Suction head provided with brush motor cooling circuit

Abstract

To provide a suction head which is simple and economical in structure, while ensuring satisfactory cooling of a brush drive motor.SOLUTION: The suction head comprises a main body (4); a rotating brush (11) comprising a brush body (12); a motor compartment (19) housed in a motor housing (21) delimited by the brush body (12); a drive motor (17) housed in the motor compartment (19) and configured to drive in rotation the brush body (12) about an axis of rotation; and an air-cooling circuit (41) fluidly connected to the suction chamber (9) and including 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).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners, equipped with a suction head making it possible to suck up dust and dirt present on the surface to be cleaned. [Background technology]

[0002] Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market because they make it possible to clean a surface by suction and remove the dust and dirt present on it. The surface to be vacuumed can be, for example, a tile, a parquet, a laminate, a carpet or a rug.

[0003] The suction head comprises, as is known, a body including a base plate with a lower surface and a suction port opening into the lower surface of the base plate, the lower surface of the base plate being intended to be positioned adjacent to a surface to be vacuumed during use of the suction head.

[0004] In order to improve the cleaning performance of the suction head, a rotating brush comprising a brush body, the brush body being rotationally movable about an axis of rotation and mounted, for example removably, in a suction chamber defined by a body of the suction head, the brush body comprising a first end defining a motor housing and a second end positioned opposite the first end; a first support ring fixed to a first end of the brush body and configured to support the first end; and a second support ring fixed to a second end of the brush body and configured to support the second end; a first bearing, such as a rolling bearing, configured to guide the rotation of the first support ring and a second bearing, such as a rolling bearing, configured to guide the rotation of the second support ring; a drive device configured to drive in rotation a brush body about an axis of rotation, the drive device comprising a drive motor arranged in a motor housing defined by a first end of the brush body; It is known to be equipped with

[0005] During operation of such a suction head, in which the rotating brush is rotated, the drive motor, due to its location within the brush body, tends to heat up, which can impair the operation of the drive motor and therefore the reliability of the suction head.

[0006] In order to limit the heating of the drive motor, it is known to equip the suction head with an air cooling circuit fluidly connected to the suction chamber and to configure the suction head such that when a vacuum is created in the suction chamber, air is sucked from outside the rotating brush into the air cooling circuit and circulated within the air cooling circuit.

[0007] US Patent No. 5,399,633 describes, inter alia, an air cooling circuit including a first circuit portion partially defined by a motor chamber and a brush body, and a second circuit portion partially defined by a drive motor and positioned downstream of the first circuit portion, the air cooling circuit being configured such that when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, air circulated in the first circuit portion flows at least partially between the motor chamber and the brush body, and air circulated in the second circuit portion flows at least partially inside the drive motor. Although such an air cooling circuit ensures cooling of the drive motor, in some use configurations of the suction head the cooling is not always sufficient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2811883 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0010] The technical problem underlying the present invention is, in particular, to provide a suction head comprising a rotating brush and a brush drive motor housed within the rotating brush, which is simple in construction and economical while ensuring sufficient cooling of the brush drive motor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a suction head, comprising: a body including a suction chamber opening on a lower surface of the body, the suction chamber being configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned; a rotating brush comprising a brush body having a generally tubular shape and having a central longitudinal axis, the brush body being mounted for rotation within the suction chamber about an axis of rotation substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the brush body; a drive device configured to drive the brush body in rotation about a rotation axis and including a drive motor; a motor chamber fixed relative to the body and in which a drive motor is at least partially arranged, the motor chamber and the drive motor being at least partially arranged in a motor housing defined by the brush body; an air cooling circuit fluidly connected to the suction chamber, the suction head configured such that when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, air is sucked from outside the rotating brush into the air cooling circuit and circulated within the air cooling circuit.

[0012] The air cooling circuit includes a first circuit portion defined in part by the drive motor and a second circuit portion defined in part by the motor chamber and the brush body and positioned downstream of the first circuit portion, the air cooling circuit being configured such that when a vacuum is created in the suction chamber, air circulated in the first circuit portion flows at least in part into the drive motor and air circulated in the second circuit portion flows at least in part between the motor chamber and the brush body.

[0013] Under operating conditions, the drive motor has a temperature that is much higher than the temperature of the motor chamber. Therefore, the fact that the air circulating in the air cooling circuit first flows through the drive motor and then along the outer surface of the motor chamber limits the heating up of the air flow circulating in the first circuit part before the air flow enters the drive motor, thus ensuring optimal heat exchange (due to the large temperature difference) between the drive motor and the air flow. Such optimal heat exchange ensures optimal cooling of the drive motor.

