CN211511625U

CN211511625U - Suction device, household vacuum cleaner and pneumatic sealing element

Info

Publication number: CN211511625U
Application number: CN201921568147.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 费比安·大卫
Original assignee: SEB SA
Current assignee: SEB SA
Priority date: 2018-09-24
Filing date: 2019-09-20
Publication date: 2020-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-20
Also published as: FR3086156A1; EP3626148B1; CN110934538B; FR3086156B1; ES2886748T3; CN110934538A; EP3626148A1

Abstract

The inhalation device comprises: a motor case; a suction motor disposed in the motor case and configured to generate a suction flow; and a pneumatic sealing element configured to direct a suction flow from a through opening provided on a motor housing to an air intake opening provided on a suction motor, the pneumatic sealing element including a first annular sealing portion configured to sealingly engage with the motor housing, a second annular sealing portion configured to sealingly engage with the suction motor, and an annular intermediate portion located between the first and second annular sealing portions and including at least one radial fold oriented substantially radially with respect to a central axis of the pneumatic sealing element and at least one annular fold substantially concentric with the central axis of the pneumatic sealing element.

Description

Suction device, household vacuum cleaner and pneumatic sealing element

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of household vacuum cleaners allowing the suction of dust and small-sized waste present on the surface to be cleaned, which may be for example a tile floor, a laminate, a carpet or a carpet.

Background

A household cleaner comprises, in a known manner:

a housing including a filter compartment and a motor compartment, the filter compartment and the motor compartment being separated by a partition wall provided with a communication hole; and

an inhalation device housed in the motor compartment, the inhalation device comprising: a motor housing including a through opening; a suction motor disposed in the motor housing and configured to generate a suction flow, the suction motor including an air intake opening; and a pneumatic sealing element configured to guide the suction flow from the communication hole to the air intake opening, the pneumatic sealing element being annular and flexible, the pneumatic sealing element including a first annular sealing portion configured to be sealingly engaged with the motor case, a second annular sealing portion configured to be sealingly engaged with the suction motor case, and an annular intermediate portion located between the first annular sealing portion and the second annular sealing portion.

The configuration of such a pneumatic sealing element, due to its insufficient flexibility, results in the transmission of vibrations generated by the suction motor to the housing of the household cleaner, which results in a significant increase in the noise generated by the household cleaner and therefore discomfort for the user when using such a household cleaner.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention is directed to overcoming all or part of these disadvantages.

The object of the present invention is in particular to provide a suction device which greatly limits the transmission of the vibrations generated by the suction motor to the casing of the household cleaner, while guaranteeing the optimum suction performance of the suction device.

To this end, the present invention relates to a suction device for a household vacuum cleaner, comprising:

a motor housing including a through opening;

a suction motor disposed in the motor housing and configured to generate a suction flow, the suction motor including an air intake opening; and

a pneumatic sealing element configured to direct an inhalation flow from the through opening to the air intake opening, the pneumatic sealing element being annular and flexible, the pneumatic sealing element comprising a first annular sealing portion configured to sealingly engage with the motor casing, a second annular sealing portion configured to sealingly engage with the inhalation motor casing, and an annular intermediate portion located between the first and second annular sealing portions,

characterized in that said annular intermediate portion comprises at least one radial fold oriented substantially radially with respect to a central axis of said pneumatic sealing element and at least one annular fold substantially concentric with said central axis of said pneumatic sealing element.

This configuration of the pneumatic sealing element, and in particular the presence of at least one radial fold and at least one annular fold, allows to greatly limit the transmission of the vibrations generated by the suction motor to the housing of the household cleaner. In fact, the at least one radial fold allows to increase the flexibility of the pneumatic sealing element in the tangential direction and therefore to significantly reduce the transmission of the vibrations generated by the electromagnetic forces generated by the operation of the suction motor and by the interaction between the rotor and the stator of the suction motor to the housing of the vacuum cleaner, while the at least one annular fold allows to increase the flexibility of the pneumatic sealing element in the radial direction and therefore to significantly reduce the transmission of the vibrations generated by the unbalance of the suction motor to the housing of the vacuum cleaner.

