,

[0019] - an engine compartment which is fixed relative to the main body and in which the drive motor is at least partly arranged, the motor compartment and the drive motor being at least partly arranged in a motor housing delimited by the brush body, and

[0020] - an air circulation cooling circuit fluidly connected to the chamber suction, the suction head being configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, air is drawn into the air circulation cooling circuit from outside the rotating brush and is circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit.

[0021] The air circulation cooling circuit comprises a first circuit portion which is delimited in part by the drive motor and a second circuit portion which is delimited in part by the motor compartment and the brush body and which is located downstream of the first circuit portion, and the air circulation cooling circuit is configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, the air, circulated in the first circuit portion, flows at least in part inside the drive motor, and such that the air, circulated in the second circuit portion, flows at least in part between the motor compartment and the brush body.

[0022] Under operating conditions, the drive motor has a temperature much higher than that of the engine compartment. Thus, the fact that the air, circulating in the air circulation cooling circuit, flows first inside the drive motor and then along an external surface of the engine compartment makes it possible to limit the heating of the air flow circulating in the first portion of the circuit before it enters the drive motor and therefore to ensure an optimized heat exchange between the drive motor and the air flow (due to a significant temperature difference). Such an optimized heat exchange ensures optimized cooling of the drive motor.

[0023] The suction head may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor comprises a motor housing. The drive motor further comprises a rotor and a stator which are housed in the motor housing.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is entirely arranged in the engine compartment.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first circuit portion is configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, the air, flowing inside the drive motor, flows in a flow direction which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the brush body.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air circulation cooling circuit is configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, the air, circulated in the first circuit portion, flows in contact with the rotor and / or the stator of the drive motor, and for example in contact with the stator winding and / or the rotor winding.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air circulation cooling circuit is configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, the air, circulated in the second circuit portion, flows substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the brush body.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first circuit portion comprises at least one air inlet opening provided on a peripheral wall of a motor housing of the drive motor and through which the air, circulated in the cooling circuit by air circulation when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, is able to penetrate into the drive motor, and at least one air outlet opening provided on an end wall of the motor housing and through which the air, having penetrated into the drive motor via the at least one air inlet opening, is able to flow outside the drive motor.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air inlet opening, provided on the engine casing, is oriented substantially radially and the at least one air outlet opening, provided on the engine casing, is oriented substantially axially.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brush body comprises a first end portion delimiting the motor housing and a second end portion located opposite the first end portion, and the suction head comprises a first brush support, such as a first brush support ring, fixed to the first end portion of the brush body and configured to support said first end portion and a second brush support, such as a second brush support ring, fixed to the second end portion of the brush body and configured to support said second end portion. Such a configuration of the suction head ensures optimized rotational guidance of the rotating brush, which substantially limits the generation of vibrations within the suction head and the risks of seizure of the rotating brush.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor compartment and the brush body delimit a connecting chamber which is located axially opposite the first brush holder relative to the drive motor and which is configured to fluidly connect the first circuit portion to the second circuit portion. Advantageously, the at least one air outlet opening is fluidly connected to the connecting chamber.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is arranged axially between the first and second brush supports.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is closer to the first brush support than to the second brush support. Advantageously, the drive motor is arranged axially between the first brush support and a median vertical plane of the suction head. Hence the need to cool the first brush support which heats up more quickly than the second brush support due to its proximity to the drive motor.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air circulation cooling circuit is configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, the air, circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit, flows in the first circuit portion away from the first brush support, and flows in the second circuit portion towards the first brush support.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a first bearing, such as a rolling bearing and for example a ball bearing, configured to guide the first brush support in rotation and a second bearing, such as a rolling bearing and for example a ball bearing, configured to guide the second brush support in rotation, the first brush support being interposed between the first bearing and an internal circumferential surface of the brush body.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a bearing support which is fixed relative to the main body, the first bearing being mounted on the bearing support and supported by the bearing support.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first bearing is a rolling bearing, and comprises an inner ring which is fixed to the bearing support and which extends around the bearing support, and an outer ring which is fixed to the first brush support, the first brush support extending around the outer ring of the bearing.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing support, the first bearing and the first brush support are arranged substantially coaxially with the central longitudinal axis of the brush body.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the engine compartment is fixed to the bearing support.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the engine compartment comprises an engine cover extending around the drive motor and a cover support attached to the bearing support and configured to support the engine cover. According to one embodiment of the invention, the engine cover has an open end, and the cover support at least partially closes the open end of the engine cover.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor cover comprises a tubular wall which extends around the drive motor and which is substantially coaxial with the motor axis of the drive motor, and an end wall located opposite the cover support and provided with a central opening through which the output shaft of the drive motor projects.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a damping element interposed axially between the drive motor and the hood support.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing support delimits an air flow duct which partly forms the first circuit portion, the bearing extending around the air flow duct. Such a configuration of the bearing support ensures cooling, by thermal conduction, of the bearing support and the first bearing, and in particular of the outer ring of the first bearing. Advantageously, the air flow duct is fluidically connected to the at least one air intake opening.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air flow duct extends substantially coaxially with the first bearing.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air circulation cooling circuit is delimited at least in part by the first brush support. Such a configuration of the air circulation cooling circuit ensures cooling, by thermal conduction, of the first brush support and of the first bearing located near the drive motor, and in particular of the outer ring of the first bearing, due to the fact that the air circulating in the air circulation cooling circuit flows near the first brush support.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush holder is annular and comprises at least one through-hole which opens respectively into a first axial face of the first brush holder which is oriented towards the drive motor and into a second axial face of the first brush holder which is opposite the respective first axial face, the at least one through-hole being fluidically connected to the suction chamber and the suction head being configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, an air flow flows through the at least one through-hole and from the first axial face of the first brush support towards the second axial face of the first brush support. Such a configuration of the first brush support, and in particular the presence of the at least one through hole, ensures, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, the flow of an air flow through the at least one through hole, and therefore cooling, by thermal conduction, of the first brush support and the first bearing located near the drive motor. Such cooling makes it possible to limit heating of the first bearing and thus preserve its integrity, and therefore to confer increased reliability to the suction head according to the present invention, and also to be able to use a first bearing of smaller dimensions and thus to reduce the radial size of the rotating brush.