Method for cleaning a floor cleaning system

Abstract

The cleaning process includes a supply step consisting of supplying a floor cleaning system comprising a floor cleaning device (2) and a docking station (3); a receiving step consisting of receiving the floor cleaning device (2) onto the docking station (3); a washing step consisting of washing the floor cleaning device (2) and including in particular a water supply step consisting of supplying water to at least one rotary cleaning element equipping the floor cleaning device (2); a disinfection step consisting of disinfecting at least one rotary cleaning element and including in particular a steam supply step consisting of supplying steam to at least one rotary cleaning element; and a drying step consisting of drying at least one rotary cleaning element.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of floor cleaning systems, for example of the broom type, allowing the vacuuming of dust, waste and liquids present on a surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug, and simultaneously perform steam cleaning of the surface to be cleaned. State of the art

[0002] A floor cleaning system typically includes: a floor cleaning device comprising a main body equipped with a suction nozzle, a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body, a suction nozzle configured to rest on a surface to be cleaned and equipped with at least one rotating cleaning element, and a suction motor housed in the main body and configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle, and a docking station configured to accommodate the floor cleaning device.

[0003] In order to increase the cleaning performance of such a floor cleaning device, it is known to equip the latter with a steam generator and a steam distribution circuit fluidly connected to the steam generator and configured to supply steam to the rotary cleaning organ.

[0004] A cleaning process, and more specifically a self-cleaning process, for such a floor cleaning system includes: a receiving step consisting of receiving the floor cleaning device on the docking station, a selection step consisting of selecting a self-cleaning mode, for example by pressing a control button provided on the floor cleaning device, and a washing step consisting in particular of washing the rotary cleaning element, the washing step comprising a rotation drive step consisting of rotating the rotary cleaning element, a water supply step consisting of supplying water to the rotary cleaning element, and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through at least one suction nozzle, said rotation drive step, said water supply step and said suction step being advantageously carried out simultaneously.

[0005] Such a cleaning process allows, at the end of a floor cleaning operation carried out by a user, the automatic washing of the rotary cleaning element and the dirt / dirty liquid suction ducts through which the suction motor generates an airflow, and thus avoids in particular the long and difficult operations of cleaning the suction ducts for the user as well as having to handle the rotary cleaning element, which is relatively dirty after a floor cleaning operation, for the purpose of cleaning it.

[0006] However, this cleaning method does not provide satisfactory cleaning of the cleaning device, particularly the rotary cleaning element, especially after cleaning a floor covered in oily residue. Simply spraying water on the rotary cleaning element, even when it is rotating, does not remove all the oil that it has previously collected. This oil buildup on the rotary cleaning element negatively impacts the cleaning performance of the floor cleaning system.

[0007] Furthermore, cleaning the rotary cleaning unit with water does not satisfactorily disinfect the rotary cleaning unit (and in particular destroy bacteria present on the rotary cleaning unit) and the suction ducts, and prevent the emission of unpleasant odors. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0009] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a cleaning method for a floor cleaning system which ensures increased self-cleaning and optimal disinfection of the cleaning device and in particular of a rotating cleaning element equipping the floor cleaning system.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning a floor cleaning system, comprising: a supply step consisting of providing a floor cleaning system comprising a floor cleaning device and a docking station configured to accommodate the floor cleaning device, the floor cleaning device comprising: o a suction nozzle comprising at least one suction inlet through which debris, present on a surface to be cleaned, is capable of being suctioned by the suction nozzle and at least one rotating cleaning element, such as a rotating cleaning roller or a rotating cleaning brush, associated with at least one suction inlet and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, a steam distribution circuit configured to supply steam to at least one rotating cleaning element and a water distribution circuit configured to supply water to at least one rotating cleaning element,and a suction motor configured to generate an airflow through at least one suction inlet, a docking step consisting of docking the floor cleaning device onto the docking station, a washing step for the floor cleaning device, the washing step comprising a rotational drive step consisting of rotating at least one rotary cleaning element, a water supply step consisting of supplying water to at least one rotary cleaning element, and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through at least one suction inlet, a disinfection step consisting of disinfecting at least one rotary cleaning element, the disinfection step comprising a rotational drive step consisting of rotating at least one rotary cleaning element, a steam supply step consisting of supplying steam to at least one rotary cleaning element,and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through at least one suction inlet, and a drying step consisting of drying at least one rotating cleaning element.