[0014] The suction head may also have one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive motor includes a motor case. The drive motor further includes a rotor and a stator housed within the motor case.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is located entirely within the motor compartment.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first circuit portion is configured such that when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, air flowing through the drive motor flows in a flow direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the brush body.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air cooling circuit is configured such that when a vacuum is created in the suction chamber, the air circulated in the first circuit portion flows in contact with the rotor and / or stator of the drive motor, e.g. in contact with the stator windings and / or rotor windings.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air 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.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first circuit portion includes at least one air inlet opening provided on a peripheral wall of a motor case of the drive motor, through which air circulated in the air cooling circuit can enter the drive motor when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, and at least one air outlet opening provided on an end wall of the motor case, through which the air that has entered the drive motor through the at least one air inlet opening can flow out to the outside of the drive motor.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air inlet opening in the motor case is oriented substantially radially and at least one air outlet opening in the motor case is oriented substantially axially.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brush body comprises a first end defining the motor housing and a second end positioned opposite the first end, and the suction head comprises a first brush support, such as a first brush support ring, fixed to the first end of the brush body and configured to support the first end, and a second brush support, such as a second brush support ring, fixed to the second end of the brush body and configured to support said second end. Such a configuration of the suction head ensures optimal rotational guidance of the rotating brush and significantly limits the occurrence of vibrations in the suction head and the risk of seizing of the rotating brush.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the motor chamber and the brush body define a connecting chamber located axially opposite the first brush support relative to the drive motor and 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.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is arranged axially between the first brush support and the second brush support.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is closer to the first brush support than the second brush support. Advantageously, the drive motor is arranged axially between the first brush support and the central vertical plane of the suction head. It is therefore necessary to cool the first brush support, which heats up more quickly than the second brush support, due to its proximity to the drive motor.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air cooling circuit is configured such that when a vacuum is created in the suction chamber, air circulated through the air cooling circuit flows away from the first brush support in a first circuit portion and flows towards the first brush support in a second circuit portion.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction head includes a first bearing, such as a rolling bearing, e.g. a ball bearing, configured to rotate and guide the first brush support, and a second bearing, such as a rolling bearing, e.g. a ball bearing, configured to rotate and guide the second brush support, the first brush support being interposed between the first bearing and the inner circumferential surface of the brush body.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head includes a bearing support fixed relative to the body, the first bearing being attached to and supported by the bearing support.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first bearing is a rolling bearing and includes an inner ring fixed to and extending around the bearing support, and an outer ring fixed to the first brush support, the first brush support extending around the outer ring of the bearing.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing support, the first bearing and the first brush support are arranged substantially coaxially with a central longitudinal axis of the brush body.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor chamber is fixed to the bearing support.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor chamber includes a motor cover extending around the drive motor and a cover support fixed to the bearing support and configured to support the motor cover. According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor cover includes an open end, and the cover support at least partially closes the open end of the motor cover.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the motor cover includes a tubular wall extending around the drive motor and substantially coaxial with a motor shaft of the drive motor, and an end wall positioned opposite the cover support and provided with a central opening through which the output shaft of the drive motor projects.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a damping element axially interposed between the drive motor and the cover support.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing support defines an air flow duct partially forming 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 of the first bearing, in particular of the outer race of the first bearing. Advantageously, the air flow duct is fluidly connected to at least one air inlet.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air flow duct extends substantially coaxially with the first bearing.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air cooling circuit is at least partially defined by the first brush support. Such a configuration of the air cooling circuit ensures cooling by thermal conduction of the first brush support and of the first bearing, located close to the drive motor, in particular the outer ring of the first bearing, due to the fact that the air circulating in the air cooling circuit flows close to the first brush support.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first brush support is annular and comprises at least one through hole, which respectively opens into a first axial face of the first brush support directed towards the drive motor and into a second axial face of the first brush support opposite the respective first axial face, the at least one through hole being fluidly connected to the suction chamber, the suction head being configured such that, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, an air flow passes through the at least one through hole 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, in particular the presence of the at least one through hole, ensures, when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, a flow of air through the at least one through hole and thus a cooling of the first brush support and of the first bearing arranged in the vicinity of the drive motor by heat conduction. Such cooling makes it possible to limit the temperature rise of the first bearing and thus maintain its integrity, thus giving an improved reliability to the suction head according to the invention, and also makes it possible to use a first bearing of smaller dimensions and thus reducing the radial size of the rotating brush.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one through hole opens into the motor housing.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush support is generally cylindrical and comprises an inner wall extending 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 the radial direction and opening into at least one through hole provided in the first brush support and arranged facing the first bearing. Such a configuration of the first brush support further allows to promote cooling of the first bearing, in particular its outer ring, by an air flow flowing through the at least one through hole.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner 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 into a respective through hole provided in the first brush support and arranged facing the first bearing, for example facing the outer ring of the first bearing.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air cooling circuit comprises at least one air discharge opening through which the air entering the air cooling circuit can be discharged from the air cooling circuit, the at least one air discharge opening being formed by at least one through-hole provided in the first brush support. The suction head is thus configured in such a way that the air sucked into the air cooling circuit is discharged from the air cooling circuit via the at least one through-hole provided in the first brush support.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one through hole provided in the first brush support is at least partially defined by at least one flow guide wall inclined with respect to a central axis of the first brush support and configured to generate a vacuum in the at least one through hole when the drive motor is activated to drive the rotating brush in rotation. Such a configuration of the first brush support increases the air flow rate in the air cooling circuit, thus further facilitating the cooling of the drive motor and the first bearing.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one flow guiding wall forms a flow guiding fin, also called a blade.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one flow guide wall has an axial dimension and a radial dimension that is smaller than the respective axial dimension.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one through hole provided in the first brush support is at least partially defined by two flow guiding walls inclined with respect to a central axis of the first brush support and arranged facing each other, and the two flow guiding walls at least partially defining the at least one through hole are configured to generate a vacuum in the at least one through hole when the drive motor is operated to rotate the rotating brush.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first brush support forms an impeller with flow-guiding fins distributed around the central axis of the first brush support, each pair of adjacent flow-guiding fins partially defining a respective through hole, the first brush support forming the impeller being configured to generate a vacuum in at least one through hole when the drive motor is activated to drive the rotating brush in rotation. Thus, when the brush body is driven in rotation, the first brush support forming the impeller and fixed for rotation to the brush body is also driven in rotation, and the impeller can suck air from a first axial face of the first brush support towards a second axial face of the first brush support. That is to say, the first brush support forming the impeller allows, when it is driven in rotation by the rotation of the rotating brush, to force a flow of air from the inside of the rotating brush towards the outside of the rotating brush.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each flow guiding fin has an axial dimension and a radial dimension smaller than the respective axial dimension. Such a configuration of the first brush support optimizes the radial dimension of the first brush support and thus makes it possible to reduce the radial dimension of the rotating brush or to enlarge the radial dimension of the first bearing and thus increase its service life.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air cooling circuit comprises at least one air intake opening through which air can be sucked into the air cooling circuit, the at least one air intake opening being arranged in a side wall of the body, for example at a side of the bearing support, advantageously provided in the side wall of the body to which the bearing support is fixed.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening is oriented substantially axially, i.e. substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the brush body. Such an orientation of the at least one air intake opening limits the risk of dust being sucked in by the air cooling circuit, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the risk of dirt accumulation or even clogging of the air cooling circuit, thus ensuring optimal cooling of the drive motor and also of the first bearing, when the air cooling circuit is partially defined by the first brush support.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor chamber defines an inner housing fluidly connected to at least one air intake opening belonging to an air cooling circuit.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one air intake opening provided in the motor case opens into an inner housing defined by the motor chamber.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening is substantially coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of the brush body.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is located away from the sidewall of the body, such location of the drive motor ensures better balancing of the mass within the body, particularly around the central longitudinal axis.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first brush support includes a plurality of through holes distributed around a central axis of the first brush support, each through hole opening into a first and second axial face of the first brush support, respectively, and configured to allow the passage of an air flow through the through holes.