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one through hole opens into the motor housing.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush support comprises an inner wall which is generally cylindrical and which extends around and in contact with the first bearing, the inner wall of the first brush support comprising at least one radial through opening, extending in a radial direction, opening into the at least one through hole provided on the first brush support and being located opposite the first bearing. Such a configuration of the first brush support makes it possible to further promote the cooling of the first bearing, and in particular of its outer ring, by the flow of air flowing through the at least one through hole.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal wall of the first brush support comprises a plurality of radial through-openings distributed around the central axis of the first brush support, each radial through-opening opening opening into a respective through-hole provided on the first brush support and being located opposite the first bearing, and for example opposite the external ring of the first bearing.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air circulation cooling circuit comprises at least one air discharge opening through which the air flowing in the air circulation cooling circuit is able to be discharged from the air circulation cooling circuit, the at least one air discharge opening being formed by the at least one through hole provided on the first brush holder. Thus, the suction head is configured such that the air sucked into the air circulation cooling circuit is discharged from the air circulation cooling circuit via the at least one through hole provided on the first brush holder.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one through hole provided on the first brush support is delimited at least in part by at least one flow guide wall which is inclined relative to a central axis of the first brush support. brush and which is configured to generate a vacuum within the at least one through hole when the drive motor is operating and rotating the rotating brush. Such a configuration of the first brush holder increases the air flow in the air circulation cooling circuit, and thus further promotes the cooling of the drive motor and the first bearing.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one flow guide wall forms a flow guide fin, also called a blade.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one flow guide wall has an axial dimension and a radial dimension which is less than the respective axial dimension.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one through hole provided on the first brush support is delimited at least in part by two flow guide walls which are inclined relative to the central axis of the first brush support and which are located opposite one another, the two flow guide walls delimiting at least in part the at least one through hole being configured to generate a depression within the at least one through hole when the drive motor is running and rotating the rotating brush.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush support forms a turbine provided with flow guide vanes distributed around a central axis of the first brush support, each pair of adjacent flow guide vanes partly delimiting a respective through hole, and the first brush support, forming the turbine, is configured to generate a depression within the at least one through hole when the drive motor is running and rotating the rotating brush. Thus, when the brush body is rotated, the first brush support, forming a turbine and rotationally fixed to the brush body, is also rotated such that the turbine can suck air from the first axial face of the first brush support to the second axial face of the first brush support.In other words, the first turbine-forming brush holder, when driven in rotation by the rotation of the rotating brush, forces an air flow from the inside of the rotating brush to the outside of the rotating brush.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, each flow guide fin has an axial dimension and a radial dimension which is smaller than the respective axial dimension. Such a configuration of the first brush support makes it possible to optimize the radial size of the first brush support, and thus either to reduce the radial size of the rotating brush, or to increase the radial dimensions of the first bearing and therefore to increase its service life.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooling circuit by cir air circulation comprises at least one air intake opening through which air is capable of being drawn into the air circulation cooling circuit, the at least one air intake opening being provided on a side wall of the main body, and for example on a side wall of the main body located on the side of the bearing support and advantageously to which the bearing support is fixed.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening is oriented substantially axially, that is to say substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the brush body. Such an orientation of the at least one air intake opening limits the risks of dust being sucked in by the air circulation cooling circuit, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the risks of fouling, or even clogging, of the air circulation cooling circuit and therefore to ensure optimal cooling of the drive motor and also of the first bearing when the air circulation cooling circuit is delimited in part by the first brush support.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the engine compartment delimits an internal housing which is fluidically connected to the at least one air intake opening belonging to the air circulation cooling circuit.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air inlet opening, provided on the engine casing, opens into the internal housing delimited by the engine compartment.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening is substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the brush body.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is located at a distance from the side walls of the main body. Such an arrangement of the drive motor ensures better balancing of the masses within the main body, and in particular around the central longitudinal axis.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush support comprises a plurality of through holes distributed around the central axis of the first brush support, each through hole opening respectively into the first and second axial faces of the first brush support and being configured to allow the passage of an air flow through said through hole.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a fixing device configured to fix the first bearing to the first brush support.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises at least one fixing lug which is elastically deformable and which is provided on the first brush support, the at least one fixing lug being configured to cooperate with the first bearing, and more particularly with the outer ring of the first bearing, so as to fix the first bearing to the first brush holder.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing lug extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the first brush support.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush support comprises at least one stop member, such as a stop rib, provided with an axial stop surface against which the first bearing abuts when the first bearing is fixed to the first brush support.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush support comprises a bearing housing in which the first bearing is received.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing lug comprises a retaining portion configured to retain the first bearing in the bearing housing.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing lug is configured to axially immobilize the first bearing relative to the first brush support.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises a plurality of fixing lugs distributed around the central axis of the first brush support.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating brush further comprises coupling means arranged in the brush body and configured to couple in rotation with complementary coupling means which belong to the drive device and which are coupled in rotation to the output shaft of the drive motor.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brush body is configured to be removably mounted in the suction chamber, for example in a mounting direction which extends substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the suction head.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a passage opening opening into the suction chamber and through which the brush body is able to be introduced into and removed from the suction chamber, the suction head comprising a closing cap which is configured to at least partially close the passage opening, the brush body being rotatably mounted relative to the closing cap.