[0011] The cleaning process according to the present invention, and in particular the steam supply step carried out during the disinfection step, makes it possible to destroy the bacteria present on at least one rotating cleaning element and also to destroy any oil possibly collected by the latter.

[0012] Thus, the cleaning process according to the present invention ensures optimal cleaning of the cleaning device and in particular of at least one rotating cleaning element.

[0013] In addition, the disinfection step allows for pre-drying of at least one rotating cleaning element, thus ensuring rapid and optimal drying of at least one rotating cleaning element.

[0014] The cleaning process may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drying step comprises a rotational drive step consisting of rotating at least one rotating cleaning element, and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through at least one suction inlet.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation drive step, the water supply step and the suction step, which are carried out during the washing step, are carried out at least partly simultaneously.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the washing step is carried out during a first predetermined period of time which is less than 2 minutes, and which is for example between 30 seconds and 90 seconds.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation drive step, the steam supply step and the suction step, which are carried out during the disinfection step, are carried out at least partly simultaneously.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction step, performed during the disinfection step, consists of intermittently generating an airflow through at least one suction nozzle. In other words, the generation of an airflow through at least one suction nozzle could be intermittently stopped during the suction step performed during the disinfection step.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the disinfection step is carried out during a second predetermined period of time which is less than 2 minutes, and which is for example between 30 seconds and 90 seconds.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotational drive step and the suction step, which are carried out during the drying step, are carried out at least partly simultaneously.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drying step is carried out during a third predetermined time period which is less than 2 minutes, and which is for example between 30 seconds and 90 seconds.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water supply step, carried out during the washing step, consists of supplying water to at least one rotating cleaning element with a supply flow rate of between 20 and 100 g / min.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam supply step, carried out during the disinfection step, consists of supplying steam to at least one rotating cleaning element with a steam flow rate of between 10 and 80 g / min.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drying step further includes a steam supply step consisting of supplying steam to at least one rotating cleaning element.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam supply step, carried out during the drying step, consists of supplying steam to at least one rotary cleaning element with a steam supply flow rate of between 10 and 80 g / min.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station includes a receiving location which is open upwards and which is configured to accommodate the suction nozzle.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station and / or the suction nozzle comprises at least one heating element, and wherein the drying step comprises a heating step consisting of heating at least one rotating cleaning element with at least one heating element.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device comprises a main body equipped with a suction nozzle and a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body, and in which the suction nozzle comprises a connecting sleeve which is fluidly connected to at least one suction mouth and to which the suction nozzle of the main body is mechanically and fluidly connected.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is housed in the main body and is configured to generate an airflow through at least one suction mouth and suction nozzle.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a sole with an underside which is configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, with at least one suction opening into an underside of the sole.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one rotating cleaning member extends substantially perpendicularly to a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction nozzle.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one rotating cleaning element has an overall cylindrical shape.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one rotating cleaning element is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation which is substantially horizontal when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one suction mouth is elongated and extends transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to a direction of movement of the suction nozzle.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device includes a steam generator configured to supply steam to the steam distribution circuit. Advantageously, the steam generator is located within the main body, for example, in a lower portion thereof. Relocating the steam generator to the main body, and thus away from the suction nozzle, significantly reduces the overall height of the suction nozzle, thereby facilitating cleaning, particularly of surfaces located under low furniture. Furthermore, this arrangement of the steam generator limits the temperature increase within the nozzle body and preserves the integrity of the drive mechanism of at least one rotating cleaning element.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one rotating cleaning member protrudes from the underside of the sole through at least one suction opening.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises at least one steam projection element configured to project steam directly onto at least one rotary cleaning element. Such a configuration of the steam distribution circuit increases the cleaning performance of the floor cleaning device (since at least one rotary cleaning element is heated by the steam), while also allowing for faster drying of at least one rotary cleaning element during the drying stage and enhanced disinfection and cleaning of at least one rotary cleaning element during the disinfection stage.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam projection element comprises at least one steam projection nozzle, and for example a plurality of steam projection nozzles distributed along at least one rotating cleaning element.