The inhalation device may also have one or more of the following features, used alone or in combination.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic sealing element is integral.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular intermediate portion comprises a first tubular portion extending from the first annular sealing portion towards the suction motor and a second tubular portion extending from the second annular sealing portion towards a direction opposite to the suction motor, the first and second tubular portions being substantially concentric and axially offset with respect to each other.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular intermediate portion further comprises an annular connecting portion located between and connecting the first and second tubular portions to each other so as to define the at least one annular fold.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular connection portion connects the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion to each other so as to define two annular folds substantially concentric with the central axis of the pneumatic sealing element, the two annular folds being oriented in two opposite directions. This configuration of the connecting portion further increases the flexibility of the pneumatic sealing element and therefore further limits the transmission of the vibrations generated by the suction motor to the housing of the household cleaner.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular intermediate portion has a substantially Z-shaped longitudinal section.

According to an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the first tubular part is located opposite the second tubular part. In other words, the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion at least partially overlap in the axial direction.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second tubular portion is radially located within the first tubular portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one radial fold is at least partially arranged on the second tubular portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one radial fold is at least partially arranged on the second tubular portion and at least partially on the annular connecting portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one radial fold extends substantially along a plane oriented radially with respect to the central axis of the pneumatic sealing element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular intermediate portion further comprises a plurality of radial folds substantially radially oriented with respect to the central axis of the pneumatic sealing element and angularly offset from each other and distributed around the central axis, and for example regularly distributed around the central axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each radial fold comprises a concave surface oriented towards the outside of the pneumatic sealing element and a convex surface oriented towards the inside of the pneumatic sealing element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first annular sealing portion and the second annular sealing portion are axially offset with respect to each other.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second annular sealing portion extends around the air inlet opening.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second annular sealing portion comprises an annular sealing lip configured to sealingly engage with the suction motor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular sealing lip extends transversely with respect to the central axis of the pneumatic sealing element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular sealing lip comprises an annular sealing rib configured to sealingly cooperate with the suction motor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular sealing rib is arranged at a peripheral edge of the annular sealing lip. Advantageously, the annular sealing rib extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the pneumatic sealing element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second annular sealing portion comprises a support rib configured to abut against the suction motor, and for example against an outer surface of the suction motor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the support rib extends from an annular sealing rib around the air inlet opening, the annular sealing rib being configured to sealingly engage with the suction motor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the support rib is configured to distribute the pressure exerted on the annular sealing lip when the suction motor is powered and generates a suction flow.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the support rib is configured to space at least a portion of the annular sealing lip from the suction motor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the support rib extends substantially radially with respect to a central axis of the pneumatic sealing element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the support rib extends to or near the annular sealing rib.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second annular sealing portion is configured to sealingly abut and be held against the suction motor when the suction motor is powered and generating a suction flow. In other words, when the suction motor is powered and a suction flow is generated, the resultant of the forces exerted on the second annular sealing portion causes the second annular sealing portion to sealingly abut and be held against the suction motor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second annular sealing portion is configured to abut against the suction motor when the suction motor is at a stop.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second annular sealing portion has an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first annular sealing portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first annular sealing portion is overmolded on a front fairing section of the motor casing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the through opening is provided on the front fairing section.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first annular sealing portion extends around the through opening. Advantageously, said first annular sealing portion extends on a front face of said front fairing, said front face being located opposite said suction motor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the front fairing section of the motor casing comprises a plurality of through holes angularly offset from each other and distributed around the through opening, the first annular sealing portion being overmoulded on the front fairing section at the through holes. Advantageously, each through hole extends in the shape of a circular arc.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the through holes are circumferentially aligned.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the forward fairing comprises a retaining portion onto which the first annular sealing portion is overmoulded, the retaining portion comprising an annular retaining ring defining the through opening and connected to the main body of the forward fairing by connecting lugs extending radially and angularly spaced apart from each other so as to form the through hole together with the annular retaining ring and the main body of the forward fairing.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first annular sealing portion is further configured to sealingly engage with the housing of the vacuum cleaner.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first annular sealing portion comprises an annular sealing protrusion extending around the through opening and configured to sealingly cooperate with the housing of the vacuum cleaner. Advantageously, the annular sealing projection projects away from the suction motor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular sealing protrusion covers the through hole.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular sealing protrusion has a convex front profile and a rear profile, the rear profile having at least locally a hollow shape.