[0076] According to the embodiment of the invention, the passage opening is provided on a side wall of the main body.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second brush support is mounted to be able to rotate relative to the closing cap.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating brush comprises bristles provided on the external surface of the brush body. Advantageously, the rotating brush comprises at least one row of bristles provided on the external surface of the brush body.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a sole provided with the lower face which is configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth opening into the lower face. Advantageously, the suction chamber opens into the lower face of the sole via the suction mouth.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction mouth has an elongated shape and extends substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the suction head. Brief description of the figures

[0081] In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this suction head.

[0082] [Fig.l] is a top perspective view of a suction head according to the present invention.

[0083] [Fig.2] is a top perspective view of the suction head of [Fig.l] showing a rotating brush of the suction head partially removed.

[0084] [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of the suction head of [Fig.l].

[0085] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction head of [Fig.l].

[0086] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction head of [Fig.l] showing the rotating brush of the vacuum head partially removed.

[0087] [Fig.6] is a view, on an enlarged scale, of a detail of [Fig.4].

[0088] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a subassembly, belonging to the head suction unit of [Fig.l], comprising a drive device, a hood support, a bearing, a bearing support and a brush support.

[0089] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a brush holder belonging to the suction head of [Fig.l].

[0090] [Fig.9] is a truncated perspective view of the brush holder of [Fig.8].

[0091] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction head of [Fig.l] in which the left and right portions of the suction head have been cut along two longitudinal cutting planes offset from each other. Detailed description

[0092] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term “substantially” means, in this document, “exactly or to within 10% or 10°”.