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam projection element is located directly opposite at least one rotating cleaning element.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam projection element is configured to be oriented substantially horizontally when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water distribution circuit includes at least one water projection element configured to project water directly onto at least one cleaning element.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one water projection member is located directly opposite at least one rotating cleaning member.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one water projection element is configured to be substantially horizontally oriented when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam projection element is located above at least one water projection element.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one water projection member comprises at least one water projection nozzle, and for example a plurality of water projection nozzles distributed along at least one rotating cleaning member.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one suction inlet comprises a front suction inlet opening into a front part of a sole of the suction nozzle, and for example into a front part of the underside of the sole, and a rear suction inlet opening into a rear part of the sole, and for example into a rear part of the underside of the sole, and wherein at least one rotating cleaning member comprises a front rotating cleaning member, such as a front cleaning roller or a front cleaning brush, associated with the front suction inlet and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a rear rotating cleaning member, such as a rear cleaning roller or a rear cleaning brush, associated with the rear suction inlet and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned.the front rotary cleaning element and the rear rotary cleaning element being mounted to rotate respectively around a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation which are substantially parallel to each other.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front suction mouth is located near a front edge of the suction body and the rear suction mouth is located near the rear edge of the suction body.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front rotating cleaning member is housed at least partly in the nozzle body and is located opposite the front suction mouth, and the rear rotating cleaning member is housed at least partly in the nozzle body and is located opposite the rear suction mouth.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle comprises a rotary drive mechanism configured to rotate the front rotary cleaning element around the first axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation, and to rotate the rear rotary cleaning element around the second axis of rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first. This counter-rotation of the front and rear rotary cleaning elements cancels out the forward and rear traction forces generated by the front and rear rotary cleaning elements, thereby improving the maneuverability of the suction nozzle.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam projection element comprises a front steam projection element configured to project steam directly onto the front rotary cleaning element and a rear steam projection element configured to project steam directly onto the rear rotary cleaning element. Advantageously, the steam distribution circuit is configured to supply steam to both the front and rear rotary cleaning elements.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member and the rear steam projection member are located between the front and rear rotary cleaning members. This arrangement of the front and rear steam projection members further reduces the overall height of the suction nozzle.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member is oriented opposite to the rear steam projection member.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member and the rear steam projection member are configured to be oriented substantially horizontally when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one water projection member comprises a front water projection member configured to project water directly onto the front rotating cleaning member and a rear water projection member configured to project water directly onto the rear rotating cleaning member.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member is oriented opposite to the rear water projection member.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam spraying element is located above the front water spraying element, and the rear steam spraying element is located above the rear water spraying element. This arrangement of the front and rear steam spraying elements prevents the steam sprayed onto each of the front and rear rotating cleaning elements from being cooled by the water sprayed onto each of the front and rear rotating cleaning elements during simultaneous spraying of water and steam.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member and the rear water projection member are located between the front rotary cleaning member and the rear rotary cleaning member.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member and the rear water projection member are configured to be oriented substantially horizontally when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle is configured to rest on the floor solely by means of the front and rear rotating cleaning elements. In other words, the suction nozzle is configured such that its mass is supported only by the front and rear rotating cleaning elements. Due to this configuration, the forces applied to the front and rear rotating cleaning elements are high, resulting in increased cleaning performance and, in particular, ensuring effective cleaning of ingrained stains in the floor.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device includes a waste collection container configured to collect wastewater and waste drawn in via at least one suction inlet. Advantageously, the waste collection container is mounted, for example, removably, on the main body.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device comprises a water tank, a water supply circuit fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to supply water to the steam generator, and more particularly a vaporization chamber of the steam generator, and a water delivery circuit fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to supply water to the water distribution circuit.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning process includes a selection step which is prior to the washing step and which consists of selecting a self-cleaning mode, for example by pressing a control button provided on the floor cleaning device. Brief description of the figures