The rear profile of such a hollow shape allows to reduce the thickness of the wall forming the annular sealing protrusion, which has the priority of increasing the flexibility of the annular sealing protrusion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular sealing protrusion comprises an annular wall, which is curved. Advantageously, the annular wall comprises a first curved annular surface which is concave and oriented towards the suction motor, and a second curved annular surface which is convex and oriented away from the suction motor and, for example, oriented towards a partition wall belonging to the casing of the vacuum cleaner. This configuration of the annular sealing projection allows to ensure an optimal tightness between the casing of the vacuum cleaner and the motor casing, while ensuring a simple and reliable shear mounting of the pneumatic sealing element on the casing of the vacuum cleaner, and while ensuring an optimal flexibility of the pneumatic sealing element. In particular, such configuration of the annular sealing projection allows greater flexibility in the direction of the axis of the suction motor, so as to guarantee optimum tightness by absorbing the clearance between the motor casing and the casing of the household cleaner. In addition, the annular wall can be particularly thin, which allows the pneumatic sealing element to be manufactured using a material with a higher hardness and thus ensures a better sliding of the pneumatic sealing element during its shear mounting.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the annular sealing protrusion further comprises a plurality of connecting walls angularly offset from each other and distributed around the through opening, each connecting wall extending from the first curved annular surface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction motor includes a ventilator and a motor configured to drive the ventilator to rotate.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction motor may further comprise a ventilator cover at least partially covering the ventilator, the air inlet opening being provided on the ventilator cover.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction device comprises a suspension system configured to support the suction motor. The suspension system may include a plurality of damping elements disposed around the suction motor and connected to the motor housing. Advantageously, each damping element has a substantially S-shaped cross-section. This configuration of the damping element allows the use of a very flexible damping element and thus further limits the transmission of vibrations generated by the suction motor to the housing of the vacuum cleaner and thus ensures improved decoupling of the suction motor with respect to the housing of the vacuum cleaner.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suspension system further comprises at least one compensation spring configured to compensate the weight of the suction motor. Such a compensation spring in particular allows to keep the suction motor "floating" so that the damping element can work in the same way and thus ensure a proper centering of the suction motor with respect to the housing of the vacuum cleaner.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic sealing element is made of an elastomer.

The utility model also relates to a household vacuum cleaner, which comprises a suction device according to any one of the above features.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the domestic vacuum cleaner comprises a housing comprising a filtration compartment and a motor compartment, the filtration compartment and the motor compartment being separated by a partition wall, the first annular sealing portion being configured to sealingly engage with the partition wall. Advantageously, the pneumatic sealing element is configured to guide a suction flow generated by the suction motor from the communication hole to the air intake opening.

The invention also relates to a pneumatic sealing element for an inhalation device, the pneumatic sealing element being configured to guide an inhalation flow from an air inlet opening provided on a motor housing through an opening to an inhalation motor, the pneumatic sealing element being annular and flexible, the pneumatic sealing element comprising a first annular sealing portion configured to sealingly cooperate with the motor housing, a second annular sealing portion configured to sealingly cooperate with the inhalation motor, and an annular intermediate portion located between the first annular sealing portion and the second annular sealing portion, characterized in that the annular intermediate portion comprises at least one radial fold oriented substantially radially with respect to a central axis of the pneumatic sealing element, the annular fold is substantially concentric with the central axis of the pneumatic sealing element.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of non-limiting example, embodiments of an inhalation device.

Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a household cleaner according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a housing of the home cleaner of fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a suction device belonging to the cleaner of figure 1.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the inhalation device of figure 3.

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the front fairing and the pneumatic sealing element belonging to the inhalation device of figure 3.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the forward fairing and pneumatic seal element of FIG. 5.

Fig. 7 and 8 are front and rear perspective views of the pneumatic sealing element of fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a front fairing and a suction motor belonging to the suction device of fig. 3.

Fig. 10 is a rear view of the front fairing and suction motor of fig. 9.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 10 show a household cleaner 2, which household cleaner 2 comprises, in particular, a casing 3, also called cleaner body, which casing 3 comprises, in a known manner, a filtering compartment 4 and a motor compartment 5, said filtering compartment 4 and said motor compartment 5 being separated by a partition wall 6 provided with a communication hole 7. The filtering compartment 4 is intended to receive filtering means (not shown in the figures), such as a filter bag or cyclonic separating means, which allow the retention of the waste sucked into the casing 3.

The housing 3 further comprises an air inlet 8 through which air conveying the waste is drawn into the housing 3, and an air outlet 9 through which air previously cleaned of waste by the filter means is expelled from the housing 3. The housing 3 is advantageously equipped with wheels 11 to ensure the movement of the household cleaner 2.

The domestic cleaner 2 may further comprise a flexible tube (not shown in the figures), which is preferably removably connected to the air inlet 8 of the housing 3, and a suction attachment (not shown in the figures), such as a rigid telescopic tube which can receive a removable suction head at its end opposite the flexible tube.

The household cleaner 2 further comprises a suction device 12, which suction device 12 is accommodated in the motor compartment 5. The suction device 12 includes a motor housing 13. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the motor casing 13 comprises a front fairing 13.1 and a rear fairing 13.2 and a through opening 14, the front fairing 13.1 and the rear fairing 13.2 being assembled to each other, for example by screwing or snapping, said through opening 14 being arranged on the front fairing 13.1.

The suction device 12 further comprises a suction motor 15, also referred to as an electric ventilator, which suction motor 15 is arranged in the motor housing 13 and is configured to generate a suction flow. In a known manner, the suction motor 15 comprises a ventilator and an electric motor configured to drive the ventilator in rotation. The suction motor 15 may further comprise a ventilator cover 16, which ventilator cover 16 at least partly covers the ventilator and defines an air inlet opening 17.

The inhalation device 12 further comprises a pneumatic sealing element 18, which pneumatic sealing element 18 is integral and configured to guide the inhalation flow from the through opening 14 to the air inlet opening 17.

As shown more particularly in fig. 6 to 8, the pneumatic sealing element 18 is annular and flexible, and comprises a first annular sealing portion 19, a second annular sealing portion 21 and an annular intermediate portion 22, the first annular sealing portion 19 being configured to sealingly cooperate with the motor casing 13, the second annular sealing portion 21 being configured to sealingly cooperate with the suction motor 15, the annular intermediate portion 22 being located between the first annular sealing portion 19 and the second annular sealing portion 21. Advantageously, the first annular sealing portion 19 and the second annular sealing portion 21 are axially offset with respect to each other.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first annular sealing portion 19 extends around the through opening 14 and is overmoulded on the front fairing 13.1 of the motor casing 13. Advantageously, the first annular sealing portion 19 extends on the front face of the frontal fairing 13.1, which is located opposite the suction motor 15.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the forward fairing 13.1 includes a retaining portion 23 over which the first annular sealing portion 19 is over-molded. The retaining portion 23 advantageously comprises an annular retaining ring 24, which annular retaining ring 24 defines a body 25 connected to the forward fairing 13.1 through the opening 14 and by means of a connecting lug 26. Advantageously, the connecting lugs 26 extend radially and are angularly spaced apart from one another so as to form, together with the annular retaining ring 24 and the main body 25 of the frontal fairing 13.1, through holes 27 which are angularly offset from one another and are distributed around the through opening 14. Advantageously, the through holes 27 extend in the shape of a circular arc and are circumferentially aligned.