[0056] 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.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device is elastically deformable and includes at least one fixing tab provided on the first brush support, the at least one fixing tab being configured to cooperate with the first bearing, more particularly with the outer race of the first bearing, in order to fix the first bearing to the first brush support.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fastening tab extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the first brush support.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush support includes 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.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first brush support includes a bearing housing in which the first bearing is received.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking tab includes a retaining portion configured to retain the first bearing within the bearing housing.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing tab is configured to axially fix the first bearing relative to the first brush support.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device includes a plurality of fastening tabs distributed around a central axis of the first brush support.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating brush further comprises a coupling means arranged on the brush body, the coupling means being configured for rotational coupling with a complementary coupling means belonging to the drive device and rotatably coupled to the output shaft of the drive motor.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brush body is configured to be removably mounted in the suction chamber, for example with a mounting direction extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the suction head.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body includes a passage opening opening into the suction chamber through which the brush body can be introduced into and removed from the suction chamber, the suction head includes a closure cap configured to at least partially close the passage opening, and the brush body is rotatably mounted relative to the closure cap.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage opening is provided in a side wall of the body.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second brush support is mounted for rotational movement with respect to the closure cap.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotating brush comprises bristles provided on the outer surface of the brush body. Advantageously, the rotating brush comprises at least one row of bristles provided on the outer surface of the brush body.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a base plate provided with an underside adapted to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned and with suction openings opening on the underside. Advantageously, the suction chamber opens on the underside of the base plate via a suction port.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction port has an elongated shape and extends substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the suction head.