[0064] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this floor cleaning device. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a floor cleaning system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of a floor cleaning device belonging to the floor cleaning system of the figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a top view of the floor cleaning device of the figure 2 ; Figure 4 is a view from below of the floor cleaning device of the figure 2 ; Figure 5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the floor cleaning device of the figure 2 ; Figure 6 is a partial front view of a suction nozzle belonging to the floor cleaning system of the figure 1 ; Figure 7 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the floor cleaning system of the figure 1 ; Figure 8 is a partial front view of the suction nozzle of the figure 6 ; Figure 9 is a partial rear view of the floor cleaning device of the figure 2 . Detailed description

[0065] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above" and "below" are defined with respect to use of the floor cleaning device in which the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, and the user holds the floor cleaning device by its grip handle, and a front edge of the suction nozzle is located opposite the user.

[0066] In this document, a "median vertical longitudinal plane" is a plane that divides the element to which it refers, for example the suction nozzle, into a right part and a left part.

[0067] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0068] THE figures 1 to 9represent a floor cleaning system 1 comprising a floor cleaning device 2, and more particularly a steam mop vacuum cleaner, and a docking station 3 configured to accommodate the floor cleaning device 2.

[0069] The floor cleaning device 2 comprises a main body 4, a handle 5 mechanically connected to the main body 4 and provided, in particular, with a handle 6 at its upper end, and a suction nozzle 7 configured to be in contact with the floor to be cleaned. Advantageously, the floor cleaning device 2 includes a power cord configured to be connected to a wall outlet, and the docking station 3 has a receiving slot 3.1 that is open upwards and configured to accommodate the suction nozzle 7.

[0070] The main body 4 includes in particular a housing 8 and a suction nozzle 9 which is advantageously arranged at a lower end of the housing 8 and to which the suction nozzle 7 is attached. The main body 4 further includes a suction conduit 10 arranged in the housing 8 and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 9.

[0071] The floor cleaning device 2 further includes a waste collection container 11 which is removably mounted on the main body 4, and which is configured to collect wastewater and waste sucked up via the suction nozzle 7. The waste collection container 11 more particularly includes an air inlet opening 12 which is configured to be fluidly connected to the suction duct 10.

[0072] As shown on the figure 5The floor cleaning device 2 also includes a suction motor 13, also called a motor-fan, configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle 7, the suction tip 9, the suction duct 10, and the waste collection container 11. The suction motor 13 is specifically located within the housing 8. As is known, the suction motor 13 comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction motor 13 has a motor shaft that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle 5.

[0073] Furthermore, the floor cleaning device 2 includes a steam generator 14 housed in a lower part of the casing 8, a water tank 15 which is removably mounted on the casing 8, and a water supply circuit fluidly connected to the water tank 15 and configured to supply water to the steam generator 14, and more particularly to a vaporization chamber of the steam generator 14. The water supply circuit includes, in particular, a supply conduit fluidly connecting the water tank 15 to the steam generator 14, and a feed pump 17 housed in the casing 8 and configured to supply the steam generator 14 with water from the water tank 15.

[0074] As shown on the figure 1 And 7The suction nozzle 7 comprises a nozzle body 18 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the nozzle body 18 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0075] The nozzle body 18 includes a sole 19, for example made of plastic, having an underside 21 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned.