As shown in fig. 6 and 8, the first annular seal portion 19 includes an annular seal projection 28, the annular seal projection 28 extending around the through opening 14 and projecting relative to the suction motor 15. The annular seal projection 28 is configured to extend around the communication hole 7 and sealingly engage with the partition wall 6. Advantageously, the annular sealing protrusion 28 covers the through hole 27.

The annular sealing protrusion 28 comprises an annular wall 29, which annular wall 29 is thin and curved. The annular wall 29 comprises a first curved annular surface 29.1 and a second curved annular surface 29.2, the first curved annular surface 29.1 being concave and oriented towards the suction motor 15, the second curved annular surface 29.2 being convex and oriented away from the suction motor 15, that is to say, towards the partition wall 6.

The annular sealing protrusion 28 further comprises a plurality of connecting walls 31, the plurality of connecting walls 31 being angularly offset from each other and distributed around the through opening 14. Each connecting wall 31 extends from the first curved annular surface 29.1 and faces a respective connecting lug 26 and is fixed to this connecting lug 26 by overmoulding. Thus, each connecting wall 31 advantageously extends radially.

As shown in fig. 3, the second annular sealing portion 21 extends around the air inlet opening 17 and has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the first annular sealing portion 19.

The second annular sealing portion 21 more specifically includes an annular sealing lip 32, the annular sealing lip 32 extending transversely with respect to the central axis a of the pneumatic sealing element 18 and configured to sealingly engage with the suction motor 15, and more specifically with the ventilator cover 16.

The annular seal lip 32 is configured to abut against the suction motor 15 when the suction motor 15 is at a stop, and to sealingly abut against and be held against the suction motor 15 when the suction motor 15 is powered and generates a suction flow. In other words, when the suction motor 15 is energized and suction flow is generated, the resultant of the forces exerted on the annular sealing lip 32 causes the annular sealing lip 32 to sealingly abut and hold against the suction motor 15.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the annular sealing lip 32 comprises an annular sealing rib 33, this annular sealing rib 33 being configured to sealingly cooperate with the suction motor 15. The annular sealing rib 33 is advantageously arranged at the outer peripheral edge of the annular sealing lip 32 and extends substantially parallel to the central axis a of the pneumatic sealing element 18.

As shown in fig. 8, the second annular seal portion 21 also includes support ribs 34, and these support ribs 34 are configured to abut against the suction motor 15, and for example, against the outer surface of the ventilator cover 16. Advantageously, the support rib 34 extends around the air inlet opening 17 and radially with respect to the central axis a of the pneumatic sealing element 18. The support rib 34 is more specifically configured to distribute the pressure exerted on the annular sealing lip 32 when the suction motor 15 is energized and generates a suction flow. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support rib 34 extends to the annular sealing rib 33.

As shown more specifically in fig. 6, the annular intermediate portion 22 of the pneumatic sealing element 18 comprises a first tubular portion 35 and a second tubular portion 36, the first tubular portion 35 extending from the first annular sealing portion 19 towards the suction motor 15, the second tubular portion 36 extending from the second annular sealing portion 21 in the opposite direction to the suction motor 15. The first and second

tubular portions

35, 36 are concentric with the central axis a of the pneumatic sealing element 18 and are axially offset with respect to each other. Advantageously, the second tubular portion 36 is radially located inside the first tubular portion 35, and the first and second

tubular portions

35, 36 partially overlap in the axial direction.