[0072] In any case, the invention will be clearly understood by means of the following description, with reference to the attached schematic drawings which represent, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this suction head. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0073] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a suction head according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a top perspective view of the suction head of FIG. 1, showing the rotating brush of the suction head partially removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the suction head of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction head of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction head of FIG. 1, showing the rotating brush of the suction head partially removed; [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a detail of FIG. 4, on an enlarged scale. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a subassembly belonging to the suction head of FIG. 1, the subassembly including a drive unit, a cover support, a bearing, a bearing support and a brush support. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a brush support belonging to the suction head of FIG. 1; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cutaway perspective view of the brush support of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction head of FIG. 1, with the left and right portions of the suction head cut along two longitudinal cross sections that are offset with respect to each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0074] Detailed Description Unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially" is used herein to mean "exactly, or within 10%, or within 10°."

[0075] 1-10 represent a suction head 2 provided with a connection sleeve 3 to which the end of a rigid or flexible tube is intended to be connected, the tube itself being connected to the suction system of a vacuum cleaner (not shown). Different variants of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and which can be used with the suction head 2 according to the invention, these variants being known to those skilled in the art and which will not be detailed in the present patent application.

[0076] The suction head 2 comprises a body 4 configured to be moved over the surface to be cleaned. The connecting sleeve 3 is advantageously pivotally linked to the body 4 so as to allow forward and rearward pivoting of the connecting sleeve 3 relative to the body 4 during movement of the suction head 2 in the movement direction D1.

[0077] The body 4 comprises a bottom plate 5 with an underside 6 adapted to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned and a suction opening 7 opening into the underside 6. The suction opening 7 communicates with the connection sleeve 3, in particular by means of an at least partially formed suction duct, for example by means of a flexible connection duct. The suction opening 7 may for example have an elongated shape and extend transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the direction of movement D1 of the suction head 2.

[0078] The body 4 further comprises a suction chamber 9 which opens onto the lower surface 6 of the base plate 5 via a suction port 7 and is fluidly connected to the suction duct.

[0079] The suction head 2 also comprises a rotating brush 11 having a generally tubular shape and including a brush body 12 having a central longitudinal axis A. The brush body 12 is mounted for rotational movement within the suction chamber 9 about an axis of rotation coaxial with the central longitudinal axis A of the brush body 12.

[0080] Advantageously, the brush body 12 is removably mounted in the suction chamber 9 and is configured to be introduced into and removed from the suction chamber 9 in a mounting direction D2, which extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of movement D1 of the suction head 2.

[0081] According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the body 4 comprises a passage opening 13 opening into the suction chamber 9, through which the brush body 12 can be introduced into and removed from the suction chamber 9. Advantageously, the passage opening 13 is provided in a side wall of the body 4.

[0082] According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the rotating brush 11 comprises bristles 14 provided on the outer surface of the brush body 12. Advantageously, the brush body 12 is generally cylindrical with a circular cross section, and the rotating brush 11 comprises a number of bristle rows extending, for example helically, around the central longitudinal axis A of the brush body 12. According to a variant not represented in the figures, the bristle rows could be replaced by an elastically deformable lamella or a foam cleaning sleeve. According to another variant not represented in the figures, the rotating brush 11 could comprise at least one row of bristles and at least one elastically deformable lamella.

[0083] The suction head 2 further comprises a closure cap 15 configured to at least partially close the passage opening 13 when the brush body 12 is mounted in the suction chamber 9 .