[0076] The nozzle body 18 further comprises a front suction opening 22 located near a front edge 18.1 of the nozzle body 18 and opening into the lower face 21 of the sole 19, and a rear suction opening 23 located near a rear edge 18.2 of the nozzle body 18 and opening into the lower face 21 of the sole 19. Advantageously, each of the front and rear suction openings 22, 23 is elongated and extends along an extension direction D1 which extends perpendicularly to a direction of movement D2 of the suction nozzle 7.

[0077] The suction body 18 further includes a central suction channel 24 which is fluidly connected to each of the front and rear suction ports 22, 23. Advantageously, the central suction channel 24 extends substantially in a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction nozzle 7.

[0078] The suction nozzle 7 also includes a connecting sleeve 25 which is fluidly connected to the central suction channel 24 (and therefore to the front and rear suction openings 22, 23) and to which the suction nozzle 9 is intended to be mechanically and fluidly connected. Advantageously, the suction nozzle 7 includes an articulation device 26 mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve 25 to the nozzle body 18, so as to allow the nozzle body 18 to pivot forward and backward when the suction nozzle 7 is moved along the direction of travel D2.

[0079] The suction nozzle 7 further includes a front rotating cleaning element 27, such as a front cleaning roller or a front cleaning brush, associated with the front suction mouth 22 and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a rear rotating cleaning element 28, such as a rear cleaning roller or a rear cleaning brush, associated with the rear suction mouth 23 and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0080] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front rotating cleaning member 27 and the rear rotating cleaning member 28 each have a generally cylindrical shape, and can for example be provided with bristles on their external surfaces or be formed by a foam cleaning sleeve.

[0081] The front rotating cleaning element 27 and the rear rotating cleaning element 28 are housed at least partially in the nozzle body 18, and are located respectively opposite the front suction opening 22 and the rear suction opening 23. Advantageously, the front rotating cleaning element 27 and the rear rotating cleaning element 28 protrude from the lower face 21 of the sole 19 respectively through the front suction opening 22 and the rear suction opening 23.

[0082] The front rotating cleaning element 27 and the rear rotating cleaning element 28 are mounted to rotate respectively around a first axis of rotation A1 and a second axis of rotation A2 which are parallel to each other and which extend parallel to the extension direction D1. The floor cleaning device 2 is more particularly configured such that the first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2 are horizontal when the suction nozzle 7 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0083] The suction nozzle 7 includes a rotary drive mechanism 29 configured to rotate the front rotary cleaning element 27 around the first axis of rotation A1 and in a first direction of rotation S1, and to rotate the rear rotary cleaning element 28 around the second axis of rotation A2 and in a second direction of rotation S2, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation S1. Advantageously, the rotary drive mechanism 29 is housed in the nozzle body 18 and includes a drive motor 31 that is rotationally coupled to the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28.

[0084] Advantageously, the suction nozzle 7 is configured to rest on the floor solely by means of the front rotating cleaning member 27 and the rear rotating cleaning member 28. In other words, the suction nozzle 7 is configured such that the mass of the suction nozzle 7 is supported solely by the front rotating cleaning member 27 and the rear rotating cleaning member 28.

[0085] The suction nozzle 7 also includes a steam distribution circuit 32 (see in particular the figure 9 configured to supply steam to the front rotary cleaning unit 27 and the rear rotary cleaning unit 28. The steam distribution circuit 32 is configured to be fluidly connected to the steam generator 14, and more particularly to a steam delivery conduit 33 (see the figure 9) provided in the main body 4 and fluidly connected to a steam outlet of the steam generator 14. The steam generator 14 is thus configured to supply steam to the steam distribution circuit 32 when the suction nozzle 9 is connected to the connecting sleeve 25.

[0086] As shown on the figure 7The steam distribution circuit 32 includes a front steam projection member 34 which is located directly opposite the front rotary cleaning member 27 and which is configured to project steam directly onto the front rotary cleaning member 27, and a rear steam projection member 35 which is located directly opposite the rear rotary cleaning member 28 and which is configured to project steam directly onto the rear rotary cleaning member 28. Advantageously, the front steam projection member 34 and the rear steam projection member 35 are located between the front rotary cleaning member 27 and the rear rotary cleaning member 28, and the front steam projection member 34 is oriented opposite to the rear steam projection member 35.