The annular intermediate portion 22 further comprises an annular connecting portion 37, which annular connecting portion 37 is located between the first and second

tubular portions

35, 36 and connects the first and second

tubular portions

35, 36 to each other so as to define two

annular folds

38, 39 concentric with the central axis a of the pneumatic sealing element 18. The two

annular folds

38, 39 are advantageously oriented in two opposite directions, so that the annular median portion 22 has a substantially Z-shaped longitudinal section.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the annular median portion 22 also comprises a plurality of radial folds 41, the plurality of radial folds 41 being substantially radially oriented with respect to the central axis a of the pneumatic sealing element 18 and advantageously each extending substantially along a plane oriented radially with respect to the central axis a. The radial folds 41 are angularly offset from each other and advantageously are regularly distributed around the central axis a.

Each radial fold 41 advantageously comprises a concave surface 41.1 and a convex surface 41.2, the concave surface 41.1 being oriented towards the outside of the pneumatic sealing element 18 and the convex surface 41.2 being oriented towards the inside of the pneumatic sealing element 18.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each radial fold 41 is advantageously arranged partly on the second tubular portion 36 and partly on the annular connection portion 37.

The suction device 12 further comprises (see in particular fig. 9 and 10) a suspension system 43, which suspension system 43 is configured to support the suction motor 15. The suspension system 43 comprises more specifically a support 44 fixed to the suction motor 15 and a plurality of damping elements 45, the plurality of damping elements 45 being interposed between the support 44 and the motor casing 13 and distributed around the suction motor 15.

The support 44 may for example comprise an annular support portion 44.1, a rear portion 44.2 and connecting branches 44.3, the annular support portion 44.1 extending around the suction motor 15, the rear portion 44.2 extending behind the suction motor 15, the connecting branches 44.3 extending longitudinally and connecting the annular support portion 44.1 to the rear portion 44.2. Advantageously, the support 44 can thus define a housing in which the suction motor 15 is mounted.

Advantageously, each damping element 45 has a substantially S-shaped cross section and comprises a first fixing portion 45.1 and a second fixing portion 45.2, the first fixing portion 45.1 being fixed to the motor casing 13, for example to the rear fairing 13.2, the second fixing portion 45.2 being fixed to the support 44. The suspension system 43 may for example comprise four damping elements 45, the four damping elements 45 being regularly distributed around the suction motor 15.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suspension system 43 further comprises a compensation spring 46, the compensation spring 46 being configured to compensate the weight of the suction motor 15. The compensation spring 46 can be located, for example, above the suction motor 15 and be formed by an extension spring. According to one embodiment variant, the compensation spring 46 can be located below the suction motor 15 and be formed by a compression spring.

The compensation spring 46 is more specifically interposed between the support 44 and the motor case 13. The compensating spring 46 therefore advantageously comprises a first end 46.1 and a second end 46.2, the first end 46.1 being fixed to the motor housing 13, for example to the rear fairing 13.2, and the second end 46.2 being fixed to the support 44.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the described and illustrated embodiments given by way of example. Modifications can be made, in particular from the point of view of the construction of the various elements or by replacing technical equivalents, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inhalation device for a household cleaner, the inhalation device comprising:

a motor case (13) including a through opening (14);

a suction motor (15) disposed in the motor housing (13) and configured to generate a suction flow, the suction motor (15) including an air inlet opening (17); and

a pneumatic sealing element (18) configured to guide a suction flow from the through opening (14) to the air inlet opening (17), the pneumatic sealing element (18) being annular and flexible, the pneumatic sealing element (18) comprising a first annular sealing portion (19), a second annular sealing portion (21) and an annular intermediate portion (22), the first annular sealing portion (19) being configured to sealingly cooperate with the motor housing (13), the second annular sealing portion (21) being configured to sealingly cooperate with the suction motor (15), the annular intermediate portion (22) being located between the first annular sealing portion (19) and the second annular sealing portion (21),

characterized in that said annular intermediate portion (22) comprises at least one radial fold (41) and at least one annular fold (38, 39), said radial fold (41) being substantially radially oriented with respect to a central axis (A) of said pneumatic sealing element (18), said annular fold (38, 39) being substantially concentric with said central axis (A) of said pneumatic sealing element (18).