[0084] The suction head 2 also includes a drive 16 configured to drive the brush body 12 in rotation about an axis of rotation. The drive 16 more particularly comprises a preferably electric drive motor 17 with an output shaft 18 coaxial with the axis of rotation of the brush body 12.

[0085] The drive motor 17 is accommodated in a motor chamber 19 fixed to the side wall of the body 4, the motor chamber 19 and the drive motor 17 being arranged in a motor housing 21 defined by the brush body 12. As is known, the drive motor 17 comprises a motor case 22 and also a rotor and a stator (not shown in the figures) accommodated in the motor case 22. Advantageously, the drive motor 17 is arranged at a distance from the side wall of the body 4. Advantageously, the drive motor 17 is off-centered with respect to a central vertical plane of the body 4 and is arranged between the central vertical plane of the body 4 and one of the two side walls.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the brush body 12 comprises a first end 12.1 arranged near the drive unit 16 and defining a motor housing 21, and a second end 12.2 supported by the closure cap 15 and mounted rotatably relative to the closure cap 15.

[0087] The rotating brush 11 further comprises a coupling part 24 arranged in the brush body 12, which is adapted for rotational coupling with a complementary coupling part 25 belonging to the drive device 16 and which is rotationally coupled to the output shaft 18 of the drive motor 17. According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the coupling part 24 is a female coupling part and the complementary coupling part 25 is a male coupling part. However, according to a variant of the invention, the coupling part 24 could be a male coupling part and the complementary coupling part 25 a female coupling part.

[0088] The suction head 2 also comprises a first brush support 26, such as a first brush support ring, fixed to the first end 12.1 of the brush body 12 and configured to support the first end 12.1, and a second brush support 27, such as a second brush support ring, fixed to the second end 12.2 of the brush body 12, for example by gluing or welding, and configured to support the second end 12.2. Advantageously, the first brush support 26 and the second brush support 27 are annular and 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.

[0089] According to the embodiment represented 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 central vertical plane of the brush body 12.

[0090] The suction head 2 further comprises a first bearing 28, a rolling bearing, for example a ball bearing, configured for rotationally guiding the first brush support 26, and a second bearing 29, a rolling bearing, for example a ball bearing, configured for rotationally guiding the second brush support 27. Advantageously, the second bearing 29 is interposed between the second brush support 27 and a support belonging to the closure cap 15.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction head 2 comprises a bearing support 31 fixed to the side wall of the body 4 and coaxial with the central longitudinal axis A, and the first bearing 28 is attached to and supported by the bearing support 31.

[0092] The first bearing 28 more specifically comprises an inner ring 28.1 fixed to the bearing support 31 and extending around the circumference of the bearing support 31, and an outer ring 28.2 rotatably movable relative to the inner ring 28.1 and fixed to the first brush support 26. Advantageously, the first brush support 26 is arranged at the first end 12.1 of the brush body 12 and is interposed between the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28 and the inner circumferential surface of the brush body 12.

[0093] As shown more specifically in FIG. 8 , the first brush support 26 includes an inner wall 32 that is generally cylindrical and extends around and in contact with the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28, and an outer wall 33 that is generally cylindrical and cooperates with the inner circumferential surface of the brush body 12.

[0094] 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 represented in the figures, the fixing device comprises a number of fixing tabs 34 provided on the first brush support 26, distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26 and extending substantially parallel to the central axis of the first brush support 26. The fixing tabs 34 are configured to cooperate with the first bearing 28, more particularly with the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28, to fix the first bearing 28 to the first brush support 26, in particular to fix the first bearing 28 axially 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, each fixing tab 34 being elastically deformable and comprising a retaining portion configured to hold the first bearing 28 in the bearing housing 35.

[0095] The first brush support 26 may include a plurality of stop members 36, such as, for example, stop ribs, distributed about a central axis of the first brush support 26 and extending circumferentially. Each stop member 36 partially defines a bearing housing 35 and includes an axial stop surface against which the first bearing 28 abuts when the first bearing 28 is received within the bearing housing 35.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 6 , the motor chamber 19 is fixed to the bearing support 31 and the first bearing 28 is axially clamped between a first stop surface provided on the bearing support 31 and a second stop surface provided on the motor chamber 19.

[0097] According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the motor chamber 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 specifically comprises a tubular wall 37.1 extending around the drive motor 17 and substantially coaxial with the motor shaft of the drive motor 17, and an end wall 37.2 located on the side 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 at least partially closed by the cover support 38. Advantageously, the suction head 2 comprises a damping element 39 axially interposed between the drive motor 17 and the cover support 38.