[0087] Advantageously, the suction nozzle 7 is configured such that, when the suction nozzle 7 rests on a horizontal surface, the front steam projection member 34 and the rear steam projection member 35 are oriented horizontally and are located above a horizontal plane passing through the first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the steam distribution circuit 32 comprises a first steam flow conduit 36, for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the front steam projection member 34 and a second steam flow conduit (not shown in the figures), for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the rear steam projection member 35. Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow conduits is configured to be fluidly connected to the steam delivery conduit 33 provided in the main body 4 when the connecting sleeve 25 is connected to the suction nozzle 9.

[0089] The front steam projection member 34 may, for example, comprise a plurality of front steam projection nozzles 34.1 distributed along the front rotary cleaning member 27, and the rear steam projection member 35 may, for example, comprise a plurality of rear steam projection nozzles (not visible in the figures) distributed along the rear rotary cleaning member 28. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member 34 could comprise a single front steam projection nozzle, and the rear steam projection member 35 could comprise a single rear steam projection nozzle.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction body 18 could comprise an upper cover including one or more steam outlet openings (not shown in the figures) opening into an upper face of the upper cover. The presence of such steam outlet openings allows a user to easily verify, by simple visual observation, that steam is indeed being projected onto the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28.

[0091] As shown on the figure 9 , the suction nozzle 7 also includes a water distribution circuit 38 configured to supply water to the front rotary cleaning member 27 and the rear rotary cleaning member 28.

[0092] The water distribution circuit 38 includes, in particular, a front water spraying element 39 which is located directly opposite the front rotary cleaning element 27 and which is configured to spray water directly onto the front rotary cleaning element 27, and a rear water spraying element 41 which is located directly opposite the rear rotary cleaning element 28 and which is configured to spray water directly onto the rear rotary cleaning element 28. Advantageously, the front water spraying element 39 and the rear water spraying element 41 are located between the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28, and the front water spraying element 39 is oriented opposite to the rear water spraying element 41.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction nozzle 7 is configured such that, when the suction nozzle 7 rests on a horizontal surface, the front water projection member 39 and the rear water projection member 41 are oriented horizontally and are located respectively below the front steam projection member 34 and the rear steam projection member 35. Advantageously, the front water projection member 39 and the rear water projection member 41 are configured to be located above a horizontal plane passing through the first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2, when the suction nozzle 7 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the water distribution circuit 38 comprises a first water flow conduit 40, for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the front water projection element 39 and a second steam flow conduit (not shown in the figures), for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the rear water projection element 41. Advantageously, each of the first and second water flow conduits is configured to be fluidly connected to a water supply circuit 44, provided in the main body 4, when the connecting sleeve 25 is connected to the suction nozzle 9. Advantageously, the floor cleaning device 2 comprises an additional feed pump 45 fluidly connected to the water reservoir 15 and configured to supply the water supply circuit 44, and thus the water distribution circuit 38, with water from the water reservoir 15.

[0095] The front water projection member 39 may, for example, comprise a plurality of front water projection nozzles 39.1 distributed along the front rotating cleaning member 27, and the rear water projection member 41 may, for example, comprise a plurality of rear water projection nozzles (not visible in the figures) distributed along the rear rotating cleaning member 28. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member 39 could comprise a single front water projection nozzle, and the rear water projection member 41 could comprise a single rear water projection nozzle.

[0096] During a surface cleaning operation, a user can, for example, order a water spray on the front rotary cleaning member 27 and the rear rotary cleaning member 28, and / or order a steam spray on the front rotary cleaning member 27 and the rear rotary cleaning member 28 by activating respectively the first and second control buttons provided on the handle 6.