2. An inhalation device according to claim 1 characterised in that the annular intermediate portion (22) comprises a first tubular portion (35) and a second tubular portion (36), the first tubular portion (35) extending from the first annular sealing portion (19) and towards the inhalation motor (15), the second tubular portion (36) extending from the second annular sealing portion (21) and in the opposite direction to the inhalation motor (15), the first tubular portion (35) and the second tubular portion (36) being substantially concentric and axially offset with respect to each other.

3. An inhalation device according to claim 2 characterised in that the annular intermediate portion (22) further comprises an annular connecting portion (37), the annular connecting portion (37) being located between the first and second tubular portions (35, 36) and connecting the first and second tubular portions (35, 36) to each other so as to define at least one of the annular folds (38, 39).

4. An inhalation device according to claim 3 characterised in that the annular intermediate portion (22) connects the first tubular portion (35) and the second tubular portion (36) to each other so as to define two annular folds (38, 39) substantially concentric with the central axis (A) of the pneumatic sealing element (18), the two annular folds (38, 39) being oriented in two opposite directions.

5. An inhalation device according to one of claims 2 to 4 characterised in that at least a part of the first tubular section (35) is located opposite the second tubular section (36).

6. An inhalation device according to one of claims 2 to 4 characterised in that the second tubular section (36) is located radially within the first tubular section (35).

7. An inhalation device according to one of claims 2 to 4 characterised in that at least one radial fold (41) is arranged at least partially on the second tubular section (36).

8. The inhalation device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the annular intermediate portion (22) comprises a plurality of radial folds (41), a plurality of the radial folds (41) being oriented substantially radially with respect to the central axis (A) of the pneumatic sealing element (18) and being angularly offset from one another and distributed around the central axis (A).

9. An inhalation device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the first annular seal portion (19) and the second annular seal portion (21) are axially offset relative to one another.

10. An inhalation device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the second annular sealing section (21) comprises an annular sealing lip (32).

11. An inhalation device according to claim 10 characterised in that the annular sealing lip (32) comprises an annular sealing rib (33), the annular sealing rib (33) being configured to sealingly engage with the inhalation motor (15).

12. An inhalation device according to claim 10 characterised in that the second annular seal portion (21) comprises a support rib (34), the support rib (34) being configured to abut against the inhalation motor (15).

13. An inhalation device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the second annular sealing section (21) is configured to sealingly abut against and be held against the inhalation motor (15) when the inhalation motor (15) is powered and produces an inhalation flow.

14. An inhalation device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the second annular sealing portion (21) has a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the first annular sealing portion (19).

15. An inhalation device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the first annular sealing section (19) is overmoulded on a front fairing (13.1) of the motor housing (13).

16. An inhalation device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the first annular sealing portion (19) is also configured to sealingly engage with the housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner.

17. A household vacuum cleaner, characterized in that it comprises a suction device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A pneumatic sealing element configured to guide a suction flow from an air inlet opening (17) provided on a motor housing (13) through an opening (14) to a suction motor (15), the pneumatic sealing element (18) being annular and flexible, the pneumatic sealing element (18) comprising a first annular sealing portion (19), a second annular sealing portion (21) and an annular intermediate portion (22), the first annular sealing portion (19) being configured to sealingly cooperate with the motor housing (13), the second annular sealing portion (21) being configured to sealingly cooperate with the suction motor (15), the annular intermediate portion (22) being located between the first annular sealing portion (19) and the second annular sealing portion (21), characterized in that the annular intermediate portion (22) comprises at least one radial fold (41) and at least one annular fold (38), 39) -said radial fold (41) being substantially radially oriented with respect to a central axis (a) of said pneumatic sealing element (18), -said annular folds (38, 39) being substantially concentric with said central axis (a) of said pneumatic sealing element (18).