[0098] The suction head 2 further comprises an air cooling circuit 41 which is at least partially defined by the bearing support 31, the drive motor 17, the motor chamber 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 cooling circuit 41 and air is sucked in from outside the rotating brush 11 into the air cooling circuit 41 and circulated through the air cooling circuit 41, in particular to ensure cooling of the drive motor 17 and the first bearing 28.

[0099] The air cooling circuit 41 comprises at least one air inlet 42 through which air can be drawn into the air cooling circuit 41. Advantageously, the air inlet 42 is provided in a side wall of the body 4, more particularly in the side wall of the brush body to which the bearing support 31 is fixed.

[0100] The air cooling circuit 41 further comprises a number of air outlets through which the air entering the air cooling circuit 41 can be exhausted from the air cooling circuit 41. According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the air outlets are formed by through holes 44 provided in the first brush support 26 and are arranged to fluidly connect the motor housing 21 to the suction chamber 9 and thus to the suction duct.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 8, the through holes 44 are distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26, each opening into a first axial face 26.1 of the first brush support 26 oriented towards the drive motor 17 and partially defining the motor housing 21, and into a second axial face 26.2 of the first brush support 26 arranged outside the brush body 12 and oriented towards the side wall of the body 4 to which the bearing support 31 is fixed. Each through hole 44 is more specifically configured to allow the passage of an air flow through it from the first axial face 26.1 of the first brush support 26 (and thus from the motor housing 21) towards the second axial face 26.2 of the first brush support 26 (and thus towards the outside of the rotating brush 11).

[0102] According to the embodiment represented in the figures, each through-hole 44 provided in the first brush support 26 is defined by the inner and outer walls 32, 33 of the first brush support 26 and by two flow guiding walls 45 arranged opposite each other and inclined with respect to the central axis of the first brush support 26. Advantageously, the flow guiding walls 45 are regularly distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26 and are configured to mechanically connect the inner and outer walls 32, 33 of the first brush support 26 to each other.

[0103] The two flow guiding walls 45 partially defining each through hole 44 are more particularly configured to generate a vacuum in each through hole 44 when the drive motor 17 is activated to drive the first brush support 26 in rotation together with the rotating brush 11. Each flow guiding wall 45 provided on the first brush support 26 thus forms a flow guiding fin, the first brush support 26 forming an impeller with flow guiding fins distributed around the central axis of the first brush support 26. Advantageously, each flow guiding fin, and therefore each flow guiding wall 45, has an axial dimension and a radial dimension that is smaller than the respective axial dimension.

[0104] More specifically, the air cooling circuit 41 includes a first circuit portion 41.1 including at least one air intake 42 and partially defined 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 including an air exhaust (formed by a through hole 44), partially defined by the motor chamber 19 and the brush body 12 and positioned downstream of the first circuit portion 41.1.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6 , the air cooling circuit 41 is configured such that, when the drive motor 17 is operating, air circulated within the air cooling circuit 41 flows into a first circuit portion 41.1, moves away from the first brush support 26 (and thus towards the closure cap 15), and flows into a second circuit portion 41.2 towards the first brush support 26.

[0106] According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the bearing support 31 is hollow and includes an air flow duct 46 which extends approximately coaxially with the first bearing 28 and which partially forms the first circuit portion 41.1. Advantageously, the air flow duct 46 is fluidly connected to the at least one air inlet 42, and the first bearing 28 extends around the air flow duct 46.

[0107] The air flow duct 46 is fluidly connected to the inner housing defined by the motor chamber 19 via at least one passage orifice 31.1 (see Figure 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 cover support 38 and fluidly connecting the at least one passage orifice 31.1 to the inner housing defined by the motor chamber 19 (partially forming the first circuit portion 41.1).

[0108] Advantageously, the air cooling circuit 41 is configured such that, when the drive motor 17 is operating, the air circulated in the first circuit part 41.1 flows at least partially inside the drive motor 17. For this purpose, the first circuit part 41.1 comprises at least one air inlet opening 49 provided in the peripheral wall of the motor case 22, through which the air circulated in the air cooling circuit 41 can enter the drive motor 17 when the drive motor 17 is operating, and at least one air outlet opening 50 provided in an end wall of the motor case 22 (positioned opposite the first brush support 26), through which the air entering the drive motor 17 via the at least one air inlet opening 49 can flow to the outside of the drive motor 17. Advantageously, the at least one air inlet opening 49 is substantially radially oriented and opens into the inner housing defined by the motor chamber 19, and the at least one air outlet opening 50 is substantially axially oriented.