[0093] Figures 1 to 10 show a suction head 2 comprising a sleeve of connection 3 to which is intended to be connected a tip of a rigid or flexible tube, itself connected to a suction system of a vacuum cleaner (not illustrated). Various variants of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and can be used with the suction head 2 according to the invention; these variants being known to those skilled in the art, they are not detailed in the present patent application.

[0094] The suction head 2 comprises a main body 4 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. The connecting sleeve 3 is advantageously mounted in a pivot connection relative to the main body 4 so as to allow the connecting sleeve 3 to pivot, relative to the main body 4, forwards and backwards when the suction head 2 is moved in a direction of movement DI.

[0095] The main body 4 comprises a sole 5 provided with a lower face 6 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth 7 opening onto the lower face 6. The suction mouth 7 communicates with the connecting sleeve 3 in particular by means of a suction duct formed at least in part, for example, by a flexible connecting duct. The suction mouth 7 may, for example, have an elongated shape and extend transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to the direction of movement DI of the suction head 2.

[0096] The main body 4 further comprises a suction chamber 9 which opens into the lower face 6 of the sole 5 via the suction mouth 7, and which is fluidically connected to the suction duct.

[0097] The suction head 2 also comprises a rotating brush 11 comprising a brush body 12 which has a generally tubular shape and which has a central longitudinal axis A. The brush body 12 is mounted to rotate in the suction chamber 9 around an axis of rotation which is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis A of the brush body 12.

[0098] Advantageously, the brush body 12 is removably mounted in the suction chamber 9 and is configured to be inserted into and removed from the suction chamber 9 in a mounting direction D2. The mounting direction D2 extends transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of movement DI of the suction head 2.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 4 comprises a passage opening 13 opening into the suction chamber 9 and through which the brush body 12 can be introduced into and removed from the suction chamber 9. Advantageously, the passage opening 13 is provided on a side wall of the main body 4.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotating brush 11 comprises bristles 14 provided on the external surface of the brush body 12. Advantageously, the brush body 12 is generally cylindrical with a circular section, and the rotating brush 11 comprises a plurality of rows of bristles extending for example helically around the central longitudinal axis A of the brush body 12. According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the rows of bristles could be replaced by elastically deformable strips or by a foam cleaning sleeve. According to another alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the rotating brush 11 could comprise at least one row of bristles and at least one elastically deformable strip.

[0101] The suction head 2 further comprises a closing cap 15 which is configured to at least partially close the passage opening 13 when the brush body 12 is mounted in the suction chamber 9.

[0102] The suction head 2 also comprises a drive device 16 configured to rotate the brush body 12 about the axis of rotation. The drive device 16 more particularly comprises a drive motor 17, preferably electric, comprising an output shaft 18 which is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the brush body 12.

[0103] The drive motor 17 is housed in a motor compartment 19 fixed to a side wall of the main body 4, and the motor compartment 19 and the drive motor 17 are arranged in a motor housing 21 delimited by the brush body 12. In known manner, the drive motor 17 comprises a motor housing 22, and also a rotor and a stator (not shown in the figures) which are housed in the motor housing 22. Advantageously, the drive motor 17 is located at a distance from the side walls of the main body 4. Advantageously, the drive motor 17 is off-center with respect to a median vertical plane of the main body 4 and is arranged between the median vertical plane of the main body 4 and one of the two side walls.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the brush body 12 comprises a first end portion 12.1 which is located close to the drive device 16 and which delimits the motor housing 21, and a second end portion 12.2 which is supported by the closing cap 15 and which is mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the closing cap 15.

[0105] The rotating brush 11 further comprises a coupling part 24 which is arranged in the brush body 12 and which is configured to couple in rotation with a complementary coupling part 25 which belongs to the drive device 16 and which is coupled in rotation to the output shaft 18 of the drive motor 17. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the coupling part 24 is a female coupling part and the coupling part complementary coupling part 25 is a male coupling part. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coupling part 24 could be a male coupling part and the complementary coupling part 25 could be a female coupling part.

[0106] The suction head 2 also comprises a first brush support 26, such as a first brush support ring, which is fixed to the first end portion 12.1 of the brush body 12 and which is configured to support the first end portion 12.1, and a second brush support 27, such as a second brush support ring, which is fixed, for example by gluing or welding, to the second end portion 12.2 of the brush body 12 and which is configured to support the second end portion 12.2. Advantageously, the first brush support 26 and the second brush support 27 are annular and are arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis A of the brush body 12, and the drive motor 17 is arranged axially between the first brush support 26 and the second brush support 27.