[0097] A cleaning procedure for floor cleaning system 1 is described below. Such a procedure includes, in particular: a supply step consisting of supplying the aforementioned floor cleaning system 1, a receiving step consisting of receiving the floor cleaning device 2 onto the docking station 3, and more particularly receiving the suction nozzle 7 in the receiving location 3.1, a selection step consisting of selecting a self-cleaning mode, for example by pressing a control button provided on the floor cleaning device 2, a washing step consisting of washing the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28, the washing step including a rotation drive step consisting of rotating the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28,a water supply step consisting of supplying water to the front rotary cleaning organ 27 and the rear rotary cleaning organ 28 via the water distribution circuit 38 and with a supply flow rate of between 20 and 100 g / min, and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through the front suction inlet 22 and the rear suction inlet 23, a disinfection step consisting of disinfecting the front rotary cleaning organ 27 and the rear rotary cleaning organ 28, the disinfection step comprising a rotation drive step consisting of rotating the front rotary cleaning organ 27 and the rear rotary cleaning organ 28, a steam supply step consisting of supplying steam to the front rotary cleaning organ 27 and the rear rotary cleaning organ 28 via the steam distribution circuit 32 and with a steam flow rate of between 10 and 80 g / min,and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through the front suction inlet 22 and the rear suction inlet 23, and a drying step consisting of drying the front rotary cleaning member 27 and the rear rotary cleaning member 28, the drying step comprising a rotation drive step consisting of rotating the front rotary cleaning member 27 and the rear rotary cleaning member 28 and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through the front suction inlet 22 and the rear suction inlet 23.

[0098] Advantageously, the rotational drive, water supply, and suction stages of the washing stage are carried out at least partially simultaneously. Similarly, the rotational drive, steam supply, and suction stages of the disinfection stage are also carried out at least partially simultaneously. Likewise, the rotational drive and suction stages of the drying stage are carried out at least partially simultaneously.

[0099] Advantageously, during the disinfection stage, the front water spraying element 39 and the rear water spraying element 41 are deactivated, i.e. they do not supply water to the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28, and only water vapor is applied to the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28 via the front steam spraying element 34 and the rear steam spraying element 35. The temperatures of the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28 and the disinfection are thus optimized.

[0100] Advantageously, during the drying stage, the front water spraying element 39 and the rear water spraying element 41 are deactivated, i.e. they do not supply water to the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28. As a further alternative, during the drying stage, the front steam spraying element 34 and the rear steam spraying element 35 are also deactivated.

[0101] Advantageously, during the drying stage, the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28 rotate at a higher speed compared to the washing and disinfection stages.

[0102] Advantageously, the docking station 3 includes friction elements suitable for cooperating with the front rotating cleaning element 27 and the rear rotating cleaning element 28 when the floor cleaning device 2 is received on the docking station 3.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the invention, the washing step is carried out during a first predetermined period of time of between 30 and 90 seconds, the disinfection step is carried out during a second predetermined period of time of between 30 and 90 seconds, and the drying step is carried out during a third predetermined period of time of between 30 and 90 seconds.

[0104] If necessary, the cleaning process may include, between the reception stage and the washing stage, a filling stage consisting of filling the water tank 15 and a draining stage consisting of emptying the waste collection container 11.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station 3 and / or the suction nozzle 7 could include at least one heating element, and the drying stage could include a heating stage consisting of heating the front rotary cleaning element 27 and the rear rotary cleaning element 28 with at least one heating element.

[0106] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the drying stage further includes a steam supply stage consisting of supplying steam to the front rotary cleaning member 27 and the rear rotary cleaning member 28 via the steam distribution circuit 32 and with a steam supply flow rate of between 10 and 80 g / min.