[0109] As shown in Figure 6, the motor chamber 19 and the brush body 12 define a communication chamber 52 arranged axially opposite the first brush support 26 with respect to the drive motor 17 and configured to fluidly connect the first circuit part 41.1 to the second circuit part 41.2. Advantageously, at least one air outlet opening 50 provided in the motor case 22 is fluidly connected to the communication chamber 52 via at least one communication orifice 51 (see Figure 10) provided in the motor cover 37, more particularly in the end wall 37.2 of the motor cover 37.

[0110] According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the air cooling circuit 41 is configured in such a way that, when the drive motor 17 is in operation, the air circulated in the second circuit part 41.2 flows between the outer surface of the motor chamber 19 and the inner surface of the brush body 12 before reaching the through-hole 44 provided in the first brush support 26. Advantageously, the air cooling circuit 41 is configured in such a way that, when the drive motor 17 is in operation, the air circulated in the second circuit part 41.2 flows substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the brush body 12.

[0111] The cooling of the first bearing 28 and the drive motor 17 by the air cooling circuit 41 will be described later.

[0112] Under the conditions of use of the suction head 2 according to the invention, in particular when the drive motor 17 is in operation, air is sucked into the air cooling circuit 41 via at least one air inlet 42, in particular by the vacuum generated in each of the through holes 44 provided in the first brush support 26. The air circulated in the air cooling circuit 41 then flows into the air flow duct 46, where it ensures the cooling of the bearing support 31 and of the inner ring 28.1 of the first bearing 28 by thermal conduction, and then the air flows through the bearing support 31 and the cover support 38 (via at least one passage orifice and at least one flow passage) and into the drive motor 17 (via the air inlet opening 49), where it ensures the cooling of the rotor and / or stator of the drive motor 17 by thermal conduction. The air is then discharged from the drive motor 17 through at least one air outlet opening 50, enters the communication chamber 52 through at least one connecting orifice, flows through the annular longitudinal passage defined between the motor chamber 19 and the brush body 12 towards the first brush support 26, leaves the rotating brush 11 through the through-holes 44 and is sucked into the suction duct. By flowing through the through-holes 44, the air ensures cooling of the first brush support 26 and the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28 by heat conduction.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 9, the inner wall 32 of the first brush support 26 includes 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, opens into a respective through-hole 44 provided in the first brush support 26 and is arranged facing the first bearing 28, more specifically facing the outer ring 28.2 of the first bearing 28. Such a configuration of the first brush support 26 further makes it possible to promote cooling of the first bearing 28 by the air flow passing through the through-holes 44.

[0114] Of course, the invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments which have been presented by way of example only: modifications are still possible, in particular with regard to the arrangement of the various elements or by substitution with technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] (2) Suction head (4) Main unit (6) Bottom surface (9) Suction chamber (11) Rotating brush (12) Brush body (12.1) First end (12.2) Second end (16) Drive unit (17) Drive motor (19) Motor room (21) Motor housing (22) Motor case (26) First brush support (26.1) First axial surface (26.2) Second axial surface (27) Second brush support (28) First bearing (29) Second bearing (31) Bearing support (32) Interior wall (41) Air cooling circuit (41.1) First circuit part (41.2) Second circuit part (42) Air intake opening (44) Through hole (45) Flow guide wall (46) Air flow duct (49) Air inlet opening (50) Air outlet opening (54) Radial opening

Claims

1. A suction head (2), comprising: a body (4) including a suction chamber (9) opening on a lower surface (6) of said body (4), said lower surface (6) being adapted to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned; a rotating brush (11) comprising a brush body (12) having a generally tubular shape and having a central longitudinal axis (A), said brush body (12) being mounted for rotational movement within said suction chamber (9) about an axis of rotation that is substantially coaxial with said central longitudinal axis (A) of said brush body (12); a drive device (16) configured to drive in rotation said brush body (12) around said axis of rotation, said drive device (16) including a drive motor (17); a motor chamber (19) fixed relative to said body (4) and in which said drive motor (17) is at least partially arranged, said motor chamber (19) and said drive motor (17) being arranged in a motor housing (21) at least partially defined by said brush body (12); an air 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 from outside the rotating brush (11) into the air cooling circuit (41) and circulated within the air cooling circuit (41), The air cooling circuit (41) comprises a first circuit portion (41.1) partially defined by the drive motor (17) and a second circuit portion (41.2) partially defined by the motor chamber (19) and the brush body (12) and arranged downstream of the first circuit portion (41.1), characterized in that when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber (9), the air circulated in the first circuit portion (41.1) flows at least partially through the drive motor (17) and the air circulated in the second circuit portion (41.2) flows at least partially between the motor chamber (19) and the brush body (12).