[0107] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the drive motor 17 is closer to the first brush support 26 than to the second brush support 27. Advantageously, the drive motor 17 is arranged axially between the first brush support 26 and the median vertical plane of the brush body 12.

[0108] The suction head 2 further comprises a first bearing 28, such as a rolling bearing and for example a ball bearing, configured to guide the first brush support 26 in rotation, and a second bearing 29, such as a rolling bearing and for example a ball bearing, configured to guide the second brush support 27 in rotation. Advantageously, the second bearing 29 is interposed between the second brush support 27 and a support part belonging to the closing cap 15.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction head 2 comprises a bearing support 31 which is fixed to a side wall of the main body 4 and which is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis A, and the first bearing 28 is mounted on the bearing support 31 and is supported by the bearing support 31.

[0110] The first bearing 28 more particularly comprises an inner ring 28.1 which is fixed to the bearing support 31 and which extends around the bearing support 31, and an outer ring 28.2 which is rotatable relative to the inner ring 28.1 and which is fixed to the first brush support 26. Advantageously, the first brush support 26 is arranged in the first end portion 12.1 of the brush body 12, and is interposed between the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28 and an inner circumferential surface of the brush body 12.

[0111] As shown more particularly in [Fig.8], the first brush holder 26 comprises an inner wall 32 which is generally cylindrical and which extends around and in contact with the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28, and an outer wall 33 which is generally cylindrical and which cooperates with the inner circumferential surface of the brush body 12.

[0112] The suction head 2 advantageously comprises a fixing device configured to fix the first bearing 28 to the first brush support 26. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixing device comprises a plurality of fixing lugs 34 which are provided on the first brush support 26, which are distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26 and which extend substantially parallel to the central axis of the first brush support 26. The fixing lugs 34 are configured to cooperate with the first bearing 28, and more particularly with the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28, so as to fix the first bearing 28 to the first brush support 26 and in particular so as to axially immobilize the first bearing 28 relative to the first brush support 26.Advantageously, the first brush support 26 comprises a bearing housing 35 in which the first bearing 28 is received, and each fixing lug 34 is elastically deformable and comprises a retaining portion configured to retain the first bearing 28 in the bearing housing 35.

[0113] The first brush support 26 may for example comprise a plurality of stop members 36, such as stop ribs, distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26 and extending circumferentially. Each stop member 36 partly delimits the bearing housing 35 and is provided with an axial stop surface against which the first bearing 28 abuts when the first bearing 28 is housed in the bearing housing 35.

[0114] As shown in [Fig.6], the engine compartment 19 is fixed to the bearing support 31, and the first bearing 28 is axially sandwiched between a first abutment surface provided on the bearing support 31 and a second abutment surface provided on the engine compartment 19.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the engine compartment 19 comprises a motor cover 37 extending around the drive motor 17 and a cover support 38 fixed to the bearing support 31 and configured to support the motor cover 37. The motor cover 37 more particularly comprises a tubular wall 37.1 which extends around the drive motor 17 and which is substantially coaxial with the motor axis of the drive motor 17, and an end wall 37.2 located opposite the cover support 38 and provided with a central opening through which the output shaft 18 of the drive motor 17 projects. The motor cover 37 further comprises an open end which is at least partially closed by the cover support 38. Advantageously, the suction head 2 comprises a damping element 39 interposed axially between the drive motor 17 and the hood support 38.

[0116] The suction head 2 further comprises an air circulation cooling circuit 41 delimited at least in part by the bearing support 31, the drive motor 17, the motor compartment 19, the brush body 12 and the first brush support 26. The suction head 2 is configured such that, when the drive motor 17 is running, a vacuum is generated in the air circulation cooling circuit 41 and air is sucked into the air circulation cooling circuit 41 from outside the rotating brush 11 and is circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit 41, in order to ensure cooling in particular of the drive motor 17 and the first bearing 28.

[0117] The air circulation cooling circuit 41 comprises at least one air intake opening 42 through which air is capable of being drawn into the air circulation cooling circuit 4L. Advantageously, the air intake opening(s) 42 is (are) provided on a side wall of the main body 4, and more particularly on the side wall of the brush body to which the bearing support 31 is fixed.