[0107] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a floor cleaning system (1), comprising: - a supply step consisting of supplying a floor cleaning system (1) comprising a floor cleaning device (2) and a docking station (3) configured to accommodate the floor cleaning device (2), the floor cleaning device (2) comprising: o a suction nozzle (7) comprising at least one suction inlet through which debris, present on a surface to be cleaned, is capable of being suctioned by the suction nozzle (7) and at least one rotary cleaning element associated with at least one suction inlet and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, a steam distribution circuit (32) configured to supply steam to at least one rotary cleaning element and a water distribution circuit (38) configured to supply water to at least one rotary cleaning element,and a suction motor (13) configured to generate an airflow through at least one suction inlet, - a docking step consisting of docking the floor cleaning device (2) onto the docking station (3), - a washing step for the floor cleaning device (2), the washing step comprising a rotational drive step consisting of rotating at least one rotary cleaning element, a water supply step consisting of supplying water to at least one rotary cleaning element, and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through at least one suction inlet, - a disinfection step consisting of disinfecting at least one rotary cleaning element, the disinfection step comprising a rotational drive step consisting of rotating at least one rotary cleaning element,a steam supply step consisting of supplying steam to at least one rotary cleaning element, and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through at least one suction inlet, and - a drying step consisting of drying at least one rotary cleaning element.

2. Cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the rotational drive step, the water supply step and the suction step, which are carried out during the washing step, are carried out at least partly simultaneously.

3. Cleaning method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotational drive step, the steam supply step and the suction step, which are carried out during the disinfection step, are carried out at least partly simultaneously.

4. Cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drying step includes a rotational drive step consisting of rotating at least one rotating cleaning member and a suction step consisting of generating an airflow through at least one suction port.

5. Cleaning method according to claim 4, wherein the rotational drive step and the suction step, which are carried out during the drying step, are carried out at least partly simultaneously.

6. Cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water supply step, carried out during the washing step, consists of supplying water to at least one rotary cleaning element with a supply flow rate of between 20 and 100 g / min.

7. Cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the steam supply step, carried out during the disinfection step, consists of supplying steam to at least one rotary cleaning element with a steam flow rate of between 10 and 80 g / min.

8. A cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drying step further comprises a steam supply step consisting of supplying steam to at least one rotary cleaning element.

9. Cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the docking station (3) has a receiving location (3.1) which is open upwards and which is configured to accommodate the suction nozzle (7).

10. Cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the docking station (3) and / or the suction nozzle (7) comprises at least one heating element, and wherein the drying step comprises a heating step consisting of heating at least one rotating cleaning element with at least one heating element.

11. Cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the floor cleaning device (2) comprises a main body (4) equipped with a suction nozzle (9) and a gripping handle (5) mechanically connected to the main body (4), and wherein the suction nozzle (7) comprises a connecting sleeve (25) which is fluidly connected to at least one suction mouth and to which the suction nozzle (9) of the main body (4) is mechanically and fluidly connected.

12. Cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the steam distribution circuit (32) comprises at least one steam projection member configured to project steam directly onto at least one rotary cleaning member.

13. Cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the water distribution circuit (38) comprises at least one water projection member configured to project water directly onto at least one cleaning member.

14. A cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one suction inlet comprises a front suction inlet (22) opening into a front portion of a soleplate (19) of the suction nozzle (7) and a rear suction inlet (23) opening into a rear portion of the soleplate (19), and wherein at least one rotary cleaning element comprises a front rotary cleaning element (27) associated with the front suction inlet (22) and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a rear rotary cleaning element (28) associated with the rear suction inlet (23) and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the front rotary cleaning element (27) and the rear rotary cleaning element (28) being mounted to rotate respectively about a first axis of rotation (A1) and a second axis of rotation (A2) which are substantially parallel to each other with respect to the other one.

15. Cleaning method according to claim 14, wherein the suction nozzle (7) comprises a rotational drive mechanism (29) configured to rotate the front rotary cleaning member (27) around the first axis of rotation (A1) and in a first direction of rotation (S1) and to rotate the rear rotary cleaning member (28) around the second axis of rotation (A2) and in a second direction of rotation (S2) which is opposite to the first direction of rotation (S1).

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