2. 2. The suction head (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first circuit part (41.1) comprises at least one air inlet opening (49) provided in a peripheral wall of a motor case (22) of the drive motor (17) through which air circulated in the air cooling circuit (41) can enter the drive motor (17) when a vacuum is generated in the suction chamber (9), and at least one air outlet opening (50) provided in an end wall of the motor case (22) through which air flowing into the drive motor (17) via the at least one air inlet opening (49) can flow out to the outside of the drive motor (17).

3. 3. The suction head (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one air inlet opening (49) provided in the motor case (22) is oriented substantially radially and the at least one air outlet opening (50) provided in the motor case (22) is oriented substantially axially.

4. A suction head (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the brush body (12) comprises a first end (12.1) defining the motor housing (21) and a second end (12.2) arranged opposite the first end (12.1), the suction head (2) comprising: a first brush support (26) fixed to the first end (12.1) of the brush body (12) and configured to support the first end (12.1); and a second brush support (27) fixed to the second end (12.2) of the brush body (12) and configured to support the second end (12.2).

5. A suction head (2) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the drive motor (17) is arranged axially between the first brush support (26) and the second brush support (27).

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

7. A suction head (2) as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the suction head (2) includes a first bearing (28) configured to rotationally guide the first brush support (26) and a second bearing (29) configured to rotationally guide the second brush support (27), and the first brush support (26) is interposed between the first bearing (28) and the inner surface of the brush body (12).

8. A suction head (2) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the suction head (2) comprises a bearing support (31) fixed relative to the body (4), and the first bearing (28) is attached to and supported by the bearing support (31).

9. 9. A suction head (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the bearing support (31) defines an air flow duct (46) which partially forms the first circuit portion (41.1), and the bearing (28) extends around the air flow duct (46).

10. A suction head (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the air cooling circuit (41) is at least partially defined by the first brush support (26).

11. 11. The suction head (2) according to claim 4, wherein the first brush support (26) is annular and comprises at least one through hole (44) opening into a first axial side (26.1) of the first brush support (26) oriented towards the drive motor (17) and into a second axial side (26.2) of the first brush support (26) opposite to the first axial side (26.1), the at least one through hole (44) being 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), an air flow flows from the first axial side (26.1) of the first brush support (26) towards the second axial side (26.2) of the first brush support (26), through the at least one through hole (44).

12. A suction head (2) according to claim 11 in combination with claim 7, characterized in that the first brush support (26) is generally cylindrical and includes an inner wall (32) extending around the first bearing (28) and in contact with the first bearing (28), the inner wall (32) of the first brush support (26) including at least one radial through opening (54) extending radially and opening into the at least one through hole (44) provided in the first brush support (26) and arranged facing the first bearing (28).

13. The suction head (2) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the air cooling circuit (41) comprises at least one air discharge opening through which air flowing into the air cooling circuit (41) can be discharged from the air cooling circuit (41), the at least one air discharge opening being formed by the at least one through hole (44) provided in the first brush support (26).

14. The suction head (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the at least one through hole (44) provided in the first brush support (26) is at least partially defined by at least one flow guiding wall (45) inclined with respect to a central axis of the first brush support (26) and configured to generate a vacuum in the at least one through hole (44) when the drive motor (17) is operated.

15. A suction head (2) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the first brush support (26) forms an impeller provided with flow guiding fins distributed around a central axis of the first brush support (26), each of adjacent pairs of flow guiding fins partially defining a respective through hole (44).

16. 16. The suction head (2) according to claim 15, characterized in that each flow guiding fin has an axial dimension and a radial dimension which is smaller than the respective axial dimension.

17. A suction head (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the air cooling circuit (41) comprises at least one air intake opening (42) through which air can be sucked into the air cooling circuit (41), the at least one air intake opening (42) being provided in a side wall of the body (4).

18. 18. The suction head (2) according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one air intake opening (42) is oriented substantially axially.

19. A suction head (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive motor (17) is arranged at a position remote from the side wall of the body (4).

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