[0118] The air circulation cooling circuit 41 further comprises a plurality of air discharge openings through which the air flowing in the air circulation cooling circuit 41 is adapted to be discharged out of the air circulation cooling circuit 4L. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air discharge openings are formed by through holes 44 provided on the first brush support 26 and configured to fluidically connect the motor housing 21 to the suction chamber 9, and thus to the suction duct.

[0119] As shown in [Fig. 8], the through holes 44 are distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26, and each through hole 44 opens respectively into a first axial face 26.1 of the first brush support 26 which is oriented towards the drive motor 17 and which partly delimits the motor housing 21 and into a second axial face 26.2 of the first brush support 26 which is located outside the brush body 12 and which is oriented towards the side wall of the main body 4 to which the bearing support 31 is fixed. Each through hole 44 is more particularly configured to allow the passage of an air flow through said through hole 44 and from the first axial face 26.1 of the first brush support 26 (and therefore from the motor housing 21) to the second axial face 26.2 of the first brush support 26 (and therefore towards the outside of the rotating brush 11).

[0120] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each through hole 44 provided on the first brush support 26 is delimited by the inner and outer walls 32, 33 of the first brush support 26 and by two flow guide walls 45 which are inclined relative to the central axis of the first brush support 26 and which are located opposite each other. Advantageously, the flow guide walls 45 are regularly distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26, and are configured to mechanically connect the internal and external walls 32, 33 of the first brush support 26 to each other.

[0121] The two flow guide walls 45, which partly delimit a respective through hole 44, are more particularly configured to generate a vacuum within the respective through hole 44 when the drive motor 17 is running and drives the rotating brush 11 and the first brush support 26 in rotation. Thus, each flow guide wall 45 provided on the first brush support 26 forms a flow guide vane, and the first brush support 26 forms a turbine provided with flow guide vanes distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26. Advantageously, each flow guide vane, and therefore each flow guide wall 45, has an axial dimension and a radial dimension which is smaller than the respective axial dimension.

[0122] The air circulation cooling circuit 41 more particularly comprises a first circuit portion 41.1 which comprises the at least one air intake opening 42 and which is delimited in part by the bearing support 31, the cover support 38, the drive motor 17 and the motor cover 37, and a second circuit portion 41.2 which comprises the air discharge openings (formed by the through holes 44), which is delimited in part by the motor compartment 19 and the brush body 12 and which is located downstream of the first circuit portion 41.1.

[0123] As shown in [Fig.6], the air circulation cooling circuit 41 is configured such that, when the drive motor 17 is running, the air, circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit 41, flows in the first circuit portion 41.1 away from the first brush holder 26 (and thus towards the closing cap 15), and flows in the second circuit portion 41.2 towards the first brush holder 26.

[0124] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the bearing support 31 is hollow and comprises an air flow duct 46 which extends substantially coaxially with the first bearing 28 and which partly forms the first circuit portion 41.1. Advantageously, the air flow duct 46 is fluidically connected to the at least one air intake opening 42, and the first bearing 28 extends around the air flow duct 46.

[0125] The air flow duct 46 is fluidically connected to an internal housing delimited by the engine compartment 19 (and partly forming the first circuit portion 41.1) via at least one passage orifice 31.1 (see [Fig.10]) provided on the bearing support 31 and opening into the air flow duct 46, and at least one air flow passage 38.1 (see figures 6 and 10) provided on the hood support 38 and fluidically connecting the at least one passage orifice 31.1 to the internal housing delimited by the engine compartment 19.

[0126] Advantageously, the air circulation cooling circuit 41 is configured such that, when the drive motor 17 is running, the air, circulated in the first circuit portion 41.1, flows at least partly inside the drive motor 17. For this purpose, the first circuit portion 41.1 comprises at least one air inlet opening 49 provided on a peripheral wall of the motor housing 22 and through which the air, circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit 41 when the drive motor 17 is running, is able to enter the drive motor 17, and at least one air outlet opening 51 provided on an end wall of the motor housing 22 (which is located opposite the first brush support 26) and through which the air, having entered the drive motor 17 via the at least one air inlet opening 49, is able to flow outside the drive motor 17. Advantageously, the at least one air inlet opening 49 is oriented substantially radially and opens into the internal housing delimited by the motor compartment 19, and the at least one air outlet opening 51 is oriented substantially axially.

[0127] As shown in [Fig. 6], the motor compartment 19 and the brush body 12 delimit a connecting chamber 52 which is located axially opposite the first brush support 26 relative to the drive motor 17 and which is configured to fluidly connect the first circuit portion 41.1 to the second circuit portion 41.2. Advantageously, the at least one air outlet opening 51, provided on the motor housing 22, is fluidly connected to the connecting chamber 52 via at least one connecting orifice 51 (see [Fig. 10]) provided on the motor cover 37, and more particularly on the end wall 37.2 of the motor cover 37.

[0128] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air circulation cooling circuit 41 is configured such that, when the drive motor 17 is running, the air, circulated in the second circuit portion 41.2, flows between an external surface of the motor compartment 19 and an internal surface of the brush body 12, before reaching the through holes 44 provided on the first brush support 26. Advantageously, the air circulation cooling circuit 41 is configured such that, when the drive motor 17 is running, the air, circulated in the second circuit portion 41.2, flows substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the brush body 12.

[0129] Cooling of the first bearing 28 and the drive motor 17 via the air circulation cooling circuit 41 is described below.

[0130] Under conditions of use of the suction head 2 according to the present invention, and in particular when the drive motor 17 is running, air is drawn into the air circulation cooling circuit 41 via the at least one air intake opening 42 due in particular to the vacuum generated in each of the through holes 44 provided on the first brush support 26. The air, circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit 41, then flows into the air flow duct 46 where it provides cooling, by thermal conduction, of the bearing support 31 and the inner ring 28.1 of the first bearing 28, then the air flows through the bearing support 31 and the cover support 38 (via the at least one through-hole and the at least one flow passage), and enters the interior of the drive motor 17 (via the air inlet opening 49) where it provides cooling, by thermal conduction, of the rotor and / or the stator of the drive motor 17. The air is then discharged from the drive motor 17 via the at least one air outlet opening 51, enters the connecting chamber 52 via the at least one connecting opening, flows towards the first brush support 26 via the annular longitudinal passage delimited between the motor compartment 19 and the brush body 12, and is discharged from the rotating brush 11 via the through-holes 44 and is sucked into the suction duct.By flowing through the through holes 44, the air ensures cooling, by thermal conduction, of the first brush support 26 and of the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28. .

[0131] As shown in [Fig.9], the inner wall 32 of the first brush support 26 comprises a plurality of radial through-openings 54 distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26. Each radial through-opening 54 extends in a radial direction and opens into a respective through-hole 44 provided on the first brush support 26, and is located opposite the first bearing 28, and more particularly opposite the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28. Such a configuration of the first brush support 26 makes it possible to further promote the cooling of the first bearing 28 by the air flows flowing through the through-holes 44.

[0132] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Suction head (2) comprising: - a main body (4) comprising a suction chamber (9) opening into a lower face (6) of the main body (4) which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, - a rotating brush (11) comprising a brush body (12) which has a generally tubular shape and which has a central longitudinal axis (A), the brush body (12) being mounted to rotate in the suction chamber (9) around an axis of rotation which is substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis (A) of the brush body (12), - a drive device (16) configured to rotate the brush body (12) about the axis of rotation, the drive device (16) comprising a drive motor (17), - a motor compartment (19) which is fixed relative to the main body (4) and in which the drive motor (17) is at least partly arranged, the motor compartment (19) and the drive motor (17) being at least partly arranged in a motor housing (21) delimited by the brush body (12), and - an air circulation cooling circuit (41) fluidly connected to the suction chamber (9), the suction head (2) being configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber (9), air is sucked into the air circulation cooling circuit (41) from outside the rotating brush (11) and is circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit (41), characterized in that the air circulation cooling circuit (41) has a first circuit portion (41.1) which is partly delimited by the drive motor (17) and a second circuit portion (41.2) which is partly delimited by the motor compartment (19) and the brush body (12) and which is located downstream of the first circuit portion (41.1), and in that the air circulation cooling circuit (41) is configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber (9), the air, circulated in the first circuit portion (41.1), flows at least partly inside the drive motor (17), and such that the air, circulated in the second circuit portion (41.2), flows to the. less partly between the motor compartment (19) and the brush body (12).

2. The suction head (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit portion (41.1) comprises at least one air inlet opening (49) provided on a peripheral wall of a motor housing (22) of the drive motor (17) and through which air, circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit (41) when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber (9), is able to enter the drive motor (17), and at least one air outlet opening (51) provided on an end wall of the motor housing (22) and through which air, having entered the drive motor (17) via the at least one air inlet opening (49), is able to flow out of the drive motor (17).

3. Suction head (2) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one air inlet opening (49), provided on the motor housing (22), is oriented substantially radially and the at least one air outlet opening (51), provided on the motor housing (22), is oriented substantially axially.

4. Suction head (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the brush body (12) comprises a first end portion (12.1) delimiting the motor housing (21) and a second end portion (12.2) located opposite the first end portion (12.1), and the suction head (2) comprises a first brush support (26) fixed to the first end portion (12.1) of the brush body (12) and configured to support said first end portion (12.1) and a second brush support (27) fixed to the second end portion (12.2) of the brush body (12) and configured to support said second end portion (12.2).

5. A suction head (2) according to claim 4, wherein the drive motor (17) is arranged axially between the first and second brush supports (26, 27).

6. Suction head (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the air circulation cooling circuit (41) is configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber (9), the air, circulated in the air circulation cooling circuit (41), flows into the first circuit portion (41.1) away from the first brush holder (26), and flows into the second circuit portion (41.2) towards the first brush support (26).

7. A suction head (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, which comprises a first bearing (28) configured to guide the first brush holder (26) in rotation and a second bearing (29) configured to guide the second brush holder (27) in rotation, the first brush holder (26) being interposed between the first bearing (28) and an inner circumferential surface of the brush body (12).

8. A suction head (2) according to claim 7, which comprises a bearing support (31) which is fixed relative to the main body (4), the first bearing (28) being mounted on the bearing support (31) and supported by the bearing support (31).

9. Suction head (2) according to claim 8, wherein the bearing support (31) delimits an air flow duct (46) which partly forms the first circuit portion (41.1), the bearing (28) extending around the air flow duct (46).

10. Suction head (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, in which the air circulation cooling circuit (41) is delimited at least in part by the first brush support (26).

11. Suction head (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the first brush holder (26) is annular and has at least one through-hole (44) which opens respectively into a first axial face (26.1) of the first brush holder (26) which is oriented towards the drive motor (17) and into a second axial face (26.2) of the first brush holder (26) which is opposite the first axial face (26.1), the at least one through-hole (44) being fluidically connected to the suction chamber (9) and the suction head (2) being configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber (9), an air flow flows through the at least one through-hole (44) and from the first axial face (26.1) of the first brush holder (26) to the second axial face (26.2) of the first brush holder (26).

12. A suction head (2) according to claim 11 in combination with claim 7, wherein the first brush holder (26) comprises an inner wall (32) which is generally cylindrical and which extends around and in contact with the first bearing (28), the inner wall (32) of the first brush holder (26) comprising at least one radial through opening (54), extending in a radial direction, de- plugging into the at least one through hole (44) provided on the first brush support (26) and being located opposite the first bearing (28).

13. The suction head (2) of claim 11 or 12, wherein the air circulation cooling circuit (41) comprises at least one air discharge opening through which air flowing into the air circulation cooling circuit (41) is capable of being discharged from the air circulation cooling circuit (41), the at least one air discharge opening being formed by the at least one through hole (44) provided on the first brush holder (26).

14. Suction head (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one through hole (44) provided on the first brush holder (26) is delimited at least in part by at least one flow guide wall (45) which is inclined relative to a central axis of the first brush holder (26) and which is configured to generate a vacuum within the at least one through hole (44) when the drive motor (17) is running.

15. A suction head (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first brush support (26) forms a turbine provided with flow guide vanes distributed around a central axis of the first brush support (26), each pair of adjacent flow guide vanes partly delimiting a respective through hole (44).

16. A suction head (2) according to claim 15, wherein each flow guide vane has an axial dimension and a radial dimension which is less than the respective axial dimension.

17. A suction head (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the air circulation cooling circuit (41) comprises at least one air intake opening (42) through which air is adapted to be drawn into the air circulation cooling circuit (41), the at least one air intake opening (42) being provided on a side wall of the main body (4).

18. Suction head (2) according to claim 17, wherein the at least one air intake opening (42) is oriented substantially axially.

19. A suction head (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the drive motor (17) is located at a distance from the side walls of the main body (4).

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